December 2010

December is always one of my favorites months of the year just because of all of the fun and exciting things we do as a family, and also because it's Christmas :) I've been so bad about updating with pictures lately, so I decided to just do it all in one post!
I got to see Carrie Underwood in Evansville on December 2nd!!

Briona's First Chorus Program at BR

Girls' Night for Christmas Exchange- two new babies to arrive soon!!! :)

Bri is finally back in basketball after being out for 6 weeks for a broken thumb

I love watching her play!

Opening a few on Christmas Eve

Grandma's for Christmas Eve

Grandma & Courtney

I loooooove the Kardashians :)

Early morning Christmas gifts before family dinners!!


My lovebug:)

I feel soo blessed for this month of December- it's so easy to forget what all I have to be thankful for! Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas!!!!

A Social Network Christmas

Photo-a-Day

I found this clip from a friend's page and I thought it sounded like a really cool idea to try out, especially with the new year right around the corner!! I think this might be my New Year's resolution since I can't seem to keep any others:) Let me know what you think!!!

My Project 365 Album is set to start Jan. 1st! Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Letter from Jamie

My letter to Jim:

I am sitting here on November 3rd, 2010 and just can't believe that today marks two years without you.

There have been so many things that have happened but I can't even begin to tell you everything. Just know that I have missed you from the very core of my being. I know we didn't have a perfect marriage and we were very different people, that is for sure, but we had a bond that I know we would have never broken. I know you felt the same way. We actually enjoyed each others company and we both loved to do a lot of the same things. But most importantly we had three beautiful girls that we both loved and adored and wanted to always be a family that was in it together. And we were!!!

I remember that last day, November 2nd before we left for church, you sat on the couch just waiting on my craziness to get ready and you said, "Jamie, you are gonna have to just start relaxing a little bit. Slow down." And I looked at you with a smirk and said "easy for you to say."

I look back at that time and wonder what I thought I was so busy about. I had no idea just how 'busy' I would become. We were a team, Jim, a good team! We shared everything... from the housecleaning to the girls' homework to the running them here and there to me being there in the morning to you being there in the afternoon. You did all the outside work (I supervised lol and brought you drinks and biscuits/gravy). I did most of the inside work. We shared the financial part of it. I am so lost without you. I feel like I am overloaded and overwhelmed most of the time. I have a harder time relaxing and enjoying life more now than I ever did two years ago!

And yet I have to try. I find myself looking forward to my girls being raised and out of school so that I know they "made it" and they are the people that God wants, and what you and I strived for. And yet when I do that I am going to miss the fun in just being with them, and enjoying them... and oh that hurts. So I will try, really try, to find that balance without you. But yet I know that I can't possibly be two parents and I wonder how can this be "God's plan?" I know there are so many children who don't have a dad who is around by choice.. so why take one who does? God's plan is one where there is a united family with one mom and one dad who stays together for the good of their family. Right?

You don't know how many times I wanted to pick up the phone to tell you something, to get your opinion about this or that, or to be excited about sharing something good. For instance, the first time Brittany made all A's in college (Wow!!), the tough time when Briona wanted to quit softball, then Baleigh quit softball but not before she made the most amazing catch in the outfield in the first Jim Miller Classic softball tourney ( you were that angel in the outfield I know and believe it!); and then Briona has developed into this beautiful, tall young lady and I need to talk to you about the boys and how much do I let her do and like I so need you to be there so those boys know they better not mess with our daughter, and I need you to talk to Baleigh to encourage her since her personality is so much like you use to be, and if you could see her play volleyball (Wow!). I really needed you here when Briona quit volleyball. I just couldn't stand it and I felt helpless and really needed you then. Then, of course, there is the 8th grade drama that you and I thought 'Beetle' would get to miss. Wrong. So I needed you to share my hurts and concerns to because after all you are the only one who understands my girls like I do.

