Extol October-November 2018 | Page 111

You can make a holiday tradition of volunteering at a local homeless shelter, donating food to a local charity or forgoing some gifts of your own to give to others instead. Get creative! • Turn your gratitude into a festive display for Thanksgiving. I’ve seen some really adorable seasonal crafts perfect for this. You can get a large pumpkin and ask your children what they’re grateful for each day and write it on the pumpkin. By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, you have a pumpkin filled with all the many blessings your children are grateful for. You can even have a pumpkin for each child. Then, on Thanksgiving, you can review all the blessings. It could be a meaningful tradition for your family to reflect on the many things you’re thankful for instead of being asked on the spot. • BUT TEACHING YOUR KIDS TO BE THANKFUL AND EXPRESS GRATITUDE AT THANKSGIVING AND BEYOND IS A TRULY WORTHWHILE GOAL. Consistently thank others and encourage your kids to do the same. If anyone does any kind of service for you – holding a door open, serving food at a restaurant, loading your garbage away – be sure to sincerely thank them. You’re not just being polite, you’re showing others respect and dignity. By taking the time to sincerely thank everyone, you’re showing your child that everyone is worthy of your respect. You’ve probably caught on by now that you are directly involved in all of these suggestions. Kids learn by your example. If they see their parents doing or saying something, they’ll take notice and try to mimic your behavior. (Trust me, I let a minor swear word slip three years ago and my son still brings it up. Kids are sponges.) Plus, let’s be honest, can’t we use a little gratitude in our lives? Be thankful this Thanksgiving, but be grateful your entire life. BLUE BLUE RIVER RIVER CABINETRY CABINETRY SHOWROOM SHOWROOM - - NEW ALBANY, NEW ALBANY, INDIANA INDIANA - - Our state-of-the art showroom is open to the public - by appointment only, please - and has a beautiful Our state-of-the art showroom is open to the public - by appointment only, please - and has a beautiful rking kitchen that is perfect for designers, builders and remodelers who wish to use it as their own studio. rking kitchen that is perfect for designers, builders and remodelers who wish to use it as their own studio. • Drive-thru Window Service • Breakfast & Lunch • Espresso, Catering • Boxed Lunch & Delivery Available • Wireless Internet For more than two decades, Blue River's goal has been to create the finest handcrafted cabinetry. For more than two decades, Blue River's goal has been to create the finest handcrafted cabinetry. We are now able to accomplish this by blending the latest technology with Amish principles and We are now able to accomplish this by blending the latest technology with Amish principles and dards of quality. Blue River continues to manufacture the highest quality of wood cabinetry in the region. dards of quality. Blue River continues to manufacture the highest quality of wood cabinetry in the region. To set up an appointment or find a dealer near you, please call 812.200.6670 ext. 1, To set up an appointment or find a dealer near you, please call 812.200.6670 ext. 1, email [email protected] or complete the form at www.bluerivercabinetry.com/contact-us email [email protected] or complete the form at www.bluerivercabinetry.com/contact-us 7613 Old State Road 60, Sellersburg, IN 47172 - 812.246.9339 1638 East Market Street | 812.200.6670 | www.bluerivercabinetry.com 1638 East Market Street | 812.200.6670 | www.bluerivercabinetry.com Blue River Cabinetry is 100% locally owned and operated and is handcrafted at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in New Albany, Indiana. Blue River Cabinetry is 100% locally owned and operated and is handcrafted at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in New Albany, Indiana. Hours: Monday through Friday 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM www.cricketscateringcafe.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 : EXTOL 109