WE ARE COMING BACK!!!

March 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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Wanted to let you in on some exciting news! We are coming back in May! :) We are getting super excited about sharing some new things that are going on in our lives along with all the wonderful things we are continuing to learn about marriage!

The next 8 weeks I am focusing on getting through the rest of the school year(which is why I gave up the blog in November). However, excitement is building to get back on here with all you lovely followers. Just know our blog and community will be back at it in about 6 to 8 weeks!

Until then leave a comment telling us what has been/is your biggest fear or frustration in your marriage. This will help us write and give valuable resources!

A truly happy wife,

~Cassie

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I DID WHAT?!?

October 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Ryan is such a sweetheart! When we are talking to others, that may or may not know us that well, about our athletic adventures Ryan often brings this up. He says, “Considering experience, age and gender my wife may be a better athlete than me.” I always tend to laugh in my head because Ryan is a stud at what he does!

Ryan goes on to explain how I have only been racing for two years and he has ran since he was 5. He tells about our different experiences and such.

Now I know Ryan has always had a hard time with marathons (several years back when he tried them). I also remember Ryan saying I might beat his personal record (PR) during my first marathon. His PR is a 3 hour 56 minute marathon. On my first marathon I completed a 3:58. Close but did not beat his PR. On my second marathon which was back in April I finished 6 minutes faster than my first year. I completed a 3:52! Which I was super excited about.

It JUST occurred to me last Thursday that I beat Ryan’s PR for a marathon! HA! I’m not laughing at the fact that I beat his PR, but I am laughing at the fact here it is 6 months later and I just now realized it!

I must say when Ryan had his stints in marathons he was not in nearly as good shape as he is in now. I think he could do some awesome stuff now at a marathon! I mean in Switzerland he did the same pace for his 18 mile run as he did for his PR just on the marathon and that was after he already had ran and biked for over 6 hours!

Oh the great, funny times in marriage! Share below a story in your marriage that made you laugh!

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2012 London Olympics Day 4 and 5

August 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Check out day 1, day 2 and day 3 events first if you have not already!

Again day 4 started with great food, only after our workouts. After breakfast we headed to Starbucks to meet a USA triathlete Hunter Kemper. Ryan is a big fan of his and decided to send him a video telling him so and asking if we could meet up while in London. Hunter said yes! We sat there talking with him and his wife for over an hour. They gave us two more pins (you can get yours here), a shirt and a book signed. He even signed my Sports Illistrated for Kids (we are going to do something with it at school)! Really great people. It made me think about that could be Ryan and I in a few years- just sitting there talking with a fan of his!

We then headed out to do a bit of sightseeing. We saw Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The Eye, House of Parliament and some other neat things!

Off to the Olympic Park we headed. In the park were large fields of wild flowers that were just so pretty so I had to take some pictures of them.

Had to try some fish and chips while we were there!

BMX was pretty neat! I had not seen anything like that before.

We ended the day at the track and field events. Ryan and the other two winners were interviewed in a studio overlooking the track. They even played it on the big screen in the stadium live! It was pretty amazing to watch! I had the biggest smile on my face. To think not everyone gets to go to the Olympics and even fewer people get featured on the big screen! After that interview they had another one and had pictures taken of them using their Panasonic camera’s they won with the prize. It was all so cool!  They chatted it up with some previous Olympians who voted for their videos!

We then were able to watch some events where an 18 year old broke his own world record and Usain Bolt won the 200m with two other Jamacians for silver and bronze!

It was a wonderful way to end our lovely trip! We headed back to the hotel for an earlier evening. We had to fly out the next morning.

On our 5th and last day we woke up, worked out and had breakfast. We then walked around a bit to find some stamps and Ryan made a little video. After that we were on our way to the airport. Once arriving at the airport we knew our VIP access was all over when we had to wait in a long baggage check line! ha.

Our 8 hour flight to DC was a good one. It was a large plane with tons of movie selections. Only we ended up in DC with a 5 hour lay over which then turned into a 7 hour lay over. At this point we had been up for almost 24 hours and were exhausted. Ryan took Dramamine and passed out. I slept some in between the horrible turbulence as we went through thunderstorms. We finally made it home at 1:30 am- 22 hours later!

