Fun Fact Friday

Happy Spooky Friday!  I'm hopeful the rain tapers off before tonight!  

I guess I'm a Halloween looser because I'm not dressing up.  If there isn't a party to go to I just don't see the point of dressing up to clean house in, go to the Dr. and a play date in.  Now, Sky that's a different story.  She has an awesome outfit all ready to go for the day!

More Fun Facts to share (you'd think I'd run out!):

-I have the same exact record in both Fantasy Football Leagues.  I usually bomb in one and make the playoffs in the other.

-Singers and Swing is my favorite station to listen to.  It's different...I don't hear the same 25 songs over and over and over, and more importantly I don't have to worry that a song will come on that I don't want Sky listening to.  When we are home puttering around the house this is what Sky and I listen to 95% of the time.

-We drink champagne to celebrate Football Sunday (not every Sunday though).  Truth be told we find lot's of little reasons to celebrate with champagne.  Not that we drink it all the time, but we don't wait for the "big" occasions either.

-I like raw food pics way better than cooked food pics.  I just like seeing how it all starts out.

-I enjoyed this way more than I should have!  Mark can't drink beer, so this was all mine.  Currants, Raisins, and Clove make really good beer.  Here's a tip...it comes in a pint bottle, so if you have a champagne saver cork use it on this bottle of beer and it will last two days.  It's a sipping beer and was worth every penny I spent on it!


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Do you dress up for Halloween just because it's Halloween?  
I just need a reason.  When I worked the office always dressed up, and if there is a party to go to I'm all in.  But otherwise I don't want to be bothered with it.

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for our dog Bishop!

He has the wisest stare I've ever seen, and he will just sit and listen to you.

He's an old man at 14, and starting to really show signs of his age.  While he is not sick, and is in pretty great health considering (this is not a goodbye post by any means) we can also tell that he is old, and things are harder for him.  He gets tired easy, and when he forgets he's an old man and runs and plays too much (mostly with Sky) he is pretty gimpy the next day.

He came to use with some pretty significant fears and emotional issues.  It took a lot of love, training, and earning his trust, but he turned out to be the perfect dog for us.  And, when us became 3 of us plus him he welcomed Sky without hesitation.

When he's isn't on his bed he's next to her. 

From day one wherever she is he is very close keeping an eye on her.  Let me tell you he puts up with a lot from her.  She is incapable of leaving him be.  Always hugging him, trying to ride him like a horse, chasing him, running from him with food in her hands so he will chase her..."Bishop's playing chase me Mommy"!

When she can get him into her room he ends up under the covers, with hat's on his head, and hiding in the closet with her, and I don't hear a peep of protest from him.

Try as we might Sky fails to understand that he is very old for a dog his size and that some of her caveman like games are not fun for him, and may be hurting him.  While I keep a close eye on her and how she's playing with him she has hurt him a few times.  Yet, he never snaps at her.  He'll yelp, I'll have a talk with Sky, but then as soon as I'm done he is right there, back by her side ready to play and go along with the whims of a 3.5 yr old.

The sound of her laughter when she's playing with him is the best sound in the whole world.  She get's up in the morning and first thing she does is look for Bishop, "He's my best buddy Mommy".

He has developed a few issues as of late that have me frustrated and keeping the carpet cleaning at the ready.  But, it's worth it...the joy he has brought Mark and I over the years, and the squeals of laughter and joy from Sky when they are playing together make it all worth it.

What are you thankful for today?

New Shoes, and Some Old Ones

Guess what happened today?!

I took an old pair of shoes, my favorite pair of shoes, out for a run today!!!  For the first time in a really long time.  It felt so good to be running, but it felt so hard too.  I have a lot of work to do to get back to where I want to be.  But, I'm being smart and taking it slow and easy.  No set backs!

I'm back, not back 100%, but at least I'm back!  My runner heart is happy!

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After our night out a few weeks ago, and wearing cute heels I decided it's time to trade in my cute heels for flats.  It's just not worth the knee, hip, and foot pain.  I'd much rather be able to run than insist on wearing silly shoes that hurt.  I am keeping one pair that were a birthday gift...I just can't part with them.

I was super excited to find these cute flats in a fun color!

Thank you Dad!

I also got a new pair of rain boots at the Bass Pro Shop grand opening over the weekend.  My old ones died after Sky's trip to the pumpkin patch.  They came home with cracks and holes in them that left me feet soaking wet.

  Thank you for my Mucks Babe!

It wasn't raining or cold, but I just had to test them out.  I'm thankful that Mark insist I get insulated boots, and suggested the shorter length as well.  So much easier to drive in!  Totally feel like I could run in them they are that comfy!  

