Today I’m participating in the Finish The Sentence Friday extravaganza hosted by Kate’s Can I Get Another Bottle of Wine, Janine’s Confessions of a Mommyaholic, Stephanie’s Mommy for Real and Kristi’s Finding Ninee.
Right now, I am thankful for the fact that there are two prompts to choose from for this week’s Finish the Sentence Friday.
They are “When I think of the word pilgrim, I think …” and … “Right now, I’m thankful for …”
It wasn’t a difficult choice for me. The word pilgrim conjures up just one image.
Marion Robert Morrison
Until about ten minutes ago, I honestly had no clue whether Mr. Morrison, known to millions as John Wayne or simply The Duke, uttered “pilgrim” in one movie or ten. I’d just hear the word “pilgrim” and think of him. Thanks to Google I now know it was one movie and he uttered it 23 times. The name of the 1962 movie was The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. I found a short clip that knocked me speechless. You simply must watch for yourself. The word usage is stunning. Just. Watch.
That’s it. I’ve exhausted my ability to delve further into the prompt “when I think of the word pilgrim, I think…” On to option B.
Right now, I’m thankful for the fact that in just under four weeks both my children will be back home with me for their Christmas vacation. I truly can’t wait.
They haven’t been home since the end of August. While I’ve finally managed to create a meal that gives me leftovers for two days rather than six, discovered the possibility of washing a load of laundry every other day instead of twice daily and come to the realization that walls don’t magically sprout newspaper ink handprints, I can’t get used to my children’s pristine bedrooms. They’re too quiet, too dull, too soulless. Enough. I know one day these rooms will no longer be on hold for my two; they’ll be turned into an office or a craft room. But not yet. They’re still my children’s bedrooms and it’s time for them to return to their messy, chaotic, occupied norms.
The last time I saw my children was October 14th at the end of our four-day reunion over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.
It was an awkward goodbye. The three of us found ourselves straddling the curb on the busy street just outside Henry’s university residence. With any number of his dormmates observing us from their windows above, my now towering six-foot tall 18-year-old leaned in for a hug. He kept it brief. I managed to hold back the tears until I turned to his sister. Her pooling eyes were my undoing; the undeniable truth hit. Within just hours, I’d be 3000 miles across the country, far from them both. Mercifully, perhaps for his own salvation as well as ours, Henry, manfully stepped up to the plate.
“Guys, we’ll be together again in just over ten weeks. The time will zip by.”
He was right. For the most part it has.
My days have been full. The blogging part of my life has kept me occupied in a healthy way and I’ve also taken courses in both knitting and cooking. Knowing this, I suspect my children are anticipating delicious treats over the break and perhaps a knitted scarf or a toque in the form of a present. While I can’t promise that, I can honestly say I haven’t fallen for their nightmarish belief that I’d go to the dogs whilst they were away.
It’s true. When asked what they thought would happen to me over the Fall term, their inevitable response was the definitive “she’ll get at least one other pet.”
I’ve done nothing of the sort.
This is still just the one rabbit (Bonanza) and one dog (Poppy) in our house.
Because of her concealing profile shot above, here’s a closeup of Poppy below.
Ok, so I may have tweaked a thing or two in the pet department. Perhaps regarding Poppy’s sleeping arrangements. But, can you blame me? Look at those eyes. Who could resist the obvious plea?
That barely visible brown number that she’s lying on, the one oozing white puffy stuffing, was her day bed up until this past weekend. It was the size of a place mat. It resided in the kitchen and when I’d leave the house, this is what she slept on. It was the inner mattress portion of her night bed which was a slightly larger, walled version that lived in my room at the foot of my bed.
What provided the final nudge for the tweak? With less of a focus on the needs of my children, my attention turned to the reality of the lives of my friends’ dogs; in particular, their pleasure of experiencing the ultimate luxury of “princess beds.”
Note the ability of the pup to spread out with room to spare.
Ok now have a quick gander once again at our pup.
How could I not remedy the situation?
And of course, because I didn’t want to lug the princess bed back and forth between the kitchen and my room …
Minor adjustments, no? Still one rabbit and one dog, kids. Still just one rabbit and one dog.
If they stumble across this post, I suspect my children are probably thankful they are coming home, if only to rescue me from myself … in just under four weeks.
Enough about me. Over to you. What are you thankful for right now? What does the word pilgrim conjure up for you? If you’d care to share, I’d love to hear.
36 Responses
Yay to your children coming home very soon now and will say I can’t imagine a day when my kids aren’t here, but know I will probably blink and this will be the case. Truly getting a bit teary thinking about it still though. Thanks for sharing and I had nothing for pilgrim, so you had one up on me for that prompt for sure!! 🙂
Pressing the hold button for you in the kids growing up department Janine.
Enjoy your time with your kiddos! I can only imagine how quiet and empty it must feel – but you have a darling little companion! Have a great Thanksgiving.
