Sowing Seeds of Kindness

by The Gardner Team on February 20, 2012

Sowing seeds of kindness everyday is really what life is all about.  I’m a firm believer that what you put out in energy is what you’ll get back so keeping it positive will attract like.

I think it’s fantastic that the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation declared a whole week campaign vs just a day to celebrate.  It’s a great opportunity to remind ourselves to not overlook the simple and important things.  To challenge ourselves to be more aware, do something more, something different or anything at all.  Random Acts of Kindness week sets both a good example and opportunity to get involved with others because it’s positive, fun and also teaches our youth goodwill.  On a personal note, one thing we consistently are teaching our boys is to simply do what you can with what you have, I love that quote and feel it applies great here… If what you have to give is a smile, USE it!  If that’s a being warm, expressing kind words, bring friendly, caring, compassionate, considerate, humane, sympathetic or charitable, acting from the point of kindness is your moment to be the change you wish to see in the world.

While for many performing these day-to-day acts may not be out of the ordinary, considering the effect of our actions by those around us can be profound.  We may never know how the benefactor of our ripple effect might be touched by that act – whether it be a simple smile, a helping hand, gesture or something anonymous that happens random in their day… it may very well be just the thing that turns their day around or magnifies into something more because it spreads.

I’m full of gratitude and want to express my personal appreciation for the acts of kindness that I am witness to or have received, during RAK week and all the other days of the year. Whether it be a conscious or unconscious effort, we really are surrounded by all types of kindness – everywhere – all the time.  It might just be a matter of having the right mind set and being open to recognizing it.  Thanks to all who accepted the challenge to be more aware this week – those who participated with us or around us.  I’m thankful for those I know and even don’t know who make those lasting impressions on others and expect nothing in return.  We need more people like YOU in the world. Thanks for being an inspiration, your kindness is appreciated!

We added another element of fun during RAK week on our blog and facebook Page asking anyone willing to share a simple act of kindness they performed or received during Random Acts of Kindness week on The Gardner Team’s facebook page or blog.  For each post their names were entered into a drawing. We held five drawings and all five prizes are also being purchased from locally owned businesses which keeps their kindness rolling.  We appreciate their willingness to share, it’s a great way to encourage spreading more positivity into the world.

Here’s those entries and our 5 randomly drawn winners:

You can see them all on our wall at www.facebook.com/gardnerteam and blog post

Moya Shared: ?Ron Christian took time out of his busy weekend to take photos for my daughter & friends on the Sherwood High School Equestrian Team in the freezing cold all day. Thanks Ron! He even took lots more time to post the photos, and tag the kids he knew on Facebook.

Brenda Shared: I received a Valentine’s card today that had “Hello Kitty” on it. I know that my cousin’s daughter Coco, who has Cornelia DeLange Syndrome LOVES kitties, so before even going home with it I went directly to her and delivered it. She is virtually non verbal, but OH did she start talking in sentences even! I was so proud of her! “HAPPY DAY, HAPPY DAY” and running around smiling from ear to ear and getting her stuffed animal kitty to let me pet. I even got 2 hugs for it which is an amazing feat in it’s self! I was so happy to make her happy with this so small of a token which meant so much to her! I love making other people feel wonderful and happy!

Sara Shared: Had children home-make Valentine decorations and go to a Retirement home near by to decorate. Some of the folks called the kids Valentine Angels. It was great for all involved. DRAWING WINNER of a Polar Bear Yogurt Gift Certificate. Thank you for “serving” and sharing this “cool” and inspirational story of kindness!

Angie Shared: I volunteered/donated my photography to the Edy Ridge and Archer Glen silent auctions.  DRAWING WINNER of a Sweet Story Bakery Gift Certificate. Thank you for sharing your “sweet” contributions and “story” of kindness!

Brenda Shared: I took my Mother and her friend grocery shopping, and at the same time was able to give out 2 Relay Tee’s to new team members so we can proudly represent ACS Relay For Life at all times! We joke that I take them to the grocery store when they offer the geriatric discounts, but this really matters to those on fixed incomes. To my surprise I was also told that we can place donation cans at their store for Relay too!!! What a great day!  DRAWING WINNER of a Dutch Bros Gift Certificate.  “Thanks-a-latte” for sharing your positive “energy” and acts of kindness!

Lauri Shared: I babysat my friend’s children while she cooked dinner.

Tammy Shared: Volunteering at the District Wrestling Tournament being hosted at SHS so that the wrestling parents can just enjoy watching their kids and don’t have to miss anything.

