It's Official...

I have not blogged in almost 3 months. In fact, the last blog was about Zach heading off to the Police Academy for training. Guess what...He's back!!! So 12 weeks later I write this blog in honor of him, yet again. This time however, he is wearing his uniform proudly as a Peoria City Police Officer. We are so proud of you Zach!!!!

I think it is often hard for people to appreciate officers when they are having speeding tickets handed to them...but in all honesty, we are blessed to have them protecting us. I also don't think people understand what these officers go through just to get the job that will only guarantee them stress for the rest of their lives. At PTI (the Police Training Institute) they are maced, tazed, beaten up, and worked to the bone. They go through this training to better serve the people and to protect themselves when dealing with individuals who would have no problem killing them. It is a dangerous job and the more experience they have, the safer it will be for them.

So now that Zach is done with his 'real world' training, he will be placed into the Real World for a year with a training officer. This officer will basically help him build the skills he needs to be on his own in the streets of Peoria. This year is crucial to his career as the City hold the right to 'relieve him' of duty if he doesn't pass the field training. Good Luck Brother. We will be praying for your safety and sanity over the year!

The stage waiting for the ceremony to begin....basically I was testing the lighting to be sure i was going to get decent pictures when the time came :o)

Processional...I believe this was the Decatur police department being honored here. Probably for working in such a horrid town.

The really big man speaking. I think being around him alone would scare me enough to go home and find a new profession.

Brother getting his diploma. (Sorry Director of PTI...your hair is blonde and your face got bleached out....I feel your pain.)

Presenting the Officers :o)

I know I annoy him with my picture taking of every little detail, but someday he will appreciate it.

Horray BROTHER!!!

I believe this was just after my family told me that I was bossy. Once again, they will appreciate it someday. I made them all go sit down early (we got front row seats). And I made them go outside for pictures (everyone looks a lot better than they did inside). And I think we took about 100 pictures of every variety to be sure there were some good ones. So, you are WELCOME family now you have lots of pics to frame.

My favorite people in the world. Can't believe Zach finally has a real job (hehe) and Bubby is going off to college. AHH Soon, maybe I will have little nieces and nephews to play with (after marriage of course).

The crew. (L-R) Bryce and his girlfriend Rachel, Zach's girlfriend Brittany, Zach, Me, Micah. I could not ask for better siblings and We are SOOO Blessed to have wonderful significant others. I love you all!

I am so glad we were all able to get off work, school, and out of any other obligations to be there for Zach.

*Not pictured (in this blog) are Mom, Leon, Grandma, Aunt Georgia, Dad, and Aunt Connie.

Zach's Turn

Bryce already got his 'brag' spot on my blog, and I promised Zach would get his turn soo here goes.

The three of us kids were...well...unruly as children. I highly doubt 'unruly' does our craziness justice, but the blog would be entirely too long if I went into detail. I am sure you all guessed that I was the angelic one who was always brought into trouble by my crazy brothers, clearly not my fault (mom don't laugh). Ok, so not really. We all took our turns leading the 'adventures' and enjoyed testing anyone who crossed our path. Bryce had a 'terror time' in his early years and I am sure they will be revisited while he is at college. I made sure to leave my mark over the years but would consider my 'terror time' the teen years. And, Zach, he has had a constant 'terror time' in my opinion, but his reign of terror was definitely in his early 20's, so now it is time for him to settle down :o) And I believe he is on his way to normalcy.

On Easter, we all got to witness Zach's baptism. He has been involved in a men's bible study and working really hard on bettering himself. He has a fabulous girlfriend (if any of you know me...it is quite difficult to obtain my approval when it comes to my brother's girlfriends). My opinion, good or bad, is always known. Love ya Brittany! Needless to say we (I) are very pleased with the road big brother has chosen.

Zach's job has been another 'battle' so to speak. For a few years after college he spent all his time working a Lowe's...obviously this is not what he went to school for. But eventually he got on at Peoria County Jail as a correction officer. With his law enforcement degree he was hoping to be on the streets but nothing was working out so he took the jail job. It was always entertaining when people would ask where the boys were...We would answer "Oh Bryce is still at Metamora playing football and Zach is still out at the County Jail" We often had to clarify this was a job not a punishment. Some people had looks of horror if we did not catch it early.

While Zach was working at the Jail he was constantly trying to get on at a department where he could work the streets (as a police officer of course). This process takes forever. Literally, the applicants must go through physical, emotional, psychological, and knowledge based tests. They had to pass lie detector tests, physicals that lasted 2-4 hours, and interviews. If they fail any or do not meet expectations they must start all over again. Zach was so close a while back and his lie detector test was 'inconclusive' so he started all over again. He breathed a sigh of relief when he finally passed everything this spring. HORRAY

On May 7th, the whole family go to go to City hall and watch him get sworn into the Peoria City Police Department. It was quite exciting!

Zach and two other guys swearing their lives away.

The whole family there to Support Zachy-poo. (L-R) Aunt Connie, Bryce, Me, Dad, Zach, Mom, Aunt Georgia (missing Leon because he is snapping pics)

The Sibs. Bubba's eyes are close but that's ok, we know he is special.

