A Good End to the Year

At Lifeway now, you can donate a few dollars that buys a Bible.  I did that, and they scanned the Bible that gets put in a box and donated to a crisis pregnancy center.  So maybe I changed a life for the price of a latte at Starbucks!

A Good Morning Finally

Now that I am feeling a little better, we could get out of the house!  I did something I haven't done in a while.  While at the gym I wrote on 2 post-it notes "You are beautiful the way you are!" and left each in the bathroom stalls.  When I went back in over an hour later, they were still there.  Maybe lots of women got a smile and confidence boost!

Just a Little Something

So I found a little notepad with a bear and it said "Keep smiling.  It makes people wonder what you are up to."  It was cute, and for some reason made me think of our neighbors who home school their 5 kids.  Who knows why it makes me think of them, since their kids are always so sweet!  Maybe it is because they are a smiley, happy family.  Now I am wondering if they really are up to something.....I took it to their house, but had to leave it with a note since they weren't home.

My Gift to the World

Yesterday I started getting sick and today wasn't better.  So I stayed home and rested and kept my germs to myself.  That is my good deed, especially since it meant keeping 2 small children inside and entertained. 

Publix is the Chick Fil A of Grocery Stores!

The employees there know me, and the woman at the deli even remembers my order each week.  Going grocery shopping is never fun with a kid or two, but they make it as painless as possible.  Today I got 2 cokes and handed them to the cashier and bagger.  We had had a great conversation while they did all the work.  :)  They were very happy to get a treat and it helped my Monday morning mood too!

Merry Christmas!

I went to get coffee this morning and actually left a tip in the jar.  Normally I am too cheap to do that, but hey, it is Christmas Eve.  :)

Oops I Forgot

I had planned to do something but then forgot when I was out.  I just remembered a little while ago.  So I obviously wasn't supposed to do it today.....Instead I saved some postage and sent people messages on Facebook to either encourage them or make them smile.  It inadvertently made ME smile!

Ho Ho Ho

I realize I must look ridiculous when I try to be stealthy, but it is fun!  Today I was thinking about an old friend who lost his job months ago.  I had one more mug with coffee and took it to his house.  The note said it was from the elves spreading Christmas cheer. (What?  My kids are little-they could pass for elves!)  It is a good thing the kids aren't older and will probably not remember when Mom used to sneak up to someone's door and then run back to the car.  I can only hope!

Out With More Old

So we can have room for new on Christmas.  Tonight the girls and I went through their toys and found a bunch to give away.  (Well I had to sneak a bunch of stuff in the trash bag that they don't play with.....Haha)  I will take a big donation to Goodwill next week so this is a good chunk.  Some kids and babies are going to get some new toys!

Jingle Bells Jingle Bells

With Christmas in a few days, I have both kids home.  So for today I decided to have them make Christmas cards for people.  I am trying to think of some new fun things to do this week to involve the girls.  This is the perfect time of year to start them thinking of others!

My Pinch Hitter

Today I spent dealing with sick children and doctors on little sleep.  There wasn't a whole lot I could do.  But James stepped in and helped someone!  Every year there is a thing called Cobb Christmas at the fairgrounds.  He volunteered from 9-1 and helped parents "shop" for the kids Christmas presents.  Everything is donated, and he was one of the people who picked out gifts based on the kids' ages.  I like the way MUST does their toy shop better, because I think the parents should get to pick out their own kids' presents.  But so many families were blessed because of my husband and other volunteers today!

Books Make Us Smrt

My little Lauren is having a book exchange tomorrow at school.  We are supposed to bring a wrapped book to give to another 4 year old.  Well, I got 2 and wrapped them myself!  This time of year makes people want to give (and ask for donations).  I just wish we all felt like giving and helping those who need it more than one month out of the year!

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Yes I just quoted National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation on my blog.  You're welcome.  We had 7 muffins left this morning, so I sent them to work with James.  Anything put in that kitchen lasts a few minutes at best.  We don't need any more here, and I would rather bless someone else's waistline than my own!  :)

A New Muffin Recipe

I spent the morning making chocolate cinnamon muffins for Lauren's teachers.  Her assistant teacher saw them on the seat beside me and said "Yay Yay Yay!"  Her face lit up.  The other time I brought them, she had been out sick and was so disappointed to miss them, so I am really glad she got one today!  And we have dessert tonight at our house. Works for me!

Who Doesn't Want a Coke?

