A Neighbor in Need

Right after the girls and I got home from the gym, our next door neighbor rang the bell.  I don't like answering the door when James isn't home.  She rang a couple times and I ignored her.  Well, James saw her when he got home and told me her husband passed away.  I have been praying for Paul's cancer for months and hadn't realized he was getting worse.  Of course I feel bad, but I wouldn't have been able to chat in the middle of the day with the girls home anyways.  So I went over and rang her doorbell.  For once, no one that lives there was home!  So I wrote a note telling her I know there is nothing I can say that will make her feel better but I am praying for her and her family.

Being Nice at the Pool

At the pool today, we brought a float that is shaped like a duck.  Lauren tried using it, but she is really too big for it.  One of our neighbors' little girls played with it and just LOVED it.  Her mom tried to give it back, and we told her to just keep it.  I am sure Kaitlyn could have still played with it, but it felt good to let Victoria have it!

MUST Lunches

Monday is the first time this summer that our Church is helping MUST Ministries provide lunches to kids who need them (who would normally have school provide it.)  There is usually 3 throughout the summer.  I signed up to bring in 50 baggies of baby carrots this weekend.  Then the other day I got an email from the coordinator that they need more brought in.  Since it is a holiday weekend, people are probably not around.  So I told her I would also bring in 50 juice boxes.  Whew!  It feels good to give kids the food they need.

Facebook Fun

My aunt Vivi has been on my mind so I sent her a message that I love her.  I also have been praying for one of my college roommates.  Her husband may have a chance at a job across the country, so she asked that we pray about their decision.  I just sent her a message to tell her I have been praying and to see how things are.

Some Witty Phrase

I decided to write a note to one of Mom's friends.  Her son and daughter-in-law just had their second child. So I took the time to tell her congratulations.  (Well, it has been a while, but better late than never!) 

One Last Treat

Today I made cookies and took them to the teachers and staff at Lauren's preschool.  Tomorrow is the last day of school, and Lauren has had a wonderful year.  I included a general thank you note for their hard work.  I think a good preschool base really paves the way for the future!

A Listening Ear

While at the gym today, I had on my headphones and was content to watch TV.  The elderly gentleman next to me kept trying to talk to me (and when I say talk I really mean shout).  At first I politely answered his questions and went on. Then after awhile, I left them off and listened to him.  He told me about his great granddaughter and what he does for a living.  It wasn't what I wanted to do, but I could spare a few minutes from the Doctors TV show!

Done by 9 AM!

This morning I had some nice quiet time!  I wrote a letter to someone who has had a big impact on my life.  Sometimes we assume people know how we feel, but even if they do, reminders are great!  An email would have worked, but having it on paper means much more.  Does that make me sound old?

Early Birthday Present

So today James brought home a gift card that he won and gave to me for Amazon.  I suppose I could think of something to do with it myself, but God has other plans.  See, I have a friend who has struggled for years to tithe a full 10% and she finally was able to let go and do it.  I know how hard it is to be on one income with kids and give that money.  When James and I decided to give God the first money of each paycheck, it really blessed us.  Doing so was second nature to me, but not to James.  Anyways, once this friend started tithing regularly, I felt God wanting to use me to bless her for it.  We talked a while back about how she would like a Kindle.  I told God if He wanted me to help her get one, He would have to let me know.  When this gift card fell in my lap, I knew!

Every Little Bit Helps!

Kaitlyn and I were out this morning and her reward for being so good was lunch at Chick Fil A.  (Well fine, it was a reward for both of us!)  They were taking collections for Relay for Life, so I put my change in one of the jars.  Funny, but before this blog I didn't notice how many places had these out.  And I didn't have much change on me either......

Birthday Card

Today is James' brother Robert's birthday.  I made sure to have Lauren make him a card.  10 days ago was the other brother Thomas' birthday, and she made one for him.  Robert is sensitive about being left out, even unintentionally.  The girls get their names mixed up most times, but they really love their uncles!  I just don't want Robert to feel bad on his birthday.

