I Heart Faces - “My Story In Photos: The Patriotic Edition”

“My Story In Photos: The Patriotic Edition”

My lil' bro, Dominick, is in the Army National Guard. In 2007, we learned that he would be heading over to Afghanistan. Before he left, my parents threw a big party for him, with lots of friends and family. My mother, ever the perfectionist, had the house decorated perfectly and had a red white and blue cake made. My sister Martha Stewart, ahem, Courtney, made red white and blue chocolate chip cookies. Even Dixie, our beloved mutt, dressed for the occasion and was more than happy to snuggle with her "brudder" for a photo op. Lil' J, whom you've seen in my I ♥ Faces entries before, didn't make it to the party but loved checking out the deocrations the next day...and, coincidentally, happened to be dressed appropriately!

There was also a farewell ceremony held at the armory for the families of all the soldiers being deployed. It was a beautiful late September day, perfect for taking some family photos. Unfortunately the lighting was poor inside the armory, so I couldn't get any really great shots in there. Naturally we were all sad that my brother was leaving, but there were some very funny moments that day...and I'm glad I managed to capture them! My brother suffers from nasty seasonal allergies (he can thank mom for that!) and they were particularly bad that day. Having run out of tissues and not in the mood to track any more down, he instead swiped a roll of toilet paper from the bathroom and stuffed it in one of his pockets. We all got a good laugh every time he pulled it out to blow his nose!!! (He also amused us with stories of all the stuff he and his comrades had pilfered from the armory to take overseas with them...but that's just between you and me!)

The entries will not be judged this week, but still be sure to hop on over to I ♥ Faces and check out everyone else's patriotic stories and photos!

Not Me Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

OK, personally, I have not been up to much this week (that's true) so I'll keep this short and sweet.

I did not use the Yankees game that went into 12 innings as an excuse for not mingling with my cousin's friends at her 4th of July cookout.

I did not stay up until 3AM the other night watching Bull Durham and Turner and Hooch on TV instead of GOING TO BED, so obviously I did not hit the snooze button 6 times when it went off at 7AM was not dragging my feet all day at work.

I have not continued following someone's blog (one that I'm guessing some of you also follow so I'll refrain from saying whose blog it is) just because it's like a train wreck that I can't tear my eyes away from. Also have not read the comments so many people leave there and thought "Gah, what a frickin' phony."

Independence Day

Happy 4th, y'all! Hope you have a great day, but while you're busy camping, picnicking, watching fireworks and generally enjoying the long holiday weekend, don't forget the reason for it all. Take a moment to think of those whose bravery made us free, and thank the men and women who are fighting today to keep us that way.

Thanks for putting your life on the line, lil' bro. Glad you're here to celebrate with us this year. :)

Fix It Friday

It's Fix It Friday again at I ♥ Faces, and I'm actually on time this week! Go Me! Wasn't feeling overly creative today so this isn't my best work, but it's a cute photo to begin with so it doesn't need much help!

Original:

Fix #1:

Fix #2:

Fix #3:

Head on over to I ♥ Faces to check out the other fabulous fixes!