Actually I think I owe Sky some running in puddles time!  She lost it at stroller group today.  Had a melt down, which never really happens, when I asked her what was wrong she said, "I just want to run with you Mommy...no stroller"!  My heart melted on the spot.  Yeah, I think some Sky running time is on the agenda!  

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Ever been to Bass Pro Shop?  

It's pretty impressive!

Little Moments

One of the things I have come to appreciate about being a parent is the little moments that may only last a few seconds.  Often times they mean so much more than the big grand moments/milestones.   I'm pretty sure when the time comes and I look back over the years it's going to be the little meaningful moments that give me comfort and bring a smile to my face!  

It's not always easy to get pictures of the little moments, mostly because I try to be present in them and etch them into my mind and heart, and lets face it...with a 3 yr old they don't last long enough to get the pic.  

But, here are a few I got over the weekend. 

 I love how she looks at him!  Impromptu dance parties are the best.

 She just can't help herself.  If Bishop is in the house she has to be touching him, hugging him, watching movies with him.  They are best buddies!

She is always fixing things with her tools.  "Don't worry Mommy, I'll fix it"!

 I love that he does this for her, just love it! 

Thank you for the book Dad!  

There are a lot of things I don't post on the blog, and a lot of pictures I don't get to take.  I have wanted this book for a long time to capture those things...the little moments that all to easily slip away and are forgotten.  It helps settle my mind and heart, and focus on who and what is important to me.  

Enjoy the little moments that happen between the big moments!  

  

Fun Fact Friday!

Back at you this Friday with some more fun facts...because I just feel the need to share my oddness with everyone.  :)

Fun Fact #1 - Slippers with sequins are the best!  Why you ask?  Well, my feet tend to be itchy a lot of the time (runner problems...even though I'm not running right now) and it's super easy/handy to scratch the itchy parts with the sharp edges of the sequins from the opposite slipper.  Never mind that I abraded the top of my foot doing this the other night!

Fun Fact #2 - It takes me about 1.5 hours to menu plan every two weeks, and it takes about 3 to 4 cookbooks (including my very own cookbook that contains all our family faves) to come up with 10 to 14 meals.  I usually leave a few nights cooking free so we can reheat all the random leftovers and eat them.

3 cookbooks, several recipes from magazines, a few from Pinterest, and some good old standby's from my personal cookbook.  1 full day of grocery shopping/food prep and we are good to go for several weeks!

Fun Fact #3 - I'm strangely fascinated by everything in this magazine!  I mean if it works it works! 

I do believe it's required to order out of this magazine once you qualify for AARP.  I may get a head start though.  ;-)

Fun Fact #4 - We broke down and turned the heat on today.  I really thought we could hold out until Nov 1st, but the rain, wind, and chilly air finally moved in to the PNW.  

Fun Fact #5 - Egg Nog is in the house!  I'm the only one who drinks it so it's just a small container, but it means I can start enjoying the Holiday Season!  

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What's a fun (or strange) fact about you?

Thankful Thursday!

Things I'm thankful for today...........

-For a really nice visit with my Dad!  We got to watch the Steelers win Monday night, Dad and Sky got a ton of bonding time in, and he killed me on the massage table...but, it's what I needed.  I didn't realize how much pain I was in until he was able to work some of the issues out.  Not totally better, but at least I know we can work on them and make progress towards being back to 100%! 

 Lots of treats when Grandpa is in town.

 

-I feel like I can attempt a slow, flat, easy 3 miles this weekend.  We will see how it goes.  

-That I mapped out my grocery shopping so well this morning that I hit up 4 stores, and filled up the car, while Sky was at school.  Very efficient!  

-For extra long pj's (they are always way too short for me) that are baggy and comfortable!  I live in pj's as much as possible and love the long baggy kind!  

 Old Navy for the PJ win!!! 

-For a lack of weekend plans.  Sometimes relaxing is whats needed. 

What are you thankful for today?  

Tractors and Trucks Oh My!

I love living close to a huge park with miles of walking, running, and biking trails, a nice big playground, picnic facilities, sports fields, and a lot of free community events!  When our yard is just too small to contain Sky it's a quick trip to the park for a good energy burn.

Last weekend the city put together a Truck n Tractor event that basically put all the big, cool, exciting trucks and tractors on display for people to climb in/on/through, and lots of horn honking!