Well, for starters, the cashier at TJ Maxx today.  I saw the idea to buy a Coke and give it to your cashier, so I tried it.  I said, "this is for you,  Merry Christmas."  She looked at me strangely and said I didn't have to.  We argued about it for a minute so I told her she could give it to someone else there.  She then asked me to stay for a minute and called her manager over, so the manager would know I had given it to her and she hadn't stolen it.  sigh.  I tried.....

Christmas Shopping for a Good Cause

I am ending the week by taking my girls on a trip to Target.  Our Church is helping MUST ministries supply parents with gifts for their kids.  We are getting play-doh, a puzzle, a blanket, and make up for a teenage girl.  Then we are bringing it to Church unwrapped (so glad to not have to wrap!) on Sunday.  Although Christmas is not about gifts, I still want kids to have them from their parents on Christmas morning! 

Out With the Old

This whole week has been tough, and today was the worst.  I hate to say I didn't want to do anything nice for anyone!  I kept telling myself I would feel better if I thought of someone else, but that didn't make me want to.  But I went into my closet and pulled out clothes to take to Goodwill.  I do know that there are so many people right now, in my area and all over, that have less than me, or have medical problems, or are looking for a job.  Now that I have thought about that and gotten a donation together, I do feel better.  (Maybe that is partly because the girls are asleep, but who knows for sure?)

Singlehandedly Keeping the Post Office in Business

Monday would have been my cousin Lee's 33rd birthday, and his mom is taking it hard.  She has been on my mind more the last few days, so today I am sending her a picture Lauren drew and a note from me.  I just want her to smile and forget her sorrow for a few minutes!

It's Pajama Time!

No one but my husband and kids will get that title, as it is the name of a book the girls love.  Tomorrow Lauren gets to wear pajamas to school and they are having a pajama drive.  Today we went to Target and got a pair of new pj's to bring in.  Yeah, I waited until the last minute, but at least I remembered at all.....

Oh So Easy!

Monday is my day to do grocery shopping, so I killed 2 birds with one stone.  I remembered that at the front of Publix they have a big barrel to donate food.  There happened to be buy one get one free specials so I purchased some extra cans and dropped them in the barrel on the way out.  Good start to the week I think.

Nice Surprise

Well, tonight James and I went to dinner without the girls.  I decided to do what is generally said to do when you want to do something nice for someone.  I gave a bigger tip than normal.  We figured out what we normally would have given and then gave a few dollars more.  Happy weekend to our waitress!

Coooookies

FINALLY! I made cookies for our new neighbors and took them over tonight.  It is a young couple with a little boy and they are very nice.  Maybe I made a new friend by being nice!  Meeting new people is something I need to do more of since my heart almost beat out of my chest when I got to the front door.  I used to be so good at it!

Dang UPS!

The project for today was going to be baking cookies and taking them to our new neighbors, finally.  Well, I had to hang around all day waiting for a package that didn't come until almost 6!  It is too late to make them now.  Maybe I shouldn't be taking them cookies.  Hmmm.....Instead I am sending a card and pictures to someone who needs a reminder of what is great about life!

I Admit It, I Am a Dork!

It occurred to me today that this whole blog is a smokescreen for my desire to give things to people and not feel like a dork. (Hey, I am just doing it for the blog, so it is no big deal!)  I should just embrace that I like to do these little things and not feel silly I guess.  Kaitlyn and I went to Carrie's for a play date today and I brought her some candy and cookies for her to save and eat when the kids are not around.   Us moms of small children have to stick together and keep each other sane.  I like to stay on Carrie's good side with bribes of food.....

Pretty Pretty

At the grocery store this morning Kaitlyn and I saw some pretty red, green, and white Gerber daisies.  We got them for the girls' Grandma, since she loves flowers!  They sure brightened up her kitchen on a gray and rainy day like today.

Last Post of the Week

With all the baking tonight and tomorrow, cleaning and putting together a lasagna for when my brother is here this weekend, I am too wiped out to do anything else official.  I will be as nice as I can with James' family tomorrow and my family Friday!  Happy Thanksgiving!

SURPRISE!

My aunt Barbara is getting into town late tonight and staying near me.  We won't see her until tomorrow, and I can't wait!  Today the girls and I picked up some drink options and candy for her.  I put it all in a box and wrapped it (that is how much I love Barbara-I hate wrapping!)  We are going to take it to her hotel and see if they will put it in her room as a surprise tonight!

Reminding a Friend....

.....How great she is!   This morning I decided to write a note to my friend Holly who has gone through a lot lately.  I told her that no matter what, she is smiling and joyful and we could all learn from her attitude.  I just pray that seeing her daughters for Thanksgiving lifts her spirits!

Kids Always Need Toys, Right?

