When Your Calling Isn't Saving All the Things in All the World

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14b

Maybe it's the onslaught of commercials vying for my attention, or the never-ending post after post on my newsfeed of the needy in this world. Maybe it's just this way during Christmas because people feel a little deeper; they see the need and just have to do something. Because it's Christmas, and that's what you're supposed to do.

And then a conversation my core group had the other week in Community Bible Study really got me thinking about serving, our own ministries, and looking at the big picture. Especially in this Advent season as we wait for the arrival of the Messiah.

"I just feel like we're not doing enough during this Christmas season."

"My kids are too young to serve the poor. What can I teach them about giving?"

"We just don't have the money to give right now. I feel like I'm failing this year."

I think sometimes we see the big things others are called to do in this life, and then it gets so overwhelming, and so awe-inspiring, that we forget the little things. Is going to a far off country and ministering to the poor important? YES. It's amazing. And I would love, at some point in my life, to be able to do that thing. But. As a wise women once said,

"Your ministry is right between your own two feet."

-Jill Briscoe

Ministry doesn't always mean the big thing. It doesn't always mean traveling to far off places and discovering what true poverty looks like. True poverty is often right in our own backyards. And here's the kicker: you don't need a lot of money. You don't need a lot of time. You just need yourself, and a giving heart.

So we came up with some ideas. Child friendly, inexpensive ideas, to give in this holiday season, even when you feel like your little thing isn't as much as the big thing... You're wrong. Your little thing may be just the thing a person needs today...

* Hand out smiles. Be deliberate. Be genuinely happy. Look people in the eyes. Don't think it will make someone's day? Think again.

* Offer a hand. In the grocery store. At Wal-Mart. Push a grocery cart. Help put bags in the trunk. The biggest lesson Miss E has learned this year? The blessing of helping. She's seen the look on the woman's face when we offered to help her with her groceries, to push the cart back to the store for her. Blessing others is often a bigger blessing to the one who serves.

*Surprise gifts. A small gift card on someone's windshield. Baby wipes in the Target restroom (because haven't you been the mom with the explosive diaper and wipes are in the car, and not in your purse where they're supposed to be?!). A candy bar for the check out person. A compliment. Pay it forward in the drive-thru.

The list goes on and on. I think sometimes we just get stuck in our own busy and distracted places; it's hard to just look up and see the need immediately in front of us. What I do know? We have been placed in our current situations, neighborhoods, families, communities for such a time as this. Take advantage of it. Live it fully. Use the ministry that's been placed before you, and the blessings received will abound.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in very good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8

My biggest prayer for each of you, each and every day of this Advent season, is this: You're given the opportunity to serve, and to be served by others. That you see the smallest of needs set before you, and you don't remain silent. That you act upon these inklings of the Holy Spirt, and you abound in His blessings. His grace.

Peace and joy to you in this sweet Christmastime!

xoxo, k.

Five Minute Friday: Notice

Every week, a whole heap of fabulous women get together and bravely write for Five Minute Friday. Today's prompt is...

Notice

Go.

The journey has been so long. Years and years, really. So I hadn't really noticed the differences. I hadn't noticed how You had changed me from the inside out, how my views have changed, how my world view is through an entirely new set of eyes. I hadn't noticed, until a stranger stopped me in Babies R Us when her words knocked me flat off my feet.

You are so joyful. What's your secret?

I know what my response should have been: Jesus! Jesus Christ! He is my secret! And He can be yours!

But I was so floored. So surprised by the joy of Christ oozing from my soul without me even realizing it, that I forgot to give Him credit.

I think of that woman all the time. Her broad smile, her warm gestures, her eyes seeking. She noticed me. She noticed Christ in my life, before I saw it for myself. I wish I could find her. Wrap her in my arms and tell her, You can have this, too! I mourn that day. I celebrate that day. I imagine the Day she and I will sit together, reminiscing on the old days, smiling knowing smiles, sharing our lives.

Stop.

Today? Notice the details. Notice those around you. Make connections.

Have a fantastic weekend!

xoxo, k.

Day 16: Spreading the Love (and we're halfway there!)

