Interrupting Throwback Thursday

We now interrupt your regularly scheduled episode of Throwback Thursday for an important announcement:

I DID IT!!!!!

That's right!  It has officially been 21 days since my last Coca Cola.  

It wasn't easy.  I wanted a coke every day and I passed up the opportunity for a nice cool fountain coke in a Styrofoam cup many times.  

BUT I do feel that I have definitely broken the habit.  In the meantime:

1.  I was also able to stop being addicted to caffeine with a weaned off of caffeine technique that left my headache to a dull level for only one day.

2.  I have greatly decreased my soda intake altogether, most days not having any at all.  I did have an occasional root beer or very occasional orange soda (like 2 the whole time) when we went out.  The thing is though, they don't cut it and I feel pretty good saying that I don't want to drink them for the sake of drinking empty chemicals, colors, and calories.  Maybe just the occasional fizz.

3.  I don't feel the need to run out the door and get a Coke because my 21 days is over.  In fact, I am going to go for 30 with these final 9 days being completely soda free.  I haven't decided on lemonade yet.  

4.  My weight has not changed in either direction.  I don't know if I can call quitting soda a weight loss diet.  I haven't fully "dieted" either though, this was a one task habit break folks.  One at a time.

5.  I don't have more energy, probably less without caffeine at all.  I did think that not putting all of the horrible stuff into my body every day would leave me feeling a little different for the better.  Other than the lack of guilt, I can't say that I feel differently.

6.  So while I can't say the typical "I gave up this bad for you food" statements about feeling extra great, I do feel good not being addicted to something.  Even as silly as this addiction was, I did feel kind of bound to it.  I would actually get a head ache and it would effect my day if I didn't have any, now I don't have to worry about it.  

Overall, I consider this a big win!

So there you have it folks!  The sticky note habit making/breaking technique is a winner for me!  I really did love pulling a sticky off of the wall every day and I knew that if I even broke down one day, then the stickies would all have to go up again.  That really worked for me.

Now I'm off to plot my next goal. Mwah ha ha.

Blogging

*I posted yesterday.  I know that's different, but I was excited.  Go here to see that post.

I am nowhere close to making "rules about how to blog."  This is in no way a post about blogging advice, just another aha moment brought to you by me.

Now that that's out of the way, I was inspired yesterday, as I am most days by Nienie and this blog post in particular.

I loved her three questions that she asks herself before each post:

1. Who is my audience?

2. What am I going to share/write in my post?

3. Can I freely talk about God?

You may or may not know about how I've gone back and forth about blogging (especially about my kids).  Just like any other activity that I want to devote my time to, I thought it was a good idea to come up with a plan or a focus of some sort.    

I thought that I'd add some more questions/guidelines that I really do ask myself before posting:

1.  Am I keeping my family safe and not over-exposed?  and

2.  Is this time on the computer right now taking away from my family time?

If those questions don't result in answers that I am comfortable with, I rethink my blogging experience for that post/time.  

I am excited to share this legacy with my kids one day.  I am thrilled to share all of the little things in life that make my heart sing.  I hope that I can be a reflection somehow of God's love through writing.  I am blessed by those things and this blog. (318)

Random reposted picture.  

And to stay on theme, and to channel my inner NieNie:

The End

I Can't Believe It, but I Can

This is what I feel like today:

Old picture at a hotel

On July 23rd, 2013 (which I just now realized is exactly 7 months before the actual race) I clicked on a button that signed me up for an amazing journey.  Then I had a heart attack.  (not really)

After the encouragement of a good friend, I signed up to 1.  Run another half marathon (this time at Disney!) and 2.  Raise $1250 for Autism Speaks.  You know the story, if not go here.

I hit click.  I panicked for 10 seconds, where in tarnation would I get that from?  I got on it.  The ball started rolling.

I had a fun Thirty One Party fundraiser that was specially tailored to Autism Speaks (311), went viral (or at least I felt like I was, sheesh), sold calendars, and had a fundraising event at Menchies.

