dedication – Page 2 – Movin' it with Michelle

Last week was a whirl wind of work, work, and more work.

We missed our long run today voluntarily due to a 99 real feel temp after I got home from work. I hated missing our scheduled 10k, but hey, I am smart too…even at 10 pm it shows a real feel of 88 degrees. Sorry, can’t do it. The humidity stabs my head with a thousand pound hammer, and I just can’t do it. I have had a nagging headache for 4 days, and when I got home from work today at 3 pm I changed into my jammies and napped for 45 minutes. Productive? Nope…but much needed.

I have made a goal of having Sunday Suppers each week, regardless of schedule, time, or energy.

I have spent so much time studying the basics of cooking, so why not put it into play in my own kitchen?

So tonight, I made goat cheese and fig crostini’s with baked salmon that was topped with a garlic herb butter. Our side was a simple cucumber, red onion, and tomato salad that was tossed in my favorite vinaigrette.

For the figs:

Thinly slice French bread and spread with goat cheese. I used a garlic herb blend. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Thinly slice figs, placing on top of the bread, add lightly fried bacon, and bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

For my salmon, it was an easy prep. I took one stick of unsalted butter brought to room temperature and added 2 cloves of garlic, minced, the zest of one lemon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, kosher salt and pepper, oregano, and parsley. Mix well, and spread generously on your salmon. Cook at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until the salmon flakes lightly with a fork.

I served the salmon with basmati rice, and a simple salad of red onions (soak sliced in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce the bite), cucumber, and tomato’s. Dress with a simple lemon/Dijon vinaigrette, and serve!

I sent in my pre-registration for Master Chef on Friday, and am terrified. I keep getting comments and posts asking “Do you have what it takes?” basically…and now I am second guessing myself, just like I did last year.

SO I am trying to remain focused, while continuing to study. Research. And practice the skill I love so much.

We shall see!

How was your week with exercise and eats?

dedication

Two things, Tuesday…

August 20, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Tonight marks the eve of school starting in the Chicagoland area. My oldest starts her journey in HIGH SCHOOL tomorrow, and my youngest starts her 3rd grade year in elementary school.

Firstly…

My nostalgia is at an all time high, so I spent the evening helping the girls clean their rooms, pack their bags, and pick out their first day of school outfits since my work hours don’t allow me to see them for more than a few minutes in the morning. I choked back the tears after just hugging my eldest “J” wishing her a good day at school tomorrow. “Don’t cry, Mom” she said…”I’m not crying” I responded despite choking back the tears. THIS girl, who has given me more grief than I care to admit, holds a special place in my heart for it was just her and I for nearly 4 years. I divorced shortly after she was born, and from then on out it was me and her. Her. And me. And we make a pretty darn good pair despite butting heads more days than not.

My youngest is my spit fire…my little zest for life who could care less about schedule or time. Her passion for life makes my heart sing, and my head hurt as I struggle with teachers to get her to focus vs. daydream and want to create. I don’t want to squelch her zest, but reeling it in the last few years has caused me more stress than I care to admit. How does one balance this passion? I know, with time…she’ll get it. But in the mean time, her passion and smile keep me singing…both on the trails and in my home. Look at these smiles…life. is. good.

Secondly…

I have reclaimed my love for running with a partner. And this just isn’t any ole partner. It’s my husband.

I came home from work today tired. Last night we were hit with crazy thunderstorms and I slept all of maybe 3 hours. I wanted to crawl into a tiny little ball on my recliner and nap. Yet as I walked into the door after work, there was my husband ready in his running clothes and welcoming me with a smile and a kiss. I ensured the kids and dog were fed, and changed my clothes for our 5k run that was on our training schedule. It was hot. Nearly 90 degrees hot. But we ran. I had a hard time the first mile, but settled in quickly at a 9:30ish pace. Not where near where our race pace needs to be, but less than our long run pace lately. And I found myself running, singing, dancing to my own beat…settling in on a cadence only I know…we stopped a couple times to drink, complained about the humidity, and continued on. And despite the humidity, we smiled…high fived. And moved forward. In just four weeks we will be crossing the finish line for my husband’s first half marathon. And I am in awe already of his dedication for training.

