Sunday, November 20, 2016

Lately

Abby is growing fast, getting tall, and maturing right before our very eyes.  It really does seem like yesterday she was crawling around messing with everything she could get her hands on!!!  She loves to cook and helps me out with dinner often.  She is doing well in school.  She decided to switch from gymnastics to piano and voice.  She is happy with her decision, learning lots, and doing well.


Kyndal is getting pretty tall herself.  The girls definitely get their height from their Daddy.  She is a great helper around here, especially with cleaning, and she does a great job.  She too, is doing really well in school.  She also decided to switch from gymnastics to dance.  She is taking a hip hop class at a Christian dance studio close by and she is loving it!

Anna Claire is learning so much this year.  I love to watch her interact with her class.  She loves playing with her baby dolls and play dough, and plays well by herself....finally.  She is still doing gymnastics and continues to get better and better each week.  She keeps us laughing around here!

HaHa, funny photo before church:)

Craig and I are still running, but for us, it's treadmill season.  Lots of folks around here like running outside in the cold, but we absolutely do not.  We are however running the Turkey Trot this year for the first time.  It's the same running club that puts on the Freedom Run that we always do on the 4th of July.  The Turkey Trot usually has 1200 runners and the Freedom Run usually has about 400.  Too funny!


The grocery store here finally started selling Halo Top protein ice cream.  I've been wanting to try it for a long time.  It did not disappoint.  They only had 3 flavors, and the mint chip is delicious.  It has great macros and very few ingredients with words you can pronounce.  Win Win!!!  Now, they just need to sell more flavors!


I'm studying to get my personal training certification.  I should be finished in January.  A new gym opened here in town and a friend knew the owner and asked if I would be interested in working there.  I began this month working the evenings.  I'm learning lots and loving it!  The pic below was just before I left the house for my first day of work!




Thursday, November 17, 2016

Fall

We went to a corn maze with some friends a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful day and we had lots of fun!



We were planning to have a trick or treat event at our church the Saturday night before Halloween, but it got cancelled and the girls wanted to trick or treat, so we went to a couple of neighborhoods in a nearby town.  Anna Claire was the only one with a costume, so Abby and Kyndal tried to come up with something......ball players it was:):):)  Silly girls.  They had a fun time and got WAY TOO much candy.  No, we did not keep it all!




Monday, November 14, 2016

SOLD

In June, we will have owned our house in AL for 10 years. We only lived in it for 18 months, before the Lord moved us 3 hours away for ministry. He has always provided where this house is concerned and today He allowed us to sale the house. We are beyond thankful. We know this was a gift from Him, and we are overwhelmed with gratefulness. It is such a huge relief to be done with that house!!!!

And I can't seem to find a picture of it anywhere!! Oh well, we are happy, happy, happy!!!


Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Marathon Recap

Craig and I trained for 18 weeks.  We both registered for the NH Marathon.  He had a death in his family that took him back to AL for the weekend.

I was getting nervous about this race early in the week, completely doubting myself and all the hard training I had done.  Once we found out Craig would not be able to run, my doubts became even stronger.  I thought about swapping to the half.  I thought about not going at all.  I mean there was rain in the forecast and the morning of, it was raining.  I did go, and I did run!

At about 6:30 am, I had a whole wheat bagel with peanut butter and a bit of honey sprinkled on top.  I drove the hour to the race and checked in and then sat in my car.  I got all of my stuff ready and ate half of a banana and drank some water.  I went to the restroom and then to the start line.  Thankfully the rain had stopped.  It was about 50 degrees, which was pretty nice.  I took my phone and ear buds just in case I wanted to listen to music, but I actually find it pretty distracting most of the time and I never used them.

The gun went off at 9 am.  I started with tears in my eyes, thinking I can't believe I'm about to run a marathon.  The first 13 miles were VERY hilly, but I felt really good.  I went to the restroom at the halfway mark.  At mile 14, my feet were hurting pretty bad.  For some reason, the balls of my feet burn and hurt after about 5 miles, on every single run.  I got to talking to another lady who was running her 60th, yes 60th marathon, and was running another one the following day.  CrAzY!!!  She was very encouraging.  She did tell me that when I was done, I would be hooked.  I was thinking, if I get done, I'm DONE!!!:)

By mile 18, I was tired and hungry, but felt like puking too, my feet were hurting, and all my leg muscles were feeling tight.  I was taking a honey stinger every 30 minutes, and drinking Gatorade every 15 minutes.  By mile 20, I could have laid down in the road.  I could have cried.  I was SO ready to be done, and I still had 6.2 miles to go.
Mile 20.  Pretty scenery, but I was so tired and sore, so it was hard to take it all in.