A while back when my neighbor brought her almost 2 year old grandson to play, she said he didn't have Legos.  Kaitlyn plays with them a lot so I am pretty sure he would too.  I happened to find a set in the basement (how did I forget buying them?  I still can't remember where they came from!)  I took them over today and really hope Ethan gets to play with them this weekend!

Another Card

Today's plan was changed a bit, because something more pressing came up than taking cookies to our new neighbors.  I realized I missed James' grandma's birthday so I got her one of the cards that opens up and looks like a bouquet of flowers.  She has been in a rehab center/nursing home since May and seems to be giving up.  I thought getting a card that looks like flowers would brighten up her room.

Not Warm and Fuzzy

Sometimes people need to hear something, and no one wants to be the one to tell them.  Especially me.  But my Mom would be proud of me today, because I did that.  I told someone I love that they are wrong, but not in an accusing way.  It is hard to have tact when you care about a situation and are close to it, but I think I did it.  She didn't get offended and seemed to agree.  I pray she really sees my point and does the right thing.  Well, this wasn't a fun day for the blog, but I think it can help some people.

That's What Friends Are For

So Carrie has her hands full (more than usual) with a sick boy home from school, a trouble causing 4 year old and a baby who won't sleep at night lately.  She sent me an email this morning saying Calgon take me away!  While Kaitlyn and I were at the mall this morning, I was trying to think of what I can do for her.  I won't watch sick kids when mine just got better....We passed Bath and Body Works so I ran in and got a mini bottle of my favorite lotion, since it always makes me feel better.  I hope it helped her get through the day and that she knows she can ask me if she needs anything!

Merry Christmas Soldiers!

Wow is this really the 10th week I have been doing this?  It has gone by so fast!  This rainy afternoon Lauren and I are doing Christmas cards for soldiers.  Our Church is going to have a booth set up Sunday for us to drop them off, and they will be bulk shipped to soldiers overseas.  Lauren is enjoying coloring hers, and I have several cards I didn't use last year.  I figure writing notes on 5 or 6 of them is the least I can do for strangers who are giving up Christmas with their families (and possibly their lives) for my freedom.

No Title

Since I have been taking care of another sick child today, I haven't had much chance for other things.  But I am giving my sickie the (probably) last rose of the year.  I always keep any flowers on the counter, but I think she is old enough to have it in her room!    She has had a rough week, so maybe it will make her feel better.

Thanksgiving

Our Church's big give this month is to bring certain boxed and canned items this Sunday for families for Thanksgiving.  Hard to imagine not having the money for Thanksgiving dinner, but it happens all around us.  This year I am just doing 2 families.  Last year I somehow found the time and energy to shop at different stores to get deals, and did 10!  Today I just pushed my kids through Walmart (a feat in itself) and got everything I need.

Getting Easier!

This whole "being nice to other people" thing is starting to seep into my brain.  :)   Yesterday our neighbor brought her grandson over to play on our driveway.  He loved the car that our girls haven't cared much about lately, so I gave it to them.  She was so excited!  Then this morning I got James the paper when I took the dog outside.  It may not be big, but I was thinking of him (when I was barely awake and had to get Lauren ready for school.)  I will try to do that from now on in the mornings.  I am counting it for today though. 

Can't Go Wrong with Coffee and Chocolate

My friend Laura has 2 little girls and a baby on the way.  Yesterday her husband lost his job and she is obviously worried.  I know they have faith, but there is still a lot of unknown.  I put a little bag of coffee and a mini box of chocolates in one of the mugs and took it to their house today with a card.  

Another Take 2

Well, tonight I was SUPPOSED to be working at MUST from 4-7.  They have their Toy Shop next month, and there is registration the next 2 weeks.  I was going to help sign the parents up and tell them the time they need to come in December.  However, I had to cancel last night since both girls still have colds.  I can't take them to the drop in day care if they are sick.  It made me feel so bad to back out, but Kelley said she could find someone else.  Now I have to take care of sick kids and make dinner.  I would much rather be there!

Instead, I made blueberry muffins for Lauren's teachers (from a mix this time.  They smelled really good so I am sure they are good.)  It made a dozen, and I gave them to the teacher that was getting the kids in the car at pick up time.  I told her they are for all the teachers, since they do such a great job with Lauren!  

Getting the Weekend Off to a Good Start

On my kitchen windowsill I have a Bible verse a day calendar.  I saved a bunch of past days and looked through them today.  There were a couple that applied to something that happened to a sweet young girl whose mother I know, so I put them in an envelope and brought them to her house.  Sometimes you want to help, but there doesn't seem to be much (or anything) you can really do.  I wish I could have done more, but between appointments today, there just weren't enough hours in the day.  At least we get an extra one this weekend with Daylight Savings!

