Finding Inspiration

November 29, 2011 By 1 Comment

I was inspired this morning by this lady who actually has a knack for inspiring me quite often. She posts even when she doesn’t have much to say and is so kind and thoughtful that I’d like her to be my neighbor. I’m not sure right now which one I’d replace, but I’d find room for her. She takes pictures daily, even when the weather stinks (she’s in Wisconsin, so it stinks often), and finds constant inspiration in her children. If I had her gorgeous girls, I bet I’d be more inspired too.

So even though projects are looming and laundry is tumbling, I felt compelled to get these off my chest:

Around One Table

Silly, but I love seeing us all around one table.

We didn’t have Thanksgiving on Thursday like normal people. Friday was the day that worked for us and it was the perfect excuse for why we weren’t at Kohl’s fighting over the last pair of “jeggings” at 4AM.

Because of our backwards schedule, we had time on Thursday to enjoy the opening of the old/new bridge in town.

And because it was the warmest Thanksgiving we could ever remember, we brought the bikes.

Offroading

Apparently the paved trails weren't enough for this kid.

Thrill Ride

This is the same look he has on his face when Caleb drives the car too.

Old Meridian Bridge

Then it was off to try out the pedestrian bridge. It's been here since 1924, creating the final link on the highway between Mexico City and Winnipeg. Might be fun to drive that sometime.

New Bridge at Sunset

This is the new driving bridge, just down the river from the old one. I wonder when they constructed it if they knew how pretty it would be at sunset?

New Bridge

Love the colors in this one. Sigh.

I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! I’m starting to feel like I’m the only Christian on earth without Christmas lights up already. Is this true?

Filed Under: Babble on a random topic, Children, Family, Motivation, Photography, Things I think you care about

A Fine Military Tradition

November 11, 2011 By 2 Comments

I was born in the middle of February in an Army hospital in Alaska to a B-52 mechanic and a nurse. That mechanic knew his aircraft inside and out. He spent days and weeks away from his family as conflicts raged halfway across the globe. After a decade or so he left the service, but quickly realized that being a member of something so incredible was probably one of the best things that he ever did. So he joined the Air National Guard. A more hard-working airman I’ve never seen.

Then, my sister enlisted. She worked long, finger-numbing hours in the cold, carrying a weapon I never doubted she knew how to use to protect our nation’s assets. She stood vigilant; her creased uniform like a knife, her beret folded with precision. Just her tiny body and a giant gun stood between a multi-million dollar aircraft and potential danger. A sharper airman I’ve never seen.

Exactly 20 years from that cold day in Alaska, I met my own airman. That B-1 crew chief, son of an airman himself, kept the cleanest jet in the fleet. The air force supported his wish to start a family and to go to college. Then it even offered him new opportunities. With those opportunities came change. We had to move. And then move again. And again. And again. And again. From mountains to the sea, from castles to corn fields we went, making a home wherever we were told. Each was an adventure, with new people to meet, new languages to learn, new obstacles to overcome and new experiences to cherish. All the while, my airman stayed vigilant, watching over not only us, but you, too. A more dedicated airman I’ve never seen.

This being the only life they’ve known, undoubtedly our own children will consider answering the call of our nation someday. It’s a difficult path. Uncertainty stands at every turn and the only thing we are sure tomorrow will bring is change.

It doesn’t matter.

If this is the life they choose, I will stand proudly by them because a more noble tradition I’ve never seen.

Valor is stability, not of legs and arms,
but of courage and the soul.

~Michel de Montaigne

Filed Under: Babble on a random topic, Family, Things I think you care about

Ups and Downs

November 10, 2011 By 4 Comments

This precious thing will be peering out a windshield with those same sleepy eyes and gripping a steering wheel with those same pudgy fingers while taking his driver’s test today.

I could beat you over the head with ‘I remember when…’ but I think I’ll let the picture speak for itself. If you need me, I’ll be over here by the giant box of tissues.

circa 1996

On a lighter note, guess which button I want to push every time I go to work?

This urge is much like the one I get when I see a bowl of fake fruit. I just know if I don’t touch it my day won’t be complete.

Doesn’t it look inviting?

Filed Under: Babble on a random topic, Children, Humor, Photography, Things I think you care about

Family Photography | Omaha, NE

November 7, 2011 By 2 Comments

The totally gnarly E Family Band rocked their very own Woodstock this weekend! Sorry, I didn’t get video ;)

One Night Only!

Filed Under: Family, Photography

Things 4th Graders Want You To Know

November 5, 2011 By 1 Comment

- I like to ride my bike.
- I like baseball.
- I like to travel.
- I like to eat all kinds of fruit.
- I like to fish with my Grandpa.

It’s all very simple, parents. Keep a little kiwi in the fridge and you can’t lose.

Click to view larger.

Filed Under: Babble on a random topic

Family Photography | Omaha, NE

November 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

So glad I finally found time to post the last group from Saturday’s Mini-Sessions! The more I look at it, the more I love they way the late afternoon light flattered this fair-haired family.

 - Sweet, sweet family!

 

 

Filed Under: Family, Photography