Let Me (Re)Introduce Myself

I've been seeing so many of my favorite bloggers do reintroduction posts lately and I thought it would be fun to do the same. 

I'm Jen! My husband, Kyle, and I have been married for over 10 years now. I'm not going to lie, that is really odd to write out because it doesn't feel like it has been that long. Despite being married for 10 years we have known each other for 22 years. We met in 6th grade history class back in our hometown of Las Vegas. Yes, that Las Vegas. Haha. He is one of the most loving, hardworking, caring, sarcastic, stubborn, and giving people I know. He has a quick wit and I just love that about him. 

I have my Masters degree in Psychology and will eventually find the right opportunity to put that to good use. I am extremely proud of that degree, because I worked my butt off to get it. For now, I am a SAHM and loving every second.

We are the very proud parents of a rambunctious and rad 2 year old named, Emersyn. She is our very precious rainbow baby. We struggled with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss for 7 long years before we were extremely blessed with her. 

She is the perfect mix of both of us. She is cautious but determined and extremely sarcastic. Which is pretty impressive for a 2 year old. She has a mind of her own and does not let anything get in her way. I'm not going to lie, this makes me fear her teenage years haha.

We are a very proud military family. Kyle has been an active duty Army officer for the last 11 years. We have called many places home over the years. North Carolina, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, and most recently we have landed back in North Carolina. 

One of the things I am most passionate about is running. I began running 5 years ago and it has changed my life in more ways than I ever expected it to. I've logged thousands of miles and we have completed over 130 races. 

I'm also a tried and true member of Stroller Strong Moms. This group has been absolutely incredible for me. Being able to work out with other mamas and take E with me is the best. It has made me stronger, faster, and more confident. The best part is the friendships I've made and continue to make. It's been pretty amazing.

I am extremely close to my family! That bond was made even closer when my Mom passed away from cancer in 2011. You never realize just how much family means to you until something like that happens. 

So in a nutshell: I'm a wife, mom, runner, Disney fanatic, purveyor of sarcasm, Starbucks lover, and someone who truly enjoys living life to the fullest. 

I hope you have enjoyed getting to know me all over again!

Now that I've re-introduced myself, tell me about you!!! 

12 Days.....

As of today I am 12 days away from running the Chicago Marathon. I honestly can't even believe that it's so close. When I started my training back in July, I felt like it was so far away but now I can see the finish line. 

I only have 8 training runs left and they are all relatively short distances. I ran my last double digit run this past Sunday and it was so gratifying. I know that I am ready but gosh the nerves are starting to set in. I know once I get to Chicago I will relax and the excitement will kick in. Also, to be able to run with Team Homes for our Troops is pretty darn special. I am really looking forward to meeting the rest of my team at our dinner that Saturday night. 

I am beyond thankful for family and friends who have supported me on this journey since I found out I was going to run it last November. I can't thank Kyle enough for encouraging me to do this, he has been my biggest supporter and cheered for me the whole way. I really wish he and E could be there with me but I know that's just not possible with his work schedule. I am thankful that my Dad will be coming up here to NC to help with E. It really takes a lot of the stress away. 

I am even more excited because two of my really good friends are driving up from Tennessee that weekend! We are all going to run the International 5k on Saturday and they will stay to watch me run on Sunday. It will be so fun to explore the city, run together, and just have a good time. It means a lot that they are coming. 

The bottom line is, I'm ready. I'm ready to check another marathon off my list and I'm ready to put all of this training to use. I am ready to see that finish line and know that hard work, determination, and the support of so many people got me there. 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!! 

Can I just say that I'm extra happy that today is Friday!? Why you ask? Kyle comes home this weekend! It has been a long few weeks so it will be great to have him back until his next TDY (and I've already made an appointment for a pedicure haha). 

It's been a while since I've shared some of my favorite things, so there is no time like the present!

