The day started out very gloomy, gray and rainy. We showered, dressed and headed to Fall Church, VA not far from the days events. My excitement was building in a strange kind of way. I haven't seen my best friend of over 20 years in about seven months and I couldn't wait to see her. Oddly enough I believe her Father would have understood that.
However, the reason I was headed to Virginia was to help my friend and her family say farewell to her father. He was retired Navy and was to be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
In the past I have only heard about what this event entails or seen it on TV but never witnessed it first hand. Experiencing it live is one of the most serene, breath-taking, reverent moments of my life. As we entered the cemetery we saw the rolling green hills, lined with the white headstones in amazing perfection.
As we waited for the events of the ceremony to get started, we watched the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown solider. Speechless as I was after that, watching my friend and her brother walk hand in hand behind the horse drawn carriage, I found tears just gentling rolling down my face.
This day I will remember the crisp, clean, white Navy uniforms, the impeccable perfection at the way they folded the American flag, the stunning amount of medals each solider displayed on his chest but most of all the words I heard are in blazed in my memory. "On behalf of the President of the United States and a Grateful Nation....." at that point the tears just fell in a slow steady stream.
I'm not going to lie I almost fell over when the 21 gun salute started. I knew it would happen but I wasn't paying attention to see they were getting ready. At the beginning of "Taps" I looked up at the sky and the gray clouds were gone and all you could see over the green rolling hills were blue sky and sunshine.
"Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Brett for the kiss of sunshine".
Probably the one thing I was most unprepared for was the letters my friend and her brother read out loud to their father before they closed the crypt in the columbarium. It was a final farewell that was sweet, honest and would have made him very proud.
Thank you Justine and James for including my family with yours. I will treasure the memory forever.
On a side note: You will see no pictures not even of my friend and I those few days because I of all people forgot my camera. I know my dad just let out a huge sigh. Of all the places to go and forget your camera this should not have been one of them.
TTFN~
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Expected and Unexpected Visitors
Friday afternoon we patiently waited for Phil's brother Jason and his wife Franka and two of Jason's boys to arrive. I don't think I have seen Jason and Franka for almost two years. It was very nice to see them. The kids were thrilled when they realized they were here.
We didn't do anything spectacular but it was nice enough to grill out dinner, the girls got to escape to get pedicures and the kids played until they were literally exhausted. Today as Jason, Franka, Jared and Kaden headed to the beach we started preparing for the craziest week this year.
Kaitlynn, spent most of the day completing all the work she will miss being out of school a few days. Jackson after watching a movie or two completed his as well. We head to DC this week to bury my best friend's father at Arlington National Cemetery. I know her father would appreciate the fact that he has brought us together even if it was to wish him farewell. I am so excited just to see her.
We will head home so that we can see Jackson and the rest of the kindergarten's in their year end performance. I love kindergartner's and this musical performance ought to prove a little comical. Most of all it will be nice to just highlight Jackson. Sometimes I think he and Kaitlynn feel a little left out and night's like this help remind them they are important.
But oh the week is not over, Friday afternoon as soon as school gets out we are on the road again for a weekend to get completely "unzipped". We are headed to CAMP LUCK - Family Heart Camp for the weekend. No phones, TV, or other electronic devices just time to spend with Phil and the kids and other heart families. Sometimes it is nice to be around others who have walked our road and understand a new "normal".
Thinking the upcoming week could not get anymore exciting..........I was soooooo wrong. Over the last few weeks we have heard strange noises in the wall behind the dryer. We knew we had a momma bird make a nest on the outside of the dryer vent and where we live you can battle with other small critters. Phil however was convinced it was a bird.
After dinner he decided to move the dryer and investigate. He pulled the dryer vent off the dryer using Jack's flashlight to look down the vent. But there was nothing there.......Seconds later a FULL size robin flew out of the DRYER right over the top of Phil's head. A slew of expletives "flew" out of Phil's mouth to described his shock.....I yelled WHAT, WHAT, WHAT, is it!!!! There was this dramatic pause and Phil yells "BIRD!!!" Here she comes rounding the corner to the dining room and I hit the deck.
