My Abundant Life

Millie End of Pre-K

2017-05-26T09:10:00.000-05:00

Millie, Wow, I can't believe you're done with Pre-K and off to Kindergarten. I am so so proud of you, you can count to 100, you've memorized one bible verse a week for approximately 9 months. You have a zest and love for life that are unlike any other. I'm so so proud to be your Mom.

You love: to read to everyone, to make-up stories, you have a vivid imagination, a contagious smile and laughter. You love to be with me and you still ~~give me alcohol~~ love to sleep with me. You can count to 100, you know your abc's, you love to talk, you love to help others. You still want to be a police officer ~~. I am so so proud of the ~~little~~ big girl you're becoming. Thank you for being the absolute BEST thing that ever happened to me.~~

Love,
Mommy.

M & M California Adventure Recap {October 2014}

2015-05-27T10:58:00.001-05:00

Well, it's only been 8 months since our trip to California and I'm just now posting..oops.

First off, flying with a 2 year old is very interesting, at least for us it was. Millie was so excited about going on the "big airplane" but once we were on it that excitement turned to tears, screaming, hold me, etc. They would not let her be a lap child because she was over two so I had to buy her a ticket, but she refused to sit in her seat on the way there and we tried multiple times, the flight attendants kept telling me "ma'am she has to remain in her seat" eventually they gave up b/c it was the only way she would not scream.

Once we arrived in California we were greeted by my cousin, whom Millie is named after and her two boys. We stayed the first two days with them and we ventured to the beach. It was Millie's first time at the beach and she loved it so much.

Millie's First Plane Ride 10-05-14

Millie and the women she's named after: her cousin/Auntie Millie

time at the park 10-9-14

Millie and her Auntie Sisang 10-11-14

Millie and her Ate 10-11-14

The Panis Family 10-11-14

Millie smelling Uncle Rubing's flowers

Autie Sisang, me, Millie, Aunite Baby, Uncle Willie at the cemetery 10-11-14

Millie on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 10-10-14

Long Beach Shore Line 10-9-14

Long Beach Lighthouse 10-9-14

Me and Auntie Maring

Millie and Auntie Joie

Millie and her cousin Clarisse

Millie and her cousins, Liam and Kiera

Millie's first time at the beach...Salt Creek Beach 10/06/14

Millie and Jake

Our day at Disneyland 10-7-14

Millie and Mickey Mouse

Millie and Minnie

Millie and her Uncle Bong

Legoland 10-10-14

Halloween Costume Link Up

2014-10-30T09:18:00.003-05:00

I'm linking up for the Halloween Costume Link up with Natasha of Schue Love and Julie of The Girl In the Red Shoes. A few months back I saw the cutest idea on Pinterest you can see the pin here. I thought OMG this is the cutest idea ever and I knew that I had to make it come to life. Thanks to my Dad and his skills we did just that.

Please meet my "Little Old Lady"

I mean seriously, is that not just adorable?

I hope everyone has a safe, happy and fun Halloween.

Weekend Ramblings

2014-10-27T15:25:00.000-05:00

Our weekend started off Friday night with me taking Millie to Zoo Boo, we went last year to Zoo Lights at Christmas and it was so much fun that this year i wanted to take her to Zoo Boo as well. These will surely both be our little "family" tradition for at least a few years to come. We skipped a lot of the candy give out places b/c I just didn't want that much candy brought home. This year for Halloween Millie is...............

A little old lady, yes, Millie is an "old" lady. We I had so much fun with costume idea and months ago I enlisted the help of my Father to make her the walker. It turned out great and Millie has enjoyed ~~tortured~~ me pushing it around the house.

After we left Zoo Boo I took Millie to get some dinner at Taco Bell and we headed home to call it a night.

Saturday morning we went to Medina, TN to pick-up my Mamaw and bring her back home. We spent the remainder of the day doing household work and getting ready for church Sunday.

Sunday we went to church and then to lunch with my Aunt Charlotte, Uncle Troy and Mamaw. After that we took my Mamaw to run some errands and then took Millie to the pumpkin patch to pick-out a pumpkin and ride the little ride. She ~~loved~~ screamed the entire ride. {I don't have any pics uploaded of this yet, but it's too funny and I hope I remember to go back later and add to this post.}

Seriously, why is it so difficult to just look at the camera and smile to make your Mommy happy, Millie Ladell.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I sure do miss blogging and keeping up with Millie's changes, I really want to get better at this.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Fall Fashion

2014-09-25T08:58:00.002-05:00

I'm so close to breaking my next weight loss goal and then I'll only have about 10-15 to "ideal" weight. It's crazy, b/c in my opinion I look like I weigh more than I do. My 10's are fitting good these days and I hope to one day be in an 8, we'll see, these Thompson legs may not allow that ever and I'm happy in a 10, if I get to goal weight. ;)

Here are some looks I'm loving.

