Even in the not so joyful things...

I had my younger son at the doctor this am. He is 8, and has dealt with his fair share, plus many more of health ailments in his young age. He takes it all like a champion however, and I have been always so proud of him for what he endures and takes in stride. He has been struggling lately with horrible heartburn and a horrendous cough that about chokes him. In fact, it wakes him several times a night. Not good for a growing young man! We come to find at the doctor today (who is the best doctor ever) today, that he is dealing with Reflux. At age 8. It leaves me to ponder so very many things. In our society today, everything is processed, over processed and artificial. We are a society that demands everything NOW...gone are the days of good old fashioned cooking, using REAL foods, real ingredients, and with a dash of LOVE in every bite. Now, we look for quick, easy and convenient, without a slightest pause of thought for what it might be doing to us all in the long run. When looking for the meaning, or the "joyful" thought in everything, I must look at this too as a reason to pause, slow down, and see the what and why in the situation at hand.

When we were leaving Dr. Kooima's office, Chris said, "so this means ANOTHER daily pill, right mom?" I said yes, and we really have to watch the foods you are so intolerable to...make sure you are not taking them in. You really will feel so much better. Chris looked at me and said, "yeah, I suppose...or you could just start cooking better and I wouldn't have this problem".... AH, the joyful moment....humor from a child. Yes, it all boils down to me not cooking well!

I really had to laugh at that thought, as last night I cooked a FABULOUS recipe from my Cook Yourself Thin cookbook. I made chicken parmigiana the "healthy" way. The couldn't gobble it up fast enough. My kids were eating zucchini like it was cake...I was very pleased...and Chris at breakfast this morning said, "you know mom, I think I lost a dress size from dinner last night!" Boy, another joyful moment....I asked him what his dress size was to start, and HEY...why are YOU wearing dresses! He laughed and laughed.....

If you have never seen the show, you really should check it out on Lifetime for Women. It is a show called Cook Yourself Thin. It takes your favorite recipes and trips them out so they are healthy for you. AND, the best...they taste GREAT. There is a website online with a lot of their recipes, and tips...or there is a book, which I LOVE. We are having a turkey-spinach meatloaf tonight which the kids picked and are going to help cook (most of you know Chris is our resident chef!) So, I will let you know tomorrow how it goes. If you do get a chance, check out the show or DVR it...it is a lot of fun to watch.

Well, I am off to start working on my honey do list...I made one for myself, and take great pride when I can cross an item off. It may take me awhile, but I feel great tackling items. You should all try it...make a list, something you can SEE, hold yourself a bit accountable for it..and add to it things you don't know how to do, so you learn a new skill. Most importantly, have FUN doing it...create a joyful moment for YOU.

Have a great day!
Julie