So my two things Tuesday encompass family and friends. You know…the ones that are always there despite all time lows or all time highs. And, a little bit of this…

Sweet dreams, Movers. Remember to hang on to those constants. They won’t let you down.

❤ Michelle

dedication, goals, moving forward, running

Monday truths and week wrap up

August 19, 2014August 19, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I caveat this post with a disclaimer. This post (and all my posts) are simply a journaling of my thoughts, experiences, hopes, dreams, struggles as lived and breathed by yours truly. They in no way are directed to anyone, nor are my opinions directed toward anyone other than…ME. I share these said experiences as it helps me, by hopefully inspiring, helping, or provoking thought by others.

Moving on…

Ack, I haven’t blogged in a week. Mind you, it’s always been in the back of my mind to take the time to sit down and write…but the time just escaped me last week. My girls go back to school on Wednesday with my eldest entering high school and my youngest starting 3rd grade. It’s been a scramble to get school supplies, shoes, registration, dentist appointments, physicals and lastly gym shoes with ‘free time’ being sparse. But…we got it done…and Wednesday my first born will be walking the halls of high school where life will bring her challenges, heart aches, and success stories all wrapped up in four crazy years. Lord help me have patience and strength to help her…My youngest starts 3rd grade (and pray her cold subsides, please!)…and I pray she finds her groove this year. Prayers all around!

My hubby and I got in two amazing 4 milers this week, and I have now been using Myfitnesspal app for a week and am down 2.6 lbs. YAHOO.

posted previously, but so proud... — posted previously, but so proud…

Friday was our date night…it’s been a while, so we planned an amazing tapas style dinner at a local Italian place. It was. AMAZING.

We went to see the movie, “The hundred foot journey” and we both really enjoyed it. Although I wasn’t pulled in emotionally by the acting, the story itself was profound. It highlighted the fact that if you truly have a passion for something, you can achieve your goals! A home cook turned Michelin (sp?) star Chef what??? Yup…GREAT motivator to not give up on my dreams.

Saturday we ran errands and finally after three years of living in our home bought curtains for our bedroom. Baby steps, right?

The beautiful comforter is a handmedown from my parents...Love! — The beautiful comforter is a handmedown from my parents…Love!

Saturday night was carbloading for our 10 mile run. I haven’t ran double digits since my half marathon in May, and this was my husband’s FIRST double digit run.

Rice pasta with meat sauce...win! — Rice pasta with meat sauce…win!

We got up before the sun on Sunday, and headed out to Geneva running outfitters for our 10 miler. I was pacing the ten minute mile pace group. And my Garmin died. Just like that. GAH….but thankfully one of my runners said he would pace us, if I would direct us…and we finished strong. What an amazing group.

Pic taken from my friend Cindy..ack, do I really hunch over like that? (I am in the orange)

And I got to meet one of my Movers, Sarah! Awesome day!

We got home early, pigged out, and tackled house cleaning. I spent the afternoon on the couch watching “Divergent.” GREAT movie.

I asked my hubby why he decided to run a half marathon while we shared a celebratory glass of wine…”To do something with you, of course.” My heart sang. After 11 years together, and 10 years (nearly) of marriage this man never stops taking my breath away.

This week marks my monthly 6 day work week…and tonight, after work I rushed home to shower, change, and head out to the marathon committee meeting and I still find myself learning so much that comes to planning a race. Please, take a moment to thank your local race committee and directors. It’s a job that doesn’t pay monetarily but makes you feel so darn good.

