The Lessons...

With the kids home this past week, I haven't had much time to write. I do want to put the lessons I learned into writing so that I can refer back when I forget the power this last month held.

First I learned that I get overwhelmed and stifled pretty easily. I am notorious for making excuses and talking myself out of action. What these last 25 days have shown me is that all I have to do is put one foot in front of the other. I have always envisioned a grand entrance into volunteering...when I have the time. I tell myself that when my kids are older, I will certainly give much more. Truth is I don't have to wait and my family doesn't have to suffer because of my desire to do for others. One small gesture can have a lasting ripple affect. A simple smile can change the course of a person's day. If that is all I have to give, it is more than enough.

I also learned that opening my heart to the needs of others changed the energy I present to the world. I typically have a very closed energy. I go about my business and truthfully avoid interaction with strangers. I'm sure much of that comes from childhood. I had a few scary stranger run-ins which created a tough exterior. Now that I am an adult, I can let down that guard and let people in, even if only for a minute or two. The other night I was at the Hobby Lobby and the girl in front of me just started talking to me. She obviously had things on her mind. She opened the conversation by telling me that she was exhausted and her trip was only half over. I had no idea what she was talking about but I asked her about it and she vented a little. Before now, that just wouldn't have happened.

I learned that my kids really are sponges. They look to us for guidance on how to live their lives. When we feed them good food, their bodies thrive. When we feed them good information, their spirits and minds thrive. We have the power to instill so much. It takes a conscious effort but it is so worth it!

I learned that I like discipline. It has always been a struggle for me. Many times I have wanted to blog everyday or exercise everyday but I always fall off the wagon. This is the first time in a long time that I put my mind to something and saw it through everyday for 25 days. I loved it! I loved the feeling of accomplishment and the way it changed me. You do have to do something consistently for a long period of time to see a change. And a change I have seen.

Most importantly I learned that one person truly can make a difference. I have been skeptical of that for a long time. One of the ways that I have talked myself out of acting is that if it's not big enough, it won't matter. So not true. In the small gestures we made, I could see a huge effect.

I will continue this habit, maybe not on a daily basis, but it is a part of me now. I am grateful for the experience and I look forward to committing to another 25 days. The catalyst for this was Christmas but it is an invaluable exercise any time of year!

Thank you all again for doing this with me. For your kind words of support, for your encouragement and love. I am grateful for you all!

Wrapping Up 25 Days of Giving

The final 4 days of

Day 22: Lunch for Daddy's Office

We picked up lunch for daddy and the girls in his office. I had been wanting to do something for the women who make our business run. B would be lost without them. They take care of him as if her were their own. I am eternally grateful for their hard work and undying loyalty. We never have to worry about what is going on in our business because of his wonderful staff. Tuesday was a VERY busy day in the office and the roads were bad due to a winter storm. I think they were happy to have their lunch delivered and I was more than happy to bring it!

Day 23: Delivery for People in Need

The kiddos and I delivered needed items to our local homeless shelter. We live in a lovely suburb. The serene surroundings and big, beautiful homes make it hard to believe that there are people in our community without a roof over their heads. I checked the shelter's website and it listed their most needed items so that is what we brought.

I was moved to tears as I walked in and the reality of the situation hit me. I am sure that the families who reside there are grateful but, spoiled as I am, I cannot imagine spending the holidays in a shelter.

The woman who greeted me and took my donation was so incredibly gracious. I could tell that she was overwhelmed by the generosity of her community. There was hardly room on her sheet to record our donation. I felt a pull to this place. I know I will be back.

Day 24: Another Jewel Gift Card

I struck again with the Jewel gift card. Yes, I was grocery shopping on Christmas eve with the rest of the world. We were checking out and I saw another $10 gift card in my bag that had yet to be given. I wandered the store and the excitement, anxiety, fear rose in me. This random giving thing is quite a rush. You never know how people are going to take it. I worry that they are thinking "What? Do I look like I can't pay for my own groceries". Which, of course, is not the message I am trying to send. I chose a woman who was older (I have learned I have quite a heart for the elderly). I walked up and said "My family and I would like to give you this $10 gift card." She looked taken aback and a little irritated. She looked at me with a scowl and said "What is this? Why are you doing this?" I told her that we were practicing 25 days of giving and today we would like to give something to her. Her face softened...no melted. She smiled at me and gave me a heart-felt thank you. I wished her a merry Christmas and she did the same but I felt that our words meant more. We connected at the heart. The words were not just a common late December salutation. It was good, real good.

