I'm still alive!

Hello my little loves!!  I'm sorry I have been gone for so long.  I just really wanted to enjoy summer with my kiddos and not be sitting here at the computer.  But with that being said, summer is coming to a fast end so I'm back with pictures and stories and training and secrets and all sorts of good stuff for you!  I will share a few pictures with you and work on getting back to chatting with you more often! Although on that note, I do post almost every day on Instagram and Facebook.  Look for me!  My username is LoveLacey365.

I made Mr. J do a T25 workout with me and he almost died! LOL This is his fake smile.

I'm still swimming each week.  I'm also still trying to figure out my goggles.  Those giant bags under my eyes are from the goggles. Not very flattering but hey I didn't drown! 

I did drink some wine this summer! 

Mr. J and I went to see Shania Twain (yep that's her in a tepee of lights).  She was AMAZING!  She came out of the floor of the stage, She rode around the crowd in a little cart, and also flew around on a jeweled saddle! She was SO good!!  And I hope I look half as good as her at 50! Holy thigh high boots! 

And despite his face here he did have fun! LOL 

Afterwards we went out to the Wild Beaver Saloon!  That was SO much fun!

I have been running semi-regularly with these Yetis!

And last but not least we just got home for our annual trip to Lake Erie!  We had SO much fun and I will share a lot more pictures on that soon!  

I have been taking tons of pictures and thinking about what I want to share with you guys a lot lately.  So I will definitely be posting more.  The kids start school in 2 weeks!  That includes Miss V going to Kindergarten.  Where did my baby go?! A part of me is ready (the need to bust out some miles and get super serious about training) but part of me is NOT ready at all (the I want my littles to stay little for a long time!). It's just the start of a new chapter in our lives! 

Anyways!  What have you been up to? Did you miss me?  What do you want to see on my blog?

Love, Lacey

3 Words a picture - 3/20/15

I have been super sick this week and busy with work so I thought I would do the ol' 3 words a picture post.  Hope you enjoy!!

Drink this cider!

Seriously!  If you can find Vandermill "Totally Roasted" . . . BUY IT!!  It's not cheap I'll warn you now but it's like buying a cheaper bottle of wine.  It has a light crisp flavor and this one has a hint of sweetness and almost cinnamon. I told Mr. J it reminds me a bit of the German roasted almonds you buy.  Definitely worth the money!

Not my birthday!

I ran into a local store to grab a gluten free beer for a recipe and she didn't ask for my id.  I was really kind of upset at first but then I looked at my receipt! That is not even close to the year of my birth. That made my whole night!

Corned Beef Dinner

Like a good Irish girl I made Corned beef and cabbage! This is what I needed the gluten free beer for. I did taste it, it was ok. I used to be a dark beer drinker (see Guinness or New Castle) so this beer I chose was light like a miller lite. Not exactly my cup of tea but it was ok. The corned beef on the other hand . . . YUM!

St. Paddy's Fun

I also took this crazy picture on St. Paddy's day.  I was subbing that day and wore this adorable headband.  

First of Spring

As you can obviously tell by the snow, today was the first day of spring!  THANKFULLY we only got a dusting and it melted quickly!  I'm SO ready for warmer weather!

Running store danger

I ended up at our local running store and was talking to a friend who works there about trail shoes.  The more we talked and I tried on that more excited I got about running trails again.  Well lucky me, all trail shoes were on sale, I got a frequent buyer discount, & I had a gift card.  I walked out with new trail shoes for not much at all and $0 out of my pocket!  It was an all around good day!

Random Ramble

I have been feeling so uninspired lately to write.  I feel like I used to have so much to say and some pretty pressing things but lately life has just been flying by.  Between the kids in school, trying to keep up with the endless laundry, dishes, & house cleaning, serving at church, & trying to get in shape it seems like I never have time to really just think.  So I thought I would just post some fun random pictures.  And see what comes out of my mind! Oh dear!

The other day I posted about going to a local coffee shop in an old house.  I said to Mr. J, HEY! Take my picture.  So this was my best pose and he said "Are you going to blog that?"  Or actually he says B-(like the letter) then log.  He thinks he's so funny!  

