Day 10 of Thanks

Eek!  Today I have to tell you a secret, I've been running!  Now don't get upset, I have been running with approval and its only been twice.  I finally agreed to see a Chiropractor and had my second session today.  After the appointment, I went for a run and had a smile on my face the whole time.  People that I passed probably thought I was crazy!

As I was finishing my run, I had to run around a woman sitting in the middle of the trail  I didn't know what she was doing at first but as I came closer I could see that she was drawing with chalk.  It seemed perfect to finish a great run with this beautiful piece of art in progress.

Today, I am thankful for a beautiful fall day, the ability to run after just a few chiropractic appointments and to finish it with a view of this and its powerful message.

Day 7, 8 & 9 of Thanks

Well, I didn't promise that I would be prompt on my daily doses of thankfulness or did I?  Anyway, the weekend as usual was very busy so when I think of what I am thankful for over the past three days, here they are:

Forgiveness

This is HUGE for me!  I am so thankful for the grace to be forgiven.  I don't deserve it, I have no right to ask for it so when I receive forgiveness I truly want to be better for that person.

Friendships

The last few days have been spent together as a family but also with friends.  I love that we have close friends that not just the kids are friends but the parents are too.  

Growing in Faith

My parents did such a good job bringing my brother & I up in the Catholic faith and set a wonderful example.  I always knew this but today while finishing up a lesson in my bible study it really hit home how much they tried to integrate the faith into everything we did.  The study guide gave examples of ways, daily, to continue your spiritual growth and those that were listed are things I did as a kid and continue to do with my own children to this day.  Thanks Mom & Dad

I'm also thankful that I have found a study that truly challenges me and leaves me wanting more.  For the ladies that have formed a small group to discuss our studies and have the patience with me as a work through thoughts that I just can't seem to get.

Day 6 of Thanks

I seem to always be a day late with my thankful post but last night's was for good reason.  I spent a long over do night out with this lady and got home way past my bed time!  

This wonderful woman has been by my side through thick & thin.  She is my support, cheerleader, shoulder to lean on, ear to listen, person to laugh with.  When I am getting to serious, she's there to make sure I laugh at myself and if I need it, she's the first in line to give me a swift kick in the rear!

She is my person and for that I am thankful.  Its a hard job for sure!

Day 5 of Thanks

Today was Running Club!  The weather forecast all week called for 100% chance of rain.  Luke's Locker, our local running store, was scheduled to visit and time our run.  We were all super excited and praying for the weather to hold off.

I am thankful for 25 minutes of light sprinkles, for kids that despite the downpour at the end just wanted to do one more lap and for volunteers that kept encouraging and cheering.  

I could not have imagined, 3 years ago, how much this group would mean to me.  I look forward to Thursdays and seeing their progress and the pure joy on the faces of every kid.

Today I am thankful for the SJS Running Club!

Days 3 & 4 of Thanks

For some reason yesterday got away from me and posting so today I'll double up.  First, my oldest is someone I am thankful everyday for!  His faith has always amazed me but he completely threw me for a loop yesterday on our way home from school.  He was explaining an assignment he was given in his religion class.  He had to identify a religious figure & someone he knows that is a faithful person & list ways that he can learn from them both.   I was completely shocked when he told me that I was the person he picked.  I asked him why he picked me & his response, "Mom you live your faith everyday".  Proud Mom moment needless to say.  I'm so thankful for his kind heart that believes in me.

Pope Pius, JVZ & Me - Puppets for the assignment

And then there's this kid......I am so thankful for his silliness, his laughter, his heart and his bravery to be who he is.  He was the most adorable priest this morning in mass and didn't hesitate when asked if he would wear it.

I am one lucky & thankful lady to have these two boys call me Mom.

 

Day Two of Thanks

I am thankful for this guy!  After a busy weekend with a testy wife, my husband understands & gets me.  He knows this lack of running is wearing on my nerves and came home to help with dinner, homework and bedtime routines.  And thank goodness he did!  Homework was a chore tonight for our little guy and IVZ just needed a little more support than usual.  

JVZ did a great job assisting with the creation of a robot made out of a box and helped with the glue and tape as needed.  

Sometimes I forget to tell him how thankful I am for his patience, understanding and support.  

30 Days of Thanks!

I can't believe yesterday was Halloween and today begins the countdown to Thanksgiving and then Christmas!  Each year seems to go by quicker than the last.  

Today was a lazy day at home after a busy Halloween.  My sweet husband made it a point to tell the kids that we would be watching the New York Marathon instead of the normal Disney Channel all morning.  Surprisingly, there weren't any complaints and Mini Me actually sat and watched with me, choosing which runners were her favorites to win.  

We both sat and watched in awe of how effortless the elite runners make it look. We watched as the first wave of "normal" runners started and I felt that lump in my throat as the screen filled with men & women pumping their arms, waving and jumping in front of the camera, all with HUGE smiles on their faces.  The commentator said two very profound things during this portion of the live coverage:

First, he mentioned the smiles...... they would be the same smiles we would see cross the finish line but for a much different reason.  
At the beginning, it's the excitement of finally stepping up to the starting line you have trained so hard to get to.  At the finish line, that smile is for the last 26.2 miles, you have accomplished something that only 1% of the population has.  You have seen your body pushed beyond its limits, in pain & not sure it can go on. 

Second, he said this & I'm paraphrasing, "the race is run at the front with the elites but the marathon is run in the middle & back of the pack".  So true!  For most of us, we will never run a marathon to win.  We run because we love it.  I'm not saying the elites don't but if the majority of runners only did it for the win, there would be a lot fewer than 1%!  I really appreciated that the acknowledgement.

While we finished watching, I thought about yesterday and the fact that I had the great pleasure of watching IVZ race a 5k.  This wasn't her first but up until yesterday, all of the previous races we have done together, I have been running too.  I have focused on my race and been there at the finish line when she came across.  Yesterday, I didn't run but walked the course so I was able to see her as she ran the 2nd have of the race.  I saw the effort she was putting in and was able to cheer and encourage her.  I even snapped a quick picture.

I could not have been more proud of her!  She ran it in 28:11 which is a 9:05 min/mile and good for 2nd Place!  This was her day and I was so happy to share in it with her.  

So since its the first of November, I decided that I am going to do a daily post with what I am most thankful for over the next 30 days.  

And surprise, surprise today, I am thankful for her and a shared hobby!  This may not be her first passion, that will always be soccer but she does appreciate running and wants to continue racing and do it together.  For that, I am thankful and will support her for as long as she'll let me.

As for my injury, I'm at the halfway point and trying to be patient......

Wish me luck!