tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44520131007034910822024-03-12T22:43:33.983-05:00Biddle BuzzBritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.comBlogger455125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-26171822931220339132014-08-21T10:21:00.001-05:002014-08-21T10:21:22.440-05:00Changing BlogsIf you are reading this, chances are it is because you are on the list
to receive emails with any new postings. Recently I lost the server that
I was connected to and in return lost www.biddlebuzz.com. For the time
being, this blog is listed as http://biddlebuzz5.blogspot.com/. You are
more than welcome to share this with people you know who enjoy reading
our blog. However, I will have a new blog link soon, as I have decided
to combine both of my blogs and start "fresh". All that I have written
has already been loaded onto the new blog, I am just updating and
working on getting it how I want it before sharing. <br /><br />So, keep an eye out for the new link soon! Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-75377274533510819382014-08-12T14:28:00.001-05:002014-08-12T14:28:24.377-05:00Be Kind and Look Around... My Thoughts on Robin WilliamsWithin the past twenty four hours I have seen so many posts about
Robin Williams' death. I have seen sadness and sympathy. I have seen
breaking hearts as one of the worlds most well known comedians/actors
was consumed with depression and lost the battle. I have seen cynical
attitudes that are full of ugliness. But what gets me the most, are the
hateful comments that are relating suicide to selfishness. I am angered by this suicide only because of how individuals are carrying on in such a negative manner. Have a heart, people!<br />
<br />
Money
may seem like the cure to many people, but guess what folks... It
doesn't buy happiness, it doesn't make life perfect, and it sure as hell
doesn't ease the pain someone feels when battling the evils of
depression and anxiety. Unless or until you have battled depression and
hit bottom, you have no right to judge. Then again, you have no right to
judge anyhow. It is not up to you to place judgement on Mr. Williams or
anyone for that matter. As a person that has hit rock bottom due to
depression, my heart hurts for this man. I mean, it outright aches. Like
many, I was fortunate enough to find something in life that pulled me
out before it was too late. I found my way back and have found more
happiness. Yet, unlike so many out there, he couldn't. I have lost close
friends, veterans, and even spouses/children of wounded vets to
suicide. I have seen own family struggle with the aftermath that suicide
leaves in the days, months and years that follow this action.<br />
<br />
All
I can think is how mental anguish and the hell that Robin Williams must
have felt when he decided he couldn't do it anymore. It's heart
wrenching. When the point of suicide is reached, all grasp on reality is
pretty much lost because that person is so consumed with the evil
thoughts and feelings that depression brings. They can't see a way out.
For years, he had struggled with depression and rehab visits. This
wasn't new. Yet, people want to say "How could someone so funny act in
such a way?" Did you ever stop to think, maybe it was his way of masking
the pain? Like many, finding laughter and humor can be a cure. If it
only cures for that small moment they are in, it was one moment of
happiness. For that, we should be grateful that he had it. Instead of
judging this man, have a heart and think about his family and all that
they are taking on right now. Think about the pain this brings them and
keep them in your prayers. <br /><br />Think about the happiness that Robin
Williams brought to so many in their lives. Whether you have watched his
moves and smiled, cried, or laughed or you have seen him in person, he
has toughed your life. Think about the vets that he has helped while in
combat simply by showing up and bringing some humor to their lives for a
brief moment during a year tour. He possibly made them forget they were
there and for that, they will always be thankful. Think about the
countless children he has selflessly helped and all the awareness/work
he has done for St. Judes. When looking back, there isn't too much that
was selfish, so why now? He lost the war to depression and with that,
maybe we should all become more aware of those around us that are
struggling. He gave more than most have given or would think about
giving. <br /><br />Look around you. You have no idea what those next to you
are going through or what they are having to endure. You have no idea
the hell that exist behind closed doors. Men, women, and children become
pro's at plastering a smile across their face when they walk out their
front door, masking hard times with humor, and becoming preoccupied in
things outside of their home life. Be kind, you never know the battles
that someone is fighting. So, instead of judging, reach out to people.
Be a friend. I've been that person with what felt like no one to turn to
during some real dark days...it's not easy. It only takes one person to
step up and make a difference in someones life, so what if we all
stepped up? Can you imagine the differences we would all make?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family and all that loved Robin.
Thank you, Robin, for bringing sunshine to the lives of many on their
cloudy days. Thank you for making a difference in so many lives.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You can view my post on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittney.biddle/posts/10152583566860907?notif_t=like</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-33800796128641709222014-06-09T01:26:00.003-05:002014-06-09T01:26:51.276-05:00Moving Put Me BehindI have become one of the worst bloggers lately! I hate how I have neglected something I find so therapeutic to me, but what can I say other than life has been so incredibly busy! In March we put our house in Macon on the market, to find ourselves very surprised when just a few days later we had an offer. We had to get our heads together very quickly in order to find a house that would work for the five of us, in a great area, good schools, property for Kevin so he could hopefully adjust and so on. It was not an easy task to say the least, not that finding "the" house ever is, but when you throw in a combat veteran that can't deal with people and is always to himself, it tends to complicate the search a bit. However, we were very fortunate and found close to, the perfect house for us! I cannot begin to express my happiness in this. More to come on that part! The buying part held some trying times, but we managed to come through with negotiations that we were all happy with. The selling part on the other hand was an absolute mess! The buyers for our Macon home were not easy to work with and really had us fired up most of the time. They were terrible when it came to submitting things in a timely manner, would disappear for a week at a time when documents needed to be signed, put us behind with closing a few times, changed their loan not once, but twice after being approved (the last time the day after our original closing date), did not bring certified funds to closing (who does this, y'all?)..instead, they brought cash and had to leave in the middle of closing to get a certified check. There are quite a few banks in the area of the attorney's office we used, hell there is even a Kroger a mile from the office that I know deals with certified checks. This should have taken them 20 minutes and instead took them over an hour and then they came back to closing with food from Wendy's that the buyer felt necessary to set out on the table and prepare then eat IN.THE.MIDDLE.OF.CLOSING!!! A baked potato!!! I could never even dream of making this crap up! We were furious at how they behaved and are so thankful that it is all in the past now! It was a total mess! The poor seller for our new house was thrown all over the place with this mess and closing dates. We felt terrible over it all, but our hands were completely tied. I could go into more, but I will spare you all the details of how chaotic it was.<br />
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Our new home has kept us busy for a month now! We closed one month ago today! That's kind of exciting to say, other than never catching a break since closing! In all of our moves, none have kept us as busy as this one. I honestly think the difference is that we never felt as though we had found our "home" until this one. With that being said, we are pretty amped up at the projects we have had, the ones that we have completed, and all that lies ahead! One day at a time. Our home is smaller square footage wise than the other one, at least in the heating/cooled area of the house. Other than that, it is larger and absolutely gorgeous! I am still in awe that it is ours. It's a three bedroom with a large bonus room, so big that it has more space than our three car garage below it. We decided to make the bonus room into two bedrooms by splitting the room with a wall. The girls are both in there, Nic has a room beside them, and I took the other bedroom as my office - LOVE IT! All of these rooms are upstairs. The downstairs consists of the master bedroom and bathroom, half bath, kitchen, dining room, living room, laundry room, and garage. For the first time ever, we have a covered patio that we are in love with! Kevin and I spend time sitting outside on our patio, enjoying our home and yard. Here soon, we will be able to spend much more time out there. The builder of this estate neighborhood lives behind us, who we have a ton of respect for. We are just getting to know him and have enjoyed chatting with him. The pictures I am going to share of our house are ones from when we made an offer - so pay no attention to the ugly yard! It looks much better now and will look much better in the upcoming weeks. I will post more pics in the next few days once I take them. Our house sits on over 1.5 acres, just as all houses in our subdivision do, which was one of the first things that pulled us in!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of our home</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of home</td></tr>
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<br />Other than moving and attempting to get settled, we have stayed busy with life! My business is picking up more and more and this leaves me thrilled. Thirty-One has become a huge part of my life and an absolute passion of mine for personal and professional reasons. I absolutely love what I do, the mission behind our company, the company itself, my Thirty-One sisters, helping others through what I do, what this opportunity had done for my family, and what it has done for the ladies on my team. There are not enough good words I can use to describe how blessed and thankful I am. I have stayed busy with events, parties, and more! You know how to contact me for anything pertaining to Thirty-One that you are interested in!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught on camera... lol</td></tr>
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In between all of the chaos, the girls and I got away for a couple days and spent it at the beach. We needed a break from the madness around us. Looking at the photos below, I realize how much my girls have grown and am so proud of them! They are turning into gorgeous young ladies now!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is a real alligator.... Saint Simon, GA Beach. An awesome sight!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, GA</td></tr>
