Attitude of Gratitude Project

I came across an idea from Becky Higgins for getting my family involved in expressing gratitude.  You can read more about her project here.  I adapted her idea for a project with my own family.  Every Monday night we strive to have a family night.  In the previous weeks, perhaps because I've personally been on the lookout for blessings I should be grateful for, I noticed a lot of complaining coming from my kiddos.  I had high hopes that a family night lesson on gratitude would be the cure - and it was.

I made a simple 8.5x11 collage of papers and simple embellishments with the title "Give Thanks".  After discussing the importance of gratitude, we all took turns writing and sharing something we are grateful for.  I framed the piece and it now hangs in our home as a reminder to continue giving thanks.  The complaining has all but halted, and for that I am very grateful. 

I added the date and hope to make a new one every year.  As each new year comes, we'll file away the last years' thoughts in a special scrapbook.  I think it will be neat to see my boys' handwriting change, Jaxon be able to join in with pictures and eventually words, and to see our gratitude grow.

It's not too late to try something like this with your family.  Consider doing it on Thanksgiving at dinner, or like a "guest book" as family and friends come over. 

Today, I'm grateful for the ability I have to be a stay-at-home mom.  I've always wanted to be able to be at home with my boys 24-7, so when my husband finally finished school and got a good job, we made the decision to become a single-income family.  It means that we live a simple life, but it's a good life.  My little Etsy shop helps here and there, and allows us some "fun" things from time to time, and I'm grateful that I can do that from home.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!  Tessa

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