John....my HERO, brother, and inspiration...

My brother, John Henry McElroy....he was my best friend growing up. We used to build separate forts and have pinecone wars to see which of us who could destroy the others fort (of course the boys always won). we were the best explorers and always loved being outdoors. I remember one time while living in Sandy Creek, NY john and I were out on our bikes (we were always riding our bikes) and we were quite far out exploring. We discovered a hidden, old, rundown, circus like area tucked into the woods a little bit. We felt like we discovered gold. It was so cool and we were so proud, what a blast. We explored everything. We loved going down to the creek and finding water holes to swim in....one spot which was under a small bridge you could walk through and even lay down in the creek. That was our spot in the summer. I remember going to Brennan's Beach on the lake where my grandparetns had a summer house. We would slide down the giant sand doon behind the house and have sand stuck up our pants for a week!! We loved swimming. He truly was my BFF growing up. We were both little trouble makers as teens, but John made the decision to finish High School in an Army type school. From there he joined the Army, became a Ranger, was shot, recieved the Purple Heart and two bronze stars. He is currrently on his 9th tour overseas. What an inspiration. A few years ago (maybe more than a few) he met a great girl named Danielle. When I would talk to him on the phone he would always bring her up, saying she was his best friend. Well a few years later that friendship turned into a marriage. The wedding was beautiful and I cried the whole time. I was honored to be a bridesmaid. The chapel was perfect, as was John adn his bride. The preist was a bit of a laugh...during the ceremony his cell phone went off....they walked out, just married, and through a line of swordsman, and I felt just so happy, proud and full of joy for them. The reception was a blast. Cake in the face and everything. The party continued on at the hotel we were all staying at. Different roooms had diffferent kegs....lots of fun going room to room, meeting family, and making memories I will never forget. They bought a beautiful house. They have 3 dogs (their "babies"). I am so proud of him. I love him with all of my heart and am beyond happy he found his love and his way in life. He deserved nothing less. I love you John.

My Dad.....

This the man that has been there for me since birth. Words truly cannot express the love I have for him. As a small child I had a 104 temp. and my dad rushed me to the hospital and sat in an ice bath, holding onto me in his gracious, loving arms. Growing up he worked hard and was a good dad. He introduced the L.D.S. church into my life and for that I am forever grateful. I grew up with morals and values and life lessons. He is the best story teller and can keep you laughing forever. He served his country in the Navy. He is a terrific author of two childrens books and contiunes to write. Through all the poverty, when we were young he always kept a loving home. He is now a professor at UCM in Warrensburg, MO. I could not be any prouder of him. He calls and texts me often (emails too) and makes sure everythings ok. I know he will always be there for me, and I will always, always be there for him. He inspires so many and loves everyone. I love you dad. You are my HERO!!

Sisters...Born By Chance, Best Friends By Choice

How blessed am I to have two wonderful, beautiful, fun, loving sisters. Although I feel a great amount of guilt for not always being there for them when I could (VA), we prevailed and are stronger than ever. Casey, the brain, is married and expecting!!! I cried when i watched her graduate High School with honors. I am so proud of her accomplishments. Her wedding, which I wouldnt miss for the world was monumental, memorable and sweet. Her and Andrew....you could see the love in their eyes. I felt so honored to do her hair and make-up, and watch Michayla (the baby of the family) tie up her wedding dress. So many moments I will never forget. What a woman she has turned out to be. Michayla, the spontaneous beauty, is an inspiration of her own. She has overcome (along wioth Casey) tremendous life hurdles and remain true, virtuous and loving sisters. I always wished I has a sister so close in age, but now I see why God gave me two younger ones. I love them both beyond words. They are strong, giving, loving, caring, sweet girls and will always be my "babies".

This reminded me of you cutie patootie.....

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." — Audrey Hepburn ♥

 

**I love you Casey. What a wonderful mommy you're going to be...you're precious***

I LOVE MY MOM

I love this woman with all of my heart....despite the arguments from time to time over little things we both turn into big things....she is the strongest woman I know. She battled through breast cancer and had a double masectomy when i was in 11th grade. It was hard for me to deal with. She has been in recovery for 10 years. She will do anything for anyone and simply likes everyone. When curves balls come her way she swallows her pride and is the bigger person. She and I have been through a lot since I was born....but I know she loves me, and I love her. I'm often selfish and ungrateful. But one day I may not have her here to talk to and have our chats. I wont have her here for a shoulder to cry on. So I will do everything in my power to show this woman how dearly she is loved and respected by me. She has done EVERYTHING for me, and is such a selfless woman. I look up to her in so many ways. I love you mom. You are my inspiration and hero in so many ways.

Saint Partick's Day....

Well I had a great St. Patrick's Day.....followed tradition. Mom made corned beef and cabbage which was DELICIOUS!!!! One of my favorite holidays. I wore a special button (pin) that said "Bring our troops home safe"...just because my brother is over seas, AGAIN, on his 9th tour as an Army Ranger. I miss him, so I mande sure he with "there with me" celebrating! Love him and miss him. Hope everyone had a great St. Pat's Day!!!

Getting Excited.....

AHHHHHH....In 9 days I will be in Florida. Verona beach and then keys, disney...who knows. All i know is...I CANT WAIT. It snowed AGAIN yesterday and in Upstate NY spring is NOT here...