Fabio and I explored many options for providing service this year. We really wanted to provide for the people in our area, as we know Los Angeles has many families in need. I was watching CNN Heros one night and saw an Italian chef who provides meals at the Boys and Girls Club every night for children who live in motels with their families. I was so touched by this professional chef who gives his time every day to these sweet children. He even "hides" veggies in the pasta sauce so that they are eating nutritious food.
I contacted the Boys and Girls Club in Glendale and asked how we could help hungry children in our neighborhood, and they said the best way would be to donate food to the local food bank. Fabio and I (and Matteo) went to Costco and bought as much PB, beans, canned veggies and fruit and pasta as would fit in our cart. Fabio's boss even heard about our plan and gave us some money to spend! A local bank had a food drive happening, so Fabio delivered all the food their. We wanted something a little more personal, but we know our food will feed many hungry children...some that may even live in our neighborhood, and that feels good.
This all happened so fast that I didn't have a chance to take a picture, but it was so little effort on our part, and Costco allows us to spend so little and buy so much, that I think we'll do this more often.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas, Abbie and Scott
This year we thought long and hard about an act of service we could do that would be meaningful to both us as well as for the people whom we served. We really wanted to do something for someone we knew, or at least someone local.
We have some friends who we have become very close to over the last year. The father is in his final year of law school and working part/full-time, the mother is finishing her last year of her bachelor's degree and they have two little kids, a 2 1/2 year old boy and a 1 year old girl. As you can imagine, their lives are very, very busy. The reason that we chose them to be the recipients of our service was not only based on this, but mostly because they are the type of people who would stop whatever they are doing and do anything for us. They have truly become great friends and great examples to us of service.
I think it is a natural reaction when you have parents as busy as these that other things in life sort-of start falling behind like, house work, meal planning...etc. This has been a real struggle for our friends because they really want to keep a clean, orderly home, but just have not been able to find the time. They also value education and find great value in the mother being able to finish her degree. We really felt that you, Abbie and Scott, might be able to relate to this family... going through law school, and also experiencing both mother and father in school with kids.
This is where we came in.
They have gone out of town for the Christmas Holiday to visit their family, and left their key with us in request that we bring their mail in for them. They left their home in a pretty similar state that it has been in for the last semester which, for lack of a better word, was messy... really messy. We had already had plans to go to the local "Food and Care" coalition, but decided to shift to serving these deserving friends.
We cleaned. We deep cleaned. Their whole apartment. (Actually we left their bedroom alone so they wouldn't feel completely violated.) But we spent a good 5+ hours in there making the place shine, cleaning nooks and crannies that have gone neglected even in my own apartment. You know, the stuff you never get too, like pulling out the couch and vacuuming underneath and wiping the base boards, scrubbing the refrigerator...etc.
When all was said and done, it seems like a pretty small thing to do for someone because in a few days, messes will re-appear and things will need to be put away again. But, I cannot express the relief that I feel when coming home from a vacation to a clean house. Not needing to worry about taking care of yesterday's messes, but looking forward to tomorrow's.
We really felt this would be meaningful to our friends because they value having their home in order but have struggled with balancing their lives over the last few months while mom has changed her role as the sole-home-maker to full-time-student. A lot of people have a hard time asking for help in times like that, and we have found it is best to just give help rather than asking, "What can we do for you?"
We didn't take any before and after pictures and we don't plan on telling our friends that it was us (although I am sure they will have their suspicions) because we want them to be able to just enjoy being served without feeling they need to give anything in return. Everyone deserves to feel that every once in a while. No matter what time of year it is.
Merry Christmas, Abbie and Scott, and Ella! We love you guys!!!
We have some friends who we have become very close to over the last year. The father is in his final year of law school and working part/full-time, the mother is finishing her last year of her bachelor's degree and they have two little kids, a 2 1/2 year old boy and a 1 year old girl. As you can imagine, their lives are very, very busy. The reason that we chose them to be the recipients of our service was not only based on this, but mostly because they are the type of people who would stop whatever they are doing and do anything for us. They have truly become great friends and great examples to us of service.
I think it is a natural reaction when you have parents as busy as these that other things in life sort-of start falling behind like, house work, meal planning...etc. This has been a real struggle for our friends because they really want to keep a clean, orderly home, but just have not been able to find the time. They also value education and find great value in the mother being able to finish her degree. We really felt that you, Abbie and Scott, might be able to relate to this family... going through law school, and also experiencing both mother and father in school with kids.
