Heard and Said

Charley

poop

night-night

drink
up
out
down
off

Mason

Mom, those are some tight jeans.

Christmas Recipes that Rocked

Chicken Lasagna with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce

4 cups finely chopped chicken

2 8 oz containers of chive-and-onion cream cheese

1 16 oz bag of frozen spinach thawed and drained

1 tsp pepper

1/4 garlic salt

9 no boil lasagna noodles

2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese

For Sauce

1 12 oz jar of roasted red peppers
1 16 0z jar of creamy Alfredo sauce
3 oz Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper


Preheat oven to 350.
Blend first five ingredients.
Layer in a lightly greased 11 x 13 pan 1/3 of the roasted red bell pepper sauce, 3 noodles, and 1/3 of the chicken mixture. Repeat twice. Bake covered at 350 for 50-55 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 more minutes.


To make sauce:
Process all sauce ingredients in a food processor until smooth.


I served it with a tossed salad, rosemary bread, and little saucers of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. Good eats. I also built it before we went to the Christmas Eve service and threw it in the oven when we got home. Make-aheads are the bomb.


Everyone in my family liked this. They voted to keep it on the rotating menu. Mason, my pickiest eater, asked for it every week. Avery who doesn't like spinach (she thinks) said she couldn't even taste it. I might play with the recipe a little bit and add some artichokes next time. Also, using a roasted chicken from the deli would make it even easier.


OREO Balls
I also made a peppermint version. I used the peppermint Oreos and then crushed up candy canes to sprinkle on top. I used my coffee bean grinder to chop them up. I'm not sure this was a great idea. There was really weird smoky, peppermint haze coming from the grinder when I opened it up. 

Super yummy and they travel well for gift giving.


Lindy's Cheesecake


I used chocolate graham crackers for the crust. 3 cups of crushed grahams and a stick of melted butter. I did not use the almonds. My cake did end up cracking as it cooled, but I had hope for awhile. It was in good shape when I took it out of the oven. I didn't use the full amount of the orange and lemon peel, but I'll use even less orange the next time. I like the crispness of the peels against the creaminess, but I don't want it to taste orange-y. For the topping, I mixed jarred chocolate sauce with heavy whipping cream and cocoa to thin it out some. Delish.


I also made leg of lamb roast and a duck. I honestly have no idea how I did it. They were good, but I can't replicate the process. It was makeshift. I am still full from all this. It was worth it!

Heard and Said

Hadley
Merry Christmas, Mama.
Santa's the best.
Jejus helps us.
Everything is so beautiful. (at the movie theater)
Merry Christmas Eve (for three days straight)

Charley
help
one (for phone)
don't

Mama
For the third time, stop eating pencils.

Here is the original recipe for the pimiento cheese.

Disclaimer: I've only made it a a couple of times using the recipe. Now I just eye ball it. You might feel compelled to change it up a little. If you use jarred roasted red peppers instead pimientos it makes it more orange. John liked the flavor of them better, but I like the color of the dip better when pimientos are used.


3/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup cream cheese
1 jar of pimientos (not the four oz but the size bigger)
1 tsp Worcestershire  sauce
1 tsp grated onion
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1 8 oz block extra-sharp cheddar
1 8 oz block sharp cheddar
2 med jalapeno peppers seeded and minced

Served with tortilla chips or crusty bread is my favorite. It is also good in omelets  or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Good luck!

Heard and Said

Charley
elf
hot
hat
out
toe
eye
moo
milk
cup
up
boot
me

Avery
Daddy, Santa is watching you.

A New Tradition

Yesterday we took the bigger girls to the Children's Singing Christmas Tree at Ovens. It was such a whimsical time. The girls were well-behaved and very caught up in the magic of the stage. There were puppets, carolers, dancers, a children's choir, snow, and a very adorable head elf and his trusty reindeer. The plot revolved around Santa's missing list. The only way to find the list was to sing songs and get the magical presents to open up and reveal their contents. Hopefully one of the special presents would unveil the missing list.

