It all began with a note that was scotch taped to the front of my kindergardener that read "Shhh...this note is a secret!" and on the inside it said, "Maddy will be getting a character award for Gratitude tomorrow at 11am. You are welcome to attend! Mrs. W."

Maddy's school has a character trait that they talk about and focus on each month, they do this all the way K-12. And each month the teachers have an opportunity to select a student from their class that they feel has been the best example of that month's character trait.

November's character trait was Gratitude, and Maddy was given the character award for her class.
This is Maddy sitting with her class after we surprised her by coming to school and before she was given her award. She was so excited to have Randy and I there, it was awesome!



After school, we picked up Gracie from preschool and I heard Maddy explaining to Gracie what gratitude is, "Gracie, are you thankful for your brother and sister? Are you thankful that Daddy has a job and makes money to pay for our house and our car?" Gracie answered yes, and Maddy said, "That's what Gratitude is."
Then Maddy called both Nana and Grandma to tell them about her award. She was so excited they could hardly tell what she was saying, they both said...."You got an award for a good attitude, that's great!" Then she repeated herself and explained what the award was. And Grandma said, "Well that's wonderful, you have to have a good attitude to show gratitude, don't you."