Rooted in Trefoil to Rooted in Sand

**SPOILER ALERT** (Hopefully I do not give too much away) "In India, over 80,000 children go missing each year and there are over 11 million children living on the streets." After watching Lion, I literally cannot imagine living on the streets of India. Being lost for over 25years. If you have not seen Lion, I highly suggest it. A movie that touches on the feeling of not just actually being lost, but missing that part of you. I don't remember anything about India. I'm as American as I can possibly be, but some are not as lucky. As the movie portrays the real-life journey of Saroo(Sheru) Brierley and him being lost, adopted, lost, and finally searching for his old life; you can't help but feel every bit of sadness and uncertainty as the movie moves along. Its themes are universal. Everyone has a home, and everyone feels connected to it, no matter how far they travel. I too have felt that lost feeling from time to time in my life. The 'what ifs'. I&

How do I look my husband in the eye, and tell him “it’s ok if you want to deploy?”? Of course, I support my husband in all his endeavors, but lets back up 6yrs before I knew him. I watched a lot of my classmates enter into the military upon graduation. You could say my freshman year of high school was quite impactful in many of my friends decisions. 9/11 happened. It changed everything for us. The way we got out of bed every morning, weary of another attack. I knew older classmates that changed their college bound plans, to make the ultimate sacrifice. I’ve been blessed to be able to see them return to their families, and live out their future. Fast forward to meeting Tyler A. Schmidt and falling head over heels so fast, jumping straight into a long distance relationship for 10months, and then packing everything up to move in and start a life. I knew Tyler had previously deployed and while we were long distance, he was finishing up his service term……but I guess, you never really a

Well tomorrow is inauguration day for our 45th president and I stand with so many people who have concerns and doubts of this incoming administration; but are hopeful for the best and those are my thoughts on the incoming administration. Let's be real, we're replacing an eloquent man with a crass, women-objectifying man that speaks before he thinks and tweets too much. Cest la' vie for four years. I hope we don't run our country into the ground. MOVING ON.....

Welcome back to a new beginning!! Tyler and I arrived home on Sunday around 10:30p. Not too shabby after a turbulent flight. I ended up falling asleep on the way home (figures). Let me just say 'thank you' to everyone I saw, spent time with, etc. It was so wonderful to see each of you! The hospitality that was shown towards Tyler and I was unbelievable. Maryland is truly home for me and it's always wonderful coming home. We had a whirlwind of a trip and you can see it all over my Instagram page...but I'll just post a smattering of photos here too. Enjoy. Headed home to MD.....Giant ornaments at Indy Airport