Helping | Childhood Myths

Thank You, MOPs!!

February 26, 2013 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

Last night Chad and I spoke at a MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) meeting in Macomb. What a great bunch of ladies!!! Lots of fun, lots of discussion, and hopefully for them lots of hints! A couple of little ones were there to add to the atmosphere…baby talk is always welcome:))

This is what we love to do, so let us know if you’d like us to come speak to your group…

talking about family life is what it's all about:)

we actually sold some of these last night!!

Finding ways to share our message is always important to us. The meeting last night helped to invigorate us with some new energy…so thank you very much MOPs:)

lovin' them when they're little and lovin' them when they're bigger!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: behavior, being involved, book, children, education, families, giving thanks, goals, helping, inspiration, intentions, methods, parenting, respect, thank yous

Joyful Thursdays #52

January 24, 2013 By Diane and Chad 1 Comment

What brings you joy, makes you happy, gives you peace? Here are some photos, quotes, and thoughts that make me joyful.

Joyful Thursdays #52

Here are three things that make me happy and bring me joy:

1) knowing that I have family and friends who will support me, no matter what…

2) being able to support others in many different areas…parents and teachers, children and seniors…and any other groups you might suggest for me

Anyone in our area…Chad and I will be presenting at a MOPS meeting on Monday at 7:30, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Macomb…come visit us:))))

3) being retired, as a teacher…whew! Things are becoming completely unrealistic in the world of education…anyone want to put me on a committee for realism?!

Be happy!!! Try harder!!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: behavior, beliefs, education, family photos, happiness, Happiness Tuesdays, helping, joyful, joyful Thursdays, love, memories, parenting, photos, special friend

Questions and Answers

January 18, 2013 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

I am totally behind with my posts and wondering what I should do….where am I and who am I?? What are you looking for and what do I wish to share?

Would you prefer more info on parenting and tips that I might share, … or are you more interested in my life and my family, ….how can I know what you are interested in or maybe this is all about what I know and am interested in…it’s a very strange conundrum. I am here, but why???

Please leave me a note….let me know what you would like to see. I have lots of personal info, but I also would love to share parenting info for those of you who are interested. I’m a bit stymied at the moment….should I just share random info with you, do you have particular interests, or what in particular would you like to see here????

Please respond….comments and questions are always welcome…let me know if my blog is even needed!

Thanks for reading….let me know if I’m needed:))

Happy Parenting!

D aand C

Filed Under: being involved, changing blog, follow-through, goals, helping, intentions, parenting

Joyful Thursdays #48

December 20, 2012 By Diane and Chad 1 Comment

What brings you joy, makes you happy, gives you peace? Here are some photos, quotes, and thoughts that make me joyful.

Joyful Thursdays #48

Here are three things that make me happy and bring me joy:

1) working on doing 26 acts of kindness…love it!

#1 & #2 – drug store gift cards left at the pharmacy

#3, 4, & 5 – small box of chocolate to smiling cashiers

#6 – 12 – bought a book for each grade level and dropped them off in classrooms

#13 – Barnes and Noble gift card for media center person to buy books for school

#14 – today when I deliver Meals on Wheels I’m giving each senior a flower also

2) continuing to come up with ideas in the coming weeks to finish out 26 acts…and hopefully continue with more

ideas: gift cards for crossing guards and police at schools, gift cards(or $) stuck to packages of diapers at KMart and Target, buy towels for rescue centers, buy socks and/or mittens for senior center…..do you have any more for me??

3) new sugar cookie recipe was yummy and easier than cutout cookies!!

Keep finding the joy this season…laugh with your kiddies:) Make beautiful memories!!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: behavior, being involved, carpe diem, children, Christmas, Christmas memories, cooking, education, flowers, giving presents, giving thanks, goals, happiness, Happiness Tuesdays, helping, holiday gratitude, improving the world, joyful, joyful holidays, joyful season, joyful Thursdays, kindness, parenting

What a Great Idea

December 18, 2012 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

Just when I needed it most, I found this beautiful FaceBook page:

26 Acts of Kindness

The premise…so simple…

Do 26 acts of kindness in honor of the 26 taken from us at Sandy Creek:

What might you do as a random act of kindness?

I’d love your ideas as I begin to think of what mine might be:

McDonald’s cards for the police who are providing a presence at our schools this week

Small boxes of candy for pleasant cashiers during this stressful time of year

Leave money at a restaurant where the elderly often eat

Flowers to pass out to people you think could use them

Books for classes of children

I’m trying to find simple things to pass out with a note telling folks why….although…this would be a special thing to be doing all the time!!

hold your 'babies' close no matter how old they are!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: angels, behavior, being involved, flowers, follow-through, giving presents, giving thanks, goals, Grief, helping, improving the world, inspiration, intentions, involve, methods, parenting, smile

Joyful Thursdays #46

December 6, 2012 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

What brings you joy, makes you happy, gives you peace? Here are some photos, quotes, and thoughts that make me joyful.

