A Change Of Heart

Getting ready to brave the woods!












"Let's go get a tree!"

"I think this is the one!"

"How does this thing work, exactly?"

"Um....a little help here, please!"

"It's ok, I got it!"

"Now, let's drag this baby back to the truck!"

"Shake out all the critters. My mom won't be happy if something crawls out of there when we get home!"

Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.-- John Wooden

It didn't take much convincing to talk Greg into getting a Christmas tree for the boys. He took Jacob out on Sunday morning, and the two of them picked out our tree. Because of his work schedule, the tree is still standing in our living room, undecorated. It will remain undecorated until Tuesday night! Nonetheless, we have a tree! Andrew hasn't bothered it too much. He has made note of it, touched it, pointed at it, and said, "tree" several times. I think that without all the glitter, it's not much of an attraction. I'm hoping it stays that way even with the decorations! Thanks everyone for the support and suggestions about the tree decision (on putting one up, or not). It's great to have such good friends and family. You are what the season is really about!

On an unrelated note, I don't know why blogger is now uploading pictures in such a goofy way. It used to put them so nicely down the center of my entries, but now they are scattered all over the place. I can't write well beside or under them. It's very frustrating. I tried to change the layout to fix it, and it altered every single entry. I don't know if anyone else uses blogger and has any suggestions - I would greatly appreciate it. The photos are one of the main reasons why I use blogger, and this is just isn't good. It looks awful! Help!

Photos From Lugene's Party

"Cheese," our bass player, takes a turn at singing.

Freddie jams a little beside Karissa in "Stand By Me."

Robin and Fred









Fred and Greg rocking it out to "Rock in the USA."









Another shot of the boys.

Music, Music, Music

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.G. B. Stern

It's that time of year again...Time for Fred's cousin, Lugene, the band's number one fan, to throw her annual Christmas party. For the last few years, Off The Wall has been a staple of that party, and last night was no different. People trudge through an amazing snow storm to gather together, see what amazing decorations she has thought up this year (the woman has an amazing talent), eat delicious food and listen to the band. One of the major perks for this party is that audience participation with the band is an option as well. Lugene, as well as some of Fred's other family, are a guaranteed band members for the night. It's always a good time!

I have been meaning to post some new videos of us, and took several videos last night. I'm just waiting for them to finish loading onto Youtube. They will be on the sidebar shortly. You will see Greg, Fred and Karissa featured today, but not me. I have come down with a cough and raspy throat in the last week. While I managed to croak out a few songs at the end, they were definitely not video worthy. While I know you will like the ones I post, I also extend my apologies for the darkness of them. The lighting wasn't good, and my camera doesn't have a light on it. Hey, it's the sound you're concerned with, though, right? I promise you'll love the sound!

As we approach Christmas, and my "30 days of gratitude" blogging also nears an end, I would like to say once again how grateful I am to be able to make music with my family. Thanks Fred, Greg, Karissa and Cheese too, (even though he's not technically family) for making our band more than just songs and gigs. Thank you Dalann and Katelyn, for being more than just involved supporters. I love you all!

12/20/09

There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy.-- Ralph H. Blum

12/18/09

None is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude. Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and can spend without fear of bankruptcy.-- Fred De Witt Van Amburgh

A Different Kind Of Christmas

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.-- Author Unknown

Every year since my conception, I have been given a special ornament for Christmas. The year my mother was pregnant with me, it was a circular ornament with a carousel horse in the center. Another year, it was a Jack-in-the-box. Later, they were tailored to my interests. There was a cat sitting inside a mailbox, a Strawberry Shortcake ornament, one from our first trip to the Outer Banks, a German beer mug for the first time I traveled to Germany, two mice on telephones for when I worked at AT&T (my mom has one and I have one), the list goes on. When I got pregnant with Jacob, we continued the tradition with him, and increased it ten-fold, of course. He gets multiple ornaments each year! Likewise, when I met Greg, we began our own collection of ornaments and happily added SaraBeth and Andrew into the mix as they joined the family. Most years the ornaments are Hallmark Keepsake ornaments, but not always. The point is to have the ornaments reflect something significant about the year.

