So much to be thankful for

This year we have once again continued with the tradition of the thankful years. Before dinner the boys write (or write with assistance) on a paper leaf what they are thankful for.  What was written so far includes:

Dad

Mom

Jacob

Raphael
Theodore

Tift Nature Preserve

Family

Tom's Restaurant

Priests

Gifts

Nathan (a friend)
Being good

Thanksgiving

On Friday I was able to attend daily mass with a friend, while another friend watched my kiddos. Father Dave reminded us to "pick our head out of the sand" and look around at our blessings.  How easy it is to go through our daily grind and forget to really look at the beauty that is before us.  This year I am thankful for:

1.) A man of faith, courage and dedication who is my best friend and husband.

2.) Three healthy, handsome, inquisitive and active little men.

3.) Our families and all the encouragement, support and example that they give.

4.) The Catholic faith and the light that it brings in a sometimes dark world.  We're thankful for this year of faith and the spiritual fruits that will come from it.

5.) The gift of learning. Homeschooling has been such a blessing this year. Jay and I are learning so much and have found that this has reshaped our family dynamic and culture.  We aren't sure how much longer we are going to continue homeschooling, but for right now it is a good fit. And being in the "now" is a good place to be!

6.) The gift of laughter. Everyday our boys give us something to laugh and smile about!

7.) "God bless America!" How blessed we are to grow up in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

8.) We are thankful to live in a vibrant, loving and supportive community. We are surrounded by caring neighbors, church members, teachers and friends.  Buffalo is a wonderful city and for that we are grateful.

9.) Books and the ability to read.  20% of people living on the planet are unable to read. Everyday we are exposed to a plethora of reading materials. We just can't read enough and each book that we discover is like unearthing a treasure.

10.) We are grateful to YOU for reading our blog and loving our family. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

"You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.” G.K. Chesterton