The A.R.K. Project: Day 1

So many times as a parent we wonder if we're doing a good job; are we teaching our children everything they need know to become productive adults and good christian women.  This summer, I came up with an idea that will help me incorporate the act of selflessness in a way that we are all excited about.  We have named it The A.R.K. Project.

The A.R.K. Project is simply that: Acts of Random Kindness.  We plan to fulfill one act of kindness for each day of the summer.  We have come up with several ideas that I think will be interesting no only for us, but for whomever the recipient is as well.  The point of this project, in our minds and hearts, is to bring joy to someone else even if it's only for a brief moment.  To qualify as an "official" act, it has to be something we do off the path of our normal, everyday lives.  So, lets say you're walking into a building at the same time as someone else and you choose to hold the door for the other person and allow them to walk ahead of you.  This, unfortunately, would not qualify as an act for us because this is something we would typically do out of kindness.  However, if the same instance would occur but now you notice another 4 or 5 people headed toward the same building so you choose to stay and hold the door for everyone else too, that might just qualify as an act because it's going just a little extra to show kindness.  Hopefully, I've made myself clear enough that now everyone understand just what we're up for this summer!

Today, we kicked off the A.R.K. Project when we returned a movie we had rented from a local Redbox Kiosk.  We took along a bag of microwave popcorn and a little note that read:

Please accept this Act of Random Kindness.  We hope you enjoy this free bag of popcorn with your movie tonight.  Have a nice day!

We taped both the bag and note to the kiosk and then took off to finish the rest of our afternoon running.  We got a little bonus several hours later when our running took us back by the same location where we had left the items.  The girls were VERY EXCITED to see that they were gone!  It was an amazing feeling to see them so happy, and anxious for tomorrows next Act.  I'm not sure about the recipient of the popcorn, but I can tell you that this one act was a real blessing for us.  I can't wait for what tomorrow brings either!

Let Our Summer Begin.

Summer has officially begun.  It's time for shorts, sunscreen, and dirty, barefoot feet!

School's Out For Summer!

I have been searching for a good way to show our appreciation to our children's teachers this year that didn't seem quite so traditional.  At the beginning of the school year, each teacher sent out a small list of some of their favorite things.  Things such as their favorite color, foods, design patterns, etc.  I sat down to gather some inspiration and wound up finding the perfect project on Pinterest.  So simple, yet fun, and right on target for what I had in mind.  Fill a brown paper bag with a few of their favorite things, tie it all up with a little string and Viola!  Thank You Pinterest!

Both of the girls did a wonderful job this year.  We couldn't be more proud of them.  We've been so blessed to have such good teachers each year.  This year, we added Mrs. Wilbanks, and Ms. Dunning to our list.  The girls both loved their teachers, and always had really good things to say about them.  We are blessed to know that we will get to have Mrs. Wilbanks again next year as Kendall moves up.  Kaylen will have her first male teacher next year.  I already know what a blessing he will be as well!

If They Could Just Stay Little Forever.....

Each night, I do what EVERY Mom does.....I check on the kids last thing before heading to bed myself.  It's amazing how much more adorable they are when they are sleeping!  :)    Sometimes I get to tuck them in a little tighter, or replace an arm or leg that is hanging over the edge of the bed.  Sometimes, yes sometimes,  I get to see a little reminder of just how innocent they still are.  This night, while checking on my oldest daughter, I found her with her baby doll all tucked in nice and tight right beside her.  These are the little things that I will miss as they grow up.  One day, much too soon, she'll trade in her little girl toys for teenage things.  I hope to capture many more of these little memories before that time comes.

Just Messin' Around

I took the girls out in the yard to do a few test shots with my camera.  I'm trying to work in different lighting settings and see what I come up with.  It can be a lot of fun to catch the girls just being themselves.  It can be just as frustrating when they goof off and disregard my instructions!  Anyhow, I thought I would post a few of the shot I was able to catch.

Field Trip Days

This year Kendall's 2nd grade class got to visit Wesselman Woods. It turned out to be a really nice day to go.  It was overcast so it wasn't too hot, and the bugs weren't bad either.  Kendall really likes being outdoors so this trip was right up her alley.  Playing with the turtles was the highlight of the day.  It was a fun day to hang out.

National Day of Prayer 2012

Every first Thursday of May is the National Day of Prayer.  Each year we have gone to the Courthouse lawn to join in on music, praise, and prayer.  It is a great time to stand together with fellow believers and pray for our nation both local, and country wide.  I was really proud of the girls for joining in this year as well.  Who says the generations to come have nothing to look forward to?  God Bless Everyone!