Gratitude

My previous 3 posts have lead up to the grand finale, Thanksgiving 2012.  Obviously, I am most grateful for my 3 children and Randy, as well as all my extended family and friends.  I hope I make that quite apparent not only around Thanksgiving but every day of my life.  I have so much to be grateful for.  If I had to pick one thing other than my family and friends, this year I have to say it is my health.  I have to be in tip top shape to take care of my family.  Over the past 5 months I have been committed to exercising every single day.  I came out of retirement from running and I am in better shape than I was 10 years ago.  I'm averaging under 8 minute miles for 6 miles!!  It's so exciting for me and a huge release of stress and anxiety.  I am grateful everyday for my body and the incredible things it can do.  I will do everything I can to keep it healthy and strong.

We had a great Thanksgiving break that kicked off with some fresh haircuts for the boys.

These are some handsome devils!  Sam loves getting his hair cut.  Those hairy suckers get him every time.

When I finished my 6 mile run on Thanksgiving morning, I found these excited boys ready to play in the annual Turkey bowl.  I had high hopes Max would really get into it this year.  He had fun for about 10 minutes which is longer than last year.  Thanksgiving dinner was held at my mom's house.  She did a beautiful job as usual.  The table looked amazing.

My dad treated us to some delicious grilled duck and pheasant for an appetizer.

He was mighty pleased with himself.  My contribution to the meal was the mashed potatoes.  It was a labor of love.  I didn't want to screw up the 2nd most important dish of Thanksgiving.  After making potatoes the entire day before, the finished product turned out pretty well.  No one needed to know I used a pound of butter and a pound of cream cheese.

The dinner was delicious, in fact I don't think I've ever eaten more in one sitting.  Everything just tasted that good.  Our meal was shared with Grandpa Sherm, Grandma Yvonna, Chris, and Missie.  

Only my mom can look this adorable after making Thanksgiving dinner!

We were enjoying some great conversation when I noticed something was a little off with Sam.  He seemed very uneasy and uncomfortable. 

Not 5 minutes after I snapped this picture, Sam threw up everything he ate that day, all over my mom and dad's couch.  Sour milk anyone?  He acted better almost immediately.

After a nice bath I thought he was over his sickness so we headed over to Jeri and Scott's.  I was there 5 minutes before he threw up again.  Poor little guy was so pale so I took him home and put him to bed while the other boys stayed to play games.  Sam went to bed around 7:30 which left me all alone for 4 hours!  It was a really relaxing end to a great day.  I was worried I was in for a long night of throwing up from Sam but he slept the entire night.  

I was leery of feeding him anything but he headed straight to the pantry and grabbed the Cheetos's.  I couldn't pry them from his death grip.  Apparently he felt much better.  Fast forward to Sunday night...he must have shared his sickness with Hank and I.  We were sicker than dogs!  Thanks Sam.

Rick came to town for Thanksgiving which always make things more fun around here.

The boys are a bit obsessed with Uncle Rick.  They wanted to hang out with him 24/7 the entire week and pretty much did. 

Hank and Rick had a pretty intense poker game at buffalo wild wings.

Randy and I had some great nights out with Rick on this trip.  

Only a few short weeks until he's back for Christmas.  Hank and Max are counting the days!