A Prompting about Service

Almost 2 years ago I was reading the Ensign and I had a really strong prompting that I needed to do something very specific.  I saw myself with a calendar placed on my bedside table.  But instead of writing down a schedule in it, I felt impressed to use it as a service journal.

I went to Target the next day, where, coincidentally, there was a whole stack of calendars clearanced.  I bought one and and each night since I have taken a few moments to think about my day before reading my scriptures.  My original goal was to only write down acts of service that are out of the norm.  After doing this day after day, month after month, I have come to realize that on some days, simply getting a homemade dinner on the table is an accomplishment and that I should be happy that I did it.

I didn't know how this simple practice would change me.  My hypothesis was that in the beginning I would make more of an effort to do service for others that was outside of my usual comfort zone.  Fortunately, I was correct.  But I think the biggest thing I have realized from this year and a half of service journaling, is that a lot of small, seemingly insignificant acts are just as important as big gestures.  

Another thing I have come to learn, is that people don't always need a specific act of service.  They just need to be served so that they know they are loved.

I have also learned more so about how we truly have no idea about what is going on behind the 4 walls in someone's home even if they seem outgoing with others and post on social media a dozen times a day.  We all have struggles and hardships, and normally the hardest ones are the most secret.

A while ago the Mormon Channel came out with this video that went viral.  I remember watching it for the first time on a really really tough day.  I felt like the mom in the movie was me.  I remember I was taking a break in the bathroom while the kids were up to all kinds of craziness.  I remember crying because I was so overwhelmed.  And then I watched this and there was just comfort.  So of course I cried again.

Being a stay at home mom has been incredible!  But I would guess I'm not alone when I wonder how significant my role is when there isn't really anything to measure it by.  Ever since I started my service journal I began to see more of a physical measurement.  How often do I choose to look at others instead of my own problems?  What tiny gesture of service in the day made the rest of my day (and someone else's) better?  What kind of a positive domino effect can I make happen today?

I am grateful for that little prompting I had that day to start this habit.  It has changed my perspective on daily life and has helped me change my habits and feelings toward others.

Trivia:  This video touched me so much when I first saw it that I watched it over and over again.  When I started doing zumba at our stake center I kept wondering why my instructor looked so familiar.  It turns out that her name is Angie and that she used to live in Utah where she did a lot of acting.  She's the plays the mom in this clip.  And can I tell you how different she is in real life in comparison to this video?  She is one of the most upbeat, positive people I know.

Becca and Preston's Visit Part III -- Birthday and Soccer

After we went to the mill we had lunch at our favorite Venezuelan restaurant -- Guasaca.  Then we let Thad open up Nanni and Papa's presents because our present to him hadn't arrived in the mail yet.  Mother of the year.  :/

You would not believe the amount of self-control in this picture -- when your baby brother has a hard time unwrapping his present you do everything you can not to help.

Nanni and Papa's presents were a big hit.

The birthday boys! 

What is not shown in this picture is that Thad blew out his and half of Preston's candles before we even started singing.  Then after we sang he had such a hard time blowing out one of his own candles, there was a spit puddle in front of the brownies from all of his attempts.  I laughed hard.

The next day we all went to Skyler's soccer practice.  Preston played soccer his whole pre-college life and we all thought it would be fun. 

Afterward, we all said our goodbyes.  I hate saying bye to family, not knowing when I'll see them next.  The kids were so depressed to see Becca and Preston go.  Until next time!  

Becca and Preston's Visit Part II -- Yates Mill Pond

We had plans to take a river tour on a boat for Preston and Thad's (and Uncle Joe's!) birthday on the 22nd, but  the morning of we found out that no one under the age of 6 could ride.  We had to change plans unexpectedly and quickly and ultimately decided to meet up at Yates Mill Pond -- an old mill in Raleigh that is only 20 minutes from our house here in Holly Springs.  None of us had ever been there.

Happy 2nd birthday Thaddeo!  You look absolutely thrilled to be here for your birthday!!!

:)

Ella changed on this trip.  Before she always preferred females to do anything and everything with her.  I had to do everything for her like buckling and taking her to the bathroom.  Sometimes she would even let my mom do it.  Ben and my dad are a last resort.  But on this trip she warmed up to everyone!  Progress!

Um, Colby's face.

*melting*

We took a little walk from the museum to get to the water wheel.

The old grain mill stones.  A lot of scriptural references came to mind when I saw them.

The front side of the old mill.

 As we were heading back Ben called me over to come look at the mill "foundation."

And to think that before I saw the foundation I had hoped to tour the inside of the mill.

Okay, I still do.

There is always excitement when Lily discovers lilies.

Becca and Preston's Visit Part I

Preston had to fly to NC to take his boards for dental school.  Becca and baby Colby (according to my kids his name is "Baby Colby" not "Colby") flew along for a visit.  It was so fun visiting with all of them, but let's be honest, Colby was the star of the show.

We spent a lot of time at my parents' house and the kids made these play dough jack-o-lanterns.

We did other fun things as well like getting Sunni Skies ice cream.  We were happy to celebrate Preston passing his boards although, unfortunately, not everyone who flew here from Loma Linda with him passed.

We decided to visit a park from our childhood: Shelley Lake.  It's been years since I've been there!

When Lily and Skyler don't have enough muscles to help Thad get a drink, Daddy always comes to save the day.

Lily's a little bit.... ahem.... feminine.

A Bojangles picnic is the best kind of picnic.

 Ben's hiding spot when he was playing hide and go seek.  By himself, apparently.  :)

  

My last hand-holder.

Let my crying session begin.

I love these photos of Ben and Preston coming to Colby's rescue when he started getting fussy and needed to be swaddled.

Is there anything better in the world than watching dads taking care of their kiddos?  I think not.  Ben and Preston for the co-swaddling gold medal.

Ben, apparently, still has bottle feeding down.

Ella got to see her precious turtles.

It wouldn't have been a trip anywhere without a dramatic excursion taking Ella to the bathroom.  She chose Becca to take her potty (a true compliment to Becca) and unfortunately the bathroom they went to was terrible, so they ran back and I ran Ella up to the other bathroom.  Thank you Aunt Becca for your patience.  We love it when "Uncle and Preston" come to visit.  ;)  Especially when they bring their adorable baby.