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is digging out the box of ornaments and reliving Christmases past, while decorating the tree. It's impossible to sit here at the computer and remember 33 ornaments from my past and the stories behind them, but seeing them in front of me, I can recall bits and pieces of my childhood. It's a walk down memory lane, and one that I have shared with my family for my entire life. Also tucked in that box are not just my own ornaments, but Jacob's baby ornaments. There are stories I can tell him of his first, second and third Christmases. What child doesn't love to hear about himself as a baby? There are also ornaments that belonged to my grandmother, little pieces of her that I could hang on my tree - a silent way for me to know that she is still here with us on Christmas, a witness to the expansion and closeness of her family.

But not this year. This year, we have chosen not to put up a large tree. In the name of safety and sanity, we have opted for a very small potted pine tree that will hold only a handful of light weight ornaments. I didn't even entertain the thought of opening my colossal Rubbermaid container of ornaments. In my heart, I know that this was the right decision. The safety of my family is the most important factor, and my sanity is the second. I feel like I'm on the edge of sanity half the time anyway. Having had a tree for the last few weeks would not have been easy. Honestly, it has been much less stressful not having the tree than worrying about Andrew climbing it, getting into the water under it, pulling the ornaments off it it, pulling the tree over on himself, or God only knows what else the child could think of to do to (or with) a Christmas tree that I could not foresee. However, I have to admit that now, one week from Christmas, I feel some regret in not getting a tree. It just doesn't feel the same without one.

I'm not only feeling the loss of reminiscing about the ornaments, but also feeling some sadness while looking ahead to Christmas day. The tree we have is so small, it sits on an end table that is probably about 18 inches square and 3 feet high. How is it going to feel for the children to wake up to this teeny tree in the middle of our living room? We usually get an 8 foot tree. That's quite a difference. Just the other day, Jacob told me that one of the things he liked best about Christmas was cutting down the tree with Greg last year. That comment didn't help my guilt. Thinking further ahead then to our Christmas party, how will it feel? I imagine it will feel very odd. I can't remember a family party in my life without a Christmas tree. Now I am wondering if maybe we should get a tree on Sunday. It would be a HUGE pain in the neck and a HUGE stress, but it would only be one week with a tree, not several. I could take it down next weekend...I'm just tossing ideas around.

Last night, I picked up my Christmas cookies, and then dropped off my mom's and my mother-in-law's. When I walked up the steps to my house, I was thinking about things I need to do to get the house ready for our annual party. I looked at the house, and thought, "The house looks the same on the outside, but it doesn't feel the same on the inside." There are several reasons for why I doesn't feel the same, but one reason is the tree. I've said before that I am grateful to host this party. I'm glad to carry on the tradition of my grandmother's annual Christmas bash. It's a great family reunion, and I feel honored to be an active part of it. I don't do much for it. My parents and my aunts still provide most of the food. I simply send out the invitations, decorate and provide the location. Who could ask for an easier party to throw! This year, I didn't even decorate. I feel like I feel short on my end of the deal. I have let myself down. I don't think anyone else expects much of me, but I do. This year, without a tree, I have failed somewhat. (And who am I kidding, I know some people will talk!)

I haven't decided if I will get the tree or not. Greg and I will have to talk about it, because I obviously can't get it with two small children alone. I'm not so sure it's worth the effort for just one week. Perhaps it is, for my conscience. Regardless of what I decide, I can say this: this Christmas I am grateful for a healthy family, a loving husband (who I don't tell often enough how loving he is), and the opportunity to gather together, itty bitty tree or not!

12/16/09

Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.-- Christiane Northrup

12/15/09

When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.-- Willie Nelson

Humane Society

The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller

Yesterday Greg and I took the boys shopping for supplies to donate to the Humane Society. Jacob was very involved in picking out the items he wanted to donate. He even chose the perfect treats and collar! When we arrived at the Humane Society, the dog room just wasn't the place for him. He didn't like the smell or the noise. I can't say that I blamed him. It was very loud. Greg took Andrew to look at the dogs and Jacob and I went to the cat area.

