#BestEver

My heart is just so full of happiness! This weekend was truly one I will never forget.

We were up at 4:30, to the race by 6. We were so nervous! This was our first race, and our longest distance to run. We met our goal, and we finished. It wasn't the prettiest run, but I am so proud of us!

 

Patrick even jumped in at mile 10.5 and ran in with us! (And, my dad did too!)

 

After all that excitement, I took at lovely two hour nap and began to prepare for my bachelorette party that night! Yeah, I know, CRAZY. Despite me yawning the entire night, I had such a blast laughing with my sweet friends. Oh, the guy from American Pickers Nashville also stopped and chatted with me. I had no idea who he was. So, there's that.

And, my friend Taryn made me this PERFECT sash to wear all night!

 

Tomorrow, Tomorrow!

Well, the day is almost here. 

My first half-marathon, 13.1 miles. 

I am nervous, excited, intimidated, you name it- that is how I feel. 

Not to mention, I picked up my race bib, yeah... this girl is in the first corral. What?! At least I won't have time to back out, right?

I have my lofty goal, and I have my realistic goal. And then I have my "if you go over this, I'm gonna kick your butt" goal.

That is the thing about running, it is just like life. There is always going to be someone better than you or something that sets you back, and that is okay. It is a competition with yourself. I am so proud of myself for even getting this far. I have come a long way in 5 months. I started at a 12:30-13:15 min pace, barely making a mile, to averaging in the 10s.

So here is to the blood, sweat, and many tears that have gone into these next 13.1 miles.

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Weekend recap

It's Fall Y'all

Bridal shots were a HUGE success. My Matron of Honor, seriously bless her heart, was miss do it all! She was constantly fixing my dress/bouquet/hair/everything else.
Not to mention we had some good laughs along the way. Two hours later, I think we got some really great shots. I already got a little sneak preview of 2 pictures & I LOVE them!

Sunday was complete with a 4miler and a TITAN victory against the Chargers!
Aw yeah.
I finished up some wedding centerpieces, which is not my God-given talent, but I think they turned out pretty good!

Ran a 3.7 with 9:54 pace this cool, fall morning. WHAT?! Yeah. I was so proud of myself! Considering when I started this running journey this year, I did good to have a 12:15 pace. 

Here's to 1/2 Marathon Week! Let's do this!

Have a great week! Enjoy this beautiful weather!

Five on Friday

It's Friday! Saying a little "thank you" prayer right now! Keeping today's 5 short and sweet due to busy work schedule! 5 things I am extremely happy about on this beautiful Friday:

1. Stacks on Stacks on Stacks. I finally completed my collection. Even though it was hard to spend money, and I will probably never use this particular company again, but I am super happy I finally have all 3 bracelets. 

 

2. I met with my "wedding coordinator" on Wednesday to figure out the timeline. She is actually one of my Matron of Honor's good friends that I have known for years, but just this year have gotten really close with her. After about 2 hours of deciding how the heck it was going to work logistically/transitionally for the ceremony and reception, she said let's just go to your venue. So, we drove 25 minutes to stand in front of my venue for an hour and sort it all out. We also had a 1 hour and 7 minute phone conversation last night about life. I think she and Bailey are the only people I could talk to on the phone for that long! So thankful for her sweet heart!

3. My bridal portraits are tomorrow!! I wasn't going to do them, but my photographer offered. And, for free! Seriously love her!

4.  It's about to be what I like to call "soup season!!" I love soup, and I will definitely be posting some of my favorite recipes here soon!

5. This may be cheating, but I think my most favorite thing about today is that in TWENTY-TWO days, I am getting married. AW YEAH. 

Ten on Thursday

Ten songs I really can't go through the day without listening to this week:

1. Wrecking Ball- Miley. (go on and judge)
2.  Roar- Katy Perry
3. Hallelujah - Billy Currington
4.  Lighters in the Air- Chris Young
5. We Were Us- Keith & Miranda
6. Dark Horse- Katy Perry (girl is on fire)
7. That's How I Know You Love Me- Justin Moore
8. Nashville Without You- Tim McGraw
9. Rebel Beat- The Goo Goo Dolls
10. Cruise- FlGaLine... yep. I love it.

 

Wedding Wednesday

TWENTY FOUR DAYS, Y'ALL!

Cue panic? Nah. I'm literally as chill as a cucumber about this. Which I think is freaking most of my friends out for several reasons. 

1. I am type-A. Like, no joke.

2. When I don't know every little detail, I get really anxious. 

(I really don't know what triggered that personality trait, but I am 99% sure that it drives those closest to me nutso!)

3. I am a planner. Refer back to 1 and 2. 

So, for all those reasons and probably some more, I think I have concerned them.

I think it would be all of the above if I hadn't just been a part of my MOH's wedding. It was beautiful and perfect. And those are the only two adjectives I will ever use to describe it, because that is all that mattered after all the stress, laughter, and yes, even rain.

