Image from Family Fun Magazine
Every year the children's school has a large Thanksgiving Tree proudly displayed in the front hallway. Each child, PreK-3 through the 8th grade, participates by placing a leaf on the tree with their name and grade on one side and what they are thankful for on the other. The tree not only looks lovely, but is so much fun to read. One year Christopher was thankful for his family. One year he was thankful for Tabasco sauce!
I have decided that we will make our own this year. We'll write down something we are thankful for, and our ages on a leaf that we will hang from our tree. I will keep each leaf and each year we'll add some more. Like a photo album this will serve as another great family memento that will be treasured for years to come.
As many of you know I lost a good friend yesterday. She died from complications of pneumonia. She will be missed dearly by her friends and family and the entire community. The next few days will be hard to get through. Her wake will be on Monday followed by her funeral on Tuesday morning. School will be closed for the day so that all the parents, faculty and staff will be able to attend. I'll need to line up a sitter. There will be a lot of reflection over the next few days. And a lot of giving thanks. I have an awful lot to be thankful for.
This morning the kids would not stop bickering. It seemed every five minutes someone was crying. I'm better but still not 100% and don't have much energy. Or patience. I posted something on Facebook about not being able to handle the kids fighting and that it was only 9:00am. A dear friend the reminded me that at least I am here to be annoyed by my kids.
So to state the obvious I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my health. For our health. I am thankful for my friends near and dear. I am thankful for my new blogging friends who have never failed to offer a kind word of support and encouraging word over these past and difficult couple of months. I am thankful for my home. I am thankful for all that I have. I am thankful that tomorrow is the weekend and my husband will be around to help me with the kids! :P
If you want to make your own Thanksgiving Tree with your family, you will need:
-
- Small tree branch
- Flowerpot
- Pebbles, rocks, or marbles
- Card stock or colored paper
- Hole punch
- Twine, string or thin ribbon
- Clear holiday lights (optional)
* Line the flowerpot with pebbles, rocks or marbles
* Place the tree branch in the middle of the pot
* Cut out leaf shapes using the card stock or colored paper
* Using the hole punch, make a hole in the leaf, through were you will string your string, twine or thin ribbon.
If you live in the New England area and know you'll be cooped up indoors, you might want to make some of these adorable Pilgrim Hat Cookies over on my food blog. These are always a huge hit!
