More pictures from the weekend....

Abigail and Liam.

Future soccer star.

All of us at the park.

Steven and the kids on the slide.

I wanted to share some photos from our weekend. They are in no particular order, but they make me happy.

Part-time member of the 0530 Club

My good friend Kate, courtesy of the Happy Housewife, has started getting up at 0530. While it seems SO early, especially on the days my kids sleep in, I've now committed to being a part-time member. On the days I'm running, I'll get up at 0530. Then I (hopefully) have time to run a few miles, shower, drink my coffee, do my daily devotional, and start my day BEFORE the kids start clamoring for food. Today, I did just that. I ran a sluggish 2 miles this morning and was home, before Reveille.

Tomorrow, since its my off-day, I will get up at 0630 and hopefully enjoy my coffee on my front porch before beginning my day. Anyone else want to be a part-time member of the 0530 club? Its really not so bad. Its beautiful and quiet that early in the morning.

Memorial Day Weekend - Part II

Sunday

We made the trip to Stafford to spend with my wonderful mother-in-law. Her birthday is the 1st and so we celebrated early. My sister-in-law, her husband, and their adorable son where also up visiting. We had a great afternoon of playing at the park, blowing bubbles, and playing outside while my father-in-law grilled. We then enjoyed a wonderful meal of steak, brats & potatoes, and a delicious strawberry spinach salad.

And, then came Declan's favorite part ... The Cake! My sister-in-law made an AMAZING malted marshmallow chocolate cake. It was amazing.

Monday

We went bowling! Declan's favorite thing to do.

And, don't forget my bowling shoes, Mom.

A wonderful weekend.

Short Run

I went to bed with good intentions of running this morning. I mapped out a 3 mile course and was hoping I had avoided any super-steep hills (hard to do in the Harbor). Well, I woke up with the onset of a mirgane and so the run didn't go exactly as I planned. I did get out there and put in a mile, but no way was my head going to take anymore pounding. It was a quick mile, though, my best time yet.

Hoping to squeeze in 2 or 3 miles tomorrow morning. 5 days until Race Day!

Memorial Day Weekend, Part I

We finally have a 4-day! It seems like a really long stretch compared to the monthly training holidays in Germany.

Friday

We took an early morning trip to Target with the kids and tackled some housework. Steven hung our family crest frames in the dining room and we spent a good bit of time preparing for my yard sale on Saturday. After naps, Steven enjoyed some cigars with a friend and then we finished up the night with pizza. An amazing storm hit the area, with purple clouds.

Saturday

I started the day early with a yard sale. About 10 other moms and I set up for a huge yard sale. I had a great time, made $20, and left with two boxes less than what I went with! And, I only bought two other items while I was there. That is a true victory. Saturday evening I played Keno with friends and had a wonderful time. I was a big winner and walked away with 4 prizes. Since the theme was Beach Keno, several of them will come in handy for our beach vacation in September.

"Just" a Mom

I started reading a new book, "Don't Make Me Come Up There! Quiet Moments for Busy Moms" by Kristen Welch. Its a great little read for those quick moments of peace that moms have.

Today really struck a chord with me. Its something I have a hard time remembering. Especially when I think about how I should really go back to work, or when I feel I haven't done anything of importance in a day (or week, or month).

"I'm a mom. What's your superpower?"

It's my new mantra.

Quick & Easy Brunch

Yesterday morning I had some ladies (and their kids) over for some fellowship time. I wanted to make a simple, easy to eat, no-mess brunch dish. Here's what I did.

The ingredients: Skim milk, eggs, crescent rolls, and sausage (cooked and drained). I used Jimmy Dean maple sausage, so it was a tad sweet.

Then, lay the crescent rolls in the pan, squish the edges together so its a continuous piece.

Then, add the sausage.

It was at this point of my cooking that I remembered one of my friends is a vegetarian. So, I decided a cheese and egg concoction was in order. To add the eggs, I prepared them as scrambled eggs, 5 eggs for the big dish and 3 for the little. Add some milk, salt and pepper. Then pour them on top of the sausage.

Since I only used half of the crescent role tube on the egg and cheese mixture, I add the other half on top. I baked at 375 for 20-25 minutes and served. Yummy!

The next time I try this, I do think I will add some more veggies, like mushrooms or peppers. What's your go-to brunch dish?