a time to be grateful...

Today was one of those days...

 

The sun shining in the windows in that perfect kind of way.  The edges of the windows lined with frost... Enough to tell you that there is a chill in the air... The kids were playing so nicely together... I had my big mug of coffee, I was in cozy pj's and slippers...

  At that moment I felt the calm come over me that I have been waiting on for so long. 

 Life is getting back to normal.

 

It has been a long few months... Waiting and planning for a move that finally took place.  The stress of moving compounded by the amount of work we had staring us in the face in the two weeks we had before move in was unreal...

 

  Surreal...

 

It is all done... the move that is... 

 

 The work continues and the house is quickly becoming a home...

 

Our home.

 

It's a time to be grateful for more than a new home for our family, but also for the friends and family who have helped guide us to this point. For my Mom who spent countless hours scrubbing bathrooms and woodwork.  My Mom who sat at our previous house into the early hours of the morning so that my husband and I could come over and work.  Who brought 12 bags of dirt to fill a hole... :) 

 

For sharing our dreams and seeing it come to life with us.

 

To my mother and father in law who came to help clean and complete projects we knew needed to be completed but didn't have the time to do.  For the encouragement to keep going because they too have taken on projects like this.  For their ideas, lists, and help.  For picking staples out of floors and changing ceiling lights.  Fixing toilets... and the list goes on. 

 

I am forever grateful for our family.  On both sides it pours over... They could have judged us and thought that we were crazy.  It would have been easy... Instead they took this on with us and helped carry the load.  Like they have many times before.  They all have a part in this place we now call home and I hope they feel the comfort and calm that I did this morning watching the sun shine in... 

 

Today I am so grateful for them...

 

This Little House

 

 

This Little House...

 

In a few days we will be moving out of this house... A new family will move into these walls and they will make their own memories here.

 

This has been our home for the past eight years of our lives...

 So many memories have been made here...

 

This is the place where our family was made...

The home for our new born babies...

It keeps us warm in the cold winters... and cool in the summers...

Sitting in our Family room when the sun is setting and the breeze is blowing is paradise...

 

The stairs have been well worn from all of the late night climbs to get crying babies...

If the walls could speak...

This front porch is home to many summer days eating freezy pops and eating snacks waiting for Daddy to come home from work during the school year... Late nights with great conversation and perfect star viewing...

This driveway is where the best chalk race tracks were built and wagon rides were given...

This front yard.. Often filled with a picnic blanket and puzzles or kids looking at the clouds...

Bird Feeders in the trees and a swing set in the backyard...

This little house has been so so good to us... May it bring as much comfort and love to a new family as it has to us...

Hope you all had a great weekend.

 

 



EARLY BIRD SAVINGS!!!!

Happy November Everyone!!!

 

The start to November gets me thinking about the holidays and that means that it is time to stock the shop with all of those adorable Christmas Carousels again! 

 

I am offering a Early Bird sale this week starting today through Friday, November 8th at midnight EST.  Order $10 or more on anything in my shop and receive FREE SHIPPING on your purchase! 

 

Just enter code EARLYBIRD at checkout

 

Hurry and get your favorites while they last!  Offer ends Friday November 8th!

four...

Maddie K...

 

Today is your 4th birthday and we celebrate you...

 

 

 

You came into this world with gusto and you started life with spunk and personality...

You have a kind and gentle spirit...

You love to take your time...

You always give the benefit of the doubt... especially to your brother... even when you shouldn't have to...

You have an infectious smile, beautiful brown eyes, and gorgeous curly hair...

You are confident...

You love to figure skate...

You want to be an ice princess when you get bigger...

Click Clack shoes are your favorite...

You walk on your tippy toes...

 

 

No challenge is too big for you... Especially when you brother is involved...

 

Your feelings hurt easily...

Your giggle comes up from deep in your tummy...

You sing... All of the time... Songs about everything...

You ask questions... and questions about the answers to the questions...

You are really good a board games... Even when I try to win you beat me... You always tell me good job anyway...

 

You are so special... So lovely... So grown up... When did you get so big anyway? 

 

It is a blessing to be your Mommy...

 

Happy Birthday Sis.... We love you...

 

 

 

 

 

 



Hello Monday

Happy Monday Everyone!

 

I'm linking up with Lisa over at LLD today for some hellos this week...

 

It was a crazy fast weekend but it is always filled with family and time together and that is always a blessing...  The days and weeks this fall are melting away so fast.  I love this time of year but it goes so fast for us.   

 

How about some hellos for the week???

