Just Ranting...I think

Have you ever felt like you could not enjoy something that was going on in your life for fear of hurting someone else's feelings?  If not you are lucky because that is how I have felt the last few weeks.

I have a couple friends who are going through infertility and I know all about what they are going through and more.  Ever since I found out I was pregnant I have felt like I can't be joyful around them because it will hurt their feelings.  At first one of them was great and seemed very happy for us but lately it has been the opposite.  When I am around if the conversation turns to me and anything about the baby she will get quiet and usually leave.  It breaks my heart because I know exactly what she is going through.  Another friend has been completely MIA since I told her I was pregnant.  It hurts and maybe (hopefully) I am just reading too much into it.

I understand their pain and what they are going through and their disappointment each month.  I wish they could share in my joy but at the same time I guess I can understand when they can't.  I spent 3 years almost going through heartbreak month after month and now I am walking on eggshells.  I don't bring up the baby around my friend because I don't want to hurt her but shouldn't I have the right to be happy?  I wish I didn't care so much but I do know her pain.

I pray every night for her that she will get to experience this joy but I also know that God has a plan for everything.  I hope and pray for friends that are going through this journey that some day they will see the light at the end of the tunnel.  It has been a very long journey for me and it's not over.

Moving Right Along

It has been a few weeks since I posted about our wonderful news.  I have been feeling really great just tired. My sister (who is due in January) was not happy to hear that I didn't have any morning sickness as she was pretty sick the whole first trimester.  I was just tired for most of it but no other problems or symptoms.

I have been craving cookies :)  So Matt now calls me the Cookie Monster.  Other than that I usually crave things once someone says something but haven't really had anything that I MUST have yet.  We shall see if that happens.

Here are a few pics even though I am not much of a fan of showing my growing belly!  I think it's great but sometimes it's hard to wrap my head around it when I have concentrated for so long on losing weight!

 14 weeks-just starting to show

17 weeks and wow there it is! 

Some people amaze me.  I have had several people tell me how big I am getting or that I look like I am waddling   Umm thanks?!?  I think hearing that upsets me most because I don't think I should be this big already and I know I am not waddling!  I should just be happy that the little one is healthy but would really not like for people to keep pointing out my weight gain!

Schafer Party of 3

I am so excited to finally announce that Matt and I are expecting!  We have been waiting to tell this news for over 2 years!  The road has been long but it's finally here.

Credit: Ken Doll Photography

Matt and I struggled the last 2 years to get pregnant.  Last year we thought it was finally going to happen when I found out on Halloween that I was pregnant!  We were so excited but there was a part of me that had a bad feeling.  Well those bad feelings became true on November 30 when we had a miscarriage.  The next few months were like a blur of emotions.  Finally in February we were back on our fertility treatments and all was going great.  After a few months the doctor suggested trying an IUI so we did and the 2nd one we had worked!  I was still worried with everything that happened last time but after an ultrasound at 6 weeks and then again at 10 weeks and hearing that wonderful heartbeat I felt tons better!

Credit: Ken Doll Photography

I knew exactly how I wanted to announce our pregnancy and the only photographer that would work was Ken Doll.  He did our wedding and is the best!  He is a close family friend so it just made sense.  We did our pictures last week and I was so excited to see them!  He did such a great job.

So, here is to a great 7 more months or so!  We can't wait.

Go VOTE for my sister-in-law

Hey everyone, please help my sister-in-law out by voting for her basement make-over.  Check out this link and vote for #97!!!!  All the entries are towards the bottom. Just click "vote" under 97!

http://www.vintagerevivals.com/2012/08/epic-room-makeover-giveaway-contest-2012.html


You can see more on her entry at www.forkingapple.blogspot.com. 


THANK YOU!!!

The Cat Lady

So I have NEVER been a cat person.  I grew up with dogs and thought cats were so anti-social.  I love dogs because when you come home they run up to you happy and loving and the only cats I had ever been around would just scatter!  So needless to say cats where never on my list of pets.

