In Thanksgiving

I borrowed the idea to create a gratitude tree from here. Together, the girls and me cut a tree trunk and a bunch of leaves out of cardboard. Once finished, we used the leaves to share that for which we are thankful. We then hung the leaves on the tree for all to see.

I was amazed at what the kids came up with. They offered the usual, of course. Things like our beds, food, the house, and Daddy's job. I'm grateful they remembered these types things.

But they also remembered some other note-worthy items. Things like:

My brain (Meaghan)

My bones (Patrick)

My bed and my strength (Patrick)

My pull-ups (One of my personal favorites, as well. I'll let you guess.)

My whole life--not to be dead (Meaghan)

And then even deeper things like:

Baby Duggan in heaven (MB--just when I think I've got her figured out throws me for a loop and demonstrates her sensitive side. Her goofy, excitable exterior hides her depth.)

My life and my soul because it never dies (Patrick)

My angel who protects me so no bad guys get in the house (MB)

Godparents (all of them mentioned these important people)

I must add I'm thankful for all of them, for my husband who has committed to be my partner in this journey, and for every last drop of this crazy life.

Wishing you a blessed, peaceful, and joyful Thanksgiving,

Will He Return?

Do you hear the heavenly chorus?

Yeah, so do I.

These shelving units were installed by our handy-man, Paco. (Yes, that's his name. He's from Mexico. He's also my new best friend.) John and I are not do-it-yourselfers. We can handle the basics but anything other than that and we're out of luck. We don't have the kind of talent possessed by my brother-in-law, for instance.

He built this playhouse with his very own hands. Now, that's impressive.

Sadly, that is not us. We know it and we've embraced it. The good news is we have low expectations. This means we're extremely happy with new shelves in a semi-organized garage and freshly painted children's rooms. (Yes, he painted the rooms also along with fixing my toilet, floor, and gutter. Do you have a Paco? Everyone needs a Paco. Unless, of course, they're in residence like my brother-in-law. )

The bad news? I realized how many things I left off the repair list.

Paco?

Hello, Paco?

It's the Duggan's!

HELP! PLEASE!!! HELP US!!!!

WE NEEEEEED YOU!!!!

Waiting with baited breath for Paco's return phone call,

Happy Birthday, Patrick!

I can't believe you are six years old today.

I love you so much.

Move Over, Martha Stewart

There's a new chef in town and here's her recipe (via the piece of paper I found in her school folder).

"How To Cook a Turkey:
First, you need to go the Wal-Mart. Pick out the biggest turkey and bring it home. Put it in the oven for one hour then take out. It is then ready to eat so take a big bite out of it."

One word--fool-proof. Go ahead. Try it. You know you want to.

Wishing it was going to be as easy as that,

There. I Feel Better Now.

My friend Cherri (who has eight children and is due any day with her ninth) sent this to me in the efforts to restore me peace.

She writes:
"Don't fret to much, Colleen, at least the art work gets a little better as they get older. This is a desk Craig built, sanded, and finished. 2 weeks later, one of the girls thought it needed some color!"

It seems it could always be worse.

Color me happy,

A Great Pick

This week during our family movie, we viewed Disney's updated version of The Miracle Worker. It's the story of the deaf and blind Hellen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. When I checked it out at Blockbuster, I was a bit hesitant. How many times can you successfully remake this film?

Boy, was I pleasantly surprised by the power of this story (even if you've seen other versions of the film). John and I were very moved by the strong willed Hellen and her even stronger willed teacher. Perhaps what I liked best was the manner in which Anne Sullivan taught Hellen's entire family about what it means to really educate children; not by indulging every whim of the will but but in setting high standards out of love. It's a good message for all parents, especially for ones with special needs children. At one point, Anne tells the Keller's "Feeling sorry for her isn't doing her any good. She's spoiled. She needs to be told 'No.' " (paraphrased)

Disability or not, I think her advice would be well applied by many parents today (including me and John).

While we snacked on popcorn and cokes, I noticed both of the girls attempting to sign with their hands, Meaghan in particular. (It made me want to enroll them in a class but I think that may be jumping the gun a bit, no?) Mary Bernadette couldn't take her eyes off of Helen as the character's wild behavior was definitely an intriguing sight to behold. I secretly wondered if MB could identify. Just kidding. (I promise no more digs on my percocious three year old. She's gonna run the world one day. I just know. I hope I survive her childhood, however.)

Overall, it was a terrific family film and one I highly recommend.

Willing to take any other advice on positive family entertainment,

The Calm After The Storm

Remember Hurricane Bernadette? She's a force to be reckoned with in more ways than one. After her morning of "exploration", the good Lord showed me just how forceful she really is.

While I was making dinner, she busied herself at the table with colors and paper. When her masterpiece was complete, she held her paper up to show me her work.

"Momma, this right here is Jesus when He was trying to carry His cross. And this is when He fell and this is His blood. But here I am and I'm kissing Jesus all over. I love His so much."

Those Hurricanes blow hard but I think that's how God made them.