Check out these adorable felt poinsettia pins from Tidy Mom blog. Click <here> for simple, step-by-step instructions on how to make your own.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Cute DIY: Felt Poinsettia Pin
Looking for a cute accessory to jazz up your holiday style?
Check out these adorable felt poinsettia pins from Tidy Mom blog. Click <here> for simple, step-by-step instructions on how to make your own.
Check out these adorable felt poinsettia pins from Tidy Mom blog. Click <here> for simple, step-by-step instructions on how to make your own.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Becoming Friends (Part Two)
A couple of weeks ago, a sweet elderly Amish lady became friends with Mya and me while grocery shopping. Click <here> to read details about how this friendship began. And as the previous blog post mentioned, "Rebecca" asked us if we'd enjoy going for lunch with her before Christmas.
My gut reaction - Of course we'd love to go to lunch with her!
A new week meant another trip to the grocery store. As Mya and I made our way to the appropriate aisle in the grocery store, there stood Rebecca, diligently working. She greeted us with her normal bright smile and expressions of joy and excitement for seeing Mya again. She quickly reached into a box and pulled out a card for us; a Christmas card with a hand-written note in it. Inside that card was an invitation [again] to gather together for a meal.
We exchanged phone numbers this time. Discussed possible dates to get together. And arranged for me to call her. The idea of sharing a meal together was becoming a very real possibility. The very next day, we connected on the phone. And as I chatted with this sweet lady over the phone, sometimes straining to understand her words because of the "Dutchy-ness" in her voice, plans were finalized for us to pick up her and her husband at their home and travel together to a local restaurant for supper. As we repeated the details of our adventure before ending our phone conversation, she giggled with excitement. I couldn't help but smile, too.
The paths of two very different families crossed, over that meal.
As I type this post, I smile as I think back to our time with Rebecca and David. An elderly Amish couple, filled with so much love and generosity and kindness. I don't think our paths crossed randomly with Rebecca and David. This felt like an opportunity to learn something from them. And it ended up being a chance for us to begin sharing with them a bit about us and about our family and how Mya joined our family, as well. At times, conversations were minimal and maybe even a little awkward...but other times, there was laughter and non-stop chatting among us. People stared at us. But it didn't matter. I wondered what they thought or what questions ran through their minds. And in the end, we realized how much we actually had in common with a couple that seemed so different from us. I love when that happens.
There was no life-changing event that took place during our meal with Rebecca and David. I couldn't help but remember, though, that this event wouldn't have happened if Mya hadn't said hello to Rebecca...weeks ago. We never know just how much we're impacting those around us. I am so thankful for Rebecca's love for little Mya. Each time we continue to see her at the grocery store, we're greeted with the same bright smile (...and often a small gift or two...), and today, she whispered to me how much she loves seeing Mya; how much it makes her day.
Rebecca's love and generosity is a true gift to us. Maybe more than she'll ever know. And I hope to be just like her when I grow up.
My gut reaction - Of course we'd love to go to lunch with her!
A new week meant another trip to the grocery store. As Mya and I made our way to the appropriate aisle in the grocery store, there stood Rebecca, diligently working. She greeted us with her normal bright smile and expressions of joy and excitement for seeing Mya again. She quickly reached into a box and pulled out a card for us; a Christmas card with a hand-written note in it. Inside that card was an invitation [again] to gather together for a meal.
We exchanged phone numbers this time. Discussed possible dates to get together. And arranged for me to call her. The idea of sharing a meal together was becoming a very real possibility. The very next day, we connected on the phone. And as I chatted with this sweet lady over the phone, sometimes straining to understand her words because of the "Dutchy-ness" in her voice, plans were finalized for us to pick up her and her husband at their home and travel together to a local restaurant for supper. As we repeated the details of our adventure before ending our phone conversation, she giggled with excitement. I couldn't help but smile, too.
The paths of two very different families crossed, over that meal.
As I type this post, I smile as I think back to our time with Rebecca and David. An elderly Amish couple, filled with so much love and generosity and kindness. I don't think our paths crossed randomly with Rebecca and David. This felt like an opportunity to learn something from them. And it ended up being a chance for us to begin sharing with them a bit about us and about our family and how Mya joined our family, as well. At times, conversations were minimal and maybe even a little awkward...but other times, there was laughter and non-stop chatting among us. People stared at us. But it didn't matter. I wondered what they thought or what questions ran through their minds. And in the end, we realized how much we actually had in common with a couple that seemed so different from us. I love when that happens.
There was no life-changing event that took place during our meal with Rebecca and David. I couldn't help but remember, though, that this event wouldn't have happened if Mya hadn't said hello to Rebecca...weeks ago. We never know just how much we're impacting those around us. I am so thankful for Rebecca's love for little Mya. Each time we continue to see her at the grocery store, we're greeted with the same bright smile (...and often a small gift or two...), and today, she whispered to me how much she loves seeing Mya; how much it makes her day.
Rebecca's love and generosity is a true gift to us. Maybe more than she'll ever know. And I hope to be just like her when I grow up.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Filler Items for your Amazon.com Purchase!
With the holidays right around the corner, Amazon.com might be just the site you're looking for to get your last-minute shopping done. If you're like me, you enjoy getting free shipping on your online purchases. But what I don't like is when the items in my shopping cart don't quite total the $35.00 (in the case of Amazon.com) needed to get free shipping. And if you're like me, you end up finding an item...sometimes costing you an amount that takes you well-past the $35.00 mark.
Well just recently, I learned about a super cool website that allows you to type in exactly how much money you have left to spend to reach that $35.00...and it provides you with a list of items currently for sale on Amazon.com that match that exact amount. How cool is that?!?!
Here's the website. Check it out: http://www.filleritem.com/
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Becoming Friends
A year or two after Brandon and I got married, I started to routinely venture to BB's Grocery Outlet for our weekly grocery needs. But it wasn't until a few weeks ago that something special started to happen each week when Mya I would travel there for our groceries.
About 8-weeks ago, Mya randomly said, "Hi" to an Amish lady that works at the store. With a warm smile and a sweet personality, we quickly learned that this kind lady's name is Rebecca. Instantly, Rebecca and Mya clicked. They briefly chatted. Exchanged smiles. And the joy on Rebecca's face was obvious. Our conversation that day ended as Rebecca asked if we'd be back again. (Of course! - I love BB's.)
Mya talked about Rebecca the rest of the shopping trip and would peek around the corner of each aisle that day looking...hoping...to see Rebecca again.
The following week, we anxiously anticipated seeing Rebecca and chatting with her again. I asked Mya on our car ride to the store if she remembered Rebecca. She seemed to. And as we entered the store and made our way about six- or seven- aisles in, we looked for her.
But this time, we couldn't find her.
We finished our visit, looking for her along the way. No luck. I asked another employee if a "Rebecca" was working (...I know, it might have been a long shot...but worth a chance...), and she said she was. We quickly found her and were greeted yet again with a warm smile. And to our surprise, she remembered us and insisted on presenting Mya with a special treat...bubble gum and pretzels. (Any 3-year-old's dream!) For the next seven days, Mya requested a piece of her "Rebecca gum" each time we'd climb into the car.
A relationship was forming between them. And I loved watching it develop.
Our very next visit to the store, Rebecca surprised Mya with another special treat...a fun drinking cup with a spiral-shaped straw...filled with M&M's. (Again, any 3-year old's dream!!) I kept insisting each time to Rebecca that she did not need to do this. That she did not need to present Mya with gifts and special treats. But each time, she insisted with a joy-filled smile, as she patted my shoulder with a certain reassurance. She just wanted to do it.
And just this last visit, I made my grocery trip by myself. And as I rounded the corner and spotted her diligently working in aisle seven, I greeted her. Her warm smiled greeted me back. She wondered about Mya (who was home with Daddy), concerned why she wasn't with me but quickly reassured and glad to know she was okay. Next, she leaned in close to me. She had a question. Would Mya and I like to go with her to lunch sometime before Christmas? (Of course!)
Over a few short weeks, this relationship with Rebecca has blossomed in unexpected ways. And we have been blessed abundantly from it.
