Life in Focus

Today

Today I'm grateful to feel good after a weekend of being sick and in bed. Not fun at all! 

Today I remembered to look up and saw the most beautiful sunrise sky full of reds and pinks.

Today I traded my running shoes for my hiking boots and went out for a brisk 3 mile hike through the fallen leaves.

Today I'm thinking about the holidays that are quickly approaching and getting so excited for a season of celebrating with family and friends, making and sharing good food, and being so grateful for every minute.

Today I'm planning our Thanksgiving menu and can't wait to make (and eat) Aunt Sarah's sweet potato casserole...my favorite!!

Today I'm preparing for new items to be added to the shop.

Today I believe that anything is possible.

Happy Monday! :)

 

Happy Father's Day!

Feeling so grateful for this man...that gave me a start in this life and that continues to be a teacher, friend, and hero to me.  The look on his face as he's watching me says it all "pride, joy, fatherhood".  I am blessed to be his daughter and cherish every minute that I get to spend with him.  

Happy Father's Day!

Summer is here!!

The school year is over, summer is officially here, and we're celebrating!  We're so excited for this very special season and have big plans for TONS of FUN!

It's time to get this party started...ready, set, GO!!

Have a happy Monday!!

today

I'm looking up at the sky and loving the big puffy clouds.

My lilacs bushes are beginning to flower.

My favorite tv show is on ("The Middle" is hilarious!)

I'm excited to be learning all about light.

I received happy mail full of stamps from Pink Persimmon!

There is a bird family nesting under my deck.

I can smell the roast and veggies cooking in the crock pot.

I'm really craving chocolate.

None of the beds are made.

I have more energy than usual.

I ate tuna and avocado for lunch.

I need to take my puppy for a long walk.

I'm remembering to open my eyes and count my blessings.

colossal cupcake surprise!

Since my birthday boy was going to spend his day away from home at his first boy scout camping trip, he requested a cupcake to have after his dinner.  Little did he know, that I got a hold of one of the super huge cupcake pans and totally surprised him with a colossal cupcake!  I completely forgot to take photos of it before I packed it up, but was so glad that Kevin took the camera with him for the weekend and caught this shot as the boys are about to dive in!  Apparently everyone asked if it came from Costco because it was so big...too funny!!  Such a fun (and tasty) surprise.  

Have a wonderful Monday!

today

Today it's going to be a warm and happy 83 degrees so I'm celebrating with my hiking boots on, my camera and journal in my backpack, and I'm headed out to explore. 

My plans for today reminded me of a recent adventure that I took...

and found this beautiful treasure along the way! 

Hope your Thursday is filled with wonderful adventures and happy surprises!

spring break goodness

We enjoyed a wonderful week full of spring break goodness. There was plenty of chocolate, lots of extra sleep, fun times spent with family, and a good dose of play.  It was heavenly to slow down and step away from a busy routine for a bit.  Now I'm back feeling refreshed and ready to move happily into this new season with a fresh and inspired perspective.

 

Happy Monday!

Running with Passion

Ever since my knee injury last November, surgery in December, and painful physical therapy since then...I have been determined...to make a full recovery and to never, ever take my physical well being for granted again.  Last Friday, I took a leap of faith that I was ready to celebrate the end of the healing process (although I'm not officially 100%, but really close!) and signed up at the last minute to run in the 5K Passion for Life race. So, on Saturday morning, I ran.

It was so so cold.

But it was a bright sunshiny day with a beautiful view of the lake.

I was so excited to get started...

and even more excited to finish and come in 6th out of 35 runners in my age group!

The best part of the day by far was that the organization raised over $11,000 for the children's hospital. How awesome is that?!?

With every step I took, I felt so overwhelmingly grateful to have the ability to do what I was doing...and I'm pretty sure I had a smile on my face the entire time. It was a really good day.

I

Birthday week :: feeling lucky

Right now, this little guy is hiding and waiting to be found later tonight during our "We are so lucky" celebration. The festivities include a traditional Irish meal of corned beef, cabbage, red skinned potatoes,and green milk shakes (with lots of whipped cream and green sprinkles) for dessert. Then, we'll have the hunt for the little leprechaun and his gold and finally we'll watch Darby O'Gill and the Little People (an annual event.) 

My favorite part of the night is when everyone shares why they feel lucky.

Here's my list:

1. lucky to be celebrating my 41st birthday this week.
2. lucky to be married to my prince charming.
3. lucky to be the mama of 3 wonderful kids.
4. lucky to be surrounded by the love and support of family and friends.
5. lucky to be enjoying this inspiring, exciting, and sometimes exhausting life!

I am feeling very lucky indeed!

Birthday week :: adventuring

I could not have asked for more beautiful weather for my adventuring day.  It was the perfect 62 degrees with a brilliant blue sky (check out that sky!) and sun...lots and lots of sun! 

The day included a picnic by the river...

a hike through the woods...

and time spent with these two very special people. (love you mom & dad!)

Oh yeah..and ice cream..a birthday week MUST include an adequate amount of ice cream!

It was a really happy day. :)