The Most Amazing Man

I am blogging tonight to share the most overwhelming pride I have ever felt for my husband.

There has been quite a bit of crap going on this week. To summarize, the administration on the fire department has change over the course of the past 10 days to be the most horrible display of nepotism I have ever witnessed. These past events have been too much for Kenny. He has decided that he does not support the way that our government has decided to operate, nor does he feel safe entering dangerous, possibly life threatening situations with the newly appointed administration in place. He loves being a fire fighter. Not for the recognition, but for the service. He sadly came to the final decision to resign the department and return when the administration is fair and he is confident he can trust his leaders.

So, my husband, who is normally so shy that it is hard for him to make eye contact, publicly resigned tonight in front of a group of supportive citizens. I can't describe how moving it is to see the love of my life stand up for what he believes even when it is uncomfortable to do so. My brave husband even put himself out there as far as to interview on camera with wand17 nbc news and several newspapers. I am so proud of him I could cry...okay, I have been crying.

It's such a sad situation, but I still have found the pearl in this storm, as I have watched my husband become a true man before my very eyes.

I love my husband, and have developed a new, deeper respect for him. I love you Kenny, thank you for choosing me. I am blessed.

Tomorrow's the Big Day!

Well, tomorrow is the big day...McKayla starts first day, and I am still in disbelief that I even have a first grader, let alone that it starts in 24 hours. I do know one thing, Mrs. Moser's class is lucky to have such a sweet, fabulous girl joining them this year...

McKayla is SUCH a great kid, and having her as my firstborn has definitely been a blessing. She is so grown up...not in an offensive way, but in a innocent yet bossy and confident way that is quite reminiscent of the way her mommy was... McKayla is a wonderful listener and a perfect big sis (most of the time!), never ceasing her self-appointed position to intervene for Korban when he is misunderstood or nervous. McKayla is empathetic, thoughtful, affectionate, intelligent, sensitive, creative, honest, hilarious, friendly, and magnetic. Her eyes sparkle like nothing I have ever seen, and call me biased, but she is definitely THE most beautiful girl in the world! She never hesitates to burst forth with the most manly laugh on the planet, and I hope it never changes. She is as big of a klutz as her mom and aunt are, and her hugs are the best thing on the face of the earth.

I am both excited and sad to see her leave for her first year of full-time school, and it is such a bittersweet moment for me! The time we are blessed to have raising our kids as they grow seems so short, and I feel like I am frantically wishing for time to slow so I can get all of life's lessons in before she is out of my grasp. McKayla's very bright, and her conscience is impeccable. I have no fear that she will always do what she feels is just and right, for her and her loved ones. I am so proud of the girl we have raised, and even though I remain a bit sad that she is no longer a baby, I excitedly look forward to seeing her become a young woman, becoming a friend and growing close. I can't even imagine the amazing gal she will grow to be!

Off to the Fair

We took the kids to the fair last week, and we had a ball! It was something that I wouldn't have thought necessary on my own, but since Kenny (my third child) wanted to go so badly, we drug the kids along and had a wonderful time...

With much hesitation on my part, we put the kids on ride after ride, and they had a blast! They got to see and touch and learn about cows, horses, baby chicks, bunnies, and goats. We also got McKayla's face painted and took Korban to see the antique tractors. Then there was the food, of course. The each got to sample corn dogs and funnel cake. Kenny visited the live line electricity lecture, but we saved the best for last...

There was a crocodile show with a man who was a young, muscular version of George Bush, and captured a 7 foot alligator to teach us about him. The kids were totally amazed. They even got their picture taken with his 4 year old pet alligator!!!

So, I know the fair isn't huge news or anything, but we had fun, and sometimes it's so nice just to have fun and be with each other!

Planting Begonias

This is a picture from a few weeks ago, but I just put it on the 'puter, and wanted to share it since I love it so much. This picture really tells the story of my kids' summertime experience. . .

Let me preface this by saying, if it gives you a better idea, my kids have always had two wardrobes...get dirty clothes and nice clothes, but at our house, the call them "Daddy clothes and Mommy clothes!"

So, a few weeks ago, Kenny and the kids were outside while I was making supper, and Kenny rushed in, and blurted out "We are going to Wal-mart."

"Why?" I replied, but never got an answer, he had already grabbed his wallet and was out the door!

So, a bit later I found them all three on the porch planting flowers in my flower boxes, and I loved watching them soooo much! I love the way Kenny is with the kids when he is teaching them and letting them be involved with something he does. Kenny loves to grow things, and has had a garden since he was in his pre-teens, he is very gentle and careful with plants. As I stood outside the front door watching them, just a few feet away, they were all so totally focused on each other and the flowers that they didn't even know I was there. Finally, I dashed inside for the camera, knowing that this was one of those sweet moments that take your breath away, and I began snapping...

All couples have mental lists of things that they like and dislike about one another, but on my "like" list, is the way Kenny is with our children. Rarely is there ever an issue about them being a part of something he is doing (unless I think it's too dangerous, that is). He is very good with them, including them in things that alot of fathers would want to do on their own. This is a trait that I brag about when I talk about my dad, and was blessed enough to see in again in my husband. Not only was it a joy to watch the fun that my kids were having, but so so sweet to see them interacting with their daddy.