Well, this week has been an emotional roller coaster for me to say the least. Without going into too much detail because it involves my entire family we had some awful news about my wonderful Nan who was taken to hospital with a severe chest infection earlier in the week and is experiencing some major issues with her memory and speech too. Fortunately, she had a massive turnaround on Friday and on visiting her yesterday the difference between the Nan we saw before Christmas and now is striking, it’s hard to believe that she has deteriorated so fast.
It’s tough to see someone you love, your rock, suffer and see them so weak. I took Aiden for a lovely long walk on Thursday to mull things over, my family have been a major support through this and it has really brought us together again.
Despite such a horrific week and not having the best appetite I’ve managed to rustle up some delicious food. Most of my meals have been quick and easy like salads and soups for lunch. This salad was really lovely, full of lots of things I love like mixed salad leaves, beets, avocado, feta and olives.
Another tasty salad was this one that included mixed leaves, apple, feta cheese and cashew nuts. We’re on the last bits of our weekly shop, so this was basically a salad of what we have left over, but it turned out great.
It’s been so chilly this week, especially in the morning so lots of porridge has kept me warm. This was a delicious bowl of chai spiced porridge with almond milk, coconut sugar and lots of blueberries.
Eggs are my favourite thing at the moment, fried with super runny yolks. I always have half an avocado with mine and this time I had some creamy mashed potato with them because it was left over from a recipe that I had just finished creating for the blog. All will be revealed next week!
This lovely little bowl was divine! Chopped pears with full fat Greek yoghurt, lots of honey, goji berries and dark chocolate chips was such a treat for breakfast, but much-needed.
We had snow here yesterday morning, nothing really worth mentioning – it had stopped before it really got started and has now disappeared! Even though the snow was falling I fancied a pear and vanilla protein smoothie and this one didn’t disappoint at all.
Last Sunday, we went to a lovely church service at our village church and went out for a family lunch with Aiden in tow. He was very well-behaved, well he always is after having his milk, ha! I had the Cornish baked hake that was really delicious and we shared a dessert of a millionaires shortbread cheesecake that tasted heavenly.
All things considered, I’ve tried to keep busy and act as normally as possible. We’ve been to lots of playgroups and walks this week so that I’m not stuck in the house with my thoughts and AJ loves seeing all the other babies playing. I headed to the gym for a decent workout of a 20-minute jog/walk and 20 minutes of strength/core work and I’m going back for another hit today.
Sadly, my Nan will probably never be the same again, but seeing her big smile on her face when she recognised my face made me realise that my old Nan is still in there somewhere – she’s the same, but different if that makes sense! This week has really made me count my blessings and none of them are material things: my Nan is a fighter and still with us; I have the most incredible family and friends; a wonderful husband and a beautiful baby boy; I have my health and lots of love and support around me, all of which have been a comfort during this very emotional time.
So simply tell me…what are you thankful for today?
Sending my best wishes. I hope the next week is a happier one for you.
Thanks so much Clementine.
Hi Jem, I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. But you have a wonderful family and no matter what, that will always be with her and with you. Sending you love and good wishes. I’m grateful for my father. He’s my mum, dad, advisor and best friend combined. Without him, I would be nothing.x
Thanks for such a lovely comment Divya. I love the relationship that you have with your dad, definitely something to cherish always. x
I’m so sorry to hear about your Nan Jemma, you and your family are in my thoughts.
I absolutely love the plate you have the sweet pot, egg and avocado on, it’s so pretty! Also, you look fabulous in the Fabletic kit 🙂
Thanks so much Claire! The plate is a TK Maxx special, I love that place for odd and pretty pieces like that.
Sorry to hear about your nan, hope she gets better soon
Thanks Melissa, me too. x
Sorry to hear about your nan. Hope she is on the mend.
Thanks Lauren, she’s getting stronger with each passing day.
Hope your Nan is ok x
Laura | A Life With Frills
Thanks Laura.
Sorry to hear about your Nan. It is so hard when things like that happen.
I went to parkrun with my dad and brother on Saturday and I just felt so happy for my dad- he loves running too, but had to stop for a year because of a knee injury, so it is great that he is back running again.
Thanks Maria, we are coping quite well considering. Great to hear that your dad is back on form and running again. I bet it’s nice running together as a family.
Lots of love, Jemma. I’m sorry to hear about the news about your nan and I hope she too becomes a bit more herself soon. It’s always so heartbreaking to see someone you love so much deteriorate like that.
I’m looking forward to seeing the recipe for what I think you may have hinted about on your instagram with the sweet potato topping ;). It looked delicious!
She’s So Lucy
Thanks Lucy, it’s been so hard to take in for all the family – hopefully she will be out of hospital later this week. She’s a tough cookie! Check back later this week, I hope you like it. 🙂
There’s nothing worse than having a loved one ill. We’ll be keeping you and your family in our prayers! xx
Thank you so much Kristy! x
I am so sorry to read about your Nan lovely, I hope she is back to her self soon!
All of those dishes look absolutely amazing!
Thanks so much Rachel.
You’re a beaut and love the recipes – they all look super yummy!
Have a lovely day.
Sam xx
http://www.beautifie.com
Awww…that’s so lovely of you to say Sam, thank you!
Sorry to hear it’s been such an emotional week! It’s good you’re still eating such lovely healthy food though as I can often turn to the crap food when I’m feeling down. Those dishes look delicious and I love your gym gear too 🙂 x
Thank Natalie, this week is going much better than last week.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Nan. It’s awful when things like that happen and you feel a bit helpless. Keeping busy and focusing on good things is the best way to be 🙂
Today, I’m thankful for my boyfriend. I’ve been under the weather recently and he’s been an absolute star by cheering me up and bringing me cups of tea to bed!
xx
Keeping busy is defintiely helping, thank you for your kind words. 🙂
omg every single plate looks delicious , who said healthy food diesnt look or taste nice , yours look delicious
Thanks Lisa!
Bless you – my gran is in the same position and it is a bit heart breaking to see her to different to who she is. But I am super grateful for a day in the snow skiing yesterday, for my family, and my new Froothie blender:)
Thanks Kezia, it’s really hard to take in at the moment. Sounds like you had a great time making the most of the snow! 🙂
Really sorry to hear about your Nan, but I am glad that you have still been looking after yourself.
I wake up every morning thankful, I am thankful for just waking up!
Thanks Dannii, you have such a lovely attitude towards life.
I’m really sorry to hear about your grandmother. My gran suffered from dementia towards the end of her life and it heartbreaking. Sending you and your family some happy healthy vibes!
I’m thankful for my supportive and loving family. We’ve always got each other’s back.
Thanks, Anna, it’s just so sad and so sudden. She is being assessed for her dementia later this week and thankfully the chest infection has now gone. A supportive family is a God send at times like this.
I hope your nan is on the mend and to say you didn’t have much of an appetite you made some amazing looking food x
Thank you Nikki, she’s doing much better. x
Sorry to hear its been a tough week, Jemma. It’s always nice to have a nudge to make us appreciate our relatives more though.
You’re looking fantastic, btw. 🙂
Thanks so much Alex. I agree, something like this really does make you appreciate your relatives more. x
Sorry to hear the news about your Nan. I am sure you will make the time to visit her as often as you are able, as it sounds like she enjoyed your visit the other day.
I’m praying for your Nan and your family. I’m so sorry she’s not doing well. Please know you’re in my thoughts!