Millie Christmas List

2014-09-19T08:59:00.000-05:00

Y'all there is 96 days till Christmas, your welcome! ;) With that being said, I'm trying to come up with Millie's list.. I'm looking for things that I've been wanting for her {even if it's not the right season} and looking for practical things.

Here are a few things that I'm eyeing.

Little Tikes East Store Picnic Table

Doc Mcstuffins Doctor's Dress Up Set

One Step Ahead Ball Pit

My First Half Marathon

2014-05-06T09:12:00.001-05:00

Well, I did it!!! I ran my first half. Rock 'n Roll Nashville 2014!!! The day started rather early, I was up at about 4:30 {not that I slept much the night before} I ate my peanut butter and piece of toast, got dressed and we headed out the door. I panicked quickly when I realized that I forgot my potty pass that I spent $15 on the night before at the Expo, thank God I really didn't need it. So I got there said my goodbye's to Millie and my parents and quickly went to my coral. When I originally signed up over a year ago I wasn't sure what to expect of my speed, I was way off and I could have moved my coral up but I just moved up the morning of the race, I kept moving up during the race until I got up to the 2:30 pacer, I stayed with him for several miles {probably 4} then bid him a farewell and pushed on to the 2:15 pacer. I stayed there most of the remainder of the race and my official time was 2:18:57.

During the race, I tried to be conservative. I started out slower than usual to conserve for the second part of the half {as I learned in training}. I was feeling really good the first 6 miles, I took some sports beans about mile 6 and walked through the water station. I have to say, everything I've heard about Nashville is true, they have some hills {I didn't think they were too bad though} and running through the University area, WOW the fraternity brothers, etc. were all out and they were offering fireballs, etc. but NO WATER!!! WTH? Seriously, offer water people!! All in all there were tons of supportive people and great signs too through out the course.

I was very pleased with where I ended the race. Overall this was a great first half!!! I'm very pleased with where I ended up. I can't wait to tackle this race again next year. In the mean time, I've signed up to run the M-Town series here in Memphis {series of 4 different races, 3- 5k's and one 4-miler}. I also signed up yesterday as a St. Jude Hero for the December half here in Memphis. I can't wait to see where the rest of my running journey takes me this year.

Below is the pictures that were taken by the photographer at the race.

Happy Tuesday to all.

xoxo,

5 on Friday

2014-05-02T10:41:00.001-05:00

YAY!!! I'm sooo happy it's Friday!!

One. I'm finally under pre-pregnancy weight and by under I mean almost 8 lbs. YAY!!! It took 21 months to get that 80, yes 80 lbs off but I did!!!

Two. Oh you know, I'm part of the 13.1 club now, yes, I finished my first half marathon last Saturday and besides giving birth to Millie, it was the BEST day of my life!!!

Three. Now that the half is over, it's time to up the ante and work on my fitness hardcore, I'm starting T25 again Monday and this time I'll finish it without injury {fingers crossed}.

Four. I picked-up my kitchen cabinets yesterday, so operation get my kitchen finished is now in high gear. Goal to finish the kitchen before June 1st. I can't wait to have a kitchen again, I don't "like" cooking, but I sure miss it. It's been very difficult to keep everything flowing without a kitchen, no sink, no dishwasher, no counter-top, NOTHING.

Five. It's starting to feel like spring outside, I have a bucket list started of things to with Millie over the summer. But first, was a Mommy/Daughter pedi and we did that after the half in Nashville last Saturday. I think my girl is destined to be a "girly girl" just like her Momma. :)

Happy weekend Ladies!!

Five on Friday

2014-04-04T09:09:00.002-05:00

WOW! It's Friday already? I'll take it. I'm linking up with the ladies for 5 on Friday!!

