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Monday, November 16, 2009

Celebrating You Today...

Did you need to hear that?
Because it's true!
Everyday you dare to share a piece of yourself with each of us.
Many may ask you why...but we never will...because we understand!
We want you to know that we go to your blog because we love what you do.

You...
share your heart
make us laugh
inspire us to be more
make us think
create amazing things
write like it's your job...and it could be!

We see the ways you love your family.
We read about the many ways that they drive you crazy!
You show us books to read, recipes to cook, and glimpses of your unique life.

Have you ever felt so supported, so validated, so heard, so encouraged?
How many people come to your blog every week to read your words?
You are amazing!
So, today you have a place of honor at our table because...YOU ARE SPECIAL!

Have you ever used a "You Are Special" plate in your home?
Many of us have it, and if you don't...no need to buy one. You could put a candle in front of the recipients plate, or a beautiful wine glass for their milk, a small vase filled with a few flowers from the yard...you get the picture. We used to put out the plate when one of the kids achieved something really special, but now we use it in a different way. We put it out to applaud effort. He stuck with the long hours it took to study for a test. She shows compassion for a sibling instead of reacting impulsively. He offered to do her chore when he saw she was struggling to get her homework done.

My friend Shelly told me that she puts it out once in awhile just to say I Love You. Happily I adopted that method as well! On those nights we go around the table each saying a couple of things we love about that person. It only takes a few minutes, but means so much. Don't forget to put it out for Dad...or even for yourself. We all deserve to hear the words that remind us that what we do everyday means something.

Have a great day! Leave a Comment. Share an idea. Become a Follower.
Tell a friend to come on by.

38 comments:

Allison said...

I've never heard of this idea but I think it's tops! I will definitely be putting this into practice, what a great idea, simply but very impactful! Thanks for the idea!

MJ said...

thank you for the encouragement and well just being you.

The plate is a WONDERFUL idea and one that I had never thought of, but will be instituting in the very near future!

Unknown said...

You're right! I have one similar but never think to use it. Thanks for the reminder!

Lothiriel said...

What a great idea!! I'll be using it for sure!!

Anonymous said...

this is lovely! you guys are pretty darn special too!

Bibi @ Bibi's Culinary Journey said...

I love the plate and especially the idea behind it. We never did anything like that, but it's good time to start.
Another way to make people in my life feel special, I love it.

Very nice and touching post today.

Come by I have something for you.

Ally Wasmund said...

that is such a wonderful idea. i am going to implement that ASAP in my house! thanks for the idea :)

happy monday!

Kathy said...

I have never heard of this! We do clap for people though, whenever they do something nice or a good job on something! Everyone likes the applause!

Jennifer Juniper said...

It's a really great idea to have a plate like this!

My little guy is 'star student' in school this week and we are supposed to do lots of special things for him - make him a poster, write him a letter, sneak in to school for a secret lunch...

It's important to let them know they are special. Thanks for the reminder :)

(oh, "seriously" is a great substitute for a naughty word!)

Quirky Momma said...

My kids would love that! An I'm Special Plate would be a huge hit! Gotta find one of those

Matty said...

As so many others have said before me, this is a fantastic idea. Sort of like a "why didn't I think of that".

Thanks for the tip that I will surprise them with.

Formerly known as Frau said...

AH!! Really I feel like you guys just sent me a ((hug))! I love the you are special plate, only having one child I guess she gets it everyday! Hubby is only special when he empties the dishwasher. Just kidding he is special always!

Ed said...

We used to do "Lucky You" day.

We quit after someone mentioned that the giant L made with permanent marker on the "Lucky" persons forehead, could be mistaken to stand for something else.

Sue said...

What a wonderful tradition for your home. I don't have this plate, although I've seen it before. I wish I'd had one when the kids were home...but, we tried to make sure they felt special anyway.

Sue

Tracie said...

What a great idea! I bet the special person loves it.

Dr. Patrice Smith said...

awww thanks gals! That plate might be an interesting idea, hmmm...

Dr. Patrice Smith said...

awww thanks gals! That plate might be an interesting idea, hmmm...

Shelly - Tropical Mum said...

What a terrific idea! I was just thinking there are a few members of my family that could do with knowing how special they are.

You gals are funny, but smart and helpful too! How DO you do it?! You should put out the plate for yourselves tonight.

Raoulysgirl said...

I love this idea...and boy, let me tell you...my girls will, too!!!

Thanks!!!

Shannon said...

I love that idea! I wish I had seen that when my kids were younger. Now I think they might think it's silly but you know teenagers..inside I bet they would kinda dig it. As long as I don't use it when their friends are over. :)

Shannon said...

I love that idea! I wish I had seen that when my kids were younger. Now I think they might think it's silly but you know teenagers..inside I bet they would kinda dig it. As long as I don't use it when their friends are over. :)

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Do you know where I can get one? I just love that idea!

Project Survive said...

What an awesome idea. Such an easy, but special way to show someone you care.

www.projecticansurvive.blogspot.com

ScoMan said...

Fantastic post as always. Very lovely and kind words. And both of you are special too.

You've given me many laughs over the past few weeks I've been following, and thank you for that.

I do like the idea of the You're Special plate too. Especially seeing as I live alone.

I think it will be great if I sit down every night and tell myself how awesome I am. And it will give me pleasure to think that maybe my nosy elderly neighbour can hear me through the walls and she'll start to look at me differently.

elvira pajarola said...

So lovely and so deeply delicat the IDEA.....Oh yes, I do something like this too.....

.....Encouraging and telling this way the one you would like to make happy...absolutely great and important!

ciao elvira

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Another great post! You know I really love it when you write. You have a very strong voice and it's very often uplifting. Keep it up.

abby jenkins said...

you are wonderful!
I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog.
I'll be back!

Corrie Howe said...

I've never heard this before. I love the idea. Look at you gals! Only one follower away from 100! Yippee!

Tattoos and Teething Rings said...

I love this- especially for when the kiddos are having a rough day. It's easy to forget that everyone needs a pat on the back for no other reason than for just being themselves.

SPEAKING FROM THE CRIB said...

my son would love that and i mean love that

Susan Berlien said...

Cute idea. Can never appreciate the present and the people in our lives that we love enough. Great to have more ways to enforce this idea. Thanks!! :)

Sarah at The Stroller Ballet said...

This is such an amazing idea! My little one is only 8 months, but I would love to do this when she gets a little older.
Just found your blog, loving it!
Sarah

ballast photography said...

Aww...I got all warm and fuzzy reading the first part :) We were given one of those special plates once from a dear friend. Sadly, after one or two special occasion deployments the paint began to wash off and it became an ordinary white plate...which really was disconcerting on a couple levels...we never quite got around to a finding a replacement...

Traci said...

As always, you guys amaze me. I know you have quite a full shelf, but when you get a chance, stop by, I have something for you.
:-)

Holly Lefevre said...

My mom has this plate..she never uses it...I should steal it! The idea of using it to commemorate acts of love and kindness and other special feats - not just b'days is a great idea.

Jenn Erickson said...

Wow, wonderful idea! Thank you so much for the kind words and uplifting message of support. You gals really are the best!

Unknown said...

I love this idea--and the plate is such a great idea! Thank you for the little reminder...I really love your blog!

Mixed Reflections said...

Love the You are Special plate. We have 2 in our home and truly wait to use them for special times.