Friday Favorites: This 3rd Friday of November I'm Grateful For

 Oh this was such a stressful week and it was so much harder to find moments of good to be thankful for... we've had news of a death in the very far extended family but my thoughts have been with those who are close to the man that died, Alec has been sick (nothing major-- we hope/think-- but he did pass out one day in the middle of the night, from dehydration we think, so that was extra fun... ), we have a close family member that has had some upsetting medical news and most likely needs to face multiple surgeries in the coming months... so yeah, it's been a bit more stressful than usual over here and when I get stressed I have a hard time eating and sleeping and that just makes me feel even yuckier... 

But more than ever this was a week I did need to try and find those moments of good and those things to be grateful for! 


FRIENDS
We met up with our hiking group on Friday for a very long hike and it was wonderful to see our friends again and get caught up with one another.  The weather might not have been the best but it felt great to hike for nearly 2 hours and since Alec had no school (Veteran's day) he decided to join us. 





ELECTRICITY
We had a storm blow through our area over the weekend and we were warned that we might lose power (we already have 3 times so far this fall when it wasn't storming!) so we were prepared for the worst but we made it through with only 2 very short blinks in power.  I was so thankful!  Electricity is definitely one of those things I tend to take for granted until it's missing. 




FUNNY & SWEET MOVIES
We rented Ticket to Paradise this weekend and I really enjoyed it.  It reminded me of the old romcoms that I used to just love.  My mother in law had joined us for dinner and movie night which made it all that more special.  




TRAIL RIDES
My husband and I went out in the RZR for a very muddy, wet ride on Sunday and it was so much fun (even if we did discover that the roof leaks a bit when the puddles go over the whole vehicle!).  We  saw quite a few deer and a coyote.  It's funny that we always see to much more wildlife out on this loud machine than we ever do while hiking.  



MY MOM
Evan and I went out to lunch with my mom on Tuesday at the Vanilla Bean and we spent another 2 1/2 hour sitting at the table talking and getting caught up on the whole family really.  My mom does a wonderful job catching up all us kids on what all our siblings and their families are up to.  It was wonderful and these monthly lunches are always so much fun. 

GOOD HEALTH
While it seems to fleeting in our house this season I do enjoy those days when everyone is healthy and off doing their regular thing.  Alec was back at school on Thursday and that was a good thing.  So far *knocks wood* no one else has any signs or symptoms of anything. 

BEAUTIFUL TRAILS
Even though it was only in the upper 30's on Thursday, Evan convinced me to get out hiking and it felt wonderful to soak in all the beauty.  The trail we picked ended up taking us next to running/rushing waters a few times and I could feel some of that stress and tension melting away listening to the sounds and breathing in deeply.  

I love the patterns the frost was making on the dead leaves littering the ground





Linking up with:








Comments

  1. I'm sorry to hear about the death in your family, the news of upcoming surgeries for a loved one, and your son's sickness. That all sounds stressful. I'm glad you took the time to find the positives; hopefully, you've been able to alleviate some of stress with the good things that are going on and on reflecting on the good things by doing this post ;). I think it's so cool that your son wants to hike with you- you've done a great job raising boys/ men who like the outdoors! The ride with your husband sounds fun. Maybe the noise of the vehicle draws the deer out? Though that doesn't sound logical!! Well, anyway, it's cool that you saw so much wildlife. Have a great Friday!!

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    1. Thank you! We always speculate about why we see so much more wildlife in the RZR than hiking and we were thinking perhaps it has something to do with how quickly we move through the trees and perhaps the animals don't have as much time to flee as they do when we hike?!

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  2. I’m sorry to hear your family has had such a hard week. That’s a lot of heartache and stress for one family to handle, especially all in one week. I am happy you found things to be grateful for despite the difficulties. A long hike and a long lunch with people you love is so good for the soul. ❤️❤️ Lauren from Don’t Mind Our Mess, not Anonymous

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    1. Thank you! Family, friends, and fresh air always seem to help.

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  3. So sorry to hear about the family loss and the medical diagnosis of another family member. Sending prayers of peace and love. Love that you remember to be grateful during these stressful times. Nature is always so good for healing!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  4. Sorry it was a hard week. Glad Alec is ok though.

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  5. So sorry you have had a rough week and your loss. Poor Alec, what a worry especially with him passing out. I hope he is feeling better now. Thinking of you and your close family member, it sounds like they have a difficult time coming with their medical issues. I am glad you have found some positives in an awful week. Sending love and hugs. x

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    1. Aw, thank you! I just keep trying to remind myself it could be much worse... and that none of this is within my control. I can only control my reaction... though my knee jerk reaction is mostly panic and anxiety. LOL

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  6. So sorry the week was hard. Hope Alec feels better quickly.

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    1. Thank you! He does seem to be feeling better already.

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  7. Sorry to hear that you've had a stressful week. Sending positive vibes to you and your family for the coming weeks. That sounds so scary to have one of your kids pass out! I want to see Ticket to Paradise! Hope you have a great weekend!

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    1. Aw, thank you! It was pretty scary; but he seems totally fine now. Though I am back to being anxious every time he's driving now. Ticket to Paradise was really cute and funny.

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear about the stressful week. That is ALOT going on! I'm glad you liked Ticket to Paradise. I loved the old romcom vibe it had.

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    1. I loved that vibe too! Those are my favorites and I find I re-watch all the old ones over and over again because they just don't make romcoms like them anymore.

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  9. So sorry for your loss and the stressful week that you have had. I hope Alec is ok and that the rest of your family stays healthy. I know exactly what you mean about losing your appetite and sleep when you are anxious because that’s exactly what happens to me. It’s definitely no fun at all! It was still very encouraging to read about all the things that you are thankful for even during hard times. Praying for better days ahead xx
    Ruth@playworkeatrepeat

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    1. Aw, thank you! I do feel that taking deep breaths and doing lots of self talk about those things that are going right help distract me from those things that stress me out.

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