It is still kind of crazy that we were at the 2012 London Olympics! Leading up to it I was saying I can’t believe we are going and now I am saying I can’t believe we went! What a wonderful once in a life time oppurtunity! We hope you enjoyed the story and pictures! Last of the pictures are below.

Filed Under: Featured, Things We Do

We Are Going to be Parents….One of These Days!

July 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

 

We will of course be parents… one of these days! Ryan and I have had several conversations about how we think we will raise our kids, certain things we plan to teach them, and how we want to raise happy, fulfilled kiddos. When the time comes it will be a great and straining experience all at once I am sure. (For our mother’s, Vicki and Anita – these previous sentences are NOT an indication that we are trying to get pregnant so don’t get your hopes up just yet! ;)  )

Until we have our own kids I try to teach my little ones at school the things I would want my kids to know and learn….and occasionally I just steal other peoples children! I personally enjoy helping others through small things. There are many charities, groups and organization along with individuals that could benefit from small, easy things I can do. I enjoy doing projects, tasks, making donations and anything else that can make a difference in others lives. To think something as little as a thank you note or a plate of cookies can turn a persons day or even week around is amazing!

On Friday I borrowed (haha)  two of the girls from my third grade class last year and decided to spend some time with them. We decided to make some cookie! We made some chocolate chip cookies and no bake cookies. One of the girls even said they had never seen no bake cookies!

Accomplishment #1) Introduce a new cookie!

We had so many cookies we had to decide what to do with them all. I mean we couldn’t eat them all ourselves! After a little bit of discussing we decided to give them away. One of the girls says, “Oh, I get it. We are going to help the community helpers like they help us!” We decided to give our goodies away to the mail carrier, fire fighters and the librarians. But first we had a few more things to make they decided.

Accomplishment #2) Creating a discussion where the kiddos come up with a plan and take action to be positive citizens in our community!

We got to work making a cards for the mail carrier.

Accomplishment #3) Got the girls to work on their handwriting over summer break!

The girls were watching for the mail carrier. They were afraid they would miss him!

They sat back down to work some more and sure enough he came! They ran out the door to catch the mail carrier in the yard headed next door. Each one handed him their card and then the cookies. He said thank you each time something was given to him and each time his smile got bigger.

Accomplishment #4) Witnessing us brighten up someones day!

The girls continued to work hard.

They decided to make a poster together for the firefighters and bookmarks for the librarians. They also made a bookmark for themselves to keep.

Accomplishment #5) Starting to teach children it’s okay to have things for ourselves, but we should share with others too!

We then made some puppets for the girls also to keep for themselves.

We were then on our way to deliver all of our goodies! First stop: Fire station down the street.

The firefighters even let the girls get in the trucks!

Look at her face! It melted my heart! They were having such a good time. My thought was, “I can’t wait to provide these kind of experiences for our future kids!”

Accomplishment #6) Witnessing bringing a smile to the girls faces!

Then, we headed to the library.

After we gave the librarians their cookies and bookmarks the girls even had some time to read some books. They took turns reading to me.

Accomplishment #7) Got the girls to practice their reading during summer break!

All in all I have to say the day was great! I enjoyed my time with the girls and bringing some smiles to our community. The day really made me think about some values that I want to teach our children. It also gave me a little glimpse of the joy mothers feel in their hearts when their kids get to have wonderful experiences! We are going to be parents…one of these days! But until then I will just borrow other kiddos :)

What kind of opportunities do you try to provide for your kids to ensure a diverse, well rounded child?

Filed Under: Featured, Things We Do Tagged With:

Newlywed Travels: 2012 London Olympics

July 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

In two weeks we will be packing up to head to the 2012 London Olympics! How awesome is that?! Pretty awesome if I do say so myself! You may be asking, “How in the world can you afford to go to the Olympics?!” Here is our secret if you didn’t already know:

Ryan was looking up information on the triathlon Olympic teams when he saw some information for the Show Your Best Contest hosted by the International Olympic Committee. You were to submit a 60 second or less video “showing your best”. People would then vote for the videos and if your video had the top 20 votes it would go to the Olympic athletes. Those athletes would next choose the winner who would be awarded a 5 day trip to the 2012 London Olympics! They really thought of everything! The package included: plane tickets, hotel, local transportation, pass to the Olympic events, digital camera, spending money and even money for taxes!