You see, Rebecca is quite old. I imagine she's in her '80's. (I've yet to ask but am curious to find out when the time is right.) Love and kindness radiate and pour out of her and because of that, I want to know her more. I want Mya to know her more.
And I secretly hope that our lunch date works out.
I'd love to find out what life's been like for her. I'd love to learn from her. I'd love for her to share her wisdom with me. And I'd love for Mya to be able to witness all of that. We have so much to learn from other generations. From other people. People with different backgrounds, different races, different cultures. And I love how our paths can cross with someone...so randomly at times...and how much we can discover having in common with one another. I find it to be so beautiful. And so enriching.
I have no idea how long we'll get to know Rebecca. While our paths continue to cross though, I hope to continue learning more from her. And I can't wait to take a moment to let her know how much she blesses us each week. I'm excited to see Rebecca again this week!
About 8-weeks ago, Mya randomly said, "Hi" to an Amish lady that works at the store. With a warm smile and a sweet personality, we quickly learned that this kind lady's name is Rebecca. Instantly, Rebecca and Mya clicked. They briefly chatted. Exchanged smiles. And the joy on Rebecca's face was obvious. Our conversation that day ended as Rebecca asked if we'd be back again. (Of course! - I love BB's.)
Mya talked about Rebecca the rest of the shopping trip and would peek around the corner of each aisle that day looking...hoping...to see Rebecca again.
The following week, we anxiously anticipated seeing Rebecca and chatting with her again. I asked Mya on our car ride to the store if she remembered Rebecca. She seemed to. And as we entered the store and made our way about six- or seven- aisles in, we looked for her.
But this time, we couldn't find her.
We finished our visit, looking for her along the way. No luck. I asked another employee if a "Rebecca" was working (...I know, it might have been a long shot...but worth a chance...), and she said she was. We quickly found her and were greeted yet again with a warm smile. And to our surprise, she remembered us and insisted on presenting Mya with a special treat...bubble gum and pretzels. (Any 3-year-old's dream!) For the next seven days, Mya requested a piece of her "Rebecca gum" each time we'd climb into the car.
A relationship was forming between them. And I loved watching it develop.
Our very next visit to the store, Rebecca surprised Mya with another special treat...a fun drinking cup with a spiral-shaped straw...filled with M&M's. (Again, any 3-year old's dream!!) I kept insisting each time to Rebecca that she did not need to do this. That she did not need to present Mya with gifts and special treats. But each time, she insisted with a joy-filled smile, as she patted my shoulder with a certain reassurance. She just wanted to do it.
And just this last visit, I made my grocery trip by myself. And as I rounded the corner and spotted her diligently working in aisle seven, I greeted her. Her warm smiled greeted me back. She wondered about Mya (who was home with Daddy), concerned why she wasn't with me but quickly reassured and glad to know she was okay. Next, she leaned in close to me. She had a question. Would Mya and I like to go with her to lunch sometime before Christmas? (Of course!)
Over a few short weeks, this relationship with Rebecca has blossomed in unexpected ways. And we have been blessed abundantly from it.
You see, Rebecca is quite old. I imagine she's in her '80's. (I've yet to ask but am curious to find out when the time is right.) Love and kindness radiate and pour out of her and because of that, I want to know her more. I want Mya to know her more.
And I secretly hope that our lunch date works out.
I'd love to find out what life's been like for her. I'd love to learn from her. I'd love for her to share her wisdom with me. And I'd love for Mya to be able to witness all of that. We have so much to learn from other generations. From other people. People with different backgrounds, different races, different cultures. And I love how our paths can cross with someone...so randomly at times...and how much we can discover having in common with one another. I find it to be so beautiful. And so enriching.
I have no idea how long we'll get to know Rebecca. While our paths continue to cross though, I hope to continue learning more from her. And I can't wait to take a moment to let her know how much she blesses us each week. I'm excited to see Rebecca again this week!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Holding Her for the First Time
This past weekend, we celebrated a day special to our family. The day we held Mya for the first time...THREE years ago.
You see, we had been on an adoption waiting list for just shy of two years when we got the call that a baby was born and its birthmom wanted to meet us. I cannot even begin to describe the emotions involved in receiving that phone call from our caseworker. The phone call in which she told us that a birthmom wanted to meet us face-to-face.
We had anticipated this moment for soooo long. We never knew quite what that moment would feel like, but we sure loved dreaming about it. And when a date, location, and time were in place to meet this woman, this potential birthmom of our child, we were elated. We were literally on cloud nine. Certainly, we still guarded our hearts, knowing that she might not choose us, that she might change her mind, that it wouldn't work out. But the Lord filled us with such hope and thanksgiving.
We met at a local restaurant. We were nervous. And excited. Ecstatic, really. And we didn't know what to expect. What it would be like to meet this woman, this person that would make such an incredible decision for her child. But it was beautiful.
I can immediately flashback to that day when I take the time to think about it. I can visualize the booth we sat in. I can remember that I sat on the right-side of Brandon. This potential birthmom sat across from me, wedged in between our caseworker and her caseworker. I can remember ordering a sandwich but having little-to-no appetite. I can remember the caseworkers facilitating the conversation, at times, and the conversations just flowing very naturally at other moments. I can remember us sharing our likes and our dislikes and laughing together and relating to one another. And I can vividly remember the moment that our future child's birthmom would look us in the eyes and tell us that she wanted us to be her child's parents. That her child was a little girl. And she asked us if we wanted to meet her that same day.
I can remember leaving the restaurant and driving back to the adoption agency. I can remember talking with our caseworker and her making sure we were okay and checking in with us. I can remember Mya's birthmom requesting a moment with her baby...by herself...and feeling nervous but extremely hopeful. And I can remember when the invitation came to us...from her birthmom...to meet her child...our child. And I can clearly remember holding Mya for the first time. I can remember Mya's birthmom gently handing over her baby girl and placing her into my arms. And the tears just flowed. Tears of joy, thankfulness, and completeness. And yet, tears of sadness for this other mom who was giving up her ability to hold her child for much longer. Forever.
And each year, we love to reflect on that day and celebrate it. We go back to that very restaurant. We talk to Mya about that day and remind her of her birthmommy's decision and of how much we love her. And just this past weekend, we enjoyed a meal together...as a family...with our daughter...in that very restaurant.
And I can't help but feel like gratitude and joy are overflowing from my heart when I reminisce about the timing of everything and about the timing of Mya's home-coming being so close to the Thanksgiving holiday.
You see, we had been on an adoption waiting list for just shy of two years when we got the call that a baby was born and its birthmom wanted to meet us. I cannot even begin to describe the emotions involved in receiving that phone call from our caseworker. The phone call in which she told us that a birthmom wanted to meet us face-to-face.
We had anticipated this moment for soooo long. We never knew quite what that moment would feel like, but we sure loved dreaming about it. And when a date, location, and time were in place to meet this woman, this potential birthmom of our child, we were elated. We were literally on cloud nine. Certainly, we still guarded our hearts, knowing that she might not choose us, that she might change her mind, that it wouldn't work out. But the Lord filled us with such hope and thanksgiving.
We met at a local restaurant. We were nervous. And excited. Ecstatic, really. And we didn't know what to expect. What it would be like to meet this woman, this person that would make such an incredible decision for her child. But it was beautiful.
I can immediately flashback to that day when I take the time to think about it. I can visualize the booth we sat in. I can remember that I sat on the right-side of Brandon. This potential birthmom sat across from me, wedged in between our caseworker and her caseworker. I can remember ordering a sandwich but having little-to-no appetite. I can remember the caseworkers facilitating the conversation, at times, and the conversations just flowing very naturally at other moments. I can remember us sharing our likes and our dislikes and laughing together and relating to one another. And I can vividly remember the moment that our future child's birthmom would look us in the eyes and tell us that she wanted us to be her child's parents. That her child was a little girl. And she asked us if we wanted to meet her that same day.
