Tis The Season

Tis the season to take stock of all you hold dear.

I can attest to the realities of life, at times they seem to catch you by surprise. I have counted it as a blessing that our family has been brushed with many of life's uncertain challenges as of late.
I have found that dealing with void of Adam's passing has brought both spectrum's of emotion. As with faith, I have experienced amaizing highs and incredible lows. Over all I claim the challenge that I will continue to be better and not bitter. The relationships that I have found and the amaizing trainings and races that I have experienced through "Team in Training" has been at the top of that list. Having the support to do three races in a row, and to have all most reached my goal of $12,000 for cancer research is exciting.

Another contrast to the high and low is that our "honored teammate" Mckenna, whom we were supporting for the Phoenix race, recently passed away at the tender age of 10. If you want to find amaizing perspective that can only be granted from God our Father, check out her site. www.caringbridge.org/mn/mckenna
I have been very touched by her and her parents perspective, and am taking my time to process it all because it so difficult to see such a loss again so soon.

What a blessing life is! Even if is just for a day, a month, a year. We are so blessed to have experienced so much in such little time. Mckenna touched so many in just 10 years. Adam touch so many in just 32 years. What is too little, what is too much? There is no answer. I can honestly deduce that 10 years is certainly not enough in comparison, but seriously, every day is precious, 10 or 32. With all the perspective that I have seen in the past few years of my life, I feel a very serious call to make sure my daughter knows what is important. I remember when I was a young lad, thinking that a pair of jeans or shoes was life's biggest deal. I pray that God gives me the grace to teach heavenly perspective to my family.
Life is about others. Life is about service. Life is about honesty to yourself and others. Life is about serving. Life is about happiness! I want so badly for my family to never be defined by the things we have or want, but by the things we do, and have done. I want to reflect the love, and grace, that has been given to us. There is a lot to give! The grace that God has given and the love and support that our family has received is amaizing, awe inspiring!

Training has become difficult as of late. Winter has it's way of deflating all your energy with its cold and early darkness. I am finding it difficult to get out during the week to get in all the important short training runs. Instead I have just been making my group "long runs" on the weekend mornings. Last Sunday was my first 20 mile run ever and my legs do not like me much right now. I really didn't think I would enjoy it but I really did. The temp was just above zero but I ran with a great running partner Greg (a tnt mentor) who made the miles go by fast. I know that if I am diligent in my short weekly runs my legs will be able to handle the big miles much better. Race day is just four and a half weeks away. I am looking forward to running in Phoenix (jan 13) not here! I want to honor all the support that I have received to run this race, and complete the "triple crown." Most of all I want to run to honor the life of Mckenna and Adam. They are the reason I am running, and they deserve a my strongest efforts.

Here are some more pictures of life as it has been happening around here.

Our stinky little girl

Mommy and her Christmas Fairy

First fun hair wake up!
Good Morning