Yesterday at around 3:30 ish I got the email.  Over $1250 had been raised.  (313)  We raised the money.  You see, I really, honestly could not have done it without the support and help from people.  This experience has really impressed me when it comes to other people genuinely wanting to help.

I also feel rooted for and supported.  You all did that.(314)

But it never was about me was it?  That's my favorite, this was all for a good goal and a good cause and I still feel this way!

I don't want you to feel though that just because I reached my goal, that means that Autism Speaks (and even my event page) can't still benefit from financial support.  So here is my link again.  Even if you're not donating, go see the part where it says over $1250 and my little meter line is at 100%.  It makes me giddy every time!

Menchie's Night (301)

This week Team Kara and Team Kelly teamed up with Menchie's Frozen Yogurt in Northeast Park for a fundraiser night.

20% of all of the proceeds went to our Autism Speaks fundraising efforts plus they let us put out a "spare change for Autism Speaks" tip jar.

I was so impressed with the whole night.  The staff was remarkably friendly and not just easy, but pleasant to work with.  I couldn't believe they would forfeit their tip jar for the evening! (302)

Also, Menchie themself (himself?  herself?) made an appearance which one of my guys was ALL over! (303)

The younger one appreciated from a distance.  This was indicated when he backed up to the chalkboard wall and emphatically shook his head NO!  I love how they can both be so different!  Their personalities make me well up with the lovelies. (304)

Menchie's did not ask me to write any of this, but I wanted to:

1.  Give you all an update on my fundraising efforts (see yesterday's post) and
2.  Share what I feel is a great local company that I would be happy to work with in the future.  Their enthusiasm was remarkable and I almost felt like family.  Plus I loved the kid friendly atmosphere, and of course the Froyo!

If you were able to make it to that night, THANK YOU!  I had such a blast hanging out with everyone and I felt so supported. (305)

This night also put me at just under $50 left before I reach my goal of $1250, that is so close to what used to seem so far that I can taste it!  I am so pleasantly surprised and happy with everything! (306)

If you'd like to see for yourself, here's my Autism Speaks Link:

events.autismspeaks.org/disneysprincesshalf/heftykel

Grateful Project

*Please go and check me out on Tampa Bay Mom's Blog today!  My post goes up at 1:00 EST

I saw this video this weekend and it really inspired me (278).  I love her grateful project.

I know a couple of people who have done a picture a day, and I find them so fun to follow.

I really like how she prints them and journals them.

I agree with her that gratitude is so key for happiness.  I just love this!  Love it!

If you'd like to follow my grateful adventure, I will be doing my best on Instagram @heftylk #kellyisgrateful

Making 2014 Count

A host of blogs (including one of my personal favorites, Little Baby Garvin) is putting together a linky party to discuss the goals of the coming year!    Here is my contribution:

1. What is something you want to change, or a goal you want to set for the New Year & what is your plan for making it happen?

~  Our family is starting out the year gluten free.  I know that this is very trendy now, but Lukas has most of the symptoms of someone who has a gluten intolerance so we are going to give it a try and see if it works!  We've already begun working in the direction of gluten free, but we're going to be more strategic now.

~ I am also running in the Disney Princess Half Marathon on February 23rd.  I have a training schedule (that I am on time with!) and I am $244 away from meeting my fundraising goal of $1250 for Autism Speaks, more on that here.

2. Many people chose a word to reflect on, live by or aspire to for the New Year. Let us know your word, how you decided upon it & how you plan to incorporate it into 2014.

~ My word is kindness.  I had already set the goal before coming up with a word to use kind words when I am talking about myself.  I wouldn't let other people talk to me the way that I do sometimes, so in order to boost my self esteem, I am not allowing self negativity.

3. I will make 2014 count by...

~ Tracking joy here on my blog!  I will continue to keep count of the things that make my heart sing!