I can remember leaving the restaurant and driving back to the adoption agency. I can remember talking with our caseworker and her making sure we were okay and checking in with us. I can remember Mya's birthmom requesting a moment with her baby...by herself...and feeling nervous but extremely hopeful. And I can remember when the invitation came to us...from her birthmom...to meet her child...our child. And I can clearly remember holding Mya for the first time. I can remember Mya's birthmom gently handing over her baby girl and placing her into my arms. And the tears just flowed. Tears of joy, thankfulness, and completeness. And yet, tears of sadness for this other mom who was giving up her ability to hold her child for much longer. Forever.
And each year, we love to reflect on that day and celebrate it. We go back to that very restaurant. We talk to Mya about that day and remind her of her birthmommy's decision and of how much we love her. And just this past weekend, we enjoyed a meal together...as a family...with our daughter...in that very restaurant.
And I can't help but feel like gratitude and joy are overflowing from my heart when I reminisce about the timing of everything and about the timing of Mya's home-coming being so close to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Fortune Cookies
Ever since experiencing my first fortune cookie as a kid, I fell in love with them. There's something so fun and silly about cracking open a cookie (which, by the way, I also love to eat!), unwrapping a little white paper, and discovering your "fortune" for the day. I'm not a superstitious person, but I find such joy in reading those little papers.
************
In the midst of our journey to become parents...in the midst of the months and months of waiting and longing, first through infertility and later through the adoption process...we were blessed with such support and love from our family and friends. Encouragement and love would appear in the most random ways...at the most perfect times. Cards in the mail, emails, a visit from a friend, lunch with my parents, tickets to concerts, opportunities to attend retreats and hear amazing speakers. Each way blessed our lives richly and helped us to keep going...even in those moments when we questioned God and wondered if we'd really ever become parents.
And I will never forget an instance when a FORTUNE COOKIE...a random source of encouragement and wisdom...gave me that boost to keep believing that I would one day become a mom.
My dad invited me to join him for lunch at a local Chinese buffet. Like every other visit, our meal concluded with the delivery of our check to our table...on a little black plastic tray...with two fortune cookies. And our tradition was to crack open those cookies and read our fortunes aloud. On that day...in the very midst of months of waiting, doubting, and hoping, my fortune said this....
I'm pretty sure I nearly fell off my chair. The words that bounced off that tiny piece of paper resonated with my heart and soul. I couldn't believe that such encouragement could come from a fortune cookie. But it did! And just this morning as I opened our desk drawer, I noticed that fortune just laying there. I had kept it. Had forgotten about it. But for some reason...even though it's been there for YEARS ever since...I noticed it again today. And it spoke to me again.
I love when we're blessed in the most random of ways. From the most unlikely sources. Whether it's from a fortune cookie, billboard, tv commercial, or song...a post on Facebook, a text from a friend, or the laughter of a perfect stranger...you never know who's life you're making a difference in. And just when you need some encouragement, look for it...or it just might find you...like in the case of my fortune cookie.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Filling Your Home with a Spirit of Thankfulness
Thanksgiving is just under three weeks away. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, planning to entertain friends, or hoping to extend the season of thankfulness onto the little ones in your life, here are some simple, yet beautiful, ways to add the spirit of gratitude into your home.
<Click on each image for directions and to link you to its original website.>
[1] Thankfulness Tree
Idea: If you don't have access to sticks or twigs, you could place a paper cutout tree trunk on a wall in your home and allow children and adults to write things they're thankful for onto leaves (either real or paper cutouts) and place them onto the tree. Another variation could be to create a turkey and write things you're thankful for onto feathers (paper feathers would probably work best) and place them onto the turkey. A "grateful chain" idea is also available <here>. The possibilities are really endless on this one.
[2] Corn Kernel Centerpiece
Idea: Give each person at your dinner table three (or more) kernels of corn on their dinner plate each night...starting now and leading up to Thanksgiving...and take turns share three things you're thankful for from the day, before starting your mealtime. Then add your kernels to the centerpiece. Instead of corn, you could substitute acorns or cranberries, too.
[3] "Give Thanks" Centerpiece
Idea: The idea of placing letters on toothpicks and adding them to a centerpiece is so cute. These toothpick letters could also be placed on a cake or cupcakes, to spell out the different Thanksgiving dinner entrees (ex. "baked corn" toothpick letters placed in the baked corn casserole), and so on. You might also substitute your family's last name into the centerpiece for your extended family gathering or use some other "thankful" words or phrases like grateful, Happy Thanksgiving, blessings, family, gifts from the Lord, etc.
[4] Table Setting
Idea: Prepare these for your Thanksgiving dinner or consider using them at your dinner table for the week(s) leading up to Thanksgiving. If your kids are little, encourage them to draw a picture (instead of words) to capture their heart of gratitude. Cutting these words or pictures out and adding them to your "thankfulness tree" (see example above) could kill two birds with one stone...so to speak.
[5] "Give Thanks" Decoration
Idea: Get your kids involved in this one. Even if your children are young, use a marker to write the letter onto each fruit before having your kids push the cloves into the fruit. Pears, oranges, apples, etc. could be used. If you want to keep them for years to come, purchase artificial fruit.
[6] Place Mat & Pilgrim Hat Crayon Holder
Click <here> to access instructions and to download the place mat template.
[7] Countdown to Thanksgiving
Idea: If creating a dozen (or more) hand-print turkeys seems like a daunting task, consider gather leaves from outside and numbering them. Your kids might enjoy cutting out paper apples or paper leaves, etc. with some adult supervision. :)
[8] Thanksgiving Clothespin Wreath
Please share other ideas you have of ways you and your family help to fill your home with a spirit of thankfulness in the month of November.
<Click on each image for directions and to link you to its original website.>
[1] Thankfulness Tree
Idea: If you don't have access to sticks or twigs, you could place a paper cutout tree trunk on a wall in your home and allow children and adults to write things they're thankful for onto leaves (either real or paper cutouts) and place them onto the tree. Another variation could be to create a turkey and write things you're thankful for onto feathers (paper feathers would probably work best) and place them onto the turkey. A "grateful chain" idea is also available <here>. The possibilities are really endless on this one.
[2] Corn Kernel Centerpiece
Idea: Give each person at your dinner table three (or more) kernels of corn on their dinner plate each night...starting now and leading up to Thanksgiving...and take turns share three things you're thankful for from the day, before starting your mealtime. Then add your kernels to the centerpiece. Instead of corn, you could substitute acorns or cranberries, too.
[3] "Give Thanks" Centerpiece
Idea: The idea of placing letters on toothpicks and adding them to a centerpiece is so cute. These toothpick letters could also be placed on a cake or cupcakes, to spell out the different Thanksgiving dinner entrees (ex. "baked corn" toothpick letters placed in the baked corn casserole), and so on. You might also substitute your family's last name into the centerpiece for your extended family gathering or use some other "thankful" words or phrases like grateful, Happy Thanksgiving, blessings, family, gifts from the Lord, etc.
[4] Table Setting
Idea: Prepare these for your Thanksgiving dinner or consider using them at your dinner table for the week(s) leading up to Thanksgiving. If your kids are little, encourage them to draw a picture (instead of words) to capture their heart of gratitude. Cutting these words or pictures out and adding them to your "thankfulness tree" (see example above) could kill two birds with one stone...so to speak.
[5] "Give Thanks" Decoration
Idea: Get your kids involved in this one. Even if your children are young, use a marker to write the letter onto each fruit before having your kids push the cloves into the fruit. Pears, oranges, apples, etc. could be used. If you want to keep them for years to come, purchase artificial fruit.
[6] Place Mat & Pilgrim Hat Crayon Holder
Click <here> to access instructions and to download the place mat template.
[7] Countdown to Thanksgiving
Idea: If creating a dozen (or more) hand-print turkeys seems like a daunting task, consider gather leaves from outside and numbering them. Your kids might enjoy cutting out paper apples or paper leaves, etc. with some adult supervision. :)
[8] Thanksgiving Clothespin Wreath
Please share other ideas you have of ways you and your family help to fill your home with a spirit of thankfulness in the month of November.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Childhood is a Journey...
I love this quote.
