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.

Update on Will

Great news!! I got a call this afternoon from the principal at Walnut Glen. He told me they indeed had a spot for William for 1st grade. I had to go and withdraw him from Keeley today, and then we'll re-enroll him at Walnut Glen tomorrow morning. I am so excited!!

Although Will is happy to go back to school with all of his friends, he was a little disappointed b/c he's been rididng the bus to Keeley w/the neighborhood kids and he thinks it's so fun to ride the bus. We don't have bus service to Walnut Glen, so he's not able to experience the bus.

But, I believe Walnut Glen is a better fit for him, for us. It's an amazing school and we are so lucky to get to be a part of it.

1st grade & 4th grade

Today, my two oldest babies are starting school. Ben is going into 4th grade. I know, right? I can't believe it myself. And William is going into 1st grade. Where does the time go?

This year things are changing up for us. Ben is going back to WGA and Will is going to Keeley. Will got bumped from WGA, and was on the waiting list but didn't get a spot. We are still hopeful that this first week of school, something will come available. But in the meantime - he's going to Keeley. So that means, David and I tag teaming to drop them off and pick them up from school since they have to be there and be picked up at the exact same time.

They were both pretty excited about school starting. Although - I don't think the reality of Ben being at a different school really set in w/William until this morning. He was really nervous this morning. I took Will to school, and David took Ben.

William wore his Jack Skellington t-shirt. He loves Nightmare before Christmas. It's his favorite movie!

Ben - my big 4th grader : )

Will & Ben trying to stand as far away from each other as I will allow : )

Ben : )

Will :)

I took Will to school, and surprisingly all the kids were already in the classroom and seated when we got there, and we were early. Which was a bummer, b/c Will hates walking in front of everyone.

He was pretty nervous, and would not look at me. So I took one photo of him and left : ( I didn't want to embarrass him.

I snapped this one as I was walking out. He's over by the window in the black shirt.

I am still holding out hope that Will will get a spot at WGA - but if he doesn't, I am pleased with the teacher that he got. I've heard great things about her, and she seems so sweet and genuine. Which is exactly what he needs. And the bonus is - our next door neighbor's son (his BFF) is in his class. They have known each other since they were babies. So that really helps him not to be quite as nervous.

David took Ben to school this morning. I told David to go in and take some photos of Ben and Ben said "Why? Why does he have to go in? Why can't he drop me off?" Really? He's only in 4th grade. I thought that didn't start until middle school? And, of course, I secretly think that my kids will always want me around no matter what age. They'll never be embarrassed of me. Ha! I told him that Daddy had to take photos, it was a requirement b/c mommy's on the PTA. Haha!

Our 4th grader : )

Inside his class. The blonde boy sitting behind him is one of his BFF's. Probably going to have to separate those two : )

They had a successful start to their first day. Will's teacher sent me an email and told me he's doing great. So that makes a mommy even happier.

So - it's just me and Andy here. He starts school on September 6. So we have to find things to entertain ourselves : )

He had to get up pretty early this morning (6am) and he's not use to that at all. He put the bar stools together, and made himself a little bed : ) And of course, Teddy has to get in the shot : )

Happy First Day of School!

Advice Needed!

We are having SO much trouble getting the boys to go to bed. Well... Will & Andy that is. Ben has his own room - so he does great. He goes to bed, reads a little and then falls asleep. Will & Andy share a room. And it's miserable!!!! Will is actually very good and would go to bed. But he can't b/c the bedtime monster is bugging the dickens out of him. Yes... I am referring to Andy. He was such a great sleeper as a baby. He would sleep something crazy like 14 hours a night. Crazy, right? It was wonderful! Well now, is my payback. B/c he won't go to sleep to save my life.

I just don't know what to do to get Andy to go to sleep. He's been sleeping w/David and I for the last 2 years (he's 4). And so has Will off and on. School is starting - so we are making Will go back to his bed. He's a little scared too - but he's fine. He's a good sleeper. And with him, we would love it if Andy would get out of our bed too. David and I have not slept alone in our bed together in 9 years. I would really like to have a good nights sleep. It NEVER happens.

We intend to move in a year or so - to have more space. But for the time being, we are short on space. As I said - Ben has a room. Andy & Will share a room. David & I have a room. And then we have one bedroom that is designated for the media/xbox room. Which we really kinda need. Having the media room really helps out w/fighting and giving the kids somewhere to go.