1. First and foremost, I'd like you to pray for my Papaw and Mamaw, my Papaw went into the hospital last Saturday after his appendix ruptured, they could not due surgery and remove his appendix b/c he has 11, yes you read that right, 11 heart stints. My Papaw is a tough cookie and my Mamaw is never far from his side.... Well after days of being in the hospital she started having chest pain yesterday and was admitted and is awaiting test today. So if you don't mind, please take a second to stop and say a prayer for them both. Thank you!

2. This week I'm finally able to run more and I finished Physical Therapy Monday night, without having insurance that sucker cost me a little over $1,000 for a month, yep you read that right. But since it helped it's well worth the $$ I spent.

3. Kitchen renovation is in full swing, it is a long process and Dad and I are doing all the work ourselves, so it's taking a little longer. In two weeks we go pick-up the cabinets and the appliances were delivered yesterday. YAY This kitchen was a mess and they definitely were not the brightest in their ideas of back splash and how to do it.. I cut my hand up trying to scrape all that clue off.

4. This girl has been pottying like crazy lately and I'm sure hoping that in June we can spend 3 days on house arrest and bust through the diapers once and for all. I've been ready this book on potty training in 3 days and I sure hope it works for Millie.

5. We're headed to Nashville three weeks from today for me to tackle my first half marathon {eek} I'm so excited, but at the same time I'm very nervous.

Happy Friday!!!

Millie 20 and St. Patrick's Day

2014-03-21T10:11:00.003-05:00

WOW!! How in the world are you 20 months already? Seriously, you are such a bundle of joy and you keep me on my toes. You love to talk, write, color, you're getting into everything. We're potty training, you do really well, you go most of the time when we take {every diaper change}. You sometimes ask to go potty in between, now to just break you all together. I plan on taking a few days off with you in June and just trying to crush it in a weekend. maybe before, we'll see. You still don't like to sleep by yourself and Mommy honestly is getting sick and tired of sharing the bed with you and the dog. Seriously you both need to sleep in your own spaces. You love MDO still and you're still going two days a week. You love to eat, you're so not picky. You know what you want and you'll go find it and bring it to us if we can't understand you. The doctor said you're already on a two year old level and that we need to work with you on your potty training, so I'm doing my best.

You are such a blessing and I can't imagine my life without you.

The start of Physical Therapy and Dry Needling

2014-03-06T10:31:00.000-06:00

I started my first physical therapy session Monday and let me tell you I had no clue what to expect and was presently surprised by what all I've learned and been told thus far. I've been twice now and will continue 2 x a week for a few weeks. I have no health insurance so, it's unfortunately going all on the credit card at this point b/c I have no way to avoid it and it's definitely nothing I can't do at this point.

Let's back up and get the back story.

At the end of January I was running and tripped over the sidewalk, busted a whole in my pants, bleeding everywhere and got back up and kept running. Then a few weeks later, I tripped and fell one of our Wednesday night group training runs. I felt like an idiot and got back up and kept going. Take it a few weeks further into February we had our first ice/snow Saturday morning and they canceled the group run and I decided to go out and run the 4 miles myself and slipped on the ice and fell yet again. Not my greatest tribute to running thus far but I got back up, pushed myself and finished those 4 miles. I kept with the training program and kept running 3 nights weekly and our Saturday long runs. I guess it all added up and take it to last Saturday, I woke up at the normal time, had my pre-training breakfast {1 piece wheat toast and 1 tbsp peanut butter} and headed out the door to meet everyone at our location. I woke up that morning with my leg hurting, but brushed it off. I got to the group run and we did our stretches and hit the pavement. About half a mile in I had a sharp pain and said something in the group, they all said to keep an eye on it. About half a mile later i was in tears, I couldn't hardly move, I had to stop or I was going to fall flat on the pavement. I went back to the car and got ready to leave, I sent an email to the PT who works with Fleet Feet and got an appointment this past Monday to go meet her for an evaluation. She recommended me laying off running for a bit, any exercise at this point she said and to come in Wednesday night to do PT.

