Peace & Quiet

I'm so thankful for the moments I have at the end of the day all to myself!

I'm a bit of a nighthawk so I usually head to bed after my hubby. I really enjoy just catching my breath and clearing my head from the events of the day. Sometimes I read or check out Facebook, other times all my brain can handle is an episode or two of House Hunters.

On that note- time to veg out! Goodnight & God Bless.

A Short Drive

Just a quick bit of thankfulness today. Although we've had a fairly mild winter so far, I'm thankful on days like today that I live so close to work. My drive is about 15-20 minutes maximum. I'm so grateful I don't have a long commute everyday, especially in inclement weather.

If you commute- be safe- stay warm, put on some music and relax.

Snow Angels & Such

I'm not usually one who's overly happy to see snow, but today I must admit I was happy to see a skiff of the white stuff.

I'm thankful Liam was feeling well enough to get outside for a bit and enjoy a little walk in the snow. I was feeling better today too and enjoyed the fresh air.

Here's a few photos from our little outdoor venture.

Family Fun

Today we got to have some fun at Liam's Sportball class. I mostly watched my hubby & Liam interact this time, which was nice. I'm thankful that we can be part of this little class together.

It's amazing to see Liam become more and more his own person. It's hard to believe how much he's changed in these first 3 years of his life. I'm thankful I have my hubby to share this little wonder.

The Last Minute

I'm a procrastinator, if it weren't for the last minute- some days I wouldn't get anything done. I remember when I was in grade school I would always wait until the night before our science fair project was due to tell my Mom I had to get it done. A late night panic, but I would always complete it, with some scolding and help. You would think I'd learn by now- haha.

Since its just before midnight, today's bit of thankfulness is dedicated to the last minute!

Lunch With Office Friends

We have a group of friends at work that gets together for lunch every Thursday (well providing our work world isn't falling apart). It's nice to get out of the office and chit chat.

Today I'm thankful for our Thursday escape from the office lunch.

Unanswered Prayer

Well... with a slightly heavy heart I'm thankful that the job my hubby interviewed for he didn't get. It's not that I'm happy about it, but I have to trust that something better is in store for us.

I was reminded of a Garth Brooks song tonight that I think fits the situation:
"Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers"

Well on with the show... I'm thankful that God knows what we need before we even ask!

Bedtime

It's been a long day and tonight I'm thankful for a cozy bed to snuggle up in. Good-night.

My big bed by Michelle Wong

To Staying Young

This post will be of a less serious nature. Today's bit of thankfulness is on staying young, more specifically on hair dye! It is a wonderful invention that I am truly grateful for.

I do not plan on going quietly into my 40's much less my 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond. I will be one of those old gals in the nursing home with my hair as flaming red as it is today.

If you like your gray hair and want to age gracefully with lovely gray hair more power to you. As for me and my hair, we shall remain red!!

The end of the weekend

I'm not exactly thankful for the end of the weekend. Unfortunately the life I had planned where I'm independently wealthy, with not a care in the world, where afternoon tea & scones is a daily activity, hasn't quite panned out yet. All this to say I'm back to work tomorrow.

I'm thankful for the weekend I had. It was spent with busyness and quiet moments, chilling out and doing chores, sitting on the couch and exercising (not at the same time). There was time with family and friends, time alone and time spent worshipping God. All in all that equals a great weekend to me and for that I am thankful.

Support

Today I'm thankful that many of my friends and family, near and far, have been so supportive of my weight loss journey! I'm feeling very encouraged tonight! It means a lot to know I have people in my corner cheering me on.

Friday Night Fun

We had a fun night hanging out with Nana and Papa. We live in the basement apartment of my parent's house so we spend quite a bit of time together. What kid wouldn't love to go upstairs and find some sort of mischief to get into with Grama or run around like a crazy bean with their Grampa.

I'm thankful for this time in our lives and that we get to share it so closely with my parents.

Almost the weekend

Well it's been kind of a long week, so today I'm thankful tomorrow is FRIDAY! I am looking forward to a fun weekend! Sportball and fitness appraisal Saturday (yikes). Church and swimming Sunday. Really just time to hang out with my big & little men is a blessing.

Come on weekend!!

Second, Third & Fiftieth Chances

Well it's no secret that I have struggled with my weight for a good portion of my life; this is where the second, third and fiftieth chances comes in. I've never completely given up on losing weight and becoming a healthier me, however I haven't always worked on it consistently either.