 

Hello busy weekend... We took our swing set down to get it ready to move.  What a job!  We can't wait to give it a new home!

 

Hello big mug of coffee... You will always we on my list...

 

Hello boxes, boxes, and more boxes!  You are stacked everywhere... Someday we will get you to your new home.

 

Hello patience... Most of you who know me well know that this is a hard thing for me.  We are patiently waiting for our move to the new house...

 

Hello 4... I can't even believe that is beautiful little girl will be turning 4 this week.  She grew up from a little tot to a little lady is such a short time. It is truly a pleasure to be your Mommy. 

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

 

Hello October... You are a great month... Won't you stay just a little longer???

 

Hello new week.  We are going to hit the ground running and see what it brings...

 

What are you saying hello to this week???

 

Have a great one!

 

Race for the Cure

Today was an experience I will never forget in all of my life...

 

 It was an emotional day to say the least.  We ended up with a team of 42 people in support of our friend and it was amazing!  I am continually amazed at the strength and the fight of so many women...What an honor it was to lace up my running shoes and race for a good cause...

 

Before the race the sponsors took a photo of all of the women who are fighting or who are survivors... Tears streamed down my face as I watched women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and at all stages of breast cancer walk up to take their place in the field where their bodies made the shape of a pink ribbon.  To know that all of these women have faced the same fight and are coming out on the other side is overwhelming...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To all the women out there fighting... Keep doing what you are doing...Fight the good fight... Stay strong and fight like a girl... You are inspiring...

 

If you ever have the honor of taking part or donating to this cause, please do so... You can here...

 

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Six...

It was 6 years ago today that my life changed forever...

 

I met the cutest little boy I will ever meet in the whole wide world... And at that moment I felt a love in my body greater than any I had ever felt before...

 

Fuzzy brown hair, bright blue eyes, and big ears...That day I became your Mommy...

What a gift...

 

Today little man you are six... A Big Kid...

 

You are SUPER... In so many ways...

Your smile...
Your company...
Your tenderness towards others...especially your Mommy, Grandmas, and animals...
Your perception...
Your questions...
Your ability to challenge... To find answers... To have it all make sense...
Your heart, so kind and yet hurt so easily...
Your passion... For everything...
Your attention to detail...
Your compliments...

You love...

 

Bugs...

Your sisters...

Friends...

Company...

Cars... Hot Wheels... Car shows... watching them on the highway...

Driving through dealerships...

Catching bees with your bare hands...

Animals...

running...

playing trains...

the skate park...

bike rides...

I am the luckiest Mommy in the world because I have you by my side...
I am your number one fan... I will love you through anything... Remember that...
I love the random hugs I receive everyday... How you play with my hair when you are telling me stories... How every night you tell me you wish you could just go on and hug me forever... Sometimes I wish you would...

I love that you have changed my life forever...

 

You are so special and I relish every day you are in our lives. 

 

Today is your day and I know that as the years pass, you will move mountains... 

 

Today we celebrate you Little Man...  Happy 6th Birthday...

Hello Monday

 Happy Monday Friends... It was a beautiful weekend for many reasons... Great Family, gorgeous weather, leaves falling, cross country meets...  What could be better?  I am linking up with Lisa over at LLD today, come join us! 
 

 

This week is a special one for us.  On Saturday we will be running in the Race for the Cure in support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  My husband and I have two very good friends who are fighting breast cancer.  We have always donated, but this year is different...  We will be running with a team of 35 people in honor of our friends... 

 If you are interested in donating you can do so here... 

 

How about some Hello's for the week?

 

Hello new week... We have a lot in store for you...

 

Hello cooler temps and leaves changing color... Autumn can you stay forever?

 

Hello 6... Yep, this guy right here turns 6 on Wednesday...He has changed me, challenged me, and taught me a love I never knew...

 Happy Birthday Little Man...

 

 

Hello weekend off of Cross Country...

 

Hello Mom and Dad... You have been such a tremendous help to us and the kids love spending time with you... 

 

Hello big mug of coffee...

 

Hello Halloween costumes completed... YAY!

 

Hello working on Bug birthday invites...

 

Hello moving... We are not going to let you stress us out.... ;)

 

Hello new week!  We are ready to take you on in stride... Bring it on!

 

What are you saying hello to this week?

 

Have a great one!

 

Lisa

 

 

 

Hello Monday

Happy Monday! 

 

I am linking up over at Lisa Leonard Designs if you want to follow along...

 

Another weekend has come and gone...  Come join me for some hellos for the week...

 

Hello Ginkgo tree down the street.. The kids are collecting your leaves...

