With a heart full of joy..

Kissing fish make us smile!

We love this painting! The Nativity by John Singleton Copley

We were flipping through the channels the other week and caught the end of a Dr Oz episode. It was on mental health and the huge health benefits of being grateful. We always knew how important it was to be grateful but never knew that an attitude of gratefulness can prevent depression and help boost your immune system. Dr. Weil (whom we love) explains  that being grateful is a positive state of mind, and so when you are optimistic, healthy hormones pump through your body and help your immune system ward of illnesses.

 Dr Weil says: "Optimism and other positive emotions are also associated with lowered production of the stress hormone cortisol and with reduced risk of chronic disease"

 -from Dr. Weil's website found here 

Really who wants to be sick during the holidays? Not us! So today perhaps take some time and think of three things you are grateful for. Your mind, soul and body will benefit! 

and so with a heart full of joy...

We are grateful for...

Our brother John and all the baking zeal he has taken on this year! We all have had so much fun icing cookies, making marshmallows, and laughing with our Mr. Fields in the kitchen. 

We are grateful for...

The friendly cashiers at Costco. Last night our goal was to finish All our major shopping. We went to malls, Superstore, LCBO and lastly Costco. By the time we reached Costco, we were on blitz mode and so didn't want to stop for dinner. It was 7pm and we just wanted to get it done, so we could get hope and decorate our tree. At the Costco cash we were a little hungry, a little tired and ready to be home. It was such a nice welcome to have friendly cashiers who chatted with us and made us laugh. We left our cash feeling happy and grateful..which leads into the next..

We are grateful for...

Running into close family friends at Costco! In the midst of mad shopping, it was such a treat to chat, laugh and make plans to visit over the holidays. It was such fun to run into them again at the same cash! Yes we know, it is a small, small world! 

We are grateful for...

The strength of our Grandma who planned and threw a lovely Christmas dinner on Sunday.  Our family has been grieving this past year, and so it was a real joy to be together at the table. Our Grandma even thoughtfully prepared individual dishes for all of us fussy eaters! (like quinoa salad!) We are so inspired by her inner strength, and pray that some of it runs through our blood. 

We are grateful for...

Our dad for taking the time to clean all the salt off my car! He surprised me last week by cleaning all the windows and making sure my license plate is readable. Love you dad! 

We are grateful for...

Having our sister Leah home from school!! She is all done her exams and has done so well. We are all very proud and so grateful for our live in hairstylist! 

We are grateful for...

Last but not least, all of you dear readers! We are grateful for all of you who take the time to read our blog and give us such positive feedback. We started this project together during a particular sad time, and it has brought so much joy to our lives.