Unexpected Goodness in Philly

Unexpected Goodness: 

A Random Act of Kindness or Spontaneous Service 

that is Completely Surprising and Out of the Blue. 

Definition by ... Julie

Walking through the airport or the downtown streets of Philadelphia, one would not expect to be served by perfect strangers; but it happened, and it was delightful.

Example #1

As Sam and I were in the airport looking for our gate, I became confused about the direction we were going. I saw an airport employee so I quickly asked to make sure we were headed the right way. She kindly validated my concern and then told me where to turn up ahead. Cool - I can handle that. She was more swift on her feet than we, so she quickly disappeared. When we got to the designated "intersection", her statement to turn left didn't correspond with the signs. All of a sudden, this same lady came running towards us. She realized she had given the wrong direction and so she turned back in search of the couple from Utah to make sure we did not get deceived by her mis-information. 

We were delightedly stunned by her unexpected goodness. She had a desire to think of someone else before herself. She went out of her way to make sure we were headed the right way.

Example #2
The next day we were visiting the Liberty Bell in downtown Philly. Going through the security checkpoint, the man who was assigned to check our backpack, tugged at the zipper pull. It didn't budge. It had been caught in the backpack fabric and I had not taken the time to fix it. He spent the next two minutes fixing the zipper of our backpack. Once it was dislodged, he explained what he did and how to correct it if it happened again. He handed us the pack and sent us on our way.

Again, we were shocked. Usually the security people are ornery, herding you through like cattle, and frustrated by the smallest delay that holds up the line. Not so with this polite and kind agent. He saw a need and came to our rescue - even though it was just a stuck zipper pull. He provided some unexpected goodness!

Example #3

Minutes later, another security agent noticed Sam's visual impairment and went out of his way to talk with us. He told Sam the following, "Make sure you talk to the guard at the Liberty Bell when you get there. She will let you touch the Liberty Bell." Most people do not get that opportunity but because of his blindness, he would get the chance. That agent didn't need to go out of his way to tell us that. We could have observed the bell from behind the puffy-corded barrier, just like everyone else. But no, we received a chance of a lifetime because of some unexpected goodness.

Example #4
Being in Downtown Philadelphia, you MUST visit Independence Hall - the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. However, we arrived there in the late afternoon and all of the tickets for the tours had been dispersed. We were told of an express tour at the end of the day that one can wait in line for, but it was not the detailed tour we were looking for. Consigned to that option, we arrived early to stand in line so we could be one of the first to go through. Just as we came up to the designated place, the final tour of the day was entering the building. A ranger saw us standing back a bit and stated, "If you want to see Independence Hall, you better go now." He saw that we didn't have tickets in our hands, but he let us in anyway. We were able to see the full, guided tour after all. We were so thankful for his unexpected goodness.

Independence Hall - In the Distance

The Totally Awesome Liberty Bell

You have to touch the crack!!

Sam found his Philly Cheese!

We LOVED Valley Forge!!

Valley Forge: National Memorial Arch

Washington's Headquarters

Our "Honeymoon" Photo - Ask me about this pic if you want a funny story!

Today's Stick-to-it Tip: Tell your children about those moments of unexpected goodness. When they see how much it means to you, they are more likely to give some unexpected goodness to another.

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

California Dreamin' Travel Tips: Part 2

Part of a successful road trip is providing enjoyable things for the children to do while enduring the hot, long car ride. Some of our favorites include audio books, good music, snacks and food, prizes, games, and story telling.

Random Tips: 

Don't allow a snack and food free-for-all. Everything will be eaten within the first couple of hours and then there won't be anything to look forward to. Pass out a snack every hour or so and tell them to eat it SLOWLY to make it last. 

Have a surprise every few hours which could include a sack of brown bags filled with fun little activities or prizes. Let the children take turns picking a bag to open. Ideas include card games, paper and pens, activity book, stickers, silly putty, music CD, mad libs, band aids, small toys (avoid things with little pieces), etc. 

Switch seats around often. There is nothing worse than getting stuck in the back seat of an SUV for a six hour car ride, or next to the crying baby in the car seat. 

