i love these little girls

Have you ever seen a Renoir?

(self portrait)

The following message was delivered by Lloyd D. Newell during a recent Mormon Tablernacle Choir broadcast.  I am very grateful for the "Renoir's" in my life.  Especially for the example of my mother, Renee, who has struggled with the pains and disabilities associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis for most of her life.          

The Masterpiece Makers by: Lloyd D. Newell

Have you ever seen a painting by the artist Renoir--in a museum, or in a book of impressionist art?  We marvel at the beauty he captured, the sudden burst of color in a portrait, the serenity of a French meadow scene.

But as famous as Renoir is, few people realize that he painted much of his work in excruciating pain.  Renoir was so crippled with rheumatoid arthritis that he had to sleep with a wire contraption that kept his sheets from touching his body.  His deformed hands had to be wrapped with gauze; otherwise his fingernails would grow into his flesh.  He couldn't even pick up a paintbrush.  And yet he would sit before a canvas in his wheelchair, have someone wedge a brush between his claw-like fingers, and paint visions of joy and delight.

It's easy to see why Renoir's illness is not well known, because not a shred of bitterness or despair appears in his work.  Renoir was the model of a cheerful attitude, saying "The pain passes,...but the beauty remains and one must from time to time attempt things that are beyond one's capacity."

On rare occasions we meet someone like this--a person who is in great personal pain but somehow manages to be joyful, even vibrant.  We stand in awe of such people; they refuse to focus attention on themselves but instead inspire us to rise above our own sufferings and create beauty for those around us.

The next time someone asks, "Have you ever seen a Renoir?"  You might think of a beautiful painting, but you might also think of the Renoir's you know--the everyday people who teach us, by their remarkable example, how to forget our own problems and focus on what we can do to bring joy to others.

School Lunch Reform

This morning Brian made a second guest appearance on Great Day Houston.  After the segment, host Deborah Duncan extended an open invitation for him to come back and chat about school nutrition any time.  Maybe next time he should bring some mystery meat??  Click here to view.  

Sarah's Day

It was a special day of celebrating our angel Sarah.  We released pink balloons with written messages, visited the Houston Butterfly Museum, and savored gourmet cupcakes at Sprinkles.

Thank you dear family and friends for remembering Sarah on this day.  I can't help but think of how wonderful it will be when we reunite with our little girl and celebrate her birthday year after year with cake, candles, butterflies and balloons!       

Remembering Sarah

As Sarah's birthday approaches, we have found comfort in looking through photographs and watching videos filmed during the last few months of her life.  I created this special movie to share with family and friends.  It captures our beautiful Sarah singing, dancing, and playing, along with precious moments of tenderness and love.

8 Months

Charlotte at eight months: 

Crawling

So Curious

Loves her veggies, fruits, oatmeal cereal, and crackers

Still not sleeping through the night

Two very short naps a day

Growing light brown (some blonde) hair

Such a smiler

Endures the occasional tug, pull, or push from sister Caroline

Enjoys bathtime with bubbles and a washcloth

Grabs everything within reach

Teething

Loves to pull doorstops and listen to the vibrating sound

Beautiful blue eyes

Such a pleasant, happy baby

Spelling Bee

Miss Maren was the winner of her fourth grade classroom Spelling Bee.  This morning she advanced to the school wide Spelling Bee where she placed sixth!  We are attributing her success to one night of study and a new pair of fabulous purple spectacles.

She's looking so smart and studious.

Sea World

The day after Christmas we packed our bags and drove to San Antonio to spend two days at Sea World.  We had a wonderful time with good friends!  Park favorites--petting and feeding the friendly dolphins, the Shamu and sea lion shows, hot chocolate and funnel cakes, and riding the Shamu Express. 

Thank you dear Sallaway family for making the long drive from Dallas to join us.  We enjoyed every minute with you!