Thankful for Heaven

As I mentioned in my previous post, Mr. A confused Heaven and Hilton Head an awful lot. The morning we were packing up to leave for Hilton Head he was talking to DH's parents and said, "Nana & Papa, I go Heaven tonight." I admit I was a bit concerned that he knew something I didn't.

So, with an extra special prayer in our hearts as we embarked on our 12+/2 day driving journey to Hilton Head, off we went. Fortunately, Mr. A was just a bit confused. What he really meant each time he said "Heaven" was Hilton Head. And, he was kind of right.

Hilton Head has always been a special place for me. Growing up I visited my grandparents there, vacationed there, and then took full advantage of the home my parents once owned there. I have tried to share the love with my DH and my Mr. A. I think they've caught it and have developed their own little love affairs with that island.

Our equation for the week: Beach + ocean + people we love = Heaven

Here's what we were thankful for:

Miniature golfing - speed/toddler style - now I know why they don't charge for anyone under 4 - they don't stay on the course long enough to get their money's worth

Biking on the beach

Ice cream with the Salty Dog

A quite tasty Thanksgiving meal at the Old Folks Home that we didn't have to cook, clean up from, or even set the table for

Running on the beach - rain or shine - my favorite route - and the last day running with Coldplay cheering me on - they're so nice like that

Walking on the beach with Miss M in the Baby Bjorn (the only peep she made in our hour-long walk was the smacking of her lips tasting that yummy salty air)

Digging sandcastles on the beach

Swimming in the ocean (the crazy ones - Uncle C. and Mr. A)

Watching the dolphins play around in the ocean with one another

Seeing alligators sunning themselves on the shores of the lagoon

Black Friday shopping at the Outlets at Midnight with my sisters (I really did like our divide, conquer, take turns standing in line method so as to maximize time and money)

Black Friday online shopping later in the day (3 computers, 3 stools at the counter, 3 bargain shoppers)

Wii tournaments - for adults and kids alike

Hot tubbing

Napping

Playing at the park in Harbor Town

Delicious food at San Miguel's and Hudson's

Reading books

Cousins playing

Madagascar 2 with Grandpa - the secret - a ubiquitous supply of popcorn and treats

Big Boy Golfing

Sweater shopping for the boys (not on Black Friday - wimps)

I don't think there was one thing left undone. We even managed to eat a hearty amount in there. The kids had so much fun together and the house was beautiful and spacious.

And one other note: DH and I have contemplated setting up Miss M's pack 'n play in our dark walk-in closet since she seems to sleep so well in those. She slept LIKE A ROCK while we were there - in her pack 'n play, in a dark walk-in closet. Such a gem.

We'll be coming back soon, Heaven, I mean Hilton Head. Save us a brick red rocker in Harbor Town. You know, the ones right next to the Lighthouse. Hopefully we won't be too long.

An Outing Outfit

Mr. A likes to ask to wear his pajamas when he takes his nap.

Some days we concede.

Some days we compromise (you can wear the bottoms or the top - not both).

We were headed out the other day shortly after his nap (it was snowing here) and he didn't want to take his pajama bottoms off.

And he wanted to wear his froggie boots.

And he needed a coat on.

This is what we got:

Jumpin' Fool

Miss M loves to jump. She spends a lot of time in this sweet jumping machine and is quite happy when she's there. We're quite happy for her and love watching her get sweet air and squeal with delight as she impresses herself with her abilities.

Little Treasures

Mr. A's had some good ones this week:

• Mr. A: "Mom, we go to heaven I can wear my sandals?"
• Me (thinking he knew something I didn't) : "When are we going to heaven and which sandals are you wearing?"
• Mr. A: "Mom, I show you" - running off. He returns carrying a flip flop from his room that did not fit him this summer.
• Me: "OOOHHH! When we go to HILTON HEAD you can wear this sandal. Is that what you're asking?
• Mr. A: "Yeah, Mom! We go to Heaven and I wear sandals!"
• Me: "Yes, Hilton Head is a lot like Heaven."

Another one:

• I was putting away laundry in Miss M's room yesterday and Mr. A was watching and putting some things away too. At some point I left the laundry basket in my room with all of the strays (socks, that is). This morning while rooting for Miss M's ensemble of the day I couldn't help but let a big smile ease across my face as I opened the drawer and all of the stray socks were laid neatly on top of Miss M's clothes. Such a good helper, he is.

Lastly:

• Mr. A has been very into the spatial nature of relationships lately. He's often known to ask, "Mom, where's Dad?" or "Mom, where's BG's (my mom) daddy?" or "Mom, where's Nana and Papa?"
• I always reply directly to him about where everyone is (BG's daddy is up in heaven, etc)
• And so tonight, while saying his little prayers, he says, "Bless Nana & Papa in California, bless BG and bless BG daddy in heaven and bless Daddy on the hairpane (airplane)."

Such a thoughtful little dude!