The timing worked out perfect because Mark had a big project at work Saturday (he never has to work weekends so we didn't mind) but it worked out that he went in super early, was home in time to go to the truck/tractor event for a few hours, and then head back to work in the evening.  Sky was super happy Daddy was there to have fun with her!

I was kinda surprised at how much I learned about the different vehicles and how they operate.  The SWAT and Crisis Negotiation vehicles were particularly interesting and cool to see in real life vs what you see on TV!

  Those two...I just can't stand it!

Sky still had some energy to burn so we headed to the playground for some climbing.  She is not scared of heights in the least!

She actually asked me to catch her so she could jump off, and as much as I wanted to say yes I didn't trust myself to actually be able to catch her.  We will save that little dare devil act for when Daddy is there!  

I'm really thankful now that Mark had a break in the day so we could enjoy some family time at the park, because it looks like the rain has moved in and who knows when spending a few dry/comfortable hours at the park will happen again. 

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Anyone ever done a ride along with the police, sheriff or fire department?

I have with the fire department and it was fascinating.  Do it if you haven't!    

Swim Lessons!

Yesterday was Sky's first swim lesson!  I am loving all the firsts in her life right now even though they mean she is growing up.  

It was pretty clear Sky was the only one who hasn't had lessons before.  The other kiddos (there is one more little girl but she's not in the pics) were much more comfortable right off the bat.  It took Sky until the end of class to start feeling it.  I'm confident by the end of 6 weeks she'll be doing great though!  I'm super thankful Reagan is in the same class, it gave Sky someone to look to and follow along!

I love the smile on Reagan's face!  She looks like she's having so much fun!

It is so fascinating to watch her interact with a teacher and other kids her age.  I was worried she would fall back on Mommy being there, but once the teacher showed up I didn't even exist and I love that actually.  I want her to know I'm a safety net for her but not need me as her safety net unless it's a true need.  

She can't wait to go back tomorrow! 

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P.S. Dad is here!  Had one treatment and already feeling so much better.  Two more to go and then I get to start running again!  Carefully, slowly, and easily but still it's better than nothing!   

Fun Fact Friday

Hello my name is Jen and I'm a purger.  Ok that sounds really bad, what I mean is I'm not a hoarder!

I've been following A Bowl Full of Lemons 31 Day Purge, and was so excited going into it!  I love cleaning things out, getting rid of stuff that we don't use or need, and organizing what we do have.

Over the last two years I have actually been stripping the house down to just the things we need and love.  I average about 2 garbage bags full of GW stuff every month, and every few months hand off bags of clothing that Sky has outgrown to friends.  I knew there wasn't much left in the house that really needed to be purged, and honestly things are about as organized as they are going to get for now.  It would take a good amount of $$ at the Container Store to organize more efficiently and make it look pretty (which isn't totally necessary but always nice).  Even with all the GW trips I really thought this challenge would help me go over things with a fine tooth comb, and I would come across something that needed attention...but guess what...I haven't!

Every day I check the blog to see what the focus is for the day and every time it's something that has already been purged/organized/clean up and out.  Don't get me wrong there are probably a few more ribbed tank tops, in every color under the sun, than I strictly need, but I do wear them every day for layering.  I know I'm not perfect, and if I could go on a shopping spree with California Closets or something like that it would be a different ballgame, but for now it kind of feels good to know I'm not hanging on to things that take up needed space unnecessarily, and that things are pretty well organized.

Another fun fact...unnecessarily is really hard to spell.  I get lost somewhere between the first e and the second s!    

Fun fact #3...I LOVE my new Steelers Hat!  I have a friend that traveled to Pittsburgh last year for work and she found this for me while she was there.  We finally found time (she got this last football season!) to have lunch and catch up today!  So ready for Monday Night Football now!!!  

Fun Fact #4...Sky filled up her sticker chart today which means she got to pick out a treat.  She has some parameters to work with, and is really good about it when we tell her it's too much $$ or too big or whatever.  She had about 3 things she was deciding on, and Angus the horse from Brave won out. He has gone everywhere with us today, she won't let him out of her site!

 
Fun fact #5...these are really, really, really good!  Go try them ASAP!

Fun Fact #6...naps only happen in the car, and if I'm lucky survive the transfer into the house (it didn't last today...she woke up when I opened her door).

That's all I've got for now.  I hope everyone enjoys the weekend!!!  Go check out A Bowl Full of Lemons its a great site/blog with lot's of crafty DIY projects and info on saving $$ and being organized.

Thankful Thursday

My favorite post every week, and I've missed it a few times the last few month(s)...but not today!  

