Friday Wisdom, Vol. 4

Screenshot taken from Promise Tangeman Updates (via Pinterest)

What are you thankful for today?

Thank You: In Review

I thanked 30 people this month, writing each one a personal note.

Here are the people I ended up with:
1. Emily
2. Aunt Amy
3. Mrs. Lundgren
4. Memphis
5. Mom and Dad
6. Friend
7. Brad
8. Charlene
9. Angie
10. the Vaters
11. Chris
12. Katrina
13. Grandma
14. Sue
15. Stephanie
16. Rob
17. Uncle Gordon
18. My Professional Mentors
19. Erin and Anna
20. Laura
21. Mrs. Davis
22. High School Forensics Team
23. Dad
24. Natalie
25. Grandpa
26. Mike, Angie, Luke, & Dottie
27. Mom
28. Nicky
29. Nikki
30. Grandpa

I started out the month by making a list of many possible people to thank. Throughout the month, I narrowed it down based on who I saw, who had birthdays, and who just seemed logical to fit in at other places during the month. The list grew and changed a little throughout the month, but not much. It wasn't difficult to think of 30 people. It would have been tough to go on for another month, though.

I tried hard to be specific and original about something they did for me or with me, a detail of our relationship, or what they mean (or meant) to me. That part was hard; some days I just wanted to write something generic and not really put much thought into the process. Many days, though, I realized details about my relationships that I never would have taken the time to even think about - much less put into writing - without this project as inspiration.

I also tried to add some kind of a photo to each thank you. I had a great time going through old photos and also realized that I need to make sure I get in pictures more with the people who are important to me. And, I need to talk to my mom about getting photos of relatives (especially her parents).

Right now, the thank you notes are grouped together in a box. I will make them into a mini-album with the pictures I shared with each post. I don't think I'll get to that until after my December Daily, though.

I'm glad I took the time to do this every day during November. I don't think it's a project I will need to try again next year, but I do want to do another type of gratitude project in the future.

Thank You # 30: Grandpa

I started searching for photos of my grandpa and I after writing the letter above. I don't have any. Not even one.

I did find this lovely picture - taken in his living room on Christmas morning. I am showing off freshly showered hair and a brand new leather jacket. I'm guess this was my Christmas gift in about 1994.

A little further investigation helped me find this picture - my grandpa and his five children at my uncle's wedding in 1989. As far as I know, it's the last family photo, although my grandpa didn't die until 1998.

I guess I should talk to my mom sometime soon about finding more pictures of my grandpa.

Thank you # 29: Nikki

 Prom 1997

 My graduation, 1998

My wedding, 2004 (just one month after Nikki's wedding)

ETA. You're kidding me. I can't believe I didn't post this on the actual 29th. I thought I had it schedule.

Thank you # 28: Nicky

Tree Hunt 2010

Thank you # 27: Mom

(Another belated thank you post - this one due to last night's double date for my birthday)

The proud Mama Sue with all three of her kids, September 2010. It's rare that we're all together. She was glowing.

Thank You # 26: Mike, Angie, Luke, & Dottie

 Place cards lifted from something I saw in a Papersource catalog.

 The photo doesn't really do it justice. 

Our table scape was something even Sandra Lee would have been jealous of.

 Sweet potatoes - a recipe so delicious that will be at every Thanksgiving from now until the end of time.

 Cranberry relish - a blend of Angie's family recipe and a little something from the Pioneer Woman

 Stuffing (that Brad HATED due to the mushrooms) from Pioneer Woman

 Luke and Cooper

 The side dish buffet

The Turkey Princess (a name coined by Angie), Dottie ate more food than anyone else at the Thanksgiving table. (Before and after photos for your viewing pleasure)

Luke and Cooper were also serious eaters. 

My plate. Note the lack of gravy.

 

 I (of course) could not make or eat just one dessert.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thank You # 25: Grandpa

Christmas 2009. Oldest granddaughter and youngest granddaughter

Thank You # 24: Natalie

The very first time we met Natalie

(And, I cannot believe I forgot to post this yesterday! I didn't write it until late because there was lots of cooking and crafting going on around here, and I totally got distracted by Bejeweled Blitz and forgot to take the time to post it. Darn!)

Thank You # 23: Dad

Christmas 2009 - typical Dad

Thank You # 22: High School Forensics Team

Thank You # 21: Mrs. Davis

May 1998 - Mrs. Davis and I at a banquet where I got to invite my favorite teacher

Thank You # 20: Laura

Christmas 2008

Thank You # 19: Erin and Anna

Totally embarrassing pictures from - I think - 1992.

Thank You # 18: To My Mentors

School picture, 2009 - 2010 (year 6 of teaching)

Thank You # 17: Uncle Gordon

Photos from 1981 and 1982, I think.

Thank You # 16: Rob

 

Photo from 2007, I think