Father's

I have been lucky enough to be blessed with 4 men that have helped me get to where I am today. One gave me life, one showed me how to live my life, one gave another life and one shares my life with me. I am grateful for all of them and for what they have taught me and for what they are teaching my children. I want to wish a very Happy Fathers Day to all of them and to all fathers out there.

Summer Break

The only thing my family has a break from is school. Sickness has hit my family hard since right before school let out. All but, K1 got the stomach flu, then K1 got sick with another type of flu, (pretty sure it was swine flu). He is still coughing, but overall feels better. Then K2 and J started with the cough, got fevers, J said his ear hurt, doctor confirmed double ear infection, got him on antibiotics but the cough will not go away. K2 has had a high fever, lots of coughing, headache, very irritable and mean, then today complained of his chest hurt (he thinks). So of to the doctor again, on the way there S tells me her throat hurts when she coughs. So the doctor looks at her and doesn't see anything but a could and she gets a cough medicine to help her sleep at night. In the meantime, K2 is given a mask and the doctor examines him. He has an ear infection and the doctor thinks borderline swine flu. So he is not allowed to have any contact with his friends or people outside the home. His lungs sound good and so we have to watch and listen to him. We will try to keep him in his room and away from the others. but at this point, I think it is too late. I have sanitized everything and have threatened the kids with there lives, if they don't wash their hands.

So need less to say, I do enjoy the fact that we are not rushing to and from preschool and school and I am not having to drag kids out of bed. But would really like to start enjoying a BREAK from being sick.

Catch up

It seems that the last month has gone by so quickly. With all the end of the school year programs and preschool graduations, it is already June. Today is the first day of summer break, and what am I doing? Well, I am trying to get my strength back from being sick and helping another child find the bucket when he needs it, clean house, get rid of any germs, air out the house, catch up on meetings missed and follow through on items for my church calling. Yes, it is only Monday and the 1st day of June.

Our family doesn't have any big summer plans. We will try to keep up with our reading and daily worksheets, maybe do a craft once a week, hang out with friends and family. Go to some bike races and running races. Most of all we will try to survive the summer and each other. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT FIRST WEEK OF SUMMER BREAK>

Mothers

A very Happy Mother's Day to all my mother's. Weather it is my own other, or my mother-in-law, or my step mother. These women have made me the mother I am today. So thank you to them and to all the other mother's that have helped me along the way. I hope you all have a great day.

Keith and his mom


My mom and me and 2 of my sisters. (Robin and Renee)


My step-mom Ginnie and Jansen

LITTLE DRUMER BOY

Big J keeps us laughing all the time. He loves to play the drums and he is a one man band. I think the movie "Drum line" has nothing on this little guy.

I did it

With a pained look on my face and tears in my eyes, I completed my first half marathon. I had prerace jitters that didn't go away until after the race began. I tried to keep a 10 minute mile pace with friends, but was surprised when I had to back off from them before mile 1. Once I hit mile 1 I looked at my watch and saw that I did it in 8 mins and 58 seconds. Well that explained why I couldn't keep up with them, they were just too fast for me. I stopped for 30 to 40 seconds at each water station to drink and stretch,then kept running. I was glad to see hubby, kids and friends in between mile 5 and 6. Once I hit mile 7, I was happy to see that I had made it past the half way point. I saw the family again between mile 9 and 10 and got high fives from the kids. It really does something to your self esteem, when you have someone cheering you on. I got a little worried around mile 10, when you are going down and then up again for at least 1/2 a mile. My body started to rebel and I started to doubt myself. I didn't give up though and started to bounce my head in time with the music on the Ipod. I called the hubby at mile 12 to make sure they were at the finish, because I was almost done. He told me to step up my pace and I told him I couldn't. As I rounded the corner and saw the finish line and my family, I gave it all I had left and crossed the finish line. I then went to stretch and started to cry. I don't know really why I was crying, but it felt good. I didn't hit my goal time, (wasn't that far off) but considering the weather I think I did really well. Here are a few photos for your enjoyment.

The day has come

So tomorrow is the big day. Race day that is. I have been training for this specific event for over a month now and my only down fall is extreme cold and hills. My body doesn't respond well to running uphill. As much as I try, my body rebel's. I did some light training runs this week and then gave my body a rest the past two days. I have done alot of stretching and always have water in my hand to drink. With all this preperation you would think I am ready, but I am extremely nervous. The weather here is going to be cold, with rain and snow mix. I think once the race starts I will feel a little better. Of course when I finish I will feel alot better. I still have my goal time to finish in, but may have to adjust it due to weather. Did I mention I hate running when it is really windy out? K1 has been out of town for a couple of days and is due back tonight. So being a single parent has enough stress, but I have added to it with this race. Well, that is enough complaining for today. Toon in tomorrow for the exciting results of my first half marathon. Thanks to everyone who has offered me advise and training tips.