Because I Can and I Wanted to...

So I recently brought my unemployed, living in his dad's basement, 21 year old nephew home with me from Kansas. After a few years and no steady schooling or jobs he had an interest in the US Army and asked if I could help him find out more.  Seeing as how Hubster is in year 14 of active duty service I was in a position to give him an inside look to the life and have him talk to the right people about what he would need/want to do.  After 3 weeks, I am proud to say that he has signed up for active duty service!

Now in this process I have been called names, thrown the f-bomb, had a mistaken age crisis, and been accused of feeling I deserve some recognition for his decision. While, yes, I did get him on the right path, it was my nephew who ultimately made the decision. It is his signature on that line, not mine. I'm sorry if there are those who feel I "took him away" or somehow coerced him into this. Those feelings are just not valid as neither took place. I did however influence him more positively in the last 3 weeks than some of his friends have been able to do in the last 10 years.  So for that...hell yes, I AM proud! *High five me!*

I look forward to what this journey has in store for him and I can't wait to see how it changes the company he's kept for so long. Hooah!

Home and Back in 9 Days Flat.

I've returned from a trip back "home." I always have such mixed emotions about these trips. On one hand they are so rewarding and I love spending time with family and friends. On the other hand, they are a LOT of effort and a good amount of money to make happen. This was our 1st time back to the in-laws in 2 years and I have to say it was so fulfilling to get to spend time laughing and hanging out with some of my favorite people. 

My brothers are always good fun and crack me up and keep me smiling daily. My sisters are some of the most inspiring strong women I know and I am proud to know each of them. The ever growing number of nieces and nephews is amazing, and even without any siblings of my own, I get to be Aunt Connie to a whole crew of awesome kids!

This trip we were able to celebrate Mini Me turning 7 with a huge pool party at Grammy and Papa's. She had a blast!  It's always a long road home and what seems like a longer road back, but it was worth it this time around. Life is good!