Fun
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 21)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Note: Thanksgiving week I had to group a couple items together into one day since we had a full schedule and we were seeing some of the people we want to thank on the same day. Although in the list they will be separate. Thanks!
Day 21
Who: Classmates
The girls spend several hours a day at school so they have had a lot of time to get to know the people in their class. Thankfully the both enjoy school and their classmates are also their friends. As a way to say “thanks” for being my friend today they took cupcakes to school to share with their classmates.
Day 20
Who: Tutor
As you have seen from previous days we have a little one that has some challenges due to dyslexia, therefore, we have been going to a tutor. Her tutor is awesome! She takes the time to not only work with her one-on-one and give us ways that we can help here as well but she finds ways to motivate her. Our kids love animals and she takes the time to share about her pets too. Some days we even have enough time for the girls to give her horses a treat. They always love getting a chance to spend a few extra minutes with animals. Today, we gave our tutor a bag of carrots and a thank you note. After lessons today we brought some carrots out so the horses could have a treat.
Day 19
Who: School Teachers
Since they only have a couple days of school this week with the Thanksgiving Holiday the girls delivered their Thanksgiving gifts to their teachers today (Monday). The girls took thank you cards and some sweet treats to give to their teachers today.
Family Fun: Our Cousins Came for a Visit
Nano bugs play time
Earlier this year Jake’s sister and her family came to visit us. We had a blast spending some extra time with them. The kids played well together and we were able to squeeze in a lot of fun activities. Thankful for time spent with family.
Going for a ride on the go cart or “green monster” as the girls like to call it
It takes a team to change a baby doll diaper! 🙂
Yes, that is a snake in his hands!
Making litter bugs at Roper Mountain Science Center
Trying out a new game
A full hammock
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 20)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Note: Thanksgiving week I had to group a couple items together into one day since we had a full schedule and we were seeing some of the people we want to thank on the same day. Although in the list they will be separate. Thanks!
Day 20
Who: Tutor
As you have seen from previous days we have a little one that has some challenges due to dyslexia, therefore, we have been going to a tutor. Her tutor is awesome! She takes the time to not only work with her one-on-one and give us ways that we can help here as well but she finds ways to motivate her. Our kids love animals and she takes the time to share about her pets too. Some days we even have enough time for the girls to give her horses a treat. They always love getting a chance to spend a few extra minutes with animals. Today, we gave our tutor a bag of carrots and a thank you note. After lessons today we brought some carrots out so the horses could have a treat.
Day 19
Who: School Teachers
Since they only have a couple days of school this week with the Thanksgiving Holiday the girls delivered their Thanksgiving gifts to their teachers today (Monday). The girls took thank you cards and some sweet treats to give to their teachers today.
Day 18
Who: Awana Leaders
The girls go to Awana on Sunday evenings when Jake & I go to Community Group. Our church does the Awana program at our local school. Brina and Karlie are in the Sparks right now. They have been learning various verses, books of the bible and more recently. As a way to say thank you to their Sparks Leaders on Sunday we sent a thank you card and some goodies to give to their leaders.
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Days 18 – 19)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 19
Who: School Teachers
Since they only have a couple days of school this week with the Thanksgiving Holiday the girls delivered their Thanksgiving gifts to their teachers today (Monday). The girls took thank you cards and some sweet treats to give to their teachers today.
Day 18
Who: Awana Leaders
The girls go to Awana on Sunday evenings when Jake & I go to Community Group. Our church does the Awana program at our local school. Brina and Karlie are in the Sparks right now. They have been learning various verses, books of the bible and more recently. As a way to say thank you to their Sparks Leaders on Sunday we sent a thank you card and some goodies to give to their leaders.
Day 17
Who: Neighbors
Over the last few years we noticed a big difference in our interactions with our neighbors once we started reaching out more. We try to stop by their homes to say “hi” and deliver goodies several times throughout the year. Brina and Karlie especially enjoy bringing vegetables from our garden or little gifts around the Holidays to share with the people who live on our block. The girls took time this morning (Saturday) walking from house to house delivering “Happy Thanksgiving” cards to each of our neighbors. They had a blast talking with the neighbors and delivering the notes. Hopefully the notes were a blessing to those who live on our street too. Thankful for our little street and the neighbors who live here.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Okay, so last week wasn’t one of my best ones. Had to make my first trip in years to the doctor because I was sick. I went in the doctor on Monday and got some medicine. On Thursday I still wasn’t better so went back in and got a shot along with different medicine. Jake even had to take the girls to school and pick them up one day I felt so bad. Thankfully, I am starting to get back to normal, however, my to do list didn’t get completely done (at least I made some progress). With this week being Thanksgiving I am hoping to catch up on some items and spend the extra time with family so my list isn’t as big this week.
