this little light of mine...

When an American says that he loves his country, he means not only that he loves the New England hills, the prairies glistening in the sun, the wide and rising plains, the great mountains, and the sea.  He means that he loves an inner air, an inner light in which freedom lives and in which a man can draw the breath of self-respect.  ~Adlai Stevenson

Sunday was the Ten Year Anniversary of 9.11.  I remember sitting in my freshmen Geometry class when we found out that something had happened.  At the time I cried out of fear and lack of understanding.  This year I was extremely emotional because of the tragedy of the loss of life and the disbelief that anyone could take such extreme hatred and use it to murder so many innocent lives.  The reading of the names was striking.  I attended a Cardinals baseball game in the afternoon and they had a survivor there.  Hearing her story, her bravery, and seeing her sadness really brought it home.  It shook me.  The most important thing in my life is the ones I love.  Things are not always perfect, there are fights, and I admit I am nowhere near perfect.  BUT...I love my family.  I love my husband.  Take a moment to think about why you may be angry with someone and really consider if it is worth it.  It probably isn't.  Every day is precious. Live life loving and cherishing those around you and each day you are blessed to be alive.  You never know when tragedy may strike.  God bless those who perished on 9.11.  You are the unspoken heroes of our struggle for freedom.  God Bless America.

The game I mentioned earlier was truly a day of American baseball heaven.

Mommy & Sissy.  I loved spending so much time with my sweets:)

Sissies!

This is how my Daddy spends the first hour at the ballpark.  Putting his camera to good use:)

My sweet parents.

There were so many beautiful tributes to the victims of 9.11.  The entire stadium was on their feet, hats off, heads lowered for the entire tribute.  We were united Americans.  A bald eagle, the national symbol of freedom was released for a symbolic flight around the stadium.  Never have I witnessed anything more beautiful.

The Cardinals played very well and WON!  It was a celebration to be sure.

My little pup was happy to have me back home after the game:)

Aaron and I took him out for some playtime by the lake, which he was begging for for hours, and he was so happy to be having fun with Mommy and Daddy.

Not a puppy face anymore.  He has a cute schnozz:)

Walking out for some ball with Daddy.

He's even getting better at playing fetch.  Bringing the ball to Daddy is one of his newest accomplishments.

Big boy running with his ball.

That shade, yep, that's his favorite chew spot.

Standing at attention.

My boys playing in the Fall sun.

He didn't go for the ball that time:)

Keep away from Daddy.

Sniffing.  His nose has gotten much more sensitive now that he is almost 6 months.

Brutus brings so much joy to both of us.

He enjoys eating leaves.  Who knew?

Crazy time!

Look at that tongue.

So handsome.

He always seems to find toys that aren't his.  Like this blue ball that belongs to the neighbors.

And he tends to try to destroy them too.

Yea that look usually means mischief.

Our little boy has grown up so much.  This was his first day home.  He and Daddy sat by the lake enjoying Brutus' new home.

Now he is so big, his 6 month birthday is right around the corner and I cannot believe how much he has grown.

We are so blessed to have such a happy pup as part of our family.  I got a wonderful husband and a wonderful furry baby.  I am so thankful for my wonderful life.  Thank you Brutus for bringing Daddy and I so much happiness and laughter.  You are the best dog we ever could have imagined.