Today I'm thankful for another chance at success!! I saw a road sign advertising for the "Biggest Winner" at my local recreation centre and decided to investigate further. It's a 3 month commitment working out with a trainer and your team twice a week. There's prizes involved etcetera and my Mom and I decided to join together.

I've watched the "Biggest Loser" for many seasons on TV and thought wow- I could do this but not quite sure how. It would be great to pack up for 4 months and move to California, but that's not likely going to happen for me, so when I saw the opportunity for my hometown version I thought why not give it a go. I have a separate blog that I plan to update regularly on my journey so feel free to follow along if you like.

I'm thankful for another chance to get it right! I'm thankful that I've remained healthy thus far in my life, no diabetes or other issues that go along with being overweight. I'm also thankful for a supportive family!

Do something healthy for yourself today- you will be thankful too!!

Grandparents

Simply put, I'm thankful I could be there for my grandparents today.

MLK

Two of my favourite U2 songs are "MLK" & "Pride", both are about Martin Luther King Jr. Since today is MLK day I thought I would concentrate on that for my thankful inspiration today.

What I'm thankful for is a man who dared to dream in a time when it seemed impossible. He had faith that he could change people's hearts and minds. He stood for something knowing there could be consequences, knowing that people hated him for the very idea of what he was proposing. If this man didn't stand up so passionately, first of all challenging us to see people as people and not by the colour of their skin and later on as an advocate for the poor, I wonder what the state of the world be? That's not to say there weren't others, but he called people to challenge the status quo and his charisma was inspiring & still is today.

It's amazing what people can do when they come together and challenge the world to do the right thing, to dream the world can be a better place for all. Have faith that even in the little things we do day to day can change the world. I'm thankful for those that have sacrificed much for a better world, today that someone is Martin Luther King Jr.

"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

Health & Happiness

There was no doubt in my mind what I was thankful for today after watching a clip of CHCH Channel 11 News this evening.  The clip was about a little boy named Antonio who was celebrating his 4th birthday with a Buzz Lightyear themed party.  My son just celebrated his 3rd birthday with the same theme last weekend.  What is so significant about this and what struck me so much with this story was that Antonio's birthday was being thrown by the Make A Wish Foundation because he has Leukemia.

I don't even know what to say really, he looked like such a sweet little boy and his parents said all the right things- they were hopeful for their son's future, but behind their smiles you could still see fear, and such love. You knew if they could trade places with their son they would in a second.

I just paused for a moment, as tears ran down my cheek and said a little prayer. I remember the joy I had in my heart celebrating our son's birthday last weekend; I can't imagine the thoughts of Antonio's parents celebrating today. My heart goes out to them.

I'm thankful for health and happiness that Liam has been blessed with thus far. I give this little blessing, Liam, back to God every day and ask Him to take care of him because really I can't.  I don't understand why children suffer with disease and I never want to take for granted my own child's health.  I'm so thankful that God heals and pray healing for this little boy I saw on the news tonight.  I wish his family health and happiness and strength; most all if they don't know God that they will through this event in their lives.

I'd also just like to add how wonderful the Make a Wish Foundation is, what a blessing they've been to so many families!
http://www.makeawish.ca/

Read Antonio's story here:
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/654976--to-infinity-and-beyond

Celebrating

Today was a busy day, but a fun day. First we were off to Sportball class with my 3 yr old. The class involved lots of balls and running with a bunch of 3-4 yr old kids and their parents. Then this evening we went to a surprise 40th birthday party for an old friend (by "old" I don't mean in age; 40 is looking younger and younger since I'll be there myself before long).

At the party the theme was "Dumb & Dumber". It was so much fun to see long time friends, some with kids of their own. I had fun watching my son running around with all the other kids. It was a really nice celebration, kind of like one big family, one big silly family.

Today I felt blessed to share in the ball class with my hubby and son; then to top it off celebrating with some great friends. We made new friends and celebrated with old friends and today that is what I'm thankful for.

Cheesy movies

Tonight hubby and I had a date night. We went out for dinner and a movie, that's where the "cheesy movie" bit comes in. We saw "Mission Impossible- Ghost Protocol" which was a pretty good blow em' up, jumping out of buildings followed by a few car crashes and a lot of running, kinda movie. I'm pretty sure I burned calories just watching the action.

