Memorial Day

I grew up in a military family. Both of my parents were military, my grandparents, many uncles, cousins, friends, and my brothers ALL military. We live in an area of the country where unfortunately the military has downsized, which is sad. I remember growing up and going on military bases and really being in awe of the men and women. I feel like these days most people don't realize the sacrifices that our military make because they aren't directly affected. The town I grew up in is a small town. A close knit town. And a town that has lost a young soldier. And a town that appreciates our military. They have a great parade, and lots of veterans are in the parade. It is such a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to them. We cheer and yell thank you. And at the end of the parade there is a solemn ceremony to honor the men and women we have lost. And we get to personally say thank you to the military that are there. My mom marched in this years parade, as a "Blue Star Mom", a mom who has a child serving our country. So the kids and I were with my sister Doreen and her son DArius, and my BIL Ron and his three children, Davion, Dasanee and Danae. WE had a great time.

I am so blessed and have such a wonderful family. It is so awesome to be raising my kids so closely with their cousins. I am so sad that my brother DJ and Lyndsea and their brand new baby Trenton is so far away. I can't wait to get all of the kids together

My sisters wedding

My sister Deanna got married on saturday to a wonderful man named TJ. Samuel and Sophia (along with my niece Dasanee) were asked to be the ring bearer and flower girl. I am proud to say that both of my children did phenomenally well. They were well behaved and smiled and weren't rude. They were so cute walking down the aisle.
Unfortunately the photographer that my sister and her husband hired was absolutely AWFUL! First, when we were at my mom's house that morning getting ready he rode up on a harley (nothing against motorcycles, but he was not at all dressed or prepared for a wedding) and was completely sloppy looking. And then he pulled out a tiny little POINT AND SHOOT camera! I was horrified. So I used my camera to take as many photos as possible, and hten also called a friend of theirs to take photos as well. So I am praying that they were able to get some good photos. Their friend does some professional photography stuff, and from what I have seen he got some good shots, although not from the ceremony only the reception.

Morning preparation, my sister's Denise, Johanna and Lyndsea did the hair, make up and nails for the wedding. They are all very talented

Auntie Lyndsea putting on Sophia's "wedding make up". Soph wanted make up like Auntie Deanna, so Lyndsea put some chapstick on her:-)

Johanna and Denise did hair, but unfortunately I don't have a picture of Denise doing it:-(

Of course we were fashionably late for the wedding:-) The ceremony was supposed to start at 2pm. I don't believe we left my mom's house until 2pm, and the chapel was a good twenty minutes away!!!

Look how handsome my Sammy is:-) And my handsome nephew Davion

My sister Deanna, her twin Doreen, Sophia and my niece Dasanee. Beautiful!!!

My sister got married at the same chapel on the military base that my parents got married at almost 32 years ago! It was so nice to be there and have it at the same place. Some of the wedding photos were also taken at the same location where my parents had their wedding photos taken.

My nephew Davion and Deanna getting out of the limo

The three amigos: Sam, Dasanee, and Sophia

The flower girls threw leaves instead of flowers, a nice fall touch:-)

Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day. Today was kind of a hard day. This mother's day is the first since my grandmother has passed away. I knew it would be hard but I didn't realize how much. This morning as I hugged my mom, we both cried. I can't imagine how hard it is for her to not have her mom.
My grandmother was a truly amazing inspirational woman. I am so thankful that I had the priviledge of knowing her for 29 years, and for my children to also know and love her. I miss her so much.
These pictures are from Sophia's dedication in 2008. She was wearing my grandmother's Christening gown from 1924!!! Amazing right? It was so special that my grandmother was able to be with us that day:-) It makes me sad to think that she won't get to know this new little life that I am carrying. That she won't be able to rock him/her and sing to her like she sang to me and to Sam and Sophia. I miss you so much Grammie! Rejoicing in the knowledge that someday I will see you again.