Thankful

This Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for:

Riley's snuggles

Nicolas' giggles

Jonah's tender heart

and Steve's steadfast love and calm

It's easy for me to get overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the broken world around me (especially so, these last few weeks).  But my family is consistently a source of joy and a place of refuge.   Thank you, God, for them.  Every good and perfect gift comes from You.

Later today, we're heading to a cabin in Tahoe with Steve's family.  I can foresee lots of board games, reading, and playing in the snow (hopefully).  I can't wait! 

On Monday, Steve will be starting a new job...in San Francisco.  Pray for us as we once again begin a new chapter in our lives - this one filled with lots of commuting.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!        

And Grandpa Makes Six!

Our family of five grew to a family of six when my dad moved in last month.  The score is now 5 to 1, in favor of the boys.  

Another lap to climb up on, another bed to jump on, another face to say "good-morning" to, another computer game partner, and another wrestling opponent: Grampa, we love having you here with us!

Annual Pumpkin Carving

I'm a little late getting this post done.  Who wants to read about Halloween now that it's almost Thanksgiving?  Sorry.  Feel free to skip right over this one.  But, our little neighborhood pumpkin carving party is a tradition now so it needs to be included here, even if it is late.  And really Amy, this post is for you because I know you are dying to know how "scary mask kid" is doing this year!    

So...the night before Halloween, sixteen neighbor kids between the ages of 9 months and 14 years (plus parents), came over for a party in our garage that included pizza, pumpkin carving, pin-the-nose-on the pumpkin and an impromptu game of hide and seek outside in the dark.  Really fun times!   

Having a house full of neighbors fills my cup!  And pumpkin carving is such a fun and easy way to break down barriers and build community.

(And Amy, I'm happy to report that "scary mask kid" is doing GREAT.  Seriously, such a nice kid.  I hope my boys are all as responsible and well-mannered as Manuel when they hit eighth grade.  I'm so glad he still comes to the party even though he's older than everyone!) 

Speaking of masks....we didn't do costumes for the pumpkin carving party this year.  I didn't want the hassle of washing pumpkin guts off my boys' costumes in time for Halloween the next day.  But the next night, we got this shot of the boys with best bud Robbie and his cousin Jasmine just before we left to go trick-o-treating.

Love the memories we are creating with our neighbors. So special!

Vote for the Underdog!

If you know anything about Jonah, you know that he loves music.  And while I've had occasional (severe) moments of angst about his school, I at least got lots of comfort last year knowing that once a week, his class went to Mr. Rock's room for music.  (Is there a more perfect name for a music teacher?).  I knew that while Jonah was at music class, he was full of joy - dancing and singing his heart out.  Not expected to sit still.  

Well, this year there is no music program and there is no Mr. Rock.  Turns out, the music program was funded by a grant which has since dried up.

Bummer.  Because that was one of the things that I really liked about the school.  And not just for my kid, but for all the kids. Because I know that music is great for ALL kids. 

A few weeks ago, I was flipping through a magazine and I saw an advertisement for a grant opportunity from Clorox that will provide funds to schools in one of three areas: Play (sports, recreation), Explore (academic discovery), and Create (music, theater, arts).  Free money?  The possibility of getting our music program back?  Yes, please.  Let's give this thing a shot!  

I contacted the school about the grant and offered to nominate the school in the "Create" category.  I simply asked that they send me some general (brief) information about the school and the former music program.  They did not send me the information I requested.  I nominated the school anyway.

I created fliers and asked the school to translate them into Spanish and send them home.  They sent them home.  In English.  A week late.  I'm getting the fliers translated into Spanish on my own.  They'll go out this week. 

I swore I would not ask my friends and family to vote for this cause until I saw that others at the school had started voting.  My 8 votes those first few days just weren't going to get us anywhere.

Well, the good news is that word has started to spread.  And parents, teachers, and others are starting to vote.  Those 8 votes are now 218.  So now I am asking you: Will you join me in voting for the underdog?!

Would you vote for Strauch EVERYDAY from now until December 9th?  You can vote online once per day AND text a vote in once per day.

To vote online, go to http://www.powerabrightfuture.com/gallery/.  Search for Strauch in the Keyword Search box and vote. 

To text your vote, text Clorox0663 to 44144.

Come on.  It will only cost you a few minutes.  Do it now!  And again tomorrow!  And again the next day!

We may not win.  We may even get creamed.  But, we have to try, right?  And even if we don't win the online voting for the Create category, maybe we'll win the Judge's Choice award!

“Hope has two beautiful daughters: their names are anger and courage. Anger that things are the way they are. Courage to make them the way they ought to be.” Saint Augustine