What a year!

Wow... I stopped blogging because I really just did not have anything remotely interesting to say. But we are getting ready to go into a new year and this one has gone by so fast. My little pirate just turned 5 and has all these new friends from school. Yes, he is just in preschool, but I remember a time when I thought that was still so far into the future. *sigh* Where has the time gone? I was watching videos of Vincent last night and it was an overwhelming rush of emotions. He is not a baby anymore. I can't go back or stop him from getting any older. Just have to look forward to all the ways he will change and grow in the future. (And dream of having another baby one day...)













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Outdoor fun!

So glad for Spring (and soon Summer!) to be able to do fun, outdoor activities with my 4 year old. Already took him to a baseball game and plan to definitely do that again.








As you can see, he had a blast!

He will be enjoying quality time with his daddy working on things...









We got Vincent his 1st bike and he is doing really well getting started by himself and turning corners.


Can't wait to spend some more summer fun with Cousin Henry!


We will be enjoying the town pool soon, but for now this will do!


This is the life...


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My other baby

I have had my cat, Franklin, for almost 11 years now. He was our 1st baby. He used to sleep with us (now he sleeps with our child) and loves our attention. In the past few years I must admit I have not been as fond of him. Our lives have had so much changes. Not just having a child, but both mine and my husband's work schedules are crazy. I have so much other stuff to do that the LAST thing I want to do is clean out a litter box, etc. A couple of months ago Franklin started some weird behaviors. I assumed he was just acting out because he is getting old. Finally decided I should take him to the vet and get him checked out. I felt like such a bad mommy when he was diagnosed with feline diabetes. So, now I am having to get up at 3:45am and make sure he eats. Then give him his insulin shot. Same thing at 4pm. What my point is, is that it took something like this to make me remember how precious my Franklin is to me.


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I am a runner!

So, I did my 4-miler in Chapel Hill last Saturday. Let me just say, I was NOT prepared for those hills. We have a hill in our small little town that I perceived as huge when I was growing up. I mean, it was not too easy when we rode our bikes back up after flying down with the wind in our hair. THAT hill is a joke. I am not sure how many hills I ended up conquering but my legs were telling me I was crazy... My sister ran with me and we ended up finishing in a little over an hour (without stopping or walking). We were proud of ourselves and super glad we did it. Hoping to sign up for another 5k soon!



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My Place of Birth

My parents had the awesome opportunity to go live in England for a few years so dad could help at a finance company. I was born there, in Bedford, England and we moved back to the USA when I was 9 months old. My parents often tell me "You've been there!" when they see pictures from places over seas. I am hoping one day to visit this beautiful place. Until then, I can look at pictures and dream...

Places in Bedford:














Places I want to go:





























And of course, the Red-head Festival in the Netherlands. What? I am serious....



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Ready for Spring!

Ok Spring, I am ready for you to come and for the warm weather to stay! This pic is from a few weeks ago. It was such a nice weekend to be outside playing with friends (and their animals) and flying kites!




And blowing bubbles...




But it was just a tease... Cold weather is still here and I am over it. Here's to hoping for warm weather soon!
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Hitting the Wall

Ever feel like you've hit one of these? Sometimes it is so hard to just break through so you can move forward. This is where I am at right now. Just banging my head on it over and over again... Running into it. Trying miserably to climb over it. Praying God will show me how to conquer it soon.

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Just do it!

So, I have signed up for a 4 miler and I am super excited! The only other "race" I have participated in was the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. And that was the farthest I have ever run... (Did not run 3.1 miles before that race! Haven't run 3.1 since then either!) So, I am going to start training tonight. Wanting to go for 45 minutes and hoping that will at least be 3 miles. We will see! Here's to training!
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Enough said...

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If I could write a letter to me...

1. Do not "settle" for anything in your life.

2. Stand up for yourself. You do not deserve to be walked all over. You are worth more than that.

3. Love with all of your heart. But make sure the people you surround yourself with loves you for you.

4. Never judge anyone. Ever. You never know what someone else is dealing with in their own life.

5. Be careful with your words. Once they are out, you can never take them back. Some of the most horrific wounds are made with words.

