I'm gonna be honest....I completely forgot about this blog! The last couple of week have been CRAZY! We've been out of town for family (our little "family" once, and Nathan's whole extended family another) vacations! I'll just give you a quick recap on what we've been doing because I have a HUGE cupcake order due this afternoon and I need to get rollin!
Our second vacay of the summer (the first was Colorado) we went to Cassville, Missouri and hardcore camped at Roaring River State park. Nathan and I have done this before and its SUCH FUN! This time Bethany, Nathan's sister, came with us, and Nathan's brother Jason came up for a little bit too. This trip was lots of fishing, sunny/hot weather, leisure time, floating the river and great campfire meals! It was a lot of fun. We plan to go back in the fall with some couple friends of ours and it'll be cooler!
The next and last vacay of the summer was the annual Hearn Branson Trip! Bethany and I had to come late because I had to deliver cupcakes and she had to work, so we drove up together on Friday night and met the family! We went to Silver Dollar City and rode rides and shopped with the fam the next day, then went to the Presley's Country Jubilee that night! Always a good time. After the show, Nathan, Bethany, Jason, and I did mini-golf - my favorite part of the trip. The next morning before we left we went shopping at the outlet mall and got some great deals. Its always and fun trip - Thanks Grandma Hearn!
Since we got back last weekend, I have been up to my eyeballs in cupcakes! Business has REALLY taken off and I couldn't be more thrilled!!! I am doing my first wedding in September and I have 3 orders this week alone! I absolutely love this little side job/hobby. I can't wait to see where it goes in the future. I might have my own little shop some day - who knows?!?! That'd be cool....... : )
Well, I've got to get cracking on some boy baby shower cupcakes. Don't have time to post pics of all our adventures now, but I surely will soon! Thanks for reading!
Gracie Kate
Monday, August 8, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Cupcake!
I am making all kind of things lately and in the near future. Here are some I made last weekend...
Sunday, July 10, 2011
One of my very favorite things...
.....lately its my nighttime routine. I'll outline it for you, then we'll talk about it. Haha.
Nice hot shower
Wonderful pajamas
Comb out my hair
Brush teeth
Myself, between cool sheets
Play "hanging with friends"
Watch Food Network w/ the boy
Sleepy time
My mom always told me that its good to have routines. She's right. Babies and children need bedtime routines, and often adults simply don't have time, or choose to for-go this luxury. But, it is probably one that I will protect with fervor. Its so calming and relaxing to get out of a hot shower, dry off, put on clean clothes, brush my teeth, and feel so fresh. I sleep much better when I follow this routine. Obviously, I often deviate from it - such is life - but man! It feels great to slip into cool sheets feeling relaxed and ready for rest after a long day. Finishing the day playing "hanging with friends" is honestly just a guilty pleasure - its fun and relaxing. Food Network is something that Nathan and I both really love. Its a calming and enjoyable way to end the day.
I've been following this routine for the last couple of nights and I've been thinking about how much I love going to bed this way. Its wonderful. If you don't have a nighttime routine, you should make one and try it for awhile. I wake up feeling so much more rested when I do. Might not be for everyone, but I quite enjoy it.
Sweet dreams and goodnight!
G
Nice hot shower
Wonderful pajamas
Comb out my hair
Brush teeth
Myself, between cool sheets
Play "hanging with friends"
Watch Food Network w/ the boy
Sleepy time
My mom always told me that its good to have routines. She's right. Babies and children need bedtime routines, and often adults simply don't have time, or choose to for-go this luxury. But, it is probably one that I will protect with fervor. Its so calming and relaxing to get out of a hot shower, dry off, put on clean clothes, brush my teeth, and feel so fresh. I sleep much better when I follow this routine. Obviously, I often deviate from it - such is life - but man! It feels great to slip into cool sheets feeling relaxed and ready for rest after a long day. Finishing the day playing "hanging with friends" is honestly just a guilty pleasure - its fun and relaxing. Food Network is something that Nathan and I both really love. Its a calming and enjoyable way to end the day.
I've been following this routine for the last couple of nights and I've been thinking about how much I love going to bed this way. Its wonderful. If you don't have a nighttime routine, you should make one and try it for awhile. I wake up feeling so much more rested when I do. Might not be for everyone, but I quite enjoy it.
Sweet dreams and goodnight!
G
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Too much time on my hands
I think that in the summer, or at least this summer in particular, I have too much time to think. Never thought I'd say this, but maybe a part-time summer job is in order for next summer? Maybe I'm not being imaginative enough. I just always seem to be riled up about something these days. Too much time to think.
Been doing lots of swimming/laying out, reading....Lets stop right there. How in the HECK, does a person get 4 books at the library with hopes that the majority will be worth reading, and get the books home and only ONE of the books is worth reading. The first book, the one I was most excited about reading, was very good. Sad thing is, it was so good I finished it in 24 hrs. No problem, right? I've got 3 more books to read. Nope! They're worthless. In the first of the 3 terrible books that I picked up, the first several chapters were set at a funeral where the narator of the book meets the person that ruined her entire life. 2nd book of the 3, the old lady has Alzheimer's. WHAT?! The 3rd book of the 3, starts with the sentence "I fell in love with my great unlce Harper..." and goes on to the girl's grandmother's dying words being, "What I know about you, little girl, would break you in two." Come on! Give me something I can feel good about getting into. I don't read novels that make me cry unless its because I'm so touched. These novels were just dumb. I'm determined to try and give at leave one of them another chance. Maybe the great uncle Harper, dead grandmother one. I'm a little intrigued.
Dear me (I like saying that, because my Grams says that, and I miss her. She's fine, she just went and got herself married and moved away), today is already July 4th. This is like the middle point of the summer and its downhill to school from here. I can think of few things more depressing than that thought. 4th of July is just my very very favorite holiday. I love what it stands for, I love the time of year, I love the kind of food, I love fireworks, I love red white and blue, I LOVE AMERICA! What a wonderful place - there will always be something to complain about, and of course it is far from perfect - but don't kid yourself, you wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Share the wealth. I could talk about this for hours. I'll spare you..... : )
I need to get back to Master Chef. Count your blessings today, hug the people you love and the ones you don't, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA - I LOVE you!
Here are some pictures to keep you interested. Haha.
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Been doing lots of swimming/laying out, reading....Lets stop right there. How in the HECK, does a person get 4 books at the library with hopes that the majority will be worth reading, and get the books home and only ONE of the books is worth reading. The first book, the one I was most excited about reading, was very good. Sad thing is, it was so good I finished it in 24 hrs. No problem, right? I've got 3 more books to read. Nope! They're worthless. In the first of the 3 terrible books that I picked up, the first several chapters were set at a funeral where the narator of the book meets the person that ruined her entire life. 2nd book of the 3, the old lady has Alzheimer's. WHAT?! The 3rd book of the 3, starts with the sentence "I fell in love with my great unlce Harper..." and goes on to the girl's grandmother's dying words being, "What I know about you, little girl, would break you in two." Come on! Give me something I can feel good about getting into. I don't read novels that make me cry unless its because I'm so touched. These novels were just dumb. I'm determined to try and give at leave one of them another chance. Maybe the great uncle Harper, dead grandmother one. I'm a little intrigued.
Dear me (I like saying that, because my Grams says that, and I miss her. She's fine, she just went and got herself married and moved away), today is already July 4th. This is like the middle point of the summer and its downhill to school from here. I can think of few things more depressing than that thought. 4th of July is just my very very favorite holiday. I love what it stands for, I love the time of year, I love the kind of food, I love fireworks, I love red white and blue, I LOVE AMERICA! What a wonderful place - there will always be something to complain about, and of course it is far from perfect - but don't kid yourself, you wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Share the wealth. I could talk about this for hours. I'll spare you..... : )
I need to get back to Master Chef. Count your blessings today, hug the people you love and the ones you don't, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA - I LOVE you!
Here are some pictures to keep you interested. Haha.
Going to our friends' Kayli and Brandon's wedding - congrats guys!
Taking advantage of seasonal produce!
Stone Canyon fireworks display with some of my very favorite people!
Me and B at the SC fireworks display!
Me and Nathan going fishing!
Happy SUMMER!
Monday, June 27, 2011
CS Lewis
So I follow CSLewisDaily on Twitter and I was just reading through his quotes. I think that he must have had just such a soft heart toward God. The way he thinks and the things he says seems to me the way that God would want to be perceived. I want to cry reading some of it, because of how true and convicting his thoughts are. Here are just a few that I couldn't resist sharing:
"It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to."
"Continue seeking God with seriousness. Unless He wanted you, you would not be wanting Him"
"I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God, it changes me."
"God, in the end, gives people what they most want, including freedom from himself. What could be more fair?"
"Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms."
"It's a poor thing to come to Him as a last resort. If God were proud He would hardly have us on such terms: but He isn't."
"The virtue of courage is a prerequisite for the practice of all other virtues otherwise one is virtuous only when virtue has no cost."
"Forgive us as we Forgive-We are offered forgiveness on no other terms. To refuse it is to refuse Gods mercy for ourselves."
I could go on and on and on and on......I really believe this man had a gift for clarity about God and his character. I'm ashamed that another person has taken the time to experience and put into words the character that I know to be true of God. I need to start experiencing this for myself and stop reading about how other people were so blessed by the presence of God.
There. is. a. hunger.
"It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to."
"Continue seeking God with seriousness. Unless He wanted you, you would not be wanting Him"
"I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God, it changes me."
"God, in the end, gives people what they most want, including freedom from himself. What could be more fair?"
"Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms."
"It's a poor thing to come to Him as a last resort. If God were proud He would hardly have us on such terms: but He isn't."
"The virtue of courage is a prerequisite for the practice of all other virtues otherwise one is virtuous only when virtue has no cost."
"Forgive us as we Forgive-We are offered forgiveness on no other terms. To refuse it is to refuse Gods mercy for ourselves."
I could go on and on and on and on......I really believe this man had a gift for clarity about God and his character. I'm ashamed that another person has taken the time to experience and put into words the character that I know to be true of God. I need to start experiencing this for myself and stop reading about how other people were so blessed by the presence of God.
There. is. a. hunger.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Post-vacay blues
Being back from Vacation has been amazing and frustrating. I'm finding it hard to get motivated to do.....anything! I set my alarm for before 9 every day and the last few days I haven't gotten out of bed before like 10:30. This afternoon I got to watch the Weston children so their mama could go get her eyes checked. Put the (PRECIOUS) baby down for a nap and played Mario Kart and Rock Band for 2 hours with the boys. Ballin. I have missed babysitting a lot since I've been married. I guess people think newlyweds all of the sudden hate children. Not true!
After babysitting I WAS able to motivate myself to pick up and clean our whole apartment. Feels good to get some stuff done. Had to throw away my two plants that I've had since soph. year of college. That was pretty awful. I didn't think I would get so upset about that, but those plants have been with me through all kinds of incredible times in my life. I just couldn't get them nursed back to health. Its like the ending of an era. Little sad. Moving on! Tonight was church league softball. Our teams did well (1-1), but there are 2 or 57 things I am better at. I can imagine that me playing any kind of sport (besides running) would be hard to watch - but MOST of all, church league softball. Whoo-wee.
People are wanting lots of Cupcakey Cakes these days! Business is looking good. And I've got some CUTE ideas for the orders I have coming up. Butterfly baby shower, and hot pink, lime green and black bachelorette party! Should be fun. If you or your friends need cupcakes for any occasion - LET ME KNOW! I'd love to create a custom dessert for you. Comment on this blog post, or find Grace Hearn on facebook and message me!
Tonight while I was running I decided some things. 1. No pop for a week. Just to try it and see if it makes as big of a difference as everyone says it does. I'm gonna do my best to replace all the pop I drink with like twice the amount of water. We'll see how it goes! 2. I need to be running more regularly. Or doing SOME kind of very regular exercise. I need to get into that pattern again. I am still trying to be really careful with my right index toenail which keeps acting like it wants to fall off like the one on my other foot did. Super annoying - can't let that hold me back though. 3. Need to start eating a lot cleaner. I have been taking advantage of the summer season and getting seasonal fruits and vegis. Can't wait to visit the Farmer's Market this weekend and get some awesome produce - and EAT BETTER. 4. Need to stop being down on myself. Been struggling with that quite a bit lately, and some times the trick to snapping out of that is to just STOP it. Refuse to go there, and do stuff to make it better. This is going to be a great summer.
