Week 29 - Teach a Class...Success!

Growing up, I always said I wanted to be a teacher. A teacher in a school, besides a mom teaching her children as they grow. And this week, I had the opportunity to teach a class!

My class just before the photowalk.

Through the power of social networking, I ended up being asked to share my knowledge of photography this summer. I called it "Simple & Sweet Photography Basics." I decided to do a brief overview on aperture, depth of field, ISO, and shutter speed, with touching on night photography and ending with a photowalk at sunset.

I was astounded that so many people showed up! The class of 20 people filled the little room for my presentation. The photographers who came ranged in skill from beginners to advanced hobbyists, and I hope that I was able to share something new with each person.

During the photowalk, I had the opportunity to talk with most of the attendees and answer any questions they had while they took pictures. It was definitely a great benefit to be able to show them hands on what I had just explained during the presentation.

I am showing a new photographer how to get a good composition.

Self portrait at the end of the night.

The next day, I learned there were many others who had wanted to come but couldn't make it. Looks like I just need to start doing the workshops on a regular basis.

Week 28 - Give a Shower...Success!

Just knowing you are clean is refreshing to the mind and spirit. This week we were able to finally hand out one of our homeless bags.

We had decided that today was Noah day during vacation, and Noah chose to go to the Cardinal's baseball game for his special activity. We grabbed some nearly nothing tickets from StubHub, printed them off, grabbed snacks from Walgreens, and we were on our way.

When we arrived at the parking lot, there was no one there...we were too late to pay for parking. Sweet! A benefit of arriving at the bottom of the 2nd inning when the heat index is 111F degrees.

We had picked up some seats in the nosebleed section - on purpose. We were completely in the shade, with a nice breeze since we were in the second row from the top. It was actually pretty pleasant watching the game. All the boys love going to the game, and this was Jacob's first St. Louis Cardinals game.

It came down to the bottom of the 9th inning, with 2 outs, and the Cardinals made some fabulous hits to win the game. Quite exciting!

I still had my homeless bags with me, and we were on the lookout for someone to give one to on our walk back to our vehicle. This man looked like he had been blessed already, with a plate of food on his lap and others handing him a few things, but we gave him a bag anyway. The gentleman high fived the boys and was very appreciative of the items. When I asked to take his photo, he gave me a salute.

Week 27 - Share Some Sweets...Success!

We got all moved in to the new place - woo hoo! There is no way we could have done it so smoothly and efficiently without the help of wonderful friends and family, though. So to show them how much we appreciated their help, I ordered each family who helped us a package of handmade delicousness - gourmet flavor cupcakes from our local cupcake boss.

The flavors we chose were S'mores, Blueberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Passion, and Fully Loaded 2.0 (basically a Reese's Peanut Butter Cups). The cupcake boss even wrapped them in ribbon for me and added a thank you tag - she was just fabulous!

Then, we hand delivered each box of yumminess to the families. They were quite surprised when we showed up on their doorsteps with the sweet goodies. But now, I get cravings for the gourmet cupcakes (of course I had to sample some before giving them away to make sure they were good enough!)...tonight I had attempted to eat half of a Mississippi Mud...and ended up eating the whole thing.

Week 26 - Help a Proposal...Success!

How often do you get a chance to help a stranger propose to his girlfriend...in a flash mob?

We are halfway through the year, and this week, my sister Emily and I happily undertook the random act of kindness. We both think a well done flash mob is pretty awesome, so when I stumbled upon the Flash Mob America Facebook page, I signed up for their newsletter so I would know if and when there would be a flash mob in the St. Louis area.

The flash mob announcement was just a week from the event date, so there wasn't much time to prepare. I registered on the event page and was sent a You Tube video of the dance moves to practice during the week. Well, it was just a week before our move to the new house, so I spent a whole 5 minutes watching the video - it looked pretty simple.

So Saturday morning, we headed down the the Forest Park area for the rehearsal and spent several hours with nearly 100 people, learning the dance moves together. After a quick run to Taco Bell, we headed over to the secret location - the St. Louis Zoo.

