Lone Survivor

I knew I wanted to watch this movie.

But I also knew it would be what I call a HARD WATCH.

The kind of movie I will have to turn my head,

watch threw my fingers, and shed tears.

I think people forget what men and even boys

go through when they are combat soldiers.

What they stand to lose.

I must have kissed Derek 50 times after the movie.

He is here with me.

He has no more tours of duty.

I get to have my husband, my children have their father.

I think often of the men that were in my wedding,

hung out in my garage, ate dinner at my table,

road motorcycles with my husband,

and fought beside him.

What they have seen, what they have done,

what they endured to survive.

Their scars that will last a lifetime

seen and unseen.

How they protected one another.

The bond they will share for life.

They have a special place in my heart and always will.

Derek isn't the same physically or mentally as before

he left, but he is with me and I am forever grateful.

Blessed.

"You don't fight for yourself. You fight for the brother next to you"

The Rainbow Birthday

Our family birthday season has officially come to an end.

Kirstin turned 12 and MiKayla turned 4.

Nobody minds sharing parties which is 

much easier on me.

My favorite part is coming up with the cake.

Literally hundreds of mini-marshmallows for the clouds.

They loved it!

I must admit that I am still in shock that we have 

a 12 year old. 

I mean I am still young and here she is making me

feel old. The nerve.....

And y'all know Derek is having

a hard time with little mimi turning another year older.

She is the BIGGEST daddy's girl in the house.

Every year I get to be the mama to my girls

is another good year for me.