Joyful Thursdays #46

Here are three things that make me happy and bring me joy:

1) Christmas cards- bought, addressed, and sent: Check!

2) I actually got to talk to a group of students, and adults, about their ‘Kindness and Compassion Club’ – usually called the KC Club. I shared some Goodness Gorilla stories with them about sharing kindnesses with others. They are so excited to be organizing ways of helping….a possible Penny Challenge in the works:)

3) Saw the James Bond movie, Skyfall…it was impressive! If you like action and surprises, give it a shot! Lots of fun!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: behavior, being involved, book, education, goals, Goodness Gorillas, happiness, Happiness Tuesdays, helping, holidays, inspiration, involve, joyful, joyful holidays, joyful season, joyful Thursdays, kids' book, kindness, methods, parenting, traditions

Late, but Joyful Thursdays #43

November 17, 2012 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

What brings you joy, makes you happy, gives you peace? Here are some photos, quotes, and thoughts that make me joyful.

Joyful Thursdays #43

After a very stressful and surprising ‘vacation’ in Florida, I will still find things that make me happy and bring me joy! After 2 days there, my stepdad had a slight fall which we used as an excuse to head to the ER. He has been having some balance issues, memory problems, and other things we were concerned about. He was admitted to the hospital for tests and diagnosed with dementia. We had some very scary days there with over-the-top strange behavior for him…doctors said an infection was making the dementia worse. So, anyway, now he is in a rehab facility…lots of decisions and paperwork for my mom. Stress, exhaustion, scheduling!!

But, looking for the positive, which is what I try to do, here are three things that make me happy and bring me joy:

1) I was actually there at the perfect time for my mom…he would not have gone to the ER for her and she would have been more overwhelmed than she is now…

2) We have a blended family that works wonders!! We all get along so well and always have. This week has been nonstop phone calls and text messages between all of us, trying to stay on top of things. Thanks to all of you for being a loving family:)

3) Having support from my ‘extended’ family and friends has meant more than I can say. You are all the best!!

my stepdad, Carl

long ago with my boys

I am home now…Carl’s son and grandson are there for a few days. Then, we’ll see how Mom does for a few weeks before more folks are down to visit and support her. She has lots of friends to help her there, so we’re hoping all goes well:))

Thanks again for all of your support for me. It is so much appreciated!

Happy Parenting! Yikes!

D and C

Filed Under: angels, behavior, carpe diem, families, follow-through, Grief, happiness, Happiness Tuesdays, helping, joyful, joyful Thursdays, love, parenting, thank yous

blood drive

November 6, 2012 By Diane and Chad 1 Comment

I scheduled donating blood before Hurricane Sandy caused so much devastation, but I donated on Tuesday the 27th. I’m so glad that I was able to help.

This was only the second time I have donated …except for about 30 years ago. This time went quite well…all the before hand paperwork, blood pressure, finger prick went just fine! When they finally started I didn’t even feel the needle go in, but the nurse (such a nice lady) said, “Uh, oh…you’re going to have a bruise…I’m so sorry, this never happens to me!!” She almost had to stop the blood draw, but thank goodness, it continued. She said they are not allowed to use partial donations…so that would have been in vain! Whew!

So, all done… head to the table for a snack and some water…started feeling warm…and, yup!! Passed right out!! What a dork!! Flat on the ground when I woke up…talk about drama! People say it is quite common after giving blood and in the future I should choose juice instead of water. Will do!!!

No matter what…I will donate again! I feel if I can help someone else in such an easy way…I want to!

Big props to the American Red Cross for all they do…constant blood drives all over the country every day. It’s very impressive! Please give if you can:)

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: angels, behavior, being involved, carpe diem, follow-through, giving presents, giving thanks, goals, helping, improving the world, intentions, kindness, methods, please and thank you

Joyful Thursdays #41

November 1, 2012 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

What brings you joy, makes you happy, gives you peace? Here are some photos, quotes, and thoughts that make me joyful.

Joyful Thursdays #41

Here are three things that make me happy and bring me joy:

1) checking a few things off my ‘intentions’ list… I donated blood on Tuesday (more about that in the future)

2) I was asked to mentor 2 new teachers at my previous school….I hope to help in some way!

3) I made a favorite of ours: banana nut cherry chocolate bread….yummy!

before...

and after...

oh, yeah...add a little butter, and deelicious:)

Are you finding things to do that make you happy? Can you encourage your children to make others happy, too? Here’s to a more positive world!!!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: behavior, being involved, carpe diem, cooking, families, follow-through, goals, happiness, Happiness Tuesdays, helping, improving the world, inspiration, intentions, joyful, joyful Thursdays, kindness, methods, parenting, share

Golf??

October 23, 2012 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

Last weekend Monfort Elementary held a golf outing fundraiser at Sycamore Hills …. a worthy cause, funds for the school…but a cold, rainy day! And yes, they did play golf…all 18 holes…in rain gear and parkas!! What a group! I don’t golf so I ‘worked’ the Vegas hole for about 3 hours…saw a lot of great people helping out! Both of my guys were there with their good buds…soo much fun!