Thanksgiving and the things kids learn...

Well, it's almost Thanksgiving and I can't believe it!  In just a few short days Andrew, Caroline and I will make our way down to Roanoke for a good ol' family Thanksgiving with tons of fattening food and an amazing time of fellowship with family and friends!  I can't wait!  

So, in honor of Thanksgiving here are a few of the things I am thankful for:  

1. I am thankful for my amazing family!  My husband, daughter, parents, in-laws, and all extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and best friends are just incredible!  I have been so blessed!  

Here is Caroline last Thanksgiving! She was so little!

2. I am thankful for our home!  In this time of financial crisis for many, I am so thankful for the ability to pay for our home.  Though I complain about it regularly, I know that we are blessed to have a place to live and to be able to pay our mortgage every month.  

3. I am thankful for our country!  Though there is a lot that could be better right now, I am thankful to live in a country that is free!  

4. I am thankful for books! I love to read and I am so glad people write new books every day.  

5. I am thankful for a loving and merciful God!  He loves me no matter how much I mess up and He is always there when I call His name!  

Those are just a few... what are you thankful for?  

*****

Today my mouth taught me a lesson...  

I decided to put up our Christmas tree today, because I wanted to have it up, so that we could easily decorate it when we come back from my parent's house next weekend.  

So, last year, for those who don't remember, our cat Scout was obsessed with getting in our tree.  

I was hoping that this year she would grow out of it.  It was funny the first time and then it just got old.  

So, as I set up the tree today and I had it all in place, Scout climbed in like it was her own personal climbing post.  I pulled her out, only for her to get back in again and again.  On our fifth round or so of my battle with the cat, I yelled at her "I hate you" and Caroline's little listening ears heard those harsh words and immediately repeated them.  "I hate you!" she exclaimed at the cat.  My heart sank.  I told her "no, Caroline please don't say those words."  But she repeated them again, "I hate you."  My stomach churned.  I caused this.  I told her, "Caroline, Mommy was wrong.  Those words are ugly and not nice.  Please don't say them again."  

She didn't say them again this evening, but now she knows them.  They are in her mind and on her tongue.  I pray that she doesn't say those words tomorrow to her friends at daycare or to her babysitter.  The thought makes me want to cry, but it definitely taught me something.  I tell my students every day, "you should not say anything at school that a teacher would not say to the class."  I need to heed my own advice.  I should do the same thing at home.  I know that I can't protect Caroline forever from "ugly" words, but I will do my best while I can.  Nothing bothers me more than children learning negative language long before they should know what it means.  I don't want to be that parent who feeds her daughter those kinds of words.  Hopefully next time I will think before I speak and ask myself if my words are something I would want my daughter to repeat.  

Don't worry Scout... Mommy and Caroline both still love you!