If only we could have had you for a couple more years, to get through these teenage years, and so you could truly have witnessed their ballgames, and to see Brittany graduate with top honors in college. You did so much of the leg work, but never got to see them excel. You would be so proud. And you deserved to see it.

We went to be with Brittany last night in Evansville. We looked at pictures and the funeral slide show. On the way home this morning, it started to rain. It hasn't rained for weeks. I was thinking about us driving and I thought they were tears from you. But then I thought that can't be because there are no tears in Heaven, so I guess they represent my feelings.

So, in closing for now, I just want you to know that you are still so missed and always will be. There have been so many texts from family and friends who still remember and care about us. I feel so blessed. You touched a lot of lives, and I will try to live by your motto "Relax and enjoy life!!" You did such a great job of that!!!! I will do my best for our girls. It will never be the same, though. You were too important in our lives.

All my love,
Jamie

Letter to Daddy - Sent with love

Dear Daddy,

With November right around the corner I've been starting to have these thoughts again. Thoughts of the last day. Getting the phone call. Things I wish I would've done differently. Wishing I would have stayed on the phone with you for just a little while longer that last day. But then I'm knocked back into reality and I realize that what's done is done... there is no going back, no last hug, no last "I love you," no last goodbye. I know exactly what you would be telling me right now- you would tell me that it's okay to move on, actually you would probably make sure that I do. You always hated seeing me hurt and I always knew that look you got in your eyes when you were wishing you could protect me from all the pain in this world, but instead you would stand beside me through it all. Now I'm just having trouble remembering to look up instead of to my right or left- where you should still be. I know I am not God and that I do not see the bigger picture right now, but at times my memory makes me hurt more than less. I'm still learning... Learning to be still when my mind wants to wonder thru all of the 'what ifs,' learning to cling to someone else instead of bottling it up, learning that my heart will never fully mend, and learning that missing you will never get easier. In all of my life lessons, this is the one area you never prepared me for- you never taught me how to live without you, probably because you never thought I would have to. I know all of this may seem silly to you, with you being in Heaven and all, but sometimes it feels good just to get all of this stuff off my chest. It really weighs me down at times. Having said all of this, I just wanted to tell you that I love you so, so much and I miss you with a pain that I've never known before. As many years as I continue to age, I will never forget your memory, or the love that you always gave me even though I didn't always deserve it. I want to thank you for not only being a father, but also a friend and so many other things to me. Words will never express how thankful I am that God allowed you to be my daddy for 19 years. And don't worry, I'll 'have fun and be safe' as you always told me before I left.

Can't wait to see you again... Love your daughter, Brittany.

Life the past month and a half

Concerts..

Shooting a music video with Jason Clutter!!

Volleyball games..

and more volleyball games...


Friends :)

Mud Volleyball 2010

High School buddies ;)

And growing baby bumps!!!!! (Regina & Danielle)

School has been in full swing for 7 weeks and it seems that life has a way of flying by without much time to sit back and reflect on what all is going on around me!! I would much rather be busy than bored though, because business keeps my sad thoughts at bay (November will mark 2 years that my dad has been gone- unbelievable). Lately I've been very busy with school, Praxis II stuff, graduation requirements, the girls' volleyball games, trying to find time to fit into 2 teenage lives (key word: trying), and all the other busy stuff everyday life entails...

About 4 weeks ago, I started working at the Children's Center at USI for a couple hours, three times a week, and although it's been difficult learning the ropes, there is this one experience that keeps popping into my head and it keeps me going... The 2's Room recently got a new little girl who had trouble adjusting and wasn't comfortable being touched, or near other adults besides her parents. This little girl came in, clinging to her daddy, not wanting to let go. I could see fear written all over her face. He introduced her to us and set her down on the steps, trying to fade into the background. She immediately sat in the corner and kept to herself. I just watched her for a little while... we would make eye contact every few seconds and then she would glance away. Ater a few minutes I went and sat on the steps, a few feet away from her, and started talking about things in the room or whatever came to mind and just let her listen. After a few more minutes I moved to the bottom of the steps... a few minutes after that, she came down the stairs too. She looked a little wobbly climbing down those stairs, so I slowly reached out my hand to her, she looked at me for a minute, and then she took it!!! Her dad was standing furthur back and I could tell he was excited. He told me he was very suprised she reached out for me and that she seemed comfortable around me for some reason. She was my little buddy for the rest of the day.