I first saw it on Facebook and was thankful for the reminder. So often, as a mom, I feel like I should be doing more, enrolling her in more. And while I do enjoy being involved in several community activities and events and do support the many wonderful options that are out there for our littles, each family needs to do what's best for them. And as I stopped for a moment to read this quote, it was a breath of fresh air to remember that it's okay to slow down, cherish today, and simply play.
Having worked in a preschool for a couple of years, I gained a huge appreciation for early childhood education, and it opened my eyes to the importance of "play." It was so neat to witness children learning so much...just by playing...with one another and by themselves. As a mom, it's easy for me to get distracted and become busy, too...even with just the regular busyness of maintaining a household. This quote reshifted my focus. And I became much more aware of the learning opportunities and moments all around us, as parents, in a given day.
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The leaves are falling outside.
Let your child run and play in them. Have them stomp on them to hear them crunch. Collect the leaves and glue them onto paper or place the leaves under the paper and use crayons to color over them. Explore the different sizes, shapes, and colors of the leaves around you.
Pumpkins are everywhere.
And for really good prices right now. Buy a couple. Even different varieties. Carve one together. Paint one. Cut one open and have your child play with the seeds and goo. Roast the seeds in your oven.
************
Sometimes the simplest things bring the greatest joy to our little ones' lives. What other Fall ideas/activities do you enjoy doing with your children that incorporate play? Please share!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Spider Web Project for Kids
Thanks to I Can Teach My Child, here's a super easy craft to do with your kids.
It literally involves only THREE things:
Light Corn Syrup
Black construction paper
Squeeze bottle
A pipe cleaner or yarn could also be used to create a spider for the web. Click on the picture or link above for a complete explanation of the spider web project.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Unexpected Kindness
I'm a huge fan of "random acts of kindness." While growing up, I remember there being a big push during my elementary school years to do random acts of kindness...and (if my memory serves me correctly) rewards from the teachers for being spotted doing those kind acts. It's something that's stuck with me and really resonated in my heart all of these years since then. It's something I still like to do...but wish I did more often. It takes a conscience effort to even consider doing this for someone...and sometimes even a bit of a lifestyle shift.
A random act of kindness can come in many different forms. A text, a card in the mail, someone holding the door for you, flowers, a kind gesture by a stranger, a friendly hello. And sometimes it can be just what you need to hear at just the right moment. For me, I was the receiver of one of these blessings just a few days ago...and it's still impacting me today.
Let me back up a bit.
I was having a not-so-great day...feeling a bit discouraged. The normal stuff of life with some added stressors. I had just gotten home and decided to check my email. My inbox was filled with the normal handful of junk emails and advertisements. But one email stood out to me. It was an email from our daughter's biological grandmother.
A random email.
Sure, we stay in touch with Mya's biological family...but our contact with them comes and goes. We might email a couple of times in a month. Then a couple of months might go by before we communicate again. Each open adoption situation is different...but for us (and for Mya's biological family), it works. And it feels right. And it's moments like this...when I receive a random email from Mya's biological grandma...that I'm grateful for the blessing that they are to me, Mya, and our family.
Mya's biological grandma had no idea I was having a rough day when she sent the email. But she took the time to send it. She took the time to let us know that each year, at this time...close to Mya's birthday, close to the day that Mya left her birthmother's arms and was placed into ours...she's reminded of how thankful she is for us, as her parents, and for Mya...and for how she's being raised in a Christian home.
I was immediately brought to tears.
I barely know this woman...and yet we share a connection that is so unique and so real. I needed to let her know how much her email meant to me. So I emailed her back. Thanking her. And reiterating our gratitude for her, as well.
I haven't heard back from her since I replied. And that's okay. We're still figuring things out. Still determining how this relationship will unfold between us and Mya's biological family. But one thing I can tell you is that her "random act of kindness" email made a huge impact in my life. She may never know how much it did...but I'm here to tell you that just when you think an act of kindness is small or insignificant, it just might have the BIGGEST impact in someone else's life...even if they don't take the time to let you know.
So let's get out there, people, and do something nice for someone! Let's spread a little love today.
A random act of kindness can come in many different forms. A text, a card in the mail, someone holding the door for you, flowers, a kind gesture by a stranger, a friendly hello. And sometimes it can be just what you need to hear at just the right moment. For me, I was the receiver of one of these blessings just a few days ago...and it's still impacting me today.
Let me back up a bit.
I was having a not-so-great day...feeling a bit discouraged. The normal stuff of life with some added stressors. I had just gotten home and decided to check my email. My inbox was filled with the normal handful of junk emails and advertisements. But one email stood out to me. It was an email from our daughter's biological grandmother.
A random email.
Sure, we stay in touch with Mya's biological family...but our contact with them comes and goes. We might email a couple of times in a month. Then a couple of months might go by before we communicate again. Each open adoption situation is different...but for us (and for Mya's biological family), it works. And it feels right. And it's moments like this...when I receive a random email from Mya's biological grandma...that I'm grateful for the blessing that they are to me, Mya, and our family.
Mya's biological grandma had no idea I was having a rough day when she sent the email. But she took the time to send it. She took the time to let us know that each year, at this time...close to Mya's birthday, close to the day that Mya left her birthmother's arms and was placed into ours...she's reminded of how thankful she is for us, as her parents, and for Mya...and for how she's being raised in a Christian home.
I was immediately brought to tears.
I barely know this woman...and yet we share a connection that is so unique and so real. I needed to let her know how much her email meant to me. So I emailed her back. Thanking her. And reiterating our gratitude for her, as well.
I haven't heard back from her since I replied. And that's okay. We're still figuring things out. Still determining how this relationship will unfold between us and Mya's biological family. But one thing I can tell you is that her "random act of kindness" email made a huge impact in my life. She may never know how much it did...but I'm here to tell you that just when you think an act of kindness is small or insignificant, it just might have the BIGGEST impact in someone else's life...even if they don't take the time to let you know.
So let's get out there, people, and do something nice for someone! Let's spread a little love today.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Life's Kinda Like a Marathon Race
Life's not easy. More and more just when I think life is beginning to feel comfortable or normal, I'm reminded of how uncertain and uneasy life can be. Life is scary.
It takes diligence and hardwork. It takes perseverance and endurance. It takes grace and mercy. And it takes patience...reminding me of just how much I need to depend on God. Just when I think I can tackle a problem or face an issue head on, I allow myself to believe that I am capable of handling it on my own. It can work for awhile. I can begin to believe that I'm capable of anything and everything. But the reality is, I can [only] "do all things through Christ who gives me strength." I can only face this life with the help of God.
When I think of running a race, I can't help but think of the race of life that we run. My husband loves to run. [I don't - It just doesn't come naturally to me.] And for months now, he's trained and trained and trained some more for his second marathon. I admire him so much. His perseverance. His drive. His ability to set a goal, work hard for it, and achieve it. Especially in the midst of everything else that life requires of him. And I love the symbolism between the race of life that we run and the training that runners endure to face a race of any kind...a 5K, a race for education, a marathon, and so on. It requires such focus and stamina.
But prepping for a race...specifically a marathon...is not easy. And neither is life. Here are some things that I've learned as the wife of a marathon runner. Some things are silly, some things are from the heart. But all things connect not just to running but to our race of life....
*Training for a marathon involves the entire family. Figuring out when to run. Fitting it into our schedules. Watching the weather. Planning for meals with lots of carbs on days with longer runs. And I can attest that the second time around with this whole marathon training schedule, I had a much better idea of what it would involve for all of us...which allowed me to extend more grace and accept it better this time. Life requires the efforts and help of every individual in a family, too.
*Runners put in tons and tons of hours to prepare for a marathon. Months of training in fact. With that preparation, a marathon is STILL hard work. Grueling. But without that preparation, it's even more challenging (or even impossible). Life takes constant focus and energy, and yet it's still draining, hard, and rewarding, too.
*It involves sacrifice.
