Hello there!

Well, after my wonderful home school conference, I feel like all I have been doing is getting back on track. This blog is **kind of** like a new baby – I’m figuring out how it fits with our life. But, since it doesn’t cry (thankfully) it has taken a back seat to the real in my life. And that’s ok. I had all sorts of expectations for this little piece of internet land. But, just like a real home…it takes time to make beautiful and figure out when to unpack this box and where to hang that picture. So, if I pop in and out, it is just the dance of figuring out how and when to write.

Just a quick update on life:
I did go to the home school conference, Teach Them Diligently. I heard some great speakers, and left very encouraged. I actually had a mini breakdown while I was there of being completely overwhelmed at the thought of homeschooling Harper and the boys this upcoming year. I just did not know how I was going to do it. I really, really like examples of how to do something. And, I want the instructions. I will follow them perfectly. I believe that is why God gave me the family He did. I have no one to look at and figure out how this works other than getting on my knees and asking God what He wants me to do. (really, it is what we should all do.)  I just had to be taken out of the ‘typical’ family model to get to a place of trusting God and looking to Him instead of others.  Anyway, my golden nugget of wisdom from the conference was from a session about schooling in large families.  She said there really won’t be a ‘set’ way to home school. (I think this applies to any family!) You have to figure out what works for your family as a whole, as well as, what works individually. I am back to the excitement I had before, and my fears are calmed.  I know my children the best.  They will be in a classroom of ‘4’ vs 20-25.  We won’t be rushed getting to school early in the morning.  We will have more flexibility to do what we need to as a family.  Will there be frustrating days?  Yes, I’m sure.  But, we will take it year by year – no, actually, we will take it day by day…hour by hour if we need to!

My BFF, Amy, and go to person in all things home school/mom/wifey/godly woman related! She is just pretty much awesome!

This weekend, I cleaned out my closet to begin Project 333.  The goal is to minimize your wardrobe down to your favorite pieces – 33 pieces including clothing, shoes, accessories.  Doesn’t include pjs, workout clothes, underwear.  Then, you wear these clothing pieces for 3 months.  Go check the site out at theproject333.com !  I feel free already! (Although, I was only able to get my wardrobe down to 40 pieces.  I’ve decided that is okay with me!)  A new ‘group’ on the website begins April 1.  I really think I’m going to like this!

Simple. Simple. Simple. These are my clothes for the next 3 months!

The big 4 started swim lessons today. They were so excited! (Here is a pic from Instagram) They did great blowing bubbles, kicking, holding the paddle board. Warner fell off the platform and was struggling to the point where I had to jump up off the bleachers, and yell for a life guard to get him quick!!! A precious girl jumped in and saved him. He cried, but after a pep talk from mom was back in the water. My heart is still pounding. And feeling a little guilty that I didn’t just jump in and get him. But, I didn’t know what I should do. Had it been 3 more seconds, I would have jumped – clothes and all. My heart is still pounding from it!

Haven has to have surgery in May on a thyroglossal duct cyst. It is a pretty straight forward surgery that takes 2 hours!  Aaahh!! Heart beating faster. Let’s change subjects to less anxious ones.

Dessert baby!!

I planted daffodils last fall. Something I have put off doing for 8 years! I just didn’t know ‘how.’ Last fall, I went to Home Depot, came home, dug holes in the ground, put the bulb in, covered them up, and said well, it was fun playing in the dirt! Hope I see daffodils this spring! It worked!!  They are just now blooming and are so beautiful!  I need to take a picture!

Holding daffodil bulbs and praying they would turn into flowers! Also, I need to add to my tatoo!

I’m looking forward to working at the Farmer’s Market again! I’m thankful for this opportunity. We are building a team of workers this year, and I think it is going to be a great summer!

Roasted veggies from the market! Have you ever had roasted okra?! It is my FAVORITE way to eat okra after years of eating fried okra. So yummy!

Oh, and I made curtains for my living room! It only took me 2 months of sewing on Sunday afternoons, but they are finally finished!  I want to sew much more, now!

Happy Tuesday, folks!

Just popping in to say hello!  This week is a little crazier than the usual.  I am leaving tomorrow to attended the home school convention, Teach Them Diligently.  I went last year, and if you home school – this conference is sooo wonderful!! Incredibly encouraging with a great curriculum fair.

Anyway, I have been doing all sorts of extra stuff in preparation for being gone for 3 days – like baking these cookies for my fam.  They have become our favorite favorite favorite chocolate chip cookies.  I quadrupled the recipe (yes – 5 children + Daddy eat A LOT!) so they would have plenty while I was gone!  I wanted to share it with you, too.  Since the cookies are gluten free & made with almond meal – the protein content is much higher, so your blood sugar doesn’t crash & tummies don’t hurt!

