payin' it forward.

This package arrived this week.  Followed by a second one.  Both packages have a story.  A story involving an incredible act of random kindness... follow along if you'd like:

I received an email about 2 weeks ago from "Jen". She had found my blog some time ago through Liz's blog (forever thank you, Liz!). she remembered me posting pictures of Hunter & I at an LA Galaxy soccer game. She remembered how much Hunter loved soccer and especially The Galaxy.


She went on to share with me that her father had passed 8 months ago, and that he had always lived a life of paying it forward. He would do complete random acts of kindness for strangers all the time... Jen is hoping to follow in her father's footsteps.

To make a long story short, Jen is the personal assistant to one of the L.A. Galaxy's most popular players (and Hunter's favorite player). In fact, Hunter shares the same number on his soccer jersey. Jen offered to send Hunter a signed jersey... just because...and where should she send it???

Whoa! I thought at first...is this for real?  I have seen one too many Oprah Winfrey episodes to trust this kind of an email.  I was hesitant. 

She assured me she wasn't a creep, and in fact linked me to her fun and creative blog.  After reading her blog, my intuition was telling me "give her the address"... and so I took a leap of faith...and boy am I glad i did!

What Hunter doesn't know is that he is receiving a signed World Cup jersey, a birthday message and autographed photo, as well as the lastest copy of ESPN magazine signed as well... from his favorite professional soccer player for his 10th birthday!!  June 10th can't come fast enough... Keeping this a secret from him has been a true test.

Speaking of random acts of kindness, I missed a few days of work this week to take care of a minor medical procedure that has been long overdue.  And to quote Dusan: "Man, you should have surgery every week!"...

He didn't really mean that. But it has been incredible the amount of visitors, food, flowers, balloons, cards, emails, help transporting the kids to dance and sports, and phone calls that have come through this week. We have been so blessed, it has made putting my feet up so much easier. 

I am so grateful. 

Avery came home the first night with 20 cards written by her kindergarten class.  Let me tell you: there is no better remedy.

This morning I was able to save up enough energy to hitch a ride and back to the Kindergarten Mother's Day Tea.  It was a beautiful program filled with songs, poetry recited by the kids, gifts, and yummy treats.  Such a fun morning. 



{I love how this picture shows how loopity-loo I was really feeling today...and I hope no one catches on that I haven't had the strength to wash my hair since Tuesday...but anything to be there, right?}

I have so many things to be thankful for this Mother's Day.  I plan to inappropriately prop up my feet on the coffee table in the living room as much as possible.

I hope your day is special too.