That experience is what makes teaching so exciting for me- it's that one child that no one can seem to get to or understand and by one simple gesture of kindness, all of that fear of letting someone in is gone. It's one of the most amazing feelings...

Senior Year Begins

Well, here it is.... Another school year begins, and this time it will be my last!!! I cannot believe that 3 years of school has flown by so quickly and I am left facing my final year of college, student teaching, Praxis II examinations, a diploma, and then finally the nerve-wracking job searching. My heart has been so anxious with the fear of not being able to find a job, but I have to leave that to God. He knows where He wants me and He has the timing of it already planned out. I just have to remember that my ways are not His ways (so much easier said than done!).

We have been busy, busy with Briona (freshman) & Baleigh's (8th) volleyball games (5 total for this week!!). I will be so, so happy when they are both in high school so that mom & I will only have one vball schedule and don't have to stress about splitting up when they both play on the same night. My heart aches that it causes so much worry, wondering which child we will watch on certain nights and then switch for the next. I just hope they know that they are sooo loved, and that even if they may only have one fan sitting in the bleachers, they have two fathers in heaven cheering louder than the whole gym combined.

Tomorrow the whole family gathers at gma's for a yummy Sunday dinner before I head off to school! I am so blessed to have such a close family... The Lord knew we were going to need it!!!!
Hope everyone has a good week!!!

Until next time,
JM

Confusion, Lies, and Emptiness

Tonight I'm writing with a heart full of confusion. Confusion in myself, in my heart, and in my head. I don't understand the emotions going thru me, or the reasons why i'm feeling this way. I guess I should start at the beginning so you can understand where I'm coming from. (This is taking a lot of strength in me to be so open and share this with the 'blogger world' but something in my heart is telling me to write, so here I am).

About 4 months ago, I met someone that I started to fall for quickly. I loved his personality, his work ethic, and his way of loving life and all of that combined intrigued me to find out more about him, and who he was as a person. Along the way, there were red flags that I didn't understand, and I shrugged them off because I thought I knew him and what I was doing, but in the end I was completely mistaken. The more I got to know him, the more I believed this lie that he was feeding me about who he was, and the lies that I kept telling my heart. On July 5th all of these lies came out; I understood why I was feeling these uncertainties with him, and why I kept shrugging them off. In the end, he was not only dating me, but seeing 2 others on the side, and lying to me throughout it all. The good thing that I've learned since then is that I should listen to the 'red flags' going through my head and allow them to question my heart, and my intentions. I am happy to say that I'm completely done with that whole mess and my heart has since moved on.

Present Day: Last night, I went on a date with a guy that is perfect in almost every way. He's respectful, thoughtful, funny, caring, goal-oriented, and the list could go on and on.... Last night he did everything right; from planning the date without any input from me, to dropping me off and walking me to the front door with every good intention of doing it again. The only problem was, I felt that something was missing. I don't know what it was because this guy has everything I want in someone, but my heart felt empty. I cried myself to sleep wondering what was wrong with me... Here is this perfect guy that would treat me like a queen, and I feel completely shut down by the entire situation. Here is someone that would date me, and only me, and I don't want it. I guess what I'm feeling now is that I'm scared that I'm searching for something that isn't real, or that I'll never find it. I feel like something is wrong with me for not wanting to give this a chance, but I just can't help it.

I hope by this point you don't think I'm crazy. I guess what I need right now is a little prayer, or maybe a piece of advice so that I know I'm normal to feel this way:) Thank you for understanding, fellow bloggers.