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Towards the end of May, my baby sister, Katie graduated from high school. It's hard to believe that it has now been 18 years since we welcomed her into this world. I am so proud of her and cannot wait to see what lies ahead. Kevin, the kids, and I spent the day at my dads for lunch the day of her graduation, excited to share this special day with her. Attending the graduation would have been way too much on Kevin, so he stayed at the house with the little ones for a short period while I attended her graduation. As always, we had a great time with the family!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look for the shortest one...that's my sister!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdDtiZMYJFTrzTcNk8lUBYkMzGkMsqZ2_UQdOjTsZ0PXtoEKXAzwno1LL6FRC7h5-6QSrbAz8qRcie78k3XjhTHYex4Fd4_75tnqvBdLuE4TXxoHYfHfjndM-gAOGAAtX2lEYEuedxmr6/s1600/10402545_10152407587415907_7834550098860263229_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdDtiZMYJFTrzTcNk8lUBYkMzGkMsqZ2_UQdOjTsZ0PXtoEKXAzwno1LL6FRC7h5-6QSrbAz8qRcie78k3XjhTHYex4Fd4_75tnqvBdLuE4TXxoHYfHfjndM-gAOGAAtX2lEYEuedxmr6/s1600/10402545_10152407587415907_7834550098860263229_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W9qD5f-oP0m1UvuyxxgKKi0qqn1YnXr60dvTKxfl_tKOROAx2KEKSz9VoZfVlkWRvMl4zevNrI8OokuZFRHK5ed8VvYgFVMrKcLlRrj0Ia4IjOhdTSe2tNs8Jx6FaDP9Zuu19woT_zcL/s1600/1920109_10152407587140907_1102504711412413279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W9qD5f-oP0m1UvuyxxgKKi0qqn1YnXr60dvTKxfl_tKOROAx2KEKSz9VoZfVlkWRvMl4zevNrI8OokuZFRHK5ed8VvYgFVMrKcLlRrj0Ia4IjOhdTSe2tNs8Jx6FaDP9Zuu19woT_zcL/s1600/1920109_10152407587140907_1102504711412413279_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brothers and sister... Dustin, Josh, Katie and me - Love you guys and this pic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad, Katie, Barb - awesome photo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0yJ70GGCiEjxYOXGJmXG2AlKBTFmBqX0nU5GiMzxLo-9YNu1GtY8Z74GrdI0fnRG8pD0ToMmb6bVbX3sSjjZlerjVi0Msg7buwLeRyVnCGpquAiRoSFMg3TE_1Zt7ACMN0P6bNWMIAb-/s1600/10325278_10152407509885907_3363506852359408555_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0yJ70GGCiEjxYOXGJmXG2AlKBTFmBqX0nU5GiMzxLo-9YNu1GtY8Z74GrdI0fnRG8pD0ToMmb6bVbX3sSjjZlerjVi0Msg7buwLeRyVnCGpquAiRoSFMg3TE_1Zt7ACMN0P6bNWMIAb-/s1600/10325278_10152407509885907_3363506852359408555_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Katie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z3A72vcdgIEs4ZcgVJavo3yn8291wNlCx6AqkcctTTVaA5vONCDkLAJohzEyEUq-964AWM74u-0BsdDe7LzMIXHLL4Ok9Wx0O8B_JhJojXVt2eihnuB2Wa2zJia8lM_PAL_IsPlc6R7K/s1600/10366281_10152407586790907_8710245601836079145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z3A72vcdgIEs4ZcgVJavo3yn8291wNlCx6AqkcctTTVaA5vONCDkLAJohzEyEUq-964AWM74u-0BsdDe7LzMIXHLL4Ok9Wx0O8B_JhJojXVt2eihnuB2Wa2zJia8lM_PAL_IsPlc6R7K/s1600/10366281_10152407586790907_8710245601836079145_n.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie - congrats! I love you!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yoMXR7DB_oD5dhaOcaWT5HGU6HVNhkIHS_TLvx0QDiOZdD7wioE8trL_FeBxe1UhAqd0qryiDFeiijBhIDKs7HppQQ8-_-n6IHpjjI5aH-JVfW-LBSv4l1HDHMarosuyUXEBGtAESs0a/s1600/10377288_835141853179780_2878161820362338526_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yoMXR7DB_oD5dhaOcaWT5HGU6HVNhkIHS_TLvx0QDiOZdD7wioE8trL_FeBxe1UhAqd0qryiDFeiijBhIDKs7HppQQ8-_-n6IHpjjI5aH-JVfW-LBSv4l1HDHMarosuyUXEBGtAESs0a/s1600/10377288_835141853179780_2878161820362338526_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dustin, Josh, Katie, Me, and Whitney (Dustin's wife)</td></tr>
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As you can see, May was a busy, busy month - but one with many wonderful memories! </div>
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More to come, so stay tuned!</div>
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<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-28687945538454426002014-04-27T22:48:00.001-05:002014-04-27T22:48:38.898-05:00Missing Combat Vet from Kennesaw, GA<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>When someone is missing, worlds are shattered, while hoping and praying for the safe return of that loved one. Right now, a Combat Veteran, Chase Massner from Kennesaw, GA is missing. He was last seen on March 27th off of Hawkins Store Rd and Bells Ferry Rd in. Kennesaw.<div><br></div><div>Please take the time to post this information, as well as the photos below on your Facebook pages and email. Help locate Chase and reunite him with his family!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimx8fMEl0Bvx5dbyQ0MLFSIOvCmuo_nZXyI9wg_4AJhPAmK7zIkuh5I_-a1yL3VKs50JiQzOk8K6jkSh2I3WzqcO0iN14lLtnFCcZqQURZ_lW-K6rGF_y36uMhIvszUjCVKZAZb_u4KUz9/s640/blogger-image-1468366378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimx8fMEl0Bvx5dbyQ0MLFSIOvCmuo_nZXyI9wg_4AJhPAmK7zIkuh5I_-a1yL3VKs50JiQzOk8K6jkSh2I3WzqcO0iN14lLtnFCcZqQURZ_lW-K6rGF_y36uMhIvszUjCVKZAZb_u4KUz9/s640/blogger-image-1468366378.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilktE34Qhv6_FPl8AFXsKFYLiht0nqlilQux9s-5S9IbC2FO73K13CY3hYXt3Pt6WD86x8g-YPW9EPwtj6HIIHRjVgEyTSONDTpYUYUT7s4ErO_1_0d7hmrnLTSFYWyjL_rElIEg8hB8lm/s640/blogger-image--1371155133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilktE34Qhv6_FPl8AFXsKFYLiht0nqlilQux9s-5S9IbC2FO73K13CY3hYXt3Pt6WD86x8g-YPW9EPwtj6HIIHRjVgEyTSONDTpYUYUT7s4ErO_1_0d7hmrnLTSFYWyjL_rElIEg8hB8lm/s640/blogger-image--1371155133.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-28889954514632624392014-04-07T22:06:00.000-05:002014-04-07T22:06:03.917-05:00NYC Writers WorkshopHad someone told me that going to NYC and working with the Writers Guild would change my way of thinking, I would have told them they were crazy. However, it was one of the most amazing experiences on so many levels. When I attended the first part of the Writers Workshop last September, I left unsure of my writing capabilities and of myself. I am not sure why I felt as I did, I just did. When I left this last week, I left with confidence in my writing and ready to take on the world...ready to share my story in this life journey.<br />
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The workshop was beyond amazing. It was life changing. I was able to look deep inside of myself and touch a place I have closed off. I was able to pick up my pen this time and write on pretty much every topic we touched on. I had doubts in fiction that were proved wrong...more than once. I was able to put into words things that I hold close at heart, but not able to read those words because of the emotions that ran through me. Within time, I will share those words here.<br />
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I had three of the most wonderful and selfless mentors that taught us more than I can repay. They helped me reach new heights and allowed me to find myself in writing again. This trip was so needed.<br />
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Thank you Wounded Warrior Project for such an amazing experience! <br />
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Aside from the workshop, we were able to see NYC and all that the city has to offer. In September, I was able to see a lot and stayed out real late. This time it was different. I was still able to do and see, but I wasn't feeling the whole "out all night" part. Instead, I decided to head back to my room before between 8-midnight every night. I know, that sounds lame to many.<br />
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Upon arriving, I checked into my hotel room at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square. FABULOUS!!! I spent a little time checking in with our WWP, then dropped my bags off in my room, followed by some time in and out of stores. I think I was the first to arrive, a little after 1130 Friday morning, so I had some downtime. <br />
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Last time I was in NYC, my room faced Times Square and the chaos it brings. This time, I was very thankful to have a room facing the river.<br />
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Around 2:00pm, I met up with some other ladies and we headed to the 9/11 Memorial together. Together, four of us were able to take in what our husbands so selflessly fought for. We were overcome with emotions that we have been holding onto for years. Seeing the Memorial took me back to 2001 when our lives were all forever changed. It was a day that none of us will forget. Everything flashed through me...I thought about that tragic day, my husband reactions, his enlistment, almost 10 years in the Army, our 10 years in the Army life together with our kids... I thought about his injuries. The injuries that will always be a part of our lifestyle now, that have changed the way each of us view life.<br />
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As I stood looking at the Memorial and in a moment of gratitude for all that has been given, I wished I had Kevin by my side. This is something I have always wanted to share with him. With him not being there, I could not have asked for more amazing and courageous women than what I had at my side.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Gail, and Mallory</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB4X4tCEwEjsvCe-98yn0xwhwNZBfKaAypciZEj4u_WtuFOZg-XjluNvMk9k-yB5EVT3FeDW5lFfYcLGRw6eU5OIotKXhcQiU6JxHnqXquuX6n3MmHHerOH9u2gGdt40QrQfjz3Dbikhv/s1600/1795625_10152290261725907_1231498311_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB4X4tCEwEjsvCe-98yn0xwhwNZBfKaAypciZEj4u_WtuFOZg-XjluNvMk9k-yB5EVT3FeDW5lFfYcLGRw6eU5OIotKXhcQiU6JxHnqXquuX6n3MmHHerOH9u2gGdt40QrQfjz3Dbikhv/s1600/1795625_10152290261725907_1231498311_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freedom Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After the Memorial, we rode the subway back to Times Square. We met with all the ladies, moms and wives (caregivers) of Wounded Warriors for dinner at the hotel. It was wonderful to see the beautiful faces and catch up. After dinner, a group of us headed to check out Toys R' Us and the Disney Store. We had more fun at these two stores than we probably should have! Y'all, Toys R' Us is THREE stories!!! And, it has a human size Barbie House in it! How cool is that?<br />
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Oh, and we did ride the Ferris Wheel!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6diwItJ0LSvyxX5AiA7WOXUJS-nKV6ppnuNgtrkdKx8ZTGelfsZwTjne22qNLKUMtFN2eBDAZAAXLyEfotiZ3zZDs8M3owZtd_xYVxBX9JmdeltVJjcs7yFJ80rwg7GSaHJ4woiViOih0/s1600/1613965_10152290256975907_527283813_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6diwItJ0LSvyxX5AiA7WOXUJS-nKV6ppnuNgtrkdKx8ZTGelfsZwTjne22qNLKUMtFN2eBDAZAAXLyEfotiZ3zZDs8M3owZtd_xYVxBX9JmdeltVJjcs7yFJ80rwg7GSaHJ4woiViOih0/s1600/1613965_10152290256975907_527283813_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this not the freakiest Elmo ever?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj-zqgcBTtD8C7D4ZfWJSRJVqCT7J1iZK5xcKN_I3OAEXLOAWESZGlbdS-qJ9meSYyvU2XaSygJP81hMTD1b6l1pxR2BUBV-L6ysqvS_BhmrYbMunyhBMXWWpK69orP05JOhDCq6TVYGJ/s1600/10153992_10152290256635907_25468392_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj-zqgcBTtD8C7D4ZfWJSRJVqCT7J1iZK5xcKN_I3OAEXLOAWESZGlbdS-qJ9meSYyvU2XaSygJP81hMTD1b6l1pxR2BUBV-L6ysqvS_BhmrYbMunyhBMXWWpK69orP05JOhDCq6TVYGJ/s1600/10153992_10152290256635907_25468392_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Toys R' Us Ferris Wheel!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcr1luMvsA6y2YE_izXVxu4OoApg1exKIUe2o2ivYLEW0bGXleAqc8XKZFL1T8S7nFt_EP6HsYTvFjpSAVqsALE75FDa9S4abb9f18e-XDdKuSQlQrEZMJZ6YqesKHFuXVNimpxRRyG6a/s1600/10157173_10152290256545907_1613113553_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcr1luMvsA6y2YE_izXVxu4OoApg1exKIUe2o2ivYLEW0bGXleAqc8XKZFL1T8S7nFt_EP6HsYTvFjpSAVqsALE75FDa9S4abb9f18e-XDdKuSQlQrEZMJZ6YqesKHFuXVNimpxRRyG6a/s1600/10157173_10152290256545907_1613113553_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Peeps Department on the 2nd floor...this was seen while we rode the Ferris Wheel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESb3f0_3mLX5R9mItEXTulvZRQCmvdny6HfDLVezP3OJJh-tzV9w2ucBfX3gV7R8JYE4UNVNeIVCzUUe9hIWA59z9D4G2TTuTrAurlx_MEiuGWRurjmbhhG-IO9nBD4zDwZc5cpPOtH_U/s1600/1979534_10152290265300907_1692848926_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESb3f0_3mLX5R9mItEXTulvZRQCmvdny6HfDLVezP3OJJh-tzV9w2ucBfX3gV7R8JYE4UNVNeIVCzUUe9hIWA59z9D4G2TTuTrAurlx_MEiuGWRurjmbhhG-IO9nBD4zDwZc5cpPOtH_U/s1600/1979534_10152290265300907_1692848926_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Ferris Wheel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather on the Ferris Wheel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2nd Floor Wonka Department...so cool!</td></tr>
