Happy Thanksgivukkah

Hanukkah and Thanksgiving Collide

Now this is a Menurky (turkey menorah)!  It's been one of those weeks for me where you run around and wake up in the middle of the night with thoughts of things to do and things to buy. We're having two Thanksgiving dinners.  We're having one today with Didi and Bop and a larger one with Josh's bestie Brett and his family on Friday. I hope everyone has great company and a very filling Thanksgiving.  May your turkey be moist, your mashed potatoes lumpy, and your belts loose!

This is Gratitude!

Gratitude is when things happen by surprise that create more daily joy in life.  That happened this morning as Lew Bug was getting on his school bus.  Lewis' beloved school bus aide, Ms A, had a green (that matches his glasses) and blue rainbow loom, rubber bracelet made by her daughter for my Lew Bug.  Evidently, he had been admiring a few that Ms.A was wearing earlier in the week. Oh my heart.  Today is a happy day.

PS If you haven't caught on to this rainbow loom craze, you can learn more here.

Being Present Takes Intensity

I am gradually discovering how being present can sometimes feel like this life is a mountain with no top.  As the great yogi B.KS. Iyengar said, "As soon as you think you've arrived, you get squashed like a bug."  Albeit a steep climb, forever expanding.  It humbles you.

I've posted a few pictures below of Lew Bug's bathroom/accessibility renovation progress.  It's slow, slow, slow and steady progress.

Tonight though...something Lew Bug signed to me has been ingrained in my memory.  I've been reminded that the past is forever effecting our future. We had a conversation in sign language.  I explained (just as I used to work for Nate's buy-in during the dinner process), that eating healthy and wholesome foods would benefit him.  And that two bowls of Lucky Charms were not as effective as a meat, grain and vegetable for a meal.

After some discussion he inquired, "So if I eat more vegetables, will I get smarter, stronger and bigger?" When I said "yes, of course"  he further questioned me by motioning to me, "So if I eat my vegetables, I'll know more, my arms will be stronger [like Popeye), I'll grow taller and I'll be able to walk without help?"  Not blinking (nor thinking this was so ridiculous for a kiddo to desire) I said yes.  So we agreed he would have spinach or broccoli with dinner tonight.

This is on the heels of him telling his new physical therapist the thing he wanted most was to be able to walk independently.  He was so enthusiastic when from a seated position on the floor he mimics how you would pick one foot up and then the other to walk.  Bang, bang, banging his heels on the Earth.  This made me cry in front of the physical therapist.  I think even she was moved very close to tears. And she has a tough exterior, but her range of emotions were beautiful, and she was mush on the inside.  Not missing a beat, "Ok,  I will help you get there."  And I believe they will contribute to us putting our all into our energetic presence.  Lew Bug puts in his all and tries to play by the rules.  When I consider the possible reality, it gives me pause and tugs at my heart. But his heart, passion and perseverance light up the way!!!!  I pray that his hard work is rewarded.