Mr. Rogers' legacy of kindness

Mr. Rogers was such an iconic and encouraging person. Tom Junod told of his real-life friendship with Mr. Rogers in his article "Can You Say... Hero?" (Esquire November 1988). Junod's life was ultimately changed as he encountered the kindness and compassion of Fred Rogers.

"Mutual caring relationships require 

kindness and patience, tolerance, optimism, 

joy in the other's achievements, confidence in oneself, 

and the ability to give without undue thought of gain."

Living in Canada without cable vision, meant I didn't grow up with Mr. Rogers. (Mr. Dressup was the main entertainer here in Canada.) Whether you grew up with Mr. Rogers, or not, the story of kindness is one everyone can embrace.

Mr. Rogers was an ordained minister (1963), although instead of being a pastor of a church, he spoke his message of hope and encouragement to children and their families through his TV show. Mr. Roger's mission was to inspire us to show kindness to others, to deal with difficult emotions, and to fix strained relationships.

"If we ... can only make it clear that feelings are mentionable 

and manageable, 

we will have done a great service for mental health." 

- Mr. Rogers testifies before Congress (1969)

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Operation Christmas Child!

Samaritan's Purse has a program called Operation Christmas Child. This is a great opportunity for you (and your children!) to participate in an act of service that shows the love of God!

Samaritan's Purse ensures that children all over the world (who might otherwise not receive anything) receive this special gift. The shoeboxes are sent to more than 100 countries to bless children regardless of their race, religion, or gender. 

“My favorite items in my shoebox were school supplies. 

They were really important to me because 

it meant I could go to school.”

Luis, Panama
Check out the website's Packing Ideas for more quotes from children who have been blessed and, of course, to get some more packing ideas!
Consider adding a "Let's Be Friends!" page where you can write a short letter and identify on the map where you're from!

Here's a checklist my kids and I have made. Feel free to leave a comment if you think we should add anything to the list!

Hygiene	Toys	School Supplies
toothbrush	stuffed animal	pencil crayons
comb/brush	musical instruments	pencils
soap	card games	erasers
face cloth	balls	calculator
	cars	note books
	soccer ball and pump	school books
	puzzle
	jump rope/Chinese rope
	stickers
	flashlight
Clothes	Practical	For Girls
shirt	sewing kit	jewelry
socks	kitchen spoons	hair clips
gloves	tools	hair elastics

capybaras ~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

"Same Kind of Different as Me" Movie Giveaway

"Same Kind of Different as Me" is an uplifting movie that is based on a true story. Releasing nationwide on Friday, October, 20, 2017 "Same Kind of Different as Me" is a heartwarming movie that is recommended for ages 13 and up.

CHANGE YOUR WORLD! 
...WITH ONE SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS

Greg Kinnear (least known for "Stuck on You"), Renee Zellweger (who portrayed Beatrix Potter in "Miss Potter"), and Djimon Hounsou (voice of Drago in "How to Train Your Dragon" 2 and 3) lead the cast in this movie. With excellent acting and strong emotions, "Same Kind of Different as Me" is sure to make an impression on you.

In "Same Kind of Different as Me" Debbie Hall, a woman with a heart of gold, has a dream about a homeless man that she feels compelled to find and befriend. Ron, her husband, is a self-absorbed art dealer who is on the verge of leaving their marriage. Can Ron and Debbie find this mysterious homeless man and if so, what kind of a difference will it make?

Thanks to an invitation by the Pure Flix team, my husband and I were able to pre-screen the movie "Same Kind of Different as Me". We loved that the movie leaves you with such a strong sense of hope. Throughout the movie Ron, Debbie and Denver make a difference in the lives of one another and in the lives of the people around them. Hopefully this movie will inspire you to make a difference, however small it may seem at first, in the life of another person.

Check out:

"Same Kind of Different as Me" Official Film Site has videos, information about the movie and cast as well as more inspiration for making a difference in the lives of others!

"Same Kind of Different as Me" Official Film Blog has excerpts from the book of the same name as well as posts on topics such as: the immeasurable worth of each person and keys to a healthy relationship.

"Same Kind of Different as Me" Facebook Page has photos, interviews and behind-the-scenes clips. Check out interviews with the real Ron Hall!

Buy it: Visit "Same Kind of Different as Me" Official Film Site to buy tickets for the movie and get more information.

Win it: One Sowing Dandelion Seeds reader (US only) will win movie tickets for two to see the movie "Same Kind of Different as Me" in theaters! (2 Fandango discount code tickets).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Thanks to LEV3L and Pure Flix, I received two Fandango movie tickets in exchange for an honest review on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers.

