Quiet

This past year has been... interesting. To say the least. Aren't they all though? For different reasons?

This was a year that rocked my world. That seems to happen every couple years or so.

There was 2010... the year our family lost two very important men to cancer. It was a year full of wait, and anger, and grief, and travel, and remembering, and making new memories. It was haaaaaaaard. But beautiful too.

There was 2012... the year our love grew exponentially as we welcomed Reid into the world. It was the year all things were new and different. It was a year full of sleepless nights, sadness, pain, self-doubt, and oh so much joy. So much joy and love I thought I'd burst. It was hard. Hard, but beyond beautiful.

Then, there was 2014... the year of... quiet. Aside from chasing a giggling toddler around the house, life was quiet. It was steady. Busy, of course, but fairly consistent and predictable (outside of parenthood). It was routine and mostly comfortable. Until it wasn't anymore. In a hurry it became a year of loss, confusion, fear, stress, stepping in and stepping up, feeling helpless, having a loss for words (yes, even for me), change, and the unknown. Yet it was still the year of quiet. It was and still is in a lot of ways. It was a year for keeping what seemed like everything inside. It was months of huddling together with those close to us while, unfortunately, other important relationships and priorities got shifted around. It was a year of knowing we really had nothing to complain about but still feeling the pain anyway.

Outside this quiet was turmoil and noise... locally, nationally, worldwide. With that, there's been a lot of debate over law enforcement. Facebook comments have run the gamut from cops can do no wrong to cops are serial killers with badges. I'm a fairly laid back, moderate thinker on issues... usually seeing both sides and knowing that it's rarely just black or white. This topic has been a little harder for me to swallow but I've managed to remain pretty quiet. I've bit my tongue and kept it in and worked to 'get' both sides. This quiet, however, is dang near eating me from the inside out.

So now I say this: I appreciate, respect, and literally thank God for the men and women who serve our communities in this capacity. I am grateful for their work and for the sacrifices they and their families make. I know not all officers play by the rules but I truly believe the vast majority of law enforcement professionals are good people who truly care about the work they do and want to help others.

I know the job isn't always what it looks like on TV. I know it's long hours, less-than-fantastic pay, physically, mentally, and emotionally draining work. I know they walk into horrible situations, see pain and suffering daily, deliver bad news, and sometimes get just a few hours of sleep before getting up to do it all over again. I know they miss holidays, baseball games, and dance recitals. I know that sometimes, they use their own money to make sure a hungry child gets a happy meal while they themselves are missing family dinner. I know, in my heart, that they are not to be feared. I know that sometimes, in the line of duty, split-second decisions have to be made. I trust that they have the training, discernment, and heart to make the best possible decision in those times. I know sometimes they end lives but I know that, more often than not, they're saving them.

I just wanted today to be not so quiet. Ya know? I wanted to speak up and get that off my chest and if you've made it this far, I appreciate you listening to me share my heart. I hope that while this year has been hard for so many, they'll soon see the beauty that will no doubt come from the ashes.

I saw this Dear Officer letter yesterday and while I'm not a law enforcement spouse, I can certainly respect what this letter portrays. Again, I'm so thankful for all the sacrifices these families make and I wanted to, in this quiet little way, show my support.

Also, I've felt the need to hug every cop I see... so if you're in the area... look out! ;)

Here's to 2015. May it be a whole other type of quiet!

Me

I'm sure you've probably seen the Facebook challenge floating around - the one where you're tagged by a friend and challenged to post pictures in which you feel beautiful. I chose photos from different points in life from the past decade. I was different shapes and sizes, had different hair cuts, and there's makeup in some and none in others. Regardless, happiness is represented in every single one of these. =)

Moving from left to right, starting at the top:

The first photo is of Dac and I on my 22nd birthday. I had just graduated from OSU the month before and we were engaged. =)

Next, is me with my fuzzy buddy Peety. A true friend. It was taken sometime in the past few years.

Dac and I at my friend Heather's wedding on New Years Eve 2011. I had just had surgery to remove a bunch of endometriosis.

