Year in Review

2009 was a rough year for me and many of the people I love. It was a year filled with losing loved ones, financial struggle, and disappointment.

However, a few weeks ago, when I was sitting across the desk from my bishop during tithing settlement, he helped me to look at the past year with a fresh perspective. He asked me about serving in the Draper Temple. He asked about graduation and starting my career. “Gosh, you’ve had a pretty great year, haven’t you, Maggie?” he said.

So, now that it’s the end of 2009, and I’m looking back on twelve months of happiness and heartache, I’ll choose to take a brighter perspective and find all of the wonderful things I experienced this year. I’ll make a conscious choice to see the silver linings.

January
Served in the beautiful new Draper Temple and felt the peace of the Spirit inside its walls.

February
Was hired with an open contract for Granite School District.

March
Sang in a dedicatory session of the Draper Temple – it was a life changing experience. I also got to be of service to someone by driving him to the airport way before the break of dawn.

April
Saw thousands of gorgeous tulips at the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. I decided I must return every year! I also sang in the Conference Center for General Conference. WOW!

May
Graduated from college!!!

June
Had an absolute blast dancing the night away at a YSA Conference.

July
Played with friends at a baseball game, The Fray concert, a backyard campfire, and IKEA.

August
Welcomed a good friend home and started teaching my cute 3rd graders.

September
Spent some time with my wonderful family at the annual Hortin Family Reunion.

October
Saw two incredibly awesome concerts – Colbie Caillat and Ingrid Michaelson.

November
FOOTBALL!!! And my birthday.

December
Sang and watched Christmas concerts. I saw Eclipse and the Tab Choir and I sang in the Assembly Hall and my ward. My ward choir rocked their program!

Now I’m more than ready to welcome in 2010 with the hope that it brings less tears and even more happiness for those I love.

Merry Christmas

My favorite part of the Bible Christmas Story comes near the end, "but Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart."

I picture Mary, a brand new mother, holding her beautiful new baby boy. I picture her exhausted from the pain of childbirth, but blissfully happy as she gazes into the eyes of her son and contemplates the years to come. I imagine her thanking God for her perfect son with his miniature fingers and toes and precious smile. I imagine her holding my Savior in her arms and gently rocking him to sleep. She would be the one to raise him and nurture him. She would teach him to walk and speak. She would wipe his tears so that many years later He could wash her sorrows away.

More than 2,000 years ago, Mary pondered these things in her heart. On this Christmas Day, surrounded by those I love, I ponder these things in mine. I ponder that my beloved Lord and Savior came to earth as an innocent and perfect baby. He came to earth to save me. He had my happiness and salvation in mind. This little baby grew to be the Lord who gave his life for me and for you.

I ponder all of the blessings in my life that I've received through him. Through Jesus Christ, I am blessed with my wonderful family who I am sealed to for all eternity. Through him, I am blessed with the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ which brings me peace and gives my life purpose and direction.

And, most of all, I am blessed with His unconditional love. Love that is manifested in His atonement. Love that reminds me that no matter how difficult the trial or how deep and dark the valley, He has been there before. Love that surrounds me and lifts me and never leaves me comfortless.

Have a Merry Christmas.

Tragedy at the Hortin House - but Yay for Bowl Games!

First, the tragedy. Kraft is no longer making the bottled Roka Blue Cheese that is one of the key ingredients in the classic Hortin Cheese Ball. Honestly! This is a serious tragedy! My mom almost started to cry, and she doesn't even eat cheese. What are we going to do? How can life go on?? What's a football party without cheese ball???

And, speaking of football... Who's excited for the game tonight? That would be ME!!! Go UTES!

On my wishlist

I work at a Title One school. We are blessed at our school to have many community partners and caring people who give generously to the school. Recently, new shoes and boots were distributed to children who need them.

One of the girls in my class received cute dark brown Bear Paw boots. She didn't seem terribly excited, but I was in love as soon as I looked at them. Dare I say I was even a little jealous...

So... There are Bear Paw boots at Smith's Marketplace. For $65. Worth it? Not? What do you think?

Deck the Halls

Here are a few things that have helped me get into the Christmas spirit:

1. Performing in the Institute Concert Choir at the Assembly Hall

2. Seeing the Forgotten Carols

3. Going to Ballet West's Nutcracker (twice, actually!)

4. Walking in a snowstorm with big, fat snowflakes

5. Listening to Karen Carpenter sing "He Came Here for Me"

6. Buying Christmas gifts for my darling third graders

7. Walking on Temple Square

8. Decorating the Christmas tree with my family

9. Setting up a cute little tree in the corner of my classroom

10. Going with friends to hear Natalie Cole sing with the Tab choir

Must. Change. Attitude.