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Random Acts of Kindness -- Love One Another

Jesus:  “A new command I give you: Love one another. 

As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, 
if you love one another.”

John 13:34 and 35

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Happy 2016!

Wishing you LOVE in the new year....

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Operation Christmas Child

Samaritan's Purse has a wonderful outreach called Operation Christmas Child where people can fill shoeboxes with gifts for a child who might otherwise not receive anything.  Samaritan's Purse ensures that children all over the world receive shoeboxes regardless of race, religion and gender.

For homebodies, you can "fill" a shoebox online for approximately 25 - 37 dollars depending on your country of origin.

BUT, I highly recommend getting involved with the hands on process of filling a shoebox.  Children can draw or write out lists of essentials and can pick items out themselves at the store.  This is a great way to show your children that it is such a blessing to give to others.

Check out the website for details about what you can (and what you cannot) include in your box and about drop off locations:

Samaritan's Purse Canada           Samaritan's Purse USA 

Collection dates are November 16-22, 2015.

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Bending Rules and Breaking Hearts

Desiree picked a daisy for me.  I smiled largely, thanked her and carried it around while we looked at lemurs and jaguars and wallabies at the zoo.

At the squirrel monkey cage I was overcome with a temptation to hand over the daisy.  The tiny palm of a squirrel monkey grasped the daisy and then he bounded off with it.  Within moments the squirrel monkeys were fighting over the daisy and eating it.

Suddenly I realized that I had broken the rule written clearly on the cage: "Do not feed the animals".  In my defense I hadn't known I was feeding them.  I didn't realize they would eat a daisy...  As the squirrel monkeys plucked the petals of the daisy out one by one in a "loves me, loves me not" way, I turned and saw the tears on my daughter's face.

I also didn't realize that I would hurt her feelings by re-gifting the daisy she had given me.

I cherish the flowers my kids give me, but I have to admit -- it's the love in their eyes as they give the flower to me that matters more to me than the flower itself.  Yet, it was hurt I saw in her eyes now...

I hugged my daughter and told her I had made a mistake -- I shouldn't have given her gift away like that.  I dried her tears and asked her forgiveness.

Desiree and Daddy went off to get me another daisy while I explained to my son how I had not meant to "break the law of the zoo" and feed the squirrel monkeys or hurt his sister's feelings.

And then, in an act of true forgiveness, Desiree presented the daisy to me again.  This time I kept it -- cherishing the gift of love and the gift of a second chance...


~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

I AM June Cleaver...

June Cleaver is often considered the ideal mom that all other moms are compared to and found lacking.  Moms sarcastically lament "I'm no June Cleaver".  Well, put the sarcasm aside and take a look at things from a different point of view:

June Cleaver's house is immaculate and yet she always has time to bake cookies for the boys for after school snacks.  But, did you know that the Cleavers have a maid?  Having a maid would free up a lot of us moms to bake homemade cookies and would certainly improve the state of our homes (mine especially).

What about the pearl necklaces and the high heels?  According to and article in The Washington Post, Barbara Billingsley had a "hollow" in her neck and wore the pearls to cover it up.  As for the high heels, The Washington Post quotes Barbara Billingsley as saying: "Wally and the Beaver began to get taller.  That's why they put me in heels.  The producers wanted me to be as tall or taller than the kids."

What society has interpreted as "perfection" in the character of June Cleaver was actually insecurities and shortcomings (pun intended).

In the episode, "Brotherly Love" from Season 1, June even questions herself as a mother.  June attempts to get the boys to stop fighting with one another, but after a short break they inevitably start fighting again. June and Ward hear the fight from downstairs.

***

June: "Oh Ward, I just failed as a parent."

Ward: "From the sound of things, I'd say they were succeeding as children."

***

Clearly, I AM June Cleaver.  I have insecurities I try to cover up and moments where I feel like I've failed as a mom....

We moms need to stop comparing ourselves to the idea of  "the perfect mom" -- whether that mom is a character on a tv show or a mom in real life.  No mom is perfect.  Feeling sub standard is not going to help us be better moms and pretending to be perfect will only make others (including our kids) feel they can't measure up to us.

So... kick off the high heels and set the pearls and the mop aside.  This Mother's Day don't worry about how you 'measure up' as a mom -- just take time to enjoy your kids (and maybe some store-bought cookies).

 ~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Send a Child a Shoebox Full of Love

Samaritan's Purse has a wonderful outreach called Operation Christmas Child where people can fill shoeboxes with gifts for a child who might other wise not receive anything.  Samaritan's Purse ensures that children all over the world receive shoeboxes regardless of race, religion and gender.