Grace
After babysitting I WAS able to motivate myself to pick up and clean our whole apartment. Feels good to get some stuff done. Had to throw away my two plants that I've had since soph. year of college. That was pretty awful. I didn't think I would get so upset about that, but those plants have been with me through all kinds of incredible times in my life. I just couldn't get them nursed back to health. Its like the ending of an era. Little sad. Moving on! Tonight was church league softball. Our teams did well (1-1), but there are 2 or 57 things I am better at. I can imagine that me playing any kind of sport (besides running) would be hard to watch - but MOST of all, church league softball. Whoo-wee.
People are wanting lots of Cupcakey Cakes these days! Business is looking good. And I've got some CUTE ideas for the orders I have coming up. Butterfly baby shower, and hot pink, lime green and black bachelorette party! Should be fun. If you or your friends need cupcakes for any occasion - LET ME KNOW! I'd love to create a custom dessert for you. Comment on this blog post, or find Grace Hearn on facebook and message me!
Tonight while I was running I decided some things. 1. No pop for a week. Just to try it and see if it makes as big of a difference as everyone says it does. I'm gonna do my best to replace all the pop I drink with like twice the amount of water. We'll see how it goes! 2. I need to be running more regularly. Or doing SOME kind of very regular exercise. I need to get into that pattern again. I am still trying to be really careful with my right index toenail which keeps acting like it wants to fall off like the one on my other foot did. Super annoying - can't let that hold me back though. 3. Need to start eating a lot cleaner. I have been taking advantage of the summer season and getting seasonal fruits and vegis. Can't wait to visit the Farmer's Market this weekend and get some awesome produce - and EAT BETTER. 4. Need to stop being down on myself. Been struggling with that quite a bit lately, and some times the trick to snapping out of that is to just STOP it. Refuse to go there, and do stuff to make it better. This is going to be a great summer.
Grace
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The last 3 days of our trip to Colorado!
Day 6: Happy Anniversary to US!!!!!!!!!! Its been a wonderful year. And this was our day to celebrate. For starters we got up Nathan made us wonderful breakfast burritos for breakfast. Then we went to worship with Church in the Wildwood in Green Mountain Falls. It is very different from our church, but kind of a nice change. After church we went back to the house to change and get some fishing and a nice leisurely afternoon. I was done with fishing after about an hour, so I went back to the house to watch a movie and Nathan finished up fishing. THEN, we took showers and got all fancy to go out to dinner for our big day! Red Lobster is our special place. So we went to the one in Colorado Springs and it was LOVELY. Afterwords, we came home and made s'mores and watched LOST. It was a wonderfully special, relaxing, and nice day. I love being married to Nathan and we've had a GREAT year!
Day 7: This is our Lake day! Before going to the lake, we went in to Colorado Springs and ate breakfast at King's Chef - another of our diner stops. They are famous for their huge breakfasts and Nathan has beaten their challenge before. Sad to say, this time, since it was early in the morning, he only finished half of the big breakfast. But we LOVE this place and their food (I got the french toast, and it was SO SO good). Next, we made about an hour trip to 11 Mile State Park and rented a boat for 4 hours. We thought we were going to be able to get some swimming in (something that we miss when we're in Colorado because it is not as summery there), BUT swimming is not allowed at 11 Mile. Dang it. Nathan was fully prepared for fishing though and he caught a good sized lake Trout - his first lake Trout ever! The lake was the most beautiful lake I've ever seen - so clear accompanied with some stunning scenery. We brought snacks and Dr. Pepper, so I was, of course, completely happy to soak in the scenery, read my 3rd book of the trip, and snack a little.(pictures to come in a future, "pictures only" blog post). It was just a lovely and relaxing last day in Colorado. Lots and lots of fun and good memories made. When we got home that night we went through the house like a white tornado. Washed all the linens, towels, and all our clothing so we could pack CLEAN things. Cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen, and packed up our car. Nathan went to bed early because we had a long day of driving ahead of us, and I stayed up and finished cleaning the house and packing our clean clothes while I watched, "Eat Pray Love," (I wasn't impressed, not a fan of the whole, "leave your husband for absolutely no reason and then go off and act like a 15 year old with no consequences.....)
Day 8: We got up at about 4:30 and left our home away from home around 5:30. We stopped and got McDonalds breakfast before hitting the road. Instead of heading straight home, this day we were excited to head to Kansas City to watch 2 international Soccer matches! I slept for quite awhile on the way to KC, and when I wasn't sleeping I read and talked to my man. I absolutely love road trips. I just LOVE them. We ate some dinner, our first Chipotle experience (we're Qdoba people) and were not pleased. Its just not as good. That was in Lawrence, Kansas. After we ate dinner we headed to KC to the KC Sporting Livestrong Complex to watch some soccer! The complex opened just 5 DAYS before the game and it was unreal! So much fun, and definintely one of my favorite things that we did on our trip. The games were over around 10:30 and around 11 we were rolling out to head for Owasso, OK! With about a 4 hour trip ahead of us, I tried to stay awake so that Nathan would stay alert for the drive. I ended up failing at that, but Nathan was fine of course. We ended up getting home as planned right before 3 AM. We unloaded and officially CRASHED.
This was a phenominal trip and such a wonderful way to celebrate our first year as a married couple. Hope you have enjoyed hearing about our adventures. Its back to normal life for awhile now. Our next adventure isn't too far off. Our first "just us" camping trip next weekend to Roaring River in Missouri. It will feel like a drive across town compared to our 14 hours in the car on the way back from CO. Thanks for reading!
Grace
Day 7: This is our Lake day! Before going to the lake, we went in to Colorado Springs and ate breakfast at King's Chef - another of our diner stops. They are famous for their huge breakfasts and Nathan has beaten their challenge before. Sad to say, this time, since it was early in the morning, he only finished half of the big breakfast. But we LOVE this place and their food (I got the french toast, and it was SO SO good). Next, we made about an hour trip to 11 Mile State Park and rented a boat for 4 hours. We thought we were going to be able to get some swimming in (something that we miss when we're in Colorado because it is not as summery there), BUT swimming is not allowed at 11 Mile. Dang it. Nathan was fully prepared for fishing though and he caught a good sized lake Trout - his first lake Trout ever! The lake was the most beautiful lake I've ever seen - so clear accompanied with some stunning scenery. We brought snacks and Dr. Pepper, so I was, of course, completely happy to soak in the scenery, read my 3rd book of the trip, and snack a little.(pictures to come in a future, "pictures only" blog post). It was just a lovely and relaxing last day in Colorado. Lots and lots of fun and good memories made. When we got home that night we went through the house like a white tornado. Washed all the linens, towels, and all our clothing so we could pack CLEAN things. Cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen, and packed up our car. Nathan went to bed early because we had a long day of driving ahead of us, and I stayed up and finished cleaning the house and packing our clean clothes while I watched, "Eat Pray Love," (I wasn't impressed, not a fan of the whole, "leave your husband for absolutely no reason and then go off and act like a 15 year old with no consequences.....)
Day 8: We got up at about 4:30 and left our home away from home around 5:30. We stopped and got McDonalds breakfast before hitting the road. Instead of heading straight home, this day we were excited to head to Kansas City to watch 2 international Soccer matches! I slept for quite awhile on the way to KC, and when I wasn't sleeping I read and talked to my man. I absolutely love road trips. I just LOVE them. We ate some dinner, our first Chipotle experience (we're Qdoba people) and were not pleased. Its just not as good. That was in Lawrence, Kansas. After we ate dinner we headed to KC to the KC Sporting Livestrong Complex to watch some soccer! The complex opened just 5 DAYS before the game and it was unreal! So much fun, and definintely one of my favorite things that we did on our trip. The games were over around 10:30 and around 11 we were rolling out to head for Owasso, OK! With about a 4 hour trip ahead of us, I tried to stay awake so that Nathan would stay alert for the drive. I ended up failing at that, but Nathan was fine of course. We ended up getting home as planned right before 3 AM. We unloaded and officially CRASHED.
This was a phenominal trip and such a wonderful way to celebrate our first year as a married couple. Hope you have enjoyed hearing about our adventures. Its back to normal life for awhile now. Our next adventure isn't too far off. Our first "just us" camping trip next weekend to Roaring River in Missouri. It will feel like a drive across town compared to our 14 hours in the car on the way back from CO. Thanks for reading!
Grace
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Days 3, 4, 5 of Colo!
Colorado has been AWESOME!!! Last full day tomorrow....Here is a recap of the last 3 days!
Day 3: This was Denver day! We had an absolute blast in Denver. Its about an hour and 20 minutes away from where we are staying. We started our day there eating lunch at Jack -n- Grill. They are famous for the 7lb. Burrito which I have a picture of. No, we did not order it. It is probably enough food for about 5 or 6 people. The things that we did get were super delicious though. Goooooood eats. Next we went to a national park called Red Rocks. They have an amazing amphitheater that seats almost 10,000 people. Loads of way famous people have done concerts there and the scenery of the Red Rock formations and mountain views just blew us away. Very very cool. After Red Rocks, we went to see movies. The reason I say movies? Well we couldn't settle on one so I went to see Bridesmaids and Nathan went to see the new X-men. Haha, it was fun. Bridesmaids is hilarious. For dinner we went to Denver's Cherry Cricket. It was amazing too. I ordered a martini (bad idea) and it was so expensive that I felt terrible not finishing it, so I choked it down. I am not a drinker. : ) So that was basically it. After dinner we listened to some live music and then we went home. Lovely day.
Day 4: This day we didn't really have much planned so it was just kind of a chill day. We did go into Manitou Springs to do some shopping. I got a hot pink feather in my hair. Its pretty awesome. Nathan also went to this legit fly shop and got some fishing supplies. When we got home, Nathan went fishing and I spent the afternoon reading and watching Million Dollar Match Maker, and House Hunters. Pretty decent day.
Day 5: Probably my favorite day so far! We started the day off by going to Garden of the Gods and going mountain biking! It was exhilerating and so much FUN! Lots of insane hills (of course, we expected this) and some amazing downhill stretches. It was incredible - probably the fastest I've ever gone on a bike. Garden of the Gods has pretty stinkin awesome bike lanes, so going down hills was awesome because we were going so fast down hills that we were going the same speed as cars. Ah! We got some water and refreshments at the Trading Post at GOTG, then..................we headed out to Pikes Peak Highway! This might have been my favorite thing of our time in Colo this year. Its hard to describe how amazing driving that highway was. We rode the Cog Railroad train last year and it was cool, but THIS was so much better (and much cheaper). Lots of awesome sights to be seen and amazing views from the top. On the way down it started SNOWING! Like real snow, on June 11th! Crazy. And Awesome. We both went fishing when we got back to Green Mountain Falls and I caught my first ever Colorado trout (or any fish period). For dinner we went to this really awesome pizza place in Manitou Springs. Favorite day. Ah, I miss it already!
Look forward to THE anniversary post. Thats next! We love Colorado. But I, I won't speak for Nathan, miss home, family and friends too. Guess I'm a home-body. Stay tuned for the wrap-up edition of the Colo posts! Next time I post it will probably be from home!
Grace
Day 3: This was Denver day! We had an absolute blast in Denver. Its about an hour and 20 minutes away from where we are staying. We started our day there eating lunch at Jack -n- Grill. They are famous for the 7lb. Burrito which I have a picture of. No, we did not order it. It is probably enough food for about 5 or 6 people. The things that we did get were super delicious though. Goooooood eats. Next we went to a national park called Red Rocks. They have an amazing amphitheater that seats almost 10,000 people. Loads of way famous people have done concerts there and the scenery of the Red Rock formations and mountain views just blew us away. Very very cool. After Red Rocks, we went to see movies. The reason I say movies? Well we couldn't settle on one so I went to see Bridesmaids and Nathan went to see the new X-men. Haha, it was fun. Bridesmaids is hilarious. For dinner we went to Denver's Cherry Cricket. It was amazing too. I ordered a martini (bad idea) and it was so expensive that I felt terrible not finishing it, so I choked it down. I am not a drinker. : ) So that was basically it. After dinner we listened to some live music and then we went home. Lovely day.
Day 4: This day we didn't really have much planned so it was just kind of a chill day. We did go into Manitou Springs to do some shopping. I got a hot pink feather in my hair. Its pretty awesome. Nathan also went to this legit fly shop and got some fishing supplies. When we got home, Nathan went fishing and I spent the afternoon reading and watching Million Dollar Match Maker, and House Hunters. Pretty decent day.
