I am constantly talking to Claire and Gregory about being grateful. We discussed it at length the other day, and Gregory summed it up by stating that being grateful is simply saying "thank you" when I make him a sippy cup full of chocolate milk. Claire said that she thought being grateful was "taking care of our nice things and thanking God for our blessings". While both are precious, precious answers (they're only 3 and 5 respectively) I have been pondering this question since our conversation.
I believe that being thankful is more than saying "thank you". I believe that being thankful is an all-encompassing state of mind that overshadows every aspect of your life. When you are thankful, you are aware of the blessings that God has so richly showered upon you. And when you are aware of these blessings, you seem to take better care of them, whether they are people or things. When you take care of your blessings, you are kinder and more thoughtful of their presence in your life. When you are thoughtful, you are aknowledging that you are not the only person on the planet, and thus live a more selfless life. Being selfless allows you to serve others and love as Jesus loved.
One of my goals as a parent is to raise gracious children. I want them to know that they are blessed by God beyond measure. I want them to thank Him for these blessings and then in turn, take precious care of these blessings. I want them to be thoughtful and kind, because they realize that each person or animal or thing is a gift from God. I want them to be selfless, knowing that while they are the center of MY universe...they are not the center of THE universe. And when someone gives them a gift, or even a cup of chocolate milk...I want them to look that person in the eyes and say "thank you".
I tell my babies all the time, "it's about more than just having good manners..." Anyone can have good manners. It takes someone that is truly thankful for the gifts in their life to live a life of graciousness.
I know it's a lesson that is a little much for a three year old to wrap his brain around, but maybe someday he'll thank me for it......

Reason to Celebrate

It is official. We are purchasing our new home and will close sometime next week. I've got to get busy packing (again!) and picking out paint. Needless to say, the next two weeks are going to be a bluuuuurrrr! I will post pictures soon! Until then, stay tuned.........

At some point, there are people in your life that you've been friends with for so long, they stop being friends and are just considered family.Lori is one of those people to me. I have more memories of my childhood that include her than ones that do not. Elementary school, middle school, summer camp, the SH youth group, Cooper High school, first cars, first kisses, days in the pool, ACU...the list is endless. I still recall the exact moment that she introduced me to "Cody Paty"...
This friendship has come into clear focus this week. Lori's precious younger brother, Ben, passed away suddenly on Monday evening in Houston. The shock, sadness, and devastation are as raw as any emotions I have ever experienced. I have witnessed a family experience a loss so great, I wonder how they will ever go on.
I have so many good memories of Ben. He was a wonderful young man, a beautiful soul, that touched the lives of those he came in contact with. I grieve for a loss that I cannot begin to understand or explain. I grieve for a friend that will spend the rest of her life with the word "why" attached to her lips.
I struggle with how to be the kind of friend that Lori needs right now. I am thankful that the words, "I love you" communicate more than anything else I could possibly say.
I covet your prayers for this precious family.

Unwelcomed Visitor

As I type this post, I am propped up in bed with pillows, the remote control, and a tall glass of Sprite on the nightstand. I haven't ventured out of this position much today, since I awoke at 3:30 this morning, seemingly inheriting the stomach bug that Meredith was dealing with yesterday. Thankfully, I have an amazing husband that is holding the fort down and keeping things running as smoothly as possible. And thankfully, I have a wonderful mama that came to my rescue today. There's nothing wrong with the fact that my umbilical cord is still attached....those things can stretch from here to Abilene just fine.
I would write more except I just heard Gregory lose his dinner all over the dining room floor....3 down, 2 to go....

October was a whirlwind at the Paty house! I think we had something "big" going on every weekend of the month. Claire turned 5 (sigh), Cody had his 10 year reunion at ACU, and then Halloween...somewhere in the mix we have faithfully attended Sweetwater football games (we play for the district championship against Wylie tomorrow...go Mustangs!) and don't forget Texas Tech beating my Texas Longhorns last weekend. Cody is still glowing from that game! We are still on for the move around the first week of December. I am starting to get really excited about our new house! I may need a padded room by the time I move in the middle of the holidays, but after the year we've had, I can't think of anything more appropriate to wind up 2008: more stress. :) Blessings to you for a wonderful weekend!
P.S. I hate formatting in Blogger...sorry for the crazy post.