Day 28: THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Heidi

 

 

Day 28:  It really is Thanksgiving today.  I am so thankful for many, many things.  My family, my friends, my house, my dog, the food we eat, well...just about everything God has blessed me with. 

 

This morning I got my family up nice and early to run the Chester County Turkey Trot.  We did it last year.  I would love to make this a Thanksgiving tradition.  It was a great race!!!!  I got a PR of 36:41.  My pace was 11:57 a mile.  Like I said in the last post, it is 2 minutes and 59 seconds quicker than last year.  If you remember my post from the Local 5K that I ran in October, I wanted to get a 12:00 minute pace for this race.  Well, mission accomplished.  Even on this very cold and blustery day, I was able to run what I had trained for.  So I am extremely thankful  for that!!

Later today my family and I will drive to my brother and sister in-law's house and celebrate Thanksgiving with Troy's side of the family.  My sister in law, Tija, does a fantastic job of cooking and hosting every year.  This is her favorite holiday and it shows!!!  I am so thankful for Troy's family and that I get to be part of it.  After dinner, my mother in law and sister in law get the Black Friday ads out and we plan out our route of what stores to hit and at what time.  Another family tradition that I love.  This opening on Thanksgiving at 6pm is really not making me happy.  I love hanging out with my in laws.  I don't want it to be cut short because of these sales.  Hopefully next year the stores will take a hint and open later.

Mostly what I am thankful for today is just the opportunity to relax and watch the parades and the Dallas game among my family.  Family traditions....I LOVE THEM!!! 

So I hope everyone reading our blog has a blessed and relaxing holiday today!!  Eat up today...but start that diet again tomorrow!!!!!

 

 



Days 25, 26, and 27...

Heidi

 

 

Day 25:  Like Kristen said, this is getting harder and harder.  Today I am thankful for my dog, Murray.  On Christmas he will be with our family for 8 years.  His full name is Murray Little Christmas.  We got the name from Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas movie...where else??  He is sometimes the sweetest dog and sometime so naughty!!!  He likes eating electronics and jumping and barking at walkers and runners in our neighborhood.  You would think he is super vicious how ridiculous he acts.  Don't even get me started on the UPS truck.  But, he truly is a super sweet dog.  He loves to follow me around the house during the day.  He waits by the door for the children to arrive home from school.  We are very blessed to have such a great addition to our family.  Every child should have a pet!!!

 

Murray watching over a sick Justin!!

 



 

 

Day 26:  Today I am thankful for the fact that my son, Justin can drive.  Although it can be a little bit scary for Troy and I, it has come in quite handy.  For instance, when we aren't home to take the children back to school on half days for their sports practices, Justin can drive them.  Or....when I want a pumpkin spice latte, I can send Justin for it.  So very handy.  So thank you Justin for passing your driver's test on the first time!!!

 

 

Day 27:  Today I am thankful for....what else?????  RUNNING!!  I guess it is about time to add this to the blog.  I started running a little less than 2 years ago.  Kristen started me running.  I was so slow and still am but I have come so far!!!!  I remember being barely able to run one whole minute.  I would walk then run.  Then I started running on the downhills and walking the uphills.  Eventually, exactly one year from today (it is actually Thanksgiving today), I ran my first 5k without walking.  Today, I ran the same Turkey Trot and beat my time by 2 minutes and 59 seconds.  Almost 3 minutes.  I am getting there.  I have come so far just in the last year...running a 10k and a half marathon and doing a triathlon.  Next year can only get better.  

 

Running has done so much for me spiritually too.  A few weeks ago, a neighbor lost her battle to cancer.  I didn't know her well.  I just basically knew where she lived and that she had cancer.  I think I met her once or twice.  I ran by her house and thought, I really feel like walking.  Then I thought, I bet she would probably like to be running right now.   So I kept running for her and for everyone else out there that can't run.  Today while running the turkey trot, I thought to myself, I bet my friend Ashley, who suffered an aneurysm last week, would like to be running right now. She is still in the hospital and needs many prayers.   So in my head, I dedicated my race today to Ashley.  I would never have had these thoughts and experiences if it wasn't for Kristen.  So thank you Kristen for making me run.