Each fall my kids and I enjoy making lists and shopping for their "friends who live far away".  I love how this experience teaches them about giving to others and showing love to others.

This year I found some adorable stuffed dogs and bought them for the shoeboxes, but my kids fell in love with the dogs and didn't want to part with them.  I gave my kids the dogs with the agreement that they would use their own money to buy more dogs for the shoeboxes.  Desiree(6) is thrilled that her friend who lives far away will now have the exact same dog that she has!

If you like, you can visit the Canadian website to pack a shoebox online.  Online shoeboxes will be sent to Haiti and are a minimum of $37 Canadian (which includes shipping).  Anyone can donate via this website, but please keep in mind that if you want a valid tax receipt you must donate to the country you live in.

For Americans who would like to know where your shoebox ends up, you can donate the shipping fee for your box online at the American website and track your shoebox through a label that you attach to your shoebox.

You can fill a shoe box for a boy or girl in one of three age categories 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14.  You can include items such as stuffed animals, toothbrushes, calculators, t-shirts, sunglasses, school supplies, hard candy, soap (in a plastic bag), socks, stickers, cars, balls, and hair items.  You can even include a personal note and photos if you like.

Avoid  toothpaste, liquids, glass items, soft candy or chocolate, food, playing cards, war items and used items.

Check out this Shoe Box Video for more pointers.  Visit Samaritan's Purse Canada and Samaritan's Purse USA for more information (such as collection locations).  Samaritan's Purse is also located in the UK, Australia, Germany, Spain and Hong Kong.

The Power of a Simple Gift is a video that will show the journey of shoeboxes and the impact that they have on the children who receive them.

 ~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Daylight Savings Mind Games

Do you know those people who show up an hour late or an hour early because they forgot all about Daylight Savings?  I did not want to be one of those people.

No -- I am a whole different kind of person....

I heard when Daylight Savings was (from a reliable source I'm sure) and carefully marked it on my calendar so as not to forget.  Then on the designated day, I reset all the clocks in the house and went on with life as normal -- pleased with myself that I had not forgotten.

If it weren't for the freak rain storm that prevented us from walking to church I would have figured it out on Sunday...    

Monday was a day off of school so I didn't realized that it was NOT Daylight Savings weekend until I went to watch "Chuck" at 8:00 Monday night only to discover it was not on tv.  And according to the tv listings -- the current time was a full hour later than I thought it was.  How was that possible???  

Had I really lived two whole days an hour behind everyone else?!?!?

I ran around the house crazily changing all the clocks one hour ahead to compensate for the hour I'd fallen back without public consent.

FYI:  Daylight Savings (for those who participate) is November 7th.  Of course I may be wrong.  If so, please let me know...

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Counting Compliments

The other day Elijah caught a fly... with his bare hands... I thought that was pretty disgusting, but said: "Wow Elijah -- you caught a fly! You must be really fast!"

Desiree looked at me sadly like she was waiting for me to give a compliment to her. She then said: "I feel like you don't compliment me very much". I was pretty proud of her for voicing her feelings so eloquently. Then I asked if she wanted me to say: "Wow Desiree -- you caught a fly! You must be really fast!". She agreed that would be silly since she hadn't caught a fly.

I told her that I was fairly sure that I compliment both of them equally overall, although not always at the same time. I explained if I were passing out ice cream cones I'd give them both an ice cream cone at the same time. But, I told her, I try to give genuine compliments as they are deserved and that the compliments are specific to the person I'm giving them to.

Later on that day I gave her a compliment. I made a point of saying after "Did you just hear my compliment?" She realized that she had barely noticed the compliment I had given her, yet she had certainly noticed her lack of compliments earlier when I complimented her brother.

Personally, I often wait expectantly for a compliment to come my way. You know -- one that I really deserve. I can almost hear it... but, then ... I don't. Not everyone is following the same script as me and the compliment that seemed so deserved doesn't come my way after all. Being a mom, in particular, is often described as a thankless job. Surely someone will notice though and blow my horn for me. I need it to be blown. I need to hear it to know that I still have a horn -- that I still have some worth.

It seems like it is often human nature for us to notice the lack of good coming our way more than the good that's right in front of us. I need to remind myself to look for the good -- and to give compliments instead of counting them...

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Things My Daughter "Learned" in Grade 1

I've vented throughout the year -- mostly to myself -- about my daughter's grade one experience. This is me trying to look at the things that she's learned from a positive point of view (really, I'm trying...).