1. Heavy weights SLAM class. 

Now you all know I love my SLAM classes. In Kansas we typically stuck to our normal HIIT workouts, running, etc. However, when I got back to NC I discovered my SLAM here does a heavy weights class and it's AMAZING!!!! We work with weights that range from 20-50 pounds, it works muscles I never thought I was had. Let me just say that doing goblet squats and deadlifts with a 50 pound weight is intense. I look forward to this class every single week.

2. An organized pantry

Prepping for the hurricane forced me to organize this space. It always just seemed so disheveled with things thrown everywhere. I finally cleaned out all of the baskets and got rid of stuff we didn't need and sorted the can goods. It's amazing how more relaxed I feel when I open those doors haha. 

3. Cinnamon Streusel Cake

This cake is divine!!!! The recipe is so easy but it does take an hour to bake and that's the worst part haha. It's great for breakfast or dessert. I highly recommend making it! 

4. Cat and Jack Halloween clothes.

Target gets me! Haha! They know I have zero impulse control especially when it comes to buying clothes for E. Adding in Halloween patterns makes it even more difficult to say no. How cute are these leggings?! I snagged the last pair of 2T at our Target. I also picked up a few Halloween long sleeve shirts and a pair of pajamas. E is ready for some spooky Halloween fun!

5. Arbonne- It's A Long Story Mascara

I am very picky about what type of mascara that I use. Every since I had LASIK my eyes are extremely sensitive. Certain types of mascara would cause my eyes to water and I had to be careful which ones I used. Finally, I found one that doesn't irritate my eyes. A good friend of mine sells Arbonne, and she suggested this mascara. GAME CHANGER!! I absolutely love it and have had no issues for the last 6 months that I've been using it. I honestly was expecting to have to change brands after a few months but nope. It's pricey but so worth it to me. 

What are some of your favorite things lately?

Hope y'all have a great weekend! 

Venturing Outside

It's so easy to take little things for granted. Since we have been housebound since last Thursday we were finally able to venture out on Monday. 

We ran a few errands and enjoyed the sunshine. Yes, that's right, the sun came out!

We were able to take a long walk in our neighborhood. E found every possible stick she could and carried them around, haha. 

It looks like we have more rain in the forecast starting on Sunday, so outside is where we want to be right now. E has been such a trooper and a big help in cleaning up outside.

She kept grabbing the broom so she could sweep. Eventually she gave up and just picked the leaves and branches up one by one haha.

We went on a 5 mile run yesterday and it was really nice. I turned some music up loud and just enjoyed it. 

I'm definitely not taking these days for granted.

Have a great Wednesday! 

An Update: Hurricane Florence

As you all have seen Hurricane Florence has devastated the Carolina coast and brought about torrential rainfalls inland. 

This storm has left 18 people dead, thousands displaced due to flooding/damage, and thousands of others without power/ or supplies that they need. Watching the news coverage has been horrendous and hearing stories from friends about their family members who had to flee the coast. Most have no idea what they will return to when the time comes. 

This was the boardwalk at Atlantic Beach. 

The images that we have all seen are unimaginable. 

Seeing the images of Wilmington flooded and damaged breaks my heart. That city holds special place in my heart.

We live approximately 81 miles from the coastline and since Friday morning we have been experiencing unrelenting rainfall in our area, coupled with high winds and it has been awful. We have received anywhere from 4-10 inches daily since Florence made landfall. The likelihood of flooding became very apparent over the weekend. They began mandatory evacuations in our town for those who lived 1 mile or less from the Cape Fear River. This river will flood when it reaches 35 feet, it is expected to reach over 64 feet by Tuesday. It will be devastating.

We live a little less than 10 miles from this river so we won't see flooding due to it but it breaks my heart for those who had to leave their homes. We have several dams in our area and they are expecting those break and to flood as well due to the continuing rain. 

