Grattitude

I went shopping today while my daughter was at preschool. I was feeling so grateful for two hours to myself to stock up on groceries for the next week of meals. I zoomed that big cart around the store, loading up on family favorites and making sure we had the necessary essentials to run the house. As I was waiting to check out, I was marveling at how little time it took me to complete the list, but becoming frustrated at how long the check out was. Why don't they call another checker to the front of the store. Just then I felt a tap on my elbow and an elderly lady was standing before me, asking for help. She explained that she just had back surgery and had not fully recovered. Her current predictament was that her shoe was untied and would I mind terribly to tie it for her. Of course I didn't give it a second thought - I even made small talk about how many shoes I tied in a day. I did, however, give pause. How easily it is to take for granted the ability to tie my shoes, to be in good health and bend over to pick up my child. To be given the ability to tie my daughter's shoes without the obstacle of a disablity. My grattitude began to grow. As I helped the lady load her groceries in her car, she commented to me how happy she was to live here - everyone was so nice and helpful. It was just the best place to live. She had been an army life and lived all over the world. As I loaded my groceries into the car, I began to wonder if everyone felt the same way - that where they lived was the best place as you could always find a helpful person.
My challenge to you this week is to make your neighborhood the best place - the place where people in need are not afraid to ask for help, and when they ask, they will recieve help without pause. I also challenge you to take a moment to be thankful for the things we so easily take for granted in our daily routine.  So the next time your toddler is dancing around while you are trying to tie her shoes as you are already running late, be thankful for the ability to do so. Before you know it she will be tying her own shoes.
This photograph a lovely reminder of the gratitude we should show throughout our daily routine. Get your own copy from StephanieMoors.  Stephanie just opened this Etsy shop and I'm sure she would love for you to stop by and give it some love.

Guide to the Perfect Halloween Costume

'Trick or Treat' by PrairieWindDesigns

I've been doing some shopping - trying to get some ideas for Halloween costumes for the kids - There are so many that are just too cute!

Girls/Boys Chicken Hall... EmbroiderMeBou... $59.99	Reserved for Hollie--My... ventichai $25	NEW...Little Red Riding... whatkidslike $65
Monarch Butterfly Costu... 4eva $50	Little Gnome Costume S... katesy $55	My Pretty Pixie Sweet L... MyPrettyPixie $22.95
Kid's Jedi Yoda Clo... LivingTreeDesi... $26	Lion Costume creations4chil... $95	Viking Baby Hairdo Hat thegreenhedgeh... $17.95
Turtle costume kit - TO... DIYcostumes $20	Ladybug Red Black FULL ... pamperedprince... $24.99	Sock Monkey Costume Mad... nancysneedlesa... $145
Sunflower Costume Infan... sharkboycostum... $60	Peter Pan HALLOWEEN CO... sandyland1955 $25	Cupcake Costume Made to... frogsandflower... $75

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Nourishment for the Soul

I had a very busy day today, shuttling kids from one activity to the next.  As I was packing lunches for everyone this morning I was trying to figure out how I was going to get my little one lunch in the twenty minutes she had between activities, so I packed a lunch for the two of us, thinking we'd eat in the car between activities. 

Story hour ended a little early and as I was walking through the parking lot, I decided to take our lunch and have an impromtu picnic at the school playground.  Little did I know this lunch was nourishment for the soul. 

I found a quilt in the back of the car, grabbed our food and we were off.  As we walked to a perfect spot under a shade tree I felt myself physically slowing down.  Walking slower behind my daughter and listening to her excitement over eating a sandwich in the park.  We were serenaded by songbirds as we talked about the stories we just read at the library and all the friends she had just met. Time began to slow and I found myself breathing easier, taking in the surroundings and really listening to what my three year old was telling me. 

After lunch we even had a little time to hit the playground and slide down the slide.  When was the last time you slid down a slipper slide?  If it hasn't been recently, I highly recommend it.  I don't know what was more exhilerating - the slide or my three year old's squeal of delight that mommy was sliding! Our whole lunch lasted thirty minutes and it was off to the next activity, but it felt that just for a few minutes time stood still.

My challenge for you this week is to eat at least one meal outside. The next time you find yourself  at a fast food drive thru, pull over at the first patch of grass you see.  Get out of your car and eat outside.  I believe the food tastes better in the fresh air. If your really feeling frisky, kick your shoes off and actually feel the grass between your toes. It will give you the boost you need to get through the rest of your day.

Please take a moment to check out TheFarmersWifeCT to add this lovely picnic basket to your next outing. If your looking for your own quilt to travel with, please take a moment to check out TheArtistsHouse as well as her blog.