Last year, Sophia, Olivia, and I did a 52 Weeks of Giving challenge as part of homeschooling. I wanted to think of something new for us to do together this year that would continue with making a difference in the lives of others (people or animals) or for the environment.
This year, December 12, 2012, has a numerical significance with three twelves repeating themselves: 12-12-12. Because of special date, we will do things each month - from January to December 12th that involve the number 12. We're naming it "12 in 12."
Each month we will:
- Take 1 bag of food to the food shelf.
- Volunteer 1 hour at a community organization that is chosen each month (can be the same one or different one).
- Donate 1 bag of clothing to a second-hand shop.
- Donate 1 bag of toys and other non-clothing items to a second-hand shop.
- Donate 12 books that we no longer read to organizations needing books.
- Donate $12 to an organization that helps individuals, animals, or the environment.
- Write 1 letter to someone who has made a difference in our lives.
- Donate 1 bag of pop cans to places that collect them to raise funds (e.g., Northwoods, local Lions Club).
- Donate 12 bags of Purina Kitten Chow (dry) to Northwoods Humane Society (where Gretel was adopted).
- Spend 1 hour outdoors doing projects that help wildlife.
- Make and randomly drop off 1 toy for a child to find as part of The Toy Society.
- Share 1 time the gift of music (piano and/or harp) or singing with others.
By December 12, we will have donated:
- 12 bags of food
- 36 hours of time (12 per person) to one or more community organizations
- 12 bags of clothing to a second-hand shop.
- 12 bags of toys and other non-clothing items to a second-hand shop.
- 144 books that we no longer read to organizations needing books.
- $144 to organizations that helps individuals, animals, or the environment.
- 12 letters to people who have made a difference in our lives.
- 12 bags of pop cans to help various non-profit organizations.
- 12 bags of Purina Kitten Chow (dry) to Northwoods
- 12 hours doing outdoor projects that help wildlife.
- 12 handmade toys to children in different parts of the community.
- 12 performances of harp, piano, or voice (as part of a choir) in front of audiences at various organizations.
Are you doing anything special to celebrate 12-12-12 this year?
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query 12 in 12. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query 12 in 12. Sort by date Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Thursday, May 31, 2012
3 in 30 June Update #1
Last Friday, I wrapped up my May goals for the 3 in 30 challenge, and set new ones for June. So, the ones listed below - although for June - also had some activities that needed to be done during May.
This week, I focused on the third goal (doing our 12 in 12 project) because Sophia, Olivia, and I still had some activities for May that we needed to complete before starting on our June activities for 12 in 12.
I also have been working on the backyard butterfly garden and the little garden by the patio (weeding as well as planting some perennials and annuals); and trimming trees by the hobby shed. That seems to have taken a lot more time than I anticipated, so my first and second goals will have to wait another week.
Here's what I did during the past week:
1. Paint the accent areas dark green (behind the bed and over the window on the west side of the room). I did not work on this project.
2. Clean the floor in my office. I vacuumed the floor, but didn't go through any of the bags or bins.
3. Do the 12 in 12 project throughout the month. Sophia, Olivia, and I have been doing a special project we named 12 in 12 in which we do 12 projects per month that benefit people in need, animals, or the environment.
During the past week, we wrapped up the May 12 in 12 activities with:
- donating a bag of food to the food shelf;
- making a hand-embroidered toy and then randomly placing it in a public place for it to be found;
- spending time outside filling bird feeders (with seed and hummingbird food), filling the birdbath, and checking on the progress of a couple bird nests;
- donating two bags of clothes to a thrift shop; and
- donating five bags of non-clothing items (mostly craft supplies) to another thrift shop.
This week, I focused on the third goal (doing our 12 in 12 project) because Sophia, Olivia, and I still had some activities for May that we needed to complete before starting on our June activities for 12 in 12.
I also have been working on the backyard butterfly garden and the little garden by the patio (weeding as well as planting some perennials and annuals); and trimming trees by the hobby shed. That seems to have taken a lot more time than I anticipated, so my first and second goals will have to wait another week.
Here's what I did during the past week:
1. Paint the accent areas dark green (behind the bed and over the window on the west side of the room). I did not work on this project.
2. Clean the floor in my office. I vacuumed the floor, but didn't go through any of the bags or bins.
3. Do the 12 in 12 project throughout the month. Sophia, Olivia, and I have been doing a special project we named 12 in 12 in which we do 12 projects per month that benefit people in need, animals, or the environment.
During the past week, we wrapped up the May 12 in 12 activities with:
- donating a bag of food to the food shelf;
- making a hand-embroidered toy and then randomly placing it in a public place for it to be found;
- spending time outside filling bird feeders (with seed and hummingbird food), filling the birdbath, and checking on the progress of a couple bird nests;
- donating two bags of clothes to a thrift shop; and
- donating five bags of non-clothing items (mostly craft supplies) to another thrift shop.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
3 in 30 May Goals Update - #4 + Goals for June
My goals for 3 in 30 and the progress I made on them are below.
1. Finish the projects I did not complete during the past four months.
- Clean half my office - This project is done during the third week of May.
- Finish cleaning the blue room - This project was done during the third week of May.
- Finish "Shaking Off the Bonds of Stuff...for Lent" - I did not do anything with this project.
- Put trimmed branches from trees in backyard in the firepit - This was done during the first week of May.
- Paint the accent areas dark green (behind the bed and over the window on the west side of the room) and the walls white - I did not do anything towards meeting this goal during the past week.