Portions of the 95 have been closed coming into NC, officials are pleading with people to basically go around the state if they must travel North or South. Schools are closed through Wednesday and the situation will be reassessed then. 

I will say that we have been extremely lucky through all of this. We did lose power right before midnight on Saturday night and it was restored late Sunday morning. We have a drain in our backyard so we have avoided standing water in that aspect as well. We have offered to open our home to several friends who don't have power if they need it. Despite a case of cabin fever we are managing okay. 

Florence is finally expected to leave our area late tomorrow. We are so thankful as she has already devastated our city and this state so much.

These are photos of our downtown area, so many places in our city look just like this. Areas flooded and roads closed. It's just going to continue to get worse especially with more rain expected tonight.

I am so grateful to the first responders, federal/local agencies, military, and volunteers that have worked so hard to bring aide and take care of those who have been affected by this storm. 

If you feel so inclined to donate to the relief effort you can visit these sites:

Red Cross

Humane Society

Thank you to all those who have sent good thoughts, prayers, well wishes to us personally and to our entire state. 

Goodbye Sweet Boy

As some of you may have already seen on social media we experienced another devastating loss in our family on Monday. We said goodbye to our sweet kitty, Fishy. 

A few weeks ago he was diagnosed with pancreatitis and by all accounts he was doing well thanks to antibiotics and other medications. However, it just wasn't enough. He has never been the most lovey cat but you knew when he wanted snuggles. He slept on the bed close to me on Sunday night and I wonder now if that was his way of saying goodbye. He was spunky on Monday morning, enjoying being pet, and E chasing him. Unfortunately, when we arrived home after running errands several hours later, he had peacefully passed. I am beyond grateful for a vet here that did all they could to help. 

You see, Fishy, by all accounts should not have made it to the age of 11. When I found him near an abandoned house in my parent's neighborhood he had a severe upper respiratory infection, and the vet did not expect him to live. He was critically ill and only 4 weeks old.

I wasn't about to give up on him and bottle fed him until he was big enough to eat on his own. 

He had been a part of my life ever since. He grew up with Emma and she treated him like he was hers when he was a kitten.

He grew to be the fluffiest and the grumpiest cat ever haha. We knew when he was tired of being touched because he would lovingly bite you until you stopped. 

I know he loved me but Kyle was his favorite person. I can't tell you how many times he would be on Kyle's lap while he played video games. This whole thing is compounded by the fact that Kyle isn't here, he is devastated by the loss of Fishy.

He was finally getting used to the idea of E, he would let her pet him and she would giggle when he ran away.

Fishy has been a part of our family for 11 years and embarked on 6 moves with us. It is so hard to believe that I won't stumble across him on the stairs or that he won't rub up against my leg when I'm doing dishes. Our hearts are broken. 

To lose both him and Emma this year has been absolutely awful, but now they will be able to play together forever. 

We love you, Fishy, and we will always miss you and love you. 

Preparing for a Hurricane

I'm sure as most of you have seen on any weather report that the Carolinas are bracing for impact from Hurricane Florence. If you haven't seen here is information about what we are expecting, NC Weather Authority.

As of right now she is projected to make landfall on Thursday as a CAT 3 and stick around for a few days, the concern is that if she stalls it could be even worse than projected. If she hits with the power that she is projected to, it's going to be devastating for the Carolina coastal areas. There are 2 potential scenarios but the most likely has her making landfall in the Wilmington area. 

Initially, I had planned to leave this morning with E and head to Kansas to be with Kyle. However, after several conversations and looking at all of the information we have decided to stay. We are about 81 miles from the coast and our area is expected to get high levels of wind and rain. My fear is that if we leave we won't be able to get back to our home depending on the surrounding areas. 

As with every weather pattern and situation this could drastically change over the next days, we are hoping and praying that she shifts or dissipates as she gets closer to land.

If the weather get too questionable we will indeed leave and head elsewhere, but as of right now we will stay put in our home. Of course, I am nervous about what can happen but I can't let that get the best of me.

