Friday's {Random} Five

Oh Friday, it's so good you're finally here. Between trying to get back to our regularly scheduled programming and a 24-hour span of one very sick little man, the weekend has never looked so good. We have little to nothing planned, and I couldn't be more excited about our plan-less weekend.

With all that said, it's time to get up this week's very random high fives.

1. Am I the only one who continually views and reviews their pictures from vacations? After looking through our vacation pictures for the 247th time I found these, and had to share.

We spent an afternoon snorkeling and swam with sea turtles. How flipping cool is that?!

2. Things that "go" are pretty popular in our house these days. We've been looking for creative ways to play with all of our wheeled toys.

We don't have a race track, so we made one!

3. A week from today I'll be lacing up my running kicks with a few of my favorite blogging ladies and running the first portion of the two-part Hospital Hill run!

After a 5-miler this week I saw I'd hit over 50 miles this month - whoop!

4. The Chasing Hope giveaway is going on for just a few more days. Be sure to get entered! If you can't wait to see who wins the eBook you can always purchase your own copy at Amazon.com!
(If this Rafflecopter don't appear click on the highlighted link.)
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5. The *other* awesome giveaway I have going on is the Chloe and Isabel studs.

Don't forget to get entered into that as well! To see more awesome C + I items check out the Lookbook >>HERE<<
(If this Rafflecopter don't appear click on the highlighted link.)
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Have a great weekend!

Chloe + Isabel Giveaway

With summer FINALLY here I found I needed to spruce up my wardrobe. Not only does my closet need a facelift so does my jewelry box.

And who are we kidding, what's more fun than creating the perfect outfit with the perfect pieces of jewelry?

My IRL friend and blogging buddy, Alisa, introduced me to Chole and Isabel and I was instantly drawn to all the sparklies. As I flipped through the pages I found something I LOVED on every page. Not to mention, there is literally something for everyone.

As I browsed I marked a few *must haves* for the summer. Take a peek and tell me you don't see something you don't like. It's practically impossible.

SO pretty!

Pretty sure this ring NEEDS to be in my collection - ASAP.

How about this ensemble? Wouldn't this look perfect paired with a simple white tee and a flowing maxi?

Because no summer is complete without a little nautical flair.

Kind of obsessed with turquoise right now. Anyone else??

THIS headband. Just go ahead and drool over that for a little bit…

And how cute are these little studs?

If you're not already sold, here's a little more info that should do the trick.

All the jewelry is hypoallergenic, nickel free, and lead safe.

There is a lifetime replacement guarantee that covers defects or damages. Return within 90 days and the replacement is free of charge. (After 90 days there is a $5 charge. Cash refunds are not available after 30 days post ship date. The replacement guarantee does not cover lost jewelry.) 

FREE shipping over $100, otherwise shipping is a flat $5.95.

Now, back to the sparklies… If you saw something you loved, or want to see more (and want to make a purchase! :) ), head to this link and click on the LOOKBOOK to check out what other goodies Alisa has. 

Lastly, I want to share the little birdie studs - shown above - to one lucky winner! Just follow the easy prompts below! The giveaway, and online "party" will be open until next Thursday, June 5. 

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Where We've Been

We've been pretty busy around these parts. This last week we had friends visiting us from Kansas City (hi Clark family). Thus, things were kind of quite around my part of the blogging world. Please excuse my absence as we were giving our guests the Grand Tour of Souther California.

For a quick recap, here's what we were up to…

Naturally we had to visit Disneyland. 

My little Mouseketeer ready for Disney!

I was hoping for an EPIC meet up with Mickey. Alas, my heart broke a little when Marcus was less than enthused to meet up with the mouse again. 

We'll just have to go back and say "hi" to Mickey another time. Shucks. :) 

Of course the tea cups were a solid success.

And, this go around I took a ride on Space Mountain with my favorite 5-year old.

Day two took us to California Adventure where Marcus rendezvoused with a few princesses. 

Again, Marcus wasn't totally starstruck, but I might have been. 

We also made rounds to the aquarium where we finally spotted the elusive sea turtle.

No visit to California is complete without a trip to the beach. We kindly obliged and headed to our favorite place. 

