Thanks + Praise = Blessing

"If anyone would tell you the shortest, surest way to all happiness - he must tell you to make it a rule to yourself to thank and praise God for everything that happens to you.  For it is certain that whatever seeming calamity happens to you, if you thank and praise God for it, you turn it into a blessing.  Could you therefore work miracles, you could not do more for yourself than by this thankful spirit, for it heals with a word speaking, and turns all that it touches into happiness. ...it be the noblest sacrifice that the greatest Saint can offer unto God."

--William Law, A Serious Call to a Devout & Holy Life

Birthday...SURPRISE!

For the boys' birthdays this year, we pulled off the surprise of all surprises...a joint birthday party! We opted not to make a big deal about their parties because we decided to plan a "surprise" party.  We secretly invited a a few of the boys' friends to show up at the house.  Thompson was probably the most surprised since his birthday was three weeks away.  The kids had a great time playing together, indulging in cake, and then watching Thompson and William discover they would be leaving the next day for a week-long trip to NYC for Thanksgiving. (complete with new luggage from Aunt G & Uncle B)

Through William's Eyes

I had to share two comments William has made this week, which can't help but make you smile.

Having seen Thompson to the front door one morning for school (which W still insists on giving T a hug, kiss and nose-kiss) and reminding him to "Be careful crossing the street!", William closed the door turned around and said, "I like it when it's just us."  I was a bit puzzled and responded, "You mean you like our family?"  "No.  I like it when it is just you, daddy and me. It's so quiet."

On the way to school this morning, William was talking with his sweet friend Nora about their bedrooms and sleepovers.  At one point, William commented, "I don't sleep alone.  God sleeps with me."