I started running to lose weight over 4 years ago. I hated it at first. I would run as long as I could and then walk and then run in another short burst. The bursts got longer and longer and I was finally able to run 3 miles without it killing me. The distance I could run got longer and the ease with which I could run increased. I ran more, but I still hated it.
Then, lots of things fell apart for me, and I found that running became more than exercise. If I ran really hard, there was no way I could think about anything else except making sure one foot kept going in front of the other. It was the only way to turn my mind off from worrying, so every day I spent an hour or so running it out, and when I finished, even though my life was still there waiting for me, the break that running had given me was enough to help me keep going. I found, too, that sometimes, my mind would become really clear, and I could seem to get some perspective. I love those times when I'm running and I get so involved in what I'm thinking that it seems like there is nothing around me, and that this idea that I've got is all there is to life.
I just got back from a run in the beautiful weather we're having here, and had one of those great introspective experiences. These last few weeks have seemed to be a cumulation of several months' worth of worry, frustration, and anxiety. I started thinking about it all while I was running up a pretty big hill, and suddenly I was aware that I felt pretty good even though I was running up a hill. Nothing really new, but I had this unexpected gratitude for being able to do it. That idea started a chain of thoughts that led me to realize that I have plenty to be grateful for, and it changes everything when I am. Not too long ago, Tom told me that gratitude was the answer, and I think he was right.
I love making resolutions, and I find that if I tell everyone about them, I am held accountable for them. I want to be grateful this year. The end of my run had me making a long list of the things I'm grateful for.
- healthy body.
- healthy and well behaved child.
- good friends.
- good family.
- good music.
- the gospel.
- prayer.
- forgiveness.
And I spent a good amount of time being grateful for the fact that even though I couldn't, just couldn't, bring myself to cook all this week and last (and several other nights before that), and haven't wanted to clean, grocery shop, or run errands, none of it has gone undone. Tom has cooked us healthy and delicious meals. He has gone to the grocery store, picked up library books, and cleaned up my messes. I called him at work this morning and told him that I was thankful for him picking up my slack. That doesn't quite cover it. I'm thankful that someone wants to carry what I think is too heavy.
The guys. Trying to watch a football game in the midst of the chaos. 
The girls. Trying to get the guys to stop watching football. 
The boys. Wondering how in the world they could possibly be related to those chicks. 
Hot mama and daughter. 
Hot mama and papa.
This is how Amy stays so skinny. She brings this treadmill everywhere she goes. 
Braden is joining the ranks of the big boys.
Emma playing a Christmas song.
The rapt audience.
And, of course, presents from aunts, uncles, and cousins. Thanks!
Linda, Steve, and Brei gave us these crazy hair wire things that are so cool, if I can figure out how to use them. This was my first attempt and I think it's pretty cool.
I only took 2 pictures Christmas morning. I'm getting lazy as Addison gets older.