Today I am thankful for...veterans.
On Veteran's Day it is extremely important to remember the men and women and their families who have given all that they have - their strength, their honor, their babies' birthdays, their innocence, their time with family, their lives - in service to this great land. I have a grandfather who fought in World War II, uncles who served and fought in Vietnam, an old high school friend who flew planes for the Navy in Bosnia and the Middle East, a friend who served in Operation Desert Storm, and countless friends and acquaintances who have loved ones serving in the current Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. And, thank God, I have been lucky enough to see each of these people in my life come home. I pray that those who are still overseas return home safely soon.
As a mother, I can't even imagine how military wives and husbands say goodbye to their spouses and raise families alone, all the while under the cloud of fear and doubt that must be ever-present. The last time peanut and I flew this spring, there were several soldiers heading back out to Afghanistan and Iraq on our flight. I cried hearing the stories they told. One described meeting his son when he was 15 months old. Meeting them. Totally missing the baby stage and meeting his child when he was already walking. I couldn't imagine. It is a monumental sacrifice and one that I truly appreciate. I feel that saying thank you is such an inadequate expression of gratitude.
But thank you. Thank you for putting your life on the line to defend our freedoms, to defend the defenseless in our world, to protect all that we take for granted. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I remember, I acknowledge and I thank you.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
30 Days of Thanks: Day 10
Today I am thankful for... grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
After a long weekend away and a Monday morning routine that includes a workout and playground play date lasting until lunch time, grocery shopping was out of the question for the first half of the day. It's more important to me to get peanut back into his weekly routine than the house stocked with food before 10am.
Ah, but there was a loaf of bread in the house, so all is right with the world. A loaf of bread plus a few slices of cheese and a jar of peanut butter and jelly meant lunch for peanut and me. And means a postponed trip to the grocery store until after mommy's shower and peanut's nap.
Sure, a nice chicken salad would have been more satisfying and balanced, but the quiet coming from down the hall meaning that peanut is sound asleep is oh so worth it. We'll get the real food later.
After a long weekend away and a Monday morning routine that includes a workout and playground play date lasting until lunch time, grocery shopping was out of the question for the first half of the day. It's more important to me to get peanut back into his weekly routine than the house stocked with food before 10am.
Ah, but there was a loaf of bread in the house, so all is right with the world. A loaf of bread plus a few slices of cheese and a jar of peanut butter and jelly meant lunch for peanut and me. And means a postponed trip to the grocery store until after mommy's shower and peanut's nap.
Sure, a nice chicken salad would have been more satisfying and balanced, but the quiet coming from down the hall meaning that peanut is sound asleep is oh so worth it. We'll get the real food later.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
30 Days of Thanks: Day 9
Today I am thankful for...slap happy toddlers!
There is nothing like managing a six hour drive with an overtired toddler. Will they sleep at all? How long? When should you stop to eat? Where will we stop to eat? Will a coloring book be enough or do we need to break out the DVD? Why are they always asleep when you have to pee?
I can't really complain. Peanut is really a good traveler. He doesn't sleep much in the car anymore, but he also doesn't get terribly cranky. He's easily distracted by a book or toy. He'll happily sing-a-long to his CDs. We only have to rely on the DVD as a last resort (but what a lifesaver!).
My favorite part of any road trip with the peanut? The slap-happy period that inevitably follows that much time trapped in a car seat. Tonight he ran around the house forwards, then backwards (saying "whoa!" the whole time). He babbled completely incoherently during dinner. He "counted" his girlfriends (apparently five). He sang songs. He was completely hysterical. His blowing off steam helps makes the hubby and I laugh so much that we do the same. No matter how tired we are or how much we need to do to get life back to normal after time away, it's always easier to do so with a slap-happy-toddler-induced-smile on our faces.
There is nothing like managing a six hour drive with an overtired toddler. Will they sleep at all? How long? When should you stop to eat? Where will we stop to eat? Will a coloring book be enough or do we need to break out the DVD? Why are they always asleep when you have to pee?