In the cat area, Jacob had me read him the descriptions of each individual cat. He wanted to know its name, age and whether or not it was nice. He stuck his hands through the cages to pet each one. He told them, "Merry Christmas. I hope you find a home for Christmas." He talked to me about what he thought each of them really wanted, and how he wished that they didn't have to spend the holidays locked inside metal cages. I agreed with him, and reassured him that some of them would find homes. One of them had a sticker that said it had an adoption pending. I also told him that his petting was a comfort to them, even if it was just for a little while.

This is the second year that we have gone to the Humane Society as part of our Christmas experience. I think that it's a good tradition for Jacob - not too heavy, something he can relate to, having pets at my mother's house. I hope that it is age appropriate way of establishing some roots of gratitude, generosity and kindness, not just for other people, but also for animals. It's something we hope to continue, and pass on to Andrew as he gets older too. I'm sure the Humane Society will always be in need.

A Visit With Old Friends

Be the change you wish to see in the world. - Gandhi

Yesterday I had the privilege of visiting with friends that I have had for almost ten years. They are the women I worked with at Allegheny East in Monroeville, the day program for adults with mental retardation. I chose the above quote to represent them during my "30 days of gratitude," because I truly feel that all of these women are "the change they wish to see in the world," whether conscious or not. We spent several hours reminiscing about the past, the camaraderie we shared at Allegheny East, and the fun times we had together. There were many common threads among us; positive attitudes, kindness and generosity, love for the people we were serving, and gratitude for being blessed with one another. Above all, we are a group of people who are able to laugh at ourselves and each other (with love, of course) for our mistakes. Sometimes laughter truly is the best medicine, and every one of these women possesses this particular healing power. What a wonderful group of women! I had so much fun, and I wish that I could have stayed longer.

This group of women has been with me for a long time now, through wonderful celebrations and also through some very dark periods. They have grown with me, guided me, laughed and supported me. I stumbled into my position at Allegheny East by what I then thought was an accident. Looking back, I now believe that it was God's hand that lead me to 510 Seco Road. He knew that these women and the consumers would give my soul what I needed, not only at that time in my life, but for years to come. Their love continues to nourish me, even long after my ties to the agency itself have been severed.

A few years ago, Norma gave me a mug that says, "The bonds we have are everything." How true that is! "The bonds we have are everything." For the bonds I have made, for my friends at Allegheny East, who despite having moved in separate directions continue to gather together and show their love for one another, I am grateful. Thanks to you, girls! I love you all!

12/12/09

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.-- Brian Tracy


You'll have to pardon the numerous unimaginative titles. This daily posting, while I still maintain is a good idea, is taxing on my creativity! Today is just another quote for you. Find your own inspiration! :)

Mall Santa

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.-- Cicero


Blogger is having serious issues with photo alignment today. I guess my daily gratitude will just be that I was able to to upload photos at all! Sorry for the funky order and wacko setting of them!

We went to visit Santa and ride the train at the mall yesterday. As you can see, Andrew wasn't nearly as impressed with Santa up close as he was from afar. He was slightly appeased with a candy cane, though! Jacob only asked Santa for a "good Christmas." I suppose that my worries of greed are at least somewhat unfounded. That was a sweet request!

Both of the boys loved the train!

'Tis Better To Give Than To Receive

Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.-- Author Unknown

Every Christmas Eve, when I was small, my grandmother would read me The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen. It’s a terrible story, really. It’s about a small homeless girl who is freezing. She wanders around the frigid streets, watching families feasting through their windows. Finally, she finds a pack of matches, crouches in an alley and as she lights each match, she hallucinates about her own little glorious banquet and celebration. In the end, she freezes to death. My grandmother always cried. Goodness, I cry now, too, just thinking about it! Back then, I didn’t fully understand it. I’m not sure that I even understood that the little girl died. I believe that I thought she simply fell asleep, but I understand it fully now.

After reading the book, we set out our note and cookies and were sent to bed. Santa would come and we would awaken to a tree surrounded by presents in the morning. One year I woke up before everyone else. I must have been 7 or 8. I remember thinking that I would open only one or two presents and then get everyone up. I must not have had as much self restraint as I thought, because the look on my mother’s face when I woke her was not excitement, but complete dismay. I recall her saying something like, “you opened all the gifts without me!” I got a Wrinkle Dog that year. I loved it! I simply wanted to show that love to her. I didn’t understand that she had purchased those gifts for me, and wanted to watch me open them. From my perspective, Santa had given them to me. A child’s mind is simple. I understand her disappointment now.

