Thank you for all your Love & Support

In the 15 years I have been doing 30 Days of Thanks and Giving I never dreamed I would be typing these words today.   I have never been so touched and felt so much love.  I just want to thank each one of you who have touched my life today & every day.  As many of you know- I have been sick for a pretty long time-  well let me re-phrase that-  I am healthy but I get sick every day with awful stomach aches.  I have had stomach issues for years, they started when I was a little girl but it has gotten much worse.  I call it my belly beast.

I have been going to doctors for many years to try to find answers but since I am an overall healthy person it has been hard for them to find the root of the problem. I have been poked, prodded, x-rayed and tried acupuncture.  I even went to the dentist to try to find out what is wrong with me, my mouth was toxic from mercury filings so we had them removed hoping it would help.  I am sure it helped but it wasn't a cure.

We don't have all the answers yet but we are getting there and making progress. I feel confident that I am going to kill this beast that has invaded my body.  He wasn't invited and is not welcome and as Pitbull would say "he's going down, I'm yelling timber, you better move, you better dance"- because the beast is going down.

This past week was a rough one and I can't thank you enough for all the thoughts, hugs and prayers that were sent my way from all over the world.  It touched my heart and gave me a giant serge of strength.  I am now ready to get this beast and you are helping me get there.  As the saying goes sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can get better.  I hit the bottom but I am not staying there- I am rocking to the top.

I am now armed and ready to go.  It is going to take some time but with all your support I know I am going to get better.  I am going to get the beast head on using food as medicine.   I am starting an intense program to cleanse and heal my entire body.  It is very detailed, specific and limited, and everything has to be organic. I can't have any sugar, alcohol, gluten, dairy, caffeine, yeast, and hardly any fruit, only an apple a day.  The program includes probiotics, antifungals, herbs, and potions to help kill the beast.    The first 6 weeks will be brutal and because it is a cleanse they say I will be getting sick before I get better.   So it is going to be a rough few months but I know it is what I have to do.

I could not do it without the help and support of my amazing husband who has been with me every step of the way.  I feel bad that he had to marry a girl with such a crazy belly, but he loves me just the way I am.  He has my back and is going to help me get through the next few months.  I can't eat out and have to cook everything, so Chef Foley will be helping me at Chateau de Foley.

This is going to be life changing journey and hope to enjoy the ride.  I will keep you posted on my progress. I am excited for this challenge and hope to report back that Jrock is back to my wild and crazy healthy self.  So watch out.

Love you and thank you for everything.

Jrock

Celebrate Life!

Life isn't counted by the breaths you take but the moments that take your life away.  My life was almost taken at an early age.   

Rewind back in time... Flash back many years ago- I was just a little girl, in the car with my family, 5:30AM my dad was driving the family roadster.  When faster than the speed of light, our car hydroplaned, flipped, rolled, rolled and rolled multiple times down a 50 foot embankment.

Luckily a truck driver, who witnessed the accident came to our aid.   He pulled my family out of the car.   I was thrown from the seat belt and went through the windshield, I was flown so far they couldn't find me.  My brother searched and found me in a near by field, not breathing.   The truck driver loaded us all in his truck and called for help, this was before cell phones, an ambulance came and met us. We were transported to a local Hospital where angels swarmed.

To make a long story short, my dad & brother were lucky and came out with cuts and bruises, my mom had a broken neck, and was paralyzed on the right side, she spent 28 weeks in a circular bed with prongs in the side of her head that was flipped every 2 hours.   My right lung was punctured & left lung collapsed, every bone was broken in my body and my body full of abrasions from head to toe.  I was in intensive care, and spent 28 weeks in an oxygen tent.  Doctors gave me two weeks to live.   

Our will to live was strong and we fooled the doctors, We truly were miracles!   Mom got all feeling back and beat any prognosis.   Soon we were both, running, dancing and singing in the rain!

We were given a gift & we embrace every day as it is truly a gift, every day is a new gift to unwrap.