2. Do the Biology of Behavior program. I've written about this in previous posts, so I won't go into detail here. Sophia, Olivia, and I continued to use acidophilus and grapefruit seed extract three times a day (before each meal). There have been a couple days where we didn't take a dosage at one of the meals. We will do this for five more weeks. The girls also are taking two multi-vitamins a day (one at breakfast and one at dinner).
This past week we added taking one tablespoon of Mineral Rich each day. (Mineral Rich is a blend of essential minerals and over 70 trace minerals. It supports the health of bones, muscles, teeth, hair, skin, and nails; and contains vitamins B12 and Biotin.) Its flavor is cherry. The girls like or are okay with the taste. It's not my favorite flavor, but it's tolerable.
Sophia and I also added taking a B-Complex vitamin. Olivia was unable to take the vitamin in pill form, so I'm going to see if I can find an alternative form that will be easier for her to take. Out of all the pills we take, the B-Complex, by far, is the worst tasting one. (The exception to that is the grapefruit seed extract in liquid form which Olivia takes in a bit of water. She has to follow it with a teaspoon of peanut butter.)
We also have been watching our sugar and carbohydrate intake. This continues to be the weakest area of the plan since there aren't specific meal plans or ideas to follow - just the encouragement to watch the consumption of these items.
3. Do a nice Mother's Day meal. This was worked on and completed during the first and second weeks of May.
As I look at the list, not everything was completed. However, what I did complete I am very pleased with (e.g., cleaning half my office, cleaning the blue room, putting trimmed branches from the trees in the backyard in the firepit, completing four weeks of the Biology of Behavior plan, and having a nice Mother's Day meal).
The first two projects were very time-consuming; and the Biology of Behavior a definite healthy lifestyle change.
My goals for June:
1. Paint the accent areas dark green (behind the bed and over the window on the west side of the room). This has been a project I've wanted to do since January. I don't want it to roll into the second half of the year....it must be completed by June 30th.
2. Clean the floor in my office. There are bags of items and some bins that I would like to put away in the closets to free up some space. I'm sure there will be items that will donated or recycled.
3. Do the 12 in 12 project throughout the month. Sophia, Olivia, and I have been doing a special project we named 12 in 12 in which we do 12 projects per month that benefit people in need, animals, or the environment. During January-April, we were able to do everything within the first three weeks.
During May, it's been a challenge to finish (partly due to health issues with my mom; and packing and moving her from the transitional care unit to assisted living apartments at the care center). If I make 12 in 12 one of my 3 in 30 goals, then I can focus on this rather than adding another project and feeling like I can't do everything that I want to get done.
1. Finish the projects I did not complete during the past four months.
- Clean half my office - This project is done during the third week of May.
- Finish cleaning the blue room - This project was done during the third week of May.
- Finish "Shaking Off the Bonds of Stuff...for Lent" - I did not do anything with this project.
- Put trimmed branches from trees in backyard in the firepit - This was done during the first week of May.
- Paint the accent areas dark green (behind the bed and over the window on the west side of the room) and the walls white - I did not do anything towards meeting this goal during the past week.
2. Do the Biology of Behavior program. I've written about this in previous posts, so I won't go into detail here. Sophia, Olivia, and I continued to use acidophilus and grapefruit seed extract three times a day (before each meal). There have been a couple days where we didn't take a dosage at one of the meals. We will do this for five more weeks. The girls also are taking two multi-vitamins a day (one at breakfast and one at dinner).
This past week we added taking one tablespoon of Mineral Rich each day. (Mineral Rich is a blend of essential minerals and over 70 trace minerals. It supports the health of bones, muscles, teeth, hair, skin, and nails; and contains vitamins B12 and Biotin.) Its flavor is cherry. The girls like or are okay with the taste. It's not my favorite flavor, but it's tolerable.
Sophia and I also added taking a B-Complex vitamin. Olivia was unable to take the vitamin in pill form, so I'm going to see if I can find an alternative form that will be easier for her to take. Out of all the pills we take, the B-Complex, by far, is the worst tasting one. (The exception to that is the grapefruit seed extract in liquid form which Olivia takes in a bit of water. She has to follow it with a teaspoon of peanut butter.)
We also have been watching our sugar and carbohydrate intake. This continues to be the weakest area of the plan since there aren't specific meal plans or ideas to follow - just the encouragement to watch the consumption of these items.
3. Do a nice Mother's Day meal. This was worked on and completed during the first and second weeks of May.
*~*~*~*~*
As I look at the list, not everything was completed. However, what I did complete I am very pleased with (e.g., cleaning half my office, cleaning the blue room, putting trimmed branches from the trees in the backyard in the firepit, completing four weeks of the Biology of Behavior plan, and having a nice Mother's Day meal).
The first two projects were very time-consuming; and the Biology of Behavior a definite healthy lifestyle change.
*~*~*~*~*
My goals for June:
1. Paint the accent areas dark green (behind the bed and over the window on the west side of the room). This has been a project I've wanted to do since January. I don't want it to roll into the second half of the year....it must be completed by June 30th.
2. Clean the floor in my office. There are bags of items and some bins that I would like to put away in the closets to free up some space. I'm sure there will be items that will donated or recycled.
3. Do the 12 in 12 project throughout the month. Sophia, Olivia, and I have been doing a special project we named 12 in 12 in which we do 12 projects per month that benefit people in need, animals, or the environment. During January-April, we were able to do everything within the first three weeks.