I can't really complain. Peanut is really a good traveler. He doesn't sleep much in the car anymore, but he also doesn't get terribly cranky. He's easily distracted by a book or toy. He'll happily sing-a-long to his CDs. We only have to rely on the DVD as a last resort (but what a lifesaver!).
My favorite part of any road trip with the peanut? The slap-happy period that inevitably follows that much time trapped in a car seat. Tonight he ran around the house forwards, then backwards (saying "whoa!" the whole time). He babbled completely incoherently during dinner. He "counted" his girlfriends (apparently five). He sang songs. He was completely hysterical. His blowing off steam helps makes the hubby and I laugh so much that we do the same. No matter how tired we are or how much we need to do to get life back to normal after time away, it's always easier to do so with a slap-happy-toddler-induced-smile on our faces.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
30 Days of Thanks: Day 8
Today I am thankful for...Chapel Hill.
This year marks 10 years since I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. May 17, 1998 I stepped across the field of Kenan Stadium in my Carolina blue gown to turn my tassle and enter the "real world." This weekend, we are in the Hill for Homecoming.
Chapel Hill was a special place for me, as it is for many of those Tar Heels you may come in contact with. I decided Carolina was where I needed to be after attending the bicentenial celebration in October of 1993. Charles Kuralt spoke his famous words (see below), President Bill Clinton spoke, and I watched a stadium full of people - students, alumni, professors, fans - and teared up as I watched these Tar Heels express such pride in their education, their campus and their Chapel Hill home. In that moment, I wanted to be a part of this family, this place.
Oh, I've written about my love of Chapel Hill before, but I truly am thankful that this place is a part of the fabric of my life. I am proud to go home this weekend, don my Carolina blue and cheer the Heels against Georgia Tech. I am excited for peanut to experience, with slightly more understanding this year, the pre-game festivies of band practice, the Old Well walk, step-off, kick-off, half-time, the alma mater (which he can sing!). I am thrilled to see old friends. I am looking forward to walking the brick sidewalks, strolling through the fallen leaves on the Quad, posing in front of the Old Well and remembering the good times I had as a student at Carolina. I am glad to be in the place where I can remember L (has it really been four years?).
Today, I am thankful for Chapel Hill and everyone I know and love who makes it the magical place I love.
Today, I leave you with Charles Kuralt's words from UNC's Bicentennial in 1993:
"What is it that binds us to this place as to no other? It is not the well or the bell or the stone walls. Or the crisp October nights or the memory of dogwoods blooming. Our loyalty is not only to William Richardson Davie, though we are proud of what he did 200 years ago today. Nor even to Dean Smith, though we are proud of what he did last March. No, our love for this place is based on the fact that it is, as it was meant to be, the University of the people."
This year marks 10 years since I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. May 17, 1998 I stepped across the field of Kenan Stadium in my Carolina blue gown to turn my tassle and enter the "real world." This weekend, we are in the Hill for Homecoming.
Chapel Hill was a special place for me, as it is for many of those Tar Heels you may come in contact with. I decided Carolina was where I needed to be after attending the bicentenial celebration in October of 1993. Charles Kuralt spoke his famous words (see below), President Bill Clinton spoke, and I watched a stadium full of people - students, alumni, professors, fans - and teared up as I watched these Tar Heels express such pride in their education, their campus and their Chapel Hill home. In that moment, I wanted to be a part of this family, this place.
Oh, I've written about my love of Chapel Hill before, but I truly am thankful that this place is a part of the fabric of my life. I am proud to go home this weekend, don my Carolina blue and cheer the Heels against Georgia Tech. I am excited for peanut to experience, with slightly more understanding this year, the pre-game festivies of band practice, the Old Well walk, step-off, kick-off, half-time, the alma mater (which he can sing!). I am thrilled to see old friends. I am looking forward to walking the brick sidewalks, strolling through the fallen leaves on the Quad, posing in front of the Old Well and remembering the good times I had as a student at Carolina. I am glad to be in the place where I can remember L (has it really been four years?).
