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  1. The Doll House

    April 14, 2011 by Lisa

    This is Arden’s well loved doll house. She has had it for over 7 years now. It’s been used as a traditional doll house, bookcase, stuffed animal sanctuary, doll beauty salon, and a place to stuff her clothes in order to clean her room faster. The house, itself, is a perfect thing for a little girl. The story behind it, however, is the most meaningful…

    Let me introduce my friend, L. She is one of the most creative, giving, thoughtful, God-loving people I know. She and her husband have 4 kids. They are great parents, raising their children to be wise, thoughtful, kind people who love God and others well. Seriously, this family is legit – they are a huge inspiration to me. And they are the ones who gave Arden her doll house.

    Our old church in Atlanta, North Point Community Church, taught a virtue every month in their kids program. (It’s pretty great and I’ll write more on that in a later post!) Creative Miss L created a Compassion Station for her kids to exercise that particular month’s virtue of “Compassion”. They set up a hot cocoa stand in their neighborhood with photos of Arden and another little girl, whose dad had just been laid off, and sold hot cocoa for donations. The money they collected from the Compassion Station was used on Christmas gifts for the two families. Of course this was all a surprise and I didn’t know about any of it. I only knew that particular Christmas would be a difficult one for Arden and me, since we had lost Adam only months earlier.

    So one evening before Christmas my doorbell rang. Outside was L’s sweet family, dressed in hats & mittens, singing Christmas carols and holding gifts. They brought this doll house along with some other things. Her kids’ faces lit up when they talked about their Compassion Station and how they were able to buy the presents. As a recipient, I can’t begin to tell you how humbled and grateful I was and am. I cried for about a week after Arden received this special gift. I cry every time I think about this story. And I’m crying as I type this. The effort and love that L’s family poured out is something that I will hold onto for the rest of my life. I love having people in my life that I can learn from. I really hope my family can make this kind of difference in the lives of others, too.

    Category Uncategorized | Tags: | 2 Comments

  2. Kauzbots

    April 10, 2011 by Lisa

    Easter is coming quickly. We do lots of things to celebrate with our kids, and one of those many things include little Easter baskets. I’m really not interested in going over the top with gifts or giving my kids tons of candy. Of course we’ll do the whole egg hunt and there will be jelly beans. And I can’t really imagine spring without Cadbury Creme Eggs…. there HAS to be Cadbury Creme Eggs. But as far as Easter baskets go, we do a few pieces of candy and some fun little gifts. Ok, I can’t tell you exactly what we’ll be getting this year because my daughter sometimes reads this blog. But I WILL tell you that a couple years ago my kids got Kauzbots in their basket and fell in love. Well, Arden’s love has been blooming for a while and Ryker’s is just starting because he’s actually old enough to play with things… not so much when he was 3 mos old. It was just cute to take pictures then with his little robot.

    Here’s why I love Kauzbots: they’re adorable. But even better, a portion of the retail cost goes to a specific non-profit. For example, Kalvin supports the Dream Catalyst kauz, which benefits homeless children.  Kourage supports the Pablove Foundation, which helps to fund pediatric cancer research and enhance quality of life for children with cancer. I definitely feel better about my purchase knowing that some of the money has gone to helping other people.

    Fortunately there are so many organizations seeking to help others. It might take a little more research before buying, but there are some great kids products to purchase that will help support those in need. In addition to Kauzbots, here are a few more organizations doing some great things – this doesn’t even make a dent, I’m sure! It’s really so encouraging to see companies doing things to benefits others. There are some big companies, like Starbucks and Tide, involved in corporate social responsibility, too. Definitely worth researching your purchases!

    Sleepyking Bear all proceeds go to Japan relief

    TOMS shoes will give one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair you buy

    Apple ipod & itunes gifts cards

    Hello Somebody products

    Rosa Loves t-shirts

     

    Category Uncategorized | Tags: | 2 Comments

  3. One Thousand Gifts

    April 2, 2011 by Lisa

     

    I love to read. Love it! Of course, with 2 kids and another on the way, I don’t get to read as often as I would like. Isn’t that always the case, though, with the things we love to do? Last week I finished a great book… Oh, wait. I need to give you this disclaimer first… I really like almost every book I read. Maybe I just have good taste in books? Probably not. I think it’s that I can find a few good points or stories in almost every book, and hopefully learn something new.

