Photobooth Fun

I love the bond between a mother and her daughters. More so, I love the bond my sister and I share with my mom and each other. My family spent the Fourth of July weekend at my sister's house. We had a great weekend. Not only did we get some great deals, but we had a lot of laughs. One specifically: my four year old nephew stuck two fries in his nose and started to "hee haw" like a donkey. Hi-larious! I love spending time with such amazing people! Oh, and we even got my mom to go in the photobooth! Check out a few of our awesome pics here! I look forward to many more great memories with my family!

Alright, Who Sings This Song?

Today is a great day...it's Father's Day! My dad is one of my favorite people in the world. One specific memory I have of him that my brother and sister will attest to is his way of passing time while on roadtrips. He would make us listen to oldies music and then quiz us on who sang each song. If we said we didn't know, he would start singing along and tell us to keep guessing. If we gave up, he would keep singing while trying to remember who it was himself! Hahaha!! He always gave us a good laugh.

I adore my dad. He is extremely caring and compassionate. One of my favorite qualities is his persistence. He can see when something is bothering you and won't let you get away with it. He's kind and compassionate. He is incredibly giving and would do anything for his children or grandchildren. My dad is a man of few words, but when he speaks he will make you cry because you're laughing so hard. He's definitely great with one-liners. He always has a way to make you feel safe and comforted. His best quality: he loves his family with everything he has. I'm blessed to have such a great dad. I look forward to many great memories with him...and many more laughs! Love you Dad!

One More For Jesus!

I got to spend some quality time with my family this weekend in Salem and St. Louis. We had the awesome privilege of celebrating Josiah’s baptism at church on Sunday! What a great reason to celebrate! I’m such a proud aunt! I am truly blessed to have two incredibly handsome, fun, and high-energy nephews who call me Aunt Rachie. (they’re the only people allowed to call me Rachie!) It’s been great having my family closer and getting more time to spend with them.

Monday Mailbag: May 23, 2011

The song that fits this Monday Mailbag perfectly...

Welcome to the beautiful town where I grew up:

Location: Salem, MO

Population: 4,854

Entertainment: 100 Acre Wood Rally, Current River, Montauk State Park, Salem City Park, Salem Senior High sports, Salem Bowling Center

Home to: Southwest Baptist University Salem Center, Montauk State Park, Ozark National Scenic Riverway, US Foodservice Distribution Center

Random Facts: The Battle of Salem was fought December 3, 1861, where 6 Yankee and 16 Confederate soldiers were killed; the Confederates retaliated by burning the county courthouse

It may be a small town, but it was a fun place to grow up! There wasn't a lot of things to do, so you had to make up your own entertainment. From Friday night football games to floating the river, I'll never forget this place!

Family Fun!

"The family.  We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. " Erma Bombeck

Family is one of the most important things in my life. I don't know what I would do without them. Though crazy at times, I never dread spending one moment with them! Last week we celebrated Jackson's 4th birthday, complete with an awesome firefighter theme. We had a blast, but definitely missed having Michael and Courtney with us. Take time to enjoy family this week. They may drive you crazy or make you angry at times, but they will be the ones making you laugh when you want to cry and will bring you comfort when the heartaches are unbearable. I love my family!

 

Don't Make Me Come In There!

Today is a very special day in my life…Mother’s Day! No, I’m not a mother but I am a daughter and a sister to two beautiful women who inspire me. They embody the Proverbs 31 woman:

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is her on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her; 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31:25-31.

My mom is one of the most important people in my life, not just because she brought me into the world, but because of what she did once I arrived. My mom is a true caregiver. She’s compassionate and giving unlike anyone else I’ve ever met. She strives to provide her children and grandchildren with the best that life has to offer. She sacrifices her time and energy to make sure their needs and wants are provided for. She expects nothing but the best, but provides love and encouragement when the best isn't good enough. She praises their accomplishments and consoles their failures. She carries herself with grace. I'm blessed to have a beautiful, hard-working, loving mother who will always be cheering me on no matter what!

My Momma and Me

My sister is six years older than me, though when we’re together we act much younger than our true ages! My sister has always been a major influence in my life. I have always had reason to look up to her. She is beautiful, inside and out. She is gracious and kind (she gets those qualities from our mom). She loves to enjoy life and the adventure it brings. Her passion can't be dismissed. She's not afraid of a challenge. She has battled more adversity than most women know exists, yet she stands firm in her faith and continues to persevere. She's supportive and understanding. She can laugh at her mistakes and learn from her failures.I'm blessed to have an amazing, kind-hearted sister in my life who exemplifies the true example of a mother, the kind of mother our mom continues to be for us and the kind of mother I hope to be one day.

Me and My Sister

To the two most amazing women in my life, thank you for your love and encouragement. I'm proud to be called your daughter and sister! Thank you for the life you live as an example of true motherhood. May you be truly blessed not just today but everyday! Love you!

April Showers Bring...Cardinals Baseball!

It’s no secret that one of my favorite things is baseball, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals (who by the way had a crazy 6^th inning offensive outburst last night in the win over the Astros!). One of the questions people ask when you tell them you’re a fan of a certain team is “why”? Growing up I spent a lot of time at my Grandma and Grandpa Greene’s house. One of my most vivid memories with them is sitting in the living room listening to Mike Shannon broadcast the Cardinals’ games over the radio. It’s funny to think they preferred the radio over the television broadcast, but nevertheless we listened to the games every time they played. When I was in middle school, my dad would get Cardinals tickets through work. He only got 2 at a time, so he alternated taking me and my brother each time. My brother Michael and I are only 15 months apart and growing up I wanted to do everything he did, including going to the games. I’m not really sure why, but the Cardinals lost their appeal to me in junior high and high school. I still listened to the games with my grandparents from time to time, but I didn’t spend as much time with them as before so the games were fewer and farther between. After my grandparents passed away during my last 2 years of high school, I couldn’t even tell you who was playing the game anymore.

It’s funny how memories find a way to resurface and bring about emotional connections to certain people and times in your life. It’s been 7 years since my grandparents passed away, but I still think of them every time I hear Mike Shannon’s pregame interviews and comments during the broadcast. It’s official…I’m addicted to the redbirds! I love watching the games and getting into the action. I love the stories behind the players. I love remembering the afternoons spent at my grandparents listening to the radio broadcasts. I love remembering the many trips I took with my dad to good ole’ Busch Stadium. I love being a part of America's greatest pasttime!

I took my dad to the Cardinals vs. Nationals game on April 21 as a father/daughter date. We had an awesome day watching Kyle Lohse and the redbirds shut out the Nationals! I love spending time with my dad. We don’t have to say much to each other to have an understanding. He’s the number one man in my life and I’m proud to be his daughter! I have been so blessed! That Thursday afternoon at Busch Stadium has become one of my favorite days. Thanks dad!

You can find pictures from the game here: Cardinals Game!