Gratitude and a Thankful Tree

We did this the other night for family home evening and it was so fun.  I have decided that if I can effectively teach my kids the importance of feeling grateful and expressing that gratitude as often as possible, then I am starting to fulfill my role as their mom.

It was so fun to watch the kids write what they were grateful for.  We were originally going to start with ten leaves/hearts, and then gradually add to the tree over the next few weeks, but the kids got so into it that we filled our little tree the first night.

Some of my favorites included: healthy bodies, warm beds, electricity, food, house, mom, dad, family, life, the world, grandparents, cousins, missionaries and my personal favorite from Lauren, "a second chance."

We now have it hanging prominently in our kitchen to remind us to have our hearts full of thanksgiving.

Now if I can just figure out how to get the kids to stop fighting and get along with each other....