It was utter chaos the kids are jumping up and down yelling THERE'S A BIRD IN THE HOUSE!!!, Phil is trying to compose himself not to swear any more and you can tell his brain is burning "How in the H_LL do I get a bird out of the house. As the momma bird is making her rounds about the ceiling, the kids are really freaked out to see the bird up close and personal and I just kept ducking hoping not to get pooped on from above; the bird flew into the blinds.
We were able to trap the bird between the blinds and the window. As Phil kept her trapped and hoping not to cause injury I stuck my fingers through the blinds and opened the window, popped the screen and away the momma bird went to freedom. I would have never guessed the noises I have heard over the last two weeks was a bird in the dryer vent.
But I believe the best part of the story was listening to Maddie retell it to Phil as if he weren't here. Never a dull moment in the Addler household.
To Jason and Family: So glad you were able to stop by on your way to the beach.
To Justine: My friend I am so sorry your Father is gone but I am so glad he is no longer suffering and the thought of your mother meeting him as he entered heaven what a joyful reunion that must have been. Can't wait to see you.
To all the Camp Luck Campers: I hope that all of you take full advantage of Family Camp this coming weekend. To Jacob's Family: I can't imagine what it will be like entering the camp ground without him but I know he will remind us he is there in spirit all weekend.
To Phil, my bird rescuing hero: Thank you for always reminding me there is nothing in life that a little humor can't cure. Hopefully the kids didn't hear the potty words, LOL!!!!
Hope everyone has a great week!!
TTFN~
We didn't do anything spectacular but it was nice enough to grill out dinner, the girls got to escape to get pedicures and the kids played until they were literally exhausted. Today as Jason, Franka, Jared and Kaden headed to the beach we started preparing for the craziest week this year.
Kaitlynn, spent most of the day completing all the work she will miss being out of school a few days. Jackson after watching a movie or two completed his as well. We head to DC this week to bury my best friend's father at Arlington National Cemetery. I know her father would appreciate the fact that he has brought us together even if it was to wish him farewell. I am so excited just to see her.
We will head home so that we can see Jackson and the rest of the kindergarten's in their year end performance. I love kindergartner's and this musical performance ought to prove a little comical. Most of all it will be nice to just highlight Jackson. Sometimes I think he and Kaitlynn feel a little left out and night's like this help remind them they are important.
But oh the week is not over, Friday afternoon as soon as school gets out we are on the road again for a weekend to get completely "unzipped". We are headed to CAMP LUCK - Family Heart Camp for the weekend. No phones, TV, or other electronic devices just time to spend with Phil and the kids and other heart families. Sometimes it is nice to be around others who have walked our road and understand a new "normal".
Thinking the upcoming week could not get anymore exciting..........I was soooooo wrong. Over the last few weeks we have heard strange noises in the wall behind the dryer. We knew we had a momma bird make a nest on the outside of the dryer vent and where we live you can battle with other small critters. Phil however was convinced it was a bird.
After dinner he decided to move the dryer and investigate. He pulled the dryer vent off the dryer using Jack's flashlight to look down the vent. But there was nothing there.......Seconds later a FULL size robin flew out of the DRYER right over the top of Phil's head. A slew of expletives "flew" out of Phil's mouth to described his shock.....I yelled WHAT, WHAT, WHAT, is it!!!! There was this dramatic pause and Phil yells "BIRD!!!" Here she comes rounding the corner to the dining room and I hit the deck.
It was utter chaos the kids are jumping up and down yelling THERE'S A BIRD IN THE HOUSE!!!, Phil is trying to compose himself not to swear any more and you can tell his brain is burning "How in the H_LL do I get a bird out of the house. As the momma bird is making her rounds about the ceiling, the kids are really freaked out to see the bird up close and personal and I just kept ducking hoping not to get pooped on from above; the bird flew into the blinds.
We were able to trap the bird between the blinds and the window. As Phil kept her trapped and hoping not to cause injury I stuck my fingers through the blinds and opened the window, popped the screen and away the momma bird went to freedom. I would have never guessed the noises I have heard over the last two weeks was a bird in the dryer vent.
But I believe the best part of the story was listening to Maddie retell it to Phil as if he weren't here. Never a dull moment in the Addler household.