This inspirational picture is on my Mom's calendar by the phone. Don't you just love it? This week, its message rang true for me. Considering my somewhat 'downer' post about Christmas, I've decided to change my attitude. Instead of letting all the demands of Christmas get to me, I'm going to look for bright spots in the season.

My sister Jenny bore her testimony in Sacrament Meeting today and really helped me refocus on the reason we celebrate Christmas. So... stay tuned for a new and improved (and more positive) me.

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

I have a confession to make. I, Maggie Hortin, do not especially care for Christmas. Now, I know there are many of my friends who think this is cause for me to be "boiled in Christmas pudding and buried with a stake of holly through my heart," (did you catch the reference?), but it's sadly the truth. Christmas is not my favorite holiday. I consider December the most stressful month of the year, and I am actually relieved when it's over.

December means the end of another year when I look back and ask myself, "Where did this year go?" December means stress from work and other places I'm supposed to be and things I'm supposed to do. My ideal Christmas holiday would be spent in a cabin in the mountains, drinking hot chocolate and listening to Christmas music with my family. Too bad this will never happen.

It's not that I enjoy being such a Grinch. I've actually tried to change my attitude, and this year will be no different. This year I'm trying to do something connected to the Christmas season each day. So far, I've gone to a concert at the Tabernacle, celebrated Sinterklaas with my family, and seen Ballet West's Nutcracker. I've really enjoyed all of these Christmas-y things. :)

So here is my question for you: What do you do to get in the Christmas mood? How do you escape the stress of the Christmas season? How do you stay focused on what Christmas is really about - the birth of our Savior?

Fasten Your Seatbelts

Tomorrow is going to be one AMAZING game!

I personally will be partying it up at a ward tailgate party and then watching the game with my dad. He bleeds redder than anyone you've ever met. Tonight he's 'gearing up' for the big game by watching reruns of past games and cable specials about the "rivalry." I absolutely love it!

My Favorite Holiday

Which one? Which one?

Here's a cloud with a silver lining for you:

My car is dying. I mean really dying. It's more money to fix it than the car is actually worth. And the heater died last week. You really think things can't get any worse... and then your heater/furnace dies.

BUT...

I've been saving for a new car, and I'm finally ready to buy one. That's a little silver lining, right?

I can't decide which one to get. I welcome your input.

Honda Civic

Chevy Cobalt

Mazda 3

Honda Fit

Toyota Corolla

I found some

First silver linings:

1. Three parents thanked me at conferences for being a great teacher and for being patient with their child. It's nice to know there are people who notice.

2. I got to celebrate my wonderful sister's 14th birthday with her last night. She is such a doll!

See? I knew they'd be there. I'll keep looking.

I'm looking...

They say there's linings made of silver

Folded inside each raining cloud

Well, we need someone to deliver

Our silver lining now

~ Ingrid Michaelson "Are We There Yet"

The past month seems like it's been one disappointment after another. Yet another disappointment was added to the list just tonight.

So, I'm on the lookout for silver linings. They have to be hidden there somewhere - and I'm on a mission to find them. In the midst of the disappointment, there's bound to be some good things. Stay tuned.

And if you've found some silver linings in your own life, please share.

This beautiful picture was found here.

Birthday Wishes

Disclaimer: This post is mostly for my mom who reads my blog each and every day (love you mom!), and requests a birthday list every year. :)

My birthday is coming up, and one of the little things that brings me joy is writing a mega birthday list every year filled with everything I could ever wish for.

I find it thrilling.

So... here it is:

1. Parking Lot dance party
2. birthday party
3. birthday date
4. iHome
5. U of U Alumni license plate frame
6. new shoes - the green suede flats at Target or the brown stiletto heels at Target or the brown boots at JC Penney are all favorites.
7. Silver necklace
8. Go to see THE BLIND SIDE
9. New headphones (cuz my old ones are busted)
10. Pedicure
11. Swingy black skirt
12. Margarita night out
13. State of Play movie
14. Finally see Julie and Julia
15. Khaki or navy pants
16. cute little clutch for when I go to swanky events (like the awesome fashion show I attended with KK)
17. Gilmore Girls Seasons (they're on sale at Target! Oh happy day!)
18. Michael Buble's new CD
19. Thermal mug in which to carry delicious hand warming hot chocolate to work in each morning
20. A great new book to read
21. Any teacher books
22. Any "teacher stuff"

I'm also on the lookout for 24 great things to do while I'm 24. Any suggestions?

