Giving Thanks: Arts & Crafts Style

In a season of getting, I have worked hard to show the kids that giving is even more rewarding. I thought the easiest way to help them feel that way was through arts & crafts. My kids love to color, draw things, make a picture. They love to do that for others so it seemed like a fitting way to show appreciation and thanks for others.

For Veterans Day, they made a turkey hand card and decorated it. It was sweet to hear them telling each other what they were making. Adelaide was able to convey the message via writing as well: Thank you for your service. Aspen was able write "thank you."

We mailed the cards to my Uncle Johnny in California. He served our country many years ago, and I wanted him to know how thankful we are. I haven't seen my uncle in about a decade and before that it was probably 2 decades. Life hasn't always been kind to him, but he loves my mom with all of his heart & still tries to play the role of protective big brother. I hope the cards brighten his day and let him know we are thinking of him.

In line with Thanksgiving, the kids made dream catchers. Adelaide & Salem have one hanging in their rooms and they bring such joy & hope. I saw these packages at Michael's and thought they would be perfect. They were more challenging than the directions led on, but with a little help from Ryan, the kids loved the finished product. 

Each of the kids chose who they wanted to give them to. Adelaide wrote a note to the mail woman and left hers in the mailbox for our mail woman to take. Aspen opted to take his to our neighbors. Brighton wanted to drop by the fire department that we pass every day on the way to school. And Salem (with a little help), gave hers to the nurses at our pediatrician office.

I hope that these little token of thanks made our family & friends smile!