One of my maternity photos by Elephant Juice Photography. I think I was around 7-8 months along. I had a ridiculous hair mishap right before the session but decided I wouldn't let it ruin our time. =) Laura worked with it and made me feel beautiful.

This is Dac and I gearing up for a date night a few years ago!

The next few are all pretty recent. This one is of Reid and I when he was still so new. I look back at pictures from that time and I see the tired, the puffy, the belly that just wouldn't go away, and the hot mess. I see all of that but it's trumped by the beauty of a mama who is so in love with her little boy. For that, pictures from those first days... even the most un-put together ones... will always be among my favorites... my most beautiful.

The next is from our newborn session with Jennifer Miller Photography. Reid was exactly a week old and I was exactly a week completely sleep deprived. ;)

This one is of me rocking my sleepy babe probably a year or more ago.

And finally, my love and I during our family photo session last fall w/ Elephant Juice Photography. =)

Taking Stock

Once again, I'm behind on this blog. I have lots of pictures to share from last week, it's just not going to happen right now. =) We took last Friday off to enjoy a family fun day. Then, that evening, Dac and I got to go on a movie date. I think it'd literally been about a year since we went to see a movie. Wowzers. We did other fun things that weekend and then, Monday came, and I turned 30. 

I hear it called "dirty thirty" and I get that it's a big one, but I always (as in the past several years) kind of looked forward to my 30s. I envisioned myself at my best when I thought about the impending decade. I had fully planned on having my life together. You know, looking and feeling my best, feeling comfortable and confident in my own skin, knowing what I wanted to be when I grow up... those types of things. Well the big day came and went and I'm still very much the same. =) I'm still just me - an often insecure, friendly introvert who still doesn't have it figured out but yet manages to (mostly) enjoy the ride along the way. =) 

My twenties were big. There were tons of firsts and life changes. A lot can change in ten years but you can feel like not much has changed at all. I think that's where I'm at. When I really take stock of where I've been and what has happened in my life... it's a 'whoa' kind of moment. Still, I feel very much the same. With time comes more wisdom and less naivety (wise enough to know what's really important in life and just how fast life flies and less naive to the hurts and uncertainties of the world) but also more acceptance (acceptance of myself and who I really am - the good, the bad, and the ugly and acceptance that there's some dreams that might not come true). I

My goal for the next ten years is to get a little closer to my happy place... wherever that is and whatever that looks like. I know I might not make it all the way there. I understand that you're never too old for God to fulfill His plan in your life and for me, that could be when I'm 98. Sure, there's things I'd like to do this decade (make the house more homey, travel, get healthier, try new things, lose some weight, be more financially stable, etc... etc... etc...) the main thing is to inch my way closer to that place and not let fear or lack of motivation stand in my way.

I saw this on a blog this morning and decided to share my 'stock' at this very point in my life. Here's what I'm up to, in general, at the age of just-thirty. =)

Making: memories
Cooking: Reid's lunches, baked goods, and meals using out Bountiful Baskets produce
Drinking: way too much Diet Dr. Pepper
Reading: blogs and board books
Wanting: more time
Looking: like I should get my brows waxed and go for a walk
Playing: "peek-a-boo", "I'm gonna get you", and the "what's that?" game
Wasting: time and probably potential
Sewing: ha - you know I have friends do that stuff for me
Wishing: and hoping and praying and dreaming... =)
Enjoying: extra quality time
Waiting: for things to be a little more 'normal' again
Liking: half price shakes at Sonic after 8 p.m.
Wondering: if I'll ever have it all figured out
Loving: the stage Reid is in right now - 18+ months has been so fun
Hoping: for a raise =)
Needing: to eat more veggies and drink more water
Smelling: sugar cookie Scentsy
Wearing: Jamberry nails
Following: the rules
Noticing: more grey hairs
Knowing: time flies
Thinking: about what's for supper
Feeling: a teensy bit uneasy
Giggling: at hashtags, selfies, and fun times with friends and family

Reid slipped off my lap right about now...

Here's to thirty!

About Me: What's the Hardest Part of Growing Up

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have right now?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and explain how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Name 10 of your pet peeves.
12. Describe what your typical day looks like right now.
13. What's the hardest part of growing up?