The other day, Jacob said, “I like three things about Christmas. I like that its Jesus’ birthday. I like that family gets together and I like that we get lots of presents.”

“Well,” I said, “I like those things too. I like that it’s Jesus’ birthday and we get to celebrate. I really like that family gets together, but you know what I like better than getting presents?”

“What?”

“I like giving presents better than getting presents. I really enjoy watching someone open a present that I am giving to them, especially if it is a present that I have thought a lot about and worked a long time on. I get really excited about giving that person a gift. It makes me feel good to give it. Don’t you like giving presents to people?”

“Ummm…yeah, but I like getting lots of presents too.”

I think that fully understanding the “season of giving” concept will come with time and with example for both of my children. Honestly, I believe that Jacob does enjoy giving presents, because I see it in him. I see him giving, not just at Christmas, or on birthdays, but throughout the year. He wants to please others, he wants to give. The roots have already been established. They just need to be nurtured.

This is a season which can breed a lot of greed, especially in children. It is something that both Greg and I struggle with. We are privileged in many ways, and we do not want our children to take for granted the financial blessings that they have been lucky enough to be born into. That fortune could all change in a moment. I want them to appreciate the deeper blessings, the family ties, the love that surrounds them, the joys that transcend material wealth. These are lessons much harder to teach than math and science.

Every year during the holidays, we do simple things to illustrate the importance of giving for the boys, specifically Jacob, since Andrew is still so small. Instead of gifts, we give donations to different organizations for people. In giving donations, we think specifically about the person for whom we are donating and chose an organization that will be meaningful to that person. Jacob and I have also taken food and cat litter to the Humane Society. We take a camel from the tree at church and he helps me pick out a gift for a less fortunate child in our area. We donate food to the local food bank, and if we remember, toys for Toys for Tots and outer wear for some of the various winter warmth programs for kids.

These are all great things to do. I intend to continue these traditions and hopefully add some more - perhaps ringing the Salvation Army bell or even volunteering at the Soup Kitchen as the boys gets a little older. The problem with all of these particular examples is that they are season specific. They do not span a time period long enough to make a lasting impression, in my opinion. True lessons in charity come from year round generosity. The seasons of giving span from winter through spring, summer and fall. Looking back on my own childhood, I can recall examples too plentiful to recount when my mom and dad, grandmother, grandfather, aunts and uncles gave selflessly of themselves for others. It was by simply witnessing those examples, that I was able to absorb the true meaning of generosity. I didn’t understand it then. I didn’t even know what I lessons I was being taught. Perhaps they didn’t even necessarily know they were teaching me lessons. One thing is certain, I understand now, and I am not only grateful for my upbringing, but also grateful for the opportunity I have to pay it forward.

I hope that Greg and I are also “leading by example,” so to speak. We hope that the boys see our actions towards others and absorb them as they grow. Sometimes I wonder just how much they are actually taking in. Sometimes I am encouraged. I see glimpses of generosity in Jacob, but then there are times when I see a very spoiled child as well. I suppose all of that is very normal. He is, after all, only 6, and children are by nature self-centered. At that age, wasn’t my favorite part of Christmas getting lots of gifts too? It’s an on-going process, a work in progress and a learning experience for all four of us here in the Williams household; one that we are happy to do together, one that we are grateful to share.

12/9/09

You won't be happy with more until you're happy with what you've got.-- Viki King

Kindness

Let us be kinder to one another. - Aldous Huxley, on his deathbed
This isn't technically a quote about gratitude, but one can argue that it has roots thankfulness. I believe that most people who are truly grateful and aware of their own blessings are by nature kind to others. Being thankful often sparks a spontaneous "pay it forward" mentality. Attitudes are contagious, be they positive or negative. This Christmas season, I am urging all of you to literally spread good cheer, kindness and gratitude as you go about your daily lives. Even if you have to start off pretending, I think you will find that it soon becomes sincere. The best part? Your reward is immediate - instant gratitude for yourself and those around your. Who could ask for a better Christmas present?

