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Birth
I was born in Cleveland ,Ohio. My parents were both teenagers. -
First stitches
Fell off of a bed when I was 8 months old and cut my nose: 4 stitches. Still have the scar! (I'm still saying "no, I never had a nose ring!) -
Got meningitis
I was admitted to the hospital for 7 days. -
First day of pre-school
I was so nervous. I actually remember that! -
Got chicken pox
I had to stay with my grandmother for a week. I didn't realize then that not only had my father never had chicken pox, but my mother was 9 months pregnant! -
Became a big sister
I had no idea it would happen again 9 more times! -
3rd grade Christmas pageant
I learned "Oh Christmas tree" in German. (Oh tannenbaum) -
Parents bought a house
There were five kids by this time. We moved from a 2-bedroom apartment in inner city Cleveland to a house in the suburbs. Culture shock. -
Started a new school
This was not an enjoyable experience for me. Kids can be cruel. -
Started middle school
I know my parents did the best that they could with what they had, but kids are still really cruel. This time period marks the beginning of four years I wish I could forget. -
Got mono
I have no idea how this happened. Never been kissed, but those were definitely the sickest two weeks of my life! -
Started high school
Still not fitting in. My freshman year was challenging, at best. -
Isolation
At this point, I've decided to stay away from all social areas in my high school. I'm now eating lunch in a bathroom stall (seriously). -
Dropped out of school
I've decided I can't take the torture at school anymore. I'd rather stay home and babysit. -
Moved to Georgia
What I thought was simply a family vacation was, at that point, the best thing to ever happen to me. My depression was obvious to everyone, so my aunt suggested that maybe a change of scenery would help. Boy was she right! -
Starting a new life in a new place
My aunt 's and uncle's parenting styles were very different from my parents. I now had a best friend, my first boyfriend, and most importantly, confidence. -
Going home again
I was going to Cleveland to visit my family for the summer. Didn't know then that Georgia was a thing of the past. -
Back to my old high school
Things were so different. I was a senior, I had a job and my own money. I was confident. I felt untouchable. -
Senior prom
Went with the guy who would be my first love and boyfriend for the next two years. -
High school Graduation!
This date is etched in my mind forever. After years of bullying, contemplating suicide and depression, I finally made it! -
I'm an adult! (legally, anway)
By this point, I've gone from confident to full of myself. -
Moved out
I moved out of my parents house and in with my grandmother because I thought I was too old for a curfew. Big mistake. -
Kicked out of grandma's house
My mother and grandmother are not very close. It took me two years to figure out why they always bump heads. They act just alike! -
My first place
This was the beginning of a downward spiral for me. Broke up with a really good guy because I wanted to party, Lost about twenty pounds unintentionally because all I ate was a $.99 bag of ruffles and a honey bun everyday for a whole year. Went through about ten jobs as well. -
In the army now
I will never forget. I went through all my pockets looking for spare change. When I scraped together $1.25, I caught the bus to the recruiting station and told them to send me anywhere but where I was. -
The day I met my future husband
I had just arrived at my first permanent duty station in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Ten years later, I ask myself, how did I get here? He was so obnoxious back then! -
Got married!
We got married in Oklahoma. We had two witnesses, that's it. If my parents had been there, it would have been a shotgun wedding. I was 8 months pregnant. -
The day I became a mom
I'm tearing up thinking about it now: Aaron Carlisle Jr.-8lbs., 5oz. born at 12:41 am (central time). -
End of Enlistment
I didn't realize how much I would miss the army until I was done with it. -
Became a licensed practical nurse
So much happened during this time. We moved back to Cleveland, I graduated from practical nursing school, and I was five months pregnant. -
We welcomed "the princess"
Sydnee Nicole Carlisle-7lbs., 4oz. Here we go! -
I'm pregnant-again.
Another date etched into my brain. A.J. was 2 years old, Sydnee was 6 months old, and we discovered I was pregnant. That was unexpected. -
Birth of my second son, family now complete!
Aiden Jacob Carlisle- 7lbs., 12 oz. -
Moved to Michigan
New place, no family. That was a little scary. -
Marital separation
I never expected to be a single mom. -
Moved back to Cleveland
As a newly single parent, I really needed the support of my family. -
Marital reconciliation!
Best decision I ever made. I've never been happier! -
Moved back to Michigan
Everyone's on the same page. Family first. -
Back to school
After home was situated, I decided to do something for me. -
Accepted to Schoolcraft's Nursing Program
With 3 kids, and a 36 hour a week job, this has not been an easy endeavor. But with the help of my husband and a lot of prayer, I know I can do it!
