Little Things, Pretty Things

It is the little things in life. While we have all heard it a million times, lately I'm starting to really get it. The world is busy and daunting most days, but with a yummy cup of coffee, a kiss on the cheek from my husband, or snuggles from Peeps, those worries cease for a moment and good spirits replace the anxiety.

Take this morning for instance; regular Saturday morning with nothing on my radar until after the hubs woke up (he didn't get back from work until about 6:30AM). There is always cleaning, painting, and home repairs to work on, but...

I laid in bed contemplating my next move. Should I stay cuddled up in here for a while, or get up and start my day? The curtains in our bedroom were drawn, and without the light, the prospect of crawling out of bed seemed daunting. Sadly, Mother Nature had other plans that forced at least a small hiatus from my cocoon of warm blankets and soft pillows.

Which is when I saw the SUN! Streaming through the front window was the glorious, amazing, beautiful sun! Had I not emerged from the darkness that was our room, I would have missed out on the perfect morning.

Morning walk - Do I really live in the city limits?

See, it really is the little things. That moment of sunlight on my face energized me to the point cheek hurting smiles. After a long walk (with a rockin' book on "tape") and a mug of freshly brewed coffee, I gave myself an at home pedicure (pretty things!), went to the hardware store to pick up paint for the hallway trim, and basically rocked my solitary morning.

Peeps wanted to help with the pedi.

I wonder what the Mr. is going to think of my peppy mood when he wakes? Hopefully the sun is infectious!

ps. I finally rocked the handstand! It may never happen again, and it may not have been a very long handstand, but I was pretty pleased. #20MOVEment, baby!

The Power of Friends

There has been quite a bit of stress at the Fitz household lately. Between potentially expensive foundation issues on our house, Adam switching shifts at work, and fighting with the mechanic over getting our second car fixed, my "stay strong and carry on" attitude had gradually started to chip away. No part of me wanted to admit aloud that it was getting to me, but...it really was...

Which is why I am so thankful that my best friend only lives 25 minutes away.

Last weekend was the Healthy Hearts, Healthy Minds 5K in Chariton, Iowa. Until her recent retirement semi-retirement, my mom had been the director of mental health services at the Lucas County Health Center. Thus, she organized a 5K on homecoming weekend each year. Even though she is no longer in charge, my family stays involved. In years past, it has always been my duty to stand on a corner and direct/cheer on the participants.

This year... I got to participate myself! Ashlynn, Lincoln (in the stroller while hiding from the cold), and I walked, ran, and skipped 3.1 miles! Ok, so we skipped both literally and part of a block, but we eventually met up with Ash's sister and mother too.

Please take a moment to imagine four grown women skipping a 5K while a 2 year old cheers, "More! More!" and giggles. You're welcome for that amazing mental image.

Moving on! Getting a little #20MOVEment in was a perfect start to a pretty perfect day. The sun was shining and while I wont go into details of the whole day, here is a glimpse of my Saturday with Ashlynn: a tour of construction on the square, visit with Grandma, lunch with my parents, sitting on the couch and chatting about everything and nothing, making protein balls, and playing with my awesome nephew.

Twelve hours later, I arrived back home and gave the hubs a huge squeeze.  He smiled and asked if I had a good time. The only response I could give was, "It was exactly what I needed."

Here is to the power of best friends! Even when they have no idea what they are doing, they bring you back to equilibrium.


Up next weekend: Iowa City and the Hawks with the Miskas! I'm one lucky girl!

World Food Fest: A Day In Pictures

A few weeks ago, the stars aligned and my husband had a Saturday off. While this does happen occasionally, this day was special because it was his third day off. Why is the third day off important? Well, it means he was able to change his sleeping patterns the previous days...so that on Saturday, he was a fully functioning, completely awake, partner in life. There were no moments of guilt for making he be awake when he normally wouldn't be. There were no glimpses of sand in his eyes.

So, why not take advantage of this fairy tale day by enjoying the World Food and Music Festival in downtown Des Monies? I couldn't think of one reason!

It truly was a perfect day, and to top it all off, the weather was perfect: bright sun, light breeze, and happy people everywhere.

It is days like this that remind me how amazing life really is.

First bite of the delicious food! #sugarfree went out the window today...

Even the river looked inviting.

We spent quite a bit of time laying on the green grass and taking it all in. 

