4:13,13.1

     As many of you know, I recently completed my first half marathon! While I had a difficult last few miles it was an amazing day and a wonderful experience. I've always been active but was never quite a runner. This proved to be a new challenge for me and for my sister who is a collegiate athlete. We made a pact to run and train together and we did. This whole experience taught me the importance of preparation, dedication and inspiration. There were many days I just wanted to give up and give in but I didn't. I found inspiration from friends, faith and the beauty of nature around me. I' began training in December for the race on April 26th. In the month of March I was completely overtaken with stress, sickness and unfortunately my husbands grandmothers death. After two weeks of pain I went to the doctor (I really avoid the doctor if you can tell lol ) and was diagnosed with fifths disease and mono. Needless to say I was knocked off my feet. I couldn't walk some days let alone run. I missed almost a month of training after being on track to run 11 miles pretty easily. When I finally ran again I really debated giving up on the race because I couldn't run as fast let alone as far. Some people thought I was crazy for doing it but something inside of me said keep trying. I ran as best and I could and before the race I can say I was back up to 6 miles. I am so glad I did the race and so thankful that I took the chance to try something new. I have gained a new mental strength that I didn't know I was quite capable of having. I am working on new Goals now such as: field hockey, soccer, softball, p90x3 and crossfit. And golf! I will continue to remain active in different ways but running will alwayss be there for me when I need it. I think another Half marathon may be in my future.

Don't give up on yourselves and don't be afraid to start and start again and fall down and start again.!

You are my SUNSHINE

          The first part of my blog today is dedicated to one of the most influential and beautiful people I will ever have the privilege of knowing; my grandmother. She has forever been one of my main influences and even at an early age her gentle spirit and her unfailing faith always enamored me. I knew even then that she was an Angel here on Earth and I would always want to be like her. Over the years I remember spending days and nights with my cousins singing to her and sharing animal crackers and saltines with her at the counter. We were with her every Sunday for church and always wanted the seat on her lap (some of us even tried to sit on the lap far after our weights should have allowed us!). She was always so loving but always so honest. She has been just the right balance of patience and firmness. She has been by my side through the loss of my grandfather (her husband), moving away, going to college, graduation, the start of my career and the start of my marriage. I, in every way, want to be a woman like her who never gives up on people and who prays for the best of everyone. She is a wonderful grandmother, mother, wife, daughter and sister. She has endured physical and emotional pain that I would wish on no one but she always rises out of those situations a strong and beautiful woman. She has taught me about God’s grace and the beauty of being a good person. I owe a lot of my good qualities to this woman and I know all of my cousins would agree. She has forever molded our lives and I will surely pass on her goodness and grace to my kids forever and ever.

 

 

Every day when school got out
I'd get off the bus and I'd run down
That old dirt road where you were waiting for me
On the front porch in that blue swing
You'd be smiling and we would sing
'Amazing Grace' and 'Jesus Loves Me'
You were like my mother
You were my best friend
You were everything I want to be
And all the good inside of me
There's never been
Never been another
That loved me like you did
My grandmother, my angel

  

   

The next part of my blog today is dedicated to the princess of our family: Kasey. She is a

stubborn, loud and irreplaceable girl. She wears her heart on her sleeve and has one of the biggest hearts I know. She is still in high school but she is very mature for her age in some respects. She has really learned to become independent and driven even when the odds have been stacked against her. She is so beautiful and has a spirit that is like no other. I adore this girl and I know that God is going to use her for amazing things in this world. She shares a birthday with our grandmother and rightfully so- she adore her just as much as I do! Kasey, I love you girl. You're a great role model for so many other girls and I will always be here for you. I love you from the bottom of my heart.

 

I am so lucky to have such beautiful people in my life and I hope they realize, blog or not how important they are to me! Make sure to tell those special people in your life how you feel about them!

Life is a balance of holding on and letting go...

                   

Hannora A. "Nora" Fears aka Nana Bunny

I would just like to take a few minutes to dedicate this post to my husbands grandmother. She was definitely quiet the woman. She had a chuckle that would instantly make you do the same and she was one of the best arguers I have ever met. Over the past few days I have learned many new things about her as a mother, sister, aunt and grandmother. She has always been known to be as Nana and some of my favorite memories at the Fetterolf household include her. I know Andrew and I are extremely grateful that she was able to attend our wedding and will always cherish this photo, especially because she was pushed down the aisle by one of her most favorite men- Danny. She looooved friend Danny! I'll always remember her love for purple and painted nails. She had quite the sweet tooth and definitely had a thing for guys with blue eyes. I was able to spend the last week with her each day and seeing her leave little by little each day was definitely heart breaking, however, it was such a peaceful process. I learned even more about my faith and solidified my need for something more in my life. So often we find ourselves wrapped up and worried about things that really do not matter at all.  I know that I am extremely blessed. I'm not lucky. I'm blessed. 