Well, that was fun huh?  Do you have any goals this year?  I don't usually try to do New Year's Resolutions, but these were all goals that I planned to try anyway!  If you want to check out more blogs, I am linking up here.  Go check them out!

Food Challenge Wrap Up

Let's face it.  I got bored.  Writing down my eating habits for a week was boring for me to write, so I can only imagine the reading.  I tried to keep up the momentum, it just wasn't sustainable for me I guess.  Speaking of sustainability:  I have updated my count and after this post we are up to 472!)  You can go back and see the count for yourselves.

Good thing that this is my blog and all.  I get to mess up, I get to jump around and find out what works for me and what doesn't.  Thank you for letting me do that.

I don't want to leave it open ended so I will say this:

Thursday was as planned and clean.  Actually, Thursday, Lukas had to work late and I still didn't go to Chick fil a and cheat, I cooked anyway.  So that was pretty exciting! (467)

Friday, we took C to a Busch Gardens Christmas event (468) and all I did to cheat was have a sip of hot cocoa.  Really, just a sip!

Beforehand, we cooked a whole chicken in the crock pot with potatoes, onions, and carrots that day.  That is always so easy and yummy!  I like the smell of the house and the warmth that it brings.  If not for the food challenge, this girl would have planned fast food prior to an evening like that. (469)

The event was wonderful, but it did take the place of our Friday grocery shopping.  That means that the weekend was not planned.  That's a recipe for disaster!

Baby jail?  No, the Santa Parade.  Next time, I'll try to take the picture when something is actually going by.

Saturday, I forgot to eat breakfast and we went to the Santa Parade (470).  I was actually starving.  Like, having symptoms.  That just goes to show you that good eating requires planning.  We went to Panera for lunch.  Big cheat, yes.  But did I regret it?  No.  I knew that I didn't plan out the weekend and that was where my flaws came in.  Again though, I chose healthier than I would have and eating one lunch at a restaurant for the week was a lot less than I'm used to, so I'm focusing on what I did do well.

So what now?

• Our home meals are still clean.  If it's in our kitchen and I am cooking it, it is mostly clean.
• We will schedule home meals for every meal, every day.  If we are going to go out, it is going to be pre-planned and on our schedule.  Will this go perfectly?  No way, but it's a start.
• Planning the food ahead of time is a huge part of the plan's success.  We even write our plans and our meals on Sundays onto a whiteboard that is on our fridge.  Sure a super cute chalkboard would make me giddy, but for now this works.  
• Coke and restaurants are under complete management at this point.  This week anyway.  Those were my two biggest goals.  

471

Food Challenge Day 3

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Breakfast:

Water all day long
Green Tea
Pancakes again- still yummy!

Lunch:  Okay, I'm sorry, I don't remember what I had for lunch today.  This is how much I need to work on the lunch area of my life.

Dinner:

Chicken and veggie fajitas.  We roughly followed this recipe from 100 Days Blog.  We didn't use garlic or mushrooms.  I learned that I really enjoy yellow peppers.  I'm not a huge fan of the green ones.  I love onions.

We used rice tortillas and I liked them.  They were chewy and took a second to get used to, but I liked them.  I put Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, organic salsa, and clean white cheese.  This meal was really yummy.

How do I feel?
Still tired from yesterday's workout, both in sleep and in muscles, haha.  Totally worth it though!

I also don't feel frustrated with my eating.  I still feel okay.

Day 2

Tuesday December 3, 2013

Breakfast:

Same as yesterday, still super yummy.  I am so surprised at how well the pancakes freeze!

Today I went to BITTS Boot camp at 5:30am so I gave myself a smoothie similar to (but not the same as) the one I posted about here awhile back.  I left out the cinnamon and coconut oil.  Also, I use mostly coconut water as my base with a splash of OJ for flavor.  I did this for extra hydration after an awesome workout.