At the end of the day, I find myself counting my blessings this past week. My family #truths:

We don’t have a lot of ‘disposable’ money. We get our hair cut at Cost Cutters. We shop consignment, 95% of the time. We don’t take lavish vacations or have fancy cars or home(s). But we do treat ourselves once every couple months to a nice dinner or a cool running outfit (for example). We celebrate our laughter, and embrace our tough times…together. We may get frustrated with each other…but we always work together. We don’t compromise who we are…instead, we figure out how we can meld together as a cohesive unit. It’s not easy…

But we do it.

Together.

Have you ever volunteered for a race?

Does your family support your dreams?

❤ Michelle

dedication, goals

Tuesday truths

August 13, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Last week was a whirlwind of work, school clothes shopping, birthday party planning and cleaning house. I realized yesterday I hadn’t run ONCE in ONE WEEK. Ack…this does NOT hold well in my heart for half marathon training. But I was reminded by a dear friend last night, that I have a lot of hay in the barn. But do I? I took most of the winter off due to Chiberia temps and injury coupled with a true hatred for running on the treadmill. Despite my Achilles tendon tear in late September of 2013 after my full marathon, I squeaked out a half marathon in October of 2013 with a 2:14 finish time. NOT my best to say the least. Injuries suck…but good friends make these injuries more bearable. I managed a handful of runs over the winter months, and completed half marathon training in a mere 4 weeks time. I finished my PR half marathon in May with a 2:01. Yup…

One of my strongest races to date... — One of my strongest races to date…

2:01. WTF.

I remember running most of that race alone. But I wasn’t really alone. All of my friends were on the course with me. And somehow I caught the tail wind and ran…My sheer mental strength moved me forward every single mile…but that last mile I realized I’d miss my sub 2 goal by one minute. And I had to choke back the sobs at the finish line. Yeah…I was that runner…never satisfied with how far I had come beating my previous PR by over a minute. Shame. on. ME. I forgot to CELEBRATE my finish line feeling. Lesson learned…My mental strength is what keeps me moving, and I should (and will) celebrate it daily.

So this spring/summer I have taken it easier. But pushed myself harder. Does that make sense? I guess I am listening to my body MORE…and my mind, LESS.

I need to remember...THIS... — I need to remember…THIS…

So with less than 6 weeks out for my hubby’s first half marathon, we laced up our shoes after work today for our first run in the last week. My goal was a 9:15 pace, and despite quirky garmins/apps, we just about achieved our goal at a 9:25 overall pace. Not bad for taking a week off. I have to note, how wonderfully proud of him I am…when we started he could barely run 2 miles without stopping. Sunday marks our 10 mile run (his longest to date) and I know he will rock it. I am still working on tweaking my macros, but struggle with my fat intake. It will come with time! I am down 1.6 lbs and pleased regardless!

So my truth’s today include…I have chosen to surround myself by people who lift me up. I have chosen to not make repeated mistakes in life, instead I learn from them and grow. I have realized that not everyone does the same, and am ok with that, but can’t be bothered by negativity and sheer lack of self worth. And…I am counting my blessings tonight despite a tough week because I have amazing friends/family, a husband who still sweeps me off my feet, and goals in my pocket that I am addressing daily. As an ode to my goals, I cleaned out my desk and book shelves tonight, discarding all of the CRAP I have accumulated. After filling a huge trash bag of JUNK, I found myself smiling. I am moving forward…

How do you keep moving forward despite tough times? What do you hold true to your heart?

❤ Michelle

dedication

A Trifecta of Birthdays

August 11, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I didn’t run this weekend. Nope. Not one single mile. This past week I haven’t felt 100%, and between party planning, work, house cleaning and cooking for my daughter’s birthday party I was only able to manage one 4 miler this past week, two walks, and one strength training session. And guess what? I am totally ok with that. My stomach seems to get very angry when I am under stress, so I did what I could to keep moving.

Monday-4 mile run in terrible humidity

Tuesday-2 mile walk

Wednesday-cleaned my house and got ready for the bday party

Thursday-1.5 mile walk and stretching and painting my front porch (that counts, right?)

