An Act of Kindness

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December 19th will be marked as one of our most difficult days to date.  I'm not at a point of sharing the "why" yet and with the joy I have in my heart from some of the events of today, I can't focus on those other things right now anyway. (I know you're curious and one day I'm sure I'll share...)

As for those good things...my hubby and I got to spend some much needed quality time together. After a long morning we opted to grab lunch at IHOP. Who doesn't love pancakes?! Side note: The Caramel Bon Bon pancakes are amazing! And no, I was not compensated to say that.

We enjoyed a yummy lunch and then gathered our things to leave. While waiting in line to pay, I stepped to the side, leaving more room for other customers since my hubby was going to pay. I saw a lady begin talking to him. I heard her ask if he worked for the fire department (he had on one of his firefighter hats.) He shared with her his career and volunteer firefighter positions. I saw her hug him and then thank him for what he does. I then saw my husband shaking his head, telling the lady no about something and then he eventually walked over to me...she insisted on paying for our meal! This precious,  blessed soul paid for our meal without any hesitation.  She told him that at one point this deed had been done for her and she wanted to pass the kindness along and that she wanted to do something to thank him for his service.

I cried.

I wanted to run and hug her and thank her for her act of unexpected kindness. This might have freaked her out so...

Instead I prayed prayers of blessings over this sweet woman and her family. My hubby and I are still humbled and can't wait to pass this bit of joy along.

How can you spread a little more kindness in the days to come?

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Thoughts for Thursday

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I had something completely different prepared for today, but last night my heart was led in another direction. I was reading through the end of One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp and I suddenly had to pause as my eyes soaked in this verse...

"I will bless you...and you will be a blessing."

Genesis 12:2 (emphasis mine)

Today I'll be saying goodbye to my sweet summer and begin the tasks of a teacher once again. This summer has been filled with odds and ends, both family and work related, and while there were some long days, these last couple of months have gone by in the blink of an eye. Suddenly the fact that life is truly but a vapor made a solid connection with my heart. I got to thinking (which isn't that what Thoughts for Thursday is all about?) about the immeasurable blessings that I have received, not just over the last couple of months, but years, and then daily. Every day I am blessed to an incomprehensible degree.  

Just take a look...

A best friend who'll run after my dreams with me...

I get to be married to the man who truly is my best friend, the love of my life and a dream come true.

A little red haired, blue eyed itty bitty to call my own.

A beautiful family

Generations of strength and support

A God-art sky

A job I love!

Of course there is not enough screen space in the world to capture all that I'd love to share. I can't overlook my amazing church family or the other friends that we hold so closely to our hearts. These things don't even scratch the surface.

In One Thousand Gifts she goes into detail as to how we are given all blessings in order to be blessings for others. We are to empty ourselves in order to fill others...and yet, in doing so with the love of Christ, we will never feel depleted. God continually restores us...even in the midst of wait and heartache. He willingly fills our lives so that we can then pour out His love to others. Every act of service is testament to God's goodness in our lives. The joy found in our service to others can be found in simple tasks...even the things we do without thinking such as wiping a snotty nose, washing dishes, opening a door for another, bringing a meal to a shut-in...the list is endless. There are numerous ways everyday that we can pour ourselves into others. While not everyone will appreciate our service, God takes note. It pleases Him to see His children "spread the love."

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We're only given today and we have ample opportunities to make the most out of what may seem the mundane. I challenge you, along with myself, to selflessly pour yourself out. Bring your reservations to the feet of Jesus and take advantage of the opportunities presented to you to bring some goodness into the life of someone else. Make it a family affair. Teach your children the truth behind less is more and the joy that comes from giving. Change starts here. How will you be a blessing today?

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Linking up with Annie and Natalie for this week's Thoughts on Thursday.



Let's Go Play

My days of endless summer as a youngster are but distant memories. When did I grow up and become so "busy"? When did I stop taking time to smell the roses or jump in mud puddles? How, as a busy, working mother, can I instill the love of God's creation and the desire to create, imagine and play in my little girl? These are questions that I have pondering the last few days.

 I was speaking to a friend the other day about how difficult it is to have my first graders create original or semi-original stories/writing. Sure, I believe children innately have imaginations, however if they are not fostered appropriately, they lose originality and an overall sense of quality.The majority of my students base all of their writing off of video/computer games or cartoons they watch on television...and don't get me started on some of the movies and television they wish to write about. It breaks my heart to see the imaginations of these young children being stunted when at this point in their lives they should be coming up with amazing characters and wild adventures. How do I keep the whimsy and creativity of childhood in my own children so that they don't fall victim to the unimaginative or unoriginal?

