Gratitude Tree 2009

We’ve been a little slow getting our Gratitude Tree going this year. But it is never too late to remember to be grateful, right?

So this is what we have this year. It is a little different than last year, as many of you will recall…

I loved how our tree turned out last year, but that wall has since been wallpapered, and I didn’t want to damage that in anyway. I meant to move it to the other room and make a new tree, but it kept getting pushed off. One day, I realized I had two dilemmas, that just might be solved with one solution. 1-I needed a gratitude tree. 2-I needed to get my Halloween tree off of the front porch and find something to do with it. So, I am attempting to turn my spooky tree, into a warm and happy gratitude tree. I think by the end of the month, it won’t look spooky at all, with all of the happy, thankful leaves on it! Here is a sampling of what we have, so far:

My 5 year old is grateful for each family member, and is figuring out how to spell our names.

My 2-year-old is grateful for markers, and loves to scribble with them, whenever she gets the chance.

It must have been Sunday when my husband added this leaf, since naps aren’t normal occurrences around here on other days. But that is what he was thankful for that day! The goal is to add to the tree each day, and not repeat what others have said, or what we have said in days past. Then we can really think about all of the different things we are thankful for–each day.

I added some ribbon to the urn, to help it look a little happier. What do you think? Do you like the paper version from last year, or our 3D version, this year? One night in her prayer, my daughter said she was grateful for our gratitude tree. Aww! So I think the form matters a little less than the function, as far what really counts.

I meant to tell you, I found a great template for the Autumn leaves, here. She posted them as a pattern for a felt garland (which would be adorable). So if you can’t get up the gumption up to make a tree, you might consider a Gratitude garland.

Btw, I’m grateful for people who read my blog and help fuel “My Insanity!”