Often, I find that I am captivated by children and wonder what they REALLY think about with their young minds, what makes them do silly things, say silly phrases..etc? Obviously, its all about their developmental stages and what they absorb within their enviroment. To them, this is their normal..and all that they know! Then I remind myself that I once was little, likely doing very similar, silly things too. I wonder what I thought about during MY "very young & what seemed like LONG days." What did people think of me when I did whatever I did? I find that I am almost embarrassed at times to REALLY think about it; my developmental stages of life... and immaturity, but remind myself that we ALL go through it. I'd like to think I was always mature for my age, regardless of how young..:)

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Sometimes, just for the fun of it.. I WISH I could go back to those days.. and feel like Im living in a little body again, to really remember what it was like.. but, unfortunately I can't. Instead, it's all a distant fade....as time flies and the days not so long anymore. The moments/memories that I do remember, I cherish! I HOPE to share with my children ( when/if ever my time comes) some of these special times, and relive some of these moments, as they develop!

We were full of imagination/creativity, mischief, wanting to be loved & nurtured during this ever trying period of time. We were innocent in what life really had to offer... and most times, as we got older, found we thought we had all the answers. The rules set for us from a youthful perspective, just seemed so crazy and outlandish.. at times.
Childhood, is a beautiful stage, even though we may not always remember "exactly" what our little worlds were like... but there comes a time, in which this stage starts to change.. Some small changes, some big changes.. (our likes/dislikes, attitude, etc) and we realize we are taking on a new adventure about finding ourselves, who we are as individuals and what we might want to become. How was life going to unfold? Who would be those key people that would help you excel, that would have the biggest impact on your life..? All these and so many more questions that boggled the now, more developed mind.
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Looking back over the many years... it's hard to believe just where I am today, how I found the path laid out for me. We were never promised a clear cut life.. where we always knew the next step.. but we were given many tools to help us along.
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I have been priviledged to have so many special people who love/d and care/d unconditionally, who supported me in my happy times, and well my difficult times too. I am truly a blessed person to be where I am today and have ALL that I have.


Having a supportive family, "true" friends..(which, unfortunately not all can say they have,) being blessed with a job that you can enjoy most days :) Showing compassion for those less fortunate than yourself , Good health, etc. are all blessings I have found and lean hard on, as I carry on life. To love & be loved is a beautiful thing.. It makes all the difference in life!
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I look forward to what life has to offer.

September 17th, 2011
Relay for Life

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Another beautiful walk around the oval... celebrating HOPE!

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What was suppose to be a surprise..

..Turned out not to be... 3 hours before the party. :(

but it was still a nice time anyways!

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HAPPY 25th

Ash wanted sooo desperately to be here... and her request was to have a picture placed to represent her. I thought this was the perfect place for her to be.. right next to all the CANDY:)

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An apron game with 22 items to represent her..

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The firsts are always hard...

Though we all celebrated in the joys of Ashley's new life, I wasnt completely prepared for what came afterwards.. ALL the FIRSTS! Sometimes, I dont think we realize how much we take for granted until everything is different and you have to get use to a new normal. I think of all the birthdays, other holidays, family gatherings, etc that we have had this year where Ash was unable to be present, and I know she so desperately had wanted to be, but couldnt! Its been a phase of life we hadnt ever known, until it happened.

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I think about what makes her unique- her giggle, blonde moments/finally getting jokes hours after they were told and hearing her laughing in a room by herself, to finally hear her say, I just got it. :) Stealing candy, and then coming to me later saying.." I hope you didnt mind, but I ..." She will always be my youngest sister, and Im so grateful to have her a part of my life.

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I now find that life stops when she calls! I look forward to her surprise/random calls in the middle of the night, catching up on all the details, and/or having web cam conversations. I have found that during these times our relationship has deepened and I truly cherish this!
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Missing you a lot recently, Ash.. and can't wait until we can be together again!

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Another year has come and gone...

My 27th

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This is from my dear sister Ash, as she is in Germany! Im sure she wished she could be here to help celebrate.:) Thank you so much Ash..as this was a nice suprise!
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I do get excited about gifts.. ;)
My original nurse mate watch had about seen it's last days, and was so relieved/excited to have another one to replace it!

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My birthday was celebrated over several different days due to conflicting schedules.. Went to dinner one night at Olive Garden, worked my actual birthday(which I hadnt told anyone at work that it WAS my birthday.. when the found out late that night, they brought cupcakes etc in to help celebrate the next day. Very sweet! Family gifts another day, and then finally on the following Sunday, my birthday cake!

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I enjoyed celebrating numerous times :) To an extent, I felt extra special because of it.

LeMoyne 2011 Graduates..