There's plenty of hard things about growing up. I think the hardest part is the transition from being who everyone thinks you are and expects you to be - to being who you really are... who you're meant to be. I think everyone probably goes through this to some degree at some point. I also think it can be tough to figure out who that person is exactly. There's also a lot of pressure to have your life plan in place by like 16 and whoa... I'm pretty sure I still don't know. =) Also, I think as you grow, you lose innocence and the gift of being naive. The world can be a crazy, scary place and the older you get, the more aware of it you become.

About Me: A Day in my Life

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have right now?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and explain how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Name 10 of your pet peeves. 
12. Describe what your typical day looks like right now.

I wrote this post similar to this back when Reid was between 9-10 months old. Not a ton has changed but I'll share anyway. I wish I had written a post from when Reid was a newborn. That time looked soooo different. But who had time to write a blog post then? ;)

Anyway, my typical Monday (just as an example) looks like this:

5:10 a.m. - I wake up, take a bath/shower, slap some mousse in my hair, eat breakfast and put makeup on while watching the news. Then, if I get dressed and if I have time, might unload the dishwasher or something productive like that. =)

6:30 a.m. - I get Reid up if he's not up already. He is usually starved =) so I try to have some milk ready for him to inhale while I change his diaper. That is one trait he gets from me. He needs breakfast and he needs it NOW. So, I feed him breakfast. He usually has something like a scrambled egg (I make it in a mug in 45 seconds) and half a banana, or blueberries and cheerios... something quick and fairly un-messy. For now, I still send his lunch with him to daycare. So, on Mondays, I send a bag of food for the week. I don't send anything else though. Now that he's on whole milk, Connie takes care of that and she keeps his diapers, wipes, and an extra set of clothes there and I replenish as needed.

6:50 a.m. - I start the car because Lord have mercy, it's cold out there!

7:00 a.m. - I finish getting Reid dressed. I likely change his diaper again, then sit him in his bed just so I can put a coat on, etc... Then, I pick him up and no doubt, he's pooped in that 15 second window. So, then I change him again and we end up leaving later than I hope.

7:15-ish a.m. - I drop Reid off at Connie's and chat with her a minute.

7:30 a.m. - I'm at work. I handle public relations for our school district. I do various things and my job description is a little muddy so it's hard to explain. =)

LUNCH - I take lunch when I can/need to... it's not a set-in-stone time. During my lunch hour I might run to the store, go get gas, run home to start some laundry, unload/re-load the dishwasher, vacuum or something that way. OR, if I or Reid has an appt., I'll use my lunch break to help offset that time away.

4:30 p.m. - I get off work and pick Reid up. He always greets me with a happy face. I love that he is comfortable there, has a great time, and is very loved but I also love that he still wants to come home with me. ha! =)

5:00 p.m. - We're usually just getting home around this time. Dac will entertain Reid for a bit while I start supper. We used to feed Reid right when I got home but now that he pretty well eats what we eat (or at least a slightly modified version), he eats with us. If I have a meeting (every other Monday), I basically just drop Reid off at home and head back to work while the guys have a boy night.

5:30-6ish p.m. - We try to sit at the table and eat as a family. It's something that's important to both of us. This is one time Dac and I can kind of catch up. It doesn't always happen but we try.

6-7ish p.m. - Reid has a cup of milk after supper then if he needs a bath (usually every other day), we do that and get him in his PJs. Then, it's play time!! We try to add a story in there too. Reid is usually in bed between 7:30-8. Every now and then, it's closer to 7 but that's not the norm. He pretty well goes to sleep on his own but I still like to hold him a minute and sing/pray as I sway him back and forth.

8 p.m. - Reid is in bed and we scramble to clean up the kitchen, pick up toys, etc... before enjoying some down time. Sometimes that downtime is together and sometimes it sees Dac up in the office and me on the couch in front of the TV.

9:30 p.m. - Let's face it, regardless of what the rest of the evening entails, I'm likely asleep or really fighting it right about now.

The weekends are for photography sessions, any other photo business-related work, housework, time with friends/family, and hopefully, fingers crossed, quality time together.