Hanging out with my hubby and watching a cheesy movie is what I'm thankful for today. We aren't perfect by any means, but we have fun together...we are perfectly imperfect for each other. Okay that was added cheese for today!!

The picture is from a few years ago, but it perfectly describes us!

Playdoh & Puzzles

Playdoh?? I know messy right! Puzzles, well the particular one I'm referring to is "Pooh & Friends in the Garden", a thousand pieces I might add and proving to be quite difficult.

What does all this have to do with today's thankful inspiration? Well, my Mom and I worked on the puzzle while Liam, the artist, made a masterpiece with his Buzz Lightyear playdoh. We enjoyed each others company, chit chatted about everything and nothing, laughed and had tea. It was a nice evening spent not in front of the TV, but just being together and being creative. That is what I'm thankful for, time well spent.

A hot meal

Short & sweet entry today. My hubby had a yummy hot spaghetti dinner waiting for me when I got home from work today. Always nice to come home to a meal I didn't have to make and for that I am thankful.

Water in the well

I was sitting at my desk today when I realized I have water bottles from 3 different companies. It dawned on me how crazy it is that a good portion of the world cannot get clean drinking water and I have a choice in which brand I prefer; and let's be honest really any of us could drink tap water and live to tell.

It's a simple thing, but I am thankful I have an abundance of clean water at my finger tips anytime I want. In that thought I would like to be humble and remember those that are without. If you're able consider one of the charities that provides drinking water or helps communities build wells in third world countries. Personally I am a World Vision supporter.

Something I know I take for granted and yet I cannot imagine watching my child die simply for lack of clean drinking water.

www.watercan.com
www.worldvision.ca
https://thewaterproject.org

Imagination

I had a very active imagination as a child, which sometimes got me in trouble. For instance when I was in kindergarten I used to take home other kids show and tell toys... without their permission and tell my Mom I won them playing bingo. I did eventually get caught and had to make amends for my lying, cheating, gambling ways, but you must admit it took a great imagination to come up with that scheme.

My son is already showing signs of a great imagination. He makes up his own little games and he likes to chat with his teddy bears. Tonight he was wearing a pair of pj's that have different types of balls all over them; he pretended to take one of the basketballs and throw it at Nana. Last night he walked right up to the TV while we were watching "Up" and tried to grab a balloon. When I asked him what he was doing he looked at me like, "you are so silly" and then gave me a little grin and said "Liam want to have balloon too"!

I'm thankful for imagination & all the fun it can bring! Hopefully Liam won't become a kindergarten clepto, but I look forward to seeing into his childlike imagination. I hope I always encourage that in him and in turn he keeps it alive in me.

Freedom of Religion

I know, kind of a heavy topic but it is something I'm thankful for. I feel blessed to live in a country where whether I choose to worship in a church, attend a mass or go to synagogue I am free to do so.

I don't know if we can honestly fathom what it would be like to live in a country where it's dictated what religion you must be. Where even the choice not to believe is simply not a choice.

I don't want to delve into the subject too far because it is a topic in and of itself. I just want to simply state that I am thankful not to have to worship in secret or be part of a religion that I did not choose, it was chosen for me.

Family & Friends

Today we celebrated Liam's birthday with family and friends, what a great day!! Feeling blessed to have so many people that care about our little family & like to have fun with us!!

Family- life wouldn't be the same without mine. Always up for a party and a lot of fun to be with. They love & spoil my son and I know his life is better for having them in it. My brothers are so silly and crazy & Liam is always excited to see them and his Aunts Meaghan & Adrienne. My grandparents were able to come out today as well & it's nice to see them have a good time with their great-grandson! Of course my Mom & Dad, Liam's Nana & Papa are wonderful; how great is it that Liam gets to see them everyday!

Friends- I feel so blessed to have friends in my life that I've grown up with. It's so much fun to see where life has taken us from english class in high school to being Mom's to little boys close in age! It's also a blessing to have friends that are able to care for my son and see him become friends with their kids. I have so many wonderful friends that I've known for 20 years plus! Wow that makes me feel old...haha! I always remember my Grama Mac talking about friends she had known for 50-60 years that she met in Bible College, I hope I will be that blessed one day...a LONG time from now!!

Family and friends I'm thankful that through life's ups and downs they have been there for me, some for many years and some just a few, all an important part of my life!