Since it was Saturday, the parking was packed - we ended up parking on the far side of the Art Museum and hoofing it pretty quickly down to the zoo and across to the other side where the flash mob would take place. And, it was hot...REALLY hot.

We were there at the designated time and got into place...then waited...and waited...and waited for our cue. Thankfully, we hid out in the shade and sipped our Taco Bell drinks.

Then 5 minutes past 2:00 pm, the couple showed up, and the cue was given...here is a video of the event (we are both wearing blue tops):

And just like that, she said "yes" and we headed home.

Week 25 - Support Missions...Success!

So the next week was Vacation Bible School at our church. And one of the activities of VBS is for the children to bring in an offering. This year, the collection would go towards a local family headed to Mexico to take care of an orphanage.

Monday morning, when I picked the boys up from class, Joey was quite animated...he wanted to do some extra chores right away. This was a little unusual for him to be volunteering to do extra work around the house, though.

When I asked him why he wanted extra chores, he replied that he wanted to earn some extra money. So he wanted big jobs, like cleaning the windows, he said. Then he explained about the family that was going to Mexico to help the kids who did not have parents.

Boy, was I proud of him. Joey not only wanted to give money from his own savings, but he wanted extra work to earn even more money to give. So, I found a few extra chores that needed to be done that day. :)

Week 24 - Extra Tip...Success!

I realize I haven't been diligent in writing each week with the big move to a new house, but that doesn't mean we haven't continued the project. Thankfully, it hasn't been difficult in finding an act of random kindness to do while we have been going through a crazier time than normal. 

 

So, backing up to week 24, which is mid June...

On Father's Day, we drove into St. Louis to finish up a lot of our shopping we had to complete for the new house we were moving into in just 2 weeks. The biggest purchase for the day was two televisions...Mike's Father's Day present I guess we could say.

But for lunch, Mike had his choice. We were in a large shopping area that was surrounded by many, many restaurants. I knew he wanted to choose Chik-Fil-A, but it was Sunday, so they were closed. But the boys' favorite restaurant, IHOP, was open next door. The great dad he is, Mike surprised the boys and stopped at IHOP.

Since we had not done our random act of kindness yet for the week, I mentioned it to the boys as we were finishing up our lunch of pancakes and eggs. To my delight, Noah immediately suggested to give a little extra tip to the waitress.

I was proud of him - because he then pulled out his own wallet and withdrew a dollar of his own money. I had not asked him if he would contribute. Joey then immediately did the same and placed an extra dollar on the table.

I know an extra $2 tip in addition to our normal tip doesn't sound like much...however, if you had looked into the boys' wallets and seen that the $1 was 20% of Joey's cash savings, it becomes quite a bit. I hope our waitress was blessed that Sunday afternoon.

Week 23 - Give a Drink...Succes!

So this last week, I had a short list of ideas so I wouldn't forget about our project again. I wanted to do something simple that the boys would be participating in, not just me.

On Friday, we decided to "give a drink" to random people.

There are only two spots in town that I know of with vending machines (besides the community college and schools), one on each end of town.

First, we went to Wal-Mart to pick up masking tape and get some change. When we got outside, I pulled my Sharpie marker from my purse and wrote on the masking tape. Then, Noah stuck the quarters to the tape, and we pressed the whole thing onto the machine. Nobody noticed us.

20 oz. bottles for $1.25 each

Next, we stopped at a local pharmacy. We took care of our little routine, and again, no one noticed us. I was hoping to see someone walk up to the soda machine before we left, but no luck there.

12 oz. cans for 50 cents each

Today we stopped at the pharmacy to get a couple cans of soda, and the quarters were gone. I don't know if one person took all our quarters, or if they were used one by one, but it was definitely fun to stick them up on the machines!

Week 22 - Thank the Mailman...Success!

Our mailman is pretty nice...

