PopWilliam, and a favor.

Hey Guys!
I know, I know-
Two posts, one week...You just can't believe it!? I'll admit, I'm kind of surprised myself. 

Today is one of my VERY favorite men's birthday! PopWilliam is the rock behind our family. He has taught me to stand tall even when I feel defeated. He has taught me to work hard for everything I have. And he has taught me to invest in my passions.  But, most importantly he is the light of Eli's life. Everything Pop does, E has to do. It just melts me into a puddle.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the years. 

One of my first pictures of Pop and Eli.

My Three favorite guys! 

For those of you that don't know, we live on the way to 'Pop's fishing hole'. In the summer, he stops and picks up Eli at 5am. He brings them a breakfast of Mountain Dew, crackers, and little debbies.  They fish until 9 or so, and then he drops E off at home. Eli usually comes in tells me all about their morning and sleeps until noon. And, you'll notice Sammi in this picture. She loves Pop as much or more than Eli does!

And, most days after Eli wakes up from his post fishing nap, Pop will come back and get him and they'll go froggin'. 

Pop and Eli both at 7 years old.

I've seen this picture hundreds of times. It sits on the mantel at my granparent's house.  But, this summer when I walked past- it caught me by surprise.  It was uncanny, like I was looking at a black and white version of Eli.  I picked up the picture and Poppa immediately started telling me the story about his shirt. I was a shirt that someone had hand made for him to have his picture taken in. He was very proud of that shirt! He said it had hawaiian prints all over the material.  I held up the picture to Eli and snapped the photo of his face without ever mentioning it to him. When I held the photo up to my picture of E, Pop said "see, I told ya he looks like me!". And oh my! Doesn't he? The hair texture, the same lips, same crooked smile. Same eye shape and even the way they're looking out of their eye. Exactly the same.

Oh, Eli Dogan- how I pray that you'll live life with the same kind spirit, but tough personality. I want you to stay pround and stand firm in your beliefs. I want to see you love like PopWilliam does. 

And, before I leave you-  I just wanted to take a few moments and share a story that has touched my heart. 

This is Aaron and Ashley Coleman. Aaron and I went to the same high school, and although I did not know him well, I always remember him being such a "good ol' boy." The kind of guy that's always willing to help someone out.

Aaron and Ashley got married in 2011, and have been trying to add the pitter patter of little feet to their family, ever since.

They made some big time life sacrifices in order to try IVF, and were able to conceive. After a little over 23 weeks, Ashley's water broke and Sweet Carter was born.  Carter was too perfect for this world, though. And the Lord called him home after only 40 minutes.

The video Ashley put together shows their journey as well as the love they share for one another.  I hope that you will take 4 minutes out of your day to try and make their dreams come true.

Please, take the time and watch their video and VOTE!

I just know that their nursery will only be empty for a short time.

This is the link to their video: 

http://haveababy.com/sher-believe-2014-coleman 

And, here is the link to vote: 

http://haveababy.com/vote-believe-video-journal-favorites

Vote on all your devices and pass the word. Let's make their dreams come true!!! 

Feel free to share this post as well as sharing their video links!

Dear Service Member,

    I see you. I see you when I wake up my son. I see you when I kiss my husband goodnight. I see you when I look at my phone and see my dad or Keith calling. I see you when my mom cooks supper for my family. I see you when I ask Faye to pick up snack for Eli's class.  I see you, because I know these are things you've missed out on or that you are currently missing out on. I know that these simple tasks that I take for granted are tasks that someone, somewhere is longing to do with you or has longed to do with you. When I pack Eli's lunch- I know there is a mom somewhere, sacrificing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich tucked sweetly in a monogrammed lunch box.  When I'm complaining about the mound of laundry, I know there is a soldier somewhere in a country far away, washing his fatigues.  When I complain about our President, Congressmen, or Senate and a decision that I don't agree with- I know that there is a dad somewhere, away from his kids-defending my right to vote. I know that when I don't want to get out in the cold and watch one more soccer game- there is a little boy hoping that his mother will make it back in time to see one of his games. When I get so angry at my husband for his laundry pile RIGHT NEXT TO THE HAMPER. I know there is a widow somewhere wishing to pick up her fallen husband's socks again. When I'm yelling at Eli to pick up his toys, again.  I can't help but think of the momma that just sent her son off to bootcamp. I'm sure she's wishing she could say 'If I have to tell you one. more. time.' just one more time. 

     You're missing out on so much with your family so that I can enjoy life and liberties with mine.  I can not imagine having to kiss my husband goodbye for months, possibly years at a time. But, because your spouse has made this sacrifice, I don't have to.  I wish I could find words to express my gratitude, but everything I have in my mind falls short.  My life would be unfathomably different without you and the sacrifices you have made for me, without ever having met me. 

      I cannot say thank you to each individual person who has ever, or will ever fight for my freedom. But, I hope that this little blog will find a soldier, or the husband or wife of a soldier, or the son or daughter of a soldier, or the brother or sister of a soldier and that they will know- it has not gone unnoticed.  
      
       I will always try to instill an attitude of gratitude into each little boy and girl that passes through my classroom doors.  It is my prayer that they know about the real life heroes who are out there, protecting them from real life bad guys.

America will forever be the home of the free, because it is the land of the brave.


For all of this and so much more, I thank you.

**I try to take time to reflect on all that I have been granted, not just on November 11th, but everyday. However, this year- the word "Veteran" has gained an even more special place in my heart. Because this year, I have a soldier out there, training to defend the nation he loves.
     
Trey Abmeyer, I know that you are not a "veteran" yet. But, I wanted to take time to say- I could not be more proud of you.  I'm so thankful that Eli has such an outstanding role model! We love you and Hoorah! **