Once our tummies were full, we took a stroll up and down the river.

The evening ended on the patio of The Riverwalk Hub. Gorgeous!
Plus Ailey an James came to visit!
The night was perfection! 

September Date: Guns, Sushi, and Shopping

Each time I write a 12 dates of Christmas post, I start to get a little sad thinking about how this amazing 12 month dating adventure will soon come to a close. Nevertheless, we have fun every month on our date escapades, and this month was no different. Per usual, we went off course...a lot!

Here is what Adam opened on September 1! The letter was accompanied by $40 and a Junction Creamery gift certificate.

SEPTEMBER

This is the date you’ve been waiting for! You’re taking me to the shooting range! Unless something has changed in the last 9 months, I’m guessing I haven’t seen you and your shooting talent all the often, and I am looking forward to it! Nothing sexier than watching my man doing something he is passionate about! And since we both know I’ll need it after the hot steal in my hands, we’re going to the creamery to cool down after we tear that target apart! 

There were just two small problems with the date I had planned way back in December of 2013.

1. I had no idea we I would be sugar free nine months later, so the creamery wasn't the best date spot.
2. Apparently there isn't a shooting range anywhere close to where we live...oops! 

Never fear! As always, we tweaked a few things and went on our merry little way! Because of work schedules, we started this date on a Thursday evening, at my parents house, about 35 minutes from our home in the middle of the country. It is the perfect place to fire off a few rounds. 

Hanging out with the parentals doesn't sound like a date to you? Not exactly a romantic setting? 

Well, you're right. But we took care of the one-on-one date portion the following day. But on Thursday, we enjoyed some farm fresh air, my welcoming mom and dad, and the sweet smell of guns. Ha! 

Adam brought a target, his two guns, and earplugs. I brought a good attitude and the excitement to see my husband do something he truly enjoys. 

We got all set up and ready to go, but hadn't counted on one thing. It was a surprisingly chilly day for mid September! BANG! I got my first shot off, and all I could think was, "Ouch!" Icy hands and a gun I'm not used to were cause for a not so pleasant sting in my flanges! After the initial pain and switching back to the gun I prefer (when did I become a person who talks about preferred guns?!) I felt much better.

Though you never would have known from my almost untouched target. Oh well, guess I'll never be a sharp shooter! 

Adam's skill, however, has improved quite a bit since the last time we went out together! A few weeks earlier, his whole department had to re-certify. Stories about laying on his stomach, timing his shots, and using different stances had me intrigued. I wanted to see what the recertification "course" would be.  While initially refusing, peer pressure broke him down, and I got to see what he does while on duty.

I'm so proud of the path he has chosen for himself. 

Since we were at my parent's house, we stayed for dinner. It was great to hang out and catch up, but it wasn't quite the marriage building, fun, just the two of us date we had had in mind...so September Date Day Part II was born!

Part II: Friday night in Des Moines. Shopping, without buying, at Nike Outlet, Dicks, and the mall. Spur of the moment sushi at Samuri. Many laughs. So much love. TOTALLY date-worthy. Dating my husband is the best feeling in the whole world. 

Yea, I can palm a ball. 

Until next month!  

Two Delicious Meals and a Hawkeye Game

There is nothing quite like being in the stands at your favorite college football team's game. It brings you right back to your 19 year old self; filled with school spirit, a smile on your face, and with the sudden ability to high five your neighbor like you've known them your whole life!

Last Saturday, I was able to bring all of those feeling back to life at the Iowa Hawkeyes v. Ball State Cardinals game. And let me tell you, it was awesome. It may not have been a great game until the last five minutes, but I still had a blast!

It all started late last week when my friend Lindsay asked if Adam had to work the weekend. Like most weekends, he shockingly did, so she let me know she had an extra ticket to the game and wanted to know if I'd tag along. Jackpot! What else did I have to do on a sunny and 70 degree day? I was in!

(This is where I convinced myself that the house could be cleaned later, the basement didn't need my attention, and the weeds in the garden added a little pizzazz.)

We left around seven, picked up another friend in Des Moines on the way, and headed to my freshmen and sophomore stomping grounds. By the time we pulled back in the driveway around ten-thirty, I was exhausted. I must confess, I fell off the sugar free wagon and ate chex mix, two bratwurst, and one beautiful brew. But don't worry, I paid for it that night like I always do. When in Rome, right? Traveling is terribly hard sugar-free, and if I stress myself over one day, I'll never make it a LIFESTYLE change. So I'm not to down on myself.

