Chasing dreams

The Leingang's have been up to a lot in the last couple years... when this image above was taken, I had just upgraded my camera, and was practicing everyday. Thousands of images have been held hostage on my hard drives. Back then I was learning how to just use a camera- with so many being thrown out like this one. See how our dog Lexi is just messing up this perfect image?! UGH! I remember being frustrated then, because these three little people were supposed to be my focus. But today as I searched and found this image I realized a moment I can't get back was captured. My kiddos. All in their dream job of the moment costumes.... and that leads me to the topic of the day. Dreams. That place where your heart aches to achieve. Where there is a goal that looks unattainable.

My dream was hidden from everyone for so long. I looked to the outside world just like a paparazzi Mom. And I was that. My goal has always been to cling onto this ride of parenting. To capture all the feels that is my family. To stamp down all the adventures James and I take. That man and I, we love adventuring. He is the planner. The one who brings alllll the gear. I am the free spirit and all I bring is my camera, a hair tie, and a big ol' smile. When my love and passion extended past just capturing our life, and into the world of business, there wasn't a minute that James didn't whole heartedly support me. He didn't just give me a nod of approval, he bought me a lens. He upgraded my camera again. He bought me more lenses. Then he paid for all my classes. He cringed on the inside. But you know what? He didn't ever dampen my dream. He fanned the fire. If you want tips on how to be a supportive spouse. Ask him. He has all my votes for the sweetest ever. I can't even tell you how many times he posed for me, I somehow missed how ridiculously sweet he was being to do that. I promise he would never joyfully walk the red carpet- but for me- I realized he would do anything.

When I first meet James and heard his story, I was so in awe of how this man chased his dream ever since he was just a boy. He knew from the time he was little that he wanted to be a police officer. So as soon as he turned 18, he signed up for the Army. He was destined to do all he could to make it happen! You can't actually become a police officer until you're 21, so going into the Army would get him some qualifications for achieving his goal. Off to the Army he went. His military career was top notch. I would tell you the details but it's not my story to tell ;)

He worked hard. He got out of the Army and applied for policing jobs. It didn't happen. One road block after another stopped his progress... but just like we say as our household motto, "Leingang's never give up." He didn't. He finished his bachelors degree in criminal justice. He applied for more agencies. He still didn't get the job.

So when I entered his world he was 27. We were both working out at Energy Northwest as security officers. As we both struggled through our toughest times individually, but we both saw so much we admired in each other. I knew I could depend on him. I knew he would be an incredible father, husband and friend. We both found a deep love for Jesus as we went through our toughest times. The Lord changed our whole world. We had a new vision for our lives. We adventured. We got married. We had these three little crazies. We settled into a beautiful routine of working 4- 10's. Adventuring on our three day weekends. Living a fast and furious pace of life. And then one day there was an intervention. His younger, less handsome brother, ;))) (Jack is his identical twin), welcome to the family jokes, asked if we could pray together. And for the first time James just saw the word "police" in his minds eye as we were praying. Out of no where. It was crazy. I choose to ignore it. James pursued it. Full steam. Man I like him so much, but this was the one time I was hoping he'd maybe just chill. He didn't. He went and took his physical agility test, applied for four different agencies, and waited.

For the first half of the journey, I am embarrassed to say, I was less than supportive. I went mute. I liked my comfortable little life. But then God showed up and made it so clear. So here is my public apology for forgetting what you have shown me my love, that Leingang's never give up, that when you are called to something~ you lace up your fastest running shoes and go for it, and that God's plan is always right.

James has recently been offered a job with Benton County Sheriffs Office! He leaves for the academy in June!! I am so proud of his faith in stepping out into what God has asked him to do!! I know that he is giving up his comfortable life too. He will put his life on the line. But that is the kind of man he is. He has always just wanted to help others. He's fiercely protective, quick to action, wise in seeing situations clearly. He was made for this profession for sure! There is no one I would trust more in any given situation. I am looking forward to seeing you in your new uniform sir ;) BCSD will for sure look good on you!

Here are some images that were taken along our journey to this point... you sure make my world full of love, laughter, being on time (a thing of the past), dance parties, fishingggg, and so much more.

I am more than thankful for you. I am at half strength without you. You are my source of fuel. These little people have the most admirable, respectable, and loving Dad as their example. Gosh I am so over the moon blessed by you. You are the one who is able to make me step out even when I am scared. I'd even hang off of a cliff as long as you tied the rope and hang on to it. That has to mean something... ;) Here's to our next adventure! I can't wait to see how God uses you!