During May, it's been a challenge to finish (partly due to health issues with my mom; and packing and moving her from the transitional care unit to assisted living apartments at the care center). If I make 12 in 12 one of my 3 in 30 goals, then I can focus on this rather than adding another project and feeling like I can't do everything that I want to get done.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
12 in 12: January Update
During 2012, Sophia, Olivia, and I are doing a special challenge that we've named 12 in 12. We are doing 12 different activities that help people in need, animals, or the environment.
This is what we did during January:
- Take 1 bag of food to the food shelf. On January 15th, we took a bag of food to the collection cart at church. Once a month, the food is brought to the food shelf for distribution to families in need.
- Volunteer 1 hour at a community organization that is chosen each month. At the beginning of the month, my dad was under hospice care at a nursing home because of Alzheimer's Disease. From the late-afternoon of January 1st through the early-morning of January 5th (when he died), I was there around-the-clock to ensure he was getting the care and pain medicine he needed.
With the exception of 4 hours of sleep (8 p.m.-midnight) on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights when my brother sat in the room with my dad and mom to ensure everything was okay, I was with my dad about 74 hours during this time period.
Being at a nursing home for that period of time made me acutely aware of how hard the nurses and nursing aides have to work. For example, at night there were 48 residents in the palliative and hospice unit where my dad was living. There was one nurse and two aides there. Granted, this is at night when most of the residents are sleeping. However, my dad (even though he was dying) needed more care than what the staff could have provided.
So, this month - rather than choosing another organization at which to volunteer - I chose to spend my time with my dad - which not only helped him, but helped the staff by relieving them of some of the tasks that they needed to do to help him.
The nurses taught me how to do certain things that would provide comfort to my dad; and how to monitor his respiration rate. These were things that I could do during this time that were helpful - both to my dad and the nurses.
I was told that many of the residents go through the dying process and die without anyone there. Being with my dad around-the-clock was unusual...though, they said, a testament to how much he loved and gave to others...and how that was reflected back to him. It is making me think quite a bit about the need for volunteers in the hospice field...and if that may be something that I may be interested in doing in the future.
- Donate 1 bag of clothing to a second-hand shop. On January 14th, we donated two bags of clothing to Family Pathways.
- Donate 1 bag of toys and other non-clothing items to a second-hand shop. On January 14th, we donated five bags of toys, household goods, and holiday items to Family Pathways. (See picture above which includes these bags.)
- Donate 12 books that we no longer read to organizations needing books. We donated 22 books to the new community library that is opening in a neighboring town. The library will be operated by volunteers from the community after the county had to greatly reduce funding to support the library.
Whatever books that aren't used for the library will be donated to the local elementary school when they do their spring fundraiser.
- Donate $12 to an organization that helps individuals, animals, or the environment. Sophia, Olivia, and I decided to donate $20 to Northwoods Humane Society since finding loving homes for animals is an issue that is important to us. This is the place where we adopted Gretel on March 27, 2008.
We made the donation in memory of my dad. As a side note, the reason I visited Northwoods back in 2008 was because Casey (my dog) had died in February 2008. I was looking for another dog and saw an ad in the paper for a Corgi that was available at Northwoods. My dad's favorite dog was his Corgi who lived in the 1960s and 1970s.
When I saw the Corgi, it was not recommended for families with children. The Northwoods staff suggested a puppy that they had available. Gretel (who was named "Lucy" at the time) was available and immediately we felt a connection with her.
- Write 1 letter to someone who has made a difference in our lives. On January 16th, I hand-delivered a letter I wrote to Angie, my dad's nursing aide, who was so caring and compassionate to him during his time at St. Therese.
She shared a funny story about my dad while I was staying with him at the nursing home. I asked her to tell it again when the pastoral care team did a memorial and prayer service for staff right after my dad died. It made people laugh (including me) and recall the happier times with my dad.
My letter to Angie, in part, said, "In a time of such overwhelming sadness and loss, humor and the ability to laugh is healing. My dad truly believed that as well. In fact, when he was going through his training to become a deacon, he did a presentation to his class about the value of using humor in the healing process.
"Your patience, compassion, laughter, and empathy radiated from you when you were around my dad. These skills are ones that he had as well….especially before the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease affected his mind and body.
"I’m sure my dad recognized these wonderful qualities in you, Angie; and it is the reason he trusted you to care for him during his last few months of his life."
- Donate 1 bag of pop cans to places that collect them to raise funds. Since we were at Northwoods this month making a financial gift, we decided to donate a bag of cans to them. While we were there, we visited the dogs and cats (see above about the cats).
All the dogs available for adoption at Northwoods were adults with the exception of one bulldog puppy that was the last remaining one of nine puppies. Her name was "Dottie" (my Mom's nickname when she was growing up).
- Spend 1 hour outdoors doing projects that help wildlife. We have enjoyed filling the bird feeders during the month with a variety of seed and suet (homemade and purchased).
With the weather unseasonably warm this January, this task has been quite enjoyable to do.
Even the dogs were interested in filling the feeders...though they were probably waiting for some of the seed and suet to fall on the ground so they could enjoy it.
- Make and randomly drop off 1 toy for a child to find as part of The Toy Society. I made a hand-embroidered teddy bear that fits in a child's hand, can be slipped into a pocket or backpack, and tucked under a pillow.
More information about the project, why we chose Cub as a drop-off location, and what we did is HERE.
- Share 1 time the gift of music (piano and/or harp) or singing with others. The girls sang at church on January 15th at both services.
