The "Giving Thursday" Experiment

It is vital that when educating our children’s brains that we do not neglect to educate their hearts.
--Dalai Lama

Over the past few years, I've started to think a lot about the importance of developing empathy in Tyler and Megan.  I feel like one of the most important perspectives that I can share with them is that they are not alone in this world and that there are many people in the world who have less than they do in one way or another.  Although I know (from books like Born for Love) a lot more than my actions impacts the development of empathy, I also know that we can play a very important role.

This interest has led me to wonderful organizations, such as Doing Good Together and Little Helping Hands, among others.  I've been in communication (and volunteering in whatever way I can) for the wonderful women leading these organizations.  However, even though I've thought alot about taking action and getting involved in family volunteering, I've failed to make it a habit and my best intentions have been remained just that...intentions.

However, recently I've had an opportunity to change that.  Last month, both organizations have been part of the launch of a new program to promote the development of empathy in children, Big Hearted Families.  I signed our family up to be a pilot family for a year. 

I share this mostly so that you all (or the 3 of you who might read this blog) can help to hold me accountable.  After learning a good deal about habits, I realized that I needed to give myself a trigger/cue in order to turn my intentions into action.  So I've decided to institute what Tyler has named "Giving Thursdays."  Each Thursday, I pick the kids up a little early and we either go to a nonprofit or complete a service project at home. 

Below are pictures from our first two Thursdays.  The first Thursday we made cards for the older adults at The Friendship Center and last week we made no-sew fleece blankets for Project Linus.

What the pictures don't show are the conversations that we have reflecting on the experience.  I'm very eager to help the kids understand that we do not help others because we're better than them.  We help because we are all special creations that have unique gifts to offer and we want to make sure that everyone (even those who may be struggling) have the best chance of offering their gifts to the world. 

Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned for more reports on our Giving Thursdays.  Hopefully, we'll one day realize the benefits...as Szalavitz and Perry state in Born for Love, "...raising children in a way that fully expresses empathy may be the key to cultural productivity, creativity, and security."

Making cards for The Friendship Center--When I asked what they liked best about older adults, Tyler responded: "They know all of their manners already."



Making blanket for Project Linus

Their debut?

Could this be the beginning of a brother-sister duo?
My favorite part is around minute 3...


By the way, the lead singer of Built to Be Broken, Benji, is a contestant on The Voice this season.

Entering the world of Cub Scouts

With Ty in first grade, we're continuing a Schmidt family tradition and starting Cub Scouts. Ty's having a great time so far and was proud to wear his new uniform for the first time.

A glimpse into Tyler's 7th Year

Every year, I make Tyler and Megan a book on Shutterfly.  This year I can share the project here.  For those of you who don't get to visit our house very often, here's a glimpse into Ty's 7th year.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Start your own Shutterfly Photo Book today.

Fall firsts

The last couple of weeks have been full of firsts for Tyler and Megan...Tyler's first day of 1st grade and Megan's first soccer practice (you should see her eyes light up when she gets to play). 

Can you tell they like this pose?

Click here for a few more :).

Ty is 7!

It's hard to believe that our little boy is 7 already!  He still loves to make us laugh (as you can tell in the picture below) and is incredibly sweet to his sister (most of the time) and us. 

We had a great celebration on the 3rd with the four of us and then had his friends over for exactly what he wanted...a Lego Ninjago pool party complete with origami ninja throwing stars (or shurikens according to Tyler), a code to transform your name into a ninja name, an awesome ninja training course made by Dad, and of course, fun in the pool.  (Thanks to the blogger behind Craft Interrrupted for making the prep for this party so easy!) Click on the photo below for all of the pictures.

10 days, 3 states, family, friends, and a celebration of 10 years of marriage

My favorite week of the year was absolutely incredible this year.  In a week and a half, we...

1) spent time with Granny and Grandpa and the Shripkas in Palatine that included lots of water fun, play-doh, dancing in matching nightgowns, and hours with the toys in the basement (click on the photo for more)...

2) enjoyed beautiful weather with the Raney's, Burke's and Chernesky's up at my favorite place in the world complete with water-skiing, tubing, lots of swimming, hiking on the raspberry trail, and dinner at the Lakeside Grill (click below for many more photos)...

3) and last but not least, while the kids enjoyed a few more days with the Burke's and Chernesky's up north (thanks again!!), Jeff and I travelled to Portland with our good friends to celebrate our 10th anniversary.  It was an amazing 4 day trip with more beautiful weather and a wonderful way to celebrate the incredible 10 years we've shared  (you know the drill...click the photo for more).