Misc... what ever...

Can't remember if I shared these pictures...

This is one from last year. The "Over the Narrows" run I did. This was the first time I did this run and it was awesome, running across the bridge and back. It was a 10 mile run on a beautiful day. I was so excited about the pictures that I ordered this print, and it was cool having a picture of the bridge in it also, and in my excitement I wrote down the wrong finishing time when I ordered the print- LAME! That time is one of my half marathon finishing times- not too shabby. But for 10 miles I actually finished this run in 1:40: and some odd seconds. I'll need to get a sticker and put over that incorrect time! Cool picture tho... love running, especially on beautiful clear blue sky warm days... (ignore my last name creepies...)

And this other is a whopper of a family picture on Jeromy's side of the family. This was taken last October I think. It's Jeromy's dad Chuck and step-mom Joanne with all their kids and grand kids, and the little baby is a great-grandchild. Lots of people. It was more than the studio is supposed to do in one sitting but they worked with us. What a great picture. It's impossible to get that many people to all be looking the same direction and smiling at the same time, so if you go in knowing that's not going to happen then it's alot less stressful situation LOL...

That's all I got for ya today. Feeling blahhh... about to do my cardio video workout that I haven't done in 2 weeks so that should help in the blahhh department... we shall see...

Quinoa and Blueberries...

Was looking up some quinoa recipes last night. Jeromy and I really like quinoa now that we have finally tried it.

I did try a recipe last week with alot of unusual spices in it, and I only gave it 2-3 stars out of 5. But my mom and daughter both did NOT like it....

So hunting for more recipes I go...

I found a recipe for Quinoa Blueberry Muffins- awesome! I've been wanting to find a way to use up my Costco blueberries, I get them almost every payday but can't eat them fast enough, so I thought this would be a great recipe to try...

A little different looking eh?

These are a pretty heavy and hearty muffins... another acquired taste I think, but they are pretty good... of course adding a little butter and honey made them even better...Aslo wanted to find a breakfast recipe for quinoa. Found this oatmeal-like recipe. Not much to it, just cook the quinoa in milk (instead of chicken broth or water), then add a little sugar and cinnamon and cook a little longer, then add blueberries and heat for another 30 seconds to just get the berries warm and serve... it tastes... ok... I'm enjoying the blueberries more than anything. It calls to add more milk/sugar/cinnamon upon serving it like you would with oatmeal but I just don't want to add too much of that- so that would probably sweeten it up more. But it still tastes ok, and I'm curious to see how it keeps me feeling full thru out the morning...

So far I still think it tastes best all by itself with some yummy fish for dinner. But I will continue to look/try new recipes with quinoa cause it is so good for you!

Today was my Grandma's funeral/memorial...

We went to my Grandma's funeral service today. Her daughter's had picked out a casket that was pink metal, perfect for grandma. My mom said it matched grandpa's that was blue metal, same style.There were several bunches of beautiful flowers...

The little program they gave out had the cutest picture of grandma in it- but what picture isn't cute right?

After the pastor gave a few words, he said the family members could speak if they wanted to. Uncle Stu got up and said some funny stories, things about my grandma I didn't know like she walked really fast... made me think if she might have been a runner if she wanted to... and also spoke how grandma's prayers had touched him. Her prayers have touched us all. I know grandma's prayers to God... played a big part in my salvation. I love my grandma so much...

I got a little teary eyed, but I was trying to hold it together cause I knew once I started crying I wouldn't be able to stop. I did get choked up when I heard my auntie Linda crying behind me... I know she's been thur so much... love you auntie Linda! And I also started crying a little when the "Jesus loves me" song was played cause I know Grandma loved that song. Didn't particularly like that version... just sayin'...

Anyway, afterwards we all headed over to Sharon's for some yummy food and just to be together and talk about Grandma and fun memories, we even got out some old pictures to look at.... so many pictures so little time!

