Thankful

Yesterday we went to the little local library for Storytime. It’s one of Quinn’s favorite things to do and we hadn’t been in a few weeks. She was pumped.  

 
Usually they do a story book, felt board story, a couple of songs, a craft, and a snack. I think there should be adult versions of this as well, but with alcohol.

The craft was simple- just a color sheet- but the message was a good one. Ms Linda the librarian explained to the kids what being thankful meant and asked them to draw something they are thankful for. She then asked the parents to write on the page what the kids said.

Quinn isn’t a touchy feely cuddler. She’ll give you a hug but then she’s done and wants down. There is no curling up in the bed for cuddles because oftentimes she doesn’t want to be touched. We’ve accepted this to be just how she’s wired. She’s extremely independent and smart and not clingy at all. She doesn’t show emotions often and really is totally different than how either one of us imagined she would be, which is still ok because she’s an awesome kid. 

When I leaned down to ask her what she was thankful for she paused a minute. Just when I thought the whole lesson would be lost on her she said, enthusiastically even, “Daddy, mommy! I’m thankful for daddy because he’s mine and I love him”. 

My heart burst. A tear rolled down my cheek and landed on her blonde fluffy pigtails.

She got it.

  

She ran into the bedroom when Matt woke up to show him his “prize”.

This is what life is all about. Keep your money. Your fancy cars and clothes. All of those things I focused on for so long and things I put so much stock into-

Keep it.

It doesn’t matter.

Some things I’m thankful for this year-

• Our Health

We’re healthy. All of us, and the little dog, too. I’m so thankful for that.

• Our New Home

If things go smoothly we should be in our new house by Christmas. This is the biggest blessing of the year, a place of our own. It truly is the American Dream and we’re happy to be able to achieve it.

• Time Together

When we lived in Indiana, Matt was gone a lot for work. When we were transferred here it really could’ve gone either way. When given the opportunity to take a local assignment rather than one that would keep him gone, he chose the local to be closer to us and see us daily. It’s twice as much physical labor and he comes home sore all over, but he doesn’t have to live half his life in a hotel. I’m so thankful for our family time and his rotating days off because his weekend starts today and we have fun things planned.

• My Inlaws

I don’t know many people that can say that but really, mine are saints. They really are. 

• A New Day

Particularly today because last night I went over on my points. I have to remind myself that every day is a chance to start over again. I don’t want to sabotage myself. Holidays are tough.
What are you thankful for?