Tammy Shared: Gave each person in my Bible study group a Scripture marker/highlighter and challenged them to do a Random Act of Kindness.  DRAWING WINNER of a wooden sign by Jen.  Thank you for “highlighting” inspirational ways to show “signs” of kindness to others.

Lori Shared: Kelly and I were loading a huge box into our truck at Costco when people stopped their rig so the husband could get out and help us…then another lady came up to take our big trolly/cart clear back to the store. I love Tigard and Oregon!

Moya Shared: We went to a 4H clinic, and noticed there was another Tennessee Walking Horse. which is rare in 4H. My daughter & her horse spent the rest of the clinic “bonding” . At the end of the day they had each others phone numbers & plan to ride together. Not such an odd ball after that. It reminds me of when two Italian’s bond after realizing they are both Italian.

Meagan Shared: I have been grocery shopping for an elderly lady for 6 yrs now, completely volunteering under Faith In Action in Sherwood, and have loved the bond that has formed as I see her each week. She has said that she wouldn’t b doin what I’ve been doin (she would be shoppin at Nordstroms) ha ha, but I am happy to help her & grateful that now, after all these yrs, my kids call her Grandma (my parents have passed) What started as a simple volunteer position has grown into a friendship and a bond for my kids. Random acts of kindness return much more than expected!!!  DRAWING WINNER of a Celebrating Home Candle purchased from a local distributor from an online Relay For Life fundraiser benefiting Team Fight Like You Mean It! Thank you for “lighting” the way with your inspirational acts of kindness!

Marika Shared: We focused on acts of kindness at Hopkins this week and I have been reading The Bucket book (tips for a happy life and written for upper elementary students) to my 5th graders. Being 8 months pregnant, I am having a lot of trouble with pain in my legs and ankles and am supposed to put my feet up more. We always do read aloud on the carpet and my sweet students have been setting up two chairs for me all week–one to sit in and one for my feet. So nice! We’ve focused on “filling other peoples’ buckets” by showing acts of kindness to those around us. Great message!

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Dine & Dance to Support the Sherwood YMCA

by The Gardner Team on February 18, 2012

Puttin’ on the Glitz

Puttin’ on the Glitz is the 2nd Annual Dine & Dance hosted in support of the Sherwood YMCA.  This Sherwood event takes place Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 6:30 to 10:00.

  • Saturday, March 3rd, 2012
  • Silent Auction Benefits the
    Strong Communities Campaign
  • Time:  6:30-10:00 pm
  • Where:  Bella Via in Old Town Sherwood
  • Price:  $30 per person, $50 per couple

Purchase tickets at the Y or online at ymcacw.org and click on events.  They invite you to join them for an evening of dinner, danceing and benefiting our community.  Childcare provided at the Sherwood Regional Family YMCA.  Reservations for childcare are required.  There will be a limited number of tickets at the door at $50 per person.  For more information, contact the Sherwood YMCA for more information.

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Thank you for keeping your home in mint condition!

by The Gardner Team on February 16, 2012

Thank you for keeping your home in MINT condition while it’s on the market!

The minute I received an email from my friend about her daughter selling Girl Scout Cookies, this idea around the ever popular “Thin Mint” popped right in my head!

We appreciate our clients and all their hard work.  It’s a team effort to make sure our homes are always prepared and present well, in the best possible light while on the market.

It was exciting to get our cookies during Random Acts of Kindness week as the idea was to send a sweet token of appreciation.  A lot of work goes into selling a home.  From preparing the home for the market, maintenance and making sure it’s ready for showings and open houses among many other things – we sure appreciate or clients ongoing efforts in keeping their home in MINT condition while it’s on the market!

Here’s the little stickers I made custom for the boxes.  Jason has started delivering these fun little gifts to our sellers in Sherwood and the surrounding area.

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Random Acts of Kindness Campaign

by The Gardner Team on February 13, 2012

 

It’s random acts of kindness week so we thought it would be fun to share a list of ideas that you can share in doing around your neighborhood or community.  There are hundreds of ideas out there, but to get you started you’ll find several different bullet points below that may help to inspire some of those ideas of your own.

One thing we can all agree on is that simply doing good feels good, and we want to add another element of fun to that so when you spread kindness we’ll also spread some love with a few prizes purchased from “locally owned businesses” that everyone will have an opportunity to win courtesy of The Gardner Team.