 About half way through the production, Hadley grabbed the program that we received when we came in. She said, "Here is Santa's list right here. We have to get it to him, don't we?" Oh my goodness. It was so sweet and pragmatic. When Santa made his appearance at the end of the show, he did find his list (thank goodness), but Hadley was not satisfied. She really wanted him to have the program/list that she had for him. She kept holding it out to ol' Santa. When the production was over, I was able to satisfy her by placing the program/list under a tree that was on stage. She feels very responsible for Christmas carrying on for 2011. "I help Santa, do I, Mama?" 

Peppermint Cream Bites

Peppermint Cream Bites

These are super good and super yummy. Make sure you wait long enough for the cookie portion to cool before you add the cream.

Sweet and Salty. Boom.

Source: sugarcooking.blogspot.com via Tara on Pinterest

I found these lovelies on Pinterest. They are awesome. I used the recipe on the back of the Aldi brand chocolate chips and it was perfect. The next time I get a bag, I'll write it down. I don't recommend the Aldi brand chocolate chips though. They are way too waxy. Course salt works fine if you don't have pretzel salt.

Three Cheers

What do you get when a tenacious physician and a bossy teacher come together to bless the world with offspring? A tenacious, bossy and very smart child. Hadley Cate born 12.2.08 is celebrating her birthday week. Literally. She said so. She used this excuse "because it's my birthday WEEK" to justify some less than stellar behavior choices she was making during dinner a few nights ago. To illustrate aspects of her personality, let's review her responses regarding her party. She wondered if "grown ups" were coming. She also demanded that the cake was for Papa and not her to the point of throwing a complete and utter tantrum defending her position on the cake conundrum. Why this was an important fete fact, I do not know. This was prior to the cake arriving to the party. I believe she changed her mind after she taste tested the frosting and sprinkles-a 10 minute process. Also in the midst of the merriment, she retired to the den to "watch her shows and relax". Charley entertained us with face making and identifying her facial features: "nose" and "eyes" topping the chart. Her reactions to her birthday presents also telling of her old soul qualities. As soon as she unveiled a present from Mimi, she immediately identified the doll as Shirley Temple. She was also surprisingly happy with her new clothes, shoes, and body wash. She is a quirky girl with a strong personality. I adore her. Though I know her strength of character will result in some long fought battles, I hope she never loses her resolve.

She also got to spend her birthday with her great-grandmother and namesake, my Grandma Camplen who is here celebrating her 80th birthday with her NC family. How great is that?

Catherine Camplen-Hadley's great-grandma and namesake

peas in a stubborn pod

classic Hadley

birthday girl and birthday papa

There were three candles, but she wanted to add one and it wasn't worth the fight.

Satisfaction.

Gratitude Attitude

Despite sick little girls, Thanksgiving was a blessed occasion. Hosting was great fun and good work. We've made a note to keep the Southern Living sweet potato casserole recipe. 


Also ham AND turkey is seriously the way to go.


Here are some of the things I'm most thankful for this year in no specific order:

• health for all of my family and friends
• running
• my marriage
• forgiveness
• Starbucks
• frozen yogurt
• Charleston
• The Ritz
• The Grove Park
• massages
• pain killer
• a walking and talking Charley
• a thoughtful and smart Hadley
• a funny and athletic Mason
• a sensitive and artistic Avery
• a thoughtful and funny John
• the best daycare provider ever
• school teacher friends
• older students
• summer
• make up
• holiday decor
• Christmas music
• hops and grapes
• cook books
• google
• texting
• pumpkin patch
• laughter
• friendship
• Susan
• Bethany
• Mom
• Dad
• Beth
• Nance
• miracles
• redemption
• naps
• babysitter
• date nights
• airplanes
• shrimp and grits
• tv
• books
• Kindle
• lists
• water bottles
• ipod
• music
• running group
• peanut butter balls
• Nick Jr.
• free time
• Pinterest
• Facebook
• Southern Living
• Runners World
• Happy Hour
• goals
• journey
• old and new friends
• Jamie
• Heather
• faith
• peace
• Will and Grace
• security
• ChiroLife
• online shopping
• medicine
• technology
• home
• car
• seasonal candles
• sarcasm
• honesty
• family

Thanksgiving backlash: 


When I asked Hadley what she wanted for dinner, I expected her to say quesadilla or sandwich but apparently Thanksgiving has really upped the ante: she asked for mashed potatoes WITH gravy.

