This is the second year Lorna and I have participated in Operation Christmas Child. We packed two shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies, and personal hygiene items.   Using a packing trick or two, I got all the items in the picture plus a few more into the red boxes.  One is for a boy, the other, a girl. We turned the boxes in this past Sunday. Now we wait and watch the tracking app to see where they go. It's always a great feeling when we get a chance to help children in need. --korry 

The finale of the mini vacation was the half marathon for which I've been training! I'm super excited because I raised over $5,000 for my running team, which will bring clean water to over 100 people for their lifetimes. Changing the world makes all the training, early mornings, and today's 13.1 miles worth it. ❤️ --lorna

Korry and I gave my parents their Christmas present a little early this year by helping them cross an item off their bucket list. My Mom has "ALWAYS" wanted to see Trace Adkins in concert. There's just something really special about seeing your parents hold hands and tear up during a favorite old song that makes your heart smile. It's worth every penny. ❤️

We're taking a little road trip with my parents to Amish Country for a few days. Here's the obligatory car selfie! 🙂 --lorna

We mixed spin class up this week and rode to "scary" songs like "Ghostbusters" and "Another One Bites the Dust." Silly Halloween costumes were encouraged. 🎃

Tonight Korry and I had the honor of volunteering for one of his service club's annual fundraisers. This is our fifth year doing so. The proceeds go entirely to a children's hospital. ❤️

We're down to just over thirty days to this year's half marathon! Reality is starting to set in as the days decrease and the long run mileage increases. I have nine miles to look forward to Saturday morning -- Here's to hoping for no rain! This weekend I represented Team World Vision in at 10k at the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben. It was a perfect morning! I was really happy with my time and am almost where I want to be overall performance-wise for next month. 

Today we both had a rare day off together in the middle of the week, and the weather was absolutely gorgeous! It was a perfect fall day. We went for a ride and took Cami to the park. She hung out with Korry while I did my long run. Attached is our attempt at a family photo; there were just too many distractions for her attention span to handle. Squirrel! 🐿️

Today was the longest training run of the season leading up to the big day -- 10 miles for the half marathoners, and 20 miles for the full. Instead of running separately in our cities, members from Team World Vision gathered from all over Indiana and met in Indianapolis to run together. Korry and my parents volunteered at a water and cheer station. Here's a selfie from their post. ❤️

I've had a spider hanging out in my car for a few weeks now, strategically webbing here and there. Yuck! Korry has been teasing me that the spider is his car -- the beanie baby -- hasn't been causing any trouble at all... Korry and I have a fun tradition of surprising each other with gifts in one another's car. Today I left him two cuties -- one with a spider, and one that said, "Boo!"

Happy Halloween! Check out the cute little nursing hat on that ghost! With solid nurse jokes like these, I think the transition to "Mom Jokes" will be a smooth one... 😉

Korry and his son Kendrick have been enjoying spending their Sundays together as Indianapolis Colts season ticket holders. They both played in high school and share a true "love of the game." I've  also overheard many spirited discussions over plays while they're watching the games at home as well. 🙂 --lorna

Today Korry and I celebrate FIFTEEN years of marriage! Looking back, it's seriously crazy how quickly the years have flown by. It seems like just yesterday we agreed to "officially" start this adventure, and I certainly can't think of anyone else I'd rather do life with. I can't wait to see what the next fifteen (and then some) bring. ❤️ --lorna

Here Cami sits, patiently waiting and daydreaming about whatever it is dogs ponder. Our security system includes all the licks, cuddling, and ball throwing you can handle once she gets to know you. ❤️

Tonight we enjoyed an evening of food and fellowship with my running team, Team World Vision. We are fundraising to bring clean water to impoverished communities in underprivileged countries. We have been running together on Saturday mornings in preparation for the Indianapolis Monumental half Marathon in November. Here we are with a sample of one of the jerry cans that the residents currently have to carry approximately six miles every day for clean water now. We are very blessed in this country. I am so grateful to be able to give back.  --lorna