We believe that to truly “spread” kindness there shouldn’t be restrictions, so please feel free to share your acts from wherever you are — should your name be drawn we will make sure to send you a gift certificate that can be used anywhere!!

The Power of Kindness

When you spread goodwill everyone benefits.  The kindness you initiate leaves an impression that inspires more kindness that spreads from one person to another like a ripple effect.  We’d like to put the power of kindness to the test with a fun challenge EVERYONE can participate in right here on our blog or facebook page.  This is not a competition,  just a fun challenge to spread kindness and be kind to one another.  Of course The Gardner Family will pitch in with some random acts of kindness too, making a point to be more aware and act on opportunities all around us to spread kindness – but we will not be entering the drawing, that’s fun is reserved just for you!

To kick off the week I performed several Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) to pay it forward and make another persons day – but the one I felt was the most profound today was free!  When I made a point to make eye contact with more people and smile big – that simple gesture never failed to make the other person smile back and in that moment, it made both of us happy!  So here’s to smiling purposefully!

Be a good neighbor, pay it forward with a random act of kindness in your neighborhood or community.

Here’s the rules to enter our drawing:

  1. Simply share your act of kindness with us.
  2. Leave a comment and share what you’ve done. You can leave a comment on this blog post or on our facebook page, we’ll count them all!
  3. Make sure to include your name in your post so we can address you should you be a winner.
  4. You can enter more than once, the goal is to spread as much kindness possible. Each post will be automatically entered into our “Good Neighbor” drawing.
  5. Random Acts of Kindness week runs Monday, February 13th through 19th, 2012. Make sure to submit your comments/post during that time frame to be entered into our “Good Neighbor” drawing to be held Monday with all winners announced here on our blog and facebook page. Make sure to check back, we will post the winners names and request that you email us at @amber@gardnerteam.net if at that time you see yours so we can make arrangements at that point to deliver or mail your prize.

Ideas to Spread Acts of Kindness in Your Neighborhood or Community

Ideas courtesy of RandomActsofKindness.org and The Gardner Team

  • Say “Thanks-A-Latte” for being a good neighbor with a coffee gift card from your “local” coffee shop. Leave it on your neighbors doorstep with a little note of appreciation from you.
  • Plant flowers at a neighborhood school.
  • Clean up litter on a stretch of road in your neighborhood.
  • Clean up your neighborhood park.
  • Make a point to smile and wave at everyone, and wish them a good day.
  • Be a good neighbor and offer to spruce up the yard of a neighbor or friend who is ill or who has just had surgery or a death in the family.
  • Organize spring and fall clean-up projects. Choose an area that needs attention and collect debris, abandoned items, and other materials that have collected in the area.
  • Welcome a new neighbor with a welcome basket or baked treat.
  • Be a good Samaritan and roll an elderly neighbor’s garbage cans to or from the curb on pick-up day.
  • Put together a charity run/walk through your neighborhood streets. Runners either pay an entrance fee or get sponsors for their run with money raised going to a charity, like Liam’s Six Dollar Club!
  • Get a group together to drive to a children’s facility and distribute Random Acts of Kindness bookmarks with kindness quotes on them that you have made.
  • Be a good citizen, hold the door open for someone.
  • Don’t participate in gossip or bullying.
  • Gather a few neighbors to adopt an entrance to your neighborhood and periodically have a get-together to keep it weeded and cleaned up.  Serve refreshments and make it fun like a Saturday morning party!
  • Offer to share your skills at your local school such as reading, writing, or math help.
  • Create “Kindness – Pass It On” cards for residents to pass from one person to another to accompany kind acts that they do for one another. The card might have a simple graphic with the words: “This act of kindness was performed especially for you. Please offer an act of kindness to someone else, and pass this card on to that person.” Here’s a fun idea that’s being spread all over, check out what our sons teacher is doing with her Kindness Kard campaign!
  • Collect teddy bears for police officers to give to traumatized children. Attach a note to each teddy bear for the donating resident to sign. Invite a police officer and/or trauma social worker to your neighborhood HOA meeting to accept the bears and speak to the residents briefly about the role kindness plays during a traumatic time of need.  If you’d like you can also donate any “new” stuffed animals to a local campaign that collects annually.  Also spearheaded by our sons teacher Lindsay Walker, her mission brings people of all ages together to collect animals for the Michael Grimm Foundation. Each “With Love From Michael” animal is donated to our very own local children’s hospitals to bring joy to children in treatment there.  Something you may have also heard about or seen through “Stuff the Truck” projects held around Sherwood.
  • Anything else you come up with… Please share!