Beautiful

I got really excited when in my blog surfing today I came across this. Someday, this would make the perfect finishing touch for a wedding dress. Isn't it gorgeous?

Question

Have you ever accidentally gone on a date? This Friday marked the second time this funny/slightly embarrassing situation has happened to me. Maybe I should pay better attention.

But it sure was a lot of fun.

The next installment...

Day 6: I went to see Where the Wild Things Are with Jennifer. Most of the movie was good, although I would not take a child under 10 to see the movie. They just wouldn’t get all of the grown-up messages hidden in the plot. Also, what’s with the giant dog? Or climbing in the monster’s mouth?? Or ripping off the bird’s arm??? Seriously????
That night I went to one of my new favorite places – aerobics with the ladies in my Oma’s ward. Body Blast was killer, but I felt great when it was over!

Day 7: Up was the movie of the day! Oma and I went to see a movie at the dollar theater. It was so much fun to spend some time with her. We both laughed through the whole movie. When it was over, Oma said, “I’m going to be laughing for the rest of the day. That was delightful!” I knew she would love it.
The night was filled with free Margaritas from my fave girls’ night out place, La Cocina. Jenny, Shannon, and I ate lots of Mexican food, and talked for hours.

Day 8: I tried a new lunch place with Shontol, a friend from Peer Advisor years. It’s called Rico’s and it serves homemade Mexican food. YUM! I was sad Carla couldn’t come - Get better soon, Carla! – but it was fun to catch up on all the many ways Shontol is conquering the world (and by ‘world,’ I mean ‘graduate school’).
Jenny’s bridal shower was that night. I couldn’t believe how wonderful it was to see so many friends I haven’t talked to in a while. We stood in the kitchen and chatted. They made me feel much better. And then my wonderful friends’ wonderful husbands rescued me and my overheated car. (More on the hidden blessings – aka ‘silver linings’ - of this night later.)

Day 9: Yeah FOOTBALL!!! Utah beat Air Force in overtime! My little Muss crowd had a fantastic time, despite the bit of rain. Thanks, Eagle for the kettle corn!
In a day filled with sports, I went to my first ReAL soccer game ever, and they WON! Hooray!

Day 10: I was so excited to see so many member s of my ward come to choir practice!!! It was so fun to direct them!

"All endings are also beginnings. We just don't know it at the time."

~ Mitch Albom The Five People You Meet in Heaven

I Simply Cannot Wait...

... to see this movie! It looks amazing.

It comes out on November 20. I'm totally excited!

My Vacation - Week 1

Day 1: Went to a wedding reception of a good friend from high school. It was so great to see so many friends that I haven’t talked to in years. The reception was beautiful! Congratulations Kelly and Maren!

Day 2: Saw Ingrid Michaelson at In The Venue. I spent the night with some of the greatest girls in the world. Cristina and Catie drove down from Smithfield with their cousin Mallorie to meet Jenny and me for a night on the town! We had a delicious dinner at Stone Ground and then headed to the show. I loved hearing Ingrid sing “The Hat” (with the hearts and the jazz hands), “The Way I Am” (with a little rapping to boot!), and a little ditty about how much she loves Mexican food. What a fabulous show!

Day 3: Attended Regional Conference and heard some inspiring and comforting messages.

Day 4: Tracy and I visited Diva’s for a big mug of hot chocolate and delicious girl talk. Diva’s is an excellent ho cho spot with oodles of charm. We sat in the greenhouse section surrounded by trees and trickling fountains.

Day 5: Went out for sushi with two wonderful friends at Tsunami. I highly recommend the Jenny Roll and the Don Juan. As Amanda says, “Oh, the Don Juan.” It makes bad days so much better.
That evening I went to Evening Choir where I met a new friend and made a pact in the parking lot. “We are usually optimistic, lovely, glass-is-half-full people! You just caught us on a bad day!”

Thank yous

Thank you for friends who send their love to me in a vase of flowers from another state.