In the spirit of the #encouragedailycampaign, as well as the fact that WE'RE HALFWAY THERE in this crazy 31 day journey, I thought it only necessary to share some of the love. There are amazing writers participating in this challenge, and I thought I'd share some of the series that I'm thoroughly enjoying.

**In her Breaking Religion series, Liz pretty much speaks her heart aloud despite what "real Christians" should say. Her words speak truth in a way that's real and honest, and in some of her posts, I actually feel like she's looked right at me and said, "Hey you! This is you, right?" Except that she would have said it much more eloquently because she's a fantastic writer.

**Jen of Growing in Faith just makes my heart happy. Her sweet disposition paired with her amazing adventures in Africa are such a great read! She even did a vlog today, which actually makes my hands start to sweat just thinking about it. Good. For. Her!

**As you know, I'm all about encouragement in these parts, and the good news is that there are so many women out there writing about this very thing. Crystal is doing a series of 31 Encouraging Conversation, and I just have to tell you all, that if you need a pick me up? She's your girl. And so is every person she talks to along the way. If I had to pick a favorite, I think it would be today's post: Encouragement for the Hard Days.

**Melissa over at  Frugal Creativity is doing a month of Five Minute Free Writes, linking up with Five Minute Friday's Kate Motaung. Melissa has such a sweet heart, and this month she is sharing her triumphs and hardships each and every day. She has also been a great encouragement to me here :)

**There are so many other series that I would like to read/see, but y'all, there's just not enough time in the day! You can always go to the Write 31 Days site to find more great writing this year. If you'd like to check out other series I've got my eye on, head on over to my trusty Pinterest page for 31 dayers this year.  I have no doubt it will be added to as the month goes on, so keep stopping by!

I hope y'all are having a fantastic week! I'm headed to a women's conference this weekend, but I will still be here writing!

xoxo, k.

Day 15: A Cup of Coffee

On any given weekday morning, this is where you'll find me...

A cup of coffee. My bible. And recently? A glowing pumpkin and a fire. Because it's October, and I can :)

To know my undeniable obsession love for coffee is to know me. Y'all. I need coffee. For some reason in graduate school (I know. It makes no sense.), I decided I no longer needed to consume this necessary beverage of life, but other than that short stint of insanity, you can pretty much bet that on any given day at any time between 5 am and 10 am, there will be a cup of joe within arm's reach.

Today's challenge is sweet and simple: Do you know my type? It doesn't have to be coffee, and it doesn't need to be this morning, but friends, it's the little things. And sometimes the best way to encourage others, is just to notice those things.

To the mom sitting begrudgingly in the drop off line: Mrs. Smith, who stands outside each morning welcoming your children? She loves her some Starbucks/Peets/Seattle's Best/Dunkin/generic hot goodness. You get the point. Imagine her delight when your kiddos run up to her with a $5 gift card or a steaming hot pumpkin spice latte.

You know that one co-worker that just can't seem to put a smile on her face before 10 am? Imagine her bliss if you notice her go-to breakfast of choice is a blueberry muffin. Talk about turning that frown upside down.

And that's what this comes down to: To encourage others is to notice the small and intricate details of their hearts, whether it be a large cup of coffee, or just a verbal affirmation of "You're doing a great job!" All of us respond in different ways, but I guarantee you this: we change the perceptions of stranger's hearts when we give to them. It's life-changing.

xoxo, k.

Don't forget to share the encouragement! You can usually find me somewhere on social media (see those pretty buttons up on the top right?) using #encouragedailycampaign. Share your stories!

Day 14: Courage

Courage [kur-ij, kuhr-]: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear; have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism. (source)

**

"I just don't get it." We sat each across from one another: me, on the love seat I'd sat on so many times before, and her, on the opposite side of the room on the couch, curled up with a hot cup of tea. The conversation had been friendly, but I could feel the tone of her voice. And as our eyes met, I'm pretty sure we were both aware we were crossing into unchartered territories. Her words, though she didn't know it at the time, they cut me.