This is what we did during January:
- Take 1 bag of food to the food shelf. On January 15th, we took a bag of food to the collection cart at church. Once a month, the food is brought to the food shelf for distribution to families in need.
Olivia eagerly put a bag of food in the cart.
The donations are brought to the food shelf in Stillwater.
- Volunteer 1 hour at a community organization that is chosen each month. At the beginning of the month, my dad was under hospice care at a nursing home because of Alzheimer's Disease. From the late-afternoon of January 1st through the early-morning of January 5th (when he died), I was there around-the-clock to ensure he was getting the care and pain medicine he needed.
With the exception of 4 hours of sleep (8 p.m.-midnight) on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights when my brother sat in the room with my dad and mom to ensure everything was okay, I was with my dad about 74 hours during this time period.
Being at a nursing home for that period of time made me acutely aware of how hard the nurses and nursing aides have to work. For example, at night there were 48 residents in the palliative and hospice unit where my dad was living. There was one nurse and two aides there. Granted, this is at night when most of the residents are sleeping. However, my dad (even though he was dying) needed more care than what the staff could have provided.
I held my dad's hand for many hours,
letting him know I was there next to him.
The nurses taught me how to do certain things that would provide comfort to my dad; and how to monitor his respiration rate. These were things that I could do during this time that were helpful - both to my dad and the nurses.
I was told that many of the residents go through the dying process and die without anyone there. Being with my dad around-the-clock was unusual...though, they said, a testament to how much he loved and gave to others...and how that was reflected back to him. It is making me think quite a bit about the need for volunteers in the hospice field...and if that may be something that I may be interested in doing in the future.
- Donate 1 bag of clothing to a second-hand shop. On January 14th, we donated two bags of clothing to Family Pathways.
Sophia and Olivia outside Family Pathways
with bags of donations - clothing, toys, and other items.
- Donate 1 bag of toys and other non-clothing items to a second-hand shop. On January 14th, we donated five bags of toys, household goods, and holiday items to Family Pathways. (See picture above which includes these bags.)
- Donate 12 books that we no longer read to organizations needing books. We donated 22 books to the new community library that is opening in a neighboring town. The library will be operated by volunteers from the community after the county had to greatly reduce funding to support the library.
The 22 books that we donated to the new community library.
If they can't use them, they will donate them to the local elementary school
for their spring fundraiser.
Whatever books that aren't used for the library will be donated to the local elementary school when they do their spring fundraiser.
Sophia putting books in the collection box
for the new community library.
We made the donation in memory of my dad. As a side note, the reason I visited Northwoods back in 2008 was because Casey (my dog) had died in February 2008. I was looking for another dog and saw an ad in the paper for a Corgi that was available at Northwoods. My dad's favorite dog was his Corgi who lived in the 1960s and 1970s.
When I saw the Corgi, it was not recommended for families with children. The Northwoods staff suggested a puppy that they had available. Gretel (who was named "Lucy" at the time) was available and immediately we felt a connection with her.
Olivia, Sophia, Gretel, and me
on Gretel's adoption day in 2008.
Currently at Northwoods there many affectionate, quiet, or playful cats and kittens who needed families. Whatever personality cat or kitten you are looking for, there is one certainly who would fit that description.
One of the cats waiting for a new home.
I enjoyed playing with Scrambles - who kept sticking her paws out of the cage for me play with and to pet. The girls must have taken dozens of pictures of the cats and kittens.
Scrambles is looking for a family.
There are also many dogs at Northwoods (more about the dogs is written below).
She shared a funny story about my dad while I was staying with him at the nursing home. I asked her to tell it again when the pastoral care team did a memorial and prayer service for staff right after my dad died. It made people laugh (including me) and recall the happier times with my dad.
My letter to Angie, in part, said, "In a time of such overwhelming sadness and loss, humor and the ability to laugh is healing. My dad truly believed that as well. In fact, when he was going through his training to become a deacon, he did a presentation to his class about the value of using humor in the healing process.
"Your patience, compassion, laughter, and empathy radiated from you when you were around my dad. These skills are ones that he had as well….especially before the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease affected his mind and body.
"I’m sure my dad recognized these wonderful qualities in you, Angie; and it is the reason he trusted you to care for him during his last few months of his life."
- Donate 1 bag of pop cans to places that collect them to raise funds. Since we were at Northwoods this month making a financial gift, we decided to donate a bag of cans to them. While we were there, we visited the dogs and cats (see above about the cats).
The girls ready to donate the bag of cans in the collection holder
at Northwoods Humane Society.
All the dogs available for adoption at Northwoods were adults with the exception of one bulldog puppy that was the last remaining one of nine puppies. Her name was "Dottie" (my Mom's nickname when she was growing up).
Dottie the bulldog puppy.
I made a point of visiting each dog, saying her/his name, and spending some time with each one. Some of the information about the adult dogs is heartbreaking - asked how much hours an owner spent with a dog "not too many" or why the dog came to Northwoods "it was tied to the back of a garage" and the owners had abandoned it. A neighbor found the dog and brought it in.
One of the dogs (the one whose owners didn't pay much attention to it) kept bringing me toys. It was so eager to play and get some attention. Hopefully someone will come in soon looking for a dog just like him.
- Donate 1 bag of Purina Kitten Chow (dry) to Northwoods Humane Society (where Gretel was adopted). Sophia and Olivia brought the bag of kitten food to the 4-H meeting on January 16th since the community service project for the month was collecting food and items the kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs need at Northwoods Humane Society.
