I'm So Thankful..

Dear Kyle,

I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am that you're such a respectful little boy. You have excellent manners & you're truly setting a great example for Isabella. The words "Thank-You, You're Welcome, Please & I'm Sorry" are part of your every day vocabulary. We never have to remind you to use them & each day you're saying more & more polite things. And I'm proud of you for voicing your appreciation, at such a young age!

These days so many children take things for granted. They go on trips to Disney, eat-out at restaurants all the time & receive new toys on a seemingly weekly basis. They back-talk to their parents & whine about all of the things that they "don't" have. They have little responsibilities. They watch t/v for hours on end & constantly ask to go places. They just don't seem to be content sitting at home. And worse, they don't seem to be happy for very long..

I'm so happy that you are being raised differently. It's very noticable to us just how different (in a good way) you are compared to others. You're happy & content. You love to play with your toys & play outside. You'd much rather practice math & draw pictures than watch t/v. You spend hours playing with playdough, Lego's & cars. Going out to eat is considered a treat. You've never been to the movies -- you're happy with our "movie nights" where we make popcorn, pizza & brownies, snuggle up on the couch & watch a movie of your choice. You love to get new toys, of course, but you're happy making a puppet out of a brown paper bag. You're learning, at such a young age, that it's the things that don't cost any money at all that bring the most happiness to you. You don't need to go on an expensive vacation to make great memories -- Great memories are being made here..in our home.
You willingly do chores to help out around the house & usually you do them without even being told! Every morning when you wake up, before you even come downstairs, you open the shades in your room & make your bed. Every week you put the recycling stuff out to the bins. Every other night you help load & unload the washer & dryer. You pick up your toys when you're done playing with them. You put your plates & cups in the sink & clean up after yourself. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. We give you spare change to put in your piggy banks. Already you're learning the value of a dollar. You're learning that not everything in life is for free & sometimes we have to work hard to get what we want. You're learning that not everyone has the same things -- and that's o.k. You're learning to be happy with the things you do have.
When it comes to being spoiled you're not the exception. However, what sets you apart from many kids we know is the fact that you don't "behave" spoiled. You spend more time smiling, laughing & having fun than you do pouting, crying & being miserable. We're so proud of you & all the goodness that is in you. May you always know that home is where your heart is, not your wallet. May you always respect others & be thankful for all that you have.
I'm so thankful for you!