Henry and a friend dragged a giant tree branch from the park to our backyard last week (it was of mammoth proportions.) I finally had some time to pull off the dead leaves and break a few branches for our project. I wanted to do something where we could collectively sit and think about all the things we were grateful for and then put it in a place where we would see it often (our front entryway.)
Here's how we made our Thanksgiving Tree. Start with a pot or any other container you have around. I purchased a foam floral square from Michael's to put in the pot to secure the branches. I grossly underestimated the size of my pot because, as you can tell, the foam is a bit small and didn't quite do the job of totally securing the branches in so make sure you get a block of foam large enough so it's almost the same height as the top of your pot. You want it to be a snug fit so the branches will stand straight up. 
Keep adding branches into the foam. I think we ended up using 4 or 5 branches, breaking them as we went along so they were all around the same height
I found some foam that I broke up and wedged into the pot to secure the sticks. If you get a block of foam big enough this step can be completely avoided (I blame the lack of sleep.) 
While you are at your local craft store buying a foam block, pick up a bag of moss like this:
There were a couple of different varieties but I liked the softness & look of this one. Gently pull it out of the bag and begin to pack it on top of your foam. 
Keep adding the moss until the top of the foam is completely covered. 
You'll need to work quickly or it might mysteriously turn into the "Forest Moon of Endor." 
Next up, we punched some leaves out of cardstock with our thrifty leaf punch. The one we had also embossed the leaves which looks nice but it's a little more difficult to write on, so whatever you have will work. If you don't have a punch, just cut it freehand out of cardstock. 
Next up, have everyone write what they are thankful for:
Punch a small hole in the end of the leaf and tie to the branches with thread or string. 
And there you have it. A Thanksgiving Tree.
Kate is thankful for: Dragonflies, Nutcrakers & M&M's.
Henry is thankful for: Lego's, friends, books, the park and his family.
I am thankful that the 2 smallest kidlets have finally stopped puking their guts out (that's not on the tree.) It's been an exhausting 2 days to say the least.