So, I am choosing to spend the next 24 days enjoying engagement. Not stressing about table decorations or who is or isn't coming. Yes, I want it to be beautiful and perfect. And it will be.

At the end of the day, we are married. And that is all that matters.

So, happy Wednesday!

Happy Tuesday!

My favorite moments are when Pat and I are having a hilarious conversation. Those closest to me get to enjoy these more frequently, but this one I have to share with every one. It was priceless. We were trying to find a movie to watch, and Arbitrage popped up. I said, "That has Richard Gere in it, so it has to be good!"

Patrick came back with "Who is Richard Gere?!"

Me: "Pat, you don't know who Richard Gere is?????"

-absolutely in shock at this point

Pat: "Nope, what is he in??"

Me: "Indian Jones, DUH!!!"

Pat: "That's Harrison Ford, Sara."

Cue laughter. Brought to you by yours truly. 

 Now on to Tuesday...

I am totally fan-girling right now. For those that don't know, I am, along with my sweet friend Jordyn, and now my fiance too, like the biggest fan of the Bobby Bones Morning Show. Yep, a radio show. Like, not the OMG they are celebrities type fan- because that doesn't matter, but they are hilarious and I think we would be best friends. Well, Jo and I have made it a daily mission to tweet them and have the crew show up to my bachelorette party. Aw yeah. We started last night. And after Amy's commentary on the Steelers game (LOL, by the way), I tweeted her.... and BOOM. Progress ladies and gentleman. Progress.

 

I knew this day was going to be great after my best friend gave me a shirt that didn't look right on her. I normally don't post selfies... but I LOVE this shirt. Very Nautical, Very Sara.

Weekend Recap

        

This weekend was so great! Friday, after a long week at work, I just relaxed. Still not having date night with Patrick's new schedule. BUT, he did tell me good news: he will have Fridays off in October. Which, let's be honest, he should. I say that because two of the Fridays will be the day before the wedding and then the honeymoon. Can't work when you aren't in town!!

Saturday started off with a 10.3 mile run with my main girl, Jordyn. Jo and I decided to run this half marathon in May. I hate running with anyone besides my dad or our other running partner. So, I was kind of nervous about pairing up with someone to "train." We haven't trained together physically, but we talk weekly to catch up on where we are with it and life in general. I have been friends with Jordyn since 7th grade. I honestly couldn't imagine running with anyone else. She encouraged me at mile 8.5 when I was fading, and I encouraged her at mile 9.7 to finish as strong as we can! We make a pretty great team, if I do say so myself.

Needless to say, the rest of the day, I spend icing and relaxing. Sunday brought high blood pressure and a Titan's loss. That's okay, we played a heck of a game! I say "we" like I actually played.

And last but certainly not least, I hung out with one of my main girls, the other is on injury reserve and had to rest.  If a dog could be a maid of honor, I would have 2.

Whoa.

I love the moments when God places a person, be it someone you are really close to or just someone you happen to read their blog, in your life to show you that you are not alone. That is probably one of my top 5 favorite phrases. You are not alone. Four words that have the power to comfort, heal, provide a sense of peace and joy. I read something about ten minutes ago from a blog that I just love. And, imagine the fact it is exactly what I needed to hear.

From Bloom:

Wow.  "For they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God."  I was convicted.  Lately, I've struggled with wanting the approval of others.  I want to be liked.  To be cherished.  To be invested in.  To be told I have good ideas.  To be given the thumbs up.  I like to be affirmed.  But, all that affirmation means absolutely nothing in light of the approval of God.  I am to live my life in obedience to Him.  My life should always be wrapped about His will for me and I should do all I do for His glory only.  Not for my glory.  Not for the approval of others.  Not for the applause of others. 







I had no intention of learning this early in the morning. But, whoa. Did she read my mind?! Talk about a reminder that you are never alone in your struggles, in your triumphs, in your pain, or in your joy.

Five On Friday

Well, it is only appropriate that since I get married in 29 days--- This will be 5 wedding things, aside from the obvious Fiance, that I LOVE!

1. My photographer, Wendy Cunningham-- that is the link to her blog. She is incredible. I never would have imagined that I would grow to like her the way I have. She is truly one-of-a-kind! I hope everyone engaged will really take the time to invest in your photographer, don't just go with what the cheapest option may be, while cost is very, very important. It is also important that you realize you are paying for quality. I would say I do not regret a dollar spent on my photography thus far. Which, coming from someone who is always trying to save, save, save... that is a huge deal.

2. My venue. I am obsessed with my venue. I think it is the perfect location for Patrick and I

3. My Matron of Honor's in-laws own a nursery. Pumpkins and mums galore! SO thankful for them volunteering these for our wedding!!

4. Pre-marital counseling. Love it. Recommend it. Just do it. And, read this book. It will impact your relationship in ways I never thought possible.

