Henry's new blanket.

It works.

The beauty around us.

My mother in law sent me this in email form this morning. I loved it and immediately thought of how many ways we fill our souls with sunshine. I think is a great example.


A Violinist in the Metro (incognito)!


Who is he?

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule. A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk. A few minutes after that, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother was hurrying him along, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars . Two days before playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing

Here is the whole article from the Washington Post. It took me about 2 hours to read because I kept having to live life. However, it is really really interesting! (It will probably take a normal person 10 minutes to read. I did change a few diapers, make breakfast, help with the potty, get some kids dressed, tie a few shoes and make the beds while I "read" it though ;) )

For Jane and Halley

Jane's best friend turns eight tomorrow, Jane has 14 more days of 7.

This song is for them. Beautiful girls with Amazing Potential and Strong Spirits. I am so glad Jane has a good friend like Halley. One day last year at school, I watched the two of them, quietly and confidently Stand for the Right in front of their classmates. No fan fare, no humming and hawing, just simply doing what they believe is right.

It has been fun to help Jane prepare for her baptism. She is smart. She knows a lot and has strong feelings about what is right and wrong and why she is choosing to be baptized. It is lovely to watch her testimony grow.

I'm a proud Momma. And an excited one. Jane will be baptized in California in a few weeks, surrounded by Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and a family that adores her. Hooray! (I wish we could all be there. My siblings and their amazing families.)

Shock and awe.

This is why my tree is still up, my Christmas music is still ringing through the house (sorry Dave.) This is why my garlands are still hanging and I *just* began packing away the nativities.





Magic. I loved their reactions. I love love love that the first thought Eve had was "I'll share her with you." You have to know that both girls have been pining for this doll since her debut last January. They have made posters about her and hung them on their wall. Mia looks Just Like Eve. Jane's doll looks Just like her. Michael was amazed with a DS. His reaction was precious too.

Dave was wondering why I was tearing up over the Ultimate Build Your Own Lightsaber. It wasn't the stuff, it was the experience. It is so totally worth the sacrifices and the hustle and bustle. The JOY. The excitement. The sincere gratitude and thrill of Christmas Morning.

We all got socks. Lily got her banana.


What more could we possibly want?

To do it all again.
Christmas 2009, I'm dreaming about you already.