This was my best "artsy" picture from the coffee shop.  They had couches and different tables and chairs.  But for some reason this old radio with the cute plant and old style folding chair spoke to me.  And look at those floors!!  Seriously!!  They were AMAZING!!  I kind of want to go back just to take pictures of the woodwork and flooring.  I can't even explain how gorgeous this house was. Old radios like this make me wonder who had it in their house? What programs did they listen to? Was it a family and they gathered around it each night to listen to the news? Did the kids sit down after school and listen to their favorite program, ala "A Christmas Story" and little orphan Annie? And those AMAZING floors, who has walked on those floors?  How many babies took their first steps there? Did anyone get married there? What's the story?

So let's talk about the elephant in the room for a min. My messy house.  It's not the end of the world, it's not hoarders status but like I said, some times you just don't have time to pick up before you take a quick OOTD (outfit of the day) picture before running out the door to dinner! But other than that!  Here is my OOTD from my birthday dinner.  The shoes are from JLo (Khols) and are at least 9 years old! The jeans are Vera Wang (Khols) they are the skinny style.  The top is Apt 9 (Khols) I just got this so if you are looking for a cute silky blouse go now!  The necklace is from ebay and the clutch is by Candies and I found it at a thrift store for a few bucks!  I loved this outfit.  I felt sophisticated and sexy all in one.  I always say my style icons are Jackie Kennedy Onassis & Audrey Hepburn.  I think I channeled a little of each in this one. 

After my birthday dinner Mr. J and I hit up a local bar.  It was nothing fancy, in fact we were probably over dressed but the music between the band sets was good, good drink specials, & so much people watching.  I love people watching.  I love to try to figure out the relationships between people and just generally watch.  I come by this honestly.  My grandmother used to love for us to go to the mall so she could sit and people watch.  My mom and I people watch all the time. One of my best friends is a people watcher too.  We love talking about the people around us and what we think their story is.  I'm not sure we ever get it right but it's fun. 

And lastly I got a birthday card from my daddy.  My mom had sent one to me in the mail but my dad felt like he needed to send his baby girl a special one I guess.  I do book work for my dad's business. I'm the only employee but shh don't tell anyone.  I kind of like being employee of the year! Although the Christmas parties aren't very big. I'm so thankful I can help my dad out, work from home, and have a little extra play money. Plus seeing the words "Love, Dad" never gets old.

Love, Lacey

Vacation Packing List

We leave in 2 weeks for Disney!  That's 14 days!  That's not much time to get accomplished all I need to get done! When I leave on vacation I make lists, and leave lists, and lists for my lists! One of the things I stress about it packing!  If you are anything like me your suitcase looks like this . . .

I'm always scared I'm going to forget something! So I pack and pack and pack.  I know there has to be a better way!  SO I went online and found this website with a list of vacation packing essentials!  I felt it was pretty close to what I have listed.  I thought I would share with you what I have listed and give you an insight into my mind! 

Because of my race I have to pack a little differently and so I make sure I have my race clothes packed and ready to go!

Race Items

Skirt

Tank

Bra

Socks

Shoes

Aquaphor

Headband

Watch

Road ID

Hair ties

bobby pins

Huma gel

Bathroom

Hairspray (it is Florida!)

Brush

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Makeup

Moisturizer

Face wash

Flat iron

Texture spray

Clothes

Maxi dress - bra

Shorts - 2

jeans - 2

Tops -4

Jacket

Swimsuit

Shoes - tennis shoes, sandals, & flip flops

Socks

PJ's

Carry On (I always like to know what is going where!)

Chap stick (my lips are always chapped!)

Travel purse (no need to carry my giant mom purse!)

Race clothes (I will NOT take a chance at these getting lost being checked in)

Makeup (not sure if I will check this or take it with me.  I will probably do my face on the plane)

Nook (I don't want to drag a full sized book on the plane)

Hand sanitizer (obviously planes aren't the most sanitary places)

Shaker bottle 

Dramamine

Nexium

Snacks

Camera

Chargers - Phone, Camera, Garmin

Head phones

Randoms

Trading Pins

Beach towel

So what did I miss?  What I do I need to take for Disney?! What is the one thing you CANNOT travel without?  

