• Celebrate with Febreze Home for the Holidays Collection #FebrezeHoliday

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    The Holiday Season will be here before we know it!  Already the stores are stocking their shelves full of Holiday items.  Recently, we received this cute Febreze Home for the Holidays Collection box in the mail from Febreze, Walmart, and SheSpeaks!  The kids were thrilled to see the Holiday House and I was excited about getting all the amazing Holiday Febreze scents and goodies!

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    Have ever used Febreze to add an extra festive touch or to enhance the decor in your home?  Febreze truly eliminates odors so your guests will only notice the fresh holiday scents when in your home.  If you haven’t tried any of the Febreze Home for the Holidays Collection you should get some soon to help you get into the holiday spirit!  The scents and the designs on the packaging helped inspire the ideas in the scentspiration box!

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    One of my favorite parts about the Holidays all the amazing smells!  A wonderful way to ramp up for the Holidays is by using Febreze’s holiday scents including Frosted Pine, Apple Tart, Toasted Almond, Vanilla Latte, and Sugared Cranberry.  Do you like having a different holiday scent for each room or one for the entire house?  Febreze’s Home for the Holidays Collection is a great way to get your home ready for the holiday season!

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    We received the Frosted Pine, Apple Tart, and Vanilla Latte NOTICEables NOTABLES scents!  My favorite is the Apple Tart!

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    Our Home for the Holidays house came complete with scents and a scentspiration box full of amazing recipes, activities, and home decor!

    Febreze Home for the Holidays Recipe – Cocoa-Dusted Almonds

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    What you need:  1 pound raw almonds, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 8 packets sugar-free sweetner, and a pinch of salt

    Directions:

    1.  Melt the coconut oil to a liquid, and then pour it over the almonds in a large bowl.  Make sure each almond is covered.

    2.  In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch, cocoa powder, sugar-free sweetener, and salt.

    3.  Pour the dry ingredients onto the almonds.  Toss the almonds in the mixture until they are well coated.

    4.  Pour onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake at 250 degrees for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Let them completely cool then ENJOY!

    These were DELICIOUS!  The Cocoa-Dusted Almonds would make a great item to take to the neighbors for the Holidays or to have at a Holiday Party!  Our family enjoyed these toasted almonds this past weekend.  This recipe is easy to make and tastes awesome!   Have you ever made toasted almonds, if so what’s your favorite recipe?

    Febreze Home for the Holidays Activities – Coffee Scrub

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    What you need:  1/ cup ground coffee, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, 1/2 tablespoon nutmeg, 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon, and 3 to 4 drops of vanilla extract.

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    Directions:

    1.  Combine all of the dry ingredients in a bowl.

    2.  Use a fork to mix in the oil and vanilla.

    3.  Spoon into a small mason jar or other airtight container.

    Loved the refreshing coffee smell of the scrub!  The Coffee Scrub would make a great gift for a coffee enthusiast this Holiday Season!

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    What is your favorite coffee flavor and when is the last time you made a cup of it at home?  I really loved the refreshing coffee smell of the scrub!  The Coffee Scrub would make a great gift for a coffee enthusiast this Holiday Season!  What unique addition would you add to this scentspiration activity?

    What are some fun Holiday activities or recipes you use to get you ready for the Holiday Season?    I would love to see any pictures of the scentspiration activities you tried at your house.

    More information about Febreze:

    A special thanks to SheSpeaks, Febreze, and Walmart for sponsoring this post!  Any specific product information was provided by Febreze, Walmart, and SheSpeaks, however, the opinions expressed in this post are our own.  We received a complimentary products  for sharing information and our family’s experience.

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Days 29 & 30)

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    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.

    How is it the LAST DAY of this activity already?!  It is hard to believe we just finished our last day of our November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days because it went by so quickly.  Doing this project these last few weeks have been a great blessing and wonderful experience for the whole family.  It was awesome seeing how doing the activity made us think more about being grateful and expressing our thanks to people around us.

    Many of the people were family, friends, neighbors, as well as people we interact with regularly while some we had met for the first time (store clerks).  The purpose of this activity was to focus on being thankful and to be a blessing to the people around us.  It was an activity that had a positive impact on our lives.  There were several times I walked away from a task feeling more blessed, it’s amazing how making the choice to positive and grateful to others can uplifts your spirits too.

    I have so much to be thankful for not only during this Holiday season but throughout the entire year.  May I continue to express thanks to those I encounter throughout my week.  Several of the days we actually did several thankfulness activities (a few we listed, but most we did not).  After the first week we had thanked over 30 people already (we have a big family) so it was neat seeing how many people we could touch with words and gifts of thanks throughout the month.  I hope that this activity will continue to be on our minds for a very long time as we interact with people from day to day.

    Day 30

    Who: Strangers

    The girls and I had to make a couple quick errands after school, including a stop at a store. We had the opportunity to help an elderly lady put some items into her cart.  She was in a hurry, but was having a hard time getting the items she needed at the store.  It was neat seeing the girls take initiative and help others from opening the doors, helping people get stuff from the shelf, and stepping aside so those in a hurry can pass.  We even let the person behind us go ahead of us in the line.  Sometimes taking a few minutes to show appreciation and kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others. 

