Day 30

Today I am thankful to have a job/career I truly love and am passionate about. Inspiring others to read or teach reading provides me with so much joy. I can't imagine doing anything else with the talents God gave me.

Day 29

Today I am thankful for people who share my love of running. I joined the "running club" a few years ago, and I am thankful for the bond running creates among friends. I look forward to the many races I will run with friends and family over the years.

~Melinda Goedeke, Holly Johnson, Kelsey Dunigan, Nikki Stromme, Anny Bowman, Kelly Lindahl,  Deb Holmgren, Bradley Hofbauer, Jenn Mesko, Holly Oberg, Jessica Snyder, Catie Kastan, Christopher Rash, Andrew Rash

Day 28

Today I am thankful for blogs like this one. 

http://www.rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/2012/11/dear-mom-during-holidays.html

Day 27

Today I am thankful for Holly Johnson and her ability to speak my love language. Not much beats a surprise note found at the perfect time. #wordsofaffirmation

Day 26

Today I am thankful for Cyber Monday. I just registered for four races (two for me and two for Griffin) for half the normal price!

Day 25

Today I am thankful for Christmas songs. I love listening to my boys sing a little Michale Buble in the car.

Day 24

Today I am thankful for crafts that keep my kiddos busy for hours. Who knew foam stickers could be so much fun?

Family Game Night

The four of us played games together on the XBOX last night. If you can't read the screen, I dominated in Bowling :). As much as it pains me to admit, I am a fan of this whole gaming system. My arms are a little sore today from playing Fruit Ninja, and I got out of breath a few times playing other games as well. Griffin is having a blast with the soccer games, and Grayson is quite good at Boxing. The best part: the picture flashbacks at the end!

5x7 Folded Card

Wonder of Wonders Christmas Card

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Day 23

Today I am thankful for Christmas music and books that keep Griffin entertained during allergy shots. I am also thankful for online shopping.

Run Streak 2012

Last year I committed to a Run Streak between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I had to drop out because of my blood clots. I promised I would do it this year.

So here I am. Thanksgiving Day. 10:30PM. I can barely breathe, and my chest feels like I have an elephant standing on it. But I WILL not let sickness stand in the way.

One Mile. (sometimes more)

Every Day.

From Thanksgiving.

Until Christmas.

I am committed.

Day 22

Today I am thankful for a full belly and time with family.

Happy Thanksgiving 2012

Day 21

Today I am thankful for days off with the kiddos.

Cuddles

The only benefit to my kiddos being sick...CUDDLE TIME!

Fall Family Photos 2012

Courtesy of E. Korbel Photography

Influenza A

We found on on Friday that Griffin has Influenza A. All of us but Brandon were vaccinated against this the first day the vaccine was available, but he still got it. Multiple people, including the Urgent Care doctor, tried to reprimand me for not getting the shot, but we did. We just happen to be special I guess, as this is the third illness Griffin has contracted during his short six years of life that he was vaccinated against.

Unfortunately, Influenza A isn't very fun. He had a high fever for a few days, his body hurt, and he has a nasty cough. Thankfully he is MUCH better, but it has taken quite a few days to get there. Both Brandon and I got sick as well, but Grayson seems to be perfectly fine.

The best part of this has been the extra time spent with Griffin. The doctors told him he had to stay out of school and other public places for a week. I took off of work on Friday and Tuesday, and I loved cuddling, doing arts and crafts, and watching movies with him.With my hectic schedule, it was nice to be forced to slow down. It hasn't been easy staying locked up in the house for a week, but his quarantine is almost over. Just in time for THANKSGIVING!