Lunch:

Today I had a pita sandwich.  I used a Turkey lunch meat from Earth's Origins that fit the criteria, as well as sliced organic white cheddar cheese and Dijon Mustard.  The mustard was technically a cheat because it had 7 calories.  I went ahead and ate it for flavor because one of the ingredients was water and I knew what all of the ingredients were.

Snack:

Also same as yesterday.  I also made the boys some natural popcorn and ate some.  I thought it was delicious!

Dinner:

We had a DELICIOUS Mac N Cheese meal from 100 days of real food.  (Recipe) It was super easy, creamy, and yummy.  I also cooked some organic frozen peas (Cascadian Farms) and turkey bacon with fewer than 5 ingredients from Earth's Origins.

You guys, this was so good and super easy.  Based on my terrible photography per yesterday's post, I spared you a picture, but I think that the recipe link has one.  :)

How do I feel?

I feel like I love breakfast and dinner but I need to get more organized for lunch time.  I don't feel inspired by those meals and I just think about other foods that I'd rather be eating.  Plus I feel sleepy adjusting to a week after vacation and good sore from a new intense workout.

If you want to see where I started go here, day 1 here

Food Challenge Day 1

First:  Please go checkout my Tampa Bay Mom's Blog post today.  It's a really good one about an AWESOME local charity called Babycycle.  It goes up at 1PM EST

Second:  If you're wondering what this post is about, check out yesterday's post (yes, I posted on a Sunday, no that is not normal, nor will it become normal.)

Third:  Okay, "Food"tography is DEFINITELY not my thing!  Oh my goodness, I was laughing at myself while taking these pictures, and after last night's debacle I'm surprised I even kept trying.  I do however have an apparent keen talent for making what is actually a really yummy food look disgusting.

Don't worry though, I only posted one more meal after today.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Breakfast:

See what I mean?  Hahaha!
I PROMISE that pancake was delicious!  Go see the 100 days picture from the link below.

 Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes (Recipe:  we took her advice and froze them on Sunday and they were SO yummy every time!)
Green Tea
OJ - I drank more than what is pictured here
-Note:  I looked at the syrup and there was sugar added so I did without and I still liked them!

Lunch:

I am glad that this photo has water, because while I did sit down and drink it with lunch that day, I was also drinking it all day.

Egg and Kale Pita:
1/2 Pita
1 Organic Egg with Organic White Cheddar cheese melted on it
Kale (which was gross on my sandwich-even though I love it in my smoothies)
Grapes

Snack:

Organic Dried Cranberries (Publix in the publix packaged snacks section- I did read at the end of the week though that there was Organic Cane Juice in them so I accidentally cheated but it does go to show how easy it is not to read ingredients labels)
Organic Raw Cashews (Also Publix)

Dinner (this picture was the WORST, seriously, I spared you here):
Tilapia with avocado spread- This is a recipe that I cleaned up from the Publix Apron's recipes.  Maybe I'll post about that later...This is one of my favorite meals!
Brown Rice
Broccoli

How do I feel?

I felt surprisingly full today.  I didn't have caffeine withdrawal because of the Green Tea from breakfast and I feel motivated still.  Woo hoo!

My kids had a different lunch that day, but they ate pancakes for breakfast (I think we gave them syrup anyway), snacks, and the same dinner as us, yes, the fish.

(Hopefully) Feeling Accomplished

As I am writing this, it is Sunday December 1st, so I am writing for future me.  Lukas and I have challenged each other (and therefore, for the most part, our children) to 7 days of real food eating.

We have done some research (mostly on www.100daysofrealfood.com) and come up with a plan.  From Monday December 2-Monday December 9 we will only be eating real food.  We have a 3 meal (+ snacks) a day plan and we have already gone grocery shopping.  

This MTV Cribs moment, brought to you by me. 

While it is all important for me to accomplish, here is what is most important for me to accomplish this week:

1.  No soda.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I don't drink soda, Coca Cola.  My biggest challenge.

2.  No buying more food.  We have already bought all of our food for the week.  I am not going to stop anywhere and pick anything up.  We also didn't schedule even one meal out.  This serves 2 purposes:  health and money.

