She "makes" like me

One of the most interesting and challenging parts of being a mom is figuring our kids out.  What makes them tick?  Are they extroverted or introverted? Enjoy a challenge or frightened by it?  Do they like a lot of interaction or do they require more down time?  Is help appreciated by them or do they like to do it themselves?  One thing that I have really come to realize in the last year is that they are definitely all different from each other, and also from me!  As they get older, their own little quirks and personality traits are really starting to shine through.  I am learning to appreciate them- to be thankful for our differences. We definitely have a broad spectrum of likes and dislikes between our three girls, and it certainly makes life more interesting. 

One similarity that I love about Hannah and myself...she "makes" like me.  A flurry of creating in hyper-speed.  No time for picking up as you go, that can be done later.  I don't freak out when I see messes like this (she was cutting and gluing hair for the paper doll she was working on) because I know she is in "the mode."

I am grateful for the understanding I am given (sometimes in very tiny amounts) to see my children for who they are, and to honor and respect that.

thank you flowers

These little flowers are so quick and easy to make.  The idea came from this book.  (Thanks Melissa for letting me borrow it!)  One flower takes about 15 minutes.  I see a lot of these in my future.  I put a safety pin on the back and the possibilities of how these could be used for adornment are endless.  This green one is going out to Emma's teacher.  She (like me) loves green- only she has wonderfully red hair and looks fabulous wearing it!  She is a busy lady with three children of her own, and I am thankful for the love and care that she shows to mine.

And on a huge side note...this is what I'll be reading this weekend

I can't wait to tell you all about it!!!!!!!

November= Thankfulness

I am as excited as the next person about the coming of the Christmas Holiday. I love giving and receiving gifts.  I eagerly anticipate gathering with family.  The jubilation my children express when the first snow arrives is contagious.  Their faces light up as each tree ornament is pulled from the box and rediscovered.  On and on I could go about the miracle that is Christmas.  However, what the heck happened to celebrating Thanksgiving?????  Already we are bombarded with ads in the newspaper and on TV telling us about all the great deals to be had on the "stuff" that has somehow seemed to replace the true meaning of Christmas.  My neighbors actually put up their Christmas lights last weekend. (They haven't turned them on yet...and they may not be all that stupid putting them up when it is not 9 degrees outside- but still.) 

 

I made this little banner a while back and now that it is officially November, I put it up last weekend.  It wasn't my idea...I hacked it from here. I hesitated in linking that picture because their version is way cuter.  I made the squares from wool felt and the letters were cute using a stencil and fat quarters that I thought looked autumn-ish.  I sewed them on raw edges and all.  It is hanging from a garden twine rope. ( a bit uneven too- the ladder was fairly wobbly, I wanted to get off it as soon as possible.)

Above our door it hangs in the hopes that it encourages us to be grateful for ALL that we have.  So many times we take simple things like a new toothbrush or clean socks for granted.  The big things slip by too- health, family, freedom.  I want my family to slow down and really give thanks for what has been given to us. 

So, for the rest of November (or at least until Thanksgiving) each time I post I would like to include at least one thing- and a picture too, of something (people, moments, and yes things) that I am thankful for. 

First up, I am thankful that my girls like to wash dishes for me. I do hover somewhat nervously as the water gets splashed about, and some food bits get passed over (good for the immune system right?) but I am thankful that they are willing to help out.

It was funny to watch the progression of wetness take over.  First, they wanted their sleeves rolled up.  Next, the socks came off.  Then, we lost the pants.  Finally, when I turned my back for moment Hannah actually disrobed completely and was sitting in the sink (she put the plug in the drain.)  That is where I drew the line.  Washing dishes in the buff is too much for me.  Its important to me that we work as a team and all pitch in.  This is a great way that they can play work :)  What are you thankful for?