Things I'm Thankful For Today; 

-Pre School - and the time it gives me to get stuff done!  I know I say this over and over but I had no idea how much I was doing/getting done, and it feels good to be productive!  

-My Jamberry business!  It's doing exactly what I hoped it would, and now I'm starting to see a way to make it even more than I thought it could be.  I had no idea how much I missed having a non-mommy side of life.  It feels good to know I haven't lost my ability to learn, grow, earn some $$, and work with an amazing team/group of people. 

 

-Sky's feeling better today!  Yesterday was no fun with her being sick all day.  Seems to have just been a 24hr tummy bug. 

-It's sunny today, beautiful out, and not too cool.  Another afternoon in the sun at the park.  Gotta get our vitamin D while we can! 

-Another awesome Birchbox full of samples I love!

-That Bishop (our dog) is so very tolerant...Sky pushes his limits I'm sure.

-That I will soon (ish) be growing my own herbs!  I'm so excited!  I go through a silly amount of fresh herbs every week and it will be so nice to just step outside and clip what I need for dinner every day! 

 -That drumming on a garbage can is highly entertaining and keeps her busy for ages!  Which means I should probably do something more productive than blogging while she is content on her own!  

-That Thursday is a Football Night!  

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What are you thankful for today?

Just Keep Moving!

If you can't run walk!  A good rule of thumb in a race and life in general.

Rather than get frustrated that I didn't feel good enough to run I hit Michelle up for a walk instead. I'm not going to lie I was a bit pessimistic about it.  It's hard to know what the weather is going to do from hour to hour the last few days, and while I don't mind running in wind and rain, I hate walking in it.  When I saw dark clouds on the horizon I almost messaged her to cancel.  But, I'm glad I didn't.

I would have missed out on this beautiful sunset, and on good conversation with my friend!  It amazing how much easier it is to have a full conversation when walking rather than running!  We got a few drops of rain, but nothing too bad, and totally worth it for the view!

On the upside of not running...I'm really working on cross training and drinking tons of water. Trying to get good habits in place so that when running does start back up I'll be well rounded and not just running all the time!

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Sky and I started our day with coffee (for me) and chocolate almond milk (for her), it's one of her favorite things!  I love sitting and eating breakfast with her...the conversation is the best and she is full of hugs and cuddles.

     But that curly hair though!

I just had to share this one.  Sometimes the outtakes are so funny, and yes I'm fully aware that some day she will hate me for some of the pics on this blog! 

I delete more pics than I save/share for sure!  It takes a lot to get a few ok to good ones.

I should totally do an outtakes only post and share the goofy/funny/embarrassing pics!  That could be entertaining.  

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What is your favorite non running activity?

Fun Filled/Football Filled Weekend

Good Monday Morning to you!  With Sky starting school, and swimming lessons changing our schedule the only week morning we have to snuggle and relax our way into the day is Monday, so now it's totally my new favorite day of the week!  

I hope everyone had a great weekend!  Have you ever noticed that if you start the weekend with Friday night plans it makes the weekend seem so much longer?!  By the end of the day yesterday I totally thought Mark had been off work for 3 or 4 days!  Of course I had drinks out Thursday night, and being a stay at homer sort of changes the definition of "work week" for me so that doesn't help.

Friday night we had a birthday to celebrate and Sky spent the night at Grammy and Grampy's, so we put on our dancing shoes and hit the town.  Ok, for the record those are not dancing shoes, in fact they are hardly even wear for 10 min shoes.  I love them to pieces, but Saturday morning my feet, hip, and bad knee hurt so much I was cursing those sexy red shoes!  I'm seriously thinking about giving all the heels away and sticking with cute flats.  

I didn't take a single pic with the phone, so have no proof we went out, and had an amazing date night dinner before catching up with the birthday party.  But we did!  The cocktails, the yummy bison steak, the country music, fun with friends it all happened you'll just have to take my word for it.   Sometimes you just need to put the phone down and enjoy the moment.

We had birthday fun with another friend Sunday but again no pics.  We were enjoying the company and food too much.  :)

Even though it was a later night out, and Sky wasn't home to wake us up I still woke up early and couldn't fall back asleep.  I don't mind though because the sunrise was so pretty.  Oddly enough it changed to dark and stormy pretty quick and we even had an emergency tornado alert in our area, which never happens.  I actually thought my phone had my location wrong again or something.  But, turns out it was legit...there was a funnel cloud that touched down just a few miles down the hwy from us.  It didn't turn into anything more than that and we were all just fine.  Still sort of unsettling though.

