9/11

On the Eve of the 10th anniversary, it's a difficult day in our house and in every American's house. We remember that horrific day that changed our country forever.


Photo courtesy of Over The Big Moon

 I am certain the events that occured on September 11, 2011 are on everyone's mind. Everyone remembers the exact place they were in when time seemed to stand still. I was working as a paralegal for a lawfirm right outside downtown. I remember I had to be to work at 8:00 a.m. So, when the first tower was hit at 7:46 a.m. (8:46 a.m. NY time) - I was in commute to work. And minutes after I got to work - the 2nd tower was hit at 8:03 a.m. (9:03 am NY time). I remember standing in front of a conference room TV w/my co-workers and the attorneys watching in disbelief. Was this an accident? Was this intentional? We were all so confused as to what we are watching. Then President Bush came on and declared the "War on Terror." Holy cow .... America was under attack! Why would someone do this to our country?

Once I realized that this attack was intentional and pure evil - I remember being really scared for David. He worked in Downtown near lots of big high rises. I called him several times before I finally got him on the phone. And when I did - he was actually out walking around, b/c downtown was going nuts. His building was evacuated - thankfully. And he was able to get out of downtown.

10 years later - the question still rings with me as to why someone would do this to our country. Fortunately, I'm older now and although I am a optomist - I do know that there is evil in the world. It's hard to think about. It's hard to see pictures and watch videos. And mostly - it's hard to explain to my boys.

Benjamin is 9 years old - and he actually knows and understands. I've talked to him about it many times. I  do think he understands the importance of it - but he's just not the type of kid to get upset over something that he can't see or experience. He can feel the realism, but detach.

Andy is 4 years old - and doesn't quite understand. We did talk to him, and he showed a little sadness - but he really doesn't get it.

William is 7 years old - and bless his heart, he's just like me with his emotions. He's empathetic and has a HUGE heart. He hurts if someone else is hurting and he can feel others pain. So tonight - David and I were watching a video about 9/11 - something someone posted on facebook - and William walked in. We've already been talking to him about it, but he hadn't seen pictures or put a face to it. We watched the video with him 5x's - pausing and stopping many, many times. Explaining to him about our country, about the finanical district, and terrorists, about Lady Liberty, about the 2,998 lives that were lost, and the reflections pools that are being built. He had a lot of questions, and we answered them the best we could without scaring him. He's a big worrier and the last thing we want to do is make him not feel safe.

I told him that tomorrow - on September 11 - NYC would be having a memorial at the site of the world trade centers for the families of the victims of 9/11. He asked if we could go there. I told him that once the site is completed (the reflection pools, 4 towers, museum and performing arts center) that we would take a family trip to NYC. I love NYC and am a huge fan of it. I would move my family there in a heartbeat if I could.

A little bit later, William comes to me and says "Tomorrow when NY is having their memorial, can we put on wedding clothes (it's what he refers to as fancy clothes) and have a memorial here at home?" My heart melted..... And immediately said "Yes, of course. That's a great idea, son." He was so happy. And I think even though it's a small gesture - it will help him feel safe having us all together and knowing we are safe.

He also said to me "I am glad you and dad weren't there, but I wish I was." I asked "Why (Even though I knew the answer)?" And he said "Because I want to help them and be a fireman. I feel so sad for them."

My sweet, sweet boy is filled with so much goodness and appreciation of others. I am so thankful that he cares so much for others.

We talked about Lady Liberty and what she stands for and how when he says the Pledge of Allegiance at school - he is speaking of her. I am certain now - that everytime he recites the Pledge of Allegiance, he will think of our Lady Liberty and what she means to our country!

Honor. Remember. Celebrate. Look Forward.

Being prepared ...

Yesterday, there was a pretty devastating tornado in Joplin, MO. They said on the news that it was the worst deadliest tornado storm in 60 years. And so far this year - we have had 1000 tornadoes as opposed to the average of 500 we typically have by now. Unfortunately, tornado season isn't over and they are predicting more deadly tornadoes this season.

We have more storms tonight and even worse coming tomorrow night. Once I watched the coverage on TV about Joplin and got the stats - I knew I had to prepare the boys. If, there is a way to be prepared. I just didn't want us to have an emergency and have to take cover from a Tornado and everyone be freaking out. After all, we have 5 family members and 3 dogs. And everyone has to be safe!

After dinner, I decided to do a practice run through. I talked to the boys and told them the plan. Ben, of course, acted silly. And was worried about saving his series of "How to Train a Dragon" books. Only Ben : ) Will, was worried, interested and wanted to listen. And as always, Andy followed Will's lead.

