I need to feel strong again

And the only way I know how is to run. That is when I feel my strongest - physically and mentally. When I push myself to distances and paces I didn't think I could do. For me, running is 75% mental and 25% physical. Sometimes I get home and I don't remember my route. I run until I can't think. I can't breath. And then I am at peace.

After a 3 month hiatus, this week I laced on my shoes again and hit the street. Today I reached that point when I could have run forever. I felt strong and it felt amazing.

Of all the cards I got in the mail over the holidays, this one is by far my favorite. From one of the strongest people I know and one I will keep forever!

Christmas 2015

We kept it quiet this year. We spent xmas with my parents, Marc and Lucy of course. Julie had to work her first Christmas. We missed her but knew she what she was doing was at least important and impacting others' holiday as well. The kids got a million presents had a blast playing, eating candy and sweets and staying up late.

Buddies.  Sometimes...

Sadie thinks she is one of us.

 Emmy's present to Nana - a hug in a box.

Zach and Amy and the boys gave us snow balls. I am not sure who had more fun the kids or my dad and Josh.

What a mess!

I think a sports game was on every minute of the day.

Digging for rocks.

Caught red handed.

Pre-Christmas 2015

Wow, this Christmas season turned out nothing like I had anticipated or planned. We couldn't have imagined the devastation situation we'd be put in and just how difficult it would be physically and emotionally. I am taking one day at a time and just trying to stay strong. 

I did everything I needed to - stayed home in my PJs for days at a time, spent every waking moment with the kids baking, doing crafts, playing games, spending time soaking up the incredible ocean, spending time with my family and just trying to keep my mind busy.

We finally got our tree up a few weeks before Christmas

We made a killer gingerbread house. i don't think Ryan has ever eaten so much candy at one time!

 

We made what felt like a million reindeer cookies

We watched every Christmas movie ever made. Emmy gladly kept her PJs on with me for 4 days straight. 

Uncle Marc gave Emmy and Ryan their presents early - film cameras! They loved them and have taken 6 rolls of film already.

BEST Christmas present ever - Emmy got her cast off Christmas Eve! She is in a splint for the next 6 weeks and then hopefully she will be as good as new :)

 

Looks like a lot of kids got their casts off too!

Sunday Beauty

I need some beauty in my life right now.