Project: Framed poster.

Participants: Everyone in our little family.

Topic: Gratitude.

Supplies: Frame (ours is 20″ x 28″), poster board, letter stickers, pen.

This here is the very beginning of a family project that will be ongoing throughout November.

Introducing the theme: Earlier this week we talked with the kids about gratitude. I shared this thought: “Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.” (Thomas S. Monson) It’s true. When we make an effort to be more conscience of how blessed we are and all that is good in our life, we will feel greater love. And feeling more love leads to making better choices. This, of course, brings greater happiness. So really — if we could all be a little more grateful, all the world’s problems would be solved.  ; )

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Starting the project: I showed the kids this big, blank poster with one word on it: GRATEFUL (Letter stickers are “Text” chipboard letter stickers from American Crafts). Everyone was invited to think of different things they’re grateful for and then … start writing and drawing. No rules. If you’re grateful for it, you write it down. I love that Porter insisted on drawing something next to everyone’s words. I love that Claire thought of “prayer” … but only after dogs and cats. I love that Crew has a talking bubble that says “Einstein!” because that’s what we hear the most from him. I love that Diet Mountain Dew made the list (way to be honest, David). I love the misspelled words. I love that we’re doing this as a family. Most of all, I love that we’re all a little more focused on what we’re grateful for.

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Moving forward: Every day we’ll each add a couple more things. In the frame, the glass is behind the poster board, keeping everything firm and in place. This also keeps it exposed and readily available to write on any time. We will hang this on the wall soon and continue to add and add and add until it is completely full of words and pictures.

Fun twist: We didn’t do this, but it’s something you may want to consider if you do a similar project with your family. Give everyone a different color marker so it’s easier to identify who wrote what.

This is one of my favorite family projects ever … and we barely started! I began with the end in mind. I see the finished project — full of words and art as an expression of our gratitude. Seeing this on a daily basis will remind us to feel gratitude and express gratitude — in our prayers, in our actions and words, in our choices.

Feel free to share what you’re doing in your family to increase awareness of your blessings and to express gratitude. I love when we inspire each other.