Thank you Sarah. Hopefully I’ll get to see lots of them. I suspect they’ll need catchup time with their buds here as well as me! Have a great Thanksgiving.
Ok so I’m completely guilty of the luxury pet beds even when my son is tiny (I had him late in life and had already had my dog for years and years) and can SO relate to not being ready to change the kids’ rooms into other rooms. My dad (he raised us) kept our rooms as were until we were like 30. We move briefly in (were allowed a 4 month stay when things were bad) and it worked perfectly. I can’t even bring my head to that yet, as my son is 4 (although I am 45 with a 19yo stepdaughter so I can). I’m also SO SO SO glad you did the Pilgrim one! I thought I was the only one so far!!!
Yes! I had my two later as well. Our dog Fergus was our first born and I shall never forget the look on his face when we brought Meredith home. “What is it and how long is it staying?” I’ll head over now and check out your Pilgrim version.
Your pup and bunny are very, very cute. Our oldest is away and I get that anticipation of having them home. Of course, he has already informed me that his first night home he’ll be staying with friends because that will be the only time he can see them. It’s funny how quick it goes. But it’s also great to see them evolving.
Thank you Jamie for the heads up. I shall brace myself for the fact that my two will want to do catch up with their pals here. My daughter, due to a kind exam schedule, is home a week before her brother. She loves to do all the Christmas stuff with me – ie the craft fairs, shopping etc so we’ll get all that in before he gets here. Tree day is the day after he’s home. Then I suspect they’ll both vanish for a few days with pals. But you are right – it is great to see them evolving.
Thanks also for the FB “like” – I really appreciate it. I’m off to read about you rockin’ that Pilgrim hat …
Aw, the pup looks nice and comfy! I always wait way too long to replace my poor dog’s sad bedding…
Right now I am thankful for wine (just had a glass or three!) and for the fact that Catching Fire is coming out tomorrow– I am a total geek.
When I hear “pilgrim” I think of Romeo 🙂
Hahaha – Romeo. Perfect. Yes Poppy is well and truly spoiled now with her beds. My children are shocked. Shocked. Shocked. “Two beds Mom? Really?” I got them at Costco – best place locally to get them. Yes to wine and Catching Fire! Huge fan of both myself.
Okay, I need to watch that John Wayne flick. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen parts of it, but I don’t think I’ve seen the entire thing all the way through.
I love reading about the relationship you have with your kids. I’m not too near the time when both of mine will be away at school, but my teen is already taller than me and I’ve only got a few years before he’s off to college. I can already start to feel that. I was feeling a little teary reading about this and then you made me laugh hysterically with “She’ll get at LEAST one other pet” Bwahahahaha. My sweet dog is already my coping mechanism (and she has a great bed, too) so I imagine my kids will say the same thing. I’m totally impress you didn’t do it though!!!…yet! 😀
I hope the rest of these weeks fly by until your kids’ rooms are chaotic and messy again! 😀 –Lisa
Thank you Lisa. Pressing the fast forward button to the day my daughter gets home. She’s home a week before her brother due to a kinder exam schedule. Love that your dog has a princess bed while your kids are still at home.The mind boggles as to the dog bed version when your guys leave. Lovely. Perhaps it’ll be a bunk bed style? How fun. Isn’t it something when the kids are taller that you? My son was a late bloomer so that didn’t happen until grade 11. Then he kept growing. I’m a very tall 5 foot 2 and he is a weensy bit taller 6 feet. Have a great Thanksgiving, Pilgrim! Heading over now to read about your Pinterest pet high chairs. Ooohhhh – maybe one for Bonanza, our rabbit!
You’re a good persuader, I totally watched the movie clip, Pilgrim!
I loved your description of realizing that the walls don’t magically sprout newspaper ink stains anymore. So succinctly put yet so much emotion behind it. I love how Henry manned up. You must be so proud of them. I look forward to the holidays now for you. 🙂
Aw thank you Katia. Isn’t that Pilgrim clip quite something? 23 times. Wow.
Henry is the man behind the newspaper ink stains. He delivered the weekly paper for three years throughout our neighbourhood. As he had a lot of houses on his route he had to come back for refills. Every time, he’d put his newly inked hands on the wall, the front door, the back door … Every single time. At first I handed him the cleaning products but then it happened so often I no longer noticed. Nice to rediscover that the walls are actually painted a soft yellow … I’ll head over to read your Footsteps now. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
VERY clever coming up with John Wayne for this post! As for the pets, I won’t start worrying about you until I start seeing pics of them all dressed up and you have one of the kids’ rooms converted to a pet sanctuary, complete with heated beds. Yes, I know at least one person who heats their pup’s bed. 🙂 [#FTSF]
Hahahaha! Yikes pet sanctuaries taking over the bedrooms. Whoa. And please, heated beds? That is quite the concept. Thank you so much for the update Chris. I do feel better! No worries on the clothing front either. Off to read your FTSF post.