5.My sweet friend Rachel. She has truly invested in me the past year (really, since I was a high schooler, but anyways). When every one else is being judgmental or has no idea what I am going through with wedding/marriage things, she has been a true blessing. Even yesterday, I texted her to hash out some thoughts, and she said all I needed to hear "I've been there, and so has everyone else... you're not alone." God broke the mold when he created her. Her spirit and heart scream God's love. She is real, honest, and wise beyond her years. I cannot wait to learn more from her and her marriage!

 

One Month.

I have been an emotional mess the past two weeks. The RSVPs are rolling in. Details are being confirmed. Can I press pause? Can I just stop for a minute and tell you how overwhelmed I am? I am not overwhelmed in the sense that there is SO much left to do (which, don't let me fool you- there is), but I am overwhelmed with joy and love. Joy that in ONE MONTH I get to say I do to my best friend. Love for and from all the happiness and support our family and friends have shown us.

I have always been the emotional one.. you know, that friend... the crier. Cry at weddings, birthday parties, movies, you name it- probably somewhere getting teary eyed. I think it is my way of releasing the pure joy I have when I see others show love to each other- unselfish and gracious love. Yes, I am aware at how cheesy that sounds. It is okay, because that is just me.


I got a text from my Matron of Honor early this morning, then another from my Maid of Honor both stating something to lines of ONE MONTH with a lot of happy punctuation. My oh my, am I blessed or what?! Then, if that wasn't sweet enough, I get on Instagram to see two pictures made in my honor I guess you could say. Cue the tears. I am getting married. It is starting to set in. My gosh I am so happy.

Never Forget

September 11, 2001 was a day I will never forget. It is a day that all Americans will never forget. I was an 11-year-old sixth grader sitting in Mrs. Barrett's homeroom when I heard the screams of a teacher down the hall. As an eleven year old, I didn't really understand what was going on. Even 12 years later, I still don't know what I was thinking at the moment when we sat watching it on tv or held hands in a prayer circle. The TV was off, then on, then off again. We didn't have cell phones, so we weren't able to communicate with our parents like we would be able to now. It was scary. It was unreal. It didn't really sink in. I was eleven. Yes, it is true: you will never forget what you were doing on that day, where you were, who you were with. I had no idea what was going on. It was through the past 12 years that I know how to feel about it, process what happened, and let the events of that day move me.


In light of remembering today and all that it signifies, I hope America never forgets. Never forget the pride and love you felt for your country and leaders. Never forget to pray for others, to show others love and compassion. Never forget that in an instance, life can completely change. We may not always choose to look to God in times of joy and strength, or times of confusion and fear, but He is always faithful.

Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.- George W. Bush 9/11/01

Weekend Recap

Boy, was I glad that the short 4-day work week was over! While I spent most of the weekend in bed with a killer headache, we did manage to have a pretty good weekend!

For the past three months, Patrick has had Fridays off. What a treat! I'm not going to lie, when his schedule was switched back to working on Fridays... I was a little disappointed! I had grown to enjoy ending the week with spending time with him! On my way home, I thought: "So, what am I supposed to do tonight?!"

Every moment is a blessing is disguise. I got to chat with my Matron of Honor for almost an hour on the phone. I love our phone conversations. We have been on such opposite schedules lately, it has been hard to have time to actually talk. It is so special to see where our friendship has been throughout the past 17 years, and where we are headed with our lives.

I finally got new running shoes. Thank goodness.

 

On Saturday, I did my long run. Ouch. I had taken a break from long runs for 2 weeks. I had only run 4s & 5s. This was just the motivation I needed to get me through the next two weeks until Race Day.

Sunday was wonderful. Football is back. As mom said: It's been a good day for the Future Leitch family... both of your teams won! Go Titans and Go Seahawks!


Here's to another week! Hope you all make the best of every opportunity!

Five on Friday

This is probably my favorite to blog about. Yes, even more than Wedding Wednesday. So here are my favorites things this week.

O N E.

Football is offically in full swing. And I LOVE this idea for tailgating or  football parties.


T W O.

It is almost offically Fall. Which means Fall Candles. Here is my all time favorite candle. I even burn it when it isn't fall. Shhh, don't tell. This is from Swan Creek Candle Co., but I buy it from a little boutique by my house!

T H R E E.

Last week when I was in Destin, I snagged an awesome deal on some new running shorts. These have built in compression shorts. They were $15! And honestly, Norts only go so far when you are training. I think the quality of them has declined with their popularity. These are definitely my new fave.



F O U R.

I have been wanting a Longchamp for several months now. But two problems: They are never on sale & I found something better. Dooney & Bourke released their version... which I LOVE. And, also got on sale last weekend. Thank you Labor Day.










 F I V E.
Since the wedding is 36 days away, I am getting FULL use out of these precious Thank You's from Ashley Brooke Designs. They are so great to work with!

No matter what state I'm in, I'm in a southern state of mind

Destin, Florida: My second favorite place on Earth.

Four days on the beach is just what I needed. 

I'm a true believer in the quote: "The cure for everything in life is salt water: sweat, tears, and the sea"