Andy can wake up at 6am, take a nap/not take a nap, and still stay up till 11pm. It's amazing. I don't know why this kid doesn't want to go to sleep. I'm exhausted!

I am very frustrated. It seems I've had this dilemma for ever. Well ... for 9 years now. I'm ready for it to come to an end. But I don't know what to do. I've done everything I can think to do.

I would LOVE advice from other mothers who have dealt w/this or might have some ideas. I'm desperate.

A Sign!

I have been watching "Switched at Birth". It's a new series on the Family Channel that comes on Monday nights. It's about 2 girls who were switched at birth and one of them happens to be deaf. So on this show - there's a lot of speaking in sign. And the girl who is deaf on the show, Daphne, reads lips well but in most cases has a confused look on her face b/c everyone is talking to fast for her to read their lips. So she misses most of their conversation. I can see the frustration in her face, but never really could imagine how she (or any other deaf person) must feel when around hearing people. It's really a great, great show. I am enjoying it.

I have always been fascinated w/sign language. And I have always ALWAYS wanted to learn - but never did. I taught all 3 of my children sign language when they were born. It was simple signs that we learned from a book. Such as milk, eat, more, bed, tired, etc. It was a life-saver for us. Especially with Ben. He was our first and we were really unsure and didn't know how to fully understand what he needed. So teaching him to sign - really took out all of the guessing for us. He learned it quickly and loved doing it.

After the kids could talk, the signs fell to the waist side. There was no need for them. But in the back of mind - I've always thought someday I would learn.

So, yesterday - I am at Wal-mart looking at air fresheners and such. This girl walks up next to me and is looking at them too. She picks up one that I have used and I start to talk to her (b/c that's how I am : ) and tell her how great it is, and how nice it smells, etc. I'm just talking and talking until she taps me on the shoulder and points to her ear. She was Deaf! In that very moment, I felt like a complete idiot. An idiot b/c I couldn't communicate w/her. She was young, pregnant, seemed very sweet and trying hard to communicate w/me and understand what I was saying, about air fresheners, nonetheless. I stood there for 5 minutes pointing and making motion w/my hands - that I or she had no idea what I was saying. At that moment - when all I could hear was silence - I knew how Daphne, and all other deaf people, must feel. I looked at her and just waved bye and walked away. I felt terrible, defeated. So sad that I couldn't communicate w/her.

I know, that will probably never happen to me again - b/c it's the first time it has. But it was then that I decided it was time for me to learn to Sign.

Happy Birthday to ME!

Today, a package came for ME, and what do you think it was? The greatest birthday (early, but still birthday) present EVER! 

Is the suspense killing you? 

It's the complete season of GILMORE GIRLS on DVD. It came packaged in this cute case that looks like it should contain a barbie doll and included all 7 seasons packaged so cutely; 

a book of Gilmore-isms (LOVE it!); and a Episode guide full of photos!

Here it is .... I am a HAPPY girl!

Here's a close up of the case ... It's so adorable!

 

Anyone who knows me, knows I have watched it from the day it started, and then recorded it afterwards. I watch the season over and over again. 

Yes, I love it THAT much!

I'm very excited to start watching and have a few Gilmore Girl Marathons!

Even though David didn't pick it out. I did, and ordered it on Amazon myself (love Amazon!) - it's still the perfect gift from him : ) Thank you sweet husband! Happy early Birthday to me!

Now, I must go .... I have Gilmore Girls to watch : )

Mom's are Glue!

Do you feel sticky?

If you are a mom, you do. Kids hanging on you all day. 'Mom' this and 'Mom' that.

But, even more than that, you are the glue that holds your family together. Moms set the tone, the mood in their families. When Mom's doing well, all is well. When Mom is struggling...the entire family feels the pain.

If you are feeling the weight of parental responsibility, but are not sure what fulfilling that obligation looks like, you are not alone.

Here are some simple guidelines to help your family "stick together" in greater harmony. As Mom, your leadership (stickiness) can go a long way in promoting each of these crucial areas.

• Stability

Kids need to know there are constants in their lives. In fact, the more change a child experiences in one part of his life the more stability he generally needs in another. That's why parents REALLY matter. From a child's perspective, parents are the number one constant in his young life.