Love, Lacey

PS. I do NOT know what this blue stripe is or how to get rid of it?! LOL

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Bloglovin

Do you know about Bloglovin?  Do you use bloglovin?  Well you SHOULD!!  It's an easy way to follow not only my blog (plug plug) but any other blog you follow.  Simply sign up HERE and then tell it what blogs you want to follow.  You will get an email (if you chose) each time the blogs you are following post.  There is also an awesome iPhone app that you can log on and read the blogs from your phone.  This is great for your morning coffee!

I don't have much else to say I just wanted to share this website because I really do love it!  I have many blogs I follow and it would take me all day to "check" them all each day. But with bloglovin' I can simply sign in and read all the updates!

Hope you check it out! Hope you love it as much as I do.  And let me know if you need some blogs to follow! I follow a little bit of everything!!

QUESTION OF THE DAY!
What blogs do you follow?  What is your favorite and that MUST read every day?!

Love, Lacey

*Disclaimer!!  I did not get paid by bloglovin' or get anything special for mentioning them!  I just really do love them and want to share my experience!  

Busy but AWESOME weekend!

Have you ever had one of those weekends that was kind of crazy but in the end you think YES!  Life is so good!?  Yep that was me this weekend!

First I got up early (well early for a Saturday!) and went for a nice 4 mile run.  This is the second week in a row that I have run 4 miles (and also the second week I have done it without music) on Saturday and it felt really good to get out and stretch my legs.  Of course KT tape was applied and helped me accomplish this run!

Then Mr S had a birthday party to go.  They went to a place that has bowling and a giant arcade.  He LOVED this motorcycle ride and actually placed 2nd!  After the birthday party I dropped all 3 kids off at grandma & grandpas and so started Mr. J & my date day/night. We are so lucky that the kids have grandparents that love them (and us) enough to take them for a night once a month or so.  You would not believe what a night without kids will do for your marriage.  Even if we do nothing but sit on the couch and watch a movie.  It's just nice to be able to go do what we want, eat where we want, watch what we want and not have to worry about anyone but ourselves! 

You know I had to take a selfie!  This is currently one of my favorite scarves.  I bought it while I was in Cali and it's actually a Union Jack flag pattern!  Shout Out (do people still do those?) to all my UK peeps!  Like I said I'm a BIT UK obsessed! 

Our first stop was Bed, Bath, & Beyond but I didn't get a picture.  You know what it looks like. Lots of Bed, Bath & Beyond STUFF!  But our second stop was Barnes & Noble.  I hit up the running section while Mr. J went to the beer brewing books.  I saw this book and thought it looked interesting.  I must remember to put a hold on it at the library! To say Dean Karnazes is a Beast, is an understatement!  This year for the Boston Marathon he ran from the finish line to the start line (26.2 miles) and then did the race (another 26.2 miles) and he had amazing times both ways!  He is just amazing! 

Then we had to go to one of my FAVORITE places!!  ULTA!!!!!!  If you do not have an Ulta near you, I'm REALLY sorry!  Although you can order on line it's nothing like the experience of going into the store and drawing all over yourself with different make up and seeing how they hold up. In case you don't know, Ulta is a makeup & hair care type of place.  Think the makeup aisle but better!  Tons of high end and drugstore brands.  Just a great place to find anything hair or makeup that you could want! My hand actually looked exactly like this after I washed it too.  I had to use make up remover wipes to get it off.  Stilla isn't kidding when they say stay ALL DAY! 

Then we had a charity even to go to that night.  It was really fun!  Lots of food and drinks and just time being together.  We saw a few people that Mr. J works with and a friend from church so that was fun!  This was a 21 & over event so it was nice not to worry about kids!  We had a GREAT time! Another Selfie!

We finished off the night at Granite City.  We decided to sit in the bar and have a drink.  We also ordered an appetizer.  I wish I would have taken a picture because it was AMAZING!  They call it Idaho Nachos.  Basically it's nachos but make with waffle fries.  OH YUM!!!!  And of course I had to have my signature dirty martini with 3 olives.  YUM! We sat and talked for a good hour.  Just sitting close together in a booth, people watching and just generally enjoying being together.  We didn't have to hurry home to a sitter or for any reason so we just enjoyed! 

