To my Dad:
With the excitement of my first wedding anniversary right around the corner I lost count of the days and suddenly realized I almost over looked my the first anniversary I ever had! The anniversary my dad legally adopted me. He'd adopted me into his heart long before October 3, 2001 but 10/3 is the easiest to mark the occasion. I know you will never be offended if I "forgot" our special day but I don't want to ever stop recognizing it. There are so many children in this world who do not have the love and support of a parent and I luckily have two.
I was just talking to a friend about how her husband thought daddy-daughter dates were weird and I shared that it was the best thing you did for me. Our one-on-one time makes more sense to me now as adult but it was definitely fun back then. As I'm in the process of packing for my anniversary vacation and preparing the back seat of the car to be my bed for the ride to the airport, memories flood my mind.....
Remember 1999? or was it 2000? either way I remember all too vividly standing in the kitchen bay-window with dorky braces on my teeth, HUGE bags under eyes, and smiling for a picture before embarking on a small surprise road trip. We still had mom's Buick Riviera and it was just me and you. I slept just about the whole way and woke up just in time to the sign -- CEDAR POINT. You were so cool!! (still are) But it's those memories I now realize as an adult or at least I think you were teaching me and showing me, there are good guys in life who will value me, love me, and accept me. It was our daddy-daughter date. I truly believe by those examples I was able to find my husband. Jeremiah does those things and just like I did with you, I do with him.... I try to find out the secrets. haha
I love you dad! Happy October 3rd!! Here's to 13 years of being me and you!!!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Siblings
Brothers--
We went to the park the other night to play tennis and there was a group of little boys (maybe 6-8 yrs old) who looked to be practicing baseball. Being the oldest of three I vividly remember the days of baseball season for my younger brothers.
Jonathon
Now just let me tell you! This child does not hold still EVER! I remember when he was in T-ball and he seemed to always end up on 1st base. He stood there waving his glove, waving at spectators, and best of was dramatic when the ball came his way. He was exaggerated in all of his movements. He always BEAMED with excitement when he was near a diamond. That excitement differed as he got older but nothing compared to his ornery smile during his first 3 years of baseball. You just couldn't help but laugh at Jonathon since he naturally caught your attention.
Aaron
Aaron was fun to cheer for and encourage. The way he ran was just so cute! There is calming ease to Aaron. He was fluid in his motions and his actions were methodical. He easily made friends from season to season and always gave it his all. In the end the sport wasn't quite his thing but you can't but hug and kiss all over a cute little kid in a baseball uniform!
It was fun to reflect on the time I had with my brothers and how different they are from each other but how I also needed them to be different. Jonathon teaches me that there are moments to be fun and not take life so seriously (those of you who know me are laughing right now - that's ok) and Aaron teaches me that it's ok to be calm and patient (again I know you're laughing). I often wonder how they are able to hold these personalities when my personality is what it is. Any way, thank you brothers for the memories and let's always be friends.
----I love you "boys"----
We went to the park the other night to play tennis and there was a group of little boys (maybe 6-8 yrs old) who looked to be practicing baseball. Being the oldest of three I vividly remember the days of baseball season for my younger brothers.
Jonathon
Now just let me tell you! This child does not hold still EVER! I remember when he was in T-ball and he seemed to always end up on 1st base. He stood there waving his glove, waving at spectators, and best of was dramatic when the ball came his way. He was exaggerated in all of his movements. He always BEAMED with excitement when he was near a diamond. That excitement differed as he got older but nothing compared to his ornery smile during his first 3 years of baseball. You just couldn't help but laugh at Jonathon since he naturally caught your attention.
Aaron
Aaron was fun to cheer for and encourage. The way he ran was just so cute! There is calming ease to Aaron. He was fluid in his motions and his actions were methodical. He easily made friends from season to season and always gave it his all. In the end the sport wasn't quite his thing but you can't but hug and kiss all over a cute little kid in a baseball uniform!
It was fun to reflect on the time I had with my brothers and how different they are from each other but how I also needed them to be different. Jonathon teaches me that there are moments to be fun and not take life so seriously (those of you who know me are laughing right now - that's ok) and Aaron teaches me that it's ok to be calm and patient (again I know you're laughing). I often wonder how they are able to hold these personalities when my personality is what it is. Any way, thank you brothers for the memories and let's always be friends.