 

 

 





Days 25 and 26

Kristen

I didn't post yesterday because I couldn't think of anything.  This is not to say I am not thankful for many more things, but I've hit all my big things if you will.  So from now until the end of the month, I am going to post a few little things I am thankful for each day.  I think it's important to remember the little things as well, because really there are blessings all around us. 

 

1.  Candy-I have really been enjoying my kids Halloween candy.  It's starting to get low-meaning I don't enjoy what's left, so I have a bag of kit-kats my in-laws gave me out of there leftovers.  And I may or may not be eating one right now.
2.  My new phone.  I was really unsure about it the first few days, but now I LOVE it and will be writing more about this next week.  I especially love the low monthly price!!
3.  A hot shower.  Seriously, I hate this winter running thing, but nothing is better than defrosting in the shower.  My water bill will not be happy, but what can you do?
4.  Kids who come home on half days and make their own lunches.  I love that each year brings about more independence!
5.  I am so thankful that they are also old enough to do most of the decorating and while we decorated this year there were no tears.  It was an enjoyable afternoon.
6.   I am thankful for clarity.  Sometimes situations seem all encompassing, but after a few weeks and a few conversations clarity comes into play and you wonder what you ever were so worried about!
7.  I am thankful I have a daughter who loves to cook and that I can be her teacher in the kitchen.  Once she gets home, I am setting her loose in the kitchen to make filling-and really this is not to be confused with stuffing-totally different.

DAY 24: I am caught up!!! ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??

Heidi

 

Day 24:  Today (yes really it is today) I am grateful for FOOTBALL!!!  It is Sunday and as I think about what time I will work out, I also am thinking about what time I need to be home to watch the Cowboys - Giants game.  In case you didn't know, I am a Dallas Cowboys fan.  Have been since I was five years old.  (When they used to win super bowls.)  My oldest son's name is Justin Troy Phillips.  No the Troy is not for my husband or my brother.  It is, of course, for Troy Aikman.  Ha Ha.  This truly is not a lie....Haley was named for Charles Haley (another Cowboys player.)  Well not exactly named "for" him but I loved watching him play and loved his last name on his jersey so there you go.  My husband will disagree with that statement.  But it truly is the truth!!!  Tyler was named Tyler Blair.  Blair is Troy's middle name so he is named after his father.  If I had my way....he would be  Tyler Emmitt Phillips.  You know, after Emmitt Smith of course.  Tyler Smith Phillips sounds pretty good too.  But no, Troy would not allow it. 

 

Everyone in my family are Eagles fans except for Tyler (the one not named after a Cowboys player) and I.   So you can imagine what it is like on game day when the Eagles play the Cowboys.  We have a lot of fun teasing each other.  Well I do when Dallas wins.  I am not exactly a good sport when they lose. 

 

Today Dallas plays the Giants.  I hate the Giants more than any other team in the NFL.  So I can't wait for today!!  Dallas needs a win to pull a head of the Eagles in the NFC East.  No matter what...win or lose Dallas will always be my team.  Thank you Cowboys!!!!!

 

 

Troy and I dressed up for Halloween one year.

 



Days 15-23....I am so behind!!!

Heidi

 

 

Day 15:  Because I am so behind...I am going to do one post and hopefully catch up.   So today, Day 15, I am thankful for warm weather in the fall and winter.  Now that I run outside because I can't stand the dreadmill, I am extremely grateful for warmer days that I can just get up and run outside. 

 

 

 

Day 16:  Todays is my friend April's daughter's 6th birthday.  Her name is Giannah and she has autism.  She is the sweetest little girl I know.  She is beautiful inside and out.  I truly believe this little girl was put on this earth to teach lessons to so many of us.  My children, for one, have become so more understanding when seeing children with special needs.  It takes a very special person to raise a child with special needs.  Today I am thankful for Giannah and her mother who loves her beyond words.

 

Justin and Giannah

 

Day 17:  Today I am thankful for swimming.  I haven't been in the pool since August and I really needed to start swimming again.  Plus, I swear it helps with my breathing when I run and makes me a tiny bit faster.  I dread it.  It is probably my best discipline in the whole triathlon thing because it comes easy to me, but it is such a process to get into the pool.  I finally did it and my time wasn't horrendous and I think I may have lost some weight because of swimming.

