Happy Thanksgiving! Our Family on Thankfulness

"Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind."

~ Lionel Hampton

Happy Thanksgiving Believe Achievers!

Our family has been blessed in so many ways! We are ever so grateful everyday for our incredible Believe Achieve journey. Along the way, we've met all of you.

You have all touched our lives and made the sun shine brighter on our days. You've made us smile. You've made us laugh. You've warmed our hearts and each day we're truly thankful for having you in our lives. Thank you so very much!

This morning we asked our Kiddos what they were Thankful for. To help our two year old with this question, we asked

"What makes you happy?"

We should always be thankful for the blessings that bring more happiness to our lives.

This is how our conversation with Miracle Mia went: (She's only 2!)

Mom & Dad: "Mia, what makes you happy?"

Miracle Mia: "I Do!" (We couldn't help but laugh! It was sweet to hear. At 2 years old, she already knows she controls her happiness. No one else.)

Mom & Dad: "What else makes you happy?"

Miracle Mia: "Mommy, Daddy and Noa!" (Sigh.....Children are such a blessing!)

She also said something else that was adorable!

Mia said, "Everybody Happy!" (Translation: Everybody is happy.)

We asked our 4 year old son, Noa, what he was most thankful for. Here's his response in the order he expressed.

1. Birthday cake (We just celebrated his 4th birthday and he adored his Thomas the Train cake we baked for him!)

2. Surprises! (He really said this! He's always loved surprises.)

3. Baby Sister (He adores his sister so much! They have their moments, like all siblings do, but it's all out of love.)

4. Mommy and Daddy (Ahhhh....)

5. Books (Loves them as much as we do!)

6. MACK truck (He can't get enough of Disney's CARS!)

We hope all of you take a moment today to reflect upon your many blessings. Think about all the things that make you smile and make you happy. There's always hidden blessings in what we think is the ordinary. Open your heart and you'll see them all around you.

Today and Always Thank You for being a part of our lives. You've all been a blessing in ours.

Many Blessings....

Roxanne and Hugo
Believe Achieve

Happy Friendship Friday!

Happy Friendship Friday!

A friend is someone we turn to

when our spirits need a lift.

A friend is someone we treasure

for our friendship is a gift.

A friend is someone who fills our lives

with beauty, joy, and grace.

And makes the whole world we live in

a better and happier place.

- Jean Kyler McManus -

Friendship Question of the Day:

Was your best friend growing up a lovable furry pal? Or maybe you have a furry pal in your life now? Tell us about them!

Why We're Among the Millions Watching American Idol This Year - Mia's Story

Millions of viewers have their eyes glued to the tube each week when the American Idol show takes stage. They're rooting for their favorites, and waiting to hear what Simon has to say next.

In years past, we giggled at friends who would invite us over to watch American Idol. We thought it was silly. But, this year it has a different meaning to us. We are proud to say we're among the millions watching and with each episode, we come away more inspired than the last.

Why this change of mind?

Most of you know our story of how we came to be Believe Achieve - Hugo and Roxanne. And for those who haven't, you can read it here. We'd love to share our story with you.

Our daughter, Mia, an ex-preemie born at 28 weeks, was born with respiratory complications. At less than two months old, she had a tracheotomy tube surgically implanted in her airway. This was the only way she was going to be able to breath on her own, without a ventilator. Doctors and Surgeons speculate that Mia will need massive reconstructive surgery on her airway to eventually remove the trach tube. One risk we take in performing this surgery is that Mia's vocal cords will be altered. Her surgeon says, "Mia may grow up not having a "normal" voice. She'll be able to speak, but she won't be a beautiful singer."

Most parents would find this type of news devastating. We just took the surgeon's words and threw them out the window. Don't get us wrong, he is an incredible surgeon and in the event this surgery shall happen, our little girl is in the best hands.

