Lucky Dollar

 

This week we kept it really simple, but it was one of the most fun projects we have done yet. We rolled up a few dollar bills, tied them with ribbon with a note that said, "It's your lucky day!" 

My daughter would pick a spot  and "drop" the dollar and then we would hide to watch someone find it. It was so much fun to do with my kids! 

One dollar is such a small amount, but this is just the thought that counts! I know finding a little luck like that would make my day!

Cookies for Fire Fighters

This week's project was inspired by my friend, who took cookies to the Fire Fighters who have been fighting a large fire in our area. She took her kids, and went to the place they have been camping out. We made some cookies to send along with them, and then took a plate to our city's firestation to thank them for protecting our city. 

I think a small gestures like is a great way to remind someone that their job is appreciated. We are especially thankful for the lifegaurds, police and highway patrol, and fire fighters who keep us safe on a daily basis. It also gave me a great opportunity to explain their jobs, why they do it, and I think my daughter was really amazed that they chose to do this as their job, even though it is dangerous.

Make a treat, and take them to the fire station, police station, or wherever you think they would be appreciated! (And you might just get a tour of the firehouse, and engines like us!)

These cookies are called Monster Cookies, and I got the recipe from  Jenny's Gatherings! 

They were SO yummy and made a ton!

Smile at a Stranger

 

This week's service challenge is to make a stranger smile.

 We took a morning walk and smiled and said, "Good Morning" to the 29 people we passed. We passed happy, busy, grumpy and distracted people but we smiled at each one regardless. All 29 people smiled back and it sure made us happy! You never know when someone could use a little happy. 

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I remember being at Target, 4 months after losing our daughter. It was Christmastime, and I made my way over to the Christmas isle.  I looked up at a wall full of stalkings, and felt like someone punched me in the stomach. The year before, I had stood in this very spot, 9 months pregnant, and wondering if I should buy the new baby a stalking. I talked myself out of it, saying, "She won't come until after Christmas, I'll just buy her one next year." Now, it was the next year, and there I stood, no baby in my cart. My eyes began to sting as I tried to keep the tears in. A very nice lady passed me, and gave me the warmest smile, and it was just what I needed at that moment. I was feeling so alone in such a busy place, but her smile was just enough 'happy' to give me the push to keep going that day. 

Beautify your town!

 

While walking into our local market, my 6 year old said, "Mom! There is so much trash out here! Our next Serve Together Project should be to clean this up!" 

My favorite thing about this is that she is now looking for the opportunities to do good around her.  My goal in starting this project was exactly this. I want my family to be constantly thinking about others, and the world around them, and looking for the chance to make a difference. 

So, this week, we are picking up trash around our town! 

We hope you will join us and look for the chance to make your town a little more beautiful. 

This can be done at the park or school playground, the beach, or on a walking trail! 

(Wear gloves, or use plastic baggies as make-shift gloves!)