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily – I was sick last week so this didn’t get done every day
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before– not quite sure what I put in them but it got done and they weren’t complaining- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed – have a couple things to fill out for the girls
- Attend After School Activities – missed one day with Momma being sick
Plan one special Activity with the Family– had a celebration on Friday night! 🙂
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – with being sick I didn’t exercise last week
Drink 8 glasses of water each day– I drank a ton, trying to get better!!!- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – brought this to the doctor to read but felt so miserable I couldn’t concentrate on the words
Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion– staying up to date and have past 60 days!
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – took me 2 days to get it all done this week
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Projects (Focus – Office / Garage) – not much extra stuff got done with me being sick
Pay all upcoming bills- Winterize the Garden – hoping to finish it this week
- Put any new printed pictures that we receive this week in the photo album
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts – barely got through the day to day tasks
Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch- Write and Send Out Community Group Email – didn’t get this out
Send out the Alms & Legs Food Meeting Reminder to the Team Members– got it out late, but did send it
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – only got a couple items, but didn’t take pictures or keep track this week
- Payoff the Van – working on it
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – slowly getting there
Stay within Christmas Budget– so far so good, it’ll probably get harder the closer it gets to Christmas!
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Celebrate Thanksgiving
- Start Decorating for Christmas
- Family & Friends Game Night to kick off the Holiday Season
- Work on Christmas List
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Thanksgiving Meal – Menu, Prep, and Enjoy
- Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Projects (Focus – Cleaning for Thanksgiving Celebration)
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Winterize the Garden
- Put any new printed pictures that we receive this week in the photo album
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
- Send out the Alms & Legs Food Team Meeting Notes
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
- Stay within Christmas Budget
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily – I was sick last week so this didn’t get done every day
Travel & Vacation: Seeing the Countryside of Bangalore, India
You never know what you will see driving down the road….pretty sure the people hanging off the vehicle are not wearing their seat belts!
We had a great time with Jake’s cousin Matt and his family while we were in India. India had a lot of agricultural areas near Bangalore too. It was neat seeing all the fields, produce, people, farmers market, small villages and more. No matter where you travel in India there is always a ton to look at and soak in as you are driven to your destination.
Notice the fence….in the United States we make most of our fences out of wood or metal posts with wire in between. In India it is common to see slabs of rock, cement, marble, or whatever they can find in the area for a fence around their home, livestock, and fields. I am sure those pieces are very heavy to move too!
Tropical fruit orchard near Bangalore, India (these look like bananas)
Outside farmers market on the way to the airport
A field of grapes!
Someone has to ride in the back of the truck in case the merchandise decides to fall out.
After growing up on a farm it was interesting seeing how they farm in India. Even though they do some things differently with their crops, they have delicious food! It was great having the opportunity to go to India. Thankful for the amazing time we had and hope that we will be able to make another trip someday. The people were very hospitable and I learned a lot not only about the area, but about myself.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 8)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 8
Who: Grandparents
I am thankful for the grandparents in my life. It has been a real privilege not only having a relationship with all of my grandparents but all 4 of my great grandmother’s when I was growing up. I have many wonderful memories with my grandparents. Today I sent out the “I’m Thankful For….” cards and sent emails letting them know I was thankful for them.
Day 7
Who: Friends
Do you have those people in your life that you have been friends with for years and they have been an encouragement in your life in the good times and the bad? These are “true blue lifelong friends” who in many ways are like a sister or brother. Whenever you get together you pick back up like you seen each other just the day before when in reality it has probably been several months or in some cases years. Although I am thankful for technology because it makes it easier to stay in touch even though there may be many miles apart. I am thankful for the blessing of these special friendships. Today I mailed out “I’m Thankful For….” cards and sent messages to several others.
Day 6
Who: Siblings
Today I mailed out “I’m Thankful For…..” cards to our siblings and sent texts to several of them. Even though I had my fair share of sibling disputes with my brothers growing up I love them dearly and am so very thankful for them. I am thankful for my sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws too, they are awesome! I am very blessed with wonderful siblings (and their spouses) and appreciate them so much!