Miss Rocky the first day we got her.

Until I met Matt.  He and his dad are what I would call a little obsessed with cats.  They think of them as people and tell stories about them as if they actually did something.  I found it quite entertaining as we were dating and now realize I do the SAME THING!  Ugh what happen to me.  For instance Matt will tell me while we are at the store that Rocky texted him saying she needs more treats.  And yes what do we do, go buy treats. (We are sad and need a human baby soon).  I listened to Matt tell me stories about Smoke his cat from back home all the time and could see how much he really did like cats.  I told him I was not a cat person and we would not be getting a cat.  Well 4 years later we have 2!

She loves to ride in the car....and drive!

yes, she eats my breakfast when I am not looking!

We got Rocky while living in Texas and she was perfect.  She loved on us when we got home and pretty much stayed out of things and just kept to herself.  I got this bright idea that she needed a friend once we bought our house, so in comes Hank.  He is a terror!  I could have a whole blog just on things he does!  but again, my heart is his and I love that little guy to pieces.

Such a sweet face after I found the mess on the floor.  Only a mother could love :)

So after saying I would never own a cat I have grown to love the 2 we have.  They are very different from most cats I knew growing up.  They come when we call, they love on us when we get home, and they don't scatter when people come over unless they bring their dogs with them.  :)  I do believe that Hank thinks he is a dog though.  He likes to get in the trash and pull out food, he chews up everything, plays with the dogs toys and is not afraid of water!

      Hank not impressed with my work outs!                    He spent the first few days on my chest 

 And yes, this is what I came home to yesterday.  The dogs were NOT in the house so I know it was a certain little black animal.  Gotta love him though cause he curled right up in my lap and started to purr so loud.


I have now become the cat lady how might possible be a little obsessed too and will tell you stories on my cats all day long.

A Trip to Galena, Illinois!

We took a quick trip to Galena, Illinois to celebrate Matt's uncle's 60th birthday.  I had never been to Galena and now I can't wait to go back.  The weather was great (pretty sure Linda ordered it especially for us!), food was wonderful and the company was even better.  The town of Galena is so neat with how it is built and the fun shops down main street.  I can not wait to go back and spend more time with everyone and do more exploring.

The birthday boy himself, Cal Schafer!

 All the boys in front of Cal's beauty.  Matt, Matt, Don, Pat, Cal and Neil

 These two are at the top of my favorite people's list!

 The Pinterest inspired collages Linda made.  The one on the right is made out of the old barn's wood and siding.

On Saturday night we went to this local place called the Log Cabin and I had the most wonderful steak I have ever had in my life!  I highly recommend this place if you find yourself in Galena.  It was actually the place where Cal and Linda had their first date and is a family favorite!

All 3 Schafer boys, Don, Cal and Pat.  Sometimes I wonder how they survived!

 The women that keep those boys together, or at least try.

 The whole gang of Schafers! We missed Matt and Meg!

 My favorite!

Bedroom Decorating

We have lived in our house for over a year and I have been trying to figure out what I was going to do on the wall above the headboard and have such a hard time trying to figure it out.  Well finally I was inspired by none other than Pinterest!  

This is what we started with...bare wall, so boring.

We went to Hobby Lobby and got what we needed and almost everything was half off!  I love those sales.  I got to painting and lining everything up and this is the finishes product.

We love it and it was so easy and inexpensive to do!

A Letter Of Strength

To my little Angel-

It has been said that you have 3 choices when bad things happen to you, you can let it define you, destroy you or strengthen you.  I have just about let your loss destroy me.  Your due date was tomorrow.  It would have been one of the happiest days of my life.  I looked forward to holding you, kissing you and just having you in my arms.  July 3 is not going to be the day I thought it would be.  Who knows, maybe you would have been early or late but either way you would have been here.

I have let my infertility "define" me.  I don't know why I feel like it should be labeled but it is.  Each month my heart breaks when I get that negative test.  It is hard.  I was so close to being a mom and I continue to long for that.