We BELIEVE Mia will find her voice. Altered vocal cords or not, she will sing to her heart's content. If she aspires to be the next American Idol and win a Grammy one day, then Mommy and Daddy will be her greatest fans. Her brother, Noa, can sing backup or even compose the music. We'd show her surgeon how her altered vocal cords didn't crush her dreams of becoming a famous singer. We Believe and we will Achieve.....Mia Believes and will Achieve.

The moral of our personal story is to not let anyone, even professionals or experts tell you that you will not be able to do something. If you believe in yourself, have passion and take action towards your goals, no one can stop you from achieving all you want. Only you can tell yourself that.

Now go and write the story of your life. You are writer. The pen is in your hand.

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve


Further Reading:

Miracles Do Happen!
Miracle of Life - How We Came to be Believe Achieve - Hugo and Roxanne

The Story of Your Life

Miracle of Life - How We Came To Be BELIEVE ACHIEVE Hugo and Roxanne

Almost 2 years ago, we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. We named her Mia.

A miracle of life indeed, as all babies are. But our Mia is truly a Miracle in every sense of the word. She was born 3 months early, weighing only 3 lbs. Her premature birth came with many challenges including her underdeveloped lungs, an opening in her heart, brain bleeds and the inability to breathe on her own. She spent many months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until she was ready to come home.

Due to Mia's medical challenges, the hospital recommended we use skilled nursing services to help us care for our daughter when it was time to take her home. After spending 3 1/2 months in the NICU with doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, x-ray technicians, occupational therapists, and many more....Hugo and I decided we just wanted to take Mia home, not the rest of the NICU staff. And the only way that was going to happen was if we learned to take care of Mia on our very own. We BELIEVED we could do this and We BELIEVED in ourselves.

Our journey began with learning EVERYTHING about Mia's medical conditions and the care she was going to require. We learned how to care for her tracheostomy and g-tube, administer medications, give respiratory treatments, bolus feedings, oxygen settings, and many more. We also learned special CPR due to Mia's trach. We were determined to become Mia's full time nurses! And after a few intense weeks, we were ready!

We ACHIEVED what we set forth to do. We became just as qualified as any nurse with a degree to care for our daughter. And more importantly, she was going to receive the unconditional care and love she needed when she arrived home because Hugo and I BELIEVED and ACHIEVED.

Although the homecoming and the journey had it's bumps in the road with Mia's frequent hospitalizations due to respiratory distress (lung issue) and surgeries, each moment has been a true blessing and there definitely has been more joyous moments than challenges. It was our belief in ourselves, our massive action and our unconditional love for Mia which led this to be our greatest achievement yet....to care for Mia on our very own.

Mia is currently thriving and healthy as can be. She shows us every day how Believing will lead to Achieving. And this message of Believe Achieve can be used in all areas of our lives. All achievements root from believing in yourself and having the courage to go for what it is you want. So, if there is something out there you've been waiting for the perfect moment to pursue, we say....We Believe in You, You can do it and Start right where you stand. You, too, will Believe and Achieve.

Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo ~ Believe Achieve

Further Reading:
American Idol - Mia's Story
Miracles Do Happen!

BELIEVE YOU Can Make A Difference --------------- The Dedication of Teachers Part Four

Victoria's dedication to teaching children goes far beyond the walls of her classroom. It's not just a job or career to her, or even a profession. And it's certainly not just part of her life; it IS her life. She has a very special touch and a ready smile and takes the time to listen. She will always be by your side with her enormous, caring heart.

Outside the classrooms, Victoria is a Xian (China) Red Cross Volunteer. After only 3 months of teaching in Xian, an earthquake hit the city of Sichuan on May 12th. This is her beautiful story.....

"I had only been in Xian teaching for three months when the May 12th earthquake happened in Sichuan and since, I haven’t been able to forget the children affected there. I am an American Red Cross Volunteer so it made sense to join Xian's Red Cross too. I wanted to go to Sichuan, but was told I would be of more use here. My student’s father is a doctor; I contacted him to ask if there is anything I can do. Dr Du said patients in the hospital would appreciate a visitor- I was more than willing, since joining Xian Red Cross this would be my first opportunity to do something truly helpful. The next day I visited children with orthopedic injuries (such as spinal/hip injuries), who had been transferred from the epicenter to Xi Jing Hospital in Xian.

