Thanks and Giving Part 1

I have mentioned several times the #30DaysofThanksandGiving my friend Holly blogged about.  It’s not too late to join if you are looking for something to do yourself or with your family as thanks and giving is on all of our minds.   My kids and I have all chosen a few things we are thankful for and here are some of the things we did this week. 
Day 1:  I am so thankful for these girls right here.  We had a special and rare day where we were all together and attended the Aggie game and then lunch together.  Holly happened to be collecting for the Stillcreek Ranch Restore Her program (which you can learn more about here) and I thought that was a perfect way to give to other women 

Day 3:  We had a morning that should have been super smooth but for various reasons became strained.  I left my house feeling not so thankful for my kids that morning.  After dropping them off at school I saw a prayer request on facebook for a mom that is battling cancer and immediately I realized how selfish I was being.  Of course I am thankful for every good and strained day with my children and I just needed a little reminder.  Right then I prayed for moms fighting for their life and battling every day just to have one more day with their little ones here on earth.  I prayed for those moms out there who would give anything for one of those bad mornings with one of their children because it would mean they were still here on earth.  Lastly I prayed for several families who recently lost a mom and those children who will not have the love and guidance daily of their mom anymore.  
Day 4:  There are a couple of moms that have helped me out so much this school year getting Dillon home from school on days when there was no football practice.  Dillon is really thankful because he could be riding the bus and chooses not to!  We bought a couple of gift cards to let them know they are appreciated.  
Day 5:  We showed our thanks for living in such a great neighborhood by baking treats for a few neighbors.  The kids whipped up brownies while I was cooking dinner and they were excited to deliver them.  
Day 6:  I mailed some handwritten notes and some goodies to a few friends and this is definitely something I hope to do every week this month.  There are so many friends that mean so much to me or have touched me in my life and I have been putting off way to long sharing a handwritten note with them to let them know how thankful I am they have been a part of my life.  

Day 7:  I am very lucky to work in an office that is very small and we are all pretty close to one another.  There is a lot of support and we all care about each other outside of work as well.  I gave thanks on Friday by bringing Mix and Match Mama’s breakfast casserole which you can find here to our weekly staff meeting.   
Day 9:  I am always thankful for a new little life and I know what a blessing it was to me to receive so much help with meals when a new baby arrived at my house.  I took dinner to a couple who just brought home their first little baby last week.  

I’m sure you noticed Day 2 and Day 8 were missing.  I love challenges like this but a lot of times I get so overwhelmed with not being able to keep up that I give up and I was determined not to let that happen this time.  I am working on being more intentional in giving thanks and hopefully this coming week we will have more opportunities to all be involved with giving back.

What are ways your family shows thanks and giving during this special time of year or anytime during the year?

My favorite thing about November is the thankfulness in the air with almost everyone you meet, pumpkin pie and my Meme’s dressing that I have thankfully mastered!

Ember Grey: Grateful Heart

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