I let the loss of you almost destroy me.  Yes, I am heartbroken and there will always be a part of me that longs to hold you.  A part that wonders if you would have been a boy or a girl.  What color hair you would have or what color eyes.  I think about what your laugh would sound like.  What sports you would play and what your personality would be like.  I think about your fingers and toes and chubby cheeks that I am sure you would have, how I would love to kiss all over them.  There are days when your memory brings me to tears or sadness but then sometimes they are tears of joy.  I am joyful knowing that you are with our Heavenly Father watching over us.  I am hopeful knowing that I am able to get pregnant and that is something you gave me.  The hope that it can happen just not sure when.  When I hear about others having babies, or being pregnant I hurt.  I hurt in a selfish way asking "Why not me" and that is not a good trait to have.  I hurt because I miss you so much and I love you more than you may ever know.

Today, I am going to make a change.  It is time to start letting you strengthen me.  I will never let you go and will never stop thinking about you but I have to move forward.  I have to let joy come back in my life and think about my future with kids.  I don't know when that will be but I am hopeful that it will happen.  I have to find strength in my Faith and stop punishing God for my loss.  I am writing this to you so that you know I will always love you.  I will not stop thinking about you but it might be less often than normal.  I need to heal. I miss you still and always will.

When the time is right, watch over us and the growing brother or sister that we will have.  I love you more than you know.

Love-your mom.

He WILL hear me

I woke up today knowing it was time to start focusing on my relationship with God.  I have been mad, really mad at him lately and when I am mad I ignore him.  That is NOT what He wants and I know that, it is just my way of coping with my pain.  Yes, I understand that I need to seek Him during my pain along with my joys but I have a hard time with that.


There has been a lot and I mean A LOT going on in my life the last few weeks.  Some joys, some pains but mostly me just walking through life unaware.  I just go through my daily task as if nothing is wrong and do what needs to be done.  I don't do more to lift my spirits so I just walk through life in a daze.


Today that will change.  I started reading a new book called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.  It is a daily devotional and I was hesitant to start because obviously it starts January 1. I figured I need to stop making excuses and just start so I jumped to today June 21 and this is what it says..."Wait patiently with me while I bless you"  


Hello slap in the face!  He is telling me to be patient.  Yes I believe that 2 years is being patient but that is not a long time for Him.  That is very hard for me to do when I want something so bad but I know that He is watching over me and He is planning it all out in His timing.  Do I wish His timing was sooner, yes but I know it is always right.

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." Micah 7:7

I HAVE to believe the He WILL hear my prayer and He WILL bless me with a child.

So I leave you with the newest addition to the Schafer family...Hank!

Conquered the Hills!

So I conquered the hills of Kansas City and it was great!  I ran Hospital Hill half marathon this past weekend and it was an experience.  It was hard, it was rewarding and it was fun all at the same time.

Race day I was up at 5:30 trying to settle my nerves, which was not working!  I didn't get much sleep the night before because I was nervous and excited.  I knew this race was going to be tough and I knew it would challenge me in a way I had not been challenged before but I was ready.  I went down to grab some breakfast and quickly made my way back to our room.  I got dressed and hydrated and just tried to think of anything but racing...yeah right!

Around 6:15, Matt and I made our way to the race area.  This was a lot bigger than the last half I ran and so I was a little overwhelmed with everything.  We were in a corral start so once I found my corral I was ready to go...kinda.  I tried to meet up with a friend but we could not find each other before the race started.  It is probably a good thing for her because she ran way faster than me!  It is fun to be around other runners and get to talking about the day and the race and how everyone is feeling.  The weather was absolutely AMAZING!  Usually this race is hot and humid but today it was cool and breezy.  6:50 we have the National Anthem and 6:55 the wheelchair racers begin.  It's almost time and I am getting nervous!