Lots of love,
Brittany

Mid-Summer Quick Update

1. Summer class: check
2. Car-shopping: done!!
3. Jim Miller Classic: amazing & very successful!!!
4. Enjoying the rest of summer vacation: yes, yes, yes:)


My new car: Nissan Altima!!

July 4- Evansville

2nd Annual Jim Miller Classic: July 8-12, 2010

Me and bay-bay watching games in the hot, summer heat!
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer as much as I am!!!!

~JM~

Goodbye Mustang

I recently put the "For Sale" sign up on my car, and got news from an interested girl a few days later who will most likely be the one to drive away with it!! It's going to be a little tough for me to part ways with it (I know; I'm sentimental!) because it holds a special memory of my dad bringing it home to me.

Around 15, my parents and I started discussing cars and it came down to about 2-3 that we started looking at. Of course, I was the only one that was set on a Mustang- that's the only one I wanted!! A few months later, my dad went away on a "business trip" that I did not know the whereabouts of or why he was going, so I kissed him goodbye and welcomed him home a couple days later. He picked me up from softball practice the day he returned home and we had our usual conversations from the field until we pulled in the drive. To this day, I can still remember the look on his face when he parked his truck, reached down to grab something, and pulled up a single key saying, "Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you- I brought something home for ya!" I grabbed the key, tore into the garage, ripped off the cover they had over the car, and suprise- there set the exact Mustang that I had wanted!! What a spoiled girl I was on that very day, I had my dream car that I didn't deserve, and two healthy, loving parents celebrating a big milestone in my life with me, never thinking that one far-off day I would be celebrating milestones with only one parent... Thank you, Jesus, for memories!

~JM~

My Montage 6/20/10

Father's Day 2010

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Briona's Poem

This beautiful girl turned 15 on the 23rd...

and is the author of this beautiful poem...

Death

Who says death in a family is easy?

Death in a family can make a family stronger

or break a family and cause some drama.

When you go to sleep at night you think everything is fine,

you can think of a good thought

or how life is treating you good.

That thought can change in a blink of an eye,

waking up to a phone call at 11 or 12 a.m.

hearing your dad is in the hospital miles away.

Fear is in my body, leaving me with not knowing what to think.

I want to think it is just a minor thing

but that can change too.

When we arrive to the hospital we are told the horrifying news,

that my dad just passed away an hour before we got there.

You can hear the passion of care and hurt in the doctor's voice.

But what to think and do is the question.

Should I be angry, scared, or sick?

All I can see is screaming, kicking, and crying

and all I think is why, why, why?

As I fall to the ground bursting into tears.

Morning comes and we arrive home and the news is around

people show up to tell us how sorry they are.

They say they hurt also, but do they hurt as bad as we do?

They say they know what we're going through,

but do they really know how hurt we are, how much we have cried already,

or possibly how hard it will be to go to sleep at night,

knowing I lost my best friend, my dad?

In the end, it feels like my heart got ripped out of me,

so much pain is inside of me that won't come out,

so much for a fourteen year old to handle at a young age.

And it will never change.

As soon as I read this poem, I wanted to yell out to God asking, "Why would you let this little girl suffer so much pain before she even enters high school? Why must she and her younger sister go through life without their daddy beside them; hearing other girls her age talk and love on their daddies while her hands are empty?" It is unfair. Period. No explanation, no understanding, just plain and simply unfair. My heart and soul will never understand this unfairness, but I have to keep going, because the sun keeps rising and setting, and cars keep flying by me as if my life is the same as it was a year and seven months ago..... But it's not. When I feel that I have no tears left to cry, and no pain left to squeeze out, sometimes I can see this....

....and for one split second, the pain is gone....

Summer thus far..