If the boys are outside, he will stop at the end of the driveway to hand the mail to the boys instead of quickly shoving the mail into the mailbox and driving on.

If I receive a package that won't fit in the mailbox, he will place it on the porch, in a spot that is noticeable but not too obvious.

And, the big one for me, he will pick up my outgoing packages, no matter how many, without me scheduling a carrier pick up. One day it may be just 3 small boxes, and another day it could be 22 boxes of all sizes piled high on our front porch.

I have even pulled up next to his little mail carrier truck and handed him a stack of boxes on my way to the post office and then was able to turn around and go back home.

Our mailman always has a smile for us. So when we made cookies on Wednesday, I decided we should share them with our mailman as a "thank you."

Chocolate chip and mini Reese's Pieces cookies

A little handwritten thank you note attached to the bag of cookies.

 I placed the cookies and note in the mailbox along with outgoing letters and packages and went on with our day. I had hoped to be able to watch when the mailman arrived, but it didn't work out with our schedule.

He got them, as the cookies were gone...hopefully he liked them!

Week 21...fail

We have no excuse. We simply did not make our project anywhere near the top of our priority list of things to complete last week, and it did not get done.

Week 20 - Share a Smile...Success!

For this week, I planned that Saturday I would smile at each person I could make eye contact with...

This was more difficult that I had anticipated! Very few people made eye contact with me.

Our morning began at several stores, so the sales people were easy - they would greet us the moment we walked in the door. It was the other customers shopping that I knew would be a challenge.

I found that the older the person, the more likely they were to look at the people passing by. I was able to catch their eye and smile at them. The younger people were very good at averting their eyes from me so that they could stay ensconced in their own little world.

One woman even did a double take when I smiled at her, at first a little confused that a stranger would look at her and smile.

In the evening, we went to a local street festival. Although there were hundreds of people standing in the streets, listening to music, I was not able to make eye contact with any of them. Each person was wrapped up in the people around them or in enjoying the atmosphere, not paying attention to others around them. And those who were walking down the street were purposefully watching their step or looking away from the faces of people facing them.

Sharing a smile was interesting, and I hope that those who I were able to share a smile with were touched. I will definitely do this one again!

Week 19 - Stamp Out Food...Success!

So last week was Week 19, and we participated in the national food drive "Stamp Out Hunger" that is spearheaded by the US Post Office. This is a really cool idea, and the boys got a kick out of putting food into our mailbox instead of letters.

We stuffed our mailbox on Saturday with oyster crackers, elbow, pasta, chocolate pudding, and two packages of wild berry muffin mix - some of our family's staple food items. 

To learn more about "Stamp Out Hunger" - be sure to visit their Facebook page. I was surprised that this was their 20th year of doing it. They are still collecting totals, but the numbers that individual areas are reporting are pretty impressive!

Week 17 and 18 - Shower Someone

The idea for this one was not my own. I had seen it pinned on Pinterest several months ago and repinned it for when we could use it.

These are Blessings Bags (see the original idea here), bags to give to the homeless.

Last week was our first St. Louis Cardinals game for the season, and we parked in our usual spot, walking our usual route down the street to Busch Stadium.

And, we saw the usual people: Cardinals fans, street vendors, and a couple homeless people begging for change.

It didn't sink in until after the game as to what we needed to do. I remembered my Pinterest pin from this winter, and our plan was hatched.

We had been given tickets to another game this week, so the boys and I headed to WalMart to pick up the items to be put into our Blessings Bag. Here is what we decided on:

• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• mouth wash
• comb
• Clorox wipes
• baby wipes
• Tylenol
• first aid kit
• tissues
• bar soap
• shampoo
• deodorant
• lotion
• germ-x
• chapstick
• gum
• granola bar
• crackers with peanut butter

I then slipped all the items neatly into a one gallon ziploc bag and added a Bible verse in the front. We made two of these bags, as we had seen two homeless men on our last walk to the stadium.

