Tuesday, May 31, 2011

New Shoes For Eva


What do you see when you look at these shoes? To anyone else they are just a pair of shoes but for me they will forever be a reminder that there is still some good left in this world.

I had to go to the mall today because Eva needed new shoes for the wedding she is in this weekend. I really didn't feel like dragging all 3 kids to the store but what other choice did I have? So we headed off to the mall. While in the store Layla began to have a huge temper tantrum. She wanted to wear the shoes Eva was trying on and wouldn't settle for any other pair but the ones on Eva's feet. She was full on screaming and crying with tears, snot and drool running down her face. I was trying to calm her down but nothing was working. As all this was happening a woman came over and started to help Eva get her shoes in the box. She was being nice to Eva but I was a little annoyed and thought, "Mind your own business Lady" but she stayed next to Eva and I could feel her watching me as I continued to try and console Layla. Once I got her to calmed down I turned to the woman and said, "Thank you" but in my mind I was thinking, "K now leave me alone so I can get out of here!" Then the woman said to me, "It's hard trying to shop with kids isn't it?" I replied "Yea well my Husband is in Iraq so I always shop with my kids." She looked shocked and then told me she wanted to buy Eva's shoes. Tears flooded my eyes and I told her she didn't need to do that, but she insisted and said it would be her pleasure to do this for me. With that she walked right up to the register and payed for them. Afterwords she took a $20 out of her purse and said, "Now I want you to take this and get your girls some dinner tonight." I again told her "No" and that she had done enough already but she insisted and said it's the least she could do. She gave me a hug, thanked me for the sacrifice my family is making and left. I was completely dumbfounded at what had just happened. This woman was a complete stranger and I'm sure I will never see her again but the kindness she showed tonight will stick with me forever. I want to be more like her and Eva's shoes will be a constant reminder for me to try a little harder to be a little better.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day

A few quotes for Memorial Day.

We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them. ~Francis A. Walker

The purpose of all war is ultimately peace. -Saint Augustine

As I approach the gates of heaven;
St. Peter I will tell;
One more soldier reporting sir;
I've served my time in hell. -Mark Anthony Gresswell

And so, my fellow Americans,
ask not what your country can do for you;
ask what you can do for your country.
John F. Kennedy

And our little family.....we're doing all we can. But thank you to all the men and woman who have given your time and your lives. We truly are THE LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

My Thoughtful Soldier

Greg is always very thoughtful when it comes to gifts but I just figured with him in Iraq that I wouldn't really get much for Mother's Day this year. But of course being the sweet hubby that he is he got me the cutest gift. I got a package the other day from a company called Spoonful of Comfort. In it was a large jar of Chicken Noodle soup, a ladle, rolls, cookies and an apron. Everything was wrapped up pretty with yellow ribbon. We ate the food that night and it was so good. It was a really cool idea and it was such a nice surprise. I am so thankful for my sweet, thoughtful husband. I love him so much and I love that he tries so hard to show me how much he cares. He was still able to give me a good Mother's Day even from all the way in Iraq. Greg I love you with all my heart. Thank you for being the wonderful man that you are.