Surprise Party

My birthday from my dear hubby arrived on Wednesday  before Thanksgiving. She came on an airplane from Texas. Apparently John has been scheming with my childhood friend Jamie to arrange a visit over Thanksgiving. I was chatting with my mom and sister (who both knew) and in walks Jamie Lynne Jeanne. I was absolutely 100% shocked and surprised. I am rarely ever truly take aback, but I absolutely was on this day. It was a fabulous birthday present. I really did not know what to say. It took me several minutes to compute what had happened  John had also picked up his parents at the airport, and my brain could not separate who I expected to walk through the door and who all actually did. They were so worried that I would find out, but they need not. The possibility had never even crossed my mind. We had a great weekend catching up. We hadn't seen each other since John and I got married. Part of our leisure was a day at the Ritz Carlton spa. Massages, steam room, and sauna to boot. We also used every possible product that the spa had to offer...more than once. I washed and shampooed my hair twice. I also inadvertently sprayed my entire body with eucalyptus oil before reading on the bottle that it should not come in direct contact with one's skin. That said, my skin had never really felt better than it did after this day of pampering. Thank you so much to Jamie and to John for making such a wonderful weekend of memories. Woot Woot! I'm thankful for such caring and generous people in my life.

Heard and Said

Hadley

• Mama, you're my best friend.
• My mama is the best cooker in the whole wide world.
• This purse makes me interesting.

Charley

• duck
• nose

Here's Your Sign

Signage from Marathon Saturday:

• Worst Parade Ever
• Chuck Norris never ran a marathon
• They're running out of wine at the finish line
• Your feet hurt from kicking so much ass
• Don't poop (out)
• Hide yo thighs, hide yo nips, cause dey chaffin' errybody out here
• Occupy the finish line
• This is how we occupy Richmond
• Don't make a mountain out of this molehill
• That was, by far, the hardest physical thing I have ever done. -Lance Armstrong
• 26.2 because 26.3 would be crazy

Never knew how much difference a sign could make. Thank you, Richmond!

Lessons Learned

I did it!! Marathon complete. John and I had an amazingly fun weekend in Richmond. He's a really great cheerleader. Here are our Lessons Learned in order:

One: Make sure you pack everything. Make a list. We went down on Friday midday. We had to circle back and get the camera and my nausea medicince just in case. Once we were underway again, it was smooth sailing until we stopped in Deliverance. It was terrifying. Who knew places like this existed? It was a gas station/grill ironically called Ambiance. There was a Spam sandwich on the menu. John thought I was abducted because I went back to the car. Anyways, we survived. Sidebar: Once we got unpacked I also forgot toothpaste and a hair brush.

Two: Make sure the hostess knows the plan. Friday night we had dinner at Europa which was really tasty. The scallops in a smoky cornmeal concoction were delicious. John had called ahead and asked that they make a big deal out my birthday, but they did not. He was sad; I was totally fine!

Three: Pack waters! We kept having to hunt them down and pay three times as much for them!

Four: Always stay within walking distance of the starting line. This made all the difference!

Five: Get to the starting line and find your pace group way ahead of the gun shot start. I thought I was close enough to the 4:30 group but actually was not at all. I couldn't find them. Ended up following behind the 4:15 group, but knew I wouldn't be able to maintain that. I'm not sure how I ended up finding the 4:15 and not the 4:30. That makes no sense. I know. I started out way too fast for the long haul. I felt it later on!

Six: Make sure your brand new iPod that you bought just for this occasion and spent lots of money downloading music for actually works. After a few songs of "shuffling", I was confused as to why it was only shuffling Lady Antebellum. Well, because their first album, Higher, and SheWolf were the only songs that actually downloaded. I was so disappointed and deflated. I stopped dead in my tracks...but not for long. Just had to keep going. *^&%^$^$&(%^#$%#

Seven: Have a post race game plan. John missed my grand finish. Probably because he did not recognize that stride. I was ready to get it over with. I turned it up as fast as I could...at least for that last little chunk. Anyways, we couldn't find each other for quite some time. I ate pizza and bananas, but I knew he would be worried. I borrowed someone's phone and left a message. When he saw he had a 703 missed call, he about had a panic attack. Poor thing. Obviously we found each other, but it was a little anticlimactic afer all that.

