Thankful for the little big things
This post is sponsored by Hallmark, but the message is all my own.
I had a new proud moment in parenting the other day when I was at Home Depot buying paint. Not when my daughter pulled out a gazillion paint samples—That was embarrassing—but when we got our cans of paint and on her own she told the woman behind the counter “thank you for our paint!”
The woman also handed her a paddle with the dried samples painted on and Lil’ J again, on her own said “Thank you for my wand!”
From birth I’ve taught my kids to say please and thank you, and until now, have usually helped or prompted her to say it.
Now that I’ve realized that she’s at an age where I can basically teach her anything, and she’s excited and ready to absorb it all, I’m trying to help her learn important words and values.
We’re still talking a lot about gratitude and though she’s great at saying please and thank you, I’ve been talking to her about why we’re thankful. Why she loves her family and her little brother. “Why?” is her favorite question to ask me, so I’m turning it around on her.
She and I bought a Christmas card to give to her little brother (and I helped him pick out one for her big sister). I asked her to write down why she loves her little brother and helped transcribe them in English for her.
When I did the same for her brother she offered up “He loves me cause he loves to pull my hair!” Very true.
I’m working on a special note for my husband as well, because although I tell him I love him constantly, I don’t tell him why enough. And amongst the crazy year of new baby, new job and new home, we’ve conquered a lot. I haven’t decided what I’m getting him for Christmas just yet but his little card is a start.
I’m excited to celebrate my favorite holiday with my sweet little family.
Bring on the eggnog!
This is my absolute favorite time of year. As I celebrate the Christmas, I’ll be sharing some of our experiences in a holiday series sponsored by Hallmark. I bought the holiday cards using my own money and a coupon for $5 off. Here’s the coupon!
Tags: christmas, family, hallmark, love, photography
ABSOLUTELY Love the photos! Your such a great mom and it is so awesome that at such a tender age your daughter knows how to be thankful. I know saying “thank you” it is something all parents teach their kids, but knowing the meaning of “thank you” is even more. This past thanksgiving I filmed my kids as we went around the table and is was so touching when my children were telling my husband and I what they were thankful for…it was very touching and heartfelt. Gotta love them.
BTW…love the wall color…girl, it pops and looks great with the christmas greenery.
You are so sweet! I LOVE that you recorded what your kids are thankful for. You (and they) will treasure that for years to come!
Thanks for the compliments on the wall color. Funny story of how that went down and my husband’s reaction. Gonna hafta put that in another blog post!
This is what I love about being a parent. I enjoy teaching my children how to be polite and courteous to others. Kids are naturally compassionate by nature but taking that extra step to nurture that in them is very rewarding when you see them remembering their manners or showing kindness on their own.
Isn’t it SO rewarding? It’s like “YES! I am doing something right!”
Oh Jenn…. that was tooo sweet. I think I have a cavity now. 🙂 You’re such an awesome and loving mama. You’re doing such an amazing job with your kiddies. (HUG) Merry Christmas! Yeah I know it’s early, but I don’t care.
xx
I’m all about saying Merry Christmas too!! Love this month! Thank you mama! And you… You’re a fabulous mama! Can’t wait to see you rockin 2!