"Thankfulness is the beginning of Happiness."
October 7, 2019
Fifty-first Edition
Greetings!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love
endures forever." 1 Chron. 16:34

Thanksgiving is just around the corner* and there are soooo many things to be thankful for.

Not always big things, and not always the things we wish we could be thankful for, but hundreds of little things: sunshine, fall trees, books, coffee, friends, chocolate chip cookies, my favourite socks; and then the odd things - like being thankful that my dust bunnies went on vacation for a while and I don't have to sweep.

Let's look at the little things this thanksgiving season and be grateful for them. The teeny tiny ittsy bittsy baby step your kiddo took toward healing, the one genuine smile you got out of them this year, the time they gave you a real hug... easy to forget, but so important to remember and celebrate.

At this time of year I am also so grateful for all of the amazing parents I get to work with; thankful that you are loving your little people on their journey to get healthy and learn to love. You are amazing!

Enjoy thanksgiving this year, start new traditions, and take time to CHILL!

With love,
*Thanksgiving comes early in Canada, we're getting ready to celebrate it next week!
Gratitude Tree

This is a great project to do as a family. Get messy, gluey, and glittery!

Make it as elaborate or as simple as you want, and gather things you already have around the house for decorating.

And improvise - this always makes it more fun! If you don't have sticks use wooden spoons or knitting needles; If you don't have coloured paper grab printer paper and markers.

Whatever you do it will be building memories of family togetherness with your kids, so don't stress out about having the 'picture-perfect' gratitude tree.
Check out this link for how-to, ideas, and more!

Family Gratitude Hunt
Click the image to download your copy!
Ready for a fun family activity?

The Family Gratitude Hunt is a fun way to start the holiday and spend time bonding and connecting as a family.

How it works:

Print off one sheet per family member and make sure everyone has a pencil or pen.

Starting at number 1, everyone finds an item and meets back in a designated spot. Write down what the item is (optional) and then gather together holding the items for a family photo.
Continue on through the list till you get to number 11, and then give everyone time to complete their notes before having an exchange. You might want to draw or assign names for this to ensure each family member receives a note.

The photos can be printed and made into a Family Thanksgiving Album to treasure throughout the years. (Or, let's be realistic - keep them on your phone and go through them every once in a while to remind yourself of all you have to be thankful for.)
There is always the pressure to show up at big family dinners or host one at your home, and it can be crazy and stressful.

It's hard on our kids to feel like they have to be thankful and have to be a part of the family, and have to keep up a superficial facade in front of other people; and it's hard on parents to feel the pressure and worry about how their child is going to behave.

Skip it!
Tell everyone you're starting your own Healing Thanksgiving Tradition this year. Keep your little people home in their safe, structured environment. Focus on connecting as a family. Keep stress out and fun in. Order in pizza so no one has to cook or do dishes. Play games and go on a nature walk. Just be together.
Weird fact...
Each year at Thanksgiving, the President of the United States receives a gift of a live turkey (along with an alternate in case something happens to the official turkey). At a White House ceremony, the president traditionally "pardons" the National Thanksgiving Turkey and the alternate turkeys, allowing them to live out the rest of their lives on a farm.
Beautifully Broken, an Adoptive Mom's Retreat

Join us in Detroit Lakes, MN on October 11th & 12th! This retreat is for all adoptive moms who are looking for tools to help their children and who want to connect with other moms and find support.
I will be giving a pre-conference talk on RAD (Oct. 11th) as well as leading two workshops during the retreat (Oct. 12th).
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE."
Jeremiah 29:11