Day 25: Christmas

I think everyone knows what kind of giving goes on on this day. This year was a bit different, for me at least. Most Christmas' I feel a little sad, a little empty. B and I tend to go overboard. The family room gets filled to overflowing and the kids hardly have enough interest to get through all of the unwrapping. This year we were able to impart gratitude for what we have. They had a better understanding of how blessed we are so spoiling them a little on Christmas day felt much better. It is OK to receive but it is imperative to receive gratefully. It is really best to give. For by giving we receive far more than can be wrapped up under the tree.

Beautiful.

If only our morning minds were filled with stories like this everyday instead of violence, corruption and war. I know I would feel much more hopeful and a little bit lighter. I am inspired.

Frugal but Giving

Day 21

Day 21 of 

My first morning without children in a very long time was all but ruined by this:

I gave the man who did it forgiveness and kindness. He was very shaken up and felt horrible for what he had done. I think he expected me to be incredibly annoyed, if not irate. He certainly didn't need berating from me.  He was having a rough enough morning as it was. I was grateful.  After all, we were both in one piece and the cars can be fixed and fortunately my kids weren't with me.  Its all good in the end. I just hope his day looked up from here.

Day 20

Day 20 of

This is a tough one. Probably the hardest I have yet to do. Day 20 I gave to myself. I gave myself forgiveness and compassion. I spent the day making Christmas gifts and never left the house. I thought about running to the computer to find something that I could quickly give money to but then decided that it was ok that I didn't get out into the world that day. I will certainly make up for it because I want to but I gave myself permission to fall down. For it is in the many reminders that I am not perfect that I find peace and contentment. It is my imperfections that make me human and make me me. I am notoriously hard on myself and would ordinarily beat myself up for days. Or I would have thrown money at something to cover up my mistake. Not this time. I am proud of day 20. To me, it is a critical form of giving. Giving kindness, forgiviness and understanding to ourselves is a huge part of this process. Now back to giving to others!

Days 18 &19

Days 18 & 19 of

First of all, I have to state that I am in utter shock that I am now at day 21. This has been one of the fastest moving months of my life. I'm sure it would have felt that way anyway because of all the holiday preparations and what not. But this committment made things absolutely fly. Good heavens, time flies when you aren't totally focused on yourself!

Day 18: Time to Give to Our Teachers

Absolutely one of the most important, least appreciated occupations out there. I hope our teachers felt some love in the gifts we gave them. I hate giving gift cards because they are so impersonal, but our teachers end up spending their own money on things for their class. We gave them gift cards to one of those big super stores so they can buy things for themselves, for someone else or for their class. Sammy's teacher is expecting her first child any day so we had to throw in a couple onsies and a swaddling blanket. Merry Christmas teachers!

Day 19: So Grateful for Good Friends

We went to our very good friends' house for a pizza party. I brought my friend a set of handmade ornaments and a yummy bottle of wine. Good friends are truly hard to come by so giving a little something to show my gratitude makes my heart all warm and fuzzy.

Last Minute Handmade Christmas?

There is nothing like waiting for the last minute to get those so very important Christmas presents finished. I wouldn't be me if I wasn't scrambling the days before. I have accepted that's how I roll.

I have had this project on my to do list for a while. Thankfully these are super quick to make. Just grab a 5 pack of flour sack towels, a few inches of lovely flower fabric, a pack of ric rac and, in about 20 minutes, you will have an adorable set of dish towels.

I have found a deep love of spray adhesive. I don't even bother cutting and ironing web. I just spray that little applique, stick it on and sew. I used the same method for the applique pillows. Love!!

Crochet Ornaments

I used a motif from this book. If you are looking for a great gift for a fiber artist, this is one. This book has brilliant motifs that become almost anything...like ornaments:)

Day 17: Warmth for Some Kiddos

Day 17 of

You can learn a lot about yourself doing this giving thing. Obviously I my heart wants to feed and give warmth....probably because those are things I value highly. There is nothing more comforting that a full belly and a warm and cozy body. 

