Snow Days...

Before the worry about if work places are going to close down early or have an hour delay.  Before the concern of cars making it out of the driveway or sliding into a ditch.  Before the worry that you may bust your butt while walking around outside.  Before the worry about needing to get things done during the snow day.  Before the worry about if you have to get up in the morning to go to work....we had snow days!  

Snow days that you did nothing more than play outside all day from dawn to dusk.  Snow days that we rejoiced about when schools were cancelled half days or were called at 7am in the morning after we had gotten ready for school.  Snow days that meant finding the best hill to sled down (ice ones being the best).  Snow days that meant you had so many clothes on you didn't feel busting your butt.  Snow days that were the days you got to spend with some of your best friends.  Snow days that possibly meant curling up in front of the fire with hot chocolate or playing video games, just to warm up enough to go back outside.  Snow days.....oh how those were the days!

I have some of the best memories of snow days from when I was in middle school.  While honestly, it wasn't all that many years ago, it feels like it was forever go.  Some of the friendships I had then have come and gone, but that is how life is well.  The neighborhood that I have grown up in, had not just a handful of children, but a load full of children all within a few years of each other.  The memories from those days are so memorable, I am smiling and laughing just thinking about them.  While sometimes we did have "snow packets", math packets to do so that we didn't go without learning on snow days, we still made sure we played until it was dark. 

Memories of sledding down the hill, that is the road hill, but it was so icy that cars didn't even try.  Memories have sledding down the hill beside my house and sometimes going into the creek... Memories of attempting to walk to a friends/neighbors house, and it taking way longer than expected.  Memories of wondering if the snow would ever melt, but truthfully wanting it to stay forever, also knowing that that meant make up days.  Memories of heading inside to play video games, or watch the boys play video games, while we warm up. The memories go on and on, all ones that will always stay close to my heart and be remembered on current snow days. 

Snow days bring out the child in me, and I am so thankful for all the wonderful snow day memories.  Thankful that I grew up in a neighborhood that had so many other kids to play with it made snow days never boring.  Cabin fever never happened on those snow days.

Before finishing up, though I reflect back to the snow days before middle school.  The ones before many children lived in the neighborhood.  When there was only a few kids in the neighborhood.  But no snow day was ever gone unplayed...they were all well played! 

Thankful for friends and the memories of snow days. 

But have no fear... no snow day still is gone unplayed... my inner child comes out with the snow :)

Starting a new chapter

Over the last few days I have spent some time reading past blogs and notes that I found on Facebook.  Many important moments happen in our lives, and I have often wondered if I would remember them all.  My grandparents keep a journal, and I have often thought I should start one.. but that thought has never been put to action.  Below are some memories..

High school graduation reflection (posted 6/22/09)

So i made it through 13 years of school..and graduated on June 10, 2009. I made so many memories and many new close friends. I never guessed when I started my senior year that the friends I ended up with i would be so close to. When you are in band, you bond with the people you spend the most time with. Jojo my circus clown and Ms. crutches..are the amazing 2nd clarinets that I depended on. They were always there for me, even when I was in the worst of moods. From many flicks to eating crazy skittles...or txting each other in class. And of course for me I dont just hang out with girls, guys are my friends to. Chris has been there for me, hes a great listener but also has a brain full of advice. Anyways friends that make an impact on your life, place footprints on your heart for ever. It sticks with you like a piece of glue.

 Now I am leaving for college in just a few weeks and I never guessed that I would have so many friends that I would miss at home. There are many other people that have been in my high school years that I have been close to. So..to those that I am leaving behind you stand tall and make the 13 years of school the best time of your life. But to one person that is the bestest friend I have ever had. I will miss you so much and I know that even if you dont t hink you are going to. You are going to fall into my footsteps at church and amoung the timothys and ruths. You are an amazing person and your whole theroy of not hating anyone is amazing, I definitly cant do that. No matter what dont stop being the best little brother in the whole world!

College grad reflection 

When I entered college in 2009, I think I went in determined to come out with a education major, close ties to high school friendships, and graduate four years later.  But so much more happened.  I have now made it through 13 years of grad school and 4.5 years of college.  I graduated on December 13, 2013 (Friday the 13th) with my degree in Human and Community Service..yes that is right... not an education major!  I went through curvy road and trials during college but have come out to be someone that wants to follow a passion that I have developed.  I have a desire to serve the least of these population and teach in ways that I was unaware of. While I sometimes miss high school days, it is only for some of the friendships, but then again I am so thankful.  I am thankful for the amazing friendships I made during college.  Ones that I had no idea that were gonna happen during my final semester.  Friends come when they are needed, even when you don't think you are looking for one. But I also maintained some very important friendships that lasted though high school and college. 

The advice that I gave in 2009 is still relevant. Stand tall and make ALL your years of school the best time of your life.  Friends that are for real will stick with you forever.  Be true to yourself.  Be you. Be you-tiful.  Let God lead you.  Have patience.  Follow GOD, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Just some thank yous

I am blessed beyond measures for so many people and I would never want to let someone think I forgot them. But with that said, voicing thank yous is often something that is hidden away, but I feel that words of affirmation are very important.

• Thank you to my parents for always being supportive and showing me that everything will work out, even if sometimes it is questionable.  To all my family that constantly stands behind me giving support during highs and lows.  Family is a very important to me and I am blessed to have some people awesome people in mine!
• Best friends don't always come easy, and I will say that I never really had one best friend through school.  That is until I got to college and roomed with a girl that I never imaged would become my best friend and sister!  We had so many amazing moments during college, the list is unending and I am so thankful.
• Role models are not just people that are older than you, they can be people that you look up to in varies of ways.  To someone that teaches me daily to love those that may be my enemy, to pray for those that are prayerless, to be completely loving to everyone and open to everyone.  You are the best little brother ever, best friend! 
• To those friends that I met during college either early on or later in my career. Thank you to those friends that survived the years of college apart.  Thank you to those that stayed close though thick and thin moments in life.  I am truly thankful.
• And thank you to my church family and to GOD.  Nothing is possible without God, and nothing is possible without learning about God.  I have been raised in any amazing church with very supportive people.  To those I am truly thankful.

No one was left out on purpose, because everyone falls into one of those categories. 

This reflection only gives a glimpse of my college career and the memories that I have.  It is only a glimpse of the appreciation that I have to so many people. I am excited to see why God is leading me.

Dear Heavenly Father, 

You are amazing and I truly thank you for everything that you have taught me and continue to lead me on the path that you have drawn out for me.  I pray for those that are cold, without shelter, without food, without safety. I pray that they are able to make it through these freezing nights and take shelter in places that can help them.  I pray for the men and women that daily fight to protect us, that give their lives so that we may remain free.  I pray for all family members and friends, for those far and near, those silent and loud.  I pray that all silent prayers are lifted up. I pray that you show your love to those that are even pondering who you are.  I love you LORD Jesus.  In your holy name, AMEN!