6. Fight for what you believe in.

7. You are so much stronger than you know.

8. Do not fear so much. Trust in God and live your life.

9. Do not take anything for granted.

10. Don't get discouraged when you mess up. Learn from your mistakes.



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Praying For Rain!

Listening to a little PFR this morning! Oldie but goodie.

Pray For Rain
"I pray for rain to come
and wash away what's made me numb
I pray for a raging storm
to drown what's in me
and the rain comes in the nick of time
I swallow hard cause my throat's been dry
the rain comes beating on my skin
till I'm washed away - nothing left within
when the rain comes
Your rain comes..."

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Thought for Tuesday...

Just a reminder for our day!
God bless!

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A-ha

Wow... What a wonderful weekend I so far! I had the opportunity to go with my sister on an over-night Women's Retreat with her church, Lifepointe. The speaker was awesome and the fellowship with the ladies was sweet. I just sent at least 12 friend requests on Facebook! I could not share a weekend like that with these precious women and just walk away.
So, today God gave me affirmation on a struggle I have been dealing with for about 12 years now. I had so much guilt over this thing that it had put a wedge between me and God. But it did not REALLY hit me until on my drive home. After I was alone I cranked up my Third Day Pandora station. I can't remember the 1st song that played... But I felt God speaking to me. Telling me it was okay. To trust Him. To let go of my guilt. It is not mine to carry. Well, this produced enough emotions on it's own. The next song that came on: David Crowder's "How He Loves". VERY powerful song. Not to mention, THAT was the very song we sung last night at the retreat. At this point, tears start to form. Then Hillsong United, "Mighty to Save" came on. That was IT for me. Could barely see the road from all the wailing I was doing. If you don't know this song, here are some (ok, most!) of the lyrics. So powerful.
(Sorry so long!)

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

(Chorus:)
Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears & failures
Fill my life again

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender (I surrender)

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/h/hillsong_united/

Thanks to all the women for allowing God to use you for His glory this weekend. And praise God for pulling me up out of this dark hole I put myself in. For opening my eyes to see that the Enemy was trying to steal my joy. NO MORE! God is good.
God bless!


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Words of Wisdom

Something to think about...
And pray about.

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Always changing...

A few of my new goals:
1- Run at least 4 days a week.
Even if it's only 1 mile!
2- Read my Bible daily.
3- Read more books and watch
less TV.
4- Get together with a friend
once a month.
5- Go on a date with my hubby
once a month!

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The Love Dare

My husband and I have just had our 10 year anniversary. I believe this is already quite an accomplishment and feel so blessed to have made it this far. We have had our ups and downs just like anyone else but we are still going strong, by the grace of God. Tomorrow I am going to start The Love Dare: A 40 day journey to fully understand what real love is. I am excited about how God will change me not only in my relationship with my husband but in my friendships and interaction with acquaintances as well. May God change my heart and soul in this journey!

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My little photographer

And this is Vincent's new thing to do with my phone... Take pictures... Of anything. :0)



Bet you can't guess who this is...











Yep, he's gonna be famous one day!

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It's a new year!

Lot's of things have changed since I last blogged...
1- My baby isn't a baby anymore! He turned 4 in December. He
loves being independent and he voices his opinion on a normal basis. 😄


2- I am proud to say I can call myself a runner. Just decided one day to do something FOR MYSELF. Love it! Ran my 1st 5k Thanksgiving morning. Hoping to create a habit now of running 4 times a week and running a few more 5ks this year. (Hoping my sis will join me too!)



Oh, and hoping to make this handsome fellow, Benjamin, one of my frequent running partners!



3- I added a new tattoo. My sister and I went and got one together and it means a lot to us.



4- My sister had a baby in November and it is the coolest thing ever (besides being a mom to Vincent!) being an aunt! I love my Henry!



It is fun sharing info and being supportive of my sister. She is already a GREAT MOMMY!



Hoping to keep this up! Here are a few more pics from the past few months! Will be blogging again soon!















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