Then Sunday morning we got up and went to a local greenhouse (yes we skipped church we are heathens this week) to look at flowers and plants to redo some of our landscaping.  Then of course no weekend is complete without a trip to Lowes, so we ended up there.  I looked at the paint samples because I want to paint our front door this summer. I took this picture because I thought both of these are pretty colors.  Not sure if either is the RIGHT color for our door but I brought home 5 or 6 paint sample papers so we will see.  After Lowes we picked up our kids and life was back to normal.  I love our kids and I love when we are together as a family but it is SO nice to have Mr. J to myself!  Some times with 3 kids all very close in age you don't get a chance to talk TO each other.  You talk AT each other and it's usually instructions.  So this was a very much needed and loved weekend!

Questions of the day! (yes I actually want you to leave a comment and answer me!)

How was your weekend?  What do you like to do on date night? Do you find you want to repaint everything in your house while your at Lowes?

Love, Lacey

3 Word Per Picture - May 2014

Mr. J and I were talking the other night and he asked me how my day was and what I did and honestly I had NOTHING!  I did laundry, dishes, swept the floor, took the kids to school, and made dinner. Really just a typically boring day for me.  But you know what? Some times life isn't exciting.  And while that used to really bug me, I'm strangely ok with it for now.  I always feel like it's a roller coaster.  We are either really crazy busy and have lots of amazing things going on or nothing!  Now we have lots of fun things planned that are coming up but as of right now? Boring!  So I thought I would copy one of my FAVORITE blogs and do something called 3 words per picture.  As the name would imply I post some pictures from my super exciting (insert sarcasm) week and give you a 3 word description.  *Disclaimer* I know I will cheat!  I'm going to TRY my best but really I like to talk and share and 3 words isn't enough to tell you how much I love each of these things and each of you.  BUT here we go!

I love reading!

Man milking cow

Pretty Spring Nails

Working on headstand

Isn't that true

Crazy Clearance Pants

Love this makeup

Our little friend

Gluten Free Pasta!

Holy cow!  How did I NOT cheat?!  I wanted to!  I wanted to say that I love reading!  Especially about running and these were only 4 of the running books I'm currently working on.  I just ordered another off Amazon and saw two more at the library that I really want.  

I also wanted to tell you that Mr. S drew that picture!  He has quite the imagination!  He came home one day with that picture and a picture of some lions eating zebras. The lions were saying "YUM this is good!".  I love that boy!  

My sister and my sister-in-law are awesome at yoga so I wanted to join the bandwagon and learn to do some fun inversions.  Headstand were first and I'm almost there.  Next up is forearm stands and then onto handstands.  I have a sinking feeling I'm too old to be doing this but it's awesome core and back work! 

I also feel like I need to explain those crazy floral pants.  I found those at Kohl's (a local department store) on the clearance rack for $5.60!  Yes you read that right!  They fit perfect and are so fun I couldn't leave them! 

Questions of the day!

What is your life like right now?  Exciting? Busy? Boring? 

Love, Lacey

29 TMI Blog Questions

I have seen this tag going around YouTube as the "TMI Tag".  On YouTube it has 50 questions and they are kind of all over the place.  But the other day a blog I read called Carrots 'N' Cake posted this shortened blog friendly version.  I thought it would be fun to do the tag and let you get to know me better! 

1. What are you wearing?

black yoga pants, my favorite grey USMC hoodie,  slippers, & my glasses.

2. Ever been in love?

YES!

3. Ever had a terrible breakup?

OH YES!!  Most of my breakups weren't too bad but one in particular was horrible! 

4. How tall are you?

5"4'

5. How much do you weigh?

This depends on the day but right around 135

6. Any tattoos?

I currently have 2 with 2 more planned (sorry mom). I have a 13.1 on my foot I got after I ran my first half marathon, and I have a butterfly I got right after that horrible break up.  I plan on a 26.2 after my first full marathon, and I have one drawn up to symbolize our family.  

7. Any piercings?

Just my ears.  I used to have my belly button done but I took that out when I was pregnant with Mr. D. 