*Tis Graduation Season...and a time to be Proud of my Dear Sister*

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It seems nearly impossible that 4 years have gone by so quickly... I remember her first years like it was yesterday with overnight trips made to visit, meeting her roomates in different buildings, shopping excursions, late nights, hiding under beds, etc. My little sister has grown up into a determined young (now married) woman who knows what she wants.

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Today, Sunday May 22, 2011.. Ashley Mae Lucht, graduated with her Bachelors in Science and will further her education in the near future:) This makes her eldest sister very proud of her accomplishments.

Here are several, yes several.. pictures representing this day.

It was said that in 61 years of graduations, this was the first one outdoors due to some construction that was being done. We had an absolutely beautiful, hot day... with 897 2011 graduates!

(A little side note, these photos prior to being resized, looked so much clearer, so it bums me out that most look a bit blurry.)

At back right, you see a darkened portion which are bleachers...which were full at time of starting. The people just kept pouring in..

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A special bouquet for a special sister..:)
These girls were some of Ashley's Suitemates/dorm mates all 4 years..



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The famous clock..

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CONGRADULATIONS ASHLEY!

Enjoying Nature..

Beautiful weather motivates anyone to be outside.. and seeing ours seems to be so sporatic

recently, we took advantage of it while we could !

..and whooo does Ange have eyes for?

...silly, I know.

Fun!

Wanting to Feel Good About Yourself...?

Then, "HELP OTHERS ...."

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This world was never meant to see sights we see today! The poverty stricken world, domestic violence, physically challenged, suicidal, and the terminally ill, are just to name a few. Nearly everywhere you look, these and so many others can be spotted. These sights almost take ones breath away and grip your heart as you try to understand life from their perspective, but you can't!

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It is not only in other countries that these sights are seen, but right here in America. I have seen people sleeping on the sidewalks, or under bridges in downtown Albany, others flagging down walkers or traffic for money to buy their next meal..and others yet that just portray a countenance that resembles the worst nightmare one could ever live through, being seen in these eyes. Hurt, saddness, guilt, stress etc are being carried on the shoulders of so many, and we wonder just how they "came" to be a part of this situation.

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Each and every one carries their own set of struggles, and more times than not, complain far too much about what truly amounts to the "little things" in life. I have come to realize my own struggles are so vastly different and small compared to those that have little to nothing to hold on to.

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You hear and see news footage all around representing the "sufferings" of this world and think, there is truly little hope in making a difference to change the world- the struggles and burdens are just too great, or I am just 1 person - "What can I do to help?"

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I know that seeing these situations seem overwelming, and sometimes like a dream.. but it's true. Unfortunately, its true... and until you are priviledged, well.. not so priveledged, if you know what I mean, at capturing these sights through your very own eyes, will you ever feel for some of these people.

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Through the sights I have seen, people I have interacted with personally or indirectly, my eyes and ears find a whole new awareness, and my heart leans towards wanting to help others.

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I am not wealthy, nor do I have a struggle free life, but at the same time.. I am SOOO blessed.

I have so much to be thankful for, and realize that I take so much for granted. I have a comfortable life, a good job to support myself, plenty of food to be placed on the table, wonderful friends & family.. and the list could go on. I feel as though most of us "blessed" people focus on the materialistic things of our own lives to feel good about ourselves.. but I am finding that by helping others, giving to others even in what seems like such a small act to us, is such a BIG blessing to what may be so many. There are no limits to what 1 act of kindness, a smile or a helpful deed can do... It just takes someone to do it..

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In the end, Im sure you will feel good about yourself too.

Life vs. Trees

Life is like a tree.....and Im reminded of so many things because of it.

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We each came from the dust or dirt of this earth to be unique, colorful and grow into what God intended us to be.

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We require time & attention to blossom properly.

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Life isnt always easy causing some kinks of distractions, disappointments, saddness, mourning, etc. We wonder what is around the next corner in life as we attempt to put our best foot forward.

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Most of us yearn for sunny days which help boost our spirits, find a sense of refreshment, and brings motivation.

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We come in different shapes and sizes which make this world unique.

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And, we have the ultimate goal to reach upward to the one who created us.

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An extended sneak peek...

There are just too many pictures to post...

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A bit dark..
A bit light..

Flashy & multi coloredOur limo ride to the restaurant..

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Obviously, I didnt have my camera for these photos.. but thought Id share a couple snapshots

at the salon.

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Ashley's hair

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Mine..

I knew mine would take forever, but not long enough to be told by the head person that

she had to stop because she spent too long on my hair.

She was a bit weird..

Ange..

Melissa

...And, Brittney

This was only my 2nd time experiencing a salon.. both for weddings.

Quite interesting..
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Possibly, more to come in the future..