7:00 the cannon (yes, not a gun but cannon this time) goes off and the 1st corral is on the streets!  I have a few minutes as they are letting corrals go 2 minutes at a time but once I am up and ready there is no turning back.  i cross the start line and the adrenaline kicks in.  I have my ipod going actually on the playlist this time and I was going.  I had a goal in mind so I kept those pacers in my sight.  I knew as long as they were in front of me I could do it.

Mile 1-already there is a hill.  I take it slow, listen to my music and try my best not to think about what I am doing.  I just run don't focus on pace I just get up that hill.

Miles 2-5 I am feeling pretty good.  There have been some hills along the way but nothing too bad.  The downhill is always the best part anyway!  They had aid stations every 1.5 miles so that helped me as I did walk through those so that I could drink some water.  I still have not mastered the jogging/running while drinking out of cups, maybe one of these days I will figure it out so I don't have to slow down each time.

Mile 6 I began to hit a wall.  I had not trained as well as I wanted for this race and I started to feel the pressure.  My back started acting up as I do have lower back problems.  I tired hard to not focus on the discomfort and just power through.  I had some great music and a lot of encouragement throughout.

Mile 10 was the BIG hill!  A mile and a quarter long but it was great to get to the top and know I was almost home.  The volunteers on that mile were great. They were so positive that I couldn't let them down and walk because as much as I wanted to they were there supporting me the whole way!

Miles 11-13 were great.  I had one hill to get through and then it was all down hill from there...literally!  I crossed that finish line at 2:15:39 and was so happy!  It was only 4 minutes slower than my first half but with more hills!  I know if I would have trained better I probably could have been faster but I was happy to finish without having to walk more than just through the aid stations.  I finished before my goal and that is all that matters.  I got my medal and my finisher flip flops and I can't wait to sign up for it again next year!

Hospital Hill Half Marathon!

Holy geez I am just 3 days away from my second half marathon and I am not prepared at ALL!  I can not believe that the time has come for me to get going on the crazy train again, haha.  Oh well, I signed up and I am going to do it.

Hospital Hill is what people call the "Grandfather of Kansas City Road Races" so you can imagine what it is going to be like.  I have heard mixed things but most of all I have heard that once you are done it will be the best accomplishment you have to date!  I can't wait to cross that finish line after 13.1 grueling hilly miles.

Look for a post race write up :)

Oh and here is a fun pic of me and my buddy Scout!  I was going fishing and he tried to get in the truck to come also.

Sometimes a song hits home...

Today I was listening to Spotify and a song came on that really hit home for me.  Lee Brice's Song "Falling Apart Together" tugged at my heart strings.  When things are going on in my life there is no one I would rather "fall apart together' with than Matt.  Give it a listen, it might mean something to you too!

Round 2 HERE WE GO!

So I have jumped on the crazy train!!  Yep, I have signed up for my 2nd Half Marathon and this one will be rough!  It is called Hospital Hill so you can only imagine what is in store.  This time around I really am looking to just finished especially with all the hills!  I have about 4 weeks to train so I will be doing a lot of hill running!

Wish me luck!

13.1 and Done!

I DID IT!  I ran a half marathon and lived to tell about it!  It was the most amazing experience and I can't wait to do it again.  The training was not good but the race was WONDERFUL!  If you could not tell I am pretty pumped about it.

FINISHER!

The day started out early with me checking facebook updates all morning because it was storming and I didn't know if they would postpone or call off the race (which I was not hoping for...or maybe just a little).  Matt and I had some breakfast and I could barely eat because I was getting so nervous but I knew I had to get something in my stomach!  His parents got ready and we all headed out the starting line.  We got there about 7:05 which was a little later than I had planned but it was ok.  We found a parking spot pretty quickly and then we head in.  I was getting more and more nervous as we walked closer to the start.  I of course had to go to the bathroom and the lines were forever long but I new if I did not go now I would have to stop along the way and I was not willing to do that because I would lose time :)  It is hard to hydrate but also know that you need to be empty to run 13.1 miles!  So I got in line and Matt stayed with me and cracked jokes to help lighten the mood.  With about 4 minutes till I was still in line and they made a call over the PA system which in turned helped because some people made a mad dash to the start line WITHOUT going to the restroom!  I thought that was kinda silly since your time does not start until you cross and I know they were not going to be winning it.  I just stayed in line for the fact that I wasn't racing to win and I knew my time would not start at the gun but when I crossed.  The gun went off and a few more people got out of line to start running so I was finally able to get in and get out!  Took all of about 1 minute past the gun start.