Friday-The birthday weekend started so no workout! I had to work late, so found myself zipping through town to pick up a gift for my friend Jitka’s surprise birthday party.

Friday night was just a blast. We all planned a surprise party for my dear friend Jitka. Seeing her face as she walked in the door of the restaurant was priceless, and the sheer joy could be felt throughout the room.

Debra, Jitka and myself cheesin' for the camera — Debra, Jitka and myself cheesin’ for the camera

Sushi with great friends...doesn't get much better! — Sushi with great friends…doesn’t get much better!

Saturday I was up early to get ready for my youngest daughter’s 8th birthday party. My parents were driving in, as well as my sister and her family and so many awesome friends and neighbors. Slight drama ensued as my toilet lid broke off the night before, so after 2 trips to Home Depot (note-universal toilet seats go by the shape of your toilet. I learned my bowl is ROUND, not oval, LOL), a trip to pick up balloons, and picking up the cake and we were ready to get this party started!!!!

This little person took the time to read each and every card. She has such a big heart.

THIS...this is what makes my world go 'round...family, friends, and fun. — THIS…this is what makes my world go ’round…family, friends, and fun.

My wonderful parents... — My wonderful parents…

Bouncy houses make everything better, and the adults even had fun bouncing!

I was blessed to have my oldest niece spend the night, and today was her 15th birthday. WHA???????????????? Where did the time go? I woke up the eldest children early despite grumbling and we enjoyed a yummy birthday breakfast.

Jordyn and Jenna <3 — Jordyn and Jenna ❤

My day ended with a much needed nap, and now as I sit here writing while listening to my laundry whirl in the dryer I find myself feeling so very blessed. Despite a rough week last week, it all came full circle and I realize I have the best friends and family EVER. Ok, I may be partial, but it’s true. I thank you ALL for being a part of my life.

❤ Michelle

dedication, food, moving forward, running

It’s been a busy week…

August 4, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I have really tried to keep up with my blog, as I truly love this outlet for writing and sharing my story. But sometimes, life tends to get in the way of allowing us ‘free time’ for things we love.

But this week I spent the week doing things I love. My job, running, spending time with family and friends, and cooking.

Here is my week, (more so weekend) in pictures.

My work week was busy to say the least, and despite wanting to crawl in to bed Friday night and ignore life and my upcoming alarm that was set for Saturday morning at O DARK 30, I knew I needed to get my gear ready for my 9 mile run. It still amazes me that 9 miles is now LONG for me, but I embrace it all the same as I’ve taken this year off for full marathon distance.

I made my obligatory pasta, set my gear out, and hit the hay by 10 pm.

Rice pasta with sausage....yum! — Rice pasta with sausage….yum!

I wish I could say my 9 mile run was great. But it wasn’t. It sucked. It was humbling. And I thought back to last year when I was at 16 miles at this point…I couldn’t hold pace…I thought I was going to #pantsmypoop and I wanted to die…a little. But I finished. And despite major suckage, I felt strong regardless. #nowwhereismyfoamroaller

Overall 9:41 pace, NOT where I need to be... — Overall 9:41 pace, NOT where I need to be…

I came home, showered, and tried to nap before heading out to my nieces and nephew’s bday party. Sleep was not happening, so I got up showered, and was blessed to spend time with my immediate family. I love these people. More than life itself, and I found myself hugging them all a little tighter.

It truly baffles my mind that my kids, and nieces and nephews are growing up so fast. Where does the time go?

I spent the evening later, with my amazing friends who live next door, talking, laughing, and drinking wine/water while sitting by a fire.

Today was a busy day filled with school clothes shopping at Once Upon a child and Plato’s closet. I refuse to buy brand new, and simply can’t afford to do so…200 dollars later, my kids are set. Plus we had fun planning for my youngest daughter’s 8th birthday party.