Little man hit 2.2 (2 years 2 months) during our little blogging break!

Now that we're back up to speed I'm pretty excited about a few things coming up. The Macke Midwest Tour is just around the corner, Hospital Hill 1/2 Marathon is in TEN DAYS, and one of my favorite blogging buddies - Jenny - and I are working on something awesome for our fellow running readers. Stick around, it's going to be a good summer!  

Professional Pics in Paradise

A bit ago I hinted at the fact that we had professional pictures taken while we were vacationing. My mom suggested the idea and I thought it genius.

The photo session lasted no longer than 30 minutes (perfect for a toddler and antsy uncle), and right around sunset. I was a bit concerned how they would turn out, as Marcus wasn't really into it. But I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Now, please excuse the photo dump. 

The whole gang.

Mi familia.

Aw, "little" brother.

A few quick shots with Grandma and Grandpa.

A Marcus montage.

Hey, I know that guy!

One of my favorites from our session.

My absolute favorite pic from the evening!

Chasing Hope//The Review//The Giveaway

It was December twelfth when I lost my fourteen week angel baby and the holidays were coming up. My OBGYN graciously prescribed me Xanax, Zoloft and Percocet. I was prepared to live the holidays in a numb fog. Anything that would blur the image of my pregnant younger sister was on tap.

I’d hardly been home a day and really hadn’t properly grieved, when my brain kicked into overdrive and I decided I wasn’t done yet. It was amazing what I’d put myself through when I wanted something bad enough. I had such wanton abandon in regard to carrying my own child. It didn’t matter how bruised, bloodied and broken I was. Nothing could top having a baby.

Chasing Hope, Chapter 11 Excerpt

As a mom I understand the ups and downs of parenting. Most days are great, really great. And some days are hard, really, really hard. But between all of that I often find I take many of my days as a mommy for granted.

Reeling me back to reality is my best friend Amy. The struggles, trials, and tribulations she and her husband endured just to become parents catapults me back to earth. It is when I remember them that I am keenly reminded of what a blessing it is to be a mommy.

Amy and her husband, Kevin, weathered the storm of multiple miscarriages and pregnancy losses. Pain and heartbreak that tried and tested not only their health and well-being, but their relationship as well.

The strength and courage Amy had, and continues to have, within her is indescribable. The fire and passion that burned within her to push on when so much was crumbling around her is a testament to just how remarkable she is.

Amy is sharing her story of heartbreak, loss, and the miracle of Hope. How so very appropriate today, Memorial Day, Amy is releasing Chasing Hope. You can order your own copy now, through Amazon.com, or by clicking >>HERE<<.

One blog reader will win an eBook of Chasing Hope simply by following the easy prompts below!

It was December twelfth when I lost my fourteen week angel baby and the

holidays were coming up. My OBGYN graciously prescribed me Xanax, Zoloft and

Percocet. I was prepared to live the holidays in a numb fog. Anything that would blur the

image of my pregnant younger sister was on tap.

I’d hardly been home a day and really hadn’t properly grieved, when my brain

kicked into overdrive and I decided I wasn’t done yet. It was amazing what I’d put myself

through when I wanted something bad enough. I had such wanton abandon in regard to

carrying my own child. It didn’t matter how bruised, bloodied and broken I was. Nothing

could top having a baby.

I was consumed with researching on

It was December twelfth when I lost my fourteen week angel baby and the

holidays were coming up. My OBGYN graciously prescribed me Xanax, Zoloft and

Percocet. I was prepared to live the holidays in a numb fog. Anything that would blur the

image of my pregnant younger sister was on tap.

I’d hardly been home a day and really hadn’t properly grieved, when my brain

kicked into overdrive and I decided I wasn’t done yet. It was amazing what I’d put myself

through when I wanted something bad enough. I had such wanton abandon in regard to

carrying my own child. It didn’t matter how bruised, bloodied and broken I was. Nothing

could top having a baby.

I was consumed with researching on

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Zipping Lines and Luaus

While lounging on vacation is nice, and necessary, it's not the only thing we did while we were away. There were a couple of days where we checked out what Maui offered.