Not to Brag...

But I have lost a little weight lately.  OK maybe a little bragging.  :)  I went through my closet and tried on clothes.  Whatever was too big I am giving away.  I gave some clothes away recently, but obviously not everything!

Weekly Note

Since I haven't heard from my brother Keith lately, I thought I would go all Grandma on him and send him a letter!  He used to call often for advice and even to chat, but not so much lately.  I want him to remember I pray for him everyday, and of course he will get a Lauren original!

Stamp Out Hunger

Before leaving to get Lauren at school and then running to Walmart, I got the mail.  They had included a plastic bag for their annual food drive.  So while at Walmart, I picked up nonperishable food items.  Now all I have to do is leave the bag by the mailbox Saturday! (The poor mail lady......)

Oops!

Sitting here tonight with the kids finally in bed, it hit me that I hadn't done this yet.  How do I still forget some days when I have been doing this since September?  Oh well.  I connected with and encouraged people on facebook.    Simple, easy and fun.  And I usually hear back from them when I do this.

Why Is This So Hard?

We had things planned for today, but I rearranged the day for Kaitlyn.  She wasn't sick but wasn't feeling good.  We read and played more and stayed in.  What gave me this idea was Mike's sermon Sunday.  One thing he said stuck with me and that is that we should be kind to those we are around most, and then we can be kind to strangers.  It makes no sense to me, since I find it easier to be around strangers sometimes!  But I am challenging myself to be more patient with my family.

We Are Now Nurses

Our little friend Maggie broke her collarbone this weekend (ouch!) so the girls and I decided to try to make her feel better.  To keep her still and calm-pretty much impossible for a 4 year old-we are letting her borrow our copy of the movie Tangled.  She hasn't seen it, so maybe she will sit still and watch it a bunch over the next few weeks.  And we made cupcakes and took half to her family.  I know I know, we are giving her sugar and then hoping she will be calm.  Good luck with that Carrie!

They Will Taste Even Better

Tonight is Lauren's preschool's spring fling.  They have been asking for baked good donations this week and I forgot until this morning!  I took a cake there so I feel better.  The proceeds of the event are going to Reach Out and Read, the Children's Miracle Network, and Children's Hunger Relief Fund.  You can't choose just one of those causes I guess!

Dinner!

Well, tonight I had to twist an arm to do something nice!  Carrie was driving the 2 of us downtown to a book signing.  I told her I would buy her dinner since she had driven.  The only way I could convince her to let me was to tell her it was for my blog.  ha!

Some Thoughts

Before I went to drop off clothes this morning, I found unused cosmetics (mostly gifts with purchase) and travel sized deoderant, tooth paste, a tooth brush, and a razor.  All these things were free, but I don't travel so I won't use them.  I also included 2 books-365 Day Brighteners and Finding Hope When Life's Not Fair.  I thought people might like these things!
When I got to the Tae Kwon Do place that is collecting, no one was there!  So I called the number on the door and talked to a man.  He laughed and said the response has been pretty overwhelming.  They have had to close up a few times to be able to move donations out. He thanked me several times for bringing clothes!  I felt humbled because all I did was gather up a few things and drive them over.  This local business went above and beyond to help out.  Most people want to help when tragedy strikes, but we don't know what to do.  I didn't know anyone personally who lost their home in the tornadoes.  Having someone who was willing to coordinate and do the real work will mean the world to those hurting people.

Blessing People Who Really Need It

This afternoon I have been gathering up some clothes and blankets to donate to tornado victims.  They told us at Church where we can bring those types of things by Thursday.  My plan is to drop it all off tomorrow. Maybe we will include some toys!

Encouragement

Tonight I gave some people encouragement on Facebook.  One of my friends' husband started his job today, that we have been praying about for months.  I checked on one cousin's sick baby, and another cousin who started a job today.  I like to remind people I am praying for them.  I know that always makes me feel good to hear someone say!