Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/744525
8 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • November 2016 " PUBLISHER Leigh Anne Van Doren Tabitha & Jamie Nelle's mom EDITOR-AT-LARGE Chris Jones Quincy, Hayden & Olive's dad OPERATIONS Stephanie Maldonado Julia, Tyler & Aiden's mom BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Heidi DiEugenio, President, HD Solutions Duke & Dane's mom ADVERTISING & SALES Julie Brosnan, twins Chris & Finn's mom DESIGN & PRODUCTION Cheryl Carter, President, Carter Creations Alex, Kate & Jackie's mom WEBMASTER Karen Charney Joshua & Spencer's mom SOCIAL MEDIA Brenda Sapanghila Archer, Maddox & Oliver's mom CALENDAR & COOL THINGS TO DO ELETTER Leigha Pecher Jake and Luke's mom EDUCATION ELETTER & EVENTS Debra Caffrey Aidan's mom COMMUNITY BLOGS Mary Becelia Katherine Laura & Robert Joseph's mom FACEBOOK COMMUNITY Pamela Quinones Corinn, Michael, Isabella & Dalton's mom parent fredericksburg & family Entrepreneur of the Year PROUD FOUNDING MEMBER ADVERTISING PHONE 540/374-1495 E-MAIL adsales@fredericksburgparent.net CALENDAR & SOCIAL MEDIA E-MAIL socialmedia@fredericksburgparent.net EDITORIAL PHONE 540/374-1495 E-MAIL editor@fredericksburgparent.net SNAIL MAIL P.O. Box 7884, Fred'bg, VA 22404 www.fredericksburgparent.net The publishers reserve the right to reject any advertisement, editorial or listing that does not meet the publication's standards. No part of this magazine may be reproduced with out permission. Listing and advertising rates are available upon request. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information con- tained herein, however, the publisher cannot guarantee such accuracy. Listings and advertisements are subject to typographical errors, ommissions and/or change without notice. For terms and conditions please visit our website at www.fredericksburgparent.net © Copyright 2016 Nurture, Inc. All rights reserved. WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE MALDONADO LIKE facebook.com/ FredericksburgParent SIGN UP www.FredParent.net TWEET facebook.com/ FredericksburgParent PIN www.pinterest.com/ fredparent FOLLOW @fredparentmagazine I managed to come up with an idea all on my own—before the Pinterest era began—to help my family live with an attitude of gratitude. Early in the month of November 2013, we challenged ourselves to think of at least one thing each day that we were thankful for and add it (via Post-it!) to our thankful wall. Not only was it a great use of an empty space in my home that drove me crazy, but it was a truly humbling experience as I read the amazing things that were added each day. It may not have included pretty colored cardstock or elaborate elements, but the simplicity of it was powerful in our home. At first, coming up with something was easy, but as the month went on the process became much more reflective and at times difficult for each of us. My children learned that every day they could find something to express gratitude for even if it was simply the warm socks on their feet or a smile from a friend. The exercise in gratitude helped me to learn a great deal about my family and what mattered to them most at that point in their lives. I keep the Post-its in an envelope with our fall decorations so I can review them each year when preparing our fall festivities. This experience made me focus each day on recognizing our blessings and realizing that the ones that may seem small are often the most significant. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Attitude of Gratitude Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! letter to the readers