Five of the six adults in our group took to the zip lines high up in the mountains.

The first line was a test of nerves - at least for me.

After that first zipline was under our belts it was smooth sailing.

While the guys had no problems letting go of the harness neither my mom nor I could quite pull that trigger. Maybe next time. :) 

The views from the mountain were pretty incredible. We were totally surrounded by lush green vegetation, and could see the endless blue ocean beyond.

Some of the lines were so long we couldn't see where we would end up. Talk about exhilarating! 

I love how awesome everyone looks when they're wearing a helmet and a contraption that resembles a full body diaper.

After a few lines we were all riding like we were old pros. Except my mom… At one point my mom managed to stop on the line, way before she was supposed to. Someone had to throw her a rope to reel her in. HAHA!

The whole experience was SUCH a rush!

Another must-do while on the island was see a luau. Not just any luau, but the Old Lahaina Luau (it's *the* best luau). In all of Hawaii the Old Lahaina Luau is the only authentic luau. 

Sadly, I didn't get many photos of the actual event. Let's be real, I was too busy enjoying the show (and free adult beverages) to remember to whip out the camera. Thankfully, I snapped a few before the festivities began.

 Mom and Dad, we want to thank you for having us join along on such an amazing trip. We had the absolute best of times!

Until next time, Maui!
Mahalo and Aloha!

The Hana Highway

Prior to this trip Scott had never been to Maui. I knew I had to take him on the road to Hana. The distance from Kaanapali - where we stayed - to Hana is about 50 miles. However, the trek *getting* to Hana consists of an estimated 617 turns, and roughly 57 single-lane bridges. The trip can (and should) take almost an entire day.

We set off early and treated ourselves to some of Mother Nature's most amazing work.

Sit back and enjoy the photo dump with just a smattering of narrative.

I vaguely remembered the map/way to get there from previous experience, but I'd never been the one in charge of manning the map. I was worried that duty would strain our marriage. Thankfully, I managed not to screw anything up (too terribly).

We followed along with the Maui Revealed book and discovered some pretty spectacular sights.
There were waterfalls galore. But, the first one that *really* took my breath away was this one.

A stunning 200+ foot fall, with a small pool. And, we had the entire thing to ourselves. I repeatedly gushed to Scott, "Isn't it just awesome?!"

While beyond beautiful, the pool was very, very chilly.

After about 20-30 minutes we decided to keep trucking. We had a LONG way to go before reaching Hana. Just as we were about to make the hike back to the road another couple showed up and kindly took a picture for us.

The road weaves itself in and out of the rainforest and along the coast. There are no words to fully and accurately describe the majesty of it all.

If we saw one waterfall, we saw 100. Seriously.

It was nice to come across waterfalls just off the road. We were more apt to have someone willing to take a picture of us, rather than one of us (Scott) holding the camera out at arms distance hoping to get both our faces and whatever natural beauty stood behind us.

Of all the waterfalls to discover, this one was my favorite.

We were fortunate to meet a local man who directed us to this secluded little place. Again, we were the ONLY ones around. It was all a little surreal… This is the kind of stuff you only see in the movies (at least that's what I kept thinking).

Top left: Another arm out selfie.
Top right: I swam behind the falls.
Bottom: The pool below the falls was the majestic, sparkling turquoise. 

Also on  our trip we managed to find an old lava tube. It wasn't easy spotting the opening of the tube from the road!

Top left: We found it! We really had to search to find that opening!
Bottom left: HA! I had to post this -- we were in the lava tube, Scott snaps a pic, and then immediately makes fun of the wet imprints left on my shirt by my swimsuit. We keep it classy everywhere we go. :)
Right: One of the many tree roots to penetrate through the tube.  

The tube was abysmally dark. I couldn't see my hand directly in front of my face. I'd be lying if I said crawling around in the lava tube didn't creep me out a bit.

The Hana Highway leads to gorgeous Wai'anapanapa State Park (try pronouncing THAT).

The park is home to the only black sand beach on Maui.

And, at the end of the highway is Hana. There isn't any specific thing to see or do in Hana. It's just the journey to get there that is so out-of-this-world.