I adapted the recipe I found on Pinterest via Love Life Live On Blog  

Here is my version…

Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 1 & 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1 & 1/2 Tbsp. coconut flour
• 1/3 tsp. baking soda
• pinch of salt *
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 egg *
• dark chocolate chips (I use a palm full)

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In large bow, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, & salt.
3. In separate bowl, whisk together vanilla, coconut oil, maple syrup, and egg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir well.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Scoop onto baking stone & bake for about 12-15 minutes.

*My addition

Notes: My cookies almost turn out like biscuits/oatmeal cookie texture.  They aren’t crispy or crunchy.  But, they passed Harper’s test, and let me tell you, she knows when something is up!

Hope your family loves them as much as mine does!

Hello there, Beauties!

I am figuring out this blogging thing! I cant believe almost a month has gone by since I posted about Bible study!  Let me just say it is hard to blog consistently and be a mama.  But, I am figuring it out slowly

So, I am sure you have probably had time to read through 1 John (if that is the book you chose).  The first time I read through it, I felt a little overwhelmed.  Okay, John is saying my life shows I am a Christian if I follow God’s commands and don’t sin.  Then, it turns around and says, if I do sin… wait, what?! Kind of mind boggling.   But, this is where going deeper in God’s word explains so much!  The Bible was not written in English!  It was written in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek and Aramaic (New Testament).  So, when something seems confusing in the English, don’t just give up – let that drive you to dig deeper!  We will continue to dive into this more!

So, this time, I want for you to do 2 things over the next 2 weeks.

• Write out the entire book of what you are studying. (Write out all 5 chapters of 1 John) This causes you to slow down, and really think on what each verse is saying.  When I write it, I do not include chapters or verses, but write it so it like a letter  – more like the original. Chapters and verses were later added. I do keep paragraphs so it is easier to read.  You can also star verses that make you think or bring questions to your mind.  Questions are good!  As we break down scripture more, I bet a lot of these will be answered!
• Write an outline of the entire book.  I have to admit that this one does challenge me some, but I don’t want that to make you shy away from doing it.  I will always be honest with y’all!  Try to do this the best that you can.  I will share my outline next post.  Try to do this on your own, first.  This is not a quiz or a test of who has the best outline.  Just helping you get an overview of the book even more.  If you want to look at some commentaries or examples of how to write an outline, feel free to.  Your outline will be similar, we are studying the same material! Just try not to copy some one else’s work.

A few Friday Thankfuls:

1. Tonight, I’m going to the Grand Ole Opry with my mama!
2. It is turning into spring!
3. Wii sports – the boys were dressed, made their beds (sort of), and had eaten breakfast by 7:30 so they could play this silly game! Now, I’m praying this game stays peaceful – it tends to get a little heated. Boys!
4. Morning snuggles – (Maverick)
5. The beauty of a sunset.  (with backyard kid junk – real life!)

What are you thankful for this Friday?! I pray you have a blessed weekend!

So, did you start running yesterday?! ( See this post to get caught up!)  I was supposed to have my day of rest, but I HAD to get out in the sunshine! It was 75 degrees here!! I am so glad that I did!  The run was a little challenging, but it felt so good.  I am planning on running again today to officially start the challenge.  Going to print off my calendar now!

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite things that I have found that make my run a little more enjoyable…

1. Arm Band to hold my iphone.  My arm band is pink, of course!

2. Good earbuds that are made to stay put!! I got some like these.  Can’t find my exact ones.

3. Lined running leggings for really cold weather. And a really good sports bra!!  (side note: I run WITH a shirt.  No on wants to see a post-triplet belly! ) I like capri leggings in warmer weather.

4. Also, if the weather is cold, make sure your ears and hands are covered!! It makes for awesome hair after your run, but it actually makes your run manageable!

 I was on top of the world after this run – First time running 2 miles without stopping in a looooonnnnggg time!

5. Shoes for your feet.  Having shoes that are tailored to your feet/ body make up is a game changer!  Find a specialty running store and do not be intimidated!  They will ask you to walk barefoot, look at the wear of your current shoe, examine your feet, & ask if you have pain anywhere.  This will be the best way to decide what type of shoe you need. I got mine at Fleet Feet.  If this is something you are wanting to be committed to, it is worth the investment.

6. Once I was running distances longer than 3.5-4 miles, I started drinking an electrolyte drink called Ultima.  I love it because it replaces your electrolytes without the extra sugar.  It is sweetened with stevia.  This made all the difference in the world.  I felt like I could keep going and going and going after I would stop and get some of this!  As I keep on running longer distances, I want to get one of these hydration belts!

Source Here

Source Here

7. Food. I would plan what I would eat when I was finished.  Usually I would do a green smoothie or green juice or a hot bowl of chicken noodle soup (if I ran in cold and rainy weather).  I wouldn’t eat a lot before running – usually half a banana with some almond butter about 30-45 minutes before running.  I was just getting to the point (distance speaking) of learning how to fuel my body for exercise.  Then, I got the flu.  But, I do know, having something to look forward to is nice!

