Baby Thomas Blake

I have been continuing to follow Thomas' story in the past few weeks. This little boy is such a miracle--surpassing all expectations that have been set for him. Even when his doctors told his parents he probably wouldn't wake up from his coma, he began to open his eyes as his parents were processing the bad news. He turned 6 months old in these past weeks, sees, hears, and responds. Now, however, he faces a new setback in his recovery and tests are being done to see what is wrong.
Say what you want about technology. I think it can be a powerful and wonderful thing. Thomas now has had over 50,000 visits on his page--from friends, family, and strangers who have stopped to pray for him. He has not only brought Christians together, but people of all faiths. Imagine--one very sick little boy in a hospital doing that. God truly works through all of us--no matter where we are, how young, how old, or how weak.
I read his mother's posts hoping every time that the newest one will announce a great step in his recovery. I read so that I can pray for his family, knowing that the road between the Omaha hospital and his dad & sisters back home is way too far. I read to witness his mother's amazing faith and strength, realizing that my daily struggles are what she would give anything to face right now instead of the heartache no parent should ever have to bear.
None of us knows what the future will hold or what crosses we may be called to bear. Even though I always TRY to see my blessings, I know my sighs, eye rolls, and sometimes short temper toward my children can cloud my view quite a bit.
Please do what I did tonight and kiss your rambunctious, messy, loud, naughty, & healthy kids and say a little extra prayer of thanks for your miraculous blessings. While you are at it, please send up an extra prayer for baby Thomas. I know his family would appreciate it.

100 Things I Love

I first saw this idea in a scrapbook magazine. I liked the idea, but wasn't sure I could even think of 100 things I love. After all, love is a pretty strong word. Since then, though, quite a few things have come to mind that I really do love.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I have decided to take on the challenge. A rule I have made is that the obvious--my family, our health, friends,--are certainly the things I love the MOST in life, but will not count toward this list. Maybe it would be more accurately named, "100 LITTLE Things I Love"
I will list 10 at a time as I think of them and hope to reach 100 by Christmas.
Here I go, (in no particular order):
1. newborn babies
2. coffee with friends
3. reading a few chapters of a book--uninterrupted
4. calm, sunny days with a temperature between 70-80
5. the Internet--my portal to the outside world
6. being Christian, and more specifically Catholic
7. empty laundry baskets
8. marathon shopping days
9. the sound of the ocean
10. "The Price is Right"

Actually a Really Good Idea

Those were David's words, not mine, but I have to agree.
Teresa received some really nice kitchen gadgets for her birthday, but we didn't have a place to store them or keep them organized.
I thought of hanging them on pegboard and then did some searching on the internet for ideas. I found that Julia Child actually had a pegboard wall in her kitchen! Well, I thought, if it was good enough for Julia Child's kitchen, it was certainly good enough for my daughter's!
I started out just painting the board lavender. That wasn't enough, so I added a border, then a cupcake & cookie. Nathan suggested a spoon and bowl and David suggested an oven mitt. With flour, sugar, salt, & pepper added it was finished.

I carried it in the house and it has been a hit with all three kids. The boys love to move the hooks around and have even requested their own John Deere pegboard for their room. Teresa loves to hang the different items on them.
I love it because, for now, the toy room is a bit organized!

Another Milestone to Note

Teresa has been shaking her head "No" for quite some time. Today she started putting an adamant verbal "No" with the head shaking. Grrreeaat!

What a Day!

Today was Region Oral Interp. I swear it was the toughest and most unpredictable contest I've ever been to. By the last category, I was extremely nervous wondering if I was going to be able to take any students to compete at the State Festival or not. Only an alternate had been announced from our school, even though all performed very well.
Our Reader's Theater (made up of 6 students performing a piece together) was the last to perform . . . and the last winner announced for the day! I truly thanked God and breathed a HUGE sigh of relief.
Oral Interp is such a hidden activity. Even though we have been practicing since September 1, very few people actually see these kids perform their pieces. Not even all of the parents come to the local contest.
After I have seen them working day after day to perfect what they are doing, it hurts a little when I find out their road has ended for the year. It's not as noticeable as the volleyball team losing the championship game, but it is still important to these kids and me--their coach.
I am thankful to have several returning students again next year. My new freshman did VERY well for her first year and has lots of experience behind her from this season.
Before next year, though, we have a State Festival ahead of us!
I am so thankful our team can be a part of it.