To Jason and Family: So glad you were able to stop by on your way to the beach.
To Justine: My friend I am so sorry your Father is gone but I am so glad he is no longer suffering and the thought of your mother meeting him as he entered heaven what a joyful reunion that must have been. Can't wait to see you.
To all the Camp Luck Campers: I hope that all of you take full advantage of Family Camp this coming weekend. To Jacob's Family: I can't imagine what it will be like entering the camp ground without him but I know he will remind us he is there in spirit all weekend.
To Phil, my bird rescuing hero: Thank you for always reminding me there is nothing in life that a little humor can't cure. Hopefully the kids didn't hear the potty words, LOL!!!!
Hope everyone has a great week!!
TTFN~
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter Monday......
Today is a little bit sad....I am off of work Madelynn is out of school for her spring break but Kaitlynn and Jackson had to go back to school. I really wished they would have been out of school one more day. Yes I am one of those rare parents who is not wishing for school to start to get them out of my hair.
Please don't get me wrong my children make me just as crazy some days as the next mom but I LOVE to be with my children. Easter Sunday was actually more fun than Christmas. We rolled out of bed early and Phil made pancakes. We all dressed for church. This year we were able to celebrate Easter Sunday with Phil's parents and we went to church with his mom. We met Kaitlynn's God-parents at church too. It was really nice.
After church the kids gave me about thirty minutes of picture time before they ran through the back yard looking for Easter eggs. Jackson was so excited about looking for eggs he forgot his basket and tried to carry seven eggs. Kaitlynn collected the most with nine; while Madelynn wins the award for the most joy exhibited during the egg search.
Shortly after lunch Phil and Papaw dropped Kaitlynn and Jackson off at the movies with my parents, Grandma and Grandpa Bacho. It was a nice break from all the noise. However, I learned that Jackson can snore as loud as the Lions on the big screen while napping. Kaitlynn had been waiting to see Grandpa Bacho because she wanted to show him she could ride her bike without training wheels. She spent hours practicing with Papaw the day before.
Easter feast was in fact that fresh Ham from the farm, roasted chicken, stuffing, cheesy potatoes and just in case that wasn't enough pineapple upside down cake from scratch. All I can say is 'Holy Stuffed Batman'.
I was going to wait to share a few photos from Sunday but I changed my mind. Hope you had a Wonderful Easter Sunday!!
TTFN~
Please don't get me wrong my children make me just as crazy some days as the next mom but I LOVE to be with my children. Easter Sunday was actually more fun than Christmas. We rolled out of bed early and Phil made pancakes. We all dressed for church. This year we were able to celebrate Easter Sunday with Phil's parents and we went to church with his mom. We met Kaitlynn's God-parents at church too. It was really nice.
After church the kids gave me about thirty minutes of picture time before they ran through the back yard looking for Easter eggs. Jackson was so excited about looking for eggs he forgot his basket and tried to carry seven eggs. Kaitlynn collected the most with nine; while Madelynn wins the award for the most joy exhibited during the egg search.
Shortly after lunch Phil and Papaw dropped Kaitlynn and Jackson off at the movies with my parents, Grandma and Grandpa Bacho. It was a nice break from all the noise. However, I learned that Jackson can snore as loud as the Lions on the big screen while napping. Kaitlynn had been waiting to see Grandpa Bacho because she wanted to show him she could ride her bike without training wheels. She spent hours practicing with Papaw the day before.
Easter feast was in fact that fresh Ham from the farm, roasted chicken, stuffing, cheesy potatoes and just in case that wasn't enough pineapple upside down cake from scratch. All I can say is 'Holy Stuffed Batman'.
I was going to wait to share a few photos from Sunday but I changed my mind. Hope you had a Wonderful Easter Sunday!!
TTFN~
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Weekend........
I love Easter Weekend..... There are no other real words for it.
For the last 12 years that Phil and I have been married and lived in this house we have tried to do some type of home project. Sounds strange I know but it gives something around the house a new beginning. We have built a fence, deck, flower beds, planted new vegetation of some kind, painted, you name it we have probably done it.