6. Music!!! Running is a sweet time of rejuvenation and worship for me. Sometimes I run in silence, but often I want to hear songs that lift me up.  This is my current play list.

• Born for This Mandisa
• Build Your Kingdom Here Rend Collective
• Do It Lord Travis Cottrell
• Dynamite Taio Cruz
• Desert Song Hillsong
• Eye On It Toby Mac
• God Is Enough Lecrae
• Good Day Click Five
• Happy Day Tim Hughes
• He is With You Mandisa
• Hey Ya! (Clean!) OutKast
• In The Middle Isaac Carree
• Our Song Taylor Swift
• Overcomer Mandisa
• Shadows David Crowder Band & Lecrae
• She’s So High Tal Bachman
• Stay Stay Stay Taylor Swift
• 22 Taylor Swift
• Steal My Show Toby Mac
• Stronger Mandisa
• Suddenly I See KT Tunstall
• This Is The Stuff Francesca Battistelli
• Tik Tok Kesha
• Viva la Vida Coldplay
• The Way You Love Me Faith Hill
• We Live Superchick
• Whom Shall I Fear Chris Tomlin
• Your Great Name Natalie Grant
• 100 Years Five for Fighting
• Let It Go Frozen Soundtrack

So, my music list may totally make me a dork.  But, that’s okay because I love feel good music when I run! I have an iTunes gift card just waiting to be used, and I want to make another running playlist!  What are some of your favorite running songs/ artists?

7.  Good support and communication with family.  I would not be able to do this if it wasn’t for the support of Chris and my Mom.  They watch the kids for me when I run.  I have tried to run at the crack of dawn, but that time is reserved for me and Jesus.  I had a heart to heart talk with Chris and my Mom about how I really wanted to run.  I wanted to try this, but I needed their support.  As long as I let them know about a day in advance when I am wanting to run, it helps them and me.  During the week, I usually run right before dinner.  I have found this time is the best since everyone is kind of waiting on dinner anyway.  I get it cookin, wait for Chris to walk in the door, and I’m out the door for 20 minutes – 1 hour.  That’s it.  Done. I have amazing enorphins to get through dinner & kid’s bedtimes.  Then I can take a bath and go to bed!  On the weekends, I run anywhere mid-late morning.

What are your running favorites?!  Let me know if I’m missing out on some really helpful (or really fun) stuff! 

Back in October, I started ‘seriously’ running for the first time in my life.  At 32 years old.  (Am I seriously 32?!)  I was training for a 10K with my sister.  She encouraged me so much after she picked up running just a year before I did.

I hated running right when I started, but something happened once I was able to run 3 miles.  I didn’t feel like I was dying, and the endorphins… oh, the endorphins are just phenomenal!  Two days before my race day, I came down with the flu.  I would have been heart broken, but I was too sick to care!  I tried to pick up running again after I was all better, but I had lost momentum and it was so stinking cold outside!

I am starting to run again, and wanted to know if you wanted to join me?!  I have never felt better than when I was consistently running.  I didn’t deal with depression at all.  My body felt strong and courageous.  I was able to make clearer decisions.  And I slept amazing! (When I wasn’t woken up by children)

So, who wants to run with me?!  I am beginning a brand new running plan on Tuesday!!  Want to know what is so great about day 1?!  It’s a day of REST!  So, guess what?!  You have already completed day 1 if you are ready to begin!  I keep all my running supplies in a drawer in my bedroom so I don’t have to search all over the house for this and that!  Makes running sooo much easier!

Use that first ‘rest’ day to get all the stuff you need…

Basics

• running clothes
• sports bra
• socks
• shoes
• glove
• hat or headband to cover your ears
• water
• chart printed and posted to your fridge or bathroom mirror (see the end of this post)

Extras

• iphone/ipod/music
• a fun app – my faves include Nike Running+, RunKeeper, and/or MapMyRun (I think my fave is RunKeeper)
• ear buds
• arm band to hold your ipod
• fun stickers or markers to mark off your chart!

I did leave the days blank in the chart so if you wanted to start on another day (like today), great!  Look to see when the ‘race day’ would fall to make sure you can run that day!  If you begin today, our race day would be Friday, May 9!

If you run along, comment below!!!  And if you have Instagram, use the hashtag #hopefilledrunning This was one of the greatest encouragements to me!!!  All my friends cheering me along!  Let’s go girls!  We can do this!  The hardest part is gearing up and walking out the door!

Edited to add: When I began, I could not run a mile.  I would just do the best I could and run as far as I could.  Then, I would walk when I needed to.  Before long, I was running a full mile – HUGE accomplishment!! Then 2!! I about fell over (out of disbelief – not exhaustion) when I ran 3 miles straight!!!  It is about consistency that leads to endurance!!!  You CAN do this!!

Get the running plan here!!! ———>  10 K Running Plan