Running to Remember

Before we graduated from Baylor in 2006, we promised each other we would get together for a 5 year reunion.  I am pretty sure we each imagined we'd be lying on a beach drinking margaritas for a weekend, but instead, we chose to run a race.  For some reason, the three of us like to prove that we are better than we think we are and can do more than we think we can and the amazing part is that we like to do it together.

In 2008 the three of us ran our first 1/2 marathon together.  This was only 2 months before finding out I was pregnant with Connor and only a month before I found out I had endometriosis, which changed my course forever.

We had only been graduated from Baylor for 2 years, so we celebrated college style, in the bar of a restaurant where Megan used to work.

We held our promise to each other and celebrated 5 years of being graduated from Baylor a few weeks ago.  But, this trip was so different from what we imagined it would be-we are different than we thought we would be.  I have two kids.  Megan is married and just bought her first house.  Audrey is still searching for Mr. Perfect, but in true independent style, built her first house.  But one thing remained constant-we love to run together.  So, we ran the Salt Lake City 1/2 Marathon together.

This time, we celebrated with a legitimate meal, with Megan's parents and child in tow. 

Not to steal Megan's blog post, but it truly resonated within me.  I run to remember.  To remember who I was, who I am, and who I want to become.  I run to remember those 22 year old dreams and hopes for the future.  I run to remember feeling free.  Free from judgement, worry, and responsibility. 

Training for this race made me remember who I once was and who is currently buried under diapers, housework, and laundry.  The 2nd Lt Courtney Schultz, Masters' student, and newlywed reimmerged.  I didn't think about dirty diapers, how many loads of laundry were left to fold, or how many dishes were still in the sink.  I simply ran and let my mind go blank for 1-2 hours.

Since moving, I've had a bit of an identity crisis.  It is hard not letting your kids define who you are.  Running and training helped me to keep ME alive and not let them be all that I am.  There is nothing greater than having amazing friends to help pull you back into reality every now and again.

I love you girls!

Another Furniture Project

Yes, I am bored.  And yes, I am painting everything that I can since I can't paint the walls.  The goal?  To be completely ready when we move into our next house to decorate the way I want to.  My project for today was to make something old new again.  This dresser was from my friend Colleen.  It was in her nursery when she was a baby (which technicaly makes this an antique since we're 27 now).  It has been a perfect dresser/changing table.  I've been mulling over ideas for two years now and finally something clicked after reading through my Southern Living magazine...to use wall paper on the drawers and pick a paint that matches. 

A few before pictures...from Connor's original nursery (pre-baby)

 

From today in the garage before I got started.

I used Eddie Bower "Mercer Blue." 

To add some dimension to the drawers, I found some textured, paintable wall paper instead of one with a pattern. 

The drawers after the first coat of paint with the wall paper. 

Drying in the garage!

The almost finished product.  I am still debating the top knobs.  I kept the original knobs on the main drawers because I like the old with the new look.  I'm thinking about some small crystal knobs.  Just not sure yet!

I have a few more paint projects in mind along with some sewing projects and recovering my dining room chairs. 

Playing Like Brothers

My boys blessed me so much yesterday.  They actually interacted and PLAYED together!  I was watching and wow, it's just not that far away when they will be running and chasing each other.  It was funny to see the way Jacob was looking at Connor.   It reminded me of how I used to look at my big sister (and still do)-full of love, respect and adoaration.  So sweet.  On top of it all, Jacob laughed!  A BIG laugh.  You almost can't tell the difference between Connor's and Jacob's. 

Barstool Rehab

I've had all of these furniture rehab ideas floating in my head for a few years now.  I think I finally have a vision for how I want our house to look and I'm determined to do it as cheap as possible-and mostly handmade if I can.  The first project I took on was transforming an old garage sale find into an eye catching seat at our bar.  I bought these from our old neighbor in Wichita Falls for $60.  Nothing a little spray paint can't handle!

This is the "before" picture.

Step one was to paint the edges a darker color so that I could later distress the edges.

Step three was to paint them an off white.

Step three was to distress the edges using a small piece of sandpaper. 

I love the way they turned out!

Another up close view of the finished product!

My next project is to attempt to sew seat cushions.  Wish me luck!