My neighbor, yes the same beautiful soul who bought for the family at her school, works in a very poor district. She told me that there are kids who don't have a winter coat, hat and gloves. Yesterday the high temperature was 16 degrees. She informed me that the nurse has a coat closet where spare winter clothing is kept for the kids in need. Sammy and I picked up a couple of coats and some hats and gloves to put in the closet. Hopefully they can provide warmth for a chilly little person...and hopefully they can feel the love infused in the lining:)

Kerry, these are coming to you this afternoon:)

Days 15 and 16

Day 15: Sweet Treats for the NeighborsHand delivered by me and my kiddos in the subzero weather. Now that is love y'all:)Day 16: Toys for TotsSammy and I picked out a new toy to put into the bin at Taekwondo this morning. I swear, I could fill my whole 25 days if I just took note of all of the collection boxes around town. So happy to help bring joy to a child in need on Christmas.

Just wanted to say...

Thank you. Thank you to all who have traveled along side of me on this giving journey. I can't tell you what the support and encouragement have meant. I feel myself tearing up as I write this.

Usually when I blog, I want to see lots of comments at the end of each post. It feeds my ego, you know? The posts for 25 days of giving have not received large amounts of blogger comments, but what I have received is so much love. The times that you write to me, somehow you manage to say just the right things. Those of you who aren't "bloggers" but are physically part of my life, uplift me and push me forward with your kind words and encouraging ideas. My heart has swelled to overflowing and I am so grateful.

I have a statcounter on this blog so I know that there are readers who don't comment. I am so very grateful for you as well. Thank you for encouraging me with your mere presence. The fact that you take a moment out of your day to stop by this place means the world to me.

Thank you all! You inspire me to keep going, to not ever stop working to be the best mother, wife, woman, human being I can be.

Day 14: A Very Simple Day

But, as every other day in this commitment, another opportunity to learn.  I had a great conversation with a very dear friend of mine. She is an inspiration and she gave me some food for thought. She is a pilates and yoga instructor and informed me that this experience of daily giving is a big element of yoga (I knew yoga was for me). She said that the expression of giving can be as simple as giving a smile or a kind word to another. I have been insisting on making my acts grander and usually monetary. I enjoy those things but I wanted to try this simple giving as well.
Sammy and I had just 15 minutes to run through the grocery for dinner. An adorable, very pregnant girl kept popping up while we shopped frantically. She ended up behind us in line at the checkout. I felt inclined to talk with her. She was scheduled to deliver her second daughter in two days. This baby was breech and would come via C-section, something this mother had never experienced. I told her that my girls came c-section too and that it was just fine. As we chatted, I noticed that she was buying her baby formula with food stamps. If I had been more mentally prepared to give, I would have had the presence of mind to grab a quick gift card for her. But since we were in such a hurry, all I had to offer was kind word and hopefully a little support.
I wished that I had been able to do more but I rested in the belief that I am a work in progress. The next time I am in that situation, I will be better prepared to work quickly. In the end, I believe that kindness goes a long way, even if no monetary item accompanies. 

So Much Inspiration

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by all of the inspiration I find in the blogosphere. The other day I was on a crazy roll of amazing women posting incredible things.

The idea for this ornament wreath came from here. I ran right out and picked up a 50 pack of ornaments and within 20 minutes, I had this little beauty hanging on my banister. I was so grateful because my poor banister needed a little Christmas pick me up!

I also grabbed some slippers so I can do this to them.

Felt ornaments are in the works. These are absolutely to die for!

Oh and if I could possibly find the time, I would make at least 2 of these

A 3 in 1 Giving Post

Days 11, 12 and 13 of

Day 11 started off a bit rough. I was not feeling well at all. My body was racked with pain and I was sure I was ill. I had a hard time doing much of anything but by afternoon I felt well enough to run to Walmart for a quick errand. 

I was concerned that my not feeling well was going to lead to my first failed day, but even in my pitiful state, that thought upset me.  I rushed through the store just trying to get home as quickly as possible and this was sitting far from the toy section on an end-cap:
Just the day before my lovely neighbor called me to ask if I had any train ideas for a kindergartner. You see she was buying for a family from the school she works at. The mother is a battered woman and she and her children are living in a shelter. The mother is too proud to ask for help but my neighbor saw a need and wanted to fill it. The 5 year old boy asked Santa for a train but we couldn't think of an option that wasn't too advanced or too baby-ish. This little beauty picked me. It is all contained to one set so setting it up in their temporary home will be easy and it is remote control, a big draw for a 5 year old. 

This day was just another reminder to me that if I open myself up, the opportunities to give will present themselves. 

Day 12: The McDonald's drive-thru bandit strikes again. 

I swear, this is becoming one of my favorite methods of giving. It is exhilarating and fun!