• Structure

In some ways, structure is stability on a schedule. For children, the simple fact of knowing that we do everyday chores like eat dinner and ready for bedtime at the same time or in the same way each day adds to a sense of security. As a mom, you can determine the schedule that's right for your family. You don't need to be rigid with this schedule, just dependable. It is important because it shows children that their needs will be met in a constant, consistent manner day in and day out. It also shows kids that they can genuinely count on the adults who care for them.

• Mood

As mentioned before, when Mom's up, everybody's feeling better. When Mom's down, the whole house is dragging. Don't believe me? Observe your own household for a week or two. Your influence as a mom is immense. By paying attention to the words you use and being mindful of your own moods, you can effectively teach your children to live out of their wills and not their emotions.

• Vision/Purpose

Do you have a road map for your family? It's much easier to deal with the daily grind when you have a deeper purpose in mind. Think about what hopes, dreams and goals you have for yourself, your marriage and your children. Spend time together developing family goals. This can effectively lead into...

• Teamwork

The family that knows where they are going as a cohesive, unique unit gives each of their individual members a greater stake in the outcome. Everyone learns what they bring to the team and at this point Mom becomes the family cheerleader; encouraging, supporting, and keeping the family on task, heading in the right direction.

• Integrity

Kids want to believe their moms. Period. When you say what you mean and mean what you say, you wield an even greater power within your family structure. You gain respect. When you speak, family members will listen to you...deep inside, where it truly counts.

Being a mom means you are a person of great power. Never again will another human being be so attracted to your influence. Use this power wisely. Be the best mom you can be to your precious family.

_________________

by Colleen Langenfeld / Copyright (c) 2004
http://www.paintedgold.com/Kids/Kids-2.html

July 4th weekend!

Typically we go to Misty's house for the 4th of July to have a cook-out, swim and pop fireworks. But, unfortunately, this year - there was a state wide burn ban. Which means - no personal fireworks.

Our neighbors next door were out of town, and our other neighbors were babysitting the pool - so we hung w/them and swam a lot.

On July 3rd - we met our neighbors (The Jones') at our other neighbors pool, brought our own picnic lunch and swam for a few hours. The boys (totally 6 - her 3 and my 3), had a great time.

The Jones' boys, and Ben, Will & Andy

Little pool fun : )

Popsicle time! This time w/our neighbors dog, Bella : )

We finished hanging w/the Jones' and came home. 

Then the girl across the street, came over to swim and hang out : )

 

 Time for some refreshing popsicles : )

After our company left and it got dark - we went up to the park to watch the fireworks. We only made it in time to watch it for 10 minutes, unfortunately - but it was still nice. Next year, if there's a burn ban and we can't go to Misty's - we'll plan ahead of time and make sure we are able to see the whole firework show.

Until next year .... Happy 4th of July, friends!

Teddy Swimming!

So, Teddy loves the water. Well - at least the little plastic baby pool, he does. He jumps in and out. Plays w/the water hose in it. He loves it. So, I thought since he loved that so much that he would love to swim in a real pool. I thought, he's an Irish Terrier - he's got huge feet - surely he'll like to swim.

WRONG!

I got him into the pool, just the way Cesar Millan's (http://www.cesarsway.com, the Dog Whisper) says to do it. I thought I did a pretty good job of that. Well, not so much. Teddy wasn't at all interested in swimming and proceeded to climb up my body like a small kid (he's 50 pounds). 

And here's what I got ....

In his defense, he wasn't trying to hurt me - he was just quite freaked out. I hope when we have a 'real pool' of our own, he will get in on his own and figure out that swimming is fun as well as good for him. I can just see him jumping in and out, diving for balls .... at least that's my dream anyways : )

The only good part of it, was that the 10 minutes (if that) he was in the pool ..... wore him completely out. Which, for those of you who have heard me complain about him and his abundance of energy - know that's a difficult task.

So - here he laid for the rest of the day. I got a little war wound - but I got a day of rest from my puppy : )

Pool!

We have wanted a pool for quite sometime now. We have been toying w/the idea of putting in an in-ground pool here. We checked prices and got some quotes. And after that ..... decided that it's more of an investment than we want to make at this house.

