Big Families

I love big families.  I came from a small one.  Sure I have a huge extended family but my dad was in the Army.  I have one sister who was born 10 yrs after I was.  When I was little I would play pretend all by myself.  My most favorite way to play was to pretend I had 15 brothers and sisters. Sure, I have a great relationship with my sister now, always have.  But we are different points in our lives so I can not always talk with her about everything.  We also live 2300 miles apart.  Let me tell you how lucky I got though.  My dad remarried a few years back and I scored 2 brothers and a sister (who I no longer claim).  With those brothers eventually came SIL's and nieces and nephews.  My former new sister also ended up bringing 6 kids of her own.  Then I married.  I scored big time.  My childhood fantasies have come true.  He had 2 brothers and 2 sisters who were all married and had kiddos.  Thats 6 brothers, 8 sisters (minus 1) total. My husbands family is pretty close.  Every event, small or big, turns out huge in this life.  Even my BIL's wifes family attends these events....makes it that much bigger.  My inlaws did an awesome job of raising them all too.  I enjoy all their company. Oh, did I mention my Mom got remarried too and I got a brother and sister out of that...we really arent close though so it kind of doesnt count.  I am truly blessed to be a part of this big family. We all work together to make sure everyone is okay.  Oh yeah, and the farms and gardens....make for free produce occasionally, free meat occasionally, and free eggs! My new desire to can food can also be met.  My MIL has the supplies and knows how to use em.  Yippy!!!  I am sure I prayed for a big family when I was little because God sure answered. He answers the strangest prayers for me, probably because I used to be one of those "God show me a sign" kind of people.  He definetly has and I thank him everyday.  Christmas can be tough though, 19 nieces and nephews and 2 great nieces.  My sister hasn't even started with kids yet...
On my healthy kick.  I have managed to eat decently.  The last few days have been crazy busy so trying to do anything extra was a little tough.  Dinner last night was pretty good though.  I made sweet potatoes, grapes, and left over corn bread.  I only ate a tiny piece of my cornbread.  I also made ground meat to go on top of the potato(my husband likes meat with every meal)  I ate a little bit of it but made sure only to eat a bite or two of meat.  Not that I am staying away from meat completely, but I would like to keep red meats at a minimum.  Today, I hope to get some excersize in as well.  And tomorrow My husband is going to let me take H to soccer alone so that I can jog for a whole hr!!!!  I havent gained back that 1 lb either.
Well, I have a to do list a mile long so I better get on that.