This is where we came in.
They have gone out of town for the Christmas Holiday to visit their family, and left their key with us in request that we bring their mail in for them. They left their home in a pretty similar state that it has been in for the last semester which, for lack of a better word, was messy... really messy. We had already had plans to go to the local "Food and Care" coalition, but decided to shift to serving these deserving friends.
We cleaned. We deep cleaned. Their whole apartment. (Actually we left their bedroom alone so they wouldn't feel completely violated.) But we spent a good 5+ hours in there making the place shine, cleaning nooks and crannies that have gone neglected even in my own apartment. You know, the stuff you never get too, like pulling out the couch and vacuuming underneath and wiping the base boards, scrubbing the refrigerator...etc.
When all was said and done, it seems like a pretty small thing to do for someone because in a few days, messes will re-appear and things will need to be put away again. But, I cannot express the relief that I feel when coming home from a vacation to a clean house. Not needing to worry about taking care of yesterday's messes, but looking forward to tomorrow's.
We really felt this would be meaningful to our friends because they value having their home in order but have struggled with balancing their lives over the last few months while mom has changed her role as the sole-home-maker to full-time-student. A lot of people have a hard time asking for help in times like that, and we have found it is best to just give help rather than asking, "What can we do for you?"
We didn't take any before and after pictures and we don't plan on telling our friends that it was us (although I am sure they will have their suspicions) because we want them to be able to just enjoy being served without feeling they need to give anything in return. Everyone deserves to feel that every once in a while. No matter what time of year it is.
Merry Christmas, Abbie and Scott, and Ella! We love you guys!!!
Merry Christmas Emalei and Fabio
When Leisa and I found out we had Emalei and Fabio, we decided we wanted to tailor our service around school children in need since that is something Emalei has been passionate about. One Sunday night we were watching 60 Minutes and this story was on. It was so touching and we were very much impressed with the service provided especially for school children. We did some research for programs that helped homeless school children on the Wasatch Front and found one called The Road Home. We contacted them and received a list of toys, clothes, etc. that were needed/wanted this Christmas.
We then went to the store (which shall not be named) and purchased items that were on the list and took it up to the Kandy Kane Korner in Salt Lake City just a few days before Christmas. We took our camera with us to get pictures of us delivering the gifts, but the batteries were dead. Nonetheless, the workers were so excited to recieve our gifts for the children and we are sure that they were received with happy, thankful hearts.
It is tough to hear stories this time of year about people who are so poor and in such need, but it also opens all of our eyes as to how well off we are and how much more we can do for those in need. This was a great experience for us to rack our brain and think of others during this time of giving.
We then went to the store (which shall not be named) and purchased items that were on the list and took it up to the Kandy Kane Korner in Salt Lake City just a few days before Christmas. We took our camera with us to get pictures of us delivering the gifts, but the batteries were dead. Nonetheless, the workers were so excited to recieve our gifts for the children and we are sure that they were received with happy, thankful hearts.
It is tough to hear stories this time of year about people who are so poor and in such need, but it also opens all of our eyes as to how well off we are and how much more we can do for those in need. This was a great experience for us to rack our brain and think of others during this time of giving.
Merry Christmas Fabio and Emalei, We Love You
Love Dale and Leisa
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas Mom and Dad
Mom and Dad, I am excited to do your service this coming Spring. I have most of it arranged. Here is the story.
Dad had mentioned a couple times that with my photography skills, it might be nice to offer a complimentary session to a Senior who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford Senior pictures. I thought this was a fantastic idea but was worried about how I would find someone.
At church, I attended a class and got to know a girl my age named Anna. Anna is a psychologist and works with disadvantaged students. I emailed her and asked if she knew any schools that she could put me in contact with or if she worked with any students who fit the criteria (disadvantaged, poor, but someone who is striving to be better and do better). She emailed me back and said that one young girl in particular came to mind and that she would also put me in contact with an inner city school that deals with students with learning and emotional disabilities.
Because of laws governing privacy I must wait for the young woman to contact me, but Anna told me that she is ecstatic. With Village Academy, I contacted the school and the person of contact was very excited as well and told me that she knew of just the person: a young man, a Senior in high school and one of TWELVE children. Like Anna said, Senior pictures aren't something that some of these students even think about because their families can barely keep food on the table. This young man's mother has already been in contact with me and we are planning on doing a session with her son this coming Spring.