Eight: Always carry your own water. I was so happy I had it on me despite the bulk.

Nine: Aleve is a must. It was my saving grace!

Ten: Wear lip gloss. Pack Chapstick. Here's how this conversation went down.
John: You weren't kidding about getting up and putting on make-up.
Me: Ummmm, no. I am a competitive cheerleader  by birth. essentially. We compete in full make-up.
John: Oh, okay. I think you look the same without it, but you don't smell the same when you're done.
Me: Thanks.

When it was all said and done, it was a great journey. I enjoyed the training and everything I gained (and lost!) over the past few months just as much as I did crossing the finish line. John, my parents, and my sister were integral to this process. They spent a lot of time with my girlies while I put down the miles. They deserve a medal too! It is addictive; I hope to do it again!

Dear Santa

Look at the Favorites and what my son saved for me. I'll forward to Santa.  

Good Ship, Good Stuff

Several months ago, my mom taught Hadley the "Good Ship" song. After many YouTube viewings and practice sessions, she made her video impersonation debut on Halloween. Shirley would be proud. I am!

Baby Laugh

We just spent 15 minutes watching this over and over. Just "one more time" according to Hadley. Charley would laugh and laugh but only after Hadley stopped. We should have videoed that, I guess.

Source: youtube.com via Margaret on Pinterest

Heard and Said

Hadley

• No more potty talk.
• Mason's teacher won't be happy for that, will she Mama?
• Do you forgive me?
• That's not a nice word. Stupiding. Is it, Mama?

Charley

• bath
• Avery (it doesn't really sound like Avery, but it's what she means)
• yes/yeah
• snack
• eat
• cheese (when she sees a camera...or a phone)

Just Friends

Mason-Do you call me your roommate when you talk to people about me?
Me-Ummmm. No. I call you my son, my pride, my joy, my mess maker, my annoyance, my darling, my precious...
Mason-Oh, because like that's what I call you and John. Say the phone rings and it's you. If my friends ask who it is, I say my roomie.

oh.

Tween Love

We were driving to football practice the other day and a Rhiana song came on. It is one of her newer releases. Mason says he likes it. I agree. It's got kind of an 80's throwback feel. Then he says it brings back good memories. Again, it's only been on the radio a few weeks. I take the bait and ask what memories it brings back. He proceeds to tell me that the dance team performed to it during lunch the previous week. "They're pretty," he states in complete admiration. Middle school.

Heard and Said

Hadley

• My uncle from Texas who is a true cowboy, kissed her goodbye on the cheek. Her response, "Why do cowboys always lay on me?" This is slightly alarming but also funny.
• She was referring to bar-b-q sauce, but was calling it "fire mustard". It took us a minute to figure it out.
• She's ending sentences with "or not?" and "or something".

Charley

• mess

Mason

• "Why are you wearing that to my game?"

Football Hero

Mason's football season has been a blast to watch this season. They made it to the final four out of 42 teams. I was so  proud of them and happy that Mason was able to have this experience. On Tuesday we went to the Final Four playoff game. It was a long drive with a screaming one year old, but we did it! The game was close but was a loss in the end. The boys were really bummed. There were lots of tears, but my boy was strong! There was a collision at the end that left him a little shook up, but he battled through. By the time we got to the car, he was ready to joke. He really does have a good sense of humor. I love that he's learning to see the humor in things that aren't really that funny.
We were comparing last season to this season and basically the records were reversed. They won two last season and lost two this season. We were having that "talk" about losing building character and preparing you for times in your life when you won't "win", how important it is to show strong and honest character, character is the fabric of your life, character, character, character. He said, "Well, if that's true, after last season, I should be in a book!" Love that my boy combines literature and sports!

