Hello fellow bloggers and visitors. I am still alive, I've just been VERY busy this summer-we've been working on my daughter's room-turning it from a little boys theme to an appropriate room for a 7 year old girl. All we have left to paint is her bookcase and find a desk for her and she's set-as soon as those are done, I'll post pictures! Although things are still quite busy for me and probably will be until school starts (or even after-I have been offered a temp job at a local attorney's office while his secretary is on maternity leave end of August until sometime in October).
I felt compelled to post today-I had a nightmare last night that opened my eyes. I dreamt that I was at a friends apartment with a lot of 10-13 year old kids. My children weren't there and I knew they were safe, I also knew that I had the appropriate markings to be safe, but what it boiled down to was that an assassin was coming to slaughter any kids that did not have the right sticker on their wrist. I was just sitting there waiting for the doorbell to ring, knowing that "at least I'm safe and my children are safe". The doorbell rang, the host let the "man" (I use this term lightly as he was no more than a teenage boy himself) in. He checked my wrist and moved on-the kids were sitting on the floor-playing video games or singing-I'm not sure, but they were having fun. He went to the first girl and checked her wrist-I remember him lifting it up so gently like a friend would. Then he said "I'm sorry." and took out a large knife. That's when I realized that I could NOT sit by and just watch this happen-it wasn't enough that my kids were safe and I was safe-I didn't try anything before because I thought it wouldn't help.... I was scared. But now I KNEW I had to do something. I ran towards the assassin with all my might and yelled at the top of my lungs "RUN!!!"
That's when I woke up. The scariest part of the dream was that I had sat so long not even trying anything to help those kids. I thought for a little while and realized-I'm doing that now. There are kids in the world that are sick, scared and dying. Because I don't see them and because I give to various charities, I feel like I've done enough-plus MY kids are safe.... I'm safe....
NOT ENOUGH.
I know that God wants more of me-he just gave me a wake-up call. I don't have a lot to give, but I have more than others. Plus, I have this blog-a perfect spot to get other people's attentions. All I'm saying is to do what you can, don't think that you can't help-you can. I'm posting some links to some of my favorite children charities-I invite you to comment with any more links to charities you can think of, too. Maybe together we can make a difference in children's lives.
Unicef-Unite for Children: (one of my faves-who remembers trick or treat for Unicef?)
www.unicef.org
One (fighting aids):
www.one.org
Feed the Children (both in United States and worldwide)
www.feedthechildren.org
All right, that's a few, I know there are many more great charities out there. My challenge to you is to give if you can, but also, please let us know of any more great charities out there that might need our help. Also, there are many local organizations that are trying to help kids, too. I for one will be donating to our local "Feed our children" charity-providing free lunch to hungry kids in our community. Don't forget that donations are usually tax deductible and you feel GREAT giving back. Good luck and God bless!
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Good ol' hospitality
I'd like to talk a little bit about the seemingly dying art of hospitality (and graciousness to boot). The general definition of hospitality pertains mostly to kind and courteous treatment of guests and/or strangers, but to me it means a little something more. My southern belle neighbor definitely knows a little bit about this custom and has inspired me to pass it on...
She asked me to feed her fish and cat and water her garden while she and her family were visiting with relatives in Tennessee. I gladly agreed-they live just two doors down, so it's a pretty easy job-plus my little guy has actually enjoyed "helping" in the task. My first day of our "tasks" I noticed a package and a card on her dining room table with my name on it. Wouldn't you know it, she left me two loaves of homemade bread, a small painting of her husband's doing that I had been eyeing for months, a craft toy & summer toy for the kids along with a homemade card with a beautiful photograph on the front. All this for so little work? At first I was shocked, but then it sunk in... This is just like her-so giving, so caring, so kind. I am truly blessed to have this woman in my life as though she is (a teensy bit) younger than me, she is a great inspiration to me. That evening I made a small batch of chocolate caramel brownies to give to other neighbor/friends (have I mentioned how much I love our neighborhood?) that were kind enough to watch our little guy during my Grandmother's funeral the previous weekend. Pay it forward, right?
