Memories of Thanks-giving

"The traditions we build within the family 

are some of the best gifts we give to our children."

(A Mother's Touch)

Our six children are now all grown, and range in age from 21 to 38 (17 years between the oldest and youngest). We are not a "perfect" family, and have gone through a lot of ups and downs - but by God's grace, we are held closely together. 

The holiday season brings such warm memories - and one memory at this Thanksgiving time is a tradition that we practiced together for many years when the kids were at home. And I'm so grateful that I kept some of these notes of memories ~ 

It took on different forms (a decorated notebook paper, paper cut into the shapes of various fruit, an index card with a sticker, a computer generated acrostic of the word "Thanksgiving", etc.) but always - the writing out of our thanks. For God, for family, for whatever came to a child's mind.

We wrote these notes and read them together at Thanksgiving time - and I still love reading them. Every single one. They are precious, memorable expressions of love.

We have had these notes sitting out in a basket at a number of our recent Thanksgiving gatherings - and they bring back a lot of memories. Memories that bind a family together.

(Note: Following how I feel God tugging at my heart - to dig up memories and share from them, also to share ideas that have been helpful to me in my years of mothering.)


Linking up at Faith Barista, and Write It, Girl