About Me: Ten Pet Peeves

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have right now?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and explain how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Name 10 of your pet peeves. 

Here goes!


1. A few grammatical mistakes like saying "half mast" when you're not on a boat. It should be "half staff". Also, people saying "for Christ's sakes." God's name in vain aside, he really only has one sake. It's driving me nuts but I can't think of the other really big one. I learned it in 4th grade and I definitely know it when I hear it... just can't recall it right now. Anyway, I'm by no means a grammar nazi and make puh-lenty of mistakes myself. These few are just ones that I really notice.

2. When people make their mind up about someone/something without giving them a real chance. First impressions aren't always accurate portrayals... give it a minute. Side note: I struggle with this sometimes too. I'm working on it. =)

3. A cluttered house. When it's my house. Especially: stuff on the kitchen counter or dining room table that don't belong there, shoes in my walk path from my side of the bed to the bedroom door (I'm looking at you Dac), overflowing trash, paper clutter... oh heavens, the papers, technology strewn about, even just too much stuff in general, I could go on and on and on...


4. Wimpy hand shakes. Put some umph behind that thing, won't ya?


5. People being real loud outside my office door.


6. Hearing loud slurping sounds from a straw (think the end of a milkshake or slush.)


7. The toilet seat being left up.


8. One-uppers. You know, the people who constantly try to one-up you. They always have a story that's so much better or, in some cases, so much worse than your experience.


9. Arrogant authority figures.


10. Habitual last-minuteness/lateness/wish-washyness

About Me: my most embarrassing moment

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have right now?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and explain how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.

Oh gee. There's a couple slight problems with this activity. One, I do embarrassing things like every other half second. Two, I don't really get all that embarrassed by much... which is probably why I continue to make a fool of myself on the regular. =)

After discussing with Dac... he helped me remember a particular shining moment in college.

Nope, not that. =) I shared an apartment with Beth and Julie. I was home alone one afternoon. I think I had a class canceled or something so there I was. It had suddenly turned cold that day so I decided to turn on our heat for the first time that fall. So I turned it on and went on to hop in some cozy PJ pants and a hoodie... and even threw some fuzzy socks on for good measure. =) Several minutes had passed and I started smelling smoke. I went into the front room and noticed what appeared to be some light smoke just starting to fill the room. You know me, the Safety Sally I am, I called 911 right away. I then crammed my fuzzy-sock-fattened feet into tennis shoes and headed downstairs to wait in my car until the fire department arrived. It was only a minute or two later they were there. They brought a smaller truck, a pick-up truck, and 3 of the great big trucks. Lights and sirens a'blarin'. You see, we lived in a big apartment complex - one with several buildings. I guess they thought, if one's on fire, this could be a big dang deal. I kid you not, just as those trucks were pulling in, I remembered I had turned on the heater and was probably just smelling that. =/ Cue bright red face and that awful guilty-embarrassed feeling inside. I got out and told the sweet older chief-like man the situation (by now, all my neighbors were outside gawking at me). He was nice as could be and said he'd have the guys check it out anyway. They did, and sure enough, it was just the heater smelling hot. The "smoke" was dust being blown out of the vent. Ay yi yi. He was seriously so sweet and none of the guys even laughed (in front of my face) and said the same thing happened to him the week before (yeah right!). =) 

This reminds me of another embarrassing situation at the same apartment complex. Actually... two. Oy.

1) One night, we had just come back from visiting friends in OKC. It was late and dark and, let's face it, creepy outside. We saw a patrol car making its rounds around the apartment complex. We climbed up to our third floor apartment and we couldn't get the key to work. I'm not naming names Julie, but one of my roommates thought it felt like someone may have been on the other side of the door keeping us from turning the door knob. ;) I think I tried it next and had a total pansy freak out. SO - we high-tailed it back downstairs and hunted down the police officer. Again, he was so incredibly nice. He walked us back upstairs, got the door open, and (be still my beating heartI) even checked our rooms and closets. Nobody there. Of course.

