Thankfulness

For several years during the month of November we've had a tradition of making a paper chain of things we're thankful for. I believe that it really sets the tone for the holiday season and prepares our hearts for Christmas. We usually do it right after our Bible time for the day, which includes reading from a Bible story book, like The Gospel Story Bible, a chapter or so from the Bible (we read through a book at a time, alternating Old and New Testament) and prayer.

The start of our chain for this year.

Once we get past "Mommy", "Daddy", "Daisy", etc., the kids start being a little more creative and thoughtful with their answers. It's always interesting to see what they come up with each day! It's already funny to hear Selah say, "I'm thank you for ..."

*Side Note*: Have you ever had to try not to laugh while listening to a 4-year-old pray? It's not easy, I'm hear to tell you. Especially when she prays, "Thank you, God, for Joe and (here she opens her eyes and aims a judgmental squint at the object of her prayer, proclaiming pointedly) thank you for him not hitting me ..." Hint, hint, Joe! Or, "Thank you for Daddy taking us to the playground ... (eyes pop open) Mommy, can we go to the playground when Daddy gets home?"

Undoubtedly, if Daisy participated in our thankfulness chain, warm sunbeam naps atop a human would certainly come first!

We're all thankful for these little crumbsnatchers.

And high on Jeff's list would definitely be the Oatmeal Crumble Apple Pie I made Wednesday night for dessert.