Tis the season to be Thankful...

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” —Oprah Winfrey

I love everything about this time of year. Everything is a little brighter, a little more fancy  and a little more special. What I really enjoy though is that expressing gratitude is standard. We've hosted Thanksgiving in our home for the past three years. Each year we begin by stating what we're most thankful for. When we first started some people were awkward, but now we're all into it. There is power in public expressions of gratitude. Indeed, it's akin to worship.

Kids enjoying the holidays

Life has a way of teaching you what you really value...

This year, we had a variation on the theme.  We distributed "Thank you" cards. Each card had a unique message. We placed a card on the plate of each guest and they shared the message with the group. Then, they shared what they were most thankful for at that moment. It was powerful to share. Everyone expressed gratitude about overcoming obstacles and for the people in their lives. I shared my comments like the rest, but neglected to share my true sentiments. The truth is, I am so overwhelmed by my blessings that I can barely function. When I look at my kids, hear them laugh, and see them smile, my heart sings!

Kids seeing Santa

I was reminded about how much I care about my kids last Monday when I thought I had lost my daughter. Somehow, there was confusion about where she was supposed to be and she never made it to her ballet lesson. I thought she was there and went looking for her. I wound up walking around the building with the other two kids, engaging security, and nearly losing my s--t only to learn that she never made it to her lesson. Instead, she was safe and sound at her grandmother's. The moral is that text messaging is a piss poor method of communication when you're confused about a child's schedule. Period. The blessing is, she was safe and sound. Amen!

Leaving your baby in pajamas in the AM will change your life

On a lighter note, I am grateful that I have been delivered from the pressure of getting the baby dressed in the morning. Now, we just wake the baby up and take the baby to daycare in the same clothes that he went to bed in. You can judge me if you want, but the truth is this has changed my life. It has shaved about fifteen minutes from our routine every day. That has been an tremendous gift and I intend to cherish it until the little guys is about two. Like I said, don't judge me! Also, if you are struggling with AM time management, I recommend that you do this too. I am considering having the four year old sleep in his clothes too because--why the hell not!

Stay tuned for more holiday posts!!!