Family Activities
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.
Travel & Vacation: Quick Stop in Doha, Qatar
Looking at Qatar from the airplane, BEAUTIFUL!!!
Our longest flights to and from India were on Qatar Airways. The flights were between 13 to 17 hours (one included an extra delay where we were stuck on the plane). It was a great airline to fly. I only wish we had more time in Doha, Qatar so we could explore the area more. The people we met on the flights and in Qatar were really neat too. The service was great, food delicious, and all our luggage arrived exactly when and where it was suppose to (which is kind of important). After traveling with them I would definitely recommend them especially if you are traveling overseas with long flights.
Another picture of Qatar as we gained more altitude. These are all man made patches of land. Qatar is one of wealthiest country in the world.
When you have to spend 17 hours on a flight it is nice they have good food! 🙂 Breakfast anyone?
Rain delay in the Qatar! Guess they don’t get a lot of rain in the desert area so it causes some issues with the planes. We ended up being on the plane almost two additional hours with this delay.
Qatar Airways
I tried not using any flash on the plane so I wouldn’t disturb people around us who were sleeping, but had to take a picture of the ice cream. On the way out we got Ben & Jerry’s and the way back London Diary ice cream and cookies for snacks. The girls were ready to go to India as soon as the heard we had meals and ICE CREAM on the plane, ha! 🙂
Another delicious meal on the airplane. If I remember correctly we had 3 meals and several snacks on both our Qatar flights. The stewardess would give you a menu and you picked out which options you wanted. If you fell asleep you could just put a sticker on the top of the seat telling the steward what you wanted for your next meal.
The food was great (as you can see from the pictures) and the seats were really comfortable. The seats were bigger and even reclined a lot more making it easier to rest. After flying Qatar from Doha, Qatar to Washington, DC we transferred to US Airways (that’s when we realized how big, comfortable, and reclining abilities of the seats on Qatar were). The US Airway plane felt tiny and more cramped. We were thankful for safe flights and were ready to get home to our chickies. Only a couple more hours of driving and we would be there! 🙂
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).
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.
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.
Book: “Horse Shy” by Bonnie Bryant
Our girls even though they are twins are very different both in their personalities and interests. Although there are a couple areas of interest they overlap……their love for books and their love for animals. They both LOVE horses and get really excited any time they have an opportunity to ride, pet, feed, or even be around horses.
Recently I just finished reading the second book of The Saddle Club horse series to the girls Horse Shy by Bonnie Bryant. They were always eager for me to read the next chapter of the book, if I had extra time they would request that I read another chapter. The cover of our book is the older edition but the story is the same.
This is the second book in the Saddle Club series. Carole, Lisa, Stevie and a group of their classmates go on the big adventure they have been looking forward to for months the Mountain Trail Overnight. An accident happens with one of the horses, but the author does a good job of showing how to cope with the loss of a favorite animal through the encouragement of friends and a time of grief. If your child enjoys horses, likes to read or listen to you read books this is a great one to check out.