How can we afford this trip? Well the truth is we don’t have to pay for any of it because….RYAN WON THE CONTEST! Several people have said, “Man, I never know the people who win those big contests. That’s crazy that you won it! Now I can say I know someone who won a contest.” :)

Watch Ryan’s winning video below!

I just love to hear Ryan speak! I think speaking is Ryan’s God given talent. Ryan occasionally does speaking on the side and plans to be a speaker who provides inspiration for others on more of a regular basis. Winning this contest is one way that he may be able to inspire people. Not only have people seen his video above, but there will be a commercial played around the world (See below) and even an interview with him played in the Olympic stadium!

(Towards the end of the video he is on the left side of the screen in the middle running.)

We are SO SUPER EXCITED about the experience of the 2012 London Olympics, but also the experiences this could bring for his speaking. We also feel very blessed to have this opportunity! Many people have told us that they are jealous, but it is okay- we will share our experiences with you once we return!

Moral of the story: If you can’t afford to go on a vacation- enter a contest. Someone has to win and could just be you! ;)

What are some unique ways you were able to travel? Leave a comment below sharing your story!

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Newlywed Recipe- Banana Oatmeal Muffins

July 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins

1/2 Cup 1% Milk

2 1/2 Cup Oats

6 oz Greek Yogurt

2 Eggs

1/3 Cups Brown Sugar

1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

2 Ripe Bananas

(That is right folks- there is no flour!)

1) Put all ingredients into blender or food processor. Blend until it becomes a smooth batter.

2) Spray cooking pan with non stick cooking spray (or use foil cupcake cups-paper cups do not work well). Then, pour batter into pan.

3) Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Next, enjoy!

The muffins do have a bit different kind of consistency than those made with flour. However, they are still great and even pretty healthy!

This recipe is good by itself, but it is a good base for any type of muffins! Next time I plan on trying a few other kinds: Adding mashed bananas (in addition to the ones blended) and nuts to make a banana nut muffin, apples and cinnamon and blueberry! Can’t wait to try them!

Hope you enjoy these healthy banana oatmeal muffins!

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Mr. & Mrs. Coupon Book

June 5, 2012 by 5 Comments

The Mr. & Mrs. Coupon Book from Day Spring is one of the wedding gifts that we received. (Thank you Kassie and Riley!) We enjoy this gift a lot! It has coupons for every Love Language that you can give your spouse. I like getting it out every now and again to put a coupon out for Ryan. Some coupons are simple like “Redeem this coupon for a kiss.” Others take more planning such as: “A special dinner for the two of us…coming your way” or “Adventure Day-Let’s go someplace we have never been before.”

The coupon that I have used that has been my favorite so far is: “I want to bless you today, and here is how:…. ” Ryan appreciated that one a lot too.

Each coupon has a scripture on the back of it that goes along with the coupon. This gift is a great idea for newlyweds or for any couple wanting to make sure they show their spouse they care for them in a unique way! Like I said before it covers all 5 of the Love Languages which I think is awesome! You can get yours today by clicking the link below!

Share below some unique ways you show your spouse you care for them?

Filed Under: 5 Love Languages, Featured, Newlywed Advice Tagged With: , ,

“We can’t break up. We are married.”

May 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The other night I had a dream. It was a bit vague. All I remember was Ryan and I were no longer together and I was NOT happy about it. I was rather sad and didn’t understand why we were no longer together. Now normally I can link my dreams back to something that was said or something I had seen. However, this one I had no clue. We are happily married and nothing in real life connected with the dream.

That next morning when Ryan woke up he gave me a hug and kiss before leaving the bed. He asked me how I slept. I told him I had a horrible dream, that we broke up and I was really sad in the dream. Ryan simply replies, “We can’t break up. We are married.” Hearing those two little sentences comforted me and I fell back to sleep.

Later in the day I was thinking about the dream and how Ryan responded. It is so comforting to know that I married a man who believes “breaking up” is not an option. To know that “divorce” is not in our vocabulary. To be assured that no matter what comes our way that we will work our way through it because we vowed to take on this life together.

That odd little dream gave me reassurance and reminded me just how thankful I am for my marriage!

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A Get Away Weekend is Supporting Your Spouse?!