----I love you "boys"----
Friday, March 28, 2014
Soldier Awareness
Being married 6 months and transitioning into a higher level position in my career is proving to be a juggling act. I thought it would be easy and fun keeping up with a blog but it takes time. haha My hat goes off to those who are working married mothers. WHEW! It is even a lot to say. You women are heroes!
Speaking of heroes, we refer to those in our military as heroes. I've recently seen images strung about social media of individuals in the service (mainly men) who are posed in a way that is less than favorable. This is however, my opinion but I also have to believe that it does not follow the guidelines set forth by the military. One image in particular is what has sparked my ultimate dissatisfaction. This individual was given their ruck pack and they were standing in what appears to be a break room, they were in camouflage uniform, and were posed with their middle finger extended out in the middle of the photo. This concerns me as this young gentleman is to be a role model of my/our country and me. I certainly do not represent myself in such a manner as he has demonstrated. The military prides itself on molding individuals into dignified and respectful soldiers who are worthy of my/our trust and support.
Now, don't get me wrong I know these are ultimately pretty commercials and flyers presented to the "civilian" population as a means of advertisement. However, I like to think it isn't completely false. I also know that no matter what or where there will also be a certain percentage of individuals who aren't quite.... "up to par". I also understand that I may not fully understand the sacrifice this gentleman made to join the military. I have always been a civilian and will always remain as such. I support that he made a selfless decision to commit to something greater than himself. I hope he sees the same.
Not only did this gentleman choose on his own to be selfless, he was also taught in military training to be selfless. I find his photograph the opposite -- the opposite in that raising your middle finger is the statement of "f--- you". I find this slightly personal. Seems a little off, right? But how can this young individual publicly announce such a thing to so many people/civilians. The very civilians he is to serve and ultimately protect. The very civilians who work very hard, to have taxes deducted from their pay money, in order to aid in paying and financially supporting this individual.
However, my opinion is formed of this individual flipping off the camera while in uniform due to the level of disrespect they exhibited. It is no secret that he was taught integrity with the idea it "requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others." I find this photo deceptive of the morals he is to uphold; especially while in uniform.
This gentleman was taught respect. His soldier code specifically states, "treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same". At what point was this demonstrated in his photo? I'm positive that if I or any other civilian were to use this gesture toward him while in his uniform he would find offense. I assume he expects me or anyone else to respect him while he is in or out of his uniform.
With this, I hope this new soldier quickly realizes the harshness of his published photo. And I bequeath to my soon solider the selflessness, respect, and duty I was taught growing up as your big sister; so you know not to present yourself as this gentleman did. The Army will teach you how to live up to these to a completely different level that I cannot. I always did my best through 20 years to be the best example and role model for you and it is now your turn to hold yourself to those standards so others may look up to you with honor, respect, and dignity.
Speaking of heroes, we refer to those in our military as heroes. I've recently seen images strung about social media of individuals in the service (mainly men) who are posed in a way that is less than favorable. This is however, my opinion but I also have to believe that it does not follow the guidelines set forth by the military. One image in particular is what has sparked my ultimate dissatisfaction. This individual was given their ruck pack and they were standing in what appears to be a break room, they were in camouflage uniform, and were posed with their middle finger extended out in the middle of the photo. This concerns me as this young gentleman is to be a role model of my/our country and me. I certainly do not represent myself in such a manner as he has demonstrated. The military prides itself on molding individuals into dignified and respectful soldiers who are worthy of my/our trust and support.
Now, don't get me wrong I know these are ultimately pretty commercials and flyers presented to the "civilian" population as a means of advertisement. However, I like to think it isn't completely false. I also know that no matter what or where there will also be a certain percentage of individuals who aren't quite.... "up to par". I also understand that I may not fully understand the sacrifice this gentleman made to join the military. I have always been a civilian and will always remain as such. I support that he made a selfless decision to commit to something greater than himself. I hope he sees the same.
Not only did this gentleman choose on his own to be selfless, he was also taught in military training to be selfless. I find his photograph the opposite -- the opposite in that raising your middle finger is the statement of "f--- you". I find this slightly personal. Seems a little off, right? But how can this young individual publicly announce such a thing to so many people/civilians. The very civilians he is to serve and ultimately protect. The very civilians who work very hard, to have taxes deducted from their pay money, in order to aid in paying and financially supporting this individual.
However, my opinion is formed of this individual flipping off the camera while in uniform due to the level of disrespect they exhibited. It is no secret that he was taught integrity with the idea it "requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others." I find this photo deceptive of the morals he is to uphold; especially while in uniform.
