Dedication...hardwork...may begin to pay off!

Everyone has their own personal definition of dedication, of hard work, of never giving up! From the time I was young I saw my parents working at times several jobs at once to provide for our growing family, dad was going to school at night to become a firefighter, and mom was working and taking care of her family. Taking care of a family is a HUGE job, I see that more now as I am in my 30's and have my own children to care for, to provide for. Becoming a parent made me no longer selfish which is a wonderful thing and always thinking of Scarlett Rae, Kellan Gilmore and Violet Millie first and foremost. I love their names, we picked each name, each name has special meaning. They are names my children I hope will be proud to grow into, tonight as I was doing the jammies and diaper changing thing I looked at each one and realized they resemble their beautiful names. My Scarlett Rae is dainty yet strong, the Rae after Jason's grandfather who was so strong and also named after my bestfriend Michelle "RAE" who is a rare gem. A diamond in the ruff type of person, with a heart of gold, and a determination I hope to have someday. Kellan Gilmore, Gilmore after my maternal grandfather who always went by "Gil" and who was hilarious, sadly he passed when I was young but I have wonderful memories of him. Finally my Violet Millie, Millie for my beloved grammy who passed several years ago as well, she was dainty, quiet, yet HILARIOUS when the time was right. She could light up a room with her smile, I remember her smell, her soft skin and how safe and loved she made me feel up until the day she went to heaven, I still feel her love and warmth around me. We also named Violet for Jason's grandma who is also named Mildred. She is kind and warm and the sweetest women, very wise and has a memory like no other!! It seems I have digressed as I always do... My dedication began way before I joined my beloved Air Force BUT it got stronger when I became an Airman, I had/have a sense of accomplishment to this day and although I am honorably discharged I still salute the flag with emotion and gratitude, gratitude for my freedom, and for those before me and those who will come after me. I at times worry this generation of younger kids do not have a strong sense of what dedication and hardwork are!!! It means WORKING, doing your personal best and finally NEVER giving up. For the better part of 15 years I have worked for myself, my family and finally my country. I still work for my country but it seems that maybe, just maybe my hardwork is going to provide a FANTASTIC job in Florida for me, for my family. This will allow me to give my family more, to start saving more for my kids college funds, and to well spoil the heck out of them! :) All parents love to do that!!! My dedication to myself, my family and my job are paying off due to my hardwork, on August 7th I will accept my final award from the 14th Air Force General who selected ME as civilian of the year. This my friends is huge, an honor above all else, and I am humbled without a doubt and am so proud to show my parents that they raised a well rounded women who is not only able to sustain a career but be a pretty fantastic mommy too! My kids are happy and healthy, they love me, so heck I must be doing something right perhaps! I will close my friends.. Remember, you can never have too much dedication, hardwork, and passion! Blessings and love always~