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After the toy stores, five of us decided to take some time and relax while having a drink at The View bar. This is the bar at the very top of our hotel...the 48th floor I think. It spins, overlooking NYC and is fabulous! We spent a little over an hour or two laughing and just catching up.<br />
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On Saturday, we all woke up and spent the day at the Guild writing, which was wonderful! After that, we ate dinner at the hotel and then broke into our groups to explore the city a bit more. The weather was not the best for sight seeing with all the rain pouring down and crazy wind. <br />
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Together, Anna, Heather, Sharon and I took on the city and walked more than 10 blocks to Penn Station so we could ride the subway over to Hoboken, NJ. Yes, you read right! We all had to check out Carlos Bakery...or as most know it, Cake Boss! During the trip over, I faced a major fear...I rode the subway UNDER WATER!!! If you know me, you know I absolutely detest bridges and tunnels, so to ride under the Hudson River is a HUGE thing for me! Of course, this did not dawn on me until after we were under.<br />
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The Carlos Bakery experience was fantastic! The only bad part...No Buddy! We were told he was on his way to Las Vegas for a bakery he is opening there. We were all very sad and would have loved the opportunity to meet him. We did leave with a few of our own treats though! Very yummy!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna, Heather, and Me (Love these ladies!!!)</td></tr>
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After our visit, we made our way back to the subway and NYC. With feet that ached like never before, I was quick, along with the others, to head to my hotel room after our walk back from Penn Station. I pulled my boots off to find bruises on both feet and decided a shower would make it all better. With wet hair, I sent Heather a message to tell her about my bruised feet and then told her I was heading to Aero for shoes. Yes, Aero was still open...until 2am!!! I found a cute pair of shoes to wear on Sunday because I knew there was no way I was putting boots back on. Thankfully, she decided to walk across the street with me.<br />
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On Sunday, we spent the day at the Guild again. I seriously could not have asked for better mentors and a better group! All aspects of it was simply amazing. After our workshop time and dinner, Heather and I walked around Times Square for a bit before deciding to retreat back to our rooms...at 9pm. It was nice to end the trip relaxing in my room and just enjoying some downtime. It gave me the opportunity to take it all in, to watch the NYC traffic and just think.<br />
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Looking back, I will always be grateful for this trip as well as the one in September. Words cannot express my gratitude for WWP taking the time and funding to support those of us that have a passion and desire when it comes to writing. They took the time to allow each of us to meet with people in this field that have made something of themselves. Time was dedicated to each of us by these amazing men and women.<br />
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I was surrounded by some of the most courageous and inspiring women that are caregiver of wounded warriors, but most importantly, that are wives and mothers loving their veteran with a love that runs so deep words can never describe. Our stores are all different, yet so much alike. We do this because of the love we have and share with our men. I could not have asked for better women. I am blessed to have shared this opportunity with these women and will forever hold them in my heart.<br />
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Thank you WWP for allowing us this opportunity, for funding it, and for being there every step of the way as we find ourselves on an unexpected journey. Every time I try to find the right words to show my appreciation to WWP for not only this trip, but the one in Tampa last year, I struggle because works never seem sufficient enough. <br />
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<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-61312033400352399862014-02-19T23:41:00.000-06:002014-02-19T23:41:04.666-06:00He's Got the Moves.... No, not really Anyone that knows us, knows that our house is never calm! Okay, I lied, it is calm when the kids are all at school! When they are home, it is full of chaos - from laughter, craziness, shaking our heads and having to just walk off, to kids fighting, and even little parental spats.<br />
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The other night, we told the girls to do the dishes and Nic to sweep the kitchen floor. Of course, being that Kevin and I have music playing for every thing we do, our monsters have adapted to our lifestyle quiet well and also have to have music playing. A few nights ago, we had a mix of Brantley Gilbert, Miranda Lambert, and Jason Aldean playing. It doesn't get much better than those three!<br />
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During this, Brantley's new song "Bottoms Up" came on and this is what we caught Nic doing...<br />
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<i>If you are viewing this via an email, you may need to go to http://biddlebuzz.com to watch the videos. </i><br />
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Y'all, this child keeps everyone in our house and everyone he meets in fits of laughter! There is no telling what he will say, do, or the expressions he will make. Sadly, these videos show that dancing is simply not his thing, then again none of us can really dance in this house. lol. But, he sure has fun doing it - and that, my friends, is all that matters!!!<br />
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I love these videos and I love the way he brings so much laughter into our lives!!!Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-60996277927506423492014-01-31T02:36:00.003-06:002014-01-31T02:36:40.147-06:00American Girl Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When the girls were little, we always thought Breanna would be our little Miss Priss and that Caitlin would be the one we would have to pry out of the dirt and find every way possibly to keep clean. Oh, we were so wrong on that one! Breanna is our athletic, tomboy and Caitlin is so prissy and girlie. When we mention dolls or real girlie things around Bre, she will cringe and let us know quickly how dolls are simply not her thing. Yet, as the teenage years have quickly snuck up on us, she is quick to add a touch of make up and stylish clothes before leaving the house.<br />
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Caitlin, on the other hand, is in love with dolls of all types and sizes and still has such a sincere innocence about her. One that I adore and pray she keeps. It amazes me to watch her as she is still a child and not growing up too quickly, nor is she trying to be something that she isn't ready to be.<br />
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With both girls, we let them be who they are in life. Of course, with limitations if needed.<br />
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For Caitlin's Birthday, she asked all of our family and friends that were attending her birthday for money or American Girl gift cards. She told us all that she would love to purchase an American Girl Doll at the American Girl store in Alpharetta, GA. <br />
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The Saturday before Caitlin's birthday, we held her party at our house. We kept it small so that Kevin could handle it, yet sadly, none of Caitlin's friends showed up after they told her they would. It broke my heart to see the tears flow when she realized none were coming. It is something I will never understand about this area and something that hurts me more than words can say. Both girls have now experienced this and it breaks my heart. Thankfully, our family was amazing and helped make sure Caitlin enjoyed her day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leave it to Paw Paw to give all ones...</td></tr>
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After lunch, Caitlin requested she opened her gifts first, so of course without any questions we let her. She was so excited to see that everyone gave her money and gift cards and it would allow her to pick the AG doll of her choice. <br />
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Caitlin was one happy little girl at the end of her party and so thankful for everyone that attended and all that they did to make her wish come true!<br />
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Caitlin's special day out ended up being the Saturday after her actual birthday. The two of us left our house a little before 9 in the morning and headed to Kennesaw to pick up Terri (Grannie) so she could spend the day with us. The three of us headed to North Point Mall in Alpharetta to shop at the American Girl Store. As we arrived, Caitlin began scanning the mall, in search of the red and white American Girl logo. As soon as she found it, her tone went up a few octaves and pure excitement kicked in! The mall was already becoming crowded and she restless I as searched for a parking spot. She was in awe as she looked at the mall and saw American Girl on the lower level and a carousel on the upper level.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5D4S75tubvyWXhOrK8azUX5GHhYGsTNKXKluuBUwxAg8xcBJf3OHY2V8956e5kSkMFnyA46SEOLIVaR9k_yk9jZLTzhfwrBN0-LVzpiJ8ByjhKzrj13pqzdcoEjt5A3Qe_T4-sS3GsTX/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5D4S75tubvyWXhOrK8azUX5GHhYGsTNKXKluuBUwxAg8xcBJf3OHY2V8956e5kSkMFnyA46SEOLIVaR9k_yk9jZLTzhfwrBN0-LVzpiJ8ByjhKzrj13pqzdcoEjt5A3Qe_T4-sS3GsTX/s1600/image.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a>When we stepped out of my car and bundled up, I made Caitlin face me so I could capture her excitement with the American Girl store behind her. I personally think all of the photos of her day turned out very cute and showcased her happy she was. <br />
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Walked into the store, she could hardly contain the excitement that had built up inside and could not pick where to start looking! She was in amazement of all the dolls, the clothing, and accessories. Then could not believe her eyes when she discovered there was a hair salon for the dolls, as well as a place for their ears to be pierced. The cafe was a bit crowded, which was good because I could not see paying as much as they were asking for the little amount of food they were preparing per person. Thankfully, Caitlin was perfectly content with not eating there. Which, who can blame her - she was on a mission to find the perfect doll.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-Ckl5VOpwYCYWw1nm1RoZvjt8tx7q2wZPc6o4DoPfIDWPPC7cLt6j85oxN9udiXZaFOvkDnOZvSODOvUvozccrGRlztixTm9f-XAIhH9YTeArgLFbLqZI8PUYs0eu4EfgJeBnvO7qhyt/s1600/1044512_10152164770495907_1908913802_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-Ckl5VOpwYCYWw1nm1RoZvjt8tx7q2wZPc6o4DoPfIDWPPC7cLt6j85oxN9udiXZaFOvkDnOZvSODOvUvozccrGRlztixTm9f-XAIhH9YTeArgLFbLqZI8PUYs0eu4EfgJeBnvO7qhyt/s1600/1044512_10152164770495907_1908913802_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