The badge....soo exciting

And of course it was in the middle of the day so i had two little munchkins following me around. Luckily they were very very well behaved. And Miss Caitlin thought her glasses would be a great addition to the outfit. Those of you with difficult children know that it was not even worth it to request that she take them off while in City Hall...just not even worth the battle.

So now Zachy is away at police training for 3 months. If he doesn't die or get kicked out he will be back and ready to work the streets in August. Police Training is a lot like Military boot camp so we pray he doesn't go insane. After all, Zach is the most 'delicate' out of use three siblings. Haha Love you Zach! Congrats and Good Luck

SURPRISE

It's a Birthday Party!!! my not so little little brother is turning 18! I cannot believe he has been around for 18 years. Monday is the actual birthday, but you cannot have a surprise party for a high schooler on a school night, so we did it early.
Our family and slew of Bryce's football buddies and schoolmates and many of their parents gathered at my mom's house and huddled in the stairwell and kitchen waiting for the Birthday boy to show up. We had his girlfriend and another couple trick him into thinking that they were taking him to FlatTop for his birthday dinner. They then convinced him that they needed to stop by mom's house to pick up some video games before dinner. He (like me) does NOT like a change of plans, and when i called him to ask him to come visit me and Zach at mom's house, he was not to into it. I know he loves us, but FlatTop is that good. He was dead set on going to Flat Top and told me that he might come over afterwards if i was still there but they were going to eat. But, his wonderful friends were the drivers so much to his disappointment he made a pit stop at Mom's house.
The door opens and all the lights are off, but Micah, Zach and I were sitting in the living room...couldn't make it too obvious, but since mom didn't want to turn the living room lights on, we were sitting in darkness except for a few christmas decor lit up. (yes i know mom is slow on the removal of Christmas) He opens the door, is not slightly concerned that there are about 25 pairs of shoes in the doorway, and then attacked by his friends screaming SURPRISE.
Was he excited? Of course not, because like me...he doesn't like changing plans and he really doesn't like having to miss eating at FlatTop. But he warmed up and mingled...and kept the complaining to a minimum. Bubba We will get you FlatTop soon i promise.
Food and fun was to follow. Another surprise was that Mom had a friend of ours make Bryce his own Football Memory video. Zach is WONDERFUL at what he does, and the end product was awesome. We all sat around watching pictures of Bryce growing up and a whole bunch of him playing like a RockStar throught his football career. Mom also decided to volunteer me to read an edited version of this. The video is really cool and it even has a video of Bryce awards ceremony for football as well as come of the state game.
It was all in all a wonderful evening and I wish it lasted all week long. Because all Birthday's should last a whole week (or month). But his Birthday Sibling date will be coming soon so we will continue the celebration. Sorry Micah we will probably be at Flat Top.

Here are a few more pics from the evening...High Schoolers really don't like big sisters taking pictures so I only got a few and mom got the rest (i guess it is ok for Mom's to take pictures)

The Cake...that i didn't eat, but the frosting was goodThanks for smiling Nick :o) I knew i always liked you. Bryce Looks so happy too huh?

Some of the shoes

My favorite people

Bryce is making a wonderful face in this picture....because they love each other....and the next picture explains the laughing.

Brother-in-Law love...it's special

Have I said that I love my family yet? I do. Happy Birthday week Bryce

Sibling Dates.....my favorite thing about IL

Like I have said many times before....I love my brothers to death. In order to actually spend quality time with them, we try to have sibling dates whenever possible. We have camped, done movies, dinner, hung out at the house....you know, fun bonding time always. I missed them sooo much while we were in Cali so we were due for a sibling date upon my return.

This week we chose to go to Flat Top Grill (my choice due to it being a joint birthday celebration/sibling date. Micah is the only one who dislikes this place :o) But he suffered through for me.

Because I like to document...there are a few pictures from the evening.

Micah, Me, Bryce, Rachel (Bryce's girlfriend of forever so she qualifies as family), Zach. Missing for the evening was Brittany (Zach's girlfriend who has been around forever as well and also qualifies as family) Missed you Brit!

The boys annoyed with my photo taking...and claiming that it is not ok for 'dudes to take pictures together' but i made them do it anyhow. Didn't make them hug or anything, maybe next time!

Micah telling me to stop taking pictures :o) He loves me, and he KNEW what he was getting into when he married me. In fact, I was worse before we got married.

Bryce playing a special child and Rachel second guessing her choice to date him :o) Putting on his fat face and dumb look....typical Metamora footballer. Haha and Bubba, you look about 10 years younger and 50 pounds heavier in this picture than you do in real life. somewhat humerus :o) Love you

We have been so busy since we have been home that I am actually sleeping through the night. Every night. Kinda weird waking up at 6:30 and realizing that i had not been up at all before that. In Cali I would be up about every hour or so.....not anymore. Thanks for the fun times brothers and brothers girlfriends :o) I cannot wait for the next one....

