Give me a "W"

So I've heard before that Wal-Mart employees do a cheer, but I didn't believe it before today. I was walking towards the grocery section and coming from the back of the store was, Give me a "W", give me an "A", give me a "L." You get the picture. I just kind of stopped and smiled, then went about shopping. Let's hear it for Wal-Mart:)

Two of my little things that mean a lot

I am really blessed to me a mom. It's a honor and a privilage to care of two little people that are learning and growing. I was talking to a good friend a while back about how interesting life is in that we end up facing so many of our fears, and coming out on the other side. Until a few years ago I really feared becoming a mom, and I had so many questions as to whether or not I would like it. The questions have more than adequately been answered..and....YES...I do love it, and feel very fullfilled. Motherhood is teaching me patience (which I desparately need), undconditional love, and unselfishness. It has also sharpened me as a person because I am realizing that every way act, talk, and respond is being observed and soaked in. What a big responsibility, but one that was given to me at just the right time for just the right reasons. Love you Oliver and Meredith!

Grief and Loss

I'm reading a book entitled "A Grace Disguised" by Jerry Sittser that is speaking to me. I've been volunteering with an organization called Three Trees that runs support groups to help grieving children and their families. The director loaned this book to me, and I would highly recommend it since we all have or will face loss. He says that we never fully recover from loss, but that it becomes a deep part of us that we integrate into who we are. I agree. I think in this world, we focus so much on "recovery," as if its something that's complete and we move on. Life does go on, but to those whom have lost, it's a daily battle of "recovering." It makes me realize how short life is, and how fragile it is, but it's full of joy too. It is challenging me to live each day to the fullest, and let those around me know how I feel about them. I need to return the book, but I think I'll get a copy, so if anyone wants to borrow it, feel free.

Here's a little summary of my life...

I'm married to an amazing man who I began dating at age 19. We've been married 7 years and have two kids...oh, and I can't forget our Lab Daisy (who's been twice demoted). We live in Wichta and love it. I think the midwest is underated. When we were first married, all we could think about was ways to leave. Now we only think about how sad we would be if we had to leave.

Alex is the kindest hearted person I know. He's good at expressing his feelings, and really connects with the kids and me. He's a production test pilot, and really enjoys what he does. It's the job he's kind of always wanted, and after a few other jobs, I'm so glad he found it. He spends his spare time playing with us, or working on our basement, or on our car....if you're ever thinking about owning a Saab, think twice. They drive nice but the parts are outrageously expensive.

I am in a role I never thought I would enjoy as much as I do. I am the most content now than I have ever been in my life. For those who know me well, you know I am a people person and kind of type A. I love interaction and accomplishing goals. Since having kids, I traded my day job of working with other people's kids to working, or should i say "loving" my own two. I'm daily thankful that I get to stay home with them, even when its hard. I'm learning to be more content being alone...not that I'm ever really alone with two kids, and learning to be more ok with silence..not that the house is ever really silent. You get the just of it...

Oliver is 2 1/2. His birthday is 6/6/06. The day he was born there was hardly a soul in the hospital b/c everyone was scared of having a baby on that day. He defies every underlying meaning of that date:) He has been a joy since day one. He's all boy, except for the fact that he talks all the time. Most people say he looks like me as a kid, and I would agree, only adding that he has Alex's hair and eye color. He is in tune with people and connects the dots in ways that suprise me.

Meredith is almost 10 months, and is fun and passionate. Having a girl has been wonderful and different. She lets no grass grow under her feet, and has a great smile. She looks so much like Alex that you could swap their baby pictures and no one one know it...except for the 70's clothes in Alex's pics and the amount of pink Mer wears. She has a strong will which we hope will serve her well.

So that's us....in a nutshell. What I wrote sounds strikingly like a Christmas card. Oh well.

So I've finally given in....

I've done it. I've given in, and I'm creating a blog. After reading so many amazing blogs, and realizing posting on them can be theraputic, I'm taking the plunge. I know, not a major thing. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to having somewhere to share a little more about myself and my family. Bear with me, as I'm not the most technologically savy person on earth:)