By now, I'm just celebrating every mile marker, dreaming of the finish line and getting some chocolate milk. HA!  Oh, and if I heard one more person say, you're almost there or it's all down hill from here, I was gonna scream.  That's real easy to say when you haven't already ran 20 something miles.  However, I do know that all mean well and are just trying to be encouraging which I really do appreciate!  When I Finally saw the turn that I knew was very close to the finish line, I was SO excited. 

I had no time goal for this race.  My one and only goal was to finish.  I did hope to finish within 5.5 hours though.  I finished in 5:14:32.  I averaged a 12:00 minute pace.  The first half was at a much quicker pace, but the 2nd half threw it all off.  I was seriously thinking, I sure wish I was only running the half about that time too:)  While running and even when I finished I said I don't think I will ever do this again, but after I slept, I think I probably will.  I will train harder to work on endurance for that 2nd half.

The Lord truly helped me every step of the way.  Craig trained with me almost the whole 18 weeks, and he supported and encouraged me.  The girls were always very encouraging.  I'm very thankful I did it and now I can say I AM A MARATHONER!!!

NH Marathon 2016

I stretched right after the race (I didn't last year, so I learned my lesson).  I had a hour drive home, so I did get a little stiff, but I took something to help with the discomfort before leaving the race.  I did sleep well that night, thankfully.  I wasn't as sore as I thought I would be the next day, but a little ache, soreness, and tightness.  I will rest for a week and then get back to working out!

I was very excited to add this accessory to my car!!

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Birthday Celebrations

Abby actually made her birthday breakfast because she likes cooking.  She made eggs, bacon, and cinnamon toast.  It was delicious of course.

Her pick for lunch was Olive Garden.  After we picked Craig up, we headed for lunch and really enjoyed each others company.  Craig had to be away for the weekend for a funeral, so we were happy to have him back home!

We gave Abby her birthday gift on Kyndal's birthday, which was a new phone.  Kyndal gave her a gift at lunch.

This was on Kyndal's birthday when they both got new phones.

Kyndal's gift to Abby, and she was very happy!


We did a little shopping after lunch and then back home for the evening.  Abby requested Steak tips, loaded mashed potatoes, and salad.  She wanted brownies and ice cream for her dessert.  I forgot to take a picture of her dinner.  I always forget at least one picture!

She had a great birthday!  We had lots of fun celebrating her!  Here's to many more birthday's with this special girl!

Monday, October 3, 2016

13 years old

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY ABBY

It's hard to believe you are a teenager.  I remember you being a baby and toddler as if it were yesterday.  You are a sweet, pretty, smart, and responsible young girl.  Continue to have a heart for Jesus first, and for others.  Always seek His face and His ways, and you will do well.  We hope you have the most wonderful birthday.  We love you SO much!  Love, Mom and Dad



Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Twins

On Kyndal's birthday, she saw the picture I posted of her on IG and she said, why did you post a picture of Anna Claire to wish me a Happy Birthday.  I started laughing, and said, Kyndal that is you, not Anna Claire.  She couldn't believe it.  We tell her all the time how much they look just alike.  So we did a side by side of them in the same dress, and same location.  Kyndal was 7 in her picture, and Anna Claire is 6 in hers.  It is the same dress, just different lighting.

Kyndal on the left, and Anna Claire on the right!

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Room Makeover

Kyndal chose to spend her birthday money on doing a makeover in her room.  She did a great job and it turned out very cute.  She loves it, so that's what's important.



Sunday, September 25, 2016

Birthday celebration

Kyndal wanted strawberry waffles for her birthday breakfast, and her sweet sister made them for her. She wanted the Chinese buffet for lunch, and I forgot to take her picture there.  She wanted to go shopping at the mall, where she got some new earrings.  Then she wanted to go to Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby to do some shopping for her bedroom makeover!  She wanted chicken casserole, baked beans, and Parmesan noodles for dinner!  She chose to have milkshakes from Five Guys as her bday dessert!  She said it was a really good birthday, so that was great!