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These thoughts crept into my head as I was busily working on a wedding cake pop order for Saturday. There is much to do when you have 250 cake pops to bake, form, chill, dip, decorate and package. G has been at the sitter this week so that I can accomplish this task without her ending up covered in chocolate and sprinkles...after all, she is sweet enough already.

 

With all of these thoughts running through my mind, I finally decided to stop being busy. I finished up my task and informed my husband that it was time to go get the baby...and that he needed to put on his tennis shoes. We were going outside to play.

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We take G outside often, especially with the weather being so amicable. However, today I had this overwhelming sense of urgency to get her out beyond our yard. My husband and I decided to take her on a local walking trail to enjoy the great outdoors. Despite the humidity, the venture was quite pleasant.

 The honeysuckle was blooming everywhere and the scent was intoxicating. Everything was so green and the trail was teaming with wildlife. In fact, I was startled by an adventurous squirrel that bolted out along the path.

 

 

G adored the wildlife as evidenced by her laughter and shouting as she pointed to birds that flew across our path and the rabbits that jumped into the bushes. My heart was overjoyed as I watched her senses, one by one, become captivated with the world around her.

I just kept thinking, "this is how I make that difference." I must engage her and allow her to experience the world around her...get her outside the four walls of our home. I must guide her in imaginative play to create a foundation for her own creative thinking.

It is my wish for my daughter to love the outdoors (and if for some reason she doesn't, it won't be because she did not get the opportunity or encouragement to do so.) I wish for her mind to have endless limits in creativity and imagination. It is my wish that she get dirty and climb trees and sing at the top of her lungs. It is my wish that she experience the goodness of this world so that when tragedy or disappointment befall her, she will remember that life has more to offer and that beauty can come from ashes.

While this all may seem a bit much from the mother of a one year old, do know that this comes from a mother who knows that her one year old will not stay one forever and that the foundations I begin to set for her now will greatly influence her outlook and interactions in the future. By all means, please join me and let's go play!

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Five on Friday!!

It has been a FULL week and I'm exhausted. While next week will prove to be just as busy despite the fact that school is out for the summer, I'm choosing to focus on this week and remain grateful that I survived the chaos. Find out how I and others have spent the last week by checking out Five on Friday!

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I have to begin this week's five with the best thing ever!!! My friend Sarah (you can check out her special blog at Taber Family Travels) gave birth to her long awaited rainbow baby this past Friday (23rd). It has been my honor to pray her through this pregnancy. She and I met through an infertility support group and have been connected through our journeys ever since. It is with great joy that I present to you Caleb Isaac. He is absolutely perfect! Praise God for this miracle. Congrats Sarah!

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The next best thing (granted I don't think you can ever really top the birth of a baby) is that today marks the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! This means more time with my little girl...and for a brief time no grading papers. Lesson plans and other items for next year will be worked on throughout the summer, but I like the idea of not having deadlines.

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I reached a major point in my weight loss journey. You can check out the details here :)



 

 

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Happy (Belated) Memorial Day!

G and I spent the holiday at home. We enjoyed the sunshine, some rest and some wonderful quality time. I just can't get enough of her!

 

All American Girl

 

I also made some goodies to send to my hubby's fire department. These tasty treats are so simple!

 



 

You can view and print the recipe for these Patriotic Sugar Cookie Sandwiches here.

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The weather has been much more summer like lately...and with it comes a lot of fun things to look forward to. I finally put together our Summer Chalkboard Printable and it is now on display.



A Mother's Love

There are just some things that you won't understand until you're older. I remember my mom telling me this through the elementary school years of bullies, divorce and fair weather friendships. This rang true as a teenager as I muddled through broken hearts, others' poor choices and shattered dreams. Even as I became an adult there were things that I did not understand.  One of those things was her sincere unconditional love. It didn't matter that I had faults, that I didn't become a doctor or that I didn't remain close to home. There has never been a moment in my life that I was not certain that I was loved.

Now not everyone can say this and my heart breaks for them. To know wholeheartedly that I would be loved and accepted no matter what gave me the confidence to move forward with my goals and dreams. I never truly understood or appreciated this until I became a mother. From the moment those two lines showed their colors on my pregnancy test I began to love my child with a fierceness that I have never known.

As I look back on the year that has passed since my first Mother's Day, I am that much more in love with my daughter.  I want her to know that I will love her no matter what. I value her. I support her. I am her biggest fan.

Mother's Day 2013

I also thank God for a mother who continues to be my best friend and a strong supporter of my dreams.

