our thankful tree

I will praise the name of God with song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. {Psalm 69:30}

In preparation for Thanksgiving, our family started a new little tradition this year. I first got the idea from this post from my favorite blog, Jones Design Company. The idea is every night at dinner we talk about what we are thankful for from that day. Her kids a older than mine, and they filled them out on their own. Their child-like handwriting makes the tree even more precious. 

Since our oldest is 3, we first talk about what being thankful means. We talk about how Jesus is in charge of everything and how all good things come from him. Just like H got presents for his birthday from his friends, Jesus gives him little presents every day. We then ask him what he's thankful for, we say, "Jesus, thank you for...." and he fills in the blank. H goes first, then mommy and daddy take their turns. It's so sweet hearing what he's thankful for and intentionally looking for the good gifts from our day. Even at the end of the day when we're exhausted and still have dinner, clean up, baths, and bedtime to go, or on days when were just hard, we take a second to unwind and remember how God is still a good gift-giver. 

Here are a few of the cards on the tree. It's only been 8 days so far. I'm looking forward to getting closer to Thanksgiving and seeing this baby packed to the max!

Interested in making your own tree? Head over this post for the cards on my tree. Or, take a look at this post for lots of new options!! I totally would've used the confetti ones if I had seen them before I started with the old ones.

Other materials used to make the tree:

branches collected from outside (H helped me with this part!)

a vase

jute rope - to group the branches together

pinecones - to keep the branches standing up

bakers twine - to attach the cards

How do you teach your children to be thankful?