Sometimes it only takes a tiny little thing to remind you how lucky you are. I’m so thankful for these reminders that come just when I feel down.
I’m so lucky to have Grandparents who grow delicious, nourishing food that they graciously share with us. Craig and I have been blessed with fresh veggies all summer, everything from potatoes to squash to beets. I was reminded again how fortunate we are to have that after visiting with my Grandfather and him telling me a story about how he recently met a young family who was down on their luck and looking for bottles to exchange. Instead of just giving them bottles, they provided this family with a bag of onions and a pile of corn – how excited and thankful they were to my Grandparents for sharing something so simple that I sometimes take for granted.
Almost every year in my recent memory, my Grandfather has carved the names of his grandchildren onto the sides of baby pumpkins. Each year it’s a race to see which cousin will have the biggest. We got to include Craig in this years pumpkin name carving. I’m thankful for traditions that are silly but still make me smile and bring my family, old and new, together.
Craig’s was the second largest…
Finally, I am so thankful for the kids in my life. I teach beginner violin and piano lessons to some awesome little people who have, like anyone else, good days and bad days. Sometimes those crappy moments make me wonder if I’m teaching them properly or if I should just dig myself a hole and go hide in it. Then, I have one do something so sweet that I could cry and I remember why I love teaching so much. One of my younger students, Claire, surprised me with sunflowers this past week, along with a beautiful card. Little did she know, she made my whole week. 
I hope you all have a fantastic and thankful weekend 🙂