So last night was the game. I carried the bags in my tote, and Noah had an eye out for a homeless person to bless. And, we didn't see a single person to give the bags to. We were a little disappointed.

Plan B: pass the bags to our neighbors who are going to the baseball game tonight!

Week 16 - Give a Train Ride...Success!

On Thursday, Jacob and I went to the zoo. One of the special treats for us is to ride the train tour around the zoo. So we figured a train ride would be pretty special for other children visiting the zoo.

First thing we did was to pick up a zoo membership. This made the cost of train rides less than half the regular price. And, we have extra tickets for the children's zoo and the shark exhibit for another day. Bonus! 

As we were walking, we kept an eye out for small families who looked like they would like a random act of kindness. Our first family was a father and his two girls from Kentucky. We asked if they had been on the train yet. When they answered that they had not, I said that I have tickets for them if they would like to ride. The father was surprised and happily accepted the tickets.

The others were the same - pleasantly surprised and walked away with smiles and a little bit more of a spring in their step. The second family was a mom, dad, and young daughter from Hannibal, Missouri. The third was an older man and woman from Robertsville, Missouri, whom we met while viewing the new baby elephant. And the last tickets we gave out as we left the zoo were to a father and son from St. Louis.

The day was beautiful, we had a wonderful time, and we had the opportunity to bless several families. It definitely was a successful day!

Week 15 - Share a Coupon...Success!

Saturday we had to do some shoe shopping for Mike. He needed a new pair of dress shoes for work, and he was having trouble finding a pair that he liked. He had already purchased two different pairs, and first we had to return those.

While I was standing in line to return the shows, I overheard the lady in front of me ask the clerk if there were any coupons she could use on her purchase. 

The clerk answered that there was a coupon, but the customer would need to either bring in a coupon or display it on her smartphone. Since the lady did not have one with her, she would have to come back to the store before the coupon expired to have her receipt adjusted.

I remembered I had the coupon on my phone, so I quickly stepped over and asked if I could show my coupon for her to use. The clerk was surprised, but said that would work. I quickly pulled the coupon up on my phone. I then decided to go ahead and email the coupon to the lady so she could reuse it in case she wanted to pick up another pair of shoes.

And, voila! She was able to save 15% on her shoe purchase. Another random, spur of the moment act of kindness to check off. Have you ever handed unused coupons to others in line at a store?

Week 13 - Ice Cream (just a little late!)...Success!

Lion's Choice

Today we had to run to the orthodontist...again. Our 8 year old's head gear wasn't fitting properly, so back we go to get it adjusted.

And, surprise!  No more head gear - we are moving on to a full time retainer. So he got to pick out a cool retainer with a design on it, from about 30 choices. Why didn't they have fun retainers when I had to wear them?

So to reward the boys on how well behaved they were at the office, we went to Lion's Choice for ice cream cones.

Our 10 cent ice cream!

Their ice cream is delicious! And, it's only 15 cents for a small cone, or 29 cents for it to be dipped in chocolate. They must have been running a special today, though, as I only paid 48 cents for 4 cones. Yum!

The two unsuspecting vehicles behind us.

Then on impulse, I decided we would pay the tab for the car behind us. Then I overheard the cashier tell the next car their total, which I thought was just 30 cents. Sweet! When the cashier handed me my last two cones, I handed him my debit card and said I would like to pay for the two orders behind me.

He stared at me. He was a little confused.

"The two orders behind you?" he wanted to clarify.

"Yes," I said.

He finally took my card and then gave me the receipts. Both vehicles had ordered 2 roast beef sandwiches. I didn't have time to watch their reactions in the mirror, but I am sure they were a bit baffled. :D

Week 14 - Fry the Chicken...Success!

First day of Week 14, and we are finished with it already!

Mike took this one on his own...fry the chicken.

Today was the annual Lions Club Chicken Dinner to raise money for the Union Lions Club. What does this club do with the money?

