We are thankful for surprises

We were at SAMs club the other day and they were selling bags of chocolate popcorn that were made by physically challenged individuals, it was yummy and proceeds went to help the same people who made them.  Today the kids chose two neighbors and left popcorn treats at their front door.

We are thankful for each other

This was a low key thanksgiving this year.  I love thanksgiving but really do hate being the only one cooking.  This year all the kids helped with their own special dish.  Viv and G helped me make pretzel turkeys. Viv made the cranberry sauce from scratch.  Cash made an awesome fruit punch with floating apple flowers.  Cannon made an incredible pecan pie.  Kai came up with his own version of fried apples.  G helped me with the Brussels sprouts.  The best part is they all at least ate the dish they made.  Such a fun day.

We are thankful for people who understand the challenges and strengths is Dyslexia!

Today we made cookies for Vivi's tutor at the Dyslexia Center of Utah.  She has been such a blessing to Viv.  Her tutor also has dyslexia and truly understands the challenges Viv faces.  She is also sweet and fun which makes two hours of tutoring a week something to look forward to instead of dread.

We are thankful for parks and fun friends to play with!

This was the favorite project from last year according to Viv, Cash, and Kai so while we had nice weather we decided to do it first.  FLASH TREASURE HUNT!!  Yesterday we went to the Dollar store and loaded up on bubbles, Frisbees, small toys, and Viv even picked out a dog toy.  Today we made signs and attached little labels to each prize then went to Draper park, the kids hid prizes while I put up signs.  So fun to see the park start to buzz with excitement!

We also took Thanksgiving treats to our teachers too!

 

We are gearing up for our 2nd annual Bee Grateful Challenge.  Last year we started on the 1st of November but this year we were moving on Nov 1 and things have been crazy ever since.  So on this thanksgiving week we are ready to get started.  Today the kids each came up with one project from last year that they would like to repeat.  Tomorrow we will all come up with one new project.  Tuesday we will begin!  Can't wait!!

# 20 We are grateful for our connnection with you.

I am a firm believer that the people that are in your life are there for a reason.    If anything our experiment has helped us see ourselves in others and others in ourselves.  As a mother I can't think of a better outcome! We are so thankful for you in our lives.  I have a favorite poem, I'm not a poem girl so this is actually my only favorite poem.  As I was thinking over the last 20 days this poem comes to mind and sums us the lesson that I would like my children to most embrace.  Happy Thanksgiving!

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~ Rumi ~

# 19 We are grateful for each other!

Today we went down by Jason's work and took him out to lunch.  We are so grateful for him.  He is the one who has made charity and thankfulness a priority in our family.  I'm so thankful that he allows us to use our resources in this way, even if some of our projects put him out of his comfort zone;) We love you!