We were talking about religion. More specifically, a not so great experience of one of my dearest friend's, growing up in a strict dogmatic Christian church. At this specific moment in time, I knew I believed in Jesus Christ, and I was pretty sure I was going to heaven. But seven years later, how I wish I had known where I would be sitting today. I would have spoken up. I would have had the necessary and tough conversation with her. I know how we stand with one another now, and she loves me regardless of our differences. But we know how God is with His timing. His plans.

She doesn't know it, but I think so often of that conversation. It has molded me in some ways. Until this year, I have stayed relatively silent in my walk with Christ. Often feeling like I've led two lives: one in awe of the love of Christ, and the other hiding my true identity and living in the world as if I was oblivious. In fact, it was this very discussion that has kept me from living the true life that I've been searching for. Not just this one instance, but so many over the years.

"I just don't get it."

"I just don't understand why you believe."

"I just don't like those Christians."

"Please don't tell me you're one of those."

"You're too _____ to be a Christian." (smart, intelligent, fun. You name it.)

Each time they were said, they stung more deeply and made me question. It's amazing what power words have.

But this silence I've maintained? It's hindered me from blessings. It's kept others from blessings. Because I was afraid.

This has been the driving force of this 31 days. It was time for me to step out of comfort and step into courage. The thing about courage, is that sometimes it's not there for you to grasp, to hold onto as you walk through the door of fear. But what you'll often find is that it's there waiting for you on the other side. It's not that we always need courage to get us through the hard things, but rather knowing that there is something better, something for the greater good of all waiting for us as we move through.

Where does this come into my Encourage Daily Campaign? Why courage to encourage? Because the courage gets us there. The hope of something better gives us courage. Without these two things: hope and courage, we are simply not able to be encouragers of others.

Friends, have courage. Have faith. THAT is what inspires us to encourage others.

xoxo, k.

**
Last year, I had the honor of attending a women's conference in which Jill Briscoe was the keynote speaker. Y'all. That women has more knowledge in the tip of her pinky finger than any other person I've met. And with her wisdom came a Mighty love for Jesus, humor, and a little self-deprecation. Who can't relate to that? Today's post was inspired by what she taught. Thank you, Jill!

Day 13: Write a Letter

Since starting our encourage daily adventure just 12 days ago, I've already been inspired and encouraged so very much by readers and those around me, and especially by the other writers conquering the month of October with the discipline of daily writing. It has been amazing! I thought I'd share a story of encouragement I came across, and hope that we are inspired to do the same for our friends and family.

A friend has a big event coming up. Like life changing event in the works, here. Her best friend secretly contacted all of her friends and family, recruiting them to write a letter. Of inspiration, of encouragement, and just an overwhelming sense of, "Way to go!"

Y'all. We're talking hundreds of letters here! Can you imagine? Having a huge day coming up in your life, one that could make you or break you, and then receive hundreds of letters of encouragement?? How awesome is that!?

So, if you haven't written that letter, or contacted that friend that you haven't talked to in awhile, do it. Remember unexpected blessings? They're hidden in the places of unanticipated encouragement given to others.

Here's to another great week! Happy Monday, friends!

xoxo, k.

Day 9: Pay It Forward

A couple of months ago, there was a story in the news about a record breaking "pay it forward" chain at a Starbucks drive through. The thought of paying it forward in that way, in actually paying for the person behind you had definitely crossed my mind before, but it was something that I was probably a bit too afraid to do. Too fearful of what others around might think of me if I stuck my neck out for my neighbor.

**

Background source

Even though I'm technically a full time stay at home mom right now, I still try to get a few hours when I can practicing as a Speech-Language Pathologist. This usually happens on the weekend, and as a means to get out of the house before the kids get up (which would invariably end up delaying my start to the day at least another hour), I tend to get up with the sun and get straight to work.

Fortunately for me, this often means I grab a nice hot chicken biscuit from my favorite drive-through on the way. Because why not?

One early Saturday morning in particular, there happened to be a line in the drive through despite it being 6:30 am.  Behind me was a couple in a minivan. They looked worn out, and something struck me so suddenly, I almost hit the car in front of me.

Pay for their breakfast.

I shook my head and tears immediately came to my eyes, because there was no reason for me to have this thought. It was so overwhelming and consuming that I actually feared looking in the rearview mirror; I thought for sure they knew what was going on in my car.