Last night {Wednesday} I went for my first true PT appointment we started with dry needling:

via Wikipedia

In the treatment of trigger points for persons with myofascial pain syndrome, dry needling is an invasive procedure in which a filiform needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle. Deep dry needling for treating trigger points was first introduced by Czech physician Karel Lewit in 1979.^[11] Lewit had noticed that the success of injections into trigger points in relieving pain was apparently unconnected to the analgesic used.^[8]

Proper dry needling of a myofascial trigger point will elicit a local twitch response (LTR), which is an involuntary spinal cord reflex in which the muscle fibers in the taut band of muscle contract. The LTR indicates the proper placement of the needle in a trigger point. Dry needling that elicits LTRs improves treatment outcomes,^[12] and may work by activating endogenous opioids.^[11] Inserting the needle can itself cause considerable pain,^[11] although when done by well-trained practitioners that is not a common occurrence.^{[citation needed]} No study to date has reported the reliability of trigger point diagnosis and physical diagnosis cannot be recommended as a reliable test for the diagnosis of trigger points.^[13]^[14]

I wasn't sure as to what exactly to expect and it was sharp at times, not really hurt but just felt different, unusual. I could feel her getting to the reenactment of the pain that I've been experiencing during my runs and wow, it was a sharp pain at those points. She would ask me is this your pain and I would tell her yes or no. I put heat on it like she suggested last night and she gave me some exercises to do at home. She also said that Saturday I can try walking for 30 minutes, no running, but it's a start. I go back next Monday and hope that this works its magic and fast.

If you're in Memphis and need to see a PT I highly recommend you go see Mary at Results Physiotherapy .

No Germantown half probably for me, but I am still planning on doing the Nashville half in April.

Set Backs & Thoughts - Running Style

2014-03-01T10:43:00.001-06:00

I still don't consider myself a "runner", that seems crazy to me. After I cross that first half finish line, then I'll feel like I've earned that title. I started running using Couch to 5k, last March. While I've come a long way I'm not where I want to be. Running is my "get my mind right" time. It where I can just be free, it's me and pavement and it's where I can jam out to music, I can think out my to-do list, plan Millie's outfit and activities (yes I really think about that on my run). It's just time to hear myself think, reflect, talk to God, tell him my fears, desires, needs, wants all of it. But when you're in pain while running it's hard not to focus on that every step and that's where I am right now. Yesterday I woke up having so sharp pain in my right leg, hip flexor all the way down to my knee. I tried to take it easy, I didn't do my T25 workout and just was resting up for today's 11 miles. Let's take it back where the problems started. I fell a few weeks back on a training run, I twisted my ankle and while I thought it healed, it seems to have led to other problems. The PT I've been talking to through Fleet Feet has been awesome, she advise that it was probably there but that I didn't feel it for the pain in my ankle was worse. The pain in my ankle went away and my hip flexor down to my knee started being progressively worse and to the pint where sitting hurt, standing hurt, walking hurt, running hurt. I ignored it for as long as I could, it took a tole on my pace, going from my happy 9:30-9:45 to 10:30-11:00 pace. I wasn't happy about this. I started reaching out to our training coach, Marcia and she advised I probably needed to slow it down and talk to the PT, Mary some more. I met with her two weeks ago at a Fleet Feet training night where she came to check on us with injuries and problems. She had me do different things and pushed on my leg. To say some of the things she did we're painful would be an inderstametemrn. It hurt like hell, just being honest. I tried to tough it out, it'll get better, just keep going Meredith, no pain no gain. WRONG!! I've made it 10 times worse. Now I'm for sure going to PT, there's no way not too at this point and I may or may not be able to complete the Germantown half in TEO WEEKS!! To say I'm sad would just not do it justice. I'm pissed, I'm angry, I'm disgusted not with anyone else but myself. I've put the time in and my body is not wanting to keep up with me. It's a hard fact to accept. Will I get to do Germantown, honestly I'm hopefully but not sure. Nashville I think b/c it's still four weeks out I'll be okay, but I wanted Germantown!! I've ran most of the course (11 miles of it) so I know what to expect. The question now remains can my body handle it. We'll see, I'm praying it's not too late for the PT to work it's magic for this race.

Just praying and knowing that I've given this 110% and I've done what I can the rest is up to my body to heal.

Happy weekend!!

Last weeks long run.