This Mother's Day was spent with my husband and daughter. I was treated to lunch at my favorite restaurant and a new cellphone, which I love. The sweetest moments however came in the snuggles before bed and the firm grasp of my husband as he held my hand throughout the day. I cherish those little moments.

There is nothing like being a mom. It is truly the hardest but most rewarding job in the world. It is an amazing feeling to wake up everyday and do what I know in my heart I was created to do.

Five on Friday: Sneak Peeks!!!

Hippity Hop on over for today's Five on Friday!!! Join me and others as we share some of our favorite things.

 

 

This week has been full of wonderful things!!! Here are a couple recaps and sneak peeks of things to come!

 

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On Monday we took G to the NC Zoo for the first time. The trip went really well. We ate some delicious food and visited a couple of neat places (antiques and cupcakes included). You can read about our wonderful, but short, family vacation here.

 

 

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Over the weekend we introduced two new members to our family. Ace and Rigby were rescued and then became the newest of our adopted additions (we also have four dogs that we've adopted through various shelters and rescues.) Meet Ace and Rigby if you haven't already!

 

 

 

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On this day last year, I was being unexpectedly admitted to Labor and Delivery for the birth of our daughter. We were unprepared and could not believe the time was near. We were both honestly expecting her to hang in there for at least another week. Unbeknownst to me, I was 4cm and 75% effaced at my weekly appointment and had progressed to 6cm within two hours of blood pressure monitoring...which is what caused our admittance. I still can't believe that we'll be celebrating G's first birthday tomorrow!!!

 

Hospital gowns are never flattering...I've found a cute pattern for one. Maybe I'll get ambitious and make one for the next one.

 

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My mom and sister are here and my best friend will be coming in from out of town to celebrate G's birthday with us. I hate the distance between us and miss them dearly. The moments I can have them here are always so special and I treasure every moment. They will be helping me set up for G's party after her first egg hunt tomorrow morning. Here are a few things you may see in upcoming birthday pictures...

 

 

 

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I joined others for an Easter Basket Blog Hop earlier this week. I adored working with my hubby to fill her first Easter basket. You can check out all the fun by stopping by my Egg-stra special blog post. G and I also made special gift bags filled with goodies for her aunt, Granna, Papa and Granny. Don't you just love those little chicks?! Baby feet make things so sweet!

 

 

 

 

Five on Friday

It's finally Spring...both in season and in current temperatures! April showers are sure to bring May flowers and Fridays bring their Five. Join me and others for this week's Five on Friday!

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While this week has not been so great in the way of my exercise and weight loss, it has been great for some semi-baking. I don't normally participate in April Fool type festivities, but I could not resist. I provided my students with a word hunt that didn't actually have any of the listed words in the puzzle. The cuties poured over it for several minutes, muttering under their breaths about the difficulty. After a few minutes I broke the news. All but one proved to be good sports...I also shared some goodies with my co-workers. I tried a new recipe for Chocolate Yummies (the title does not do them justice...they were delish!) I put them in a little zip lock baggy promising inaccurate nutritional information...and then dashed their hopes at the end. Nothing fancy but totally fun :)

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I've been cherishing some God moments this week. One of which is a small group Bible study that I am hoping to begin. I feel God moving and I see things coming together. Due to some needs that I'll need to meet in order for this to happen, we will (in the VERY near future) be transforming our office/catch-all room into a playroom (multi-purpose). I've been toying with some ideas. I want some thing bright but not too complicated or overwhelming. We do have hopes to move in the next couple of years and don't want something that will turn away potential buyers. However, we want it to be kid friendly...here are some of my ideas. I'd love some suggestions!


[three]
How could I not take advantage of this gorgeous weather?! Flip-flops, shorts and open windows. Glorious! G and I have spent the last few evenings outside after dinner. Yes, there are many things I could be doing that would allow my house to be cleaner and more organized but these moments spent with her are so precious and fleeting. I will never be able to get them back...all of this is becoming more bittersweet as we quickly approach her first birthday.

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As I mentioned in a previous post, I've been feeling particularly sentimental these days and decided to make an album/pregnancy journal leading up to G's birth. I loved putting it together! It came in the mail yesterday and I've looked through it a dozen times! I can't get enough of reliving and savoring every moment.

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Earlier this week, I heard my husband calling me from the living room while I was doing dishes. He insisted I take a look at that evening's sunset. The sky was stunning (the picture does not do it justice). We just stood there and took in God's gorgeous creation. How sweet it is to think that God made that sunset just for us in that moment. How He loves to bring joy to the hearts of His children.