One of my greatest memories growing up is Christmas with my family. My family always had a way of making everything bright and beautiful. The year of the skates from my parents will always me monumental for me but the Christmas with my sister was one of the best. Growing up we shared a room for a while. I remember the yellow room in Georgia, the pink room....sleeping back to back to protect us from all the ghost and goblin's but mostly Christmas. I remember laying under the tree and looking up at the lights. We always wished upon each light and she always inspired me and made me feel safe. We went through a lot in life and unfortunately through the passing of our parents in death also. She is beautiful, inside and out. I was always so jealous of her beautiful cat eyes and raven hair.

My sister joined the US NAVY at 17 years of age. I was younger and didn't really understand at the time  why she wanted to join so young but she seemed happy. This did not stop me from missing my big sis.

My sis, Denice, left the NAVY and went Army. She deploys this week for Iraq.

I love the USO, I love being a military spouse, sister, niece, daughter and Grand daughter of the United States Armed Services. I don't like the worry....Denice is a hero for me...she walks the walk and dances to her own song.

Denice~

May the lights shine on your face daily sis...I love you...be strong because that is just who you are. My coca cola smuggling sis. You are why I drink at least a 2 liter a day:)))) Love you sis....thank you for sharing the lights and the dreams with me. We will dance a million dances when you come back. Don't you dare ever forget that! We also still have that shopping trip. Imagine that!!!!! Shoes, cocktails and dreams...everything just fits even on a bad day.

I love you, we love you...be safe and come home.

Lil sis....scooter

Its hard to believe one year ago yesterday, we brought Carter home from the NICU after 165 days. Ironically, yesterday was the NICU reunion from National Naval and it was great to catch up with some of the medical staff and nurses who helped Carter through many long days and nights. As Carter was the "Mayor" of the NICU I did tell Carter the picnic was just for him :)))) Its amazing how much and how quickly babies change and grow. There were so many beautiful children at the reunion. Great blessings to us all.

Its been a year of growth, learning as new parents and also self reflection. A baby does change everything. What a blessing children are. As I look at him smile and laugh this morning while pulling his socks off of his feet with great vigor...I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you to the doctors, nurses, friends, family and mostly God for giving us the blessing of Carter Thomas Linz. Born at 23.4 weeks and 1 pound 8oz and 12 inches long. Today...22lbs and 34 inches long! Yes, like his Daddy, he is tall.

I was sitting outside the other day just thinking. I was thinking about life, the songs that the birds sing, how the wind felt so sweet as it warmly swept across my cheeks and how the grass always looks greener when freshly mowed. The sky seemed so blue and I felt a peaceful moment. Its a rare passing I think in most any one's life and one that often passes without notice. I was reminded of the last time I felt this way and it was when I was sitting on the beach. The ocean has a way of talking to you like it is singing a lullaby just for you. It is the most amazing gift of God and nature and one we use often without thanks.

I am greatly saddened by the oil spill. The gulf of Mexico has been my sanctuary for a great deal of my life having grown up on the West Coast of Florida. The fact that this has happened without seemingly a lot of recourse to BP and with such little regard to nature and all if its gifts makes me sick.

What guidelines are in place to prevent this sort of drilling in the future? When will this be fixed?

I typically do not step into politics but I am sorry, Obama said he was down there a month ago and that we are resilient. That the sea life can bounce back in the next three years. Three years...tell that to those who live by the economy that tourism brings in. Tell that to Louisiana and neighboring states that have already been economically devastated.

And the wildlife thirsting for nourishment, covered in oil and dying.

Maybe if the oil spill was washing up on the Potomac...three years would be too long.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love makeup. Lets face it, I just love being a girl. Makeup, shoes, hair product, shoes, clothes, shoes...did I mention shoes? The best thing is that even when I am bloated, they still fit!

Ok, so I have been on a bit of a revamping journey. It is spring/summer and that is always a good excuse to update a few things, right? (insert my husbands sigh here) This to me is the greatest aspect about being a women! We can change, change again and change back if we so deem appropriate! Gotta love it!

Memorial weekend was a good one for us. We traveled a bit, saw family and friends and said thank you to those that have served our country. This, of course, included my husband so I did give him a great big hug but don't push it honey..., "can you go put the clothes in the dryer." I did thank him for doing that also.