So I got going and it starts raining, and I am not meaning a light mist, I am talking full out rain!  Big rain drops that kinda hurt when they hit you.  It was pretty fun but not something I had ever though I would do.  I had a pretty quick first mile so I knew I needed to slow down if I was going to make it the whole way.  Matt made me a playlist that I had not even heard until race day.  I did not realize that I didn't have it going until around mile 1!  HA, so I finally got the playlist going and it was fantastic!  He is so funny and was able to make a list that he knew would help me keep pushing on.

The rain is still coming down and there are puddles all over the course plus mud now, but I was still having fun! Around mile 5 I got to see Matt and his parents.  It was a nice sight just to see people that were supporting me and the fact they were standing out in the pouring rain just for me, that is a great feeling!  I was still making pretty good time although the next few miles I slowed down more than I wanted to.  The rain really started coming down during miles 6-8 and it was cold so it didn't make for fun running.

As long as I didn't think about the rain, as hard as that was, I was ok.  I had a blast and felt great!  Mile 8 came around and it was my second chance to see Matt and his parents.   The course looped so they stayed in 1 place and I got to see them twice!  They were soaking wet when I past at mile 8 but it gave me that last burst of energy that I needed to finish out the last 5 miles.  The course was mostly flat with just a few hills.  I rounded the park for mile 12 and felt like I could kick it in but for some reason I thought I had 1.25 miles to go not just 1.1.  I didn't start to kick until almost mile 13 but then I knew I was so close that my adrenaline went into overdrive!  I got chills and it was AWESOME!  I crossed that finish line hands in the air and a big smile on my face.  I can not wait to run another one!  The pouring down rain didn't stop me like I thought it would.  I crossed at 2:11:48, which averages around 10:00mile.  That is WAY faster than my long training runs and blew my goal (2:15-2:20) right out of the water!  I can now cross "Running a Half-Marathon" off my bucket list!

It's FINALLY here~

Yep it is the week of my very first HALF MARATHON!  I can't believe that the time has finally come for me to cross this off my bucket list...well I still have a few days but I am confident I am going to do it this time.  I have trained several times for this and each time I got hurt but not this time!  The week is here and I am feeling great.  I can't wait for Sunday to be here so that I can get the first one under my belt.  I am sure once I get this one done I will be hooked!

This past weekend was so busy with K-State Open House, Junior League Next to New and Tyler and Annie's Shower that I did not have time to run my last long run until Sunday.  It was great!  I felt good the whole time despite the 22-25 mile per hour winds!  This gave me the confidence booster that I needed after my week of not so good runs.  I know how I need to fuel myself for the run and I can't wait to see what I can do and what I have in me for Sunday.

I am sure this is how I will feel on Sunday but I am so READY!

Next week's post will be a picture of me with my FINISHER medal!!!

Birthday 12 Miler!

Yes, I ran 12 miles on my birthday and it was great!  I know it is weird to say that running 12 miles was great but for me it was.  The last 2 weekends I have had really BAD long runs and felt like there was just no way I was ever going to be ready for the half marathon in a few weeks but after this weekend, I know I can do it!  It is going to be tough but I have it in me to finish and not walk!  I am pretty excited.