May 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Sometimes supporting your spouse in their dream is demanding, sacrificing and just plain hard work! Other times its a nice, enjoyable weekend get away! And that is what it was this past weekend. Although many people would not consider cycling and running a few hours each day nice or enjoyable. ;)

After our bike ride

After our run

Ryan will be participating in a race in September where he wants to do well. I mean that is always the case, but this race is regionals so he really wants to do well. So a few weeks ago he asked if I would mind taking a weekend trip to Branson where the race will take place so that he could ride and run on the course. I immediately said yes. It sounded fun!

We worked it out where I could ride and run some with him as well. On Saturday I followed him for a bit with my hazard lights on while he rode on a smaller road.

Then, I rode with him some. Next, I did some power intervals while he finished up his ride. After his ride he had a short run so I took some pictures of him

….and a bat that we found.

After our beautiful scenery of a ride we took a nap, shopped at the outlets, walked around Silver Dollar City and then had some great pizza for dinner! What a fun day!

Saturday we needed to get some running in. Ryan drove me on the course so I would know where to run. We both ran at our own paces and did our workouts. We would cross paths occasionally.

After our morning run we showered and headed to Silver Dollar City again to catch some rides when the park first opened. That is after we checked to make sure I was tall enough to ride rides!

We headed home about noon. Again, another fun day! :)

On Saturday as Ryan ran up to me as he finished his 3 hour ride and 20 minute run he told me know appreciative he was of my support. As he caught his breath he made a joke about him asking me to go on a get away weekend trip so that he can get his workouts in. He said he didn’t know how many wives would be happy and willing to do that. To me it did sound fun so I didn’t think much of it, but I also knew this would help him achieve his goal of doing well at the race so it was a no brainer. However, I thought it was sweet of Ryan to thank me for the willingness and support.

When it comes to supporting your spouse in their dreams and goals it may be the typical things that you think of when you think of supporting them like: rearranging schedules, planning time to get things done, and prioritizing things. But don’t forget it may be other things that look a bit different! Remember to ask yourself, “Will this help my spouse reach their goal that they are trying to/wanting to work towards?”

What are some ways you support your spouse that may not be typical ways of support?

Filed Under: Featured, Newlywed Advice, Things We Do Tagged With: , , ,

We Need To Have A Garage Sale!

November 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment

So after we got married I moved in with Cassie into her 500sqft apartment…

While we are finalizing the purchase of our new 1500sqft house.

Keep in mind she has already filled this space up with her belongings since she had lived here for over a year.

One evening she and I were walking through the parking lot talking about our new gifts from the wedding

And she made the comment “Babe we are going to have to have a garage sale”

I smiled really big… then started laughing on the inside… then bust up laughing out loud…

“What’s so funny?” she asked…

Let me explain

Apparently at some point in my mom’s life she was cleaning… she ended up throwing some stuff away… then regretted it…

She taught my sister and I to really consider what we throw away and always ask the question “Will I regret this?”

So after hearing that bit of advice I developed habits where I keep everything…

Except trash… Maybe a little trash but never garbage…

I do this because I think we “What if I need this one day?”

In my possession I have

-My 1998 & 1999 Scottie Pippen basketball shoes

-Every single soccer/basketball jersey I have ever worn (I played sports since I was 5… I’m 28 now)

-Every trophy, medal, and ribbon ever won

-9 year old Boxes of old training documents, manuals, and hard copy references

-Along with almost every box that all my “stuff” came in

-Trash bags full of clothes from over the past 15 years

As you can see some of these items are in fact sentimental and attached to each are stories and experiences…

However other items are useless junk that needs to be trashed… recycled… donated… or reused

Anyway…

Back to the reason I was laughing so hard when Cassie said we need to have a garage sale…

My thought was wow we are going from a 500sqft apartment to a 1500sqft house with lots of storage space there’s plenty of room for our junk…

Her thought was we will have a 1500sqft house… no need to fill it full of junk!

A difference in perspective… Not right not wrong just different!

I must confess…

Last week I was at my moms house looking through boxes of my stuff that has literally been in the garage since we moved there in 2000.

My first thought was how in the world did I end up with this junk!?!?!

My second thought was…

We need to have a garage sale! haha

Filed Under: Featured, Random Stuff
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