As much as I love my neighborhood, I think it has been going through some growing pains lately. We have new neighbors, that seem to have a different type of parenting style than the rest of the neighborhood. It seems pretty much like it's just let the kids run around all day without knowing where they are or what they're doing, followed by intense yelling. Many times we have had several children from this family (I think the Mommy babysits her nieces and nephews) pushing my kids out of the way to climb on my swing set without even asking if they may. We are trying to have a firm yet kind stand on this subject, so it's pretty much the rule now that you MUST ask first, and if you push, hit, swear or do anything else inappropriate, you have to go home. We are trying to give as much attention and praise (for positive behavior) as possible, as these children just seem to eat it up like they're starved for it. We are praying every night to find a way to make a difference.
On Sunday I feel my hospitality was put to the test with one of the little boys. He came over while my hubby, kids and I were out playing on the swing set. To look at him made me cringe a little as he had dirt caked all over his face and (I think) boogies hanging from his nose. He asked very politely if he could swing, and of course we said yes. One of our rules is that no kids may be on our swing set while no adults are supervising-at this point that was no problem as we were all out. However, I knew I needed to get down to the neighbors and water her plants, so I mentioned it to hubby. Half an hour later hubby said he was going to take my kids over to visit another neighbor, but neighbor boy wanted to swing a little longer. So, even though every part of me was itching to get my "jobs" done while my children were off and occupied with their Daddy, I stayed and talked with the little guy. I answered a lot of questions for him-like "What is sand?" and "What are seasons?" I felt like a bond was growing with this little guy and I no longer saw the dirt on his face, I saw an adorable little boy who is dying for attention and affection. After half an hour of chatting I decided I better get moving before suppertime, so I walked him home hand in hand. He wanted to ride a big wheel on his sidewalk and he said "Will you stay and watch me?" How could I resist? I told him I'd stay for just a few minutes more and watch him, but then I needed to get my jobs done. He rode down the block, turning back every few feet to make sure I was still there-I waved and smiled my best smile (the one I smile when my kids do amazing things) for him every time, and every time he smiled a huge smile and waved back. After a few minutes, I said goodbye and promised that as soon as my "jobs" were done, I'd come back and wave at him. I just felt like the kid might do well with having some promises kept (not that I know his parents or whether they keep promises, it's just the vibe I was getting from him). I came back and waved, and a few minutes later he was back at my swing set playing with my returned family. Not much later he was being yelled for and he had to go home (perhaps he didn't let them know he was leaving-even though I asked if he had?). He looked up at me and said "Will you PLEASE walk me home?" So, once again, hand in had we walked to his back path and he raced off to his house. I realized I was feeling pangs similar to the ones I felt when my daughter started school. I'm just so glad to know that kid, and I look forward to the opportunity to get to know him and the rest of the kids in his family better throughout the summer. What was looking like a dreary neighborhood forecast (and could still be-but I'm not paying it mind) for this summer is now looking like a silver lining-we can make a difference in a child's life.
She asked me to feed her fish and cat and water her garden while she and her family were visiting with relatives in Tennessee. I gladly agreed-they live just two doors down, so it's a pretty easy job-plus my little guy has actually enjoyed "helping" in the task. My first day of our "tasks" I noticed a package and a card on her dining room table with my name on it. Wouldn't you know it, she left me two loaves of homemade bread, a small painting of her husband's doing that I had been eyeing for months, a craft toy & summer toy for the kids along with a homemade card with a beautiful photograph on the front. All this for so little work? At first I was shocked, but then it sunk in... This is just like her-so giving, so caring, so kind. I am truly blessed to have this woman in my life as though she is (a teensy bit) younger than me, she is a great inspiration to me. That evening I made a small batch of chocolate caramel brownies to give to other neighbor/friends (have I mentioned how much I love our neighborhood?) that were kind enough to watch our little guy during my Grandmother's funeral the previous weekend. Pay it forward, right?
As much as I love my neighborhood, I think it has been going through some growing pains lately. We have new neighbors, that seem to have a different type of parenting style than the rest of the neighborhood. It seems pretty much like it's just let the kids run around all day without knowing where they are or what they're doing, followed by intense yelling. Many times we have had several children from this family (I think the Mommy babysits her nieces and nephews) pushing my kids out of the way to climb on my swing set without even asking if they may. We are trying to have a firm yet kind stand on this subject, so it's pretty much the rule now that you MUST ask first, and if you push, hit, swear or do anything else inappropriate, you have to go home. We are trying to give as much attention and praise (for positive behavior) as possible, as these children just seem to eat it up like they're starved for it. We are praying every night to find a way to make a difference.
