for Caleb

This post is dedicated to Caleb, my little amazing friend. He turns 4 tomorrow. I eagerly awaited his birth since the day I first knew about it in summer 2006. A tightnit group of Americans working with English-teacher hopefuls in China, we all considered ourselves like aunts and uncles to our own little 'Heartbeat'. Heartbeat turned into a bouncing baby boy, then a beautiful toddler, and now a precocious and boundary-testing 4-year-old.

Although my days are spent working with parents, Caleb reminds me of the joy children bring. Yesterday a sweet 2-year-old died in a bad car accident not far from my home, her little sister will remain unborn, and her mother teeters on the edge of death. I grieve for that situation, and have to stop myself from feeling bitterly toward people (even myself) who complain for things so much smaller than loss of life, and have negative outlooks.

All people are a gift, particularly delightful when they are tiny ones. I'm so thankful that Caleb has come so far, from being a tiny miniscule speck to a couble dozen pounds and so smart, laughing, and smiley. Thank you God for reminding us of joy in the midst of suffering. Wholeheartedly I can't help but believe there is more to our lives than a beating heart that one day stills.

So thank you Caleb. I'm excited to see the person you're growing into.

Insatiable

This year it seems like winter took a little longer in getting here, but we didn't really notice that it was not until December 1 that there was any significant snowfall to speak of. Someone told me that normally we have had about 8 inches of snowfall in the month of November.



Might explain why now on the 10th of December I am still very excited about the season. It doesn't hurt that skiing, ice skating, and sledding (as well as people to drag along with) are within an arm's grasp. This winter hockey is on the agenda (watching, not necessarily playing) as well as snowboarding.


This little guy wasn't so excited about winter. But I have to admit, he was placed in this position post-mortem. He died in a nice warm(ish) attic!

What's got you excited this weather season?

Christmastime is here

And this video just makes me smile and cry a little, it's so lovely..

I know it's completely viral and you've probably already seen it, but just in case...this one's for you mom.