 

Hello cold temps this weekend... Fall is here to stay I hope... YAY! 

 

Hello closing on our house this week... We hope... Maybe...???

 

Hello cool evenings with the windows open.... Everyone sleeps so well...

 

Hello working on Halloween costumes for the little ones... They are turning out soooo cute!

 

Hello coffee, you never fail me...

 

Hello sweatshirts and sweatpants... You are soooo cozy...

 

Hello skating lessons for Madison...

 

Hello looking forward to apple picking and pumpkin patches, leaf walks in the woods...

 

Hello Shawn's birthday in 9 days!  YIKES he will be 6!  Already???

 

Hello 2 hour delay today for the kids and the hubby... A nice surprise for us all...

 

Hello sleeping in just a little today...

 

Hello Monday, it is going to be a great week!  What are you saying hello to this week???

 

Have a great one!

 

Lisa

 

September and Kids...

I love September for many reasons...

The start of Autumn....
Warm sunshine and cool breezes...
Shawn's Birthday...
Saturday Cross Country Meets with my husband...
The start of a school year...

As you know from previous posts, like this one, it has been a long hard summer.  Our family is welcoming the fall with open arms this year and with a sense of renewal. 

We are also welcoming our new schedule with two of our three little ones in school.  Madison attends preschool in the morning and Shawn attends kindergarten in the afternoon.  This schedule allows me to spend time with each of them.  Lauren is still in the mix, but that has its own benefits too.  Both kids are so different when they are alone and given the chance to create a world all their own.  There is no competition, no arguing, and each child can enter in a space without worrying about the other taking over the lead. 

In the mornings Shawn is home and Lauren is awake... Some of my favorite moments ever are when I catch Shawn and Lauren playing together on their own.  For such a passionate, driven, super energetic child, he is so calm and careful with her.  The time they have together gives Shawn the opportunity to teach... and he is so good at it. Lauren poses no threat.  She can't really talk yet, can't challenge him to a game of Candy Land, or beat him to the bathroom sink when it is time to brush teeth.  What they have is special... In their own way they are bonding... It's pretty amazing.  Even though Lauren is awake, I still get really great time with Shawn.  He is undoubtedly the best company anyone can ever have.  On a typical day we can be found in the living room surrounded by hot wheels cars, trains, trucks or neo tracks.  Sometimes we can be found upstairs playing vet clinic or animal rescue shelter.

Madison gets time with me all to herself while Lauren naps and I am so grateful for that.  Madison has such a quiet go with the flow personality that sometimes she fades into the background while the other two are demanding my attention.  I cherish every moment that I get to spend with Madison.  It gives me the opportunity to interact with her in the way she deserves. We can be found spending the afternoons playing make up, changing earrings, or painting nails.  Maybe you will hear the tap of Maddie's click clack shoes throughout the house when we are playing shoe store.  She sits patiently while I teach myself how to French braid her hair.  Some afternoons we just lay on the couch together talking about everything, with maybe a little tickle in between stories.  The time is just so special... I so cherish every moment.

The days leading up to the start of the school year were long and hard.  It is always nice having the break from the school year and every summer is filled with a life time of memories. However, every year we get to August and start to crave schedule and routine.  Me especially...

More than anything, I love it in September when we are settled into a new school year and we sit down to the dinner table and have great conversations about the day.  Shawn and Madison always have great stories to tell about school.  They usually have to break from eating dinner to sing us the number Macarena or the good morning song, but all is welcome at our table. 

After dinner tonight I was washing the dishes smiling... Our three little ones were dancing around our house to Sesame Street songs in a parade lead by Lauren, then Madison, and caboose Shawn.  Almost like they were strategically placed that way... Our little pyramid of ages and personalities.  It has been so long since they have all been in the same place at the same time without someone complaining about something.  They were so happy.  The big kids letting their baby sister lead the parade, and our baby keeping pace with the other two.  It makes my heart skip a beat and smile because she is there... Worthy...   I can't help but get excited for what's next.

As always there are stages that we all go through... I just hope that this one sticks for awhile...

Hello Monday!

Hello Monday Everyone! 

 

 I'm linking up with Lisa over at Lisa Leonard Designs today, come join us!

 

There is a chill in the air and the leaves are starting to turn.  The warm sunshine and cool breeze is just what we need around here and it makes us ready for Autumn.

It was a crazy fast weekend and I am not sure that I am ready for another week yet, but oh well, how about some hellos for the week?

Hello big mug of coffee.  You will wake me up this morning and carry me through the hustle and bustle of the day. 