We have all of the supplies that we need to include lots of bottled water, food (for both us and Fishy), batteries, candles, flashlights, etc. Today, I will begin moving all of our outside items into the garage or our storage. I want to be prepared now that way I'm not scrambling at the last minute to do all of that. I will also fill the bathtubs with water so ensure that we have water to flush toilets, etc. 

I will keep everyone updated as best I can. If you wouldn't mind sending any good thoughts, vibes, and prayers you could send to the Carolinas would be so appreciated.

Fall Festivities

Now I'm not completely wishing away the rest of the summer but I am looking forward to all of the activities that fall brings. We spent 4 falls here so I know what things/places I am looking forward to the most and I can't wait to experience them with E! She is old enough now to really enjoy things like pumpkin patches and hayrides. We couldn't be more excited.

1. Gross Farms

September 15th is the start of their corn maze and pumpkin patch season!! This farm is so much fun. They have so many fun activities for kids to include slides and a giant pumpkin jump. Also, their homemade ice cream is some of the best that I have ever had. Let's be honest, I want to go for the corn maze haha. They are my favorite! There are several other farms that we plan on visiting this fall but this one is at the top of our list.

2. Hayrides in Downtown Fayetteville

These start in mid-October and I can't wait! They take you through historic downtown fayetteville and it's always so interesting learning the history of this town. I really think E will love it, she loves anything that moves haha so a hayride is perfect for her.

(us on this very hayride in 2010)

3. 28th Annual Greek Festival

Some in Fayetteville say that the official start of the fall season here is the Greek Festival, which happens to be occurring this weekend. Cue my excitement! When we lived here the last time, my boss would send me to pick up lunch for our office from the Greek Festival. It was THE best food! I'm so excited that we are back so I can indulge again. haha. The best part about the festival this year is that they are having a 5k! It's their inaugural event and I'm stoked. It's an afternoon race which will be fun. Like I need an excuse to run but baklava at the finish line is a nice reward.

4. Haunted Ghost Walk in Wilmington

Now I know that things like this are not everyone's cup of tea but we love them. We love learning about the history and stories of different places/people. We loved this walk when we did it several years ago and we can't wait to do it again. It isn't scary, which I appreciate it. It's spooky but not over the top. 

Our tour guide was quite animated and she made it a lot of fun.

5. Ole Mill Days

This is a new one for us! I've heard amazing things about their fall festival and I'm so excited to attend this year. I love finding events like this that are so close to us. 

6. Halloween at the Boo-tanical Gardens

This is another event that is new to us because we didn't have a child when we lived here the last time. I have only ever heard amazing things about this family friendly halloween event. It is at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, which happens to be one of our favorite places here. The pathways are lit with lights and carved pumpkins, there are crafts, treats, and plenty of candy!

I think it's going to be a pretty great fall!

What are you looking forward to?! 

2

Saturday was a big day in our family! Our precious, Emersyn, turned 2! We were able to celebrate with my family in Florida and it was wonderful.

It is so hard to believe that this precious little peanut is not so little anymore. It really feels like she was just born and now she has so much personality. She is also starting preschool today and we are so excited for her to have this experience. 

Her personality is electric. I can honestly say that she has never met a stranger. She is always saying hi to people and she is such a joy to be around. One of my favorite things that she does is, she will be talking herself and all of the sudden she breaks out in laughter. It is the funniest and cutest thing.

I hope she always has this joy for life and for those around her. 

One of the best things is that she marches to the beat of her own drum. We can already see her independence shining through and it's amazing to see. She wants to know everything and see everything, her curiosity and intelligence impresses us every single day. I will say though she has quite the sarcastic personality haha! 

These last two years have been an amazing adventure! Being a parent is hard but gosh it is so rewarding and life-changing in so many good ways.

We love you, E! Thank you for making our lives so much more special and fun!