Pay for their breakfast.

Now, I had a five dollar bill, a handful of ones, and a bit of change in my car. Well, Lord, I thought, I'll ask, but there's no way I'll have enough cash on hand to pay for their meal. Even as I pulled up to the window, I had no doubt the cashier would either deny me or call me crazy. With that, I was convinced I wouldn't have enough cash, which would of course mean I would then have to drive away with my tail between my legs.

I will never forget the boy's face.  Blond hair, blue eyes. Smile broad across his face.

"Wait, you want to what?"

In disbelief that I had actually muttered the words aloud, I had to repeat them.

"I'd like to pay for their meal? The couple behind me? I'm not sure if I have enough, but I'd like to give you what I can."

He stared at me for what seemed like an eternity.

"Well, Ok. Wait. Hold on. You really want to pay for someone else? Are you sure? I can't believe this. I mean it's awesome. But I can't believe this. Hold on."

I wanted to take him by the shoulders, and say YES! PLEASE! YOU'RE KILLING ME! I AM SO FAR OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE I ACTUALLY FEEL LIKE I'M DYING. PLEASE!

But I didn't. Because that would have been off color and completely beside the point.

And then it hit me. The blessing wasn't just for the couple behind me, or even for me. This sweet boy. What if obeying God at His word changed the way this boy sees strangers and how he gives to others? He gave me the total with tears in his eyes.

"Eleven dollars and 97 cents."

I looked down. I had exact change.

**

Have you done this? Is this easy for you? That's amazing, and I pray for your courage and strength. But listen. A smile I can do. I can even offer a few words of encouragement. But to outwardly and forwardly offer someone something they didn't ask for? To anonymously bless someone out in public, without the computer screen shielding me from the needs of our brothers and sisters? That terrifies me. I have a feeling that some of you feel the same way. That you want to do the right thing, the righteous thing, but the act of putting your neck out there is utterly terrifying.

In Luke 6:38, Jesus tells us this: "Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure -- pressed down, shaken together, and running over -- will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."

In other words, generosity multiplies generosity.

Encouragement and generosity aren't necessarily about an end goal, or a meeting one specific need. Sharing yourself, whether it's in the form of a random meal or sharing your heart with the stranger sitting next to you on the train, starts something. It starts something, and we're never sure of the end result because it continues to multiply over and over and over again.

Today? Start the trend. Make the first move. You never know where you'll end up, or who you'll meet along the way.

xoxo, k.

Need more inspiration today? Head on over to Inspire Me Mondays to get your fill!

Day 8: Teaching Our Kids to Encourage

I don't know, maybe it's the eternal optimist in me, but I really like to root for the underdog. Like, really. And while we're at it, if we're watching a football game and I'm not rooting for a specific team? I secretly always cheer for the offense.

You read that right. I cheer for both teams. I know that someone has to win, but TV folks are so good at pulling me us in! The Olympics? Don't even get me started. Mr. Kuda just knows that there will be two weeks of me sitting in front of the TV with a tissue box. I get invested.

But I digress.

I'd like to think this as a positive personality trait of mine, but the older I get, I'm starting to see that, good or bad, it just isn't the norm. It breaks my heart to see more and more stories about bullies, about adults making fun of others, and everyone looking out for their own gain. It can be disheartening to think about how we brought our kids into this pessimistic messed up world of negativity and ugliness.

Now, if parenthood was a marathon, I'm well aware that I'm pretty much just finishing up my first mile. However. I do know what I want for my kids as they get older. And that's kindness, to love Jesus, and to cheer others on.

Encouragement. If I'm going to write on it for 31 days, I should at least attempt to describe some of the things we're doing at home to teach our children what it means to root for the other team. Even if they're not rooting for us.

Since moving into our "forever home," family members who have stowed away my childhood belongings for sixteen a few years finally had the chance to load off the remaining boxes. It's been fun, going through all of the stuff I had saved in high school and college. A lot of it I threw away, but the kids clung onto this one thing, and I just haven't had the heart to throw it away.

A pom pom.

