Simply Grateful

As I sit here on the couch, curled up in my blanket, writing this blog post, flipping screens to watch The Concert For Valor; I reflect on how much God has blessed me in my short 29 years of life on earth.

I am grateful for veterans. Watching The Concert For Valor and seeing the different clips of stories of veterans from past and present and all they have done for us, for freedom is awesome. Listening to the songs of various singers coming together for this one purpose. My Grandpa was a veteran. Growing up I don't think I took the time to talk with him about his time, experience, and stories. Now that I'm older and get it much more, he's not around to talk with about his years enlisted.  I'm proud to be an American and to have veterans to thank daily in my life.

            My Grandpa served in the military and then the Police Force in Milwaukee, WI. 

I am grateful for my husband, family, and friends. They are always there for me, in joyful times and times filled with sorrow. I've been through more than I would wish at my age, however, I'm stronger because of it and because of the people in my life to support me. I wish my family and friends were closer, but we make things work with where we all live. And do lots of traveling - including a trip to Wisconsin next week!

I am grateful for the ability and wanting to run. I ran cross country for a couple of years in high school and then stopped. I didn't enjoy running and didn't see a point in continuing it. I ran here and there through college. Nothing regular. My true love for running started the summer of 2010. I made a goal of running at the minimum a 5K each month for the next year. My friend Michelle took on most races with me to complete my goal. During that year, we completed 5Ks, 10Ks, a mud race, 8K, 1/6 barrel, and a marathon relay with 2 other friends. It was a year that kept me sane while teaching, and got me off my butt. Since that year, I've kept with my love of running, some months much better than others, but I'm still moving! I've since run 1/2 marathons and completed triathlons, using the gifts and abilities I've been given. Stay tuned later in the week for a race recap from the 10K I ran today - it was a great race.

I am grateful for running water. I don't normally think of this one, as I take it too much for granted. However, today, we had our water turned off because of a leaky pipe in the front yard. Thankfully we just rent and the homeowners were the ones to handle it. They dug one hole earlier in the week when the problem was diagnosed and came again today to complete the repairs. *Fingers crossed* they will be back on Thursday to finish up the work. Thankfully, our water has been turned back on in the meantime.

I am grateful for God who loves me, who is always with me, and will continue to be with me! He is the source of my abilities, my motivation, my strength through weaknesses.

Comment below with something you are simply grateful for in your life right now!

Welcome!

This is exciting! My first post in my new blog. A place for me to share my thoughts, interests, and craziness with you!


As you probably already noticed, my blog focuses on my running/working out, crafting projects I make, recipes I make, plus more. I'll be sharing some Wildtree recipes as I'm a rep for that. I'm in the process of stamping and coloring awesome recipe cards that I can't wait to show you. I have a concert coming up that I would love to share with you, plus a quick weekend trip to Philly for the hubs (J) and mine 1-year anniversary this coming weekend! Whew. That's a lot of random info but that's me!

Right now at home it's just J and I. We live in the Washington DC area and love the diversity and multitude of things to do. J is an engineer and I'm a resigned teacher, taking a year break to take care of me!

Check back in a few days for more about me and what J and I are up to. See you then!