Run baby run

Now that daylight savings time has taken place, it is so hard to motivate yourself to step out in the cold, dark weather to run. Ben and I decided last week to head on out for some fresh air after work. (Ben also insist on me burning off energy running. I go a little crazy in confined spaces if I don't and Ben usually gets the brunt of that crazy.) You would never know it by these pictures, but I was the one complaining the whole way and Ben had to put up with it.

I promise, Ben really loves running. He also loves me taking pictures of EVERYTHING.

You can thank me for taking these pictures before my fingers were numb from the cold and snot was dripping down my face. I must keep coming back for the endorphins.

Things that make me happy

Seeing our headboard every day reminds me of how blessed I am to have Ben in my life. I love being reminded of that every day.

Funny pictures reminding me to not take life too seriously.

Books. When Ben and I first got married, we had to keep buying bookshelves because of our large combined collection. You can find them in almost every room of our apartment.

Every time I walk up the stairs, I am reminded my favorite season is upon us. 

It's the little things in life that can make you smile the most. 

Thankful Thursday

Credit: Southern Disposition

Tis the season for thankfulness. As I reflect over the last year, I have so much to be thankful for. Of course, marriage, a great job, family and friends are all a part of what I'm thankful for, true thankfulness stems much further than that.

While I am thankful for all of the material things I have been blessed with and the relationships I have formed the last two years in Virginia, I am so much more thankful for the Lord's continued faithfulness. I so often get caught up in who I am, and I forget who Jesus is. I look inward to solve problems rather than looking to Jesus. I seek comfort and value in the opinion of others, rather than being assured by the knowledge that I am a child of God. 

Today I am thankful for the Lord's continued grace. While I admit to seeking satisfaction and approval in others, He supplies Jesus, the one who has already approved of me and made me one of His own. While I continue to become aware of my selfish motivations, He provides the grace to forgive and the solution, Jesus. 

Cheer up. You are worse than you know. But you are far more loved than you could ever imagine.

The 2012 Wineglass Marathon

Ben and I traveled to my home town of Corning, NY for the annual Wineglass Marathon. The marathon has been taking place over 30 years and was a big part of my childhood. I remember when my dad ran the marathon and we (the kids) were able to skip church to cheer him on. Skipping church was not allowed in my family except for this one weekend a year. The whole family would be together, volunteering, running, and cheering others on as they crossed the finish line.

I have always aspired to run the entire marathon myself, but have never been dedicated enough to complete the training required. I participated in the relay during high school but never ventured to the full marathon distance. I was so excited when the Wineglass half-marathon was introduced in 2011! It was the perfect reason to return to my hometown and participate in a race that held so many memories for me. When I took Ben in 2011, it was the first time I had brought him home to meet the family and show him where I grew up. After that experience, we knew we wanted to come back again, and this time Ben wanted in on the fun.

We arrived  late Friday night and had Saturday to enjoy the town and pick up our race packets. 

The race came early on Sunday morning, but we stopped and picked up Dunkin so I had something to survive on. The picture below with my brother and dad was taken about 10 minutes before the start of the race. It's usually at this point that I regret my decision to run and classify myself as insane. 

We finished! Ben finished his first half marathon in 1:36, what a speedy guy! I on the other hand did very little training in preparation for this race and barely crossed the finish line alive. Okay, that is an exaggeration  but I definitely learned my lesson. Train a little before you decide to run 13.1 miles!

Already looking forward to next year!

Liberty football

This football season, Ben and I have had the opportunity to go to our fair share of Liberty football games. It has been a blast enjoying this time with friends and family. 

The boys may love the game, but mom and I didn't mind the cupcakes, coffee, and band performance that came along with the gig too. 

Mom and I at the game. We're the bands biggest fans.

These boys love each other, I promise. They also love that I constantly have to take pictures of everything. You will thank me one day, I just know it!

November 3

About a week ago, I realized that Ben's half birthday was approaching. While I normally don't celebrate half birthdays, this time I decided to have some fun with it. 

2012 was not a good birthday year for us. My birthday was situated three days before our wedding and during Ben's midterms. And then Ben's birthday somehow slipped by, unnoticed. No parties, no presents, no surprises. I wanted to change that.

I didn't want to make a huge deal over this, but just simply show him how much I appreciate him. I surprised him on Saturday morning with a few of his favorite things and then we spent the rest of the day together making breakfast, going to a movie, ordering Chinese takeout, and spending time together.

I'm not sure if he was more happy about the new beard trimmer or the beer. Too bad we are in the midst of no shave November.  

Ben was quite surprised and the day was a lot of fun. Half birthdays, I like you. 

Election day

Get out there and vote!