After searching and searching, Caitlin found the one that she wanted. It wasn't the one we originally set in for, but when she saw the Just Like You dolls, she knew without a doubt, she had to have one that was like her. The only problem we had was finding one with freckles, blue eyes, and hair like hers. The one she picked has bangs and her eye color is a little different. Other than that, she was able to find one with close to the same color hair and the same length, which made her one pleased little girl.<br />
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After picking her doll, Caitlin found a cute outfit to also purchase as well as a hair accessory kit. The kit includes curlers, a brush, spray bottle, and a few other things. It is perfect for her to maintain Elizabeth's hair. She decided on Elizabeth for her doll since Elizabeth is her middle name.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caitlin showing the doll she picked out.</td></tr>
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After spending an ample amount of time in the store, we walked around some other stores, browsing through their displays before deciding on having lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. What an awesome choice that was! The food was delicious, but so filling that we all left with leftovers. A few of the servers came over and sang Happy Birthday to Caitlin and gave her a sundae, which I thought was super nice of them. Caitlin also decided to order an Oreo Milkshake, which was also very tasty. I ordered an Oreo Cheesecake slice to take home with me. It was HUGE! So much so, that when we finally made it home that night I only had a couple bites. The next day Kevin and I split what was rest, enjoying it all. It was by far the best cheesecake I think I have ever tasted!<br />
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After lunch, we took our time, but made our way back to the car. We took Terri back to Kennesaw, then decided to spend a little time with my mom, Russell, and Ashton. I am sure glad we did because it was good to see each of them. Before heading home, Caitlin's money was burning a hole in her pocket, so we stopped off at Target. There, she decided to buy one of their Our Generation Dolls, which is the same size as her American Girl Doll. She also picked out some outfits, rubberbands, and hair clips.<br />
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We finally made it home after 11pm that night. It was a very exciting, but tiring day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Caitlin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caitlin with her Grannie (Terri, Kev's mom)</td></tr>
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<i>And yes, she spent her birthday money on her doll and accessories, which made me very proud. Thank you to our family and friends for helping her get the one thing that she has wanted for quite awhile now. I also firmly believe that she will take better care of her doll, knowing how much everything cost. American Girl dolls are expensive and now she has gained a better understanding of it all. </i><br />
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<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-63580542057281875422014-01-22T01:47:00.000-06:002014-01-31T01:52:06.461-06:00All I Want For...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOryvGRtTziAdLh1zGRVluguMNWivJ-KZHwyDvbVJZK69hmj59-1sxEAUNFC3wMbSR_0jarDM3SwfBWFsi3EA4gWWnQVoJRN9EKCUlRpQfE19w1JSEYFKQss1qPis9-CUeu7GJ_busQL7y/s1600/12111_10152159320145907_1094147556_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOryvGRtTziAdLh1zGRVluguMNWivJ-KZHwyDvbVJZK69hmj59-1sxEAUNFC3wMbSR_0jarDM3SwfBWFsi3EA4gWWnQVoJRN9EKCUlRpQfE19w1JSEYFKQss1qPis9-CUeu7GJ_busQL7y/s1600/12111_10152159320145907_1094147556_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
All I want for.... well - his birthday???<br />
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Nicholas lost his first top tooth! Kevin and I were waiting for him and Caitlin after school in line with the other parents to pick them up when we saw Nicholas bouncing as he walked with excitement. As he got closer, we noticed a gap in his mouth and saw that a tooth was missing! Y'all, I don't even recall that one being loose!!!<br />
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And let me just tell you all, it seems the toothfairy must enjoy the raises it gives! I don't recall receiving as much as my little ones do now... Maybe someone should talk to that toothfairy.<br />
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<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-61639768636334879882014-01-06T23:12:00.002-06:002014-01-06T23:12:46.225-06:00Thank You, BFrom an early age I came to know and understand what death is... I lost my great grandmother when I was five on the day before Christmas Eve and from there, death just became "common". Over my 30 years of life, I have lost family of all ages, as well as friends. I have seen many give their lives for our freedom, whether it was guys I went to school with or those Kev deployed with. I have seen close calls with my husband from his deployments. And, I have seen my own close calls with death - more than once. The most recent was in 2010 and that is something you never forget that has left me a better person. Life is precious and we are each so fortunate for every breath we take. Life is short and should never be taken for granted, just as we should never take for granted those around us.<br />
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Losing someone to death is never an easy thing to go through. To lose them at an early age just seems close to unimaginable. A year ago today a dear friend of mine from high school lost his life in a car accident. When I heard the news on Facebook, I felt like I could hardly breathe and quite honestly, didn't believe it to be true. That night and for quite a few days, I would break down into tears. Even now, the tears come so easily when I think about Brian no longer being here.<br />
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In so many high school memories, I see Brian. His sense of humor, smiles, and loyal friendship always made things better. I hate to admit this, but it had been well over a year since the last time we talked before his death. I thought about him often because our friendship has always meant so much to me, but life can get crazy sometimes. It breaks me to even write that because not often do we find true friends in this life, but when we do, we should always value those relationships.<br />
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I will never forget how he was there for me both times I went into kidney failure back in 2010. I remember feeling miserable, sitting in my hospital room or in my bedroom and talking to B. He kept telling me that I was going to be okay, then would change the conversation to something with bit more humor. I mean, we all know that there is absolutely no humor in the kidney failure. Yet, having a friend to laugh with made things better. Which, of course, talking to Brian the conversation was always full of laughter.<br />
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In many ways, I feel guilty that we had not talked the last year of his life and it makes me go back and analyze the friendships in my life. Allowing everyday life to take over is no excuse to not talk to those that we have real friendships with. How often do we keep the same friends in life? How often do people come into our lives, just to leave a short time later? Not every person that we meet is meant to stay - yet we always learn from everyone we cross paths with. Take time to think about that. Take time to tell and show those around you how you feel so they never question it. Each life holds so much value and leaves a story to tell.<br />
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Tonight, I ask you to say an extra prayer for Brian's family as they look back on their life with Brian and this past year without him. Say a prayer for their strength. I am sure they need it. And keep them in your prayers from here on out.<br />
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Brian was more than a person - he was a son, brother, uncle, grandson, best friend, boyfriend, friend to many, loved by many, and so much more. He will forever be missed...<br />
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Hold those you love closer and cherish what you have with them. None of us know what tomorrow will bring...<br />
<br />
Thank you Brian for being a friend in my life! Keep shining down! We love you and miss you!<br />
<br />
<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-73302274661666135652013-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:002013-11-11T06:00:17.057-06:00Two Years AgoI have sat and stared at the computer screen for awhile now,
contemplating what to write...hell, how to even start. Veterans Day is
upon us now and to us it's more than just another day. It holds so much
more. It's a day that my husband and so many other deserve to be
honored, though they deserve this everyday, Veterans Day is their day.
Please remember this and show appreciation when you see a veteran and
their family out.<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">11/11/11 was the last time h<span class="text_exposed_show">e
dressed in his ACU's and it was the last time we were apart of the AD
life... There is so much we both miss about those times. After almost
ten years of living a life full of changes, moves, time apart, it is still hard to become accustomed to this
life we live now. Adapting to everyday "civilian" life has been such a
challenge for each of us in ways we never expected and I cannot imagine
how Kev feels everyday when he misses the army so much. What was found
in that life, cannot be found in what we now live. To those that have
lived it and do live it, you get it. <br /> <br /> Veterans Day will always
hold many meanings to our family... the day that all Veterans should be
honored (as well as every day in my opinion), but also a day that our
lives changed drastically. I am so blessed to have the husband I have.
With all that we have been through, it is amazing to be where we are
now...together. I am so proud of the man he is and despite his injuries, he amazes me every single day.</span></span><br />
<br />
On
this Veterans Day and everyday, I stand with pride when I see my
husband, pride for a man that knows the true meaning of war and the
aftermath. He is a man that has fought, bled, and lost for those around
him - whether he knew them or not. He has served months and months away
from his family, keeping us safe while protecting those around him. He
is a man that has changed in so many ways, physically and mentally from
combat, but he is a man that from time to time, I still catch that
glimpse of the "old Kevin" and that alone makes every other moment okay.
When I listen to his stories and the experiences he had overseas, I
find myself loving him even more because of who he is. My husband has
endured what the majority of our population cannot even begin to imagine
and everyday we are blessed to have him here. So many close calls and
so many things could have turned out differently, yet here we are...