The first young lady I met was a beautiful girl who I have named Angel. My Chinese lessons have just started so I can't properly say her true name. She has a hole in her hip and lost both parents during the quake. Despite the heartache she wore a beaming smile. With Dr. Du being a translator I was able to speak to Angel who is fourteen. Angel was asked to sing as I was told she has an amazing voice. She sang as if she didn't have a care in the world. Her voice was breathtaking. It was at that moment I realized how very special this young lady is. Her love shone through to everyone despite her heartache. I was humbled to be in her presence. Angel had to keep constantly moving as it was painful to stay in one stationary position for long. I spoke to Angel about her ordeal in Sichuan. She was leaving her reading class when the earthquake struck. She had tucked herself in a corner of her class and watched in horror as the school crumbled around her. I told her she wasn't lucky; she had angels watching over her. I then pulled out a set of blue rosaries and gave them to her as a gift. She thanked me in English. I thought I would offer to teach her English for as long as she was in Xi'an. She was thrilled as that meant she would see me every week. As much as I hated to I bid her goodbye and went on to meet Julie.

Julie is seventeen. She lies flat on her bed as her spine is damaged effecting her legs. She has a fracture in her hip as well. I was told that Julie suffers mostly with depression. Laying there day after day would depress anyone. Julie was able to produce a smile for me. She was a bit shy but happy to see me nonetheless. I pulled out a set of red rosaries for her and she thanked me as well. She didn't talk too much about what happened in Sichuan to her but I wanted to see her again. I asked her if she would like to learn English as well. She said she would and I told her I would come next week. I thought it would help her with her depression. Her Doctor agreed. I said goodbye to Julie and went off to meet Lily.

Lily is eighteen. Lily's pelvis was broken in half. Her physical therapist showed me her vice-scrip that is now holding her pelvis in the correct position until it heals. Lily's grandmother helps to take care of her. The doctors don't know if she will ever bare children. It seems a tragedy for such a lovely young lady. She doesn't speak of the earthquake either. I asked if she needed anything such as clothes, books, and so forth but she said she needed nothing. She looked at me and stated she just wanted to go home. That I couldn't give her. There was a far away look on her face that showed me she could cry at any given moment. Changing the subject quickly, I asked Lily if she would like to join my growing English class and she said yes with a smile. I pulled out a set of yellow rosaries for her. I bid her goodbye to go to meet Violet. Before I could leave, her grandmother hugged me so tightly that I knew I had helped in some way. I just couldn't figure out how.

Violet is sixteen year old. Violet's spine was injured, specifically her C 5, 6 , and 7 disks. Had her injury been any higher she would have been paralyzed. Although she is not fully recovered Violet will have to wear that hard neck brace for six full months and will not be joining my English class. I wished her well and told her that it was unfortunate we could not get to know one another better. I pulled out the last set of rosaries I had on me that were a teal and blue color and gave them to her. I gave her a hug and said my goodbyes to her and her father.
My time at the hospital taught me something. To continue to serve mankind. Meeting those young ladies has shown me their strength and love of life. They have had the worst kind of tragedy yet they hold on to the one thing that we all look for, hope of a better tomorrow. By reading this, I hope I have given you a chance meet the children of Sichuan...."

Be even more touched and inspired in our final post.
Follow us and your heart to Part Five.