It's 11/11 Make A Wish!

It's a lucky Day-and at 11:11am on 11/11 make a wish!  My wishes are many- but today I wish all the best for the Veterans who have served our country yesterday, today and always! Red, White & Blue we think of you and honor you!   Today we salute you- for what you have done for us and our country!    We live in the Greatest Country- and thank you for allowing us to be the home of the free!  

With Bravery & Strength they Serve, With Dignity & Pride they Stand, With Courage & Hope they Fight! Honoring all who have served, Past, Present & Future...We Thank You!

O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee and crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

Happy Veterans Day, Armistice Day, Remembrance Day--- We Remember!

Many Businesses are honoring Servicemen and women on Veterans Day;

Great Clips Veterans who visit  on Nov. 11, can either receive a free haircut — or a card for a free haircut to redeem by Dec. 31.

Denny’s  To honor and thank our nation’s heroes this Veterans Day, Denny’s invites active, inactive and retired military personnel to stop by participating locations for a free Build Your Own Grand Slam® on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon. 

Golden Corral is serving free dinner buffets  from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, at all restaurants, to anyone who is serving or who has served in the military. 

IHOP In honor of Veteran’s Day, from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM on November 11th, IHOP invites all veterans and active duty military personnel to enjoy 2 buttermilk pancakes, topped with strawberries, whipped topping, and blueberry compote.  Served with 2 eggs, hash browns, and your choice of 2 bacon strips or 2 sausage links. 

Starbucks is offering a free, tall brewed coffee on Tuesday to all U.S. military veterans and active duty servicemembers — and their spouses.
Krispy Kreme will celebrate Veteran’s Day on Tuesday, November 11th by offering a Free Doughnut (any variety) and a Small Coffee to all Veterans at participating Krispy Kreme shops locations.
Longhorn Steakhouse will offer veterans and active military members a complimentary Texas T onion appetizer and non-alcohol beverage with proof of service.
Chuck E. Cheese will give 20 free tokens to U.S. military vets and active-duty military through Saturday.
Hooters will give a free meal on Veterans Day can be worth up to $10.99.
On the Border Veterans will receive a FREE Create Your Own Combo entrée.
Olive Garden will offer a free entrée from a special menu to active-duty military and military veterans. 
Applebee’s  November 11th, veterans and active duty military enjoy a free signature entree.
Just a few of the businesses that are offering special meals and discounts to honor our service men and women.    For all you do for our Freedom we salute you, we honor you, we thank you.

Happy Birthday Semper Fi Marines - Ooh Rah

Today, on the eve of Veterans Day, the United States Marine Corps celebrate 239 years of honor, courage and commitment. 

This day in 1775 marks the birth date of the United States Marine Corps, when the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution in Philadelphia stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" to fight at sea and shore. 

From the moment they recite their oath to serve and protect, these young men and women put their lives on the line to keep our nation safe From the air, land and sea they fight for our freedoms with honor, courage and commitment. Thank You Semper Fi- Always Faithful.

From the Halls of Montezuma

To the shores of Tripoli

We fight our country's battles

In the air, on land, and sea;

First to fight for right and freedom

And to keep our honor clean;

We are proud to claim the title

Of United States Marine.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze

From dawn to setting sun;

We have fought in every clime and place

Where we could take a gun.

In the snow of far-off Northern lands

And in sunny tropic scenes;

You will find us always on the job --

The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps

Which we are proud to serve;

In many a strife we've fought for life

And never lost our nerve.

If the Army and the Navy

Ever look on Heaven's scenes,

They will find the streets are guarded

By United States Marines.

Happy Birthday wishes to the Few, The Proud, The Marines- Thank You. 

Strength, Courage & Grace.

Today, I want to give thanks to an amazing woman, my cousin, Terri Schindler Schiavo, whose life was cut short but her name, honor and legacy will live on forever.
Twenty four years ago, when she was 26 years young, Terri collapsed in her home and to this day no one knows what caused her collapse. Her family fought for 15 years to help and take care of her- but her husband and the courts didn’t allow that to happen.