So seemingly innocuous, but something that really started the encouragement train in this house. There's something innate in these kiddos that makes them want to cheer others on. So I ran with it. I think it's important to note that, of course we encourage our kids every day: you went potty! You put on your shoes! You ate all your dinner! My focus here is to take it to the next level... Out of our front door and into the community.

Being a cheerleader yourself teaches them to be cheerleaders.
When they dance? We go full on "Go mommy! Go mommy!" It's contagious. But they won't know how if you don't start. Be their cheerleader, and they'll cheer on others. And that being said...

Be someone else's cheerleader.
Even if they're strangers. The thing about it is, that unless we show our kids what we're trying to teach them, it just won't stick. This works really well at the playground. I may look silly, but my kids don't see it that way. Cheer other kids on. Tell them they're fast or daring. Even if it doesn't occur to your kiddos in the moment, it will catch on.

Use words they understand while encouraging.
I stole this from Sesame Street. Elmo likes to start his sentences with, "I like the way you... " Miss E, I like the way you shared with your brother. Mr. C, I like the way you waited your turn. We've been using this language for some time, but we're starting to see the fruits of it. Every so often, I'll catch Miss E telling her brother, "I love the way you just smiled at me, buddy!" It's heart warming.

Attach emotions with encouraging words.
"Miss E, when you told Mr. C how much you enjoyed his smile, it made his heart so happy!" There's an organic sincerity to the way we talk about our feelings and the encouraging words that go along with them. It's empowering to even the two year old. He beams when he hears these things.

That's just a start, and I want to be clear about one things before I close: not all things are rainbows and sunshine in our house. I make mistakes, Mr. Kuda makes mistakes, and the kiddos make mistakes. Thank goodness! But you've got to start as you mean to go on, and I think we've started something good.

What do you do to encourage your kids to, well, encourage? What has worked? What hasn't? I'd love some suggestions! In the meantime, grab a pom pom and go root someone on :)

xoxo, k.

Day 4: A Good Heart

It was an average Friday morning of breakfast, getting dressed, and heading out the door, hoping that I remembered snacks, milk, and maybe an ounce of memory of what I was actually going out for. It wasn't a hard morning, or an easy morning, but just a morning like any other mornings with kiddos singing and Mr. C deciding which CAT truck he's bringing with him in the car, and which lovey Miss E needs to sit next to her for the ride.

And then I got this text:

You have such a good heart.

I didn't even respond, because I didn't know what to say. Do I try to do the right thing? Do I try to encourage others daily? Yes. It's the person God made me. And do I have a good heart? Well, I hope so.

But something about getting that specific message during the mundane routine of my daily life... It just hit me. 

God wants us to consider others better than ourselves, and to look to the interests of others. Do you have that person, or people that does that for you? Are you that person to someone else? I am blessed beyond measure to have a couple of women who just get it. And me. They get me, and love me, and thank the good Lord they encourage me all. the. time.

**

As I was searching for the above screenshot, the same friend texted me and encouraged me again. In a way so profound, I was brought to tears. Friends, God speaks through us and to us in so many ways, but we are the vessels He wants to use. We are the ones called to encourage one another.

Your challenge today? Do it. Call her. Text him. Let them know you're thinking about them. Send a card, or a letter, or give a call. It's so easy, but we tend to get stuck in the monotony of our daily stuff. But that's not why we're here. We're here to dig in deep, do the hard and good and awesome stuff. Only then we will find courage and bravery and hope in the every day.

xoxo, k. 

Day 2: It's the Little Things

It should be simple, right? Encouraging other human beings, usually those who you see on at least a weekly basis? Why is it so hard to just step out of your comfort zone and say something?

Take a few weeks ago. On our weekly grocery trip, Miss E was standing next to me in the checkout line as I dug for my wallet; I'm not quite sure I had even acknowledge the woman checking us out. Even though she had been saying, "Mommy. Mommy. Mommy. Mommy." over and over again, I finally looked down to Miss E to see what it was she needed so desperately. Pulling me down to her level, she whispered, "Mommy. Her nails are sooooooo sparkly. I love them." She beamed, and as I returned to my upright position, I caught the eye of the cashier.

