My Personal Childhood Web

1. Mother, Debbie - My mother has been a major influence in my life in so many ways. She has taught me what it means to truly love, show compassion, and how to live "the golden rule". I admire her so much. She has taught me how to persevere and has always been my rock, the wind beneath my wings when I feel as though I can't fly anymore. I have learned from her how to love unconditionally and how to forgive easily, but also how to stand up for myself and be my own person. She has, and still does, make me feel that I can do anything - that I am smart and beautiful. She has always supported me in any of the paths I choose, knowing and trusting that I am making the right choices.

(Mother's Day 2013)

 2. Maternal Grandmother, Katherine - My grandmother, who passed away a few years ago, was like a second mother to me. We lived as a family with her in the same house for most of my life until she passed away. She was always loving to my sisters and I, always showing us how to do the simple things in life. I enjoyed helping her clean, bake, hang the laundry on the line, and loved sitting on the front porch with her just listening to the sounds of a warm summer day. She taught me to always believe in myself, that I could do whatever I wanted as long as I put my mind to it; that I am smart and beautiful on the inside and out. She would always say, "Pretty is, as pretty does." She always supported my career choice and wanted to see me graduate and become a teacher. She passed away in the September before my May graduation.

(My 21st Birthday April 2009)

 3. Father, Gary - My dad has always supported my decisions to become a teacher. On my graduation day, he told me how proud he was and how I am the "feather in his cap". It meant a lot to me. I have always wanted to make him proud, being his first daughter. When I was a child, he always took the time to teach me and show me how to do the handy work things that need to be done around the house. The first thing I remember him teaching me was how to bake brownies. Then, which tool was a "Phillips head" or a "flat head". As I got older he taught me how to change the oil in my car. He still does teach me, quite often. In the two times that my husband and I have moved and bought new homes, he has been right there beside me, helping, showing me how to change this, do that... even simple things like nailing something into the wall. My dad also taught me that when you start something, you finish it. You don't give up just because it becomes difficult or a little too much to handle. He taught me to never be a quitter. If at one point you wanted to do it, you should finish it.

(My Wedding Day, July 31, 2011)

4. Cousin Jana - My cousin Jana has been an important role model in my life, since I was a kid. She babysat me, included me in events, helped me, and spent time with me. When I was younger, she was going to school to become a teacher. Once she got a job, I would help her set up her classroom. She always involved me in her career. Over the years she has taught me how to be a professional. I admire her for the fact that she is always striving to make herself better. She is currently going for her Doctorate. I also love that she cares about my career and pushing me to become better professionally.

(Not sure when this was taken?! I was about 13 or 14 yrs old)

5. Husband Ben - My husband Ben has been a major part of my life since I was 17. We met when I was a senior in high school. He has always supported my career choice and has been so completely understanding about the work load and what it is like to be a teacher in a title one Elementary School. When he hears others bashing my position, talking about how "easy" it is, or how "little work" I have to do, or how I have "summers off", he is right there, defending me and explaining what he sees and what it's like to live with a teacher. :) I appreciate him so much for that. His support and understanding means the world to me. In the years I've known him, he has always helped me strive to better myself and do what I love. He has also taught me how to stand up for myself, and find my voice. He makes me better, and for that I am thankful.

(Our Honeymoon in Jamaica, July/August 2011)

6. Sisters Megan and Jenna - Both of my sisters impacted my childhood in so many positive ways. Megan and I, you could say, have very different personalities. While I tend to keep my thoughts inside, she tends to express hers. She has also taught me how to stand my ground and defend myself, instead of letting others treat me distastefully. She has much tougher "skin" than I do, and she can easily let things go. I admire her for that. She has always supported me and loved me no matter what. She has also always accepted me for who I am. Otherwise known as, "Momma Cait". :) My sister Jenna and I are a lot a like in many ways. We tend take things very personally and can be very emotional. Jenna has always been loving towards me. She has always accepted me for who I am and supports my choices, if I think it's what's best.

(Jenna on the far left, then Megan, then me - Valentine's Dinner, 2013)