Thank you for friends who take a day off of work to sit with me in their apartment to watch Oprah, listen to me talk, and force me to eat chocolate cake.

Thank you for friends who send me funny texts that make me smile.

Thank you for friends who realize the medicinal power of sushi.

Thank you for friends who make pacts with me in the middle of parking lots.

Thank you for family who drive right over to give me a hug and say “how about a bite of potatoes?”

Thank you to my family and friends for being so great to me.

We'll See...

This week kicked off my first off-track vacation! No work for two whole weeks? Whatever will I do with myself?

My plan is to do at least one fun, noteworthy, and blog-able :) thing each day. Today's fun event just happens to be going to see Where the Wild Things Are with one of my dearest friends. Now, usually I am completely against going to see movies adapted from picture books because I feel like the movie-makers change the story in a disappointing way. Plus, it makes me sad when I present my students with a marvelous picture book for them to read, only to hear them say, "OH! I've seen this movie!" UGH!

But, because many of my friends say that WTWTA is not disappointing and is very well done, I've decided to give it a chance. I'll let you know how it goes....

Just Can't Let It Go

I’m hanging on to something.

Something that is draining my energy like crazy, but I keep hanging onto it because it’s like a weird kind of security blanket. Knowing that it’s still there makes me feel like I have some control over the situation. If I let this thing go, who knows what kind of consequences will result? Who knows what will happen when I hand the control over to another person? So, I keep hanging on, and revisiting this burden, just to make sure it’s still there.

Maybe someday I'll be able to let it go.

Here's hoping that someday comes soon.

Making Progress

Tonight I made a breakthrough. I went running. It’s been a rough week for me where I was barely able to walk around the block, let alone run a few miles. Tonight, for the first time in a week, I felt like running. I can’t even describe how great it felt to feel my body moving again. I didn’t run quite as far as I usually do, but I was proud of myself for making the effort. I ran down 700 East and found a few wonderful surprises -
* Banbury Cross was baking doughnuts and the air around the bakery smelled heavenly
* The weather was just right
* I ran past two friendly Elders who smiled and waved
* I could smell someone doing laundry. I love how laundry makes the air smell clean.

Here are some other things I can do now:
1. Think like a teacher
2. Wake up in the morning and breathe in and out
3. Laugh with my family about silly things like Broadway musicals
4. Joke with my students
And here are some things I hope to be able to do again “eventually” (which is the word of the month)
1. Eat lime chips
2. Sit on the blue couch
3. Wear my black dress
4. Listen to “Two is Better Than One”

Have you ever noticed...

That sometimes it's hard to find the silver linings?

That sometimes you can't see the sun shining?

That sometimes you really need a shoulder to cry on?

That sometimes you decide you're strong enough to deal with some rain only to find that an unrelenting deluge is headed straight for you?

And that in these darkest moments, sometimes you're lucky enough to realize how many people care?

Check that one off the list!

I did it! I ran a 5K! Last week I finished my first 5K ever, and I'm already looking for another race. It was such a great experience! I ran the University of Utah Young Alumni Scholarship 5K. I ran around the campus of the University, got drenched by a broken sprinkler, drank two swallows of water handed to me by the best water hander-outers ever (aka my family), listened to some great running music, was chased across the finish line by my cute family who tried to catch a picture of me crossing the finish line, and was cheered for by the University of Utah cheerleaders. I felt on top of the world after I ran across the finish line! I did it! After four months of working for this goal, I accomplished it! Bring on the next race!

Across the finish line in 35 minutes!

I love my life!

The Two Year Cycle

I've been blessed with many wonderful friends in my life. I am so grateful for the delightful memories we've made together.

The thing I'm thinking about today though is what I like to call the "two year cycle." It seems, that since I graduated from high school and entered the 'grown-up world' I've had to make a new circle of friends every two years. It's so true. Friends are constantly getting married, moving away, or moving on, and I am left to find a new group of wonderful friends. For someone who hates change as much as I do, this is hard for me to take sometimes. I don't hang out with the same friends now that I did two years ago.

I love my friends, and, even in the midst of change, they are always in my thoughts.

Two Thumbs Up

For this remarkable movie. Yesterday I enjoyed a delicious day off from work, and I spent part of it at this wonderful movie. I highly recommend it. The acting is great, the music is fantastic, the storyline is unexpected, and it's altogether delightful. I'm still thinking about how much I love it! I promptly bought the soundtrack as soon as I got home.

