A Thankful Tree

November 1st...are we all shocked to be this far into fall already!?!

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded again that I want to practice gratitude in response to God's numerous daily gifts, as Thankfulness opens my eyes more fully to my Saviour's amazing love and grace in my life. I want my children to understand that Thankfulness is so much more than merely a holiday one Thursday in late November. It is a heart response to a God who so intricately and mercifully weaves our moments and our days into a beautiful pattern of His good choosing.



To give us a visual reminder to stop and acknowldege some of the daily benefits and blessings of our great God, we put together a Thankful Tree today. It was as easy as gathering a few bare branches to arrange in a vase, and cutting a pile of simple leaf shapes out of scrap cardstock. My daughter's job was to punch a hole in each leaf to thread them onto the branches.



The leaves are ready in a little dish so we can quickly jot down (or children can draw a little picture) of whatever we are thankful for throughout the day. Our Tree sits on the counter in the center of our home so it's always in view. I can't wait to read all of these blessings together as a family at Thanksgiving!




A little different variation you may want to try is a Blessing Board. This is an idea I saw and copied last year from Julie at her blog, Less-Than-Perfect Life of Bliss. It's a fabulous idea to hang on a wall or lean on a mantle and change out each week. Check out her full tutorial here.





I hope your November is off to a wonderful start...and that there is much to be thankful for each day of this beautiful month ahead!

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is
the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thess 5:16-18

It's Fall! What Can we do in the Upstate?

Are you looking for some fun things to do with your family this Fall? 

Is it time to start a few family traditions? 

Here is a list of our favorite Fall things to do in the Greenville area.  Please let us know your favorite Fall activities and we will add them to our list!

Fall for Greenville
Fall for Greenville takes place on Friday Oct. 14^th -Sunday 16^th
This year is the 30th anniversary of Fall for Greenville! Fall for Greenville takes place downtown on Greenville's Main Street. With over 40 of Greenville's finest restaurants showcasing almost 200 menu items, St. Francis Fall for Greenville is a fun event for the entire family. It has a festival atmosphere with carnival rides, a Ferris wheel, etc. There are also several stages set up throughout with local musicians playing for all 3 days.
Check it all out here. 

Happy Cow Creamery
I have to give a shout out to Happy Cow Creamery—one of our favorite places to visit! I love their products, my kids love their products, and we love seeing all the cows!
An exciting event is happening soon at Happy Cow. They are celebrating their 9th Anniversary on Saturday, October 1 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Happy Cow will have lots of samples, and their Famous All Beef Hot Dogs w/drink will only be $1.00, and a Bag of Popcorn for only 25¢. There will also be a live Band, The Balloon Pirate (he is awesome!), Trolley Rides, Pumpkin Decorating. Check it all out here: http://www.happycowcreamery.com/
If you can't make it to the fun on Oct. 1^st, stop in any time to enjoy their amazing products. They are located here: Happy Cow Creamery/ 332 McKelvey Road/ Pelzer, SC 29669/ or call (864) 243-9699

AutumnFest at the Market/ Greenville State Farmers Market.This event begins this weekend at Greenville State Farmers Market, Greenville, SC! AutumnFest offers an opportunity to come out and indulge in the colors and flavors of Fall. Locally grown apples, pumpkins, plants and produce will be available as well as unique lawn accessories. Located @ 1354 Rutherford Rd., Greenville, SC, 29609/ (864) 244-4023. Here are the dates and times: Friday, Sep 23 8:00a to 6:00p, Saturday, Sep 24 8:00a to 6:00p, Sunday, Sep 25 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sky Top Orchard

Our family LOVES Sky Top Orchard. It is only a short drive up the mountains from Greenville and offers a fun family experience that we enjoy year after year. They have all kinds of apples to pick or buy, as well as pumpkins, cider, and a variety of other things. Do yourself a favor and be sure to get a home-made donut from the stand. Yum. Here is the link. 

1193 Pinnacle Mountain Road Flat Rock, NC 28731 (828) 692-7930

Boo in the Zoo!  

