Last night we had dinner with a SUPER fun and awesome family, the McFaddens. They have 5 amazing kids and their home is just full of life, love and energy. They were the first people to come and introduce themselves to us when we moved here and they've gone out of their way to make us feel at home since.
Anyway, I wanted to write about a tradition they have that really touched me and that I want to start in our family. I don't know how often they do it but at dinner they bring out a big plate decorated with hearts known as the love plate. One person is given the love plate and then everyone takes a turn saying why they love that person. The only rule is you can't repeat what someone else says.
Well I was the very lucky girl to get the love plate last night. I'm still kind of blown away by the sweet things that were said about me, especially by the children. They haven't known me very long but the things they said were so thoughtful and sincere. Here is a little sampling of the ego boost I got last night. (some of these are paraphrased because I can't remember everything they said but this is the gist of it)
13 year old daughter: " I love Becca because she's really giving. I'll never forget how the first time we went to meet her she gave us cookies. I also like that she's so happy all the time."
10 year old son said, "I love Becca because she's not shy. She's just really friendly and she isn't afraid to talk to new people."
7 year old daughter: "I love Becca because she's really generous and I like the way she spends time with her girls like when she made that bracelet with Teya."
4 year old son: "I love Becca because she's really fashion-ish." (he said more stuff after that but I couldn't remember because I was laughing so hard at the fashion-ish remark!)
Jeremy and Becca (the parents) said nice things too about me being down to earth and that my eyes reflect light and happiness. I can't tell you awesome it is to hear someone say something like that to you. Having the love plate seriously made my whole night and thinking about it continues to give me a lift today.
I guess it made me realize how important it is to give out compliments freely. I think positive things about so many people but I don't always take the time to tell them how wonderful they are. From now on I'm not going to hesitate. If I think someone is generous, friendly, kind, or even fashion-ish, I'm going to let them know!
5 comments:
My Heart plate to you: I love Becca because she is happy and cheerful about anything and everything. She can manage to put a positive spin on a poopy diaper. She also loves food as much as I do!
What a great tradition! I'm glad you have new friends who are taking good care of you--we really miss you guys here!! Lots of love to you!!
How cool that you are making such good friends out there, and what a sweet family! That is a cool tradition...we love Becca (even though she moved far away from us)!
That's cool! I love that regardless of the ages of those kids, they weren't generic one-liners like "she's nice." Those kids really knew how to be thoughtful and express themselves. Great thing to teach your kids! We have a big red "You're Special" plate that gets put in front of you if it's your birthday, or you got an "A" on a test, or for whatever reason a person gets singled out. But that's not often enough! And Kate Z. does 'compliments' for FHE with her kids. They each say something nice about the other family members. We do it sometimes, but again, not as a regular routine. We should though! It's good for the givers and receivers! Sounds like a great place you moved to! And you ARE amazing!
Oh Becca you are such an amazing person. These guys have known you for how long? and they already know how special you are. I am so happy you have made so many friends in Boston already. You're one of those hybrid flowers that can bloom where ever you're planted, no matter the weather or climate. You can make any place beautiful
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