2) I woke up one night to what sounded like something flying through the window of our living room. I called my roommates and Julie was kind enough (albeit not happy about it) to walk into the front room with me to see what/who it was. Ha! Turns out our Christmas wreath had fallen off the wall. Oops. =)

Yeah, they totally loved me. =) Here we are on the last day of our senior year. Yes, yes. Those are root beers.

And the morning of graduation.

About Me: Ten Influentials

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have right now?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and explain how.


Again, these are in no particular order, and goodness, I could probably name 100.


My parents - Obviously. I think that's a given - and I certainly don't mean to lessen the value. Parents are usually the top influencers in a person's life in one way or another. Mine, in ways I'm sure I'm not even aware of, have helped shape me into who I am today. They instilled a set of moral and ethical values that have defined my choices. They've always acted in love and strived to give me a multitude of opportunities and experiences. I could go on but I'll keep it brief. They are great parents, I'm thankful, and they are great grandparents to Reid now too.


A slew of other family - I could probably take up all 10 of these with family members - both mine and Dac's - but I'm going to branch out here and make myself get a little more creative. Dac and I have great families. I have plenty of family members I'm real close to that have inspired and influenced me over the years and continue to do so now. They've done so in different ways too. (I've been influenced to work with a servant's heart, appreciate and prepare delicious food, to share and be generous, to be myself and not care what others think, to be kind, to be tough, to drop everything to help each other out, to believe the more the merrier, the list goes on and on...) We're blessed.


Mary - Mary is a family friend. She's attended our little church as long as I can possibly remember. She taught my high school speech and drama classes and was the director of the many shows I was involved in. I spent countless hours with her during high school both on stage and off. She taught me to have high expectations for myself and strive for the best. While she wasn't the first person to do so, she helped instill a sense of class and professionalism in the way I present myself, and put a drive in me to work at 110%.


Bob - Bob was one of my youth group leaders. I had a few really awesome youth leaders growing up that all impacted me in good ways but I'm choosing to single out Bob as one of the most influential. Bob had a big, compassionate heart. He always greeted with a smile and bear hug... but was genuine... not an overly, unrealistically perky Patsy Paul. He really influenced me to pray, appreciate the Bible, and respect others. Gossip and laughing at someone else's expense were simply not allowed.

Sky - Sky is my 'little' through Big Brothers Big Sisters. I'm sure you've heard me talk about her before. She has influenced my heart and has already helped shape how I have and will parent Reid. She has influenced how I look at those with different back stories than my own. She's made things a little less black and white and a lot more grey. She's shown me that there's always hope... for everyone, in every situation. She's reminded me that it's ok to be different and follow your own beat. She has shown me my ability to love a child that's not my own and has widened my parameters of "family". It certainly doesn't just mean those with the same DNA, same parents, etc...

Fellow photographers - This may seem a little odd, but I have been heavily influenced by other photographers - both around here and all across the nation. Certainly I've been influenced by their work. They have inspired my own work. They've also influenced me in other ways. The community is a great one, truly. For the most part competition just isn't an issue. Not a big or unhealthy one anyway. Plenty of times we've asked to borrow something or for a second opinion, etc... and others have asked us too. We have made great friendships with a few that extend beyond talking shop. I like it. =) I feel like it's a group of people that have each others backs in life... professionally and otherwise. One photographer gave me this advice the day I went back to work after Reid was born. "It's not the quantity of time you spend with him, it's the quality." I think about this several times a week.


Pastors - I've had a few pastors really have pretty big impacts on my life... all in different ways of course. There was Mike, who was there when I was a kid. He was our leader as I went through confirmation, which was a pretty big deal. There was Billy, who probably takes the cake as far as most influential. It was partly due to timing since he was there as I was going through high school. His family was incredibly involved and very much became part of our church family. Dac and I were both involved in a Bible study that he led and became pretty close. We went and stayed with him and his wife for pre-marriage counseling and he came back to marry us. =) While at college, I attended a couple churches... one of which was Lifechurch.tv. It was SO incredibly different than what I was used to. In fact, I put off going there (kind of in protest, ha!) because it was SO big, so trendy, so, you know, BIG. (Did I mention that already?) I finally went and wish I had started going two years earlier. The philosophy of the church was one I could really get behind. The sermons... awesome. Craig really helped shape my thoughts about the kind of life I wanted to live and the importance of community. Now, Rachelle, who is at our church now but hasn't been for long, is influencing in other ways... helping to point my focus back to what matters most and what it's all about. Although all quite different, all of these pastors have been influential (as have others) and all have reminded me that Christians look different from each other. They have different political views and different strengths and different focus'. That's ok. That's cool.


