Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Secret Garden

When we went to Tyler and Nicole's for Thanksgiving, Nicole sent me back with a bunch of wonderful books to read. She was an elementary school teacher so she had some good ones. I just finished "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It is a fabulous book and I was especially impressed by some words of wisdom offered by the author at the end of the book.





"In each new century since the beginning of the world wonderful things have been discovered. In the last century more amazing things were found out than in any century before. In this new century hundreds of things still more astounding will be brought to light. At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done--then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago. One of the new things people began to find out in the last century was that thoughts--just mere thoughts---are as powerful as electric batteries--as good for one as sunlight is, or as bad for one as poison. To let a sad thought or a bad one get into your mind is as dangerous as letting a scarlet fever germ get into your body. If you let is stay there after it has got in you may never get over it as long as you live."

What food for thought! (No pun intended) She goes on to say this:

"Much more surprising things can happen to any one who, when a disagreeable or discouraged thought comes into his mind, just has the sense to remember in time and push it out by putting in an agreeable determinedly courageous one. Two things cannot be in one place."

"Where you tend a rose, my lad, A thistle cannot grow."



I thought these were such profound, yet simple statements. We have the ability to change our lives if we but stay positive and think good thoughts! This is definitely a recommended read, especially for children.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Thanksgiving In Pittsburgh!

So we had the privilege of going to Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving. Derek's cousin, Tyler, is going to dental school at Pitt. His wife, Nicole and their beautiful baby, Caleb, treated us real well on our vacation!


What the boys did most of the time - played X-box!



Derek playing with Caleb. He is the cutest thing ever!


Caleb taking a bath in the sink. He had such a fun time!


Steeler's Stadium. I have never seen a city so obsessed with a sports team. There are Steelers purses, baby clothes, car seats, couch covers, door mats, you name it!


View of downtown. There are bridges everywhere.


Happy cousins smooshed in the back seat with Caleb!


Tyler and Nicole looking at the Macy's windows.


My first time in a Macy's at Christmas time. It was so cool!


Precious Caleb playing with his toys.


Derek and Tyler cooking the turkey.


Our beautiful table set by Nicole.


Most beautiful baby ever!

Tyler and Nicole took us to the strip, a sweet shopping area with fresh foods, souvenirs, trinkets, and anything else you could want. We had gyros!

Thank you so much Tyler and Nicole for letting us relax and enjoy your company!