Memorial Day

My father, Aaron Sr., and both brothers, Aaron Jr. and Ahmond, all proudly served in the US Army.

Aaron Jr. is still serving active duty.

For most of us, Memorial Day is a time for cook-outs, sales, beach trips, baseball games, or a day off from work (which obviously aren't bad things).

But, for many others, it's a day to remember and mourn those family members or close friends who died in an attempt to make our lives and the lives of others in the world better.

I am aware that everyone who reads this blog is going to have their own opinions and views (personal or political) regarding the wars in which we are currently fighting and the state of our own nation. Regardless of the differences we may have, I would like to share a few things:

I am so appreciative of what the military men and women, past and present, have done and are doing for the nations of this world. Despite what many people believe, not everyone who signs up for the military do so because they want to fight in a war, so it takes an enormous amount of strength, selflessness, and bravery to leave family, friends, children, etc. behind and risk their lives for a cause they may or may not believe in. Could we do that?

I am deeply saddened for those families who have not seen their precious husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers for years, all of whom wonder everyday when they will get to come home. Will they ever be the same when they return?

It breaks my heart to hear stories of such young, vibrant, giving, intelligent, and successful soldiers (PEOPLE, FAMILY, FRIENDS) whose lives have been cut short. Do you ever wonder how could we have benefited from these amazing people in years to come if they had survived?

Aaron and his two daughters, Alyssa and Amaya.

Trey is his oldest son (he didn't quite make the picture)

My brother, Major Aaron Thomas Hill, Jr., will be leaving for Afghanistan this Friday. He is an amazing U.S. Army officer who is proud and willing to serve his country to the best of his ability. My family and I cannot express in words how proud we are of him and all of his successes: West Point grad, West Point professor, funny father of 3 awesome children, loving husband, hilarious brother and son...the list goes on. While I don't want him to leave, I have accepted the fact that it is his time to go, and I will support HIM, his fellow SOLDIERS and their EFFORTS for as long as these wars last. While I am unable to support the total cause of our presence in particular places, I will always support our troops and their duties.

Please keep my brother (all soldiers) and my family (all effected families) in your thoughts and prayers. We would so greatly appreciate it!

Aaron, I love you so much and I will miss you for the time that you're gone. Please be careful, and know that you're in my prayers!

Aaron is singing in his famous "Blessed Union of Souls" voice as we dance at my wedding (hence my lovely face).

He never fails to make me laugh!

la vita è bella

Shawn and I received word last week that his grandfather, a.k.a. Gramps, was not doing well, so we decided to make the trip to Rock Hill, South Carolina to lift his spirits!

Gramps is Shawn's only living grandparent, and I can't say that I know what that feels like. I am very blessed to have both of my Grandmothers and one of my Grandfathers alive and well. While I don't get to see them often (they all live in PA), it makes me happy and appreciative that they are still here with me and for me.

I have only been around Gramps a few times since knowing Shawn: I met him briefly when we were still dating, he graced us with his presence at our wedding, and we celebrated his 90th birthday last year! Every time I've been with Gramps, I've never had the opportunity to get to know who my new grandfather was because we were surrounded by so many other family members. Shawn has always spoken so highly and sincerely about his Grandfather and Grandmother (who passed away several years ago), so we were really looking forward to spending some "alone" time with him.

Gramps, Shawn & Alisha Stratton

I was so amazed by how alert, knowledgable, and sharp he was! Gramps was very tuned in to current events, he was an active listener, and he responded in a manner in which you knew he was listening. I don't know about you, but it feels good to know that someone has a genuine interest in what you have to say. Far too often do we get that blank stare & nod from people who "hear" you, but don't really "listen" to you. (And yes, there is a huge difference!) Gramps really enjoyed hearing about what Shawn and I were up to, and we also enjoyed hearing about his past successes: serving in 3 different military branches, meeting our Grandmother, travels, life mottos - "I don't like to live in the past. I only want to live in today's life. When today is over, tomorrow will come, and then I try to make it through tomorrow."

After talking and laughing and learning, we played a couple of card games: Skip Bo, one of Gramps' favorites, and Golf, a Stratton family favorite. Gramps won in Skip Bo, and Shawn won in Golf (by pure luck might I add!). After we played cards, we headed downstairs to eat brunch in the dining room.

Shawn & Gramps celebrating their victories.

Me & Gramps posing after my devastating loss.