Well, I've been out of school for 2 weeks and haven't found the time to update!!! Last weekend, me and a few friends traveled down to Nashville to go on a 3 mile walk for The Children's Tumor Foundation for little Adrian Wagler!! She is such a sweet little girl and I pray that one day soon they will be able to find a cure to this disease so that she may live the life all little girls deserve...
Wednesday morning I started a sore throat and I thought it would pass, as it normally does, but Thursday morning I woke up not feeling much better so I made a trip to Quickcare and sure enough it was strep throat! I hate being sick and the antibiotics I'm on make me feel even sicker!!
On Thursday a good friend of mine (Brooke) left for Zambia to do some mission work, so I wanted to ask for prayer for safety and as she works with children and the people there while she spreads the love of God!!! She will be there until mid-July!!
I also signed up for a chemistry summer class (which I'm now regretting :)) but I thought it would be nice to get it out of the way so that in the fall I will only have 12 hours of classes and more time to spend on preparing for student teaching and graduation!!!
Hopefully I'll find the time to update with some pics soon :)...
~JM~

Alan Jackson

An avid Jackson fan:)

I recently went to see Alan Jackson on his Freight Train Tour in Evansville!! It's funny how it all worked out- I had heard of the date that he would be performing in Eville and I knew there was no way that I would be able to see him, so I didn't order tickets. But... one thing led to another and the night before the concert, a friend of a friend had row 1 tickets that I somehow managed to get my hands on:) Needless to say, I had an amazing time seeing one of my FAVORITE country artists!! If you've never seen this man in concert before, I highly recommend it!!

School Students

For the past couple of months, I have been working with kindergarten and 3rd grade students at West Terrace in Evansville. The school is fantastic and the students are even more wonderful and so very fun to work with:).. I have truly enjoyed my time there, so I thought I would share a favorite story of mine since the semester is almost over!!

Every Wednesday and Friday I get 50 minutes with my 3 kindergarten students and over the semester we have been studying and observing all kinds of animals. Well, on this particular day, we were studying jaguars and the many characteristics that make this animal unique. We were discussing the foods a jaguar may eat in the wild, and the students were coming up with all kinds of meat they thought the animal would eat. Since they were so focused on meat, I asked, "What do you call an animal that eats meat as their main source of food?" This little boy began sounding out the word that was right on his tongue, ...C...C...C..., and all of the sudden his eyes got so big like a light bulb had went off in his mind and he yelled out, "CATHOLIC!"

Priceless:) Somehow I always walk out of the school doors with a big smile on my face, thinking of all the silly, but honest answers they come up with.

I luckily found out some exciting news that wasn't supposed to come out until October, but I have been placed at Lena Dunn (3rd & 5th grade) for my student teaching which will begin next spring!! I'm so glad to be at a school close to home so that I can live at home and save some money:), but also not far from USI!!

Count your blessings...

Baleigh- you are my light and my laughter. You continue to show my heart that it can love again, with a fullness that seems to overflow!! You give me the strength to make it through each day, and my smile continues to grow as I see a little more of myself in you in every step that you take:)

Briona- you are the energy and free-spirit that I wish I had more of:) your caring and protective heart gives me joy that will always pierce the darkness. I cannot fathom the work of God's hands, but I continue to see you grow into a more beautiful young woman each and every day!!! You are truly amazing...

Mom- how can I ever thank you enough for the time and energy you have spent on me. You continue to lift me up when I fall, even if I do not deserve it! Your love has shown me that I can do all things through my Savior who gives me strength, no matter the obstacles that are ahead of me.
Daddy- your wings seem to push me a little further each day. When I stand, I stand taller because of you. You have given me all of the life and love in the world, and every time I see the brightness of the sun, I can feel your presence surrounding me. You set the example of the life I want to live, and I cannot wait to share all of this with you when I meet you inside Heaven's gates..

To my heavenly Father- you have given me more blessings than I deserve, and you placed me in the family that has molded me into who I am today. I love you with all of my heart..