I'll take the bad just for the good.<br />
<br />
<i>Thank you babe
for all you have sacrificed for us and so many others. There will never
be enough words to show you just how much we appreciate those sacrifices
that have been made and those that will continue to be made. I know
this post-combat life is so far from easy, but it's so worth it. I know
some days it doesn't feel that way, but I promise it is. We are so
blessed to have you home and to be able to celebrate Veterans Day with
you. Though there will not be a true celebration, it brings a smile to
all of our hearts that you are here with us. I am so lucky to call you
my husband and to have you beside me through this crazy life we share. I
love you more than words...alway</i>s!<br />
<br />
Happy Veterans Day to all that have served! Your selfless sacrifices never go unnoticed!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__MpfMpLuPS8a_yla5qGRDS1928tqxgU1GKgcJXy8xNVsYyLCZF1kF8SxtffYBPm0Zdxagm24BxdIZ2TO7pm9puVMam7i7MKmOyS5qvMoqLrgXfbHYemxfvzQDU5S0E58aBngQyXhcCrF/s1600/2008+%282%29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__MpfMpLuPS8a_yla5qGRDS1928tqxgU1GKgcJXy8xNVsYyLCZF1kF8SxtffYBPm0Zdxagm24BxdIZ2TO7pm9puVMam7i7MKmOyS5qvMoqLrgXfbHYemxfvzQDU5S0E58aBngQyXhcCrF/s320/2008+%282%29.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRf3LIXdfO9MJUu84ErIcAu-WiBrxwNpBpKUFwvM4LghzZ9ioTBirGvTB_7h8JjG1cQRSzEapa2U9rRO6OvA8aRgFMA_JgFe7zTVE3UHdD4lQvKXjIgPTnzSPJ2JtMA6IbSGp2aprNwRF/s1600/2009.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRf3LIXdfO9MJUu84ErIcAu-WiBrxwNpBpKUFwvM4LghzZ9ioTBirGvTB_7h8JjG1cQRSzEapa2U9rRO6OvA8aRgFMA_JgFe7zTVE3UHdD4lQvKXjIgPTnzSPJ2JtMA6IbSGp2aprNwRF/s320/2009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009 before 2nd deployment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12w910YvKu_TiOlrGT-lQ63tGF70ccPljMEaL8fbC716hTbOjps7qIZ6v8gmNl35VQfaTIb7rhP-iaO-uBvDl5eOypwRC5iVxI2vHJNrDdZNLFJbvetEhOhFrIQ16OTMMeu1Le_4NgVmc/s1600/294609_10150377952565907_513450906_10203020_249612784_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12w910YvKu_TiOlrGT-lQ63tGF70ccPljMEaL8fbC716hTbOjps7qIZ6v8gmNl35VQfaTIb7rhP-iaO-uBvDl5eOypwRC5iVxI2vHJNrDdZNLFJbvetEhOhFrIQ16OTMMeu1Le_4NgVmc/s1600/294609_10150377952565907_513450906_10203020_249612784_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGV7vpHECPCCIWaosEIT-Lf6H53VhZSfVCw_35YbaIxMaxP2uXtzeCqOf7wyDNhvMiKXtYD9I-iL3uHEeh3Sptw8o5OL9NfKZRShm-OhEhFgtLmw08YzxLM_ILtxq866eki0jKZIAyjOGf/s1600/DayofDeploymentMay52005.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGV7vpHECPCCIWaosEIT-Lf6H53VhZSfVCw_35YbaIxMaxP2uXtzeCqOf7wyDNhvMiKXtYD9I-iL3uHEeh3Sptw8o5OL9NfKZRShm-OhEhFgtLmw08YzxLM_ILtxq866eki0jKZIAyjOGf/s320/DayofDeploymentMay52005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">deployment time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpkvjU04U5mcOMzlf_-Eh4x4Py8NVzbEgVGME4wKB7SrV1wQyp8nrDQQ6_lg4uJj2p4wU2BOAZXsgA6kTIZTe1IkGJCcagONUUm4L0_rIsOXZkpuQQD-lUMwGveYxUU5vsrHTN_2yaNmg/s1600/DayofDeploymentMay5200521.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpkvjU04U5mcOMzlf_-Eh4x4Py8NVzbEgVGME4wKB7SrV1wQyp8nrDQQ6_lg4uJj2p4wU2BOAZXsgA6kTIZTe1IkGJCcagONUUm4L0_rIsOXZkpuQQD-lUMwGveYxUU5vsrHTN_2yaNmg/s320/DayofDeploymentMay5200521.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to deploy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaCJsWLVrDQM0QvWoDmP1JuTRy-pkG_LG6FZEYe26oc96Hbqubh01_nnwdZTewINeoW6Av2RZa4LGt6u0p_fEm2FR6GhHATs1C24Ga9zXB86WJdVgVtA0NJ11uAQcvp9LMd-Is6mjFRRZ/s1600/DayofDeploymentMay5200523.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaCJsWLVrDQM0QvWoDmP1JuTRy-pkG_LG6FZEYe26oc96Hbqubh01_nnwdZTewINeoW6Av2RZa4LGt6u0p_fEm2FR6GhHATs1C24Ga9zXB86WJdVgVtA0NJ11uAQcvp9LMd-Is6mjFRRZ/s320/DayofDeploymentMay5200523.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to deploy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtE50tVseG2cstm_7dsG8fYyh4SN-s1lb29uNkShEFgKYObmiqlTOlMTVETU7hiXmhR6BYcCoYhqdAJR_ZjHzxwymQ2ziRid2SJgK7a5R92_u8rBQjk3bjcKBckIHIgf123Aor1o3eWj3/s1600/dep2009.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtE50tVseG2cstm_7dsG8fYyh4SN-s1lb29uNkShEFgKYObmiqlTOlMTVETU7hiXmhR6BYcCoYhqdAJR_ZjHzxwymQ2ziRid2SJgK7a5R92_u8rBQjk3bjcKBckIHIgf123Aor1o3eWj3/s320/dep2009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJPlezBb0hhqm2GEfmXWWcu2CwGHmt3jNhbu-3b7mivp0G2tw4XgKaefoRe5beiZ6TFwCaK6k-4UVot2LB0Chfd3-MBH6f7m9cL1mX7WCIbjNIR0zytATxGeJO442JpEVZqLRrBsT_9Pz/s1600/deployment2009.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJPlezBb0hhqm2GEfmXWWcu2CwGHmt3jNhbu-3b7mivp0G2tw4XgKaefoRe5beiZ6TFwCaK6k-4UVot2LB0Chfd3-MBH6f7m9cL1mX7WCIbjNIR0zytATxGeJO442JpEVZqLRrBsT_9Pz/s320/deployment2009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3hfJdART6rpjZ_tYGvCe6lWb6FKR8aytuxy4ld7wovZiucAOqiS45HYJT5bH6xcCUqJ-S10_iiOBFMWQjLCYzUfRQYkFLC6pUBZ7z61eV60NsagmvBycNknk_S7jILoA8ufQau74Iwq8/s1600/in+iraq.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3hfJdART6rpjZ_tYGvCe6lWb6FKR8aytuxy4ld7wovZiucAOqiS45HYJT5bH6xcCUqJ-S10_iiOBFMWQjLCYzUfRQYkFLC6pUBZ7z61eV60NsagmvBycNknk_S7jILoA8ufQau74Iwq8/s320/in+iraq.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2007...love this one! Kev in Iraq</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFk5bv3MCS18CvtYZscGGWI2KP4g21Nyx7D1ZASXjLJ4Od7qz9qVQdzqqOivuwxDMql8kOx4qDwog8HhcD_4uuwOMxOXfXxkobWJtNJtuiOpLUxx_ppFmL1ynoBI4xUCUiytLEM6GdYyJ/s1600/redep2007-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFk5bv3MCS18CvtYZscGGWI2KP4g21Nyx7D1ZASXjLJ4Od7qz9qVQdzqqOivuwxDMql8kOx4qDwog8HhcD_4uuwOMxOXfXxkobWJtNJtuiOpLUxx_ppFmL1ynoBI4xUCUiytLEM6GdYyJ/s320/redep2007-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of 1st deployment!!! Welcoming my man home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpi-LtyytLaUFHaQ1NbIbzRDPbf7W2G_xTBLT_wIqGHuMWRjSYlV5WKYbpGUwIm7PuQREo1BUfijnSvFUXhiFUQDwQRsFQjVmZ0G45PaNQ-Ax59sc-7XKh2opeWvwPHGmEJK6hI-2qZv0/s1600/redep2007-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpi-LtyytLaUFHaQ1NbIbzRDPbf7W2G_xTBLT_wIqGHuMWRjSYlV5WKYbpGUwIm7PuQREo1BUfijnSvFUXhiFUQDwQRsFQjVmZ0G45PaNQ-Ax59sc-7XKh2opeWvwPHGmEJK6hI-2qZv0/s320/redep2007-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of 1st deployment!!! Welcoming my man home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-bYycu_Sl5Bq9xUMrFyMLRr9p-8hmrH2dmy60U8I-qNfOvIrkPgSMnH_mIKkPCVKJ6bP5xTpXTKb4kzWZwR5Gfn7rQsmSm1zh_as7wBAwL843d5ssP6kqnppZfk_pAy4ChLud2qRCnlF/s1600/redep2007-4+seeing+each+other+first+time.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-bYycu_Sl5Bq9xUMrFyMLRr9p-8hmrH2dmy60U8I-qNfOvIrkPgSMnH_mIKkPCVKJ6bP5xTpXTKb4kzWZwR5Gfn7rQsmSm1zh_as7wBAwL843d5ssP6kqnppZfk_pAy4ChLud2qRCnlF/s320/redep2007-4+seeing+each+other+first+time.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome Home!!! Nic really looking at his daddy for the first time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmE6Ae4W-NShYHi5xkA9Ws0HlCmPAaNcV-DnkM6xJToQgtQ6dmRNU_xgN29dX7nIJQIHqc_kz50hZGNYFK7gAROgChBEAzNKB7HsttZMOdBSOXaR16UuMXFJGza-ZVkBo2eXqw0EL2zzwE/s1600/redep2007-5+first+time+with+daddy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmE6Ae4W-NShYHi5xkA9Ws0HlCmPAaNcV-DnkM6xJToQgtQ6dmRNU_xgN29dX7nIJQIHqc_kz50hZGNYFK7gAROgChBEAzNKB7HsttZMOdBSOXaR16UuMXFJGza-ZVkBo2eXqw0EL2zzwE/s320/redep2007-5+first+time+with+daddy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of 1st deployment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa_ZzpqpeHesW5QmmeqAxnCse8yoEMbGpsDocaVW7juChJrfProIsroFdDerZIv4bnuSWcoX7qcJEWDlpEcngs6-VfO8Wj_xrJbUndSDv8m78jnMxwwWsvqBv9vg4qJwCtTHr9ZijlgkT/s1600/redep2007-6+Our+family+is+whole+again.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa_ZzpqpeHesW5QmmeqAxnCse8yoEMbGpsDocaVW7juChJrfProIsroFdDerZIv4bnuSWcoX7qcJEWDlpEcngs6-VfO8Wj_xrJbUndSDv8m78jnMxwwWsvqBv9vg4qJwCtTHr9ZijlgkT/s320/redep2007-6+Our+family+is+whole+again.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best Christmas gift ever!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nkYkjy54zYbW5HAjBD4vB0qKUHNhsntURDiClkHM1_NT56cM4HuV_q_V5YB1sokxE8owXaUUeMkr2tRY6LGzKqxjhdZfhcyJXl0HUoMlg84JwbaYCXBJEkH_04FeNctu9CZk0_I91XAz/s1600/S4300024.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nkYkjy54zYbW5HAjBD4vB0qKUHNhsntURDiClkHM1_NT56cM4HuV_q_V5YB1sokxE8owXaUUeMkr2tRY6LGzKqxjhdZfhcyJXl0HUoMlg84JwbaYCXBJEkH_04FeNctu9CZk0_I91XAz/s320/S4300024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iraq, 2007 - so hot!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Many
tend to find slight confusion between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, so
I looked it up to better clarify it for any questions. Veterans Day is
not about honoring the dead, but honoring those that we are still so
blessed to have with us that have been in the military. Please make
sure you know the difference and make sure you show your appreciation to
those that have so bravely defended our freedoms. The sacrifices these
men and women have made often go unnoticed because they are physically
still here... for many of us, we see the scars that are carried among
our veterans.<br />
<br />
<b>The difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day before all the confusion begins:</b><br />
<i>Many people confuse <a href="http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/">Memorial Day</a>
and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring
military personnel who died in the service of their country,
particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained
in battle. While those who died are also remembered, <a href="http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp">Veterans Day</a> is the day set aside to thank and honor <b>ALL</b>those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank <b>LIVING</b>
veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to
our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that
all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and
done their duty.</i><br />
<i>Source: <a href="http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetday_faq.asp">http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetday_faq.asp</a></i><br />
<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-12355446454025739132013-10-13T16:08:00.000-05:002013-10-13T16:08:19.298-05:00Georgia State FairWe have been so incredibly busy lately that I have struggled with finding time to update here and just to take time to myself. With that being said, there is so much to update - but for now, I am going to tell you about this past week. More updates to come in the very near future and I do promise to start updating more here and on my other blog! So, stay tuned to that!<br />
