I wanted to start a new family tradition.  The kids are getting old enough that I thought a Random Acts of Kindness week before Christmas would be a terrific learning lesson and bonding experience.  So, we brainstormed, shopped and made a schedule that included conducting Random Acts of Kindness every day last week.   
Things started off great, but then quickly turned challenging.  We experienced a blizzard (literally) and Influenza (literally).  ugh. 
So, here's what we were able to do early this past week and some other RAK's that we'll do as soon as possible...

 

I am loving the million dollar candy bars from the Dollar Tree!  We wrapped them with a strip of paper, embellished with 'thanks a million'.  Our mail carrier received one, as well as the three librarians at our local library (prior to the blizzard or Influenza)- - who go above and beyond to host children's reading programs, fun family events and even allow the kids to go behind the desk to 'beep' (scan) their own books.  They are wonderful!

We made 'care kits' for our local church to give out to people visiting their food pantry...

Although not delivered yet, we made bags of goodies for our family doctors.  We thought coloring books and crayons for the waiting/exam rooms would be appropriate.
We also made a bag with canned soup and spaghetti (with a jar of sauce of course) for our local fire and rescue department.  Thank God for them! 
I had fun jazzing up the white bags...

 

I am SO EXCITED to be doing this RAK project as a family....getting the kids involved, listening to their ideas, watching them take the lead, seeing them show appreciation. 
Wouldn't a summer Random Acts of Kindness week be fun?...hmmm....my wheels are turning....   

 

Well, here she is...in all her glory.

Let's just say cake decorating is not one of my talents.  HOWEVER, Macy was thrilled with her 'Barbie birthday cake' and that's all that matters.  I found a few recipes on Pinterest, borrowed a Fire King bowl from my mom and it all worked like a dream.

 

I also found a cute scavenger birthday party game on Pinterest.

The parent drew/photoed images of locations (refrigerator, welcome mat, etc.) and put them on recipe cards hidden around the house.  Kids ran from clue to clue until, at the end, the last card pictured the host.  When the children ran to the host they were given a prize.

Rather than use images, I wrote rhyming clues.  Here's what I came up with....

 

Clue #1

Let's celebrate Macy's special day

with a scavenger game to play!

Follow each clue and work as a team.

No running or pushing.  Adults will scream!

So, here's Clue #1 and you can't lose...

Go to Macy's room and look

where she takes a snooze.

(The clue was hidden under her bed.)

 

Clue #2

Macy loves to watch movies

like Tinkerbell and Nemo.

Check out "Monsters, Inc.",

and off to Clue #3 you'll go.

(The clue was hidden in the "Monsters, Inc." DVD case.)

 

Clue #3

Congrats on finding

Clue #3!

Now that you're downstairs...

look at the movie about a bee.

(The clue was hidden in the "Bee Movie" DVD case.)

 

Clue #4

WOW!  What fine detectives you are!

Clue #5 is hanging...

with the keys to the car!

(The clue was hanging on the refrigerator.)

 

Clue #5

You guys are good!

You can't be beat!

Now look for Clue #6...

where we keep the socks for Evan's feet!

(The clue was hidden in Evan's sock bin.)

 

Clue #6

Just a few more clues...

'til you get a prize that's cool.

Look inside what Macy puts on her back

when she heads off to school.

(The clue was hidden in Macy's backpack.)

 

Clue #7

Holy cow!  You are on a roll!

Check under the computer desk...

Clue #8 is the goal!

(The clue was under the computer desk.)

 

Clue #8

WOO HOO!  You did it!  Way to go!

It's the end of the game.

To claim the prize, see Michelle

and say the birthday girl's name!

 

 

 

 

This upcoming week the kids and I will be celebrating the holidays by doing some random acts of kindness.  Here's a sneak peek.  Stay tuned for all the details.

Happy Holidays everyone!!!