Time to Give Thanks and Make Memories

The leaves are changing, the mornings are crisp, the apple butter is in the crockpot, and it is that time again - time to gather together and give thanks for our many blessings. I want to take a minute to thank YOU for your commitment to your children. I know just how much it takes to do what you are doing, as I've done it myself for sixteen years. It isn't always easy, and we have to wear many hats - my favorite being the one labeled "Brave and Daring!" :-)

Over the years, I have received many letters and emails, thanking me for the Thanksgiving Unit Study and the lessons and learning that families have ventured through with the study. People have shared lapbooks, journals, photos of costumed Pilgrim and Native American children, and so much more that have all blessed my heart. And the lessons learned seem to have staying power - older and graduate homeschooled kids love to stop me and describe Thanksgiving adventures that they will never forget. They are always smiling when they share their memories, and that's a good sign! You all will never know how much your sharing has blessed ME!

The Blessings Tree concept that I began writing about in the very first edition of this book has now become a lasting memory for children around the globe, according to my mail. I've received some great "Blessings Tree" leaf messages that would melt your heart and others that would make you laugh until the tears flowed. It was a simple concept that has kept us focused on gratitude for our many blessings, and I thank the LORD for the success of this project.

So, let's get busy and get ready - time to give thanks and count our blessings as we go back almost 400 years to the journey of the Mayflower and the courage of those who came to find freedom. The efforts and commitment of a small group people so long ago planted the seeds of freedom that would grow and prosper. Here are a few things that you can do to get ready:

Gather some special Thanksgiving books together from your own bookshelves, the library, the thrift store and garage sales, and put them in a big wicker laundry basket in the living room, and begin a Thanksgiving reading festival. Talk about your blessings, count them and name them, one by one! What are some of YOUR favorite Thanksgiving books? I'll share a few of ours in another post.

Go on a pinecone hunt with the whole crew, from the backyard to the local park, see if you can collect some pinecones for holiday projects like Pine Cone Turkeys and Christmas Bird Feeders.

Find an empty parking lot and chalk out the dimensions of the Mayflower to see just how small that ship was to make such a brave and daring journey!

Bake some autumn food favorites, like gingersnaps or apple butter or caramel corn or pumpkin pie. Share them with friends, neighbors, the local nursing home and especially with others who need a lift.

Hug those kids, and know that your efforts are appreciated!

Blessings,
Amanda B.
www.unitstudy.com