I think it’s pretty clear by now that I like to make lists. And as much as I love to make them, I LOVE to cross them off. So today’s post is a celebratory story about accomplished goals.

intentional living, little by little
I think it’s pretty clear by now that I like to make lists. And as much as I love to make them, I LOVE to cross them off. So today’s post is a celebratory story about accomplished goals.
I consider myself a pretty flexible parent. I try to see my children for who they are and not who I want them to be. But if there is one aspect that I am NOT flexible, it’s this: I don’t want my children to be so focused on themselves that they don’t see the needs of others. I don’t want my children to think the world revolves around them. I don’t want to raise snotty, entitled children. There. I said it.
So, I am always on the lookout for tangible ways to show my kids what it is to serve. Enter: Operation Christmas Child. I had heard of this organization before, but had always been too late to participate. But this year I was ready!
This weekend, we took the boys to the store to collect items for our shoeboxes. We’d talked it up all week, even to the point of brainstorming ideas and making a shopping list (those apples don’t fall far from the tree!). I let them pick out the majority of the items and they were so excited to pack the boxes when we got home. It was service at a 5 and 3 year old level and it was good. They totally got it.
I encourage you to participate in Operation Christmas Child with your family. Pack one box for the whole family. Let each of your kids fill one. It’s really fun and so rewarding! You can find the website with all the information you need here.
On my to-do list for my master bedroom is to create a gallery wall. I have been in love with John and Sherry’s hallway gallery for awhile and I wanted to create a smaller sized version for our room. So when I saw Young House Love and Bower Power‘s invitation for the Fall Pinterest Challenge, I knew I had to quit talking about it and get started.
As far as placement, this was my inspiration photo from Pinterest:
First step was to create a mock-up plan that worked for our space. See my horribly-not-to-scale drawing below:
I may need to add a few more frames once I actually try this out on the wall, but we’ll see. But now for the fun part: what to put inside??
I’m collecting a few art prints on etsy, but I also wanted to include things that were sentimental to the Mr. and me. Here are two that I’ve come up with so far:
This one was super easy. I just found a heart template online, printed and cut out of cardstock. Then I ripped out a page from an old atlas (but I’m sure you could just print off of Mapquest too).
We’ve played Scrabble since our dating days, so I thought it would be fun to add that little memory to our wall. These are pieces from an old game just hot glued to the glass. I’m still deciding on the picture for the back.
So that’s the beginning. With three boys underfoot, it’s slow going, but I’ve been trying to steal a few minutes everyday to brainstorm ideas. And you have to see the artwork I picked! Check back soon, I’ve got lots more to come! Also, be sure to look at all of the awesome entries for the Pinterest Challenge here.
P.S. My summer Pinterest challenge can be found here. What is it with me and maps?!
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