Our Life & Times

Wouldn't it be nice to win the lottery? Oh boy, what I could do with a million dollars or more!!!! I am sure everyone has that dream. I would love to pay off my debts, my mom's debts, my sister's debts, retire, buy a house somewhere tropical, put Konnor through the best schools, travel the world, give some to the church and to other charities, and maybe even do something crazy like open a restaurant or something. It's funny how everything revolves around money. Especially if you don't have any. We have certainly always been blessed with what we need and even some things we wanted, but I still dream of hitting those magic numbers...

What does it mean to be a hero? Heroes come in many shapes and sizes. They can be a comic book character, a professional athlete, a big sister or big brother. I think a hero is a real person. Someone who is proud of who they are, someone who is a role model to others, someone who believes in God, someone who takes care of their family, someone who works a crappy job just to put their kids through college, someone who cries at sentimental movies, someone who takes pride in their work no matter how hard or menial it might seem. I think a hero is someone who is proud of the country they come from, even if they don't agree with the politicians running it. A hero is someone who settles their disputes without hurting others. Anyone can be a hero if they strive to do so. The men and women serving in our military are heroes. Not because they fell for their recruiters' tactics to make them sign on the dotted line, but because everyday and night they are on duty or even if they are sleeping in a tent or hotel room in a foreign land they know it might be their last. They are saying good-bye to their homes and loved ones and normal routines for weeks, months, and sometimes years. They are missing the birth of their children, graduations, weddings, and even funerals. They can't take the day off to attend their child's school play. They are heroes because they choose to make all these sacrifices for you and me. Yes, they might get a college education out of the deal, maybe free base housing while they serve, and a nice retirement, if they make it to that point. But that isn't why they serve. Something changes these young people's hearts when they complete basic training. They might have loved their country before they joined, but they love it even more when they realize they could die for it. Remember our heroes and their families this Memorial Day.

First of all, Happy Belated Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms! Hope you had a nice day! I had a big weekend with graduation and Mother's Day, and then this Saturday I will be turning 33 and so we are taking the camper out for the first time this season to the mountains. We are also taking the camper to the mountains for Memorial Day weekend. Busy, busy, busy! Konnor finishes the 5th grade with a continuation ceremony on May 25th, which I took the morning off from work to go. I will be glad that he is out of school for the summer. Sometimes even moms get tired of all the homework!! American Idol is quickly coming to a close. I like Jordin, but I have a feeling she could be the next one to go. Konnor likes Blake. Anyway, summer is just around the corner. We have alot going on this summer with my mom moving and all. Konnor will be going to football camp at Colorado State University and then to church camp in June. I have resigned from teaching Sunday school after we are done June 3rd. I have decided that I need to get back to the adult Sunday school class for my own spiritual growth. Which also reminds me that recently in one of my blogs I mentioned that we finally have a new pastor. Well, that actually didn't work out so we are still looking for a new pastor. I am sure God has a plan. I also want to say, although it might sound corny, that I appreciate everyone of you who supported me while I was finishing school through your prayers, pep talks, and comments on the blog page. It was a long road, but I am so proud that I finished school and now I am a college graduate!! I never thought I would see the day...

Another week has flown by. Konnor has 2 weeks left of school, and they are going to have a 5th grade promotion ceremony for them. I know I will cry! I still remember the last day of school when we "graduated" the 6th grade and hanging out with all my friends that afternoon feeling so special and "grown-up" because I was heading to Jr. High. Konnor still doesn't seem so excited about going to middle school, but I think it is just nerves. Maybe it is different for boys than for girls. Anyway...

American Idol is down to 4 people now. Who will the winner be? I still think Melinda is great, Blake was awesome last week though, and then there is Jordin Sparks. She sure can belt out some tunes! My least favorite left in the game right now is LaKisha. She's ok, but to me she always sounds the same, and she never looks like she is really having fun. So we will see...