Brody's First Half Marathon

A few months ago, Brody decided he wanted to run a half marathon. I have to admit I was a little nervous for him to do this, considering he was only a year out from his Lisfranc injury, which kept him completely non weight bearing for several months.  If you know Brody, though, you know that wasn't going to stop him.  When he sets his mind to something, he goes all in.  He created a training schedule and stuck with it.  He planned his long runs around work, extreme heat, and other commitments.  His hard work and consistency paid off on race day.  He met his very strong goal of 1:30, finishing 1:30:53!  2nd in his age group and 5th overall!  We are so proud of you Brody!!  I love seeing your passion for health and fitness continue to grow and develop, and I can't wait to see what's next for you.

I also love that you ran for Gacky!  He loved running and fitness too, and I know he is so proud of you! 

Junior Soccer Season

I'm not sure I can think of a better award for Colby than the Mental Toughness Award.  This kid has had an extremely tough last two seasons of soccer. He had his pacemaker surgery right before sophomore year and got cleared to play halfway through the season.  Then, last year, he dealt with pacing issues on and off all season and ended up missing the state tournament due to another pacemaker surgery.  Through it all, though, he clung to his faith and stayed strong for himself and for his teammates.  We are so proud of you Colby!  We can't wait to cheer you on for one more season of soccer!! 

Anniversary Dinner

24 years married, and I would still say YES! 

Through every season, we've kept God at the center and continued choosing one another, day after day.  I can't imagine walking through life's highs and lows without you by my side.  So grateful for the life we've built and for every season we've shared. 

Thank you Jason for being my partner, my best friend, and my constant reminder of God's grace.

Happy Anniversary! 

Gacky

You were Al or Big Al to most, Fred to some, Gacky to the grandkids, but to me, you will always be dad, and I am so incredibly proud of that!  You taught me so much about life and what it means to be a good person...all by how you lived your own life.  You were brave and chose to do hard things right up until the end.  You loved us BIG, and we never had to doubt or question your love.  I am amazed at all you accomplished in your 80 years...in the Army and Navy, two tours in Vietnam, two Purple Hearts, a 34 year career in the Metro Nashville Police Department, and a devoted husband, dad, and Gacky.  You showed up for us when we needed you, and for that, I am forever grateful.  Thank you for showing me what it means to live with integrity, how to work hard and never give up, how to take on the hard things and still be strong, and how to love with actions instead of words.  Thank you for letting me "help" you with all your projects as kid, for teaching me the difference in a Phillips head and flat head screwdriver, for teaching me how to throw a ball, shoot a gun, to love working out and fitness, and to watch almost any sport and know what's going on.  I didn't know it at the time, but you were preparing me for my future as a boy mom.  I hope I am making you proud!  There are literally not enough words to express how much I love you and will miss you.  I'm thankful that your memory and legacy will live on.  I can see so much of you in Brody and Colby, and that makes me so proud.  You were one of a kind and a true hero!!  We know you're still watching over us, and any time we see a hummingbird, we will know it's you.  I love you so much daddy, and I will forever be your "Little Squirt."