Happy Thanksgiving!!! It’s funny, I used to really dislike Thanksgiving. I was a super picky eater growing up and I literally would eat a slice of turkey, a bit of corn and 3 rolls for Thanksgiving dinner. At some point I realized that all the food is delicious and started to love it all. Now I look forward to Thanksgiving and really enjoy it!
This year, for the first time ever, we are hosting! It’s just Mike’s immediate family – his parents, sister, brother in law and niece (who is 5 months old), but it is still a big deal to us! I’m making the turkey, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, an appetizer, and rolls and Mike’s mom and sister are bringing the rest. It”ll be a feast and I’m excited to have a lot of leftover because I bought a 12 pound turkey for six people. We hosted our annual Friendsgiving party this past weekend and ended up with a lot of leftover turkey and I have been eating turkey sandwiches around the clock – literally I’ve had five sandwiches over the course of three days. We’re out of turkey now but by Friday I’ll be back on it!
In the spirit of the season, here are some things I’m thankful for this year, starting with some serious things and finishing with some more lighthearted things:
- Mike, who is an incredibly supportive husband and doting father. He is so helpful around the house and with Siena – I cannot thank him enough for being such an involved dad. His help has allowed me to train and race two marathons over the last year and also enjoy plenty of girls nights and other freedoms that help me get much needed “me time” – I could not have done it without his support.
- My mom. My mom retired at the end of last year and now comes to stay with us once a week. It is great to get to see her and she also watches Siena so I can work Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings. Mike and I also get a weekly date night every Thursday which has been a tremendous help to our marriage.
- Siena, with all her rambunctiousness. There’s some rumor out there that girls sit quietly and boys run around like maniacs, but I’m pretty sure Siena proved that one wrong because she is quite the spitfire. But I wouldn’t’ change her for the world -I love ever piece of her and watching her grow up is truly an honor. I feel so lucky to be her mom.
- The rest of my family. This includes Mike’s amazing parents, his sister Claire, our brother in law Josh, my dad and step mom, my awesome cousins, my loving grandma and everyone else.
- A healthy pregnancy. Finding out we’re having twins was a serious shock and although we didn’t plan for it to happen this way, I’m super grateful to be carrying two healthy baby girls.
- Running buddies. Running makes me feel like myself – it provides so much for me. One of the things I love is running with friends and I’m fortunate to have several running buddies to meet up with and create memories over the miles!
- Working from home. Being able to quit my full time, corporate job and work part-time from home has been an incredible opportunity for me to be able to spend more time with Siena AND feel fulfilled career-wise.
On a lighter note, I’m thankful for:
- Turkey sandwiches (see above)
- Chocolate
- Finish lines
- My Garmin watch
- Addictive TV shows
- Wine
- Oiselle clothes and teammates
- The ocean
- Long runs with friends
- IPAs
- Facebook mom support groups
- Runner’s high
- Sweat pants
And last, I’m thankful for YOU, my blog readers! No matter if you just started reading, or became a reader back in my P90X, Ironman or first pregnancy days, I appreciate your support and your readership. Thank you to the silent readers, the commenters, the ones who have emailed me or who I have met in person. You all motivate me to keep this little space of the internet going.
Happy Thanksgiving!
What are you doing for Thanksgiving? What is something (ANYTHING!) you’re thankful for?
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that hosting was a success. Hope you and the twinkies are feeling well. Hugs!
Thank you Jesica! You too!!!