One of the Personal Progress experiences talks about writing down the service that family members do for each other for two weeks. (Seriously, how awesome is the Personal Progress program?) I figured since it was close to Valentine's day, that I would work on this one with my whole family. So for Family Home Evening, I made this poster that's now hanging on our back door. This is where we can write down what we love about each other, and the good things that we do for one another.
It's made me realize that our lives are not necessarily made up of the big events that happen. It's actually made up of all the little things that happen and that we do for one another. Mother Teresa said, "In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love."
My small "things" have done many small things; writing them down has really opened my eyes to how much love they give, and to how much I love them.
For instance, Ivy shared her fruit snacks with Troy. And she said "please" when she wanted a bite of my sandwich.
Troy made the broom stand up by itself. And he brought a blanket over to me last night when I was feeling so achy and yucky. He also cuddled with me and played with my hair, which is one of my favorite things.
Before I got sick, I took Jake out to get his haircut (for free, which rocks). We got some Wendy's, and he bought a new Bakugan with his allowance money. It was really fun to spend some one-on-one time with my little man. He has also opened up the door for me when I had my hands full, and did his homework really fast one day without complaint.
(As a completely random side note: I hit the Payless Buy One Get One 1/2 Off sale when Jake and I were out and about; these shoes ended up being $3.50!)
Brock was watching "Muppets from Space" the other day. Gonzo says, "I don't know where I came from". And Brock said back, "I know what you mean, Gonzo." It was so funny! Brock cleaned up the toys all by himself (no small feat), and made his bed without being asked.
And not to leave Pete out: last night he made dinner and got the kids ready for bed while I slept.
It's been so wonderful to see my little kids give so much to each other and to me.
If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.
9 comments:
what a heart warming post nat! your kids are so dang cute - i'm excited to be closer to home so i can come and visit whenever i want :)
Your kids are the bomb. I just love them. They are such gentle souls. And I'm so sorry you're sick!! Dude, that came on FAST!! And now I'm freaking out that I'm going to catch your bug. I can't do morning sickness AND your bug! Nononono!!! I hope you feel better soon, and I REALLY hope that your kids don't get it. Fingers crossed.
I'm sorry that your sick, you seemed good at church, but of course I only talked to you for a few minutes. It must have come on last night. I hope you get feeling better, and I love your post about the small things- it is so true!
You are a really good Mom.
Love your idea! I may have to borrow it...thanks for sharing, and feel better soon.
What a good idea to post it on the door like that! Your kids have the cutest personalities.
I hope you get feeling better!
Awwwww I need to do that... esp on a "down" day. That would probably be a great pick me up. :)
Great idea, Nat!! My boys need to learn to do things for each other and for Mark and me without needing an incentive! I'm glad your kids are doing so well with it!:)
What a sweet post about your sweet family! I hope you feel better, but it sounds like you are in good hands until you do.
What a great post! You are such a good example to all of us!
Sorry you are sick! I hope you are feeing better soon!!!
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