More About Our Neighbor's Fire

Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much. For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbors build their philosophy of life.-- A. J. Cronin

Isn't it true that we look to others to build and enhance our own philosophy of life, not just as children, but even as adults? I, myself, constantly find inspiration in others, in their strength and perseverance, patience and kindness, not only in the face of large obstacles, but also in the consistency of daily interactions. Although I already have my own basis of being at this point in my life, I think that a person is a constant work in progress. I see in others role models of how I would like to evolve, glimpses of improvements I can make each day. Likewise, I see plenty of examples of how not to act as well. As disheartening as those exposures are, I believe they are also necessary. If we do not see the evil in the world, how would we realize the true extent good?

Below is a link to the newscast and an article about the fire I wrote about yesterday. Cathy Morris is a fantastic example of a woman who has endured terrific hurdles with dignity. Her calm during the interview is amazing. Could I endure repeated tragedies with the grace and faith that she has? I doubt it. No, I know that I could not. I admire her calm and her faith, and I am eager to help them as much as I can. She is right that she has good neighbors. This is a close-knit community, and there are many people who will reach out to them. Still, they have lost every material item they own. That is no small loss, especially this time of year. This is a family who is teaching their neighbors a beautiful lesson about their philosophy of life. I encourage you to watch the short clip, if you have a few minutes.

Family, Dog Escaped House Fire

Misfortune

If you can't be content with what you have received, be thankful for what you have escaped.-- Author Unknown

Yesterday afternoon the house behind my parents' burned down. The people who lived there have there for longer than I can remember. I grew up being friends with their children, as did Greg. Apparently, the fire was caused by the dryer. When the woman opened the door of the dryer, the oxygen fueled the already existing fire and increased it. The clothing fell out onto the floor. This ignited the fire on the second floor, which spread through the entire house.

She has MS and is disabled. He husband had a brain tumor removed somewhere around 17 or 18 years ago. His brain surgery was at the same time that she was diagnosed with MS and also found out that she was unexpectedly pregnant with their 4th child. He was left significantly disabled from the brain surgery, and is therefore very slow moving. Fortunately, they were all able to get out of the house safely. They also had a dog, which they rescued as well. I assume that their son assisted them, but I don't know that for sure. Unfortunately, the house is gone. I have not yet seen it. Greg drove by yesterday to see if he could help. My dad went over as soon as he saw the fire from his windows. They both said that it's significant. The house is pretty much gone. They've lost everything. Their son wasn't even wearing shoes when he left, but they are grateful to be alive.

There's nothing like a house fire to put your life into perspective. This is the second time I have seen someone's house burn. When Jacob was 2, our next door neighbor's house burned. I will never forget the enormity of that night, watching their home engulfed in flames and the tornado of emotions that followed in the aftermath. I will also never forget the impact the fire had on the community, the drawing it had, and the number of people who simply helped out of kindness without expectation. It was an horrific experience, I wished never to witness again, but for me, it rekindled a long lost belief that mankind is in fact inherently good.

The Red Cross provided temporary shelter, the Salvation Army provided food and clothing, local stores provided either goods (furniture, appliances) or gift cards for goods, and many, many people either purchased items, donated gently used items, or donated cash to the victims of that fire. And, if you haven't read the story written when I first started writing this blog, over a year ago, go back through the archives (I believe you need to scroll down on the lower right), because there is a very good one entitled " A Love Story," about a handsome young man named Greg, who wins back the love of his life, at least in part, by some of the selfless things he did to help this family after that fire.

Last night after dinner, I rented a movie for us to watch. As I pulled back into my driveway, looking at my neatly decorated, firmly standing home, I felt somewhat queasy. How are these decisions made; whose house stands and whose burns, who suffers such trials and who does not? This family has certainly had their share of trials, especially in the last 20 years. MS, a brain tumor, and those are just two publicly known struggles. I know, it's not for me to understand. I know that these are concepts I have struggled with, and will continue to struggle with my entire life. This is not an aspect of my faith that I can blindly accept. It is my weakness, and I hope that God will forgive me for questioning. In the meantime, throughout the process of my questions, I still maintain my faith that God's will is best. Isn't that the important part of faith anyway?

