On being kind.

Earlier this week, Lila's kindergarten teacher brought Lila and I home after school, because my car key broke and fell off my ring somewhere between the parking lot and Lila's class line.  Crazy accident, right?  But that sweet woman generously offered to rescue us.  The women in the front office were so kind and helpful, looking up phone numbers and offering their best advice, and a phone and phone book too.  The assistant principal actually found my missing half of a key the next day and returned it to me.

THANK GOD FOR KIND PEOPLE.  Kind people who hurt when you hurt, who offer to help when you are in a jam.

In this world of go-go-go, it's often so easy for us to just look past people who are having trouble in favor of our own busy schedule and to-do list.  But these people didn't.

So on Friday, we brought flowers to the school staff and to Lila's teacher.  Miss Anna in the front office was so surprised and overjoyed.  They were just simple wildflowers from the grocery store, but I wrapped them in kraft paper and washi tape and added a pretty handwritten note.  I didn't spend a lot of money, in fact it took me longer to rewrap them and add my personal touches than it did to purchase them.  But they thanked us over and over.  And my heart swelled.  And Lila grinned and ran off to class to take her bundle of flowers to her teacher too.  She wrote me back a sweet thank you note and she loved all over Lila at school.

You know, I was struck by how good it made me feel to make someone else happy.  Even though they made me happy first.  Isn't kindness a funny thing?  I've read somewhere that kindness is actually a selfish thing to do, because it makes you feel amazing in the process.  I'm not sure that I believe that.  But I have to admit that even when I start out in a grumpy mood, I can feel my spirits lifted after I've done something kind for someone.

Love doesn't just talk about loving on people... love actually does.

This week, I want to challenge you to show kindness to someone.  Do something extra special for someone who doesn't expect it.  Do it "selfishly" if you must, but do it with a genuine smile and a sincere heart. I promise you will be so happy afterwards.

Kindness doesn't have to be big and showy to make a difference.  Pay for someone's coffee in the Starbucks line behind you.  Hold the door open for a mama with a stroller.  Hold the door open for anyone.  Buy flowers for a friend.  Make a pan of Shauna's enchiladas for a new mom and take them to her.  Take your kids to the park or to a movie.  Read one more story at bedtime.  Refrain from nagging your husband and instead ask him if there is anything you can do for him.  Smile at and say hello to the stranger you pass on the sidewalk.  Download a song your kids love and play it in the car.

And don't forget to come back and tell me how awesome you feel.  :)

This Beautiful Life

I can't begin to express to you how much your support on my "PPD coming out party" post have meant to me.  It's unbelievably encouraging to know I'm not alone, and now you know that you aren't either.  I've received an inbox full of personal emails as well, from women who wanted to share their experience, offer their advice, or just leave me a few especially kind words.  THANK YOU, truly, each and every one of you.  Your response has brought tears to my eyes, and hope to my heart. I found this quote on Pinterest a while back.  I wish I knew who the author was so I could credit him or her.  But I printed it up in Photoshop to display here at home.  I just like the reminder.  I wanted to share it here today, because I thought it might hit home with all of you who have emailed me recently and left comments on my post about ppd.  It's not meant to make you (or me) feel guilty for feeling the way we do!  It's just meant to sort of sum up where we are (or at least where I am right now).

And, well, this is pretty much where I am.  Not forever, mind you, but for now.  And that's okay.  Every tomorrow will be a little easier, right?

Also make sure you check out Emily's beautiful post on how hard it is to raise four kids.  I read it this morning, nodded my head in agreement with every word, and then wept again (a common occurrence these days).

My sister sent me this book a while back, and I'm enjoying reading through it a little bit at a time.  Some of you might find it helpful when the dog is howling and the baby is crying and the other two kids are fighting you just want to pull your hair out for whatever reason.  The great thing about it is that it's divided into very short chapters, because the author knew that we'd only have short bursts of time to read it anyway, before one of the kids floods the bathroom trying to "wash the floor".  (True story from my week.)

Care to share your favorite quotes that have helped you get through your most challenging times?  I'd sure love to read them, and someone else may, too!

the five on friday project

So I decided to do something a bit different around here, and have a little fun on Fridays.  I'm starting off with Five Things I'm Grateful For this week, but next week it might be five things to make or do with your kids.... five things that make me laugh... five pieces of baby gear that I'd love to recommend... five random facts about me...  five cool websites I've come across, or, if you're really lucky, five knock-knock jokes from Parker.  ;) You're welcome to join me!  I'd love to have some company, read your Five on Friday, and get to know you a little more too.  If you decide to play along, simply link us up in the comment section below!

FIVE ON FRIDAY  |  Grateful

1 |  I'm grateful for the rain we've had this week. Every. Single. Day.  The rain cools the Gulf waters down, and in terms of hurricanes, Warm Gulf of Mexico = Bad.  Cold Gulf of Mexico = Good.  Yay for rain!!

2 |  Grateful for a clean desk this morning.  Puts me in such a peaceful, productive mood.  I'm uncluttering for the next few weeks, in preparation for a busy fall photography season, and to purge some of the everyday things I've let back up over the summer.  Two bags of clothing were dropped off this morning, I have a clear desk on which to work, and I opened the door to a clean, pared-down closet with my all clothes organized by color.  Ahhh.  (No laughing, please.  Organization makes me happy beyond belief.)

3 |  I'm grateful for snuggly kids.  Parker and Lila have been sleeping in Parker's trundle bed this week (their choice) all cuddled up to each other as sweet as can be.  Well, Parker and Lila, plus 2 blankies and about 6 stuffed animals/dolls.  It's crowded in there but they love it.  My heart swells every night when I go check on them.

4 |  Grateful for this album.  The kids watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" the other night, and then chose this CD to fall asleep to.  And thank goodness.  I was getting tired of hearing the Veggie Tales over the monitor.  I could listen to Vince Guaraldi forever.

5 |  Grateful for our home.  So many people in Tampa Bay have lost their homes in the past few years, and even though my husband's industry (mortgages/finance) has suffered in a major way, we're still okay.  Our house is pretty tiny (it was our "starter home" almost 10 years ago), and we're crowded, yes.  But it's charming.  Full of memories, full of little quirks.  It's OURS.  It's where we brought our babies after they were born, where they've woken up every morning for their entire lives, our little space where we rest and work and play.  Where we can lie on a blanket in the backyard, under the palm trees and the blue sky.  And I'm grateful for it.

Yep, it's an iPhone photo today.  I think I'll finally start that 365/Grateful iPhone project I've been meaning to begin.  Can't wait to see your Five on Friday lists!!

xo,

Stacey