The Best Gifts

Each of the three boys in my life gave me a gift that didn’t come wrapped in any package. None were received on Christmas day but came before and after.

As part of a traditional 2nd grade art project Sam got to make a fresh pine center piece that has adorned our kitchen for a month now. It’s still beautiful but starting to lose some needles here and there. He even carried it all the way home on the bus, which made it even more special considering I know all too well how he loves to fidget with things and he was so careful. It was clearly made and delivered with love.

Knowing that I hate certain cleaning chores (all of them) Nick offered another gift shortly after Christmas. He cleaned our wood blinds in the house. They have collected so much dust and grime because my cleaning service (me) doesn’t dust them weekly, or even monthly for that matter. Yup, I’m real and there are some things more important than others. I have tried to clean them but they take forever. He found a faster way and in what seemed to me like no time he had our bedroom done and has been moving through the rest of them methodically. To some it may seem like no big deal but to me it makes me smile every day when I open them and don’t have to turn them the wrong direction so I don’t see the dirt.

When Dan turned 8 almost 4 years ago he began a little program that our church does called Faith in God. There are things they are to do on a regular basis and about 6 projects or tasks each year such as a service to someone or developing a talent etc. The final year he has extra things to do beyond the 6 and also must memorize 13 articles of faith which summarize our religious beliefs. It is no small task to make this a priority. I only know few children who find the motivation at that age to take this all on by themselves. Dan loves doing the things but it takes reminders or encouragement by his mother to seize opportunities. Last night he proudly finished memorizing his last article of faith and had finished every other requirement with enthusiasm. This is also a gift in my mind. Four years of prompting, now complete. I am proud of him and also get a 5 month rest before starting the process from scratch with Sam.

Conclusion, my favorite gifts, that bring me the greatest joy, don’t come wrapped in a package with a bow and don’t cost much money.

Goodbye 2010 --- Hello 2011

I’m happy to see 2010 come to a close. Many good things happened but there were also challenges. I will ignore the challenges and leave them unlisted. Here are some positive highlights:

Dan turned 11 and crossed over from cub scouts to boy scouts.

A year of exciting progress for the children’s museum.

Sam turned 7 and began taking piano lessons.

Fun trip to New Hampshire for Britt and Marcel’s wedding in a beautiful setting!

Dan and Sam continue to have fantastic teachers at school.

Got the museum website updated and a bit easier to navigate. Phase 3 yet to come and to be done by someone else, not me!

Still learning more and more about autism (START is amazing, glad to be living in Michigan).

Nick is still employed and I’m still alive.

Here is what I look forward to in 2011:

Commemorating the 13^th Angel’s Day and sending the 13^th blanket to LDS Hospital.

Dan turning 12, moving into Young Mens at church and receiving the priesthood.

Celebrating our 20^th wedding anniversary (and actually get to do something more than go to dinner a week or two later…maybe?).

Sam turning 8 and getting baptized.

Getting to visit my family just for fun and celebration and NOT for a funeral and not while mom is in rehab after a broken neck. It will have been well over 3 ½ years since a normal visit. Please NO major life events to spoil it!

Celebrating mom’s 80^th a bit early and getting to hear a bit of the bagpipes.

Dan entering middle school/7^th grade, YIKES.

Finding more activities for Sam to give him a sense of accomplishment and social opportunities.

Another beautiful autumn in Michigan.

Hopeful groundbreaking of the museum.

Completing a few classes and visiting more lighthouses.

Continuing to hear lovely music from the boys on the cello and piano.

Celebrating the end of a great 2011 with a healthier family.