Lexi

I had a dog named Lexi, she was sweet, playful and funny. Every now and then she would bark at the other dogs to tell them she wants to come over and play with them.

Yesterday we took Lexi to her new home, where she now gets to play with other dogs all day and night. I know she will have a lot of fun and be loved there too. Her new home has 5 dogs at the house.

I will always have Lexi in my heart and I know she has me in her heart too.

I will always remember Lexi and am grateful for the 10 months I had with her.

Hugs,
Sami

Welcome in 2009!

What an amazing year it has been! First I spent time traveling the country with my parents, visiting friends and family, speaking to students and parents about the importance of gratitude. The response I got was great! Letters from kids from all over the United States told me how much fun they are having with my book "Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans - Teaching kids to be thankful for everything (yes, even fish sticks) everyday!"

I learned how much fun helping others can be by volunteering at the local food bank and continuing to help St. Jude's Children's Hospital with my "Colors Decorate the World" project which I started on my 7th birthday in 2007. I encourage others to donate as much as they can and to do it as often as they can. Giving even $1 each week is going to help others.

Also in 2008, I focused on being the best ice skater I could be....and took home several medals at different competitions while having a lot of fun with my friends! I cannot wait for the events in 2009 as I know I will continue to improve my skating skills and inspire others to do what they enjoy....

As 2008 came to a close I said good-bye to my very best friend, my favorite person to share cheesecake with, to watch "SpongeBob" with and who hugged me and greeted me with a smile and a laugh everyday, my grandpa. I know his death gave him peace from his pain and I know that he watches over me in everything I do. After saying good-bye to my grandpa, I then said good-bye to some of my friends and to my first home in Texas as my family moved to a new home on a beautiful lake surrounded by trees and wildlife. It is so pretty here and I get to see nature in my own backyard. My new hobby is taking photos and I will be sure to share my photos on my blog soon!

I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and remind everyone to be grateful for what you have, to share with others and to remember that whatever you ask for you will receive, if you believe!

Hugs to you,
Sami

"Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans - Teaching kids to be thankful for everything (yes, even fish sticks!) everyday!" By Sami FitzGerald. Get your copy today at:

http://www.samifitzgerald.com/

Inspire Me Today

Please join me on May 17th, 2008 as I am the featured Inspirational Luminary on InspireMeToday.com. If you missed it, simply click through and select "See who you've missed" and I'll be there!



Inspire Me Today™ is a website that provides the Best of the Best Inspiration Daily™-each day from a different Luminary. Enjoy a 10-minute podcast, a 30-minute audio feature, a 15-minute inspirational video, a personal story or just my quote of the day. It's easy. Just click on this link and be inspired! Thanks for joining me!



InspireMeToday.com

A day at the food bank

As the day started Sami arrived at the Food Bank, uncertain of what activities would be taking place.....


She signed in a the Volunteer desk and received her Funds for Food bank truck as a souvenir



She found herself having a lot of fun helping to repackage pepper from huge drums into smaller bags for distribution....700 pounds of pepper later (sorted with the help of friends) she finally took off her hair net.



A pleasant (and proud) surprise for mom and dad was later in the day when Sami and her friend Mollie announced they had used the souvenir bank as a collection bank and in just an hours time they had gathered enough money for the Food Bank to be able to provide 45 meals.

Way to go Sami and Mollie - you are a great team!





To learn more about our food bank, please visit: http://tafb.org/

Book clubs teaching kids the benefit of reading!

Sharing her joy of reading and gratitude, Sami was a special guest at the Parks Ice Skating Book Club.

She spoke about gratitude from one ice skater to another as the kids gathered around to listen and take part in the interactive presentation.

Way to go Sami! A big thanks to the Parks and Ms. Kathryn for her support.

What are you teaching your child?

"Can gratitude be taught? My answer is a resounding YES! Kids today are in the "I WANT MORE" generation and feel slighted by not having the latest cell phone or the coolest IPOD. Parents buy-into this.....read the rest of the article here:
http://www.beloblog.com/parent/2008/03/fish_sticks_boo.html

Written by Paige McCoy Smith of the "Not So Perfect Parent"
Good Morning Texas
WFAA, Channel 8 / Dallas

Sami at Fort Worth Academy

As March rolls in we find Sami sharing the gift of gratitude with children and adults around the country. This week she is preparing for her appearance on Good Morning Texas! Tune in Wednesday, March 12th at 9am to see Sami on Good Morning Texas with Paige McCoy Smith in the "Not So Perfect Parent" segment.

GMT sent a film crew to Sami's presentation at Fort Worth Academy last week.



We thank FWA for their graciousness in allowing us to share the gift of gratitude with their students. We look forward to returning soon!

For the latest news and happenings please visit: http://www.gratitudeforkids.com/