Heard and Said

Hadley

• Can I watch Care Bears? I'll be your best friend.
• Kyle is my best friend. A little.
• As we are making peanut butter bars: "Are you going to add armadillo to these?" After she asked me 103 times, I realized she was calling vanilla, armadillo.
• That doesn't make any sense.
• Can we go to a Huskie dog game on Friday?
• What is it time? 20 Seven o'clock?

 Charley

• Haddy!
• dog
• baby
• shoe!

Be Still My Feet

Source: weheartit.com via Amber on Pinterest

Fails.

1. Dinner-meat was raw, veggies lukewarm, no carbs, Charley threw up on her plate.
2. Legs-have been diagnosed with anterior shin splints. This is the root of my leg pain. Been icing them like crazy. Gave myself a patch of frostbite.
3. Chores-can't keep up.

Picasso or Out of Control?

Last week while I was cooking dinner, Hadley went outside with Mason and his buddies. They were all right in front of the house. I assumed he was watching her closely like I asked him to do. I'm not sure why I would assume something so out of control. I'm not a rookie, but I did. So, Mason brings a screaming Hadley into the house. Her knee was scraped and bleeding. I figured this warranted the crying, but again, no. She was crying because Mason yelled at her (and while crying she fell down). Why was he yelling? She took a rock to a BMW SUV parked in front of our house. She drew vertical zig zags for about a foot on the side of the vehicle above the tire. I was MORTIFIED. She got in trouble again. We wrote a note and placed it on the car's windshield. A few days later I got an email from the owner. She was insanely nice calling my little lovely a future Picasso and saying not to worry one bit. I was stunned. This kind of neighborly karma doesn't occur too often. I'm thankful for honestly and forgiveness!

Southern Living: Shrimp And Grits

This recipe is super yummy. It made a mess or I did rather. Lots of pans and bowls, but worth it. I used white onion instead of green because that's what I had on hand. I cooked them with the garlic in oil before adding shrimp. Light enough to leave room for dessert. Ben & Jerry Fro Yo for me.

Southern Living: Shrimp And Grits

Daddy Duty

John has daddy duty at night. He does baths (with my help because with two it is seriously impossible), brushes teeth, gets pajamas, and reads stories. I really love that he spends this time with the girls because I think it is so important for them to have one on one time with their daddy. It is just different than being with me. It seems more special when they get daddy-daughter time. Also it gives me a few minutes to get some other things done so I can go to sleep myself! I'm never far behind them when it comes to bed time. Charley is not overly interested in books, but she is getting better. Books with dogs in them seem to keep her attention for like 3 seconds, so that's an improvement.

Last night two special things happened during Baths, Books, and Bed time.

1. I had to settle a dispute over whether an ! is in fact an i or not. Hadley was literally crying because John told her this ! is an exclamation point, but she thinks it is an i. She was not convinced when I tried to confirm his fact. She adamantly claimed that ! is an i. She was not caving.

2. Charley pooped in her closet. Without a diaper on.

Lil' Punkins

Today was the annual trip to the pumpkin patch. To be quite frank, John and I were really resistant. We've had a busy weekend with football and fall fests and running (the exercise) and running (the errands). That said, I was feeling guilty about not taking them even before we had made a final decision for or against. Also, Mason was opting out of going this year as he thinks he's too grown for a good ol' hayride and punkin' pickin'. This was a reminder that soon enough no one will want to go to the patch, and John and I will drive up to Harris Teeter and get one on sale while we're getting booze and fiber. So, off we go. A trip to the pumpkin patch includes a hayride, a petting zoo of farm animals, picking a pumpkin, and apple cider. It is actually super fall fun.
The petting zoo was a serious riot to Charley. I can't describe the noise she made to every animal. It was like a happy, shrill, yoga ommm.This is the face she made when she did the noise.

Hadley so badly wanted to ride every little goat and cow. We were the last ones to get back on the hayride. I had to drag a screaming Hadley away from the baby goat.

I'm not sure where they get this animal love. It ain't from me. Avery was not impressed. She wanted to go straight to the vegetation. That's my girl.

Moral of the story: we had a great time. Time goes by too fast. It cost too much money, and we could have gotten a bunch of other stuff done (like clean the wretched bathrooms. curses.), but making memories is much better.

