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.