I love that this movie made me feel that life is an adventure and that everything works out in the end. Plus, it's got a great dance number. :)

NEW!

Thanks to my friends' great advice and a new attitude, new playlist, and new route, I made it farther than I ever have before. Tonight I ran a little over two miles, and I only came home because it was too dark to run any farther! It feels great to actually be making progress. I'm feeling so great about myself!

Allow me share my awesome new running playlist with you.

1. Give Me the Meltdown by Rob Thomas

2. Ruby Blue by Roisin Murphy

3. Many the Miles by Sara Bareilles (so totally appropriate it makes me laugh every time it comes on. )

4. Kryptonite by 3 Doors Down

5. Love Needs A Home

6. Shy That Way by Jason Mraz

7. Eye of the Tiger (There's a reason Rocky worked out to this!)

8. No One by Alisha Keys

9. Bright Lights by Matchbox Twenty (I'm a huge fan of them!)

10. We Are by Ana (Another Power Boost song)

11.Catch My Disease by Ben Lee (One of the most fun songs I've ever heard)

12.Flat on the Floor by Carrie Underwood

13. River Deep, Mountain High by Celine Dion (Oh, the bongo drums)

Now I only have one little problem. My left ankle that I've sprained twice in my life has been giving me grief. It hurts like crazy when I come home. Is it bad to run on a bum ankle? Is there something I can do to keep it from swelling and hurting?

Darn you 1.6 miles!

Those of you who know me and have talked to me lately know that I'm trying really hard to prepare to run a 5K next month. I've been running all summer long, and I've yet to make it to the point where I can run three miles straight. I'm so frustrated! I know three miles is nothing to a lot of people, but for me, it's a lot. I've never been the running type - aerobics class and "ellipticalling" are more my style. Tonight I ran my usual 1.6 miles and could go no further. How do I get over this hump before next month???

Suggestions?

I survived my first week. Now will you please pass the ibuprofen?

So, I made it through my first week of teaching third grade, and I'm still standing. In fact, I actually really enjoyed it. My kids were great, they listened to me, they followed the rules, and we had a lot of fun! We listened to little Michael Jackson (one of my favorite first week stories), I read my favorite book to them, and they learned to recognize my 'mad face.' :) I've already missed two days for a New Teacher Orientation, and the note my sub left for me sang the praises of my wonderful class.

I'm completely worn out, and there are still four pages left on my to-do list, but I'm remembering why I've wanted to be a teacher for most of my life.

I can do this!

A Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

Yesterday was my very first day teaching third grade. After an exhausting, exciting, and enjoyable day at school, I came home to find a plate of my mom's chocolate chip cookies waiting for me. Thanks, Mom!

Then, on my porch were two cookies from Paradise Cafe (my fave!) from my darling visiting teachers. How did they know that yesterday was the day I definitely needed a cookie break?

The icing on the cake? My sisters and mom saved a Stroopwaffel for me from the Dutch store.

After eating an inordinate amount of cookies and taking a long and delicious nap, I was once again ready to function like a normal person.

Let's hope that being a first year teacher isn't this exhausting every day.

But with enough cookie breaks, I can make it through anything.

An Uplifting Thought

"The Lord knows both what He will need you to do and what you will need to know. He is kind and He is all-knowing so you can with confidence expect that He has prepared opportunities for you to learn in preparation for the service you will give. You will not recognize these opportunities perfectly... but when you put the spiritual things first in your life, you will be blessed to feel directed toward certain learning, and you will be motivated to work harder."

~ President Henry B. Eyring

I did it!

My wisdom teeth were successfully removed without any crying, fainting, or intense pain.
I've learned
Lortab is a wonderful thing,
IVs really aren't that bad,
my mom can make Jello,
scrambled eggs with cheese tastes really good,
Gone With the Wind is great,
and actually chewing crunchy food is something I highly enjoy.

Biting the bullet

It's here. On Tuesday, I'm finally having my wisdom teeth extracted.

I've been putting it off for years because it just doesn't sound fun. I've never had surgery in my life. Now, wisdom teeth are pretty low on the spectrum of surgeries (just ask my sister, Carrie), but I'm still nervous. The thought of being completely unconscious while someone operates on me is a scary thought. Plus, that means I'll miss two valuable days of classroom prep.

Oh well, look on the bright side. I'll get to eat lots of ice cream.