Additional Activity: The girls and I spent a couple hours today cleaning and organizing our church’s food pantry. It was a great time of working together, talking about the many amazing blessings we have in our lives, and why it is important to share what we have with others (i.e. giving food to people within our local community). The girls worked hard and cheerfully. I couldn’t have gotten it done as quickly if they hadn’t pitched in and helped. The best part was as we were leaving a lady walked up to us and wanted to know if we had any food. I was able to pull some items from the pantry and share them with her. The girls were excited that we were able to help someone. Although we never know the full situation or the intent of an individuals heart many people within our own community are struggling. I am thankful for moments when the girls can experience situations like these because it really does make a positive impact on the lives of our children.
Travel & Vacation: Leela Palace – Bangalore, India
The Leela Palace in Bangalore, India
Matt and Jen took us to the Leela Palace on the last day we were in Bangalore. You know how sometimes you save the best for last…..well this was it. The Leela Palace was AMAZING! They had every kind of food you could think of to eat from Indian Curry, to Roast, Pasta Bar, Salad Bar, Cheese Bar, Breads, rows of Desserts and so much more. Some of the best food I have eaten, it was delicious and the palace was beautiful. If you are in Bangalore I highly recommend that you check the Leela Palace out!
They had row after row of desserts. It was difficult picking the ones you wanted to try because all of them looked AMAZING!
Yes, that huge beautiful artistic piece in the middle is made up of………..chocolate!
They had a separate supervised play area for the kids. The kids could play, watch a movie, eat, read, run around, play a game or many other awesome activities.
Gorgeous Birds of Paradise flower in their garden.
Even the bugs in India cannot resist a pretty flower!
The Leela Palace such a beautiful place to visit in Bangalore, India
Jake & I in front of the gold elephant on the garden gate at the Leela Palace
One of the large entryways.
It almost looked too pretty to eat…….but I did it anyway and it tasted awesome!
Jake and I were thrilled that we had the opportunity to come visit his cousin Matt and his family while we were in India. It was wonderful meeting many awesome people and eating their tasty food. A lot of great memories were made on the trip. Hopefully, some day in the future we will have the chance to bring the girls with us. I know they would love the adventure!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 7)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 7
Who: Friends
Do you have those people in your life that you have been friends with for years and they have been an encouragement in your life in the good times and the bad? These are “true blue lifelong friends” who in many ways are like a sister or brother. Whenever you get together you pick back up like you seen each other just the day before when in reality it has probably been several months or in some cases years. Although I am thankful for technology because it makes it easier to stay in touch even though there may be many miles apart. I am thankful for the blessing of these special friendships. Today I mailed out “I’m Thankful For….” cards and sent messages to several others.
Day 6
Who: Siblings
Today I mailed out “I’m Thankful For…..” cards to our siblings and sent texts to several of them. Even though I had my fair share of sibling disputes with my brothers growing up I love them dearly and am so very thankful for them. I am thankful for my sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws too, they are awesome! I am very blessed with wonderful siblings (and their spouses) and appreciate them so much!
Additional Activity: The girls and I spent a couple hours today cleaning and organizing our church’s food pantry. It was a great time of working together, talking about the many amazing blessings we have in our lives, and why it is important to share what we have with others (i.e. giving food to people within our local community). The girls worked hard and cheerfully. I couldn’t have gotten it done as quickly if they hadn’t pitched in and helped. The best part was as we were leaving a lady walked up to us and wanted to know if we had any food. I was able to pull some items from the pantry and share them with her. The girls were excited that we were able to help someone. Although we never know the full situation or the intent of an individuals heart many people within our own community are struggling. I am thankful for moments when the girls can experience situations like these because it really does make a positive impact on the lives of our children.
Day 5
Who: Parents
Mailed out thank you notes to our parents and called them to talk for a few minutes. I am thankful for the godly parents in my life. Although, they are human like myself they are loving and kind. I have been blessed with great parents.
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 4 & 5)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 1
Who: Hair Stylist
I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon. My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist. I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her. She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6. For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.
Day 2
Who: My Spouse – Jake
I am so thankful for everything Jake does for our family. He works really hard, is an awesome Dad to our girls, and loves me. Jake is my best friend and I am very grateful for him. He takes good care of all of us and I don’t tell him “thanks” enough. Today I gave him a hand written thank you card and a bag of chocolate truffles.
Day 3
Who: Daughters – Brina & Karlie
I am very thankful for my two girls! They light up my world, make me laugh, and help build extra character in my life. It took many prayers and a few tears before God gave these two precious blessings in my life. You can read more about my journey with my Loosening My Grip: Why Can’t I Get Pregnant? series. As a way of saying thank you to the girls I gave them thank you notes and spent time reading some of our current book Little House in the Big Woods together.