After looking in the attic, to verify that the air conditioner wasn't over the boys bathroom (wouldn't want that falling on us) - we determined it was the safest spot. So, the boys and dogs piled in the bathtub. Ralf was freaked out by the storms, he was happy to get close and cuddle. Teddy was in the bathtub, but jumped out. And Kuma was laying on the floor next to the bathtub.

Will, Andy, Ben and Ralf

I don't know what it would be like if (God forbid) an actual tornado did hit (and I pray I never do). But I assume, we would get a mattress to lay on top of us all and protect from the glass mirror in the bathroom. Get the dogs on leashes. And have the boys and dogs get in the bathtub. And then, I'm sure - David and I would be laying on top of the boys and the dogs.

I was in a couple of tornadoes when I was younger. One I remember specifically - ripped the roof off of our mobile home and crumbled it in the neighbors house behind ours. The good thing is that I didn't realize what had happened - I woke up to water leaking on me. (I should ask Misty if she remembers that. She remembers everything : )

David asked me tonight what I would want to save in an emergency (tornado, fire, etc.)? It didn't take me long to know. I love my worldly possessions, but all I would worry about is my husband, my 3 sons, my 3 dogs, my wedding ring and my external hard drive. All of my boys pictures from their entire life is on my external drive and therefore makes it the most important worldly possession that I own. Of course, other important practical things would be purse, wallet, keys to car, shoes, cell phone.

I don't think there's a way to fully be prepared. You can never be prepared for the devastation that the residents of Joplin, MO are living through right now. But if I can enlighten my boys to where they at least know the steps we will take in case of a natural disaster - then I think we have better chances with a good outcome.

A victory for the USA!

Tonight - Osama bin Laden was killed. This is a great day for the US and the families of the victims of 9/11. I know they must feel peace and a sense of justice.

Great job to our military and President Obama! God Bless you!

The Royal Wedding

How many of you (like me), have been waiting for this? I think I set my DVR a month ago to see The Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton. I guess all of the talk about it and the excitement has really gotten me into it. It's a fairytale. I set my DVR to record it, because it aired from 3am-9am. And although I wanted to see it, I didn't want to see it at 3am. I do love my sleep :)

The important part of this wedding is that it's a part of our history. This probably won't happen for another 30 years. Prince William is in line to be King of England, and then after him would be his heir - if he & Kate should have a boy.

I watched the entire thing - all 6 hours. Not all at once - but all in one day. I loved the coverage of all the pre-wedding stuff. It was great.

I thought the wedding was really beautiful and classy. I couldn't believe how calm Kate looked. It was like she was so happy to be marrying the man of her dreams and nothing else mattered. And as if she was getting married in front of 50 people instead of the entire world - such as it was. She seemed really, really happy.

We know for us girls, it's about the dress, right?. Didn't you love Kate's? I thought it was beautiful and fit her perfectly. It was timeless.

I loved when Prince Harry and Prince William were driving in the processional. The cars were really awesome with the clear glass all the way around so you could see them clearly. They were saluting, what seemed to be randomly. I still haven't figured out what they were saluting at? Maybe Flags? It was super cool and humbling.

Kate and Prince William looked so happy. She was smiling the whole time.

This is after the wedding, going to Buckingham Palace for their balcony viewing and their kiss : ) As they are along their journey - Prince William salutes and Kate bowed her head. This happened several times. I wish I knew what they were saluting at. It was very humbling.

 And the first and second kiss. It was pretty cute to watch them b/c they would nod and each other like "Okay, now?" It was really sweet.

I thought it was a great wedding and a great part of history. So happy I was able to watch it.

Congratulations to The Royal Family!

A Day of Change for our Country - 9/11

Today was one of the worst days of History. There was a series of terrorist attacks upon the United States of America. Four commercial passenger jet airliners were hijacked by Al Qaeda Terrorists this morning and two of the planes were crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, one plane into each tower, causing the collapse of both towers within two hours. The third aircraft was crashed into the Pentagon. Passengers on the fourth hijacked aircraft attempted to retake control of their plane from the hijackers, which crashed into a field in rural Somerset County, Pennsylvania killing all on board but in the process saving many other lives. Approximately 3,000 people died in these attacks. including a number of fire fighters and rescue workers.

It's a sad, sad day for our country. A day that will change our country forever. My heart goes out to all of the people in NYC that were involved in this terrible attack.

I had just gotten to work (Settle & Pou) when I heard the news. Went into the office and it was on all of the TV's. David works in downtown, so I immediately start freaking out and trying to call him. He, of course, isn't answering his phone. Finally got in touch with him and he was walking around downtown, but on his way home.  Everyone either stayed home or was going home. He's in a federal buidling - so it wasn't safe for him to be at work. I am just pleased he's safe and glad he's going home!

Here's some pictures from this tragic day in history!

September 11th will be a day that is never forgetten in this country!