11 Years Ago

I woke up to the sound of my roommate's radio saying something about an attack on America.  Then Meggie, yelling up the stairs of the PH that something bad had happened and we needed to come watch the TV.  I only saw smoke and one tower.  I watched as the other one fell.  I felt scared.  I was grateful that I was in the small-ish town of Provo, Utah.  We had a devotional that day.  I will never forget the feelings of peace that I had while President Bateman spoke.

Last year, we were in Philly, NY and a few NJ during this time.  It was a neat place to be on the 10th anniversary.

Today on the 11th anniversary of 9-11, Whitney came into my bed- early- like she does every morning.   Bart was already in the shower and I closed my eyes, trying to go back to dream-land.  Then he came over and kissed Whitney's cheek before leaving for work.

After I rolled out of bed, I got on my clothes and Bubba was just babbling in his crib.  (Which he crawled out of for the first time last night... ugh!)  When we went into his room, he was so happy to see us.  We all ate breakfast, got dressed and I made sure Whitney brushed her teeth before preschool. When she asked me, "Why do I need to brush my teeth?"
I replied, "Because nobody wants to smell nasty breath at preschool."
I guess that answer was sufficient because she went and brushed them.

On a side note:  She found her princess shirt in the dryer this morning, and wore it to school again.  I have a feeling that might be her "go to" shirt.

We walked Whitney to school.  Bubba was in the stroller with a pink fleece blanket on him.  There are no gender-specific colors in this household.

I held Whitney's hand as we walked across the road and over to Miss Leanne's Little Thinkers Preschool.  She saw Ruthie and asked if she could run over to her.  When they saw each other, they hugged.  Then Whitney walked into Miss Leanne's house and I said, "I love you, Whitney!"

She replied, "I love you too!"

Bubba and I enjoyed our walk together.  He ate crackers and drank from a princess sippy cup.

Then when we came home, I folded laundry and watched my cute boy play with the Little People Farm and all the animals.  Then he discovered the cars and drove them all over the farm.  He is so cute to watch.  His chubby wrists and hands work all of those toys.  I could kiss those cheeks all day... and I do.  He loves toys and to figure things out.  He is my boy.  I love him so much.

When I sat on the porch with MacKay, I thought about what happened 11 years ago.  I still feel a soft, sad spot when I remember.  I also felt so much gratitude for my blessings.  Soon to be 3 children, a good hubs and a beautiful country.


One year ago on 9-11-11, at Valley Forge, PA.

NYC in the background and Whitney on the ferry to Lady Liberty.

9-9-11

Bart pushing a baby in the stroller in NYC.

9-9-11

This summer at the Paxton Family Reunion in Heber, Ut.  

July, 2012