Give Thanks

A little over a year ago I read the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  In the book Ann challenges the reader to keep a list of all of the things he/she is thankful for each day.  It's a chance to change our focus from the things we constantly want, to the blessings we already have in our lives.  I really enjoyed the book and began making my own list.  It really did open my eyes to all of the blessings around me big and small that I often over looked or took for granted.  I enjoyed making the list so much that I wanted it to be a daily extension of my life and my family's.  It's a great mind set to have because it's hard to complain when you see your list of constant blessings.  I had Scott make me a chalkboard and the list has begun!  It's been amazing to already see the transformation in the house. 


 I love watching them stand side by side and write and draw what they are thankful for!  I am thankful they are able to stand side by side without fighting : )

 
 Here is the list:
Alia
gum
bunnies
watermellon
pineapple
Avery
A mommy cat and a baby cat
fire

Avery
sun
Alia
clowd (cloud)
ples ofsr (police officer)
wind
dog
wotr (water)
gras (grass)
zoo
ligting (lightning)
nija (ninjas)

Christmas in Platteville

 Before heading to Platteville for Christmas we were able to watch Avery perform at the mid-year piano recital.  He has graduated into the next book and is learning how to play different notes on both hands at the same time.  I'm sure there is a name for that, but I was never very musical.

 We were also able to watch Alia in her first Christmas program for Preschool.  She did a great job singing! 

 We pulled into Platteville just as the annual Wunderlin cookie bake started!  Avery and Alia are creating gingerbread houses.  The cookie bake is always one of our favorite Christmas time traditions. 

 Avery tried snowboarding this year.  He did a great job balancing and actually made it down the hill several times without falling. 

 Sledding down Grandpa Wunderlin's driveway. 

 Waiting to open the presents under Bama's tree.

 Alia got the snow she asked for for Christmas!  Cuba City was hit with several inches of snow a few days before we arrived.  Here Papa is flying down one of the snow banks while Alia and Zoe watch. 

 She loved playing in the snow!

 Avery built a fort at the top with a comfy seat.

 The gang playing on the snow bank. 

 Another snow tradition in Platteville......getting stuck in Grandpa's driveway!  It took us 45 minutes to get the van out!

 This year Kelly, Sarah, and I met and took the kids sledding!  It was great to see them and catch up as well as race down the hill screaming, right Kelly?!

Our kids:  Diego, Layna, Isaac, Alia and Avery