Take Two

"If at first you don't succeed, do something else" was my motto today.  This morning was cold and wet so I thought muffins sounded great.  I found a recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip muffins and made them.  My plan was to keep a few and take the others to Lauren's school for her teachers.  Well, it was a good thing I tested one.  They were awful!  Guess I should stick with mixes and not go from scratch.  After all that wasted time (and muffins) I was worn out and didn't want to think about baking anymore.
I was not going to just give up for the day though! 

Instead I wrote a note to my great aunt Polly who is getting over pneumonia.  Hopefully a note can cheer her up and make her smile. 

Put Life in Perspective.......Volunteer

The first Wednesday of the month, NorthStar helps out in MUST Ministries' bread pantry.  I got to do this tonight!  Last Sunday 10 people brought 10 loaves of bread to Church and we gave it out to people who came tonight, along with food and clothes if they needed it.  It was a good thing it was a slow night, as I wanted to learn about the process and computer system, and the printer wouldn't work anyways.  Always something!  The people who volunteer for this regularly were so friendly and the people who came in for food were nice too.  It is just so great to help young families (and old) put food on the table-something I definitely take for granted.  The shelves with nonperishable food was full and I realized this is where my donations go when I bring it in.  Made the whole thing real.  Someone asked for a heater, and I think all of us wanted to go out and find one for her.  Life may be hard, but we can all help.

Interesting Title

All day today I have been racking my brain to think of something to do.  I wanted to think of some new ideas.  I have been trying to do some volunteer work through different organizations, which I am doing some tomorrow night, but not much has come of that.  So what I did was take a little shrink wrapped pad of paper and pen with the verse Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" to a neighbor who has been asking for prayer the last few days.  I found the paper today and thought of her and her family right away. 

So Cool

Before I talk about today, I have to mention what happened yesterday.  I wrote on here last week about giving a cup and coffee to some friends in our neighborhood.  Well, last night we trick-or-treated at their house and both Jim and Rita thanked me so many times-I counted 5.  When we saw Jim, he had a cast on his leg, but James and I don't know what happened (and still don't because we are too embarrassed to ask when we feel like we should know.)  Since the men's tennis team disbanded, we haven't seen much of him.  He said he is doing better, but seriously, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED OR WHAT MADE ME GIVE THAT COFFEE AND CUP.  Well, I know God must have put them in my mind that day.  (Jim and Rita, if you ever find out about this blog and read this, I am sorry we didn't know.)  I am thrilled to be used to make someone's day brighter, even unknowingly.  That just goes to show that even when you feel like you might be doing something silly, you aren't.

Today I got on Facebook and wrote encouraging notes to a cousin and some friends.  We are all overwhelmed and can use a Bible verse or an offer of help.  Heck, even for someone to just say they are thinking of us can do wonders for perspective!

Now I Can See What I Have

This afternoon while getting crackers out of our cabinet, I decided to go through and clean it out.  I threw out the expired items and have several bags worth to go to MUST Ministry barrels this weekend.  It was pretty easy to know what is not going to be used by us (or that we have extra of), and so many right around us go hungry.  I hate to think of how awful it is to be hungry.  Or to be a parent who can't provide for their children!  I guess this weekend I will be praying harder for those who need a job.

Johnny's!

We are having dinner with James' mom tonight and maybe brothers.  I put a few pieces of dark chocolate in a pouch for her, since she lives with all men.  They just don't always understand little things like that!

A Dark and Stormy Day....Again

This week has not been easy with 3 days straight of rain.  Feeling trapped in the house because of rain and a sick kid made it hard for me to think of other people.  But I find that when I consciously do that, my bad mood eases up some.  After dinner I wrote a note to a friend who had surgery a month ago.  I just wanted her to know I am still praying for her recovery.  She probably already knows that, but being reminded can't hurt!

How Blessed I Am!

This morning I dropped off the coffee and cup at our friends' Jim and Rita's house.  Why them?  Don't know, just felt like it.  I hope people don't start thinking I am weird for doing these things.  :)  Then I spent the rest of the morning with Carrie and her baby and my Kaitlyn.  We had such a great time chatting without the big kids yelling at each other!  I made us special pumpkin lattes (eat your heart out Starbucks!)  This morning there was a rose outside the window (seriously, my roses keep growing and it is almost November....) so I gave it to her to take home and maybe smile the rest of the day.  I know I will cherish today for years to come!

Well Half of It Is Done....

