My BRAVE girl!

Our weekend was full of excitement!  After visiting the War Memorial and eating at one of our favorite restaurants, Santorini Greek Kitchen, we headed to the mall.  We were planning on getting Chad some new running shoes and then heading home to enjoy the lovely weather outside.  Funny the way things work out...

Caylee ended up deciding she wanted to get her ears pierced! There were a few seconds of fear and crying, but once it was over, she was so proud of herself for doing it, for being brave...and she couldn't wait to share that with our family and friends.

So proud of my brave girl for feeling the fear...and doing it anyway! :-)

"Freedom isn't free"

On November 5th, 1972 my uncle, Sergeant Steven L. Taylor of the United States Army was fatally wounded while serving in South Vietnam.  He was 23. See his full profile here or here.

I never had the opportunity to meet this courageous man, my dad's brother. But this past weekend did visit the Indiana War Memorial downtown where there is a display of his bravery in the Vietnam Museum.

To the right, are pictures of his display, including the flag given to his mother, a picture of him in uniform, letters from the President, and the numerous awards and medals he received for his bravery.

Saturday was such a beautiful day.  We walked around the city a bit, being silly, and then met family to tour the Memorial.

Each time I enter, my stomach feels a little sick, I get a little nervous, and deep sadness/intense fear starts to creep over me.

It's the place where you are reminded that "freedom isn't free", something easily forgotten by many as we go about our daily lives; but something that is never forgotten for those who continue to live it daily.

After making our way through the entire Museum, I found myself on the steps outside with my beautiful family...the sun shining, the sky a brilliant blue, the clouds white and fluffy, the air fresh and cool. I was so thankful...for all of it. And for the many men and women who made it possible for me to be standing there in that moment. <3

***I wrote the following poem for a high school creative writing class prompt~my found object was Steve's flag***

Flag of Courage

Written by:  Nicole McCauley Osborne

A flag of courage lies,

upon his eternal bed,

as the twenty-one gun salute

rings above their heads.

The unforeseen explosion,

took his life away.

Fighting for his country;

his life he did pay.

The war was almost over.

His term was almost done.

He would soon return home

for his country had won.

But in the darkened silence,

one calm and peaceful night,

a dreadful knock at the door

said he had died in flight.

Another purple heart,
received twice before,

symbolized his bravery

and dedication to the war.

It’s time to say good-bye;

in his bed he must stay.

They fold the flag of courage

and take him away.

Shout out to my teacher friends!!!

Wow!  It's hard to believe school will start next week for most of my friends.  And the fact that I will not be joining them has started to sink in...
I've started to reflect a lot on the last several years of my teaching career.  I love working with children; teaching them about community, caring for others, reaching out to others, coming together as a team.
It really doesn't seem possible that SIX years have passed since I found myself in a room full of fifth graders, rapping our new RESPECT lyrics to the tune of Vanilla Ice!
So many things have changed in education since then.  The daily demands and expectations of teachers continues to rise. We look for ways to "teach our children all about life" in a world where standards and testing has taken over.  We hope to inspire our children to love, to hope, to dream, to believe in themselves, to enjoy life and the beauty around them...yet we let tests determine their worth, their passing on to the next grade level, and ask them to rigorously work at home after school.
But as I continue to look back on my years, one thing I know has stayed the same, and that is this: "children continue to teach us what life is all about"; they work hard, they spend each day with sometimes 30 or more peers, and they get along!, they have hopes and dreams, and they find ways to enjoy what they love, even when there isn't a lot of time.  They trust us...with their secrets, to be there for them, to support them, to teach them, to lead them, and they look up to us.  THAT is what I will miss.
To my many teacher friends out there, I wish you a happy new year!  I hope it is filled with joy and laughter, a-ha moments, friendships, and more.  Thank you for all you do to "teach our children about life"!

Much love to you all~

Enjoying this lovely weather!

Spent a lovely day yesterday with my girl, my hubby, my parents, my grandpa, and cousins we rarely get to see!

I'm thankful that Caylee loves to run around with me.  We spent the day hopping from shop to shop, enjoying each place, the lovely weather, and our time together before stopping by to see Chad and "Big Ben", the office tarantula...dun, dun, dun!!!! 

It got a little crazy towards the end of the visit, but all was well and it was nice to see the hubby (especially since he's been working A LOT lately)!

Then it was time for dinner with my parents, grandpa, and cousins we don't get to see that often.

It's always a pleasure to visit with grandpa and to share with him the exciting adventures I am taking on with Flowers on Footprints!  His continued support has made so many things possible and I am very thankful for that.

Hoping you get outside to enjoy this beautiful weather we're having!  :-)

Is this REALLY happening?!?

A few months ago, while participating in the Indy's Child Family Fair, I had the opportunity to learn about Bongo Boy Music School and Recreational Center.  

Since then, I have participated in their community drum circle, which I highly recommend!  And last night, spent some time in their recording studio working to create an audio recording of my book!!!  

I am extremely impressed with the staff of Bongo Boy, their willingness to work with me, and their patience as I work to step outside of my comfort zone.

Seriously can't believe I'm REALLY doing this!  And can't wait to share more in the coming weeks!!! :-)

Feeling OVERJOYED!!!

Yesterday, I was so excited to open a letter in the mail from the Indiana State Museum accepting  me as a vendor into "Handmade Indiana"!!!  The event is being held at the Indiana State Museum, Saturday, November 2nd from 10-5 and will feature handcrafted items from artisans all over Indiana.
There's a short blurb about it here. I will share more as the event date gets closer and I get more information!


As each day passes, I just can't believe the unbelievable opportunities God is laying on my path.  I am so thankful and today, feel overjoyed!  It's hard to believe, still, that just a few short years ago I was dreaming of such great things and with a little strength, a lot of grace, and after facing several fears, I am here...living a life that I love and sharing that love with others!

The same is waiting for you...find the courage, take a chance, live your dreams <3

I'll be sharing another dream come true tomorrow ;-)

Peace and love to you all~

I just love the lake!

We had a great time at the lake on Saturday!  Spent some time playing in the water, relaxing with friends, and enjoying the time away.  I love going to the lake, it's like a mini-vacation!

It was so hot, we ended up blowing a tire on the way home :-/  But Chad managed to change it quickly and we were back on our way in no time!

Looking forward to more days like this in the coming weeks :-)