On Sunday I feel my hospitality was put to the test with one of the little boys. He came over while my hubby, kids and I were out playing on the swing set. To look at him made me cringe a little as he had dirt caked all over his face and (I think) boogies hanging from his nose. He asked very politely if he could swing, and of course we said yes. One of our rules is that no kids may be on our swing set while no adults are supervising-at this point that was no problem as we were all out. However, I knew I needed to get down to the neighbors and water her plants, so I mentioned it to hubby. Half an hour later hubby said he was going to take my kids over to visit another neighbor, but neighbor boy wanted to swing a little longer. So, even though every part of me was itching to get my "jobs" done while my children were off and occupied with their Daddy, I stayed and talked with the little guy. I answered a lot of questions for him-like "What is sand?" and "What are seasons?" I felt like a bond was growing with this little guy and I no longer saw the dirt on his face, I saw an adorable little boy who is dying for attention and affection. After half an hour of chatting I decided I better get moving before suppertime, so I walked him home hand in hand. He wanted to ride a big wheel on his sidewalk and he said "Will you stay and watch me?" How could I resist? I told him I'd stay for just a few minutes more and watch him, but then I needed to get my jobs done. He rode down the block, turning back every few feet to make sure I was still there-I waved and smiled my best smile (the one I smile when my kids do amazing things) for him every time, and every time he smiled a huge smile and waved back. After a few minutes, I said goodbye and promised that as soon as my "jobs" were done, I'd come back and wave at him. I just felt like the kid might do well with having some promises kept (not that I know his parents or whether they keep promises, it's just the vibe I was getting from him). I came back and waved, and a few minutes later he was back at my swing set playing with my returned family. Not much later he was being yelled for and he had to go home (perhaps he didn't let them know he was leaving-even though I asked if he had?). He looked up at me and said "Will you PLEASE walk me home?" So, once again, hand in had we walked to his back path and he raced off to his house. I realized I was feeling pangs similar to the ones I felt when my daughter started school. I'm just so glad to know that kid, and I look forward to the opportunity to get to know him and the rest of the kids in his family better throughout the summer. What was looking like a dreary neighborhood forecast (and could still be-but I'm not paying it mind) for this summer is now looking like a silver lining-we can make a difference in a child's life.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Mean people suck.
It's so hard for a blindly optimistic person to stay "up" sometimes. The past two days have been a little tough for me. Yesterday we took the kids to Pizza Hut so that my oldest could use her "Bookit" coupon she earned by reading. We were having a great time until the family two tables down started to distract us. Was it the crying children that bothered me? No, it was the just plain MEAN parents that REALLY bothered me. They were very loudly chastising their 6 young children-Not one positive thing was said by them the whole time.
Now don't get me wrong, I lose my temper at times and might raise my voice on occasion, but I would never say the things they were saying to ANYONE-let alone my children. Things like "You better shut up your mouth or I'm going to kick your butt." Now that could very likely be an empty threat, which would explain why the kids kept at it. However, I just think there's a better way to get your kids to quiet down. It seemed like they were just feeding fuel to the fire.
I thought about what I should do-I couldn't just watch the verbal abuse and not say anything (it's not in my nature-though I am very non confrontational, so you can imagine how uncomfortable I was feeling at the time). I finally decided to go with the nicest possible route I could go. I walked over and told the mother "Your children are beautiful." She replied with a "Thank you." I then followed up with "You're very blessed." I just hoped that either she would realize that she truly is blessed to have her children-there are so many out there that want for what they have. I hoped for that, or for maybe a little bit of "Mommy guilt" to kick in and start working its magic-the way it tends to do. I know with my head that what I did probably made no difference at all for that family. But my blindly optimistic heart is going to tell my head to think otherwise.
Now don't get me wrong, I lose my temper at times and might raise my voice on occasion, but I would never say the things they were saying to ANYONE-let alone my children. Things like "You better shut up your mouth or I'm going to kick your butt." Now that could very likely be an empty threat, which would explain why the kids kept at it. However, I just think there's a better way to get your kids to quiet down. It seemed like they were just feeding fuel to the fire.
