back after a long time...

It's been a LONG time since I've blogged...I actually sat down several months ago and wrote a "good-bye" post thinking it was my last time writing...but thankfully Kaz encouraged me not to post it. Over the last few weeks, the Lord has been giving me little "signs" of encouragement to start writing again. I've missed it. He confirmed it last Monday. I went down to Charleston for a few days for some bridal sessions. My 1st session wasn't until Monday afternoon, so I had several things I wanted to do that morning, one being running the Ravenel Bridge. This bridge is very special to me...After our first failed adoption, I started running the bridge every single day. It took me 35-40 minutes to get there, and 35-40 minutes to drive back home, but that didn't matter. It was my "special and favorite" place to talk to God. I prayed for our child more times than I can count on that bridge. The bridge always reminds me of a hard time in my life, but it also reminds me of God's faithfulness to me and our family. 

So last Monday, I was so excited to run the bridge again. I constantly kept checking the weather, hoping it would be sunny. I drove to Mt. Pleasant, parked, got out my car, stretched, and in my mind, I was going to conquer the bridge...but the Lord had other plans. I started running the "up hill" part of the bridge and felt great maybe the first .3 miles, then the wind came. It was so strong it pushed me back and literally made me stumble several times. I kept going and then the rain started...it poured. I kept going and could barely keep my eyes open. It was miserable, so I turned around halfway up and ran back down. The whole time I kept thinking of how I quit. So at the bottom, I turned back around and ran up for the 2nd time. It was no different. MISERABLE. Pouring rain, strong winds, and a lot of strange looks from other people coming back down the bridge. I'm sure they were thinking, "Why in the world is this crazy going the opposite direction of this monsoon." BUT I kept going. I couldn't run uphill the whole time...the wind was too strong. I walked at times, barely moving, but after awhile I reached the top. When I finally got to the top, I turned around and started down hill. It wasn't easy, but got easier the farther down I got. By the end, I was in a full sprint. I had different plans for that run...I thought it would be fun and relaxing, but the Lord used it to remind me of the storms in life. It's not always easy. We aren't promised an easy life...but when the wind and rain come and almost knocks us down, He IS faithful. When it's hard to keep our eyes open or focused on Him, what He wants and requires is that we keep moving towards Him one step at a time. And when the storm passes, our view looking back is a beautiful reflection of His FAITHFULNESS. 

The Lord encouaged me so much on that run, and it is definitely the most memoriable I've ever had. He not only used it to show me truth, He used it to encourage me to write again...

I'm thankful for each of you who have followed our journey over the years, and who have encouraged us so much! The girls are growing up so fast...faster than I would like. AND we started the adoption process again last year, and have been on the waiting list since October 2014. So we are excited to see what the Lord has in store for our family:)

running 13.1 miles...

A few days ago, Kaz and I ran the Charleston Half Marathon. I haven’t mentioned it on here at all, and there’s a good reason! BECAUSE WE DIDN’T TRAIN! We signed up back in the summer and I kept saying that my start date for training was August 1. Then it became Sept 1....then October, and so on and so on! Last year, I was extremely motivated to train. This year, it did the opposite effect! I maybe ran 2xs a week up until the week after Christmas! I honestly had no idea how the race would go because of my lack of training! Kaz agreed to run with me and I’m so thankful he did! He made some big sacrifices to do that! He normally can run a mile under 7 minutes and I’m around 11 minutes so that tells you how much he slowed down!

We both surprised ourselves! Last year, I finished in 2 hours 21 minutes. This year I finished in 2 hours 23 minutes. Not bad for no training!

My friend Carissa also ran the race:) 

Here was my thought process throughout the race....The first 6 miles was great! I kept thinking the whole time, I want to do a full marathon! Mile 6-8, I thought, Why in the world did I sign up for this! 9-11 Ok, I can do this...Just keep running. 11-12, I'm so close just keep moving....12-13, Just keep running. You are almost there. 

