Being a Mom.....

As a Mom, I find it rather easy to teach things like "that can hurt you" and "that's not healthy for you", colors & letters, but what I struggle with is how to ensure that my children are truly learning values like honesty and gratitude. I set the best example I can, I speak with them about these values and try to take advantage of every day opportunities to incorporate these in our lives. But I wonder am I doing a good job? Are they truly learning how to be the men I can only hope and pray for them to be one day??

We had an incident this weekend with Colby that made me question his level of understanding of just how blessed we are as a family, and how blessed he is as a child. After a long one on one talk with him I asked him to take time alone in his room to write a list of all the blessings in his life. When he finished and brought his list to me my heart swelled. I won't include the entire list but here are a few of my favorites:

I hav a brathr ( I have a brother)
I got food
I hav skool
Kuvr (aka blanket)
Bibl (e)
Lit (light)
I hav a mom and dad

And of course there was the toys, books, puzzles, games, etc. But to see that he does appreciate the little things that really matter brought such comfort to me. And of course I would be lying if I said the spelling didn't bring a smile to my face....its so darn cute to see his writing! =) So I'm guessing (and hoping) that this "attitude" of his is just a stage he is going thru that will pass like so many "stages" before. And while I will continue to be diligent in trying to ensure that my boys are learning values that I believe are so very important, it is such a blessing to know that atleast some of what I have been trying to teach all these years just might have sunk in! And I am always open to hearing how others go about teaching their lil ones.....is there something special you do in your family to help instill these values in your children?? I would love to hear any fresh new ideas that I might be able to incorporate in our lives as well!