So - we do plan to move in 1-2 years to a bigger house (we're busting out of the seams) w/a pool. We are saving, and making repairs to our house now. But in the meantime - we needed a pool. So, we put in an above ground pool. It's a cheap pool - from Academy, but it definitely will serve the purpose. We hope to get 2 summers out of it, but if we can't - we definitely got our money's worth for what it cost - we are satisfied.

Since our yard is fairly slopey - we had to call in re-inforcements to help. Our babysitters brother, Jake Hering, was up for the task .... w/the help of Jamie. We love the Herings - they are so good to us! They worked for 2 days to level the ground for the pool. 

Here's David and Andy measuring the yard for the pool.

 

Jamie & Jake hard at work : )

Jake & Jamie got a little (very little) help from Ben : )

Jamie had a friend visiting her, and she put him to work too. And she recruited Will & Andy.

This was the fun stage. Filing the hole w/water and playing in the mud : )

Her friend broke both of his shoes in the mud (poor guy) ... and I think - they buried them in the mud : )

Retaining wall up, hole dug, leveled and ready for the pool....

The pool ... w/o water....

And it's done! Yea .... the boys love it and love to swim.

We only wish we could build some type of deck so that they would have a place to jump. 

But since it's only 42" deep - probably not a good idea anyway.

The boys love the pool and it works out great. All 3 of them can touch, so it's not as big of a worry as a deeper pool would be. We are thankful to be able to have a place to cool off this summer...

David has been doing a great job taking care of the pool and keeping it up and testing the chlorine and such. He's having a lot of fun. This is his trial run for when we have a 'real' pool of our very own for him to care for. We are all excited for that day ... but until then, we'll swim in our little pool.

Photos from David's Childhood....

I was going through some stuff and found these pictures from David's childhood and I thought I would post. I don't have a lot of information surrounding them. Hopefully when David's mom comes to visit, I can have her sit w/me and tell me where/when these photos were taken.

What I find most interesting about them, is that our boys don't really resemble David too much as a child. I think Ben looks like him now - but not as a child. There's a few pictures - where I can see the boys a little. But it's not distinctive, like it is w/me and the boys. Maybe I'm wrong. What do you think?

David (5 days old) and Aunt Claudia

David 5 months old

David, almost 1 - summer 1965

David (almost 1) and Aunt Claudia. Summer 1965 in Ft. Meade, MO

David - 1.5 years old

I do think Andy looks a little like David in this photo.

Aunt Claudia, Oma and David (almost 2)

.

I think William looks a little like him here. 
David's the one in the middle : )

David's 7th birthday. December 23, 1971

I do see Will in this picture too.

David (7 years old) and Aunt Claudia. Christmas 1971

I think this one resembles Ben a bit.

David

David

Opa, Aunt Claudia, David and Oma

David, Oma & Opa

What's interesting ... is a lot of times, Ben looks like this picture. 

David

I do have more pictures from David's life and I will dig those out and post them here as well. I want my boys to see their daddy when he was younger and see where he came from. I think it's important : )

David's Father's Day!

I am so thankful for such an amazing man who loves his boys so completely w/seldom complaining. He gives of himself in anyway possible and thoroughly enjoys the memories he's making w/his 3 sons.

I know, I am one lucky lady - to have him as the father of my 3 sons. I know he will mold them into the kind, caring, loving, hardworking, well-mannered man that he is.

Here's a few pictures I dug up of him and the boys when they were born ...

 David and Ben

  David and Will

 

David and Andy

 

We love you David and we know that your Father's Day will be as deserving as you are. We love you very much!

Happy Father's Day!

David and I are blessed to have two great, great men as our Father's. 

I love my daddy with my all my heart. He's a man of integrity with a big heart. He's kind, compassionate, giving, and loving. And mostly he loves my mom and his 5 children. And for that I'm thankful! Happy Father's Day, Daddy - I love you!

Photo taken Father's Day 2009

David's father was very similar to mine and shared a lot of the same characteristic. I, unfortunately, never got to meet him. But I know from the man he raised to be my husband that he, himself, could have been nothing less than amazing!

I know David misses his father very much and thinks about him often. And I know that he wishes he were here to see his 3 grandsons grow up, and carry on his family name.

Happy Father's Day to you, dear sweet Daddy! We love you!

I am not certain when this photo was taken, but it's one of the only ones we have of David's father.

Happy Father's Day to two great men - whom we love and cherish daily! Thank you for all the sacrifices you made for us and your family! We love you!