Holidays

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 10)

    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 10

    Who:  Aunts & Uncles

    I am thankful for the great Aunts & Uncles in my life.  Today I sent an “I’m Thankful For…..” cards and sent a note of thanks.

    Day 9

    Who:  Cousins

    I grew up in a big family and a lot of extended family members.  Family get togethers (like for the Holidays) usually consisted of a house / yard full of people from tiny babies to the grandparents.  The best thing about being part of a large extended family is you always have someone to play with since all your cousins would come to the family celebration too.  I am thankful for the many cousins in my life.  Some of them I am closer to than others but I am grateful for each one.  Today, I mailed out some “I’m Thankful For….” cards and sent Facebook messages to several letting them know I was thankful for them.

    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.

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 9)

    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 9

    Who:  Cousins

    I grew up in a big family and a lot of extended family members.  Family get togethers (like for the Holidays) usually consisted of a house / yard full of people from tiny babies to the grandparents.  The best thing about being part of a large extended family is you always have someone to play with since all your cousins would come to the family celebration too.  I am thankful for the many cousins in my life.  Some of them I am closer to than others but I am grateful for each one.  Today, I mailed out some “I’m Thankful For….” cards and sent Facebook messages to several letting them know I was thankful for them.

    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

  • 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.

  • 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 6)

    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 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.

    Day 4

    Who:  Pastors

    Dropped off thank you notes at the church office on the way into service.

  • 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.

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 3)

    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.

    People appreciate sincere thanks.  I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others.  As I share my 30-30-30 challenge with you I hope it will spark your imagination and encourage you to share your story too.

    In everything give thanks!

    – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

  • A Spooktacular Halloween

    Monster bags, note, and goodies on their bar stools at breakfast.  They were excited to see a little treat waiting for them at breakfast.  These bags were too cute, the package came with a variety of eyes and mouths that you could put together in any combination.

    Here is a picture of one of the pancake, sausage and bacon Halloween monsters the girls ate for breakfast.

    Jake even got festive Halloween sprinkles on his toast!

    Karlie’s goody bags to share with her class are all packed and ready to distribute!

    Brina’s Halloween class goodies are packed and ready to go!

    Teacher Halloween Gifts

    A monster and note waiting on Karlie’s seat when I picked her up from school.

    Brina had an orange monster and note waiting on her seat in the van when I picked her up from school.

    Our little Dancer and Superwoman!

    The girls were super excited to have the opportunity to meet up with their cousins (we were able to capture a picture of the adorable blue crayon….there was also a cute little monkey that joined us that evening)!

    Every day for the month of October the girls got a little treat in their pumpkins (if they did well at school, after school activities, and at home).  On Halloween Day they got their last little goodies.  Some of the items they received were Halloween socks, Halloween Underwear, books, glow sticks, crafts, and more!

  • Giveaway & Review: “Say Anything” Game by North Star Games

    I am thrilled to announce a new giveaway on Blessings Multiplied!   The winner of this giveaway will receive a Say Anything Family Game by North Star Games!  As a Mom, wife and friend I am always looking for ways to entertain my family and guests.  After playing Wits & Wagers  (see my review) and Wits & Wagers Family (see my review) both are from North Star Games I received Say Anything to check out.   My family gives Say Anything game a big thumbs up!  I know you will enjoy this one!   This game has become a favorite with our family.

    Enter the Giveaway (up to 4 entries per person)!

    1. Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.  Put a separate comment for each way you follow Blessings Multiplied (Email, Twitter, or Facebook) plus an extra entry for your bonus answer!   Each comment counts as an entry into the giveaway.

    All comments must be made by November 30th at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.

    More information aboutSay Anythinggame:

    Say Anything is a great party game to play with your family and friends!  You will find yourself laughing as you read the wide variety of answers to each question.  The game is made for 3 to 8 players and takes about 30 minutes to play.  I would recommend if younger kids are playing that they are able to read and write answers independently (otherwise they may need additional help).  The game is recommended for ages 10 and up.

    1. Ask any question from the card you draw, such as “What’s the best movie of all time?” or “If I could have a BIG anything, what would it be?”
    2. Everyone else writes an answer and turns it face-up.
    3. Secretly choose your favorite of these answers. Then everyone tries to guess which one you picked.

    Where do I purchaseSay Anythingfor myself or as a gift?

    This game would be a perfect game to play during the upcoming Holidays or to give as a gift to family and friends!  You can purchase this game on Amazon or at major retailers like Books-A-Million, Target, or local game stores found on North Star Games retailer locator.  To learn more about the game and those who created it you can visit North Star Games website.  You can get the most update to date information on North Star Games by following them Facebook and Twitter.

    *A special thanks to North Star Games, specifically Dominic Crapuchettes and Luke Warren, for the providing this game for the giveaway!