Be Kind - It's a Vivas Thing!

More and more lately, I try to grasp those unexpected fun moments. It's still doesn't happen near as much as I'd like, but this week gave me, not one, but TWO opportunities!

The first was Thursday evening. Punky called with two extra tickets to the PBR Rodeo. The Good Looking One happened to be having dinner with us, and knowing how much he'd love it, I asked him to come along. Thursday he picked me up and away we went. And I had so much fun! It was great watching the bull rides; hollering at them to hold on and grimacing when one fell off! After the bull riding, Riding High Ministries put on a show for us. It was awesome to watch.

Then, last night we had to run to the mall to pick up a couple of things. The Drama Queen had some birthday money and wanted to go to Build-a-Bear, so Bboo and I took her along with us. On the way in, we discovered a carnival. Of course, the Drama Queen was begging to go, so I told her if we were finished in enough time, I'd take her on the Ferris Wheel. We had fun picking out the newest frog (not bear), a few cami's for Bboo and then called hubby.

…Who happened to be on his way to drop of the Talented One at the Twin's house. And he had the Smart One with him. So, I thought it'd be terribly romantic to have him join us and the two of US could go on the Ferris Wheel together!

With beautiful weather and a beautiful night, we had fun watching the Smart One and Bboo go on the Fire Ball. Then we headed to the Ferris Wheel.

Oh…and did you notice the "Be Kind" shirts? You can read more about them on the Josh Stevens Foundation site!

I'm so glad we took a moment to have some unexpected family time! It was great!

Sometimes, being a parent is difficult. There are many things I don't understand, but many more that remind me of God's grace.

I don't understand why my dear friends lost their son two years ago. But I am amazed at how God has blessed their way of honoring their son's life.

I don't understand why two student's at my children's school lost their lives this week. And I don't know what to do to comfort them other than to let them know I love them; and I understand how they feel.

We have lost many friends/loved ones in the past two years. I've been to more funerals during this time than in my entire life.

My heart breaks for loss after loss after loss.

And honestly, there just isn't anything that one can really say to those who have lost their loved ones that will take away their pain.

But we can be there for them. Share our memories with them. Encourage them; show love and kindness.

And be there for them.

I had the honor of listening to my friend last week as he spoke to a group of high schoolers about his son; and his family's loss. I sat there, facing the audience, as he spoke to the room. You could have heard a pin drop in the silence as they listened, tears streaming down many of their faces.

What touched my heart, was his willingness to share with these teenagers how much they are loved! He wanted more than anything, for them to go away knowing that they are loved.

Tonight, my daughter had to dance during half-time at the football game. I know this was hard for them, because they had lost a friend/sister today. They chose to dance to support their friend. After, there was a time of silence. And I prayed. I prayed for the sister who remains and for the family as they struggle to find some type of….something…that will help them through this.

Tonight, I will tell my children they are loved. I'd encourage any parent out there; don't be at a loss for words when it comes to telling your children you love them.

Tell them.

Tell them they are loved. Make sure they know!

If you'd like to know more about how my friend has honored his son's life, please visit

Unexpected Moments

At a Loss