Happy Fathers Day

We were only able to call my husband to send him this wish because he's out digging fire breaks on Fort Huachuca to help protect others in an entirely new way. Currently the closest fire to us has reached 21,000 acres and is only 25% contained. It's scary on too many levels to even come close to explaining. My home luckily is in no danger from this fire but many friends are. We all have been on pins and needles waiting to hear they need to leave their homes. And with wind gusts reaching 50mph today this may be coming soon. The last 2 days we have celebrated the Dad in our life due to the fact we had no clue on if he'd be around the next. This is true right now. Maybe a nice dinner out depending on when he gets here. Hey I deserve a break too! Although fighting the other moms who had the same exact idea isn't my idea of peaceful. On Mothers Day my husband sprang for fast food. Hear the sarcasm?! While he did pick up the kitchen from the mac and cheese he made for the kids it took me at least a good week to find where he put things away. Seems to me everyday is Fathers Day around here. I dont mean that in a mean way at all. But I know for sure that when I run out of shaving cream and leave the empty bottle on the seat in the shower I'm the only one who will not only throw it away but run to the store to buy more. I love the man to death. He leaves me I love you post it notes all around in hidden places for me to find through out the day. But damn it by all means I'm taking this day too! Outback here we come!

Enjoy life!

Life really is not that long. Although on summer days when your children are screaming at one another it sure feels like it will go on forever. I try my hardest to educate my boys that the world is bigger than them. There are issues that not even I can understand over my 30 years on the Earth. But one thing I know without a doubt will happen is we will all pass away. Some sooner than others, and some in more frightening ways. Sadly it may be taken by our own hands or the recklessness of another. But one way or another at one point in time we will no longer walk this land. So to that I say...get out of the house! Buy that stupid item you claim to have always wanted. Take a trip to Hawaii to learn to surf where the best play. Visit the Rockies and toss a few snowballs around. Jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Where ever, what ever, that thing is you want to do, DO IT! You only get one shot at this life. Why go out with regret? Yes, I understand they say save your money. Remember those who you will leave behind. Blah blah. I personally would rather have a life time of memories than a bigger bank account due to someones passing. That is my inheritance. I remember camping with my family as a child. Being co-pilot to my Dad as we flew over the Cascades. And simple lunch dates with my Mom. Moments that fill my heart. Spend the money to visit someone you love. Watch your grandkids grow up. Meet with girlfriends for breakfast once a week. LIVE life! Leave a memory behind.

Blood may be thick but waters run deep

We've all heard the saying. Blood is thicker than water. But why exactly are we supposed to follow it? I have had some very nasty words for family members. More so than I have had for friends. I have had friends who have stood tall at my side during heart wrenching times when family has turned away. As an Army wife I have created bonds that many will never understand. When you go through the tough times a military wife can it's bound to happen. The "family" I created for myself does not have a single drop of blood in common. My best friend, who really should be called my sister, has been by my side for nearly 23 years. Through every stupid, sad, happy moment of my life. Besides my parents I can't say that about blood relatives. Friends know the real me. Family know who I was when I was 6. They dont make you who you are. YOU make you who you are. The adventures you take. The people you gather in your heart along the way. Not the people you are told you have to respect and love because they are so and so son. When my son passed away my friends were the one to watch my other children. He had more friends at his memorial then family. They were too busy to be there. Yes, actual words. I can not and will accept people who do drugs, drink way too much, and have a lack of heart for others to be my or my childrens legacy. The water that runs around me is filled with people who hold their heads high even when the chips are down. People who want to teach their children morals and manners. They have an understanding that life is not always fair but you make of it what you can. I love them for who they are because they love me for who I am. Now I can't forget the people who made me this way. Namely my Mother. Oh trust me I've done wrong in my life and I have never turned my back on someone just based on the fact they have. We all make mistakes. It's the constant lack of compassion that did it for me. But my Mom taught me to be strong and stand up for who I am and what I believe in. I am proud to be her daughter and live with the morals I have due to her. My temper may also be a reflection but it makes me stronger in my ways. Thank you to those who are my "family". You are a hodge podge of nuts, peace, fury, and laughter. Beautiful in your own way and graceful through lifes ups and downs. You help form my world and I am lucky to have you :)