Training

2014-02-26T10:32:00.001-06:00

It's crazy to think that in a little over three weeks I'll be running my first half. WOW, training has really been coming along. I'm accomplishing things I NEVER thought that I would be able too. I'm under 5 lbs from pre-pregnancy. Yes it's taken me a little longer than some to loose the baby weight and not as long as some others. So I'm happy with all my hard work and it's paying off. 19 months after she born I'm almost there!!! I do want to loose another 20-25 to get to my goal weight before the summer. Thus why I've added a new workout to accompany my running. While I'll still be running 4 days a week and after completing the Germantown Half (March 16th) I'll be focusing one week on recovery and then getting right back into training mode to get ready for the Nashville Half (April 26th). I'm so excited and yet nervous too. Don't get me wrong, I worry about the what if's, but I've put in the time and training and I no that I will cross that finish line. My goals for the immediate future are as follows:

1. Complete the Germantown Half (March 16th)

2. Complete the Nashville Half (April 26th)

3. Continue my training, while at the same time cutting back a little.

4. Complete the St. Jude Half (December 6th)

5. Be at goal weight by May 27th!!

What are some of your current goals? I can't wait to check things off this list!! I'm on fire right now an proving to my daughter that she can do ANYTHING she sets her mind too is my number one goal through all this. I want Millie to be proud of who she is, to never struggle with her identity and never to feel like her worth is dependent upon other peoples opinions of her. I hate that I still struggle with this daily, it's really not a way to live.

Happy Wednesday!

Happy 19 months, Millie!!

2014-02-20T10:32:00.000-06:00

Happy 19 months to my sweet angel!!

Where has the time gone, you're getting so big!!!

Weight: 26.8 lbs

Height: 32.5 inches

Head: 48.5

You are so smart, too smart for your own good sometimes.

You love to potty, you say "I poo poo" and we run to the potty. You usually use the potty at last 3 times a day, you still go in your diaper, but real soon we're going to have a "naked" weekend and stay home for 3 days and see if we can break the diaper spell.

You eat pretty much anything for the most part. You love chicken and you love eggs. Momma's girl for sure.

You go to MDO 2 times a week and love it. You are a generally happy baby. You love Momma's ipad, but you say "where's my ipad" I try to say it's mine and you tell me, "no, it's mine"

We had our first bite experience the other day, you bit Mommy in the neck. I was not happy. You love to unbuckle your harness in your car seat and it makes Mommy very upset. You've gotten a few spankings for it.

I love you sweet girl, Happy 19 months.

Mommy

Valentine's Day & Weekend Recap

2014-02-17T11:17:00.002-06:00

First off, wow, it's Monday already? Where did the weekend go?? Seriously, they seem to be getting shorter and shorter.

Let's start with Thursday, Thursday night we went out for our yearly Valentines dinner with Papa and Great Grandmother (aka Mamaw T.) to Side Porch, it's one of our favorite steak houses here in town and the food is just so yummy. Millie as dressed in her sweet Valentine's shirt that Ms. Leah made her. {If you haven't checked out Leah's work you need too, she does such a great job and I've been ordering shirts from her since Millie was born for all our holiday shirts.}

Friday morning I gave Millie her goody basket that I put together for her with all her Valentines goodies. I forgot to buy crayons to go with the coloring book, so we got them Friday night while running around town, she instantly went to town. She loves coloring {and writing too} to say the least.

I was suppose to run 3 miles Thursday and 8 Saturday, but I missed them both. I pulled my groin pretty bad and I've been in a lot of pain, when I'm sitting, when I'm standing, it just flat out hurts. I'm going to try and run my regular pace tonight and 3 miles to keep on my training schedule and hoping and praying I make it through without or with limited pain. No pain, no gain, right? I can't believe that I'm four weeks away from my first half. Wow, to say that I'm scared to death would be an understatement. To say that I haven't worried, what if I don't make it to the finish line would also be an understatement. All that I've worked for, all that I've trained for is so close to happening and I'm totally scared to death, but also excited!!

I've also taken a leap of faith and signed up to be a Beachbody Coach, I'm really excited about continuing my fitness journey, meeting others that share the same goals and seeing where this leads all while helping others.

Thoughtless Thursday: DIY Projects HELP

2014-02-13T13:15:00.000-06:00

So a couple of months back I bought some windows off a resale group on Facebook to make something similar to these... I haven't had the time yet to get going, I've got a to do on my to do list, as always.

Here are a few examples I saw, what do you think? I'm thinking about hanging them uneven on my wall behind my couch in the den. I just need to find the right pictures to put in them, I have 6, yes 6. If I don't use them all I might sell some, I bought them for $10 each.

What do you think? Cute or no?