Wall-E

Connor's new favorite movie (thanks to Aunt Ashley) is Wall-E.  It's such a great movie and after watching it over and over and over and over and over, you finally get a VERY clear picture of what kind of message the movie is trying to send.  When Wall-E first enters the Axiom and is trying to find Eve, he encounters numerous very large people, flying around, talking to each other through screens even though they are right next to each other.  The first few times I watched that I thought to myself "how lazy!"  But, really, isn't that what we do now? 

Case and point-over the past month, I have called numerous people.  Each one texted me back (including my new boss).  I have looked at my received calls and the last one is from mid-March.  But don't worry, I'm not a total loser!  I reach my limit weekly on the number of texts my phone can store.  I constantly have to do a mass delete.

I admit it.  I love texting.  I love facebooking.  I love blogging.  Basically, I love doing anything that will make me avoid talking to people while still doing it at the same time.  I text to ask if I can call.   I text if I really don't feel like talking, but want to tell you something.  Basically, it's me being lazy and not taking the time to build on existing friendships or build new ones. 

James and I had a discussion today about how Facebook is retarding our ability to communicate face to face.  Slowly but surely, we are going to lose the ability to communicate with one another and the ones who can will become a commodity.   

I know I've said this many, many times before, but this time I mean it.  Facebook and texting will no longer be a main source of communication.  I have to get back to my roots and TALK to people.  I will not cancel my Facebook account as I have before, but I will not spend hours reading how people are doing.  I want to hear how you are doing. 

Do we really want to become the fat, lazy blobs that Wall-E forecasts?  It seems that we are not that far away from that becoming a reality. 

Pivot Point

Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her."

On April 1, 2007 James submitted a dreamsheet that would change his career forever.  He requested to be a First Assignment Instructor Pilot so that we could start our lives as husband and wife, together.  Little did we know that it would change EVERYTHING and that this would be our life's "pivot point." (If you've ever gone through Beth Moore's study on Esther, you know what I'm talking about.) 

His class had a phenominal drop.  Only one bomber (B-1) was given out of of 12 assignable students.  If he hadn't made that decision, he would've ended up in the figther of his choice. 

This was James' first act of sacrificial living.  I had no clue then how much it would mean now, but I am so thankful for that decision.  I don't remember talking about it much, but I don't remember arguing with him to change it.  There are moments now that I wish I did, however I know that you can't change the past and that for whatever reason, this is where we are supposed to be.

Almost 4 years ago, we started our lives as husband and wife.  We started it the best way possible-together.  If he hadn't made that decision, who knows where we would be.  It would've been a full year before I was able to PCS to be with him wherever he would've been.  And we definatly wouldn't be the parents to two beautiful boys.

The reality of that decision has really hit these past 4 months because, honestly, I was still in a dream when we moved here.  I thought I would wake up, read the email from his commander over again, and see that the assigned airplane had changed.  But, it hasn't.  And it won't. 

I look back at that day now with some regret, because I was the reason he put his dreams on the backburner.  But mostly, I look back at that day as a day of gratefulness.  I am so grateful to have a husband who puts our family first.  That he is willing to step down from his own desires and to offer his life to God.  That he lives his life Biblically and is an amazing man, with such strong faith to know that he is following God's lead while leading us. 

Thank you James for 4 wonderful years.  Thank you for sacrificing your desires for me.  You simply are the best. 

A Courtney Special!

I've never posted a recipe before and have never actually made up my own recipe either.  For a few years, I've been toying with Black Beans & Rice.  I have an obsession with black beans.  I can seriously eat them right out of the can.  They are super healthy, a great source of protein and are so tasty!  It is simple, easy and yummy-just the way I like it with a crazy 2 year old running around.  If you prefer to spice it up add red pepper flakes, cayenne,  or hot Rotel.  But, to make it kid friendly, just use the mild Rotel and skip those spices.  I have tried a few variations, but I think I finally have it down...here you go!

1 15 oz can black beans
1 can rotel (mild, medium, or spicy-whichever you prefer)
Garlic powder to taste
3 cups cooked white jasmin rice

1.  Combine black beans, Rotel and garlic powder in pot.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
2.  Cook rice according to package instructions (I much prefer Texmati Jasmine Rice-one cup dry rice makes approx. 3 cups cooked).
3.  Put rice in bowl first, then add black beans w/ juice on top. 
4.  ENJOY!