"Tee-too"

Gratitude is a very important skill to hone in this life. I say skill because I've learned that being grateful really is an element to life that we can all have, but it takes work to make it a habit. K and I both want J to realize all that she has and to be grateful for it. To me, the more grateful J is, the less likely she is to feel entitled and fall victim to the current generational trends. We've started this process by having her say, "Thank you" for eeeeeveeeerrrrryyyything. She's gotten pretty good at it! (Side note: she's gotten so good that I think she may have just used it passive-aggressively. I kept trying to help her put on this headband (she doesn't like me helping her with anything anymore (should she be old enough for that???)) and she got so fed up with me that she just firmly placed it in my hand and said with a big sigh, "TEE-TOO")

With most situations as a parent, as I start to think about what I want to teach J, I start to realize my own weaknesses in that area. You know that saying, "The secret to having it all is believing that you do." Cheeeeesy, but it's so true! With all the different social media outlets, it's so hard to look at what other people are saying, doing, or wearing and not long for more. K and I almost bought a house in the Fall of 2011, but when we would pray about it we felt like we shouldn't do it. No one wanted to tell the other person that we weren't so sure, so we kept moving forward. Finally, one night we sat in bed, the lights on, both of us just sitting up and awake and we both just knew. We turned to each other and had a little confession about how we knew we weren't supposed to buy the house. (Fast forward one hear later and here we are not even in the same state as the house we would have bought. Thank goodness for answers to prayers!) This experience taught me a lot, but it also left me somewhat tainted.

 As we look for places to rent in Chicago I get so disappointed looking at all the old laminate flooring and nasty plastic cabinets. Sometimes all I can think about are the beautiful brand new "espresso" cabinets we could have had! But then I remember, I'm only 26(ish), when my parents were my age they were living in some super random and small apartment while my dad went to law school. K and I really do have A LOT compared to most people, not just in the world, but the U.S. in general. It really is all about perspective. Understanding and appreciating all that you do have and just being happy with that. I swear, the need to compare is one of the WORST parts of human nature. So today, instead of getting annoyed as I search through the ads for the bajillionth (actual number) time, I will remember to be grateful K has (a) a job, (b) a job he loves, (c) a job that pays the bills and lets me stay home.

And, because we can't have a post without ANY pictures, here's your daily J fix! You're welcome.

 This kid is alllll about her baby and her stroller!

Also, very big into dressing up. First time I've ever felt like a normal size human...when my toddler was wearing my clothes! :) 

For 2 seconds let yourself think about the one thing you would love to have if money and situation weren't an issue. What is it?
A house! for sheezy

Now I'll come back to reality and remember why I wrote this post. Tell me what you have found helps you to remain grateful?