Memorial Day

Going through security on the way home from Ohio, I cried.  I've been known to cry at some pretty ridiculous things.  Insert incredibly cheesy political ad http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7oyDsebJrQ

No joke, I cried my eyes out on the way to work one morning during this commercial.  It was a sight to be seen.  

This time around, I wasn't pregnant and had a little more reason for tearing up.  Here's what happened.  When going through security, an older woman checked our IDs and asked me to wait an extra second.  I obeyed, partly because she asked nicely and partly because I'm super scared of TSA agents and what they're allowed to do.  A few seconds later, she stood up from her chair, looked Brandon in the eye and gave the most heartfelt thank you for the sacrifices he's made for our country I've ever heard.  She then looked at me and "thank you for the supporting this young man and the sacrifices you've made for your family." I couldn't help but tear up a little.  

Here's the funny thing.  I haven't even made any sacrifices.  Not compared to any other military family I know.  But I still cried.  I don't have to explain the kinds of sacrifices others have made.  I think we all know.  Instead, I'd just like to extend the same sincere, heartfelt thank you that the woman in the airport gave to us.  

And share a cute picture, of course.

Summer has arrived here in Portland and at my mom's house here in Loveland, Ohio.  It's been a while since my last post...and I'm just now learning how to used my iPad (thanks, mom!) to blog.

My baby turns 1 tomorrow and I can't believe how the time has flown!  We're in Ohio to spend time with the 'rents and celebrate!  I'll be sure to post pictures of our celebrations :)

In the meantime, here's a review of our trip so far :

Mom and Carl convinced us to stay for two weekends so Carl could teach Brandon how to use all of his fancy tools.  I picked out a few things for them to build, and I can't believe how good everything has turned out!

This was the first night of work.  It's going to be a cheaper, better quality, prettier, more meaningful version of this Potterybarn tree:  http://www.potterybarnkids.com 

Carl printed the picture, drew a grid over it and a huge piece of wood, and then drew it to scale.  Here Brandon is cutting the tree out.

And Carl looking on.

And, of course, no woodworking project could be complete without a little Phil Collins on the radio.  

While the boys have been busy in the garage, the girls have been busy playing and shopping.  Who knew that Plato's Closet actually had cute clothes for cheap? I'm talking super cheap.  This is one of my new favorite photos, and I just happen to be wearing a top from Plato's Closet that only cost $4.80.  No joke.

Needless to say, we've been back to Plato's Closet a few times.  I've also been taking advantage of Chick Fil-A while we're here.  Oh, Chick Fil-A, how I've missed you.  I'm on vacation, so it's ok to eat out every other day, right?  Yeah, right.  Good thing my parents have an elliptical downstairs.  

Til tomorrow!