 

Here’s to spreading kindness, and more importantly having fun living a healthier life though being kind to one another.

Amber Gardner and friends!

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Sherwood Mr. Bowmen Pageant Raises Funds at Manzana Grill

by The Gardner Team on February 7, 2012

Fundraiser for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital

Mr. Bowmen is an annual Sherwood event that Seniors from Sherwood High School boys compete in.  It runs a lot like any other pageant, but in this competition they’re judged on fundraisers, community service, talent and student body support.

The Mr. Bowmen Pageant consists of 12 senior boys who are competing in the 2012 contest.  They do many things to help raise funds and awareness such as sell calendars, collect donations from friends, neighbors and family members.  All the money that is raised through their fundraising efforts goes directly to Doernbecher Childrens Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Last year Sherwood High School raised $22,000 for Doernbecher and this year they’re looking to exceed that amount through the communities support.  Recently these seniors took a tour of the facility to learn more about what Doernbecher does and how they help make kids lives a little easier when they’re going through treatment. Here’s an opportunity for you to help too.

When The Gardner Team was asked to help get the word out to promote this event we were all over it.  This may not be the first time you’ve heard or read about us sharing this event. That’s because we want to keep reminding you of what a great opportunity it is to support a good cause.  Through personal experience, we know first hand if wasn’t for children’s hospitals like Doernbecher our oldest son Tyler may not be here with us today. Nearly 18 years later we can say they truly “work miracles!” and it’s grass root fundraising efforts such as this that helps them to.

 

Make a Difference at Manzana Grill

When: All day Wednesday, February 8th

Where:  Manzana Rotisserie Grill located at 305 1st Street in Lake Oswego, OR 97034 (Call for Reservations at 503-675-3322 )

Why:  This is a great way to help make a difference in your community. Supporting these Seniors efforts raises money for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital!

 

Again, all day Wednesday you can eat at Manzana and they will donate 10% to the Make Miracles Foundation at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital! 

 

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Presidents Day Baseball Camps in Sherwood

by The Gardner Team on February 4, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

The 2012 Sherwood Junior Baseball season is inching closer.  With the spring season around the corner baseball camps are about to be in full swing.  There are two locations offering Presidents Day youth baseball camps and clinics in Sherwood.  The annual Bowmen Baseball Camp at Sherwood High Schol and new this year, professional clinics at the new full service baseball facility, Fielders Choice next to DMV.

As parents of boys who are very active in Sherwood baseball, the Gardner Family has spent a lot of time in personal training with Coach Stro over the past couple years and we’ve also attended clinics with Coach Powers.  Both of which are outstanding examples and we can’t speak highly enough about them and the positive difference that they’ve made in our sons life.  We’d have no problem giving Coach Stro and Fielders Choice our personal recommendation.

 

Bowmen Baseball Youth Camps

Coach Strohmaier’s annual Bowmen Baseball youth camp is being held March 3rd & 4th, 2012.
Baseball Camp Registration Form: BowmenBaseballCamp2012

Players will attend on both days.

March 3, 2012 
2nd – 4th grade: 8– 10:30am
5th – 8th grade: 11 – 1:30pm
March 4, 2012
2nd – 4th grade 8 – 10:30pm
5th – 8th grade 11– 1:30pm

Where: Sherwood High School Gyms
Cost: Pre-Registration fee is $60 (before Feb. 23rd, $70 after Feb. 23rd) $110 for 2 or more from same family, $130 for 2 or more from same family after Feb. 23rd)

Act now, those who register late are NOT GUARANTEED to receive a T-shirt.

 

Fielders Choice Presidents Day Camps

Coach Don Powers and his team of professionals will be offering two sessions on Presidents Day.

Sessions: 7-11 years and 11 to 14 years | Cost: $50 dollars

The two Presidents Day sessions they’re offering is a 4 hour long camp. Each session covers fundamentals specific to age and ability level.  Some of the fun also includes playing lite-flight baseball and other activities while practicing baseball skills.  They need a minimum of 10 campers per session.

  • Ages 7-11 years: 8:30 to 12:30
  • Ages 11-14 years: 1:30 to 5:30
  • Bring a snack.