3.  A major cut down on sugar.  It's about time I give my pancreas a break!

The link to our rules that we are following is here

As we push our way through this challenge, I plan to document it here, so consider this week to be the Hefty 7 Days of Real Food Challenge re-cap.  I promise to even let you know if/where/how I/we cheat.  Make sure you check in each day to see how it went!

Today we shopped, mostly at Publix, with a few extra items from Earth's Origins.  I also prepared banana whole wheat pancakes that are freezing for us to have for breakfast as long as they last.

Okay, so this picture is really weird.  I promise that those are pancakes and not bags of meat.  I realize that this is reminiscent of Martha Stewart's food Instagram posts but I am simply and poorly trying to show you that these are pre-prepped frozen pancakes.  I'll post better pictures tomorrow (maybe), haha!

Clark Griswold Day

Boy, I feel like I have so much to share this week!  Isn't it funny how that works out?

Anyway, December 1st in our house is known as Clark Griswold day. (460) It's the day that we bust out the ladder (I really think that this is the only reason we even have a ladder) and the lights and hang them up.

It's Lukas' favorite tradition (haha).  He usually ends up doing all of the work while I "coach" and take pictures.  Meanwhile, the guys "help" too.

Really though, Cameron was such a helper.  The only thing we worried about with him was that he would step on a bulb and break it but he was so cautious and didn't step on even one.  He was very involved and a lot of fun.  Oh, I quite like this age! (461)

The highlight of the evening was definitely the ladder.  

And this year, Lukas got to have 2 little helpers.  (462)

We don't go crazy.  I like to think of it as minimalist lighting, the only thing that's not minimal about it is that we use colors and not white lights.  We do one row across the house.  Though it is simple, I absolutely adore it every year! (463)

Lukas even said that this year was the smoothest of all light hanging years. (464)  We put the lights in the right direction, we had matching, working sets that spanned across our house, we have lights with hooks attached and even hooks for the cord at the end of the house.  This is the first year that we didn't have to buy anything to accomplish this goal!  Yay!

This Christmas

Below I have listed our family's 2013 goal activity list.  These are the events that we would like to do/traditions that we would like to implement in our home for Christmas.

I do have some events for Lukas and I (such as watch Christmas Vacation, attend our work Christmas party, and the annual Boat Parade party) and we also get to do a lot of shopping, but I wanted these to be family events.

So far we have put up our Christmas lights (post coming) and watched the Grinch.

To me, the experiences are the gifts.  I hope that my guys can grow to appreciate these moments as well. (459)

No "Me" November

Are you up for a challenge?  Are you expecting a back story?  You should be nodding your head "yes" to both of these pieces because you will be receiving both a challenge and a back story.

It's the season of giving.  I think we know a lot about what that means.  Money, canned goods, gifts, and such.  But what about the giving of your prayers?

The first year Cameron was born, I was home alone during the day and terrified.  I was not a calm and collected new mom.  One day it dawned on me that I was constantly praying to God to do things for ME.  "God, I this" and "God, I that"  and "God, why aren't you giving me this or doing that for ME?"  blah blah blah.

(Disclaimer) Yes, God totally cares about me and what I have to say and the things that are important to me.  Please don't hear me say that God doesn't want to hear about you or your day, because I wholeheartedly feel that he does.  But I was being selfish, maybe you are too, maybe you're not, I don't know.  But sheesh, isn't it awesome that we have a patient and loving God who is happy to put up with me, because I have to say, I would not have handled listening to me very well.

The day I realized this was during a stroller walk.  It was in October.  I had this gentle nudge of a feeling and I made a goal for myself that every day for the month of November, I would not pray for myself during my "prayer time" in any regard.  I would have to get creative and turn what (frankly) was my daily God-gripe session into a way of giving to other people.