Things my daughter learned in grade one:

1. My daughter learned that there are all kinds of teachers. Some hug you if you cry. Some yell at you if you are too talkative and don't care if your necklace breaks and the heart locket that matches your mom's is lost on the playground (presumably forever).

Desiree brought a rubber stamp to school for show and tell. I asked her after school if she gave the kids stamps on their hands or work. She replied "No -- my teacher isn't the type of teacher who says 'Oh, and can you show us how that works?'". Unfortunately she also isn't the type who lets creative kids read stories aloud to the class that they have written and illustrated themselves in their free time...

2. My daughter learned that it's okay to stand up for what you believe -- even to an adult/teacher. Not everyone believes the same as we do. You can be put in situations where you have to say something or else you end up watching "The Snow Queen" and visions of witches spying on you and children turning evil against their will may be irrevocably etched in your memory.

When I talked to the teacher about it she said "Desiree never said anything...". Yeah, but I did... in October... prior to Halloween. I made a point of meeting with the teacher and listed off the things we do not agree with: witches, ghosts, anything evil... I didn't think I needed to have the "we don't agree with evil" talk again prior to Christmas.

3. My daughter learned that you can show kindness and encouragement to people you are certain hate you. In fact you should. It may or may not change how that person treats you, but it will gradually change your outlook. "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44

We prayed a lot for this teacher throughout the year. As well, I told Desiree she needed to think of ways to encourage her teacher. We bought her a vase and every week picked her fresh flowers from our garden.


At the end of the school year Desiree drew a picture for her Mon-Thurs teacher and for her Friday teacher. She showed great mercy by doing a lovely job for both of them.

And in Desiree's work of art, her Mon-Thurs teacher was happier than I'd ever seen her before.

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Wood Beats Cardboard

My husband, in a moment of insanity, made a couple of 8 inch swords out of wood for our son and daughter. Our son, who was 3 at the time, carried it with him everywhere -- including into Wal-mart where he caught his sister unaware (and without her sword). Unfortunately she's prone to nose bleeds... Staff members came running and offered ice packs as she bled on the merchandise I hadn't yet bought (and then spent the night scrubbing).

In my husband's defense, he did end up making a shield, but only one... which he then gave to our son who wasn't the one requiring protection. And it was cardboard. You all know how rock, paper, scissors works, right? Well along those same lines -- wood clearly beats cardboard.

I hide the swords whenever they surface in the hopes of preventing further spilled blood... But, every so often the kids get a few moments of fun before I notice.

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Joy in Jesus' Return -- from a Kid's Point of View

This Good Friday I gave Desiree and Elijah a toy Jesus and a children's book about some of the miracles of Jesus. After we acted out some of the miracles, we acted out his death. Then we wrapped Jesus up in cloth (toilet paper), buried him in a "tomb" in our front yard and covered it with a rock. The plan was to check the tomb on Sunday and (spoiler) Jesus wouldn't be there!

But, a few hours later at bedtime here is the conversation Elijah (newly 4), Desiree (6) and I had.

Elijah: "Can we go get Jesus now?"

Me: "Remember Jesus was in the tomb for three days?"

Elijah: "But, I want to take Jesus to bed with me..."

Desiree: "You know that Jesus is always with us, right?"

Elijah: "But I want the toy Jesus."

Me: "You don't want to wait three days?"

Elijah: "It's time -- I counted -- 1, 2, 3!"

Me: "Oh... but three days is longer than just counting to three."

Elijah: "1, 2, 3 ... 4, 5... Let's go get Jesus!"

What could I do? I couldn't withhold Jesus from my son for the sake of an object lesson. So we went back outside in the dark and dug in the tomb. Thankfully I'd had the foresight to remove Jesus as soon as he was buried just in case something like this happened. There in the dirt was the "cloth", but no Jesus. Elijah said "Maybe we need to dig deeper?" All of a sudden Jesus appeared out of no where (as if from my pocket).

I don't know if Elijah completely understood the object lesson, but he sure was glad to get his Jesus toy back. And isn't joy in Jesus' return what Easter is all about?


~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

The Judgement of Strangers

I regularly experience the judgement of strangers. It's like I have a sign on me that says "Judge me" because I have active children.

Just the other day I went to the mall and my three year old son ran off on me (still in my sight) to the ride on cars. I insisted he come back (and he did not). As I hurried towards him, a lady, who had been watching, says to me in a condescending tone of voice: "That's how children get kidnapped, you know".

Clearly this lady (if she ever had kids!) had been the perfect mother of perfect children. Just because my kids are active doesn't mean I'm an incompetent parent.

