Changy Time Again

I didn't know if I could do it this year. It seemed like way too much work, the PF Changs half marathon I told myself I was going to do again last year. After my near death experience in November being sick I felt like my body was rebuilding itself from step one. Very, very slowly. First was nutrition, then strength... but that endurance of mine was lost and hard to find again. It's that thing you get that when your there you just need to keep yourself there. I was knocked down and really wasn't going to get back up to do the half marathon. 13 miles had never been more intimidating and lengthy sounding. I felt really good one day and I decided on my birthday that in the next few weeks I am pushing myself to my very limits and getting my dear endurance back. How dare it ever be stolen from me. So on my birthday out and about getting fancy tea, spending time with family and TopGolf, the boys picked out some new running shoes for me. I came home and tested them out and signed up after that. I was determined. 

Those new shoes and my new endurance took me to that race. I ran that race better than last years actually. 1:53

Never Give Up.

You might even get delicious pizza, wine and good friendship after too!!

Hello 2016

Each year is full of those rough patches and the glorious highlights. For when a new year comes before us we re-cap on them, looking back on what made the year unique. For some there are regrets, others hopes that were filled and goals that were accomplished. Each year is a new opportunity to improve yourself for you and those around you. Those darn resolutions. Those resolutions that everyone remembers in the beginning of the year but slowly, yes they fade. Those resolutions that should continually be made throughout the year, instead of once a year after some annual reflection. 

For myself, I hold no regrets but find great beauty in any type of twist in my story. I learn from whatever it may be and grow stronger because of it. It is a choice. Our year was full of some of those rough patches and glorious moments just as everyone else's. We had a deeply sad time this year with losing my Dad that I won't ever forget. We had some amazing things happen as well. So many I can't count. We are Blessed. Blessed that each year and situation that comes and goes, we are molded into the people and family that God has intended us to be. At the start of this year I must say that when overlooking it all, we are at such a sweet place in our journey. I feel like this more with every year that comes our way but this year there is a different peace, a quiet still that I haven't ever experienced as a single mother. I am a peace craver, a peace keeper and I lust after my peace so I am indulgent in this. I don't know where its coming from... if it is prayer, my job, my children or just me getting older but whatever it is, I'm smiling at it. 

The boys and I hired DK again for family pictures... my Christmas present to me. These memories are precious to my soul. It's a great way to welcome this year and celebrate where we are...

My baby, Benny. My handsome Benny who can always make me laugh... or stress me out. 

Then there is the man of the house, my Sergeant. My respectful Sergeant who always looks out for me with those protecting, loving eyes of his. 

Then us... our cherished family, all together...

Each year gets better and better and I can't wait to see what is in store for us on our journey. 

This is our year. 

Happy 2016!!