Saturday, we dug up two big flower beds that really needed a face lift. We are going to take our time shopping for plants both green and flowering to refill it. So today I do not have new pictures of what the changes look like.
We spent most of the day outdoors digging in the dirt,
assisting Kaitlynn with her quest to be proficient in her bike riding adventures,
watching Jackson peruse the street with his scooter and bicycle,
giggling as Madelynn confiscates Kaitlynn's scooter and helmet,
mostly just taking the time to enjoy the day.
For the last 12 years that Phil and I have been married and lived in this house we have tried to do some type of home project. Sounds strange I know but it gives something around the house a new beginning. We have built a fence, deck, flower beds, planted new vegetation of some kind, painted, you name it we have probably done it.
Saturday, we dug up two big flower beds that really needed a face lift. We are going to take our time shopping for plants both green and flowering to refill it. So today I do not have new pictures of what the changes look like.
We spent most of the day outdoors digging in the dirt,
assisting Kaitlynn with her quest to be proficient in her bike riding adventures,
watching Jackson peruse the street with his scooter and bicycle,
giggling as Madelynn confiscates Kaitlynn's scooter and helmet,
mostly just taking the time to enjoy the day.
As we were waiting for dinner to finish on the grill I had a few minutes to take a couple of additional pictures. I really liked them and can not figure out where to put them in the house so I figured I would at least share them.
All I can say is, "They are mine and you can't have them."
We hope you have a very Joyous Easter Sunday and are able to enjoy your family as we will.
TTFN~
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Need to catch you up.....
As we are approaching Easter Sunday I realized that I haven't posted in about two weeks. So much has happened in two weeks I wasn't really sure where to begin.
Shortly after Kaitlynn's field trip to the Zoo, Jack had his field trip to the Lazy 5 Ranch. Travelling with about 100+ kindergartners to a place to see animals talk about crazy times. It was lots of fun though.
Walking it to the animal area like you would see in the Zoo was this wild (but tame) peacock. The colors in the photo do not do it justice. It was beautiful. Listening to the boys as we walked around and freak out about being so close to the camel was very comical. But thinking about where these innocent little boys will be in 10 years......frightening.
Shortly after Kaitlynn's field trip to the Zoo, Jack had his field trip to the Lazy 5 Ranch. Travelling with about 100+ kindergartners to a place to see animals talk about crazy times. It was lots of fun though.
Walking it to the animal area like you would see in the Zoo was this wild (but tame) peacock. The colors in the photo do not do it justice. It was beautiful. Listening to the boys as we walked around and freak out about being so close to the camel was very comical. But thinking about where these innocent little boys will be in 10 years......frightening.
As for me personally that day I received lots of compliments about Jack. Both the teacher and the assistant teacher were very impressed with him. They talked about the good choices he has been making recently and they were very impressed with his progress. I very much worried about Jack as he entered kindergarten, he turned 5 four weeks before school started, one of the youngest in the class. I had always wondered if Phil and I made the wrong choice. After the field trip I was assured it was the right choice.
I am not sure how it happens but Jack gets left out of things accidentally, too many times. I was VERY glad I was able to take the day off work and ride the bus with him to the ranch. As a family we had already been there. But that day, it was very nice to just be with him.
TTFN~
Monday, April 11, 2011
Milestones of all kinds
If my records are correct this is my 400th post. It seems like quite the milestone that is a lot of posts in less than 3 years. This particular post is about a milestone of a different kind and what an exhausting one it was.
Kaitlynn came to her Daddy and asked him to take her training wheels off. So for the next hour Phil and I took turns running up and down the street behind Kaitlynn's bike hoping she would find her balance.
For those of you in desparate need of a laugh, Phil can always provide it. It is one of the things I love about him.
TTFN~
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Our Week in Pictures
Last Monday I had the opportunity to be a chaperon for Kaitlynn's first grade class to the NC Zoo. Kaitlynn and I have been there several times but this time it was really fun to go with just Kaitlynn. I didn't have to worry about Jackson or Madelynn's needs. It was really nice. Thought I would share some photos.....
The rest of the photos from the Zoo are below. The rest of the week seemed to trudge along until this weekend. I will share Katie's other experience tomorrow.
TTFN~
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