This morning at the grocery store, they had a display of discontinued coffee cups really cheap.  I thought to grab a few and some little packets of coffee.  I am going to deliver one tomorrow with a note that says "Have a cup of coffee on me." (Aren't I clever? Ha!)  I couldn't take it anywhere today with the day I have had, but tomorrow is another day.....

mmmmm

Tonight James and I got to go to Barnes & Noble without the kids.  Once again, we know how to have fun on a Friday night!  After finding the little bags yesterday, I used one today.  This time I put a few individually wrapped dark chocolates in one.  I brought it in my purse and left it for someone to find (not hidden so it stays there for a month of course.)  I am off to think of ideas for next week.....

Little Goodies

This afternoon I walked around the house trying to think of things to do.  I have little shiny muslin bags from my Party Lite days so I filled one with some Clinique items I haven't used. (Yes I like Clinique.  What is your point?)  I brought the bag with us to dinner, and ended up leaving it for our waitress.  She tried hard to get the girls to eat their dinners.  It worked on Lauren at least.  I left a post it note thanking her for her help.  When I do things anonymously, I like thinking of the person's reaction.  I will never know if she didn't like it-in my mind she was thrilled!

Lauren's Turn

Lauren's assistant preschool teacher has been out sick the last few days.  Miss Heagy is a sweet young lady who loves being with Lauren, so Lauren is making her a card to take to in tomorrow.  Hopefully she will be there to accept it in person!

Thank You Grandma Anne!

Our first year in this house 7 years ago, James and I planted lots of flowers and bushes for 2 days.  Then we pretty much stopped taking care of them.  I am in awe every time something flowers.  We got a rose bush because roses always remind me of my Grandma, and I can see the bright red blooms out the front window.  It always makes me smile!  This bush that started out so tiny just grows and grows every year-even this late October morning!  When I looked out the window this morning and saw the bloom, I knew what to do with it.  Kaitlyn and I were literally about to walk to the car and go to the gym, so I cut the flower and took it with us.  My good friend Holly is a trainer at the gym and in August her youngest daughter left for college.  She is such a strong person and such an encourager and motivator, that it is easy to forget she is having a rough time.  I handed the rose to her at the gym and we hugged.  She said she had really needed it and would carry it around all day with her clipboard.  Such a simple act is making us both smile and think of our grandmothers all day! 

The Things We Take For Granted

Last week was a great time to learn what MUST seems to need.  While we did laundry, men would come up and ask for things like towels, shampoo, etc.  The things I had to tell them I didn't have enough of were razors and washcloths.  So today I picked up some disposable men's razors and found some old washcloths.  Kaitlyn and I will go drop them off in the morning and hopefully bless some men who could use a boost!

Me Me Me

It is my day today!  The girls and I have gone to a few clothing and shoe stores looking for clothes for me.  I have let myself rest more than normal, and I could get used to it!  Nice end to a busy week.

Just Sort of Fell Into My Lap

Last night was fun but over 5 hours of washing, drying, and folding laundry is exhausting.  I worked with someone who does a lot of volunteer work, which was good to hear about.  We had a discussion with one of the residents and many of them thanked us.
No rest for the weary today!  This afternoon Lauren and I will be icing pumpkin spice cookies.  The other day I had the dog in the yard and a family walked by.  They just moved to the street behind us, so we are taking cookies to them tonight!  (Lauren has been asking for pumpkin spice.  Love that child!)  I probably would not have thought to make them cookies-even after being the neighborhood's welcoming person several years ago.  Something is changing in me, and I love it!

Wash Dry Repeat

I am writing now because I am doing laundry at MUST tonight from 6-11.  It should be an interesting night, but I will be going straight to bed afterward!  2 of us will be doing laundry for 20 men in the shelter.  I am a little nervous but am so glad I am doing this with someone who has done it before and loves interacting with the people there.  That should make it easier on me to figure things out!

Less Than 5 Minutes

This afternoon I have a few minutes before I start making dinner, so I wrote a note to a hurting family member.  Before starting this blog, I have done this sort of thing.  But now that I am forcing myself to think of things, it is happening more often.  I like to stock up on packs of little cards, so there is no excuse to not pick one out and send it. I mean, how hard is it to take these few minutes out of our day to write to someone we love?  It may make their day and possibly change their lives.  You never know.....

Out with the Old

Today I went through the house and found books to donate to the library.  The kids have too many, and I had cook books I have never used.  Now we have room for more (and less books on the family room floor!)  There is now a giant Pampers box in my car ready for tomorrow.

Quiet Friday Afternoon

My children are happily coloring right now, so maybe this is more for myself.  Today's goal is to get them to color pictures for their Boppa and Nana.  Since they haven't seen the girls recently, I thought this would be something nice to do for them.   Lauren loves to color and has quite an imagination, so who knows what it will be a picture of?