The beginning to me is always easy! The hard part is half way to the end! Thankfully, my ipod got me through a lot of it! Between Pitbull and Miley Cyrus they gave me just the amount of motivation I needed! It also helped knowing we would see Annie Rice at the finish line. I never talk when I run so Kaz kissed me and said good luck before the race, because he knew he wouldn't hear from me until the end! I actually surprised him and talked some during the race BUT HE TOLD ME TO BE QUIET! Can you believe that? HaHa! When I would talk, I didn't turn down my music so in reality I was talking REALLY LOUD:) I was really thankful he ran the whole race with me. I couldn't have done it without him!  The weather has been so nice in Charleston so I decided to wear shorts! A cold front came through the day before the race and the morning of the race it actually showed snow flurries! It was COLD, BUT I had already decided on my outfit:) When we started the race, my legs were numb! While running, I literally could not feel my legs! They just kept moving the whole time! My legs were the only thing I couldn't feel...Well, after the race my leg started stinging...I couldn't figure out why! THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BUT I guess during the race my calves rubbed together! I couldn't feel my legs so I didn't notice it so I have a raw spot on both legs! It looks worse than it is. It doesn't even hurt at all BUT I CAN'T BELIEVE that happened! It was a really fun race and actually motivated me to do another one!

waving to Annie Rice!

a little encouragement...

Friday night, Kaz and I went on a little date while granddaddy and mama watched Annie Rice:) I have been wanting to wear this one dress all summer but it needed a lot of ironing and I have just put it off and off, SO I FINALLY decided to wear it on Friday night. I specifically remember the last time I wore that same dress and the outcome wasn't very pleasant! It was at our friends wedding in Jamaica, which I had pictures from! What a difference a year makes, lots of running, and eating healthy for the most part! It was definitely encouraging to see the difference and has motivated me each morning on my run!

i'm obsessed....

I'm quite obsessed with a few things....where oh where to begin...

My favorite thing, first thing in the morning is Running...now with a jogging stroller:) This is my favorite time of the day for myself...When Annie Rice gets up, I change her diaper and clothes and we go straight to the jogging stroller. She loves going for a run also:) It's such a freeing time for me. I wish words could describe how I feel when I start our running! Freeing would be the best....and then half way through I'm thinking, why oh why do I run? HaHa!

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Mini Moon Pies...They have replaced my 100 calorie packs. I love putting them in the microwave for 20 seconds! As Annie Rice would say, Yum Yum...or sometimes Num Num! 

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Little girls pjs! I just can't help but buy them! I love all kinds. I mean seriously, aren't they the cutest thing!

Groupon and Living Social....I look at the deals everyday in several different cities! I have been especially looking at the New York deals for our upcoming trip! I look for myself and gifts! Great, great websites!

Going to the movies....Just the thought gets me excited! I love going with people or by myself! 

Chapstick...not just any kind...Burt's Bees. I always have to have chapstick. It's a must and I feel like a crazy person when I can't find any!

Fall and Christmas clothes for Annie Rice! Kaz just needs to go ahead and build another closet for her! HaHa! I bought this onesie the other day. It's perfect because she calls me mum instead of mom. I LOVE it! I want her to always call me mum...She's my little british girl:)

I asked Kaz if he could think of any other things I'm obsessed with it...His response, "my phone". I guess he's right on that one:)

i'm a dreamer...

I’ve been quite the dreamer lately...thinking about and pondering things that I would love....dreaming...some small dreams, others REALLY BIG dreams....I’ll let you in on a few of them...

I’ve been dreaming a lot lately about visiting a place I’ve always wanted to see...a place I have wanted to visit since I was a little girl...Maine, Prince Edward Island..that whole part of the country. The lighthouses have always sparked my attention...and then I fell in love with the idea after watching Anne Of Green Gables as a child. Kaz and I have started talking about this being our next family vacation...I of course, can’t help but begin planning and dreaming! I can picture it already...walking along those big cliffs overlooking the ocean, walking through big green fields holding hands with Annie beside us....Yes, I think I must begin planning now!

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I’ve been dreaming of fall....county fairs, candy apples, orange everywhere, the cool brisk air, and pumpkin patch candles from Bath & Body Works....

I’ve been dreaming of waking up every morning and running along side the ocean, or the mountains on the West Coast....running somewhere everyday other than cookie cutter houses in 98 degree weather and 105 humidity at 8am in the morning....Don’t worry mom, we’re not moving BUT I can dream right?

