Visitor of the Week

It has been a great couple of months for the munchkins as they have had the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and old friends. The kids have enjoyed the re-connections and Monday was an especially blissful afternoon. Uncle Dave arrived from Okinawa as he was in town" on a business trip. The Little Dudes were beside themselves as he was a favored visitor from our Okinawa days. Although he was jet lagged beyond belief, he was a real trooper and got on the floor to play with his nephews. To his credit, he managed to reserve some energy for his niece too. Having him in their new surroundings was fun and they were especially humored to see that he still catches random naps on the floors, bean bags, and couches. Here are some smiling faces.

Acorns & Snails

You know you are on the East Coast when... you find yourself crunching acorns vice snails. The sound is oddly similar yet both are very familiar and unavoidable. After six years of island living and trying to dodge snails on the road, I have found myself back to crushing acorns on my morning runs.

Roots

I have been contemplating an observation made by my Hubby early on in our dating years, to the effect that I had no one place I could say I "came from" ("...you have no roots!"). At the time, I remember taking umbrage at such a statement. He had been in the military a few short years and had no concept of what my life experiences and moves had been. So what if I had lived in five states and resided in over a dozen homes? I personally found it stifling that he had only a couple of addresses during his formative years. To top it off, it was in New Jersey:)! Having numerous addresses in various states was never something I contemplated, just accepted. For me, growing up as a military dependent was always a privilege. I thoroughly enjoyed moving every three years and experiencing travel opportunities along the way.

This week however, as I was filling out some background check paperwork to volunteer at the munchkins school, I came to the realization that only one of five homes that I have lived in Virginia in my 38 years is still standing. All my childhood homes in my beloved Quantico have been renovated at least two times in the past three decades and the addresses that I knew them as are no longer valid. To top it off, three of eight addresses that Hubby and I have called home in the past ten years are no longer in existence either. I kept wondering as I was filling out the form whether I should save the investigator the time and let them know that none of these homes/addresses existed or just tell them I was part of the Witness Protection Program.

If anything, I may not be able to have a physical home to show to my munchkins, as Hubby once prided himself on being able to do. I do however have memories. I have come to realize it is not the facade of the home that provides one's roots. It is the love, nurturing, and events that take place within the walls that make you who you are. It is a bit depressing to think I have outlived so many homes in my few short years, however, the ride along the away has been a real thrill.

Little Dudes First Day

WOW! check out those smiles. After 8 days of watching Big Sister hop out of the car and into school, the Little Dudes FINALLY had their turn! Today was a "meet & greet" session to familiarize the kids to the classroom, teachers, and new friends. Upon entering the classroom, my boys ditched me. It was a classic moment and one I will cherish...no drama, no tears, and no looking back.

Here come the Moloko Boys!

Crafting masterpieces

Bunny Confusion

Big Sister and I took advantage of the Labor Day sales and headed out to the strip mall less than 1/2 mile from our home. We tackled several stores before sauntering into the Ross for Less. I was on a mission for a curtain rod and just knew I could find one for a fraction of the cost I had seen at the other stores. My hunch was right...the selection was astounding.

As I was making my selection, Big Sister was perusing the sheet aisle and commenting on the myriad of patterns. Next thing I know, she brings over these beige satiny sheets with the Playboy Bunny on them and says "Mom, Dad needs these for his next Birthday!" I was taken aback at her statement and bemused. I asked her "Why those sheets?" Well, "I counted 40 bunny ears on this side of the wrapping and since he will be turning 40, it will be perfect." I quickly squelched the idea and noted that the "Playboy Bunny" motif is just not something I thought suitable.

At dinner that evening, I shared this anecdote with Hubby. He sat across the table with a perplexed look on his face. Big Sister then stated "we always see the "Playboy Bunny" commercials when we watch TV with Dad." With this statement, Hubby had this incredulous look on his face and immediately responded with "I have no idea what she is talking about." I decided then to ask her a few more questions. She stated that since "Daddy will be "Over the Hill" next year, I thought he needed some energy. Just like the battery commericals!" I then realized, she was confused...it was the "Energizer Bunny" to which she was referring. Hubby and I are still chuckling!