A Little Lipstick is a Good Thing

I was told a few things yesterday.  One is that no, the thought is not enough so I got some stinkin candy today.  (haha you better be happy now.)  The other is that my kindness is rubbing off on someone from this blog.  It meant so much to hear Carrie say she gave someone who is grieving cookies she made.  Some days this whole idea gets to be a bit much for me, and this week was a perfect time for encouragement like that!  Today Carrie was on the receiving end-I gave her the gift with purchase from Clinique.  I love getting those, but I don't need the gift this time.  I knew she could use it more with life going on these days.  It is good to be reminded to put yourself above your husband and 3 kids sometimes.  Everyone benefits when Mama is happy!

My Family Deserves More

I wish it wasn't this way, but I only really appreciate my own husband when I need more help.  I am nicer to strangers than my own family it seems.  Today I wrote James a note telling him how much I appreciate how much he does for us.  I had planned on picking up some candy for him but ran late at the chiropractor this afternoon.  It IS the thought that counts, right honey?  :)

Was I Too Literal?

You know how they say to give until it hurts?  Yeah, I don't think that is supposed to be actual pain....After being out all afternoon and then being at the chiropractor until dinner time, I hadn't done anything for anyone.  They told me to rest (how do you tell that to a mother of young children?)  I didn't want to just skip today though!  I went through my stash to give out and found a little book about God's wisdom for every situation.  I put it in a manila envelope and set off to put it on someone's doorstep (I am liking this anonymity by the way).  You may be asking where the pain came in-well it is not a good idea to take a puppy out on a stealth mission or when you have a hurt back and have just been adjusted.  I wasn't even supposed to be walking, but I felt compelled to do this.  Maybe the recipient needs to read the book or knows someone who does.  I will probably never know, and I kind of like it that way!

Can't Disappoint My Two Followers!

Well, I was thisclose to not doing this today since I hurt my back the other day.  Poor pitiful me could not do much today, blah, blah, blah.  Why should I be nice to someone else?  But tonight I started thinking about what I could do and what do you know, my stress headache started to feel better! Maybe the Advil finally kicked in, but I believe it was because I decided to push through and think about someone else.  I sat down and wrote a note to a dear family friend Ms. Edna.
I am proud of myself for staying on the right path!

For My Family and the World at Large

Since Kaitlyn had her shots yesterday, she has not felt great today.  Seeing how tired and puny she is from just shots made me want to clean clean clean.  The level of cleaning I have been doing today is usually saved for after one or more of us has been sick.  This time I jumped ahead of the game and maybe we will avoid us or someone we know getting sick.  It doesn't seem like much now, but I will be feeling sore tomorrow!

Busy Morning

Knowing there was a lot to do today meant more planning ahead than normal.  Not really for us, but I planned on being more conscious about what is going on around me.  Going anywhere with a 2 year really is like trying to herd cats and takes concentration.  Normally I am focused on her and not the people around me.  This morning I decided would be different.  I had to first drop off a paper at a doctors' office (of COURSE there was traffic well after there normally would be.)  After dropping it off, we left a post it note on a door with a message on it. Then I held the elevator for a woman.  While getting coffee at McDonald's, I found a little change in my purse for the Ronald McDonald House.  After that we headed to the pediatrician and home.  Thinking of others certainly made sitting in traffic and taking Kaitlyn to get shots a little easier and hopefully made someone smile!

So Many Local Heroes

Since it is finally fall and not in the 90's, I decided this is the week to make Pumpkin Spice cookies.  The recipe makes so many, and we don't need more than a couple.  I made them this morning and after getting Lauren from school, we took most of the cookies to the Fire Dept.  Lauren decided to get shy and hide by my leg when I asked her what she wanted to say to them.  (I was a little nervous too, but they were very nice of course!)  We thanked them for all they do and went home.  Hopefully it made their day like it made ours!

Brainstormed Around the House

What gems around your house you can find when you look!  Since I stopped selling Party Lite, I have plenty of the candles left.  I use them, just not as much as I used to.  They were sitting in a box wasting away, so I did something about it.  We have plenty of friends we see less and less since BK (you know, before kids), and I thought one of them would love some candles.  I put some in a cute little basket that was also wasting away and wrote a note.  Kaitlyn and I dropped it off at her house this afternoon.  It was fun thinking of what to put in and fun thinking of her reaction when she sees it.

We Are So Blessed!