*I've learned new things about the sport of running...including what "GU [pronounced 'goo'] Energy Gel Packs" are and which Clif Bars to buy (and not buy) and which socks, shorts, shirts, brands, and Camelbacks work best. Life's all about teaching us new things, isn't it?! I just never knew that one day I'd have a better understanding about the essentials of long-distance running. I'm sure there are things in your lives, too, that you NEVER imagined learning about or understanding more...for better or for worse. But every circumstance shapes us into a better person if we allow it to.
*Immediately after the race was over, Brandon and the other guys discussed their next race. The thrill of training and then actually running the race is appealing, addicting, and builds such camaraderie. There's an instant connection between runners. Connecting with other people helps us to remember how much we, as a human race, are more alike than we are different...and how beautiful our lives can be when we allow others to impact us.
*Brandon had a goal in mind. A time he wanted to get to qualify for the Boston Marathon. He kept that goal in the back of his mind...and worked HARD to achieve it. And even though he didn't qualify for Boston, he did shave 10-minutes off of his previous marathon's finishing time. We don't always get what we want in life...but it's okay. I'm beyond proud of him. And he's beyond happy with how he did. So even though there could be disappointment, he's chosen to accept his finish time and be grateful for how well he did do.
*Even when the race is over, the runners keep moving. In fact, we even had to walk many blocks back to our hotel, just to reach a point of rest. Even when I'm exhausted...physically, mentally, emotionally...I will continue to keep taking steps forward. To keep trusting. To keep serving.
*Runners come in all shapes and sizes and ages. And none of those factors completely define how good they are. Some styles of running are unique, too, including the types of shoes (or the lack-there-of). I'm amazed by this. Our outward appearance doesn't determine who we'll become or what we'll be good at or how we'll get to where we want to be. A good heart goes a long way.
*A TON of people are at the starting line and the finish line...but time and time again, the guys mentioned that it was the people that cheered them on throughout the middle of the race that inspired them or even brought them to tears. The marching bands, the handmade posters and banners, the loud cheers of encouragement. As us ladies stood just beyond the 13.1 mile mark and cheered perfect strangers (and our hubbies) on, people appreciated it. They smiled. They waved. They thanked. They shouted back. We need cheerleaders...encouragers...in our lives and shouldn't take them for granted. A simple smile or word of encouragement can turn your day around or completely change your outlook on something.
*Security was tight. Intense. Police officers were at every single intersection and lined the final legs of the race. Helicopters circled overhead while bomb sniffing dogs circled the crowd below. Bag searches were enforced. And all for good reasons. We have boundaries in our lives, too. They keep us safe and provide us with a sense of security.
*************
And so, as we embarked on the weekend that my hubby and his friends ran their marathon [exactly one week ago], I anticipated the race along with him. It's exciting. It's scary. It's amazing. And yet even this kind of race isn't possible without recognizing our dependence on God. For it is through God that we are able to do all things...including running a marathon, including living life.
"...Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1
It takes diligence and hardwork. It takes perseverance and endurance. It takes grace and mercy. And it takes patience...reminding me of just how much I need to depend on God. Just when I think I can tackle a problem or face an issue head on, I allow myself to believe that I am capable of handling it on my own. It can work for awhile. I can begin to believe that I'm capable of anything and everything. But the reality is, I can [only] "do all things through Christ who gives me strength." I can only face this life with the help of God.
When I think of running a race, I can't help but think of the race of life that we run. My husband loves to run. [I don't - It just doesn't come naturally to me.] And for months now, he's trained and trained and trained some more for his second marathon. I admire him so much. His perseverance. His drive. His ability to set a goal, work hard for it, and achieve it. Especially in the midst of everything else that life requires of him. And I love the symbolism between the race of life that we run and the training that runners endure to face a race of any kind...a 5K, a race for education, a marathon, and so on. It requires such focus and stamina.
But prepping for a race...specifically a marathon...is not easy. And neither is life. Here are some things that I've learned as the wife of a marathon runner. Some things are silly, some things are from the heart. But all things connect not just to running but to our race of life....
*Training for a marathon involves the entire family. Figuring out when to run. Fitting it into our schedules. Watching the weather. Planning for meals with lots of carbs on days with longer runs. And I can attest that the second time around with this whole marathon training schedule, I had a much better idea of what it would involve for all of us...which allowed me to extend more grace and accept it better this time. Life requires the efforts and help of every individual in a family, too.
*Runners put in tons and tons of hours to prepare for a marathon. Months of training in fact. With that preparation, a marathon is STILL hard work. Grueling. But without that preparation, it's even more challenging (or even impossible). Life takes constant focus and energy, and yet it's still draining, hard, and rewarding, too.
*It involves sacrifice.
*I've learned new things about the sport of running...including what "GU [pronounced 'goo'] Energy Gel Packs" are and which Clif Bars to buy (and not buy) and which socks, shorts, shirts, brands, and Camelbacks work best. Life's all about teaching us new things, isn't it?! I just never knew that one day I'd have a better understanding about the essentials of long-distance running. I'm sure there are things in your lives, too, that you NEVER imagined learning about or understanding more...for better or for worse. But every circumstance shapes us into a better person if we allow it to.
*Immediately after the race was over, Brandon and the other guys discussed their next race. The thrill of training and then actually running the race is appealing, addicting, and builds such camaraderie. There's an instant connection between runners. Connecting with other people helps us to remember how much we, as a human race, are more alike than we are different...and how beautiful our lives can be when we allow others to impact us.
*Brandon had a goal in mind. A time he wanted to get to qualify for the Boston Marathon. He kept that goal in the back of his mind...and worked HARD to achieve it. And even though he didn't qualify for Boston, he did shave 10-minutes off of his previous marathon's finishing time. We don't always get what we want in life...but it's okay. I'm beyond proud of him. And he's beyond happy with how he did. So even though there could be disappointment, he's chosen to accept his finish time and be grateful for how well he did do.
*Even when the race is over, the runners keep moving. In fact, we even had to walk many blocks back to our hotel, just to reach a point of rest. Even when I'm exhausted...physically, mentally, emotionally...I will continue to keep taking steps forward. To keep trusting. To keep serving.
*Runners come in all shapes and sizes and ages. And none of those factors completely define how good they are. Some styles of running are unique, too, including the types of shoes (or the lack-there-of). I'm amazed by this. Our outward appearance doesn't determine who we'll become or what we'll be good at or how we'll get to where we want to be. A good heart goes a long way.
*A TON of people are at the starting line and the finish line...but time and time again, the guys mentioned that it was the people that cheered them on throughout the middle of the race that inspired them or even brought them to tears. The marching bands, the handmade posters and banners, the loud cheers of encouragement. As us ladies stood just beyond the 13.1 mile mark and cheered perfect strangers (and our hubbies) on, people appreciated it. They smiled. They waved. They thanked. They shouted back. We need cheerleaders...encouragers...in our lives and shouldn't take them for granted. A simple smile or word of encouragement can turn your day around or completely change your outlook on something.
*Security was tight. Intense. Police officers were at every single intersection and lined the final legs of the race. Helicopters circled overhead while bomb sniffing dogs circled the crowd below. Bag searches were enforced. And all for good reasons. We have boundaries in our lives, too. They keep us safe and provide us with a sense of security.
*************
And so, as we embarked on the weekend that my hubby and his friends ran their marathon [exactly one week ago], I anticipated the race along with him. It's exciting. It's scary. It's amazing. And yet even this kind of race isn't possible without recognizing our dependence on God. For it is through God that we are able to do all things...including running a marathon, including living life.
"...Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
COSTUME Ideas
With trick-or-treating and costume parties coming in just a few weeks, I scoured the Internet for some cute and creative costumes ideas for you and your family. [Click on images for details.]
{1} "Guess Who?" Characters (...especially if YOUR name is one of the characters in the actual game.)