Start a story tree. Mom starts the beginning of the story. At a climax, pass it to the next person to finish. Continue to pass the story to the next person until everyone gets a turn with the last member of the family concluding. We have had many laughs with this type of story telling.

Play, "What do you see?" Little children love this game. It's not an I Spy game because it doesn't work well in a moving car. You simply take turns telling each other what you see out the window. I see a tractor, I see a truck full of cattle, I see the waterslides (or not- sorry, inside joke), I see a church, I see a cemetery, etc, etc. 

Of course, there are all the typical car ride games - the ABC game or the license plate game. Those keep kids occupied for a short time, but they typically end up with someone mad because, "it wasn't fair or so and so cheated."

Provide a learning notebook for each child. When you make your stops, have them record their thoughts or draw pictures about what they see. 

Have a karaoke contest in the car. Turn on some good tunes and let the kids take turns being the lead singer. Dad can be the judge. Use a water bottle or a marker as your microphone.

Let each child have a turn to listen to something that interests them.

For the sanity of everyone, have a quiet time in the car. This may sound silly, but it encourages the kids to do something quiet, allowing for a nap time or just some peace and quiet. Mom and Dad don't have to be the sole entertainers. It's OK to have some down time in the car.

"If you fight, you'll hold hands and sing."

Make a Mummy - Bring LOTS of baby wipes for the "Make a Mummy" game. Pass out a few wipes to each child. Have them tear them in strips. Place the strips all around the face, avoiding the eyes and leaving the nostrils free. This is a great cool-down activity when going through the hot, Nevada desert - plus they get pretty creative. Don't forget to take pictures. The best part....stare out the window at the cars passing by. You'll get a few double-takes! This idea stems from my childhood trips from California to Utah.

Have a camera handy for the children to take pictures at passing scenery. We have Mom's camera and the kid's camera. Let them go to town with the kid's camera taking pictures of rainbows, cactus, barns, billboards (but not in Las Vegas), trees, lakes - whatever. Warn them of taking pictures of passing cars...we don't want any road-rage.

If your children do have their own electronic devices, hook it to the car stereo so everyone can enjoy the music together.

Limit the liquid intake on road-trips or you'll be stopping every 45 minutes. 

We've never had a portable DVD player. But if all else fails, whip it out. However, use it as your last resort. We live in a non-stop media world. Allow for some alternative entertainment...some good, old-fashioned fun.

We did take the iPad which provided some breaks from the monotony. However, we had to set the timer so everyone got a fair deal. I also used this as a distraction when our youngest had to go to the bathroom after stopping just 30 minutes earlier. It worked! We were able to get another 90 miles before we really had to stop.

 

I didn't take my own advice - the camera was not handy during the car so we don't have any fun car-shots to post from this last trip, but here are some of the activities we enjoyed:

1. Surrey Riding at Lake Balboa - This was sooooo fun! We rented three surreys and had a blast racing each other, passing each other, teasing each other and working off those extra vacation calories, too. Thought: search on the Internet for good deals near the places you're visiting. We found this surrey rental half-off at Groupon.com.

They were in the lead most of the time!

We enjoyed the back seat - but still had to peddle!

Someone was NOT happy at the start 'cause he wasn't the first driver. TOUGH!

We won't mention almost falling off the curb...

Just a little excited to pass his sister...

2. 4th of July Festivities - Happy Birthday, Dad!

One of our family's traditions is to go somewhere new and different for each Independence Day. Since this is Sam's birthday, he wants to travel the world, which usually consists of somewhere in Idaho or Utah. But hey, we made it to California this time! Sam's old neighborhood had a parade and party that morning. What a fun tradition!

Such a good sport...

They decorated the bike for the parade...

Cute Cousins!

Again - a good sport; he's even wearing her necklace!

After the parade with their treats

Happy Birthday, Babe!

Love Daddy Pictures!!!

Crazy Girls - Taking a spin

 3. Santa Barbara on the 4th - We spent the afternoon in downtown Santa Barbara, walking the streets. Sam wanted to go to Mac's for authentic Fish & Chips. The kids opted for Subway.