The family who suffered the fire yesterday is currently staying with my friend Jackie's in-laws. Jackie's mother-in law has MS and is also wheelchair bound, so her house is accessible, and she agreed to allow them to stay in her home until they could find housing. This is a small community, and the family was also involved with the church. I'm going to mass today to see what, if any, collections will be taken on their behalf. I'm going to tell Greg not to purchase any Christmas gifts for me personally. I think that this family could use that money instead. I have every Christmas present I need right beside me, every minute. Greg's mom is close friends with a close friend of the victims of the fire. I'm sure she will keep us posted as to what they might need as well.

God's will or not, the timing is terrible, and my heart is broken for them. We will pray for this family, and I ask for your prayers too - for their strength and perseverance, for the goodwill of this community to once again come together for their aide, and for them to eventually find some good, somewhere, somehow in this disaster in their lives.

At the end of my prayer, I am also thanking God for sparing my family from such devastation.

12/5/09

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. - Aesop

12/4/09

If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.-- Rabbi Harold Kushner

Another Tooth Gone!

Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.-- Eileen Caddy

Yesterday, after several months of diligent wiggling, Jacob finally asked me to pull out his front tooth for him. It appeared to be very loose, so I agreed. When I started to pull it, however, I found that it was really not as loose as I thought. I twisted it, and turned it half sideways. I knew it had to be painful, because I could feel the roots of it firmly anchored in the gums. I asked him if he wanted me to continue, hoping that he said yes, because the tooth was literally sideways in his mouth! He nodded, and I did not let on how much I thought this experience was hurting him. I tried to work as fast as I could. I actually needed to use my fingernail to grab the underside of the tooth, twist and pull it the rest of the way out. Jacob and I were both a bloody mess when it was done, but he did not shed a single tear! He was thrilled! He jumped for joy, asked me to get a chair so he could see the hole better in the mirror and giggled with glee as he looked as his gaping, bleeding reflection! I was happy for him, and very proud of him for handling the pain so maturely, but I was also a little saddened. I couldn't help but think that with this tooth, he had lost one more piece of his babyhood and was one more step closer to adulthood. It's a long way before he leaves the nest, yes, but time goes fast too. Wasn't it just yesterday that he was cutting the very tooth that I just pulled?

I would like to think that I have always tried to be aware of other people's feelings. I have always tried to be kind, conscientious, fair and cognizant of my own fortunes. I know there have been times in my life when I have not been all or any of those things. We all have times when we stumble. I was blessed with a strong foundation, good parents, grandparents and an extended family who instilled these values long before my children were born. Even with that foundation, I don't believe that any one person has taught me more about gratitude, more about life, than my children.

It is in viewing life through their perspective, that much of life softens. Many of the trials my mother went through are suddenly clear. The "aha" moment that people speak of; I've had many. I finally get it. Well, I get some if it - there will be more to come, I'm sure! All of those moments of stress, the running around, rearranging my schedule, the chaos of the days, the sibling bickering (yes, it even happens between a 6 year old and an 18 month old!), the household chores, the seemingly endless and overwhelming responsibilities, are worth the reward of being the one who gets to pull his tooth. Only a mother, only Jacob's mother would be thrilled by that. You see, another mother will understand why I am so touched by his lost tooth. Another mother will also understand why I save his teeth, but another mother would not push me aside to be the one to pull Jacob's tooth out. I am the only one who would fight to stick my hand inside Jake's mouth and pull out a bloody tooth. And I am the only one who would secretly shed a tear for him, for his excitement, for his bravery, but most of all for gratitude for being blessed with the joy of being his mother.

This is a drawing Jacob had made for the Tooth Fairy after losing his tooth. You can't see it as well on the computer as I had hoped. He has a space in the front, where the tooth used to be, with a tiny drop of blood (also notice the large molars in the back of his mouth!) He's holding the tooth in the palm of his hand, and above it is written, "I loste one tof."

Here he is in all his glory, just moments after having the tooth pulled out. What a brave boy!