gratitude.

Although my little Nixon may be confused on exactly how to use the words... He says, "Thank you" very often. He even says it for you if he gives you something to hold or play with. His many thank you's throughout the day led me to my first realization of how I can become better by following Nixon's example... say thank you... very often. I have been wanting to thank some people, some for over 9 months, and have not taken the time to do so. Now is the time!

So the challenge is to write a thank you note, send an email, or make a phone call to those people in your life you have wanted to say thank you to, but just have not gotten around to it. Or to those people you would typically not express thanks to. Also, have a continued reminder to say your thank you's right when you think of them, just as a child does.

For this challenge, I have decided to send some cards to a few people.

#1 - My Sunday School teacher who amazes me with his knowledge, ability to teach and inspire me to become better. True talent that I would like to show appreciation for.

#2- A close friend in my neighborhood who has done so much for me just because that is the way she is. She has a little boy Nixon's age and one day they drove over with the cutest homemade cupcakes to give to Nixon just for fun. She helped me with a craft project... well basically made it for me! And there is so much more I need to thank her for.

#3 - My dearest husband who, simply put, is my rock. He is spread so thin with time and energy right now with work, summer school work and finals, church work, service, being a good father and husband, and yet every time I call him at work he is positive, upbeat, and excited to talk to me. He comes home and even though I can see in his eyes he is drained, he plays with our boy. He volunteers for us to do service, he uplifts all those around him. And he loves me so deeply.

I try to thank him with words, notes on his napkins in his lunch, little emails for him to read at work...but I have wanted to sit down and right a long heart-felt thank you to him for all that he means to me. He deserves it like everyone else.

Good luck with this challenge and feel free to share your experiences by posting!