I began the day by creating a to-do list on my computer. Slowly, I chipped away at the tasks, and even got side-tracked by archiving messages in my email Inbox (please tell me there are others out there is 800+ messages in their Inbox as well?!). Now, with only 5 little messages sitting there, it’s like I hardly know what to do!
So, in honor of some things accomplished, here’s a little six-word summary of what I’m thankful for today:
A nearly finished to-do list – finally!
Today, I’m so thankful for the chance to talk to my kids about what color of hats they would like, and then surprise them with handmade hats at the end of the day! When I think about those frustrating moments learning to crochet a sloppy chain with my grandmother, or wavy-edged scarves thanks to dropped stitches and inconsistent tension in my grasp – it’s all worthwhile to have a skill that I can fall back on.
Granted, I can’t read a pattern to save my life and I’m indebted to my friend Erica for giving me a tutorial on this pattern just last night. Are they perfect? Far from it. But they’re made. They’re complete and they’re just right.
Today, I’m grateful for the blessing of friendship. From impromptu afternoon lunch dates and a chance to crash on another friend’s couch while our kids enjoy AWANA.
Friendship is such a beautiful thing.
Today, I’m thankful I was able to ~
Last night, the kids were enjoying a leisurely dinner long after G and I were done and feeling ready to crash for the night. I wrote out the 5 jobs they needed to accomplish (choose clothes, go potty, brush teeth, pack lunch, put on PJs) and let them know that we would be on the couch ready for books when they were finished.
On one hand, I felt a little bad because they were left to their own devices. On the other hand, I think it was really good for them. It was early enough that we could let them dawdle and take their time, and our only reminder was, “Are you done with all the jobs on the list?” Plus, Garth and I got to snuggle and I even dozed off for a bit while he played on his iPad.
The next morning, I found these adorable notes! The English teacher in me, is pleased as punch that Calder is picking up the genre of the lunch note (date in upper corner, name, note signed XOXO!). It makes it worth printing, cutting, and writing little notes in their lunchbox TOTALLY worthwhile! I also LOVE that he opted for the word “grand” which is totally like him!
Seneca’s note was COMPLETELY done on her own as well! I will say it was the source of a bit of morning drama as Calder was displeased with the numbers along the top, which she tried to scribble out, which them caused frustration because it was “scribbly” – but all those complaints aside, I love that they are discovering words and language and expression.
I might seem that this is plenty of gratitude for one day, and yet for me it’s just the beginning. Today, I was able to travel with five fabulous ladies to spend the day at IKEA, where the laughter was as plentiful as the deals on a few great finds including a few Christmas gifts! To top it off, we returned just in time to collect kids from school. Upon arriving home, they persuaded me to retrieve their snowgear from the attic and they spent the better part of an hour playing the “snow” that had fallen in the backyard!
While they played, I worked to surprise Garth with homemade lasagna now that I have the correct version of the recipe he has come to know and love! The timing was impeccable (which is unusual for me!). We were ready to eat, just as Garth arrived home from his first middle school basketball game. It was a delicious end to a fabulous day!
Cornwell Crew 