Burn Boot Camp Summit

Burn Summit 2026 in St. Louis...

Grateful for a weekend filled with learning, inspiration, and amazing people.  The Burn community is truly one of a kind, and I'm thankful to be a part of it!

 

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."

Unplanned Surgery

Kicking off summer break with another pacemaker surgery was not how Colby planned it, but as always, he handled it like a champ!  The last 18 months have been very challenging for him both physically and mentally.  We knew one of his leads wasn't great after his December 2024 surgery, but we never dreamed it would cause so much trouble so soon.  I'm always amazed at how he handles adversity though.  He didn't let this setback slow him down. He even played a couple soccer games with a heart monitor attached to his chest...anything to continue playing the game he loves so much.

This whole surgery has thrown lots of curve balls at us with timing.  They initially thought he would not need surgery until after his Senior year. Then, after seeing his heart monitor readings during his first soccer game of the season, we quickly realized the surgery was much more imminent.  They scheduled it for May 21, which was the day after school got out, but then on May 15, they called to reschedule for two days earlier on May 19.  We got permission for him to take his one exam early Monday morning and shuffled our work schedules at the last minute.  I feel like God must be working on us...trusting in His plans (not ours), trusting His timing (not ours), and trusting in His strength (not ours) to carry us through. 

I'm happy to say Colby's surgery went well, and he is recovering at home after only one night in the hospital.  We have been told the lead looks much better this time, and he has yet another brand new generator.  If all goes as expected, he should have close to 10 years before another pacemaker surgery is needed.  He will follow up with the surgeon and cardiologist next week.  We are praying for a good report with no surprises! 

Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support!  We definitely felt those prayers, and Colby truly appreciated so many friends rallying around him.  Many came the night before to eat, hang out, and pray over him.  The soccer team wrote his number on their arms, so he could be with them in the state tournament game the day of his surgery.  He hated missing the game, so I loved that he could be there in spirit with them!  Thank you all!!

Junior Year and Freshman Year of College Complete

We are so incredibly proud of these boys!  Brody finished up his first year of college and made Dean's List for both semesters.  Colby wrapped up his Junior Year with all A's and B's.  I'm already getting emotional about his Senior year, because I know it is going to fly by way too fast!

 

Colby's Junior Prom

Colby's Junior Prom...great night with great friends!  I can't believe we are nearing the end of his junior year.