Spring break has broken

Our spring break begins today. Emily is out of school until the 16th. Unfortunately, we won't be going anywhere. Brian just got back from a 3-day trip back to MO to visit his mom in her new nursing home (see story on that here and here). He got home after midnight last night and was up and off to work before 7 this morning (a bit later than usual, but he isn't in the O.R. today). He and Noah will be ferrying over to San Francisco to see the Giants take on the Dodgers this evening. Emily's school choir is singing for the Good Friday service at the church we've been attending tonight. Then tomorrow is a pancake breakfast and Easter egg hunt there. The calendar for next week is blank, other than gymnastics on Monday and Brian's moonlighting in Sac on the weekend. I suppose I could be thankful for that.

I've been saving up links for today, so enjoy:

99 Balloons: Go watch this Igniter video about one family's experience with a special baby.

My pal Thumper is known for her unsent letters she posts at her place. Now she's created a place for the rest of us. I can't describe its meaning or purpose better than she can:

It's anger bubbling just under the surface. That guy who cut you off in the parking lot or the idiot who deliberately threw a fist full of french fries out his car window, laughing as they stuck to the face shield of your helmet as you wrestled to keep your motorcycle upright. The Woman in McDonald's screaming at her teary-eyed two year old. The talking head on TV seemingly in need of a proctologist to find his remaining gray matter.

It's grief puddling do deeply you're about to drown. The father you didn't get to say goodbye to. The grandparent whose love you miss in tanglible ways. The pet who was happy to see you, loved you unconditionally, no matter how bad your mood.

It's a missed friend. A lost love. A secret you need to share with someone, even anonymous strangers online.

It's the letters you've always wanted to write, but had no where to send them to. Dear So and So... unsent letters, finally sent.

Have you played Snipe yet? It's addictive.

Amy at Whole Hearted Life posted Five Things I Learned by Friday. What have your kids taught you?

Have you seen the Jesus action figure?? Watch Dixon Kenser's thoughts on it.

The Television City Chronicle is a must-read for anyone who watches TV. Perhaps these posts will help Heroes fans pass the time until April 23rd. There's a little something there for everyone.

Google's latest product: GMail Paper. Be sure to click the "Learn more" link. (Yes, this was Google's April Fool's joke this year. Classic.)

And now for the YouTube submissions of the week....

Emily led me to this one... Blood. It's not funny! (Oh, yes it is.)

How to Paint the Mona Lisa with Microsoft Paint. 'Nuff said.

He was injured... injured bad:

Enjoy your weekend!