Truly Blessed.

This morning as I sit at my desk and take a minute to reflect on my life, I feel truly blessed. I may not have everything in the world and I may still want for many things, but when it comes right down to it, I have more than I need and everything that is important to me. What brings me to think these things? In short, Memorial Day. This weekend we went to my parents cabin. At the cabin I was surrounded by my amazing family; my husband, two kiddos, mom, dad, and both of my brothers. You see, we were fortunate this Memorial Day to not have an empty chair at our family table like we have in years past and like many families currently do. Each and every day I am thankful my dad is stateside and less than an hour from me. Being a self proclaimed daddy's girl I couldn't ask for anything else.
So as I listened to my brothers bicker with my dad over yardwork and watched my husband role his eyes at the shenanigans the Krause's sometimes pull, I couldn't help but smile. As my son ran around the cabin playing karate man and sat in the truck with his Boppa it almost brought me to tears just to see the joy on his little face. Knowing that I am blessed to be part of such an amazing and supportive family is quite overwhelming at times and I don't think I reflect on how lucky I am enough.
I know I am thankful every day, not just Memorial Day and Veterans Day, for the sacrifices our troops and their families make. But I also ask that all of you remember any and ALL servicemen and women and their families every day. Not just those in our armed forces, but also our police officers, fire fighters, EMT's, etc. They also take care of us everyday and some do not make it home to their loved ones at night.
I also spent a great deal of time this weekend reflecting on friendships and love and second chances. To all the loves of my life (Tara this means you to), keep your heads up! There is a plan for all of us. It may not make sense right now and we may struggle through it, but that's the important part to remember, we will get through it!! Love to you all and here's to an amazing summer!!

Where does the time go?

Gavin is 6 weeks already! He's weighing in at 9lbs 6ozs and is filling out nicely. :) Lucas is playing the role of big brother wonderfully. He makes sure to let me know anytime G is crying (not like we can't hear him.... ha ha) and loves to give him kisses. He also loves to share his toys, for now, i'm guessing in another 8 or 9 months when G can and wants to play with Lucas' toys we'll have a whole different situation. So far Lucas isn't showing any jealousy towards Gavin but we're working hard on making sure Lucas gets one on one time with each of us.
Riley Started his mowing season today....May 2nd and he froze his butt off! That is just not ok in my world!! We should not be worrying about snow and frost in MAY! Who can help me convince my hubby to move out of this godforsaken tundra?!?!?!?! He will also be playing softball two nights a week this summer. I'm very excited that he's going back to softball after taking several seasons off. He's also given up coaching baseball (gasp!). But we're all very excited about the extra family time that will give us.
As for me, I jumped right back into running about 3 weeks after G was born. I am running my first 5k this month, another 5k in June, the Ragnar Relay in August and a half marathon in October.... yes, i'm begining to realize I may be slightly crazy (but I like it). :) Unfortunately with G arriving 6 weeks early I will have to go back to work before the end of the school year. SO, May 24th I'll head back to work for three short weeks before summer break. I'm excited to see my students and be able to wrap up with my 8th graders before they move on to high school but sad that i'll have to leave my little peanut. Oh well, it's only for 3 weeks and there are only 4 days of work each of those weeks for me (i'll take it!).

Keep an eye on your mailboxes, pictures of G being sent out SOON! :)