Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things"
-Maya Angelou

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Attitude of Gratitude

"Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
-Plato

1. Mind your manners. Say please, thank you and excuse me.
2. Smile
3. Pick up after yourself and for someone else too. Be happy you have someone to pick up after!
4. Notice when others do kind things for you, show gratitude by action or words.
5. Say I love you before you leave in the morning and before bed at night.
6. Give hugs daily.
7. Always kiss me goodnight.
8. Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Focus on the blessing of today.
9. Write your blessing down.
10. Show thankfulness for even the little things others do for you.
11. Leave notes in unexpected places like lunch boxes and under pillows.
12. Encourage someone with a compliment.
13. When all you want to do is complain, start listing everything positive in your life.
14. Keep track of what you are thankful for all year long. It shouldn't be only at Thanksgiving time.
15. Remember to thank God for blessings each day.
16. Never forget to write a thank-you note.
17. Do special things to cherish time with your family.
18. Reflect on happy memories regularly. It's okay to hear, "Remember when.." for the thousandth time.
20. Help someone out without them having to ask you. Watch for someone in need.
21. When you are doing household chores, be grateful you have a home to clean.
inspired by (In)Courage

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Yes, I know it is only November 14th, but we put up the Christmas tree yesterday. With all the flooding around here from the Nor'easter school has been cancelled the last two days. Add to that the nonstop rain with no football on tv and that made for a bored husband.
I thought I'd have at least a year to baby proof the tree.

And this was the contagious smile we saw every time she looked at the tree.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Gratitude

I'm in a whiny mood, and I'm tired. The nonstop rain is not helping, so instead of continuing this downward spiral of negative thoughts, I thought I'd focus on what is wonderful in my life.

1. Grace - She may only be seven months old, but this little lady can brighten my mood instantly. I love her baby babbles. Sometimes, they are whispers. I love when she says mama. I love her laugh; it is contagious. I love how she rubs her eyes when she is tired, and how she'll find the perfect spot in the crook of my neck to rest her head before falling asleep.

2. Matt - I love how he makes me a better person. I love how he pushes me and doesn't let me give up on things. I love that he doesn't expect me to do all the housework. I love that he does housework. I love that football season is over, and he can come home after work.

3. Family - Yeah, I know that everyone says they are grateful for family, but when people start leaving them off a gratitude list then our world is in a scary place. I love my family even though many miles separate us.

4. Gel Pillows - I think gel pillows make my list every time. I'm in love and will never, ever go back to any other pillows. Even when I travel, I stuff those babies in my luggage.

5. April '08 Mamas - Thank you for welcoming me even though I'm an '09 Mama. I appreciate how accepting you are and for all of your advice.

6. Rhino Brace - It has been 2 1/2 weeks since they took off Grace's spica cast. We only had the cast for four days, but they were four long days. I can't imagine having to endure that any longer. With those four days behind us, I can appreciate the Rhino Brace so much more. The brace is a piece of cake compared to the cast.

7. St. Mark's - I'm grateful for having found this parish.

8. Grace's video monitor - I can't imagine life without it.

9. Work - Yes, I'm grateful for work. I have a job. I have a job that I love. Sure, seventh graders can be life sucking - draining all patience and energy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. One day may be extremely tiring, but then the next will be full of surprises and rewards.

10. Great blogs with great ideas - Check out A Soft Place to Land for a Thankful Tree and (in)Courage for a Gratitude Box.