8. Favorite song?

I have far too many to list! It depends on the genre of music.  I'll give you a few they may not be my ABSOLUTE be all end all favorites but they are some of my favs.  

Wannabe by Spicegirls,  

Turning Tables by Adele,  

Brokenhearted by Karmin, 

Any song by Garth Brooks!

9. Quality you look for in a partner?

Kindness & humor

10. Favorite quote?

11. Favorite actor?

Do I have to pick just one?  Probably Pierce Brosnan.

12. Loud music or soft?

It depends on the situation.  If I'm in a mood or running, I need LOUD!  But if I'm trying to have a conversation or trying to relax, definitely soft!

13. Where do you go when you’re sad?

Probably my bed.  I love just snuggling up in my bed and letting the tears fall.

14. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

It depends on where we are going but a minimum of 30 min.  

15. Ever been in a physical fight?

Not that I can remember

16. Turn on?

Humor & A great smile

17. Turn off?

Rudeness & Arrogance

18. Fears?

Ghosts, Praying Mantis (the thought of this one will send me into a panic attack), 

19. Last thing that made you cry?

Probably the coverage of the Boston Marathon Bombings. They were showing a lot of the survivors and telling the stories of those that didn't.  

20. Last time you said you loved someone?

This morning when Mr. J & the boys left for work & school. 

21. Meaning behind your Blog Name?

I wanted my blog to be about my whole life.  So not just beauty or running or our kids or marriage.  But everything I love all the time.  

22. The relationship between you and the person you last texted?

That would be my bestie! Just checking in on a couple this morning!

23. Favorite food?

Pizza!  The GF kind just isn't the same.  

24. Place you want to visit?

Do I really have to pick just one?  I have a laundry list as long as my arm.  I have serious wanderlust! I absolutely love traveling and want to see all the amazing places in the world.  Top of my list? Paris, Bora Bora, Grand Canyon,  London.

25. Do you have a crush?

Oh yes!  That would be Tom Brady!

26. Last time you kissed someone?

About 2 min ago when Miss V came over and told me she needed some mommy lovin!

27. Last time you were insulted?

You know I have no idea?!  I try not to let people's words get to me. 

28. Favorite piece of jewelry?

Probably my wedding ring, or any piece of jewelry that was passed on to me. 

29. Who should answer these questions next?

You guys of course!  If you don't have a blog just pick 3 and tell me them in the comments!

Love, Lacey

Blog on Hold

I'm sorry this post is late!  I usually blog a few days in advance and pre-schedule them to post on certain days later in the week or the next week.  But this week I came down with the flu.  OH MY GOSH!  It was horrible!  My fever hit 103.6 at one point and I thought I was going to die.  Okay not really but I was FREEZING, my hips hurts worse than after a 10 miler, and I could barely walk to the fridge for more water without getting tired.  I'm thankful I'm on the upswing but I still do not feel so great!  I'm working on an uplifting blog for tomorrow (Friday) but for now I will leave you with this picture I found on dumpday.com (who thinks of these names?!).  We have had a fawn & black pug both and they really are the laziest and sweetest couch potatoes EVER!!  AWE!!  I just want to steal these two.  SO CUTE!

Have you ever had the flu? What did you do to get over it?

Love, Lacey

Random Fact Time

Welcome to random fact time!  I don't know that I will make this a regular thing but I found this picture and thought it would be fun to share a little more about myself so you can get to know me. 

So the random fact for this week?  I have an obsession LOVE England. Not just England really but basically the entire UK.  I have a serious case of wanderlust and often think that if I wasn't married and didn't have kids I would just travel the world. There are so many amazing things to see out there that it's a shame that we have to spend our lives stuck in one place. Or at least that is how I feel.  SO I do love the UK.  I was lucky enough to visit Scotland 3 years ago and it was one of the most amazing vacations I have EVER had!  Any time I see anything with the Union Jack I almost have to buy it!  I found these socks at Forever 21 for something like $3 a piece.  You KNOW I had to have them. I also bought a shirt that says London.  They had a really cute sweater that I may go back and get because I just feel like it would go with my socks so well!

What is a random fact about you? 

Love, Lacey