Never forget.  Never stop believing in the goodness in mankind, in the “helpers” as Mike describes them to our kids.  He tells them if we’re not there, to always look for “helpers.”  There was a beautiful ceremony at Noelle’s school flag pole this morning honoring those who died in the 9/11 attacks on our country and those who currently serve or have served in the past.  It was so moving, to say the least.  Very few of us had dry eyes who remembered the horror of that day; we are still praying, treasuring our blessings, and hoping upon hope, that the heroes among us stay safe as they answer calls for help every day. 

To my sweet friends out there in the world who don’t feel a part of the freedom we experience in our country, hold out for it.  We believe. 

Happy Birthday today to Mike’s dad, Paul, who served our country well, and to my sister, Michele, whose husband is serving our country right now as I type this.  You are both very special blessings in our lives, and we are so very proud of you both!

From the ceremony this morning:

 

The flag pole ceremony and Noelle’s 2nd grade class posing in front of the fire truck for a group picture.

Just finished honoring our service men and women with beautiful songs the kids worked so hard on the first few weeks of school in music class!  They had us all in tears.  It was just totally amazing.  Words cannot describe how special it was to hear all of their little voices singing altogether to thank their heroes who answer our call when we are hurting or in need.  It was an amazing moment I won’t ever forget.  I couldn’t wait to scoop Noelle up and hug her like it could be our last, because you never know, and I don’t want to take one moment for granted!  We often get comfortable in our rhythms of daily life and routine, but today was a good reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly life can change in an instant.  How could we forget?

 

Silly Jacob asked me if he could photobomb a picture, lol!  So, I said, 1,2,3, and he totally had a blast doing just what he had planned!  I sent this picture to his mom, with the caption, “The best part of his day!”

Some of Noelle’s sweet new classmates: Claire, Allie, Addison, Noelle, and Mia