This gentleman was taught respect. His soldier code specifically states, "treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same". At what point was this demonstrated in his photo? I'm positive that if I or any other civilian were to use this gesture toward him while in his uniform he would find offense. I assume he expects me or anyone else to respect him while he is in or out of his uniform.
With this, I hope this new soldier quickly realizes the harshness of his published photo. And I bequeath to my soon solider the selflessness, respect, and duty I was taught growing up as your big sister; so you know not to present yourself as this gentleman did. The Army will teach you how to live up to these to a completely different level that I cannot. I always did my best through 20 years to be the best example and role model for you and it is now your turn to hold yourself to those standards so others may look up to you with honor, respect, and dignity.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Allow me to propose...
This entry is copy and pasted from something else I previously wrote.
The date of the proposal was actually Kayla's birthday, so when they got home from work Kayla was on the phone with family. In the meantime, Jeremiah was in the bedroom assembling the full length mirror/jewelry box he built. Once Kayla got off the phone, Jeremiah asked her if she wanted to go on a walk (she likes walks). Kayla said yes but quickly noticed that Jeremiah wasn't putting on his shoes to go. When asked over and over why he wasn't going he finally said, "I just need you to temporarily leave the house". It was then Kayla knew something was up. Once allowed back inside Kayla. . . with eyes closed, was led to the jewelry box. In checking it out and her surroundings, Kayla didn't notice anything "odd". Jeremiah redirected her attention to the bottom corner of the box while beginning to kneel. Jeremiah shared his feelings (which we all know is difficult) and then asked if Kayla would marry him.
The date of the proposal was actually Kayla's birthday, so when they got home from work Kayla was on the phone with family. In the meantime, Jeremiah was in the bedroom assembling the full length mirror/jewelry box he built. Once Kayla got off the phone, Jeremiah asked her if she wanted to go on a walk (she likes walks). Kayla said yes but quickly noticed that Jeremiah wasn't putting on his shoes to go. When asked over and over why he wasn't going he finally said, "I just need you to temporarily leave the house". It was then Kayla knew something was up. Once allowed back inside Kayla. . . with eyes closed, was led to the jewelry box. In checking it out and her surroundings, Kayla didn't notice anything "odd". Jeremiah redirected her attention to the bottom corner of the box while beginning to kneel. Jeremiah shared his feelings (which we all know is difficult) and then asked if Kayla would marry him.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Introduction
Well here it is - post #1! I truly have some anxiety. Once something is on the internet, there really is no getting rid of it.
So to start the journey and gain an understanding of upcoming "stories" we must start from day one. My first date with my now Husband. <-- that sounds like an adult statement.
We knew of each other from high school but never interacted. In December 2009, when I was home for Christmas break, Jeremiah sent me an instant message on Facebook. Since the first conversation went so well, the next time I was online Jeremiah thought he'd say "hi" again, but this time he wasn't talking to me.... it was my mom! After that incident, I easily gave Jeremiah my phone number. We conversed several times for several hours at a time after that, which led Jeremiah to asking me on a date.
Our first date was on January 9, 2010... and a complete surprise. All I knew was that I could wear my cowgirl boots and flannel shirt. Jeremiah treated us to dinner at P.F. Chang's (a Chinese restaurant) in downtown. I still had no idea where we were going. It wasn't until we were just inside the doors of Conseco Fieldhouse when Jeremiah showed me our tickets to . . . . Professional Bull Riding (PBR) rodeo!!!
So to start the journey and gain an understanding of upcoming "stories" we must start from day one. My first date with my now Husband. <-- that sounds like an adult statement.
We knew of each other from high school but never interacted. In December 2009, when I was home for Christmas break, Jeremiah sent me an instant message on Facebook. Since the first conversation went so well, the next time I was online Jeremiah thought he'd say "hi" again, but this time he wasn't talking to me.... it was my mom! After that incident, I easily gave Jeremiah my phone number. We conversed several times for several hours at a time after that, which led Jeremiah to asking me on a date.
Our first date was on January 9, 2010... and a complete surprise. All I knew was that I could wear my cowgirl boots and flannel shirt. Jeremiah treated us to dinner at P.F. Chang's (a Chinese restaurant) in downtown. I still had no idea where we were going. It wasn't until we were just inside the doors of Conseco Fieldhouse when Jeremiah showed me our tickets to . . . . Professional Bull Riding (PBR) rodeo!!!
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