For more information email: don@fielderschoicebb.com

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Sherwood Home with Mt. Hood Views

by The Gardner Team on January 29, 2012

Beautiful pictures with Mt. Hood views just taken from our Baker Road listing for sale in Sherwood, Oregon.  The moment you arrive is an instant getaway!  A private drive leads to a circle driveway surrounded by immaculate grounds and detailed landscape design where a sprawling 5,180 square foot Santa Fe inspired daylight ranch sits.  Embraced by wide open space along 15 premiere acres, this breathtaking backdrop offers an ideal growing climate with an East to Southeast facing 13 acre pasture with gradual slope.

A property that boasts a masterfully planned design, this Sherwood luxury home on acreage exudes quality craftsmanship, flow and ease of living all on one level…  Luxurious features, and amenities are achieved through the attractive architecture, tile roof, archways, custom walls of windows, use of Brazilian cherry, white oak and hemlock hardwoods and built-ins, imported tile, granite, stone work, mahogany decking, stamped concrete and more…

24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295)

(all data current as of 3/7/2012)
Price $1,225,000
Beds 4
Baths 3 full, 1 half
Home size 5,180 sq ft
Lot Size 653,400 sq ft
Luxurious & inviting 15 acre custom daylight ranch estate with immaculate ground, masterfully planned design with one level living. New full guest quarter accommodations on lower level, sprawling gourmet kitchen, walls of windows, breathtaking views, wrap around deck, large billiard room, master retreat, quality craftsmanship & beautiful finishes throughout. Mount Hood Views!
Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295) Tiny photo for 24348 SW Baker RD, Sherwood, OR 97140 (MLS # 11323295)

Property Type(s): DETACHD

Last Updated 3/2/2012 Tract n/a
Year Built 2003 Community n/a
Garage Spaces 6.0 County Clackamas
Total Parking 6 Walk Score ® 5

Price History

Prior to Jan 27, '12 $1,325,000
Jan 27, '12 - Today $1,225,000

Schools

Elementary School Archer Glen
Middle School Sherwood
High School Sherwood

Additional Details

Features

2ndBedroomFeatures High Ceilings, Wall to Wall Carpet
3rdBedroomFeatures Suite
AccessibilityFeatures One Level*
AccessibilityYN Yes
AdditionalRoom1Description Bonus Room
AdditionalRoom1Features Hardwood Floors
AdditionalRoom2Description Guest Quarters
AdditionalRoom2Features Kitchen, Suite
AdditionalRoomFeatures Hardwood Floors, Kitchen, Suite
AdditionalRooms Bonus Room, Guest Quarters
AllRoomFeatures Deck, Fireplace, Gourmet Kitchen, Granite, Hardwood Floors, High Ceilings, Kitchen, Suite, Wall to Wall Carpet
Area Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, Wilsonville
BasementFoundation Daylight
CoolingDescription Central Air Conditioning
DiningRoomFeatures Hardwood Floors, High Ceilings
ExteriorDescription Fiber Cement, STUCCO
ExteriorFeatures DECK, Outbuilding(s), PATIO, PORCH, Private Road, RV Hookup, Sprinkler, Water Feature, YARD
FamilyRoomFeatures Fireplace, Hardwood Floors
FireplaceDescription GAS
FuelDescription Electric, Electricity, GAS
GarageType OVRSIZE
GreenCertificationYN No
HeatingDescription Forced Air - 90%, WALL
HotWaterDescription GAS
IDXYN Yes
InteriorFeatures Built-in Vacuum, Garage Door Opener, GRANITE, Hardwood Floors, Hi-Speed Connection, Tile Floor, Wall to Wall Carpet
KitchenAppliances Built-in Dishwasher, Built-in Double Oven, Built-in Microwave, Built-in Refrigerator, COOKTOP, Gas Appliances, GRANITE, ISLAND, PANTRY
KitchenRoomFeatures Gourmet Kitchen, Granite
LimitedRepresentationYN No
ListingStatus Active
LotDescription LEVEL
LotSize 10 to 19.99 Acres
MasterBedroomFeatures Deck, Suite
MasterBedroomLevel M
PhotosExistYN Yes
PriceType List Price
PropertyCategory RESIDENTIAL
PropertyType DETACHD
RoofType TILE
SellerDisclosure Disclosure
SeniorHousingYN No
SewerDescription SEPTIC
Style 1 Story, Daylight Ranch
Terms Call Listing Agent or Broker, Cash, Conventional Loan
ThirdPartyApprovalYN No
View Mountain, Territorial
ViewYN Yes
WaterDescription WELL
YearBuiltDescription New Construction

Location