While we had a great time eating together, there was still a very gloomy feeling in the room. It broke our hearts seeing some of the elderly who had no one to dine with, or who forced themselves to dine with someone because their "special someone" was no longer with them. I realized that life is so beautiful for Shawn and me because we have each other to share it with. But for those who have no one, does life have its beauty anymore?

It was so hard to say goodbye to Gramps because we wondered about how lonely his life must be now without Gram in it. Of course he has children and grandchildren who visit him as often as possible, but we're sure his heart and his life is still with Gram.

Shawn and I began this trip hoping to benefit Gramps and his health, but we left our visit feeling that Gramps had actually benefited us. This trip also made me realize how important our families are. They are one of the reasons that we live, and we take them for granted so much.

We love you Gramps, Nana Hill, Nana Fourhman, Pap & Dee!!

Gramps' window garden...a reminder that la vita è bella

Baseball, baseball, and more baseball!

Spring for some people means beautiful weather, colorful flowers, green grass (unless you're in a drought), picnics at the park, pollen-filled faces...

unless you're married to Shawn Stratton!

Spring takes on a whole new meaning for me and my husband - a meaning that I have grown to love (well, sort of)...

BASEBALL!

Shawn is an incredible baseball player. I know it's typical to "boast" a little about your family, but I'm telling you, he is amazing. Why he isn't playing Major League Baseball is beyond me. We are determined to get him back into shape so that he can tryout in the future because I really want him to go after his dreams (which is something we should all do). Anyways...

Shawn co-coached the Miller Grove Varsity baseball team this year, which was a very tedious, time-consuming season. He took on a team with a losing record from the previous season (they may have won 6 or less games out of many) and helped tranform them into a strong, victorious team. Shawn and the Wolverines ended their season with 17 wins and almost made it to the playoffs. Unfortunately, they are in a very competitive district and they were a couple of wins short of tasting their first playoff game. Shawn is an incredible coach, and the players and coaches learned a lot from his experience as he did from theirs. Hopefully they will continue on this "victory" path after Shawn leaves them. Several of his players received some pretty impressive awards at the Dekalb County Baseball banquet, and Shawn has certainly grown a lot through his experiences with these young men.

Just because Shawn's high school season is over doesn't mean that baseball is over for us. We...or I should say Shawn (I'm just in the room)...have "ESPN Sportscenter" or "Baseball Tonight" continuously playing on our tv. How many times can you watch the same highlights until they get old?! Not only do I get to share in the joy of viewing baseball everyday on la tele, but Shawn also plays baseball on an Atlanta Hispanic league, so I am basically his cheerleader "to-go." But wait...there's more! Shawn and I both joined a co-ed softball league this summer (if you can't beat 'em, join 'em I guess) and we are playing in our first game this Wednesday night! I will let you know how the game went, if I am still able to think and type afterwards. Wish me luck!

While I have to admit that I'm a little baseball-ed out, it's so much fun to learn about and get involved in my husband's interests. We both have a great time and grow as a couple in tremendous ways because of the time we spend together. Now if only I can get him into shopping :^)

Despite my complaints every now and then, I must admit that baseball certainly has its perks...

...the Atlanta Braves!

Let's hope for a better season this year.

Look for us on TV because we will definitely be at many this summer!

Happy Mommy's Day!

A day late, I know, but Happy Mother's Day to all of our friends and family who are blessed enough to be Mothers (or soon-to-be Mothers).

My mom, who I absolutely adore and model myself after, is so thoughtful and sweet...as she made a very subtle hint(s) by sending me TWO Mother's Day cards. Did she receive some new information before me?! I was a bit surprised to know that I was expecting :^) Shawn and I are so excited to start a family, especially after seeing how much joy parenthood brings to our friends and family, but we know it will happen according to God's plan. My mom, however, has been chatting with God via e-mail I guess, trying to convince Him to make a little Stratton appear sooner than later. You laugh, but I'm telling you that she probably knows my cycle calendar better than I do - haha - and now I realize I am probably telling everyone much more than they want to know...or imagine. Sorry! Mommy, I love you so much!! Thanks for the very beautiful and thoughtful cards!!

Shawn and I traveled to Greenwood, SC this past weekend to visit Mom and Dad Stratton. My mother-in-law not only celebrated Mother's Day yesterday, but also her 59th birthday! We had a really nice time together...shopping, dining, card playing, and baseball watching.

We unfortunately returned home to some missing plants and broken St. Maarten windchimes (after hitting random Atlanta traffic) because of the horrible storms and wind, but we were truly blessed compared to many others across the coast.

I hope everyone had a memorable weekend celebrating Motherhood

Mom, we'll be in touch about babies - LOL!