After this week I really encourage all of you to tell your loved ones how you feel. Tell those that hurt you how you feel. Live on purpose. Don't wait until someone's gone to tell them how you feel. Be honest. Spend time with your family, enjoy the great outdoors, try something new. You are created for such a divine purpose and you have the opportunity each day to make a difference and show love. 

I will continue to share my funny and unforgetable stories of Nana with my future kids and family. It's never easy to say goodbye but it is so wonderful to know that she is at peace. I thank God for his healing hand and for blessing me with this family. My life has been touched by all of them and on Saturday I look forward to celebrating her wonderful life with all of those who were so touched by her heart. 

 

                                             

                                                                                 

 

                                                                                                                                                        

Are you a hill seeker?

No matter where you are today in your life, you are there for a purpose. You are being prepared or reminded for something great. I know on my new running journey I have had moments that weren't so high- I just felt defeated. Those days challenged me mentally and now on week 10 I am stronger and more

Equipped. Those tough moments happen continuously and not only physically but in all parts of life. It's best to embrace the struggle and make it yours. Try things that seem out of reach, try old goals again and again. Find friends and find motivation. I know when I need encouragement and I seek it by friendship, words, music, pictures, etc. At times, some of our hills seem more severe than others but in the grand scheme of things- a hill is a hill. It's always inclined and will require the

Same strength and determination. Keep trucking along friends and remember you're not alone! 

I am a woman...hear me roar!

Let's hear it for the girls!

Today's post is dedicated to all of the women out there young and slightly older :) There are so many women in my life who challenge me, hold me accountable, inspire me and motivate me. Women tend to try so hard to do everything and be perfect for everybody, but when you are surrounded by examples of confident and caring women you become empowered to do your thing. If you want to be a runner, then run. If you want to go back to school, go back. If you want to cut your hair- do it! There are so many influential women in this world- both famous and local. Take time out of your day to not only acknowledge these influences but to become one. Speak up when needed, help others, be a fun mom and a thoughtful wife. Try something new, cherish a family tradition and reflect on the type of person you are and the type of person you long to be. We were created for a purpose and when you find your purpose you find your passion and your fire. Don't hold back and don't lose faith. The world would not be the same without women and their strength, intuition, their beauty and their passion. You are strong, capable and gorgeous (even on the days you are snuggled in your sweats with no make up on) so walk with confidence and poise. 

"Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the most beautiful influences in my life..

 

 

 

 

                           

Once a college roomie, forever a friend.

    

      For those of you who don't know my friend Brooke, let me fill  you in. She has a huge heart for animals, family, friends and making others feel good. She is extremely gifted at channeling her creativity, creating art and capturing beautiful moments on her camera. I admire her free spirit and her ability to see things in such a unique way.  

     Brooke and I met our freshman year of college. I remember feeling so anxious for that new part of my life and the moment we met I knew I Would  be okay! She was very funny, down to earth and her family couldn't have been more adorable. We even looked alike which freaked everyone out. At the time, I was going through one of the most difficult and challenging times of my life and this girl was always there to just listen. She was so thoughtful and always willing to cheer me up. She helped me become me. We have stayed friends through break ups, stressful classes, distance and post college life. I was beyond honored that Brooke was willing and able to take our engagement and wedding photos. I can't explain how perfect it felt to get ready on the day of my wedding knowing that my friend was there to capture every tear, laugh and smile. It was such a perfect day and I often look at my wedding pictures with such joy and gratitude. I know Brooke helped capture those moments I will forever cherish. 

     Brooke, I am so proud of you for never failing to chase after your dreams. I am so proud of all of your work and am such a fan! You really have showed me the importance of being unique and doing what makes your heart happy. You've touched my life and I hope you know how much my family and I adore you! 


"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because west the world needs is people who have come alive." 


http://www.simplybunique.com

The one and only...

 Katie Michele

Just want to give a shout out to my better half and lifelong partner in crime: my sister. I'm not going to get very mushy but I just have to let the world know what a special woman she is. She has a lively personality that truly brings out the best in others. She is the strongest person I know inside and out and is able to show humility and grace in all she does. However, she is also the goofiest, funniest and smelliest person I know. We have had to endure some very difficult times in our lives, some that at the time I would never wish for anyone else. These times have shaped us and made us the people we are today. We've learned to always have faith, cherish our families and continue to open our hearts so not to deny ourselves of true happiness. We owe a whole lot of this knowledge to my angel mother by the way. My childhood, my wedding and my life would be so incomplete without her. I wouldn't change the 3+ hour drives 2-3X a week to watch her play field hockey, filming her hockey games, taking endless amounts of pictures, running next to her at 7am, watching our favorite movies and quoting them randomly or our very important coffee dates. I'm extremely lucky to have such a beautiful and honest person in my life. Many would agree and one day soon her prince charming will be able to tell me the same thing. 

Love you sissy and I will always be so proud of you!