Happy Gotcha Day, Obi! This little stinker, as grumpy as he sometimes pretends to be, brings us lots of joy. While he mostly enjoys participation from afar, he definitely enjoys his nightly naps with Korry. He complements our family perfectly and balances outs Cami's playful enthusiasm quite nicely. Here he is with his longer winter hair. 🐾

Please behold my Dad in his favorite souvenir from vacation! He's got "Dad jokes." The smile says it all. Isn't he just the cutest? ❤️ --lorna

Today on vacation we had a lazy day. We poked around the cabin and ended up doing a whole lot of nothing that added up to simple memories that will last a lifetime -- a family game day and a lunch of chocolate pudding pie. Sometimes you just need to slow down and spend time with the people you love the most; it's soooo good for the soul! ❤️

Today's Upper Peninsula adventures continued with checking out the old abandoned mining town of Fayette and the natural springs of Kitch-Iti-Kepi. Both were equally quite captivating and unique in their own right -- the first was where our forefathers set up shop prior to the iron smelting industry going bankrupt, and the later had water so clear you could see every fish and pebble for miles. We're really looking forward to having a kiddo to taking adventuring with us. ❤️

Today I conquered the eight mile Mackinac Island #FortToFort challenge while representing my church's running team and fundraising to bring clean water to underprivileged countries. It will go down in the books as one of my top ten best days ever -- doing one of my favorite things in absolutely perfect conditions in a magical place for a good cause with my man waiting for me at the finish line. Life just doesn't get much better than that. ❤️ --lorna

Today my parents celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary! They've known each other their entire lives but their first date was prom -- a true American love story. Korry's parents will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in January. Korry and I are very blessed and are beyond grateful to have such strong examples of love and commitment on both sides of our families. We are looking forward to celebrating our 15th anniversary in just a few weeks. ❤️ --lorna

One of Korry's duties with his work is to teach other police officers special driving skills, and this time around it's how to safely execute the pit maneuver to help safely terminate a high speed pursuit. It's amazing what all goes into making sure our officers come home safely everyday. Here he is after he snapped a quick shot of himself in his safety gear. I'm married to a hero. ❤️ --lorna

Sometimes a person just can't find the right words to describe God's amazing artwork; such was the case with the early evening snapshot seen here in the Hiawatha National Forest during this week's vacation in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It was accompanied by a perfect temperature, a light breeze, and the soundtrack of an occasional loon or duck call. Spectacular! ❤️

It was super hot today at the State Police Camp, and the Fire Department stopped by to spray us down with their hoses to cool us off. The hill became super muddy, turned into a massive slip and slide, and then shenanigans ensued! Korry and I both quickly turned into big kids and took a turn, too. 

Today Korry had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with our youngest niece, Maddie. He let her pick the days' festivities -- starting with chicken nuggets and a giant chocolate chip cookie -- and ending with a private lesson in learning to skip rocks in the river. Sometimes it's the little things, and they both made memories that will last a lifetime. ❤️

This week we have the honor and privilege of shaping the future of forty of Indiana's kiddos while volunteering at the Indiana State Police Kids Camp -- Korry as an officer and squad leader, and me as a nurse. This is Korry's fourth year but my first, and there hasn't been a dull moment so far! They were right when they said "Kids say the darndest things." This is a picture of one of the games we've played. Some of the campers grow up to become police officers, which is fantastic -- but the ultimate goal is that each camper learns something about him or herself that can be used to change the world in their own unique way. ❤️ --lorna

Today we got to spend the day with my oldest brother Craig and my godson Noal at Noal's mountain bike race. I don't get to see my brother very often because he lives in another state and is quite busy raising three boys. It's amazing to see kiddos you remember being born grow up and start to find themselves and the things they enjoy. He doesn't take the sport very seriously and that's okay because that's one of the greatest lessons a person can learn in life. Life is short, and if you take it and yourself too seriously, you miss a lot of opportunities for sunshine and smiles. ❤️

The last day of vacation before going back to work. The first long run after an extended break, and arguably one of my hardest yet for the same reason. As I'm running along -- lost in my thoughts and thinking about how hard it is going to be to get back into a "perfect" daily routine again -- I come across this flag in a cornfield by a cemetery on a back country road... and remember that today is Memorial Day. As tough as today's run was, I'm reminded that those who served in the armed forces must have went through something much tougher. Thank you to all who served. God bless the USA, indeed. --lorna