MAC's!

Posing with the cool military helicopter

I can't tell if they liked it or not?!?

BFFs

4. Ventura Pier on the 4th - This is a favorite stop! The kids like to see what the local fisherman catch, as well as enjoy the ocean experience without getting wet and sandy!

A Patriotic Pier

She loved the starfish caught by the fishermen...

Just the two of us...at least in this picture

Mr. Starfish. It looks like he's walking and waving to us!

Happy Independence Day!

 Part 3 to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Sabbath Thoughts: Hide-and-go-seek?

Oh, if only my children spent every Sunday afternoon like this...

I need some more ideas for Sunday afternoon activities. Any thoughts?? I can only handle so many rounds of Hide-and-Go-Seek. Although, I am the best hider in the family!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Today's Mommy Award

Write-Downable of the Week...

My three year old declared: "You're good at wiping #2."

YES - just what I have always aspired to! 

I'm so excited....and I just can't hide it!

If my calculations are correct, I've wiped approximately 11,680 #2 bums...1 time per day for 4 years times eight children. (see my no more diapers philosopy)

Now, I should get an award for that!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Talent...on a Piece of Butcher Paper

Force = PA = 5.2 x 10^4 x pi x 2.6^2 = 1.11 x 10^6 N = Buoyancy force.
T + B = Mg
T = Mg - B = 62400 x 9.81 - 1.11 x 10^6 = -4.98 x 10^5 N

????????????????????????

Monday night is Family night - also called Family Home Evening. Every person in the family has a role to play - conductor, opening song, opening prayer, lesson, treat, activity, etc. We rotate positions each week so everyone has a chance to participate in the given responsibility. 

Part of our evening's schedule is the talent. Whomever has the talent that week comes up with something to share. A few past examples include: sing a song, play an instrument, write and recite a poem, show how many pushups can be done in a minute, french braid someone's hair, draw circles (2 year old), give a speech, bench press a three year old, tell a story, perform an impersonation, share a joke...the list goes on and on, literally. One week, I was assigned the talent. I feel that one of my talents is being a good listener. I told each member of the family that I would sit there and listen to whatever they wanted to share about the day. But I digress...

Several weeks ago, our son was given the talent opportunity. He brought in a piece of butcher paper and declared that he was going to demonstrate something he learned in his Physics Class - how to solve for the Buoyancy Force. Huh????? He spent the next seven minutes writing down and explaining the steps for the problem. Yes, it went over the heads of all those present. However, it was something he was excited to know and an issue that he had interest in. I couldn't help myself...I had to take a picture of this talent - on a piece of butcher paper!

Now, that's talent!

I sent the photo to his Physics teacher. I thought she would get a kick out of it. This was her response:

That is completely AWESOME! Thanks so much for sharing, you have made my day! I love his  enthusiasm and the enjoyment he expresses over understanding the world better and getting better and better at the skills we practice. (Like free body diagrams on buoyancy force problems.) Thanks for brightening my day!

Today's Stick-to-it Tip: Find ways for your children to share their talents. It builds confidence as they stand in front of the family and share, as well as confidence in their abilities. They even try to stretch a little to figure out a talent to share. It's good for them to realize that they do have talents, and to be grateful for them. It's not always an obvious, outward talent. Like my listening talent, it could be a quiet and inner ability. Whatever it is, share it and make it stronger.

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

The Great Bamzini Does it Again!

Common Phrase: If there is a will, there is a way.

I like to think of it like this: Heavenly Father will show us the way,

when we are willing to do His will.

Drum Roll...........

Headline: The Great Bamzini Does it Again!

By: Julie Bushman

(American Fork, UT) Just a few days ago, a hard working, thirteen year old boy paid off the final five dollars of his $3,150 cost for an educational experience to Washington DC with his seventh grade class. It's not an easy thing for anyone to save money in this economy, let alone a young teenager. So, how did he do it? Determination, a strong will, discipline, desire, prayer, faith, patience, persistence, dedication, and tremendous support from family and friends.

