Seriously...?

So, today was one of "those" days.  The day began with a trip to Michael's in search of the edible ladybug (no, not a chocolate covered bug).  LOL!  I have decided that I want to make the cupcakes for Callie's 1st birthday and I just knew I would be able to make some cute little edible bugs.  Seriously?  Uh....no!

Once we left Michael's, I decided to stop by Wal-Mart to pick up a few Christmas and birthday gifts.  But first, I  had to tinkle.  Sorry, too much conversation with my 22 month old. I pushed the double stroller into the handicapped stall, took care of business, washed my hands and proceeded to exit.  On my way out, I was greeted by a gentleman in a security guard type outfit.  Oddly, my first thought was simply, "Hmm, he must be looking for a shoplifter." 

Once my brain snapped back in to gear, I thought to ask, "Uh, am I in the men's bathroom?"  To which I received the comical reply, "Why yes you are!  HeeHee!"  Oh, but it doesn't stop there.  Once we finally reached the door, there were two cashiers at the front laughing hysterically.  Seriously?

I proceeded to begin my shopping with the girls in tow.  We headed off to find a few Christmas gifts for cousins.  All was well.  Teagan was being surprisingly obedient and Callie was on a mission to escape her seat (she is definitely living up to her nickname, Bug).  We finished out shopping and I started the car to get it cooled down before we all got in.  I cranked the engine, shut the door, and went to open the side door for the girls.  To my dismay...oh yes...here it comes...I LOCKED THE CAR WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING (and my purse inside).  Seriously?

As providence would have it, Kevin was working in the area and came to rescue us.  We headed straight home.  Do Not Pass Go.  Do Not Collect $200.  Got the girls fed and put down for naps.  I, well, I plopped my keister on the couch and proceeded to devour 5, yes, 5 chocolate covered marshmallow cookies.  And I'm proud to say, I don't feel a bit bad about it.  HeeHee

As my dad would say, "We were making memories." 

Remembering when...

For whatever reason, I felt the need this morning to reflect on September 11th.  I mean, September 11th comes ever year at the same time, but this year feels different.  Was it really ten years ago?  Wow!  To me it feels like a blip on the radar, but to the families affected that tragic day it must feel like just yesterday. 

I sometimes wonder if I have a heightened sensitivity to it because I was raised in the military.  And while our family certainly made sacrifices over the years, we endured nothing on the same scale as the 9/11 families.  Somehow you don't have to know anyone who was there that day for it to feel personal.  I have cried so many tears over that event...even now.  The media is inundated with stories, pictures, newly found video, etc.  It's overwhelming!  It still feels very real.

We sometimes forget that there were many civilians (both business people, tourists, firefighters, EMT/Paramedics, police officers, EM officials, etc.) who gave their lives that day.  So many of them had no idea what they were walking in to.  And then, for some, there came that moment when their their fate was realized...and yet they gave...willingly...unselfishly...think about that for a moment.

Join me in remembering those who lost their lives and in thanking the men and women who have CHOSEN to serve our country no matter what the cost.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:13 KJV