At the end of the day, I realize this…my training runs may not always go as planned. I may not always have enough time or money to keep things moving forward. BUT. I always have my friends and family to keep my spirits UP.

Tonight I made stuffed zucchini that I acquired from my amazing next door neighbors. It was easy, healthy, and delish!

Prep time, layered with pork/beef, eggplant, marinara sauce and cheese

Finished product, served over quinoa with oyster mushrooms

My youngest daughter turns 8 on Tuesday…which means no more car/booster seats in my future, and another milestone knocked off my list. My kids are growing up, and I find myself growing up with them….

I have a bad temper, lack of patience, and have too much on my plate most days. But THEY have helped me be a better person, Mom, and friend.

But all of these joys that I continue to pour myself in to each day make all the bad just a little bit better. I used to tell myself that one day things would get easier. Yet I’ve realized things DON’T get easier, EVER. You just get better at dealing with it all….

And it’s never easy. But you get stronger, every single, day. If you choose to do so…

So this week will be crazy busy, and I am ok with that…because I choose…to keep movin’ forward.

How was your week?

Do you lay your running gear the night before?

Do you like to cook?

❤ Michelle

dedication

Movin’ forward with flexibility

July 9, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I posted the question on my Facebook fan page today, as to whether or not people are flexible with their workouts. As I was driving home from work tonight, my husband texted saying he was running late with meetings therefore our scheduled run would have to be postponed. I could’ve freaked out and ran without him, but I am so excited that he is embracing running that I opted to move our scheduled run from today, to tomorrow.

So what do you do when you have a night free from running? ~~Take a nap~~ Cook dinner and housework, of course, finished with some much needed strength training.

I really wanted a nap...just sayin'... — I really wanted a nap…just sayin’…

Tonight I made homemade crab cakes with spinach and cornflake ‘crumbs’ to keep them gluten free. Although I don’t have Celiac disease, I have noticed limiting my gluten has helped my Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I served them with red beans that I soaked and sautéed for HOURS along with cauliflower and shitake mushroom yummy goodness. Yup, overall delish! (I only had one tiny piece of bread, lol, I am weak).

After dinner while my husband mowed our ginormous yard, I thought hmmm…maybe I should run. Maybe…but the yummy food stuffs had settled nicely in the bottom of my stomach, so I opted to clean windows, and do my strength work out which consisted of:

3 sets of bicep curls

3 sets of shoulder presses

3 sets of squats-25 each

50 sit ups

50 push ups

tacking on a 2 mile walk today for good measure

Tomorrow the ‘window guy’ will come and assess our windows…I am nervous after having just spending a pretty penny on 2 sum pumps, but the condensation is getting so terrible that it needs to be addressed. Oh, and after this lovely appointment my hubby and I have some miles to tackle.

The ultimate point of this post is, are you flexible with your work outs when life stuff gets in the way?

dedication, food, goals

Part 2; the Obligatory like and social dismay

July 8, 2014July 8, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I don’t have a lot of free time. Who does? I try to spend this time with my family, running, cooking, writing, taking pictures etc. But in the last few months I have found myself forgetting a lot of the above listed items and getting sucked in to social media, liking, posting, commenting, and crunching the numbers I had once hoped to get behind my fan page. And in doing so, I found myself reeling back in to a time where I thought too much about all the STUFFS that didn’t matter. And I found myself feeling empty, and sad for lack of better terms. For those that administer a Facebook fan page you have seen the demise of most pages who refuse to pay to boost their posts. I just can’t bring myself to pay to try and motivate, inspire, and help others get through tough times/depression at this point in my life. Should something so selfless and inspiring come at a cost? Apparently so in FB land…With a page of nearly 9500 followers, I am told less than a dozen see my posts, and even fewer comment, like, or engage. Why? Because I don’t pay…in the land of SOCIAL media, I have found my page to be less than just that…

But I keep it going…I have worked so hard on this silly little page (to some) that reaps me only the benefit of knowing I may touch ONE life every day. And I remember back to a time when I couldn’t wrap my brain around getting through a single day without crying or feeling sad, so if just ONE of my posts makes someone smile, inspires someone to go out for a run, or motivates someone to keep movin’ forward I am satisfied.

