What are you thankful for this year?

[Ommay]

Every year, the kids and I create a 'Thanksgiving Tree'. Here is a picture from a couple years ago to help explain:

The tree starts bare and each night we each fill out 1-2 leaves of something we are thankful for. It has become something that we (especially I) look forward to. Not only do I think that it give us time to remember how blessed we are but it has also been great fun to watch the kids grow through their answers. 2-3 year ago, the kids were mostly thankful for their toys. This year, 2 things DS was thankful for were "being and American" and a "healthy family".

So what are 5 things you are thankful for?


Ps. I cut the tree out of a paper bag and re-use the tree, the grass and the quotes over every year. :)

[Tara Burner]

that is COOL!!!!!
wonder if my almost 13 yo would do that?
we don't have anything 'material' like that, we just pray every day that we can be a blessing to someone and we end every day in prayer with what we're thankful for
but your tree is VISUAL and neat!
awesome!
Tara

[Suz]

that is a great idea!! especially for the younger kids that need the visual thing. i have a 1 and 3 year old and i think i will try this next year for sure! seems like a good tradition to start early.
thanks for sharing :)

[Samantha Harnack]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!
I'm totally stealing this idea... I'll give you credit though.

1. Health of my family.
2. Joy of my children.
3. That God sees us through every trial and helps us learn from it to be stronger and smarter for next time.
4. My In-laws
5. Great friends

[Trish Aumann]

Thanks for posting this idea. I've been trying to think of a way to get the kids to think about what they are thankful for, this would work so well. It's great because if you do it over a period of days (or weeks) it gives them time to think harder about what they truly value in their lives.

[Frannie]

I love this idea too! My son came home with a MUCH smaller version from school and it had 3 leaves on it. Apparentlyh he's thankful for mommy and daddy, his sister and leaves!

I am thankful for the health of my famly, the joy my children bring me, and my wonderful husband and the fact that we have a great marraige. I need to thank him for that, so he knows how thankful I am.

[snowangel]

What a great idea!

I'm thankful for two healthy and happy kids, a wonderful husband, a great marriage, financial stability and cold weather!

[Jenn Savedge]

Great idea! We did something similar this year. We traced the girls hands on construction paper, cut out the "leaves" and on each one my girls wrote things they were thankful for. It was a fun activity that only took about 30 mins. from start to finish. But I love how in your craft, its something the kids keep thinking about day after day. We're going to try that next year! Thanks for the tip!!