Reid - Cheesy? Maybe. Reid, in his short little life, has influenced me in big ways. I am more aware of how I talk to people, especially Dac. I am more cautious about putting myself down in front of him and in general, except for the occasional venting session. He makes me want to be happier, more well-balanced, and healthier. He makes me strive to be more in the present and to stop working and worrying so much.


Dac - Dac has been a major influence. Now, I'm not the girl that completely changed when she met a boy. No. I am still very much me. I still wear my hair in a ponytail (when long enough) and still wear a uniform of t-shirt and tennis shoes. Dac has really only influenced me to add to the ME I always was before... especially since we've been married. Dac reminds me to take a minute. He encourages me to try new things and to be more open-minded. I'm someone that has a hard time committing... I have buyers remorse with shoes, can't commit to a light fixture, heck, I can't even commit to who I want to be when I grow up, but I commit to him. =) He influences me daily to be a better person.


Susan - Susan was my physical therapist a few years back. She took a very nerve-wracking, painful, sensitive situation and turned it into an experience that was kind of life changing in more ways than one. Almost immediately, I felt at ease and was able to better understand and cope. I felt stronger and more in control... and hopeful. I spent a lot of time with her over the course of a couple years and she became a friend. God's hand was definitely in that situation.

About Me: Five Passions

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have right now?


Sometimes I wonder if I'm truly passionate about anything... and yet, I get fired up a lot and I really do care about a lot of issues. I just don't know. Here goes anyway - in no particular order. =)

1) The treatment of people and animals
I can't stand to see someone (animals are someones too) being mistreated. It breaks my heart, makes me sick, and infuriates me. Everything from unkind words, to hunger and poverty, to physical abuse/crime I hate to see it. We all do it at times - to varying degrees - but I try hard to be kind and hate the thought of hurting someone's feelings.

2) Women's health issues
I'm not sure this is actual passion or whether it's more of an empathetic compassion. I've 
dealt with my share of lady part drama. I know a lot about it and I have a lot of experience with it. I know it can be hard to talk about but I think it's important to. I also think it's important to listen to your body and trust your instincts. I'm thankful for a doctor who trusted mine. Now go get that exam ma'am! =) My heart has also been softened about the infertility and infant loss that is too often associated with women's health issues.

3) Community
I don't just mean the town/city/county we live in. I mean the people with whom we live and share life with. I am NOT always good about this but I do think it's super important. The thought of more front porch-style livin' is appealing and yet always seems so hard to do. I like the idea of really knowing your neighbors and building a community in that way. I love the idea of small groups who are really supportive and encouraging. I think we should be better about helping each other out and not feeling like we have to do everything on our own. I just think the world would be a better place if we'd love on each other a little more. 

4) Our family
I am passionate about Reid. I love him and want nothing more than for him to have a full, happy life. I want hims to be a man of honor and a boy after God's own heart. I am passionate about being a good mom... a truly good mom not just society's beautiful picture of all the things a mom should be. I want to be a supporter of other moms and of those struggling to become moms. I want to be an encourager and not a judger. I'm learning it's not always as easy as just saying that's what you want. I want to be a good wife to Dac -   to always give 100% regardless of what I may be receiving on any given day. I want to be loving and kind - to speak encouragement instead in criticism. I want us to have a marriage that I can feel good about Reid striving for one day. (One day veeeerrrryyyy far off!) ;) 

5) Sleep!? I kid, I kid... Photography
There is something about capturing a moment, life that is pretty dang cool. We've gotten to meet so many awesome people and watch their love grow (as well as their families) and it's awesome. I enjoy the work, I enjoy the result, and I love being able to provide that gift to people. I also passionate about photography on the flip side. I think sometimes photographers can the world's worst at getting their own family pictures taken and even more so, remembering to take photos of their own families on a daily basis. It's important and we strive to remember that and make it happen.

