Retired

For almost 27 years, my dad has been on the Norfolk Police Department. He's put his life on the line, like so many others, to protect and to serve. He's been shot in the chest and in the leg, and only by the grace of God is here with us today. He's encountered so many people who he's been able to share the love of Christ with, and because of his love for the Lord, he's made such a huge impact on so many other officers. He's also been a bi-vocational pastor for over fifteen years and has always focused on Kingdom building. Whether he's on the street, at a desk, or behind a pulpit, my dad is the same funny, wise, Christian man with the same beliefs and the same purpose. He's never been one to hide his Faith as to not offend anyone. After all, we were put on this earth to shine the Light of Jesus Christ, not cover it up, right?

Today, my dad was presented a Purple Heart (cue crying daughter) that was given after the chief read the citation from the night he was shot. Then he was given a plaque, and just like that, he was retired.

You can tell which one's retired just by the way they stand. ;)

 Officer in training. :)

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

I'm so thankful for my daddy and the influence he's had on so many. I'm thankful for his love and thankful for his discipline. I'm thankful that, since the day I was born, I've only known a caring father whose words and actions have pointed to Christ. One who has taught me and my brothers to always trust in the Lord and never give up hope. I'm thankful for his love for my mom and the example they've set through their marriage. I'm thankful for his unwavering faith and his drive to follow the Lord's leading. And most of all, I'm thankful to be my daddy's girl. :)

Feelin' Springy

Nice days call for outside play. Or in our case, a walk around the lake at Mt. Trashmore. There's something ridiculously attractive about a warm sun, a cool breeze, and a bright blue sky filled with puffy white clouds.

Yesterday morning, my friend, Jordie, and I went out to breakfast. While we were there, Lydia called to see if we wanted to go to the park with her, Ryder and Zoey {Is that even proper grammer? Yikes.}. So we went to pick them up then off we went! 

I can't wait until we have more spring weather days and less winter weather days. You with me?

Lions & Tigers & Bears

Yesterday, my mom, two brothers {Seth & Jesse}, two sister-in-laws {Stacey & Lydia} and two nephews {Ryder & Carson} took advantage of the gorgeous weather and went to the zoo. My mom hadn't been since I was in preschool, Jesse & Lydia hadn't been with Ryder, and Seth, Stacey, & Carson hadn't been since...the last time they went.

I've been crazy blessed with having such a close-knit family and I'm so thankful for them. They make a day at the zoo way more fun.

Jesse Ryder got all sweaty at the zoo, so that gave the perfect excuse for an afternoon bath. His favorite!

I just love all of those baby curls.

Look at how LONG his hair actually is! 

Long enough for an oh-so-dramatic alfalfa. ;)

The comb over.

Most people don't post so many pictures on blogs, or even take that many pictures in general, but it's these every day moments that make up great big memories.

And I don't want to miss a thing.