Tiny Twig Goes Out on a Limb

Remembering 9/11

As we gear up for the 10th anniversary of 9/11/01 this weekend, I wanted to share a few things with you.  First, I wanted to share "my story" of that day...we all have one.  Then, I want to share with you a site that I have been engrossed by, in the remembering and the stark detail.

First, "my story".  Well, not to date myself, but I was a junior in High School--nestled safe in the cornfields of Indiana.  Living in a town that was consistently rated in the top 5 places in America to raise a family.  Protected.

After 2nd (or was it 3rd?) period, I was walking to my next class and there was a flutter in the hallways.  You know--that strange electricity that pulses through the air when something big happens?  It's perpetuated and sent along the air by surprise, anxiety, the unknown.  That electricity seemed to follow me to class, and eventually engulfed me when I walked in the door to Yearbook Class (yes, I've always like to tell stories and take pictures). 

The first thing I saw was my teacher's twisted face of sadness and horror.  Then, I followed her eyes to the television that was bolted into the corner of the room--meant for routine school announcements and videos teachers put in to kill time.  By the time I had gotten to class the two towers had been hit, but hadn't fallen.  The news was trickling in that something had happened at the Pentagon, too.  If I recall correctly, the news was first reporting that it was a bomb at the Pentagon. 

I could feel my heart pumping faster and harder--clearly adrenaline was at work.  There was a sense of panic, because at that early point, no one knew what was going on and what would happen next.  It felt like chaos--and that the world was out of control.  It doesn't take much for a group of 16 year olds to feel out of control--very little was in our control anyway.

Our school went on lockdown that day, no one in and no one out.  The electric blue, stunningly crystal clear sky lit up the windows.  The same sky New Yorkers looked up into where the towers' once stood.  One nation broken under one sky.

In the coming days, the television remained a constant companion.  I hated to go to sleep and miss the stories of those presumed lost.  I wanted to hear them all, to count them as safe in my heart. 

Time did an amazing project involving many people who survived or were touched that day.  I've watched most of the videos and read many of the accounts on the site--but one I would highly consider watching is this man, Jim Riches.  His story is chilling and heartwarming at the same time.  He is the definition of a father--and his love for his son leaves a legacy.  Please take some time to puruse the site this weekend, it's a great way to see aftermath and the healing that has taken place in the past ten years.

First Time Having S'mores

The sweet Aussie foreign exchange student had never had s'mores.  GASP.  She had never even roasted marshmallows.  The horror.  Clearly, the situation needed to be rectified--made right.  Lucky for her, our backyard is the prime marshmallow roasting locale. 

Where we live, you have to visit the firestation to get a one day permit to make a bonfire.  Our boys accompanied Husband and got the grand treatment.  We're talking a firestation tour, sitting in the firetruck, seeing the firepole, and firehats for all.  Noah is just making sure he's doing his duty as Honorary Fire Marshall for the evening.  His serious stance indicates to me that he is carefully monitoring the situation.  :)

Not a whole lot is more exciting to these brothers than an adventure to see real life heroes.  (Also, we're all wearing tie-dyed shirts because the teenagers made them for us all and decided we should wear them for the night.  It brought back memories of tie-dying when I was in high school...)

As the evening went on, it really felt like one of those nights that you just breathe in and savor.  A moment out of a familiy movie.  One that seems like it needs its own soundtrack.  It reminded me, again, of why we moved home...sweet moments that linger on in your memory. 

The cousins were enamored with their s'mores and ran around the rest of the night chasing each other in the yard, giggling sweet sounds...our soundtrack for the evening.

31 Days to a No Brainer Wardrobe

In October, I am joining the ranks of my friend The Nester, Darby from My 3 Boybarians, Emily from Chatting at the Sky, Emily from Remodeling this Life, and Melissa from The Inspired Room in writing on single subject for 31 days. 

Because I am a busy lady on the go and on a budget--I've decided to write about my secrets to a simple, stylish, not too expensive, no brainer wardrobe.  I'd love for you to read along as I tell you how I compiled my wardrobe, show you a sample capsule wardrobe, share outfit ideas from the capsule wardrobe, and share some unique accessories from handmade shops around the web. 

Having a no brainer wardrobe is so important in my life.  It enables me to spend less time, money, and energy looking put together.  And, I feel better about life and myself when I am put together.  I have more confidence and a better attitude that helps me go out and be creative and passionate.

These secrets are a beginning building block to the way I live my life.  I strive to make the routine things in life exponentially simpler, in order to live with more passion in other areas.  I hope you'll join me as we get going.

HOWEVER, this series will start on the newly redesigned Tiny Twig on October 1st--and it will be at a new location...so stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled.  If you haven't already, sign up for the RSS feed (either through your feed reader or through the email button on the right side of the screen).  This will ensure that you get the link to the new Tiny Twig when it is up and ready to go.  I'd hate for you to miss the move and the new series!

Getting Caught in the Rain

Today, I am recovering from a house full of teenagers.  Husband's cousin and her Australian foreign exchange student came for the holiday weekend.  My youngest brother happens to be the same age.  We had all spent the week together a month ago on our family vacation, so the teenagers were anxious to be together again.  Husband is the consumate host, and he had a whole weekend planned out with fun and out of the ordinary things for them to do. 

We went downtown and made our way through the biggest mall in Indiana while we killed time before a baseball game.  Our friend, the foreign exchange student, comes from a small town in Australia--so all these things were new to her.  She drives 3+ hours to the nearest shopping, and only makes it about once per year.  Needless to say, that teenage girl was one happy camper in the land of American consumerism and excess.  :) 

After the girls lightened their wallets and accumulated bags, we made our way out onto the city streets to walk to the game.  As we emerged from the parking garage, I felt a single raindrop.  I looked to Husband who shrugged his shoulders and made the motion like, "Let's go!".  So, I led the group out of shelter and onto the street like a parade of ants.  Unfortunately, that first raindrop gave way to an epic deluge just minutes later.  We hadn't walked 100 yards before we were instantly soaked to the bone. 

Our older boys were upset by the torrential rain and crashing thunder--and were probably confused by our continued laughter.  There are few things more shocking than getting caught in the unexpected rain.

We were on the wrong side of the street--the one with closed office highrises rather than the open and welcoming restaurants and cafes.  So, we sought shelter under a skyway, which was poor shelter indeed.

We quickly accepted the fact that no one was going to want to watch a baseball game in wet and sticky clothes.  Furthermore, our tickets were for the lawn which would surely be saturated--and our blankets were soaked. 

So, even though we missed what would have been our boys' first baseball game, there are few things that build memories faster than an unexpected change of events.  Because everyone had a good attitude and was willing to accept our circumstance--we couldn't stop talking about getting caught in the rain all weekend. 

These moments are the moments that build a rich history and a vault of happy memories.  If the right attitude is maintained, then it can be a bonding experience and one you talk about for years to come.

Asher at 4 Months

He smiles.  He quiets when I snuggle him.  He sleeps through the night most nights (PRAISE GOD!).  He is wearing 3-6 month clothes.  He coos and squeals.  He loves his brothers...I can tell this, you know.  He seems to prefer his blankie over a pacifer to soothe himself. 

I thank God ever more each day for him.  I am more thankful today than I was the day he left the hospital for his the fact that he is well.  I can't imagine life without him.  I can't wait for him to sit up--it will make life easier--the Bumbo is cumbersome.  I think his brothers love him more than toys.  I know he fits right into our crazy and awesome life.