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 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... : )

Week 9 - Success!

The 4 passes and $10 gift certificate.

Wednesday (Leap Day!) before picking up the kids from school, Jacob and I ran over to the bowling alley to pick up the gift card and passes.

I then printed out the paper and placed everything in a plain envelope.

That evening we headed over to our local hospital, just as the sun was setting. We had wind advisories that day, so the flags were at attention, and we had to keep from blowing away!

Our local hospital.

I approached the front desk, and explained that we had a request. I handed her the envelope and said that we would like it delivered to a child on the pediatric floor who needed some cheering up. The receptionist was a little surprised, but she accommodated us.

We hope there was one surprised little person with a smile that evening!

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 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 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!

Week 4: Make Cookies

This week we are making cookies...and then delivering them to our neighbor. We have a neighbor a few houses down who are grandparents. We see their family there on occasion, but really not many people visit, that we notice. Mainly the husband goes out - he does errand runs all the time for his wife, and always with a smile and a wave.

They have a little dog, I think her name is Cupcake. When it is warm outside, and we take a walk around the neighborhood, the doggie usually comes to say "hi" to us. I think the wife may have cancer, or another disease, that keeps her home most of the time. The only times we see her are on Sundays, when our cars pass.

And then the other times we see our neighbors are when we have the once-a-year school fundraiser when the boys knock on doors, asking for support (a.k.a. money). So this should be a surprise this week when we deliver cookies instead! I think I may also add in two of the last "hot chocolate on a stick" that we had made at Christmas.

Today we made the cookies...tomorrow will be the delivery...

Challenge: Make some cookies or your favorite snack and take it to someone who you rarely see.

Week 3 - Serve a Meal

So this week we are going to serve a meal...

The First Presbyterian Church in our hometown hosts a free dinner every Tuesday night for anyone who would like to come. According to the information on their church website, they serve about 40 meals each week.

Tonight we will be helping to set up for the meal, helping to serve, and then helping to clean up afterwards. When I called the church to find out if we could come help, she said this week is the week they are usually short on helpers - go figure! I wonder how it is that this week we wanted to help...<wink>...

Isn't it amazing how Someone works things out?

Challenge for you: Find a way to serve someone this week - maybe it's having another family over for dinner...family fun and service in one