I've been wanting to say something for a while now

This is my friend. I love her. She is the best cook I know (that will only offend you until you enjoy her cooking). Her home is warm and welcoming. She has a Master's in organizing a full home. She always looks fabulous. Her wisdom is superb in faith, marriage, and homeschooling.

At times we school together, together, shop together, pray together, vent together, and encourage each other. And to think I could have missed out on all of it. I met her six years ago on a whim. I was at her house with my first born, who was still so young and laying in front of me at my feet, when her then baby boy, toddled over and sat on Everett's head. Being a new mom, at a strangers house, I did not know how exactly to handle the situation. Remain calm? Can you remove someones child? Comment to his mother? Nock off her son to rescue my own?

It is now a story that we laugh about as our boys are now great friends. We talk multiple times a day! And I am blessed to have her as one of my core friends.

Oh, HE is so good

The weather is crazy right now, like 60+ mph winds. Earlier this morning (1 am) Ian was working at the hospital making sure its generators and breakers could power everything during a power outage. Good thing since we lost power at 7:30 tonight. I was out having dinner with girlfriends, when the power went out there too. Since dinner was over and Ian texted me "the kids are freaking", I thought I would stop and pick up batteries and flashlights, that I had been dragging my feet in buying. I loath the price of batteries! God had us covered though. I spent a disgusting amount for them, yet due to sales I saved almost half. Half! On a night where the power goes out. Cool. Thank you Lord for always covering the details (and my little behind).

Nights and lights

Our house if full of problematic sleepers. As babies, our kids would not sleep. Older now, Bel falls asleep almost instantly and Everett usually does . . . except for those nights where he just can't fall asleep. Both are up way to early. Anxiety, stress and a snoring wife keep Ian awake. Me? I only look asleep.
We do our best to combat such issues. Going to the bathroom, taking a bath, story, water, blanket, (forcing wife to go to a sleep center) all for the goal of sleep. However the last two nights have had those elements that you want to control and those you could not.

Night #1:Ian packed up the kids to track down the source of the search lights. The kids were wondering and speculating as to what and where they were. The found them about 15 minutes later at the grand opening of our new children's museum. Fun and a memory. They things we want them to recall "Hey dad. Remember the time we . . .?''

Night #2:This? This is tonight. One of the nights E just can't sleep. It also happens to be the night that Ian noticed someone breaking into his car (we were just in the living room, lights on and everything! porch light too!). We called the police after Ian peddled around the block on my bike, since his was stolen just this last August. The police came. And Everett was allowed to get out of bed to talk with the police officer and then watch the search of Ian's car.

That should help everyone relax and sleep. Sheesh!!!

Not found in a book

Today was Veteran's Day. I wanted today to be authentic and full of honor. This morning Everett was more than willing to complete a simple and basic book about the Armed Forces from Enchanted Learning. Then we watched some YouTube clips of the Changing of the guard of the Tomb of the Unknown. As a craft to hand out, we made poppy flowers that had became symbolic after WWII. I explained that we might not see very many WWII veterans due to their age. But we did meet one. The gentleman on the far left was 17 when he enlisted. The two gentlemen in the middle both served during the Vietnam War. The gentleman on the right gave me a complement. In reference to the flower (some red paper hearts, a black circle, on a pipe cleaner, with a tag), he said "This is the highlight of my day". Exactly! I was so hoping a our little paper and glue would relay our thanks. We attached tags to our flowers that said "we will learn". Learn instead of remember because I hope to make history real to me and our kids. I myself, have no first hand experience at the effect of war or a military family. I thought today might be a way to change that.

Today we heard their stories. We saw some of their eyes well up. We heard their answers to our questions. We shook their hands. We said thank you, and heard thank you. They appreciated the intention of our time.

We also went to the local flight museum to see some big planes. Then we went to papa's house to watch A League of Grateful Sons from Vision Forum. Although it was a good school day, I would make some changes. My mom must join us next time. And be to the Memorial Park at 9 am to hear the 21 gun salute and hear the taps.

P.S. Oh, they loved Everett's uniform. Many of them were cub and boy scouts too.

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To say that I am tired sounds cliche and like a broken record. You see, I currently can fall asleep no problem and stay there even. Way different than a couple of years ago when I could not fall nor stay asleep. The problem is that my brain is on (and on, and on, and . . ) I seem to have a restricted airway and thus my brain is repeatedly checking to make sure that there is air available. I know this because of my sleep study: Here I am with 2 chest band, 2 eye, 1 in each nostril, 1 mouth, 4 chin, 5 brain, 2 chest, 4 leg (that I can remember). That box in my hand was connected to each of them and my sleep was recorded. On your mark, get set, sleep . . . . They asked (as I am sure you are) "How did you sleep?". "No problem. No kids. No husband kicking me out for snoring". Just me, my blanket and pillow all in what looks and functions just like a hotel room. All the hook ups were not a problem. I woke up as much as I usually do.

The result: NO REM sleep. Can you believe that. I was shocked. Picture a non beating heart; a flat line. A good sleep will record curves below the line. Mine only did it once at the beginning of the night, 10:30 or so. In fact, that was the only time it dipped down, the rest of the night my "curves" were spike after spike of waking up. I am thrilled to know that this fatigue, fog, and lumberment (?) to complete a day is not just in my head. Now it is witnessed, recorded, documented, and on its way to being treated.
How do I feel about falling asleep with a mask on my face? Fine, if I can feel more human and capable. How does my husband feel about such a sexy embellishment? Fine since he will get a good nights sleep too, and his wife might be more able to tackle her tasks.

Please do not let this post or picture scare you off from investigating your sleep or health (Mrs. B I'm talking to you!!!) Even if I do not end up with a machine to help me breath at night, I may need a medication instead to let my brain relax for the night. I'll keep you posted.

Not a boy, but a young MAN

Everett is continuing to work on his gun safety pin. For that we headed to the gun range. Ian showed him how to load the .22 then it was his turn. Everett loved participating in such a grown up activity. Ian and Andy took him up in the wood over a year and a half ago. He can remember EVERY detail. He would love to do more "man things". All in due time Anyway, after the loading it was time to shoot.

Not that Isobel was board, but rather chill about our new activity. She kept wondering when her turn was. It reminded me of when my brother started his gun lessons. That was the exact moment I wanted to too. Everett wanted to try shooting outdoors too.

That's when she got her turn. Ian did a great job being a patient calm teacher for both kids.

In case any of you locals are wondering, our family entered and received targets for $20. On Tuesday nights it is Family Night. For that you receive the same PLUS a .22 and ammo. There is both an indoor and an outdoor range and an ear friendly lobby to watch from. I thought there was great information on the walls. The Ranger was nice too! It was nice to have our family (read children) welcomed and not shunned. He says that if the grant goes through, the family deal may be free starting in January.

For our family we want our children to have a healthy respect for guns. We want them to know how to handle them safely and what to do if a friend is more than a little curious if they ever come across one.