Volunteer Date

Good Saturday morning!

I posted a favorite pic of Josh and Roxie this morning. Nothing you haven't seen before, but I wanted to "add" something to the Gallery... because I always do.

As I told you yesterday, it may be Saturday, but as far as today's post is concerned, it is THURSDAY. That means Blog Linkage and a Date!

It will be a little shorter than usual. Randomness seems a little frivolous right now in Alabama with so many people hurting. There's a time and place for everything, and today we're just sticking to the facts.

Blog Linkage - I only have two this week... one practical and one very interesting (to me at least). I'm also checking out a new blog to add to My Blog List. I have a little more reading to do, but I think you'll like it. Maybe next week.

1. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List and scroll down to the post entitled "Thanks a 'Latte'" posted April 27. This is a very, very cute idea for that coffee-lovin' teacher in your life. It's useful AND enjoyable.

2. Go to www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com and read the Mom's post entitled simply "6" dated April 29. This is the family with four little ones who recently adopted a three year-old from Ethiopia. I am enjoying her blog very, very much. It leaves me feeling exhausted (five chicks under the age of seven), but I find most days I feel exhausted anyway.

Maybe five chicks under the age of seven EQUALS two teenagers and one "practically-an-adult" male. Hmmm. I may be on to something here.

Volunteer Date

For today's date, here are just a few simple ideas for you and your child, tween or teen to help with the all the needs following the devastation and destruction caused by Wednesday's tornadoes in Alabama.

1. Bake muffins together and take them to families in the area who are still without power for breakfast or snacks.

2. Go to a local distribution center and get a list of items needed. Take your date shopping for the items and drop them off at the center together.

3. Get up early in the morning and "sneak" into an elderly neighbor's yard. Pick up and/or rake any debris you find, and take it away before they ever come outside.

4. Dads... take your teenage son with you to help remove limbs and fallen trees from a yard.

5. Dads... take your teenage son or daughter with you to help distribute supplies to the families and workers who are helping with clean-up efforts. (You will need to check with distribution centers to see if and when they need help with this task.)

These aren't just "fun" dates. They are much more important than that. Working as a family or one-on-one with your children teaching them the importance of being a good neighbor is a monumental lesson. Hopefully, one they will never forget.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12.

It's time to teach the young people in our lives how to dress themselves... again. With "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" toward others.

I'll be back Monday morning with a short and sweet Mindless Monday. April will be a memory, and I'll begin sharing "end-of-the-school-year" ideas, dates and traditions. May is always an EXTREMELY busy month on A Simple Life.

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda