Gratitude for Today- I am grateful for my morning drive to school with Gabe.  It seems that this is his most talkative, and with Graedon still half asleep in the back, it feels like I have Gabe all to myself.  He says some of the cutest things, and I love to hear how his mind thinks.  Today, he was going to build a house on the island in the middle of a pond we drive by.  Oh, and he is so excited to buy the "Titanic" bundle at the Book Fair. 

I love this boy!  He's growing up so fast, so these small moments are what I want to remember most about him!  He's 8, with his gappy big boy teeth smile, his creative ways, with the most caring and sensitive heart I know!  What an amazing person he is! 

Apologies

grate·ful

1. warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful:

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APOLOGIES

An apology can come in all sorts of shapes and styles, but the importance of one is monumental.

It is so evident when viewed from the innocence of my 5-year old.

He was purposefully kicked, and kicked hard on purpose according to witnesses at our Halloween party over the weekend.  He was upset because he was hurt, but he was more upset for the lack of an apology. All he could say through his tears was that she didn't even apologize.

Aww, break my heart that I wasn't outside to have righted that wrong.

"I'm sorry" means so much!

I am grateful that my boys know the importance of apologies, and I am lucky that my husband helps in showing the boys how important it is as well.

I am thankful for them as well as trying harder to be better at them myself!

Some Things to Be Grateful For

grate·ful

adjective

1. warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful

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I have been seeing all sorts of "thankful" posts popping up on blogs and my Facebook Newsfeed, and I really like the idea to take them to express specifically what you are grateful for. 

I am going to try to keep up and post something daily here. 

I would love it if you would join me.

It doesn't have to be grand gestures or huge accomplishments, it can be the small and simple things that bring a smile to your face and make you appreciate what you have.

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Dirty Dishes

Ugh, is one of the first words that comes to my mind when I see my sink full of dirty dishes.  Yes, we have a dishwasher, but I am not a fan.  I end up having to rewash so much of what comes out of that appliance, that handwashing is just easier. 

Does anyone like washing dishes?

Well, my first reaction would be, "NO!"

At second glance, I become humbled.

I have hot, running water to wash my dishes.

 They are dirty because we were able to eat off of them.  We are able to

have food and ways to prepare warm meals. 

We make it a priority to sit and have family meals together.

Wow....dirty dishes!  

Yes, I am grateful to have dirty dishes. 

Happy Halloween

I hope everyone has had a safe and fun Halloween!

I am loving my Sorcerer Mickey and Headless Horseman! 

(completely handmade this year!)