    So anyway… Last week I finished a great book, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I really enjoyed reading her story and was challenged by it. Ann writes on turning her bitter, anxious life into a life of thankfulness. In the beginning of the book she really contemplates the word Eucharisteo. After reading about the Last Supper in Luke 22 and realizing that Eucharisteo is translated “he gave thanks”, she does further study on the word learning that it can be broken down into grace, thanksgiving, joy. In all things. That is heavily and beautifully woven throughout the book. A friend challenged her to make a written list of 1,000 gifts. She accepted and started a notebook of things, big and small. Ann discovered that by acknowledging and recording what she was thankful for, only then was she able to fully receive those things as blessings from God. It enabled to her slow down, really take in what was going on around her, and be thankful for it. And she is able to track how that transforms her relationship with her heavenly father. I think Ann’s story is powerful and I cannot do it any justice by my little write-up.

    The permanent residence of her little notebook was her kitchen counter. Well, that seems easy and accessible! So I’ve been thinking about putting a notebook in my kitchen. Over breakfast this past week I was discussing the book with one of my dearest friends. She told me about a journal she started in high school – a place to write down things that were going well. The interesting thing that my friend noticed was that most of the times she wrote in that journal, it was when times were hardest because it was then that she could so clearly see things to be grateful for. She drew the parallel with the book of Ecclesiastes reminding us that when times are good we should be grateful, and when times are hard we should remember. It was fascinating to hear her tell that story and how it was easier to remember that God is faithful. It was a perfect connection to Ann’s book.

    Well, that just gives me even more reason to want to set out my little notebook. I’m inviting my husband and daughter to write in it with me. Hmm… I’m just hoping that little Ryke doesn’t find and destroy it. I guess then I could write that I’m thankful for a curious and energetic little boy?!? I’m anxious to see what we learn about God and about each other through this process.

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  4. Japan Relief

    March 12, 2011 by Lisa

     

    Whatever you’ve been doing, I’m sure you have not escaped the horrible news. Friday morning Japan suffered a 8.9 (now I hear they’ve upped it to 9.1) mag earthquake, followed by a tsunami. The death toll is rising. Thousands are missing. Millions are without power. Many areas are unlivable. There are questions about Japan’s economic future. They are people, just like you and me, who have lost everything and are hurt and are desperately looking for loved ones. Can you imagine? I cannot.

    What can we do to help? My list begins with prayer. Some of you may not pray. Ok. I do and that is what I started doing immediately. It is a good thing to do? Absolutely! Is the the only thing we should do? I don’t believe so. I think that being the hands and feet of Jesus involves more than praying. So, what’s next? Glad you asked! I am going to make a list (that I will be updating) of reputable organizations that are going to be helping Japan.

    This is an early list and these are organizations that will be helping once the damage is assessed and they have made plans of action. Right now it is too early to know what they will need and how to best help. These particular organizations are collecting money right now to be able to assist in the ways they will determine necessary.

    Global Giving

    Do Something Now

    American Red Cross **You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone

    Save The Children

    Salvation Army **You can also text ’JAPAN’ or ‘QUAKE’ to 80888 to make a $10 donation from your phone

    Doctors Without Borders

    International Medical Corps

    Convoy of Hope

    World Vision

    Samaritan’s Purse

    Americares

    Shelter Box

    TEAM

    HelloSomebody

    PLEASE check into an organization before making a financial donation. This is an article regarding Attorney General Lisa Madigan speaking on Japan Relief scams.

    Category Uncategorized | Tags: | 2 Comments

  5. Serve March

    March 8, 2011 by Lisa

    I feel a little lonely out here! I would love to start monthly ideas that we can do together, no matter where we are… and I would love to hear your feedback on how things went. The ideas (like this month’s) won’t always be super stretching but there will definitely be some that will take more time and effort. The goal would be to do this at some point during the month, whenever works best for your family. I would LOVE to hear how it went, good or bad, at Lisa@lemonadestands.org

    The Serve idea for March is pretty simple: provide a meal for a friend who needs it. There are so many options for this.. a sick neighbor, overwhelmed young moms, a busy family. Imagine coming hope from a trip knowing you have to get your kids ready to go back to school, do all the laundry, go grocery shopping… and a friend shows up with dinner.