 

 

 

Day 18:  Today I am grateful for my job.  I have been extremely slow lately and it is not good since we are headed into the Christmas season.  I am a real estate appraiser and I have always said it is either feast or famine with this job.  I complain when I am so busy that I can't see straight.  Well now I would like to be that busy because being slow stinks!!!!

 

Day 19:  Today I am grateful for birthdays.  Today was Haley's 15th birthday and although I already said I was grateful for her, this just brought back so many memories of having to give birth to my children.  All three have a unique story that I always share with them on the eve of their birthday.  I love to tell her how she was breech and came out butt first.  She loves to hear that...NOT!!!   So today I am thankful that every year I get to celebrate birthdays with my children, husband and friends and family.

 

Day 20:  Today I am thankful for home.  I love my house and my neighborhood.  I am very blessed to be able to live in a warm home, especially heading into the winter season.

 

 

Day 21:  Today I am thankful for my health.  I had two tests this past week that were routine and I am just grateful that other than my cholesterol being high, I am in pretty good health.  I was also reminded about health this week because a friend of mine suffered an aneurysm.  It is very touch and go with her and I have been praying for days that she will recover from this.  So today I am very grateful for health!!!  I am praying for you Ashley!!!

 

Ashley, her husband  Brian and I

 

Day 22:  Today I am thankful for Fridays!!!  I so look forward to the end of the week to spend time with my family and friends.  A lot of time in my neighborhood a few of us get together and call it Fun Friday.  We have a great time catching up and planning new fun get togethers.  We also have terrific ideas that never come to fruition.  This Friday I convinced three of my neighbors to sign up as a relay team to do Ironman 70.3 Augusta.  Kristen, Jackie and I are doing it as a relay and how fun would it be to have another team there with us???   We shall see!!

 

 

Day 23:  Today I am grateful cupcakes.  Other than cookies, cupcakes are my next favorite dessert.  Today my son made a batch of cupcakes for his sister's birthday party.  Homemade icing and all!!  Yum Yum!!   It won't help me with my diet but who cares...it is almost Thanksgiving week  anyway.

 

These are from my birthday.  Not homemade!!!

 

 



 







Days 22-24-This is Getting Hard

Kristen

Well, I have slightly fallen off the Thankfulness bandwagon and a few days got away from me.  So rather than continue to feel guilty, here I am catching up.

Day 22:  I am thankful for my neighbors who over the last 7 years of living here have become friends.  I remember when we were driving through this neighborhood looking at it, everyone would wave to us.  I looked at my husband and asked why all these people were waving at us?  Well, thankfully, we moved into one of the friendliest neighborhoods ever and we have shared a lot of laughs!  We have watched each others children grow.  We have spent countless hours together and today I am thankful for these families who welcomed us to their neighborhood!

Day 23:  With the wind blowing outside and bitter cold temperatures-today I am thankful for our home.  It is far from perfect, but we have made many memories here and it keeps us warm on these cold days. 

Day 24:  Today I am thankful for how my church stretches me to grow as a person through giving.  It's not always easy, but it's something I never regret.  To teach my children to give is something I am also grateful for.  Walking into church today to pick names off the Christmas tree will not tax me in any way, but will make someones season brighter and for that I am thankful. 

Day 21-Global Warming

Kristen

A little sarcasm for the day, but I sometimes wonder how bad this global warming is.  I have to be honest, I am thankful for this mild fall and hope the warmer temps continue because it really makes outside exercise quite pleasant.  Heidi and I were on bikes in shorts earlier this week and I am quite thankful for that!

Day 20-My Children's School

Kristen

As most of us do, I send my kids away for 8 hours each day.  After a morning rush they are gone to spend their days with men and women who teach them all they need to know to be successful in life.  How often do we stop and think about who we are entrusting our children with?  Today I am thankful for these teachers, the people who show up every day to help my children learn and grow into the best versions of themselves. 

I don't always agree with everything they do, but I am still thankful for each and every teacher who has spent countless hours with each of my 3 children.  I am thankful that I can email any of these educators about any sort of question and get a response back quickly.  I am thankful that they understand the needs of my children on an individual level.  I am thankful.

Day 19-Today

Kristen

As I get the kids ready for another day of school, I glimpse God's work in yet another beautiful sunrise.  I am thankful for today and each day that I am given.  I am thankful for the sunrise-it's a chance to realize that each day is a blessing.  It's a chance to "try" to make each day better-to do better.  