About Me: My Dream Job

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job and why?



Oh boy, here we go. What is my dream job? I have no stinkin' clue, I tell ya!

Here's the thing... I've always wanted to do the same things... kind of.  Everything has basically fallen into three major categories:

Performer: Since I was little, I sang, danced, modeled, acted, and pranced around like a total diva in a tom-boy shell. Whether in costume and makeup on a brightly lit stage, or shakin' it through the house with my hair brush microphone... I was happiest puttin' on a show. I was specifically interested in musical theatre. Wait, I still am... is it too late?!

Journalist: A lot of ideas I had over the years fall into this category - magazine columnist, news anchor, investigative reporter, storm chaser, photojournalist... the list goes on and on. I think I liked the sense of adventure, plus again, it's creating something and I've always liked that.

Helper: I've always wanted to help people and one way I seriously considered doing that was by becoming a counselor/therapist. I was a class short of a minor in college and the thought of grad school made me break out in hives so that was out. =)

You probably know I ended up getting a degree in journalism and broadcasting from Oklahoma State. I specialized in public relations after taking an intro class. My professor had done PR at a children's hospital. It seemed like it was right up my alley and that I'd still be making a difference in the world.

After graduation, I got a job selling shoes at Dillard's until I could find something in my field. I ended up taking a job as the Public Relations Director with our local school district. It's not the PR job I envisioned. In addition to this job, we started our photography business.

I suppose at this point, I've pretty well given up on the intense career options. I'd still love to be a helper and I love to write and certainly love photography. I guess maybe my ideal job, right now at least, would be working from home, part time and being a stay-at-home mom the other part (which is certainly work in and of itself). I'm thinking pro photographer, blogger, MOM.

I want a job that allows me to watch Reid grow more up-close... one that lets me be more hands-on with his upbringing. I want a job that allows me to wear sweat pants and tennis shoes. I want a job that allows me time to bake, clean, and decorate. I want a job that allows me more cuddles with my boy. I want a job that allows me to be creative and allows me opportunities to help others. I want a job that helps me be more positive and less anxious. I want a job that doesn't feel like a job. I want what I do to matter.

About Me: Three wishes

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?

• I wish for everyone, everywhere, to have enough to eat and to be protected from the elements.

• I wish for every baby (fur-babies included) to have a mama and daddy and every mama and daddy to have a baby.

• I wish for more courage.

About Me: Five things that make me happy RIGHT NOW.

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

• Drawing a line through items on my millions of lists.

• Exchanging smiles with Dac. It's the best reassurance in the midst of total chaos. Some days, that's really all the time together we get... a smile as we pass by each other. I've learned to not brush that off as nothing.

• Watching Reid learn something new then letting him stay up a bit too late while at a friend's house, just to have him fall asleep in the car, so when I get him out, he's all curled up and sleepy on my shoulder. It's a day-maker people. He normally doesn't hold still long enough for that.

• Having good conversation or just regular ol' everyday moments with loved ones.

• Cozying into a pair of sweat pants then sitting down for the first time all night, on the couch, with a snack (something of the pumpkin variety sounds nice today), and watching a TV show while it rains outside. =) Not to be picky or anything. 

About Me: Words to my 16-year old self

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

Hey mini Alisha! =) Have I got some tales for you! In the meantime, here's some little tidbits that might be helpful to know.

• If you haven't already, you're going to start getting burned out playing so much tennis. That's OK, just be sure to stay active! You're going to want to go to the donut shop more frequently and have junk food parties in journalism class... Just. Say. No. You won't be working out enough to pull that off anymore.

• You might as well start liking orange now. Get used to seeing yourself in it. It has to be bright (not to be confused with neon) orange too. The brightest orange in the nation. In a couple years you're going to buy your first orange t-shirt and are going to feel a little ridiculous wearing that thing. Never fear, you were born to wear that color and you will continue to do so proudly. 

• I know you've been hearing this for a while now, but seriously, slather on that sunscreen. Then do it again... and again...

