Thankful Tree

This Thanksgiving, I decided to start something new with Bennett. I had seen an idea like this on Pinterest and thought I'd give it a whirl.

It was perfect. I believe we have found a new tradition for our family. Bennett totally got it and LOVED participating in our Thankful Tree.

Thankful Tree 2012

The first of November, B and I went out and collected sticks/twigs to create our tree, stuck them in a vase and then made some leaves.

Each morning (or sometime during the day), we'd sit down and talk about something/someone that we were thankful for that day. We'd write it down, I'd let Bennett color his, and then we'd pray and thank God for that specific thing.

It really was encouraging to me to have a visual way to remember how God has blessed us this year. The tree kept growing with leaves and I was able to see all ways that we are blessed.  I'm excited to see how Bennett's leaves change as he grows older. This year most of his thankfulness came from whatever was smack-dab in front of his face. But even with that, I find it's a great reminder to be thankful for that which I might normally take for granted.

Bennett's leaves

Mommy's leaves 

Bennett's leaves:
-Bus       -Trees       -the Park        -Grandma       -Leaves
-Bennett     -Cereal      -Legos       -Pasta             -Pencil&Crayons
-Cups&Apple juice      -Graham crackers       -Bible study ("the word of God is true")
. -Nana&Leslie. -Placemats -Blue blanket, monkey, and Grant's elephant

Megan's leaves:
-Cooler temps       -Music       -Our house        -Daddy(Kc)
-Grant       -Aunt Shannon      -Strawberries    -Erin
-the Shipps     -Our new Van    -Sunshine       -MOPS
-BSF       -Sweet smiles        -Daddy's job       -PG Tips tea
-the Internet (computers, facetime, skype)

Kc's leaves:
-Megan (mommy)      

Our Thankful Tree

-------------------------------------------------
And to remember -- Bennett's crafts from MOPS this fall. :)