I have also learned that I need to focus my energy where it counts. I have spent too much time worrying about how to get my FB page moving forward, that I myself nearly stopped dead in my tracks.

So I have embraced half marathon training with my husband. We just finished week 7 of training and I am so proud to say he finished his 7 miler (a PR in distance for him) yesterday.
I have dusted off my camera and starting taking pictures again.
I have been regularly texting/calling my friends and family as best time allows.
I have revisited my goal of writing a cook book and have been working hard and transcribing my creations for compilation someday in the future.
(I did make amazing stuffed portabella mushrooms and a potato/leek mash, but that post will have to follow later).

Why am I writing this down? Accountability, reassurance, venting, or who knows?

I just know it’s time for more change…time to unplug more, spend time doing things I love more, and always, MOVE FORWARD…more.

dedication, goals, moving forward, running

Weekend wrap up

June 30, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Sometimes (often times) I find myself needed a weekend, well, FOR my weekend. This one was one of those weekends where we were on the GO all weekend. So this post will be mostly pics, filled with my little tid bits throughout the way…

Friday my husband had to go to a dress rehearsal for the wedding he was performing “Saber arch” detail in. So after dropping off my oldest at her BFF’s for a sleep over, I decided to embrace the moment and take my youngest out on a date. I asked her where she wanted to go to eat…SUSHI of course. We had such a nice time eating dinner, and walking the streets of Geneva window shopping and I treated her with well deserved ice cream.

We wrapped up our date with shopping for “Lucy” her American girl doll, and we found a beautiful hand made outfit.

We got home a bit late, and I was tired. I worked a few hours of overtime this week, and knew I had a long run scheduled for the morning. So I set my outfit out, fuel was ready, and I went to bed at 10 p.m.

Sadly, my husband came home late from his practice, and I wasn’t able to sleep…AT. ALL. I may have gotten two hours of sleep Friday night…MAYBE.
I got out of bed at 5:45 with baggy eyes and heavy legs. My long run was GOING. TO. SUCK. (and it did)
I met up with the Dick Pond run club gang, and we headed out promptly at 7 am. It was hot. It was humid. And all I wanted to do was go back to bed. But I ran. And thankfully Melissa stayed with me for the majority of the run. There were several walk/water/want to stab myself in the eye breaks. Here we are at mile 4, with a bug planted firmly underneath my eye. New make up scheme? I think…NOT.

Around the six mile mark, I sent Melissa on her way so she wouldn’t have to witness my epic fail of a long run. I couldn’t hold pace and the mental demons were winning. But I finished…8.18 treacherous miles logged.

And then. There was the food. Yes, I devoured this egg sammich like a mad women.

I wanted to nap when I got home…but we had a wedding to attend. Here are some highlights.

Today I was blessed to be able to take a NAP this morning…Morning you say? Yup, hubby got up at 6:30 for his long run and I got my youngest breakfast and settled. I may, or may not have napped until 10:30 a.m. I forced myself out of bed, showered, cleaned, and went to a dear friends housewarming/Mary Kay Party. I love my friends. Have I said that lately?

I came home to THIS dinner…Grilled steak, Egg plant, and quinoa…Can you say yum?

Yup...my hubby made this! — Yup…my hubby made this!

I finished the weekend with a 12.5 mile bike ride. I needed to find my happy place, which I can usually find during a long run…so I needed to feel the wind on my face, the sun on my back…and all that jazz…So I dusted off my bike, and hit the trails. My bike sucks, I’ll just say it, but it keeps me moving regardless. My pace was slow, but I felt great being outside as the sun started to set. I captured THIS awesome moment tonight….

