Hallelujah Wednesday...

Happy Wednesday All! I am having a better week in the sense that I am feeling more motivated. Not a better week in the sense of my brother.

My brother moved in with us because for the thousandth time his wife kicked him out and is sleeping around. I really thought this time was different. I really thought Tyler had had enough and was going to finally move on from her. But yesterday he totally disappointed me and cave in and went back to her. I can't get into the whole story but the things she does to him no one should have to go through. I could never in a million years see my self doing those things to Josh. It breaks my heart that he doesn't think that he deserves any better. Anyway, this is the last time we are helping him, the last time I will be getting involved. It is too emotionally draining and I am tired of seeing him hurt over and over and over again.

Enough of that. I feel like I am getting some energy back this week. My runs have been pretty good, even though we(Tracy and I) have had to trudge through snow. We had a great run yesterday and knocked out 5 miles in about 47 minutes.

We finally decided that it was time to look at furniture for the house. Art Van had some really great deals and we ended up getting some great things. We got a living room set, dining room table and fireplace! I am so excited to actually have things that match and be able to decorate some more! Fireplace comes tomorrow and the rest comes next week. We are moving our upstairs furniture downstairs and organizing down there more. We are going to steam clean the carpets and get things ready for delivery day. We have a lot of work to do, but totally worth it.

Got a diaper to change and laundry and dishes to do. I have a full day ahead of me, I had better get started. Hallelujah Wednesday! LOVE.

Another Week...

This week has been rough. I have been feeling blah all week long. Not sure what is going on but it was even hard to get motivated to run. It will be nice to not have to wake up to an alarm tomorrow. I am just drained.

I do know that this week will bring better things. I am praying for motivation and encouragement. I am ready for a day with Josh even though he still has to work a little bit.

Tracy and I ran nine miles this morning and I could barely get out of bed to meet her but am glad I did. Felt good to get it done.

Today is Nolan's birthday. He is two today. I can hardly believe that he is getting so big. He also had to have a filling yesterday at the dentist, what a bummer. Winton and Everett had great check-ups with no cavities.

I am going to make cupcakes for Nolan today so I had better get at it. Glad it is Friday. Hoping for a relaxing weekend. LOVE.

FFFFAT TUESDAY...

Fat Tuesday! And that is exactly how I feel today. Blah.

It has not been a good couple of weeks. Food is taking over once again. What is going on here? Some days I would do really well and the next I am shoving my face with crap! I am running 5-6 days a week, over 30 miles plus going to Curves twice a week. Agghhh, it has to be the food. Frustrating. So I am getting back on track and limiting my calories.

I am so ready for sunshine and less snow. I don't mind the snow but I am ready to not have to layer to run outside. I haven't gotten my run in today, I need to get on the treadmill. Totally unmotivated today. This is not me. I am in a slump.

I do know God is Good and I am learning to give more things over to Him. It is taking time and lots of prayer on my behalf. Not sure why I am feeling so blah lately. But I do not like it. Time for some R&R with the hubby. LOVE.

Just keep going and going...

No School Friday! It's a four day weekend for the kiddos.

It has been a pretty good week. Have had my ups and downs with the boys but am praying about it. This was Everett's first week of school. He is loving it and loves telling me his stories when he gets home. I think this is a great start for him.

This week has been a pretty good running week too. A bit chilly in the morning but nothing we couldn't handle. Tracy and I did our long run this morning, 11.2 miles. This is the farthest run for the both of us. It felt so good to be able to run for that long.

After my run, I took the boys to the mall to play. Met up with Jen and her boys and Melissa and Amy. It was a good time! I need a girls night out! Jen and I took the boys to have lunch at the Asian Buffet and it was really good and everyone behaved.

Also on a side note, Nolan is addicted to gum. Loves it, chews it everyday. Too funny, he is something else. Oh and I am LOVING the sunshine today, beautiful. Got most of my cleaning done and the last load of laundry is in the washer. Can't wait for Josh to get home. LOVE HIM!! I really am blessed with a great man of God. Thank you LORD! God is Good. Now to decide what's for dinner....hmmm. LOVE.

Trix are for kids...

Hello Tuesday! Today was a Curves day. I work every Tuesday and Thursdays at Curves and lead a power workout. The workout can be a bit intense but well worth it and my ladies hardly ever complain. Today I was getting ready to go out on the circuit and all my ladies were out there wearing shirts with the saying "I Survived Tanya". They also had one made for me which said "Coach Tanya". Just another reason why I love my job.