We spent most of Saturday getting things done (me baking chocolate chip scones, and Mark and Sky working on projects around the house) before the Mississippi State game started.  For those that don't know Mark and his Dad both went to Mississippi State and we follow the football season pretty closely.  This year they are tearing it up and after Saturdays win are #1!!!!!!  It was fun watching the game with Gentry, and Sky was loving all the jumping, screaming, and cheering going on.  #HAILSTATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank goodness there is a football team we can be excited about because the Steelers are very disappointing so far.  :(

  Loves helping her Daddy and really loves power tools! 

The baby gate brackets are now gone...the gate has been gone for some time now.  It's almost like there was never a baby in the house at all.  It's all big girl stuff now.  

Sort of sad...mostly not...totally get why people have more...really like it being the 3 of us...sort of think 2 would be cool...house isn't big enough for another...we could cram them into the same room. 

That circular way of thinking is all for not though...we are not pursuing adding another, just to be clear.  Not only can we not afford to adopt again, but we got so lucky!  Sky was a very easy baby, and even though she has her moments is a really easy tot.  We were/are totally spoiled parents and don't want to push our luck.  :)   

One last Sky pic....

Two things she is sort of obsessed with...Her piggy bank that Grandma painted her and the old globe that used to be Gentry's.  She carried that piggy bank around and cuddles it all the time, and she can now point out North America, Asia, and the old U.S.S.R. on the globe.  

No running this weekend, but I'm sticking to my plank and squat challenge, and doing my homework to settle on the new and "better for me" training plan I will follow once the running does start back up!  

In the meantime I'm patiently waiting for two things: Dad to be here and work on my neck and hip, and for the new winter line release from Athleta!  The sneak peaks they are sharing on social media are making me impatient! 

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Tell me something fun you did this weekend!  

Sky's First Field Trip!!!

I missed my usual Thankful Thursday post yesterday because I was enjoying Sky's first field trip with her, and the morning of fun meant we had all the not fun stuff to do (grocery shopping etc) the rest of the day.  It was none stop all day long I tell ya!

There are a ton of things I'm thankful for, but fore now I'm the most thankful that I get to see my Dad in a little over a week, and we are going to get this girl back to running!!!!  My hip always feels so much batter after he works on it!

Enough about that and onto field trip fun!  Each kid was required to have an adult transport them and attend with them, and I'm so glad we were included because I had a blast.  A bunch of 3 year old's running around a pumpkin patch/farm is just really too much cuteness to handle!

A big Thank You to the school and Schilter Family Farm for making sure we had a great time!

Sky was initially pretty upset she was not going to her classroom...she was not feeling the pumpkin patch at all! 

I was amazed they all stood there for as long as they did...I mean it took a while for every parent to get the picture they wanted!

 Finally found the right one!  It took her a long time. 

 I really think we may end up with a cow living in our yard.

 I am not even kidding she examined every pumpkin you see in the pic and discarded every single one.  She was getting frustrated, and kept saying "it's just not right".  Girl knows what she wants!

 Ask her what her favorite part was and she will tell you it's the tractor...she loved it!

Hay maze.  Blurry pic...it was dark!

We had so much fun, and so many things make so much more sense now.  I got to see first hand some of the songs and tricks used to keep the kiddos on track and now some of Sky's phrases and habits totally click.  It was so much fun and I'm thankful I got to be part of it!  

Now it's on to the weekend!  Sky has a sleep over tonight which means Mark and I get to go out, like adults!  

I'm so excited!  

Have a great weekend!

Nothing But Blue Sky's

Seriously I have no idea what is going on with the weather around here, but I'm loving it.  75 yesterday...in October...in the PNW...crazy awesome is what it is!

We had a play date with Reagan yesterday and Jodi actually had to put the sun umbrella up because we were overdressed and got too hot sitting in the sun while the girls played.

I love that I can open all the doors to the house still and let Sky and Bishop run in and out while I'm cooking, doing laundry etc.  As long as I can hear her outside then I can get a few things done while she's playing.  Bonus...I love a freshly aired out house.  Soon it will be too cold and rainy to open everything up so am taking full advantage of this glorious extended summer we're having!

 Sharing a snack together...I love how kiddos will just plop down wherever they want!

 Scooter time!

Blue, blue sky's...loving it!  

I wonder what they were saying to each other.  I could hear them, but couldn't understand what they were saying. 

Even if we were having typical PNW Fall weather I would still love living here.  When I see that CA is having a triple digit heat wave in Oct...just makes me thankful I'm here.  I love the sunny days but not the blazing heat!

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Favorite Season?  

Is it Fall in your area, or is summer still hanging on?