Multitasker

While I walked through the canned vegetable aisle at Publix today, I picked up a few cans to donate at Church.  I got my grocery shopping done and did something nice at the same time!

Finally Doing It!

Years ago, I decided I would write someone a letter once a week.  So I got pretty cards with my name on them and maybe wrote letters the first 2 weeks before I stopped.  (Those pretty cards are probably somewhere in the house.)  Now that I have this blog I really do it about once a week.  It is so easy to let someone know you are thinking of them!  Today I wrote a note to our good friend Kathie Sipple. 

Fun Day

Tonight we were in Athens and met up with our friend Srav.  We took her to Mellow Mushroom and paid for her dinner and gave a bigger tip than normal.  So much for a cheaper week off, but we had a great time catching up and treating Srav!

Waaaaay Too Much Work!

Since we had to go to Walmart today, I thought I would try buying the cashier a Coke.  The poor thing was so confused when I told her it was for her.  She said she didn't think she was allowed to, but we talked to another cashier and it was fine.  She seemed so flustered and had all these excuses.  She reminded me of us in life.  So many times we feel we don't deserve something good happening or it seems like it has been so long since anything good has happened, we don't recognize it when it does.  How sad that we don't just accept good things and say thank you!
She finally did accept the Coke and even asked if I am a Christian!  I told her yes, and that I got this idea from Church.  In the end I made her day, after she got out of her own way.

Musings

Well, this week is a bit different again, with Lauren home from school for winter break and James home for vacation.  All my normal routines are impossible.  But we did take the girls to Tellus Museum, for kids.  We had a great time, but obviously it was not mine or James' choice to go.  We just knew they would love it.  So we did something for the girls, and all had a blast!
This whole blog idea has really been teaching me a lot about myself.  There are definitely days I wish I could just quit.  But I also know if I didn't write about it (even if no one reads it), I wouldn't necessarily do something every day.  I have learned what my talents are and what I can do at this phase of my life.  For instance I enjoy giving people little gifts and encouraging them with a note.  The times I have done volunteer work, I have enjoyed it.  However, since I always have at least one child with me and James' work schedule is tough to work around, I find it hard to do.  When I had to cancel volunteering, I hated letting someone down.  Now I know I need to be patient and do more volunteering when the girls are a little older.  If I hadn't been doing this blog, I wouldn't be aware of these things.  And I wouldn't be wondering what I could for someone!

Took Care of Numero Uno

I did something for myself today.  For the first time since before I was pregnant with Lauren (so, what, about 6 years?) I got my nails done!  It doesn't cost much, but I always seem to talk myself out of it.  Not today though! 

So Sad

Today I am just sending a card to someone who lost a baby yesterday.  :(

Kinda Fun!

I was planning on taking the girls to James' parents this afternoon, and I offered to get Jane something at Starbucks.  She said she was trying to be good, so no.  I went through the drive-thru and ended up with $3.11 left on a gift card (not my birthday one).  When the cashier gave me my drink, I asked her to use the balance on the lady's order behind me.  She smiled and said OK.  I have never done that before, but it felt good!

Mmm Cookies

When we were driving through the neighborhood this morning, I looked at the house that an older couple live in and saw the woman sitting in the window.  It made me think of my Grandma and I wondered if she was sitting waiting for someone to come or just enjoying the sun.  :)  I felt compelled to take them cookies today.  We have only met them once, but that is not important.  The girls and I made chocolate chip and dropped them off this afternoon.  He was so appreciative and chatted with the girls.  The walk home took some time because the girls wanted to pick every dandelion in the 2 yards between us.  Nice simple gesture that we benefited from too!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Yeah yeah I know I am late.  With sickness in the house the last week, we kind of skipped over Valentine's Day.  This morning I was at the grocery store where all the sale stuff was out.  So since everyone seems to be getting better, I got my 3 valentines some special things.  We made it through, and I want to let them all know I love them!

Glad I Thought Ahead

Yesterday I was reading a book and kept thinking how a friend might like it too.  I was going to go to get it for her today, but decided to do it yesterday instead.  Good thing since the rest of my family is now sick, and it would be hard to get out.  Hope she enjoys it!

More For Church

Our Church does such amazing things all the time!  This month's big give is this Sunday, and we are supposed to bring cookies and juice boxes for the special needs dance. I picked some up this afternoon to bring.  I love the hearts that do special things like this and a ball field, that are dedicated to kids with special needs.  It makes them feel so special!

I Am Such a DORK!

The girls and I had to go to the bank and gas station this afternoon, and I always bring my post it notes these days.  So I decided to leave notes for the people after me at the ATM and pump.  I wrote "Everyone looks good with a smile!"  I didn't want to insult someone by saying "better", hence the "good."  Always thinking!  Maybe whoever reads them will just groan, but maybe they will groan AND smile!

Nothing New Today

My plan today was to make cookies for us (it is Kaitlyn's half birthday) and for someone else.  I hadn't decided who yet.  But when Kaitlyn got sick with some stomach bug and I don't feel so good, that plan flew out the window.  No one wants germy cookies anyways.  We can make them when we all feel good!

Stealth Mode

Once again I did something random (which means I couldn't think of anything else).  I had another pad of paper that has Matthew 7:7 at the bottom "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."  I took the dog on a walk with it. As I walked by a neighbor's yard I heard another dog bark, so I put it on their porch.  So scientific. We haven't seen this family much lately, but at least it is someone I know!

Sweet

At the grocery store this morning, I got a bag of James' favorite candy.  After spending time with just him this weekend, I am more grateful to have him as my partner in life!  And maybe if the girls are good he will share with them....

Call Betty Ford

I am addicted to making people smile!  The other day I had bought a box of 12 Ferrero Rocher chocolates.  I gave it to Lauren's teacher for her and the rest of the ladies.  They earn it every day.  She is always so appreciative and smiley!

You've Got Mail

For some reason, I have had some family friends on my mind the last few days.  I decided to write them a note.  I love emails, but there is something about getting mail!

Sometimes Good Things Are Contagious Too

James told me I rubbed off on him!  He had a coupon for a free chicken biscuit at Chick-Fil-A and tried to use it today.  The cashier didn't understand and charged him for one and gave him a free one.  He thought about explaining he only wanted one but then decided to give the extra one away!  What a good man!

100 Posts!

And on my birthday!  This morning has not been what I expected.  Yesterday I got a postcard from Starbucks for a free drink.  I brought it with me to the gym today, so I could use it after I worked out.  On the way there, I thought I would give it away instead.  I had looked forward to it, but suddenly this sounded better.  My first idea was to give it someone in line at Starbucks, but my name and address is on it.  That didn't sound safe.  Then I thought of Holly at the gym.  I was on my way there anyways, and her Dad finally had his brain surgery Friday.  Her life is very up and down these days, and her one vice is coffee.  When I got there, she happened to be by the door and told me Happy Birthday!  I pulled the card out and when she saw it, she asked if I got this backwards.  :)  It made me feel so good to give it to her and she said she could use this now.

I thought the story was over, but it wasn't.  When Kaitlyn and I got home there was a bag on my doorstep from Carrie.  This wasn't a shock, but I thought there would be cookies in it since it is what is known as "Tookie Tuesday."   There was a sweet card with a STARBUCKS GIFT CARD!  I had just given coffee away, and it came back to me.  I felt God used Carrie to show me He saw me give Holly a gift and brought much more to me.   What a testimony to trying to live life with your hand held open.  And what a way to end my first 100 days of this blog!