To my fellow bloggers- when you are down, remember the blessings that surround you each and every day of your life!! They are truly a gift from above:)

~JM~

Easter 2010

Yesterday morning, as the praise team was leading the worship songs, I closed my eyes and all I could see was my dad smiling in Heaven. And at that moment, the only thing I could think of was, "I wonder what kind of celebration is going on up there. How amazing would it be to celebrate the resurrection of Christ while you're standing next to Christ, the Lord of All, and my dad is doing it right this very moment!!!" My mind just couldn't comprehend it! Just the thought of my two Fathers in Heaven together gave me enough peace to get through the day... Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!! :)

~JM~

Valleys..

This morning, as I was sitting in church, I was flipping through my dad's Bible and I found this paper with the following poem written on it. It's amazing that even though a person may be gone you can still feel their heart, soul, voice, and encouragement through one simple poem.

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,

full of trouble, sorrow, and woe.

It's then I have to remember,

it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountaint top

and never experienced pain,

I would never appreciate God's love

and would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn

and my growth is very slow,

somtimes I need the mountain tops,

but it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand

why things happen as they do,

but I am very sure of one thing

my Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing

when I picture Christ on the cross,

He went through the valley of death;

His victory was Satan's loss.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord

and use my life each day

to share your love with others

and help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord

for this one thing I know,

the mountain tops are glorious,

but it's in the valleys I grow.

~JM~

For I know the plans I have for you...

Lately, I've been dealing with some anxiety when I think of what my life will bring about in the coming year. I know it may seem like I'm getting a little ahead of myself to be thinking that far in advance, but when that is all you're talking about day-in and day-out of classes, then it seems to take over your mind. With all of the talk and changes going on in the education department right now, it feels that I'm going into a career that is completely changing (in an unpromising direction, in my opinion) and with job opportunities even more unpromising! I know that I can't resort to fear about my future, because my future isn't ultimately in my hands!! I know that God has placed this career in my heart for a reason, and that he has given me this drive for a reason. He has my steps drawn out for me, all I have to do is follow:)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I love Justin Bieber

One of my friends showed me this video of a little 3 year old crying over Justin Bieber and it is absolutely adorable, although a little scary because she is only 3!!!! This little lady goes on for atleast 5 minutes on the original video!!! Hope it brings you a laugh:)!!

Blessed

Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me with these two beautiful souls I get to call my sisters. They are the sunshine and laughter in my life!!! I see our daddy in you both more and more each day as you continue to grow into young women. May we continue this walk as best friends for many, many years to come!! I love you sweet girls :)

Love, Britt

New Blog

A brilliant young woman recently told me that it would be so neat to write down memories of my dad to someday share with my children, my neices and nephews, and other family members. This new blog will serve as my personal journal to document all of my favorite memories of my dad before old-age overtakes me and I forget :)! His new blog is http://jamesmillermemories.blogspot.com if you would like to start following along!! I have yet to decide whether I will make this new blog private or not, but for right now it's open to the public! Of course, I will continue to write on this blog too- No worries:)!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend! One of my best friends is getting married this Saturday, so I will ask you to pray for them as they begin their new lives together!!!

~JM~

100th Post & 21st Birthday!!

Yesterday (February 17th) was my 21st birthday!! I can't believe I've lived this beautiful life for 21 years, almost a quarter of a century:)!! I found it so neat that my birthday fell on my 100th post, so I thought I would dedicate this post to my angel in heaven, my daddy, which was the reason that I began this journey on blogger. He is the reason I am the woman I am today and he represents all of the dreams that I hope to accomplish down the road. I will never be able to express the love and respect I have for him and for the life that he lived!! I miss him with every breath that I breathe.... When I close my eyes at night, I can see him smiling down on me, especially on this day, and jumping for joy in celebration at the mark of another year of my life!

His bracelet I wore in memory of him on my birthday! (A special thanks to John Peanut who had it sized to fit my tiny wrist :)

~JM~

There Is a God

Do you ever have moments when you feel that you need a little push? A little inspiration to go about your day? I have these moments sometimes, and one night as I was lying awake, unable to sleep, I turned on the radio and heard this song! It was truly amazing and it felt that God was speaking right into my heart. If you haven't heard the song, "There Is a God" by Leann Womack, I encourage you to watch!! This song is absolutly beautiful!!!