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~



Further Readings:
The Dedication of Teachers Part Two
The Dedication of Teachers Part Three
The Dedication of Teachers Part Four

BELIEVE YOU Can Make A Difference Series -------- It Takes A Village To Raise A Child

~~~~ "It takes a village to raise a child." - African proverb ~~~~

There are two very important elements in life which matters the most to us: Children and Family. And for many of you, it's the same. Nothing else matters most than raising a child to discover their full potential and most importantly, in a loving family environment. As children get older and begin school, attend to after school activities, make friends, get involved in sports or simply play outside or hang out, they become exposed to an environment outside the "comfort and safety" of their home. They become part of something much larger. It's called a community. And this community can play a major role in raising our children. It can either help or hurt our very best efforts.

At this very moment, throughout our biggest cities or our smallest towns, there are children being kissed goodnight and tucked warmly in their beds, while other children have no family or a place to call home. There are parents ending a long day at work, while other moms and dads are heading to their second and sometimes third job. There are children fortunate enough to be involved in after school organizations, when at the same time, there are parents worried about drug pushers and gangs in their neighborhood.

Also, at this very moment, there are dedicated people and volunteers coaching our children, tutoring and helping with homework and there are those who organize events to help kids stay out of trouble. Today, we had the pleasure of spending an evening with people with hearts of gold.

Lucy, coordinator of the Friday Night Kid's Club, at a neighborhood Church, spends every Friday night with 25-35+ children from the neighborhood. They range from kindergarten to sixth grade, along with a few teenagers who give her a helping hand. She organizes dinner and dessert for the children, along with arts and craft projects. This evening, they were making their own Christmas trees. Even with her own work, going to school and having a family of her own, she's always there for the kids on Friday night.


A few weeks ago, our cousins "Nacho" and Anna Pina, heard it was getting tougher to find volunteers to provide and make dinner for the children to keep the weekly event going. Bless their hearts! They offered to make enchilada casserole and rice for the kids. They don't even attend this particular church. Then, we overheard a conversation they were having about the event with other family members. We knew, this was yet another beautiful way for us to make a difference, so we offered a helping hand. Hugo and I made cupcakes for dessert and assisted with the chopping and prepping for the main course.

Needless to say, we had a wonderful time. Dinner was delicious! Then again, anything made with LOVE is always good. Seeing the children enjoy our dinner, rushing Anna for more cupcakes (a little startling for her because she is 8 months pregnant, LOL) and devouring every little bite, filled our hearts. Everyone was so thankful and appreciative for what we had done, but we were most grateful to be part of a blessing in helping to raise a child other than our own in a positive environment. Events like this keep kids from trouble when it's not so hard to find on a Friday nights. It provides children a safe place to be in the company of those who care, and most importantly, it strengthens the community in which they live.

Thank you, Lucy, for all that you do for the community and its children. And Thank you, Nacho and Anna, for letting us help out with dinner and dessert. You are all prime inspirational examples of how No One is too small to make a difference. It certainly does take a village to raise a child. And we're so blessed to have been part of that today.

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~

BELIEVE YOU Can Make A Difference Series - Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) Part Two

Magic did happen!

In 1976, she brought the first four mothers together. They were able to share with one another things and experiences that they had not been able to share with anyone else, even friends and family.

Marion says, "When there's a problem with the baby, they don't know what to say, so they stay away...it can be an isolating experience."

Bringing the mothers together proved to be a wonderful way to provide support.

Hugo and I know first hand the importance of having support and staying connected with other parents of children with special needs. Our miracle daughter, Mia, was born at 28 weeks gestation, 3 months early. As grateful as we are for family and friends who expressed concerns and listened to our worries, only a few understood what it was like to be in our shoes. It was very isolating. I, personally, felt like I had no one to turn to except for the parents Hugo and I talked to while Mia was still in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

Marion's support group grew to become something more incredible than she herself ever imagined. She admits, "I didn't even know what I was doing."