Day 5: Probably my favorite day so far! We started the day off by going to Garden of the Gods and going mountain biking! It was exhilerating and so much FUN! Lots of insane hills (of course, we expected this) and some amazing downhill stretches. It was incredible - probably the fastest I've ever gone on a bike. Garden of the Gods has pretty stinkin awesome bike lanes, so going down hills was awesome because we were going so fast down hills that we were going the same speed as cars. Ah! We got some water and refreshments at the Trading Post at GOTG, then..................we headed out to Pikes Peak Highway! This might have been my favorite thing of our time in Colo this year. Its hard to describe how amazing driving that highway was. We rode the Cog Railroad train last year and it was cool, but THIS was so much better (and much cheaper). Lots of awesome sights to be seen and amazing views from the top. On the way down it started SNOWING! Like real snow, on June 11th! Crazy. And Awesome. We both went fishing when we got back to Green Mountain Falls and I caught my first ever Colorado trout (or any fish period). For dinner we went to this really awesome pizza place in Manitou Springs. Favorite day. Ah, I miss it already!
Look forward to THE anniversary post. Thats next! We love Colorado. But I, I won't speak for Nathan, miss home, family and friends too. Guess I'm a home-body. Stay tuned for the wrap-up edition of the Colo posts! Next time I post it will probably be from home!
Grace
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Colorado - the first 2 days!
Sometimes I feel like there is too much going on to construct a blog post that will do it all justice. Well...here's to doing my best...
As I'm writing this post I'm sitting in beautiful Green Mountain Falls, Colorado!
Day 1: We spent the day yesterday making the drive from Owasso, Oklahoma to here - right outside Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs in picturesque GMF. It was a lovely drive, with lots of beautiful farmland for scenery and conversation for entertainment. We made the journey with relatively no mishaps. Stopped in Wichita to eat at Brint's Diver - BEST REUBEN I HAVE EVER HAD. Holy canoli. En route we also saw some amazing wildlife. Antelope - yes - indigenous to Colorado. And a FOX with something for lunch in his/her mouth. Pretty neat. So we made it to Colorado - and we couldn't be more excited about our vacation and all the awesome stuff we have planned!
Day 2: We got up this morning and headed for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! This zoo is literally nestled into the side of a mountain in Colorado Springs. One of the neatest places (not just zoos) I've ever been. There was a skyride (a ski lift) that took us all the way up the side of the mountain and on the way up you could see a ton of the exhibits and animals from the air! So awesome! The zoo itself was so neat - it is famous for it's giraffe feeding exhibit. I'll upload pictures of all of this when we get home. The whole time we've been here (yesterday and today) we've seen deer just roaming around in the middle of the day like they own the place. We stopped at a stop sign on the way back from the zoo and saw a young buck just casually walking along the side of the road...his girlfriend (or possibly chick on the side) was right behind him. Neat! We ate lunch in Woodland Park at a wings place. It was really good. This afternoon we hopped on our bikes and rode down the mountain to explore the town. Nathan wanted to get some trout fishing in. I also got a chance to go for a run and let me tell you the air up here is THIN! GMF is at 7,800 FT elevation. The greatest thing is that there is virtually no humidity and its a lot cooler here - hardly broke a sweat, still struggling for air though! While Nathan finished fishing I finished the book I started reading on the drive up. I LOVE TO READ - I have missed it. I took a long and restful nap, then made dinner for us. We had s'mores too. It was a wonderful day. Can't wait for tomorrow - we're headed to Denver!
P.S. Whilst we were eating our s'mores we heard the unmistakable sound of a BEAR roaring outside the kitchen window!!!! We went to look but never actually saw the bear. Dang. Maybe tomorrow. Colorado is such a fun and exciting place! Love seeing all the wildlife that we normally see/experience back in good ole OK!
I'll try to blog again soon. Thanks for reading - lots of awesome pictures to come!
G
As I'm writing this post I'm sitting in beautiful Green Mountain Falls, Colorado!
Day 1: We spent the day yesterday making the drive from Owasso, Oklahoma to here - right outside Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs in picturesque GMF. It was a lovely drive, with lots of beautiful farmland for scenery and conversation for entertainment. We made the journey with relatively no mishaps. Stopped in Wichita to eat at Brint's Diver - BEST REUBEN I HAVE EVER HAD. Holy canoli. En route we also saw some amazing wildlife. Antelope - yes - indigenous to Colorado. And a FOX with something for lunch in his/her mouth. Pretty neat. So we made it to Colorado - and we couldn't be more excited about our vacation and all the awesome stuff we have planned!
Day 2: We got up this morning and headed for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! This zoo is literally nestled into the side of a mountain in Colorado Springs. One of the neatest places (not just zoos) I've ever been. There was a skyride (a ski lift) that took us all the way up the side of the mountain and on the way up you could see a ton of the exhibits and animals from the air! So awesome! The zoo itself was so neat - it is famous for it's giraffe feeding exhibit. I'll upload pictures of all of this when we get home. The whole time we've been here (yesterday and today) we've seen deer just roaming around in the middle of the day like they own the place. We stopped at a stop sign on the way back from the zoo and saw a young buck just casually walking along the side of the road...his girlfriend (or possibly chick on the side) was right behind him. Neat! We ate lunch in Woodland Park at a wings place. It was really good. This afternoon we hopped on our bikes and rode down the mountain to explore the town. Nathan wanted to get some trout fishing in. I also got a chance to go for a run and let me tell you the air up here is THIN! GMF is at 7,800 FT elevation. The greatest thing is that there is virtually no humidity and its a lot cooler here - hardly broke a sweat, still struggling for air though! While Nathan finished fishing I finished the book I started reading on the drive up. I LOVE TO READ - I have missed it. I took a long and restful nap, then made dinner for us. We had s'mores too. It was a wonderful day. Can't wait for tomorrow - we're headed to Denver!
P.S. Whilst we were eating our s'mores we heard the unmistakable sound of a BEAR roaring outside the kitchen window!!!! We went to look but never actually saw the bear. Dang. Maybe tomorrow. Colorado is such a fun and exciting place! Love seeing all the wildlife that we normally see/experience back in good ole OK!
I'll try to blog again soon. Thanks for reading - lots of awesome pictures to come!
G
Monday, May 30, 2011
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Summer is HERE! Finally!
Lots going on lately. Nathan and I both got to watch our youngest siblings graduate from high school in the last couple of weeks. A new season of life for both of our families - that'll take some getting used to, but it'll be fun! The Joplin/Oklahoma tornadoes happened. Such heartbreaking incidents serve to remind us that the world is a terribly broken place in need of redemption. School is out for St. Mary's now and I am getting used to being a stay at home wife for the summer (so completely wonderful). The last week of school felt forever long....I hope the summer feels that way too. Nathan and I (and some of our siblings) played our first indoor soccer game Sunday night - it was so much fun and I actually played a pretty good game! Thats gonna be great fun. Unfortunately the we also got robbed Sunday night. Nathan's driver's side window got bashed in at Soccer City and my purse was stolen. Pretty frustrating/costly/sad/unfair experiece. The biggest inconvenience of that deal is that my car keys were in my purse so I am un-mobile until we can procure a new key for my car ($$$). My camera was also in the purse, and it was a very nice camera ($$$). I'm getting hot just thinking about it.....
Whats in the near future? Well this coming Monday Nathan and I, along with some of our siblings are playing our first church league softball game! We're "The Peppers" because we're sponsored by Dr. Pepper. I'm so stinkin excited about this! The very next day we leave for Colorado early in the morning. I am SO SO SO excited. We'll have to borrow a camera to get some snazzy pics while we're there and I'll definitely write a whole blog about it - might even post some highlights a few days. We have great and exciting plans for our time there. Can't wait to get away for a little while.
The rest of this week will go into preparation for that and getting our apartment put back together after that crazy last couple of weeks of school. Hopefully now I'll be able to blog more than 3 times a month.
I'm looking forward to lots of things (as previously mentioned), but some of the small things are: running recreationally (took all of last week off, easing back into it this week), reading recreationally (I am currently reading 4 books: The Necklace, Necessary Arrangements, Born to Run, and of course Hal Higdon's Marathon the Ultimate Training Guide (as always)), having time to do housework the way it should be done (yes, I actually enjoy housework when I have time to do it), LAYING OUT BY THE POOL/SWIMMING! (possibly one of my very favorite things in the world to do), riding my bike and doing other workouts that aren't running (I also enjoy these things immensely - good for the soul), and just some good old fashioned R&R.
A Nikon commercial just came on TV and I whimpered a little because I was hurting from the lost of my precious camera. Nathan looked at me, gave me a hug, kissed my chest (not my boob, my actual chest, haha) and said, "I'm sorry about your camera baby, I can tell your heart is hurting..."
I love that boy. He knows me well. It is hurting.
Here's to summer - Cheers, friends! Thanks for reading!
Grace Hearn
Lots going on lately. Nathan and I both got to watch our youngest siblings graduate from high school in the last couple of weeks. A new season of life for both of our families - that'll take some getting used to, but it'll be fun! The Joplin/Oklahoma tornadoes happened. Such heartbreaking incidents serve to remind us that the world is a terribly broken place in need of redemption. School is out for St. Mary's now and I am getting used to being a stay at home wife for the summer (so completely wonderful). The last week of school felt forever long....I hope the summer feels that way too. Nathan and I (and some of our siblings) played our first indoor soccer game Sunday night - it was so much fun and I actually played a pretty good game! Thats gonna be great fun. Unfortunately the we also got robbed Sunday night. Nathan's driver's side window got bashed in at Soccer City and my purse was stolen. Pretty frustrating/costly/sad/unfair experiece. The biggest inconvenience of that deal is that my car keys were in my purse so I am un-mobile until we can procure a new key for my car ($$$). My camera was also in the purse, and it was a very nice camera ($$$). I'm getting hot just thinking about it.....
Whats in the near future? Well this coming Monday Nathan and I, along with some of our siblings are playing our first church league softball game! We're "The Peppers" because we're sponsored by Dr. Pepper. I'm so stinkin excited about this! The very next day we leave for Colorado early in the morning. I am SO SO SO excited. We'll have to borrow a camera to get some snazzy pics while we're there and I'll definitely write a whole blog about it - might even post some highlights a few days. We have great and exciting plans for our time there. Can't wait to get away for a little while.
The rest of this week will go into preparation for that and getting our apartment put back together after that crazy last couple of weeks of school. Hopefully now I'll be able to blog more than 3 times a month.
I'm looking forward to lots of things (as previously mentioned), but some of the small things are: running recreationally (took all of last week off, easing back into it this week), reading recreationally (I am currently reading 4 books: The Necklace, Necessary Arrangements, Born to Run, and of course Hal Higdon's Marathon the Ultimate Training Guide (as always)), having time to do housework the way it should be done (yes, I actually enjoy housework when I have time to do it), LAYING OUT BY THE POOL/SWIMMING! (possibly one of my very favorite things in the world to do), riding my bike and doing other workouts that aren't running (I also enjoy these things immensely - good for the soul), and just some good old fashioned R&R.
A Nikon commercial just came on TV and I whimpered a little because I was hurting from the lost of my precious camera. Nathan looked at me, gave me a hug, kissed my chest (not my boob, my actual chest, haha) and said, "I'm sorry about your camera baby, I can tell your heart is hurting..."
I love that boy. He knows me well. It is hurting.
Here's to summer - Cheers, friends! Thanks for reading!
Grace Hearn
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Half Marathon: DONE!
Yesterday I officially became a half marathon finisher! 13.1 miles in 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 4 seconds. It was absolutely incredible.
Two years ago, in January of 2009, I challenged myself to do something that I thought was an impossibility for me. So I trained for, and ran my very first 5K on May 8, 2009 - didn't walk a step - first big goal completed. Since then I have run 13 5Ks. Two years later I'm still challenging myself to do the impossible - and the next step (and a very optimistic one at that) was the Half Marathon. Here is my run-down of the whole experience, start to finish...
First of all, I started training for this race 5 months ago. My first training run for this race was actually January 7th of this year, so its been a long journey. There were definitely times during training that I seriously doubted my body's ability to run this far. More times than not I felt incapable. The cool thing is, with every milestone I passed (5 miles, 8 miles, 10 miles...) I ran farther than I ever had, and my body was able to do more than I ever thought possible. That is, quite possibly, my favorite thing about this experience and running in general.
The hardest thing about the half marathon, for me, was the training - not the actual race! There were definitey days that I felt like giving up - for sure. Getting out there 4 days a week was a challenge. I went into the training knowing it would be difficult and tried not to be a baby about soreness, long mileage, early mornings and injuries. These things are all inevitable for the distance runner. Coming to grips with that made all the difference. One of the things that I kept telling myself on particularly hard days was, "No one ever told me this would be easy. If it were, everyone would do it." That took away my reason to complain about pretty much everything. The great things in life usually take lots of work and sweat and preparation - but they also bring the most gratification, reward, and accomplishment.
