Making Strides

Hi all, I will be participating in the Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk this Sunday with my mom and her co-workers from Fifth Third. I love this event because all of the money goes directly to the American Cancer Society and helps with research, providing up-to-date cancer prevention and early detection information, helps ensure all women have access to mammograms and follow-up care, and provides free programs and services that improve the quality of life for people facing breast cancer. If anyone would like to make a donation to Making Strides - ACS please use the link to the left. Thanks everyone ~ have a great day!!

September 11, 2008

Wow, I cannot believe it has been 7 years since September 11, 2001. I know this day has special meaning for me, as I am sure it does for all of you. I thought this morning about how beautiful and sunny it is today, just like 7 years ago. It was a gorgeous morning that day - and then everything changed. I know over the past few years I have tried to make a special point to make the most of this day. Everyday is a gift, but most days we have a hard time remembering that whether it be because we are too busy, too stressed, too tired, etc. We all have things to be grateful for, and for me this is a perfect day to remember them. So give your kids any extra hug, read them an extra book, hug your loved ones, and know that I am grateful to have each of you in my life!!

On another note, many of you know that our friend, Ryan, has been away for sometime and we have missed him very much. We are extremely grateful that he will be coming home on October 1st!!! One month earlier than expected, and we couldn't be happier. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Ryan over the past 6 years. Please continue to pray for him and he begins this new journey.

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'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when

you heard the news On September 11, 2001.

Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.'

I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed

breakfast to their children. I held her up as she

tried to understand his words and as she realized

he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a

woman cried out to Me for help.

'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!'

I said.

'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest

ministering to the injured and devastated souls.

I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven.

He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,

with every prayer. I was with the crew as they

were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the

believers there, comforting and assuring them that their

faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .

I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.

Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew

every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me

for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.

Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the

smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take

my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.

But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You

may not know why, but I do. However, if you were

there in that explosive moment in time, would you have

reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey

for you. But someday your journey will end. And I

will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may

be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are

'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments. - God

Ryan's 1st day of preschool !!!

Well our little boy began his learning adventures today with his first day of preschool. Ryan is attending Wise Owl Preschool in Fort Thomas. He has been looking forward to this day ever since we visited Wise Owl in February for their open house. We feel in love with the place and have been anxiously awaiting this day for some time. Ryan has been working really hard on his potty training so he would be ready for school. He was excited last week when his teachers, Mrs. Bibb and Ms. Buecher came to our house to visit him and gave him his school bag and a new book. He was so excited to get to school today that we were 15 minutes early! He was thrilled to wear his new gym shoes that he picked out all by himself this weekend (Thanks Grandma Donna!) Once it was time for school to start he marched right in with Ms. Buecher and only looked back once to wave goodbye to me -- our little boy was off and I only cried for a minute! When I picked him up he reported this he had a great time but when I asked what he did he said, "nothing" - typical kid! Actually, today Ryan drew a picture of a monkey (his specialty), made an apple magnet, listened to a story, had cookies and lemonade for snack, and played with toys. Ahh, to be 3 years old again!!!

The Mullen Family Blog

Hello Family and Friends,

After being inspired by my friend Carrie I have decided to start this blog. I hope to share some interesting things that are going on with our family. It's so hard to keep in touch with everyone so I am hoping this will be an easy way to share what is going on with us. I hope you all enjoy the updates!!