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Long story short, we had to withdrawal Nicholas from the local public school due to some unforeseen circumstances and he is now home-schooled. I know, that may seem like an insanely crazy idea to most with all that we have going on here, but I do promise it was the best decision for our son and it has worked wonders on him! He is excelling in things that he was struggling in while in school. It has been an amazing experience. Once we sell our home and move into a better area, he will attend public school again.<br />
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This past week was the kids Fall Break and while we stayed around the house, we did manage to take the kids out a couple of the days. It was hard to do a whole lot with our everyday dealings, but also because I am still recovering from surgery. Yes, I did have to undergo another abdominal surgery a few weeks ago. I am telling y'all, that is never ending!!!<br />
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Caitlin and Nicholas were able to attend the fair for the first time on Tuesday and they both had a blast! Kevin was unable to attend for obvious reasons with his injuries and I didn't allow Breanna to go because it seems lately she has loved popping a serious attitude with me. Caitlin, Nic, and I walked around all day, with them riding every ride they could! I loved seeing their faces light up with happiness. Thankfully, the fair had free entry for military families (active and retired) on Tuesday and discounted wristbands for all. Needless to say, the two little ones took advantage of their bright pink wristbands and rode all day!<br />
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When we arrived at the Georgia State Fair in Perry, it was still too early to ride, so we decided to walk around. We stumbled on the petting zoo which was absolutely amazing! As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by a giraffe that the kids fed carrots too. They were amazed with being able to feed him...and so was I! They were able to pet and feed goats, sheep, cows, and a few other things. Were able to look into the cages of birds, a zebra, and a couple other animals that I cannot remember. <br />
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After the visit with the animals, Caitlin and Nic were ready to hop on some rides. Nicholas has never had the opportunity to drive bumper cars or ride kiddie roller coasters, so this entire day was amazing to him!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nic coming down the slide. Caitlin it too "grown up" for this kind of fun! At least, that's what she says...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXAbqs_H-ixzyz_s03IHvh61ba_wzLceHaV-71bjtYnTfeUv0xRFVVbxXSj4Me2diHXKJwMSr7W2YwNXBoW4gdXRnJbOo-IBmCArdUvO8gibbdqh55h6tTlT-JrlJ480qT8W6yKI2rr9H/s1600/IMG_4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXAbqs_H-ixzyz_s03IHvh61ba_wzLceHaV-71bjtYnTfeUv0xRFVVbxXSj4Me2diHXKJwMSr7W2YwNXBoW4gdXRnJbOo-IBmCArdUvO8gibbdqh55h6tTlT-JrlJ480qT8W6yKI2rr9H/s400/IMG_4448.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I love their facial expressions!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq5T1f4H-sG9vg8tOe82UQ2p5NGXU2_bEt6zDcBKh_DKnf2UmX_UH27Zu3FEJwx8NcOomcQ3sBJynZCgHQKzZ1nLwTsluYA7m81Jd3wl2GsZn98WjJvaGmzDxytj-x5xembG2HnVhCGbd/s1600/IMG_4449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq5T1f4H-sG9vg8tOe82UQ2p5NGXU2_bEt6zDcBKh_DKnf2UmX_UH27Zu3FEJwx8NcOomcQ3sBJynZCgHQKzZ1nLwTsluYA7m81Jd3wl2GsZn98WjJvaGmzDxytj-x5xembG2HnVhCGbd/s400/IMG_4449.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very fitting for these two clowns!</td></tr>
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We took a break from riding rides once Brittani met us at the fair and headed to the livestock area. The kids were able to learn about goat and cattle dairy farms.<br />
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During the goat area, Caitlin and Nicholas were both able to pretend milk a goat. Both of them turned out to be little pros at it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very photogenic! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PFTsnATwGpAFyoJwlcQCZ6lAaiJ2EjQUv3KR_y2XEU5nDHyqpCLaxYC9ANx0c1TO7oV4rOfL-tmjnr8JOiv9FaoZSqr66hKpZUpboNTLL8x_SxDuYg_Mo7LstzgfQ-ZgzKocYYPPvqqt/s1600/IMG_4467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PFTsnATwGpAFyoJwlcQCZ6lAaiJ2EjQUv3KR_y2XEU5nDHyqpCLaxYC9ANx0c1TO7oV4rOfL-tmjnr8JOiv9FaoZSqr66hKpZUpboNTLL8x_SxDuYg_Mo7LstzgfQ-ZgzKocYYPPvqqt/s400/IMG_4467.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sweet and adorable calf was only a few days old! Is it not the cutest? I want one now!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see Nic's stuffed dog is the farmer?</td></tr>
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Okay, so my fellow Wife Swap nerds will appreciate this! I LOVE Wife Swap and went through a phase of watching most, if not all, episodes! There was one with a traveling fair family who just happened to be at the Georgia State Fair! Of course, I soon as I saw the set up and heard the voices, I knew instantly that this was the same family. Brittani thought I had lost my mind, but it made me even more excited when I saw the banner hanging up!<br />
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This guy was very entertaining! He asked both kids their names, then made up a rhyming song for each of them. They loved it and were full of smiling giggles!<br />
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We stopped for drinks and ice cream cones... Let me just tell you all this was some of the best ice cream I have ever tasted!<br />
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We ended the day with the kids riding the Indy 500, then lastly the bumper cars.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Though I was in a lot of pain from the walking, these smiling faces made it all worth it!</td></tr>
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If you are at all close enough to spend the day at the fair, I recommend you going next October! The prices were no where near as bad as I thought they would be and the kids had a blast! I look forward to taking them again next year, of course with hopes that Breanna gets to go as well! <br />
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<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-56892084615882240312013-08-18T00:40:00.001-05:002013-08-18T01:02:08.011-05:00National Conference 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams". How true this is! If we didn't have dreams that turn into our personal missions in life, where would we be? Believing in your dreams and turning those dreams into your reality is one of the most amazing things we can do!<br />
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Just a few weeks ago, I spent five days in Atlanta for our Thirty-One National Conference! To sum it all up, it was a fabulous experience that left me even more motivated to grow my business for so many reasons! My "why" has always remained the same for the most part, it's been my family above all else! Following that, has been my personal health, Kevin's injuries, and giving me some much needed girl time. While my reason for continuing with Thirty-One the past eighteen months has remained close to the same, it has also changed and developed into more - on a personal and business level. Which kind of makes me grin, my SED, Amanda told me a year ago when I set larger goals that My Why would changed as I developed into leadership and I would change with it. Today I look back in awe at how right she was.<br />
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In the beginning my reason was about me and my family and today it is about so much more. Yes, it helps pay bills and take care of my family, but it has brought me back out. I lost myself in the mix of things and lost who I was. During this time with Thirty-One, I have developed so many amazing friendships and have been able to find me again. I have let go and moved on from a lot of things and people this past year, but that's okay. It's part of growing and changing and despite not having certain people in my life as they once were I am learning to be okay with that. People come into our lives for so many reasons, some good and some bad, but always for a reason. We may not know what the reason is at that time, but when we look back later in life that reason is so very clear as to why we crossed paths with those individuals. I would never regret someone that has been a part of my life and what I took from knowing them. It builds character to be honest and allows us to become better people if we let it! Being a consultant with Thirty-One has allowed me to let go of so much and to be happy again with me... it allowed me to find my way back to God, which I had lost between my own battles and Kevin's injuries. Many will understand that, but many won't. If you don't, please don't judge. It's hard to have faith when I have been through the things that I have been through and when I know the details of what Kevin endured while in war, as well as his battles now. However, I am back on the right road and love it!<br />
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When I first enrolled to be a consultant, I did it because Kevin was retiring from the Army and I needed an outlet in life. I needed something that would take my mind off of everything we had going on and something that would allow me to have girl time! Thirty-One did just that. Yet, I never imagined that a $99 Enrollment Kit would actually change so much in my life, including my family life! So, thank you Thirty-One!!!<br />
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Last year at conference, I was a consultant with only five months in the business! I had no idea what I was doing or why I was even attending conference, except that Amanda told me on the phone one day that I couldn't afford NOT to attend... Really??? Wow, was she ever right on that one! At the end of a few days, I told Amanda and a few others that I would attend the next conference as a Director. I even wrote it on a business card and gave the card to a friend! I set a goal. In May I promoted to Director and on July 26th I walked across the stage as a Director. Accomplishing this goal has changed my Why and has made me aim for larger goals in the near and far future! And just so you know, when I started with Thirty-One I never even thought about Leadership because I never thought I would truly enjoy Direct Sells. It's so much more than a purse!!!<br />