I did a tour of MUST Ministries tonight, so I can start volunteering.  Wow.  They do so much for the homeless.  I got a chance to be blessed before the tour even started.  :)  I had to bring the girls with me and James was meeting us there.  Well of course after a month with no rain, it has poured here yesterday and part of today.  This afternoon was pretty dry.  Until we were getting in the car.  James got stuck in traffic (and hail) and was going to be late.  A staff member and volunteer offered to babysit the kids until he got there, so I could go on the tour!  It felt huge to me, but was probably no big deal for them.  See, we never know how much someone may appreciate something small we do for them!
We toured the kitchen, living areas, classrooms and more.  MUST can accommodate 65 people (at this facility) at a time and they help them find jobs.  The thing they don't provide is transportation and most people don't have cars.  The bus runs right in front, so that is how most of them get to jobs and job interviews.  They said getting bus passes donated is like the residents getting gold.  I usually take my running car for granted, but not tonight.  I am thinking of helping them with data entry one evening a week, if they have an opening in that area.  We shall see!

Almost Too Easy

It is Friday (yay!) and I am going to do a weekend long project.  I am going to put a pad of post-it notes in my purse and leave inspirational notes when I am out and about.  This will probably only be the gym, Church, and the hockey game tomorrow night, but it is a start.  We can all use a pick me up, and who cares if it comes from a stranger if it makes us feel better?  

This is Brought to You by JC Penney

Something exciting happened last week, just a few days after I started writing this.  I got a $10 off coupon for Penney's.  I get these a few times a year and get excited about what I am going to buy myself.  I consider it my money and rarely spend more than a few dollars on what I buy (Mom would be proud.)  But when I got this one in the mail last week my first thought was "Who can I buy something for?"  Amazing how fast generosity can spread into your life!  I went to the mall today and bought Carrie's little girls shirts. (Sorry Nathan, I don't know what 9 year old boys want.)  Lauren once again helped and picked out what Maggie would want.

Total spent on a onesie and a shirt: $1.66
Giving someone a gift out of the blue: Priceless

Yeah Yeah I Write a Lot of Letters

Everyone loves a compliment, especially to their boss!  Today I wrote a letter to a company I buy from, telling them how great one of their employees is.  I know I could save a stamp and do it on their website, but I thought it would come off better in writing.  Maybe it could really affect her life.  We all go through life feeling under appreciated at times.  Hearing that someone notices you and thinks you are doing a great job gives a feeling that can last for days.  I hope that is what a few minutes of my day does!

Please Have Your Pets Spayed or Neutered

Since this week is fall break, I have Lauren home all day every day.  I thought it would be a challenge to do my blog, but it has been good.  Last night she was invaluable when we picked up trash (she has a different view point as James put it).  At 4, everything is exciting and fun.  She is old enough that I can explain to her what we are doing and why.  
The other day I heard that the animal shelter needs old towels badly.  After looking, I was surprised how many we have acquired and don't use.  The girls and I loaded them in the car and dropped them off.  Once again, Lauren can understand why we did it.  Kaitlyn's contribution was to meow at the cats and bark at the dogs when we walked through the viewing areas, but it was a start.
My lesson I learned today is that I can make a difference, even if it is in a small way.  But if I do nothing, no difference is made.  Oh and I learned there are a TON of kittens right now that need a home.  Cute kittens.

For a Cleaner Tomorrow

Today I have been thinking about this time a year ago when the whole county (and many others) was under several feet of water.  It was scary, but our neighborhood is very hilly, so it wasn't so bad right here.  Many people still have problems from that time.  I have decided that after dinner-and when it is a little cooler-the girls and I are going to walk around picking up trash.  We can make the neighborhood prettier and make neighbors smile.  But it will also give me a chance to see people's houses and maybe get some ideas on ways to help them.  I often feel I have no abilities to help, but I am refusing to listen to that.  There is ALWAYS a way to help! 

Now My Hands are Baby Soft

Yesterday went well and the girls and I literally took time to smell the flowers.  After reading a bunch of books, they wanted to watch a movie.  While they did that, I had a chance to research volunteer opportunities I am interested in.  It seems they take time to be approved, so they won't be happening quite yet.  But soon I will be helping strangers weekly!
Today is about my mother-in-law.  We are planning on seeing her tonight, so Lauren and I decided to make a body scrub for her.  Anyone who knows me knows 2 things about me.  1.) I already have what I need for this, including a pretty glass jar to put it in.  2.) I love giving people things.  I am always the one Christmas morning saying "Open my gift first!"   So naturally I gravitate toward giving people things as my way of doing something nice.  (This would be why I am trying to do volunteer work.  Left to my own devices, I would just give people things every day and we would have no money for bills.  I am choosing to mix things up AND step out of my comfort zone by serving when I can.)  Hopefully my mother-in-law Jane will appreciate the body scrub, especially since her granddaughter helped make it!  We can't wait to see her face, and I will bet Lauren will tell her she has to cook it.....