Donating a bag of Kitten Chow to help
Northwoods Humane Society.
- Spend 1 hour outdoors doing projects that help wildlife. We have enjoyed filling the bird feeders during the month with a variety of seed and suet (homemade and purchased).
Olivia filling one of the suet feeders.
Sophia filling the seed and suet feeder by the house.
Even the dogs were interested in filling the feeders...though they were probably waiting for some of the seed and suet to fall on the ground so they could enjoy it.
Gretel patiently waiting for a drop of suet to fall on the ground
as the girls fill the feeders.
Handmade teddy bear made from a felted sweater and hand-embroidered.
Added a note, "take me home" envelope, and information
about The Toy Society in the package.
Sophia, Olivia, and I had fun putting the teddy bear in the "Customer in Training" cart at Cub, and imagining the child's reaction when she or he would find it and could take it home.
Olivia by the package in the cart.
The teddy bear now just needs a new home.
More information about the project, why we chose Cub as a drop-off location, and what we did is HERE.
- Share 1 time the gift of music (piano and/or harp) or singing with others. The girls sang at church on January 15th at both services.
The girls sang"This Little Light of Mine"
during two church services.
Those were our 12 in 12 activities in January. We enjoyed doing each of these ways of giving, and are looking forward to doing the 12 in 12 challenge in February.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
12 in 12: June Update
During 2012, Sophia, Olivia, and I are doing a special challenge that we've named 12 in 12. We are doing 12 different activities that help people in need, animals, or the environment.
This is how we did during June:
- Take 1 bag of food to the food shelf. We donated two bulk packages of noodle soup (12 per container) to the collection container at Cub Foods. They, in turn, bring it to the local food shelf.
- Volunteer 1 hour at a community organization that is chosen each month (can be the same one or different one). We are continuing to donate our time to the African Library Project. We are in the process of collecting 1,000 books so a children's library can be established in Lesotho, Africa.
Sophia and I also picked out flowers for my mom and I planted them in the middle of June in containers. We've been watering the flowers so that they were ready when she returned home.
- Donate 1 bag of clothing to a second-hand shop. We found a bag of clothes to donate to Family Pathways this month.
- Donate 1 bag of toys and other non-clothing items to a second-hand shop. I cleaned out a small dresser and found a bag of household items and toys that we donated to Family Pathways.
- Donate 12 books that we no longer read to organizations needing books. We donated 32 books this month to the African Library Project. We are excited that these books will help children in Lesotho, Africa, learn to read.
- Donate $12 to an organization that helps individuals, animals, or the environment. Sophia and Olivia wanted the donation to support the animals at Northwoods again this month. We all are very committed to helping this organization find permanent, loving families for the animals who are there.
There were many new cats, dogs, and kittens this month. There were a few animals that we recognized from the previous month. I was so surprised to see Lucy - a gentle lab still there. The owner had to surrender her because he had to go an assisted living facility that didn't allow pets. If Lucy was good with cats, I would have adopted her in a minute. Hopefully she finds a new home soon.
- Write 1 letter to someone who has made a difference in our lives. This month I wrote to Sr. Ruth Ann who works at St. Therese. I first met her back in October when my dad moved there. She was a reassuring and compassionate person who provided my dad and our entire family with a lot of support through a very difficult time in our lives.
She also provided support to my mom when she was at the Transitional Care Unit at St. Therese from March 1st-May 19th. She listened, talked with, and prayed with my mom; and took her to mass when she was able to go.
- Donate 1 bag of pop cans to places that collect them to raise funds. Sophia and Olivia chose Northwoods Humane Society as the recipient for the cans this month. The last time they donated here (in April), it was raining. I think they were happy that it was a sunny day when they dropped off the cans.
The cans are recycled and the money earned is used to support Northwoods as they find homes for the animals who come there.
- Donate 1 bag of Purina Kitten Chow to Northwoods Humane Society (where Gretel was adopted). We donated the Kitten Chow this month and got to see lots of kittens who would be eating the food.
There was a cute little black kitten that looked just like Shadow. The kitten was equally as vocal as Shadow. There were more litters of kittens in other cages - all needing families to care for them.
- Spend 1 hour outdoors doing projects that help wildlife. We continued to feed the birds at the feeders we have here. It's been fun this month because the parent-birds and showing the young-birds where the feeders are and how to find food.
Sometimes the parents will feed the young birds, and other times the young ones are old enough to eat on their own. The ones that are learning how to fly will flutter their wings quite a big - even when they are eating or sitting on a branch.
- Make and randomly drop off 1 toy for a child to find as part of The Toy Society. This month I hand-embroidered a little pig from wool felt and stuffed with wool from sheep I raised.
We chose to leave the pig, along with a note explaining that it was free and left to be found, at Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls, Minnesota. We put the pig by the loon in the Visitors' Center (the loon is Minnesota's state bird).
- Share 1 time the gift of music or singing with others. Sophia and Olivia each played the piano when their grandma returned home.
Olivia also brought her glockenspiel along, and played some of the songs she's learned. Olivia just started percussion lessons this summer and the glockenspiel is the first instrument she is learning how to play.
(As a side note, the glockenspiel is "composed of a set of tuned keys arranged in the fashion of the keyboard of a piano. In this way, it is similar to the xylophone; however, the xylophone's bars are made of wood, while the glockenspiel's are metal plates or tubes, thus making it a metallophone. The glockenspiel, moreover, is usually smaller and higher in pitch.")