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Conference was amazing! I arrived on a Tuesday evening and stayed at the Omni Hotel with Amanda. We had dinner with some wonderful leaders that night. The following day we relaxed, had lunch, and checked in at the Congress Center and I checked into the Hyatt before attending Directors Day that night. Directors Day was entertaining and full of information! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our balcony at the Hyatt Regency - fabulous hotel!!!</td></tr>
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After Directors Day Training on Wednesday, I headed back to my hotel room to take it all in and relax before the chaos of conference really kicked off. I loved our room at the Hyatt. We had a balcony overlooking some of the city - which was perfect! Sitting on the balcony was such a great way for me to enjoy a bit of downtime.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hottie Directors with Natalie</td></tr>
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On Thursday, we started the second part of Director's day at the GWCC and had a real good time! After the training and during lunch, we received a neat little surprise from Cindy Monroe - the founder of Thirty-One. Each Director received a charm that had Faith on it! Beautiful!!!<br />
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Between sessions on Thursday, Glenda and Natasha arrived and checked in to our hotel room. We all met at the Meet and Greet area at the congress center for quick chats and photo opportunities! After that, we each headed to grab a bite to eat then to our next Super Thursday Sessions. Can I just say - I loved this day and all that it entailed!!! It was wonderful!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a tiny amount of the ladies at NC!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Amanda</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home Office brought some of the embroidery machines and allowed some consultants the opportunity to use them.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(This photo was not taken by me)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Directors from Becky's downline</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Becky</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Friday was so busy! Glenda, Natasha, and I all woke up early to get ready for a busy day, beginning with General Session. All almost 20,000 consultants were in a large area together to experience Product Revel and learn a lot of great things. I won't say much more than that because there are things I want to go over with my team that I don't want to post here!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Ansley!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEj52Q8iIcfxzzC1cSrvlxliU_NJ_BY3_TQP68LGB1mLlK0P3T80u3SDfrBNO-wRXMW9VZqJMsKJQx6w61suHWC7S96OgNaS3bFSAw1QJexPkWKKFJ30ZCmtWQh931qKuL8DqxwAJpvyN/s1600/249023_10201272470189180_1271629295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEj52Q8iIcfxzzC1cSrvlxliU_NJ_BY3_TQP68LGB1mLlK0P3T80u3SDfrBNO-wRXMW9VZqJMsKJQx6w61suHWC7S96OgNaS3bFSAw1QJexPkWKKFJ30ZCmtWQh931qKuL8DqxwAJpvyN/s400/249023_10201272470189180_1271629295_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I cannot take credit for this photo, but want to share because it looks awesome)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Following General Session, half of us were released to get ready for Dinner and Awards that night. I am excited to announce that Kevin did attend the dinner and awards with me because I walked across the stage and was recognized as a Director!!! He met me at the hotel and made it through everything, though at one point he did tell me that being surrounded by a bunch of women wasn't too threatening to him! LOL, WWW's will appreciate that one!<br />
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Honestly, to share such a defining moment in my life with my husband, who smiles and cheered me on, made me realize that Thirty-One really is much more than a purse! It's more than home parties, catalog parties, and vendor events. It's a company that is changing lives and families moment by moment. It is answering prayers and making dreams turn into goals and those goals becoming a reality for many. Having Kevin by my side meant more to me than words can describe because he had to face something he struggle with daily and he did it for me. That alone meant more to me than anything else. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopK4vLwp0Z2FF0UXC46PbjenI6PgN23TUkgY2ED5YGGaxbPvB4oqemGCOJkw2cwn8iCaxQ9ynDeWZEJVU1dRxQXTwAtxsj1UR72qMoirXoYcs_kJsyUJtSQh9ms3rvjQsf3PJuPn1DbzU/s1600/249012_10151766598620907_624059907_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopK4vLwp0Z2FF0UXC46PbjenI6PgN23TUkgY2ED5YGGaxbPvB4oqemGCOJkw2cwn8iCaxQ9ynDeWZEJVU1dRxQXTwAtxsj1UR72qMoirXoYcs_kJsyUJtSQh9ms3rvjQsf3PJuPn1DbzU/s400/249012_10151766598620907_624059907_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBqnmNamPhjNK2ouWdmvRqOZVtTVRH7b-D50dL5EQxA12JdEYvDvZypPKtWPGNqw7Mgxx67ErD4nhlJL0ufn1IZfmrPj8FU0XvO7AtSSJWCT3BrwHls-rOlavqwPxhi_pyEE2roY_0NAJ/s1600/972046_10151766598255907_165500985_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBqnmNamPhjNK2ouWdmvRqOZVtTVRH7b-D50dL5EQxA12JdEYvDvZypPKtWPGNqw7Mgxx67ErD4nhlJL0ufn1IZfmrPj8FU0XvO7AtSSJWCT3BrwHls-rOlavqwPxhi_pyEE2roY_0NAJ/s400/972046_10151766598255907_165500985_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glenda getting ready</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHo9mvZyFcPTsOuIRu2sprC6GTlUbAUOAsOK0BlIB-AP6IE4UKMOuNJL68ridB0AOt9YN_e32YiMpxBWL9jZOu2s_gOXSbQ09-RgJvWFnRFqbjZzWEeUe0UNrJk1Wi00herwOlmQdU5S_/s1600/995746_10151766599415907_378756089_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHo9mvZyFcPTsOuIRu2sprC6GTlUbAUOAsOK0BlIB-AP6IE4UKMOuNJL68ridB0AOt9YN_e32YiMpxBWL9jZOu2s_gOXSbQ09-RgJvWFnRFqbjZzWEeUe0UNrJk1Wi00herwOlmQdU5S_/s400/995746_10151766599415907_378756089_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Kev... Love this man more than words!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBLgPVZMKZlquCZrwnoNVKiehDpZDDVtbNG5AtZf9u5mxtOLeqwy34r9wmX11DbNPMuRvnLv4pZ95X0jRQQZgvi9pBXinS1T2XVQ_JaspOzzINWCo9Lg7YJFVil55iIAzM61uJd2G_iQP/s1600/999824_10201275603227504_2029433816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBLgPVZMKZlquCZrwnoNVKiehDpZDDVtbNG5AtZf9u5mxtOLeqwy34r9wmX11DbNPMuRvnLv4pZ95X0jRQQZgvi9pBXinS1T2XVQ_JaspOzzINWCo9Lg7YJFVil55iIAzM61uJd2G_iQP/s400/999824_10201275603227504_2029433816_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Glenda... Love her!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRHFY2U-wG2Lf8-GbU-e7PSNJmgl7XsOAvczpx474Daf8-ewAUtPgOSGY3xGSJHJz13DKGpyvFv_mgRk1hT1FgAA3WjBttuhDIAjrGLhsBnFgKckeNtpSTV1UBqHpmeqi0x4WG8rWFx9Q/s1600/1001532_4510447417910_850906306_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRHFY2U-wG2Lf8-GbU-e7PSNJmgl7XsOAvczpx474Daf8-ewAUtPgOSGY3xGSJHJz13DKGpyvFv_mgRk1hT1FgAA3WjBttuhDIAjrGLhsBnFgKckeNtpSTV1UBqHpmeqi0x4WG8rWFx9Q/s320/1001532_4510447417910_850906306_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Amanda</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7lcGPhmEp6RDTMimK_19GgefFPsmEnKfXC6yaT0szHp9x1rpD4XB37kOVULpMf-r9TYUNCvKKCuqv9N4E8AU0EjPUJt7yJbubBD5RP8RrnKkXfriDjYVOmGVjphdWDI4lWaPVIq8QzvY/s1600/1011337_10151766596400907_1832826508_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7lcGPhmEp6RDTMimK_19GgefFPsmEnKfXC6yaT0szHp9x1rpD4XB37kOVULpMf-r9TYUNCvKKCuqv9N4E8AU0EjPUJt7yJbubBD5RP8RrnKkXfriDjYVOmGVjphdWDI4lWaPVIq8QzvY/s400/1011337_10151766596400907_1832826508_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Becky</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Truth be told, I was SOOOOO nervous about walking across the stage! I mean, seriously nervous. Yet, when it was my turn, all the fear eased up and I made it to the center of the stage for a photo opportunity with Natalie and down the steps at the other end WITHOUT falling on my face!!! I won't even lie, my biggest fear was that I would trip over my dress or a heel would break! Y'all I can't make that fear up!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugging Amanda! I was greeted by Amanda and other SED's as soon as I walked off stage!!! What an amazing feeling!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Amanda after I walked across stage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugging Becky</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC1a3SpzjwNiO7uTPl4VUkGGKnMh5X3v8OWgQ2yRA5uAfVzXGVEPfV2JCZdLGmND14fbXevyhLnWWEw19N4ByKIAclQokWqT2MIKwW4BfpHftyAM3Hx6U_28iyIzcRfX_wDHw0RXWWIJ6/s1600/NC%2520'13%2520Awards%2520-%2520A2-559-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC1a3SpzjwNiO7uTPl4VUkGGKnMh5X3v8OWgQ2yRA5uAfVzXGVEPfV2JCZdLGmND14fbXevyhLnWWEw19N4ByKIAclQokWqT2MIKwW4BfpHftyAM3Hx6U_28iyIzcRfX_wDHw0RXWWIJ6/s400/NC%2520'13%2520Awards%2520-%2520A2-559-L.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did it!!! I cannot even describe how thrilled I was and still am!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new Cindy Tote for promoting to Director!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOQ95d4zPW6-dw8TvsMPZpx6451MTQmLFurmUAqN8zWn8hxY3tuDuGTSBZJaMv00vjBy9XsZfXv6BTRXAKCQHB9UlI9YmnTdWY6TVXxp-syPzTxaeGFPvAt2cB_nwHxBo5AsHCEttM1mq/s1600/1002319_10151766591920907_18597476_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOQ95d4zPW6-dw8TvsMPZpx6451MTQmLFurmUAqN8zWn8hxY3tuDuGTSBZJaMv00vjBy9XsZfXv6BTRXAKCQHB9UlI9YmnTdWY6TVXxp-syPzTxaeGFPvAt2cB_nwHxBo5AsHCEttM1mq/s400/1002319_10151766591920907_18597476_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It even has my name and Est date on it!!! </td></tr>