Half Dead Chivalry and Full Stocked Pantry

Part A
Yesterday I got a text from John asking me to prepare the house for overnight guests if possible. He asked very nicely, but I just could not manage to leave a staff meeting after a school day, go to the grocery store, pick up the girls, make dinner, wash and dry the sheets, make the bed, and clean the bathroom before 6:30. I also was on stand by in case Mase needed a ride to football practice. I did agree to make dinner. That seemed doable. It seemed more doable before I got to my car and found that the battery was dead. After asking two gentlemen for help, our school ROTC teacher assisted me with getting the car jumped. So, he was the THIRD man I asked to help me. Needless to say, I was afraid that turning the car off to go into the grocery store would result in me flagging down a stranger for another jump, and based on the 1 out of 3 odds I'd just encountered, I wasn't too confident.

Part B
This led to creating a dinner from my well-stocked pantry. I try to keep essentials on hand: canned tomatoes and sauce, noodles, frozen veggies, frozen chicken, and canned soups and beans are always on my pantry shelves. I don't like being without key ingredients for whipping up a creative yet makeshift meal when in a pinch.  I ended up having the goods to make a recipe that my family has been making for 15 years. It originally came from a friend of our family, Miss Angie.

You'll need:
a box of spaghetti (I make the whole box and use about 3/4 of the cooked noodles)
2 jars of sauce
1 lb of hamburger meat
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
1/3 onion (chopped)
1/3 cup flour
1 can of evaporated milk
1 cup of  shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 shredded parm
2 tbs butter

Cook noodles according to package.
Brown the meat, onion, and garlic in a pan over med heat until browned.
Simmer tomato sauce and add drained, cooked meat. Continue to simmer.
Meanwhile make cheese sauce.
Melt butter and flour. Stir.
Add evaporated milk. Continue to stir over med heat until sauce is thickened.
Add cheeses. Stir until cheese is melted into sauce.
Layer cheese sauce, tomato/meat sauce, and noodles.
Bake for 25 at 350.
Served with bread and salad this is family classic. Glad I had the ingredients on hand.

Part C
My battery was dead again today after school. Again, I asked two men for help and only one was willing. Altogether  this means that less than half of males are gentlemen. I know John would always help a damsel in distress. I hope Mase will too.

P.S.
I made the chocolate pb cookies that use the yellow cake mix from an earlier post. They are super soft. I was happy with them and would make them again.

Let's Pretend

Right now Hadley is playing "grandma". Like one would play school or house. She is snuggled up on the couch with her blanket trying to go to sleep, and Charley is tormenting her. Hadley keeps saying to Charley, "Grandma is trying to go to sleep!" Earlier "Grandma" had to go to the doctor which consisted of Hadley packing up her purse and traveling to the stairs where she sat at the bottom waiting to be seen by the Grandma's doctor. This is the most boring game of imagination ever but equally entertaining for me. Charley apparently does not understand how to play Grandma. Unless she's playing the role of rambunctious grandchild which is plausible, I suppose.

Fries With That?

It's great to order the apple slices in lieu of the fries for your little ones, but be prepared to explain why the fries are not in the (un)happy meal about 7,532 times during the course of the noshing. Hadley ate the apples. She loves apples. She just did not get where the fries were.

But, where are they, Mama? x 7,532

Every Little Thing is Gonna Be Alright

This week when I picked HC up from daycare, she had this super long section of hair. Pictured here, you can see it laying between her shoulder and her neck. Apparently she's been growing and ratting up a nice little dread. I thought she had a bunch of twine stuck in her mop, but nope, it was a little baby dread lock. After some severe scrubbing of her curls and a long visit with a comb and a snip with the scissors, she is now dread free.

