Momma & Melanoma

We started last week with a great lunch after church and walk down memory lane.

HAPPY 69th BIRTHDAY MOMMA

I lost my mother 13 years ago and not a day goes by that we don't think of her. My boys will never know their grandma Linda, but I will make sure they know who is, and was to me. 

This is one of the last pictures of her that I have. You can tell by the look on her face she wasn't to thrilled by this picture but non the least we wanted to make sure we had these memories.

So here is my message to all of you...

Melanoma... the worst of skin cancer! 

Also, the worst to watch someone you dearly love die from loving the sun. 

Growing up, we lived on a farm, mowed 4 acres of yard, baled hay and we were always outside. What a better way to get tan, right? The dangers of tanning beds were not stressed as they are today either. 

So USE SUNSCREEN people. Wear a cute big rimmed hat, enjoy the shade. 

If you are concerned with any abnormal areas on your body bring it to your Drs. attention and she/he will do what is necessary. 

Life is already short enough, let's do all we can to live a long enjoyable life.

Getting Closer.... Kitchen Update

Small little "remodel" sneak peek!

Today the primer should go up!!!!

YAY...

It is has been a slow process, but bless my husband, for we are DYI people and like it done the right way. (Our way, the least expensive)

This is the last of the demolition.
 We are putting our microwave above our stove and the existing cabinets and the exhaust fan needed to be replaced for it to fit.
These were the only cabinets we had to buy, everything else was repainted.
So, cabinets down, fan out, holes patched, sanding done. Nap for Aaron (3rd shifter) and let the Friday "paint party" begin.

Looking at my kitchen before I never noticed how orangey it looked. I'm so excited on how it is all coming along.

Out with the "Spanish Red" and bring on the "English Castle". All paint is by Clark+Kensington. 

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Friday

In full gear this week!

 Great start to a great week!

Dewey has his turn this week as "Star of the Week. He gets to help out in the class room, have his own little spot on the bulletin board with his favorite pictures and a story describing himself and things he enjoys doing. He has invited me to come spend the last hour of class on Wed and read one of his favorite books to the class and enjoy snack time with him. 

I can't believe how fast the time goes. It seems like the little dude was just born and now there is two months left preschool and he is off to kindergarten in the fall.

We are in week 5 of our Run for God that meets on Tuesday nights. I had to miss the last two weeks because of my schedule at work. It felt SO GOOD to be there tonight and see everyone and watching people gain strength with running and strength in their faith. The weather was BEAUTIFUL and the fresh air felt amazing. Can you tell it's been a long winter? It's great what a little sunshine and 50 degrees will do to you. 

There are 7 weeks until the Indy Mini! 13.1 miles  🙀 I am right now at 6 miles, I need to increase at least one mile a week and I should be ok. The nerves have already started, and the enormous crowd that I will encounter. All I can do is trust my training, have faith that God will get me to the finish and kiss those bricks at the end of the race. (We finish at the Indianapolis Speedway). 

This sums up my summer, because I am dreaming big!

Thanks for stopping by!

Libby

1st of the season

Everyone has always jokes about our Indiana weather. But it's no joke. It has been a LONG winter. Lots of snow, ice, cold temps, delay after delay, so why would Sat have been any different. Usually by this time spring temps have arrived, but not this year. 

SAP RUN 5K

Held at Quaker Haven Camp across from our lake, money raised helps fund the camp this summer. Plus all you can eat breakfast afterwards. Which was amazing!! 

The morning started off decent, 34 degrees, overcast. Then it all hit, sleet then turning to snow for the whole morning. 

There was a 5K (3.1 miles) and a 1 mile walk. There were around 70 people. Lots of friends and familiar faces. For this being the "1st Race" of the season I gotta say it was pretty tough. I've been on the treadmill and not running in extreme weather conditions. It was hard to get my breathing down, I dressed to warm, and the surprise of the HILL!

That's were I caught my breath, made the turn, and headed back. Thinking I had blown my time and not starting my watch on time, I just felt off. There were great voulnteers out on the course yelling times, which helped. Can't complain about my finish. Middle of the pack. I'll take it!

Sunday's Fun Run 

Last year around May (give or take on the date) my friends and I were challenged or urged to run Syracuse Lake 5.1 miles. (You can make it any mileage by tweaking it however you want). At that time that kind of scared us a bit but we accomplished it and now it my favorite route thanks to Kris!!

