family

So I'm so fortunate that I get along with and love all my family! And they all love me. I know people, even close to me that their family just doesn't communicate or spend time with each other. We sometimes struggle to please everyone or accommodate everyone. Especially during the holidays. It's always a battle- who's house are we going to and who is invited. With parents whom are divorced and also those with kids that their fathers are separate it makes for a tricky holiday plan. But in the end we all love each other to the most of our ability.

We moved here from New York instead of New Jersey on purpose. Because my family all lives here in Connecticut. We are frequently going up to their place to visit whether for just because or an event/party. Not often do they visit us. usually if it's just a bbq or a party of some sort. So.. for my sister and the boys to come yesterday meant a lot to me. We decorated my house for Christmas with the boys. As far as I can tell they had a blast! And my Christmas tree never looked any better. But to have family here to share such a special time of year meant the world to me.

Even though holiday's are tricky we always manage to have a good time and most of us be together at the same event.

thanksgiving thanks

Happy Thanksgiving ! Today is a day to give thanks. I have a huge amount to be thankful for. Should I list it?? Of course my family and friends. I have made family with a large group of people and I really love every single one of them. I also have every blessed material object a girl could ask for. And for that I am not only thankful but I feel spoiled for it.
 God is so wonderful ya know?! He gives us all we need and then some. If only we listen to him and serve him.
I could use my time and volunteer at a shelter but eh.. I don't know.
I guess the best is to keep giving thanks to God and stay humble.

Sisters

There's nothing like the relationship with a sister. I was reminded of this yesterday. My family and I got together for a lobster bake! Well, I never cracked a lobster on my own and had no idea what to do. My sister was nice to work on my whole lobster before she even touched hers. This may seem like no big deal but to me I thought .. how considerate! She is a mom and moms eat last but as a sister that was just so nice of her. She is always doing things to help me out.

My sister and I had a pretty bad relationship while we were children. Predominately my fault. I didn't want a sister and when I was four.. I got one. They were twins, her and my brother. My brother was perfectly acceptable as he wasn't 'replacing' me. I really thought my mom wanted another girl because I wasn't good enough. true story. So,.. I didn't make a relationship with her. Everything she did or liked (for example: Backstreet boys) I made fun of her for it. I teased her about her weight and basically ignored her. I am NOT proud of this AT ALL. in fact I now realize how much I missed out on.

Jealousy jealousy jealousy! Oh my God. I compared myself to her in every way possible.  I still do at times. I'm not going to list what I was jealous of because I feel that is very personal. I feel like her best friends are her sisters and they are closer with her than I ever was.



It wasn't until a few years ago that I started to have an actually relationship with her and dare I call it a friendship!!!! She has always been there for me. But it hasn't been since the last 5-6 years for me to recognize that.

I planned her bachelorette. I was so upset that the games about how you know the couple's history were answers I had no clue from. I really missed out so much of her life. Usually sisters know everything about each other. Well at least in my opinion. I went away to college and that REALLY distanced us.

Overall I now have a great relationship with her. She sets an example for me in regards to relaxing and not worrying so much. I wish I had that trait naturally. She seemingly doesn't worry much at all. She is someone I can go to for advice that I welcome. When I was sick she was the first person I called in time of panic.. she was so good with bringing me to a relaxed state. I love you sis with all my heart. I would do anything for you in a heartbeat. I look forward to growing even closer with you. Which I feel is possible with any relationship.

What I love about my sister:

her carefree spirit

helps me see that everything is OK no matter what

fabulous mother

loyal and devoted wife

super talented at her career

always willing to try new things

goes with the flow

beautiful



Today's drink: Soy chia tea

gratitude

So if anything else in this world its to be thankful. Although we have challenges aka problems we still need to put value on our life. In the worst or best of times one thing needs to stay consistent and that is gratitude.

grat·i·tude

ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/

noun

noun: gratitude

1. the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

 

 

 

 

I pray every night- thank you God for all you have given me today. I want to get in the habit of praying and being thankful every morning too!

 

 

  Here's a great website all about gratitude:

http://www.unstuck.com/gratitude.html

 

Here's an example situation from that website

 

When you find yourself
in a bad situation ask:
What can I learn? When
I look back on this, without emotion, what will I be grateful for?

 

 

here is a site with 3 apps you can download

 

http://happytapper.com/

 

I keep a gratitude journal. It should be done daily if possible. I admit I forget to make an entry frequently. But if you can make a habit out of it you will realize there is more to life that we know it.

 

An entry could go something like this:

I am grateful for:

 

- getting out of bed

- this yummy white mocha drink

-the weather is practically perfect

- being able to sit outside and blog

-my family is healthy

-I have the freedom to do what I want daily

my furry daughters

 

OK I'm sure you get the idea.

 

lastly:

 

Today's drink: White Mocha Raspberry