Today, I am thankful for Chapel Hill and everyone I know and love who makes it the magical place I love.
Today, I leave you with Charles Kuralt's words from UNC's Bicentennial in 1993:
"What is it that binds us to this place as to no other? It is not the well or the bell or the stone walls. Or the crisp October nights or the memory of dogwoods blooming. Our loyalty is not only to William Richardson Davie, though we are proud of what he did 200 years ago today. Nor even to Dean Smith, though we are proud of what he did last March. No, our love for this place is based on the fact that it is, as it was meant to be, the University of the people."
Friday, November 7, 2008
30 Days of Thanks: Day 7
Today I am thankful for...the hubby.
I can't really put into words how much I love, depend on, care for, need the hubby. We've known each other for 17 years. Most major events in our lives we have done side-by-side - moves, losses, weddings, funerals, grad school, house purchases, layoffs, new jobs, and, of course, peanut. He's the first I want to talk to when something happens, or I hurt, or I need a laugh. He is truly my best friend.
Today, I hope, he has a great day. Today, he is taking part in a unique Carolina basketball experience with my brother-in-law that my sister and I arranged for their Christmas gift. I hope he has a blast - he deserves it for everything that he is to me and the peanut and everything he does everyday to make our lives joyful, easy and loving.
Thank you, hubby! Enjoy!
I can't really put into words how much I love, depend on, care for, need the hubby. We've known each other for 17 years. Most major events in our lives we have done side-by-side - moves, losses, weddings, funerals, grad school, house purchases, layoffs, new jobs, and, of course, peanut. He's the first I want to talk to when something happens, or I hurt, or I need a laugh. He is truly my best friend.
Today, I hope, he has a great day. Today, he is taking part in a unique Carolina basketball experience with my brother-in-law that my sister and I arranged for their Christmas gift. I hope he has a blast - he deserves it for everything that he is to me and the peanut and everything he does everyday to make our lives joyful, easy and loving.
Thank you, hubby! Enjoy!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
30 Days of Thanks: Day 6
Today I am thankful for...surprise gifts!
After running to Music Class this morning, then the library, then Target, then to hurry home to finish packing so we can load up the car after lunch and drive back to NC (yes, we were just there) for UNC's Homecoming this weekend, I came home to a box sitting on my porch. Now, oftentimes the hubby will order some nerdy computer book from Amazon and not warn me of its arrival so I am typically disappointed once I see the label on the box. But this was bigger than a book box. And it was addressed to me.
I happily dragged it (and the peanut and the two Target bags and the box of kitty litter and the diaper bag) into the house and eagerly tore it open. Inside was a pretty gold bag. Inside the pretty gold bag was a pretty white wine: "Mommy's Time Out Pinot Grigio." Next to the pretty white wine was a lovely note from High Heeled Mama's Aunt P.
A perfect gesture in the perfect moment. She couldn't have known it would arrive in the middle of such a hectic day, but it served its purpose. It caused me to stop, take a breath, read a caring note and smile. So thank you, Aunt P. I truly appreciate it. Unfortunately, due to the six hour car ride looming ahead of us in just an hour or two, I can't crack it open just now (although I am extremely tempted to). I'll just have to chill it and have it waiting for me after the return trip on Sunday when I'll REALLY need it!
And the bonus is the box full of Styrofoam peanuts that are keeping my peanut occupied while I type this and finish packing. The gift that keeps on giving!
After running to Music Class this morning, then the library, then Target, then to hurry home to finish packing so we can load up the car after lunch and drive back to NC (yes, we were just there) for UNC's Homecoming this weekend, I came home to a box sitting on my porch. Now, oftentimes the hubby will order some nerdy computer book from Amazon and not warn me of its arrival so I am typically disappointed once I see the label on the box. But this was bigger than a book box. And it was addressed to me.
