Give Extra and Show the VIPs in Your Life They Matter #ExtraGumMoments #ad

Give Extra to a Special VIP in Your Life This Holiday Season

Since teaching our kids about appreciating others is so important to my husband and me {especially those who give extra to everyone around them}, I was thrilled to be chosen for a special compensated opportunity by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions, as always, are my own and we only share projects and products we believe in.

Have you ever really taken time to think about all of those people in your life, you know, those who make your life fantastic, but don’t always know just what they do for you? I’ll admit that, while we want to make sure our children notice and appreciate the VIPs in our lives who give extra to us every day, I don’t always follow through and make it happen. It’s especially easy to take for granted the people right in front of you.

Give Extra and Show the VIPs in Your Life They Matter #ExtraGumMoments #ad

 

Let me tell you about Lori.

Homeschooling mom of four, volunteer coordinator of our homeschool enrichment co-op, entrepreneur, and wonderful friend, Lori has had some challenges this year, and always shows such strength. She’s an amazing mom, and such a talented woman…

I’m sure, because she quietly goes about doing whatever it takes to make sure that our co-op runs smoothly, that very few people know all she actually does to make things shine. Anytime another family needs to be absent for illness, or whatever, Lori works hard to make sure that the children in the class taught by that family have a wonderful experience. From bringing movies, snacks, and play dough for the tiny ones, to pulling together multiple {and super creative} portable sensory bins on the morning of a co-op day for the preschool sensory play class – she does it all while getting herself and four small children out the door and to co-op on time!

Give Extra and Show the VIPs in Your Life They Matter #ExtraGumMoments #ad

 

She’s truly amazing.

Our family has been so blessed to get to know Lori and her family over the past year. Molly and Lori’s daughter, Hope, have become great friends {and so begin the sleepovers…}. I enjoy getting together with Lori for moms’ night out as much as our girls enjoy getting together.

Give Extra and Show the VIPs in Your Life They Matter #ExtraGumMoments #ad

 

Recently, because running a homeschool co-op, raising four fantastically amazing children, keeping a beautiful home, and being a good friend isn’t enough, Lori has been busy launching a business.

Her new website {still under development}, Hair By Lori, will be a place full of her adorable – and amazing – hairstyles. It’ll also be a place to find out all about her local event offerings, like kids’ birthday parties and mother-daughter hairstyle classes and workshops. While she’s been working to get her business up and going, she’s been busy sharing her styles on Instagram and Facebook, and making her two girls the envy of all the other girls at co-op.

The other day, in her typical generous fashion, Lori continued to give extra and offered to come over and style my girls’ hair for our annual family Christmas party. We got a chance to surprise her, though. It was our turn to give extra!

Give Extra and Show the VIPs in Your Life They Matter #ExtraGumMoments #ad

 

Because she gives extra to anyone she knows, we pulled together an “Extra-special” gift basket for her with Extra gum and some yummy-smelling bath pampering supplies. Molly drew a special picture for “Miss Lori,” and had everyone sign it.

Give Extra and Show the VIPs in Your Life They Matter #ExtraGumMoments #ad

Give Extra and Show the VIPs in Your Life They Matter #ExtraGumMoments #ad

 

I hope that our small act of kindness was a memorable one for her, because she’s memorable, and important, to us.

Give Extra and Show the VIPs in Your Life They Matter #ExtraGumMoments #ad

 

Have you taken time to give extra to the people in your life who make the world a better place? Whether you spread some holiday acts of kindness, do something unexpected, or simply say, “thank you,” it matters.

Oh, and check these ah-mazing hairstyles out! A snowman for Logan and a light up Christmas tree for Molly…my girls were in Heaven! Make sure you let those people who give extra know that you appreciate them this holiday season. It makes a difference.

Give Extra and Show the VIPs in Your Life They Matter #ExtraGumMoments #ad

This was a special post written on behalf of #ExtraGumMoments and #CollectiveBias. It was oh, so fun to pull together and share with you all. I hope you’re inspired to head on out and spread some love with your kids.