Kids
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
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Days 13 -17)
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.
Side Note: Sorry about getting a little behind on these items this week. It has been a tough week with being sick so I had to double up on a couple items this week. Now that I am feeling better hopefully I will stay on top of it. Thanks for understanding and hanging in there with me, life has a way of throwing curve balls even into the best of plans! 🙂
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.
Day 16
Who: Nephew
I am thankful for family and friends as well as the time we get to spend with them. Today our family had a little “celebration” at our house today for the completion of a big project….so proud of my girls for working so hard on it too. The girls were excited to have their cousin join them in the celebration. The menu chosen by the kids was taco’s and fruit, which were a big hit with everyone. Almost all of the decorations and entertainment was done by the kids as well. They made cookies, ate blue popcorn, played, sang, and had a blast together. As a way of saying thank you for coming we sent him home with a bag of blue popcorn and a plate full of decorated cookies. I am thankful that the girls have family in the area that they can hang out with for an evening, have fun, and make memories together. Time spent with cousins is always an adventure! I am thankful for the all my nieces and nephews as well as for the time we get to spend with them.
Day 15
Who: Grocery Store Clerk
This week wasn’t one of most efficient with all the sickness. Everything seemed to take more time and energy to do. I did make a quick run to the grocery store for milk, eggs, and a couple other items. The same store clerk that I usually see was working the register that morning. One of the jobs most clerks have to do is “up-sell” a certain amount of specific items near the counter for the week or month. I VERY rarely purchase any of those items, but occasionally if I have had a lot of interaction with the same clerk over several weeks (or months with some) today I bought one item to help them out and say “thanks” for taking the time to check me out. I worked as a grocery store clerk for several years and it isn’t a very glorified job, however, so many of the people I see have great attitudes about the work they are doing and that is always appreciated by me (and I am sure other customers as well).
Book: Giant Storybook Treasury by Richard Scarry
The girls love Richard Scarry’s Giant Storybook Treasury and can often be seen toting it into the van to read as we drive around town. Our family has spent some extra time in doctors office these past two weeks and the girls brought this book along for the adventure (to give you an idea of how long we were in the waiting room, we read the entire book and then some….).
The book contains 12 classic stories in one book. One of the best parts of the books is its great illustrations with colorful pictures of pigs, cats, foxes, and more. Some of the stories in this book:
- Mother Cat’s Busy Day
- The Firefighters’ Busy Day
- Miss Honey’s School Bus
- Mr. Gronklers Busy Day
The girls have enjoyed this book for a long time (even before they could read). If your looking for a fun and fascinating book this is a great one to check out.
Honey & Lemon Sore Throat Remedy
When you have a sore throat this is a great recipe to try. The girls love it and makes them feel better. A little bit of water, honey, and lemon helps coat the throat and soothes the pain.
Honey & Lemon Sore Throat Remedy:
- Hot Water
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (or fresh squeezed lemons)
- 1 teaspoon Honey
Fill a mug 3/4 full of hot water. Add equal amounts of lemon and honey. Stir the lemon and honey until dissolved.
The warm water, honey, lemon are soothing for the throat. You can add a little more lemon and honey if you prefer.
Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals
Lunch is ready for the kids to take to school.
The girls love taking their lunch to school. I try to pack a protein, a veggie, fruit, drink, and snack. With one kid with food allergies she doesn’t have dairy, but the other chickie usually takes yogurt and cheese stick.
Lunch Box Meal:
- Tuna Fish Sandwich
- Fresh Apple Slices with Caramel
- Fresh Banana Pepper
- Dried Peaches
- Fruit Chew
- Mott’s Pomegranate Applesauce
- Animal Crackers
- Stila Blueberry Granola Bar
- Yogurt Tube
- Windmill Cookies (Egg, Diary, & Peanut FREE)!
- Cranberry Juice
The girls are pretty good about helping put together their lunches, however, on busy days I will do it for them. Do you pack your kids lunch everyday? What do you like to put in their lunch boxes?
Pampers Gifts to Grow – 10 Free Points
You can receive another 10 free points from Pampers with a new Gifts to Grow code!
This code is different from the previous codes I have given.
- Use Code: NOVWIN12NLSPNMR
(Expires 11/30/12 at midnight CST)
You can save up the rewards to purchase gifts! For more information about the Pampers Gift to Grow Program and how you can start earning Pampers “Gifts to Grow” Rewards for your family go to Pampers Gifts to Grow!
Teacher “Thank You” Gifts
Thank You goodies for the girls teachers!
For Thanksgiving the girls always enjoy bringing in a “thank you” note and a little surprise for their teacher. Here is one where they put M&M’s in a mason jar, added a ribbon on top, and a little note. The note said:
Mrs. __________,
We are a thankful for a Magnificent & Marvelous teacher this year!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Brina & Karlie
If you are looking for a simple and easy thank you gift for a teacher, friend, neighbor, or family member this is a great one to try!
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 11 & Day 12)
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 12
Who: Nutritionist
When one of our girls was tested for dyslexia earlier this year she was also tested for a variety of nutritional / allergy items. She came back high in diary, peanuts and eggs so we have adjusted our meals to make sure she had none of those items for about 2 months and are now re-introducing them slowly to see how she reacts. She has been going to the nutritionist and tutor for several weeks now and it has been a real blessing. She loves going and today she hand delivered a thank you card and a hug to them today.
Day 11
Who: Doctors & Nurses
Today I am thankful for Doctors and nurses. Within the last few days we had a sick kid, several doctor appointments, our yearly physicals, 4 trips to the pharmacy, and 2 trips to the urgent care. As much as I dislike going to the doctor I am thankful that they are available when we need them. Many nurses, doctors, and health care professionals work all week, the weekend, and even Holidays. Today I sincerely “thanked” the staff for all their help.
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.
