Tuesday, December 27, 2011

A Homecoming

On October 15, 2011, a long overdue homecoming occurred and I was finally reunited with the love of my life! This is the conclusion of our year long journey and I am so thankful to be back in the arms of my soldier.
Welcome Home Our Hero....



The Anticipation as the Bus pulled Up.....




This is the most intense part....your soldier is standing in front of you after being away from home for a year....your heart is pounding and you know that you are only seconds away from wrapping your arms around him and  going home!


The final chapter of this journey and it feels great! 






Our dear friends The Conklin's...we are so happy to see you together again.



Thank you to everyone for your love, support, and encouragement over the last year. We could not have done this without you and are so blessed to have such wonlderful friends and family!



Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Wedding

My older brother was married on September 10, 2011 in Niagra Falls, NY. I still cannot believe it despite the fact that he is my big brother! I feel so blessed to have been a part of this special and amazing day and I could not be happier for him and his beautiful bride.

The rehearsal dinner at la Cascata - September 9, 2011




Getting Ready for the Big Day


Art was even able to offer a few words of wisdom prior to the wedding as well as view the entire ceremony through Skype....technology is a wonderful thing!

Although we missed having you there in person, we know that you are always with us in heart and spirit 


The Wedding - September 10, 2011


“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always  protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Love never fails,”
1Corinthians 13:4-8


Tie the Knot
The love knot ceremony binds man and woman together forever with love
The knot symbolizes the couple's willingness and desire to unite as one

This particular Saturday in the park could not have been a more perfect day for a wedding. The weather was absolutely beautiful, the sun was shining down on us, and the water of the falls was rushing all around us


May the journey of the rest of your lives together be all that you have dreamed of....


 Two Families Become One


 




The Girls & The Guys


What an amazing group of people to spend this special time with

 Joy & Happiness

 

I could not be happier or more excited for you on this special day, Mike & Jen



 The Celebration Continues




Here's to your special day and to many years of happiness together...may the bonds of your love for one another remain strong through all that life provides to you


Niagra Falls - September 11, 2011


Absolutely  Breathtaking


The view of these Falls crashing down all around you is one of the most beautiful and  amazing experiences that I have ever encountered 


So breathtaking....that the backdrop ofthese photos does not even appear real

What an amazing way to spend the day



The Experience of Niagra Falls

Of course we had to go on a few adventures while we were there! Over the past year, I have learned that life is truly about living each day to the fullest, experiencing everything that you can, and enjoying the time that you are provided with loved ones

Cave of the Winds ~ The Hurricane Deck

This tour takes you vua ekevator 175 feet deep into the Niagra Gorge. You then follow a series of wooden decks to the bottom of the Falls where you can view the waterfall from the bottom looking up. This series of decks then leads up to what is called "The Hurricane Deck" where you stand less than 20 feet from the bridal veil waterfalls and you are doused with water and wind.


Yes! We were daring enough to go under the waterfall and take in the entire experience!

Before & After


We were only a "little" wet

The Maid of the Mist

The second most beautiful experience while in Niagra Falls

This boat tour allows you to drive right into the heart of the Falls where you become completely surrounded by water crashing down around you. This view of natures landscapes was truly one of the most stunning things that I have ever seen.




Mike - You will always be my big brother and you have always been there whenever I needed you. I love you despite all of our sibling rivalries while we were growing up and I cannot imagine life without.  I am the luckiest little sister in the world.

Jen - I am so greatful that you have become a part of our family and you truly are my sister, not just by marriage but by friendship.

I wish you both love and happiness in everything that you do. My hope for you is that you will love one another and make sure that you tell  eachother every day, do not ever take eachother for granted, embrace one anothers quirks, and learn to smile, laugh, and lean on one another through whatever joys and trials this life may bring.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this special moment in time as I will never forget it!

I love you both always & forever!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Almost There.....

Over the past year I have endured one of the most difficult challenges that I have ever been faced with. We are almost there but I find myself struggling more than ever over the past several weeks. I am surrounded by a wonderful group of family and friends, a career that I enjoy, and all of the luxuries in life that a girl could desire but I still miss my husband.I miss talking to him about my day, the way that he would walk up behind me and hug me, when he would tell me how beautiful I am even when I am wearing sweat pants and my hair is in a pony tail. I miss his touch, the way his eyes smile at me, and of course that smirk he gets when he is up to no good. 

 I think that this period has been especially difficult for me because it has been filled with holiday weekends, anniversaries, weddings, upcoming birthdays, and the like. I am very much ready for this journey to end for a a new beginning to start! Adjusting to a new normal will be difficult but I am ready to face the challenge.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

A New Beginning

Several weeks ago, I was blessed to be offered a new position with GLOBALFOUNDRIES as a Compensation & Benefits Analyst within the Human Resource Department. I began this new position on August 8th and what an amzing opportunity and experience is has been to be part of an up and coming Company that is having such a huge impact on upstate New York!


Fab8 ~ Malta, NY


This position has been exactly what I have been longing for in my career and I am supported by positive, energetic, and excited people who are truly dedicated to seeing the Company succeed. What a refreshing change of pace!

  


Here is to new begninnings and giving 200% in everything that I do.,....