Then of course we had some family group pictures. I didn't bring my camera cause I didn't want to deal with it, so I'm glad my mom did so we could have these great pictures. She took 59 pictures total, but don't worry, I think I only have about 10 here to share... here's Linda's family... she has some GREAT LOOKIN' grand kiddos!

Here's Mary's family... with little granddaughters... so cute!

Sharon's family.... those were great sandwiched Brian- you did a great tasty job!

Susan and Stu... there 2 kids and 6 grandkids are out of state... but not for long??? Just wishful thinking... maybe...

Cindy and Lee's family (aka my mom and dad!)

Here's Misty's family... Denny, Mason, Dennis, Kelsey and Misty.... can't believe how tall Denny is getting... hey how did Grandpa get in the back there lol

And my family, we are missing the adorable Aurora tho... (I think I'm needing a serious hair cut- those last few inches are lookin' kinda wispy

Look- alot of us girls wore pink for Grandma- her favorite color was pink...

I know Grandma Cindy and Kelsey are super cute in this picture- but I can't get over how adorable Jade is! Love that face! And those shiny sparkly silver teeth!

Kimmy and I. This is so funny cause I told Kimmy that I wanted to wear pink for Grandma's day. Even tho I hate the color pink I wanted to wear it (actually had to go out a buy something pink cause I own nothing pink) and Kimmy- who also hates pink- said she was thinking the same thing that she was going to wear pink also... so I started telling whoever to wear pink for Grandma and alot of people did!

Laura, Kent and I.... we are just missing the amazing Kyle... not the same with out you Kyle!

It was a nice day. Lots of yummy food. I know I'll see my grandma again, just wish it was sooner rather than later... I want to be up in heaven dancing, too... and seeing Jesus face to face...

Running

Ran 8 miles today at an 11 minute/mile pace... I think 8 is the new 7 for me now.

... now if I could just get the darn food thing under control again...

Food....

I have been cooking alot today, actually this evening. I just feeling so grateful for the abundance we have. We do get a little stressed with bills at times, and we are on a pretty tight budget for now, but we really are blessed in the food department.



I have a ton of pictures to show of all the cooking but first I just feel so grateful to God for all He provides, I had to find a verse in the Bible about food... so here you go, free of charge... you're welcome...

Genesis 1:11-13

Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth"; and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kinds. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the third day.

Ok, one more, just cause I like ya...

Genesis 2:9

And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

So bring on the fruit. I got my usual strawberries, blueberries and raspberries... also got some yummy fuji apples- Costco fruit is awesome... still need to cut my fruit up and freeze it in little individual servings for my frozen protein shakes for after running...
Next we have my amazing son Kenton. He is taking a food science class, one of the last requirements for his high school graduation. Which is a pretty cool class, Jade also took it 2 years ago and we still use some of the recipes she chose. So Kent decided to make this meatball soup. Here he is cleaning up the carrots... isn't he a cutie-pie??? So handsome... just sayin'....Oh and a cute picture of Aurora and Jade just because it's Aurora and Jade!!

Ok, back to Kent's dinner. Here he has diced the carrots, some potatoes and a fresh large onion (from Costco of course- shameless plug for Kimmy!)

Here he is making the one inch meatballs. Kent is very meticulous in his cooking. I kind of have to help him move along cause he really takes his time.

But look at that? The soup is topped off with fresh cilantro- so good! Great job Kent!

Everybody enjoying Kent's dinner!

Ok, more cooking. Jeromy really likes a hard boiled egg for a snack at work, very easy to eat while driving on the road. So I made several for him and peeled them! He's not spoiled- he's just well loved as I've heard my cousin Kristi say. He also likes it when I make his tuna fish mix. Made with onions, pickles (gross) and garlic salt and flax seed- all soo good for him...

Ok, next I've been waiting to try this recipe I found in magazine. We've recently tried quinoa and Jeromy and I both love it so I have been keeping an eye out for recipes that call for it, and ta-dah... Golden Quinoa Pilaf. It has in it:

coconut oil

ginger

ground turmeric (bought special for this recipe)

ground cumin

ground coriander

quinoa

water

spinach
green onions

lime juice

cashews

I lightly toasted the cashews... it smelled really good...

