Blessings, Gratitude, Thanksgiving...

Gratitude is very important to me.  

As a mother, its a cornerstone to my parenting.

Giving my children opportunities to express their gratitude is a daily goal.

A holiday named for Giving Thanks?

Yes please!

Today I'd like to share some of our words for giving thanks....

 (Ava's crayon melt art inspired by The Artful Parent, here.)

Turkeys come out to play

Thanksgiving is a time

to give thanks

Thanksgiving is a special time of year 

to be nice to everyone.

Thanksgiving is a time 

to be thankful for everyone who loves you.

Thanksgiving is a time 

when everyone gets together to make food and share it.

Ava, age 6 

I've mentioned our blessing cards before, here, and here.  Last year Ava painted this lovely cornucopia,  and wrote a beautiful blessing, but for some reason (umm... pregnancy) I didn't write her blessing on her card until today.

 (water color by Ava)

Thanksgivings Blessing

Jack-o-lanterns go away when pumpkins and cornucopias come to the table.

Cats lay inside winter's doors.

The farmers run and switch to make a scarecrow itch.

There are good sights to see when you step outside on Thanksgiving day.

Ava, age 5

And for me personally, what makes my day full of warmth and gratitude...

Messy faces...

and

Ocean Fairies...

and one little teething baby who was taking a nap during this time, so I didn't risk taking his picture.

(I was too grateful for his rest)

Many thanks to The Magic Onions for bringing families together for Friday's Nature Table.