She got a new phone for her birthday and was very surprised and excited!

Gifts from her sisters, that she already knew about, so her surprise is fake if you can't tell!

Her and her Daddy love this game at Chuck E Cheese, so we went there for a little bit after lunch



Thursday, September 22, 2016

11 years

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY KYNDAL BETH

Kyndal, you are a precious child whom we love dearly.  You are funny, sweet, and smart.  You talk to us about what's on your mind and you enjoy learning new things.  You are a great helper, a great daughter, and a great sister.  We hope you and hope you have the most wonderful birthday, and many many more.  We all love you so much!  Love, Mom and Dad




Monday, September 5, 2016

First day of School

The 2016/2017 School year began last Monday.  So far, so good!  I think the girls will have a great year and learn lots.  Anna Claire has to learn how to read.  Abby's work is much more detailed and such for her and for me.  Kyndal is in 5th grade, which means she is growing up fast.  Here's to a great new year!

Abby's 1st day of 7th grade

Kyndal's 1st day of 5th grade

Anna Claire's 1st day of Kindergarten

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Soccer

Soccer began last Saturday.  All 3 girls are playing this year.  It's Abby's last year to play with this group.  It's Anna Claire's first year to play.  I asked her several times if she was sure she wanted to play before I signed her up, and she always said yes.  The night before the first game, she was excited but nervous too.  She did really well the day of, considering she had never played before.  The more she learns, the better she will do, and the more she will enjoy it, I think:)  Abby and Kyndal have played here for 3 years now, and they both enjoy it and have come such a long way.  They both use to be a bit timid on the field and now are both pretty aggressive, especially Abby.  So, here's to another season of soccer!



Saturday, September 3, 2016

Our big girls

Abby and Kyndal are really great helpers.  Abby likes to cook as often as possible and she probably cooked breakfast 5 days a week through the summer.  Kyndal likes to cook as well, but I'm not sure she likes it as much as Abby does.  Kyndal does like to keep things clean and tidy though and I appreciate that.  One day, they took upon themselves to dust the living room, clean the kitchen, and sweep and mop both of those rooms without me knowing.  I thought it was a very kind gesture and one that I greatly appreciated.  Abby cooks dinner on the days I have long runs too, because who really wants to stand in the kitchen after running lots of miles?  Not this girl!!!  So thank you girls, y'all are wonderful for many more reasons than doing these special things!

Precious, precious children

Thursday, September 1, 2016

A day at the lake

We went with some church friends to spend the day at the lake a couple of weeks ago.  It was a beautiful day and rather warm, so perfect for being at the lake.  I don't do water here though, so I just sat in my chair and watched.  I did ride in the paddle boat once though!  Fun was had by all!



Monday, August 15, 2016

Splash Pad

As I mentioned in my previous post, it's been really hot and humid for up here.  We've been to the splash pad a few times before and it's usually just to cold to enjoy.  However, since it's been so hot, I took AC the other day and she loved it because it actually felt nice.  We went twice last week.  The splash pad here is no where near as nice and big as down south, but I'm sure it's because it can't be used very much.

She's so cute and getting so big



Sunday, August 14, 2016

Cigna 5K

Craig ran the Cigna 5K Thursday night.  We ran it last year for the first time.  It's the largest race in NH.  SO many people.  It's a fun race.  I had BootCamp, so I didn't run it this year.  Sean ran the race too.  It was crazy hot and humid for up here, but Craig had a fantastic race.  He didn't quite get as low a pace as he wanted, but he did excellent considering he has been training with me (which is a much slower pace than his).  Very happy for him and proud of him!  He finished at 23:38.

Before the race!

It's hard to see him, but that's him in the white shirt after crossing the finish line!

Friday, August 12, 2016

Youth trip

Abby went on a youth day trip to Canobie Park, which I believe is a much smaller version of Six Flags.  These places honestly make me very nervous and that nervous feeling multiplies times 10 when Craig or myself are not with her.  She had a really great time and made it back safely.