I can see my kitchen table.

Some of you read my blog title and giggle. But I tell you, my friend, this is no laughing matter. 

I BEGGED for that kitchen table. For months, it went without chairs. Just a poor, helpless giant side table to our couch. Begging to be ate at. Begging to have green placemats adorn her top .  Get scalded by hot food and feel the chill of ice on glasses with the leftover of a ring from the moisture. Then, one day, she was introduced to her 4 counterparts. What a lovely set they made.  Dark brown "wood", easy to clean. This was the life. 

I remember getting excited when making dinner so that we could sit at our new table and chairs. Running to the drawer with the placemats and napkins, knowing full well that it was just Wes and I eating ---but who cares!! I like having things look just so! Setting out the cloth napkins with the napkin rings on the top of the plates  (even though paper towels will be used). It's the idea of it. Just having that place to eat is a luxury for me that I'd be waiting for. 

All of these magical times came crumbling to a halt when my husband started the academy. 

Suddenly my poor table was filled with 100-block notecards, papers, red wrist band packages, boxes that once held boots, shoes, and electronic devices.  Binders, locks, keys, etc. 

Then the chairs and surrounding floors were attacked. Gray sweats, socks, shoes, t-shirts. Baskets with cleaning supplies, guns, large bags full of things he takes back and forth to the academy. Shoe polish.  And....everywhere....Q-tips....cotton balls.....and glasses of water. "Glasses of water!?" You may say...oh yes. Oh yes. Have I spilled glasses of water? Yes. Many times.  Wes uses this to dip the cotton balls into so he can shine his boots with them. 

Finally - this last weekend has been a glimmer of hope.  Dare I say, a beacon of light! On Sunday, Wes cleaned off the table, cleaned up the chairs, moved all of his police things to a place where no one can see them, unless they were seriously searching.  I can see my table...she is just as beautiful as ever.

In thankful celebration, I have made dinner for him every night this week. Although, we did not eat at the table the first couple of nights (Skype date with parents, busy schedules etc) we did finally get to last night. I made home-made deep-dish pizza with my new springform pan and gooey butter cookies. 

Yes, we ate at the table and even had a guest! 

Place mats and all. :o)