What I am most thankful for.

Exhausted? Accomplished?  Loved?  Thankful?  

I've been seeing numerous post from my very thankful friends about what they are thankful for in their lives. I read some that have been posting for 16 days, 20 days, etc.  I read everyone of them intently.  Then I ponder the question during this time of the year, "What am I most thankful for"?  This may sound  just like posting all the runs I do on my dailymile.  They are not there for boasting or some sort of "I exercised today, what did you do?"  No, not at all. It simply is a reminder to get myself going.  When you've been a size 16 for a long time, you need some motivation after 8 years to keep running, cycling, or doing some really cool Yoga moves.  So, I'm sure those thankful posts that I never started are for that reason, the person who displays this thankfulness wants to be reminded about all the good things in his/her life.

I had a co-worker talk me out of working an extra shift the other day. I already had worked 5 days (12hour shifts) and this would be an "extra" day.  You know, extra Christmas gift.  And no, not the Playstation 4 ( I cannot justify paying $500.00 for a gaming system, but that's just me).  I don't even watch T.V. and my pure joy in life would be a new pair of running shoes.  Yup, I'm a simple girl who would rather spend her time running 10 miles than go shopping.  My body thanked my friend as I woke up on my one day off and just did my motherly duties.  I cooked a delicious dish of enchiladas, rice and beans for my family. I baked bread. I cleaned. I shopped. I enjoyed my one day off.  I found joy simply in being in the presence of my family than having an extra gift under the tree.  Which leads me to today, 3 days before Thanksgiving.  

I'm sure all you out there have all your preparations set for this day.  The turkey has been bought. The recipe book has been looked through.  The family will get together.  The setting will be splendid and we will have a jolly old time.

A time, I pray that you will see whats in front of you.  Observe your surroundings. Breathe in the aromas of the moment.   Embrace your loved ones.  Laugh and let love fill your heart.  One day, when you get older or should I say, I'm 21 ( my many patients think I'm in my 20's),  you will look back on all the years you've spent celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas and remember the moments you spent with your loved ones. My memory is of my grandmother.  And if you have a loved one that has passed,  remember them by the joy and love they brought into your life.

I know I'm early, but I couldn't resist.
  Its our first year with a big tree. 

 Who needs Starbucks?
Hot Cocoa. 

 I am most thankful for my Family, my husband who never ceases to amaze me, for those of you who dont' know, he endured total hip replacements to both hips in August and was walking with a cane 2 weeks later, my mom who talks to Jesus for me, my son D.J who is too cool for his own shirt, for Zach who is pretty awesome at Taekwondo and for Emily who leaves reams of paper everywhere with little drawings on them. To my In laws who have always been there for us. And to my sister in laws, Keila and Patty for staying away from us and giving us space (although we do miss our get togethers. Lol!)  And of course, my brothers Conrad and Peter and my sisters Tita and Crystal.  Although Tita doesn't cause my mom grief, I'm glad we are not perfect.   Much Love!!!

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic, 

Eat Gluten-Free, 

Jennifer