The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.
~ Oscar Wilde
(one of my favorite quotes ever!)
When was the last time you received a thank-you note in the mail? You probably remember...because it was so out of the "ordinary". What a shame. There was a time when sending a handwritten thank you note was just common courtesy...good manners if you will. Have we become so busy that we feel a quick email saying "thanks" will suffice? I have over 3,000 emails in my inbox ( I know, ridiculous!) so, does getting a quick thank you email have the same impact? Don't get me wrong, getting an email thank you is better than not getting anything at all. But, I think taking the time to write down a few lines and sending it in the mail, shows the person that you were truly appreciative of them. Anyone can send a quick email, right?
I learned at a young age from my mom, the importance of sending a thank you card. Oh how I dreaded doing this when I was little. Having to sit down and write a thank you for Grandma's Christmas gifts, birthday presents I received from friends, or even a ride to school. I didn't really understand the importance of it then, but over the years, I have come to realize that my mom was teaching me a wonderful life lesson. Show.Your. Appreciation. And, be thankful.
I'd like to believe that I'm passing this lost art of handwritten thank you writing onto my son too. He sometimes complains when I make him sit down and write thank you notes. But, I know it's working. A couple of weeks ago our neighbor brought over some tomatoes from her garden and after she left Brady said, "we should send her a thank you card". He often writes me thank you notes for little things I do for him. He is learning!
On Tuesday, my friend Kim came to my rescue. She was there for me. She dropped what she was doing, unexpectedly, and drove 25 minutes to come pick me up. I was so thankful to her and wanted her to know it. I sent her a thank you card (I didn't get it out until Thursday because I needed stamps, darn, but it did get sent!) I also made her and her sons a little treat. The gift of food is my favorite gift to give. Here's the super easy recipe:
1 tube chocolate chip cookie dough
mini marshmallows
Reese's Pieces candy (or anything you want really!)
-----------------------
Bake cookie dough according to directions.
When cookie is done, top with marshmallows.
Bake for 2 minutes.
Let cool about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with candy!
Send a handwritten thank you to someone today.
It only takes a few minutes...and the person on the
receiving end will really appreciate it.
And you will feel good too!
18 comments:
I agree! It's so easy to forget these days. That was my New Years resolution last year! I've been better:)
what a great treat. . .will have to try that one!
And a good reminder about the notes. . .my sister in law is so very good at this. . .she's my hero!
I am not a good one for sending thank you notes. But, you are absolutely right. It's one of those things we should all do more of. Thanks for the inspiration.
An emai is always nice, but a note card in the mail or a handwritten note just makes my day.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE handwritten notes and letters. It just tells me someone cares enough to take the time.
Good on ya for this one.
BTW...that cookie or pie (whatever) is a big ball of temptation that I would happily give in to.
Keri,
This is so true, I was raised the same way to always write a thank you note. I have taught my kids the same. I feel it's more personal and sincere and shows you took the time for that person. Everyone is so quick to do everything now, we need to slow down and enjoy our days. Thanks for sharing, and man that cookie looks delicious!
Have a great weekend!
Blessings,
Jill
I agree 100%. When my girls were 3. They could write their first name. I began making them sign their names to the thank you notes I wrote on their behalf. Yes, it took a lot of patience (and space), but it was important to me. People thought it was ridiculous I know. Later, they added a "thank you" or "i love you" with their names. Now, they can write the entire note, and I usually don't even have to tell them to do it. I love it! It just shows appreciation, and I hope they pass it on to their children one day. Thanks for spreading the word, Keri.
And...thanks for sharing another great recipe! :)
You are one of the sweetest people I know. You show so much kindness and the world needs more people like you! What a yummy looking cookie! :)
I try to put handwritten notes in the mail as often as possible. I'm big on sending notes, birthday cards, get well cards, etc. I inherited the love of it from my mom and grandma. Even Kevin is good at sending thank you cards. He keeps a stack in his office. I love that about him! I am glad you wrote this post. We can't forget how important a handwritten note is, especially a thank you!
ps. boyd worked on that lollipop for hours. I finally put him in the tub with it. He played with it like it was a hammer and broke it. Thank goodness. :)
I just love a good old fashioned hand written note!
I remember writing my fair share of them when I was young and my girls "have" to do them too! They have actually developed a love of writing letters from it though I think. They both write their cousins all the time. I love that!!
That cookie cake looks so yummy to me! I remember a cookie place that used to be in the mall that would sell those. Something about chocolate chip cookie in that form just looks so much fancier!! I would love getting one of those as a thank you! You are so sweet Kerri!
Enjoy the weekend
Busy day...I will try and email tomorrow!!:)
ooops....how could I forget...love the new header!!:)
Yes! The header is very festive! And I just found what I'm giving my neighbors for Christmas....with red and green m&ms! LOVE IT!
True...thank you notes aren't as big as they used to be. I still like to get anything handwritten in the mail! Rare!
I totally agree. I'm all about the thank you note too. And baking a treat in return when it's warranted. That cookie cake is OUTRAGEOUS! WOWZA! My ballerinas would think they'd died and gone to heaven if they received that.
Did you handwrite the Thank You on the tag? Your writing is beautiful!
I think I got 3 cavities looking at that picture! Looks so yummy! I have a stack of thank you cards and a roll of stamps on hand at all times at home. People will sure remember the person who thanked them with a handwritten note :)
I love this post! I am a HUGE believer is hand written notes, especially the Thank You note. It is just so much more meaningful to know that someone took the time to write something out by hand, went through the trouble to put a stamp on it and mail it.
I have always tried to send Thank You notes and teach my kids to do so.
It would be a shame if this were a lost tradition at some point in time.
Hi Kerri - I'm catching up on lots of missed posts in bloggy land and this one is a FAVE - love it!! I was taught exactly the same and my little bugs write notes too ... soooo important to reciprocate the kindness!! But, man o man, does this cookie cake bomb ever look AMAZING!! Definitely gonna try this one out - thanks!!
catching up on blogs too!! big fan of thank you notes and ever since my kiddos were little even if they put a sticker or their name..its a must in our house! now Caroline loves writing notes and sending out mail!! love this cookie idea...it looks amazing and i love Jen's idea of making it at Christmas time too!!! think i'll try it this weekend for my nephews birthday!!! love the header...so creative!!!
I am so going to make this cookie dessert. I love Reese pieces. Holy yum. You must have the best recipe collection in the world! I also love handwritten notes. I try to send them often. I also send "just because" cards. Because I love to make them and send them. Of course I don't have as much time as I'd like to do this, but I try. AND I am loving the pumpkin mufffin recipe. I love pumpkin baked goods, going to try that one too. Thanks for sharing.
Forgot to tell you, the header looks so cute!
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