One of the things I noticed about training for distance is that what I wore to run was very important. Comfort, for me, is key while I'm running. My outfit of choice for most training days and for the actual race, was a baggy cotton t-shirt, and fitted spandex running shorts (they come to just below my knee), socks made from synthetic fabric, and my Brooks running shoes. I tried several ensembles, but I ran into some of the following problems: Most tank tops rubbed under my arms and left painful chaffing. Also, loose fitting running shorts ride up and cause rubbing between my legs - they're alright for short runs, but not for long distance. Cotton socks don't allow your feet to breathe on long runs and almost always cause blisters. I did purchase a running skirt which is AWESOME, but I got it late in the process and felt like I hadn't trained enough in it to wear it for the race.
For the first time since I started running in January of 2009, I started running without music. I tried it for a few days and found that I run more efficiently and with more concentration without it. I got through the first couple of runs by praying, thinking about the big race and concentrating on my form. I also don't like to carry anything with me on my runs, so not bringing music allowed me to be completely free when I'm running. May not be for everyone, but it has made a huge diference for me.
As far as supplements go, I used GU (for glucose replenishment on runs longer than 5 miles). Its also important to drink LOTS of water - not just during runs - but during your every day life. I did not do as well as I should have with drinking water. This probably contributed to unnecessary soreness and fatigue during runs.
Over the course of training I sustained few injuries and only 1 major period of illness. During the Snow Storm of 2011 I came down with a terrible case of the flu as well as severe sinus infection - at the same time. This took me away from training for about 10 days. If it hadn't been so far away from the actual race date, this sickness could have prevented me from racing. It was absolutely horrible. The only injury I sustained that affected my running was the loss of my index toenail on my left foot. This was a result of cotton socks and the blisters they gave me. This blister just happened to be under my entire toenail - and the toenail had no chance. This was kind of traumatic, but I think I only miss one training due to this, and that was because of the pain in the beginning of the toe-falling-off process.
One thing that I was so very blessed to have for the journey was some AMAZING running buddies - Liz Reed, and Lindsay Bippus. There girls started with me in January and we trained together the whole time - all the way up to last Thursday when we ran out last training run together. I was usually able to run one race with them during the week (the others I ran by myself) and a lot of the times we ran our long runs together on the weekends. We ran the actual race together as well - from start to finish. I am so glad to have these amazing friends to share this experience and the memories with!
The actual race day was like a dream for me. Just a culmination of all that hard work. In the days leading up to the race (the taper time - where you drastically decrease mileage to give your body a chance to rebuild and get into optimal running shape) I still doubted whether or not I could TRULY finish the race without walking a large portion of it. Well, I am thrilled to report to you that we only walked through water stations and limited that time to about 30 seconds each time. Our walking distance for the whole thing was probably less than a 10th of a mile. We ran that whole thing. I'm not sure I can really express the feeling I got when I crossed that finish line - knowing that I had finished, VERY strong, and under our estimated time (which was 2:30:00).
The thing that we most concentrated on during the race was keeping a steady pace that we knew we would be able to sustain for the whole 13.1 miles - which means going much slower than you feel you need to at the beginning. At the end of the race - especially in the last 2 miles - I had to constantly keep telling myself to put one foot in front of the other, and just keep running. Thats all you have to do. (But trust me, its much harder than it sounds)
Every new goal I set for running ends up being one of the most rewarding and character building experiences of my life - and this one was no exception. Throughout this training season, I set 2 new personal records for my 5K. Before this season my 5K PR was 32:04. My current personal best for the 5K is now 29:24. Never ever thought I'd get under 30 minutes! My beautiful family is always there at the finish line to give me a huge hug and take my picture, no matter how sweaty I am, no matter how long the race. I treasure that.
What's next? Still thinking and planning, but right now it looks like the Full Marathon this November. Right now this seems impossible, but thats kind of what I love about it. I will definitely keep you posted on what I decide when I have a more definite plan.
Thanks for sticking in here for this long read. I hope it inspires you to do things you think are impossibilities for you. I have proven myself wrong so very many times through this process.
Commit to doing something you think you can't. It'll change your entire life.
Grace K. Hearn - Half Marathon Finisher!!!!!!! WOW!
Two years ago, in January of 2009, I challenged myself to do something that I thought was an impossibility for me. So I trained for, and ran my very first 5K on May 8, 2009 - didn't walk a step - first big goal completed. Since then I have run 13 5Ks. Two years later I'm still challenging myself to do the impossible - and the next step (and a very optimistic one at that) was the Half Marathon. Here is my run-down of the whole experience, start to finish...
First of all, I started training for this race 5 months ago. My first training run for this race was actually January 7th of this year, so its been a long journey. There were definitely times during training that I seriously doubted my body's ability to run this far. More times than not I felt incapable. The cool thing is, with every milestone I passed (5 miles, 8 miles, 10 miles...) I ran farther than I ever had, and my body was able to do more than I ever thought possible. That is, quite possibly, my favorite thing about this experience and running in general.
The hardest thing about the half marathon, for me, was the training - not the actual race! There were definitey days that I felt like giving up - for sure. Getting out there 4 days a week was a challenge. I went into the training knowing it would be difficult and tried not to be a baby about soreness, long mileage, early mornings and injuries. These things are all inevitable for the distance runner. Coming to grips with that made all the difference. One of the things that I kept telling myself on particularly hard days was, "No one ever told me this would be easy. If it were, everyone would do it." That took away my reason to complain about pretty much everything. The great things in life usually take lots of work and sweat and preparation - but they also bring the most gratification, reward, and accomplishment.
One of the things I noticed about training for distance is that what I wore to run was very important. Comfort, for me, is key while I'm running. My outfit of choice for most training days and for the actual race, was a baggy cotton t-shirt, and fitted spandex running shorts (they come to just below my knee), socks made from synthetic fabric, and my Brooks running shoes. I tried several ensembles, but I ran into some of the following problems: Most tank tops rubbed under my arms and left painful chaffing. Also, loose fitting running shorts ride up and cause rubbing between my legs - they're alright for short runs, but not for long distance. Cotton socks don't allow your feet to breathe on long runs and almost always cause blisters. I did purchase a running skirt which is AWESOME, but I got it late in the process and felt like I hadn't trained enough in it to wear it for the race.
For the first time since I started running in January of 2009, I started running without music. I tried it for a few days and found that I run more efficiently and with more concentration without it. I got through the first couple of runs by praying, thinking about the big race and concentrating on my form. I also don't like to carry anything with me on my runs, so not bringing music allowed me to be completely free when I'm running. May not be for everyone, but it has made a huge diference for me.
As far as supplements go, I used GU (for glucose replenishment on runs longer than 5 miles). Its also important to drink LOTS of water - not just during runs - but during your every day life. I did not do as well as I should have with drinking water. This probably contributed to unnecessary soreness and fatigue during runs.
Over the course of training I sustained few injuries and only 1 major period of illness. During the Snow Storm of 2011 I came down with a terrible case of the flu as well as severe sinus infection - at the same time. This took me away from training for about 10 days. If it hadn't been so far away from the actual race date, this sickness could have prevented me from racing. It was absolutely horrible. The only injury I sustained that affected my running was the loss of my index toenail on my left foot. This was a result of cotton socks and the blisters they gave me. This blister just happened to be under my entire toenail - and the toenail had no chance. This was kind of traumatic, but I think I only miss one training due to this, and that was because of the pain in the beginning of the toe-falling-off process.
One thing that I was so very blessed to have for the journey was some AMAZING running buddies - Liz Reed, and Lindsay Bippus. There girls started with me in January and we trained together the whole time - all the way up to last Thursday when we ran out last training run together. I was usually able to run one race with them during the week (the others I ran by myself) and a lot of the times we ran our long runs together on the weekends. We ran the actual race together as well - from start to finish. I am so glad to have these amazing friends to share this experience and the memories with!
The actual race day was like a dream for me. Just a culmination of all that hard work. In the days leading up to the race (the taper time - where you drastically decrease mileage to give your body a chance to rebuild and get into optimal running shape) I still doubted whether or not I could TRULY finish the race without walking a large portion of it. Well, I am thrilled to report to you that we only walked through water stations and limited that time to about 30 seconds each time. Our walking distance for the whole thing was probably less than a 10th of a mile. We ran that whole thing. I'm not sure I can really express the feeling I got when I crossed that finish line - knowing that I had finished, VERY strong, and under our estimated time (which was 2:30:00).
The thing that we most concentrated on during the race was keeping a steady pace that we knew we would be able to sustain for the whole 13.1 miles - which means going much slower than you feel you need to at the beginning. At the end of the race - especially in the last 2 miles - I had to constantly keep telling myself to put one foot in front of the other, and just keep running. Thats all you have to do. (But trust me, its much harder than it sounds)
Every new goal I set for running ends up being one of the most rewarding and character building experiences of my life - and this one was no exception. Throughout this training season, I set 2 new personal records for my 5K. Before this season my 5K PR was 32:04. My current personal best for the 5K is now 29:24. Never ever thought I'd get under 30 minutes! My beautiful family is always there at the finish line to give me a huge hug and take my picture, no matter how sweaty I am, no matter how long the race. I treasure that.
What's next? Still thinking and planning, but right now it looks like the Full Marathon this November. Right now this seems impossible, but thats kind of what I love about it. I will definitely keep you posted on what I decide when I have a more definite plan.
Thanks for sticking in here for this long read. I hope it inspires you to do things you think are impossibilities for you. I have proven myself wrong so very many times through this process.
Commit to doing something you think you can't. It'll change your entire life.
Grace K. Hearn - Half Marathon Finisher!!!!!!! WOW!
Lindsay Bippus, Liz Reed, and Grace Hearn before the race - running buddies for the long haul!
I DID IT! This was taken right after I finished.
My fan club!
Best running buddies around....
I earned that sticker, baby!
Done, and done.
Monday, May 16, 2011
13.1-er
Never been more ready to FINALLY be a 13.1-er. Lots of hard work. Lots of miles. Lets do this. 5 days....
School is winding down. Its nice. Yearbooks were delivered today, and I probably won't do this every year, but I'm having my students sign mine. It'll be a nice way to commemorate my first year of teaching. Sometimes it seems like the year went by in the blink of an eye, and other times it feels like this 9 months has been about 8 years. Maybe I'll miss the 8th graders.....maybe not. : )
I know I've blogged about this before...but in the month of June alone, The Hearns (Nathan and I) are going on not one, not two, but THREE vacations. As each day passes I am becoming increasingly more excited about each one. The whole concept of summer has always, but more so since college, been a thrilling one to me. This summer will be especially relaxing, and I can almost literally not wait. Just 11 more days. Mmmmm. The anticipation of summer is strangely akin to the anticipation of a day off work. Its absolutely amazing until you get there, and then on the day (or in the season) its almost tainted a bit because you know its only a matter of time until its over. Dang....thats quite pessimistic. On to the next!
Colorado is up first, and I'm thinking that this vacay will be my favorite. I love this place. We leave June 6th! Just a few more weary days and then, we'll drive away.
So for a random change of subject, I have some STATE CHAMPION cupcakes to make! Thats right, my little sisters graduated AND won a 4A Soccer championship all in 24 hours. They're beastly. So SO proud of them. I better stop! Every time I start to think about those girls growing up I get weepy. Happy for them, happy for my parents who are officially "empty nesters," come August. Well, besides little brother Joel. The winds of change are blowing, thats for sure. Nathan's little brother, Blake, is graduating this Friday. When did we all get to grown up?!?!
Now its time to watch last week's Biggest Loser episode then hit the hay. Love you all - happy early summer!
Grace
School is winding down. Its nice. Yearbooks were delivered today, and I probably won't do this every year, but I'm having my students sign mine. It'll be a nice way to commemorate my first year of teaching. Sometimes it seems like the year went by in the blink of an eye, and other times it feels like this 9 months has been about 8 years. Maybe I'll miss the 8th graders.....maybe not. : )
I know I've blogged about this before...but in the month of June alone, The Hearns (Nathan and I) are going on not one, not two, but THREE vacations. As each day passes I am becoming increasingly more excited about each one. The whole concept of summer has always, but more so since college, been a thrilling one to me. This summer will be especially relaxing, and I can almost literally not wait. Just 11 more days. Mmmmm. The anticipation of summer is strangely akin to the anticipation of a day off work. Its absolutely amazing until you get there, and then on the day (or in the season) its almost tainted a bit because you know its only a matter of time until its over. Dang....thats quite pessimistic. On to the next!