It was at that moment I had to make a choice. And because the eyes of my three year old were on me, I stepped out of my comfort zone: "My daughter loves your nails. They're gorgeous!" Because they were, and who am I to not acknowledge that?

You know what happened next? The cashier beamed, thanked me profusely, and proceeded to tell me that no one had even looked her in the eyes that morning, and we had made her day.

Y'all. I told a woman we liked her nails, and we MADE. HER. DAY. If that's not a divine intervention, I don't know what it is.

It was that easy. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Why is it that this is so difficult for some (most?) of us? Are we so busy in this life that we can't take the time to even look someone in the eyes and acknowledge them?

That's your assignment today. Step out of your comfort zone. Tell everyone you see hello. Give a smile. If so inclined, tell them you like their sparkly nails. We have no idea how we may impact someone just by a little acknowledgement: I see you! You're doing great! Keep up the good work!

Because don't we want that, too?

Want to go the extra mile? Follow me on Instagram to see what the kiddos and are up to this week. Like what you see? Send me an email and I'll share the file :) (You'd think it'd be easy to attach here, but I can't. figure. it. out. We only have 29 days left, so I'm putting my efforts in elsewhere :)

Good luck! I'll be participating right along with you, and sharing on our favorite social media sites. Have fun!

xoxo, k.

Day 1: Why Encourage?

Well, we've made it to day one, and I can't tell you how excited/nervous/terrified I am to be embarking on this adventure. Why, you ask? Because writing for 31 days straight on anything is enough to make a girl's head spin. And on encouragement? Oy.

I'll tell you why. This past week as been a doozy. Kids were ornery, momma was tired, and Mr. Kuda and I were running around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to maintain our normal schedule and routine.

How in the world am I supposed to encourage anything? I ended the week feeling beat up and thrown out.

But then.

We were sitting in church on Sunday, and three separate women spoke to me with encouraging words that struck straight through to my heart. THREE. While all of them will remain forever in my mind as "the women who helped me through that one doozy (of oh, so many) of a week," one in particular made me want to hug her and shake her and say "THANK YOU!"

She leaned over to me, and whispered, "Your children are beautiful. I love watching you with them. My baby just graduated from high school last year, and watching you brings me back to those sweet days. You're doing it, aren't you? You're getting through the tough ones, one day at a time, and you're doing it. Way to go, momma."

And then I almost lost it, tears and all, as the homily began. She spoke to my heart so clearly and succinctly, and it was like God had plucked her out of a thousand women just for me and told her to give me a pep talk.

**

What if? What if you just follow your gut and not worry about how others will see you? What if you see that momma or neighbor or friend just getting by, and actually say or do something without fear of looking different or silly? What if you start doing more random acts of kindness? What if that is really what it's all about?

For me, the past year has been one of great change, and without encouragement from new and old friends, family, and even strangers, I'm not sure where I would be spiritually or emotionally. It was a hard year, but it was so great.

Welcome to the first day of the challenge. I'm so glad you're here.

xoxo, k.

Encourage Daily Campaign

Remember The Woman at the Giant? I hope you do, and if not I encourage you to read her story. She quite possibly changed the outcome of my summer this year.

See, I was in a bit of a funk. I can't really describe it in any other way, but I was struggling with finding a true purpose. As Mr. C has transitioned from the infant to toddler years (For the record, I'm pretty sure his Pediatrician called him a preschooler at his two year check up. And I almost hit the floor.), I'm struggling finding a vision and direction for which way I want to go. Right now Mr. Kuda is probably thinking, "Back to work would be a good start," but we're not quite there yet :)

Something happened in the midst of her encouragement in that check-out line, as the tears were swelling up with frustration and worry and am-I-doing-this-mommy-thing-right. She sparked something in me, and I can't quite shake it.

Encouragement. This very thing is what has gotten me through the past year. Not only through those I've met and become close to, although those friendships have redefined me as a mom and a friend and a woman. No, it's been the casual remarks of strangers. The smile and a knowing nod of the mother who's already been through the trenches.

The other morning I was praying hard. Hands buried, eyes burning hard prayers. Lord, give me my path! I feel like I'm on the verge of something, God, but I just don't know what it is. And I am so frustrated!