I had to wait a little while to get start on Saturday morning because it was storming but that did give me time to have some wonderful birthday pancakes from my hubby!  Probably not the best pre-run food but I didn't care.  After we check the weather forecast and saw that there was no more rain on the radar I got ready and headed out the door.  This time I took some energy chewables from Powerade with me and I really think those helped.  Matt came to check on my around mile 6 to make sure I was doing ok.  He gave me a little pep talk and then headed back home.  As I was rounding the corner on mile 11 I saw him again.  He was waiting for me, gave me some water and then I was off to the finish.  It felt great to get those 12 miles in.

I had a little companion for part of the run.  Since I live out in the country it is pretty typically for dogs to be running loose.  As I was running past a house their dog decided that I needed some company and it was at a great time.  It was around miles 6-8 that he keep up with me.  My route is an out and back so the dog was with me about a mile past his house and then I turned around heading back towards his home.  I thought once we reached his house again that he would not follow me but I got about another half mile down the road and he was still with me.  I figured that he would probably follow me all the way home so I turned back around and took him home.  His owners were apologetic but I told them that I enjoyed having a running partner for a few miles and it was no big deal.  They were really nice and told me to come by any time!  So that was fun.

So I got the 12 miles in and now it's tapering down until the big race on April 29!  I can't wait to get my first half marathon under my belt.

10 Miles!

Wow I can't believe I actually ran 10 miles this past Saturday, but I did!  It was such an accomplishment but it was also SO HARD!  I never thought the miles would end.

Matt was so sweet because he got worried about me so he headed out on the 4 wheeler to come and find me.  He found me on my last mile sucking wind but it was the last bit of motivation I needed.

Miles 1-4 were pretty good, and I was enjoying the outdoors and exploring the lovely town of Paxico.  My music was great...although I now know I need a longer play list, the water was working and I felt good!

Miles 5-9 terrible!  It might have been because for most of that I was running on a slight incline and the wind was right in my face and it was getting hotter.  I tried to focus on my music and not think about the miles but the problem I have is once I get into my head it is hard for me to get back out.  I talked myself into a downfall and it was not good.  I kept saying there is no way I can do this, I am so slow, this is so stupid....and many more bad things.

Mile 10 I found some energy and probably because the hubby came with his encouragement, some ice cold water and I stopped for about 30secs to take a drink and talk to him.  Once I got back going I had a hill to get up and then it was smooth sailing.  Once my garmin beeped it's lovely beep at me for the 10th time I thought I might cry!

So I made it and it wasn't pretty but I made it.  A few hours later my legs were pretty tight and a little sore but after a good nights sleep I was feelin good.  Running by yourself is hard!  I wish I had people around here to do these long runs with but I live out away from so many people that run it's not possible to run together.  Maybe I can convince Matt to get a bike so he can at least keep me company!

St Patty's 10K

This past Saturday I ran the St. Patty's 10K here in Manhattan, KS.  Let me just say it was such a fun race BUT it was HOT and WINDY!  The race did not start until 10:45 which is pretty late for most races and by that time the wind was about 20mph and it was in the 70's!  Needless to say I still had a good time. My sweet hubby was such a trooper also!  He went into Manhattan to support me by sitting at a bar drinking green beer and watching the K-State game.  I have to give him credit though because he did wave at me as I passed by the window after I finished the 10K!  Love him :)

I tried hard not to go to fast at the beginning or even during the whole race because I knew that after the 10K I still had 2 more miles to go on my long run day.  It was pretty tough to stay at a consistent pace because I kept wanting to go faster because I was feeling pretty good!  But I did the smart thing and didn't speed up.

Me, Leslie and Zoe after the Race!

I finished the 10K in 62 minutes and then went on to finish the last 2 of my 8 miles on the schedule.  It was a tough day but it was an accomplishment to say the least.  My first 10K race and the farthest mileage I have ran.  So far training has been going great.  It has been fun to be back on the streets running again and really enjoying it this time!  I am trying not to think about time's just thinking about not walking.  I mean obviously I have a time in mind that I would like to finish in, but I don't want to harp on that and get down on myself if I don't make that.  Just finishing the half marathon and not walking is my biggest goal... :)

7 Weeks Away

So I am 7 weeks and 2 days away from my first half marathon!  I am doing great on my training and really enjoying running again!

