This week we celebrated service week a tradition I started with the kids 2 years ago. Last year we didn't hit service week during the summer but did it during Thanksgiving break.
On Sunday we drew names for Secret Siblings and the kids did little things for each other throughout the week. Lincoln was especially a fan of all the notes and treats he could get from Ella. He couldn't figure out why he should do something back for Alissa rather than Ella because she was doing all these nice things for him.
Monday we focused on service in the community by visiting 2 assisted living centers and handing out little notes with a quote from President Thomas S Monson that basically said, you are not alone. It turned out to be such an awesome experience. We started at Fairwinds and there weren't very many people out so the girls handed them out to whoever they could but I wasn't satisfied so I drove them to Lincoln Court. I talked to them on the way over about approaching people themselves and asking how they are doing and being kind to them as they are grandma and grandpas. They walked outside and talked to these few ladies for a while and I went out to check on them and they were just having such a great time. They all loved kids so much and the one in the blue just got tears as she held Grace who was sleeping. They enjoyed the visit and asked us to please come back! It was definitely an experience that touched our hearts and made the kids feel the benefit of service.
On Tuesday we went to the Humanitarian Center to serve the world and again only Ella was old enough to do an actual project for humanitarian which was painting some wooden race cars. She had to do lots and lots of coats of paint on them. Alissa, Molly & Lincoln got to paint something for them and something to give away. Lincoln painted a horse and a sheep to give to Russell, Molly painted a duck and a doll bed to give to Lia & Sophie (I believe) and Alissa painted a doll bed and a duck and gave the "Ninja Duck" to her friend Ashlynn. It's always fun visiting the humanitarian center and I am always so inspired by all they do there.
Wednesday we focused on serving in our family and planned an prepared a meal for our daddy. We decorated the basement with lights and cleaned the house and made bacon wrapped steaks and some yummy dinner for him. Alissa added the sweet red carpet down the stairs and we hung a blanket to save the surprise. We had little notes taped down the stairway where the kids wrote things like "We appreciate you" and "Best Dad Ever!". We gave him Mountain Dew and Cheesecake for dessert. He was happy and surprised. Later that evening we went to his ministering sister's house so he and his companion could fix a wall she has been needing help with for years and it was her birthday so we took cake and ice cream to her and her family too.
Thursday we purchased some food from Sams Club and took it to the Idaho Rescue Mission which is a homeless shelter. The kids got to have a small tour of their freezer and pantry and their dining room and kitchen. It was good for them to see.
It later led to us going back in a month and providing an entire meal for 100 people. The girls and I cooked everything and Dustin came to help us serve. We served taco salads and will always remember this experience as we watched them so humbly come through and get food. I saw teras in one lady's eyes as we dished her plate and I never recognized how a small piece of food falling to the ground would feel to a hungry man or woman. I need to be more grateful. Such a beautiful experience to have with my cute girls.
Friday of service week ended up being a temple date for Dustin and I. If the family did something, I didn't record it but I am so happy to have this picture of my eternal companion and I in front of the temple. We did sealings that night because it was our 17 year anniversary. I am so grateful for him and all he does for me and our family. He's truly the best!! (And don't you love my friend Jodi photobombing back behind us? She saw us but we didn't see her.)
Service week is one of my very favorite new traditions and one I hope my kids will carry on with their own families. It doesn't have to be as big as what we did this year, but something to shift the focus on what we want and feel we need to what others may want or need or how we can lift their burdens or give them even a smile. I love the gospel and my Savior Jesus Christ. He is the center of our family and who we strive to pattern our lives after. By doing so we have found it makes us happier than we could ever have imagined.
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