Colorado is up first, and I'm thinking that this vacay will be my favorite. I love this place. We leave June 6th! Just a few more weary days and then, we'll drive away.
So for a random change of subject, I have some STATE CHAMPION cupcakes to make! Thats right, my little sisters graduated AND won a 4A Soccer championship all in 24 hours. They're beastly. So SO proud of them. I better stop! Every time I start to think about those girls growing up I get weepy. Happy for them, happy for my parents who are officially "empty nesters," come August. Well, besides little brother Joel. The winds of change are blowing, thats for sure. Nathan's little brother, Blake, is graduating this Friday. When did we all get to grown up?!?!
Now its time to watch last week's Biggest Loser episode then hit the hay. Love you all - happy early summer!
Grace
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
When you're happy like a fool, you let it take you over...
So so much to happy about and grateful for. 17 school days left until summer. Lots to do between now and then. Happy to be doing what I love with people I love.
Well the half marathon is less than 3 weeks away. Last week was awesome. 23.38 miles - but in only 3 runs. I did a 9 miler, and a 10 miler, with a 4.38 in the middle. I really feel like I am going to do this! Lots of discipline required, for sure. This week I'm struggling for motivation for some reason. Ebbs and flows.
I had my first real heartbreaker today at school. Its solo tryout time for our Patriotic Tribute and little Amelia wanted that xylophone solo SO BAD. Tears tears tears. I felt so terrible I wanted to cry right a long with her. The fact that she begged me to change my mind nearly did me in. I'm in love with the fact that my little program means a lot to these kids. They are all so talented and precious. I love all of them...even the naughty ones.
Nathan and I are getting super super SUPER excited about this summer. We're saving up all of our extra money for our anniversary trip to Colorado. Also getting VERY excited about 2 camping trips - one thats just the two of us (our first ever, just us), and the 2nd annual Hahn/Hearn sibling camping trip! Both to Roaring River State Park in Missouri. We LOVE this place. So much fun.
Besides our vacation and camping trips - I am just so ready for a relaxing summer. I haven't had a summer without an actual job since I was 16 years old. It'll be nice to just do cupcakes. Nathan got me signed up with his family's plan at the YMCA so I can do classes and work out there this summer. Thats awesome considering TU's fitness center is way out of the way for summer time. I can hardly wait.
Time to go finish some solo tryouts....I will be relieved when this year is over. First year of teaching under my belt in a little over 2 weeks - CRAZY!
G
Well the half marathon is less than 3 weeks away. Last week was awesome. 23.38 miles - but in only 3 runs. I did a 9 miler, and a 10 miler, with a 4.38 in the middle. I really feel like I am going to do this! Lots of discipline required, for sure. This week I'm struggling for motivation for some reason. Ebbs and flows.
I had my first real heartbreaker today at school. Its solo tryout time for our Patriotic Tribute and little Amelia wanted that xylophone solo SO BAD. Tears tears tears. I felt so terrible I wanted to cry right a long with her. The fact that she begged me to change my mind nearly did me in. I'm in love with the fact that my little program means a lot to these kids. They are all so talented and precious. I love all of them...even the naughty ones.
Nathan and I are getting super super SUPER excited about this summer. We're saving up all of our extra money for our anniversary trip to Colorado. Also getting VERY excited about 2 camping trips - one thats just the two of us (our first ever, just us), and the 2nd annual Hahn/Hearn sibling camping trip! Both to Roaring River State Park in Missouri. We LOVE this place. So much fun.
Besides our vacation and camping trips - I am just so ready for a relaxing summer. I haven't had a summer without an actual job since I was 16 years old. It'll be nice to just do cupcakes. Nathan got me signed up with his family's plan at the YMCA so I can do classes and work out there this summer. Thats awesome considering TU's fitness center is way out of the way for summer time. I can hardly wait.
Time to go finish some solo tryouts....I will be relieved when this year is over. First year of teaching under my belt in a little over 2 weeks - CRAZY!
G
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
How far do I have to go to get to you....many the miles....
Sorry for being a slacker with this blogging thing... These days have been suuuuper busy. I'm running, AND making cupcakes like no one's business. Last night, for example, I ran the farthest I have ever run in my life (at one time) - 9 miles!!! I also made 3 dozen A+ apple cupcakes for office lady appreciation day at school. The run was exhilerating - I got rained AND hailed on. But I think if it were raining during the half marathon, I could probably do it...twice. I just adore running in the rain. The lightning and hail I could do without. But hey, no one ever said that this would be a painless process. It actually makes it just a little more meaningful - because it is not easy!
The cupcake-making/being on my feet for 3 hrs after the 9 mile run wasn't as much fun. I'm super happy with the cupcakes though. They're pretty presh. Here are some pictures of the ones I made last night (the apple ones) and some I made over the weekend....(the owl ones):
I'm having such a great time making cupcakes! I'm so excited that I get to do this for my summer job! I'm making graduation cupcakes for my sisters' graduation party this weekend, stay tuned....
We're about a month away from school being over here at St. Mary's. Nathan's last day of classes at TU was Monday. He's still got some finals to knock out, and I still have my patriotic assembly to pull off. Its gonna be pretty cute. These childern are just absolutely precious. I'll miss them over the summer...but not too much. : )
Countdowns:
My baby sisters graduate - 16 days
Half Marathon - 24 days
Last day of school - 30 days
Colorado - 38 days
One year anniversary - 45 days
Fun times, people!
G
The cupcake-making/being on my feet for 3 hrs after the 9 mile run wasn't as much fun. I'm super happy with the cupcakes though. They're pretty presh. Here are some pictures of the ones I made last night (the apple ones) and some I made over the weekend....(the owl ones):
We're about a month away from school being over here at St. Mary's. Nathan's last day of classes at TU was Monday. He's still got some finals to knock out, and I still have my patriotic assembly to pull off. Its gonna be pretty cute. These childern are just absolutely precious. I'll miss them over the summer...but not too much. : )
Countdowns:
My baby sisters graduate - 16 days
Half Marathon - 24 days
Last day of school - 30 days
Colorado - 38 days
One year anniversary - 45 days
Fun times, people!
G
Monday, April 18, 2011
Six days and counting until I can have a Mountain Dew...
Mountain Dew is calling my NAAAAAAAME! 6 more days and I can have all I want. Giving it up for Lent has been good for me. If for no other reason than the fact that sometimes it is good to deprive yourself of things. We don't always get what we want. Thats just the way it is. I also feel like I can empathize with all of my Catholic co-workers - even though I can eat whatever kind of meat I want to on Fridays. Haha. Also, the suffering that Jesus endured was, obviously, way worse than my nostalgia over Mt. Dew. Puts things in perspective white a bit.
This really is quite a lovely time of year. This morning Liz and I went for a 6 mile run at 5 AM. Sounds disgusting, but I love starting my day this way. It an awesome way to wake up and get the juices flowing. It makes for pretty full days though. I haven't gotten up at 4:45 in years. Liz and I are both getting pretty excited about the Half-Marathon in 5 weeks!!! Hard to believe it is coming up that quick, but we're right on track (pun intended, or not).
I have 3 orders of cupcakes this week. Wedesday I'm making an order for Nathan's Junior Voice recital at TU. Should be pretty awesome. Friday is my day to bring dessert at school and everyone is requesting cupcakes so I'll probably make some for that. And Saturday I have an order of owl cupcakes to do for a birthday party. Busy week in cupcakes, should be fun! Too bad I'm only getting paid for 1 order out of the 3. I'm alright with it.
My first year of teaching is coming to a close and it has been a successful one! I have made great friends in the teachers I teach with and have gotten to know some really precious children and parents. I can't wait for what next year holds for me at School of St. Mary! First things first, though, is my patriotic assembly on May 10th! Also coming up incredibly fast. Should be fun and entertaining for all. The kids are excited about it, and I've actually be able to teach them some pretty impressive stuff! Its such a cool experience to be able to teach children to be musically literate. I can't imagine not being able to read music - it is definitely quite the gift to be given. I absolutely love that I get to be the person to give that gift to children. It really is pretty special. Of course that is not all I do, but it is a wonderful part of the job. Its also amazing to see students who struggle with classroom work completely blow their classmates out of the water on a musical instrument. I love being a part of that child getting his/her chance to shine - there's just nothing sweeter as a music teacher. I can't figure out how to not make that rhyme. In other words, I love my job - and I'm grateful that I get to do this for a living - talk to sweet kids all day and share the most precious of gifts.
Need to get off of here and go get the remainder of my cupcake supplies so I can start on those bad boys. I'll be sure to post pictures of all of them soon. Hope you're reading this in good health and peace of mind. Have a lovely and blessed week, friends.
Gracie
This really is quite a lovely time of year. This morning Liz and I went for a 6 mile run at 5 AM. Sounds disgusting, but I love starting my day this way. It an awesome way to wake up and get the juices flowing. It makes for pretty full days though. I haven't gotten up at 4:45 in years. Liz and I are both getting pretty excited about the Half-Marathon in 5 weeks!!! Hard to believe it is coming up that quick, but we're right on track (pun intended, or not).
I have 3 orders of cupcakes this week. Wedesday I'm making an order for Nathan's Junior Voice recital at TU. Should be pretty awesome. Friday is my day to bring dessert at school and everyone is requesting cupcakes so I'll probably make some for that. And Saturday I have an order of owl cupcakes to do for a birthday party. Busy week in cupcakes, should be fun! Too bad I'm only getting paid for 1 order out of the 3. I'm alright with it.
My first year of teaching is coming to a close and it has been a successful one! I have made great friends in the teachers I teach with and have gotten to know some really precious children and parents. I can't wait for what next year holds for me at School of St. Mary! First things first, though, is my patriotic assembly on May 10th! Also coming up incredibly fast. Should be fun and entertaining for all. The kids are excited about it, and I've actually be able to teach them some pretty impressive stuff! Its such a cool experience to be able to teach children to be musically literate. I can't imagine not being able to read music - it is definitely quite the gift to be given. I absolutely love that I get to be the person to give that gift to children. It really is pretty special. Of course that is not all I do, but it is a wonderful part of the job. Its also amazing to see students who struggle with classroom work completely blow their classmates out of the water on a musical instrument. I love being a part of that child getting his/her chance to shine - there's just nothing sweeter as a music teacher. I can't figure out how to not make that rhyme. In other words, I love my job - and I'm grateful that I get to do this for a living - talk to sweet kids all day and share the most precious of gifts.
Need to get off of here and go get the remainder of my cupcake supplies so I can start on those bad boys. I'll be sure to post pictures of all of them soon. Hope you're reading this in good health and peace of mind. Have a lovely and blessed week, friends.
Gracie
Monday, April 11, 2011
LOVE this time of year!
Everything seems to have turned green over night! I adore it!!!
So last week was a big week for the Hearns. Nathan had rehearsal every night, a recital jury, NATS (college solo singing competition), and a concert on Saturday night to perform in. It was lonely without him, but good for me in some ways. I thought I would be miserable all week without him, but I was able to work on being a little more independant - something I struggle with, so it was good! I also got a lot done and was even able to enjoy some alone time. Thats a big deal for me! Nathan's concert was absolutely sensational, and I got to go with his mom, sister Bethany, and both of my parents. He also passed his recital jury with flying colors - made one of the judges cry. Thats how you know you did great. I'm so SO proud of him.
I had work all week, and 2 cupcake orders due in the same weekend (first time that has happened...) and I spent a lot of my time in the evenings either running, cleaning house, or making cupcake decorations. I made 96 tiny flowers last week and the cupcakes turned out beautifully! I also ran a total of 22.11 miles last week, and 15 of those miles were within 3 days! Because of all that, I won King of the Road for my third time! SO proud of that. I had a great running week, and I am super encouraged and hopeful for the half marathon in just 6 short weeks. My heart races just thinking about it!
Here is my weekend in cupcakes - the flower cupcakes were for a bridal shower on Saturday afternoon, and the "R" cupcakes were for a baby shower on Sunday afternoon. Had a lot of fun with them, and was also able to make some Eastery sprinkled cupcakes with extra supplies!
Grace
So last week was a big week for the Hearns. Nathan had rehearsal every night, a recital jury, NATS (college solo singing competition), and a concert on Saturday night to perform in. It was lonely without him, but good for me in some ways. I thought I would be miserable all week without him, but I was able to work on being a little more independant - something I struggle with, so it was good! I also got a lot done and was even able to enjoy some alone time. Thats a big deal for me! Nathan's concert was absolutely sensational, and I got to go with his mom, sister Bethany, and both of my parents. He also passed his recital jury with flying colors - made one of the judges cry. Thats how you know you did great. I'm so SO proud of him.
