Memorial Day

Monday, we celebrated Memorial Day. I am proud to be an American and also the daughter of a veteran. My dad served our country and is a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He is a member of the American Legion in their community. I was able to attend a little ceremony they put on at the cemetery in honor of the men and women who have lost their lives defending our country!

My dad is the one on the far right!

Members of the American Legion

Me and my daddy!

My Parents!

My Brother and Dad

Memorial Day wouldn't be complete without a trip to visit the graves of my dad's parents and sisters. When my dad was eight years old in 1956 a tornado took their lives. I don't think a person is ever the same after such a horrific event. I think back of how it must have been for my dad and I begin to cry. A few years ago I found a picture of him standing in front of a Christmas tree with his grandfather. The picture is dated 1956, which was his first Christmas without his family. I can't imagine what it was like for him. I just want to pick up that little 8 year old broken hearted little boy and hug him. He has such a tremendous memory, he remembers so much of his family. I told my dad he needs to write a book of his life.

We were walking to the graves and right behind the graves

I discovered a bird's nest in the grass.

This is the grave of Grandma and Grandpa Bevel. God's hand was on my dad after the tornado and they raised my dad. I never met them, but everything I have heard about them makes me believe they were wonderful people. One day in heaven!!

To the grandparents I never knew, thank you for bringing my dad into the world. I know your time was short on this earth, but you have forever left an imprint on the lives of your son, daughter in-law, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Your family does not let your lives be forgotten!! Much love and you are missed!!

Happy Birthday to my Sister Kristin

I wanted to wish my sister a very Happy Birthday. She is two years older than me, though when I was young I always thought I would be able to catch up to her. Ha! She is one of my best friends and I have shared some of the best moments in life with her. I was there when they welcomed their first child into the world and again when her son was born. I stood beside her as her Maid of Honor when she married Chris. We have walked through the happiest and also some of the darkest days together. I am proud of the woman she has become.

I pray that this year brings her much joy and happiness. That this year she will continue to walk in the plans that God has for her life. I also pray that God gives her wisdom and strength to be the wife and mother that glorifies our Savior. You are amazing and I love you sooo much!!

Kindergarten Graduation

Today, was a bitter sweet day. They came to me as 5 year olds and leave 1st graders. Tomorrow is our last day, but we had graduation today. I have some amazing kids, that I am going to miss. I made a slideshow with pictures from through out the year, I about lost it when we watched it, it doesn't help that I put songs with it like, "You're Gonna Miss This". It was precious watching and listening to the kids watch the slideshow. Then I almost lost it again when I was passing out diplomas. When you spend 170 plus days with a group a kids, you get attached. Some how I have to intrust them to another teacher next year.

One of my favorite moms. I am so excited that as I move to Pre-K, they requested me to be their sons teacher next year!!

Stylin'- They are ready for summer!

The day wouldn't be complete without having a talent show where the teachers are the last act! :)

Busy Weekend, now Busy Week!!

We were a little behind with celebrating birthdays and an important Anniversary. So we had a big celebration!! Mine was almost a month ago, my brother in-laws was a couple weeks ago, my sister Kristin's bday is Friday, and my niece Sydney will be 7 next week. WoW!!!

We had a great afternoon at my sister Emily house.

We also celebrate my parents 35th Wedding Anniversary. I wish we could send them on a great trip, they truly deserve it. They have went through many things in their 35 years! I am proud to call them my parents.

My parents and their kids!!!

One of my favorite pictures this weekend, Sydney and I

I am finishing my last week of school with kids. It is hard to believe that Friday is their last day of Kindergarten. This year has been both refreshing and challenging in some ways. I have some very sweet kiddos that I will miss. I will have to post pics of the cookies I made last night for the Baby shower we had at school today.

My First Blog

I am so excited to finally start my own blog. I don't know if anyone with ever see this, but I am excited to have a place to share my life, my heart, my thought, my faith, and etc... I am excited about this journey!!