She gathered information from all over the country, spent time at the University of Washington and was learning so much each day from the children.

".....the babies taught us so much." she says.

She chose the name Exceptional Parents Unlimited because her inspiration came from the mothers she met in the support group.

Marion says, "It all starts with the parents and them wanting the very best for their children."

EPU has become a non-profit organization, which over the years has helped more than 3,000 families a year. They provide services for the parents of children with all kinds of special needs through their many special programs including Infant Family Program, Assessment Center for Children, Family Resource Center, Learning About Parenting (LAP) and the Play and Grow Program.

Marion and EPU's Mission states:

"The mission of Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) is to strengthen and empower children and families facing extraordinary medical, developmental, and parenting challenges."

Marion's vision of empowering children and their families with the confidence in themselves is being seen everyday at any one of the 3 locations in the Central Valley (California).

Marion Karian and Exceptional Parents Unlimited is a prime inspirational example of how No one is too small to make a difference and how BELIEVING you can make a difference can lead to extraordinary results.

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~


We'd sincerely like to thank Marion Karian for spending time with us to share her incredible story of how her wonderful organization came to life. We're ever so grateful for her, EPU, and it's staff for making a profound difference in lives of many families, including ours. We dedicate this entry to Marion, along with Mia's early intervention teachers, Stacey and Monica, and her occupational therapist, Libby. Thank you all for being in our lives.

BELIEVE YOU Can Make A Difference Series - Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) Part One

Being a parent truly is the ultimate gift of all.

Children are the beautiful, life changing gift we create and dedicate the rest of our lives to providing the very best for them. Children bring about more love than ever thought imaginable. They bring us belly-aching laughter and evoke joyful tears. And they will teach us more than any textbook available.

Although parenting comes with several wonderful and joyous experiences, it's still a difficult job. And it's much more challenging when you have a child with special needs. As parents, it's natural to worry and to ask Life certain questions about whether our child is developing properly cognitively, emotionally and in their motor skills. But, being a parent of a special needs child can lead to more worries at an exponential rate.

Marion Karian, the founder of Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU), recognized a need for support and assistance for families with children of special needs and BELIEVED she can make a difference.

Marion's idea first started in a conversation she had with her roommate at University of California, Los Angeles. She was working towards her Masters Degree in Maternal & Child Nursing and also had started a family of her own. Through some volunteer work she would do during the week, she began to recognize a need not being met.

"Wouldn't it be nice to have a place for families who had children with special needs from birth where we could provide assistance to them, so to ensure their lives stayed on track and dealt with the emotional impact of having a child with special needs?" Marion asked her roomate.

Her passion and enormous heart then led her to genetic counseling. Although not trained as a genetic counselor, Marion began talking to mothers if there was a problem at birth. She met many mothers with babies born with Down's Syndrome.

These mothers were taking their babies home and not knowing what to do. She was able to provide them information but....

"I was not walking their journey, had not. I was a mother and realized that was a difficult job. Just thought if I had a child with special needs, how much infinitely more difficult it would be."

During her talks with the mothers, they began to ask questions like, "What do other mothers do?" At that moment, this very question, brought Marion's idea to life.

"That might be a good thing to do. Bring them all together, because they could help each other in more ways she couldn't. That was like Magic." Marion said.

Continue on with this Inspiring story in Part Two.

Further Reading:
BELIEVE YOU Can Make A Difference Series:

The Dedication of Teachers
Power of the Internet
Special Olympics

BELIEVE YOU Can Make a Difference Series ----- The Power of the Net - Part Two

