To my siblings...

I have best friends for life in my siblings.

Several years ago, I realized that I was spending sleepless nights worrying about life's journeys. I would stir in my bed for hours with my "to do" lists buzzing in my head (one of the joys of my type-A personality). I tried writing my feelings in a journal, but I needed feedback. I was already a prayerful person, but I needed something else. Not something more...just something different. One night, I went to the computer and purged out everything that was stressing me. I wrote it all out in an email to my sister-in-law, Susan. Even though my stresses had nothing to do with her, I knew she would listen. I went back to bed and fell asleep immediately. I felt like all of the stress was lifted off my shoulders. I just needed to know that someone was listening and responding.

Since then, I have written many of those lengthy, rambling, 2 a.m. emails to Susan. I tell her she is the cheapest and best therapy a person could ever wish for. She always knows exactly how to respond (which is sometimes very little response at all). She takes time out of raising three brilliantly funny and loving sons to listen to what I have to say and I love her for it.

My sister, Becky, is one of the most loving and faithful people I have ever met. She works with people who have physical and developmental disabilities and she loves it. She has patience that is unmatched and her faith is astounding. She has been through a lot, but she is happy and healthier than I have ever seen her. I love her loyalty and devotion to her friends and family.

My brother is such a great father to his boys. He is sensitive and caring, but still makes me laugh harder than I ever thought possible. I am so thankful that he and Drew are so close. He is a wonderful teacher and has inspired kids to do things they never thought possible. He is passionate about his work and even more passionate about his family.

My goal is to take the best part of my siblings and improve that part of myself. I want to be a better listener, more compassionate, loyal to my friends and family, and passionate about what I do. Thanks Bobby, Susan, and Becky for showing us love and support throughout the years.

I LOVE this time of year!

I absolutely LOVE this time of year. I love when autumn is just on the horizon, and the promise of sitting around a fire wrapped in a hoodie is not far from reality. I start wishing for candy corn in August. I start longing for Christmas in September. There is just something about stepping outside and feeling the cool, crisp fall air on your face.

Now that I am back in school, it feels even more like fall. When I am not in school, the seasons bleed into each other with no significant change. For some reason, moving from semester to semester makes the seasons seem more distinct.

We were looking at our calendars the other day and this fall is going to be amazing. We have so many wonderful plans with friends and family! I am looking forward to a break from the summer sun as we move into my favorite time of year. I hope everyone gets out of the house and enjoys the beautiful weather over these next several months.

My Career

Tonight was New Student Orientation at my work. I love having a career where I can watch people make the choice to change their lives. I love meeting with a student who gets tears in her eyes as she talks about how proud her son is going to be to watch her walk across the stage at graduation. I love when I get to see a student register for his last class after he has juggled work, school, and family for years. It is quite rewarding.

My staff is very dedicated and passionate about what we do. Lately we have all been a bit overworked, to say the least. I think tonight was exactly what we needed to rejuvenate our spirits. Maybe it's just me, but I loved seeing the enthusiastic new students as they walked through the door. Some were admittedly nervous. Some were extremely excited. Others were just trying to make sure they had all of the information they needed to start on the right foot. It did us all some good to see the fresh faces of new students in the halls of our building.

Don't get me wrong...I am not going to act like I love every second of my work day. As with any career, I come across frustrating situations at times. But, I work with wonderful people in a job that I find extremely rewarding. I am so thankful that I have settled into a career that I love.

I hope we can continue to give our students the best experience possible. I am enthusiastic about the future of our programs and the path our school is taking. I hope my next five years at SLU are as wonderful as the first five.

Friends

I can't believe we have been in St. Louis for over 6 years. It seems like we were just packing up the truck to move here. We have met some of the greatest people. It still amazes me that our very best friends have only come into our lives since we made the decision to move. Some of our newest friends feel like they have been with us forever. I can't imagine going through some of the struggles we have faced without the loving support of our amazing friends.

I truly believe we have found friends for life in some of the people we have met these past six years. We are able to love each other without judging. We can have an adult conversation when we disagree. We want what is best for each other and we truly care about everything that is happening in each other's lives.

I don't want to name any names because I'm sure I will leave someone out. I just want to send a shout out to the people we have met through our jobs, church, community theater, and in our neighborhood who have influenced our happiness! You know who you are.