    The point of this isn’t to provide a 10 course meal or show off your new dishes. The goal is to think outside of ourselves and help someone who needs it. Like I said before, we ALL need help sometimes! This is an easy thing to include your kids in… both in cooking (or carrying the take-out!) and delivery.

     

    Category Elementary, High School, Jr High, Preschool | Tags: | 2 Comments

  6. Happy Birthday!

    February 28, 2011 by Lisa

    Celebrating is fun, whether it’s your birthday or someone else’s. Parties, good food, fun times, great people. I love it! I’m honored to have been a part of celebrating people in many different ways… on a special birthday trip, over dinner, at a big bash, or with a simple birthday cake. There are so many options! However, I also realize that the older we get the less “special” our birthday seems. It’s more like the dreaded, “I can’t believe I’m another year older!” Fortunately for both us “older” and younger people, there are a lot of options to celebrating birthdays.  I love what I’m seeing now with people being so others’ focused on their birthdays… spending their special day celebrating others. Here are a few examples…
    My friend, LV, just celebrated his 32nd birthday on February 23rd. This year he asked that people help him raise money for Compassion International’s Medical Assistance Fund, a cause that is very important to him. He has asked his friends to consider donating $32 to help him celebrate his 32nd birthday.
    Brian and Promise are super cute newlyweds, and they both have November birthdays. Last year they asked friends to consider donating $25 to charity: water, a cause they both support and believe in. They asked their friends to help them in giving their birthdays away in honor of giving life to others.
    Last November, my friend Kathy had a birthday party at her house. It was an all day drop in, complete with party food and cupcakes. She asked for one gift from her friends, to help her pack and fill for shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Lots of people came. They laughed, ate, had fun, and packed boxes. In the end, they were able to donate 89 boxes to OCC!
    Even Justin Bieber is celebrating his 17th birthday by asking fans to donate to charity: water. People can donate $17 or $170. He has far exceeded his donation goal. My daughter will be SO excited to hear about this. Oh my!
    Celebrations are always fun! And what an amazing thought to celebrate your special day by generously giving to others. It may not be for everybody, but it’s really inspiring to see those who choose to be celebrate this way!

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  7. The Small Things

    February 22, 2011 by Lisa

    A friend of mine just had surgery. Her family of 6 is getting along without her help but it’s hard! School, activities, homework, practices and games can be difficult to juggle even when she is able to drive, tutor, and take care of everyone. It’s so great to see some of her friends stepping up to help her. I have the opportunity to take a few meals to her at the end of the week.

    There are needs everywhere. We just have to look for them and step up. It might take a little time or a little money or even rearranging our schedule a bit, but it’s well worth it. Be looking for opportunities to help those around you… a meal for a sick friend, giving a pencil to a classmate who forgot one, picking a friend’s kids up from school when they have an appointment, buying a new jacket for a child whose family is tight on money.

    We’ve all been there. Even helping with the smallest of needs can make a huge difference for someone.

    Category Elementary, High School, Jr High, Preschool | Tags: | No Comments

  8. Random Acts of Kindness week

    February 15, 2011 by Lisa

    This week is designated Random Acts of Kindness week. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was founded in 1995 and aims to create a better world by inspiring kindness and encouraging people to pass kindness on to others. Their website is really useful and offers a Kindness Idea of the Day. Today’s idea is to smile at ten strangers. They offer great thoughts and are certainly things that you can encourage your children to do!

    I also think this would be a great time to have an intentional conversation with our kids about what kindness means, and treating others as we would like to be treated. I feel like I often say this to my children. However, it’s most often in a quick passing comment or when I’m disciplining them. This week creates a perfect opportunity to talk about the importance of kindness and how your children can use it to change the world around them! And also an opportunity to set goals as a family, such as reporting to each other how you’ve each shown kindness to someone that day/week/month. It’s so interesting to me to see how early children start with “mine!” and how we have to teach sharing. I think that the road to being a “kind person” starts with intentionally being kind to others.

    Here are some other ideas of showing kindness to others. I have listed only simple things that would be easy to implement with children of any age.