{2} Paper Dolls
{3} Google Maps
{4} A Cookie Sheet
{5} Ham & Cheese Sandwich
{6} Syrup & Waffle
{7} Grocery Bag
{8} Yip-Yips
{9} Owl
{10} Take-Out Food Container
{11} UPS Employee
{12} A Slushy
{13} Stick Figure
{14} Candy Crush
{5} Ham & Cheese Sandwich
{6} Syrup & Waffle
{7} Grocery Bag
{8} Yip-Yips
{9} Owl
{10} Take-Out Food Container
{11} UPS Employee
{12} A Slushy
{13} Stick Figure
{14} Candy Crush
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Decorating with Pumpkins
I have a slight obsession with pumpkins. And I'm a sucker for those "$1.00 per pumpkin" wagons that have popped up around our area. This year...I swear more than ever...unique varieties of pumpkins are available, too, which doesn't help with my love (ahem, I mean addiction) to them. They bring such a Fall-like feel to any home...whether indoors or out.
So here are a few fun PUMPKIN ideas I've stumbled upon to get you and your home into the Fall decorating spirit. I love that these ideas are simple...and yet provide an alternative to the more traditional ways of decorating with this beautiful and quite colorful crop.
{Click on the pictures to view a larger image of it and/or to access more info about the ideas shown.}
{ONE} Tiered Dessert Tray
I don't know about you, but I have at least one of these tiered dessert trays in storage and only use them a couple of times a year...so making use of something I already own and giving it an alternative purpose is a great way to make use of it. They also suggested added dried flowers to the tray, in addition to the variety of mini pumpkins/gourds shown in the picture.
{TWO} Decorative Lantern
If you had a lantern like this on your deck or front porch this summer, you can now add mini pumpkins, pinecones, acorns, colorful leaves, etc. to them to give them a Fall look.
{THREE} Galvanized Metal & Sticks
If you have a mantle, placing a variety of pumpkins on it is a fun and easy idea. A variety of sizes and colors can look neat, too. And taking a walk in the woods (or out in your backyard) can provide you with sticks and twigs - Place these sticks in large vases or galvanized buckets, watering cans, etc.
{FOUR} Candy Corn & Candles
Using basic mason jars, fill them with candy corn or candy pumpkins (...or even acorns...) and place votive or pillar candle inside. These jars could also line a mantle or a walkway to the entrance of your home.
{FIVE} Embellishments
I love this idea. At your local arts and crafts store, purchase foam stickers in a font and color you like. Then use burlap or felt to create flower embellishments for your pumpkin. {For a burlap rosette tutorial, click here.) In the example above, they spelled the word "fall," but other ideas might include: family, thankful, trick-or-treat, October, pumpkin, love, and so on.
Ribbon can also be glued to pumpkins (see image below - far left). Carve your mini pumpkins and use as lanterns along a pathway or placed on windowsills (see image below - middle). Pumpkins can also be painted in metallic colors or bold colors to match the rooms of your house (see image below - far right). You might even try chalkboard paint, so your kiddos can have fun drawing and creating faces on them over and over again.
Have more PUMPKIN ideas? Do share!...in the "comments" section below.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
A Scary Mom Moment...continued.
Yesterday, I shared about a terrifying moment that we experienced over the weekend. In just seconds, our daughter was missing. For about 5-10 minutes. You can read the details of that here.
*************
Three days later, I was getting Mya ready for bed and asked her who she wanted to pray for. I then suggested that we pray again for the neighbors who helped to keep her safe when she was lost. She agreed and without hesitation proceeded to tell me that...
Jesus was with her while she was running.
"Huh? What, honey?" I replied...to clarify.
She again told me that Jesus was with her. And he was little. But that he was on her shoulder, and she could see him. She pointed to her left shoulder, signaling to me exactly where she remembered seeing Him.
And as if her first comments about Jesus being with her didn't blow me away enough, she then said to me that He told her to "stop." When she got to the big road.
I was in complete awe of her recollection. In amazement of this detail. I believe her. And I believe that God was very much with her, keeping her safe from serious harm on Saturday morning. This is yet another reminder that we have so much to learn from the little ones in our lives. The way they process and see things is amazing. In some ways, it would be kinda neat to see life through the eyes of a child. Even if for just one day. Their innocence and imaginations are beautiful.
And a moment like this makes every temper tantrum, naughty behavior, not-so-nice word, and unkind attitude while raising a two-year-old not seem so bad at all...but rather a beautiful blessing. And a different way to view life and the world.
*************
Three days later, I was getting Mya ready for bed and asked her who she wanted to pray for. I then suggested that we pray again for the neighbors who helped to keep her safe when she was lost. She agreed and without hesitation proceeded to tell me that...
Jesus was with her while she was running.
"Huh? What, honey?" I replied...to clarify.
She again told me that Jesus was with her. And he was little. But that he was on her shoulder, and she could see him. She pointed to her left shoulder, signaling to me exactly where she remembered seeing Him.
And as if her first comments about Jesus being with her didn't blow me away enough, she then said to me that He told her to "stop." When she got to the big road.
I was in complete awe of her recollection. In amazement of this detail. I believe her. And I believe that God was very much with her, keeping her safe from serious harm on Saturday morning. This is yet another reminder that we have so much to learn from the little ones in our lives. The way they process and see things is amazing. In some ways, it would be kinda neat to see life through the eyes of a child. Even if for just one day. Their innocence and imaginations are beautiful.
And a moment like this makes every temper tantrum, naughty behavior, not-so-nice word, and unkind attitude while raising a two-year-old not seem so bad at all...but rather a beautiful blessing. And a different way to view life and the world.
Monday, September 30, 2013
A Scary Mom Moment
The start of our Saturday was like most Saturdays in the Hershey household...including Brandon's decision to go for a run with his friend, Joel, in preparation for their upcoming marathon in October. But our morning quickly turned into a very scary moment that still makes my stomach feel weak when I relive it.
As the guys were preparing to leave for their 12-mile run, Mya wanted to be outside with them. So she stayed right there with them...stretching...waiting. She had been told that once Daddy and Joel left for the run that she was to stay in our yard to wave to them.
You might sense where this story is going.
I was right inside the house. While inside, I repeatedly checked to make sure Mya was still with the guys outside. The first two times, she was right there stretching with them. But the third time, I didn't see her. And I didn't see the guys. They had left for their run. I immediately ran outside to check on her.
No Mya.
I hated to panic. I hated to fear the worst. I reminded myself to stay calm. I began running around our property. I shouted her name. (If you've ever been in this position, you know what it's like. You can sense that pit-in-your-stomach feeling that's just awful.) She has always come immediately when I've called for her before. But not this time. I ran inside, shouting her name.
No Mya.
Back outside I flew. This time really shouting her name. Running...now frantically...around our yard. I worked hard to stay focus. I was determined to not let doubt or worry or fear creep in. But it was hard. My stomach felt funny. Quickly problem-solving, I attempted to call the guys on their cell phone while running around. No answer.
This was not like Mya. She's never, ever done anything like this before.
Still running around, still searching, I called my dear friend, Michelle, asking her if she was available to come over and help me search. She dropped everything. And came. I ran to my neighbor's house. Explained the situation. He dropped everything. He quickly planned that he'd go in one direction, and I'd go in the other. As we ran, another set of neighbors came rushing to help. They were able to guide us in the direction that they had seen Mya running last.
And then a third neighbor's light blue Buick came quickly down our road, horn honking to grab my attention. He hopped out of his car, informing me that he had found Mya.
That she was safe.
It was music to my ears. I rushed to her. Strapped into the backseat. Her face was visibly sad and worried. Relieved doesn't even begin to describe how I felt in that moment. My heart was overflowing with gratitude and a deep, deep sense of thankfulness. We hugged and kept hugging as I undid her seatbelt. I then asked our next-door neighbor where he found her, and for those of you that know us and know where we live, she had made it to a main road. In just a few, short minutes.
************
According to our neighbor, her rescuer, there she stood on the corner...lost and worried...when he spotted her from his car and stopped immedately to help. When we asked her where she had gone and why she had done it, she told us that she wanted to go running with Daddy and Joel. She was trying desperately to catch up with them, but little did she know, they were much further ahead. Completely out of her sight. They had NO IDEA that she had started to run after them AFTER she was out of their sight. She thought she could find them. She also described to us (later) that she ran and ran until her legs got tired but then she walked. And at one point when a car came down the road, she got to the side of the road just like mommy and daddy tell her to do.
