Thanks

There are always so many things to be thankful for not just on Thanksgiving but each and every day. However, this Thanksgiving we are MOST thankful that we were able to make such loving memories with our family.

Mother of the Year Award

I officially LOST the Mother of the Year race today!

While shoe shopping with Molly today, I encouraged her to measure her feet on the kid rug provided in the shoe section. When I observed, I couldn't believe my eyes! So we quickly starting trying to shoes on.....the 10s were snug and the 11s were perfect, they were on sale, Molly loved them and so we headed to check-out - Molly proudly holding her box of new kicks and me walking behind her with my head hung in shame. I told the lady who checked us out that we didn't need a bag as we would be putting these shoes on immediately. Especially since the shoes currently on my daughter's feet were N-I-N-E-S! Yes, 9s - two sizes smaller than the ones purchased.

Hopefully with appropriate shoes, Molly will have even more fun running around with her friends!

So Much to Learn

We participated in Celia's Walk to Defeat Batten's Disease today. Its always been a family event complete with snacks, friends, and a big open field to play in. Today's walk was different because its the first walk without Celia so we arrived with heavier hearts.

Many of the kids found themselves in the soccer goal during the walk. We took a couple pictures ~ say cheese, thumbs up, funny faces and one waving to Celia all the way up in heaven. While waving to Celia, her little brother, Tucker said through tear streaked cheeks that he missed his sister.

And that group of 2-6 year olds, sat silently with sadden hearts while their friend grieved, once again, the loss of his big sister. Then, with approval from the adults, they hopped up and wrapped their arms and love around their friend. Surrounded him in a group hug to help lessen his grief.

Mike and I often marvel in what Celia taught us in her brief life but her teaching didn't stop when her body did. Her lessons are alive and working through the many children who love her and her family. We still have so much to learn.

Bi-polar

 All parents at one time or another has shared an expression of relief that their child exhibits some sense of self-control in public. There are also those times at home during a melt-down or over drinks with friends where a parent wishes others saw how ridiculous said child acted in order to receive some sympathy. 

Miss Molly is the queen of being an angel in public and with those whose opinions she values most (her preschool teacher - Mrs. Morgan, her babysitter - Miss Lisa, and family friends - Miss Jenni & Miss Denae).

Luckily, I was armed and ready with the camera tonight so I have proof of Molly's dark side. If a pumpkin can elicit this type of response can you imagine what another human can?

Nature

 does a body (and soul) good.

Most parents understand the need to get away, hide, and sometimes utterly ignore your children when they've called for you for the 10th time in less than 2 minutes. Doesn't mean you don't love them more than anything in the world, it just means your human.

This weekend, with the help of the grandparents, Mike and I were able to steal a few days away from the kids, from the never ending kitchen remodel, from the laundry, and basically from life. Mike has spent most of his time standing in a river catching browns and salmon, while abandoning me at the bed and breakfast with no vehicle. I couldn't ask for any sweeter gesture from my husband. I've been able to walk with no specific destination and with no time schedule to the little canal town about a mile away. I've slept in, taken naps, read, and meandered through the weekend - I can't tell you the last time I meandered. I like meandering and would love to do again sometime SOON.

I'll be ready to pack up tomorrow to retrieve the kids. To hear my name tumble off their lips as they eagerly share their conquests with the grandparents. But not tonight. Tonight I'm looking forward to the third child-free dinner with husband and the long drive back home where I don't have to remind anyone to stay on their side of the backseat!

2 Years

 As I reflect on the two year anniversary of my dad's death, my heart keeps coming back to my kids.

When I received the text from Alec on Monday night asking if he could wear Grandpa Jack's suspenders to school for nerd day my immediate reaction was "No". What if something happens to them? What if they get ruined? I was blessed to be surrounded by some amazing friends who encouraged me to say "Yes". Yes to reviving the suspenders. Yes to giving them new purpose. Boy am I glad I listened because Dad would've loved this picture of his grandson.

When I find myself dwelling on all the things my daughter's missed with her grandpa, I remind myself that he gave her something in the short time they were together that is irreplaceable - compassion. And then tonight my daughter and her daddy got to spend a special night at preschool - a night just for preschoolers and their daddies. How perfect. Priceless, really.

I'll always be a daddy's girl. I'll forever thank him for teaching me to change a headlight, for encouraging me to get my Master's Degree, for my flashlight holding skills, for always having jumper cables in my car and knowing how to use them, and for making feel like the most special girl in the world.

Home

Mike and I often talk about the possibility of moving back home.

It would be easier; especially during close weeks when I only see my husband as a shadow from the bathroom light as he tip toes through his morning routine in an attempt not to wake me or as he quietly slips into bed well after bedtime.

But then we pause and realize this is home. This is our home.

I dream of a time when our kids will come visit with their children, we'll see the worries melt off their shoulders as they breathe deeply the comfort of home. This home. Their home.

And then I'm comforted because we are exactly where we are meant to be. Home.