Another time my neighbour (dad of two docile girls) phoned to bawl me out when my son (who had just turned three) climbed a bush in our backyard and jumped our five foot fence into his yard!!! I hadn't expected he would do that! In the time it took me to run around to the front yard to their yard to get my son, the neighbour phoned me up and left a message saying that I needed to watch my children better and that he and his wife were capable of watching their two children even though they both worked so why couldn't I watch my two properly as a stay at home mom. (I guess it slipped his mind that they have a babysitter!) When I called him back (why did I do that?) I tried explaining to him that all children are different, but he figured he had two children and I had two children and so it was the same. Nevermind that his docile girls would never dream of climbing a bush or jumping a fence. To imply that all kids are the same and that parenting is the same for everyone is crazy.

Children are all different. What works best for one child doesn't work for another (even in the same family). That's what makes parenting such a challenge! I'd love it if people would stop judging me as a parent based on what kind of kids they themselves have. My kids may not be docile and submissive all the time, but they're creative and a lot of fun. I may not be the best parent ever, but I'd like to think that I'm the best parent for them.

How have you been judged as a parent? (cause I know you have...)

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

The Meanest Mom

Parenting is often a thankless job (for decades anyways). If your kids have ever said they hated you, you know you're doing something right and that the feelings are only temporary. My 3 yr old has been known to say "I'll never love you" at the top of his lungs when he doesn't get his way. But he always hugs me and says he loves me when things are over (even though he still hasn't been given his way!).

Here's a snippet from a newspaper ad that shows a great example of tough love:

"OLDS 1999 Intrigue for sale. Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat … Call meanest mom on the planet."

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Everyone Makes Mistakes

Last night Desiree(6) and I had a whispered heart to heart as I tucked her into bed. Desiree said, "Mom, you know what I like about you? ... You aren't strict like other moms. When I make a mistake you don't say "You did that on purpose!"

It really touched my heart to hear her say that because that's the kind of mom I strive to be -- the kind who allows mistakes and shows my kids love despite those mistakes. In an effort to curb predisposed perfectionism in my kids I often say "That can happen" or "Everyone makes mistakes". When I was a kid I remember the feeling that only kids made mistakes and adults were somehow perfected with age.

Today Elijah(3) spilled the container of milk at the breakfast table. I came to evaluate the situation and found that he had placed a dishcloth over the spill. He had, however, failed to pick up the container of milk and so the spill continued off to the side unnoticed by him.

What a reminder that we need to fix our mistakes -- not hide them. In an effort to appear like we have it all together we are denying the truth. By hiding our mistakes, we may make others (our kids included) feel like failures.

We need to be more transparent -- willing to show our flaws and failures with one another -- and certainly with our children. Saying "Sorry" or "I was wrong" to your child may be humbling for you, but teaches a lesson far greater. Everyone makes mistakes.


~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

A Lie's Still a Lie -- Even When it's White.

My husband and I have been watching the tv show "Lie to Me" with Tim Roth (not Gary Oldman -- I mix those guys up ever since being introduced to them in "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"). Anyways -- this isn't your typical detective type show. This show solves the mystery by using the science of lie detection (with no lie detector machine required). Check this show out if you haven't already.

In the meantime check out this snippet from the show. It's a funny, honest song about white lies that will have you humming all day:

My kids (3 and 6) have experimented with lying. You know -- the age old: "No, I didn't eat any chocolate." when they have it smeared all over their mouths. If only all lies were so easy to detect...

Types of Less Conventional Lies:

*White Lies -- I love honesty, but I'll admit to being a little embarrassed when my kids are brutally honest about things like disliking supper at someone else's house. I've made a point not to teach them how to tell white lies, but it is hard to teach them to be honest all the time and to still use manners. I tell them not to say they liked the meal if they didn't, but that they can still say "thank you" because the host worked hard to make the meal.

*Half Truths. A half truth is withholding information, but people figure it's okay because it's not like telling a bold faced lie. This is why in court people are asked to tell "the whole truth" -- after all a half truth is technically also a half lie. My kids are too young to dabble with half truths as of yet and I'd love for them to avoid them all together. I'll let you know how that goes...

*Lying with Your Actions. To me, the definition of sneaking is lying with your actions. If a person is doing something on the sly that someone else is unaware of then the intention is to deceive them. My son (3) is a notorious sneaker, but he's such an open book about it. You can see when he has a plan to sneak, when he's mid-sneak and when he's snuck (and I mean even without the help of chocolate on the face).


Right now the biggest lie we're dealing with is "I'm full". My kiddos have discovered that full people don't have to eat more while picky people do. Strange how moments later they'll be hungry if desert is hinted at!

Share your feelings on lying. And please -- be honest.


~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~