And here it is... a few dinners for me. I tried a small sample of it... not quite as outstanding as I thought it would be... I'd give it 2-3 stars out of 5... Here's a close up. It sure did smell good tho. The recipe also called for dried tart cherries, but I just thought that would taste gross so I omitted them... cause I can!

Then I made Jeromy's carrot/apple sauce muffins. These are pretty tasty too! This is another thing I make for his work cause they are easy to eat while driving. I make a double batch and then freeze them 5 in a bag and he has muffins for the next 4 weeks! Oh and using my new food processor makes shredding those carrots a breeeeeze...

And now that I have all that cooking done I can relax and work my my Bible study. I go every Thursday morning- another reason I like swing shift. And what's cool about this Bible study is that Jade's school schedule is such that she gets to go with me! We are studying the book of James- the half brother of Jesus. Did you know Jesus had half brothers? So interesting and James didn't believe Jesus was who He said He was just like alot of people today, but eventually James did believe and he was done- sold out to follow Jesus!!! I love that Jade is able to go with me. There are about 10-ish women who go to the Thursday study, and Jade says she's been enjoying the conversations and sharing with the other women. Love that girl- I am so blessed!

Good night!

Good bye Grandma...

Lorraine Shield

January 17, 1918 to February 13, 2012

94 Years Old

(Isn't she beautiful??)

Today my Grandma went to be with Jesus. She is right where she wants to be. I imagine her looking like she does in this picture, beautiful, healthy and dancing with my Grandpa. And finally hugging her mom. And seeing her 2 sisters that she loved so much. My grandma is in Heaven!


I am so grateful I got to be with her when she passed. I didn't think I'd be able to handle it, or that I'd even would want to be there. But when it came down to it there was no place I'd rather would have been. And just knowing where she was going... just blows my mind. She is seeing Jesus face to face.... can you image? I can't wrap my brain around it. But I just picture her dancing up there.

I was staying the night with grandma last night with my mom. It was my mom's turn, all her sisters had a schedule to stay with my grandma around the clock so she'd never be alone. Jade had been staying with my mom on her nights, but I just wanted to this time. I'm sooo glad I did.

My mom called during church, yesterday, to say that the hospice people thought she only had a few hours to live so we raced over there. I didn't want to miss a moment of being with her.

My cousin Kimmy's son, Brian, had started to administer small amounts of morphine every hour to my grandma under hospice guidance. Brian used to work for hospice so he was really great and provided alot of emotional support.

I was so glad to see my grandma. Alot of the family came over knowing she didn't have much longer. Jade talking to grandma...Laura also wanted to stay the night. She just couldn't leave. We just didn't know how long she would have... Laura and I both just couldn't stand it, we had to climb into bed to be as close to her as possible. I think grandma liked it... we would just hold her hand and rub her face and hair...My sweet grandma...Laura hugging on her, too... You can see the smile on grandma's face when she saw Hannah- grandma has always loved the little kids... I think that's where we all get it from... My grandma wanted to sing "Jesus love me" so we did. My mom and I both sang it with her:

Jesus loves me this I know

For the Bible tells me so

Little ones to Him belong

They are weak but He is strong

Yes Jesus loves me

Yes Jesus loves me

Yes Jesus loves me

The Bible tells me so

Before I was saved a few years ago, when things would get really bad and I would be so frustrated, I would sing that song to my self, it was the only song about Jesus I knew... now I know ALOT!

Grandma said some things I want to always remember. She had a little bit of trouble talking. But one of the things she said was "I don't know what's happening but it's wonderful"...

Also, at some point in the morning before I had gotten there, she had said "I can see the sparkles".

Here's Laura and I on either side of her, she kept saying she was so happy to have her granddaughters there. She was so happy... so happy... can you see the smile on her face???

