{2015 Goals}

I haven't done yearly goals in quite sometime. I'm a huge planner and sometimes it controls my life. However, in the past couple of months I have gotten in the habit of Monthly goals and I have liked them...so we are giving yearly goals a try. 

1. Grow Closer to God

- Daily Bible Reading: I would like to try to follow the SheReadsTruth Read the Bible in a Year, but I've struggled with those in the past.

- Journaling and using my Journal Bible

- Memorize 1 verse each week. 

- 1000 Gifts

2. Growth in Marriage

- Go on Monthly Dates

- Pray together

- Encourage my husband more. 

 

3. Work/Personal Life Balance

- Be more organized

- Take weekends off (wohoo)

- 1 night early each week

4. Health and Fitness

- Workout 5 times a week

- Lose 5 more lbs. 

- Find more coaches

- Help others meet their health and fitness goals. 

- Run a half marathon or a full marathon (I still haven't decided if I want to commit to the training time of a full). 

5. Rise Early in the Morning

- My goal is 5:30, but that seems early, so 6:00?? 

- Read and workout during that time. 

6. Read More

- Try to read 1 book a month. 

7. Unplug

- Take one weekend a month to unplug from social media. 

2014 was a great year. It had it's challenges and bumps in the road. I've grown a lot and God is using parenthood as a way to sharpen and help me to grow. I'm excited to see what this year will hold. 

2014 Year in Review

It's New Years Eve and this morning I was able to spend some time reflecting on this past year and planning/dreaming of what is to come. 

It's been a big year for us, with another life change; she (Lia Marie) has been the biggest blessing we could have ever asked for. I'm so honored God chose me to be her mom. Claudy also started school this fall and did an amazing job in his first semester. I'm continuing to learn work/life balance. It's not always easy for me, a lot of days I feel like I am letting someone down, but I can't do it all. :) 

We are truly blessed to spend a lot of time with our family. What a blessing to see our nieces and nephews grow up and for Lia to be near her cousins (she really loves them). Lia also gets to spend lots of time with her grandpa and grandma Nuest, so many precious memories have already been made. 

Thank you Lord, for a great year of health, love, family, friendships and growing in you. 

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 15 - Christmas Card Book

Ok....ok... You got me. I didn't blog Saturday and Sunday. I broke my goal of blogging every day. Last minute decision, Lia and I decided to go watch my nieces play basketball and we were gone all day Saturday and I had to do some work on Sunday! But, I'm back!!!

I love Christmas Cards. I love sending them...I love getting them! Most years they hang on my fridge until the next years start rolling in. I love seeing the familiar faces of friends and family. 

I remember as a kid my mom always saved the cards from year to year in a plastic bag and they all sat in a cupboard in our family room. I remember going to look through them from time to time. When she moved, I made her through them away. Can you believe it?? 

I saw this idea on pinterest the other day and I thought it was the perfect idea and a great way to save your cards from year to year. I think I will be doing this from now on.

What about you? Do you save your Christmas Cards you receive from year to year? How do you save them? 

{Giving Thanks}

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I was thinking about all I have to be thankful for. The fact that we have many places we can go to spend the day and people to spend it with means we have so much more than some. I don't want the time to pass without me giving thanks for all I have been blessed with.

God's Love and Mercy

My husband

My Baby Girl

My parents

My Siblings

My Nieces and Nephews

My in-laws

Bible Study

Church Family

Worship Music

Food

Shelter

A Car

Health

Fitness

Ability to workout

Teaching

A job I love
Great Co-Workers

Claudy's School

Education

Friends

Extended Family

Clothes

TV

Toys for Lia

Diet Coke

A morning cup of coffee
An afternoon cup of coffee

Bible

Vacation

Laughter

Music

Blogging

Jesus Christ

Redemption

What are you thankful for?? I would to hear your list. Remember to take time during this busy time of year and give thanks where thanks is due. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Message)

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."

I'm Sorry...

I'm sorry...

You may not know it, but I've judged you....