Many of you have a local zoo membership, but even if you don't, you can enjoy Boo in the Zoo at the Greenville Zoo. This event offers safe, non-scary trick or treating for kids 12 and under! The dates are Oct. 21^st and Oct. 28^th from 5:30-8 for members only. Oct. 22-22^nd and 29-30^th from 4-8 it is open to the general public.

Barnes and Noble 
has several activities that carry over into fall.

Barnes and Noble the shops at Greenridge has stories around the Campfire 7 p.m. (every Friday!)

They also still have a Tuesday morning story time at 10 a.m.

The Barnes and Noble on Haywood Road has Story time for kids @ 10 a.m. on Thursdays.

Story times also continue at Great Harvest Bread on Woodruff Road.


The Library!
As always, don't forget about library events! Your local library has a very full activity if you are looking for something to do on a rainy day, or if you simply want to get out of the house and do something FREE with your little ones! Our local library has many events on the calendar here:


Stingy Jack's Pumpkin Patch?
I have not been to Stingy Jack's Pumpkin Patch, but the information below has me intrigued. Has anyone ever been here? I might have to check it out!
Friday, Oct 14 4:00p at Mountains and Meadows at Turkey Pen. 324 McGuire Rd., Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768
Children 5 and under are free and do not require a ticket for entry. All parking for the event will be located on Asheville Highway and is $5 per vehicle. Just look for the parking signs as you approach the event area. Looking forward to seeing you at Stingy Jack's Pumpkin Patch!

The Saturday Market! 
The Saturday Market takes place on Main Street in Greenville, SC, between Court and Washington streets. Market Hours are 8 am to Noon, May 7 to Oct. 29.

This place (The Happy Berry) has a great listing for local Farms: 
They are open Saturday 8am until 6pm
Sunday noon until dusk
Monday thru Friday 8am until dusk


Stewart Farms
I have never been to this farm either, but this place looks awesome.
Stewart Farms is a real, working farm and nursery, pumpkin patch, Greenhouse,and Farm Store.
Opening Saturday Sept. 24 The SC MaiZE opening Saturday, Sept. 24 Farm Admission - $2.00

You have to check out the pictures for this Corn Maize!

When: Opening Date: Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 Closing Date: Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011
Fridays 4-10
Saturday 10-10
Sunday 2-8
Weekdays and November by apt. only
6600 Highway 92
Enoree, S.C. 29335

SC Childrens Theater

This theater has a dramatized story time for $1 per child every other week on Monday and Tuesday. This sounds really neat! It starts Oct 3. Here is the link! 

There is a Hands on Childrens museum in Hendersonville

The cost is only just $5 a kid. Check it out here!

Fountain Inn theater for kids

Shows are $5 for kids. More information here!

Nivens' Apple Farm 

This farm also has apples, hayrides, pumpkins, and a corn maze. It is open August 15th thru Thanksgiving (or until apples are gone) 2.2 miles west of Moore, SC. from Hwy. 290 or Exit 63, 6.2 miles east of I-85 down Hwy. 290 toward Moore, SC. Phone: 864-574-8889 or 864-576-4195. 

8 am to 6 PM. U-Pick apples, hayrides, School tours, U-Pick pumpkins, farm animals, corn maze, apple cider.

Mini Miracles Farm

This farm also has blueberries, pumpkins, Fresh eggs, snacks and refreshment stand, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)

Mini Miracles is located at 708 Old Rutherford Road, Taylors, SC 29687. Phone: 864-248-7752. Alternate Phone: 864-968-9678.

Email: [email protected].

Open: Call or visit our website for Updated Hours. Directions: Visit our web site for directions please.Pumpkin Patch and Fall Family Fun Days open Monday October 4th and runs through November 14th; Hay rides, Animal Education Station, Bounce House, Pony Rides and Food are Friday, Saturday, Sunday; Pumpkin Patch open all week long; Private Educational Tours booked Monday-Friday; Birthday Parties any day but Saturday. 

What are your favorite Fall Family traditions? Comment below and we will add them to our list!  Happy memory-making!