I had work all week, and 2 cupcake orders due in the same weekend (first time that has happened...) and I spent a lot of my time in the evenings either running, cleaning house, or making cupcake decorations. I made 96 tiny flowers last week and the cupcakes turned out beautifully! I also ran a total of 22.11 miles last week, and 15 of those miles were within 3 days! Because of all that, I won King of the Road for my third time! SO proud of that. I had a great running week, and I am super encouraged and hopeful for the half marathon in just 6 short weeks. My heart races just thinking about it!
Here is my weekend in cupcakes - the flower cupcakes were for a bridal shower on Saturday afternoon, and the "R" cupcakes were for a baby shower on Sunday afternoon. Had a lot of fun with them, and was also able to make some Eastery sprinkled cupcakes with extra supplies!
Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful Spring season. I'm treasuring every day. Oh yes, Nathan and I are officially going to Colorado the first week in June for our 1st anniversary! Can't wait for that - we're going to re-live our honeymoon on a smaller scale. Gonna be a blast.
Thats all for now - have a blessed and safe week, friends!
Grace
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
These are the days of our lives
What a busy time. I've started this cupcake thing, and I love it, its just a lot of work. Also, I've started this half-marathon thing. I've put a lot of hard work into it - quitting isn't an option. Also, I have a full-time job, and an apartment to keep clean, and dishes to wash and clothes to fold. Oh yes, and I'm also married. Haven't seen my husband since Monday. This might not seem very long to most people, but it feels like forever to me. There are the times I have told him goodbye in the morning while he's still asleep, and the times he has told me goodnight when he comes home and I'm already in bed - but I don't really think that counts. Trying really hard to keep everything in perspective..."This isn't permanent, its just for a little while..." Not the easiest time in the world, but it'll be over soon.
I've been lacking motivation to run lately. That's kind of putting it nicely - I've actually been dreading my runs. So yesterday I took off for a 3.5 miler and decided not to take anything but my apartment key - no phone, no iPod, no running belt. I didn't actually have a purpose for doing this, I just felt bogged down and terrible about the run even before I had started. Well once I started running, I didn't miss my music, I didn't even really think about it much - I just started praying.
I prayed for all of the people in the apartment buildings I was running by. I prayed for kids on school buses, for the people in the cars that drove by. When I ran by a school I prayed for all the people that attend/work there. Anything I saw, I prayed for. What did I pray? I prayed that God would bring healing to broken families and anyone affected by them, that He would restore hope to people who have given up, that He would draw children to Himself at a young age so that they wouldn't have to go through the heartache that bad decisions bring to so many. I prayed for parents to be godly examples to their children by making God a priority, and having an authentic relationship with him that makes their lives different from other people. I prayed that young families would choose to put God first in their homes. I prayed most of all that he would reveal to the people of Owasso who do not know Him their need for a Savior.
I can't really explain it, but this was such a special time to me. God has laid on my heart to dedicate the time that I spend running to prayer for the people of Owasso and the people in my life. God revealed a lot to me through my running/prayer time yesterday - and I am so grateful because now I'm looking forward to my run today! How amazing God is, that He could help me to have motivation, and that He would reveal Himself to me in spite of myself.
"Everyone should be both conservative and radical. Conservative in preserving our faith, and radical in applying it." (Don't know who said it, I think it was from a sermon at church, but I love it!)
Have an awesome day.
Grace
I've been lacking motivation to run lately. That's kind of putting it nicely - I've actually been dreading my runs. So yesterday I took off for a 3.5 miler and decided not to take anything but my apartment key - no phone, no iPod, no running belt. I didn't actually have a purpose for doing this, I just felt bogged down and terrible about the run even before I had started. Well once I started running, I didn't miss my music, I didn't even really think about it much - I just started praying.
I prayed for all of the people in the apartment buildings I was running by. I prayed for kids on school buses, for the people in the cars that drove by. When I ran by a school I prayed for all the people that attend/work there. Anything I saw, I prayed for. What did I pray? I prayed that God would bring healing to broken families and anyone affected by them, that He would restore hope to people who have given up, that He would draw children to Himself at a young age so that they wouldn't have to go through the heartache that bad decisions bring to so many. I prayed for parents to be godly examples to their children by making God a priority, and having an authentic relationship with him that makes their lives different from other people. I prayed that young families would choose to put God first in their homes. I prayed most of all that he would reveal to the people of Owasso who do not know Him their need for a Savior.
I can't really explain it, but this was such a special time to me. God has laid on my heart to dedicate the time that I spend running to prayer for the people of Owasso and the people in my life. God revealed a lot to me through my running/prayer time yesterday - and I am so grateful because now I'm looking forward to my run today! How amazing God is, that He could help me to have motivation, and that He would reveal Himself to me in spite of myself.
"Everyone should be both conservative and radical. Conservative in preserving our faith, and radical in applying it." (Don't know who said it, I think it was from a sermon at church, but I love it!)
Have an awesome day.
Grace
Friday, April 1, 2011
Ladybug Cupakes!!!
I made 2 dozen cupcakes and a "smasher" cake for little Brooke Weston's 1st birthday party! I am so excited about these! I had a lot of fun with 'em.
I love these cupcakes - hope you enjoy the pictures!
Grace
Grace
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The sun shines on the good and the bad
Having kind of a crazy week, and its only Tuesday. I woke up at 7:15 this morning - I usually leave for work at 7:05. Awesome times. I guess thats how you know you need more sleep.
Running has been good lately. 7 and 1/2 weeks to D-day (half marathon!!) I completed another item off the list last week. I ran in the Utica/Peoria neighborhoods. Thats been a dream of mine ever since I started running. Don't know why I've never done it before. It was pretty awesome - VERY hilly. But a great workout...and its 5 miles long. I was listening to the radio this morning and they were coincidentally talking about half marathons and the guy read these verses - heard it a thousand times before but this morning it was like I was hearing with new ears:
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I love that. I love the parallel between running and faith. I feel this all the time when I'm running - that the concepts are so much the same. Both very hard to stick to, both worth every moment of pain and sacrifice. I'm getting teary-eyed.....oh geez.
BIG cupcake happenings this weekend! Tonight, I'm starting on my ladybugs for Miss Brooke Weston's 1st Birthday! I am beyond excited to make her the best cupcakes EVER! Her mom showed me her outfit for her party and let me just say - CUTEST red and black tutu I have EVER seen. So, after much careful thought and preparation, here is the plan! (I did not make these cupcake - this is just the picture I got off of the internet):
Running has been good lately. 7 and 1/2 weeks to D-day (half marathon!!) I completed another item off the list last week. I ran in the Utica/Peoria neighborhoods. Thats been a dream of mine ever since I started running. Don't know why I've never done it before. It was pretty awesome - VERY hilly. But a great workout...and its 5 miles long. I was listening to the radio this morning and they were coincidentally talking about half marathons and the guy read these verses - heard it a thousand times before but this morning it was like I was hearing with new ears:
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I love that. I love the parallel between running and faith. I feel this all the time when I'm running - that the concepts are so much the same. Both very hard to stick to, both worth every moment of pain and sacrifice. I'm getting teary-eyed.....oh geez.
BIG cupcake happenings this weekend! Tonight, I'm starting on my ladybugs for Miss Brooke Weston's 1st Birthday! I am beyond excited to make her the best cupcakes EVER! Her mom showed me her outfit for her party and let me just say - CUTEST red and black tutu I have EVER seen. So, after much careful thought and preparation, here is the plan! (I did not make these cupcake - this is just the picture I got off of the internet):
Yeah, I love these. My ladybugs are gonna be a bit bigger, too. I am so excited though - these have the potential to be the cutest I have ever done. I will post picture of my actual cupcakes this weekend some time. Yay, for cupcakes!! I'm also making Brooke the cake that she gets to smash all over her face - a "smasher" cake. It will be one big lady bug. I am so pumped!
Have a great week, everybody!
Grace
Monday, March 21, 2011
Rolling in the deep...
I found this picture the other day, and I just adore it. It was taken exactly one week before we got married. Such sweet and exciting days.
I completed and delivered my first order of cupcakes this weekend. It was pretty awesome. I was happy with them. Posted the pictures on facebook and now I have about 7 orders! I'm pretty stoked about that, but I don't want to get burnt out. My next order is Ladybug cupcakes and a smasher cake for a 1 year birthday party! After that I have a wedding shower, and a little girl birthday party. She's doing pink and green OWL cupcakes!!! Is that not the cutest thing you've ever heard of?!?! I can not WAIT to start this stuff. I'm pretty stoked. Here are the cupcakes I did this past weekend:
I'm having such fun doing these. Had a really fun and helpful conversationg with the lady at "Sugar Art Supplies" today. Pretty excited about my new little business!
First day back to school today. I missed those kiddos! It was awesome to see everyone and get some solid work done. We're going to do a patriotic program at the end of school. Its pretty adorable. May 10th, "A Patriotic Tribute." Come check it. Haha.
Nathan and I have been watching Lost. It is so stinkin good. Over Spring Break we watched the entire first season. We're on the 2nd now. I seriously don't know how anyone could wait a whole week for the next episode. Luckily, we have Netflix. And its a good thing, because The Bachelor ended last week leaving a great void in my life. Haha. LOST has filled it.
Last thing...I am SO in love with Adele and her music. If I could sing like any artist, it would be her. She's just so smooth, and she looks and sounds effortless when she sings. Can't. Get. Enough.
Grace
Friday, March 18, 2011
Gladness of the heart...
I am currently doing an awesome study with the wonderful Women of FCC Stone Canyon. It is called Contagious Joy. This is an especially sweet morsel that I got from this powerful study today in my quiet time, and below is the entry that I posted on the Women of FCC Stone Canyon facebook wall (where we do most of our discussion, we only meet once a month):
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"Chapter 4, #5 (What does Solomon say that God does in our hearts in Ecclesiastes 5:20?) is really great. I happened to read a couple of verses before Ecclesiastes 5:20, specifically verses 18, 19, and 20, and they are just great:
18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. 19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.
To me, this is the meaning of life - this is what the Lord says is good! To find satisfaction in our work, to enjoy the things that God gives to us, and realize that it is not those things that bring us joy, it is God who occupies us with "gladness of the heart." Very often I think I mistake gladness of the heart that is from the love of God, for gladness based on earthly things, like possesions and circumstances. It is good for my heart and for my outlook to be reminded that EVERY good thing comes from Him - and were it not for His love, even the things that bring me momentary pleasure wouldn't be as sweet. Ah, my cup runneth over!
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God is richly and powerfully alive in me, and is becoming even more alive through this study. I believe a large part of this is due to my involvement in FCC Stone Canyon, and especially sharing in ministry with these precious ladies. Pretty pumped for what the future holds for us as a group and for FCC Stone Canyon!
Grace
------------------------------
"Chapter 4, #5 (What does Solomon say that God does in our hearts in Ecclesiastes 5:20?) is really great. I happened to read a couple of verses before Ecclesiastes 5:20, specifically verses 18, 19, and 20, and they are just great:
18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. 19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.
To me, this is the meaning of life - this is what the Lord says is good! To find satisfaction in our work, to enjoy the things that God gives to us, and realize that it is not those things that bring us joy, it is God who occupies us with "gladness of the heart." Very often I think I mistake gladness of the heart that is from the love of God, for gladness based on earthly things, like possesions and circumstances. It is good for my heart and for my outlook to be reminded that EVERY good thing comes from Him - and were it not for His love, even the things that bring me momentary pleasure wouldn't be as sweet. Ah, my cup runneth over!
-----------------------------
God is richly and powerfully alive in me, and is becoming even more alive through this study. I believe a large part of this is due to my involvement in FCC Stone Canyon, and especially sharing in ministry with these precious ladies. Pretty pumped for what the future holds for us as a group and for FCC Stone Canyon!
Grace
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Cupcakey Cakes by Grace and Spring Break
I have always loved to watch shows about cupcakes. I have always loved to eat cupcakes. I have always loved to make cupcakes for people. I made some cupcakes for a get-together with some friends a couple of weeks ago and they went over famously. SO, I have decided to start making a little extra cash by making cupcakes for people. It is something I love, and something that other people love, and since Nathan and I are on a new budget, I could use a little spending money, and I love that. I'm excited, because there is nothing I don't love about making cupcakes! Here is one of my cupcakes;
Running is going famously. Last Saturday I ran 8.2 miles. Farthest distance I've ever run. Feels good. Awesome, even. Something that doesn't feel so awesome is my left index toe/toenail. It appears to be falling off. The toenail, that is. I have heard that this can happen to long-distance runners, I just hoped it would never happen to me. Its not the worst thing in the world, but there are more pleasant things. Its turning gray, and the toel around it is red and irritated. Its really hot, and has a heartbeat. The thing I most dread about the toenail-falling-off process is how disgusting/uncomfortable/unsettling it is. But hey, Toenails grow back. Tomorrow I'm using a giftcard I got for a pedicure. I guess I just won't have them paint that nail. Hmm.