But I Am Doing the Right Thing!

After the morning I have had, I was tempted to say my good deed for the day was to not tear into the people who ticked me off.  Real grown up, I know.  As this whole thing gets more difficult, I know it means I am on the right path.  Doing the right thing is never synonymous with doing the easy thing.  It would be easier for me to just be selfish and not think of others, but who would benefit from that?  Instead, I am attempting to put a few bad hours out of my mind and focus on what is important:  Showing someone I care.  I think I will take the next few hours between school and dinner to give my full attention to my children.  Play time and giggling go a long way to making me feel better and reinforcing my love.  If some way to help someone else comes along, well that is just icing on top of a very strange cake of a day!

Justa Note

This challenge is changing my life already.  Two things I am noticing:  1.)  I am obsessed with finding creative things to do for people.  I suppose this will lessen as I get used to the idea.  2.)  I am finding I already want less for myself as so many have great needs.  And this is only the first week!

A friend was on my mind all morning so I took that to mean she should be today's  person.  I wrote her a note anonymously.  (I wish I could be there when she tries to figure out who sent it, but I would so give it away.)  It is in the mail now, and I feel so devious!  Doesn't take much to entertain me I guess.

Day 2

What I am learning today is to not have a bunch of ideas planned for each day so that I end up just going through the motions.  I have a few things in mind that I can do for people, but nothing specifically for today.  I want to be open and flexible and looking for a need.  It kind of defeats the purpose to be so rigid that I miss an urgent issue.  It has been frustrating to know I should be doing something today, but I was thinking.  Then on our walk this morning, I was talking to Carrie about my next door neighbor Paul.  He told me this summer that he has cancer and he and his wife Sue have been updating me.  He had surgery that removed part of his lung and was in the hospital for 2 weeks.  He really wanted to get back to work last week and feel a small victory.  When I saw him get home that first night, I could tell it was a rough day.  So this morning I was telling Carrie that I want to do something for them, but bringing dinner does not seem appropriate.  She said, “Make cookies!”  Now why didn’t I think of that?   

So the girls and I sliced and baked 2 kinds of cookies (Because that’s how we roll.  I honestly can’t imagine having the girls “help” me make cookies from scratch!)   We delivered the cookies when they cooled and the only ones home were Paul's son, daughter-in-law, and grandson.  I don't usually chat with them, but I think they know who we are.  I saved cookies for us (obviously), so I suppose this one counts as a twofer-blessing my neighbors AND my family.  Can't beat that!

Hello World!

So I decided to start a blog, but until yesterday I had no idea what to write about.  Since I have stayed home for the past 4 years, my life pretty much (read: completely) revolves around my children.  As great as they are, I knew no one would care about my mundane life after a few entries.  Not even my family.  I even get bored with being in the house ALL THE TIME.  Knowing how blessed I am to have a healthy family and a husband with a good job that provides everything we need isn’t always enough to keep me from having a pity party and feeling stuck here.  I always say I am going to volunteer and help people, but then I always think of an excuse.  The usual excuse is 2 years old and occasionally there is a 4 year old excuse thrown in.  I decided yesterday to do something nice for someone every day.  I need to just throw myself in all the way and do it.  No more “I should,” but “I will.”  I am scared of this because there are 365 days a year and that takes a lot of ideas! 

Writing about this seems like the perfect way to go.  I want to be held accountable and not just say to myself that I will do it.  (Because half the time I don’t even listen to myself.)   It will get me out of my own head and instead thinking about how to help the world around me.  Growing up I was surrounded by family members who were constantly going out of their way to help others.  They saw needs and filled them.  My brain doesn’t seem programmed like that, but I want to be a good example to my children.  And maybe anyone reading this will be inspired to help others more.  I know I am fortunate to have a schedule that allows me to do this every day and write about it, but everyone has time to do something small. 

Today is an easy day to start as I have already taken care of it!  Our wonderful Church NorthStar is amazing at community works and has September’s Big Give to fill up barrels for MUST Ministries.  At the grocery store today I picked up some extra canned goods and now have a bag waiting to go.  This blog won’t always involve monetary donations, but today did.  Sometimes it will be for a family member, neighbor, friend, or stranger.   Now that I am doing it, I need to constantly be looking for ways to show kindness.  Welcome to my challenge and thanks ahead of time to those who will support me in this!