Lisa posted in her blog, Help Save My Daughter's Life...."Things continue to be difficult. But where there is life, there is hope." She asked those following her blog, her blogging companions and the many others in the blogosphere as well as her many friends throughout the Internet to help answer her prayers. "Marielle will only match 1 in 50 people in the general population (average person matches 1 in 2). I am asking EVERYONE who has ever loved a child as deeply as I do my daughter to please consider being a living-kidney donor to her. You might be the one who can save my daughter’s life." Because Marielle had received a liver transplant as an infant, she is harder to match than most because she carries not only her own antibodies, but that of her liver donor. "Please help me spread the word. Feel free to post this to your blogs and web sites. I would be forever grateful."

Responses poured from friends and strangers all over the world!! Lisa's search for a kidney donor for Marielle were posted on Twitter, Facebook, websites and blogs. Their search even made the News!! Supporters had clogged the phone lines at the NY Presbyterian Hospital. The transplant coordinators received an "unbelievable amount of kidney donor applications for my daughter from all over the world–Africa, Saudi Arabia and every state in the US!"

It gets even better!! Yesterday, Lisa and her family, received the greatest news of all that they have found a perfect match!! The perfect match was one of Lisa's Ebay friends!! If everything goes as planned, the doctors want to schedule Marielle's kidney transplant the day after Christmas.

We couldn't be more happier for Lisa and her family. It's incredibly amazing what we can do when we BELIEVE we can make a difference. NO ONE is too small. Lisa's story is a prime inspirational example of how YOU can make a difference.

Please visit Lisa's blog, The Domestic Diva, to continue on this miraculous journey with them.

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~

BELIEVE YOU Can Make a Difference Series ----- The Power of the Net - Part One

"How Wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment to improve the world."

-Anne Frank

With today's technology advancing at light speeds, sometimes it's hard just keeping up. There is always new, advanced ways to keep in touch and communicate with friends and family members. Handwritten notes, phone calls and sending photos are almost obsolete. They've been replaced with instant messaging, emails, online photo galleries and blog comments. Though it may seem we may have lost the personal human aspect of communicating, the power of the Internet, has actually made the world a much smaller place. With the Internet, we're able to create lasting friendships across the globe, announce a message at light speeds, connect with like-minded people, and even save a life. The Internet has answered a prayer. The Internet has answered a hope for a miracle.

We just read the most amazing story today! It is an extraordinary example of how NO ONE is too small to make a difference. YOU, US, WE can help save lives! There are many around the world praying for miracles to happen when we can be the answer to their prayers.

A mom and fellow blogger name Lisa of The Domestic Diva blog, has had her prayers answered. Her beautiful daughter, Marielle, is in need of a kidney transplant. With Marielle's kidney function at a mere 6%, she was near the final stage of kidney failure. She has undergone several dialysis treatments to keep her stable and medications to keep her blood pressure under control. For the last 4 months, they had been searching for a living-related kidney donor. After receiving the disappointing news that Lisa's 2 sisters and brother, Marielle's aunts and uncle, were not compatible to donate their kidney, Lisa used the power of the Internet for help.

Continue on with our incredible story in Part Two.

What does Veterans Day Mean to You?

Today, in the U.S. we're celebrating Veterans Day. It was once called Armistice Day, after the signing of the armistice that brought an end to the fighting in World War I. It's also called Remembrance Day in Canada, Australia and Great Britain. Unlike Memorial Day, where we honor veterans who died serving our country; on Veterans Day, we honor living veterans and those still serving.

These brave men and women have fought and defended our Freedom, have made sacrifices and are putting their life on the line every single day for us. Today, as always, we are ever so grateful for the men and women who protected and are still protecting our Freedom. Although, every year on the eleventh month and eleventh day, the nation recognizes our courageous service men and women, we must express our gratitude everyday. Their courage, their braveness, their leadership, the ultimate sacrifice they made by risking their lives for us, is the reason why you and I are here today.

Be sure to take a moment everyday to express a multitude of gratitude for our veterans and those still serving. They need to know we care, we love, we support, we honor and are truly grateful for them. Without them, we would not have the incredible gift we call Freedom. Thank you so much for ours.

We dedicate this post to our fathers, Daniel Antonio and Jeffrey Capozzi, our grandfather, our aunts and uncles, our cousins and many of our friends, and the millions known and unknown who served our country in the armed forces. We are ever so grateful.

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~

Fun and Laughter with the Family

