If it's going to bring me these kind of smiles, I'll take it.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
A Small Glimpse into my Future as a Little League Mom
If it's going to bring me these kind of smiles, I'll take it.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
Those First Sweet Little Phrases
The first time Chase repeated exactly what I had just said was cute. I had just seen him for the first time that morning and had said "Hey buddy!" He repeated it back to me in that sweet baby voice and I melted.
The second time, after I had just yelled "F*cking Idiot!" at another driver, it wasn't as sweet. However it was nice to know that he had my back.
The second time, after I had just yelled "F*cking Idiot!" at another driver, it wasn't as sweet. However it was nice to know that he had my back.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
High on a Hill was a Lonely Tarzan
I spent this past weekend with my sisters and my stepmother's side of the family at The Lake of the Ozarks. We do this one weekend out of every summer and let me just say, it's always a good time. These ladies know how to have a good time and by a good time, I mean they know how to drink, gossip, and tell each other how beautiful they are and how gorgeous their wedding ring is. So, I'm usually the most sober one out of the weekend because SOMEONE needs to know how to spell 9-1-1 if the need should arise...therefore I get some pretty decent pictures. Well, um, not this year. I drank a little more than usual this time and may or may not have debated whether or not Tarzan was a yodeler or not... once or twice. It gets deep, let me tell you. I did however manage to take a few pictures and I think they accurately convey how I was feeling Saturday night.
I'll start off with this picture of my sister, Katie. It's the best one that I took, if that tells you anything. She looks very happy to be seated next to me, doesn't she?
This next one is my sister, Amanda, who probably didn't enjoy my camera in her face but was too smart to tell me. I've crushed her spirit as only a big sister can do, one too many times.
Next comes my stepmother Debbie and her mother. I'd tell you what they were doing but it's a top secret lake tradition. The picture is still amusing however.
My cousin Lara is a pretty big instigator in these type of situations so while I'm not sure exactly what was going on in this picture, I'm sure it was instigating of some type.
Now I debated on whether or not to post this next picture, I really did. I decided that it needed to be done but I must warn you that it's not for the faint of heart. If there are children in the room, please tell them to turn their heads because well, it's graphic. I caught on film what many have labeled "Demon Flathead". Yes, it's true. Now if the children are out of the room, please scroll down and you will witness the infamous Demon Flathead.
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Ok, well assuming you all survived that last one, there is one final picture from the weekend and if you can name where in the house this is located and why I took the picture-a virtual cookie to you. Because, really, I can't remember why. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as I did and if no one has told you already-you are beautiful and your wedding ring is gorgeous!
I'll start off with this picture of my sister, Katie. It's the best one that I took, if that tells you anything. She looks very happy to be seated next to me, doesn't she?
This next one is my sister, Amanda, who probably didn't enjoy my camera in her face but was too smart to tell me. I've crushed her spirit as only a big sister can do, one too many times.
Next comes my stepmother Debbie and her mother. I'd tell you what they were doing but it's a top secret lake tradition. The picture is still amusing however.
My cousin Lara is a pretty big instigator in these type of situations so while I'm not sure exactly what was going on in this picture, I'm sure it was instigating of some type.
Now I debated on whether or not to post this next picture, I really did. I decided that it needed to be done but I must warn you that it's not for the faint of heart. If there are children in the room, please tell them to turn their heads because well, it's graphic. I caught on film what many have labeled "Demon Flathead". Yes, it's true. Now if the children are out of the room, please scroll down and you will witness the infamous Demon Flathead.
...
...
...
Ok, well assuming you all survived that last one, there is one final picture from the weekend and if you can name where in the house this is located and why I took the picture-a virtual cookie to you. Because, really, I can't remember why. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as I did and if no one has told you already-you are beautiful and your wedding ring is gorgeous!
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Happy Fourth of July!
He looks so thrilled to be sitting still for two seconds, doesn't he? I honestly tried to get a great shot of him, hoping to truly capture the essence of the Fourth. No such luck so we're stuck with this one. Hope everyone had a happy one!
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Evelyn Celeste Miller
A year ago today I heard the news that a beautiful little five year old girl had been abducted from her home in Iowa. She was missing and everyone feared the worst. Those fears were confirmed a short time later when her lifeless body was found. That innocent little girl was the niece of my friend, Brandi. As of today, Evelyn's killer...that monster is still among friends. He's still among his family. He still enjoys sunlight and a bed of his own choosing. He still walks free and enjoys whatever he calls his life.
Over the past year, I've watched as Brandi has dealt with the cruel things a murder victim's family goes through. I've seen all the disappointments in not arresting the murderer, all the hope and letdowns and the desperation to find some sort of closure and justice. I've watched all the guilt and what-ifs and self blame that good people torture themselves with. It's been heartwrenching. No one should have to endure this.
No matter what happens in the future though, it seems the biggest fear has been forgetting-forgetting what a beautiful innocent creature Evelyn was, forgetting her smile, her voice, her laugh and forgetting the special moments that they shared with her. Not to mention the fear of the public forgetting about her story...and that her killer is still free.
As I started to write this post, I wanted to find the words to make a difference. I wanted to say something bold and groundbreaking and somehow healing. I soon found that I don't have those words... but I do have words that help remember which will someday lead to healing.
Evelyn Celeste Miller was a beautiful five year old girl, that deserved so much more.
Evelyn in Brandi's wedding as she walked with the ringbearer.
Donations may be made to:
Evelyn Miller Memorial Fund
First Security Bank & Trust
809 Clark St., PO Box 577
Charles City, IA 50616
Over the past year, I've watched as Brandi has dealt with the cruel things a murder victim's family goes through. I've seen all the disappointments in not arresting the murderer, all the hope and letdowns and the desperation to find some sort of closure and justice. I've watched all the guilt and what-ifs and self blame that good people torture themselves with. It's been heartwrenching. No one should have to endure this.
No matter what happens in the future though, it seems the biggest fear has been forgetting-forgetting what a beautiful innocent creature Evelyn was, forgetting her smile, her voice, her laugh and forgetting the special moments that they shared with her. Not to mention the fear of the public forgetting about her story...and that her killer is still free.
As I started to write this post, I wanted to find the words to make a difference. I wanted to say something bold and groundbreaking and somehow healing. I soon found that I don't have those words... but I do have words that help remember which will someday lead to healing.
Evelyn Celeste Miller was a beautiful five year old girl, that deserved so much more.
Evelyn in Brandi's wedding as she walked with the ringbearer.
Donations may be made to:
Evelyn Miller Memorial Fund
First Security Bank & Trust
809 Clark St., PO Box 577
Charles City, IA 50616
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