Monday I was in Rogers, AR for a conference but I did not let that stop me from getting my miles in.  It was a little chilly because I went in the morning when I usually run over lunch but I made it.  I should probably get used to running in the morning!  It was nice to explore a new area by running even though I didn't explore much it was nice to have a different scenery to look at.  I also ran with another conference attendee which was nice.

Wednesday was crazy windy in Kansas so I opted for the gym to get my 4 miles in.  What I try and do when I am on a treadmill is to start at a certain pace and then keep increases each mile or so just to work on speed.  So I started at 9:40 pace and kept that for 2 miles, then mile 3 was at 9:31 and mile 4 at 9:22 with increasing the last minute to the finish.  It helps to do this on a treadmill for me since it keeps me on pace better.  So it was a great feeling to get the 4 done while increasing my speed and still feeling good at the end.

Thursday was a little chilly but it was sunny so it was outside for me.  I ran over lunch with my friend Leslie. It's nice to do this so we have the time to catch up, at least during the first half when we talk  :)

Saturday will be my long run day and I have 6 on the schedule.  It shouldn't be that bad since I have done 6 before but you never know.  Any day could be a great one and any day could be the worst run you have ever had.  All in all I am so happy to be back at it and so far so good on no injuries!

April 29...The BIG Day!

That is the day I will run my first HALF MARATHON!  That is right friends I signed up and am going to do this!  Last year I had signed up for one but got hurt and was unable to run.  I did not have any plans to sign up this year as I thought there would be something little growing but since that is not the case, I took the plunge and signed up.

I am so excited but nervous at the same time.  I can't believe I am going to do this but also I can't wait!  I am going to do my best to not be hard on myself and realize that all I want to do is finish without walking.  No time limit this go around, just finish.

Some maybe wondering if we are putting off starting a family and the answer to that is...HECK NO!  It has been a long year and some months so if I get pregnant then I get pregnant.  If not then we keep trying.  I kept putting off this half marathon for the 'what if I get pregnant' and then realized that I can't keep living my life for the 'what if's' and I need to start living my life for the things I can do.

So please pray for me and with me as the weeks go by.  It's going to be a fun ride!

Runner's high

So I finally reached it....the Runner's High!  It was a great moment and made all the set backs seem so far away. I have been struggling to run again after my injury and it just didn't seem like things were going to ever work out, but for once I did not give up and kept working at it and finally I was able to get over the 3 mile hump!  I was having trouble running further than 3 miles for a few weeks and finally something just clicked and now I have the ability to keep going.

I ran 5 miles this past Saturday and that is the furthest I have ran since my stress fracture almost a year ago.  It felt great!  I still had energy at the end and the rest of the day I was able to still walk around and do things and was not exhausted.  It was such a great feeling.

I am not training for anything at this time, I am just running.  There is something about lacing up my shoes and putting in that ipod that just gets me going.  It is my best time to let go and to think.  That might sound weird but it is.  I am able to let go of  A LOT of things while I am running and it helps in my every day relationships. It is such a great feeling and I am so happy to be where I am.  I look forward to getting in a few extra miles each week and to see just how far I will be able to go.

Oh and I got some sweet new kicks!

Religion says Do, Jesus says Done!

I don't care what your religious beliefs are because after watching this everyone should know that doesn't matter, HE matters!

I think this man's message speaks volumes.  It is important not to get caught up in someones religion but to see what they truly stand for.  If they are living for Christ it should not matter what they call themselves because at the end of the day being Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Mormon, or other doesn't matter, it is God's Love and His sacrifice that does.  A good thing to remember everyday!  I want people to see me as a Christian because of my acts and they way I present myself not because it says I am Christian on facebook.  I need to be more like Him in order for others to be able to see that without me having to say it.  It is time for me to unmask and live in Him!