Happy, almost Thanksgiving! I should really be making the Turkey Day menu right now, but it’s tough to teach an old procrastinator new tricks.:) A recent event is on my heart so I thought it would be more fun to share that instead. Last Friday I had the joy of attending the SUCCESS for Autism Benefit Gala. It really was a beautiful evening. Inspiring, uplifting, and very relaxing to be in the company of friends on a common journey. Relaxing… except for the total discomfort of my shapewear, that is! I’ll just say that as a stay-home mom I’m not used to wearing spandex anymore. Plus, being home 24/7 to make homemade meals, desserts, and after school snacks clearly has caught up with me! But I digress.;)
The evening itself was absolutely wonderful. I had the privilege of attending with my friend Gretchen. She is one of the most amazing women I know.
She and her husband Pat have eight children, most of which are adopted. Their daughter Maria is 27 and has autism. Thanks to Gretchen’s wisdom and experience, she has illuminated the path and inspired my own walk with my beautiful daughter. It was truly a gift to spend a few hours with her! It was also incredible to witness the stories and work of SUCCESS for Autism. For more information, click here.
And now for the really fun part! My friend Jen has set up a Jamberry fundraiser to help raise funds for Autism Awareness and is selling these fabulous custom nail designs (and more!) on her site!
I was so excited to receive this treat in the mail! I am notoriously disastrous with traditional nail polish and since my nails are short anyway, it’s just not an area I invest much in. But these were super easy to apply (once I got the hang of it).:) And after washing dishes, giving the babies a bath and making soup tonight, they are still looking good! Jen has loads of different designs (for hands and feet). I love the fact that this “spectrum” design makes a statement. Not only do they look cute, but a portion of every set purchased goes to autism awareness! I was just thinking this would be a great gift for Karolina’s teachers and aides! If you are interested in supporting Jen, please click here and spread the good word. Thanks again, Jen!
Sending you lots of love and grateful blessings.
As we lead up to Thanksgiving 2014, here is a prayer I hope will bring you peace and replace any stress as you prepare.
(based on Luke 10:27, 38-42)
Lord, you know all the things
that still need to be done—
the cooking and cleaning,
the preparation and anticipation,
the anxiety and worry
that everything will be just right.
As I prepare this meal, help me also to prepare myself
that I may not be distracted by all these concerns.
And when you enter this home and sit at this table,
may I sit beside you and remember
that only one thing is needed:
to love you with all my heart, with all my being,
with all my strength, and with all my mind,
and to love my neighbor as myself.
Amen.
-Diana Macalintal.
God bless you. xoxo.
Oh, and Karolina says “thanks for stopping by!:” Love this beautiful smile!:)
Hi- I would like to request prayers for the victims of rape and abuse by members of the Catholic Church. Many of them were children when they were attacked or abused. This is also an ongoing crisis, with new victims each year, worldwide. I will remember them and their stories forever, but for the healing to truly take place, it will take the voices and efforts of many.
To paraphrase a poem by an Indian schoolgirl, “Too many Catholics, in too many countries, speak the same language– of silence.” Thank you.