It's Been 9 Years

I'll definitely post more tomorrow, but I'm having a hard time believing I have a 9 year old (as of 11:18am). April Fools ain't got nothing on my boy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANDREW CAMERON!!

You are a dream of a child. You are tiny in stature, but so so mighty in spirit and spunk. You are destined for big and mighty things. You are wonderful! I am overwhelmed with love and admiration for you. I am blessed to be your mom.




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Joy

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I Went and Did It!

The Great Detox of 2014 is still under way.  It's a work in progress, but what isn't this day and age, right? So, what did I go and do?

I DEACTIVATED FACEBOOK!!! Yes, you read that correctly.  After much thought I decided that Facebook for me is a time guzzler and ultimately a black hole.  Each person has their own views on it (you're entitled) and that's cool.  For me, it's a hindrance for the things that matter most in my life.  For now I'm going 30 days free of Facebook.  Sure, I love to post pics of the kids and I love to see pics of my friends and their families, but I also know that a lot of bad can come out of scrolling through page upon page of newsfeeds.  I was asked by someone today after I declared myself Facebook Free, "What about catching up with friends?" Well, I suppose those who are truly dear friends we'll stay in touch in ways we did before Facebook ever existed.  Those who I keep up with because we have Facebook to keep us together, I suppose we'll have to go via phone, snail mail or text.  Who doesn't like getting a letter or card in the mail? Either way, I won't feel bad about removing this piece of the puzzle from an already chaotic life.  Perhaps I'll have more time to blog about things going on now?!?

Imagine if several of us took the time to cut our social media/internet time in half, how would our family lives or lives in general reap the benefit? Give it some thought.  You may surprise yourself.

Facebook Free,
Amy

Marathon 2014

My goal each year is to run ONE marathon and then fill in the rest of the year with half marathons or other fun races.  Last year's WDW marathon was a disappointment for me.  I struggled with heat exhaustion and didn't beat my goal.  This year I was prepared.  I cannot express the excitement I had the whole time running.  Sure, I had times of wanting to quit and those little voices saying "I can't", but all along the way I received text messages from family and friends cheering me to the end.  I don't give my better half all the credit he so rightfully deserves, but that man, oh that man, he thinks I'm crazy for running, but he started early on Sunday morning cheering me on and checking in on me.  He is 1 in a million!  The below picture is just a taste of his messages.  I wish I could clone him for each of you, but I can't. : )  If you sent me a message, thank you! You have no idea how much it meant.

Here lately I've been struggling with knee pain.  Long and short is, my patella isn't really willing to cooperate.  I know I need to rest and seek medical advice, but honestly, I'm scared they'll tell me I can't run for long periods of time and I'm just not willing to go there right now.  I taped my knee for this race and thank the Lord it held me for the majority of the time.  Around mile 20 I had to take a break and walk a bit.  I struggled with listening to my body vs I need to beat the clock.  I'm glad I did.  I still managed to PR this race! The emotions that came surging after I crossed that finish line were ones that words can't quite do justice.  I run because I love it.  I run because I can.  I run for 3 boys who call me mom.  I run for the prince charming in my life.  I run because it's good for me.  I run for the time I get to pray and be thankful for all the blessings in my life.  I mean, 4 hours of running allows you ample time for praying.  All along the way I picked a reason why I run and focused on that.  Tears, laughter, smiles, sadness, so many emotions came to mind and it was beautiful.  It was a moment that I got to enjoy and get lost in for a period of time.  I love it.  I love everything about it! New energy for the new year.  A new PR of 4:10 to beat next year.

I'm ready to face the next race and see what I can do with it.  I hope to set a lot of PRs this year.  New goals for next year.  New reasons to work harder.  I'm always willing and love to run with others.  I don't care your pace, the camaraderie that comes with running in groups or just a few people is so much fun.  Just remember it's one foot in front of the other.  That's how it all starts.

Here are just a few pics I have downloaded.  I'm going to try and snag some of the professional pics taken.

 The weather.  Be jealous.

 The running girls - Deirdre, Kelley, me and Melissa

Leanne (marathon #1), Tonya (marathon #2) and me.  Celebrating our awesome day!

Next year I plan on doing the Dopey Challenge.  It's the 5k, 10k, half and full marathons.  I plan on attacking the 5k, 10k, & half.  The marathon will be a fun run.  We have to finish in 7 hours, so I plan on leisurely doing this one.  Maybe ride a few rides during, walk, run grab some popcorn or a Dole whip.  Sky is the limit!  Come join me.  Training starts NOW!

Frozen...In More Ways Than One

The boys are tracked out right now. We have a long track out period this time around. It's hard keeping them entertained. It's especially hard when the temps outside are in the teens and low 20s. I decided to bite the bullet and take them to see a movie. It was my first time with Will at the movies. My mom braved it once before. Key word ONCE. I'm happy to report he did a great job. He had a few moments of restlessness, but overall he did great. We dined on a popcorn, gummy bears and Diet Coke lunch. Healthy I know. Ahh, sometimes you just have to live by the seat of your pants!

Frozen was the movie of choice. We all enjoyed it. Definitely a girlie movie, but super cute. My boys didn't complain. Now, for the pictures...this was the best I could get. A for effort. F for execution.













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2014

I've never been a fan of odd numbers.  I'm happy I've lived to see an even year.  A fresh, new year.  If you're like 99.9% of the population you've probably resolved to do XYZ (or not do XYZ).  The end of last year was a rough one for me.  More emotionally and mentally.  I learned a year's worth of lessons in the last quarter of 2013.  Don't fret, nothing is wrong with my family.  All is well at the Perry house.  I've resolved to make changes in my life that will be hard, but necessary.  Changes that mean cutting things out, people out and focusing on what's important, my family, my relationship with God and sitting still long enough to hear what he NEEDs me and wants me to hear.  I'm ready.  I want to be intentional with every thing I do.  I found this picture on Pinterest and it says what I'm feeling, how I want this year and the next and the next to be.

 

This year I will be STRONGER - physically, mentally, emotionally, the whole she-bang!

This year I will be BRAVER - I will do things I didn't think I could do.  I will be bolder for Christ.  This world we're living in is quickly (warp speed) drifting in a bad direction.  There are so many lost souls who have hope in Christ.  They need to know.  I will speak out and not stay quiet because I didn't want to rock the boat.  Of course all done with tact.

This year I will be KINDER - No excuses.  I will say I tend to be one who cares too much, which leads to hurt feelings on my part.  So, while I plan on still being kind(er) to everyone, I won't allow that to be taken advantage of.  I will do more for those around me who can't for themselves.

This year I will be UNSTOPPABLE - Nothing will stop me from doing the above 3 (and more).  New goals, new challenges and I'm going to be unstoppable.

This year I will be FIERCE - There's a new fire burning in this girl's soul.  This is the year of change, redirection and commitment.  I will be fierce with anything I set my mind to.  Passion.  Loads and loads of passion. Unstoppable passion.

I want to spend oodles of time with my family.  I want to grow new friendships.  I want to care for the longstanding friendships I have.  I want to learn to let go of the relationships that are toxic and not look back.  I want to love and be loved.  I want there to be purpose in everything I do.  I want 2014, an even year, to be one of the best of my life.

Who's with me?