81st Birthday

Today would have been my Dad's 81st birthday and I've been thinking about him and missing him today.  Just a little bit of trivia about my Dad, he loved cashews.  I do too, in fact they're my favorite kind of nut.  My mom loves pistachios and my dad loved cashews. 

Sometimes when I eat these nuts, I think back to when I was young - watching a movie together or playing a family game and sharing these yummy nuts with my parents.  I love the fun memories and good times associated with these nuts.  Cashews always remind me of my Dad.  Happy Birthday Daddy!  Love and Miss You!

25 Years Already!

Happy Anniversary to the wonderful and amazing man that I feel blessed to call my husband and my best friend.  I Love you Brad!  Here's to 25 more fantastic years!!  :) 

It's T-Ball Time

Winston is on the Cubs this year and Brad is his coach. In the pic above, he's with his best buddie Jackson.  They've grown up together and are really like brothers. 

It's going to be a super fun ball season this year.  Because they played last year, they both think they're pros.  It's so fun and entertaining to watch them.  :)

Where Oh Where Did April Go?

April has flown by for me - it's been a crazy busy month at the Shafer household.  My mom had knee replacement surgery on both of her knees in the middle of March and I've been helping her in the evenings after work.  Brad has been out of town several times on work trips and Winston's T-ball games started up.  Plus, I've been getting up in the mornings to train for my upcoming half marathon on June 9 and to top it off, work has picked up dramatically so I've been working a lot more hours this month. 

My mom is doing well - she's actually ahead of schedule in her recovery.  I'm doing pretty good on my training too - not as far along as I hoped I'd be but I'll be ready in time for the race.  Unfortunately, my house is a mess right now and I'm way behind on getting much Spring cleaning done but there's only so many hours in a day, something has to give.

I'm hoping May will be a much less hectic month.  When life runs at such a crazy pace like April has done, it doesn't leave much time to relax and enjoy the journey.  One nice thing about this past April is that the weather has been great so I've been able to get outside for many runs and I've really enjoyed the spectacular Spring flowers.  The world is a beautiful place in the Spring. 

Running Tips

Being registered to run in two half marathons this year, I have running on the brain.  I'm always keeping my eyes open for good running tips.  I saw this chart on good/proper form on Pinterest and thought I'd post it on my blog too.

It's a great reminder to run tall and relaxed with shorter strides and a quick cadence - always landing midfoot to avoid injuries.  With all this good weather we're having it's time to get out there and run!

Snickerdoodle Bread

I'm a sucker for snickerdoodle anything.  I love the cookies, I love the pie I posted last year, I love the blondies and I absloutley LOVE this snickredoodle Bread!

It turned out moist and with just the right amount of flavor.  The little bursts of cinnamon from the cinnamon chips really put this bread over the top - so delicious!  Now I need an excuse to make it again.  :)

Source:  Lil' Luna

SNICKERDOODLE BREAD

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3/4 c. sour cream
•  2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. cream of tartar
• 1 pkg. Hershey’s cinnamon chips
• TOPPING:
• 3 T. sugar
• 3 t. cinnamon

Instructions 

Cream butter, sugar, salt and cinnamon until fluffy.  Add eggs and mix well.  Add vanilla and sour cream and mix well.   Mix flour, baking powder and cream of tartar in a separate bowl. Add to wet ingredients and mix until all combined. Add cinnamon chips and stir into batter. Set aside.   

Spoon batter into 4 mini loaf pans until about 2/3 full.  Mix 3 T. sugar and 3 t. cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle over the batter in each loaf pan.  Bake at 350 for 35-38 minutes. Let cool before removing from pan.

Happy Spring!

I'm so happy that Spring is officially here!  It's been a mild winter this year - I'm not a big fan of snow and cold weather so to me, it's been a great winter.  I love having more daylight.  I love sunshine and I'm so looking forward to Summertime and all the outdoor activities that go with it.  Happy Spring!!!

Time for a Change

My life is due for some change - I'm not sure how to start or what to do.  I just know that a change is needed.  It's time for some serious thinking and planning...

 I found these quotes on Pinterest.  Aren't they great?

 Change can be a really good thing - a great way to grow.

It's hard to know where to start but I know I need to.

 I'm anxious now but I need to get excited.

 And I need to believe in myself - things will work out.

Yes, it's time for some magic happen in my life.