Hello drizzle outside my window... Fall really is coming... YAY!

Hello back to school, back to the schedule, back to busyness... Madison to preschool in the morning, Shawn to Kindergarten in the afternoons... Lauren just tags along and loves every minute of it.  I am really enjoying our schedule, I get time with each child in their own realm of greatness.  It is amazing how children blossom when they don't have their brothers and sisters around.

Hello Cross Country season.  We are at full go and our teams are working hard and doing great.  I love being part of it, it makes me feel like I am contributing to something that our athletes will carry with them all of their lives.

Hello moving boxes!  October will be here before we know it and we will be moving to our new house and have the space that my husband and I have dreamed of for oh so long now.  In the neighborhood I grew up in.  What could be better than that? Just perfect!

Hello birthdays!  Shawn will be 6 on the 25th and Madison 4 on the 19th of October.  YIKES!  Big kids!  Really, where does time go?

Hello new school year, new drive to be better, work harder, get involved more...

Hello today... We are so thankful for you, no matter what you bring us...

I hope yours is great!  Come on over and link up with us! 

 

Have a great one! 

 

Lisa

 

I

Honesty

When I decided that I was going to put blogging into my back pocket for a while I didn't really tell anyone I was doing it.  I honestly didn't think that anyone would care, because I live a simple busy life with not a lot to talk about.  I am not the type of blogger who works towards getting as many followers as I can or puts out giveaways just so that people follow me... When I began reading blogs it was because I felt connected to the writers not the giveaways or all of the other fluff.  For goodness sakes I don't even have a face book page and I hope I don't offend anyone.

The idea behind my blog was to get my business running.  Not so much luck!  But I have noticed something since I was gone... My family and friends wanted to know what happened.  What I didn't realize was that my blog was a way for them to stay connected to what was happening in our everyday lives.  So, I am back at it again with out the pressure of making it my priority.  I have three VERY busy little ones who often consume my energy and time.  My goals are different this time and I have a new outlook on this little blog of mine...

I do hope you tag along...

New Carousel Clips are HERE!!!

 

Hi All!

 

 

It's been long over due but the time has come to stock the LNC Designs shop with new pretties for everyone.

These carousel clips are the perfect accessory to any outfit.  Add these to your pony tail, headband, necklace, tank, hat, or purse for the perfect touch.  I added a few Little Ones Carousel Clips too. 

 

 

 

 

 

Come on over to the shop and check them out.   Can't find one to match what you are looking for?  Send me a message I do custom orders too. 

 

 

I hope everyone has a Happy Monday and a great start to the week!

It's a going to be a great one I can feel it already...

 

 

Life Lately...

It has been a while since I have been here in this space...

 

I apologize for that... Kind of...

 

It's summer, the kids are home, the hubby is home, and life has thrown some curve balls...

 

 

At the beginning of June we lost my Aunt to cancer...

It's still so raw... 

Life will never be the same...

Our family dynamic has changed forever...

I miss her so much everyday... I can't imagine what it is like for her daughters, for my grandma, and for my Mom...

Through this I was taught to love and love hard...

To truly find the joy in everyday... In small simple things... For the chance at one more day...

 

The night before we laid my Aunt to rest my 14 month old daughter broke her leg going down a slide...

Totally innocent and no one's fault...

a moment of circumstance...

She is fine with it... Her cast is bright pink... She goes and does however she wants...

It doesn't slow her down, but it does us...

We're a family on the go...

 Who swims, plays in sand, goes camping, and to playgrounds...

Four weeks in a cast is a long time... For us...

There are decisions to make and cross roads staring us in the face and no arrows pointing to what direction to take... 

June has been hard for our family...

 Hard on me...

I am looking forward to July...

 

Life has been good to us as well...

 

Bike rides everyday...

The kids are learning to swim...

Since we can't go camping, we had a camp out in our back yard...It was tons of fun!

We have been to the pool A LOT (thank you g'ma and g'pa F)

We still make trucks honk on the hill...

eat LOTS of freezy pops...

and go to parks...

we have been spending time with Grandma's and Grandpa's

Helping parents and neighbors...

BMX, nature camps & skating lessons are coming up in July...

Cross Country has started...

We enjoy hot days & breezy nights...

I celebrated 8 years of marriage with the love of my life...

 

I know that this family will continue to weather the storm and come out on the other side just fine.  We are so blessed to have the life we do and we haven't faced a period like this for a long time and for that I am grateful...

 

Thank you to those of you who visit this space and as always thanks for stopping by...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

SALE!!! SALE!!! SALE!!!