No- ME November

You guys, this was so much easier than I ever thought it would be.  I started close to home.  I thanked God for all of the people who were blessings to me.  This made me feel loved and grateful.  After that, I started to focus on the world, this made me feel so blessed.  I tried really hard not to use the words, "I" or "me" while praying.

At the end of the day, (or should I say month? haha) My prayer walk and view of the world and God had made a total shift.  By taking myself out of the picture and focusing out, I had created the most focused prayer relationship that I think I've ever had.  I felt love and compassion for others, It was not about me.

So here's my personal challenge, and if you can relate to me then I'd love to invite you along.  I realize that it's now mid-November (wow, that was fast!) but for the rest of November, I will be praying for you.  I will not be me focused in my prayer time.  But rather everyone else focused:

I'd love to hear if you are going to participate, so let me know, but only if you want to.  This can also be a very personal thing.  At the end of the month, I'll give a re-cap and I'd love to hear yours as well!

Another disclaimer:  If I need to rely on God to get me through something, I will be relying on God and that may involve praying for myself.  I encourage you to do the same.  Please note, there is a difference between that and my challenge.  :)

451

Yikes and Yowsers

I had a wake up call a few weeks ago.  It's something that has been at the back of my mind for a long time now, but came into full scary mode for me this week.

I was on my blogger home page and I noticed a bizarre site that was bringing in lots of traffic to my site.  So naturally, I click on it to see where these unknown referrals were coming from.  It was in fact a really raunchy site.  I have now seen things on accident that cannot be unseen.

I panicked.  I am not judging people for looking at sites like this one, but I in no way want my blog with my babies on it to be in a line of traffic revenue with the unnamed site's content attached to it.

I am not comfortable with someone coming to a site to see pictures of myself, but mostly my children with the frame of mind that accompanies the content that they just witnessed prior on unsaid referring site.  To me, it's kind of like watching a murder movie only to turn around a pet kittens or something.

Also, I was too scared to dig deeper into this site to find out if there were some doctored pictures with my face attached to someone else's naked body parts or something.  Yikes.  In hindsight, I don't feel like this is what happened.

 After having my initial Kelly panic attack, I decided to take action.  I emailed a selection of people who I know are internet savvy.  All of them reminded me that this was not my fault and even that it was a fluke incident.  Some tag or keyword in my blog somewhere must have set them off.  Either way, 38 people went from that site to mine in less than a day.  I realize that in internet numbers, that's minuscule.  But when it comes to my family, it's huge.

So what am I going to do about it?  I don't totally know.  I enjoy sharing my children with you all.  I feel that they offer many, many contributions to my singing heart, but I am really questioning my level of protection toward them when it comes to incidents like this one.

I am learning that I have no control over who looks at the blog and that is fine.  But I can control what they are looking at by what I post.  Everyone needs encouragement, no matter where they are coming from, but that encouragement does not necessarily have to include my children.

What have I done about it so far?  Prayed.  This is what I've come up with from there:

What is the point Kelly?  What got me started on this journey to begin with?

Let me answer that:  After going back to the "about this blog" page I remembered that I wanted this blog to be an encouragement to people.  I want to show the world that it's in the little things, Joy can be found everywhere.  It should be a state of matter it's that abundant.  It's not about me.  I believe fully that Joy comes from the Lord and I want to share that with the world.  I believe that I am here to make an impact for Jesus and this is has been an avenue for me to do that.  I wanted to put myself out there and do things that challenged me.  I wanted you all to grow along with me in this process.

Maybe Satan saw that as an invitation.  He knew my buttons and pushed them.  But I don't think that he needs to get the victory here. (448)  Encouragement, joy, and love often come to me through the time with my guys easily.  Blogs run better with good pictures.  I enjoy taking and sharing these moments and those pictures with you all, I feel like they are blessings.  But can encouragement, joy, and love be represented beyond that?  Absolutely. (449)

This was a definite wake up call for me.  But now, I see it as an amendment to the original challenge.  A challenge to focus and a challenge to make an impact in the world for Jesus despite circumstances.  I hope that no matter what, you'll continue to join me. (450)

Like I said, I don't know what this is going to look like.  I haven't decided if I'll be shunning pictures of my children from the internet or what.

