If: Gathering

This weekend I attended a powerful Women's Conference called IF: Gathering. Thankful for my husband, who was on daddy duty, which he does well and with no complaints. Not only did he hold down the fort, but he cleaned the fort and I came home to a clean house! I love that guy!

But back to the conference...IF: Gathering was a two-day conference based in Austin, Texas that we watched in a room full of women via simulcast. Some of the speakers included: Jen Hatmaker, Christine Caine, Ann Voskamp, Bianca Olthoff and many others.

Halloween 2013

This Halloween was a fun one.

It didn't rain (BONUS!)

The kids were happy to out running around the neighborhood.

Other than our sweet baby frog girl falling asleep and missing the trick-or-treating, there were no melt-downs or tantrums. WIN!

The Boy was Luke Skywalker, Sweet Pea was the Tooth Fairy ("poof! I got your toof!") and Baby Girl was set on being a frog (or a ribbit, as she calls it). There was no changing her mind. Froggie or bust!

As for me? I was Flo the Progressive lady.

This is the first year I've dressed up in a long time. And I forgot how fun it was! 

I also forgot how hard it is to find a good, clean costume. Almost every woman's costume is short, tight and trashy. When did Halloween become an excuse to dress inappropriately?

Anywhoo, October is gone and we keep moving forward.

For the month of November, I'm focusing on eating healthy dinners at home on a budget. I'm excited to share some recipes with you throughout the month! Stay tuned

Birthday Celebration

Yesterday was my birthday, and what a lovely day it was. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

My mom surprised me with birthday coffee and chocolate croissant in the morning. 

She speaks my love language.

Then we met up with a few of my dear friends at a Wine Bar that also makes chocolates!!! 

Mind blown. 

Seriously...the best idea ever. YUM!

After stuffing my face with fondue, wine and chocolates, I met with my hubby for date night!!

Stuffed my face some more.

Then I came home to birthday cookies and artwork made by my little munchkins. 

I felt loved and celebrated.

My heart is full.

13.1

On Saturday I participated in my first ever half marathon. 13.1 miles! It was a big deal for me.

Last year I did my first 5K and I had a goal to complete a 10K and half marathon in 2012. It feels good to meet goals. To check it off my list. It was hard...especially since my partner who I had been training with for months got sick :( Major bummer!

I hit my wall at mile 10 and walked a lot of the last 3 miles, but my goal was to finish and that's what I did. I was so excited to see that finish line!

Pure joy on my face...to be done! The half marathon was called Queen of the Highroad and I got a tiara for finishing. Way better than a metal, if you ask me!

After a much needed nap, my hubby and I went on a date night! Dinner and a movie...The Avengers.

It was the perfect way to end a great day!

Highlights of the last few days

We had a good quiet weekend. Here are the highlights...

My mom brought us dinner on Friday night...yuuuuussss! Not only is she the best cook ever, but that means I didn't have to cook. Moms are the best!

shepherd's pie and salad...mmmm!

On St. Patty's Day my friend & neighbor, Cathy, ran a 10K with me!

We've been training for this race for months and it felt good to finally cross it off the list. And since it was St. Patrick's Day, we decked ourselves out in green!

This little munchkin is feeling a lot better! She was also decked out in green, so no pinching here!

In honor of the holiday, the kids and I baked a Rainbow Cake with Cloud Frosting. I think they had more fun making it than eating it.

Such a happy cake!

I got the cloud frosting recipe from here. It's basically a meringue and is very shiny & pretty. It kinda tastes like marshmallows, which is not really my thing, but it's fun and very fitting for a rainbow cake :)

Sunday was a true day of rest around here. With everyone getting over nasty bugs we figured it was best to hunker down and stay home.

Yesterday was a pretty average day. Sweet Pea had a playdate in the morning, while The Boy was at school.

We had lunch.

Cleaned up the house.

The kids played with a circuit board.

And jumped in a pile of pillows.

I hope you're having a great week!

5k. Check.

One of my personal goals has been to run in a 5K and eventually work myself up. And today, I checked the 5K off my list.

It would not have been possible with out this lady...

Cathy is my friend, neighbor, workout partner and today she was my cheerleader.

She encouraged me throughout the whole race. She pushed me to keep going when I wanted to stop. And she ROCKED it!! She pushed all 60 lbs of  those sweet boys while running the whole way.

I'm so glad I had a partner to run with...it made a world of difference. If she hadn't been there, I probably would have stopped several times, but your body can do so much more than your mind thinks you can. And she kept reminding me of that.

It felt good. WE DID IT!!!