Memorial Day

My grandfather was a Marine. My Uncle was a Marine. My cousin was a Marine. My other Uncle was in the Army. Even though they are not in the same branch of service each of them had one thing in common. They served during a a conflict in America. My grandfather served during the Cuban Missal Crisis and toward the beginning of the Vietnam war. My Uncle's served during the Vietnam war. And my cousin went to Iraq. Why should I write all of this? Shy should I care? Why should I let another memorial day go by without thanking them?

To answer question number one, I'm writing this because I think it's important to know the military history of my family. I love history, and this is a good thing to know about each one of them. I care because I have great respect for them. I believe 3 out of the 4 freely enlisted. They wanted to serve there country, they respected this land and the beliefs held in it so much that they sacrificed there time, talents, and energy to defend it.

With all the respect and love in my heart, I thank them for all they have done, along with other soldiers, marines, navy man, and those in the air force. You are my hero's! God Bless America!!!

I Love My Family!

We haven't written in almost a month! How Tragic! So, here is another random update. As soon as we got back from Colorado Springs on May 4th it was time to get to work stripping wall paper off of the three rooms in our new apartment. The little office only had the chair railing or bottom half of the wall covered in wall paper, so that too the least amount of time. By the end of day one part of the kitchen wallpaper was off and the office was done. Day two we ran into some problems with the stubborn wallpaper. The stuff would not come off the walls- so my awesome landlady rented a steamer and Brad and I went to town and had all the wallpaper off by day three. Day 4 we cleaned the nasty walls and determined that the kitchen and bathroom were beyond repair, so we decided to do a light texturing on the wall that is similar to orange peel. Thankfully our landlady's son did the texturing. The rest of day 4 was spent rolling the coats of white onto the little office that was originally pink. Day six was if I remember correctly Sunday- so we took a day of rest, a big nap, and then went to go pick up my mom from the airport. It was awesome seeing her on mother's day. She was a huge help to us! By day seven all the painting, except for the cabinets was done! Needless to say we were tired. But, It didn't end there! We then had to worry about packing up all of our stuff and making several little loads in our Kia and a few big ones in a minivan of someone who was helping us in our ward and in a large dodge truck also generously donated for our use by someone in our ward. Brad changed our light fixtures and plugs because he is an awesome electrician. I am so glad that he is handy! Everything we buy he puts together with ease, and it looks amazing. We still don't quite have everything done- but what we do have done looks great. I owe all of that to my mom. She knows how to make things work and make things beautiful. She also works so hard. I'm sure she'll need a long nap this weekend!

Ok, now that you've been updated, I wanted to write a little something to each of my immediate family members telling them how much I appreciate them. You all have been on my mind lately, so here it goes:

Brad- You're amazing! Everyday I fall more and more in love with you. I am grateful for your patience when I get feisty. I am grateful for your skills, intelligence, and knowledge you have of really practical and important skills. When I married you, I pridefully thought that I was a little cooler on the cool scale than you were. Boy, was I wrong! You are way cool and so much better than me in every way! I can't wait to see what our bright future together will hold.

Mom Little- I'm becoming more and more like you everyday. Some times its scary, but most of the time I'm glad it's happening. I'm glad you gave me your love for people, your desire to serve them, and your excitement for home projects. I'm trying to put others before myself like you do, but I know I have a long way to go. I'm grateful to have you as my awesomely cool mom! Thanks for all that you do for us!

Dad Little- You are an inspiration to me. In school whenever they would ask us to name our hero I would always choose you Daddy. You're funny, smart, and way talented. I'm glad I learned how to sing like you, and I'm also grateful that I got a touch of your sense of humor. I can't wait to spend a little time with you this summer, because that is one thing that I wish I had the most with you- time! But, I know you're busy working to provide for the family. Thanks for being an amazing example of someone who's time is so limited, but you still manage to work, play in the band, and do your church calling with loving service. You're great!

Mom Twining- You are amazing! You're smart, funny, and work really well with children. You are full of goodness- I don't think there is one evil or spiteful bone in your body. You always talk highly of others and I've never heard you speak ill of another person. You serve diligently and love greatly! I love you!

Dad Twining- You are super smart. You are a whiz with technology and electrical work! That talent has been used to bless the lives of the Salisbury Ward and countless others- including my dad who I think electrocuted himself when he was doing electrical work at the house in parsonsburg! You have blessed the lives of others by sharing the gospel with them. Thank you for being a good example to me!!!

Angela- Is there anything that you can't do? You're confidence amazes me! You are enthusiastic and have a great love for life. You are an amazing writer! I am also amazed seeing you be a wonderful mom to Wesley. I know that you take your sacred calling of motherhood seriously, and that is shown in the way your research about parenting and interact with your son. I love you too!

Shane- Dude, I don't really know you too well, but I know your funny and super smart! We really heart our Bowing magnet you gave us our first Christmas together! Thank you for being a great dad to Wesley. I love the picture of your two lounging on the bed watching football- it's sooooo cute!

Kurt- You're talented in so many ways- and you know all of your talents! One thing that I admire about you the most is the way you center your life around the gospel. The gospel is seen in your home when you pray and read scriptures with your son, when you speak with patience, and by the pictures you have to decorate your house. You are a great provider for your family!

Melani- You have so many gifts and skills that I admire. You sew, you cook special food for Kyler, your make your own baby wipes. How cool is that. You have the best smile and a great love for the gospel just like your husband. You guys are the perfect couple! You are a great mother who is keeps the spirit in her life as she parents. And that's the most important thing!!!
Who cares if your kid has a Binky til he's 4?!?! Thanks for being so accepting of me and loving when I joined the Twining clan. I know I'm different- but you love me for who I am, and I thank you so much for that!

Love you all!!!! -Leslie