The Court declared her feeding tube be removed, 2 days later Congress enacts Terri's Law II, 2 days later Court denies request, and 14 days later she died of starvation at the young age of 41.

She has the most amazing, loving family I have ever met, Uncle Bob in heaven, Aunt Mary, Cousin Susie, & Bobby. I wish every family had half the love they share for each other. Their strength, courage & grace is more than can be measured.

They continue to share her story and help other people through their foundation terrisfight.org  in hopes that no one ever has to endure like Terri did.

Terri touched people all over the world, without ever saying a word.  She will live on in our hearts & memories forever.

All are invited to celebrate Terri’s Day- an International Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Terri Schindler Schiavo, which will be observed each year on the anniversary of her death, March 31, 2005.

"Where there's life, there's hope." Thank you Terri and the Schindler Family.
　

1,2,3,4 Grandparents

Today November 5, (day 5)   Sending up Thanks to all the Angels looking down on Us!  They are everywhere- you may not always see them, but their beautiful hearts & wings are taking flight and wrapped around you. 

Sending thanks & giving hugs to my wonderful grandparents, I wish you were here today- I would say I love you in every way!   My Grandparents- from the Golf Course to the Kitchen Table- the memories have a hold of my heart & I cherish today & always!

First Viola... Grandma Blake, who made the sun shine brighter, hearts beat louder, and smiles grow larger.  She was tiny but mighty.  I can remember the big Italian Feasts she would feed all who entered her home.  And the lil hands that would sneak in the kitchen and eat the hot meatballs sizzling off the stove!  She would serve pasta with every meal- even Thanksgiving.

Next up Shine- short for Moonshine... My Grandpa Blake,  The Head of the table, head of the house, Golf Pro, Card Shark, NY Yankee Fan.  (Grandpa, sorry the Yankee's didn't win this Year!)  Devoted Husband & Father of Two, My dad & Aunt Teresa!   What a house!   Grandpa- I miss how every holiday meal he would sneak fresh dollar bills under our plates and we would lift our plates after we said Grace!    Lord, bless this Family & Food we are about to Eat!  AMEN.
I will always remember Thanksgiving at Grandma & Grandpa's!
A true Italian Family- We had Lotsa Rasta Pasta with our Turkey & Stuffing!

Grandpa Egbert, My mom's Dad, he raised two beautiful daughters my mom & her sister, my aunt pat!  Wow did he have a BIG JOB raising those two wild women!   Kudos to you Grandpa!  Grandpa we love you and miss you- Your life was taken too early but we honor and cherish the days you graced this planet!   I can remember your laugh, your hugs & your infectious smile!  Miss you Aunt Pat- I know you are dancing up in Heaven with Grandma & Grandpa.

Lastly my Grandma Egbert who I never had the joy & pleasure to meet, she was taken up to heaven before I was born.  But her legacy lives on in our hearts!   She was one woman I wished I had the chance to meet- I know she is truly one of a kind & I know she is dancing up in Heaven with the other angels!   Especially dancing the Charlston- her favorite Party Dance!  She was and will always be the life of the Party!   I know my mom gets that trait from her, and I know it was passed down to me as well.   So hugs to you Grandma!  Lets Dance!

I know you are looking down on us & you make my heart smile!   So My Heart, Hugs & Thanks go to you my wonderful Grandparents....
Buongiorno -( good day italian)  xoxox muah ;)

Day 5 of thanks & giving... To my wonderful Angels, My Grandparents!

Land of the Free home of the Brave 11/4 Day 4

Today I am grateful that we live in America- I wear my stars and stripes proudly. I am thankful that we live in A FREE County and We have the right to vote!  I am honored to Vote today.
Great day to be at the Polls, I loved seeing everyone wearing the "I Voted" sticker!  It is the Hot Fall Fashion Accessory.   