Love this post Kelly ! Firstly, I am on board with you and John Wayne, that is the first thing to mind with the word pilgrim ! I once met him while working at one of my summer job’s at a pharmacy in Victoria. My Dad was so excited , as he was a huge fan ! I can only imagine your excitement at having your kids home for the holidays! You are keeping yourself very busy and entertained ( love the new beds for Poppy), but we are Mum’s first and there is nothing like having them around ! I feel like I have so much to be thankful for, particularly family and wonderful friends!
This is what I love about blogging Jane. I learn the most amazing things. First you were taught by Dave Hancock’s wife in grade five and now you met the Pilgrim speaker? Can you believe he said the word “pilgrim” 23 times in one movie? And to different people it looks like. Whoa. Did you chat with him or was he coming in to pick up a prescription and you had to be cool and pretend to not know who he was? I, too, am thankful for family and wonderful friends. You nailed it right there with that comment.Kind of like we can have our Butter and eat it too …
I only went to college about 50 miles from home so I could ask for more money from mom or dad face to face instead of via mail. Lol. I’m glad yours are coming home to see you soon. Hopefully, they’ll have a bunch of fun stories to share as well.
Oh there’ll be stories Don. There’ll be stories. It’ll be interesting to see the ones they deem worthy to tell Mom… I went to university right across the street from our house. I rolled out of bed just in time for my 8:30. Know what you mean about the face to face request for more money. Funny. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I will try to remember what you said about your kids’ rooms when I look into the pig sty that is my daughter’s room. I guess it does have soul, but it also has dirty clothes all over the floor. So excited for you to be with your kids again, Kelly!
Yes – do! The mess is what it’s all about. Of course, I will probably be encouraging my darlings to either tidy up or shut the door within two days of their arrival home, but still … Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Ohhhh I LOVE that your kids are coming home soon. That’s gonna be such a joyful reunion 🙂 Hope it’s every bit as wonderful as it deserves to be.
Pilgrim just reminds me of the book ‘Pligrim’s Progress’ – the only context I ever encountered it in.
Of course, Pilgrim’s Progess! Silly me – I could have done a bit on that. I’d just have to read the book first … Ha! Thanks for your kind wishes on my two coming home. I’m over the moon excited.
I loved this post because it was a great first post to read as this is my first time at your blog. I couldn’t imagine seeing my kids off to adulthood or school. I’m still on number one and he’s 19 months! I know you must be so excited to have them coming home! I love how they thought you would end up with another pet. 🙂 Too funny. Honestly, when I thought of pilgrim, I just thought of the first Thanksgiving. But reading the posts on the linky this week has really made me think of a whole lot more. 🙂
Thanks for popping by Brittnei. I well remember my first one being 19 months. I really do. Now she is 19. Honestly, how did that happen? Yes, I am very excited. We are now just this minute texting – the three of us – about how they want me to teach them easy things to cook. Am more than delighted to do that.Kind of felt they had to come to me wanting to learn rather than me just showing them. Now that they want to learn it’ll be so much easier. I’m off to visit you!
Poppy looks sooooo comfortable now! I looked at the John Wayne video – that was hilarious. I just sent it to my brother -he’s a movie buff. Cheers to the 4 week countdown!
Thank you Kenya. Yes Poppy is in heaven over her new sleeping arrangements. Getting more difficult to encourage her to join me on a walk, I must say.
Tears. I just had a REALLY long day with my three girls all under the age of 5 today. The day of course followed a REALLY long night with one of the twins sick and feverish all night. There were actually moments today when I thought of how precious this time with them is and then many other moments when I thought I was going to scream because I was so tired and exhausted. This quick glimpse of how much I am going to miss them when they are too old to be taken care of is just too much. It must be amazing to watch them fly, but hard too.
Oh Lisa, I am sorry. I well remember those days when everybody was sick and you drag yourself through both the days and the nights. Sending you all best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Aw I hope you have a wonderful time with your kids. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you Bianca. A very Happy Thanksgiving to you.
That must have been so hard saying goodbye to your children. I know that it will happen to me too one day before I know it, but right now I can only image how hard it must have been for you. Bring on the Christmas holidays! Your doggy is so cute. I used to love watching John Wayne movies with my grandparents. Thanks for that joyful trip down memory lane 🙂
Poppy sends you thanks for saying she is so cute. She’s grateful as I’m a tad annoyed with her for getting me up in the middle of the night. Perhaps chowing down on copious amounts of mud, sticks and rocks on yesterday’s dog walk wasn’t so cute. Have a great weekend.
Poppy new bed is gorgeous. Lucky pup!
I think you have done a fantastic job navigating your first semester of empty nest-dom. I am thankful to have you as my dear bloggy pal!
Aw thanks Mo. It has been fun and I too am thankful to have you as my dear bloggy pal! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.