New Wheels

DH has been taking one for the team and driving around a less-than-stellar vehicle ever since we were married. Last weekend he upgraded. Congratulations on your new toy, dh. Mr. A will love it in 13 years.

Deal Day

You know I love a good deal. So, yesterday was a good day.

-New Britax car seat for Miss M: $63 (normally $289 - we'll see if it really comes through, though...I'm still a little suspect)

- A room at the Fairfield Inn on Sat. night (DH's brother works for Marriott): $17.50 (let's hope it's not in the outhouse)

- American Express Finance Charges (for some reason they keep showing up on my statement so I finally called to find out why - mistake on their part, they said) - credit my acct $67. Thank you for my new car seat.

I felt like I was on a roll. I kept hoping I could come up with something else I was needing so that I could find another deal!

Light Reading

While cleaning the toyroom today I stumbled upon some of Mr. A's books that I had either read only once or never read at all. I stopped him and me and we sat down and read some books.

When reading the last one the tears started pouring out my eyes as if they were dripping from the outside faucet. Mr. A asked, "Mom, you tired?!" Close, Mr. A. Close.

Maybe you have these hidden in your library and already know of the happy tears they make you shed. Or maybe you should add them to your collection. I highly recommend them.

1 - Wishes for You
-My favorite lines:

• I hope you will love one special person more than anyone or anything in the whole world.
  
• I hope you will always be part of a family.
  
• I hope you will always remember me and know how much I love you.

2 - You Are My I Love You
Favorite lines:

• I am your calm face; you are my giggle. I am your wait; you are my wiggle.
• I am your way home; you are my new path.
• I am your good-night kiss; you are my I love you.

3 - Let Me Hold You Longer (true tear-jerker)
Favorites:

• ...The last time when you ran to me, still small enough to hold. The last time that you said you'd marry me when you grew old.
• Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from your past - Would I have held on longer if I'd known they were your last?
• I never said goodbye to all your yesterdays long passed. So what about tomorrow - will I recognize your lasts?
• My life keeps moving faster, stealing precious days that pass. I want to hold on longer - want to recognize your lasts...

Time whizzes by. Today I hugged my Mr. A and my Miss M a little longer before laying them each down for the slumber that awaited. Can I push pause?

I Like...

...Caffeine Free Diet Coke coming out of the fountain at Chick-Fil-A

...Nice workers at Chick-Fil-A who don't mind that Mr. A knocked over all of the ice cream cones trying to get "his" for them (while his mother was waiting in line for it)

...Tylenol Rapid Release Gels

...The vibrantly red tree in my front yard that's still hanging on to some leaves

...Clearance sales of Halloween costumes (for my dress-up chest)

...Getting Christmas presents made in early November

...Produce Junction (why didn't I discover that place earlier?)

...Pre-schoolers who get excited about the fire engine they saw when they went out to play on the playground - "And, Mom, he did BEEP! BEEP!"

...Pre-schoolers who wear "spider" hats on their heads after learning about "Little Miss Moffit" and running down the hall with their spider legs bouncing out of their heads

...My popcorn popper that pops it in the microwave with no oil, butter, etc. Just fresh kernels.

...Babies who wake up happy from naps and nighttime sleeping

...Sounding like my mother during family pictures - "If you smile really big for ALL the pictures, I have a special treat for you in the car." - said to my 2-year-old, but my DH probably would have liked one too.

....Watching my Miss M put everything in her mouth - even the leaves on the ground while trying to take a picture

...Good friends who call to tell me about sales, community happenings, and new events

...Being Grateful.

Thank you, month of Thanksgiving.

Princes and Froggies and Sugar, Oh My!

The members and their Queen (BG)

Ready for a night on the town - the Prince won out

A sleepy frog

The Prince and his Neighbor Princesses

Buddies! A Scottish golfer and the Prince (CL and Mr. A)

I hope I never forget the image in my head of Mr. A furiously running up each driveway to petition for his next "teet."

His unbuttoned tuxedo jacket waving in the wind while his flailing arms and legs worked so hard to keep up with each other, one hand full of the candy he had received from the previous house.

And then he would almost get to the walkway and say (every time with the same urgent voice - you know, the one you use to alert those around you to something important): "Oh, Mom! MY PUNKIN!!!! I NEED my PUNKIN!!!" And I would hand him his pumpkin carrying case and he would drop the previous piece of candy in it and rush up to the door.

Discovery is beautiful at any age really.

But it is magical when you're 2 and you figure out that just 3 words will get a big bowl of heavenly candy lowered to your eye level.

And it's most magical to observe.

Today

I got to....

• Vote
• Drive through New England in its Fall splendor
• Watch my Mr. A lull himself to sleep in his Uncle Chris's sleeping bag while rubbing his "Li'l Blankie" and singing (whispering) Happy Birthday to Dalin (his cousin - we practiced)
  
• Hear the contagious laughter of my Miss M
• Exercise
• Talk to an old friend

It was a good day.