Happy Day Project Day 4

Today the task was to deliver a book to a friend. Books are one of my very favorite things so I was excited for today. I love reading children's books just as much as my boys and love when book order comes home from school. There is something about reading a book for the very first time. I love the chance to snuggle close too when we read. When I was teaching I had built up quite a stash of children's books that I would order in book order. I would use them for gifts and special treats for little friends. My stash is dwindling but I still have some and I love pulling out favorites. After dropping Baylor off at school, Cooper and Parker and I drove to three different houses delivering books to special little ones. Then we stopped at the post office to mail books to Addi and Gigi since they live a little farther away. We added a little note to our books too.
I also delivered these books to two of my close friends. I love Angie Smith and this book is great! The book by Ann Voskamp is seriously one of my new all time favorites. It's one that you can go back to time and time again. Today I was also able to send an egift card to Amazon for my bestie to pick a new book for her Ipad. I wanted to get her a Christmas book but couldn't decide. It was a fun day sharing one of my favorite things.
I was so excited tonight too because Andrea sent me a new book for my Kindle. I have wanted to read it and can't wait to get started. The one good thing about winter is I usually have time to read lots more!
Another special way to give back today was donating a book to The Joyful Life Library. You can go to Amazon and select a book from the wish list that will be sent directly to the hospital of your choice and will be added to the library at the hospital for families and children to use during their stay. The lady who started this organization has a heartbreaking story and once again makes you so thankful! I donated Dr. Seuss books to Riley Children's Hospital at IU Health North since he is one of our very favorites right now. I love hearing Baylor read and The Foot Book is his current favorite, so we had to send that!
It really was a happy day!

Happy Day Project Day 3

Today was Day 3 of the Happy Day Project. The task for today was giving a gift card to a homeless person. I had two gift cards ready in case the opportunity presented itself but I didn't have the chance today. This afternoon I went to the Gift and Hobby show with my mom and I found the perfect thing for today.
A local boy scout troop is collecting money for fruit baskets and a gift card booklet for soldiers who are just returning home from service. They will get the baskets when they return to base and meet their loved ones on December 19. The boy scout leaders were so sweet and talked about what a blessing this was to soldiers last year and how many said it was the first fresh fruit they had in a year. I love how this act of kindness presented itself today. I donated two fruit baskets to soldiers. I am thankful for their service!

Other things:
1. Tonight at Joy Jammers we started to work on Christmas songs. We have been playing Pandora Christmas here lots lately while we decorate so I'm already in the Christmas spirit. I love this new song we learned tonight. The lyrics are so sweet and the tune is catchy and the kids loved it. This is not our group and I like our motions even better:), but you can hear the song!

2. I have lots of favorite blogs, but A Place Called Simplicity is one of my favorites for many reasons. They are a sweet family who have adopted many treasures from all over the world. They just brought home a sweet baby girl, Ruby who has a long road ahead of her. She had a very complicated brain surgery today and could really use prayer. I can't stop thinking of this sweet baby girl, I know they would love your prayers.

3. Kelly's Korner and Baby Bangs are two of my other favorite blogs. Kelly is a mom of two adorable girls and has the best blog. I wish I knew her in real life! Amanda who writes at Baby Bangs is the daughter of Beth Moore, how awesome! They are both on a Compassion trip to Ecuador right now and are writing about their experiences. Talk about breaking your heart. I am loving reading about their journey.

Happy Day Project Day 2

Today was handwritten note day for the Happy Day Project. We left a note for our mailman today and Cooper gave him some chocolate candy in a bag. Our mailman is always so nice to us and brings our mail to the door lots of days.
I mailed out 15 handwritten notes today to friends, family, and people from church. I used to be really good at notes, but have been slacking lately. I was happy to write again.

The boys got in on the challenge too and made a note for Miss Rosie. They were able to give it to her at the barn last night. I think it really made her day.

Baylor loves to draw horses. He wanted to thank Miss Rosie for inviting him to the barn party. He was excited to give it to her.

Cooper drew a picture of Louise for Rosie too. It's an interesting horse, but it's the thought the counts.