I'm owning up. I remember thinking when a mom would complain about all the todo's, about the sick baby, about not being able to ready, about not exercising, about the lack of time; "how hard can it be, your just using your children as an excuse." 

I'm sorry....I was wrong. It is hard. It's hard to do it all and to do it all well. In fact most days it's impossible, especially if you want to give those little ones the time they deserve. 

It's exhausting. No matter how many times people told me, it didn't sink in, until it was me. Even then it didn't even sink in until about a month ago. 

So how do we do it. How do we get all of our things done, play with our children, spend time in the word, exercise, etc....Do you get up early? Do you stay up late? Do you not get it done? 

I've been lacking with my time in the word. My soul misses those sweet moments alone with the Lord every morning. Lia doesn't have a great schedule, so even getting up at 6, doesn't always guarantee I'll get that time.

I'm sorry mom's that I've judged! You're a rockstar and doing all you can! Keep on keepin' on. 

{November Goals}

It's hard to believe that today is already November 1st. October flew by and the holidays are on their way. Normally today, I would be listening to Christmas Music and decorating for Christmas....however, I didn't have the decorating in me today (it's been a long week)...but have no fear, the Christmas Music is on. 

A review from last month....

October Goals

1. Bake  - I made a bath of Pumpkin Bread. That is about all, but I did something :)
2. Date Night - Didn't do this again, ugh fail. This month it will happen. 

3. Take more pictures (With my good camera) - I got some, score! 

4. Make some videos to send my students.   I didn't make as many as I wanted, but it is a start. 

5. Read a book - I didn't even open a book this month.

November Goals
1. Decorate for Christmas - The goal is to have this done in the next two weeks.
2. Date Night - This will happen this month. Harvest should be over, so no excuses.
3. Go to the cities as a family. - We haven't been in a while and I would love to see some of friends and maybe take a trip to the Mall of America.
4. Start Christmas Shopping - My family draws name, so when we do that I can start shopping.
5. Eat Clean - It's starting with Shakeology and then also more healthy lunches. I tend to eat something that is quick for lunch, which does not mean healthy. If your interested in buying some check out my Beachbody Site.
6. Have a play date - Invite some friends over and their kids and enjoy some time with friends.
7. Start P90 - It's in the mail. I failed miserably at P90x, I loved it, just didn't have the time! Excited for the shortened version! I can do 30 min a day!

Here's to another month!

{#31Days of Thanks} - Day 3 - Best Friends

What would life be like, without a best friend. 

A friend to laugh with, to cry with, to share with

I've got a great bestie... 

We met teaching at a private Christian School in Florida and later became roommates. During our 3 years living together, we didn't fight once. We got along, had Saturday Gameday and Coffee Mornings, Monthly pedicures, etc. 

We no longer live by each other, She got married and I went to Haiti (and then got married)...but we have remained close. 

Bestie...you have always been an encouragement to me, to comfort me, to give me good advice, to tell me the hard things. Thank you!! Thank you for always being there :) 

I love you and miss you!!

<a href="http://theredeemedrunner.blogspot.com/2013/09/31days-of-thanks.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Redeemed Runner – #31Days of Thanks" src="http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu163/ashleenuest/31daysofthankssmall-1.jpg" /></a></form>

{The Circle} - Summer Bucket List

I'm linking up with one of my new blogger friends KiKi!! Man, I love this girls heart and her passion for Christ!! So refreshing!

Today's Topic



Here's what I came up with!!

1. Move to a different country: The tickets are bought, we are heading back to the US
2. Swim in Fresh Water: I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of the salt
3. Water Ski
4. Go to the MN State Fair: Can't wait to show Claudy this goodness!
5. Go to a Movie: It's been over a year :)
6. Visit Family: Family Vacay...Road Trip
7. Meet Cash My Newest nephew born in May.
8. Decorate our new place and not spend all our money!!

Wohoo! It's going to be a good one!!

{Everyday in May} - Soundtrack of my Life

This one brought me back....way back. I have some awesome memories and since I am craving being at the lake...I have a lot of songs that remind me of summer :) 

1. Summer Nights - Rascal Flatts 

Seriously, this sums up summer in MN perfectly...

