Hope For Haiti Now

Tonight we were moved by the television special Hope for Haiti, which was not only coordinated on very short notice, but carried live by upwards of 25 of the largest television networks. It literally dominated the majority of our basic cable package. Large, well-known entertainment moguls used their presence (and some used their own finances) to start a movement that will no doubt put Haiti back together over time.
In our lives so far, this is the largest show of this kind we have ever seen.

And we were really happy to see people come together. Tragedy always unites.

On the radio this morning I heard a caller ask the host that “If there is a God, how could He let tragedies like this happen?” Tonight at home we were discussing this inquiry. It is strange for me to think that I might have asked the same question to someone at some point before today. Perhaps I don’t even remember asking it. It is funny and ironic to be in a position faithfully now and to understand the perspective that accompanies it.

What could seem like a tragedy from one perspective could easily be seen as opportunity from another. God definitely uses times like this to touch people’s hearts. He creates scenarios like this to change our lives, literally. How many of us could honestly say we would even be thinking of Haiti on a typical Friday night in America?

But the unfortunate you say. People have died – lots of them. People are hurting. Some are suffering. Some lost. I am not discounting them. Do you not think God is taking care of them? Do you know how easy this is for Him? There is so much positive coming out of this situation – certainly it outweighs the negative.

NPR reported earlier in the week that $88 Million dollars had already been donated to the Red Cross. Keep in mind this figure is a) just an estimate b) only represents Red Cross donations and c) is from earlier this week and definitely before tonight’s television show mega-marathon.

We can only imagine what the people of Haiti have to look forward to.

We live every day looking for hope. Whether you believe this or not, or whether you even want to believe it, you cannot make it through a single day without some type of hope in your life. We understand the importance of hope.

God bless the people of Haiti. God bless us all.

Time For Some Mother/Daughter Fun!

You know when you perform your usual routine again and again, it can become a bit monotonous. Sure, maybe injecting small changes here and there can stir it up a little bit, but overall the output is nearly the same.

This is why there has been a lot of excitement around here lately - because S decided to mix up E's typical go-to-school, go-home, go-grocery-shopping, go-to-bed routine. In her attempt to create some very special mother/daughter time together, and to create something just for E, S enrolled her in a gymnastics class!

The class (appropriately titled "Mom & Tot") is just a basic course where the fundamentals of balance coincide wit.....oh, who am I kidding? The class really allows the kids to do what they do best; run, jump, scream and tumble in a safe environment! Q: So, if it was a Mom & Tot class, why were you there L? A: (great question, BTW!) First of all, I was asked! Second, to take pictures of her first day! Too bad I forgot the camera at home though - the substandard picture below is from my cell phone! I was also there to familiarize myself with the particulars just in case I need to fill in for S one day for whatever reason.

They started by stretching (yes, I guess this is even an important task for the wee ones!) and then they warmed up by singing songs and playing with the "parachute". It was so funny because E, who usually never acts like this, was so nervous & timid when we first got there. Well, in her defense, I guess we can't really say she was nervous, but she certainly wasn't moving. It was as though her feet were glued to the mat! This is exactly what we were looking for - something new!

She really started to loosen up when the obstacle course was set up and demonstrated. Most of it can be viewed here as well as the parachute (in which the tots had been placed inside and were being spun in circles at this point).

In the obstacle course there was a balance beam (in which they held a plastic egg in both hands while crossing - like crossing the beam isn't challenging enough, right?), then a wedge they had to do a backwards somersault on (while being helped and spotted), a line they had to "walk like a bear" on either side of, then a large wall-like padded piece they all needed help over, a large rectangular foamy pad for jumping on, then another wedge to perform a forward somersault on, then the TUBE! Oh how all the kids loved the tube! And that was it! They circled several times and believe me, I think the parents were just as winded as the tots!

The best part happened at the very end of the session. After a cool-down period and a rendition of the "goodbye song", all the tots received a hand stamp. E cherished hers, pointing to it the rest of the day and saying "stamp". Here's looking forward to next week!