Speaking of my sugar free lifestyle, this week I've made a couple delicious dishes!

The first was Carrot alla Carbonara from Grok Grub. For the most part I followed the recipe, though next time I will double it so we can have some yummy leftovers!

Adam told me not to put up a picture of the Carrot alla Carbonara because it looks way worse than it tastes.
He is probably right. But it was yummy!

The second was my way of being lazy. Throw some veggies and meat in the oven and call it good! I call it Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Sausage (accepting suggestions for names at this time).

Adam loved it! I loved it! Plus,  it was almost better as lunch leftovers the next day. Do you want to know the best part? Other than a little chopping, it was a cinch!

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Sausage

Ingredients

• 2 tbs olive oil
• large sweet onion, sliced
• 8oz. carrot chips
• 2 sweet potatoes, sliced
• 1.5 lb chorizo sausage 
• Italian seasoning to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover baking sheet in foil. 
2. In large bowl, combine onion, carrot, sweet potatoes, italian seasoning and olive oil. Spread vegetable mixture evenly on one or two baking sheets.
3. Make 1 inch balls of the sausage and disperse on the baking sheets.  I basically throw them where I see an empty spot! When all of the ingredients are on the sheet, it will be full, but not piled. 
4. Bake 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through. 
5. Serve over cauliflower mash and enjoy! 

Happy eating! Happy living! 

Happy Labor Day

Wishing everyone a happy Labor Day! I hope you were able to spend some time with family or friends and enjoy the sunshine!

The Fitz family took a trip to Okoboji to see my old college roommate, Megan, marry the man of her dreams. After all of the rain we have been getting, the absolutely beautiful weather was a blessing. I could not stop smiling at how happy Megan looked and how wonderfully the whole day unfolded. The day was full of love and a couple that was made for each other.

Thankfully, duty called and we had to get back home because the hubs had to work the next day.

Wait, wait, wait...did I just say I was THANKFUL for having to leave a gorgeous lake-view room? I sure did! While I really wish we had been able to spend more time enjoying the water and weather, the weather decided to take a turn for the worse on Sunday. A giant supercell wreaked havoc on the north western parts of Iowa leaving Tornado and Flood warnings in its wake.

Now do you understand why I am thankful we got out of there when we did? Yep. That is called looking at the bright side!

Here are some pictures from our gorgeous 36 hour vacation to Boji!

Playful fun

Gorgeous view out of our doors...and the setting of the wedding!

Mr. & Mrs.

Caught my handsome man eating ;-) 

May Day: Please Bring Flowers

Do you ever have those weeks that seem to go on forever? Where you continue to question what day it actually is? Those weeks where you could swear it is Friday, but it is only Wednesday?

Yep, that is my week.

This morning, I have been jumping on the Friday bandwaggon. Every move I make is in the assumption that today is the last day of the work week. But it is not. When you have weeks like this, what do you do to pull yourself back to reality? In my experience, the only thing to do is to give yourself a positive kick in the pants. So prepare for another list of awesome, super cool, grandiose things!

All right, they aren't that hugely amazing, but they are things that bring a smile to my face.

source

Molly's 2nd List of Awesome

1. My inbox got a surprise today! My Yoga Pro, a website I have been dying to get my hands on, is finally launching next week! I cannot wait to check out all the videos, connect with other yogis, and hopefully learn some new things. I've been waiting for the launch since Christmas, and I can't wait!
2. My students made HUGE strides on our biome project yesterday. For a solid hour and a half, we cut, colored, researched, stapled, and glued our way to the savanna. We're not there yet, but I can finally see it coming together. 
3. My dad joined Snapchat. I don't know why this is awesome, but it made my giggle out loud when I got his "friend request". He is a retired teacher and is always proud of what I do in the classroom, so I look forward to snapping him cool school projects!
4. I went to Skyzone again, and I am feeling the burn today. Who doesn't love that sore muscle feeling, especially when you know you worked for it. 
5. Today is May Day! Do you know what that means? Goodbye April showers, and hello May flowers! There is still a ton of work to do, but my garden at home is shooting up and looking ever so pretty. 

Here is to the power of positive thinking! I feel better already. 

Happy May Day, friends!