Giving Thanks: A November to Remember & Thanksgiving 2020

We always have thinks to be thankful and grateful for no matter what life throws our way. This November we carried on with our traditional methods of showing gratitude and even added a few new ways to remember our blessings. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From gratitude trees that the kids made & displayed in their rooms to daily thankful leaves we kept in an “I’m grateful box” to shopping for those less fortunate, the kids embraced the spirit of Thanksgiving. It was beautiful to see their giving hearts in action. 

 

 

 

 

No matter how you celebrated this year, I hope gratitude was vibrant in your heart & mind.

Salem Lucille: 3 Years Old

Dearest Salem Lucille,

How are you three years old sweet girl?! As you say, "no more paci but I can have lovey." That pretty much sums up you turning 3 today! You are playful yet wise. Two of my favorite characteristic that you possess.

You have grown so much over the last year. You are taller...almost a tall as your brother Brighton. You are slimmer, losing that baby chunk that I wish we could hold onto a little longer. You are smarter...counting to 10 and singing your ABC's. You continue to anticipate the world around you and the daily routines of your family. You are a helper...a big helper who feels pride in completing "big girl" tasks. But mostly you are joyful. Joyful in ways that I hope you always hold onto and never lose as you continue into the world.

 

 

You potty trained seamlessly and feel so big about it. Your Minnie Mouse underwear were a huge contributing factor and made for a smooth transition. There is something sweet about a little girl accomplishing such a big moment in life.

You are in big girl "school" at Harvey Browne 2 days a week. You love Mrs. Evans & Mrs. Kinney and always look forward to seeing them on Tuesday & Thursday. You are also in the butterfly class with Vivie & JoJo which you absolutely adore.

You also started dance class with your friends and you are *tutu* cute. You love to tip tap around with your tap shoes sporting your ballet bag. You strut yourself right into the studio with the biggest smile. I love to come watch the last few minutes of class to see what new moves you've learned. And you love to come running up for a big hug in between those moves!

 

 

 

I love when people say you look like me. I love to think that the joy in your heart & soul came from your mommy! I also love the way you resemble your Mimi when she was a little girl...it melts me heart to think of all the beauty inside & outside that radiates from 3 generations.

Salem Lu, you are a joy to be around. You are easy to love. You are the piece that completed our family. And you will always be my little girl.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

Back-to-School: 2020-2021

While some say the 2020-2021 school year looks different, I feel that our family has continued to thrive in the traditions of back to school. We enjoyed putting the "school" decorations up in the house in anticipation of the month of August. We ordered our PBK backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles then delighted in hanging them in the mudroom upon arrival. We enjoyed a delicious apple-centered breakfast on the day of Welcome Back & Meet the Teachers accompanied with some back-to-school goodies including personalized pjs, workbooks, get ready for *your* grade books, & fall stuffed animals. We attended church to have our backpacks blessed, and we met the amazing teachers at SMM who have worked tirelessly to make this school year happen. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The joy in the children's eyes to be back on campus made my mom heart burst with happiness. Their smiles couldn't be contained...even behind the masks. The kindness and grace shown by parishioners, Priests, Principals, staff, teachers, parents & students has been one of the most positive things that I have even witnessed in my life. They say it takes a village, and I love the village that we are a part of at SMM.

 

 

 

Harvey Browne opened later in the month/early September which was such a happy time for Salem. She had been anticipating school and using her Moana backpack for weeks. She was more than thrilled to be back with her teachers & friends. She is attending one day of PDO and two days of Preschool. Her need to learn and grow in the classroom is being fulfilled and I am so thankful for that opportunity! She met her teachers for PDO in person and "drive by" style for Preschool. Both a unique and wonderful experience thanks to the teachers & staff who have worked tirelessly to make things as smooth as possible.

 

 

In 2020, I have learned that traditions can remain; and although altered slightly, they still carry the same joy & love for our family! Cheers to a blessed school year however it may look for you!