My Classroom Wish List

Okay, so I realize that there are very few people who actually read my blog, but I thought I'd share my wish list with all three of you. :) I've spent the last few days getting my classroom arranged, and it's looking great. There are just a few things I would love to add before I'm finished:

1. Some pillows, chairs, beanbags, etc. for a cozy reading corner.

2. Any used books.

3. Mismatched socks (to use as erasers for my personal white boards)

4. A speaker for my IPOD

5. Any plastic organizing containers.

If you know where I could find these things inexpensively, or if you have anything on this list that you'd like to give a new home, just let me know.

I Left My Heart in Washington DC

Maybe it's because of the patriotic celebrations, or maybe it's because I'm thinking about all my friends who are there right now, but my heart is pulling to my short-lived home. I read a book once where the main character described herself as a "person divided. A soul living in two places." I can understand a little of how she feels. If I could transplant all of my friends and family, I'd move there tomorrow. Who knows? Maybe I'll move back sometime in the future. For now, I'll just have to make do with looking back to wonderful memories and sighing...

A Saturday morning in Eastern Market

Memorial Day in Arlington with Laney

Roomies at Diane's Birthday party

In the Portrait Gallery

The RGA interns outside the West Wing

Kendra and me by the Capitol

The Lincoln Memorial

Like a Handprint on my Heart

Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord,
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days

When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior’s name
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord, above
Hymn #293

I’ve been to more funerals in the last six months than in the past five years, I think. I’ve lost many friends who have touched my life for good. I’ve been thinking about them, and cherishing the memories I have. Like when Nick would walk into my Oma’s house whistling and call, “Hi Bill! Hi Mags!” Or when Clara sat with me on her bed after my brother’s death and just let me cry. And the times she wanted to have a picnic, but she had to wait until the ‘cotton stopped flying.’ Then there were the times that Brother Daybell would joke with me about boys. While losing these Christlike friends has broken my heart, I am so grateful I could learn from them for at least a little while.

Pomp and Circumstance

The whole gang

Success!

Beautiful schoolteachers!

Yep, we're too cool for school

Hot stuff

Good old MBH

My parents - there for me every step of the way

Jill and me - the Master and the Bachelor

We're a little silly

Awww

The day has arrived!

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Things I Love About My Dad

1. He gives awesome relationship advice.

2. He is always ready and willing to give me a Father's Blessing whenever I ask for one.

3. He loves baseball

4. He thinks it’s fun to stand in the Muss, scream his lungs out, and talk football with me.

5. Whenever I have a gospel-related question, my Dad goes straight to the scriptures to find the answer.

6. His great sense of direction – I always call him when I’m lost.

7. He seems to know something about everything!

8. He listens to me gripe.

9. He encourages me to achieve my dreams.

10. He tries hard to remember the names of all of my friends.

11. He is passionate about his career.

12. He does his hometeaching every month without fail.

13. He serves others

14. He is funny without meaning to be.

15. He doesn’t mind being the only man in the house. :)

16. He works hard at everything he does.

17. He loves my mom.

18. He gives great hugs.

19. He tells me he’s proud of me.

I remember…

I remember when my Dad charted out a course for me to get to work in DC and timed it so I would know exactly when to leave my apartment in the morning.

I remember when I told my Dad I had made it into Madrigals, and he was so happy for me.

I remember shopping for ballet shoes when I was really little with my Dad.

I remember my Dad trying so hard to teach me to pitch a ball.

I remember my Dad running behind me, holding a kite, trying to help me get it in the air.

I remember shopping at Nordstrom for my first suit with Dad.

I remember visiting campus before I started college. Dad showed me his old stomping grounds and helped me find all of the important buildings.

I remember talking to Dad after a boy had broken my heart. He helped me put the pieces back together.

I remember when Dad walked with me in Arlington and all throughout DC. He was so excited to help me get settle and show me the city.

I remember when Dad took a day off work to visit me at school and celebrate Veteran’s Day.

I remember Dad “confiscating” my US History notes before the AP test.

I remember riding Space Mountain with my Dad when I was six years old. He tricked me into getting on the ride, but once I was on it, I totally loved it!

I remember Dad’s story, “When I was in college, I used to fire that cannon for every touchdown.” :)

My Dad has always taken care of me. He sacrifices so much so that I can have what I need. He is happy when I’m happy, and he’s excited when I’m excited. My Dad is the greatest man I know. I am so blessed to be his daughter.

I love you, Dad!