I thought about what I should do-I couldn't just watch the verbal abuse and not say anything (it's not in my nature-though I am very non confrontational, so you can imagine how uncomfortable I was feeling at the time). I finally decided to go with the nicest possible route I could go. I walked over and told the mother "Your children are beautiful." She replied with a "Thank you." I then followed up with "You're very blessed." I just hoped that either she would realize that she truly is blessed to have her children-there are so many out there that want for what they have. I hoped for that, or for maybe a little bit of "Mommy guilt" to kick in and start working its magic-the way it tends to do. I know with my head that what I did probably made no difference at all for that family. But my blindly optimistic heart is going to tell my head to think otherwise.
Monday, March 9, 2009
I know why they called the lady in the shoe old.
We were fortunate enough to have my husband's brother and his family come visit us this weekend. Since my brother & sister-in-law had a wedding shower to help host we even were able to babysit their kids. Their oldest is a beautiful blonde curly haired three year old girl who fears nothing (I called her fearless and her mom called her reckless). The baby is a toddling little guy(blonde again-they look nothing like my kids) that will be one in less than a week. He is definitely more attached to his mom right now as she is a stay-at-home mom also.
It was so fun to see our kids "mingle". I did feel bad for my daughter a few times as she is four years older than the oldest "little one", and did state a couple of times how playing with little kids wouldn't be how she would have chosen to spend her afternoon. The only other real problem we had was with MY son. The little stinker took full advantage of finally having someone smaller than him in the house. Every time he was upset or frustrated, he took it out on his little cousin-pushing and a couple of times hitting the poor unsuspecting tot. Let me tell you, that is NOT acceptable behavior in my house, and my little guy made contact with the naughty step several times that day.
In the long run, everyone survived. The in-laws returned to some (hopefully) happy, well nourished and (definitely) tuckered-out kids. It was so adorable to find the three oldest conked out in my bed "watching" the kid movie we put on for them! I have learned from this experience that, while I know we could handle having more children (and love watching any nieces or nephews we can get our hands on!), I don't want to be outnumbered. I love having my two kids. They are almost five years apart, which is both fun and a challenge at times. (It's almost like starting over when they're that far apart).
Now that my little guy is getting closer to three, there was a point when I thought for half a second that another baby might be fun (yeah, fun-that's the word). That thought didn't really stick, let's just say it's not our plan to have a larger family. It was a challenge Saturday to even get everyone's lunch made (and cleaned up) when we had four kids here. And that was with both my hubby and I present, if it wasn't the weekend, I would have been on my own. God bless the mothers of many-they must have better organizational skills than top ranking CEO's.
It was so fun to see our kids "mingle". I did feel bad for my daughter a few times as she is four years older than the oldest "little one", and did state a couple of times how playing with little kids wouldn't be how she would have chosen to spend her afternoon. The only other real problem we had was with MY son. The little stinker took full advantage of finally having someone smaller than him in the house. Every time he was upset or frustrated, he took it out on his little cousin-pushing and a couple of times hitting the poor unsuspecting tot. Let me tell you, that is NOT acceptable behavior in my house, and my little guy made contact with the naughty step several times that day.
In the long run, everyone survived. The in-laws returned to some (hopefully) happy, well nourished and (definitely) tuckered-out kids. It was so adorable to find the three oldest conked out in my bed "watching" the kid movie we put on for them! I have learned from this experience that, while I know we could handle having more children (and love watching any nieces or nephews we can get our hands on!), I don't want to be outnumbered. I love having my two kids. They are almost five years apart, which is both fun and a challenge at times. (It's almost like starting over when they're that far apart).
Now that my little guy is getting closer to three, there was a point when I thought for half a second that another baby might be fun (yeah, fun-that's the word). That thought didn't really stick, let's just say it's not our plan to have a larger family. It was a challenge Saturday to even get everyone's lunch made (and cleaned up) when we had four kids here. And that was with both my hubby and I present, if it wasn't the weekend, I would have been on my own. God bless the mothers of many-they must have better organizational skills than top ranking CEO's.
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