Spring break is just dreamy. Nathan and I have started watching Lost from the very beginning. We had never seen any of it before. It is so stinkin good. I'm glad we started watching it on Spring Break because I don't know if I could pull myself away to go to work. Its just the right amount of scary/creepy. Yeah, great great show.
Nathan and I are starting plans for my summer music camp at St. Mary. I'm going to do a pitched percussion masterclass and he's going to do a guitar masterclass. The two of those in the afternoons, coupled with a general music session in the mornings will make for a nice little music camp for my students. I'm pretty excited. It will be part of my contribution to our finances for the summer. That, and my cupcakes.
I'm making some for a baby shower this weekend. Pretty stoked about that. Bought most of the supplies today, getting the rest tomorrow. Can't wait to start working on them Friday. I really don't want Spring Break to end. Bethany and I went to swing at Funtastic Island tonight. It was glorious, like old times. Makes me REALLY excited about summer. We talked about all the camping we're going to do. I can't wait. Summer is....71 days away for me. Lord give me strength.
The month of April won't be especially enjoyable for The Hearns (of the Nathan and Grace variety). Say a little prayer if you think of us. Nathan has a crazy rehearsal and performance schedule with all of the different ensembles he is in, plus his Junior recital. He'll hardly be home in the evenings. My schedule won't be as busy as his, but I'll have to fill my time while he's gone with something. Maybe working out, or making cupcakes, or reading. Our apartment will probably get pretty clean. I already miss him. We're making the most of our Spring Break, hoping all of this time together will be able to get us through the lonely times in the coming weeks. (sigh)
So there's a little update into our life. Hope you've enjoyed it. Until next time...
G
Running is going famously. Last Saturday I ran 8.2 miles. Farthest distance I've ever run. Feels good. Awesome, even. Something that doesn't feel so awesome is my left index toe/toenail. It appears to be falling off. The toenail, that is. I have heard that this can happen to long-distance runners, I just hoped it would never happen to me. Its not the worst thing in the world, but there are more pleasant things. Its turning gray, and the toel around it is red and irritated. Its really hot, and has a heartbeat. The thing I most dread about the toenail-falling-off process is how disgusting/uncomfortable/unsettling it is. But hey, Toenails grow back. Tomorrow I'm using a giftcard I got for a pedicure. I guess I just won't have them paint that nail. Hmm.
Spring break is just dreamy. Nathan and I have started watching Lost from the very beginning. We had never seen any of it before. It is so stinkin good. I'm glad we started watching it on Spring Break because I don't know if I could pull myself away to go to work. Its just the right amount of scary/creepy. Yeah, great great show.
Nathan and I are starting plans for my summer music camp at St. Mary. I'm going to do a pitched percussion masterclass and he's going to do a guitar masterclass. The two of those in the afternoons, coupled with a general music session in the mornings will make for a nice little music camp for my students. I'm pretty excited. It will be part of my contribution to our finances for the summer. That, and my cupcakes.
I'm making some for a baby shower this weekend. Pretty stoked about that. Bought most of the supplies today, getting the rest tomorrow. Can't wait to start working on them Friday. I really don't want Spring Break to end. Bethany and I went to swing at Funtastic Island tonight. It was glorious, like old times. Makes me REALLY excited about summer. We talked about all the camping we're going to do. I can't wait. Summer is....71 days away for me. Lord give me strength.
The month of April won't be especially enjoyable for The Hearns (of the Nathan and Grace variety). Say a little prayer if you think of us. Nathan has a crazy rehearsal and performance schedule with all of the different ensembles he is in, plus his Junior recital. He'll hardly be home in the evenings. My schedule won't be as busy as his, but I'll have to fill my time while he's gone with something. Maybe working out, or making cupcakes, or reading. Our apartment will probably get pretty clean. I already miss him. We're making the most of our Spring Break, hoping all of this time together will be able to get us through the lonely times in the coming weeks. (sigh)
So there's a little update into our life. Hope you've enjoyed it. Until next time...
G
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
You are joy, You are joy, You're the reason that I sing...
I'm not sure if I've been this tired, or had to rely on caffeine to get me through the day this much since I was in college. I am MIS-ER-AB-LE from lack of sleep. This is because Sunday we went to the Blackmans and Joni and I talked until 1 AM. So that night I got to bed at about 1:30. Yesterday, something ridiculous happened with some people in our lives and Nathan and I stayed up til like 12:30 talking about it. So last night it was 1:00 AM when I got to bed. This morning I woke up so tired that my eyes were burning even before I put my contacts in. My eyes have continued to burn ever since. And I am supposed to run today when I get off work. I can't even imagine at this point.
I have 4th and 1st grades this afternoon and I had a super lively and active game/dance/song for both classes to do. I just don't see that happening. "Boys and girls, Mrs. Hearn is not feeling her best today. So we're watching The Sound of Music."That should work. They freaking love that movie. Seriously, one of the best movies ever made.
Oh yes, Happy Fat Tuesday! Didn't realize that was a Catholic thing. They love it though. They gave everyone Mardi Gras beads and baby Jesus cake (King's Cake). I'm glad I wore green today...I totally wouldn't have matched my beads otherwise.
So over the weekend, and yesterday, and this morning, I have been writing these "packets" for my middle schoolers. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are now starting their Music History Units. Its not really much History, more like Music Social Studies units. 6th grade does "The Most Influential Composers in History." (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Chopin, Tchaikowsky, Handel) 7th grade does "Music of the World." (Australia, Middle East, United Kindgdom, Latin American, The Orient, United States). 8th grade does "Modern Music in America."(Rock and Roll, Rap/R&B, Country, Indie/Folk, Jazz, and Popular.)
Its the first time since college I have really done a lot of research and "paper-type" writing. I have MISSED that! Because I am an insane person who loves to write papers. All together its about 10 or 11 pages of information that I gathered and put together and I am SO excited to share it with my students. I'm presenting it in "packet" form and we're reading it as a class. At the end of each section I play awesome recordings for them with several examples of each kind of music. I have never been so sure that this is one of the things I was created to do. I LOVE MY JOB! Its just so awesome that to research music and find recordings and teach kids how to be musicians is my "work"!
Another thing. I can't wait til Spring Break. Nathan and I have the same one. I was worried that we wouldn't, needlessly. Can't decide what we're gonna do. We had plans to go camping but it is supposed to be pretty rainy the whole time, and that would just be no fun. So, we're thinking about a road trip. We'll see. Well, those 4th graders are gonna come knocking in 7 minutes. Peace out.
I have 4th and 1st grades this afternoon and I had a super lively and active game/dance/song for both classes to do. I just don't see that happening. "Boys and girls, Mrs. Hearn is not feeling her best today. So we're watching The Sound of Music."That should work. They freaking love that movie. Seriously, one of the best movies ever made.
So over the weekend, and yesterday, and this morning, I have been writing these "packets" for my middle schoolers. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are now starting their Music History Units. Its not really much History, more like Music Social Studies units. 6th grade does "The Most Influential Composers in History." (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Chopin, Tchaikowsky, Handel) 7th grade does "Music of the World." (Australia, Middle East, United Kindgdom, Latin American, The Orient, United States). 8th grade does "Modern Music in America."(Rock and Roll, Rap/R&B, Country, Indie/Folk, Jazz, and Popular.)
Its the first time since college I have really done a lot of research and "paper-type" writing. I have MISSED that! Because I am an insane person who loves to write papers. All together its about 10 or 11 pages of information that I gathered and put together and I am SO excited to share it with my students. I'm presenting it in "packet" form and we're reading it as a class. At the end of each section I play awesome recordings for them with several examples of each kind of music. I have never been so sure that this is one of the things I was created to do. I LOVE MY JOB! Its just so awesome that to research music and find recordings and teach kids how to be musicians is my "work"!
Another thing. I can't wait til Spring Break. Nathan and I have the same one. I was worried that we wouldn't, needlessly. Can't decide what we're gonna do. We had plans to go camping but it is supposed to be pretty rainy the whole time, and that would just be no fun. So, we're thinking about a road trip. We'll see. Well, those 4th graders are gonna come knocking in 7 minutes. Peace out.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The abililty to overcome the intense urge to give up...
So as I type I'm sitting at school doing "Parent Teacher Conferences." Which, for me, means sitting around after school for 3 hours doing absolutely nothing, or recarranging my room and grading papers (which I have already done) - because I give fair grades that parents aren't really surprised about, and I teach music. If you've got serious problems in music - you've got bigger things to be worried about.
This has been an awesome running week for me so far. I asked God for motivation to get out there every day and do it, and he has really come through in a big way. I won King of the Road last week in Owasso! I have my big shiny "Piece of the Road" at our apartment right now. I don't want to give it up! So this week I'm trying my hardest to pull out a win again. We'll see. There are people in Kings training for marathons, which made my win last week even more satisfying.
This weekend I'm running in the "Run your winter off 5K" at Stone Canyon. I run 5Ks all the time, but this one is special because I'm going to try for a new PR (personal record) in the 5K - under 30 minutes! My fastest time to date is 30:58 and this weekend I'm hoping to shave AT LEAST a minute off of that time. It'd be really awesome if I got like 27 this time or something, but 29:59 will do the trick!
The weight log that I have been keeping shows that since I have started training for this half marathon I have lost 7 lbs. and who knows how many inches. Thats awesome! I'm really trying not to make losing weight any part of my focus right now. Its seems that any time I try to do that it has the opposite effect. Trying to lose weight, stresses me out, in turn, making me either gain it, or stay exactly the same. I have changed the way I eat moderately. I usually eat a very healthy breakfast and lunch - lots of fresh fruits and vegitables with some protein and some must-have "running" carbs. I've also been having either a breakfast quesadilla or english muffin, which egg white and salsa and cheese. Delish! At dinner I just try to control my portion sizes and eat nicely balanced meals. Rice, pasta, and chicken are some of my favorites right now. I do enjoy a good turkey and cheese croisant, or some ground turkey nachos. New obessions as far as food goes: carrots, and applesauce. Yuuuuuuummmmm.
For my next nutritional adventure, I am going to explore the wonderous world of SMOOTHIES. I'm not talking your normal, run-o-the-mill Jamba Juice...I'm talking, SPINACH, LENTILS, AVOCADO, MUSTARD GREENS, CARROT TOPS - a GREEN SMOOTHIE. Of course these things will all taste better with some peaches, strawberries, blue berries, grapes, apples, and cuties oranges thrown in. I'm excited. I'm investigating how I could get away with supplementing some of my meals with these smoothies. We shall see. I'll post pictures ASAP.
The greater part of my planning period this morning I spent searching for and watching inspirational running videos. I found some really cool ones...and I also got some awesome and encouraging quotes from them.
This one is called: Why do you run?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eXqAWjJ_dE
And this one is called: Marathon collapse at finish line - body shut down (that title intrigued me)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUPadKgtYHw&feature=related
Yeah, it that last video, I especially liked the guy carrying his two kids across the finish line. Show off. The guy that the video is about actually collapsed and crawled across the finish line. Awesome times. What have I gotten myself into....
Here are some sweet quotes:
The grueling pain you share, and the abililty to overcome the intense urge to give up is the ultimate bonding experience.
When a runner finishes a race he either makes excuses for himself, questions whether or not he ran as hard as he could have, or lies at the finish, knowing that he gave everything he had.
This has been an awesome running week for me so far. I asked God for motivation to get out there every day and do it, and he has really come through in a big way. I won King of the Road last week in Owasso! I have my big shiny "Piece of the Road" at our apartment right now. I don't want to give it up! So this week I'm trying my hardest to pull out a win again. We'll see. There are people in Kings training for marathons, which made my win last week even more satisfying.
This weekend I'm running in the "Run your winter off 5K" at Stone Canyon. I run 5Ks all the time, but this one is special because I'm going to try for a new PR (personal record) in the 5K - under 30 minutes! My fastest time to date is 30:58 and this weekend I'm hoping to shave AT LEAST a minute off of that time. It'd be really awesome if I got like 27 this time or something, but 29:59 will do the trick!