Hi Friends! 

 

Happy June and Happy Summer!

 

I am looking forward to moving some of my products and getting them out and into your homes!

 

The whole month of June I am running a 10% off sale in my LNC Designs shop...

 

Come and pick from your favorites!

 

Puff Pins

 



Maybe a weekly planning board?  How could you live without one of these???

 

 

 Carousel clips add the perfect amount of flair to your little ones hair or they can make great accessories for a shirt or necklace.

 

 

Family Rules Boards are the lowest price they are going to get.  I only have two in stock so if you are interested, get yours while they last.  These make an awesome addition to any home. 

 

Okay, so here it is.  Now through June 30th 2013, receive 10% off any LNC Design product when you use code JUNE10.  This offer is good until June 30, 2013 @ 12am EST.

 

Happy Shopping Friends!

Hello Monday

I'm linking up with Lisa Leonard today with some hellos for the week... Come join us!

 

It was a wonderful weekend and I feel so blessed that we spent a piece of everyday this Memorial Day weekend with our family...  Our kids were such troopers...

 

How about some hello's for the week?

 

Hello final week of school for the kids and my husband...  Hello kindergarten in the fall for my oldest... EEEEK!   He's that big already???

 

Hello preschool picnic...

 

Hello summer list filled with our most favorite things.

 

Hello family, we are so blessed.

 

Hello teething, grouchy, grumpy Lauren... It will be over soon, I promise... I am already missing your gummy smile!

 

Hello rain... It has been steady for about 24 hours now... I love listening to you hit the ground...

 

Hello contentment...

 

Hello bathroom.  We gutted you about 3 months ago and now it is time to redo... I can't wait! 

 

Hello deck re-do... We need some comfort and color...

 

Hello week.  Be good to us, this family takes transitions hard...

 

What are you saying hello to this week?

 

I guess it is time ready or not.... So here we go! 

Come link up with us!



 

 

 

Hello Monday

Happy Monday Friends!

I hope everyone had a great week and Mother's Day weekend.  I am linking up with LLD for some hellos this week.  Come join us...

Hello Mom.  It feels like there are no words to explain the magnitude of love for my Mom.  Everyday I celebrate her and the love and guidance she has given me through out the years.  Thank you Mom for being wonderful and I hope in the years to come I can grow even more and learn from your helpful presence and your unending love... I never realize how hard being a Mommy was until I had my own children. Thank you Mom for just being you and for allowing me to be me. I love you...

Hello cooler temperatures.  It feels like it is freezing after a nice long stretch of warm weather.  I am not used to long sleeves and jeans.  In May?  Really?

Hello coffee.  You taste so good on chilly mornings.

Hello big decisions for our family.   Hello weighing pros and cons... 

Hello tadpole adventure that Shawn and his Daddy are going to tonight...

Hello Shawn, Madison, and Lauren.  You bring me such joy and happiness.  Sometimes it feels as though my heart jumped right out of my chest and into three beautiful children who make me so happy.  I am so glad I get to be your Mommy.

Hello big girl!  Madison learned to ride a two wheel bike this weekend YAY!  We are so proud of you!  She's 3!!!

Hello summer... 3 more weeks of school.  We are planning our camping trips, nature classes. swim lessons... It may be time to make that summer list...

Hello new week... I am excited to take you on.  I hope you have some surprises too! 

 

Hello friends!  What are you saying hello to this week?

 

Link up with us at Lisa Leonard Designs...

Happy Mother's Day

 

 

Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there... Take some time to relax and enjoy the beauty...



my list...

The major reason for starting this blog was to showcase my LNC Designs page and to showcase the products I sell.  The other reason was because it is a tiny little space for me to organize my thoughts.  I have said it before, this blog is changing me... It has opened my eyes to so many other women who are at the same place as I am in their lives.  It is nice to know that there are others out there... like me...

I was inspired my a post from Casey Wiegand today.  I am inspired by her beautiful words often and so many times I read her posts and connect with her at the same point.

I feel pressure... all of the time.  I am a stay at home mom of three...  I love it.  I wouldn't venture to say that every minute is perfect, but I do think that my main purpose in this life is to raise my children and have a front row seat in their lives to watch it unfold.  Thoughts creep into my mind every now and then that leave me unsettled about my life and where I am.  What I gave up to do what I do... What I am going to do after the kids are all in school...  How I can be a better Mommy and Wife for my family... Am I giving my children what they need... Are they too sheltered in such a mainstream society?

Casey made a list of all of the things she wished she did.  One by one she accomplished them.  It got me thinking... Maybe I should make a list...

my list....