 

Day 14: Friends

Heidi

 

 

Day 14:   Yes, I know...I should be on Day 18 right now.  Trying to catch up.  Today I am very thankful for my friends.  I am so blessed to have a great group of friends that have been by my side through thick and thin!!!!  You all know who you are.  You know that you have been there for me so many times I can't count.  If I tried to name each and every one of you, I am sure I would miss somebody and hurt their feelings.  So...I am not going to even try.

 

When people ask who my best friend is, I can't honestly answer that.  You see, I have a best, lifelong friend since high school, I have a best friend from college, I have a best friend or two or three that is also my neighbor, I have a best friend(s) that I met later in life through me babysitting their children, I have a best friend who I also met later in life through a chance introduction 12 years ago.  I also have a slew of really good friends and neighbors who will hopefully be in my life forever.  I can only hope that I am as good of a friend to them as they have been to me!!!!  Thank you friends for being such great people!!!!

 

 

 

 

April

 

 

Kelley

 

 

Suzy

Colleen and Heather W.

Heather F.

Jackie, Kim, Jen and April

 

The Hood

Jen

Nicole and Kristen

Kristen and I

 

 

All I am going to say is...I need to start taking more pics with these girls now that I have lost some weight!!!

 



Day 13: Extended Family...Dad's Side

Heidi

 

 

Day 13:  Today I am extremely grateful my aunts, uncles and cousins on the Stinson side.  My father's parents had 6 children in all, 4 of which lived to adulthood.  Between the four siblings, they had 10 children,  7 cousins and 2 brothers for me to play with.  I have such fond memories growing up with all of my cousins.  My Aunt Nancy would host the best Christmas and 4th of July parties.  I spent two summers with my cousin Karen, Aunt Nancy and Uncle George.  They were two of my favorite summers for sure.  We used to play hide and seek, tag, badminton and slew of other games that we could think of.  It was a great childhood.  I always looked forward to getting together with them a few times a year.

 

 

 

Now that we are all adults and have our own families, it is much more difficult to get together.  My Uncle Dave and Aunt Jean recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  Most of us, with our spouses showed up.  It was so nice to finally get together where there was something happy to celebrate. 

 

When my parents were sick in the hospital, I could always count on my relatives to show up.  I can't thank them enough for being there for my brothers and I when we needed them the most, before they passed away.  I am so lucky to have such a great family!!!  Thank you all!!!

 

The Stinson Family September 2013

 

The Stinson Cousins...

 





Day 12: Extended Family - Mom's Side...

Heidi

 

Day 12:  Today I am thankful for my extended family.  My mom has one sister, Aunt Lois who is married to Uncle Bob and they had my cousin Erin.  Erin is about 8 months older than me and we were like sisters growing up.  She was the first person to "teach" me how to drive stick shift.  (That went well!) She would take me to all kinds of scary cheap stores in Delaware (no tax after all) before I had my license.   We had some great times growing up together.  She LOVES my children and comes to all of their games/track meets that are in her area of Chester County.  She even brings them treats!!  She is always a good one to call when I need car or computer advice, thanks to her husband, Rob.  Our love for football (Me, the Cowboys, she, the Redskins) has had us share many text messages lately during football season.  Especially when either team are playing the Eagles or the Giants.  I am very lucky to have a cousin/best friend like Erin.

 

My Aunt Lois has been like a surrogate mother to me FOR YEARS!!!  My mom lived with me for almost ten years after my father died and I could always call my Aunt up to vent about how life was just crazy with my mom.  Anytime my mom was sick, Aunt Lois was the first person I would call and sure enough, in the middle of the night, she and Uncle Bob would show up at the hospital.  She is definitely a rock in our family and I am very lucky to have her.  She also LOVES my children and I am so grateful for that.  When my kids were little, I would take them over to her house for trick or treat.  She never received any trick or treaters where she lives but she always had something for my kids!!  Erin, Aunt Lois and Uncle Bob, thank you for being such great extended family!!!  I love you all!!!!!

Aunt Lois and Tyler

 

Erin and Baby Haley

Day 18-My In-laws

Kristen

Today I am thankful for my in-laws.  I am lucky enough to have 2 sets!  Since having children, it's been wonderful to watch them grow as grandparents.  Though they are far from perfect, they try very hard and for that I am blessed.  They really would do anything for our family from babysitting to camping to taking Emma to Justice for 3 hours-they have certainly done it all!

