green gratitude2Today, on my 37th birthday, I’m going to celebrate each year I’ve spent on this planet with one gratitude.

What does gratitude have to do with being green?  It counteracts constant desires and gives me the chance to look around and appreciate what I already have.  Our endless “needs”  fuel consumerism, debt, and lack of consideration for our natural resources.  Thankfulness stems my longings for stuff and refocuses my energy on all the more important gifts right in front of me. (Even though two of those gifts are really loud, create poopy diapers, and regularly rob me of sleep.)

My three year old should be able to manage being thankful for four things next year and I think we’ll write them down, illustrate them, and post them on our wall.  As for me, I have at least 37 things to list!

I won’t bore you every single one, but here are my top ten this year:

  1. My dear husband who washes cloth diapers, makes incredible chocolate chip pancakes, and is a wonderful father.
  2. Roscoe, our imaginative three-year-old with such a vibrant and silly spirit.
  3. Six-month old Jovi, who grins and giggles with every diaper change and is layered with all kinds of chub.
  4. Eighteen years of friendship with Rebecca, and after three years of work, the publication of our book, The Eco-nomical Baby Guide, in March of 2010!
  5. Our support system of family and friends who buoy us as we face the challenges of sleep deprivation and three year old tantrums.
  6. Having my husband home this year to care for our children and manage the household.
  7. Finding fulfillment and purpose as a middle school teacher, and having a two-week winter break with my family.
  8. Thrift, and how it has helped our family reprioritize and have more time together.
  9. Our cozy little home which offers lower utility bills, a natural limit to stuff, and family closeness.
  10. All of you!  I dearly appreciate having the chance to interact with thousands of like-minded parents who are raising kids on a budget while keeping the planet in mind.

Do you have any special birthday rituals at your house that help slow down the gift greed with your children?  Please share!