Tree of Thankfulness

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and with that comes reflection of everything our family has to be thankful for. In the corner of our formal dining room sets one fake evergreen shrub with sparkling lights. LTD have always called it "the BABY Christmas tree", although it's up yearlong. This year we received a great idea from our SIL, Heidi, and decided to start a new family tradition and have officially changed the shrub's name to the "Tree of Thankfulness". The kiddos decorate the tree with paper ornaments they make by hand that list what they are thankful for that particular day. Not only does it make each one of us talk about what we are most grateful for, but it allows them to visibly see ALL that we are fortunate to have been blessed with. They are so proud to disply their ornaments but we have also found other things hanging from the poor shrub such as cars, dolls and necklaces. We have lost a few ornaments due to scissors experiments (thank you, Dylan), but for the most part they are holding their own.

Things they are most grateful for include:

Mommy & Daddy

Papas & Grandmas

God

Baby Jesus

The sun

Snow

Friends (Aimee, Ella, Kendrick, Anna, Ben, Maddie & Melise)

Cousins (Anna, Faith & Baby Jordan)

Aunt Heidi and Uncle Ken

Trucks/Cars

Dolls/Dollhouse

In addition, each night before bedtime when we pray, LTD always get a chance to pray for somebody or something specific. It's so precious hearing who and what they want to pray for. Each night it's a whole new experience and brings alot of smiles to our faces. Our goal is to instill in our children the importance of being thankful and to pray for people they love and others who are in need or less fortunate.