*************
Mya and I clung to one another. I didn't want to let go of her. She didn't want to let go of me either. She knew what she did was wrong. I sensed that from her. But I also felt very guilty, too. I should have stayed outside with her. (And upon their return home and learning what happened, Brandon and Joel felt very guilty, too. You see, they had turned around to wave to her several times as they left, and she was still always where she was supposed to be...in our yard. They felt like if they had just turned around one more time or if Brandon would have made sure she got inside first, it wouldn't have happened.)
But it was truly an accident. An important life lesson for us to take to heart.
And our support didn't stop there, our neighbors comforted and encouraged us. They reassured us that similar things had happened to them when their children were younger. They extended grace and compassion to us. Mya and I walked back to each neighbor that helped and expressed our appreciation again. Yet a simple "thank you" just didn't seem like a sufficient way to express our appreciation.
And when we arrived home, there was even a message on our answering machine from yet another neighbor. You see, when Mya arrived at that corner, she was also on the property of one of my dance families, and so when they spotted our neighbor stopping to help Mya, they went over to make sure who he was and that Mya knew him (which she did). And they even called to make sure Mya made it home safely (which she did). They took the time to care. And for that, I am forever thankful, too.
The depth of gratitude that I feel towards those around me is hard to put into words.
The ways that people stepped up, dropped what they were doing, and simply helped were amazing. As I relive and rethink each step of the process, God's hand was so clearly present in how neighbor's were able to help, giving small, crucial details to steer us in her direction and how they literally dropped everything to assist me. In how my friend was able to quickly leave her home and be at mine in just minutes...just as Mya safely returned home...to bring us comfort. In how my next-door neighbor was the one to spot her at the exact time that he did which kept her safe from the dangerous traffic of the road. And he knew RIGHT where to take her to return her to her mommy and daddy. In how my dance family thought to follow-up and make sure we were okay. In how Mya was able to communicate so clearly with our neighbor to confirm with him who she was and that she was lost. And I'm also humbled in how that same neighbor that brought her home took the time to check in with us again later that morning and how he was so intentional about talking directly to Mya and letting her know how proud he was of her...for answering his questions, for communicating clearly.
************
As I brought Mya home, my heart wanted to pop with love and thankfulness for her. We talked, heart-to-heart, so I could be sure she knew the risk of her behavior to run to catch up to Daddy. I sensed her remorse, her awareness of the choice she made. When I asked her why she did it, she said that she just wanted to run with Daddy.
I cried. When I called my Mom to let her know about the situation and to remind her that everyone was okay, reality hit me, and the tears came. Everything caught up with me. I cried because it was terrifying, because I was so deeply grateful, because I was in denial that it all just happened, because I love Mya so much, because I felt guilty. But the encouraging words of others have helped to ease my mind. I've since heard countless stories from other moms and dads who have had similar situations happen to them. And we've immediately empathized with one another. And my prayers to the Lord have filled me with peace in knowing that it was truly an accident. It's been a good reminder that life is so precious. So uncertain. And yet I can have peace in knowing that the Lord is in control. Of all things. Always.
Thanks be to God for watching over Mya (and us) that day. After learning her reason for chasing after them, Brandon invited her to go for a run with him later that day. We don't want to squelch her desire to run and spend time with her daddy. But we know that she needs to know her boundaries. Her guidelines. She was ecstatic to go for a run with him, and in a funny way, it seemed to bring even more peace and closure to this teachable moment for both Mya and Mommy and Daddy.
As the guys were preparing to leave for their 12-mile run, Mya wanted to be outside with them. So she stayed right there with them...stretching...waiting. She had been told that once Daddy and Joel left for the run that she was to stay in our yard to wave to them.
You might sense where this story is going.
I was right inside the house. While inside, I repeatedly checked to make sure Mya was still with the guys outside. The first two times, she was right there stretching with them. But the third time, I didn't see her. And I didn't see the guys. They had left for their run. I immediately ran outside to check on her.
No Mya.
I hated to panic. I hated to fear the worst. I reminded myself to stay calm. I began running around our property. I shouted her name. (If you've ever been in this position, you know what it's like. You can sense that pit-in-your-stomach feeling that's just awful.) She has always come immediately when I've called for her before. But not this time. I ran inside, shouting her name.
No Mya.
Back outside I flew. This time really shouting her name. Running...now frantically...around our yard. I worked hard to stay focus. I was determined to not let doubt or worry or fear creep in. But it was hard. My stomach felt funny. Quickly problem-solving, I attempted to call the guys on their cell phone while running around. No answer.
This was not like Mya. She's never, ever done anything like this before.
Still running around, still searching, I called my dear friend, Michelle, asking her if she was available to come over and help me search. She dropped everything. And came. I ran to my neighbor's house. Explained the situation. He dropped everything. He quickly planned that he'd go in one direction, and I'd go in the other. As we ran, another set of neighbors came rushing to help. They were able to guide us in the direction that they had seen Mya running last.
And then a third neighbor's light blue Buick came quickly down our road, horn honking to grab my attention. He hopped out of his car, informing me that he had found Mya.
That she was safe.
It was music to my ears. I rushed to her. Strapped into the backseat. Her face was visibly sad and worried. Relieved doesn't even begin to describe how I felt in that moment. My heart was overflowing with gratitude and a deep, deep sense of thankfulness. We hugged and kept hugging as I undid her seatbelt. I then asked our next-door neighbor where he found her, and for those of you that know us and know where we live, she had made it to a main road. In just a few, short minutes.
************
According to our neighbor, her rescuer, there she stood on the corner...lost and worried...when he spotted her from his car and stopped immedately to help. When we asked her where she had gone and why she had done it, she told us that she wanted to go running with Daddy and Joel. She was trying desperately to catch up with them, but little did she know, they were much further ahead. Completely out of her sight. They had NO IDEA that she had started to run after them AFTER she was out of their sight. She thought she could find them. She also described to us (later) that she ran and ran until her legs got tired but then she walked. And at one point when a car came down the road, she got to the side of the road just like mommy and daddy tell her to do.
*************
Mya and I clung to one another. I didn't want to let go of her. She didn't want to let go of me either. She knew what she did was wrong. I sensed that from her. But I also felt very guilty, too. I should have stayed outside with her. (And upon their return home and learning what happened, Brandon and Joel felt very guilty, too. You see, they had turned around to wave to her several times as they left, and she was still always where she was supposed to be...in our yard. They felt like if they had just turned around one more time or if Brandon would have made sure she got inside first, it wouldn't have happened.)
But it was truly an accident. An important life lesson for us to take to heart.
And our support didn't stop there, our neighbors comforted and encouraged us. They reassured us that similar things had happened to them when their children were younger. They extended grace and compassion to us. Mya and I walked back to each neighbor that helped and expressed our appreciation again. Yet a simple "thank you" just didn't seem like a sufficient way to express our appreciation.
And when we arrived home, there was even a message on our answering machine from yet another neighbor. You see, when Mya arrived at that corner, she was also on the property of one of my dance families, and so when they spotted our neighbor stopping to help Mya, they went over to make sure who he was and that Mya knew him (which she did). And they even called to make sure Mya made it home safely (which she did). They took the time to care. And for that, I am forever thankful, too.
The depth of gratitude that I feel towards those around me is hard to put into words.
The ways that people stepped up, dropped what they were doing, and simply helped were amazing. As I relive and rethink each step of the process, God's hand was so clearly present in how neighbor's were able to help, giving small, crucial details to steer us in her direction and how they literally dropped everything to assist me. In how my friend was able to quickly leave her home and be at mine in just minutes...just as Mya safely returned home...to bring us comfort. In how my next-door neighbor was the one to spot her at the exact time that he did which kept her safe from the dangerous traffic of the road. And he knew RIGHT where to take her to return her to her mommy and daddy. In how my dance family thought to follow-up and make sure we were okay. In how Mya was able to communicate so clearly with our neighbor to confirm with him who she was and that she was lost. And I'm also humbled in how that same neighbor that brought her home took the time to check in with us again later that morning and how he was so intentional about talking directly to Mya and letting her know how proud he was of her...for answering his questions, for communicating clearly.
