Thankful

This morning was one of those mornings. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to cry or scream as I was interrupted during every task, from fixing breakfast to taking a shower, by needy, exuberant, or 'helpful' children. All I wanted to do was get ready so we could join our friends for Thanksgiving! Luckily, Jeff, who was equally interrupted all morning, took a moment to see things from their perspective. And here's what they looked like:

They weren't busy planning, packing, cooking, cleaning, or getting ready.  They were busy being.  Simply being.  Yes, I realize that all those things are things that need to be done.  And, a lot of the time, I'm the one that has to do them.  But, while interruptions slow me down, and extra 'helpers' often make more work for me.  I never, EVER want my kids to feel bad for simply being there.  Because what is an annoying interruption to me is life to them.  And when I look at it that way, the annoyance melts away and leaves only thankfulness.

Marley is thankful for:
"Carden, Henry, Cindy, Jada, Amelia, group hugs, regular hugs, group kisses, regular kisses, our new door, my room, my special paint and paint brushes, baking cookies and eating them, my jack-o-lantern, and the bulbs we planted."

Amelia is thankful for:
"Pumpkin, cat, meow, kitty, (and) drawing (on) paper."
Marley adds that "she's also thankful for doggies because she points at every dog."