I wrote about this topic on the Tampa Bay Moms Blog 2 weeks ago.  If you're interested in that, the link is here.

I am genuinely seeking your advice and input here, so please feel free to comment below or to email me or send me a message on Facebook or whatever.  I really want to know what you all think.

My Inspiration Today

445

These are words that I am clinging to today.  I am a huge fan of finding inspiration through scripture.  Even small ones like this.  I love to pick verses to apply to different parts of my life.  I even pray verses specifically for my children.

Having said that, I feel that a lot of confusion is sometimes created when reading bible verses all by themselves like this one.  I feel that that is where many misconceptions and different interpretations come into play.  I should say, that this contributes, there will still be different perspectives.  Kind of like the verse that talks about it being harder for rich people to get into heaven than a camel going through the eye of a needle.  Without context that verse has been torn apart and misconstrued and put into a lot of weird places.

Either way, allow me to share this, Matthew 5:6 is coming from the Sermon on the Mount.  Basically, Jesus has been baptized, met some of his disciples, was tempted by Satan during his fast, and began his ministry.  He actually spoke these words in a section of the Bible (in the Sermon on the Mount) called the Beatitudes.

I feel that Jesus came and rocked the world.  He really shook up a place and time where religion had taken over and worship was being misplaced by rules and statuses.  He says a lot of things that aren't necessarily easy for strict law followers to grasp.  Things that this girl sometimes often has to revisit and put in check.  Things like, instead of an eye for an eye, turn your cheek.  Etc.

Now that there is a very (very,very, very) short and detail lacking Kelly version of a context I want to get to my point.  This verse is inspiring me today.  In a world of busy and crazy, I start to question what I am hungry and thirsty for.  What are my priorities?  For crying out loud, how many priorities am I going to have before nothing is a priority anymore?  What are my motives?  Are they focused on righteousness?  Jesus?  Others?  or are they focused on Kelly?

Oh, and don't forget the comma.  The Bible is so good at adding "so's" and "therefores" and commas.  Sometimes these also lead to misconceptions.  People stop reading and don't read really good parts!  Just like the bus driver tells us about the Pigeon driving his bus, "Don't forget the comma!"

This time the comma is the best part, this time it's a promise folks!  "for they shall be satisfied".(446)  Sigh.  Swoon.

How I am taking this today is:

"Kelly.  Hunger and thirst for righteousness.  This is how you will be blessed.  I promise, you'll be satisfied."

That is what I am pondering over today.  I hope it inspires you.

By the way, Dictionary.com says this:

right·eous

  [rahy-chuhs]  Show IPA

adjective

1.

characterized by uprightness or morality: a righteous observance of the law.

2.

morally right or justifiable: righteous indignation.

3.

acting in an upright, moral way; virtuous: a righteous and godly person.

4.

Slang. absolutely genuine or wonderful: some righteous playing by a jazz great.

Oh It's On!

What you are looking at my friends is the first page of my half marathon schedule.  Yep, it's official.  Well, it was already official when I started to collect money for Autism Speaks (find out more about that here).  The rest of the schedule is under this sheet.  I made a little book out of it because I am a list person who enjoys crossing dates out and tearing top pages off to throw away.

Sidenote:  If you donated money and were wondering where your thank you note went, then please know that it is coming after the race.  Hopefully with a picture.

Also, please go to this post here and enter to win a super sweet scripture book from C'est si bon!  They are SO worth it!  Yes, I will be reminding you all week long.

Let the half marathon count down begin!! (414)

Catch Up

Whoops, lost count!