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I’ve been dreaming lately of something really BIG! Something so BIG only a few people know. Something the Lord has laid on my heart....so personal that it will probably takes months before I share....

I’ve been dreaming lately of being famous....wondering what it’s really like...knowing that’s its NOT ALL IT appears but still dreaming and wondering what my favorite actors/actresses are really like...

I’ve been dreaming lately of reading a book all day in a big wheat or grass field...having no cares in the world but finishing that book....BUT then I start thinking about all the bugs and that dream is over:) HaHa

I’m a dreamer...and I love that! Are you?

loosing weight...

As many of you know, I have lost a good amount of weight. A lot of people ask me how I’ve done it, so I thought I would show you a few pictures and tell you a few things that have worked for me.

In 2009, I gained a good amount of weight. I was on infertility drugs, had knee surgery, and just honestly didn’t care what I ate. I was going through a very rough time with not being able to get pregnant and food was my outlet. When Kaz and I got married, I weighed 155. I’ve always weighed a good bit more than I look, I guess because of muscle. I’ve had friends who were the exact same size clothes wise and they weighed 20 pounds less than me. I’ve just come to realize that’s the way my body works. 

January 2010, I weighed 193! SO a total weight gain of 38 pounds! Looking back, I honestly can’t believe HOW much weight I gained. It’s easy to see something completely different in the mirror, AND I just wasn’t seeing how I really looked. 

My eating/exercise habits have changed over time. All of 2010, the only form of exercise I did was run. Eating wise, I usually ate smart ones and 100 calorie packs. I WASN’T super strict.

2011 has been completely different. I’ve been determined to get back to 155. In January, I ran a half marathon and soon after became VERY burned out on running. So as of lately, I run 2-3 days a week and do cardio/toning class 2 days a week at the gym. My eating habits have changed quiet a bit as well...

A typical day looks like this:

Breakfast: Yogurt + blueberries + granola

Snack: Pineapple or 100 calorie pack

Lunch: Smart One

Dinner: Salad + Grilled Chicken[sometimes I will do a mexican salad and add black beans/sweet corn...Other nights it’s just spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, and Italian fat free dressing]

I’ve really been working a lot harder lately...Even though my weight hasn’t gone below 159 I have continued to loose inches. I went from a pants size of 12 to 8 and a shirt size XL or L to M. My jeans can now all be dried and they are a size 8! I’m wearing jeans that I used to wear when we first got married!  My clothes fit a lot looser and I honestly feel the best in shape I’ve been in a while. 

Kaz says I’m the smallest I’ve ever been, BUT he just doesn’t remember how I looked when we got married:) I still have a ways to go BUT have been very happy with my results! 

Total weight loss: 36 pounds

Below is my story in pictures....

MARCH 2009

AUGUST 2009

 

SEPTEMBER 2009

OCTOBER 2009

MARCH 2010

MAY 2010 

JUNE 2010 

DECEMBER 2010

APRIL 2011 

MAY 2011

a woman's thing...

Most women would say their "thing" is shoes or purses...Don't give me wrong. I LOVE both of those...I have a couple purses[I usually get rid of them after 6-9 months] and I have a lot of shoes[although I only wear 1 pair...my rainbows!] BUT MY THING is Nike Shorts! I have probably 20+ pair and I still want them! In my mind, I can't have enough! The brighter the colors, the better! I'm 100% sold on these shorts for running, working out, and just lounging! They are awesome! AND I wear them pretty much EVERY day during the summer:)

These are the ones I REALLY WANT!!!

MY weight loss plan....

A lot of you have asked HOW I lost the weight....Well, my plan hasn't been super strict...ACTUALLY I went in spurts. I've always "kind of" followed weight watchers. I usually eat a smart one everyday for lunch..Last year, I was so busy working at Seacoast and doing photography I didn't exactly have a lot of time to cook so it was usually smart ones for lunch and dinner. Running was really my only form of exercise and Kaz and I started juicing back in January 2010.