Life Lately

2014-02-11T12:11:00.002-06:00

I can't believe how big Millie is getting, she's so sassy, in to everything and we're working on potty training. She loves to sit on the potty and uses it most of the time when she gets on it. She's such a big girl and loves to try and be Miss Independent, she is definitely her mothers child. She has a free spirit and loves to "listen" when she wants. hahaha, I'm in BIG trouble with this one. She's a mess. Running/Half Training is going well, I can't believe my first half is in like 5 weeks. EEK I'm so scared, but I've put the time and energy into this and I know that I will give it my all. Then we have a little over 2 months till Nashville, I'm so ready for the Nashville half and to have some shopping time in Nashville, Nashville is one of my favorite places to go. I just love the city. I'm trying to get back to blogging, but it's hard sometimes with work, Millie and training. I get lost in the when do I have "me" time. My house, oh my poor house, it's been totally neglected lately and needs lots of little cosmetic things that I hope to find time to start working on when my halves are over in April. Happy Tuesday!

Running

2014-01-28T11:38:00.001-06:00

Half training is off to a good start, this past Saturday we ran 6 miles, this was close to, if not the fastest 6 miles I've done. This is the fourth week of half training and we're doing 3 miles, 3 days this week and then we'll do 8 miles Saturday. Monday we were scheduled to run 3, I ran it with an average pace of 9:49, this was suppose to be an "easy run", while it wasn't hard b/c I was running so fast, it felt hard b/c it was so darn cold and the wind was going crazy. I seriously thought I was Dorothy in Kansas, that wind was no joke.

I have to say, I'm so thankful that I signed up for this training group, I do believe that training with others helps motivate you more (at least for me it does). It helps keep me going, it helps take my mind off feeling the movement and time watching as well. I have a horrible problem of watching the watch sometimes and I honestly think that it makes me run slower, anyone else ever done this? How do I train myself to stop time watching, I don't know but one day maybe I'll get there.

Happy Tuesday,

Thoughtless Wednesday: Half Training

2014-01-22T11:46:00.001-06:00

I'm in the middle of half marathon training, it's still crazy to think that i'm going to run a half marathon? WOW, I mean me, really? Training is going good, I'm in the 9-10 minute group with the Fleet Feet training program. I missed Saturdays long run (5 miles) b/c I fell Thursday night and twisted my ankle and it was hurting pretty bad. I'm so ready to be to my goal and knock this thing out of the water. Tonight we're having a nutrition night instead of a running night, I think this will benefit me well b/c I never know what to eat before runs and sometimes just eating one piece of peanut butter toast can make me feel sick when I start out. Is that crazy? Right now my miles are anywhere between 9:20-10 min miles, just depends on how far i'm running. If it's anything over 5 miles it slows down to more like 10-10:40 miles. Does anyone else have this issue.

I started running to help with losing the baby weight, but really got bit by the running bug. It's my Mommy time, it's my time to clear my head, talk to God, listen to nature, it's my ME time and I love it. It's about being the BEST Mother that I can be and that takes being the BEST me I can be. Everyone has goals in their life and right now my goal is to prove to my daughter that you are capable of anything you set your mind to regardless of what others may say. I'm taking charge of me this year and I'm kicking the old me's butt in doing it.

Happy Wednesday!!!

Five on Friday

2014-01-10T13:11:00.000-06:00

{One}

I started my Fleet Feet Half Marathon Training Group Wednesday night, I have to say I think I have asked one too many questions. I'm a thinking and I like to make sure that I'm doing things correctly. I will say, I must work on my breathing while running and where to position my arms, I have the hardest time with breathing through my mount and not my nose. How does one reteach themselves this?

{Two}

This weekend, I have a to do list a mile long, I must finish unpacking my guest bedroom, I'm so tired of seeing so many boxes in there. I hate moving and unpacking.

{Three}

I signed up for another Half, Nashville will not be my first official half any longer, I've signed

up for the Germantown Half, a mere three weeks before Nashville. {I may be crazy}

{Four}

I may be a little bow obsessed, I'm so OCD and when we loose misplace a bow I freak out,

so what better way to remedy this than to order a "backup set" of bows. A girl can't have

too many, can she?

{Five}

I'm on the hunt for a table for the entry of my house, I found one I like, but not sure that I'm

just in love with it and I refuse to pay a lot for something if I'm not just "set" on it.

Happy Friday Ladies,

Meredith

Thoughtful Thursday

2014-01-09T12:55:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know 95% of these are about running, but that's where you find me in my free time and that is where my relaxation and quite time is found.