This is how we did during June:
- Take 1 bag of food to the food shelf. We donated two bulk packages of noodle soup (12 per container) to the collection container at Cub Foods. They, in turn, bring it to the local food shelf.
Sophia and Olivia with the food they are donating this month.
- Volunteer 1 hour at a community organization that is chosen each month (can be the same one or different one). We are continuing to donate our time to the African Library Project. We are in the process of collecting 1,000 books so a children's library can be established in Lesotho, Africa.
Olivia and Sophia with some of the books they received
for the library in Lesotho.
The girls had an article written about them in the local paper, and that resulted in some more donations of books which was exciting!
Although not an organization, we have been helping my mom in her transition from the Transitional Care Unit to assisted living apartment, and finally home on June 27th. It's been a four-month journey that began with a fractured ankle on February 28th.
Mom holding a stuffed bear at Costco.
Sophia and I helped her shop for basics that she will need
when she returned home on the 27th.
Sophia and I also picked out flowers for my mom and I planted them in the middle of June in containers. We've been watering the flowers so that they were ready when she returned home.
Five containers of flowers.
There's also a container with tomato plants
for my mom/the girls' grandma.
On June 27th, we helped my mom/the girls' grandma pack her belongings at the assisted living apartment, work with the moving company, go grocery shopping, help unpack some of her belongings at home, and set up the containers of flowers along the front walkway.
Sophia with a bag of clothing.
The money that Family Pathways earns from the sale of clothing and
other items is used for its programs that
support those in need in the community.
- Donate 1 bag of toys and other non-clothing items to a second-hand shop. I cleaned out a small dresser and found a bag of household items and toys that we donated to Family Pathways.
Olivia holding a bag of toys and household items.
- Donate 12 books that we no longer read to organizations needing books. We donated 32 books this month to the African Library Project. We are excited that these books will help children in Lesotho, Africa, learn to read.
Sophia and Olivia with some of the books
we donated this month.
- Donate $12 to an organization that helps individuals, animals, or the environment. Sophia and Olivia wanted the donation to support the animals at Northwoods again this month. We all are very committed to helping this organization find permanent, loving families for the animals who are there.
Casper is looking for a home without other cats.
It sounds like he was being picked on by the other cats.
He is such an affectionate cat.
There were many new cats, dogs, and kittens this month. There were a few animals that we recognized from the previous month. I was so surprised to see Lucy - a gentle lab still there. The owner had to surrender her because he had to go an assisted living facility that didn't allow pets. If Lucy was good with cats, I would have adopted her in a minute. Hopefully she finds a new home soon.
Sophia with a young lab. He was a happy, friendly dog.
Lucy, the other lab, is in the kennel next to Sophia.
- Write 1 letter to someone who has made a difference in our lives. This month I wrote to Sr. Ruth Ann who works at St. Therese. I first met her back in October when my dad moved there. She was a reassuring and compassionate person who provided my dad and our entire family with a lot of support through a very difficult time in our lives.
She also provided support to my mom when she was at the Transitional Care Unit at St. Therese from March 1st-May 19th. She listened, talked with, and prayed with my mom; and took her to mass when she was able to go.
- Donate 1 bag of pop cans to places that collect them to raise funds. Sophia and Olivia chose Northwoods Humane Society as the recipient for the cans this month. The last time they donated here (in April), it was raining. I think they were happy that it was a sunny day when they dropped off the cans.
Olivia and Sophia putting the cans in the can collector.
The cans are recycled and the money earned is used to support Northwoods as they find homes for the animals who come there.
One of the dogs at Northwoods who needed a home.
- Donate 1 bag of Purina Kitten Chow to Northwoods Humane Society (where Gretel was adopted). We donated the Kitten Chow this month and got to see lots of kittens who would be eating the food.
There was a cute little black kitten that looked just like Shadow. The kitten was equally as vocal as Shadow. There were more litters of kittens in other cages - all needing families to care for them.
The girls holding Kitten Chow and $12 to donate to
Northwoods Humane Society.
The kitten who looked like a miniature version of Shadow.
- Spend 1 hour outdoors doing projects that help wildlife. We continued to feed the birds at the feeders we have here. It's been fun this month because the parent-birds and showing the young-birds where the feeders are and how to find food.
Sometimes the parents will feed the young birds, and other times the young ones are old enough to eat on their own. The ones that are learning how to fly will flutter their wings quite a big - even when they are eating or sitting on a branch.
Two birds at one of the feeders.
The one in the back is a young cardinal.
Toy that was made for a child.
We chose to leave the pig, along with a note explaining that it was free and left to be found, at Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls, Minnesota. We put the pig by the loon in the Visitors' Center (the loon is Minnesota's state bird).
The toy waiting to be found.
- Share 1 time the gift of music or singing with others. Sophia and Olivia each played the piano when their grandma returned home.
Above: Olivia playing the piano with her cousin Addy looking on.
Below: Sophia playing the piano for her grandma.
Olivia also brought her glockenspiel along, and played some of the songs she's learned. Olivia just started percussion lessons this summer and the glockenspiel is the first instrument she is learning how to play.
Olivia playing the glockenspiel for her grandma.
(As a side note, the glockenspiel is "composed of a set of tuned keys arranged in the fashion of the keyboard of a piano. In this way, it is similar to the xylophone; however, the xylophone's bars are made of wood, while the glockenspiel's are metal plates or tubes, thus making it a metallophone. The glockenspiel, moreover, is usually smaller and higher in pitch.")