 

One of the funniest things that ever happened was a few years back celebrating Jacob's birthday.  My mother-in-law had won a pinata at some fundraiser and was so excited for the kids to be able to pound away at it.  They are going strong when all of a sudden the thing breaks apart and comes crashing down.  The mad scramble to get the goodies inside starts-but wait-it's empty.  My kids look around wondering where the candy is.  I start laughing hysterically because at this point I am putting two and two together.  My mother-in-law innocently thought that pinatas came pre-filled.  She really had no idea that you had to fill it yourself.  I still laugh thinking about the look on my kids faces!

 

The empty pinata head!

 

In all seriousness, I am blessed to have the in-laws I have.  Not every day is rosy, but more so than not and for that I am thankful!

Day 17-Running

Kristen

I have been in a bit of a running slump lately-partial injury, partial just not in the mood to log the miles.  This morning it was warm enough to go at sunrise-which wasn't really a sunrise per se, just a lack of darkness since it's very dreary here today.  I did my first speed workout in over 6 weeks and I was thrilled with my results.  It occurred to me that I just really like to run first thing in the morning-the earlier the better. 

This is probably why I struggle every fall and winter with the whole running thing-I have to wait until mid-morning when I am not really in the mood for it anymore.  This morning brought me back to what I enjoy about running and for that I am thankful!

Day 16

Kristen

Something happened yesterday-details aren't important, but needless to say it was very upsetting.  Sadly, these kinds of things have been happening all too often lately.   It made me not want to continue this thankfulness anymore.  But once I thought through things some more, I realized that no one is going to take away my happiness.  I own my choices and my choices only.  Whatever anyone else decides to do and how it affects others is their choice to live with and I will no longer be brought down by these unhappy people. 

So today I am thankful for clarity and more importantly the personality that God gave me. 

Day 15-My Brother

Kristen

When we were kids, my brother HATED me!  He was forced to drive me to school once he got his license and I think he would purposely get there late, so I would also be late.  He didn't talk to me at all for years-yes years.  We worked together at Hersheypark and I was barely able to speak to any of his friends.  I really thought that once we moved out of the house we would never speak to each other again. 

Then one day, things changed-he became an uncle.  Though at first I couldn't trust him completely with my children, slowly but surely he proved to me that things would be different.  And though we don't talk everyday, or every week, or sometimes every month, I know that we will always be there for each other. 

He loves my children and takes his job as uncle very seriously.  Who else would use his summer vacation and spend the entire week with my children.  He takes them camping every summer and they spend their days at Hersheypark.  It has become quite a special thing to my children.  They look forward to this event all year long. 

So today I am thankful for my wonderful older brother Kevin-one of the best uncles on the planet!

Day 14-My Hairdresser

Kristen

Today I am thankful for my hairdresser!  I hate with a passion getting my hair done-all aspects of it-from the time it takes, to the cost, to the mediocre job they usually do.

Oddly enough I found my current hairdresser one night while out with a friend.  This person was sitting next to me at the bar and we struck up a conversation.  After she made fun of my current hairstyle for awhile she told me she does hair and would do mine.  I thought to myself-why on earth would I have you do my hair after you just made fun of me?  I ran into her a few more times-we live in a very small town after all.  I went to my old hairdresser and felt sick about what I was paying, so decided to bite the bullet and call her.

Thank goodness I did!  Not only does my hair look better than it ever has, she also charges me a fraction of the cost.  Plus as an added bonus, she cuts my kids hair for far less than I could get it cut anywhere else.  The icing on the cake-she comes to my house!  What is not to love about this situation?  Anyway, over the years we have become friends and as she was just at my house last night, I am grateful today for her service!

Day 13-My Parents

Kristen

Today I am thankful for my parents.  They have always supported me in all life's decisions.  They love their grand-kids like no other.  It has been beautiful to watch their relationship unfold over the years. 

 

My dad especially has taught me the value of exercise and health.  All his life he would run, no matter how busy life was, he made time for it.  He always had time to ride bike with us or play baseball or tag.  Both parents were always at our after school sports.  It was definitely an important aspect of their lives and for that I am thankful because it has certainly carried through into my adulthood. 

Mom and Dad-today I thank you!