    • Open the door for someone.
    • Ask a student you’ve never played with to play at recess.
    • Be intentional about complementing a different student at school each day.
    • Write your teacher/boss/co-worker a thank you note.
    • Walk your neighbor’s dog.
    • If you have an elderly neighbor, offer to do chores/errands for them one afternoon.
    • Send a bouquet of flowers to a hospital and let the hospital know it should go to someone who doesn’t receive any visitors and is alone.
    • Add change to a parking meter for someone else.
    • Call your grandparents and tell them you love them.
    • Shovel snow for your neighbor.
    • Introduce yourself to new students at school.
    • If you see someone drop something, pick it up for them.
    • Carry a neighbors trash cans back to the house after trash pick-up.
    • Pay for the person’s order behind you at the drive-thru.
    • Make an extra meal and give it to a neighbor.
    • Share your snack with a friend who doesn’t have one.

    Category Elementary, High School, Jr High, Preschool | Tags: | 1 Comment

  9. Prayer

    February 8, 2011 by Lisa

    My husband and I pray with our kids each night. I put our daughter to bed and pray with her; he puts our son to bed and prays with him. We always pray for family and others, but our prayers often sound the same. Honestly, sometimes I’m not ok with this and other times I think, “Well, at least I’m praying with them…”

    My goal is to make my prayer time with my daughter more alive and directed. First, because I don’t want prayer modeled for her in a complacent way. If I’m modeling my stale, “God thanks for the day. Please be with….” then prayer easily becomes a checkbox instead of a crucial part of my relationship with God, and kids will be able to see that very clearly. I also want her to understand that this is a conversation with our Creator. He deserves much more than my going through the motions or what I rush through so I can just get her to bed.

    There are so many ways I can change this up and make my prayers more intimate and purposeful. I love the idea of something different and specific to pray for each night. Also, our hearts tend to become involved in what we pray for. My bet is that if you genuinely and consistently pray for anything with your kids, it will become something they direct their care and passion towards.

    Here are some ideas:

    1. IJM – I have been a prayer partner with International Justice Mission for 4-5 years. Each week I receive an email from them with prayer requests and things to praise. This organization has become so close to my heart. I would encourage this only for older kids (high school) because many of the prayer requests deal with sexual abuse/trafficking.

    2. Compassion International – Compassion is an great organization that helps kids in other countries live and learn about Jesus Christ. This is a great one for children learning to pray for other children around the world. They send out a monthly prayer calendar to those signed up as a prayer partner. There are similar organizations that also have prayer partners, such as Kids Alive International which will send out monthly updates.

    3. Choose a missionary or several missionaries and pray for one each day. Many missionaries (actually I don’t know of any who don’t) rely on prayer and you can sign on to be a prayer partner with them to receive updates on what to pray. Let me know if you need names. Our local church supports many missionaries so I have lots of options if you need them!

    4. Pick countries that have reputations as being poverty-stricken, hostile, or not knowing the Lord. Pray for a country each night.

    5. Pray for a different student/teacher in their class each day. I want to start doing this with my daughter. I can’t even imagine how this will affect her relationships with the other students.

    Do you have any ideas that should be included on this list?

    Category Elementary, High School, Jr High, Preschool | Tags: | 1 Comment

  10. Volunteer Match

    February 3, 2011 by Lisa

    I love how I can do something here that makes an impact somewhere else in the world. It’s kind of crazy if you think about it… we can cut hair and help provide a wig for a child suffering from Alopecia or cancer. The kids can make Valentines cards to send to U.S. troops serving in another country. We can donate money to help provide clean water to people on the other side of the world. Amazing. I really do believe all that is important and it’s really exciting to be a part. However, I personally think it’s equally, if not more, important to help care for those around you. If we desire to impact the world around us… it helps to realize that the world around us starts with our own communities.

    Volunteer Match is a great tool to help you do that. They connect with communities and organizations all over the country and help match up volunteers to various projects. Their website is really easy to navigate. I can type in my zip code and I will get a list of needs around me that I could help with… from mentoring kids to disaster relief to writing grants. There are many options! There are some you can do alone and, also, some to do as a family. I hope you find a one time project or maybe even something you do consistently!

    Category Elementary, High School, Jr High, Preschool | Tags: | No Comments

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