The Men In My Family Have Taught Me What Monumental Mornings Are
The men in my family taught me what I should look for in a partner.
Monumental (adj.): outstanding, very great. This word perfectly describes the men in my life. My brothers and Dad have done anything in their power to make sure I have what I need. They have been my protectors and support system. I now look for characteristics that they have when looking for a significant other. The men in my life have become that monument of what I think a man should be.
Jerren Morning is the most empathetic one. He is able to understand any situation and exactly know how someone is feeling. I can remember a specific time when telling him about a situation I was having with a boy. He was able to empathize with me on how I was feeling, but he was also able to explain to me why the boy at the time was doing certain actions. He has always been able to guide me through situations in the most non-judgmental way.
His way of rationalizing is so level headed it could turn the most hot-headed person around. Jerren is the person who is able to pick me up after I have fallen, make me laugh, and encourage me to try again. However, he will also not have not held back his immediate laugh. Jerren is the brother with the heart of gold, and he doesn't even try.
My oldest brother, Jeffery II , is my protector. He is the one who has always made sure I was safe. Jeffery has always put our family first. I know that when I need something and don't have the resources to get it myself, Jeffery will make it happen. He has always protected me from anything. Jeffery II is the "Monumental Morning", who has protected and encouraged my education. No matter what mistakes I have made academically throughout my college journey, he has always supported my continuation.
He has been my role model academically; he has not once given up he has relentlessly sought an education. He may joke, saying, "it's about time I graduate." However, I have always known he wants what's best for me and endless opportunities that an education can bring. When I started my blog, he was so encouraging about finally starting my dream after being scared of not succeeding; it made me feel like I had conquered my fears. The praise from him made me feel like I was doing what I had needed to do all along.
Now for the biggest "Monumental Morning", Jeffery Morning I. My dad is the most outstanding man, not because I am a daddy's girl but because he has raised the other men in my life I look up to. My father is the hardest working man I know. My brothers and I have never gone without. My father taught us that hard work pays off.
I can remember growing up and watching my brothers have to work on cars, cut grass, and help out around the house however he saw fit before playing with their friends. My father has always told us what was expected out of us as children, which made it easier than trying to do what we thought needed to be done. This has taught all of us how to do what needs to be done and also to do it the right way the first time so that you aren't spending more time redoing it.
These men are more than just emphatic, protectors, and hard workers to me; they have shaped me to be the woman that I am today. They have given me great insight on what a man should be. Along the way they treated me as a man should, so that I won't settle for anything less. Jerren, Jeffery II, and Jeffery Morning are the most outstanding men I have ever met. They are the "Monumental Mornings".
Part of our outdoor holiday display.Allie Slagter
Tinsel Moose!Allie Slagter
Our Christmas tree in 2016 (aka we've only gotten more ornaments). Allie Slagter
Grinch cookies on the left and sugar cookies on the right.Allie Slagter 
Chocolate cake pops I made for school senior year. Allie Slagter
Cutout and decorated brownies instead of cookies. Since no one in my family is a huge sugar cookie fan, when I saw this on Pinterest I knew we had to try it. Allie Slagter
The gifts I wrapped last year. I took a lot of pictures…and told everyone to appreciate the wrapping before tearing in. Allie Slagter
My brother and I last year; it really captures our relationship. Allie Slagter
Me in my natural element…and what happens when my brother takes the camera and says he needs to get all the angles. Allie Slagter
Merry Christmas everyone!Allie Slagter
