Eight mitzvahs.

by

love.

eight good deeds.

To my tremendous dismay shock the Tornado turns eight this weekend.

Seriously.  Shock could not be more fitting a word.

When I launched this blog she looked something like this:

j

Drooly canine sidekick.

Hovered around here for a while:

black bean brownies, ya'll!

black bean brownies? thumbs up!

Started school and plateaued here for a bit:

"Watch and remember, Mama."

Im a climbing Tornado!

And then seemingly *suddenly* shotUPgrewUP to this:

bella nutripro juicer

ahhh juicing pulp. we love ye.

I recall feeling sad when she turned five because it felt as if she werent little any more.

Five *sounded* so grown up & I feared both the change (school! no more 24/7 sidekick!) and the unknown of her getting older.

I wasnt sure I’d like it. In fact I was fairly confident Id dislike it.

Three years later Im amazed how it’s only gotten better.

Gone are days of spontaneous, inexplicable tantrums and here are days of burgeoning ability to reason and emerging sense of ‘doing unto others.’

left on my computer

<3 <3

We’re a family who strives to live the notion of service being the rent we pay for living.

More than caring about the Tornado’s career-path, whether she marries or *any* of those things I care–tremendously–she’s grateful, giving and realizes “there but for the grace of G-d go I.”

After watching bloggy friends do good deeds in honor of  birthdays I suggested to the Tornado she do the same to celebrate hers.

Eight mitzvahs to celebrate turning eight.

I completely abdicated to her what the deeds would be (which, like letting her find her gratitude, I found surprisingly challenging!).

Some were easy & fun (play-dates/mom-time) while others forced her entirely out of her comfort-zone (interacting with the homeless & introducing herself to new people).

The whole process, from creation to checking off list, was an opportunity for me to watch and appreciate how she’s grown in the past year.

Im aware the days of I want! I want! may be right around the proverbial corner–but celebrating eight with I give! I give! was a Helper’s High-filled experience we both learned from.

About ourselves and about each other.

And yes.

Ive committed, at her request, to 45 mitzvahs before I turn 45 culminating with a TAKE WHAT YOU NEED Day!

Look out OAKtown.

Later.

First?

It’s time to celebrate eight.

 

unapologetically herself.

unapologetically herself.

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Comments

  2. Happy Birthday Tornado!! What a wonderful idea to do that. I see so many kids with the “what’s in it for me” attitude. Even if she goes through the “I want” phase, you’ve laid the foundation for her to grow into a caring, selfless woman.

  3. One of my biggest hopes and dreams for my kids is to grow up to be happy and helpful adults. I want them to give and learn the feeling that gives you. That feeling is invaluable! Happy b-day Tornado and mom!

  6. She is so adorable! What a wonderful idea! I had a friend who did something similar, on her birthday she asked her 20 closest friends to do a random act of kindness and take a picture of it. Was such a nice thing to do, and really changes your perspective on things with how happy the people the act was directed towards were. 🙂 I am sure you will experience your heart swell also!

  9. i love this idea. What a great PURPOSEFUL 8 year celebration. Enjoy being part of it and what a wonderful mama you are. Hope to see you this week! happy bday tornado!

  12. It is amazing that she is turning 8! I remember those younger pics – WOW!!!

    I love what you have taught her by example – by just being you! What a great idea to have her do that & she is an amazing girl!

    Have a wonderful one in Austin with family & friends!

  16. Aww happy birthday to her. She is growing into such a wonderful young lady. I know what you mean about how they hover at a certain age and then they shoot up into these mini adults – CRAZY!!! Have a wonderful Thanksgivingukkah!

  17. K, this post made me tear up! She is growing up and She is FABULOUS!! I adore the note with her 8 Mitzvahs! I hope if/when I have a daughter can instill even half this much confidence and kindness in her! LOVE!

  22. Happy Birthday, Tornado! It has been a real pleasure watching you grow. I wish you much happiness!

  27. That is wonderful! At first I thought, since this is Channukah, that instead of 8 days of gifts, she’d be doing eight mitzvahs, but how wonderful to have her celebrate her birthday in this way and to think of ways to give back! Mazel Tov to Tornado and may she have a wonderful coming year “twisting and turning” her way through your home!

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