I want to visit the library more... For my kids and myself..
I want to be more patient and slow to react... to everyone..
I want to keep a kind heart and give the benefit of the doubt...
I want to be a better listener...

Have great dinner conversations...
Give Shawn more responsibility...
Give Madison more one on one time...
REALLY listen to my husband...

Start to think about my future and what I am going to work towards when the kids are in school...
Take LNC Designs to new places...
Get more followers on my blog...

I want to relish in moments that make me happiest and work through the ones that are hard with grace...
I want to continue to grow as an adult and learn as much as I can along the way...
I want to be an example for my girls... Strong, confident, healthy and kind... Self confident...

I know that this list will take time... sometimes that is all you need...

Do you have a list??? 

Hello Monday

I'm linking up with Lisa at Lisa Leonard Designs for some hellos this week.  Have you thought about what to get your mom for mother's day?  Go on over and check out some of her pieces, they are beautiful and I guarantee you will have a hard time leaving one behind.

What a great weekend it was, but boy did it go by fast!  The weather is getting warmer and the leaves are coming out on the trees.  Our tulips have finally decided to peek out and life is pretty good.

How about some hello's for the week???

 

GOODBYE marathon training!!! We took you on and kicked your butt!  My husband ran awesome and I finished right where I wanted to be.  We had other friends and family who ran and did awesome as well.  We ran the ENTIRE race in the rain and wind... Not so much fun!

 

Hello so sore we can hardly move this morning.  I haven't been this sore since the birth of my son almost 6 years ago...OUCH!

 

Hello doctor... Yes, it is finally time to get my pelvis back in line.  I can't wait for the relief....

 

Hello spring!  You are FINALLY here.  The leaves on the trees are out, the grass is bright green, the tulips have bloomed, the sun is shinning..

 

Hello big cup of coffee....

 

Hello Mom and Dad... They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Saturday.  40 years is a long time and they have loved each other through some pretty tough spots in their lives.  They are an inspiration...

 

Hello ending of a crazy busy month and beginning to a much more relaxed schedule... It is all about wrapping up the school year this month....

 

Hello sunshine... Hello 70 degrees... Hello to playing outside all day...

 

Let's get started.... Ready, Set, Go...

 

Link up with us at LLD!

 

Happy Monday Friends!

To those of you...

 

 

 

who never thought that running was a possibility...

 

who run in sunshine and rain, snow and sleet... Hot weather or cold... It doesn't matter...

 

whose lives have been changed by what running can do for your health...

 

Who want so bad to begin...

 

who think that 5K, 10K, half marathon or full is too hard...

 

Who started out with just a walk...

 

Who have lost the final pounds...

 

who go through running shoes like you go through toilet paper :0)....

 

who are thinking about it....

 

who have signed up and trained...

 

on the fence....

 

stressed....

 

who need an outlet...

 

who want to be a part of something greater than yourself...

 

For those of you...

 

lost...

 

wanting to challenge yourself...

 

who get "that" feeling after finishing a run..

 

who are ready to take on the challenge...

 

 

You can do it.  Running changes you.  You will take yourself to limits you have never known.  No one has ever said you need to be the best.  You just have to believe in YOU... Go on... take it one day at a time and see what you can do... You just might surprise yourself... 

 

Good Luck to all of you out there!

 

I would love to hear your stories...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Hello Monday

Hi there everyone and Happy Monday!

I am linking up with Lisa for some hellos this week...

Hello Glass City Half Marathon... We are tapering and ready to take you on this Sunday.  6 days to go... It is weird to think that we will be done with 13.1 miles by 9 in the morning.  Not bad for a days work!

 

Hello sunshine.  Oh how I love you!

 

Hello summer list ideas waiting to be written down...

 

Hello cup of coffee... You are always there for me...

 

Hello coughs... My Big guy is home sick today with his normal spring time cough... He feels okay but he just sounds horrible.  Hello breathing treatments and icy cold water bottles....

 

Hello busy week...  Soccer practice 2 nights this week, skating lessons one night, track meet another,  wedding reception on Saturday evening, and race on Sunday.  Yikes!

 

Hello little one FINALLY starting to sleep through the night...

 

Hello pop-up camper.  We cleaned you and are working on getting you ready for our first trip this year.  We can't wait!

 

Hello Dad... Today is your birthday and you get to celebrate it in the sunshine.  I hope your day is great and the year that follows too.

 

Hello friends... It's going to be a great week. 

What are you saying hello to this week??? Come link up with us at LLD!

