I started training for marathons with my oldest daughter the summer of 2010. She was an incoming Freshman in High School and wanted to try out a new running club that was piloting at her school. It turns out they needed some adult mentors to help out. I haven't ever been much of a runner, but thought that I should give it a try. This would be a great opportunity to spend quality time with her since her three younger siblings take up a lot of my attention.

I ended up joining in June and completed the full marathon in the middle of October. I thought it would be great to check that off the bucket list. Well- she decided that she would like to do it again the following year. I agreed. I really wanted to get a special gift for her coaches for getting us through yet another season of training, so I looked into the supplies to make a few necklaces with a phrase that we would chant before each of our races. It turns out they were a big hit and many of our teammates wanted one as well.

It all snowballed from there. I started creating all types of different pieces for different occasions. I soon became busy enough to where it wasn't just a hobby anymore. I ran another marathon with her in 2012. We trained for our fourth marathon and completed a half marathon during our training. Two weeks before our fourth one, I was told that I was unable to run due to a stress fracture. She ran and completed it and I was honored to be able to place her finishing medal around her neck. I keep saying with each one that I complete that it will be my last and for some reason I keep going back for more. :)

I must say that the art of hand stamping has been wonderful. I am faced with stories of heartbreak and triumphs every single day. It has become incredibly rewarding.