Kindness Changes Everything

Someone REALLY smart posted that on Facebook a few months ago, it's so simple and so true.  As soon as I saw it I of course "liked" it, then I reposted it, then I took it one step further and decided I was going to let this be in the FRONT of my mind as I deal with others every day.

 So.  .  .today I had the opportunity to volunteer at Camden's school.  I love being involved at the kids' schools and I'm able to be at Evan's preschool a lot more the Elementary school because I always have Braelyn in tow and the preschool usually has some awesome girls in the nursery that help me with her.  Also, B can be a bit of a distraction in the classroom, which is where I would typically be if I went to the elementary school.  ANYWAY, so I was glad that I was going to be able to help at 10:30 this morning at the school.  So when I walk in it appears everything has been taken care of--there was someone already doing the "running" and apparently another lady arrived early to get started on the "bagging" part of the job.  No problem, obviously I wouldn't be running because I did have the stroller so I tried with all my might to help with "bagging". .  .I mean, I was there at the time specified and I wanted to help.  Long story short I was basically (in front of the principal mind you) told I wasn't needed and I could just go.  .  .I mean, unless I "just wanted to stay".  I know what you are all thinking, awesome-everything is done.  Sure it was nice to be able to walk back home (I walked b/c it was a pretty morning), but listen people--my time is just as valuable as the next person.  IF for some reason the plan changed maybe an email to let the other 2 people know would be nice (or the one person since clearly I was the only one out of the loop).  Or maybe you say "I have somewhere to be, do you mind taking over here"--OR I KNOW I KNOW--THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP.  I honestly walked out not wanting to go back.  Now, I know that this lady probably did have somewhere to be, and I'm sure it was never her intention to make me feel like a total loser--but she did.  If we could all just take notice of our words, our tone, our actions we could all make a difference for someone.

I'm sure there was a reason that I was put in this situation.  I deal with volunteers a lot at the preschool, maybe I've made them feel bad a time or two.  Perhaps I should be more patient with my kids (I think we all know I should be more patient with my kids).  Maybe I should choose my words more carefully when dealing with people.  Like I said, I know there's a lesson, I am not perfect.  For now I will start with remembering daily that "kindness changes everything".

Aren't these 2 just too much? 

Happy Anniversary Windsor Creek!

So, I can't believe it but it's been a year since we moved into our new home!  I guess that means it's not really "new" so much, but we haven't exactly put our mark on it yet either.  I have to be honest, I'm not the best at decorating.  I try, I do, but I just don't have the gift.  I have TONS of ideas, but my heart starts pounding when I go onto Pinterest and see things that I love b/c I stress out over how I'll get them all done.  .  .for free--haha, wishful thinking!

To celebrate I decided to take you on a little tour of the downstairs.  Again, we've done nothing in the way of painting, and the curtains were already there.  Jason and I are slow on the uptake, we can never make a decision on color, and until my children decide to stop destroying my furniture we won't be doing anything with that either.  The house is kind of a mess, I took these pics on a whim last week--which was a whirlwind of pastor meetings, pumpkin patch visits, football, and cub scouts!  

had to try my new "panorama" function-family room, and kitchen

dining room, see the art, I did that--oh yes I did.  .  .Jason hates it

kitchen

"formal" living room, yea--right

Eventually we'll get around to painting, and maybe I'll even take some pics of the upstairs.  Camden has told the neighbors his room is "peach", it's not--but clearly he hates the color!  We have done the baby's room, so I guess it's only fair that we paint the boys' rooms as well!  I'm sure we'll find some time.  .  .eventually.  .  .to do something.  .  .anything :)

I need an opinion. . .

So--this year our family has decided NOT to do a big birthday bash in November.  It was getting to be too much, and honestly I think the boys are ready to just do their own thing for their birthdays.  .  .or at least one of the boys is!!

Camden's birthday is up first and he has decided that he wants to take a couple of friends to the movies.  I am totally cool with that, but.  .  .refreshments are EXPENSIVE!!!  I mean, taking just one friend to the movie could cost me almost the same as a birthday party!  I got the idea of putting together a little goody bag for each kid with some popcorn and candy--don't judge, you know you've done it too.  I was then going to buy the kids drinks at the movies.  .  .but even drinks are pricey.  .  .What would you do?  I was thinking that I could put a little mini soda in each goody box, but is that just wrong??  I mean, it's already $10 per kid to get into the movie.  I'm not complaining about taking friends, I'm complaining about the outrageous price of popcorn, candy, and a fountain beverage at the movie theatre.  Is it unethical for me to sneak our own goodies in??  Would you at least buy SOMETHING from the refreshment stand?

What if I purchased a large popcorn and large drink?  Split up the popcorn between the kids and still brought in our soda and candy?  Still wrong?  I don't know.  .  .I'm pretty conflicted, I'm a rule follower you know.  .  .

WHAT WOULD YOU DO????

We've Got Big News!!

B is on the move!!!!  I'll be honest, these weren't her first steps-but when she did stand up (all on her own) and started walking the first time I didn't have time to grab my phone!  She's walking more and more each day, but for the most part she just prefers to crawl or be carried to where ever it is she wants to go!

Okay--so I know this video is sideways, I always forget to turn it when I'm taking video!!  Also, that's 2 posts in one day people.  .  .of course we've got no where to go---see bullet point #6 in our previous post!!

You Never Stop Learning!

Here are some things I've learned lately:

1-I enjoy driving a minivan and I make it look cool.  Not many people are comfortable enough with their awesomeness to learn this.  .  .I can't wait to get a minivan

2-Party City is NOT a good place to go with your 3 year old when they are gearing up for Halloween.  I would narrow this down to say just MY 3 year old but while we were there I heard lots of cries and declarations of "I want to go now, I don't want a costume anymore"

3-Running skirts are so cool, but don't wear them when it's windy.  ESPECIALLY if you don't have built in short underneath.

4-Just because your music is too loud and you can't hear your joints clicking when you run doesn't mean that they aren't.  .  .take some ibuprofen when you are done running.

5-Decorating for Halloween is just as challenging as decorating for Christmas--I just don't have a natural talent for making things look good.  (unless I'm trying to make driving a minivan look good, and then well, you know.  .  .)

6-Sometimes being stuck at home with 3 kids and no vehicle can be a relief.  No pressure, no worries, just hanging out!

That's it, I've got some exciting news coming, I just have to get it together!!  Happy Monday!