Sunday, April 19, 2009

Let Freedom Ring...

I am sitting in my bedroom with the smell of homemade bread sifting through the entire house and listening to my new neighbors (very annoying and very loud) air conditioner running non stop. I have been reflecting on our freedoms we enjoy. My freedom to complain about such an annoying a/c unit (which for my neighbors sake I'm not sure they are aware of how loud it really is just yet... since it's day time and I am sure they aren't in their bedroom yet and it's probably louder in their room than in mine), my freedom to bake bread when ever I want, my freedom to love my husband and children and family, my freedom of religion, of speech, of my rite to bare arms, to plant what ever flowers I want in my yard, to own what ever car I want (our new Beep Beep included), to have as many or as few children as my sweet husband and I so desire, what color of clothing I wish to wear, the freedom to paint my walls what ever color I want...and the list goes on.

What humbles me most about our freedom is this: That Freedom isn't Free. Never was; never has been. I am deeply grateful for those who sacrifice so much and give their all for my freedom. My husband is one of them, My father and grandfathers a few more, my brothers even a few more. I really am surrounded by amazing men who give up so much to protect what is most valuable to us FREEDOM. Because without it we wouldn't have anything else. Jess and I have many other friends and family (male and female) who currently serve or who have served and my hat is off to you.

I just found out that one of my brothers will be going back to the Middle East in the Fall. His wife has a baby due in the summer and my heart aches because I know, from experience, how hard it is to let them go. I know how hard it will be for him to go and leave behind a brand new baby. He'll miss out on seeing this sweet spirit grow and develop. I know the fears of a military wife who is left behind. But I also know that Heavenly Father will be watching over my sweet brother and that we ultimately have to leave things in the Lord's hands, have faith and trust and know that everything will work out the way it is supposed too. So May God Bless and keep him (and all our soldiers) safe and bring him home again and may we never forget the price of FREEDOM.

Friday, April 10, 2009

A Little Something....

I found a quote today...acutally I think it was the title of a talk given by a General Authority but I decided that I like the title just a little quote that I will probably cut out of vinyl and definitely stick on my bathroom mirror or even somewhere that my children will see it daily. And the quote...drum roll please...

"Don't Let The Voice of Critics Paralyze You!"

For all who have a dream, know where you are going and what you want to do... don't listen to the critics. Take Jess for example; for 4 years his army unit (with the exception of one awesome company commander Capt. Hamilton) told him he couldn't go to school, wouldn't go to school and would be only good for enlisted army service. They laughed at his dreams of flying helicopters or being a dentist. Look where he is now. He has almost all of his schooling done for flying helicopters and is about half way through with a Global Aviation Degree (which by the way, you don't have to have in order to get an amazing job flying). Way to go Babe and show the world you can do what ever you have your heart set on. And don't forget...

"Don't Let The Voice of Critics Paralyze You!"

Furniture

I finally was able to take pictures of our new furniture that is about a month old now. We love it. It's microfiber and amazingly comfortable. Now we have an all matching living room. Jess hung the mirror and now we just have to decide on a few pictures and frames and then I think the front room will be done. With the exception of one wall that needs to be painted :).
This is a close up of the couch and the mirror. I love it. The kids love the furniture too. We just have to remind them to keep their shoes off it. Easton thinks it's his job to distress the center table with his matchbox cars and gets really upset when we tell him that's not for his cars. He'll get over it!!