My office is next to the gym inside the church. When it rains (or it's under 40 degrees - yea right) the preschool children play in the gym. Today, they are playing What Time is it Black Cat? which is a variation of What Time is it Mr. Fox? -- Black Cat exchanged for Halloween. So let's just say there is NO insulation in the walls in this church/gym. Every 3 minutes - YES 3 minutes - they yell "What Time is it Black Cat?" at the top of their little lungs. Last year they played Mr. Fox and we emailed each other from our offices around the gym asking Mr. Fox to find his silly watch. I wish you could hear their sweet little voices because they are having so much fun. Thankfully I don't have a major project going on or a deadline staring down at me, so today is a good day for Black Cat - if there is such a thing. I think 3 years old is the most perfect age. You might remind me of this post in two years when Landry is pulling my hair out. 3 year olds are potty-trained, they can tell you what they want or where it hurts, they are eager to learn and explore, they don't talk back, THEY SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT, right!?!? Aww, to be three...

I went to a seminar a few years ago where they had us play children's games like this one. We also had to thank each other and give ourselves credit for the accomplishments we had made. When you are 3 years old, you get so much celebration for the smallest things. I went into the restroom today when a 3 year old happened to be in there with her teacher. She got at least 5 "atta-girls" within a 2 minute period! 5! When is the last time you gave yourself a celebration for an accomplishment? (Not in the bathroom-mind you) Some days just getting all three girls to school on time deserves a big TA-DA -- but I don't give myself one. In the absence of others giving you credit, give yourself the credit. Have a celebration. A pat on the back is not over-rated. We deserve it. And it makes people feel so good to receive recognition. Why is it so difficult to compliment and recognize all the good in the world, but so easy to criticize and berate? Sorry to sound like a self-help book, but jeeze, we live in such a crazy busy world. Getting through each day deserves a TA-DA in itself.

Anyway.... I think I'll go see if Black Cat thinks it's time for lunch :)