Half Marathon Training

2014-01-08T22:06:00.001-06:00

Tonight I started Fleet Feet's half marathon training. Tonight we did 3 miles, We had to pick a pace group And I chose the 9-10 minute mile pace. We had a great time I had a little trouble about two and half miles in, tmi, but I needed to go to the bathroom. Overall, it was a great time. Everyone seemed really nice, I felt bad because I'm a 50 question person, I always have questions and want to make sure I have everything 100% clear in my understanding. I can't wait to see how this training plays out. IBM so excited and I know I'll be one of those people that puts the 13.1 sticker on my car. Lol.

Happy Wednesday.

2014 Goals

2014-01-02T09:47:00.000-06:00

WOW!!! I can't believe it's 2014!! so much has happened this year, there have been trials, new goals, new ambitions, and plenty of changes as Millie is growing. I can't believe we've come so far this year, purchasing a house, fighting for the rights of my child and what is best for her life. Saying goodbye once and for all to her Father, bringing new people into our lives or old people back into our lives. Watching one of my greatest friends love my daughter and treat her like his own is the greatest joy. The love that these to share and the love that I have for both of them is such a joy and gives me so much peace.

I gave her Father the time I believe to be best for him to make his choices and in essence "grow up" he did not do so and therefore I decided to cut him out. I sent him a nice message stating that I was moving on with our lives and that I would never stop him from seeing his child if he chose to, but as for me I was going on with my life, I deserve better, I deserve to be happy, I deserve to be loved, I deserve to have the "family" I always planned for us and with that I have peace and I'm moving on.

Christmas was awesome, we had a great time and enjoyed celebrating, Millie was at such a fun age this year, seeing her eyes when she walked in and saw what Santa and Mommy gave her it was just pure happiness and love and I loved those moments.

I set out to complete a goal, run a 5k and with that goal being complete, I set out to complete another, with that complete, I set out to love running and decided to sign up for my first half. Running has had its issues along the way, but it's such a joy and accomplishment and high like no other that I feel when I'm done that keeps me pushing for more. Yes, I caught the running bug this year!!! There really is such a thing, I'm living proof.

Happy 2014!!! Bring it on!!!

Five on Friday

2013-12-20T10:49:00.001-06:00

Today I'm linking up for five on Friday.

With only five days till Christmas and not having done all my shopping you will find me tomorrow running around like a chicken with her head cut off. I blame it on Motherhood, it keeps you busy.

I have my third 5k tomorrow, the Ugly Sweater Run, I'm excited but our weather forecast is calling for ran, lets hope they're wrong or it at least holds of till afterwards.

We're having our first Christmas get together with my Father, Mother and sisters and their families Sunday night, I can't wait to see the difference in Millie this Christmas and last Christmas. There is just something about watching Christmas through your child that is just so amazing and leaves such a feeling of over you.

My house is in desperate need of some attention, I must finish wrapping the presents and get them all under the tree.

I've really enjoyed our 25- books of Christmas Advent calendar with Millie, I have to say that I'm really looking forward to do this each year with her. What a great investment the money that I spent on these wonderful children's Christmas books that we can use over and over for years to come.

(5) Visit Natasha, Darci, April and Christina and link up.

Merry Christmas, Meredith

Millie's Picture with Santa (Take Two)

2013-12-19T13:35:00.001-06:00

I started last Christmas a tradition (as it was her first Christmas, duh) of taking Millie to have Breakfast with Santa at a place not too far from here called Cedar Hill Farms in Hernando, MS, it's fabulous, you bring your own camera and take pics of your kiddo with Santa and you can opt to do the breakfast with Santa or cookies with Santa, we chose to do the breakfast and invite all the cousins to go too this year. (I promise to post this picture later, but Mommy fail it's on my camera).

I did however, additionally take her to Bass Pro as I did last year to have her picture taken with Santa too. I did a side-by-side comparison of her last year with Santa at Bass Pro and her picture this year with Santa at Bass Pro, my oh my what a difference a year makes. She has grown so much and now she is a toddler. god help us all

Unlike most everyone I know her age, she in fact did not scream or cry at all, she walked up to him set in his lap, looked at him and said, "high-five" that's my girl!! ;)

We're so not ready for Christmas, well, let me rephrase that I'm so not ready for Christmas. Tons of wrapping and a little shopping left to do, I'm usually totally done by the end of Thanksgiving weekend, but with the move, still organizing and unpacking that just wasn't going to happen this year. oh well, there's always next year. I'll be back soon for our Breakfast with Santa recap and picture.

Happy Thursday!!!