Friday, August 31, 2012
12 in 12: August Update
During 2012, Sophia, Olivia, and I are doing a special challenge that we've named 12 in 12. We are doing 12 different activities that help people in need, animals, or the environment.
This is how we did during August:
- Take 1 bag of food to the food shelf.
We donated a 12-pack of Ramen Noodle Soup to Community Helping Hand.
Although this isn't the largest donation we've made this year, we also purchased food for making a healthy snack for 20 people (adults and children) for Project Home that will be at the UU church during September. There are 26 churches who help provide shelter for families who are homeless.
We are happy to be able to provide a snack to the 20 people through Project Home next month, so we opted to put more of our money towards that project. Pictures of what we are going to be doing will be posted with the 12 in 12: September Update.
- Volunteer 1 hour at a community organization that is chosen each month (can be the same one or different one).
We are continuing to help with the African Library Project. This month, the Sharing Shop at Lakes Free Church asked if we wanted to go through books that they had in the shop. Sophia, Olivia, and I sorted through a dozen boxes of books - including reading books, curriculum, and learning tools.
Because we are sending books to a primary school, we could only select those items which fell into the age bracket of the children who will be using the books. We were very happy to leave with five boxes of books for the African Library Project - including a dictionary for each grade level!
- Donate 1 bag of clothing to a second-hand shop.
We donated one bag of clothing to Family Pathways during August.
- Donate 1 bag of toys and other non-clothing items to a second-hand shop.
We donated two bags of non-clothing items at the beginning of the month. (See photo above.) In addition, we had three bags and a toy mailbox to Family Pathways in the middle of the month after cleaning Olivia's closet.
We also had another two bags on the 29th of the month after cleaning my office closet.
- Donate 12 books that we no longer read to organizations needing books.
We donated 16 books to Family Pathways this month (they were included in one of the bags that is pictured above). These books were ones that were ones that the African Library Project couldn't use (e.g., the reading level is above fourth grade, there was only text and no pictures).
We also donated four bags of curriculum to the homeschool co-op that meets at Lakes Free Church. Hopefully these resources will be of use to families who are looking for curriculum to augment what they are using this year.
- Donate $12 to an organization that helps individuals, animals, or the environment.
We donated $12 to Northwoods Humane Society this month. Unfortunately, when we delivered the donation, they were not open yet (they open at 3:00 p.m.).
So, we left the donation along with the bag of kitten chow at the back door and called to notify them of the donation when we came back home.
- Write 1 letter to someone who has made a difference in our lives.
I wrote a thank you note to the people from whom we adopted Eenie, Meenie, and Miney from many years ago. Although Miney isn't with us any longer, Eenie and Meenie are, and have been wonderful additions to the family.
Eenie, especially, is a cat who the girls enjoy (and vice versa). He is very patient; and likes to sit on laps and be pet.
His special role, by far, was being a therapy cat/visitor to my Dad when he was in the nursing home. Eenie provided comfort to my Dad when his world seemed confusing thanks to Alzheimer's Disease. Eenie also was very good with people when Sophia and Olivia took him to the Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia Unit at the nursing home.
Had the people not offered the kittens for free to anyone who would take them, Eenie and the girls wouldn't have had that opportunity to connect with their Papa and others who have challenges with their memory during the past year.
- Donate 1 bag of pop cans to places that collect them to raise funds.
We were surprised to see that the can collector at Northwoods Humane Society was completely full and there were bags of cans that were next to it.
The money they earn from recycling the cans will directly help the animals they care for until they are adopted.
- Donate 1 bag of Purina Kitten Chow to Northwoods Humane Society.
We donated one bag of Kitten Chow to help the kittens who are living at Northwoods and who are waiting for a family to adopt them.
- Spend 1 hour outdoors doing projects that help wildlife.
We continue to fill up the feeders with a variety of bird seed and "nectar" for the hummingbirds and butterflies. There is constant bird traffic at the feeders throughout the day which is interesting to watch.
- Make and randomly drop off 1 toy for a child to find as part of The Toy Society.
I hand-embroidered a toy elephant using wool felt, cotton embroidery floss, and stuffing from sheep that I raised.
Olivia picked Gammelgarden Museum as the drop-off point for the toy. We picked the gazebo this month (another month we chose the slide).
We are hoping a child finds the toy soon and enjoys playing with it.
- Share 1 time the gift of music (piano and/or harp) or singing with others.
Sophia performed on August 1st at the county fair at the preteen talent show. She auditioned with another harpist in July and was selected to perform at the show.
So, Sophia and Elizabeth played "Edelweiss" on their harps in front of over 200 people.
Olivia played the piano for her grandma after we came back from a trip to southeastern Minnesota.
Olivia played a piece she had memorized, and promised to bring some music the next time she visited so she could play more songs.
The only ones among you who will be really happy
This is how we did during August:
- Take 1 bag of food to the food shelf.
Olivia with a donation to the food shelf.
We donated a 12-pack of Ramen Noodle Soup to Community Helping Hand.
The gentleman at Community Helping Hand
had a huge smile on his face when
Olivia handed him the soup.
She, in turn, was even more excited about
donating to the food shelf.
Although this isn't the largest donation we've made this year, we also purchased food for making a healthy snack for 20 people (adults and children) for Project Home that will be at the UU church during September. There are 26 churches who help provide shelter for families who are homeless.