Liam

Today's subject really was an easy one, my son Liam. It's Liam's 3rd birthday today. Wow I've been a Mom for 3 years!! There are not enough words to express how grateful I am for this privilege in my life!!

Ever since I can remember I wanted to be a Mom. How lucky am I that I'm Liam's mom. He is a beautiful little person all his own; he's warm and friendly, strong willed and crazy! He's so loving and oh so silly. He has a great sense of humour and a caring little heart. I love experiencing the world through his eyes.

Happy birthday my little Liam (who's growing much too fast I might add).

I can't wait to see more and more of this journey into motherhood with this little man to call my own.

Coffee

Anyone who knows me knows I have a very silly side and a fairly dry sense of humour! In light of that you can expect this little project to have some less than serious moments!!

Today's thankful pondering is on COFFEE!!

Being a working Mom and seriously not a morning person, there are some days when I am very overjoyed at how accessible coffee is in this fine country of ours. In my town alone there are 6 Tim Horton's coffee shops and 2 Starbucks!! Within a 10 minute drive from my office there are 2 Starbucks and at least 5 Tim Horton's I can think of!!

I'd like to give a special shout out to my hubby who totally surprised me for Christmas and bought me a Tassimo coffee maker. This is a wonderful gift on two accounts, first because I had no idea what he got me (which doesn't happen often) and second because he totally detests coffee!! Poor guy!! He doesn't like the smell of coffee; even if we are only going through the Starbucks drive-through it still grosses him out!! So this gift was much appreciated!!

Well, that sums up today...coffee lovers be thankful!!

Note...the coffee below is a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato, non-fat, extra hot...thoroughly enjoyed at my desk this afternoon!!

A beat, a Melody, A lyric

Can you imagine a world without music? I don't think I could. A wedding wouldn't seem as joyful. A funeral would lack some of the emotion of loss without a sombre melody or even the hope a hymn brings in the celebration of life.  

I love that music can take you to a different time and place, a moment shared, a love forgotten, a heart broken, a bunch of girls swooning, giggling, dancing.  I love that music can be raw and cut right to bare bone, it can bring healing, it can bring joy or sadness.  It can take you on a journey, somewhere you've never been or remind you of a place you've been a million times.

I'm a fan of all kinds of music loud rock, cheesy love songs, country twang with the stories it tells. I like classical, I can appreciate opera though not really something I would sit down and listen to honestly.  I'm inspired by music that calls me to worship and praise God.  

Music draws you in, it allows your soul to speak when you don't have words to say.  I'm thankful for the gift of music...can't imagine a world without it.  

A job...

The view in the picture is from my office. It may not look that exciting, but to me it's cause for thankfulness.

I never saw myself as a career person, but I've now been with the same company for almost 9 years. I didn't start off in the position I'm in now that lead me to this little office; it's been a journey one with ups and downs, but mostly ups.

Looking out my window today I thought I've been pretty lucky to make it here! Not what I imagined when I was a little girl, but I am content... happy even. I'm a working Mom and I enjoy it. Who would have thought.

Thankful...I work fairly close to home, I have a good job & I enjoy it. Most of all I like that the job is part of my life not my whole life, but it allows me to live a life I love.

Thankful...when many are struggling to find work I am where I am.

If your struggling to find work don't give up there's hope...even if it's not quite the astronaut or teacher you thought you'd be when you were young...there's something out there for you!

Jan. 2nd- A Chilly Stroll

It was a chilly day here in Ontario, but it was clear, crisp and sunny.

I love the outdoors and nature, so much beauty that we pass by everyday without a second glance. I plan to get outside more this year and enjoy; especially since I have a very active 3 yr old boy who would live outside if you let him.

I'm thankful today for the day off work and the chance to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

The pictures were taken with my iPhone on our walk, just outside my house.

January 1, 2012 The Beginning

I want to do something I've been thinking about for awhile now...I want to post something I'm thankful for everyday for a year, the start of the new year seems a good time to begin.

Admittedly not entirely an original idea, but one worth pursuing. I have been given so much in this life that often I take for granted. I hope this reminds me & anyone who cares to pause for a moment and ponder on my thoughts, that really we all have something we can be thankful for in a day.

Today I'm thankful for a new year beginning & that it's beginning with this little bundle of energy cuddled up on me. Almost 3 years old, hard to believe; so independent and yet still enjoys a cuddle every now and again.