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Even after avoiding the Sandy Hook news all weekend (it makes me cry every. single. time), I just can’t shake the yuck, friends. There are a hundred things that I know to be true that I could tell myself as a comfort, but this is one of those times where there just aren’t feel-better words.
As a mama, as a former classroom teacher, as a member of society, my heart is grieved.
A friend’s child noted that just as 26 lives were cut short at Sandy Hook Elementary, there are 26 letters in the alphabet. And out of a conversation with some blogging friends was born the idea to act in love and remembrance, to overshadow evil with acts of kindness.
So we each picked a letter. I picked Y. Y for “YES” (say yes to giving of your time).
With my letter in mind, yesterday Burke, Piper Jane and I headed to the Denver Zoo. We hang out there a few times a month, so a trip to the zoo isn’t really a noteworthy event in our house. However, me saying YES to my kid’s oft requested tour of Bird World is something they take note of.
In my mind, Bird World is stinky and damp and not that interesting compared to, say, the new and fabulous Asian Tropics exhibit. But my Smooches love that place (yesterday was no exception).
And honestly? I should say YES to going in there more often, especially after seeing the delight Bird World brings to their little hearts.
After Bird World, a trek home, and lunch, I had a chance to say YES again- this time to my son and his Lego building adventures. I usually guard the coveted naptime hours vigilantly for ‘mama chores,’ but really loved just spending some one on one Lego time with him instead today.
Some of my ‘blog friends’ chose other letters- I would encourage you to check out their posts today as well-
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To those effected by the tragedy in CT- we are thinking of you, praying for you, and doing these acts of love in your honor.
ps- If you’d like to get involved, pick a letter and get to it! We’d love to hear about it if you have a minute to leave a comment, write about it in a blog post (send us the link) or drop us an email.
Isn’t it great how you feel after doing something you didn’t really want to do with your kids but went ahead and said yes to anyway? My daughter loves to jump on the trampoline and I don’t, yet I always end up having fun once I get out there with her!
Justine, so true! I did Legos with Burke again today because I loved yesterday so much, in fact. So funny. 🙂 I love it that you go through this too. 🙂
Thank you for the reminder to say yes! I need to do that more often. Aren’t Legos the best? They are the only toys I really like to play with my boys. I can’t wait until Natalie is old enough to play. I’m a little girl at heart and would rather play dolls.
You are a wonderful person my friend. Thank you for your lovely post.
YES- legos are the best! I feel like they’re creative in a sense- love that about them. And I can’t wait for Natalie to be old enough to play too!
Thanks for the sweet comment, friend!
At our zoo, it’s the reptile house. Maybe I should take the kids to the zoo just to say yes to that. Love the post. And we love Legos, too. Except in the middle of the floor at night in my bare feet.
Haha- so true- stepping on legos (and those little metal cars) is AWFUL!
Let me know if you venture to the reptile house. 🙂
it looks like they had a great day, and what a great reminder that doing something nice and unexpected for your kiddos can make your day better too 🙂
Totally true, Rachel. I loved the day as much as they did for sure. 🙂 Can’t wait to say yes more often, in fact. 🙂
ps- LOVED your zipcode post friend! 🙂
I would like to post your list on my blog the goal is to work through all of the! Let me know if you approve. It won’t come out until after New Years. Thanks,. Lisa
Of course Elizabeth! We’re hoping to work through the whole list next year as well! 🙂