2. Cruise - This one isn't old, but it reminds me of home :) (And who doesn't love some Nelly)

3. Summer of 69 - This one reminds me of High School :: Football games, school dances, bonfires :: great memories. 

4. Don't Turn off The Lights - Enrique Iglesias 

I have a very specific memory of this...I was with my brother Chad and our friend Zach (the summer he lived with us)...we were on the boat driving to the beach...I was tanning on the deck and this was playing...we were young, carefree, and enjoying the summer..(Hope this one doesn't offend anyone)

5. Marry You - Bruno Mars

I couldn't find the actually video for this, but who doesn't like a good flash mob. 

Anyways, Claudy used to always play this song for me, while we were dating....it was also the song we left our wedding with  :)  Plus...a super cute proposal. 

6. Marry Me - Train

This is the song I walked into for our Wedding..

Hope you enjoyed my step back into time :) 

What are songs that remind you of your past? 

{Everyday in May} - Weekend Recap

This post is suppose to be only pictures, but forgive me. We had such a great weekend I wanted to share it with you!!

1// Laying on the hammock, with a diet coke, reading a book..I don't get much time for this...but was so thankful. 

2//Ice Cold Rasberry Lemonade..yes please

3// Pedicures, Manicures, & Basketball...as my friend Renee said, it's me in a nut shell

4// Went to the pool with these 3 cuties and their momma! 

5// Ready for church with my hubby. 

6//Claudy is the God-Father of this sweet little girl - Adele, her dedication was on Sunday

7// My husband on the grill...hmmm

8// Sorry for all of you vegetarians, but it doesn't get much better than fresh steak, potatoes and sweet corn. 

That's my recap of my weekend...

On running news..I ran an 8 miler on Sunday..I'm getting there!

Find me here at the hump day hop!!

{Everyday in May} - These are a few of my favorite things

We have a sign hanging in our entry way that says 

"The best things in life aren't things"

While I do have a couple of things on here that are "THINGS" People are most important. 

The Lord - He is so precious to me. The fact that he has chosen me, makes me astonished. I love spending time in His word, especially on a porch with a cup of coffee :) 

My Husband - God gave me such a wonderful man! I'm so glad he is in my life!! He always knows how to make me laugh!

I have the best family in the world!! I love them all so much. I love that we enjoy spending time together! I'm truly blessed by the love of these people, who are there for me no matter what :) 

These chidlren are so precious, what a joy it is to be able to serve and love them!

Running - I love to run. What a joy and a gift!!

This is a view from my parents dock at their lake home. This is my favorite place. I love to sit here!! I have so many great memories at the lake, with my favorite people :) 

My Bestie - Betha...we haven't known each other forever, but I feel like we have know each other forever. She has been there for me through a lot of things and has always supported me. I'm sad we don't live closer. 

My friends. Not everyone is pictured, but I have great friends. Friends that sharpen me and encourage me!!

Scents and Seasons - I'm a sucker for a great smelling candle. I especially love seasons and love to change my candles based on the season (I don't have this one burning right now - It's not Fall, but fall is my favorite season.)

I grew up on a farm in Minnesota - What an awesome thing. Farming is a great way to see God's faithfulness and His provision. It's so easy to see how little control we have and how faithful He is!!

What are your favorite things? 

{Everyday in May} - Favorite Bloggers

Proverbs 31 Girl

Meet Allie

Allie and I were roommates our freshman year of college at Northwestern. We always knew how to have a good laugh and we grew alot our freshman year. I'm blessed to call her friend, even though we haven't seen each other for years.

Allie starting blogging a few years ago about DIY things. She and her hubby have done some awesome things to their farmhouse.

I love reading her blog and seeing all of the creative things that she does.

Allie doesn't only talk about DIY things, she also talks about her faith. Even though I live from a far, I have learned so much through their families journey and her incrediable faith and hope in the Lord. Her ability to praise the Lord in ALL circumstances!

Thanks Allie for sharing your heart with so many of us. I know that we haven't seen eachother for ages, but I so appreciate your friendship and watching you continue to grow!