Jack was with me and we had a very interesting conversation. I asked him if we should pay for the people behind us and he instantly said no. I asked him why and he thought for a minute and finally said, "I don't have a good reason for why not but I just don't think we should." I did it anyway and he felt the joy and exhilaration that I was talking about. I could also sense a bit of pride in this old mom of his. I said "How would you feel if one day someone paid for you?" His response was "People don't do that, Mom". And I said "Well, we just did."  I asked him what he thought the world would look like if we all just took a minute to do something nice and unexpected for each other. The next statement hurt my heart a little, he said "But Mom, we live in America and that is the opposite of how people are here." As a kid, I don't ever remember thinking that. I hurt inside that my son who is becoming a young man sees his country that way. If nothing else, I hope he sees that one person can make a difference. Even if it's just to do something kind for someone else. That joyful, giving feeling is contagious. If only everyone could catch the bug.

Day 13: A little hockey mom giving.

Jack and I donated 2 hours this morning to help raise money and awareness for the sport my son has whole-heartedly adopted. Hockey is painfully expensive and lots of families can't afford to have their children pay these days. Our club is doing all they can to keep the costs down so the least we could do is pitch in to help. It was fun and I got to do it with my big boy. A big win all around!

Day 10: Holy Bake-athon

Day 10

My little sous chefs helping me make dozens and dozens of cookies. Our favorite kinds, of course:)

Where are these yummy cookies going, you ask? To the juvenile detention center in our area.  Each boy will get a dozen homemade cookies and the kiddos and I were more than happy to help.

4 tins on their way out the door.

And I had to include a gratuitous cute puppy shot. This is where my baby stayed for over an hour this morning. She came in from from the sub zero temps and couldn't get that little floofy body warm. Poor girl!

Seems Strange

That my heart is overflowing and warm even though the world outside looks like this:

The warmth of my cozy home, the closeness of my children and the completely joyful spirit of Christmas are more than enough to battle the blizzard outside. In fact, I am grateful for the chaos outside because it makes me overwhelmed with gratitude for the peace inside.

Crafting and Giving, Giving and Crafting

Day 9 of

It's fun when my hobby and my commitment collide. Last week a mom at the girls' preschool stopped me to tell me that she had been looking everywhere for hair barrettes like my girls' and she hadn't been able to find anything like them. She asked if I had them custom made and I told that, yes, I sort of did:) I informed her that I made them myself. She asked if I sold them and I told her no. But then another giving opportunity sprung up.

Merry Christmas little Isabella! I hope you love your new barrettes!

Day 8 of Giving and Our First Snow

Day 8 of

A little something for our mail woman. 

We put a box of the best peanut brittle in the world in the mailbox and put up the flag. We really hope she enjoys our gift!

And my little Gracie Girl couldn't wait to get her first tongue-ful of fresh, white, fluffy snow.

New Pillows and Day 7 of Giving

I have been wanting new throw pillows for my family room for a while. I finally got around to making them. These were super quick and easy. They have an envelope back so I can easily take the covers off to wash. Very important with 4 kids and 2 dogs!

The inspiration for this whole project and especially the tree came from a Sew Mama Sew post.

Day 7

Last week I picked up 3 $10 Jewel gift cards for the days that we don't have anything planned. Sammy and I dropped the girls off at school and headed to the grocery store for something for dinner. While we shopped, we looked for someone to share a gift card with. Mission accomplished!

Day 6 of Giving: You Win Some...

And sometimes you have to reconsider your plan.  Life is an adventure I always say.
I set out with the best of intentions this Saturday. I was going downtown to spend an evening with my sister and all I could think about were the people in the street in this wintery weather, cold and hungry. So my plan was to make a few bag lunches and stop by the Goodwill on my way downtown to grab some warm blankets.  
Here is my lovely sister with all of our goods to hand out.
The first person we ran into was in the "L" station. To make a long story short, he wanted a couple of bucks for a sandwich, or so he claimed. I perked right up and was excited to inform him that I happened to have a whole lunch for him. He looked at me in disgust and said "I don't want no lunch!" I had to work hard not to bust out laughing but I kept my composure and went along my merry way. 
We walked miles and only found one man to give a lunch to and he wasn't interested in my blankets. Since the bags were rather heavy and I didn't want the sandwiches to get warm in the restaurant we were going to, I insisted that my poor little sister walk with me until we find something good to do with our gifts. I had no idea where we were headed I just knew we'd find a place if we kept looking. We only walked a couple of blocks and Linds looked up and said "We're at the YMCA". We walked in and left the bags at the front desk and the ladies there were very happy to have them. I wasn't sure that they would want the lunches since they feed their guests but the lovely woman insisted heartily that they would. 
So it was successful in the end, it just didn't look as I had imagined. I am totally OK with that though. Part of life is learning to go with the flow and when you give with an open heart, it doesn't matter what it looks like. It only matters that the gifts are used.
And for day 6, I am making a donations to the Kate McRae fund. I remember walking past the PICU at the girls' hospital and seeing the sick children. I cannot imagine have one of my children diagnosed with a critical illness. My heart breaks for the McRae family and my prayers are with them for sure. The least I can do is send a little money in hopes that all of the monetary gifts will ease bit of their unimaginable stress.

