I Got To See 13!

I got to see Ocean's 13 all by myself! It is, for the 'Ocean's' series fan a GREAT #3.
If you've seen 11 and 12, go see 13.
If you haven't seen 11 and 12... rent them and then go see 13. George Clooney is worth it ;)

Spoiled

We had an awesome party last Wednesday evening! We celebrated the volunteers at Crossroads, the incredible people who work so hard every week to create an impressive experience for our guests.
While I was helping with the Volunteer Celebration, my sister and brother-in-law stayed with Diego (Joe left for a business trip to Canada that morning). Diego's friend, Chloe, came to our house so her mom could work the party as well.
In typical fashion, my sister and brother-in-law spoiled Diego even further and began the spoiling process with Chloe! These kids were treated to dinner at Burger King, played on the Slip-n-Slide, walked around the block (actually rode in the back of the wagon), watched a movie complete with popcorn and snacks, and were just about to play on the bouncer in the basement when I arrived home.
The old adage, "A good time was had by all..." was certainly true for everyone of us that day. Although tired and ready for bed was a good description too!

Where are you going?

I read a quote a long time ago that goes like this:

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always be where you've always been."

Not sure why I thought that was "blog worthy" today but it's been running through my head lately and perhaps if I write it somewhere it will stop ringing in my ears.

Go out and do something different, you'll quite possibly find yourself in uncharted waters.

Amazing

We had a 'Night of Praise' at our church tonight. It's a chance for us to come together for music, communion, and prayer as a church community. Diego joined me in the auditorium since Joe was involved in a part on stage.
One of the elements of worship was an opportunity to write a note, draw a picture, etc. on newsprint that had been placed on the walls. Diego was curious about what some people were doing at this point in the experience so I explained that they were writing a note to God or Jesus. He said, "I want to write a note to God!"
I was leery of allowing him to go to the wall since one never knows what he might write or draw given the paper and crayon. I reluctantly let him go...alone.
When Diego didn't come back after what I felt was a reasonable amount of time, I went to find him and determine whether or not I would need to tear the paper from the wall before anyone else could see it.
What I found brought me to tears. Here was my 8 year old engrossed in writing a love letter to our Creator. It went something like this: "Hi God. I love you because you love me. I love you because you let me go to second grade. I love you because you are good.... Diego"
He even went back to write more near the end of the experience.
I just want to say, thank you, God for the gift of your little angel, Diego. He brings me great joy!

Friends

We had the opportunity to have a sweet little girl at our house this past Sunday. Chloe and Diego are pretty good friends. In fact, they were married at their daycare last summer! No honeymoon though because they were soon 'divorced'.
Here's a picture of them taking a break from the Slip-N-Slide after trying to get the photographer wet.
Chloe, I'd be proud to have you for a daughter-in-law 'for real' some day.

Last Day of First Grade

Today is Diego's last day of First Grade. I have to say I am sad and relieved at the same time. Sad because my little boy is growing up too fast. It seems like only a day or so ago that I was cradling him in my arms and singing "God Still Moves" to him as a lullaby (incidentally, still his favorite).
Relieved that the year was successful, he learned so much, grew an incredible amount physically and emotionally, and is still my little darling (I know he'll not want to be called that one day). I thank God for giving Diego to us. With all of his special needs come an extra measure of love. What an amazing blessing!

Be Amazing

I read this in a magazine recently, cut it out and put it on my bulletin board in my office. I have read it several times since I first saw it and today want to share it.

Let yourself be as amazing as you were meant to be!
So often, we hold back; we downplay our gifts and postpone our dreams.
But you're so much more capable than you give yourself credit for!
So cast aside that self-doubt and live life to the fullest!
You can acheive anything you set your mind to, as long as your heart is in it!