12-12

7 years ago we lost our “Mema.” It’s hard to believe it has been that long. I was 20 when she died and I am so thankful that I had 20 years of memories to share with her. I remember December 12th, 2004 like it was yesterday, and her funeral a couple days later that was packed full of people who had loved and adored her just like her family did. I’ll never forget the funeral procession that included a massive line of cars following us for miles. We drove past her house and her Sonshine Gospel Barn that was her lifelong dream. It didn’t even seem like it was happening at the time. I still wish we could have had more time with her. She lived a wonderful 70 years, but I wish it could have been a lot more. It breaks my heart that she never got to meet my kids, and that they’ll never get the chance to really know such an amazing lady.


I don’t know one person who ever met her that didn’t like her. She made everyone feel so welcome all the time. I remember walking into her house and she was ALWAYS in the kitchen cooking and greeting everyone. There was never a lack of food!! Always 2 tables full of the most awesome food. I still can’t make her macaroni and cheese like she did even though I always try and fail miserably!!

Now when someone asks me something I want to say “Are you right sure?” And wish them a “juanderful” day. Or tell my kids how much they have “growed”

She was so funny and was always laughing. Whenever I picture her, I see her with a huge grin on her face and laughing. She was always happy, and even if she really wasn’t, she never showed that to anyone. Not even on her death bed.

I know that we all miss her so much. There aren’t enough words to describe how much she meant to all of us. Nothing will ever be the same without her, but her entire family still gathers at Christmas time with joy in our hearts, and we will never ever forget her.

She truly had a heart of gold.

Every end is a new beginning

Almost 10 years after high school graduation and 2 kids later, I get to finish what I started. After a lot of thought and planning, I found a way to make it work.. I am going to go to school full time in January so I can finish faster than taking 2 classes at a time and NEVER seeing my kids. The last couple years have been completely exhausting to say the least, and my kids aren’t getting any younger! I also happened to stumble upon a GREAT opportunity to be a nanny for a doctor I work with now. I have been wanting a job like this for so long! The best part of all of this is that I can bring Cooper with me when I watch her kids, and still go to class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am excited to get to spend time with him! I have barely gotten to see him for the three years he has been alive. I am SO excited and can’t wait to get started again full time. It’s amazing how much your perspective changes over the years. Now I actually welcome the homework and studying… I like the challenge. I love sitting down and writing papers and waiting anxiously to get my grades. I feel like I can do anything after what I’ve accomplished the last several years.


I am definitely going to miss parts of my job- mostly the people I work with. If the job wasn’t so stressful I’d stay there forever. It has certainly been a challenge dealing with people on a daily basis and having to put on your happy face even when people are being downright hateful. There were so many days when I just wanted to run out the door because someone insulted me so bad, or just go sit in my car and cry. But I always knew I had no other options and 2 little boys at home who needed me to keep going. I’ve had to toughen up A LOT and do things I never thought I could do. I’m glad I got the experience of being in the medical field for over 4 years, but I am ready for the next phase in my life.
My aunts Connie and LeeAnn will be happy to know that I am going to school for photography! They have urged me for many years to go into photography because it’s what I really love to do. If anyone has ever been around me for more than 5 minutes, I always have my camera in hand! I am hoping to actually make a living out of what I love to do, and if not, then I’ll always have a degree to fall back on (in Mass Communications) and a lot of work experience as well. I am going to minor in English also! My 2nd love..

So, here's to a new chaper in my life-a full time student- a full time mom, and a part time nanny. I cannot wait to start working towards something and learning along the way, and getting to spend more time with my kids. They have been and always will be my greatest accomplishment! I am ready for many more accomplishments to come.

And one of my favorite verses that I post all the time!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” –Galatians 6:9