I am excited for this opportunity to share something I love with a young high school student in need. Thank you Dad for offering this suggestion and thank you for being an example of giving. The one gift that I still remember is the KIVA gift card you gave us 5 years ago. Every 8-10 months I am reminded of this gift as the money is returned and I get to re-gift it to another person throughout the world trying to get their feet on the ground.
Merry Christmas!
Dad had mentioned a couple times that with my photography skills, it might be nice to offer a complimentary session to a Senior who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford Senior pictures. I thought this was a fantastic idea but was worried about how I would find someone.
At church, I attended a class and got to know a girl my age named Anna. Anna is a psychologist and works with disadvantaged students. I emailed her and asked if she knew any schools that she could put me in contact with or if she worked with any students who fit the criteria (disadvantaged, poor, but someone who is striving to be better and do better). She emailed me back and said that one young girl in particular came to mind and that she would also put me in contact with an inner city school that deals with students with learning and emotional disabilities.
Because of laws governing privacy I must wait for the young woman to contact me, but Anna told me that she is ecstatic. With Village Academy, I contacted the school and the person of contact was very excited as well and told me that she knew of just the person: a young man, a Senior in high school and one of TWELVE children. Like Anna said, Senior pictures aren't something that some of these students even think about because their families can barely keep food on the table. This young man's mother has already been in contact with me and we are planning on doing a session with her son this coming Spring.
I am excited for this opportunity to share something I love with a young high school student in need. Thank you Dad for offering this suggestion and thank you for being an example of giving. The one gift that I still remember is the KIVA gift card you gave us 5 years ago. Every 8-10 months I am reminded of this gift as the money is returned and I get to re-gift it to another person throughout the world trying to get their feet on the ground.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Dane and Bridget
This year for Christmas Scott and I had Dane and Bridget's name. We thought about many different service projects and decided to do one that was coordinated by my church. Every year the church has a program called, "Christ Child Project". The goal is to get at least 100 parish members to sign up to sponsor a child in need. Each member is given the gender and age of a child and asked to go out and spend $100 on that child in the form of pajamas, jeans, shirts, socks, underwear, toys, books, etc. Once all the items are purchased, they are brought to the church's auditorium where they are sorted, priced (prices are displayed as 1/4 of the retail price) and placed on tables. Once everything is out and organized the auditorium is opened up to a pre-selected number of families who are given "$100" (think similar to Monopoly money) and are allowed to go in and buy gifts for their younger family members.
As one can imagine, there are many stages throughout the duration of the program where help is needed. Scott and I decided to attend the evening where priced items were sorted and displayed on tables... the final step before opening the doors to poorer members of the community.
I can't tell you the wave of emotion I felt as I walked into this large auditorium and began helping fill it with beautiful hats, mittens, shoes, boots, sweaters, jeans, underwear, jammies, socks, coats, trucks, baby dolls, toy strollers, stuffed animals, doll houses, books, bikes, games, and more. The place was wall to wall stacked and stuffed with items that any young child would love. I felt so much love in the auditorium that night and sure, sappy Abbie, I was on the verge of tears nearly the entire time. I just couldn't stop thinking about how much these little children were going to love these toys and how members of the Parish had been so generous in their donations. I really felt that this is what Christmas should be about, especially for those of us who have been given so much. I was reading an interview with Maya Angelou a couple days ago in which she told the interviewer that her grandmother had always told her, "Sister, when you get, give. When you learn, teach." When you get... give...
We took two photographs but unfortunately one was with my phone and it got deleted. :( I'm sad because it was a larger view of Scott and the room. Oh well. So here is a photo of me folding clothes and trying to make them look presentable. :)
Merry Christmas Dane and Bridget. I hope you have enjoyed reading what we did for you. :)
As one can imagine, there are many stages throughout the duration of the program where help is needed. Scott and I decided to attend the evening where priced items were sorted and displayed on tables... the final step before opening the doors to poorer members of the community.
