My First, Because He's 26 Today!

Yep, my first post. That's how special my Brother Jon is to me! He's 26! And I'm older than that! Mann, time has flown by! 

Even though he is my little brother, he has always taken care of us girls in the family like he was my older brother. Ever so protective, always looking out for us. (remember Fiesta Mall) (still sorry nea) At times he went to great lengths to make sure we were safe from loser boys. 

My brother is Hilarious! I remember getting a call on my cell one night (10+ yrs ago) and finding out Jon had dislocated his shoulder during football practice. I was so scared to see him hurt but headed straight to the hospital. I went back to his room in the ER, and he was in an immense amount of pain, but, it took all of about 2 minutes for me to be laughing with everyone else in the room at all of the HILARIOUS things he was saying. Only Jon!  I can't think of a time growing up that Jon didn't have a sense of humor about him. When he was learning to tie his shoes, he wore 2 different color converse sneakers, just to be funny, and sure, somewhat of a trend setter. I always look forward to being with Jon because I know I'll laugh. 

Jon has a very serious side to him as well. One that he and our family hold with great importance. My brother is a U.S. Army Sergeant. He has dedicated over five years in the Military. It has been an amazing and sometimes scary (especially for my mom) time in our lives. He is based out of Denver, CO and is a Signal Support System Specialist. I was able to fly with most of our family to his promotion ceremony. I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude for each solider there. There for each other, there for me. The courage to be there. I'm so very proud of my brother. My Soldier, My Hero. 

Jon recently decided to add Photography to his long list of accomplishments. And on top of that has designed his own website to showcase his photos. He has such beautiful surroundings in Colorado, and captures them perfectly. He has inspired us enough to go and buy our own SLR but my pictures are nothing to compare!

My brother has always been a teacher to himself. As kids he would always be asked to fix our family computer. That knowledge has landed him some awesome jobs. Currently he is working as a Network Engineer. He sends us "before" and "after" photos of the job sites he is sent to around the U.S. He called earlier this week so we could chat before they send him to a site in Ohio. The kids heard the message and excitedly yelled to me in the shower "Uncle Jon is coming!!" Come to find out if he was visiting he would fly into PHOENIX. They weren't as excited to hear it was Ohio State. 

Each time Jon visits he is always willing to work! And for some reason we always have projects that need working on!  At our old house I was pregnant with Zack and past the HOA's time allowed to get our front yard in. We had lots of rock left to shovel and I wasn't making significant progress, if you know what I mean?! Well Jon was in town from Flagstaff, and he and his bud Gene, got up EARLY and finished with all the rock before I woke up. And were already onto playing Xbox! 

Jon has always been a gentleman. And has a HUGE heart! He has bought cards and flowers many times for my mom, Jenea', and I. 

He loves every CrAzY minute spent with his nieces and nephews! And bought a webcam to be able to see them more! Which they (the kiddos) adore, partly cause they can see his kitty too! :)

You really are one of the coolest people I know Bud!  I love ya Bobo!  Happy 25th, I mean 26th (hehe)!