Laura and I both felt like we just couldn't stop staring at her. Holding her hand and watching her. She also said some funny things. She said "Listen to his words of wisdom" when we'd ask her who? She'd just repeat it "Listen to his words of wisdom" I like to think she was talking about Jesus. Then she said "listen to his words of wisdom, listen to my words, and do some silly things".

Oh man we were laughing and crying. There was alot of crying going on yesterday. My mom, Laura, me, and everyone who came thru out the day. We filled up a garbage can of kleenex... my eyes are so sore..She seemed pretty alert when I got there about noon yesterday until about 3 in the afternoon. Our cousin Brian kept giving her the small doses of morphine to keep her comfortable and she never woke up after about 3. But she kept breathing...
Laura and I just kept taking turns laying with her thur out the evening last night. Her breathing was getting more and more shallow and farther apart. Her body just did not want to give up.

After midnight last night Laura and I both noticed her breathing changed. And at 12:15 am this morning... grandma left her body and this earth to go be with her Maker. I love my grandma soo much and I will miss seeing her smiling sweet face. Always offering me cookies and coffee even when she couldn't even get out of her chair. I remember when I was little with my brother we always wanted a slice of cheese at grandma's and she'd always give us cheese.

But I will see my grandma again. I can't wait, but she told me I had to wait that it wasn't my time yet. But I will see you again grandma, and I'll get to meet your mom that you love so much. I can't wait.

Here's my mom and I holding grandma's hand....I'd say "rest in peace" but my grandma is not resting, she is dancing in Heaven with a smile on her face. Never to shed another tear for the rest of eternity!

LOVE YOU GRANDMA.....

Working out.

Just finished my cardio one hour video.... getting shredded as I tell my mom. I am literally a sweaty sopping mess when I am done. Feels gross but I know it is sooo good for me. But the best part? A nice long hot shower.....

The miles are adding up...

Look ----->

As of today I have ran 125 miles for the year... unbelievable I tell ya!

Just look at my side bar --------->

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This weekend...

So Saturday we were having our family fellowship time with several families from church and it was our turn to have it at our house! We have alot of fun at these get-togethers. We have a yummy potluck then sing songs then go thru a devotional in the Bible. Lately we have been going thru what our Pastor Kevin will be studying the next Sunday morning. Kind of a jump start! We were studying in the book of 1st Timothy.

Along with friends from church, my awesome cousin Laura and her family came over- with dessert! And our cousin Steven is in town to visit our sweet Grandma Shield, so he came over, too, with my uncle Stu. He's a missionary in Minnesota- Steven that is. It was really cool getting to know him. He loves the Lord and was a great encouragement! It was pretty cool, cause the big picture at the top of my blog has Laura and my cousin Kristi, and this is Kristi's brother in this picture with Laura and I...Salad Bar pot luck! So goood!
Us adults hanging out .... with the occasional baby crawling around....The boys hang out up in the game room... All the girls always migrate to Aurora's room, we have "Nanny Jade" go up and check on them occasionally- she's the greatest! We love you Nanny Jade!

I told the boys a wanted a "NICE" picture about 5 times and they just wouldn't listen so I just took the picture and this is what I got....

After church today, since it was such a nice day, Jeromy had the kids wash my car- it really really needed it... thanks kids! Here they are getting ready to wash....

Before... all dirty....

Now it's all clean!

We were heading back to church tonight cause as most people know it super bowl Sunday. Well, for people who don't care about football (me! me!- I'm so glad I married a man who could care less), our church has an event called "Super Sunday", we have a huge potluck then watch a movie. Today we watched the movie "Courageous". It is amazing. We had already seen it in the theatres. It's a Christian themed movie with the gospel message in it, and it focuses on the importance of a father's much needed presence in his children's lives. Sooo goood! We'd have a fraction of the problems in the world today, including broken hearts, feelings of loss and rejection if fathers would just step up to the plate and not abandon their kids! It was great movie.

And now... dear reader... I must go to bed... for I am tired...

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