The money goes directly back to the community. One of the main focuses for the club is to provide better eyesight for community members. When the club hears of a child or an adult who needs glasses, the Lions Club pays for an exam as well as a pair of glasses for the person in need.

The Union Lions Club has also provided park amenities to our local parks department, including a set of nice swings. Each year the club also gives out several small college scholarships to local high school students.


The mission statement for the Lions Club International:

To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.

So, this morning Mike spent over 4 hours frying chicken for the meal today.

And it was some good chicken! The club also served mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, corn, cole slaw, applesauce, rolls, and dessert. This was an all-you-can-eat meal, and club outdid themselves this year.

Note: I realize we skipped Week 13. Somehow the week got away from us, so we will be doing it this week.

Week 12 - 10 Books...Success!

So last week was Week 12. And we were on track! The boys decided they wanted to purchase some books and hand them out to other kids.

We hit up the store and found a series of Elmo books. I figured Elmo is a pretty safe character for small children. There were 4 different stories, and we picked up 10 books.

Now, we just had to hand them out...not an easy task!

We brainstormed on where we would find a bunch of kids...

the grocery store...but the store might carry books
the park...good idea
a restaurant...good idea
school...won't work out

So the weekend past, and we are now into Week 13, and have yet to start this week's project - yikes! So yesterday I had to run to Home Depot. I thought, "Great! A place with bored kids." I grabbed my tote with the books on my way out the door.

Well, I saw 1 child while I was there, and they were completely on the other side of the store. Fail! But that's okay, because my boys weren't with me, and part of this project is that we are doing it together.

Today, we had the perfect opportunity! The No. 844 steam train was going to roll through the town next door, and we were going to see it. I carried the tote of books, and we gave out our first book before we settled into our spot to watch for the train. But, then one of the boys had to use the restroom...

We used our time to hand out 3 books while at the restrooms...

Then the train came through. During the stop, we handed out 2 books to one family, and then another 2 books to these girls watching the train with their daddy.

With just 2 books left to give out, my 2 youngest boys claimed the privilege of handing them out. When we were nearly back to our vehicle, we passed a brother and sister, and we gave them the books.

After the books were gone, the boys asked for more to give out to the rest of the kids in the area. Whoa! Sorry, boys. I wish we could have, but there was at least 100 kids there with their families.

But I am happy to know that my boys enjoyed giving away the books and receiving the smiles from strangers.

Week 11...Success!

Friday we were going to give out our 1 dozen cookies to someone. On the way to school in the morning, we brainstormed about who we would give the cookies to. We discussed the police station, the fire house, the ambulance house, Ameren (electrical) workers, and our new neighbors.

After I picked the kids up from school, as we were driving, we had to go around some city workers taking care of a pothole in the road. Bingo! After dropping my niece off, we would run home to grab the cookies and then come back to give them to the city workers.

Well, 10 minutes later, the workers were finished and gone. So, now who would we give them to???

The ambulance house was just up the street, on the way home, so we stopped. When we walked in, it looked like every single EMT was there! I think they were going over a rescue technique or something, as they had a mannequin on the middle of the floor.

So we dropped off our cookies and left. : )

The remaining cookies at home only lasted another day or two - they were delicious, and I hope the EMTs enjoyed them as much as we did!

Week 11 - One Dozen Cookies

So I decided today that we would make cookies for someone...

I whipped up Betty Crocker's recipe for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies and let the boys lick the beaters. Of course, I had to taste the dough, too, before I popped them in the oven.

The cookies turned out delicious! Soft, chewy, and chocolatey (I can't resist adding a little more chocolate than what a recipe calls for).

After they cooled, I wrapped up a dozen in some baggies, placed them in a brown lunch sack, added some simple white tissue, and tied a nice spring bow around the top.


Now who should we give the cookies to? 

Tomorrow we shall decide! Maybe the new neighbors across the street...or maybe drop them off at the ambulance house or the police station...maybe we'll see an Ameren crew working on some electrical lines...

Decisions, decisions! This will be random... : )