I happily dragged it (and the peanut and the two Target bags and the box of kitty litter and the diaper bag) into the house and eagerly tore it open. Inside was a pretty gold bag. Inside the pretty gold bag was a pretty white wine: "Mommy's Time Out Pinot Grigio." Next to the pretty white wine was a lovely note from High Heeled Mama's Aunt P.
A perfect gesture in the perfect moment. She couldn't have known it would arrive in the middle of such a hectic day, but it served its purpose. It caused me to stop, take a breath, read a caring note and smile. So thank you, Aunt P. I truly appreciate it. Unfortunately, due to the six hour car ride looming ahead of us in just an hour or two, I can't crack it open just now (although I am extremely tempted to). I'll just have to chill it and have it waiting for me after the return trip on Sunday when I'll REALLY need it!
And the bonus is the box full of Styrofoam peanuts that are keeping my peanut occupied while I type this and finish packing. The gift that keeps on giving!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
30 Days of Thanks: Day 5
Today I am thankful for...sunny days.
"Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away."
Ah, those glorious words from Sesame Street. Puts a spring in your step, doesn't it? One of the benefits of living in the south is relatively mild weather year round. Sure, it's brutally hot in the summer with air so thick you can feel it and we have our share of cold, blustery winter days. But the south does transition seasons marvelously well with warm, green days in spring and crisp, clear days in fall. Add in a two-year-long drought and we have more sunny days than not.
Today is one of those beautiful transition days. Clear, sunny, dry skies with mild temps in the low 70s. One of those days where our outdoor workout was perfect - warm, but not too hot - and the post-workout playground time was fun for moms and peanuts. One of those days where you have to stop and enjoy just how beautiful it really is, basking in the warmth of the sunshine.
Peanut has always loved being outside. He would instantly quiet as a newborn just stepping onto the porch. There were plenty of evenings when the hubby would come home from work to find us sitting on the front porch simply because peanut was happier breathing the fresh air. He hasn't changed a bit. We spend time outdoors EVERY DAY (unless there is a deluge, which is not too common in these parts lately). As long as it's above 32 degrees, we're out there. Bundled up in hats, scarves and mittens in the winter, lathered in sunscreen and hitting the pool when it's miserably hot in the summer.
I am so excited to spend time with peanut as he grows up doing the outdoor things that I loved doing as a child - hiking in the woods, sailing, camping, picnics, biking, going to the ocean. Days like today give me a glimpse of the future of memories that our family will create. Days outside. Beautiful days. Sunny days.
"Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away."
Ah, those glorious words from Sesame Street. Puts a spring in your step, doesn't it? One of the benefits of living in the south is relatively mild weather year round. Sure, it's brutally hot in the summer with air so thick you can feel it and we have our share of cold, blustery winter days. But the south does transition seasons marvelously well with warm, green days in spring and crisp, clear days in fall. Add in a two-year-long drought and we have more sunny days than not.
Today is one of those beautiful transition days. Clear, sunny, dry skies with mild temps in the low 70s. One of those days where our outdoor workout was perfect - warm, but not too hot - and the post-workout playground time was fun for moms and peanuts. One of those days where you have to stop and enjoy just how beautiful it really is, basking in the warmth of the sunshine.
Peanut has always loved being outside. He would instantly quiet as a newborn just stepping onto the porch. There were plenty of evenings when the hubby would come home from work to find us sitting on the front porch simply because peanut was happier breathing the fresh air. He hasn't changed a bit. We spend time outdoors EVERY DAY (unless there is a deluge, which is not too common in these parts lately). As long as it's above 32 degrees, we're out there. Bundled up in hats, scarves and mittens in the winter, lathered in sunscreen and hitting the pool when it's miserably hot in the summer.
I am so excited to spend time with peanut as he grows up doing the outdoor things that I loved doing as a child - hiking in the woods, sailing, camping, picnics, biking, going to the ocean. Days like today give me a glimpse of the future of memories that our family will create. Days outside. Beautiful days. Sunny days.
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