And as I flew down the hill on my Walmart bike I realized…I can fly…I can run…I can ride. And as always, I keep movin’ forward.

❤ Michelle

dedication

The house I grew up in…

June 27, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I will admit when I joined the Air Force, a part of me was running away. Both mentally, and physically speaking…
I left the house I grew up in, in 1991 and haven’t been back for over 20 years. But the memories are still with me, and I have decided instead of focusing on the hard times, that I will revisit all that I loved about growing up in this old house…

This house is over 100 years old…
Favorite memories include…
-Our kitchen had a fire when I was a young child. My Dad and his friends rebuilt the kitchen, and with that came huge appliance boxes with which we made some pretty amazing forts.
-I learned to cook in this kitchen, between baking with my Mom, and creating amazing dishes with my Dad with only our palates as recipe guides.

-The hill we had in our front yard may have been terrible for mowing, but it was amazing for sliding down on metal saucers in the winter. Watch out for cars!
-We were surrounded by amazing elderly neighbors who taught me respect, love, and hard work.
-As kids, we bonded with all of the neighborhood kids within a six block radius playing “red light/green light” and “hide and go seek” until our Mom’s called for us at dark.
-I helped my Dad (or at least I thought I was helping) build the deck, redo the siding, and make improvements to this house we called home.
-My bedroom window (the top two windows pictured above) looked out on to Lake Superior. I used to stare out at the lake, daydreaming…I spent many hours in this room reading and losing myself in the literary world. One of these windows was struck by lightening when I was around the age of 12, shooting a lightening bold through the springs of my bed (while I slept), waking me abruptly as I shot straight up into bed. One of the insurance adjusters told my parents we should be in church thanking God that I was alive. I’ll never forget that, and have since faced my fears of thunderstorms full force.
-Every Christmas season we would take down all of our knick knacks and replace them with holiday decorations making our house look like a winter wonderland. This was always my favorite season despite the frigid temps in northern Minnesota.
-Holiday meals were always recognized and celebrated as a family. Always.
-Every day, my Mom would leave us notes to do certain chores on our wooden kitchen table that was housed snuggly in our kitchen…but on all holidays she left us love notes, candy, reminders that she loved us. This has remained one of my favorite memories.
-I spent hours in the back yard with my Dad digging for earthworms for fishing, and practicing our fly fishing form.
-We had a choke cherry tree in the back yard that I loved sneaking the sheer indulgence of a tart choke cherry after a long day at school.
-We also had fresh rhubarb and raspberries that I loved to pick, eat, and enjoy daily!
-We plugged the cars that sat outside due to not having a garage in every day during winter.
-The house was so old, that we didn’t have a shower, so I would spend hours in the bath tub listening to Barry Manilow and reading books…I had to force myself out of the tub when I found my toes so wrinkled I was afraid they’d stay that way.
-My Dad would spend hours in the basement working…I loved watching him work on his guns, wood carvings, and the like.
-Twins baseball became pretty huge in my house…so we would all curl up on the couch and chairs munching sunflower seeds and watching baseball.
-Shooting bottle rockets and BBQ’ing on our deck during the 4th was always an awesome day!

I remember…leaving this house when my parents sold it just a few months before I left for the Air Force. I remember saying goodbye…

But I hold these memories near and dear, and no matter what has happened in the past, I can say I am pretty darn blessed.

And while counting my blessings, I have to account for my current blessings of amazing friends, an awesome husband, and family that although may not all be near-are a constant in my life.

Do you still visit the house you grew up in? Do your parents still live there?

❤
Michelle

Category: dedication

Sunday Summation of sorts and recipes

Two things, Tuesday…

Monday truths and week wrap up

Tuesday truths

A Trifecta of Birthdays

It’s been a busy week…

Movin’ forward with flexibility

Weekend wrap up

The house I grew up in…

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