~JM~

Finding the Joy

From this very month to all of the February's that will come to pass, I am going to yearn for joy, happiness, and laughter. Just as it felt last year around my birthday, it feels the same this year. Once again, I'm going to need prayers of strength, hope, and peace. It is so hard for me to master the concept of moving on as I come to the close of another year of my life. I've been 15 months without my biggest fan, and just as I felt I was being lifted from my knees, I get knocked back down again. I know it's going to take time, I know that this grief-filled pit in my heart will never fully heal, and I know that my memories of him will always remind me of happier times... but I want to feel strength, and right now I feel that I have none. So, to my wonderful blogger-friends, I guess I'm asking you to remember me in your prayers in this next week. Pray that I can find happiness, love, and laughter because I know that is what he is experiencing right now, and that's exactly what we would be doing if he would still be here!!

Love,
JM

Symbol of your Life

For one of my education classes, we were to choose one item that we felt represented our lives to this particular day. When given this information, I left school thinking, "ONE item that represents my life- are you kidding? I have at least 20!!" But the more I thought about it, the more I kept coming back to this one particular item. Not because it would be different, but because it sustained and represented both sides of my family for years and years before I was born. I found this topic very interesting because I actually got to dig into my family's history (which I love doing), and learn about very special people that I never had the opportunity to meet. This fact deeply touched my heart because, as I was reading, I realized that I was reading about grandparents I had never met, and that one day my children will be curious about their grandpa they never got to meet. It's hard to think that one day my children will never be thrown in the air and caught in his strong arms, or hear his laughter when they say something silly. It's hard because only I will know what they are missing, they will never know, because they never had it... But anyway, I'll share a little paragraph of what I chose to represent me:

Head coverings are simply a symbol that represents the Mennonite religion and its beliefs and practices. In my family, coverings worn by women have been passed down from generation to generation, developing a history of changes that time has brought to the religion. I feel that a covering represents my life to date because it is a symbol of who I am as an individual, where I come from, and the beliefs that my family stands firm upon. It describes the characteristics of the ancestors who went before me, the lives that they lived, and the faith that they believed in. They passed it down to their children so that one day it could be passed down to me and to my future family. I believe in tradition, I believe in family, and I believe that knowing where one comes from is a sense of self that can never be replaced. My family is Mennonite. Wer bist du?
(Who are you?)

~JM~

WoW!! That's a Low Price!

Want a good laugh?? Every single time I see this commercial I about fall off of the couch!! Click on this link below to view:





Hope it brightens your day:)!!

American Honey

The first time I heard this song I fell in love with it!! It makes you think back to those days when life was so free and simple.. when there wasn't a care in the world!

She grew up on a side of the road

Where the church bells ring and strong love grows

She grew up good, She grew up slow

Like American honey

Steady as a preacher

Free as a weed

Couldn't wait to get goin'

But wasn't quite ready to leave

So innocent, pure and sweet

American honey

There's a wild, wild whisper

Blowin' in the wind

Callin' out my name like a long lost friend

Oh I miss those days as the years go by

Oh nothing's sweeter than summertime

And American honey

Get caught in the race

Of this crazy life

Tryin' to be everything can make you lose your mind

I just wanna go back in time

To American honey

Gone for so long now

I gotta get back to her somehow....to American honey

I had to post some pictures that reminded me of "American honey." Hope you enjoy:) Please disregard my poofy hairstyle and 'stylish' clothing!!!

Silly smiles after a hot, summer day while enjoying some corn on the cob...

Trying to follow in the footsteps of someone you will always look up to...

Time to feel the breeze blow across your face and enjoy the world around you...
Attitude and personality that passes down with each generation..
Love, care, and humility learned from mom & dad..

Being a helper to someone, even though you may not be the best at it..:)

And finally, remembering who you are and where you came from when life tries to knock you down!!

~JM~