Bringing more fun and laughter into our lives is certainly crucial to living a life of pure happiness. Laughter is definitely the best medicine, and having fun makes our days even more enjoyable. In our previous posts, "Have Fun, Laugh More, Stress Less" and "Laughter is the Best Medicine", we focused on the importance of bringing more fun and laughter into our daily lives. We included some tips which have worked for us, like spending time with children, being silly, having friends over or even just starting off your day reading a few jokes on the internet. Anyone of these is sure to bring about much joy and plenty of smiles.

So, we had loads of FUN last night!! We spent the evening playing dominoes with Mom and Dad. The kiddos hung out in the livingroom and did what our son's calls..."play, play, make mess." LOL
We always get together with family, but we hadn't played dominoes in such a long time. The evening was spent laughing, enjoying eachother's company, a little competitiveness because Mom wanted to play for money and it certainly was plenty of FUN. I was the big winner for the night, taking home a whopping $3.50!! The rules were, first player to 50 points was awarded 50 cents from each player. So, if you think of it this way, I was definitely on a winning streak!! Hugo ended with an extra dollar in his pocket. I couldn't help feeling a little apologetic about taking money from Mom and Dad, even if it was a few dollars. I even apoligize to Mom, the one who wanted to play for money but didn't accumulate enough points to win a game. LOL She laughed and joked that I was the reason she had to get up to go to work tomorrow. LOL :-) It left us all in good spirits, reminding us to always make room for Fun in our busy schedules. And sharing much laughter and delight with our family make these moments even more priceless.

So, our dear friends, it's easy to bring about more fun and laughter to our lives. It's good for our spirits and our total well-being. Including the family makes it double the fun!! Take some time this week to have fun and laugh more!! You'll be glad you did.

Tell us about how you bring more JOY, LOVE, LAUGHTER and FUN into your life.

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~

Inspiring More Gratitude in our Children

"Teaching children the value of "thank you" while young isn't only about manners, it's also about a larger life lesson--the Power of Gratitude." ~Kierna of CafeMom, Bid Kid Buzz

Children, nowadays, need to be taught to SLOW DOWN!! In today's high tech society, it's all about instant gratification. Everything is about getting something or somewhere faster. It's really not teaching our children anything. Instead it's making them more impatient. They're never given a chance to realize the the beauty of getting from Point A to Point B and being grateful for it. Here are a few tips to reprogram our kids.

Children learn by example and absorb every bit of their environment like sponges. So as parents, we need to lead by example!! We've gotten caught up in the FAST, FASTER and FASTEST way of living. Some of us have forgotten to notice the little things that matter most. If we want our children to Slow down, we must walk the talk, too. Take the time to notice the birds, the butterflies, and the bees. Take in the beauty of nature all around us. Share little stories with the kiddos how bees are Grateful for the many flowers and how flowers are Grateful for the bees. And how we're ever so Grateful for both of them, so that we can enjoy the beautiful sights of budding red roses and the fragrant gardenias!! At the end of your story, have your children thank the bees and flowers for creating something so beautiful. Keep your story simple and your children will begin to realize how gratefulness leads to so much beauty.

This brings me to simply saying "Thank You." Thank yous are powerful. We forget the power of giving thanks. Just think about how wonderful you felt the last time someone thanked you. It's just as wonderful to send the feeling back. It's important to teach our children to say "Thank You." And it's important for parents to say it to them, as well. Thank them for closing the bathroom door, picking up their toys, being so nice to their siblings....whatever it is, hearing the words "Thank you" will encourage them to say it back.

Starting a family tradition makes being grateful, a family affair. Our family has a morning and evening "Gratitude" tradition. We gather together before breakfast and bedtime to express 5 things each of us are grateful for. We start with Daddy, Mommy and then we help the kids out, because ours are under 3. It's a Beautiful way to start the day!! The kiddos are always most grateful for their toys, and that's okay. But as important as their toys are to them, we let them know how important it is to be grateful for sunshine, for family, our cozy home and breakfast!!

And one last thing, make being grateful fun!! Do the Gratitude Dance!! It's hilarious!! Start a Gratitude Journal and a Gratitude Scrapbook which include photos, quotes or words that represent something or a moment they are grateful for.

Today, make Gratefulness a family affair!! Have fun while teaching your children an incredible life lesson....The Power of Gratitude.

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~