Feeling Very Thankful

This Thanksgiving was one that stands out for me. I think it is due to the fact that Zachary is now understanding so much and I have been trying to explain what Thanksgiving is to him for almost a month now. I didn't realize that Thanksgiving really is a complicated concept when explaining it to a 2 1/2 year old. I of course skipped the whole part about Pilgrims. We made turkeys all month, but then eating one was rather confusing for the little guy. But I tried to help him to understand that is is primarily about being thankful and what that meant.

In the process, it just made me realize how very thankful I am these days. Maybe it is because I have kids now, but I am so thankful for so much, especially the small stuff. Due to the financial struggles of so many people these days and hearing so many sad stories of how fast one's life can fall apart, I am so thankful I am able to have a house over our heads and food on the table. Most of all, I'm thankful for being blessed with my two wonderful children that just give my life such happiness. More than I ever knew possible.

I tend to be a person that can get caught focusing on the negatives in life and I want to try to help my children to see the positives instead. I decided long ago, that as a family ritual, every night at the dinner table, we each would tell each other what was our favorite part of the day. I am surprised how often it is those tiny fleeting moments that make the day special. Even at such a young age, I see how it is helping Zachary to look back at his day. After this past month, I also am going to add to this nightly ritual. We also need to find something we are thankful for in the day. Taking only one day out of the year is not enough. This daily exercise is not only for my children for years to come, but also for myself. I realize both are similar, but they are also different. I find I may be thankful for an event in my day, but it wasn't something that I would classify as my favorite part of the day.

I really didn't take many pictures this weekend but here are two choice ones.

He was so excited to have this chocolate Turkey

She just loves Zachary's trucks!!!