    Day 29

    Who:  Bank Teller

    Today we didn’t have a lot of extra places we needed to be but we did make a stop at the bank.  The girls wanted to deposit the money they had earned over the past month into their savings accountUsually I try to go through the drive-thru at the bank because it is much quicker, but the girls like to bring in their money and watch the teller count it out.  Plus, I needed to put items back in our safety deposit and make a deposit as well.  Today we smiled, sincerely thanked our bank teller for helping us, and ask her about her day.  Sometimes we get so busy with our lives and are in a hurrying to get to the next place we barely smile or talk with people that we encounter regularly.  Taking the time to smile, be pleasant, and ask about someone else’s day doesn’t take any extra time but can be a great encouragement for them.

    Day 28

    Who:  Jazz Instructor

    A few months ago I got a Living Social deal for the girls to take Jazz lessons.  We were within a couple miles of the studio several times a week already so we decided to try it out.  They LOVED jazz and look forward to it every week.  It is great exercise and has taught them some neat skills.  In the spirit of the Holidays (Thanksgiving) the girls wrote their instructor a note of thanks and I picked up some sweet treats for them to give to her.  She makes it a lot of fun and both of our girls really enjoy going to her class!

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 28)

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    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 28

    Who:  Jazz Instructor

    A few months ago I got a Living Social deal for the girls to take Jazz lessons.  We were within a couple miles of the studio several times a week already so we decided to try it out.  They LOVED jazz and look forward to it every week.  It is great exercise and has taught them some neat skills.  In the spirit of the Holidays (Thanksgiving) the girls wrote their instructor a note of thanks and I picked up some sweet treats for them to give to her.  She makes it a lot of fun and both of our girls really enjoy going to her class!

    Day 27

    Who:  Clients

    I am thankful for so many things in my life.  One of the fun activities I get to do throughout the month is work for various clients on projects.  Some of the people I do work for on a regular basis while others are more on a project by project basis at various times throughout the year.  While I do get compensated for the work I do, there is a lot more to it, I really enjoy the people that I have had the privilege to work alongside.  It has been neat getting know them and their families better while helping them tackle business projects.  I am thankful for my clients and their willingness to let me be an active part of their lives and businesses.  Today, I wrote a “I’m Thankful for you….” note as well as delivered a special treat for the ones I help regularly. 

    Day 26

    Who:  Waitress

    Our family doesn’t go out to eat very often (we typically eat meals at home or take a lunch to work / school) so it is a real treat when we can go out or meet a friend for lunch.  I had the opportunity to meet a friend for lunch today, it was wonderful having a chance to catch up for a little bit.  One of the jobs I had in High School and College was waitresses.  I loved doing it because it was great exercise, I got to meet a lot of neat people, and it helped pay the bills, but it was lower paying and at times exhausting.  After working at a couple different places over the years I have learned to appreciate those in the restaurant industry.  As a way of showing my appreciation and thanks to the person serving us today I gave a generous tip at the restaurant, hopefully it will be a blessing to the person waiting on us. 

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 27)

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    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 27

    Who:  Clients

    I am thankful for so many things in my life.  One of the fun activities I get to do throughout the month is work for various clients on projects.  Some of the people are work for I do work for on a regular basis while others are more on a project by project basis at various times throughout the year.  While I do get compensated for the work I do, there is a lot more to it, I really enjoy the people that I have had the privilege to work alongside.  It has been neat getting know them and their families better while helping them tackle business projects.  I am thankful for my clients and their willingness to let me be an active part of their lives and businesses.  Today, I wrote a “I’m Thankful for you….” note as well as delivered a special treat for the ones I help regularly. 

    Day 26

    Who:  Waitress

    Our family doesn’t go out to eat very often (we typically eat meals at home or take a lunch to work / school) so it is a real treat when we can go out or meet a friend for lunch.  I had the opportunity to meet a friend for lunch today, it was wonderful having a chance to catch up for a little bit.  One of the jobs I had in High School and College was waitresses.  I loved doing it because it was great exercise, I got to meet a lot of neat people, and it helped pay the bills, but it was lower paying and at times exhausting.  After working at a couple different places over the years I have learned to appreciate those in the restaurant industry.  As a way of showing my appreciation and thanks to the person serving us today I gave a generous tip at the restaurant, hopefully it will be a blessing to the person waiting on us. 

    Day 25

    Who:  Ministry Team Leaders

    There are some people within the church and community who spend a lot of their time and energy helping others.  They are involved in several ministries and their dedication to the body as well as outreach shines.  I am part of a ministry at church called Alms & Legs, we do multiple activities within our church and community from providing a food pantry for people in need, clothing, helping with bills, repairs, free GED tutoring, Operation Christmas Child, Heart of Christmas, Shoes for kids in need, and many more activities.  The person who leads this group has a real passion for others and it shows.  I feel like it is important to say thanks to those in ministry leadership positions because they volunteer to do the work and often go above and beyond in their service to others.  Today I wrote a note of thanks to the person (and her family) who leads this great ministry.  She does a lot to make this ministry a success so we can make a positive impact on the lives of many within our body and community. 

