All About Thomas

Thomas was asked to be the Liturgist (or Lay Reader) at church today, Palm Sunday.  It was quite an honor and he was happy to be asked to do it.

He sat between our two pastors during the entire Palm Sunday service and did all of the readings, a Scripture reading, Prayers of Dedication and the Assurance of Forgiveness.  He was also the narrator for the Time with Children Palm Sunday skit during the service.

Here he is with Pastor Peggy before the service started.

He felt well-prepared. 

And here are a couple of "stealth" shots I took during church. 

Look how little he is up there in the big chair!

You can't tell but his feet didn't touch the floor.

It was adorable and he did a beautiful job in front of 200+ people! 

Here he is waiting for us to find the Call to Worship in the bulletin so he could lead us. 

Everyone was so impressed at how poised and confident he was.  They were also wowed by him sitting still through the entire service at the front of the church!

We were so proud of him.

Enjoyed taking him to brunch afterwards to celebrate!

All About Brennan

Brennan had a big day yesterday.

He participated in his first Science Fair, along with a whole bunch of other 3rd graders.

The city-wide fair was held at our local mall.

The Science Fair was optional, but Brennan really wanted to do it.

Then he let us know he wanted to do his project on Space-time and Newton's and Einstein's different views on it.  Should be a piece of cake, right?  In his mind it would be.

With coaching from Dad, and a tutorial on Powerpoint from me, Brennan pulled together a great project and demonstration of spacetime.  It was pretty cool and I learned a lot.

Brennan with Mrs. Ruble, his resource teacher, who came to cheer him on.

Brennan explaining his project to his teacher, Mrs. Brougher, who was so sweet to come see his project.

And, early this morning Brennan finished reading the entire Harry Potter series.  Like his brother two years ago, he read the series in the spring semester of his 3rd grade year.  4,400 pages.  We are so impressed.  We've now all read the entire series.  (You can tell because that 5th book on the end is falling apart!)

Good job, Brennan!

Don't Forget - What We're Reading Party!

Don't Forget!  Ricki Jill at Art @ Home and I are hosting our 3rd blog party on April 20th!  We can't wait to share what we've been reading, and hear about your latest reads too!

So put your What We're Reading blog posts together and get ready to link up on the 20th.  This month I'll be hosting the party.

Happy Reading!

Best Way to Make Rice

Last night we had Indian curry, rice, and roasted vegetables.  I decided to try out the Good Housekeeping "Perfect Rice" recipe.  I make rice on the stove or in a rice cooker, but I'm not 100% happy with it - especially when I make jasmine or other kinds of rice.

I followed the recipe and it turned out perfectly!  I will definitely follow this process again!

From January 2011 magazine:

Combine 1 c. white rice and 1 3/4 c. hot water in a 3-qt covered casserole dish.  Bake at 400* for 20 minutes.  Perfect, fluffy rice!

P.S.  I got an iPhone yesterday - LOVE IT!  (As do my children and hubby)

April Goals

I think I did really well on my March Goals!

Remodel 2 Bathrooms

Enjoy Spring Break with Family

Continue Exercise Program

Read 2nd Digital Photography Book

Clean and Seal Main Floor Grout

Hang Kitchen Valance

Decide on Bathroom Window Treatment

I accomplished all of my goals (first time ever?)  It's great to get some of the big house projects for the year accomplished!

Update Master Bathroom

Enjoy Easter with Friends

Focus on My Fitness Goals

Complete 1 Painting Project

Garden, Prune, Mulch, Plant, Sweep, Water

Get Carpets Cleaned

Start Family Bike Rides

Light it Up Blue!

Our family is participating in Autism Speaks' "Light it Up Blue" event today and tomorrow (April 1st and 2nd) and we'd love it if you would join us!

As you probably know, Autism is a cause near to our hearts and a topic we happily talk about with those who are interested.  Brennan was diagnosed when he was 3, and we are so fortunate that his diagnosis was early.  He's doing really well and we know that this help he's received for the last 6 years has been key.

I've talked about Asperger's (Brennan's form of Autism) a number of times on the blog (here, here, and here.)  While it's a large part of our daily lives, we don't have as many issues that confront us on a day-to-day basis. 

Like many kids with Autism, Brennan is very, very bright.  He does not struggle with schoolwork or basic daily activities. 

His symptoms are related to social skills, some coping skills, and a speech delay that is primarily behind us (thank goodness). 

Brennan's made great progress over the years and is a confident and content kid. 

We're very proud of him.

Chances are that you know a child or adult who has been diagnosed with a form of Autism. 

Experts believe that 1 out of every 110 kids will be diagnosed with Autism. 

Because it is more prevalent in boys, experts say 1 out of every 70 boys will be diagnosed.

So, join us today and tomorrow to Light it Up Blue!

You can find out more about Autism at this website, or feel free to ask me any time.

Here are some locations that are lighting it up blue this weekend!

Thanks from Brennan!

On his 9th birthday