I can't tell you the wave of emotion I felt as I walked into this large auditorium and began helping fill it with beautiful hats, mittens, shoes, boots, sweaters, jeans, underwear, jammies, socks, coats, trucks, baby dolls, toy strollers, stuffed animals, doll houses, books, bikes, games, and more. The place was wall to wall stacked and stuffed with items that any young child would love. I felt so much love in the auditorium that night and sure, sappy Abbie, I was on the verge of tears nearly the entire time. I just couldn't stop thinking about how much these little children were going to love these toys and how members of the Parish had been so generous in their donations. I really felt that this is what Christmas should be about, especially for those of us who have been given so much. I was reading an interview with Maya Angelou a couple days ago in which she told the interviewer that her grandmother had always told her, "Sister, when you get, give. When you learn, teach." When you get... give...
We took two photographs but unfortunately one was with my phone and it got deleted. :( I'm sad because it was a larger view of Scott and the room. Oh well. So here is a photo of me folding clothes and trying to make them look presentable. :)
Merry Christmas Dane and Bridget. I hope you have enjoyed reading what we did for you. :)
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Anchor's Away
Grandpa Hamblin was the only grandpa I knew, my dad's father having died when my dad was a teenager. I grew up spending every other summer at my grandparent's cabin in Wyoming, going on the zip line, braving outdoor toilets, eating hotcakes, building fires, breaking pinatas, sleeping in the camper, hiking, and baking cookies to name just a few activities. He and grandma would often drive up to Washington to spend time with us or take care of us while my parents went on various trips. I can think of many times when we visited Mt. Rainier with Grandma and Grandpa or did things around the house with them.
Grandpa was one of the sweetest men I knew. He was always interested in what you were up to, always wanted to give you hugs and squeezes, and was always (always) excited to see you. You felt special, you felt important, you felt loved around Grandpa. He would share tales from his childhood and stories of his work life-a fascinating life that took him all over the state of Wyoming.
So as his life has come to a close I just want to say thank you Grandpa. Thanks for being so loving, kind, considerate, understanding, and sweet. Thanks for being you. Until we meet once more. Here's wishing you a happy voyage home!
Grandpa was one of the sweetest men I knew. He was always interested in what you were up to, always wanted to give you hugs and squeezes, and was always (always) excited to see you. You felt special, you felt important, you felt loved around Grandpa. He would share tales from his childhood and stories of his work life-a fascinating life that took him all over the state of Wyoming.
So as his life has come to a close I just want to say thank you Grandpa. Thanks for being so loving, kind, considerate, understanding, and sweet. Thanks for being you. Until we meet once more. Here's wishing you a happy voyage home!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
England-Scotland (For the Kids)
Bill and I went to England and Scotland in September to visit some friends. This is our way of sharing our trip with our kids. (This is long with lots of pictures so choose for yourself if you want to continue)
We flew into Manchester, England
We started our first day by attending the temple in Preston, England. It is a beautiful setting with the England MTC on the same grounds along with a Stake Center.
Next stop was into York and the York Minstrey and the town of York.
Tuesday was spent in Stirling, Scotland at the Stirling Castle
We flew into Manchester, England
We started our first day by attending the temple in Preston, England. It is a beautiful setting with the England MTC on the same grounds along with a Stake Center.
This was the beginning of our visits to castles. This particular one, Castle Howard is still partially occupied by the Howard family. What a life.
Monday, we left for Scotland but stopping first at Beatrix Potter's house before leaving the country. (she wrote a series of children's books such as Peter Rabbit)
We spent the night at Loch Lommond at the Inn at Inverbeg - charming but cold.
Wednesday we drove in pouring rain to Glamis Castle - outside of Dundee, Scotland. This is where Queen Mum (Margaret) grew up. It was fascinating.
While in the castle, the rain passed and the sun came out. It was beautiful.
We drove a short distance to Dunnottar Castle. This place was AMAZING
We drove toward St Andrews to find a place to stay. We found a nice B&B in Arbroath. So nice and loved the owners.
Thursday morning we left for St. Andrews. The collage is there that Prince William and Kate met while attending collage. It was freshman week so all the students were coming back to campus. It was a small town but full of people and excitement in the air.
After walking the town etc. we drove on to Edinburgh and spent the next two nights there. AND what did we see in Edinburgh? Another castle and walked Royal Mile that is full of shops and historic buildings.
We really did have our friends with us the whole time. Just didn't include any pictures of them. Although we were mainly interested in visiting all the castles we did, it was interesting and intriguing. We loved them all. The countryside and towns were beautiful and lodging was good. We parted from our friends Friday afternoon and Bill and I walked the streets of Edinburgh and enjoyed the atmosphere.
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