Looks like we're blessed with another beautiful day! One of my favorite parts of being an early riser is catching the sunrise on Sunday mornings against the skyline of our small town while the church bells ring. ❤️ --lorna

Our sweet ObiWan got his summer haircut today, and all the excitement promptly required taking a major nap once he got back home. We're firm believers that everyone should experience the extreme confidence that he experiences when comes out of the groomer at least once in their life. He struts his stuff and really thinks he is something special! His fur sister Cami was pretty excited to see him when he came home, too. ❤️

Today was FX Sunday -- or Family Experience Sunday -- at church. On FX Sundays, "kids take their parents to church." They're loud, messy, and full of fun. Today ended with confetti and evidently I picked the perfect seat. We're so grateful to attend a church that values the next generation and wants to point kiddos in the right direction. It takes a village to raise a child and it's wonderful that we not only have an unbelievable family support system but an outstanding church family in place as well. 

We had a nice date night out tonight at a concert, one of our favorite pastimes. It was nice to spend some quality time together after a long work week. We are very thankful that our parents exposed us to nearly every type of music growing up, and Korry and I are both excited to giving the child that same opportunity. Music is a universal language that touches each of our soul's in one way or another. ❤️

Today was a good day! My best friend and I ran the SHE Power, an all ladies race in Indianapolis. Ladies from all over our great state come and give it their best go. It's all about women supporting women and cheering each other on, even when they feel like quitting. Not only are there lots of hugs, high-fives, and tears at the finish line but there's chocolate cake and roses, too. If for no other reason than running with one of your best friends ... why not run for cake? 🧁

Saw the amazing Tongass National Rainforest by way of foot today in beautiful Ketchikan; it REALLY made this outdoor adventure gal's heart smile! We next sat down to an old school seafood boil with some life-changing, fresh-caught Alaskan crab, mussels, clams, and shrimp. Today has been one of those days that you definitely would not mind living over again. 🙂 --lorna

Hiked part of the Tongrass National Forest to check out the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. It was nothing short of stunning!! Enjoyed a meal of fresh smoked Alaskan rockfish, fresh sockeye salmon and seafood chowder, and bison meatloaf. Even did a little whale and sealion watching by boat. Fantastic!! ❤️

Traversed the Coastal Mountains through the White Trail Pass today. We've always heard that Alaska is beautiful but there truly are no words to describe it. It's just something you have to experience for yourself. It is nothing short of breathtaking! ❤️

Today we peeped a few baby icebergs and one ginormous glacier. Saw several whale spouts, a few whale tails, and what appeared to be a whale body part or two as they were coming up for air. Korry even saw a few goats, a bear, and an eagle in the mountains through his binoculars. An amazing day overall. ❤️

Me and my beautiful mother on Mother's Day! She's definitely a keeper. She's helped shape me into the woman I am today. I hope to be half the mother she is. ❤️ --lorna

There's just something about this time of year! We love the sunshine and fresh air; so nice to get outside after being cooped up indoors. The flower beds, yard, and front stoop are coming along nicely. ❤️

Today I had the pleasure of watching Korry do something he loves. He genuinely enjoys bringing smiles to the children's faces as his club wizzes by, doing various formations for the crowd and bringing attention to his club's worthy cause. He could certainly have a worse hobby. I'm very proud to call him mine. He's a keeper, indeed. ❤️ --lorna 

We had a nice Saturday evening out with friends yesterday -- a dinner date and trivia night fundraiser for our church's teen youth group mission trip to Puerto Rico. Amazingly, team "Useless Knowledge" came in first place!! Rather intimidating to know we have a title to defend for next time. 🙂

An experience of a lifetime! The change of the wind pattern, the drop of the temperature, the absence of sound. To experience total darkness while surrounded by four generations of loved ones. We went to my family's farm and had a hog roast, played a few card games, shared a few laughs -- but most importantly, took the time to slow down and just be together. The only thing missing was the child. Attached is a picture of the farm during the eclipse. Spectacular! ❤️ --lorna