Good morning friends. This weekend has been a little hectic with nearly 600 kilometers travelled, a loved one remembered at the end of her life, family reconnected with, friends visited, and an important birthday celebrated. We have run the gamut of feelings and were left last night with just enough energy to crawl into bed and pass into sweet oblivion, which is why this is coming live from Monday morning. This week had some weight to it, but there was still so much to be grateful for, and even more reminders of the importance in finding the extraordinary in everyday, the gift in every moment. After all, it is those moments all linked together with breath that make up our lives. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Five:
Monday: Today Chris and I received news that we had our final approval from the bank for our home loan! I have never been so excited to owe people a lot of money! We are so grateful that we are fortunate enough to be able to buy our own house, and start our own little (two person) family home. I cannot wait for the next stage of our adventure together to start.
Tuesday: We had meetings and reports all week this week. I was grateful for the help of my colleagues and the way we managed to keep the whole ship on course despite the extra work load. I was also grateful to come home for a run and climb into my PJs and snuggle in bed with Chris and a copy of Donna Hay magazine. 
Wednesday: Today I received news that a project I had worked on a few months ago has been published! I have worked with the team at be. Magazine on a few different little projects, but a few months ago they contacted me and asked if I would like to contribute to their Winter Warm-Up Recipe e-book – and of course I said yes! Today the book went live and they’ve even published hard copies to giveaway in-store at Medibank branches across Australia! There are five Thoroughly Nourished Life recipes in the book, and a stack of other winter recipes from other Aussie bloggers that I cannot wait to try out! Check it out here today, and let me know if you try any of the recipes! I was also grateful to my wonderful family for their support, encouragement and celebration when I told them it was being published – my Dad printed his copy straight away and sent it to everyone in his office!
Thursday: Today (work) Jess and I managed to sneak away for our weekly lunch date. We grabbed some food from the food court and sat out in the sunshine talking about life and everything in between. I am grateful to have someone to share laughter and life talk with at work.
Friday: Today we travelled to Toowoomba to farewell Nanny. The ceremony was touching and lovely. Afterwards the whole family gathered in her honour. I like to think that Nanny was looking down at all of us sharing stories, tears, and laughter (more laughter than tears) and smiling at the legacy she left behind in each one of her family members. I am grateful that I could be there with Chris’s family to celebrate Nanny’s life, and to meet the family she created.
Saturday: This morning we joined Chris’s family for a wonderful brunch at Chris’s Mum and Dad’s home. We sat in the sunshine and looked over the valley below while we enjoyed a delicious brunch feast. Chris and I returned home and I went for a really fast 10km run before we headed over to a friend’s place for a poker night. I played my first game and came third! Looks like watching Chris play is paying off. I was grateful for a night of laughter after an emotion-filled two days. 
Sunday: Today we earned a go-slow in the sun Sunday. We slept in late, I went for a lazy walk and then filled our kitchen with the scent of a new quick bread recipe (coming this week) and then we moseyed down the coast to celebrate my friend Steph’s 21st birthday party with barefoot bowls! We had a laughter-filled afternoon of bowling, enjoying some beverages, and celebrating this lovely young lady. I was grateful to catch up with some friends, play the fool as ‘official photographer’, and watch Chris and Jess make it to the ‘semi-final’ and ‘final’ respectively. Jess made the most gorgeous Africa inspired cake for Steph too! She is so talented! 
Also this week:
- More gluten free cookies for your cookie jar!
- Comforting soups help to check dinner off your list.
- Don’t forget to check out my recipes in be. Magazine’s Winter Warm-Up e-book – get them here!