The weight log that I have been keeping shows that since I have started training for this half marathon I have lost 7 lbs. and who knows how many inches. Thats awesome! I'm really trying not to make losing weight any part of my focus right now. Its seems that any time I try to do that it has the opposite effect. Trying to lose weight, stresses me out, in turn, making me either gain it, or stay exactly the same. I have changed the way I eat moderately. I usually eat a very healthy breakfast and lunch - lots of fresh fruits and vegitables with some protein and some must-have "running" carbs. I've also been having either a breakfast quesadilla or english muffin, which egg white and salsa and cheese. Delish! At dinner I just try to control my portion sizes and eat nicely balanced meals. Rice, pasta, and chicken are some of my favorites right now. I do enjoy a good turkey and cheese croisant, or some ground turkey nachos. New obessions as far as food goes: carrots, and applesauce. Yuuuuuuummmmm.
For my next nutritional adventure, I am going to explore the wonderous world of SMOOTHIES. I'm not talking your normal, run-o-the-mill Jamba Juice...I'm talking, SPINACH, LENTILS, AVOCADO, MUSTARD GREENS, CARROT TOPS - a GREEN SMOOTHIE. Of course these things will all taste better with some peaches, strawberries, blue berries, grapes, apples, and cuties oranges thrown in. I'm excited. I'm investigating how I could get away with supplementing some of my meals with these smoothies. We shall see. I'll post pictures ASAP.
The greater part of my planning period this morning I spent searching for and watching inspirational running videos. I found some really cool ones...and I also got some awesome and encouraging quotes from them.
This one is called: Why do you run?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eXqAWjJ_dE
And this one is called: Marathon collapse at finish line - body shut down (that title intrigued me)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUPadKgtYHw&feature=related
Yeah, it that last video, I especially liked the guy carrying his two kids across the finish line. Show off. The guy that the video is about actually collapsed and crawled across the finish line. Awesome times. What have I gotten myself into....
Here are some sweet quotes:
The grueling pain you share, and the abililty to overcome the intense urge to give up is the ultimate bonding experience.
When a runner finishes a race he either makes excuses for himself, questions whether or not he ran as hard as he could have, or lies at the finish, knowing that he gave everything he had.
Friday, February 25, 2011
A new look/Best weekend EVER!
Well friends, how do I look? (This is the blog speaking).
I decided to give it a much needed overhaul. Feels good. I like orange. In most areas of my life I can't get away with making things orange (clothes, shoes, home decor, etc.). So the blog gets it. "A penny for your thoughts"...you are orange.
This has been one of the busiest and most tiring weeks in a long time. I've been running consistently again (since I was sick) for 2 weeks now and it feels good. Well, I say it feels good. Mostly I'm just trying to create a self-fulfilling prophesy. It doesn't feel good right now. Most days I'm tired before I even begin, and when I finish I just want to die. Hopefully this is just because my week has been so crazy and next week will be better. Tomorrow, Liz and I are going to do my 2.5 mi. loop 3X. 7 1/2 miles. That will be the longest either of us has ever gone. Pray for us. : )
Tonight Nathan and I are going to see Don Giovanni at the PAC downtown. Tulsa Opera always does a really good job, but I'm especially excited about this one because I know so many songs from it. Nathan and I actually did a duet from this opera when we were both still in college together. Nathan has also done several of the tenors solos. Should be an awesome time. I can't wait to see it tonight!!
I'm making wedding cupcakes for this weekend. I'm going to hang out with my church friends from high school, who are becoming just my regular friends again, instead of my old friends. LOVE this development. The cupcakes are because this time when we hang out we've decided to go with a "wedding theme". Stephanie is getting married and we're going to help her with plans and watch wedding movies, and they don't know this yet, but eat wedding cupcakes! I went to the sugar art supply store by my work and got some pink and green fondant, fondant cutters (flower shaped), and piping bags. I already have all kinds of sprinkles. These cupcakes are going to be LEGIT! Vanilla cupcakes, with buttercream and strawberry icing and layered fondant flowers. Yummmmm....
Also, tomorrow I'm going shopping with my sisters and their friends for "prom underwear." Apparently my mom couldn't bear to go with them on this excursion. Thats alright. Haha. I can't believe they're seniors. I love them so much.
So in other words, this is going to be THE BEST weekend EVER. I'm looking forward to it all - especially Sunday when, hopefully, I will have a few hours to relax. Cheers!
I decided to give it a much needed overhaul. Feels good. I like orange. In most areas of my life I can't get away with making things orange (clothes, shoes, home decor, etc.). So the blog gets it. "A penny for your thoughts"...you are orange.
This has been one of the busiest and most tiring weeks in a long time. I've been running consistently again (since I was sick) for 2 weeks now and it feels good. Well, I say it feels good. Mostly I'm just trying to create a self-fulfilling prophesy. It doesn't feel good right now. Most days I'm tired before I even begin, and when I finish I just want to die. Hopefully this is just because my week has been so crazy and next week will be better. Tomorrow, Liz and I are going to do my 2.5 mi. loop 3X. 7 1/2 miles. That will be the longest either of us has ever gone. Pray for us. : )
Tonight Nathan and I are going to see Don Giovanni at the PAC downtown. Tulsa Opera always does a really good job, but I'm especially excited about this one because I know so many songs from it. Nathan and I actually did a duet from this opera when we were both still in college together. Nathan has also done several of the tenors solos. Should be an awesome time. I can't wait to see it tonight!!
I'm making wedding cupcakes for this weekend. I'm going to hang out with my church friends from high school, who are becoming just my regular friends again, instead of my old friends. LOVE this development. The cupcakes are because this time when we hang out we've decided to go with a "wedding theme". Stephanie is getting married and we're going to help her with plans and watch wedding movies, and they don't know this yet, but eat wedding cupcakes! I went to the sugar art supply store by my work and got some pink and green fondant, fondant cutters (flower shaped), and piping bags. I already have all kinds of sprinkles. These cupcakes are going to be LEGIT! Vanilla cupcakes, with buttercream and strawberry icing and layered fondant flowers. Yummmmm....
Also, tomorrow I'm going shopping with my sisters and their friends for "prom underwear." Apparently my mom couldn't bear to go with them on this excursion. Thats alright. Haha. I can't believe they're seniors. I love them so much.
So in other words, this is going to be THE BEST weekend EVER. I'm looking forward to it all - especially Sunday when, hopefully, I will have a few hours to relax. Cheers!
Nathan and I the last time we went to the opera
Monday, February 21, 2011
I will carry a cross and a song where I don't belong
When we were in high school together, my older brother, Daniel, used to say that your friendships have levels. 1s - Best Friends. Kindred spirits. Bosom buddies. Life-timers. 2s - Really really good friends, people that you love dearly but you wouldn't tell your deepest secrets. 3s - People that you know, and are nice and friendly with, but you wouldn't really hang out with outside of where you know them from. 4s - Aquaintences. Wave and smile - but do you know their first and last name? "I know we're friends on facebook, but..." This is awkward. 5s - Enemies. We all know what an enemy is.
You can't look at a friend and lable them as one number for a life-time. Relationships go through cycles. A friend that was once a 1 might now be a 3. Maybe in a couple of years they'll be a 1 again. I've been thinking about this lately. A lot of my relationships are in weird transitions. Some for the better, some not so much. I suppose this is ok, even expected. But knowing that doesn't make the process less painful. Mmm, I just have to keep reminding myself - it takes one to know one. Be a friend. Love people no matter what. Some times I wish that God would just let me in on his plan. In the meantime - everyone needs a little Switchfoot in their life, they just do.
This song pretty much sums it up for me right now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wlePWP7QvM
The Beautiful Letdown - Switchfoot
It was a beautiful letdown
When I crashed and burned
When I found myself alone
Unknown and hurt
It was a beautiful letdown
The day I knew
That all the riches this world had to offer me
Would never do
In a world full of bitter pain
And bitter doubts
I was trying so hard to fit in
Fit in, until I found out
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
I will carry a cross and a song
Where I don't belong
I don't belong
It was a beautiful letdown
When You found me here
Yeah, for once in a rare blue moon
I see everything clear
I'll be a beautiful letdown
That's what I'll forever be
And though it may cost my soul
I'll sing for free
We're still chasing our tails
In the rising sun
In our dark water planet still spinning
In a direction no one wins
No one's won.
See, I don't belong here (I don't belong)
Well, I don't belong here, I don't belong
I will carry a cross
With a song where I don't belong
I don't belong
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
No, I don't belong here, I don't belong
I'm gonna set side
And set sail
For the kingdom come, kingdom come
Your kingdom come
Won't you let me down, yeah
Let my foolish pride forever let me down
Ah, Easy living, you're not much like the name
Easy dying, you look just about the same
Would you please take me off your list
Easy living please c'mon and let me down
We are a beautiful letdown
Painfully uncool
The church of the dropouts
The losers, the sinners, the failures, and the fools
What a beautiful letdown
Are we salt in the wound
Hey, let us sing one true tune
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
It feels like I don't belong here, yeah
It goes like I don't belong here
I don't belong (I don't belong)
Won't you let me down (I don't belong)
C'mon and let me down (I don't belong)
You always let me down (I don't belong)
So glad that I'm let down (I don't belong)
C'mon and let me down (I don't belong)
'Cause I don't belong here
Won't you let me down.
G
You can't look at a friend and lable them as one number for a life-time. Relationships go through cycles. A friend that was once a 1 might now be a 3. Maybe in a couple of years they'll be a 1 again. I've been thinking about this lately. A lot of my relationships are in weird transitions. Some for the better, some not so much. I suppose this is ok, even expected. But knowing that doesn't make the process less painful. Mmm, I just have to keep reminding myself - it takes one to know one. Be a friend. Love people no matter what. Some times I wish that God would just let me in on his plan. In the meantime - everyone needs a little Switchfoot in their life, they just do.
This song pretty much sums it up for me right now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wlePWP7QvM
The Beautiful Letdown - Switchfoot
It was a beautiful letdown
When I crashed and burned
When I found myself alone
Unknown and hurt
It was a beautiful letdown
The day I knew
That all the riches this world had to offer me
Would never do
In a world full of bitter pain
And bitter doubts
I was trying so hard to fit in
Fit in, until I found out
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
I will carry a cross and a song
Where I don't belong
I don't belong
It was a beautiful letdown
When You found me here
Yeah, for once in a rare blue moon
I see everything clear
I'll be a beautiful letdown
That's what I'll forever be
And though it may cost my soul
I'll sing for free
We're still chasing our tails
In the rising sun
In our dark water planet still spinning
In a direction no one wins
No one's won.
See, I don't belong here (I don't belong)
Well, I don't belong here, I don't belong
I will carry a cross
With a song where I don't belong
I don't belong
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
No, I don't belong here, I don't belong
I'm gonna set side
And set sail
For the kingdom come, kingdom come
Your kingdom come
Won't you let me down, yeah
Let my foolish pride forever let me down
Ah, Easy living, you're not much like the name
Easy dying, you look just about the same
Would you please take me off your list
Easy living please c'mon and let me down
We are a beautiful letdown
Painfully uncool
The church of the dropouts
The losers, the sinners, the failures, and the fools
What a beautiful letdown
Are we salt in the wound
Hey, let us sing one true tune
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
It feels like I don't belong here, yeah
It goes like I don't belong here
I don't belong (I don't belong)
Won't you let me down (I don't belong)
C'mon and let me down (I don't belong)
You always let me down (I don't belong)
So glad that I'm let down (I don't belong)
C'mon and let me down (I don't belong)
'Cause I don't belong here
Won't you let me down.
G
Monday, February 14, 2011
My Valentine's Day gift from Nathan. Love love love!
I feel like things are back to normal today. The kids were able to have outside recess at school. It definately makes a difference for the them, but I noticed that being able to get outside in the middle of the day did me some good as well. Must be the vitamin D. Mmmm.
Today was pretty glorious, and the first day that I feel all the way well enough to run. I was dreading it a little, but it ended up being absolutely amazing. The weather coupled with being well rested made for a great time.
Nathan and I celebrated Valentine's Day yesterday with dinner at Red Lobster, a movie, and exchanged of gifts. As always it was a wonderful time. Yesterday out weekly Sunday lunch at the Hearns included ALL of the Hearn kids and their "loves." And we had steak. So good. It was pretty awesome to see the huge dining room table completely full. I love those people!
Friday night I had a girls night with my mom and sisters. We went to TGI Fridays, and let me just say it was SO MUCH FUN. They are the best friends of my life. I'm so thankful that God has made it possible for us to be close. I consider this a huge blessing. I LOVE `em!
I'm embarrassed about how completely excited I am that The Bachelor is on tonight. I can hardly stand it. 35 more minutes....
Happy V-day all!
G
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