Week 9 - Bowling for 4

We have made it to Week 9 - yeah! Today over a special brunch at IHOP, the boys' favorite restaurant, we discussed what we should do this week for our random act of kindness. Joey's suggestion was to go bowling. So, we are going to put together a card with 4 bowling passes and a $10 gift certificate for our local bowling alley. We will then take it to the hospital and ask the receptionist to send it up to a child who needs a little cheering up.

Have you done a random act of kindness lately? Please share with us!

Week 8 - Grocery Gift Card...Success!

So yesterday we had a preschool field trip to our local Schnuck's store. What do you do on a field trip to the grocery store? A lot!

First the kids received a shopping bag to collect their goodies. Next stop was the bank inside Schnuck's. Here, the kids each received a lollipop and a copper colored balloon.

Then, we stepped over to the floral department where they showed us how they blow up balloons. The balloon that was used to demonstrate was a giant (probably at least 2 feet in diameter) mylar that sang. Yes, it sang when you tapped it. The kids got a kick out of that!

After hitting the balloon several times, we snaked our way through the produce department and into the refrigerator where the produce is stored. Then, each kid received their choice of a banana or an orange. Jacob choose a banana - can you tell? We then took a group picture in front of the bananas, with the bananas as our smiles.

Next stops were the the seafood department, then the deli department, the bakery with the giant ovens, the meat department, the dairy department, a refrigerated truck (that we went inside of), the general storage area, and then through the aisles back to the front of the store.

Then, the kids each received a freshly baked cookie and icing and sprinkles to decorate them with. Oh, but that wasn't all. Schnuck's also gave the kids juice drinks, a flower, and then a toothbrush since they ate some sweets. Wow! Very impressive field trip.

So after the field trip, Jacob and I did our regular food shopping since we were there already. I debated whether or not to pick up a gift card while we were there. As we were waiting in line to unload our wagon, I looked around for a gift card. After spotting one, I realized no one was even behind us to give it to and decided that it just wasn't going to happen today.

the gift card

But then an older couple came into line behind me. I knew I had to do it. After getting all of our groceries on the checkout lane, I stepped over to the next lane and grabbed the gift card. Jacob held up the card for a quick pic, then we bought the card. I quickly wrote on the back before the cashier was finished with our purchases.

After I had my receipt, I let Jacob hand the card to the couple. Of course, they told Jacob to give the card to his mommy. I quickly told them the card was for them. I just wish I had a picture of their faces when my words registered! I do believe they were blessed.

The unsuspecting couple

Week 7 - Piggyback...Success!

Yes, that's right...we took a week off. Since we had two in one for week 6 [and week 7 just sort of slipped my mind], I did not stress myself out Saturday night when I realized we had not yet done our random act of kindness for the week. And, I am just now getting around to blog about it [whoops].

So now it is week 8 and time to think of something quick since the week is already half over...but that's for the next post...

Week 6 - Success x 2!

My two older boys and I had a great time at the school Mother / Son dance on Friday night. We first headed to the cookie and punch table, as boys are always hungry. Besides, they needed some extra energy for dancing, right?

Next, we headed to the gym to shake it. Noah was quite the enthusiastic dancer, leaping (literally) around. He was having a blast. Joey preferred to hang out with his friends (at 6 already, really?) versus being by Mom.

After a few songs (and waiting for the super long line to shorten up), we got into line for our picture. Our local Walgreens had sent someone to snap photos of everyone against a backdrop and then donated a picture (we have a really great store here!).

After getting our picture taken, the Cha Cha Slide came on, and we booked it to the gym floor. This dance was quite fun with my boys. I love that it is so easy for anyone to listen and follow directions.

Our dance time was over, so we slowly made our way back to the cafeteria, first checking out the karaoke in the music room and the Just Dance Wii games at the side of the cafeteria.

Then, it was time to serve...

First, we filled up cups with punch. Just as we would get 20 cups filled and over to the table, we would turn around to see only a couple left. Needless to say, it was a constant job! We drained the entire cooler of punch, Joey mopped up the floor, and we were finished.

Since we hadn't had supper yet, I took my boys out to McDonald's for some chicken nuggets.

...x 2

Earlier in the day on Friday, I received a call from Mike. An acquaintance of his had been headed out of town for a weekend vacation Thursday night, and her car had been hit and damaged. Mrs. C had not been able to take a vacation for several years, and she was devastated.

After I let Mike know that one of our vacation homes in Branson was open this weekend, Mike offered Mrs. C a weekend getaway. It wasn't the beach like she had originally planned, but it was away from home.

Nature's Retreat - 5 bedrooms, sleeps 16

Week 6 - Serve Dessert

With Valentine's Day next week, our elementary school is having a Mother/Son and Father/Daughter Dance. So, I volunteered us to serve cookies during the Father/Daughter Dance.

Of course, my boys and I will be attending the Mother/Son Dance! Our local YMCA is decorating the gym, including dance lights, Walgreens will be taking pictures, the parent/teacher organization has bought flowers to give the moms and daughters, and there will be refreshments. In addition, there will be karaoke in the music room and two Dance Revolution games on Wii to play. Wow! I think our hour will fly by with all the fun to be had!

Have you done any random acts of kindness lately? Please share! If you haven't, why not start now?

Week 5 - Give a Gift Card...Success!

This week not only did I procrastinate, but I sort of forgot all about our project. About Wednesday, the thought crept into my mind that we had not yet decided what this week's act of kindness would be. I pushed the thought aside, as we were in the midst of sports practices, Bible Club, schoolwork, party planning, and upcoming tournaments and games - all in one week, and thankfully no Cub Scouts this week as well.

So today, the last day of the week, after supper, when it is already past bedtime for our boys, we piled into the Tahoe for our act of kindness (and pick up snacks for our little Super Bowl party).

Our first stop was Sonic for a $5 gift card. At supper we had debated whether to buy a gift card at Walmart and then hand it to the person behind us, or to give a restaurant gift card to the cashier after we check out.

We decided on giving it to the cashier after a family vote of 3 to 2. If the vote had gone the other way, we may have had to go walking through the store to find someone to give a Walmart card to - there was no one behind us in line on a slow Saturday night.


At Walmart, we picked up our favorites for the big game tomorrow - cheese sticks, pizza, chicken fingers, nachos and dip, Reese's Pieces, and ingredients to make chicken dip, brownies, and peanut butter Rice Krispie squares.

The boys chose checkout lane 12. All lanes were void of lines, so we walked up and unloaded our wagon. I held onto the Sonic card so the boys wouldn't give the cashier the card prematurely. The cashier was a younger girl with bright red lipstick. She looked tired - maybe she was getting to go home soon?

After she handed us our receipt, I let our 6 year old give her the card. He didn't say a word as he gave it to her. "Is there anything on this?" she asked.

I replied that there was as we walked away.

"Do you want this back?" she said.

We kept walking. "No," I answered as I shook my head. "It's for you."

Her eyes were big and round when I turned to catch up to the boys. I think we succeeded tonight!