So Here's How The Project Was Documented...

No matter what kind of day I am having, this picture ALWAYS cheers me up (click on picture to enlarge). I think we've all been here. If you work in an office, you can definitely relate. The real question is where in the chain do you fall?

My favorite part, besides the roller coaster, is in the "documented" square - not only only was the project NOT documented, but the sweet irony is that it was not documented incorrectly. I mean, where are those shadows coming from?

Boing! Boing! Boing!

So a few weeks ago I walked into Rocketship's school to find a large flyer on the door announcing:

Next Week - Bounce House!

I had heard the stories and rumors about how every now and again the BH comes in for a day and the kids just go NUTS! I was told they are known to play, jump, and bounce until they are simply out of breath (and presumably ready for a long nap!). And of course they all talk about it for days after it is deflated and is carted off!

Well, now that E is finally old enough to enjoy the fun, her turn came and she can now attest that all those rumors are indeed true. I borrowed this physical picture off the wall (I'd been waiting for them to be developed - remember those days?) and I scanned it for this post. I must say, she does look a bit sweaty!

So Many Dynamos!

Happy Palindrome Day!

Lost?

Well, what do you think I am referring to? Have you ever heard of a palindrome? By definition. a palindrome is a word, phrase, number or other sequence of units that can be read the same way in either direction (forward or backwards). It is also important to note that the adjustment of punctuation and spaces between words is generally permitted for palindromes.

Now, perhaps my reference to today will make more sense. It's the date today - 01/11/10!

Want more examples of palindromes? Sure, here you go:

A Santa at Nasa!

Was it a rat I saw?

Name no one man

Madam, I'm Adam

Red rum, Sir, is murder!

A man, a plan, a canal, panama (interesting, huh?)

Go hang a salami! I'm a lasagna hog!

Can you make up a palindrome of your own?

Now, I guess if you want to get technical (perfectly Okay here, BTW), today isn't really a real palindrome day. That is because I have neglected the "20" in the year "2010". If included, the date would read 01/11/2010, and therefore today would not count. Going by this rule, the next palindrome day would fall near the end of next year (11/02/2011). But who can wait that long to celebrate palindromes!

Two Thousand Ten - It's YOUR Year!

Happy New Year!

Well, here we are, trying to survive a brand new week, in a brand new year. Historically, it has always been difficult to go back to work after a holiday break, and today was no different. Between having to set our alarms (ugh!), wake before dark, not know any of the vital items are (like keys, lunches, kid shoes, etc.) and battling commutes on icy roads, today was a definitely a rough welcome back. Funny enough though, a little routine is just what we need to help us to feel "normal" again.

Christmas was great this year - perhaps the best yet. As usual we had several actual Christmases with our families and plenty of opportunities to share in the company of each other. E had a great time at all of them and really enjoyed opening her gifts (and some of the others when she wasn't watched!)

One of her favorite gifts this year was the combination whiteboard/chalkboard by Melissa & Doug. She plays with it every day and has really taken to drawing large circles with the chalk. Here are some pictures of her using it:

She LOVES playing with letters and numbers. She has a little foam alphabet that she plays with in the tub. She is always saying "more" "more" "more" when we count with her or sing the alphabet song and she is really learning a lot of them. It is truly a pleasure to watch her grow, bit mentally and physically. Speaking of physically, man is E in a growth spurt lately. We think she has grown a few inches in just the last month!

Now that the Christmas lights are are all boxed away for the year, it is really time to focus on the new year and get down to business. Those of you who I've spent time with over the past few weeks have probably picked up on my newest saying. I honestly mean it when I say "2010 is going to be YOUR year!". It is going to be yours and it is going to be mine. I don't know how to describe it really, but I guess what I am trying to say is we are going to own this year!

Have you ever felt this way? Do you feel this way now? If so, what is your plan for 2010? I mean, seriously, stand up and get going!

Let's get out there and be our best!