Undie Sunday

This Sunday our Church is collecting socks and underwear for tornado victims.  The point was made that people will donate used clothes, but rarely unused undergarments.  I am going to get some later. 

We All Face Storms

Some of us literally.  After the storms devastated so many areas last night, I am thankful our home and family were safe.  It is hard to see the destroyed homes and buildings on the news.  I figure the least I could do is give some money.  We may still donate items, but today I made a donation to the Red Cross.

What the?

For some reason, I got a big container of formula in the mail today.  I barely used it when I HAD babies, and my youngest is almost 3!  I wasn't sure what to do with it but decided to take it to my friend with a newborn.  She is using formula and was very thankful for it!  On the way home Lauren and I discussed why we had gone there.  In the end she didn't get it, so I just enforced that we were giving something to a friend that we couldn't use.

They're BA-ACK!

Since yesterday our rose bush had a bunch of blooms-first of the season!  This morning I cut a few, and Lauren took 2 to school for her teachers.  I want her to experience the smiles this act will bring.  On the way home from school I asked if they liked them.  We spent a couple minutes chatting about how good it feels to do something nice for someone before she told me about the worm she found.  Baby steps I guess.

Getting Better at This

After a hectic day, a trip grocery shopping with 2 kids didn't make it any easier.  I saw that the cashier and bagger whose line I was entering are young, so I grabbed some Cokes.  As we were finishing up, I handed them the Cokes and said "these are for you."  It felt less weird this time than in the past!  The looks on their faces were shocked when they thanked me.  As I walked away, I heard them say how awesome it was.  Something small can make someone's day (or at least their breaktime) happier! And those smiles were contagious to me!

A Twofer

James is with Lauren right now, getting her 5 year check up-and 4 or 5 shots!  So I thought I would distract her from the pain and do something nice for James' family.  Cookies are in the oven.... Lauren can have one and then we will take the rest to Grandma and Grandpa tonight.  Poor kid!

Had to Really Dig In!

At the register at Walgreen this morning, there was a container taking donations for Relay for Life.  This just drew me in as I have participated in Relay in the past.  Being there was an inspiration as there are many cancer survivors, and hearing their stories as they are being honored is very moving.  So I dug in my purse for about 5 minutes and found the change to donate.  Maybe one day I will participate with my girls!

Friends Are a Gift From God

Now that I have my own Christian friend in the neighborhood, I understand my Mom's friendship in our PA neighborhood even more!  When you stay at home with small children, it can be very isolating.  I love having someone who understands my life and agrees on big issues with me  :)  We may not get together as often as the West Chester crew seemed to, but we are there for each other.  I wrote a note to one of the ladies (the one I don't talk to on the phone as often) and thanked her for blessing my Mom and loving our family. 

Musings

Today has been a restless day for me.  James is playing tennis tonight, so the day has seemed endless.  I decided to read some of my Little Book of Joy to inspire myself. 
Two quotes that stuck out to me are "If God chooses to remain silent, faith is content." Ruth Bell Graham
"Blessings can either humble us and draw us closer to God or allow us to become full of pride and self-sufficiency."  Jim Cymbala

I found some for some friends, to encourage and inspire them.  My friend Holly was telling me this morning that her Dad is probably ready for hospice to come in, but he doesn't want it.  Our conversation brought up memories of my Mom and hospice, so I gave her a verse.  

More For MUST

Mondays are usually usually easier for me, since I have to go to the grocery store.  It really opens up my options!  I got canned goods for MUST Ministries.  They are always in need!

Mo Money

James' brother's girlfriend (did you get that?) is running a half marathon in June and is supposed to raise $1500!  What a big challenge-both the running and the fundraising.  I made a donation which goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

My Prolific Child!

Lauren came home from school a woman on a mission.  That child has colored up a storm!  The first picture she did is for her Boppa (which brought tears to my eyes from being so sweet). The next one is for aunt Merrilyn.  This picture is very good too!  Now she is doing one for her friend Maggie.  Maggie and her Mama brought Lauren a gift and cookies the other day so I had planned on doing something for them when we return the cookie container.  I guess that can be the picture!

For Today and Tomorrow

There was a stack of Lauren's artwork in the kitchen.....and now there is not.  I picked out a few to send to my cousins Jill and Julie and their families.  Both have kids who are so much older than mine, so I thought they would get a kick out of a small child's art.  :)

I Can't Imagine

This morning at the grocery store I made a donation to the March of Dimes.  We put it in Kaitlyn's name  :)  Having a sick baby would be so difficult.  You can't explain what is wrong and why they feel bad, and you can't take it on yourself.  Thank God for companies like March of Dimes for support and research!

Big Spender!

While shoe shopping today, I went to Starbucks (which is in the shoe store!  Came in handy today.)  I'll be honest, I don't tip for a coffee.  It's coffee.  But I had found a bunch of change in my purse and dropped some in.  Technically I gave more than 20%.  I'd say that is generous, even if it isn't much money.  :)

No Postage

This week has been challenging with Lauren home and the girls fighting.  (What am I going to do in the summer?)  All my energy and brain power has been going to them, and I have been running out of ideas for this!  But today I connected with several people on Facebook and encouraged and congratulated them.  Not the same as a note in the mail, but you gotta keep up with the times!

Took 5 Minutes

I decided to write a note to our old neighbor Nancy.  She sends me notes periodically and tells me how her girls are.  All I usually send are pictures.  So I decided to write and thank her for keeping me informed.  And for praying for our family with the other ladies every week  :)

They Don't Work For Us Anymore

Despite my love for being barefoot, I can't imagine not having shoes at all!  I was reading an article that talked about people not wearing shoes for a whole day to raise awareness for kids who can't afford them.  Now, I am not going to not wear shoes, but I AM going to give some away.  I bought new sneakers 2 months ago but apparently they are too narrow.  (Or my feet are fat, but we won't go there.)  They are Adidas and new, so it pains me to replace them, but they hurt my feet so bad!  Normally I would toss an old pair in the trash, but these are good shoes for someone else.  And since little kids' feet grow fast, I am going to take some of my shoes as well as the girls', and donate them.

Extra Blessing

One of our pastors spoke yesterday about using the talents you were given.  I have always felt I don't really have any-I mean, I am OK at some things, but nothing has ever really stuck out to me.  But it occurred to me during the sermon that this blog is my way of using what God gave me the way I can.  I am good at encouraging people and giving little things to brighten their day.  It seems small to me, but at least it is something!
This is Lauren's spring break so I am already exhausted!  After the kids go to bed tonight, I am going to spend time praying.  I pray throughout each day, but I am going to really pray for family and friends.  One is my friend Holly.  I found out today that doctors say her Dad's cancer has gotten worse and they are taking him off his medicine.  So I will pray for her and the rest of my list.

I Am Counting It!

Carrie and I are doing a 5K run/walk tomorrow (emphasis on the walk) and had the option of picking up our shirt and goodie bag today.  I told her I would get both of ours.  The girls and I sat in traffic, and I had to listen to Lauren talk the entire time.  So I am counting this as a good deed, even though I needed mine anyways.  :)