What a huge day for our military, and our country. Almost a decade later and Osama is dead. I can only imagine how validating and wonderful this must feel for our troops who have been fighting for our freedom since that day, or for any mother, father, brother, sister, husband, wife, child that either lost a loved one on September 11th, or while fighting. I never realized how I would be affected, but when the special report came on last night as I was just settling in to go to bed, I nearly cried. I must have shouted a little too loudly as Watson was freaked out by my reaction. But this is huge...yes, Osama may not be the leader or have as big a part in the taliban today as he did ten years ago, but he is still the reason they started. And yes, from Osama, there has been an army of people that will continue with terrorism, but as I think back to that day where so many innocent people lost their lives I can't help but know this is a victory for our troops. To those men and women who so selflessly put their lives on the line every day, thank you. To those that have left their families behind, missed so many things in their own families lives to fight for my freedom, our freedom, thank you. To those that have lost limbs, thank you. To those that have sacrificed their life so that I could continue to live mine, thank you. I know that this isn't over, and we have a long way to go. But I will not forget or deny what has been done to keep our country safe. Because of this war, how many other terrorist attempts have been stopped. And I hope this renews our military's and country's faith in what makes the US so special. It's immensely humbling to sit back and think of all that has been given and sacrificed to keep our country safe from terrorism since that terrible day, and I hope people can see that message and continue to carry that in support of our troops.
This has all been another reminder to me how lucky I am. And have been trying hard to find a way to give back and feel like I, even in some small way, might make a difference. And trying not to dwell on the little things. Because in the big picture they are little things. I find myself much happier reminding myself it's ok that I have to get up for work on a day that I may not want to, because I have a job, and I am physically able to go work at a job. I am finding it somewhat easier to brush off the selfishness of others, because I have made the decision to not let that be me. And it is so much easier to see the good in my family and friends, because I am lucky enough to have those family and friends. And I can't say I am perfect. Things still get to me, but I am making a conscience effort to be happy. Because I have my family and friends, I have love, and I have my health. Nothing else really matters.
With this, I decided it was time for me to give back and try to encourage others to see the need for service and donation. Not sure it helped anyone else, but it made me feel better about myself to know that I was giving in support of family and friends that may not have the same luck I feel right now in life.
Monday, April 18th: $20 to the American Cancer Society...for my grandmother who lost her battle with brain cancer. For my Aunt, a breast cancer survivor. For Scott's uncle, fighting his own battle. For my friends mom and my friend, her mom a breast cancer survivor and soon to be fallopian tube cancer survivor. For my friend, so that she won't have to go through the same things. For my friend's mom and my first grade teacher, fighting today. For another friend, a cervical cancer survivor. For a good friends nephew, only 13, just starting his own fight. And for anyone else that has been touched by this disease.
Tuesday, April 19th: $20 to the National MS Society...for all those fighting the invisible diseases. And for the support I received during my own invisible illness.
Wednesday, April 20th: $20 to Chase Away K9 cancer...for Tanner. And everyone that has ever loved or cared for a pet with Cancer.
Thursday, April 21st: $20 to the Alpha Phi Foundation...for cardiac care research for women. I raised money for this foundation for 4 years through college and it wasn't until the last few years that I have really seen the importance. Two girls I went to school with tragically lost their mothers to heart attacks. And a woman I have worked with over the years has struggled with her own heart health. I'm glad I can see the importance of this foundation now.
Friday, April 22nd: $20 to the NephCure foundation, for Scott's cousin's little girl who is bravely battling kidney disease and waiting for her transplant.
There were many more I wanted to give to, and I plan on it. But just these few things helped me realize how good life is...I need to do what I can to make life easier for others, and learn to appreciate more what I have. Again, family and friends, love, health and freedom...important ingredients for happiness.
Hunt it up!
Smell ya' later!
Don't let him fool you, he is a little trouble maker!! 
But they are still both pretty darn cute.
Easter this year was nice and low key, brunch at a restaurant, back to the Eisenreichs to hunt eggs and relax.
Even the pups got into the fun, although Watson is having a tough time keeping up with Stella.
Spring is here and my flowers are planted...this year I am trying a few extra veggies. Here are my tomatoes with my super cute flying pig!
My columbines are doing really well from last year, as well as some grasses, everything else I had to replant. 
Strawberries, cucumbers and snap peas!!
And he is making it easier...
Remembering that little white dog today. 
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