I ran it Sunday with her and her husband and averaged a great pace. The weather was so much better, little windy, but sunny and no ice to worry about, just traffic to watch out for. (Remember people forget they need to share the road with us runners). Couple close calls but turned out to be a great run.

8 weeks till Indy Mini! EEEEEK!!

Gotta keep on training, staying focused. Can't wait  to kiss those bricks.

That's what it is going to take to complete all 4 this summer! 

I can do all things, through Christ, who strengthens me.

Phil 4:13

Yummy in my Tummy

I was hunting for a "cleaner" snack on Pinterest and found one I thought I would share with you guys....

I searched "protein oat balls" and came up with lots of options, but I happen to have all the ingredients for this recipe.

If you don't have a food processor, most grocery stores or local co-ops have oat flour.

I did substitute PB2 (powered peanut butter) for regular peanut butter. I made a batch using both kinds and the PB2 won hands down.

As I am typing this my soon to be 2 year old is begging for something and I couldn't figure it out. He took me to the frig and he was wanting one of these. Great snack for kiddos too.

Another healthier option I came across too is 

"3 ingredient pancakes"..

I grew up on Bisquick pancakes and have continued using it all this time. Until now.

My boys wanted pancakes and I did not have enough Bisquick for a batch, so who is your friend when you need to find out something? Google!!

2 ripened bananas 

 2 eggs

Whisk those two together 

add 1/4 cup oat flour

Volla!!!

We either use sugar free maple syrup or agave nectar.

Enjoy!!

Staying Safe

This season can't last forever right?

At least it is March!

Yesterday, I bit the bullet and enjoyed a 3 mile run outside. It was quite the workout, running in the snow and dodging ice, but the winds were miniumn which made it a good run. The short route that I usually run didn't have much traffic. When I headed for home, I have a small stretch on a busy road and you never now what you are running against. I was dressed in bright colors sure to being seen. Not all cars slow down or get over for you, so that's where you, as the runner need to be alert. I had two cars pass each other and the car on my side did not slow down, so it was my responsibility to hit the ditch and that's where I went into about a foot of snow. I really wish all people would share the road with us but, not all do.

Here are a list of tips for runner safety provided by the Road Runners Club of America. While several of these are intended to keep runners safe from assaults, even some of those apply for keeping you safe from vehicles.

• DON’T WEAR HEADPHONES. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings. Your ears may help you avoid dangers your eyes may miss during evening or early morning runs.
• Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles. By facing on-coming traffic, you may be able to react quicker than if it is behind you.
• Look both ways before crossing. Be sure the driver of a car acknowledges your right-of-way before crossing in front of a vehicle. Obey traffic signals.
• Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information.
• Always stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.
• Carry a cell phone or change for a phone call. Know the locations of public phonesalong your regular route.
• Trust your intuition about a person or an area. React on your intuition and avoid a person or situation if you’re unsure. If something tells you a situation is not "right", it isn’t.
• Alter or vary your running route pattern; run in familiar areas if possible. In unfamiliar areas, such as while traveling, contact a local RRCA club or running store. Know where open businesses or stores are located in case of emergency.
• Run with a partner. Run with a dog.
• Write down or leave word of the direction of your run. Tell friends and family of your favorite running routes.
• Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails. Avoid unlit areas, especially at night. Run clear of parked cars or bushes.
• Ignore verbal harassment and do not verbally harass others. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.
• Wear reflective material if you must run before dawn or after dark. Avoid running on the street when it is dark.
• Practice memorizing license tags or identifying characteristics of strangers.
• Carry a noisemaker. Get training in self-defense.
• When using multi-use trails, follow the rules of the road. If you alter your direction, look over your should before crossing the trail to avoid a potential collision with an oncoming cyclist or passing runner.
• CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary. It is important to report incidents immediately.



The weather is going to get nice soon. There are a lot of people getting out to "get fit and healthy" and training for races, I'm one of those..... 
So....

1) Pay attention when you are driving

2) Don't text and drive

3) Don't drink or be under the influence behind the wheel

4) Watch for runners and cyclists

  Lets all stay safe out there, as the race and training season has started!