We are happy to be able to provide a snack to the 20 people through Project Home next month, so we opted to put more of our money towards that project. Pictures of what we are going to be doing will be posted with the 12 in 12: September Update.
- Volunteer 1 hour at a community organization that is chosen each month (can be the same one or different one).
We are continuing to help with the African Library Project. This month, the Sharing Shop at Lakes Free Church asked if we wanted to go through books that they had in the shop. Sophia, Olivia, and I sorted through a dozen boxes of books - including reading books, curriculum, and learning tools.
Olivia and Sophia with 5 boxes of books.
Because we are sending books to a primary school, we could only select those items which fell into the age bracket of the children who will be using the books. We were very happy to leave with five boxes of books for the African Library Project - including a dictionary for each grade level!
- Donate 1 bag of clothing to a second-hand shop.
We donated one bag of clothing to Family Pathways during August.
Sophia and Olivia with a bag of clothes
and two bags of other items.
- Donate 1 bag of toys and other non-clothing items to a second-hand shop.
We donated two bags of non-clothing items at the beginning of the month. (See photo above.) In addition, we had three bags and a toy mailbox to Family Pathways in the middle of the month after cleaning Olivia's closet.
Three bags of non-clothing items and a toy mailbox.
We also had another two bags on the 29th of the month after cleaning my office closet.
Two more bags of items to the thrift shop.
- Donate 12 books that we no longer read to organizations needing books.
We donated 16 books to Family Pathways this month (they were included in one of the bags that is pictured above). These books were ones that were ones that the African Library Project couldn't use (e.g., the reading level is above fourth grade, there was only text and no pictures).
We also donated four bags of curriculum to the homeschool co-op that meets at Lakes Free Church. Hopefully these resources will be of use to families who are looking for curriculum to augment what they are using this year.
- Donate $12 to an organization that helps individuals, animals, or the environment.
We donated $12 to Northwoods Humane Society this month. Unfortunately, when we delivered the donation, they were not open yet (they open at 3:00 p.m.).
Eddie is looking for a new home.
So, we left the donation along with the bag of kitten chow at the back door and called to notify them of the donation when we came back home.
Alakazam is looking for a family to care for him.
I wrote a thank you note to the people from whom we adopted Eenie, Meenie, and Miney from many years ago. Although Miney isn't with us any longer, Eenie and Meenie are, and have been wonderful additions to the family.
My Dad/the girls' Papa petting Eenie.
This was about five weeks before my dad died.
(Taken on November 27, 2011.)
Eenie, especially, is a cat who the girls enjoy (and vice versa). He is very patient; and likes to sit on laps and be pet.
My Dad, Sophia, and Eenie at the nursing home.
He had been in the nursing home for 17 days at this point.
(Taken on October 20, 2011.)
His special role, by far, was being a therapy cat/visitor to my Dad when he was in the nursing home. Eenie provided comfort to my Dad when his world seemed confusing thanks to Alzheimer's Disease. Eenie also was very good with people when Sophia and Olivia took him to the Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia Unit at the nursing home.
Had the people not offered the kittens for free to anyone who would take them, Eenie and the girls wouldn't have had that opportunity to connect with their Papa and others who have challenges with their memory during the past year.
- Donate 1 bag of pop cans to places that collect them to raise funds.
We were surprised to see that the can collector at Northwoods Humane Society was completely full and there were bags of cans that were next to it.
Sophia and Olivia with a bag of cans for Northwoods.
The money they earn from recycling the cans will directly help the animals they care for until they are adopted.
Flash looks like he would be a great companion!
- Donate 1 bag of Purina Kitten Chow to Northwoods Humane Society.
We donated one bag of Kitten Chow to help the kittens who are living at Northwoods and who are waiting for a family to adopt them.
Olivia with $12 and Sophia with a bag of Kitten Chow.
There seems to be kittens at Northwoods each month, so we know that the food is needed and will be used.
Wylie is a kitten who is available for adoption.
There are many cats and kittens that need homes at Northwoods.
We continue to fill up the feeders with a variety of bird seed and "nectar" for the hummingbirds and butterflies. There is constant bird traffic at the feeders throughout the day which is interesting to watch.
Two beautiful, colorful birds at the feeders.
One morning, on August 29th, there were easily a dozen birds at the feeders, the bird bath, in the (overgrown) garden, and in the trees. There was even a rabbit eating the weeds and tall grass near the feeder.
The bird bath has been busy as well with birds drinking water as well as taking baths in it. The water needs to be changed and filled about every couple of days.
I hand-embroidered a toy elephant using wool felt, cotton embroidery floss, and stuffing from sheep that I raised.
Elephant toy that I hand-embroidered.
Olivia picked Gammelgarden Museum as the drop-off point for the toy. We picked the gazebo this month (another month we chose the slide).
The drop-off spot for the elephant.
We always wonder who finds the toys and
what their reaction is when they see it is free.
We are hoping a child finds the toy soon and enjoys playing with it.
- Share 1 time the gift of music (piano and/or harp) or singing with others.
Sophia performed on August 1st at the county fair at the preteen talent show. She auditioned with another harpist in July and was selected to perform at the show.
Sophia introducing herself and Elizabeth as well as
telling a bit about the song they were going to play.
So, Sophia and Elizabeth played "Edelweiss" on their harps in front of over 200 people.
Video of the girls playing "Edelweiss."
Olivia playing the piano for Nana.
The only ones among you who will be really happy
are those who have sought and found how to serve.
~ Albert Schweitzer ~
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