Random Thoughts...

Today was a gloomy day... After such a beautiful one yesterday, I couldn't help but feel a little sad.  I really wish spring would come.  Our family is an outside family.  When the weather is warm we start the day with coffee outside on the deck and finish the day playing with the kids in the yard as the sun goes down and the street lights come on...

Honestly, today was one of those days that I put the kids to bed with a heavy heart.  We didn't accomplish much today.  The truth is, all of the indoor fun stuff is exhausted.  The play doh, shaving cream, paints, chalk, making cookies, board games....You name it, we have exhausted it...  We probably spent too much time watching TV and we didn't get out of pjs until we went to dinner tonight.  We had pizza for dinner and I didn't feel like fighting the kids on veggies, so I didn't... Of course that was the highlight of their day!

Nine days from today I will be running the Glass City Half Marathon.  It is weighing on my mind.  I have been training hard for it.  I'm ready... I haven't raced or trained in this capacity since The Chicago Marathon in 2005.  Back then I was 23, just married and had life by the horns... Now I am 30, a mother of three under age 5 and really working on keeping running my priority.  More than anything I don't want to fail... Fail myself that is... I know I can run 13.1 miles, I just don't know how well.  Will it be the 7:45 pace that I am shooting for?  Will it be the 7:15 pace that I am running now?  Or will it be worse?  I don't have a goal for a reason... The job is done.  I wanted to train hard, have a reason to run, and feel the rush of working towards something.  This race has done that for me.


LNC Designs has had a lot of activity lately and that feels nice.  If you haven't stopped by the shop, please do.  You can find it here.  You can also look here for the descriptions to a lot of the products I sell here and here.  I always love to hear what people think, so if you like what you see or if you have any suggestions let me know.  I would love to hear from you.

We have a busy weekend planned.  Soccer games tomorrow morning, our last long run tomorrow afternoon, and a birthday party in the evening.  It's going to be a great one! 

 

What are you up to this weekend?

boston... something's gotta give...

I was standing at soccer practice yesterday evening enjoying the beautiful sunshine and watching my little innocent Madison kick a soccer ball around for the first time.  I had just completed a 3 mile run that felt like it was about a 6 miler... I came home upset and frustrated that in a week and a half I will be expected to run 13.1 miles and that may feel like an eternity... Then I got the news...

BOSTON....

I am affected by every tragedy that happens in our country and in our world.  So much so that I rarely watch the news or read the paper.  I guess to keep myself a little sheltered from what is happening in our world?  The truth is, since I became a mother it is all too raw.  It hurts so much harder when I know that I have three little ones who are going to have to experience this too.  Thank the Lord they are too young to understand right now.  More than anything, I am having trouble grasping the idea that the last two incidents are direct parts of my life... Not only that, but the areas of my life that make me the happiest. 

I have a child that is the same age as the children in Connecticut...

 

I run and race marathons... and when I ran The Chicago marathon, I was finishing around the 4 hour mark...

It is all so so real.  My heart pours out to all of the people and families involved in Boston yesterday. 

 

I have been there... cheering on someone who has worked so hard to accomplish their dreams...

 

I have been there.. putting in the 5 months of training and dedication to finishing one race...

Yesterday was a date that was on so many people's calendars.  They have trained before and run a marathon before in order to qualify... They had put in the time, the sweat, the training...The joy and sense of accomplishment for so many people was stolen from them yesterday.  And once again, we are looking at innocent lives altered and changed forever because of another stupid thoughtless act. 

For some people it will be the last road race they will ever run...

 

For others it will be on their mind EVERYTIME they stand on that starting line with their watch ready...

 

And for others... The pain may be so deep, they may forget running altogether because it hurts so bad to think about...

Something needs to happen with the nonsense that is going on in this country... I walked into an MC Sports (sporting goods store) and was stopped dead in my tracks reading a sign that said

Due to the overwhelming demand for firearms throughout the country we may not be able to meet your merchandise needs.

Really???  I am here for my 3 year olds soccer socks...

On that note, I think that we have one serious job to do...

 

God Bless everyone....

hello monday

Hi Friends!  It is a new week and I couldn't be more excited!  The sun is shining, our spring schedule has set in and we are looking towards the end of a school year and the beginning of an amazing summer.

 

How about some hello's for the week?

Hello warm sunshine gazing in on me this morning.  We haven't seen you in a few days... Won't you stay a while?

Hello humongous mug of coffee.  Oh how I love you!

Hello little buds ready to poke out of your homes... It is spring, you can come anytime. 