I don't normally post on Saturdays.  This is a "catching up" post.  The meat and potatoes will be back on Monday (ish)

Her Heart is Singing (314)

VBS:  315

3 wisdom teeth successfully removed:  316-318

Big boy bed:  319

Big boy years:  320-322

Making it to #5 in the top 5 race fundraisers:  323-327

Sweet Summer:  328

All of these links can be found by scrolling down in the blog.

Oh, and today is my mother in law's birthday!  Happy Birthday Joyce!  You're a great mother in law and an awesome Grandma (yes, I'm saying that in sign language the way that you do!) 329

While we're at it!  Happy Birthday to my Grammy Joan too!  We talk about her birthday ALL the time, being the day after C's and all!  330

If you have no clue what I'm talking about with these numbers, check out my About this Blog page, it should help you out.  :)

The end.

Team Autism Speaks Update and Other Updates

Just feeling jubilant today!  Also, pretty grateful.

And now a confession:

When I first signed up to do this race and raise the money for this cause I felt super overwhelmed.  I kind of walked around all night in a daze thinking, "what in the heck was I thinking!?"  For some reason, there was something about that over $1000 mark that made this amount seem eeky to me.  If it would have been 999 would that have made a difference?  I don't know, but I got scared a little lot.

Old me would have panicked and then become paralyzed.  But this time, I got scared, then I got moving.  I over-shared on Facebook.  I wrote a letter.  I immediately called 2 places to do fundraisers.  I posted on here.

In just that short amount of time and one super fun Thirty One fundraiser later, we have made it to under the "eeky" thousand mark.  You guys, I feel downright rejuvenated about the whole experience!

People are good and people want to help.  I am sure that I will take away so much from this experience in it's entirety, but I feel like this has been my first lesson.

So back to the point, here are some updates:

1.  We are at $310 in total donations (one from a complete stranger.  Seriously.)  I have thought about it, and while I wanted to share whenever someone donated, I have learned that many people want to keep that information anonymous.  So I am going to keep their wishes, but you can still send them anonymous love!

2.  We have had one Thirty One Fundraiser party.  It is still open until next Tuesday (8/13) so if you're interested in some information regarding this, you can email me at ten000reasons@gmail.com

3.  I have not run more than 2 miles this summer.  This however does not worry me.  As long as I am back up to a happy 5K by the end of September, then I'm good.

Other updates:
1.  Today I sort of go back to school.  We have one training today and then Monday teachers go back.  Summer is on it's way out.

2.  If you'll notice, there is an easy "Like" my Facebook feature to the upper right hand of the blog.  It would make me so happy if you wanted to go and click on it!

3.  I have a HUGE (no, I'm not pregnant) announcement to make this month.  Seriously, walking on sunshine right now.  Keep checking in because as soon as I can share, you bet this over-sharer won't disappoint.

Oh, and if you're wondering, you can check out my Autism Speaks page at:

http://events.autismspeaks.org/disneysprincesshalf/heftykel

Running Update: Big Announcement

I'm here with another running post.  I originally shared my running bucket list/goal list here .  After completing a half marathon, I updated the list here.

I am now adding an additional piece to this here running bucket list:

Run for a cause.

I now know that I can physically accomplish a half marathon, so how else can I stretch myself?  It falls into the Do Hard Things category.  My new goal encourages me to take myself out of the equation.  It also encourages me to step out of my comfort zone to request help from those around me.  It's not just on me to run out and train.

I would love if you would consider helping me.  But you're not just helping me.  Here's some information that I took off of my training buddy's website:

Autism is a developmental disability that currently affects approximately 1 in 88 children. Further research is needed to determine risk factors, causes, and best treatments for these individuals.
(Source) - Kara Cannon

I feel that Autism Speaks is an awesome organization that is working to help others, I can't wait to see where this adventure takes me!

If you would like to help out financially, this is my website: 

http://events.autismspeaks.org/disneysprincesshalf/heftykel

ANY contribution helps!