From the mouths of babes...

Happy Day After Thanksgiving. I really did mean to post yesterday but...we did stay pretty busy. I thought about the things that I am thankful for and I had the typical list: freedom, God, family, etc...so I started thinking about the smaller things. I am thankful that Walmart was open yesterday because it meant that I could do my grocery shopping without having to fight the huge after Thanksgiving crowds (especially since we always go as a family). I am thankful for the friends that I have and that they understand my weird sense of humor. I am thankful that my husband puts up with my crazy ideas and babies me. I am thankful for the church service that we had Sunday morning and the pastor preaching on the religious beginnings of Thanksgiving. It didn't just start with the pilgrims! As I spoke with people throughout the day, I thought about how many of my friends aren't nearly as blessed as I am with the friendships that they have. After all, they did get stuck with me. My list goes on and on.

But on to other things...Wednesday, we went to Dollywood with some friends and had a wonderful time hanging out, riding rides, and looking at all of the beautiful scenery. We took some very cute pictures of the kids hanging out together. This trip to Dollywood also got me to thinking about my influence on others, as sad as that thought is. I often make fun of others, only in good humor but I do struggle with thinking nice thoughts all of the time. I noticed that my dear friend made a "negative" comment about someone while we were there. My thought is this...Does everyone think the negative thoughts (like I do) and refrain from stating them out loud or do they simply become negative thinkers (so to speak) because of my influence? I think that it is human nature to mentally form an opinion of someone else (be it positive or negative) but we tend to only verbalize those things around those that it is safe to do so with (with me as an exception to the rule).

Tradition is something that was never really big in my family. Since getting married and having my own family, I've attempted to get some traditions for us to have and pass on to our children and grandchildren. However, I am struggling. I tried to get the girls to watch the Macy's Parade but they became bored. I have attempted the Christmas tree decorating, wrapping presents, adopting a family, etc...the list goes on and on, but none of these things seem to stick or work for us. I am continuing with the struggle to find traditions that are right for my family so if you have suggestions or words of encouragement, I am all ears.

One tradition that has seem to have lasted for several years now is that my dear sweet husband shops on Black Friday so I don't have to get out of bed or out in the crowds. Most of you know that I struggle with being nice. This mornings journey only included Toys R Us to purchase Eyeclops for Sweet Pea, since she has requested it for a year now and I couldn't stand the thought of paying $60 for a toy that I doubted she would play with too much. My husband also made a trip to GameStop for himself but I don't really consider that as a favor for me (ha ha).

So far, that has been our break. We plan a few shopping places tomorrow and I am getting a haircut (hopefully). I would also like to take the girls ice skating and bake cookies so we will have to see what the future holds.