Pumpkin Patch Fun!

This weekend we had the pleasure of going to an awesome pumpkin patch called TJ Farms. This just so happens to be the place where I married my wonderful husband! No only does it put me in the holiday spirit but it also reminds me of that beautiful May day when I married my partner in crime. The kiddos had a blast doing the hay course, bouncy house and feeding the animals. This weekend was special for so many other reasons, more to come on that later! We never know when unexpectedly a day can be one you will never forget!

Just Because.....

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I have been going through somewhat of a rough patch lately but I am always reminded of how blessed I am! Wednesday morning I was running around getting ready to take Riley to music class. These mornings always seem somewhat frantic to get out the door! I loaded her in the car and then went around to the drivers side and hopped in. I was surprised with this gift from my husband, the new Michael Buble CD and a starbucks giftcard! On the giftcard it said, "Just Because." He had gone the night before on his way home from soccer practice to pick it up. Later that night we were sitting on the couch and I had hinted that the CD was for sale at Starbucks, not knowing he had already picked it up! What a guy!

In our marriage bible study we are all pretty competative so one day our pastor said, "Out do eachother in love!" My husband for sure won that day! =)

Mid-week Inspiration!

I wish I could remember this every time I felt down about the cards I have been dealt. I have some huge things coming up in my life, some things I thought I would never have to face, but with God, I have the strength!!!!!

That pain is personal, and that God uses certain experiences
in our lives to mold and shape us; and that sometimes without that pain
we wouldn't be the instruments He needs
to accomplish His will in our lives.

Excuse my hubbies finger in the picture =)

Have a happy rest of your week, I will be enjoying mine in TAHOE!

My Mommy Posse

I started the Fit Mom's group June 1 and have been hooked ever since! It's a group of mommy and babies, led by two inspirational woman! Classes are held 5-6 times per week, sometimes twice per day! They are always trying to accommodate every schedule! Working out has always been really hard for me, not because I don't like it, I just never found the motivation! As I ran through the park today, I was inspired to blog about these amazing women. I have felt so blessed that they all have come into my life. We inspire eachother, we talk about poopy diapers and spit up, we laugh together, we support eachother and we push eachother to the next level and this can be so hard sometimes! These group has totally changed my life and all for the better. I have done things since starting Fit Moms that I never thought I'd be able to do. This summer I ran my first 5k (with one of the trainers, Denai) and then my first 10k by myself!

It felt so empowering to be turning towards the finish line and see Jim and Riley waiting for me. My in-laws also waited patiently at mile 5 to see me run by, I have to admit, I got teared up when I saw them!

I love how I have been able to model fitness and taking care of myself for my kids. Riley will randomly start stretching and it's a reminder to me that she sees mommy caring about herself and this is so important!

Crazy for OWLS!

Lately Riley has been absolutely positively OBSESSED with Owls. It all started one day when Jim was leaving for work and she noticed a small little owl on one of his shirts (rather than the RL horse, I guess?) anyway, ever since then she daily, sometimes more than once, asks Jim if he has an owl on his shirt. This began the Merrill Owl craze!

Since owls are kind of in right now it has been really easy to get ideas for crafting some great owl things for her. During these past rainy days I scoured the internet for different ideas. I discovered this frame with the fabric already attached at my MIL yardsale this past weekend and knew I had to have it. I think it came from my SIL antique shop. This is how her very first owl turned out! I think it goes great with the flowers hanging on the right side that I got from another antique store and spray painted it white. I think I paid a whopping $4.00 for the thing.

When she wakes up in the morning and I can hear her talking to the owl!!! She is a pretty hilarious little girl! I smell an owl themed party in the future!

I had to think of things to do inside during these rainy days so I decided to bust out the handy sewing machine. I like sewing but don't do it very often because of the "four letter words" that go through my head when my machine is acting up! I used some scrappy squares I had ruffled them up and added them to the bottom of these lavender cords. They look a bit ridiculous on Riley but if you know me, I'm over the top!!

Have a happy beautiful FALL weekend!

P.S. Sorry I haven't quite figured out how to position the pictures!

Forgiveness

A few months back I spoke at church about "Forgiveness." My past has allowed me to have a masters degree in forgiveness. Although, many times I fall short. Since I am using this blog as an online journal for myself, I realized there are parts of my life I cannot leave out. One being my relationship with my dad. Since my parents divorced in 1991 we haven't had much a relationship, even though we live in the same town. Surprisingly enough, we don't see eachother that often, usually just passing in our cars on the street. But yesterday, we came face to face at the grocery store. So many things were running through my head; should I say hi, should I act like I didn't see him? I didn't feel like the grocery store was the time or place to talk.

Yesterday, I chose to forgive him once again. I am not saying that I am some great person and I have the ability to forgive on my own. God gives me the ability to forgive. God reminds me daily that he is my one TRUE FATHER. He is the one who was there when Riley was born, He never missed a swim meet, He was with me when I didn't know how to be a parent, He picks me up off the ground, dusts my hands off and tells me to keep going.

On a lighter note, we were so blessed to attend at beautiful wedding this weekend. The bride was beautiful and the groom looked so happy when she was walking down the aisle. Happy Monday!

Baby Fever

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending my SIL's baby shower. Now, this wasn't your ordinary shower. It was done the Merrill way, with skits, surprises and a lot of fun! My other SIL Becky was the master party planner and let me tell you, SHE'S GOOD!

I was happy to be her side kick!

It definately gave me baby fever but also reminded me of how blessed I am to have DJ and Riley. I think sometimes I take for granted what I already have at home. So, my plan is to live in the moment, appreciate what I have and really live my life to the fullest! When I am gonna start? "I'm gonna start right now!" (inside joke for family members!)