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Days 25 – 26)

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    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 26

    Who:  Waitress

    Our family doesn’t go out to eat very often (we typically eat meals at home or take a lunch to work / school) so it is a real treat when we can go out or meet a friend for lunch.  I had the opportunity to meet a friend for lunch today, it was wonderful having a chance to catch up for a little bit.  One of the jobs I had in High School and College was waitresses.  I loved doing it because it was great exercise, I got to meet a lot of neat people, and it helped pay the bills, but it was lower paying and at times exhausting.  After working at a couple different places over the years I have learned to appreciate those in the restaurant industry.  As a way of showing my appreciation and thanks to the person serving us today I gave a generous tip at the restaurant, hopefully it will be a blessing to the person waiting on us. 

    Day 25

    Who:  Ministry Team Leaders

    There are some people within the church and community who spend a lot of their time and energy helping others.  They are involved in several ministries and their dedication to the body as well as outreach shines.  I am part of a ministry at church called Alms & Legs, we do multiple activities within our church and community from providing a food pantry for people in need, clothing, helping with bills, repairs, free GED tutoring, Operation Christmas Child, Heart of Christmas, Shoes for kids in need, and many more activities.  The person who leads this group has a real passion for others and it shows.  I feel like it is important to say thanks to those in ministry leadership positions because they volunteer to do the work and often go above and beyond in their service to others.  Today I wrote a note of thanks to the person (and her family) who leads this great ministry.  She does a lot to make this ministry a success so we can make a positive impact on the lives of many within our body and community. 

    Day 24

    Who:  Mailman

    We have lived in our house now for ten years and during those ten years we have had the same mailman.  His name is Sam, he has two black labs, and he only lives a few streets away from us.  How do we know all this information about our mailman you ask?  Well, first we try to make a point to talk with him whenever we see him and leave random gifts / notes of appreciation for him during special Holidays.  We figured out where he lived, quite by accident, when we were out going to garage sales one Saturday morning and happened to go to one at his house!  He stays busy delivering mail so the best way to show our thanks for all the mail he has delivered to our house is to stick a note of thanks and goodies directly in our mailbox for him to pick up when he drops off the mail that day.  We try to do something little around the Christmas Holidays for him as well.  It only takes a few moments to write a note of thanks and/or put something nice in the mail yet it brightens the day of the person who comes to our house almost every day to deliver our mail.

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Days 22 – 24)

    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 24

    Who:  Mailman

    We have lived in our house now for ten years and during those ten years we have had the same mailman.  His name is Sam, he has two black labs, and he only lives a few streets away from us.  How do we know all this information about our mailman you ask?  Well, first we try to make a point to talk with him whenever we see him and leave random gifts / notes of appreciation for him during special Holidays.  We figured out where he lived, quite by accident, when we were out going to garage sales one Saturday morning and happened to go to one at his house!  He stays busy delivering mail so the best way to show our thanks for all the mail he has delivered to our house is to stick a note of thanks and goodies directly in our mailbox for him to pick up when he drops off the mail that day.  We try to do something little around the Christmas Holidays for him as well.  It only takes a few moments to write a note of thanks and/or put something nice in the mail yet it brightens the day of the person who comes to our house almost every day to deliver our mail. 

    Day 23

    Who:  Mommy’s Helpers / Store Clerk

    I didn’t really have anything that I had to have on Black Friday so I didn’t even venture out of the house until almost 11 am and even then I only went to a couple stores (mostly to the pharmacies to pick up health & beauty deals to re-stock our family with toothpaste and such).  One of the girls decided to go with me to one of the stores to help.  She pushed the cart through the store, helped me pick out the items, and was a good sport.  Now that it is the colder weather our lips tend to get  more chapped and one of the items that we picked up for free was chapstick (which my litter helper was really interested in what I was going to do with it).  After checking out and saying thank you to the store clerk (and asking her about her family) I gave my helper the free tube of chapstick.  She was soooo thrilled with that tube of chapstick it totally made her day!    Later at another store I had two helpers.  That store was offering a free candy bar so I had my two helpers pick out 1 candy bar that they could split, they picked out mint M&M’s to share.  Even the little stuff can mean a lot to people when we take the time to say thanks and show appreciation.

    Day 22

    Who:  Family

    I have so much to be thankful for in my life.  Not only was it Thanksgiving it was also my birthday.  It was a perfect day of celebration and relaxation, just what I needed.  I spent the day having fun with my family.  The food was great, we played games, read books together, and had a blast.  Sometimes the best thing you can do to show appreciation to people is to spend quality time together which was my primary focus for today.  I did call, text, email, etc…..several other family and friends to wish them Happy Thanksgiving but otherwise the day was spent focusing on having fun with my family.

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 21)

    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 21

    Who:  Classmates

    The girls spend several hours a day at school so they have had a lot of time to get to know the people in their class.  Thankfully the both enjoy school and their classmates are also their friends.  As a way to say “thanks” for being my friend today they took cupcakes to school to share with their classmates.

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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).