Fullness

I've spent the morning contemplating what to do for spring break.  As I type, the fat white snowflakes are pelting my window reminding me that spring break is a misnomer, it is really late winter break.  The fact that it starts in four days means that I will probably be here in my cozy house, trying to keep track of which children are at home, and which children went to someone else's house.  Maybe some of the snow will stick and we will still be able to go sledding.

This past week has zipped by.  Rick has been traveling, making me the one man band keeping everyone in rhythm.  I think we are doing okay, although I am noticing more and more things dropping by the wayside.  It is true that there is only so much that can be done in one day.  I look around me and see a lot of work that needs to be done.  I am grateful for the work.  It makes me feel productive, and makes the rest that much sweeter.  I am still working on getting the children to notice all of the work that needs to be done.  They are blessed with blinders that allow them to walk past all kinds of messes with not one twinge of conscience.  Maybe it is God's grace to me, so that they don't realize how much is not getting done.  Whatever the case they are pretty much okay with whatever life throws at us.

Last weekend Brooke's class sponsored a ball.  It was a lot of fun, when it was over.  It was a wild time from school getting out to dropping into bed.  The kids enjoyed it, which is why we do all of this work right?  We got up early the next morning and passed out water to runners doing the Snake River half-marathon.  They were wonderful.  They thanked us for being there.  It was a very pretty day, and the snow stopped about 300 feet above where we were.  We went straight from there to the WSU men's basketball game.  They lost in overtime, but it was fun to watch.  On Sunday I vowed to stay home and rest, which we did.  Rick left during church, which was odd, but sometimes that's the way it goes.

The rest of the week has been homework, subbing for classes, thinking about the coming break, showing the house, fixing every one's hair, track practice, music lessons, and many meals.  It is a very typical week.  I have been keeping my list of things that I am thankful for.  I have been writing them down in my journal, but here are a few for the blog.

#42-50

Haircuts

Newborn babies, and their amazing Moms.

Birthdays, the wisdom we have gained with each one, and an excuse to go out with the girls.

Disabled people.  This may seem random, but their is a group that spends time in our downtown area.  Yesterday I was waiting at a stop light, and a young man was walking with his caregiver down the street towards me.  He had the most beautiful smile, despite the difficulty he had walking, and the foul weather.  When he made it to the corner he gave his caregiver a big hug.  I just love the joy they have in their lives, and their refusal to hide it from the rest of us.  It made me so glad for their lives, difficult though they may be.

Laughter, it is truly the best medicine.

My younger brother who brings laughter with him everywhere.

Adoptive Moms.  Those brave women who care for children that have been left without homes for so many different reasons.

HIV research.  Things have improved so much since my daughter Madison was born.  Our dear friend Richard died shortly after Madie was born.  Today my two sweet children live normal lives because of the research that has been done to help people living with HIV.  It gives me so much hope.