Sorry Mom....we didn't invite you because it is a SIBLING date. When we have a FAMILY date we will let you know, but for now its just the 'kids' as Bryce likes to say.

Soon!!!

I will be able to have fun nights like these again...

This took place back in August before the wedding. It was my "last night with the siblings" when we camped out at Mom and Leon's farm. I only took a few pics but the memories are plentiful.

Our Camp site on the other side of the lake
Zach trying to get the turtle to come out of the water. Yes the fish and turtles are trained thanks to my mother.
Girlfriends came too...this is Zach and Brittany fishing before Bryce and Rachel arrived...I of course was by myself but Mike came to even out the numbers.

What is this you ask? Trouble that follows the sibling outings....always


Fireworks...What is camping with out fireworks being set off in a very unsafe manner. Lets me honest. This is Mike helping Bryce while the other 4 of us are hiding behind trees in hopes of not getting hit.

I love my brothers, and now that we are moving back, I am sure there will be time for another camp out shortly. The only difference will be that Mom and Leon will actually be living at the Farm and will have to deal with our craziness. Sorry mom!

Proud....

I must say that when I was a kid I always wondered Why God gave us siblings. Having two brothers, it was constant fighting and teasing. ‘Annoying’ brothers was a complete understatement. And although we still have our moments of tormenting, I cannot imagine ever asking God “Why”.

Life is always full of trials and my two constant supporters are my brothers Bryce and Zach. Doesn’t matter what ups or downs approach, they are always there for me. Moving away for college was not as difficult as moving to CA. The hardest thing about moving was not having my brothers around. Even when I would come home from college and visit for a weekend, the boys were the ones I usually hung out with rather than friends. Sibling dates were not uncommon but still too few and far between. There were even times they were gracious enough to allow me to hang out with them and their girlfriends when I myself didn’t have my Micah in town. Friends are not as plentiful after you go away to college, but I always had my brothers.

I am used to Zach being a ‘grown up’ since he has always been the older one, but now my little baby brother is reaching that mark as well. It’s hard to think back 17 years when he was born and I was only 6…furious that I had yet another brother when I would have given anything for a sister. Had I known then what I know now, I would have been jumping for joy just knowing he was going to turn into such an amazing young man.

Coming from Metamora, Football is a way of life. Zach played for a few years, I cheered for my 4 years, and then Bryce came along. He didn’t just play or cheer, he dominated. Starting out in Junior Football League he was a born football player. (possibly the aggressive side shining through) And then took Metamora football by storm freshman and sophomore year. I have never seen someone work so hard to be the best that they can be whether they are the star of the team or not. He was in the weight room more than anyone, I am positive. Going into his junior year he was starting Varsity (I got home from England just shy of his first game.) As I got off the plane I remember Micah telling me that Bryce had been injured, only to find out he tore his ACL at the beginning of the first game of the season. This is a tough situation as is, but knowing how hard he had worked for that starting position, it was heartbreaking.

But it didn’t hold him back. He had surgery and endured rehab with the vision of getting back on that field. He stood (crutched) on the sidelines for each and every game cheering on his teammates. He stood watching HIS team (which he had worked so hard for) win State. Rather than pity himself for not getting to play he was just as proud as he would have been if he carried the ball. He is a true team player.

He worked all summer to get back to where he was just a year before and once again landed a starting position on the Metamora Varsity! Playing like a Rockstar is what I like to say. Since we moved at the beginning of the season, I missed every game and longed to see him play since I didn’t get to watch him the season before. Then Micah sent me to Peoria early so I could watch his Senior Night game….freezing. Freezing is an understatement….rain and then freezing temperatures were enough to make anyone want to leave, but there was no way I was going to miss a moment. Surprising him with my trip home was the most thrilling part! Off to the playoffs they went…of course this was no surprise to Metamora. And to my delight I was able to listen to it on the radio via the internet. And then, off to state. Like last year Metamora was at the top of their division. I didn’t get to go to the game but I was lucky enough to watch it over the internet. They deserved the title….maybe that’s just the proud sister in me, but I know how hard those kids work during the on and off season. They deserve to win every year, but it just didn’t happen this year.

Despite the loss, I just cannot express how proud I am of my little brother. He’s my little Rockstar and I could not be any more thrilled to call him my brother. He has the heart of a champion…on and off the field. I know what life has been like for him and I know how much he has grown up. I am just so proud of him.

Bryce…I am so glad that God gave me a second brother almost 18 years ago. You have such a kind and compassionate heart that is hard to come by these days. Your love for God is visible in your every day life. I am so proud of your determination and ability to overcome adversity. I hope to someday become as strong as you are in your young age. Win or lose I will always be one of your biggest fans (don’t think anyone can top Aunt Georgia or Mom and Dad). I cannot wait to watch you graduate and go off to conquer college. You are still an ornery stinker but I would not trade you for anything in the world. Seeing you play your little heart out on the “internet TV” was such a blessing. Never lose your determination and love of life.

Now go get your senior pictures taken so I can show you off! Love you little brother. (also love you Big brother, but this is Bubby’s moment to shine). So thankful for you both!

Click here for the Metamora Football Fan Song