For some reason today I have had a bit of a sweet tooth, (which rarely happens) I am more of a salty type of girl. So Everett and I are sitting here eating Trix out of the box! We all have our days. I am feeling much better since the weekend. Yesterdays run was a bit cold and I wasn't moving that fast. Today I felt much better and got 4.5 miles done on the treadmill. Tomorrows run should be interesting with all this snow we are suppose to be getting.

Deciding what to do for dinner, thinking it just might be stir-fry. Gotta get going. Blog you later. LOVE.

Priceless...

New running shoes: $100, Running clothes for 8 degree weather: $100, Registration Fee: $25, Running a 10K in blistering wind and hills in under an hour: PRICELESS!

Saturday was the Frostbite Run in Fremont. Tracy and I ran the 10K and Josh ran the 5K. It was soooo cold, the coldest I have ran in by far. Only about 8 degrees and some serious winds. Not fun. But we made it and we made it in under an hour, our goal. Tracy and I ran it in 58:34 and 58:35. Tracy took 3rd in her age class and I took 2nd. We even got medals! Pretty cool, at least my boys thought so. I don't have to tell anyone that there was only two people in my age group. ;)

Oh and Josh did amazing! He ran his 5K in just over 26 minutes and took 5th in his age group out of 12. Pretty good for not being a runner. I think he was pretty proud of himself too.

After the race we came home and I was totally spent. Was so sick to my stomach and had a major headache. Spent the rest of the day in bed. Got up this morning with a headache still but my stomach was feeling a bit better. I actually held some food down today. Took it easy today, got some things together for Josh's birthday while he was at work. Surprised him with his favorite, cheesecake!! Now we are getting ready to enjoy some football together as a family.

Everett starts school tomorrow. He gets to ride the bus! He will be gone in the morning and Winton is gone in the afternoon. What a change for my house. Ready for a nice morning run with Tracy tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a safe weekend. LOVE.

Reader Beware...

I love the Lord! If this offends you, I am not sorry, this is the TRUTH.

He has brought me out of the pit! And I love him for loving me. I love Him because he is my healer, my friend, my comforter, strength, guidance, peace, self-worth, everything. I could go on forever. But you get the picture. Everything I have is because He has given it.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (The Message)

1-3Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

I am experiencing God in ways I never thought I could. In places I never thought I would. He does not fit into a box. His power is real. His presence is consuming. I want to seek Him more. I want to hear His voice. Read these lyrics they explain so much.

The Desert Song

Verse 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is a God who provides

Verse 2:
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow


If you have never experienced God, it isn't too late to turn towards Him. If you have fallen away, it isn't too late to come back to Him. He Loves You. He desires great things for you. Give everything over to Him. Secure your soul for eternity. Heaven is going to be awesome! LOVE.

Clean Eating...

Good Morning! It's Wednesday! It is another beautiful day!

Headed out this morning at 5:30 to meet Tracy and got a beautiful 5.3 mile run in. It was so nice. We took it easy but had a nice run. A bit slippery in some spots but nothing major.

I have come to the conclusion that I really dislike the word "diet". It is not about a diet or quick fix. It is about making better choices and a healthier lifestyle, forever. Does that mean you can NEVER have a cupcake? No. But it probably isn't the best thing to eat one everyday either. I still have a goal to reach so for me I am more strict about what foods or treats I allow myself. Once I do achieve my goal weight then if I want to I am able to be a bit more flexible with food choices. Exercise still needs to be incorporated daily. The good thing is that I have really come to enjoy exercise, whether it be Curves or running.

I am also incorporating this idea of Clean Eating. Something that I have been doing for a while but actually have done some more research on it. It is really getting back to basics. Fresh fruits, veggies, and lean meats. I also eat some light breads, cheeses and yogurts. You don't always have to have fresh fruits and veggies(during the winter they can be pricey), frozen or canned are the next best options. I stick with this as much as I can and have been getting the kids more involved too. Less processed foods, more fresh. Start with small changes, I promise you this will make a difference. I am not perfect, none of us are, but I try my best. One day at a time. See what you can accomplish today and let that motivate you for tomorrow. Remember it is a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.

Everyone has a chance to change their life. Let today be your day. It is never too late and you can accomplish anything, One Day At a Time! Don't forget to pray today. God loves you! LOVE.