************
As I brought Mya home, my heart wanted to pop with love and thankfulness for her. We talked, heart-to-heart, so I could be sure she knew the risk of her behavior to run to catch up to Daddy. I sensed her remorse, her awareness of the choice she made. When I asked her why she did it, she said that she just wanted to run with Daddy.
I cried. When I called my Mom to let her know about the situation and to remind her that everyone was okay, reality hit me, and the tears came. Everything caught up with me. I cried because it was terrifying, because I was so deeply grateful, because I was in denial that it all just happened, because I love Mya so much, because I felt guilty. But the encouraging words of others have helped to ease my mind. I've since heard countless stories from other moms and dads who have had similar situations happen to them. And we've immediately empathized with one another. And my prayers to the Lord have filled me with peace in knowing that it was truly an accident. It's been a good reminder that life is so precious. So uncertain. And yet I can have peace in knowing that the Lord is in control. Of all things. Always.
Thanks be to God for watching over Mya (and us) that day. After learning her reason for chasing after them, Brandon invited her to go for a run with him later that day. We don't want to squelch her desire to run and spend time with her daddy. But we know that she needs to know her boundaries. Her guidelines. She was ecstatic to go for a run with him, and in a funny way, it seemed to bring even more peace and closure to this teachable moment for both Mya and Mommy and Daddy.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
One yellow Care Bear. And a pink one, too.
I'm told by my mom that when I was little, I picked out a pink Care Bear as my reward when I was officially potty-trained. I don't remember going to the store and picking it out. But I do remember the Care Bear.
You know how when you grow up and move out of your parents' house for the first time, they send all kinds of treasures with you. For me, it was my collection of baby pictures, Christmas ornaments, some much-needed furniture, and for me, a collection of stuffed animals that I had acquired (and refused to let go of) over the years. So when I was twenty-something and got married and moved out of my parents' house, several stuffed animals joined the (then) newly-formed Hershey household.
At the time, I could have cared less about those stuffed animals. I even contemplated getting rid of them. Donating them to Goodwill or something.
But for some reason I didn't.
I stashed them inside a large plastic bin in our laundry room. For the most part, they were forgotten about...except for the occasional need for one for a lesson plan while working in a preschool.
But a week ago, I was in search of that pink Care Bear.
It had been forgotten about, neglected for YEARS. But wouldn't you know, when I went to that stash of stuffed animals in our laundry room and began searching for my Care Bear, I found it. And I'm thankful I did.
You see, several months ago, we very casually started the potty-training process for our daughter. And just a few weeks ago, we became a completely diaper-free household. It was such a good feeling. I was so thrilled for her accomplishment that we traveled to Target, in search of a small reward for her.
We scanned the toy aisles, and I tried to entice her with a variety of dolls, puzzles, and so on. Nothing seemed to jump out at her. I was seriously losing hope that we'd find something that would seem rewarding to her as we rounded the turn to the very LAST aisle of girl toys. As we're midway down the aisle, I noticed two Care Bears. One yellow. And one blue. I casually pointed them out to her as a last option, and without hesitation, she responded, "Can I hold them?" I agreed. And handed them to her one at a time. I could tell she liked them and asked her if this was what she wanted. She requested the yellow Sunshine Bear. We paid for it and returned home.
I remembered my Care Bear and decided to search for it. At the very bottom of the plastic storage bin was my pink bear. I had no idea that one day I would want this pink bear again. But I'm so glad I have it.
It may seem corny. But for me, it fills my heart with gratitude on so many levels. (One) That my mom saved the bear for me. And that she knew I might, one day, want it again. (Two) That something inside of me made me keep that pink bear. (Three) That Mya and I can share that bond of picking out similar rewards for reaching that milestone. (Four) That they still even MAKE Care Bears. (FIVE) That something as simple as a Care Bear...purchased back in the mid-'80s...could again be popular enough to be on the shelves of a store in 2013 and appealing enough that a toddler would pick it today.
Sometimes it's the simple things in life. Or the most random things. Like Care Bears. But those things can create some pretty cool bonds between people.
You know how when you grow up and move out of your parents' house for the first time, they send all kinds of treasures with you. For me, it was my collection of baby pictures, Christmas ornaments, some much-needed furniture, and for me, a collection of stuffed animals that I had acquired (and refused to let go of) over the years. So when I was twenty-something and got married and moved out of my parents' house, several stuffed animals joined the (then) newly-formed Hershey household.
At the time, I could have cared less about those stuffed animals. I even contemplated getting rid of them. Donating them to Goodwill or something.
But for some reason I didn't.
I stashed them inside a large plastic bin in our laundry room. For the most part, they were forgotten about...except for the occasional need for one for a lesson plan while working in a preschool.
But a week ago, I was in search of that pink Care Bear.
It had been forgotten about, neglected for YEARS. But wouldn't you know, when I went to that stash of stuffed animals in our laundry room and began searching for my Care Bear, I found it. And I'm thankful I did.
You see, several months ago, we very casually started the potty-training process for our daughter. And just a few weeks ago, we became a completely diaper-free household. It was such a good feeling. I was so thrilled for her accomplishment that we traveled to Target, in search of a small reward for her.
We scanned the toy aisles, and I tried to entice her with a variety of dolls, puzzles, and so on. Nothing seemed to jump out at her. I was seriously losing hope that we'd find something that would seem rewarding to her as we rounded the turn to the very LAST aisle of girl toys. As we're midway down the aisle, I noticed two Care Bears. One yellow. And one blue. I casually pointed them out to her as a last option, and without hesitation, she responded, "Can I hold them?" I agreed. And handed them to her one at a time. I could tell she liked them and asked her if this was what she wanted. She requested the yellow Sunshine Bear. We paid for it and returned home.
I remembered my Care Bear and decided to search for it. At the very bottom of the plastic storage bin was my pink bear. I had no idea that one day I would want this pink bear again. But I'm so glad I have it.
It may seem corny. But for me, it fills my heart with gratitude on so many levels. (One) That my mom saved the bear for me. And that she knew I might, one day, want it again. (Two) That something inside of me made me keep that pink bear. (Three) That Mya and I can share that bond of picking out similar rewards for reaching that milestone. (Four) That they still even MAKE Care Bears. (FIVE) That something as simple as a Care Bear...purchased back in the mid-'80s...could again be popular enough to be on the shelves of a store in 2013 and appealing enough that a toddler would pick it today.
Sometimes it's the simple things in life. Or the most random things. Like Care Bears. But those things can create some pretty cool bonds between people.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Fabulous Fabrics...and so much more!
I'm not much of a seamstress. I can tackle fixing a button or repairing a basic seam. But, my only way of sewing is by hand. I don't own a sewing machine. And yet I've recently had this desire in my soul to learn [again] how to use a sewing machine.
(Insert: Flashbacks to 7th grade Home Ec class...and learning to sew flannel boxer shorts. Yes, FLANNEL BOXER SHORTS. That could be a whole other blog post...but let's just say, the class I ended up in included mostly males...in the era of super baggy pants and over-sized t-shirts. Like a true democracy, majority won when our class voted...and boxer shorts were the "final project" of choice in my home ec class.)
I never want my life to be stagnant. I want to continue to learn and grow...and try NEW THINGS...throughout my life. I love the thought of getting creative with a sewing machine. And when I stumbled upon [yet another] cool website like Spoonflower, it makes me wanna start sewing right now.
Spoonflower has the coolest fabrics, wall papers, decals, and gift wraps. Bright colors. Trendy patterns. Masculine, feminine. Modern, cute, sophisticated, fun...and even a "Design-Your-Own" option. Spoonflower inspires me to take chances and have fun getting creative.
By me typing this blog post, you're all holding me accountable to actually buying a sewing machine and teaching myself how to use it. In the near future. Keep dreaming. Keeping believing. And keep taking chances, everybody. Try something new...TODAY! (And if anyone wants to learn to use a sewing machine, too...or is willing to TEACH me how to use one...we can tackle learning it TOGETHER!!!) :)
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