My Bestest Buddy!

On our run this morning ,which we have not done one together in a while, I was reminded just how AWESOME it is to have a running buddy.  Through running, this girl has become one of my sisters!  I love her and would do anything for her.  It's so funny how over the years running together, our topics of conversation have changed as we grow and change.

We have gone through different things at different times, listening, coaching, laughing, and crying....yes, all while running.  We share victories, setbacks, holidays, vacations, everything.  SHE is the friend I always wished I had.  SHE makes me a better friend to others.


So, Kim, Kimmers, Kimberlina, Kimmie.....here's to another running season, upcoming holidays, and a new season of life, yet again.  I'm so very thankful for you!!

First 5k!

Warrior Dash

Jingle all the way....

Adrianna's FIRST sleepover with her BFF!!!

Finally, Kylie had her first sleep over here and it was a BLAST! They always refer to themselves as "SISTER" --- I LOVE IT!

My friend posted this up on her facebook page today and it brought me to tears. It has taken me 30 years, but I've finally developed a circle of friends, some closer than others, some I talk to everyday or once a year, some we can only get emails out to each other with our busy schedules and raising young families, but no matter what, these ladies are my "friends", my "girls" and I really can't say much more without breaking down and crying again. So, watch the video, my hormones are driving me nuts!:o)

I am truly blessed...

I have tried to write this post since I got back from my women's retreat but have not been able to put into words what this weekend meant for me. I have felt like no matter what I said I wouldn't be able to relay the emotional and spiritual weekend I had experienced with 6 amazing women. Not everyone was able to make the trip last weekend due to schedule conflict, infants, and other commitments, but I'll assure you that I will INSIST they come next time (hopefully again in the spring) and we WILL do a weekend getaway not just a Sat/Sun thing. :o)

I just wanted to share these two beautiful photos that my friend Carrie took while we were there. I've never been on a retreat before so this was a first but will definitely not be my last. Our retreat was based on the book Captivating and we focused on a woman's 3 desires. To be part of the great Adventure, Romance and Beauty. The girls did such a great job preparing the material, personalizing each of our little journals and tons of other little details that were WAY thoughtful. To see all the work that went into that weekend, showed just how much love they have for us all. We all have a desire to be connected, we all need to be able to trust other women, allow them in and have a piece of our hearts. This past weekend did that for me. We did some activities that allowed us each to have a glimpse into the deep places we don't all share with just anyone. Through their love and their fellowship, their talents, their laughter, and the quiet peace that sorrounded us during our quiet, free time, I felt so close to God and it brought me to tears.

Our gorgeous view at Camp Buckner

My beautiful friends . . .

Front: left to right, Carrie, Me, Erika, Jen
Back: left to right, Sammi, Melissa, Cindy

What a Nice Treat!

Today, my friend Cindy stopped by with a nice HOT SKINNY VANILLA LATTE for me, what a TREAT! She had to stop by Walmart before she came over for a playdate so she made an extra little pitstop at one of my FAVORITE PLACES and grabbed a couple cups of Joe!

It was such a nice start to my day. Adrianna loved playing with Peyton, it's like having a real, life sized doll. :o) She let Adrianna dress her, put pigtails in her hair and just followed her around like a little cutie! What an EASY playdate, Cindy and I actually got to talk! (with a few interruptions by our boys...they are ALWAYS on the move, LOL). I love days like today.

The kids and I just ate lunch, I'm about to go clean up and put everyone down for a nap (well at least Christopher, Adrianna just relaxes and watches a show). I even may take one myself. I went for a run this morning, but got started too late and felt like I was going to die! Texas heat, yuck! I did a different route today but got in my 2 miles in under 30 minutes, so I'm glad for that, but it seemed VERY hard today. I don't know if it was the running against the wind or if it's because my mind is so focused on preparing to get pregnant again that it's SO unmotivating me to exercise, LOL! Hey, it IS the one time in my life that I don't worry about weight! :o)

I am trying a super easy Key Lime Pie recipe for Bible Study at our place tonight and am also doing a new Sweet and Sour Meatball recipe for dinner so hopefully everything turns out okay. Here are the recipes...

Key Lime Pie
5 egg yolks, beaten
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lime juice
1 drop green food coloring
1 prepared graham cracker pie crust

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together egg yolks and condensed milk. Stir in lime juice and food coloring. Poor into prepared pie crust. Bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

• 1 can of crushed pineapples
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (I added a bit more of this)
• 24 meatballs (from freezer)

Mix all ingredients except meatballs in a large saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until well blended. Add meatballs. Simmer for 10 min. Serve over cooked rice. (I'm cooking Jasmine rice and serving it with Snap Green Beans)