O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

Sugar and Spice & Everything Nice.

Today I am giving thanks and love to my lil niece Kennedy Loraine Blake- this statement may be biased but I think she is the cutest lil girl, she is my favorite adorable lil girl.

We are blessed and thankful to have this lil angel in our lives.  She is the cutest Blake in the Family.

This lil bundle of joy, with her big blue eyes, adorable wild curls and a heart of gold, once you meet her you will never forget her.  She will make your heart smile and leave an imprint on your heart.

Sugar and spice and everything nice- that is what this lil girl is made of.

There's two things I know for sure:

She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.
Thankful for all of the joy and happiness she gives in this world. 

So excited, thankful, grateful and blessed that I get to see Kennedy this weekend- watch out your Crazy Aunt Jen & Uncle Rich are coming to Town.  See you soon Love you Kennedy. 

Day 2- Thanks to You I Have Two.

Fabulous Foley Family- My New Family

In all the years I have been celebrating 30 Days of Thanks and Giving- this year I am doubly Blessed & thankful.
This year-I am so blessed to have not only one family but now I have two.   Life can't get better than that. This year my blessings doubled when I became a member of the Fabulous Foley Family.

The Irish New Englanders were so kind to welcome me into their family with open arms.  I couldn't be happier and more blessed.  Thank you for sharing your son & welcoming me into your family. I gained a family and a new husband!  Love you!  Thank you Rich Foley- who knew that one Sunday back in 2009 while listening to Casey Turner at Nick's at the Beach that we would meet, fall in love, & get married!    Thank you Baby!

So Now I have 2 Mom's & 2 Dad's. I gained another Brother, Kevin Foley & Sister, Kathleen Foley, (I always wanted a sister) and the most adorable Foley Kids- Alex, Brooke & Sean Foley.  I may not have won the California Lottery but I won the Family Lottery.

They sure talk funny- saying things like "Pahk the cah in the Hahvahd Yahd", they love the Patriots, Tom Brady and Dunkin Donuts.

The only sad part is that they live 2500 miles away- so sending love and Foley hugs across the 2500 miles- we may be miles apart but you are always close in my heart.

Today and every day I am thankful to my new Wicked Foley Family.

Kicking off 30 Days of Thanks and Giving

This is a candy stick up, hands up and step away from the candy bowl & no one will get hurt!  Today marks a day of not counting calories from all the Halloween candy but a day to count your blessings!   

Every November 1st I declare to count my blessings & give thanks for the next 30 days! Four years ago I started a lil Thanks Blog but I am grateful & thankful for more than words can say. Today kicks off a digital journey to give thanks to all who have touched my life & left footprints on my heart!  Thanksgiving is 26 days away- and It is more than turkey & stuffing... it is Thanks & Giving!  

The Verdict is in... Let the Thanks Begin!  

To Kick off Day 1 of 30, Let's Rewind it Back to the Beginning to where it all began, the very first day I was adopted into the Blake Family!   I was exactly 4 months old.

Two Amazing People, Linda & Ken Blake did the most selfless thing and opened up their hearts and home to bring me into the family.  I became part of the Blake family; made up of Linda, Ken, and Christoper!  Linda, my mom- weighing in at a towering 4 feet 9 inches with a heart the size of the Grand Canyon,  Ken, My dad, who could leap buildings in a single bound, the smartest man alive- my dad, and Christopher my brother, the writer, musician, artist extraordinaire!
That day those three people changed my life forever & I will be forever grateful!  Words cannot express all that they have done for me.   Through the years have been countless laughs, smiles, cheers & tears!  Every moment has helped mold me & make me who I am today.

They are the most amazing people in my life, once you meet them you will never forget them.  
They will leave footprints on your heart! So raise a glass with me, coast to coast to thank the most amazing family- Ken, Linda & Christopher Blake!   We are Family

Day 1 of 30... Thanks & Giving!