Now that I have more time, I'm going to follow Weight Watchers very strict for the next 2-3 months. I REALL REALLY REALLY want to loose those additional pounds and working from home I need a strict plan! I signed up for Weight Watchers online for 3 months[$53 for the 3 months]. It's been GREAT![Mind you, I typically follow this plan anyway JUST NOT VERY STRICT...] While I already eat smart ones, 100 calorie packs, etc I'm not very good at staying within my points range..SO THAT'S going to be the real trick! Being at home everyday, I have the flexibility to eat whatever I want...that's both a good AND bad thing. Keeping track of my points is really going to help me follow a plan. 

I LOVE that I can enter the foods I've eaten and WW online tells me exactly how many calories, grams of fat, etc I've eaten AND how much I am allowed for the rest of the day. I can also track my exercise and water intake. 

The way I've set my account up, is to weigh in each Sunday. WW online will show my progress from week to week!

I'm super excited about this AND ready to loose those few extra pounds!

I'm also starting back on the "NO SODA" bandwagon that I fell off of at Christmas:( It's a very hard addiction to stop! Everytime I try to stop, I do good for awhile AND then crash. So this time I'm doing something a little different....I'm allowing myself 2 diet cokes a week. THAT'S IT! To you, that may sound like a lot BUT when you are used to drinking just diet coke all day, it's really not...This way, I can cut down the soda, but still get a little fix:)

I'm still going to continue running BUT I'm going to add in strength training 2xs a week. AND Kaz and I are going to continue juicing.
SO, there's my plan. I would LOVE to hear your tips and tricks..OR your weight watchers experience!

M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N...

Since December, I really haven't had ANY motivation to loose weight. I've been running a TON so it kind of gave me the freedom to eat whatever I've wanted. I haven't gained any weight BUT haven't lost any either....I still have 8 more pounds to go to reach my "wedding day" weight. I would really love to loose a total of 23 pounds[including the 8] BUT my current goal is 8 pounds:) I'm starting back hard core TODAY...I'll be telling you a few things I'm doing next week but when loosing weight YOU HAVE TO CELEBRATE the little victories. Today I'm celebrating...I think the pictures speak volumes!

August 2009

October 2009

March 2010

June 2010

January 2011

 There MAY NOT look like a lot of difference in the last 2 pictures BUT BELIEVE me there are!

Since Jan 2010 I've lost 36 pounds, gone down 4 pants sizes, and 2 shirt sizes!!!!

For all who think loosing weight is not possible, IT IS!!!! Stay MOTIVATED!

one more...

This is my favorite picture from the race...it was right before we started!!!

i DID it!!!!!

Yep 13.1 miles!!!!! I woke up Saturday morning around 530am and felt just plain awful. My throat was killing me and my noise was running non-stop. BUT I was determined it wasn't going to stop me from running the half marathon. We left the house along with our friend Baylis around 6...Actually Baylis is the one who talked me into running this race. We both signed up and trained on our own...We never ran a day together in our life! Before the race started, we both said if one of our paces was too slow for the other person, to keep going! BUT it was really neat because we ran together the whole way! It was such a BIG encouragement knowing Baylis was there...It was actually kind of ironic because Baylis was not only my support through the race but also when Kaz and I lived in DC. Her and her husband Darrell lived there as well. We were both homesick and wanted so badly to move back to sunny SC! We ended up moving back within a month of each other:) It was really neat for both of us to experience our first half marathon together! We kept a pretty consistent pace of 11 minute miles and never stopped running! It was COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD! 

It was actually a lot harder than I thought....Around mile 7 my energy level just went downhill! These jellybeans saved me! Orange Jelly Belly Sports Jelly Beans! Within minutes, I could tell a difference in my energy level so I ate a few more around mile 9. By far, the last mile was the hardest for me. I felt like we would never make it to the finish line! BUT we did! Kaz also ran the half but finished a good 45 minutes before us. It was really neat to see him, my parents, and Darrell[Baylis's husband] at the finish line to cheer us on. Below are a few pictures they got!

Running the race felt incredible BUT unfortunately I did get sick after:( It's ok though!! I'm so thankful for  Baylis asking me to run the race and encouraging me the whole way. I'm thankful for my parents who came down for the weekend just to watch...and I'm thankful for Kaz pushing me everyday to keep running no matter if I wanted too or NOT! 

Now, I have a little 2 week "simi break" before I start training again for the race in March....