• Don't laugh, but you're actually going to like regular ol' iced tea one of these days. IIIII KNOW. Can you believe it? Sure, sweet is best, but it's ok to like both.

• Over the next few years you're going to feel a little awkward about the fact that you don't drink when everybody else seems to. Hang in there - you have another ten years of this. The good news is, you still have lots of friends along the way - most of them (and all the important ones) don't give a care about whether you drink or not... they just kinda like you for whatever reason. =) You also end up with a pretty cute husband (yep, same guy) and the most precious child you'll ever meet. You're life is pretty good - drinks or no drinks - so don't worry about being an outcast. Just be you. 

• You are currently considering a career in journalism (I think at this particular moment you're probably leaning more towards broadcast journalism but you consider all forms. Anyway, you're going to ultimately pursue a public relations career. This sounds like you're going to make lots of money... and you could... just know that not all PR jobs are created equally. Pick and choose wisely. PS - save your money too. Being broke is the pits.

• This is important. 2010 is going to prove to be a rough year for you. You're going to lose a couple people who are close to you... staples in your life. Take the time now to talk to your family and friends. Spend more time with them. Do everything you can so that you won't have regrets later. 

• You might think about going to the gynaecologist now instead of when you have to. You'll save yourself a whole lotta pain (now and all through your twenties too), uncertainty, and more pain and uncertainty. It's too long of a story to go into, but just trust me, and do it.

• The world is going to change a lot in just the next few years. You wouldn't believe half of it if I told you. Just know that the world becomes a little scarier and you'll have more fear and doubt than you should. You won't be the only one, just don't let it eat you up. Know that there is still good in the world... so much good.

• See in yourself what you see in the people around you. You are good to give people the benefit of the doubt and to see the beauty in them. Throw some of that grace back at yourself occasionally. God doesn't make mistakes and He loves you in such an incredible, un-comprehendible way.

Hang in there, enjoy your life - you have a great one!

About Me: Our Marriage

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears
3. Describe your relationship with your spouse.

I'm not sure this is going to be an easy one. Here goes!

Dac and I met in church (the same church we attend now as a matter of fact) as kids. He was/is a couple years older than me so I didn't really get to know him until probably early middle school.

We always had fun together and became very good friends. We remained just friends through first semester of my freshman year. We went to fall homecoming together and had the best time together just hanging out and laughing. It was very un-date-like and that was perfect. On December 3, 1998, Dac asked me to "go out" with him and the rest is history.

(Proof that I CAN be thin and in shape AND can even tan too...)

For those of you who don't know the history - I'll give a quick recap. We continued dating through high school and Dac went to a community college in town. Then, when I started college, I went to Oklahoma State and Dac went to Wichita State. We did the long distance gig for four years (minus a brief breakup) before getting married September 16, 2006. 

Edited to add: We got engaged in March of 2006 before I graduated college. Dac and I had found it challenging to find time to talk that week so he made a phone date with me at like 6 p.m. that night. I called him and he "couldn't talk". I was pretty dang furious, to say the least. About the time I hung up, there was a knock at the apartment door. Beth and Julie hollered at me and low and behold, Dac was at the front door with flowers. We went to Theta Pond on campus, where a swan just about ruined the moment... that's another story though. Anyway, Dac proposed, I said yes, and voila! =)

Our relationship started as a true friendship and that has remained our foundation. I'm certain it's what brought us to here and what will keep us going.

Dac and I are very different. For the most part our cores are the same... you know, the important stuff. Our personalities and tendencies are not as much. I am a worrier, a little type-A who stresses and cleans in an attempt to have control in my life. Dac is laaaaaaaid back. He is easy going and doesn't let much get to him. He also tends to not pick up after himself. ;) While I encourage him to stay on task, he encourages me to relax. We complement each other. There's never a day go by that we don't laugh. Dac insists and for that I'm thankful. He respects me, encourages me, loves me, and... runs the updates on my phone and laptop. =) 

Today, we celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary. We've been through the ups and downs. Things have changed a great deal since then but in so many ways - the right ways - things are very much the same.