Day 2 went great and I hope the notes make people smile over the next few days.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven"

Matthew 5:16

Enjoying the Day

Today was a beautiful day with the high in the 70s. What a treat in November!
The littles and I planned to stay home all day today to get lots done. We worked all morning and then I had to get out in the sunshine. It was too lovely outside to let this day pass without playing. We ate lunch on the driveway and then played for two hours straight.

The leaves provided lots of entertainment. I tried to rake some out of the flower beds but the wind kept blowing them right back. I did make some big leaf piles that the boys thought were fun to jump and play in.

Coop dressed himself today in cowboy boots, sweatpants, and a bulldozer shirt. It was a great look, but since we were staying home I went with it.

He's going to be sad when we can't go outside this winter. Parker loves to play and enjoys the swingset.

There was lots of swinging.

We went on a hike in the woods and Cooper was our leader, scary huh?

Leaves are so much fun.

When I would rake the leaves out of a flower bed we would fill his little wagon and then he would dump it in the woods. He liked helping and kept saying more.

While they rode bikes in the driveway I was able to clean the garage and get the shoe pile sorted and under control. I'm so thankful for a nice day with great weather. Maybe we will have another warm day before the cold sets in, let's hope!

Happy Day Project Day 1

Today was Day 1 of the Happy Day Project. I had been thinking of what to do to treat a neighbor. I knew today was a busy day with preschool, a Mops field trip, horseback riding lessons, and basketball evaluations, so I thought baking wouldn't work. I had to go to Sam's Club this morning with Parker and they had lots of fresh pumpkin pies. I bought three pumpkin pies and three cans of Redi Whip, really who can eat pie without the whip cream! It's the very best part.

I love pumpkin pie and Sam's pumpkin pies are so yummy! I had been praying about who to treat today. The first pie went to a young couple who just recently had a baby boy. He was born this fall and I wanted to do something nice for this new family of three. The mom was so sweet and it was nice to talk to her. The second pie went to our neighbors directly across the street. They are always friendly and I knew it would be a nice treat. The last pie is the one I knew right away who I was going to give it to. This family has had some turmoil in their life lately and while I don't know the details I know as a parent I would be grieving. When I told the mom about the Happy Day Project and that I wanted to treat her today, she started to cry and said it was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for her. I told her my name and that I hope she had a great day. She was crying and said it made her day and thank you so much. I was in tears as I walked to my car and she said you blessed me today. I was giddy inside and knew I picked the perfect neighbor to treat today.

I hope they all enjoyed their pies tonight. I'm excited for Day Two and spreading more happiness!

Mops Field Trip to Eiteljorg

Today was our Mops field trip to the Eiteljorg museum. After we picked up Cooper from preschool we headed downtown to meet Jen and Ethan for lunch before we met everyone. Our first stop was the Jingle Rails exhibit. The museum was not crowded so we had the whole exhibit to ourselves. The train display is amazing and all of the kids loved the trains.
Strollers are not allowed in the Jingle Rails area so we had lots of little hands to watch but all in all they did great. They loved seeing all of the trains. Parker kept saying Choo-Choo over and over.

Our next stop was to the play area. The kids had so much fun together. We were the only group there so they were able to play with everything.

It was nice to see all of the kids and for them to play together.

What a fun day!

We had a great turn out and we enjoyed our day with friends!

Phineas and Ferb LIVE!

We had a special day today with Aunt Annie, Cody and Katie. Aunt Annie bought the boys tickets to see Phineas and Ferb Live and today was the day. We picked them up after church and headed to Steak N Shake for lunch.
The kids were all so excited and had so much fun together.

After lunch we headed to Conseco. I had got the kids all matching Phineas and Ferb shirts and they looked so cute in them.

Ready for fun!

They all got Agent P snow cones.

They were so excited!

The cotton candy came with Phineas hats and they all looked so cute.

He was loving all the treats he got to eat.

They love Phineas and the show was really cute.

We all had a great time.

They loved seeing all of their favorite characters.

Aunt Annie got everyone Agent P hats and glasses and the boys tried them on for Daddy when they got home. So cute!

Thanks Aunt Annie, Cody and Katie for a great day!