Family
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.
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!
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!
Giveaway & Review: “Celebrating & Savoring a Simple Christmas” ebook by Crystal Paine (24 HOURS ONLY)
Do you want to have a meaningful, memorable, relaxed Christmas this year? Do you really want to be able to savor and enjoy this season-not just rush through it feeling overwhelmed and behind? Are you tired of overspending every Christmas in attempt to feel close to your loved ones? I am excited to introduce you to Crystal Paine’s new ebook Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas. Crystal is the author of the popular Money Saving Mom blog and this is a positive and practical ebook that will encourage you to focus on the joy of Christmas while staying within the family budget!
24 HOURS ONLY 1 lucky reader will win a FREE copy of the Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook by Crystal Paine! ENTER NOW for a chance to win a copy of this great ebook (it only takes a couple seconds to leave a comment and be entered into the giveaway, please see all the giveaway details below)!
You can get started reading Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook by Crystal Paine for only $0.99 for the next 3 days only (November 13 – 15, 2012)!
Who is This Book For?
Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas is for you if:
- You end every Christmas season frazzled, with a cold, and in need of a nap.
- You dread the day after Thanksgiving and every day following up and until New Year’s Day.
- You want your house to look beautiful for Christmas, but instead it’s a mess!
- You end up overwhelming yourself by spending too much time on Christmas crafting and baking
Why I love this book:
I LOVE the Christmas Holidays and celebrating with my family! Somehow with the busy activities, shopping, gift wrapping, delivering, programs, and everything else the “to do” list gets longer and before long I am exhausted. Not to mention some years our budget has been stretched a little bit too much. I like that Crystal encourages people to kept it simple and stay within your family budget.
After reading Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas I think it will help inspire you to make positive steps in the direction of a Simple Christmas as well. My husband and I have already discussed our Christmas budget (and sticking to it) and several other items already. I am looking forward to spending some time together to go over more of the topics I read about in Crystal’s book. I know many of you will enjoy this ebook and find it to be a wonderful resource especially with the upcoming Christmas season! Here’s just a few topics covered in this book:
- How to organize your Christmas list
- How to make & stick to a Christmas budget
- Holiday freezer cooking
- Simple and inexpensive homemade gifts
- How to get and keep your home clean & organized
- Printable worksheets for your Holiday planning
- And Many More great tips to help you have a fun Christmas Holiday with your family.
24 Hour Giveaway Details
As a way to say thank you to my readers and to share Crystal Paine’s ebook I am hosting a giveaway! 1 WINNER will receive a free copy of Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook by Crystal Paine!
Enter the Giveaway (up to 4 entries per person)!
- Sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email
- Follow Blessings Multiplied on Twitter – @BlessMultiplied
- Like Blessings Multiplied on Facebook – BlessingsMultiplied
- BONUS – you can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing your favorite part of the Christmas Holidays.
All comments must be made by Wednesday, November 14, 2012 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.
I encourage you to check out more information on Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas by Crystal Paine if you are interested in finding ways to help you to tackle all those Holiday projects and events! This ebook book may give you the just right dose of motivation to get you on track for a simple and relaxing Christmas season! What are you waiting for…….get a copy and start reading today!
The Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook by Crystal Paine is currently available for $0.99 for the next 3 days ONLY (Tuesday, November 13 to Thursday, November 15, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99.
I was given this ebook for free to write an informed review. The ebook, specific product information, and pictures were provided by Crystal Paine, however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was not paid to write this post. A special thanks to Crystal Paine for providing me a copy of her Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook to review as well as one to giveaway to my readers!
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.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week did….not…go…as planned (ever have weeks that go like that, ha)?! Jake was in Charleston for work, one of the girls got really sick, Skipper was barking all the time (even in the middle of the night), unexpected activities, time spent in the Urgent Care, last minute stuff, doctor visits and more in between all the normal weekly activities so many of the items on my list this week are still leftover from last week. Hopefully this week will (go as planned or at least some what “normal”) and 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 dailyLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPlan one special Activity with the FamilySpend extra time with the Girls since they have a couple days off school
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – with a couple nights without sleep with a sick little one and a barking dog this wasn’t my top priority
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – all the doctor appointments and extra activities so I didn’t stay on top of how much I was drinking
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – still reading
Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion– staying on track and continuing to listen faithfullyVote in the 2012 Election– voted! 🙂
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Projects (Focus – Office / Garage) – got some stuff done but with all the unexpected items I wasn’t able to get these two completed (I did make a little headway though)
- Pay all upcoming bills – have a couple that I need to pay this week
- Winterize the Garden – didn’t get it done
Put printed pictures in the photo album– got the ones I had at home put into the albums and ordered another setClean Out Fridge– cleaned out the fridge and freezer, something I been wanting to do for 2 weeks now! Yay, for small victories! 🙂Recycle old Magazines & update with November editions
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention – I missed a few items with all the unexpected items but hopefully I can pick up the slack this week
Send out invoicesFinish scheduling November work dates
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group Email- Re-organize the Alms & Legs Food Pantry – the girls helped me clean out, organize the pantry, and donate a bunch of items to PERC (Piedmont Emergency Relief Center). They were a HUGE help and doing this together gave us a lot of opportunities to talk about the many amazing blessings in our lives.
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Payoff the Van – working on putting extra money aside
- 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.) – putting a little bit aside
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
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 Projects (Focus – Office / Garage)
- 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 Meeting Reminder to the Team Members
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.
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.
