Thursday's Thanksgivings

I am so thankful for John David's great accomplishments lately!

To help him overcome some of his recent challenges, 

we set up a point system.

Each time he reached a goal

like . . . 

-using the potty at school 

(he's been a bit "gun shy", which I don't count this a bad thing - it just makes for an uncomfortable morning at school and a pretty antsy "tee tee dance" come carpool time!)

- going to school like a big boy (without complaining, being brave, etc.)

- using good manners

- being kind and gentle with his sister
- obeying the first time, with a happy heart

(You get the idea!)

he would get a point.

Once he got a total of 30 points, he could get a prize . . . 

one that he's talked about for weeks now!

And today, after going to school (and using the potty there!) like a big boy,

he earned his last point.

This great accomplishment earned him what he's been waiting for . . . 

(drum roll, please)  

the long sought after -

 BUZZ LIGHTYEAR!  

Welcome to our home, Buzz!

(Woody's glad you're here too:)

This little boy sure worked hard to get you!

And I'm so thankful for his achievements in the mean time.

 I'm thankful for little Claire's behavior today, as well.

This is what you may get if you are friendly 

(or might I say "flirty" - yikes!)

with the guy bagging groceries in the checkout line. 

But honestly, I was thankful to see her being so "social."

(This is something we definitely celebrate in our house!)

He even said he got her one to match her outfit.

How nice. :) 

Also, I must admit I was excited about Claire's communication attempts today. 

(in addition, something that we celebrate!)

Now these things might not be a big deal to you; but for the sake of the record (and the grandparents!), I'd thought I'd share. :)

While in the store, Claire made the sign for "more" several times while in the produce section.  This girl loves some fruit!

We got home from the store and were heading to her room for nap time.  When passing a container of bubbles sitting on the counter, she swung her head back around in theirdirection and said "pop pop pop".  (She's also a huge fan of bubbles!)  Needless to say, we stepped outside for some pre-sleep "popping" :)

Claire uses the sign for "milk" a lot, and even sometimes when it's not meal time; I think she's just proud she can communicate something with meaning, that gets an immediate response, that I understand.  While she was waiting patiently (patience being a rare virtue exhibited by my strong-willed, opinionated little darling :) she saw a picture of a cow - her favorite animal, no doubt! - on a box atop the counter.  She proceeded to "mmmmm" (her version of "moo"), I think to hint to me, "Hurry it up, Mom!"

And she has also been seen enthusiastically signing "all done", particularly after a nail clipping or - due to her recent cold - a bulb suctioning of the nose! 

Thank You, Lord, for my children.

Thank You for the little things that we were able to celebrate today. . .

Before being blessed with my first child, 

I never knew little things could be such a BIG deal!