Good morning! First off, thanks for the many congrats yesterday. Love you all bunches for the tons of support you have given me in so many things this year. I hope I can return a little bit of that love through this here blog as well.

So yesterday I had my first parent-teacher “conference” for Makenzie. She seems so sweet and innocent…until I get called in for a conference.

Kidding! It wasn’t like that. Just a standard meeting with the teacher to go over her development in certain skills. No surprises at all. She’s bright, talkative, and “spunky”. I love that new term the teacher used to describe my sweet girl’s touchy attitude.

That’s how my day started. Now, let’s get to how it ended.

After a full day with the kids and getting things done around the house, I got myself out the door for a run in the afternoon. By the time I hit the road it was shortly after 5 pm and looked like the sky could drop open at any moment.

I didn’t care, though. I wanted the time outdoors. I did one warm-up mile, then proceeded to up the pace for the remaining five. I really want to continue with regular speed work. I find it a fun challenge. Plus, it helped me end my run quicker. A very good thing considering how dark it got so quickly.

I didn’t realize it would be almost pitch black by 6 pm. I finished just in time as it started raining shortly after I got in the car.

After my run, I stopped by the library to pick up a few new reads. Thanks for all of your recommendations! I put a few of them on hold, then found a new James Patterson to grab while there. I also got sucked into the running section. I foresee lots of reading in my future. And I love it.

By the time I got home, I didn’t really feel like cooking up a full dinner. That meant turning to a quick fix meal option.

Campbells canned soup. Plus a pepperjack grilled cheese.

I love making my own soups, either in the crockpot or a quick 20 minute recipe on the stove, but last night just called for the emergency pantry stash. I know most of you can relate. Your secret is safe with me.

Have a great day! See you in the afternoon!

• Do you ever use canned soups or similar products? I hate how “bad” the blogging community makes them seem sometimes. Who gives?!
• Does the earlier dark bother you or do you enjoy it? I actually enjoy it.

Good morning!!! As this post publishes, I’m well on my way to Savannah. Woo, baby! I so look forward to not only running my first big race and seeing some amazing blog friends, but also to have a weekend away with Peter sans kiddos. That’s right! We’re kid free this weekend and treating it as a little getaway.

Thanks to some wonderful parents who scoop up the chance to stay with their beloved grandchildren for a few days.

Last night, my parents came to our house hauling their suitcases to act as our heroes and babysitters for the weekend. I made sure to give them special treatment by preparing a delicious dinner for us all to share.

I made a large batch of whole wheat penne pasta with some broccoli, mushrooms, and onion topped with marinara sauce. I always love adding extra veggies to help bulk up a pasta dish.

I also bulked up the meal with some ready made items for sides – some garlic Texas toast and a lite Caesar salad bagged mix.

I break out the big guns for guests, huh? Hey, I did say “delicious”, not “difficult”!

And delicious it was. The perfect meal to eat for race fuel-ups. #readytorunalready

FFF Features of the Week

I never expect you all to keep up with every post I write, so each week I play catch up with my favorites. Find the posts that I enjoyed writing the most, that sparked the most discussion, or that had the most cuteness…as well as one of my favorite blogs for you to check out. Give ‘em a looksy and I’ll be back later with Fun Fact Friday!

Featured Personal Post: Stuffed With Emptiness #4

This particular post went into my experiences turning to alcohol and the time I desperately hoped to be successful at suicide. Please read with caution.

Featured Workout Post: 5 x 5 Full Body Circuit

I skipped the features post last week, so I have to remind you all of this workout. It was seriously too much fun! Printable version of the workout in the original post.  

Featured Meal Post: Tofu Parmesan + Cheesy Spaghetti Squash

Another from last week that I can’t let get swept under the rug!

Featured Positive Post: Too Much Of A Good Thing

Some of my favorite things right now – tea and great Christian workout music.

Featured Fun Post: A Tale of Two Winners

Another Champion sports bras giveaway with TWO winners. Ends tonight!

Featured Cuteness Post: Out With A Bang

Halloween costumes. ‘Nough said. Click to see the full cuteness effect.

Featured Reading: Michelle @ Crazy Running Legs

I get to meet her this weekend since she is running her FIRST FULL MARATHON in Savannah. Plus, she’s all around awesome. Give her some positive energy before tomorrow!!! And Michelle – I know you will do fabulous!

• What’s a meal you like to make for guests?
• Any exciting weekend plans?