I WILL BE GRATEFUL FOR THIS DAY

VOL 25 via bippityboppityboo

THANK YOU VETERANS

This post is republished from November 11, 2008

Veteran's Day is the perfect day for my children to think about and honor their grandfathers, both Korean War Veterans. Discussions and assemblies at school peak their curiosity and their questions are the perfect opportunity to ensure that the memory of these two men live on in their grandchildren.

My father served in the Navy and was very proud of his service to our country, completing his tour as a decorated hero. I have always been proud that he continued to serve this country throughout his life as a champion of workers rights, long after his years of Naval service were complete. A legacy that I strive to live up to every day.

His love of country led him to enlist in the Navy and after spending those years at sea, his love of the ocean led him away from his midwestern upbringing to Boston. Whenever we asked him why we did not live near our cousins, whom we missed dearly and looked forward to visiting every summer, he would always reply: "This is the place to be. If it weren't, we wouldn't be here." and as a young girl, that answer seemed more than sufficient. Of course now, I cannot imagine living more than a short ride to the beach, so I guess he was right. Every time in these two years since his passing that we head down to the National Cemetery where he was laid to rest, I am in awe of the beauty of the site. Despite the sadness that the cemetery represents, I am always glad that it exists as a fitting and worthy tribute to those who have given so much for this country.

My father-in-law, also a veteran of the Korean War, enlisted in the Army. I cannot begin to comprehend the horror that he must have experienced during his service. I just know that it affected him deeply throughout his life. His courage and experiences during the war earned him more medals than I have ever seen, other than those displayed in museums and galleries. To have these medals in our possession is a great honor and a reminder that much was given on behalf of this country. We took the medals out of storage to display in my son's room when he was still a toddler. When my own father saw the medals, he was deeply moved by the honors received by the man he never met. He said that he would like to be the one to prepare the medals for display in the case that we purchased and we of course said yes. To see my father take the time to properly highlight each medal in the case with such thought and care made me realize what a precious piece of our family history was being created. My son is slowly coming to understand the valor and sacrifice that this piece represents. That is likely the greatest legacy that could ever be handed down from two grandfathers to a grandson.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING WITH KATE

Kate Spade is having a Sample Sale just in time for the holidays! So many great deals on some beautiful items.

How cute is this dress?

I love this beautiful flower pendant. This would make a beautiful gift at a great price.

The perfect bag for holiday shopping.

I think I would wear these earmuffs every day. They are just so fun and happy (and warm!).

DON'T DELAY! (WITH A DISCOUNT INCENTIVE)

Now is definitely the time to take action on ordering your Holiday Cards. I know it doesn't seem like an urgent matter, but these things take time and you need to address and stamp all of them and the post office gets very busy this time of year...

Not convinced? Well, would a nice little discount motivate you? Order your Holiday Cards from Pumpkin Petunia this week and receive 20% off IN ADDITION TO any quantity discount that your order qualifies for!

So don't delay, order your holiday cards today! Simply email me and I will set up a special order for you to receive your discount. I apologize for the extra step of having to email, but the shopping cart is set up in a way that makes it difficult to offer a discount on top of a discount. But I promise to make the extra step quick and painless and this way, we'll get to touch base right away to discuss your order.

Discount expires at midnight EST Friday, November 13th. Pricing, with discount, is as follows:

1-25 Cards: $1.60 each after 20% discount

26-50 Cards: $1.48 each after 20% discount

51-75 Cards: $1.36 each after 20% discount

76 - 100 Cards: $1.28 each after 20% discount

101 + Cards: $1.20 each after 20% discount

I ♥ FACES "BALLOON" PHOTO CHALLENGE

Well, I think I'm on a roll with these I ♥ FACES challenges! I hadn't thought about entering a photo two weeks in a row, but couldn't resist the balloon challenge. Remember this photo from Peanut's Pretty Dress Party? It was the end of the day and she was completely exhausted, but held on to this balloon as if she were grasping one last bit of birthday excitement. As long as she had her balloon, her day would not be over. When she finally crashed, she was still hanging on to a perfect day.

A WITCH, THE TOOTH FAIRY AND A FOOTBALL DUDE WALK INTO A BAR...

Just kidding, it's my kids going trick or treating. Gone are the days of themed Halloweens for me. No more Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, Prince Philip and Sleeping Beauty. But to be honest, I have a lot of fun watching them express their own personalities through their costumes. Who knew?

And I still have my little Peanut to force my opinion on play dress-up with. Although, this Tooth Fairy idea is all her. I wanted her to be a witch like her sister. I guess I'm not ready to let go of the matchy matchy Halloween just yet.

So how was your Halloween? Link up in the comments to show photos of your ghouls and goblins!

MARSHMALLOW GOBLINS

Remember these? Well, here they are all packaged up and ready to be delivered. I love the way they look in groups of three. Each little marshmallow personality shines right through when presented this way.

Don't you think?

Now if I could somehow successfully photograph cellophane packaging, that would really be a trick!