A Fun Re-Fashion and Day 4 of Giving

I have been crafting here and there. A little knitting, a little sewing, a little fabric stenciling. All fun stuff.  This one, I thought, was really fun. I bought this dress last summer at a largest garage sale I have ever seen. One woman's 40 years of collecting was for sale in a huge barn. Among other things, I picked up this funky old moo moo for $0.75. I don't know what I loved about it but I had to have it. I knew that the ruffles all over the top were too much and the hemline was less than appealing. Soooo...

This is what I came up with. All the ruffles had to go and I made the dress a mini. 

It still has a 70s silhouette which is what drew me to it in the first place. It's just not so.....I don't know, funky moo moo-like.

Day 4 
Here are my super sweet munchkins writing thank you letters and drawing pictures for our U.S. Troops. We also stopped by the store for some beef jerky, pop tarts, playing cards and other goodies that we hope will make their tough existence a bit brighter and bring thoughts of home.
I have learned that you can talk to your kids about people who are suffering or going without or giving their lives and comfy lifestyles for our freedom, but until they put pen to paper or choose to give an item with someone in mind, they don't really "get" it. As we shopped for treats, Brian and I asked the kids what they would want if they were far from home in a cold and scary place. It made the choosing much more powerful. The kids chose items that they love to eat and really hoped that they made someone's day a little brighter. Such good stuff!

Somewhere today I heard that our children are being referred to as "Generation Me". Ugh. I don't know about you but I sure don't want to contribute to "Generation Me"! I hope this exercise will have a lasting affect on my children. I hope we continue to find joy in giving long after these 25 days are over.

Day 3 of Giving and Giving Thanks

Today we hand-delivered poinsettias with a special note. Each of the 4 kids got one plant to give to whoever they chose. 

Ella dropped hers off at Grandma's house. Grace's will go to her good friend, Grace, at school tomorrow.
And here is Sam dropping his off at his good buddy, Maddox's house. Jack's is going to someone very special to him but I don't want to ruin the surprise. I was very impressed with his thoughtful choice. Sometimes we think that he is oblivious to his blessings but this little exercise proved that we were wrong.

Oh, and we paid for the man behind us in the drive through at McDonald's. Now that was fun! I was a bit nervous at what his reaction might be. We were gone before he could attempt to say anything. I just told the cashier to tell him we said Merry Christmas!

Giving Thanks

And now I want to give thanks to my very talented friend, Robin. I stop by her blog all the time to check out her super-d-duper cute kiddos, her really relatable writing style and her GORGEOUS photographs. I mentioned that I would love this flower photo on my wall and, what do you know, she sent it to me! 

Totally in love!!!! Is it not absolutely gorgeous? Thank you my friend. I so very much appreciate your generosity and I adore that your work is on my wall.

25 Days of Giving and Decking the Halls

Day 2: No photos. We bought and delivered 2 bags full of baby food for the girls' preschool to distribute to babies in need. Woo hoo for day number 2!!

On a side note, I just have to mention that this exercises is really powerful. I panicked a bit after I hit the publish button yesterday. For a split second I wondered why I had committed to what felt like a huge feat. And if I fail I will be so disappointed in myself. And then...I remembered that I have to leave the Negative Nelly voice behind and step out in faith. I have to trust that my desire to make a difference and God's desire to have us make a difference is more than enough to get us through 25 days. Since that realization I find myself coming up with all kinds of new giving ideas. There is truly no shortage of options and most take no more than a few minutes to complete. I am grateful for this challenge and I am being transformed already.

Decking Our Halls....and loving every minute!

My goodness are we full of the Christmas spirit this year. After feeling pretty glum last year, this Mama is ready to Christmas with a vengeance. We even got our tree up and decorated Thanksgiving weekend. Now that is a miracle!!