Pray for Grace

I often find that music is way for me to express how I am feeling inside. Michael Franti and Spearhead are one of my favorite artists/bands. His music speaks to me on so many levels- the lyrics really resonate with me. Today I share with you the lyrics of classic from 2003 albumn called "Pray for Grace" Why must I feel like this today I'm a soldier but afraid sometimes To face the things that may Block the sun from shinin' rays And fill my life with shades of grey But still I long to find a way So today I pray for grace I take a moment to myself So I can myself To feel myself And be real myself Life's addictions and afflictions 'Cause abrasions from their friction Sometimes, it's easier to live in fiction I can run, but I can't hide From the pains that Reside deep down inside There is no pill That can be swallowed There is no guru That can be followed There's no escapin' From my own history Those that I hurt And those that hurt me I was dead for a million years 'Fore I was born and I'll be dead for a million more After I'm gone So I live, to give somethin' That can live on Like the way you hum a song when the music's gone Like the warmth on the sand When the sun goes down And I'm sittin' with myself Nobody else is around but [Chorus:] Been a long, long time Since I been away Been a long, long time Since I felt this way Been a long, long time I found the words to say How much I'm grateful For my life today 'Cause under every cup You might find a nut Behind every corner You might get jacked up At the end of every rainbow You might find gold The last bite of your sandwich Hope you don't find mold 'Cause none of us Can live the perfect life The kind that we see on nick at night And sometimes, we all Just lose sight Of the pain that will guide us From dark into the light We fall down yes, but we get up And sometimes we just need A little bit of love To help make it Through another day Into the night, into the light Into a Saturday So in the morning when I'm waitin' For the sun to raise And my head's a little foggy Like I'm in a haze I remind myself that Everything is gonna be okay I take a breath, slow down and say...

Patience

I often find myself spinning from all the things that I constantly do to keep things going- I am a master juggler! I try to keep everything in line, however sometimes my patience runs thin. It isn't that I am negative, it's just that I am focused on so many little things, that perhaps my approach is taken the wrong way. This is a great reminder for me to understand that your attitude while waiting for things to get done and/or unfold is key.

It all goes by so fast

Today while browsing on Google+ I stumbled upon a picture that really stuck with me. Being a mother of three children, ages almost 7 and twins who are 5 1/2 everyone always says to enjoy each moment as they grow up so quickly. My husband and I both work full time, and it allows seems that we are busy with activites with the kids; soccer, ballet, t-ball, birthday parties- and all the daily routines still need to be kept in motion as well. With 3 kids, there is always laundry to do and dishes to clean- but one day in the future they will be off to college and then onto their own independant lives. One of my resolutions this year is to be more patient and not stress about things that are not in my control.

Happy Friday

Happy Friday to you all! With the New Year always comes resolutions, which I had posted about yesterday. When I went home last night I decided that I am going to try and do 100 situps for the next 100 days and also joined the "I Love to Run" event which is 100 miles in 100 days. I am off to a great start as New Year's day I did 1.75 miles and yesterday I did 3.45, with hopes of doing 5 today. Tomorrow I will be running in an event to support a friend's 6 old niece who was diagnosed with an inoperative brain tumor. Having children that same age, it is hard to image what the family is dealing with, and hope the the support of all of us out there running tomorrow morning will help- even if temporarily. If you are interested in helping support this family I have listed the website here- as every penny helps tremendously. http://love4jlk.org/

I leave you with this image as I feel like it resonates with each of us to some degree. 

Clean eatting

Black Eyed Pea Dip Skinnytaste.com Servings: 12 • Size: 1/3 cup • Old Points: 3 • Weight Watcher Points+: 3 pt Calories: 107 • Fat: 4 g • Carb: 15 g • Fiber: 4 g • Protein: 4.5 g • Sugar: 1 g Sodium: 65 mg • Cholest: 0 mg Ingredients: 15 oz canned no salt black eye peas (Eden) 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 1/2 limes) 1 tbsp extra virgin olive 1 tsp cumin pinch crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 cup cooked corn, fresh or frozen thawed 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered 1/4 cup minced red onion finely diced 1/4 cup cilantro chopped 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional) 1 medium avocado, diced Directions: Rinse and drain the black eyed peas in a colander. In a large bowl, combine the garlic, lime juice, oil, cumin, crushed red pepper, and salt and mix well. Add the black-eyed peas, corn, tomato, red onion, jalapeno if using and cilantro; mix well and refrigerate at least 20 minutes. When ready to eat, gently mix in the avocado and serve right away.

Good Morning

Feeling good this morning- a bit tired as I didn't sleep all that well, but back at work after time off for the holidays. I took Lucca for a walk yesterday afternoon, boy is he getting old. We walked about 1.75 miles, but he was really dragging the last 1/4 mile. I was thinking more last night about resolutions and have decided to try and do 100 situps each day for the next 100 days. Meant to take a picture last night so I can document results- but will take one this evening. Also, would like to try and learn/practice yoga in the new year. My borther talks about how he loves it and provides his such relief and calm/cleansing feeling, which is something I need more of in my life. http://fitmommydiaries.blogspot.com/2013/12/all-about-yoga.html

Resolutions

Welcome 2014, here is to hoping that this year will be the best year yet. There are so many resolutions but think it is important to focus on ones that are achievable and realistic. Here is a list of a few on mine for 2014- what are yours? 1. Run at least 2 half marathons 2. Eat healthy and make good choices everyday 3. Be patient with the children- this can be challanging when they all want my attention at the same time :) 4. Run 200 miles this year I am hoping by keeping the list short I can focus on these things and see the changes because I will be focused on them daily. What are some of your resolutions for 2014?