And then He gave me the idea. To start a campaign. Of encouragement and paying it forward. Of moms and dads and grandmas and friends and neighbors.

Ok, great, Lord! You gave me an idea! And how in the world am I going to do that?

And then my feedly feed popped up The Nester's 31 Day writing challenge for October. And then a blogger friend of mine liked it on Facebook. And then someone else mentioned it in conversation. And then my feedly did something weird, and it popped up again in my feed.

I'm listening, Lord, and I'm trying to be obedient. Join me in thirty-one days of encouragement. Share who's encouraged you, who's inspired you, ways that you encourage your friends, family and neighbors.

Look out for my first post on Wednesday, October 1! You can find each day's post here, and it will also have links at the bottom to the previous posts of the months. If you'd like to subscribe by email so you get each post in your inbox, by all means, please do!

See you in October!

xoxo, k.

Valentine's Day Recap

Yes, it's been over a week since V-Day. We've been through a lot since then. Let me bring you to where we are today...

February 15: Mrs. Kuda has a fever. Ignores it. Tells Mr. Kuda to not touch anything and to take babies far far away.

February 16-17: Continue with Mrs. Kuda's fever, but she works both days anyway as a means to stay away from babies. Enter Mr. C fever. And hacking cough. And overall 5 month old pathetic-ness. Sigh. Enter Miss E and her crankiness. Which can only mean one thing...

February 18: Continue Mr. C and Miss E fever. Mr. C has a hard time breathing. Inhaler. Doesn't. WORK. Off to the ER. Oral steroids are awesome.

February 19: Miss E starts crying while eating.

February 20: Miss E starts screaming while eating. Open mouth? Open canker sore. Infected. Plus an ear infection.

So do I have a good excuse? Yeah. I thought so.

But let's rewind a smidgen to Valentine's Day. Mr. Kuda and I really don't celebrate it, but Miss E is just at this age where everything is so... FUN.  Everything is new and exciting and FUN. So I did my best to build it up. And honestly? It was the best. day. EVER!

At the beginning of the week, I set up Miss E's desk with books that depicted love and discussed Valentine's Day. She always comes down at the beginning of the week wondering what we'll be doing, so she was really excited to see new books!

Well, OF COURSE we had to make cookies! Miss E is such a trooper when it comes to long baking tasks. Nine times out of ten she'll stick with me through the end. She loved frosting them and sprinkling sprinkles.  They were DELICIOUS! I'm really trying to instill giving to others, so we gave a majority of our cookies to friends and my group at CBS, including her two teachers.

YUMMMMMMM-O!

The kiddos also received "love gifts" from mommy and daddy. Truth be told, I've been wanting to get Miss E a doll/stroller set for awhile, and it was just a good reason. And poor Mr. C doesn't get anything that's his own, so there you go. Needless to say, both were a hit...

Love how he's really starting to engage in toys!

Her name is Clara.

We actually did some really great work, too. Thanks to some really awesome material I found, Miss E practiced matching hearts and completing simple heart puzzles. I even made some cutting strips, since the scissors Santa brought her have been making a star appearance during most of her Tot School time. She just loves it!

It was just one of those days as a mom that made my heart melt. Both kids were kind to each other. Miss E was on her best behavior. We played outside in the beautiful weather. We even made a little craft for Mr. Kuda to hang up at work. I loved every second of it.

I mean, seriously. How cute are they?

Sometimes I wonder if anything I say actually enters into their brains. If all the things I'm trying to teach ever reach deep inside. I'll leave you with this.

A few days after Valentine's Day, I was putting Miss E to bed. It's not so strange for her to call out for one more thing before I close the door, and sometimes I ignore her, but this particular night I didn't.

Miss E: Momma? I tell you something.

Mrs. Kuda: Yes, love?

E: We gave cookies to Sally and Amber.

K: We did, honey. Wasn't that nice?

E: Yes, momma. They are yummy.

K: Did it feel good to do that?

E: Yes, momma. It was nice. It was good. Sally and Amber are happy. Bye.

I just love her little heart.

Until next time,

Mrs. Kuda