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Let's get to know Jen better:
Let's get to know Jen better:
Jen writes:
A few loves of mine, besides my husband and four children (Jacob 8, Anna 6, Camden 5, and Katelyn 1) are running (I'm addicted), playing outside with my kids, and reading. A favorite book of mine is My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult...PLEASE do not read this book if/when you are pregnant, which I did, and cried a LOT. I had to go back and read it a second time...you know, when I wasn't pregnant. Don't worry, I still cried.
I am so honored to be here at Sue's "house" today! And not because cookies are one of my favorite things to eat (which they totally are, along with chocolate ice cream, and brownies, and chocolate cake), but I love coming here because I feel right at "home".You can learn more about Jen by visiting her blog: About Jen
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These are the Moments
by Jen of Runner Mom
These are the moments...
I wake up early, before anyone else is stirring, and sneak down the stairs. I put my contacts in, throw my unruly hair into a pony, lace up my running shoes, and head out the door. I love running at this time of day; the sun is just starting it's ascent, the air is light, and the streets are quiet. These are the moments I cherish; running to my own tunes, listening to my own thoughts, just...being.
These are the moments...
I get home from my run, refreshed, armed with a cup of freshly brewed coffee; ready for the craziness to begin. The kids wake up, one by one; their sleepy-eyed look greets me followed by a hug and a smile. These are the moments I cherish...
Summer has a laziness about it; no mad rush trying to get the older two kids ready for school; staying in pj's a little longer; watching a movie cuddled on the floor in slumber party style; no rigid schedule. These are the moments I cherish...
Going for a nature walk; playing baseball in the backyard; a surprise picnic lunch; an afternoon at the pool; a game of freeze-tag-you're-it-until-you-can't-breathe; playing until dinner time; then baths and bed; a story and more snuggles until sleepy eyes drift off to sweet dreams.
Of course, our days aren't always sunshine and rainbows; there's always chaos and clutter and crumbs sprinkled in. Sometimes there's fighting and screaming and wrestling; but these moments will pass all too soon.
All of these moments are the moments I will cherish forever.
Thank you so much for having me here today!!
ReplyDeleteJen, you really are an inspiration to me. Thanks for being my guest, and for the reminder to savour the small, most meaningful moments in life.
ReplyDeleteHey, you're in Canada!
ReplyDeleteTruly precious moments you got there, Jen.
I bawled my eyes out while reading My Sister's Keeper. Didn't watch the movie adaptation though. I like Jodi's Vanishing Acts, too!
I admire people who like to run...I know it's good for you but I just can't bring myself to do it everyday. Maybe if I was running towards the bakery or ice cream parlor I'd be more apt to do it =)
ReplyDeleteYeay, Jen is one of my faves!
ReplyDeleteI also love running and reading, but I can't seem to find time to do either. And I only have half as many kids as RMJ. What am I doing wrong?
I've been a runner for a decade, if you'd define as a runner someone who hasn't actually run for ten months. I developed plantar fasciitis after last October's half-marathon and avoided running to avoid the excruciating pain the following morning. Honestly, I think I'm (well?) past the point where it's going to be that bad. I kinda needed this post to remind me what I'm missing all these mornings I think, "Mmm, maybe tomorrow?" and start blog-hopping instead. Thanks for the reminder of what I love about those runs, and how they lift me up through the rest of the day!
ReplyDelete@Janie-Thanks! And I love all of Jodi's books.
ReplyDelete@Rachel Joy- I run so I can eat all of those sweet things ;)
@Jennifer-Thanks for visiting me over here! By the way, I stay up late, and get up early...that's my only secret. :)
@Deb-You ARE still a runner! Glad I could inspire you!
This was wonderful Jen! You do indeed have a full and fun house--even during the crazy moments!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post! I love how the little, simple moments mean as much, if not more, to you than big moments. Like surprise picnic lunches, we may even just make it a picnic lunch in our house in a different room, and my girls are so happy it's as if I've taken them to Disneyland.
ReplyDeleteMy Sister's Keeper is one of my favorite books. I have given out so many copies of that book as gifts to family and friends; I always tell them it isn't easy to read, but definitely one to read in a lifetime.
@Rach-Thank you so much!!
ReplyDelete@K-I know what you mean! We sometimes have "carpet picnics" in the living room while watching a movie. The kids love it! And you're completely right about that book :)
Yay, congrats on being a guest blogger, Jen! You're amazing. And I BAWLED at My Sister's Keeper, especially because it was after my own little sister was in remission from her cancer! It's such a great, powerful, moving book.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the scenery on this blog, Cookie's Mama! Beautiful!
Great guest post Jen! Thanks for the reminder. It's the little moments in life that matters the most, even the chaotic moments actually!
ReplyDeleteOh Jen, your talk of running motivates me. I would love to get into it. I can't believe you get out before the kids wake. I'd have to wake up at four am to beat the kids up:(
ReplyDeleteI love meeting fellow Canadian bloggers!
I haven't been able to finish MSK, too sad. I don't want to know how it ends. I also can't run, but you are very inspiring. You made me think about it real hard. I am drinking wine now, so that should help.
ReplyDeleteI loved your post. I used to run in the morning and miss that refreshed feeling. I think appreciating small moments can make a regular day so much more beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love these small moments! You're right, they will pass all too soon so I try to cherish them now. Great post, Jen!
ReplyDelete@Jennie-Thank you! And yes, that book hits a little too close to home for you.
ReplyDelete@Germaine-Thanks!
@Kim-Wow, your kids must get up early...that would be too early for me to run as I'm very afraid to run in the dark.
@Theresa-I'm sure the wine will help ;)
@GGM-Thank you! It's the best feeling :)
@Kim-Thank you!
Beautiful moments!
ReplyDeleteThese are the things that we will miss when they're older!
I loved the book My Sister's Keeper. I made the mistake of reading it while pregnant and read some really emotional parts while at the gym. I was the girl on the bike crying my eyes out. Still a great book.
ReplyDeleteI love Jen! Such great moments even with the chaos and the crumbs!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. These all sound like wonderful moments.
ReplyDeleteI read My Sister's Keeper years ago and bawled too. My sister was sick when we were growing up so it was especially poignant.