Loving Life
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
Have a Thankful……
Book: “The Impact Equation” by Chris Brogan & Julien Smith
I received a preview book copy of The Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. The subtitle to the book is “Are you making things happen OR just making noise?” I loved their title because we get hit with a ton of information from all directions every time we go online. How do companies, blogs, and any other items of importance have a chance to get our attention with everything being thrown at us? What makes those few stand out?
When I first started blogging I felt like no one was reading it…..some days especially in the very beginning that it was a waste of time (who would want to read what I was writing about anyway)…….and I looked at all the “numbers”. If there was a dip in stats I would be upset or stressed about it. Now I don’t stress about my numbers much at all because I am focusing more on writing and all the fun stuff that I want to share with my readers. I still have a long way to go and a lot to learn but I was very excited to get a copy of Chris Brogan’s and Julien Smith’s new book because I have been thinking about this very topic.
It my goal to make a positive impact on the lives around me and one of the ways I reach out to people is through my blog. Although, at the same time it is important I take the time to review how things are going I have to evaluate how much of an impact I really am making. Is the impact I am making on my readers positive? I really liked how Chris and Julien’s book encouraged me to evaluate many areas, they even shared a great CREATE acronym to help.
Here are a few things I took away from Chris & Julien’s book:
- CREATE acronym (i.g. Impact = Contrast * [Reach + Exposure + Articulation + Trust + Echo])
- Spend more time giving thought and refining my ideas
- Share the great ideas of others – the “give before you get” principle
If you have a presence online whether it is through your business, blog, or social media accounts to stay in touch with family and friends this is a great book to read.
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 2)
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.
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
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 1)
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”.
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
New Upromise eCoupons for November 2012
Upromise has posted their new eCoupons for the month of November 2012. Remember to activate your eCoupons to get additional savings. If you have not yet signed up for Upromise you can get more information regarding on our experience or directly at the Upromise website.
This month they have 26 coupons you can activate for bonus savings. Once you activate your eCoupons all you have to do is scan your rewards card or purchase the items at the store and the cash will be added to your account. You don’t even have to carry any coupons to get the rewards!
You can go to their website for more information on the Upromise program, it’s free to join.
Family Activities: 3 Big Pumpkins with 6 Different Faces!
One side of the pumpkins had a Mr. Potato Head type face on it! Karlie’s “serious” pumpkin, Grandma Penny & Great Grandma Willa’s “silly” pumpkin, and Brina’s “puppy dog” pumpkin! This side of the pumpkin took a lot less time to do. It was super easy and if you don’t want to mess with carving or cleaning out a pumpkin this is a great alternative. The girls loved picking out the pieces for their pumpkins and designing a face.We were super excited to have Grandma Penny and Great Grandma Willa come visit us for a few days in October. During their visit we were able to squeeze in a lot of fun activities. One of the activities was carving pumpkins! The girls had a blast hanging out with both Grandmas and have a lot of great memories of their time with us. Thankful that they were able to come visit us. 🙂
The other side of the pumpkins had the carved version on it which was perfect for the evening. Karlie’s “scary” pumpkin, Grandma Penny & Great Grandma Willa’s “cat” pumpkin, and Brina’s “happy” pumpkin sitting on the front porch.
The PROCESS……
Scooping out the pumpkin seeds
Gross……slimy pumpkin hands!
Karlie designed her own “scary” pumpkin face complete with eyelashes! She drew her face on a piece of paper and Jake helped her transfer it to her pumpkin. So proud of her scary pumpkin!
Brina wanted a “happy” pumpkin!
Trying to get Skip-A-Doo to pose with them in front of the pumpkins…..ha! Skipper wasn’t quite sure what was going on, but I have to give them credit for trying to get her to cooperate for the picture!
The girls had a lot of fun doing the pumpkins with Grandma Penny and Great Grandma Willa. They thought it was neat having a “2 sided” pumpkin with different faces on each side. The jack-o-lantern that they carved was their night pumpkin and the silly faces were their day pumpkins. We used the pumpkins seeds to make 3 Seasoned Pumpkin Seed recipes. Did you carve or decorate pumpkins? I would love to see your pumpkins, feel free to post a link to your pictures in the comment section below!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was another fun one! Our Community Group did our first overnight camping trip. We had a lot of great food and fellowship. The kids had a blast and wanted to know if we could do it again this weekend! 🙂 Although they will probably have to wait a while longer I am thankful that they got to hang out with friends, meet new friends, and created a lot of great memories. Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily – didn’t get to read on the weekend during the camp out
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPlan one special Activity with the Family– Camp Out Adventure!!!! 🙂Attend Parent / Teacher Meetings for the Girls
Personal Goals
Exercise at least 5 days this week- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t drink enough the last couple of days with all the camp out preparations and cleanup
Finish reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine– excellent bookFinish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)– great book- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – working on it
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion – staying on track
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule – got a few items done (need to tackle a couple more this week)
- Pay all upcoming bills – have a couple that came in the mail during the camp out adventure so they were put on my desk until this week
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group EmailWrite and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team EmailCommunity Group Camping Adventure
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Payoff the Van – was able to set aside a little bit extra this month to put towards 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.) – working on it
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 Halloween with the Family
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
- Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Project (Focus – Office / Garage)
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Finishing cleaning up from Community Group Camp out
- Put away all the Halloween Items
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming (November) blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Schedule November work dates
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
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.)
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.
Laugh When You….
CONGRATULATIONS to Our “21 Days to a More Discipline Life” Winners!
The 5 names have been drawn for the giveaway!
CONGRATULATIONS to
for winning Crystal Paine’s new ebook
“21 Ways to a More Disciplined Life”!
Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!
An email has been sent to you with more information*
I hope this ebook is a wonderful blessing in your life!
If you didn’t win you can still get a copy of the 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine which will be available for $0.99 for 2 more days ONLY (Wednesday, October 24 to Thursday, October 25, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99. You can also order it through Amazon for the same great price!
Don’t forget to enter our Toys R Us Gift Card Giveaway (which will be ending next week on Wednesday, October 31, 2012)!
*Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced. Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.
Kim Fritz
Renelle
Lynette
Gina Badalaty
Tracy