Blessed

I look back sometimes and think how blessed I really am in my life.  I have a roof over my head, food on the table, clothes on my back...there was a time in my life where I did not have many of those things.  My parents divorced when I was a teenager and I lived with my Dad who struggled being able to provide for my sister and me.  It was a tough time in my life but I got through it.  Giving back has always been a priority to me and I have taught my children to do the same.

This past weekend, Emma had the opportunity with our church to volunteer at a Westerville food pantry (Westerville Area Resource Ministry) to help sort food that was donated.  She was so happy to help and wanted to do so much more.  I am proud of her for not just thinking about herself but for others.  I hope she will always continue to remember that in her life.

Erik and I also ran a 5K last Friday night for March of Dimes Night Moves.  It was really my "bucket list" item when I turned 40 but Erik said he would like to try it too.  Thank goodness, since I really needed someone to give me a boost.  It was much harder than I thought it would be but we did it.  We ran 3.1 miles in 41 mins and 40 seconds.  That was faster than on my treadmill of 43 or 44 minutes!  We also lucked out and no rain until later that evening downtown.  I will be definitely doing another 5K in the near future.  I am keeping my jogging into my workout plan at least once or twice a week!

To end the weekend, Emma and I volunteered to help our church with a charity 5K race in Westerville.  It was a wonderful event and I will definitely try to run next year.  It was a 5K run/walk and also a 1K.  It benefited The Heinzerling Foundation along with Bradley House of Hope for individuals with disabilities. Emma and I helped pass out water and cheer them on.

Apple Picking

We started a tradition when Emma was in daycare to start apple picking at Lynd's Fruit Farm in Pataskala.  Emma took a field trip there and loved it.  So we have been going for 5 years now!  The kids get so excited and want to pick as many as they can.  This year I wanted to pick the beloved "Honeycrisp" but they were gone on 1 day!  So we decided to pick McIntosh last Saturday before the OSU game.  It was a very busy but productive day!