In late August, 2011, the Great Bamzini had a desire to join his seventh grade class for a ten day trip to Virginia and Washington DC. The trip was scheduled to depart on June 7, 2012. The price tag: $3,150 including airfare, hotels, food, souvenirs, luggage fees - everything. Nine months for a young man to earn such a sum is no small task, especially when a boy of 13 cannot get a typical job. How on earth did he earn the money?

"I mowed lawns...a lot of lawns. My cousin, who also went on the trip, and I put together a fundraiser with a local sporting goods company. My dad taught me to board-op a radio show so I spent my Saturday evenings producing radio shows with my Dad. I babysat, cleaned, shoveled snow, and took care of neighbor's dogs. I saved all of my birthday money and Christmas money. Some of my family members and friends heard about my trip and donated some money", explained the Great Bamzini.

Where did the name, Great Bamzini, come from? His Dad explains, "It was an early childhood nickname that his Mom made up. He was a very handy and helpful boy...always fixing things and coming up with solutions to problems. One day his Mom said, 'Look at that...another feat accomplished by The Great Bamzini', spoken in a magician announcer's voice. It just stuck. Now, when we see his successes, we declare, 'The Great Bamzini does it again!'"

 "It was a long nine months", recalls his mother. "He had to make some hard choices along the way. He skipped out on outings with friends so he could earn money. He sacrificed some sleep to get up early on the weekends to take care of his mowing jobs before his radio work. He went without purchasing treats or games or movie tickets. At times he felt like the task was too great, that he wouldn't make the deadlines. But we encouraged him and told him, 'you won't go on the trip for sure if you give up now, so you might as well keep working on it'.  It's good for children to work for something they desire. I have a feeling the trip meant more to him than it would have if we had just paid for him to go."

The hard work paid off with an exciting visit to Historic Williamsburg and Jamestown, Fort McHenry, a personal tour of the US Capitol with Senator Mike Lee, a pre-sunrise devotional on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Mount Vernon, and dozens of other historical sites. The purpose of the trip was to see the Hand of God in the founding of our nation, as well as evidences that America was built on Christian principles.

Upon return, The Great Bamzini was asked if it was all worth it. "YES...it was awesome. It was definitely worth it. I'd do it again!"

Today's Stick-to-it Tips: 

Stretch yourself. You'll go a lot farther!

Real Men wear Bibs!

Can we put a price tag on learning about liberty?

Encourage your children to follow their heart.

Sure, it may be going out on a limb but if you don't try, you won't succeed.

At times we might get stuck...

But there is always someone to help us out!

If you STOP, you won't GO.

Financial discipline is the first step on your march to financial success.

Standing on the shore doesn't get you anywhere...

...You have to jump in to enjoy the journey!

If we do His will...

...He will show us the way!

 Congratulations to The Great Bamzini! You did it....again!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

"Pearles" of Wisdom - Part 3

PEARL (noun) something precious or choice; the finest example of  

anything: pearls of wisdom.  (www.dictionary.com)

Part 3 of Grandma Pearle's Wisdom...

21. If you put your nose to the grindstone rough, and keep it down there long enough,

In time you'll feel there's no such thing, as brooks that babble and birds that sing.

These three will all our world compose...Just you, the stone, and your darned old nose.

Moral of the story...Don't work so hard or that's all you'll have. Take time to enjoy the pleasant things in life!

22. If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

This can be applied to everything! Prepare, prepare, prepare and you'll be ready for whatever comes.

23. All the evil in the world, the blackest kind of sin...

Could never hurt you one least bit, unless you let it in.

A few days ago, one of our children left and my three year old immediately ran over and locked the door. She said, "We have to lock the door so the bad guys don't come in." Not being mindful of what media is coming into our home is like leaving our door unlocked for the bad guys. This quote teaches the importance of what you let in your mind and in your home!

24. A smile is a curved line that makes everything straight.

Yes, a smile can straighten out anyone's bad day. Smile that frown away!

