The practice of gratitude is one I cherish and yet have forgotten too often as of late. I enjoyed listing my five gratitudes last Friday so I’m doing it again today. Feels like just the right way to begin a great weekend.

<> on the coldest of mornings the slanting sun to warm my warm my legs as I stand at the stove stirring porridge
<> that remarkable man who cleans vomit without gagging, builds makeshift beds on couches, and camps out with the flu sufferers
<> an evening tea and knitting date with a cherished friend, remembering what we’re like without kids in tow, laughing, sharing, talking late
<> a little girl who recovered from the tummy bug with a new vocabulary – will never get over hearing those calls of “mama, mama” upon waking
<> two artists, heads huddled close, one creating despite her sore neck (all better now, thanks), the other enthralled while minutes stretch long

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One last thing…I wanted to check in with those of you joining me in the water challenge! Our “end date” is on Monday when I will draw a winner in the water counter giveaway (get your name in the comments here if you haven’t entered) – although hopefully this is a practice we will continue.

I’ve been keeping up with a ranging level of success. My 3L pitcher is a great visual reminder on the counter but some days I just plain forget during most of the day and play catch up in the evening. But gorging myself in the evening is hardly as effective because I end up flushing my system before my body has much chance to absorb nutrients. I’ve been finding that I occasionally still feel dehydrated (usually with a headache) even when I am filling my quota. I tried adding a little himalayan sea salt to my water but did not appreciate the flavour of softened water.

Then one evening when I was feeling miserable with headache, crazy fatigue, and dizziness (after drinking over 2L of pure water already that day), I remembered the coconut water I had stashed at the back of the fridge. I was astounded by how quickly and how well a few sips helped me. Headache cleared and fuzzy headedness lifted within a few minutes. While coconut water is not a replacement for pure water it is mineral rich and has electrolytes so it can safely and naturally help rehydrate the body. I will remember the coconut water in future!

How are you finding the challenge? Have you found it hard to replace other beverages with pure water? Have you found a good method of keeping track of your daily water needs? I’m curious to know how others are finding this habit to hydrate! 

If you missed my original post on the benefits of drinking pure water you can find it here.

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Happy Friday all! I hope you find much joy and contentment this weekend! xoR

This weekend was tummy bug recovery;

cleaning the disaster that was the house after both Dan and I were under the weather;

extra knitting time (cast off and number four);

started sprouts on a window sill;

art with markers, and craft sticks, and glue;

gazing at the bright of the full moon’s face;

enjoyed this which only increased my devotion to the Dames (Judi Dench and Maggie Smith);

Dan off in the morning for our food sort, a van load of goodies to sort and stack;

hilarity from the littlest jay as she learns to trust her walking legs a little more amidst busy siblings.

a grateful home visit to our beloved chiropractor to help a poor girl’s sore neck;

a sudden rush of the I-wanna-tidies;

roasted garlic hummus & veggies by Rachel with BBQ chicken by Dan;

kids settled, then settling myself on the couch for episode 4 and more knitting;

late night tears of laughter over late night texting with a friend I miss;

and surprised by joy in the most unexpected moments (and therefore the very best).

Not quite the weekend we were expecting, but very good indeed.

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How was your weekend, lovelies? Hope you find a gentle way to begin the new week – I think we’ll slide into Monday with a treat (with our gluten/dairy free alterations, of course).

:: joining Amanda for weekending:: 

:: giving thanks with Taryn at Wooly Moss Roots for Gratitude Sunday ::

This week has held moments of joy and moments of trial. When those moments of trial have hit I’ve been struggling more to keep my head up. But as I strained to climb mole hills which had become mountains, I finally remembered to chose gratitude.

It comes as no surprise to me, I’ve practiced gratitude before, but somehow I forget – once I start looking for moments of grace I see them everywhere.

As they’ve been writing themselves in memory this week, I decided to write them down here.

Five moments which made me stop and smile with a heart of thanks. Five moments sending me into the weekend with a happy heart.

<> walking into the family room to discover five heads (one ducked for the photo) huddled together around a book while big sister read aloud

<> the discovery of a new variety of apple, a 20lb box landed in my basement, the taste so reminiscent of childhood

<> the tremendous joy and excitement on a 6yo’s face when his new hat came off the needles

<> older siblings taking it upon themselves to work on alphabets and numbers with the little ones (while I took a nap no less)

<> stolen minute from dinner prep to stand out and look at the bright pale face of the moon, perfectly timed to watch flocks of geese eclipse the moon with their dark ‘v’

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And!!!

I nearly forgot! I have a winner to announce!

Thanks to the help of everyone’s friend, random number generator, the winner is: Connie K.

Congratulations, Connie! I’ll be sending you a note to get your info and your new project bag will be in the mail!

Thanks to everyone who entered and shared. I always have so much fun with a giveaway – I think I’ll have to plan another one before my next anniversary!

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Happy Friday, dear friends! I’m wishing you the best of the best for this January weekend! But before you head off to enjoy the moments – care to share your five on Friday? xoxo

It was a gooder.
Knitting lessons with three eager learners;
the friend who found dropped stitches and finished one of my UFOs (unfinished objects), bless her;
littles taking their knitting to bed with them;
a second stripy hat off needles;
yarn detangled for a sweet boy;
chores completed making for a clean house;
lovely visit from an out-of-town aunt and uncle;
leftovers for dinner, a brief glance of the back of the fridge;
refreshing kombucha;
a late, late night (a guilty pleasure);
a late morning (thank you, sweet children);
hot bath water;
an indulgent afternoon of yarn shopping, tea, and knitting with a sweet friend in town for a long weekend (more on that later);
head swimming in knitting dreams;
just one more rooibos latte (with almond milk, of course);
now couch time with hubby, knitting, and episode three.

and very few photos taken – posting this iphone snap from earlier in the week

Out of towners, milky tea, and lots of wool.

I’m thankful for these at the end of this weekend.

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How was your weekend? Where did you find gratitude? Blessings on your new week!

once again I’m doubling up with these two beautiful friends

:: joining Amanda for weekending:: 

:: giving thanks with Taryn at Wooly Moss Roots for Gratitude Sunday ::

A visit from one of the sweetest friends and her darling girl;

dinner with more lovely people followed by our new favourite boardgame;

a lazy morning taken over with snuggles and babes;

a new favourite compromise of the dairy and coffee-free variety;

a mama only run out for craft supplies and library holds;

a change in plans leading to nachos supreme and more gameplay for Daddy and not-so-little littles;

knitting indecision and finally decision;

an irresistible cupcake treat (they turned out great!);

a movie with the man while knitting a girl’s requested hat;

relishing a late night;

Sunday morning waffles;

bathrooms cleaned and laundry in;

and plenty of afternoon left for crafting, knitting, and the library stack.

Quiet moments, clean house, favourite hobbies.

Thankful for these this weekend.

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How has your weekend been? What are you thankful for today? 

May your new week enter gently and bright!

once again I’m doubling up with these two beautiful friends

:: joining Amanda for weekending:: 

:: giving thanks with Taryn at Wooly Moss Roots for Gratitude Sunday ::