Short Stuff

    

My new favorite pants from Gap. I started buying ankle/petite length. Who knew it would be life changing? Flats are in my future.

on the agenda

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Susie on Pinterest

Live Easy, Run Hard

During my 20+ miler two weeks ago, I knew that my right leg was not okay. It not only felt exhausted after and during the run, but it truly hurt. At about mile 18, I was in serious pain. There was sharp discomfort running from my hip to my toes down the outside of my right leg. Though I was able to push through and finish, I was really hurting and worried about what might be next for my and my training. That was on a Saturday. 
On Monday, I went for a jog. After mile two, my leg was in pain again. Not to the extent that it was during the long run, but I knew that it shouldn't be hurting after just two miles. I was devastated  The thing about being a VERY, VERY amateur runner is that there are soooooooo many other things going on in your life: a full-time job, kids, marriage, after-school activities, football games and practice, bills, social events, doctor visits, homework, chores, dates with friends...you get the point. 
It seemed inane to be so upset about an injury that wasn't really going to affect my livelihood. I was though. I was so upset. I still am. I stayed off it for the remainder of the week. Walks only. I immediately felt fat and out of shape. (I get that this is a serious emotional/mental issue and not a physical one, but is evidence of why I feel so strongly about how great running makes me feel on the inside).  
John suggested that I really focus on stretching. I've been doing some yoga and cross-training cardio. This week, I've run seven miles. All of them pain free. I'm due for another run tomorrow, and I'm hoping for more success. I don't have a long run scheduled for another week and a half. 
I'm worried about losing ground with my training. I'm worried that my leg won't stay injury-free. I'm worried that all of this will be for naught, and I won't be able to "race" on 11.12. I worry about all that, but then I remember that it is really okay. This is not my profession. It is not my livelihood. I barely break 10 minute miles. If I'm not ready to race in November, then I'm not ready. There are other races. There are always roads to run. I'm trying to focus on not worrying and instead concentrating on fitting in workouts that make me feel strong on the inside and on the outside. 
This article is a great example of balancing motherhood, running, injuries, and expectations. Kudos to Paula and best of luck and health.

Heard and Said

Hadley
Is your mom's name Ke$ia (not sure how to spell with wingdings but I think that's it)?
Mason is a stinkerbutt, isn't he?
Can we go to Grady's party (which was in April)?
Can we go to Kate's party (which was this summer)?
We're gonna celebrate Aunt' B's birthday, are we?
I'm gonna run away to your room, Mama.
I'm gonna scream (and then she did for a long, loud time).
Stop snoring. (while making snoring sounds and giggling)
Are you going to bring your phone into my room every night?
I want to be a superhero, okay Mama?

Charley
ooowooowooowooo (in the style of "Moves Like Jagger")

We didn't see Avery this week, but one of my favorite quotes of hers is:
Unicorns are real. They live Arkansas and Louisiana (I think those are the states she names. It was definitely a Southern one and a Mid-West one).

To Remember

Source: stumbleupon.com via Teresa on Pinterest

I don't know where I heard it but someone once told me or I read somewhere or something like that, that most everyone is doing the best that he or she can do given the circumstances. When added to the quote above this is a good reminder to be full of grace even when it doesn't make sense on the outside. I don't always do this, I know, but I want to try harder to do so. After a week (or more) of being under fire from certain folks, perhaps their circumstances are causing them to take things out on on me that aren't my fault. It is probably not personal; though it's hard to remember that in the moment.

Undefeated

Mason had his third regular season football game today. Thus far, his team is undefeated. After the game, he seemed down despite the team's overwhelming victory. When asked what was wrong, he said he was upset about a penalty he caused his team. We asked if his coach had gotten on to him thus creating the state of melancholy but he said no. He was just upset with himself for doing something he knew he shouldn't do and causing his team to pay a price. No adult yelled at him or made him feel bad for making a mistake. On his own accord, he was working through the feeling of letting your team down and learning from your mistakes. Life lessons that are priceless. Kids need sports!

Thirsty Thursday

Here's what you need to make Suz's Shakes. D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S.

Thirsty Thursday was a little different with my ladies last night than it has been in the past. As we chatted and caught up we sipped on Susan's Original Pumpkin Cheesecake Milkshakes. In addition to this goodness we were able to just lounge around and swap everyday glitter kind of stories. I miss the frequent interaction we used to have as roomies and neighbors. The best thing about best friends is that a little time and space can't squelch soul sisters. It was a refreshing evening and I'm so glad we rearranged schedules and stayed up late to talk and just be. Love my ladies.