25. With thoughtless and impatient hands we tangle up the plans the Lord has wrought.

And when we cry in pain, he saith, "Be quiet, man, while I untie the knot."

What a beautiful reminder of the Atonement of Jesus Christ!

26. Even the profane sinner in the foul sacrilege of his oath proclaims the divine supremacy Of Him whose name he desecrates.

Do not take the Lord's name in vain. Even those who do are proclaiming His divine supremacy. How Great Thou Art!

27. He thought he was a better man than I was and he was until he had that thought.

Wow - so true. Do not think yourself higher than another.

28. All the water in the world, however hard it tried;

Could never sink the smallest ship, unless it got inside.

This reminds me of number 23 - letting negative influences into our home. It also relates to negative thoughts and actions. If we stay away from those things that will bring us down, our ship will never sink.

29. Don't talk about your troubles and recount them o'er and o'er,

Or the Lord will think you love them, and he'll give you more and more.

Oh, I wish all the people who constantly whine and complain could read this one. I LOVE this!!

30. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall never be bent out of shape.

Being a mother = being flexible. However, at times I definitely get bent out of shape. Maybe I'm not as flexible as I think I am.

More "Pearles" of Wisdom to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

But Mom will Catch Baby

Warning: Bogus Lullaby Below

 Rock-a-bye Baby, in the Tree Tops,

When the Wind Blows, the Cradle Will Rock.

When the Bough Breaks, the Cradle Will Fall.

And Down will Come Baby, Cradle and All.

Can I just say that this is the most bogus lullaby I've ever heard? Yes, just sing to your little baby that she will come tumbling down to her death when the tree bough breaks and the cradle falls. That will make her feel safe and secure! 

When our first daughter was born and the Rock-a-bye Baby song naturally came to mind, I remember rocking and singing her to sleep. I came to the last line of the song and thought, "This is just wrong!" So, I changed the lyrics for a positive outcome, not a morbid, life-threatening ending. 

Rock-a-bye Baby, in the Tree Tops,

When the Wind Blows, the Cradle Will Rock.

When the Bough Breaks, the Cradle Will Fall,

But Mom will Catch Baby, Cradle and All.

My three year old has been going through a Rock-a-bye phase lately. She wants to pretend to be a little baby and have me rock her and sing this song. So, I do and she smiles and feels loved. After singing "Rock-a-bye", I told my husband about my dislike for the ditty and my long-ago change of the lyrics. He came up with another ending:

Rock-a-bye Baby, in the Tree Tops,

When the Wind Blows, the Cradle Will Rock.

When the Bough Breaks, the Cradle Will Fall,

But Mom will Catch Baby, so she won't Fall.

Pretending to be a sleeping baby.

I want my children to feel safe and secure, peaceful and comforted. It starts with even little things, like nursery lullabies.

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Advice from a Five Year Old

Questions from my Five Year Old:

"Can I go to the baby shower?....Do we have to bring our swimming suits?"

"What's tomorrow?" (Mom: "Sunday") "What's the next tomorrow?"

"Do you have a one buck?"

"Mom, is it slow Sunday or fast Sunday?"

After receiving a Snickers bar from the Tooth Fairy... ""Mom, is this a snicker-doodle?"

Five year olds: they have so many questions...but they definitely have some answers, too!

A new week is upon us and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. We just got back from a business trip to Philadelphia and we're gearing up for more future fun. Responsibilities are calling me, job issues are never-ending, housework is piling up, lots of family fun planned, and children leaving. As I was looking at my photos this morning, I found advice from my five year old staring at me in the face. Here's how to make this week positive, productive, and promising...courtesy of JBB.

When life comes splashing down:

Don't bury yourself in the sand...

Face the fear, face the trial. Don't run from it...

Stand Firm...

And Stand Tall...

Search for Answers...

And for inspiration...

Get a Hug...

And Give a Hug...

Don't Point the Finger at Another...

But Work Together Instead...

Show some Kindness...

Put on your helmet and get ready to roll...

And when you've made it through, RELAX and be GRATEFUL!

And who said a five year old doesn't have all the answers?

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!