Hello two more weeks of training for the Glass City Half Marathon.  I can't wait for you to be over but I know I will miss you when your gone.

Hello pop-up camper.  We bought you last year and gave you only a preview of the places we are going to take you. 

Hello looking for places to get away in upper Michigan this summer... I am thinking Sleeping Bear Dunes... Does anyone have any places they have been...? Camper friendly of course...

 

Hello summer list.  I can't wait to start you...

Hello "birthday season."  From this month until November we have oodles of birthdays to celebrate... That means spending extra time with our families.  So wonderful!

Hello Monday it is going to be a great week.  This week is all about the kids.  We have soccer practice two nights this week, skate one, and soccer games on Saturday!  I guess it is time to hit the ground running! 

Happy Monday Everyone! As always, have a great one...

 

It's your turn!  Head on over and link up with Lisa at LLD...

 

 

Hello Monday!

Happy Monday! 

 

I hope everyone had a great weekend surrounded by family and friends.  Spring is here and the weather is getting warmer, I can feel it on the days when the sun shines.   We had a wonderful weekend surrounded by our family.  Our kids had such a blast hunting Easter eggs and spending time with everyone. 

 

How about some hello's for the week?

 

Hello sunshine... You are so warm and cheery... I love opening the curtains in the morning to your warmth...

 

Hello spring break with the family.  No track this year, it is going to be a goody.

 

Hello peak of our 1/2 marathon training... We are on our way down in our long runs and it feels great.

 

Hello happy kids... They LOVE being outside...

 

Hello parks.  Ready or not, here we come...

 

Hello tulips... You are so close to peeking your little heads out.

 

Hello new week... please don't go by too fast... we love family time...

 

It's your turn, go on, link up over at Lisa Leonard Designs.

Color Her World Birthday Party

We celebrated Lauren's 1st Birthday on Saturday with family and friends. 

 

The theme was "Color Her World"

 

It ended up being really fun and relatively inexpensive.  Since the idea behind the theme was to combine all of the colors of the rainbow, it was easy to pick up things here and there and put them all together for a bright and cheery birthday party!

 

 

One of the major  decorations was on the wall in the kitchen where all of our guests were plating their food.  This seems to be the gathering spot for most of my family as well... I simply used crate paper 5 strips of each color and taped them to the wall.

 

The Lauren banner I made myself by tracing letters and the top of a coffee can for the circles.  I finished off the banner by tying different color/patterned ribbon to the letters.  All of the scrapbook paper I used I already had in my stash at home.

 

 

This isn't the best picture I know, but these are paper pinwheels that my husband and I made ourselves.  Yes, you heard me right, my husband.  He is awesome when it comes to helping me with my crazy ideas.  I found a SUPER easy u tube video here.  We Modified ours a little bit by using brads and wooden dowels.  In the vase I have colored pom poms that I always have around for the kids when they want to make art.

 

 

 

So do you remember the other day when I was talking about how awesome my Mom is?  Well, she found a recipe for this jello.  Yup, I told you, AWESOME.  I don't know how it is even possible, but I can't make jello... So, she made it and it was by far the best part of the party.  Thanks Mom!

 

We also had other food that I don't have pictures of... fruit in all of the colors of the rainbow, pasta salad with veggies all different colors of the rainbow, etc.

 

 

These are Lauren's cakes.  In our family it is tradition for the child celebrating their first birthday to have their own cake to dig into.  Lauren's was the rainbow one and boy did she ever dig into it.  It was adorable.  She took eating her cake to a whole new level... Adorable.

 

Her cake was made by taking a whole box of cake mix and baking it into one 8 inch round pan.  It made it thick and sturdy.  The after it cooled I cut it in half.  I put a crumb layer, put it in the freezer and then started with the colored layers.  The colors came from homemade butter cream frosting (see link below) with Betty Crocker Coloring gel.  The colors were amazing. 

 

The cake to the left was for everyone else.  I used all different colored ribbon and tied them together and glued them on to wooden dowels.  I them put the left over colored frosting at the bottom of the cake to give it a little more color.  It looks like just a normal layered cake right?

 

BOOM!

 

 

This picture doesn't do this cake justice!  You can find the recipe for the cake and frosting here.  I am telling you.  Easy and the frosting is TO DIE FOR!  I will no longer buy store bought frosting because this recipe was sooooo good.  All of the layers came out well the and mixing of the colors was easy.  It cut nicely and the cake was so good!

 

The party was so much fun and Lauren enjoyed every minute of it and so did we.  I always love when our family gets together to celebrate the little ones birthday.  It can be so magical!