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Once the awards wrapped up, we all headed out to the upper level. Little did we know that we would spend another thirty minutes or so chatting and laughing! We all had a blast!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDVRXhrlkos6IAth9qOYwUUwju_AkdVWl101io_FT0ezL4j85TywsepUokzn5NAbfN10lR0UOKnO4EjbgNOr1HUpx3fjvPyjnmBJ3j7mcmUTGl4T7HO7teWzoa6mKCCYGM_amhbGyOXT3/s1600/603422_10151766602280907_2051814756_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDVRXhrlkos6IAth9qOYwUUwju_AkdVWl101io_FT0ezL4j85TywsepUokzn5NAbfN10lR0UOKnO4EjbgNOr1HUpx3fjvPyjnmBJ3j7mcmUTGl4T7HO7teWzoa6mKCCYGM_amhbGyOXT3/s400/603422_10151766602280907_2051814756_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda, Me, and Kimi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfjZ0-OWK3-iHtCLTGdVeER2FfvDnK5-Uxbg8wHJhPmAag39RYVjW8Hxm-wAYoKiYGsp9RxVZvHnux4AOKxfoPkVITr1UtcYSrlM0yydoROO1MtVVFj6IiAwmactSHCABhKpmdOk65Gty/s1600/969050_10151766593435907_339454579_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfjZ0-OWK3-iHtCLTGdVeER2FfvDnK5-Uxbg8wHJhPmAag39RYVjW8Hxm-wAYoKiYGsp9RxVZvHnux4AOKxfoPkVITr1UtcYSrlM0yydoROO1MtVVFj6IiAwmactSHCABhKpmdOk65Gty/s400/969050_10151766593435907_339454579_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Glenda</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny, Natasha, and Me</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Glenda</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natasha, Glenda, me, Natalie, Amanda, Kimi, and Jenny</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda, me, and Kimi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephanie and Me</td></tr>
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On Saturday, we had General Session again, followed by training classes. During our GS, we learned that our Thirty-One Gives Foundation is doing wonderful thanks to the awesome customers we have! To all of mine, thank you so much for donating to Gives!!! You truly make a difference! Last year we partnered with Girl Talk, which is based out of Atlanta but nationwide! We are still partnered with Girl Talk, but we also added a new partner this year!!! I am excited to announce that the Ronald McDonald House is also one of our partners and am thrilled that we are giving back to them! This is amazing to see our Gives foundation growing as it is and that it allows Thirty-One to do so much!<br />
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After our General Session and Training, many of the Hotties met up for dinner at Taco Mac, where we laughed and shared tips and stories from National Conference. We were able to catch up before we said goodbye. Glenda and I left and headed to the hotel for our last night in Atlanta. I know I for one was sad to leave the city, but ecstatic to get home to Kevin and the kids!<br />
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Conference is an amazing thing to attend that truly opens our eyes to our business and gives us knowledge on how to do better. It opens doors that we did not realize were closed. If you are on my team, I truly encourage you to attend next year and experience this! If you are focused on your business, you honestly cannot afford not to go!<br />
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Next year we will have two conferences... where will I attend? At this point, I have no idea other than knowing I will be in either Columbus, OH or Denver, CO!!! <br />
<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-76874897718496524642013-08-17T23:18:00.001-05:002013-08-17T23:18:11.436-05:00Three Years AgoI have been all over the place a lot lately...more so than normal. I suppose that is bound to happen with the roles I take on as a wife, caregiver, mother, Director, and much more though. It's crazy how things can seem to be under control once a system is developed, then almost spiral out of control at the most minor thing. What can I say though? This is my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world!<br />
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Speaking of my life, last week was a tad emotional for me in the sense that I reached the three year mark of my first battle with kidney failure from a surgery and then the surgery that saved my life. If you are not familiar with this situation, click <a href="http://www.biddlebuzz.com/2010/08/much-needed-update.html">HERE</a>. I sat down last week and spent some much needed time thinking about it all, which there is so much more that I wish I could publicly share in regards to this, but can't. However, it all weighed so heavily on me. As a million thoughts rushed through me, I also thought about the phone calls that were made, the conversations with my dad, followed with talking to my mom...at 3:30 in the morning their time. We were in El Paso, TX and they were both in north Georgia. I kept a strong front until I heard my dads voice, then I lost it and admitted that I was scared. Would I ever see my children again? Would Kevin and I have more amazing memories to make? The "What if's" and "should have beens" rushed through me like never before. I was terrified and knew that my only option was to be strong and fight like hell...which I obviously did. Surviving this was the start of a "new" me and a new life, one that I have learned so much from in a short time.<br />
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Everyday I find myself so incredibly thankful that I pulled through not only that bout of kidney failure, but the second one as well that occurred two and a half months later. I feel blessed to still be here, despite the way that so much has changed in my life and how I have to monitor things or admit that I can't do as much as I once could. So many people began praying as soon as we announced my situation and so many prayers were answered. I have never looked at life as I did back then and never will.<br />
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To this day, I still find some anger and resentment in me, especially being only thirty with three children and a husband. I become frustrated because unlike so many other moms that I see, I can't work out like before, I can't stand for a long period of time as once before because the pain kicks in and takes over, going and having a few drinks is now out of the question, and at times playing sports is a no go for me. I still feel a good amount of pain in my kidneys and unfortunately, it may always be like that. It is what it is. As frustrated as I want to be, I find it most difficult to complain because I am still here and breathing. <br />
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Of course, the kidney issue isn't the only thing that takes a toll on my body. The Adhesive Disease I have does it as well. I have had multiple surgeries on my abdominal/pelvic area due to the adhesions. Sadly, they lead to an intense amount of pain, which many know about. When it gets real bad, it limits me on things, which means that another surgery is near. I meet with my surgeon next week, the same one that performed the one last year. I am a bit overwhelmed thinking about it because it just seems never ending. I have no idea what to expect out of this appointment or what the next steps will be. I just know that I cannot in any way continue on the 1-2 surgeries a year thing that we have going on now! This is just insane! There is no other way to describe it, other than insane and a total pain! But, for now, I will do what the doctor advises and pray this time the procedure holds for more than nine months, which was the last surgery I had to undergo.<br />
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Through all of this, I admire the strength in Kevin and the kids. With Kevin having his own battles, he helps me get through it all. The kids keep me smiling and remembering to cherish the small things in life, because they are kids. These moments with them are ones that we will never have again, so why miss out. None of us are promised tomorrow. Even the healthiest of people lose their lives because something didn't go as it was planned out. So, why wait until it's too late to live in the moment we have right now...a moment that we will never have again?<br />
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I do have a few more things that I will be posting soon in hopes of actually catching up on here and updating with photos! So, stay tuned!<br />
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The whole point of me writing leads to one thing! Life is so short! Don't wait until you're fighting to live to start living! Live now and appreciate the finer things in life that you are so blessed to have upon you! Too often that second chance isn't available, so don't let the one that you have now pass you by. You can never get the moment you are now in back, so cherish it and enjoy it!<br />
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Many of you know I LOVE to challenge people with certain things, to push them out of their comfort zone because I know what they are capable of. So, dear friends, my challenge to you:<br />
Get out there and live in the moment! Step away from your computer and take the time with your kids and spouse. You will NEVER have the moment you are in again, don't waste it! Let your kids play in the rain, hell get out there and dance with them in it! Stay up late on a Friday night with some popcorn, junk food and a good movie with the little ones. Before you know it, these days will be gone and that kid that you once had will be a teenager, wanting to go out with their friends, then an adult living out of your house. You will look back and miss those moments you could have spent with them!<br />
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Find that one thing that you have been too afraid to do, such as sky diving, skiing, snorkeling, or whatever it may be and do it! Conquer that fear! If you're like me and were terrified to fly, find a reason to get on an airplane and enjoy the ride! I did it back in February and mastered somethings that scared me - flying and having to switch flights!<br />
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When you do these things, come back here and comment below! Share what you have done and how it changed your perception on things! I can't wait to hear how you have spent more time with your families and done things you would never do before!Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-25781716499174491562013-06-26T13:47:00.002-05:002013-06-26T13:48:39.512-05:00Adventures in Darien This is terrible...I have not blogged in almost one month! Wow! To those of you that look forward to my ramblings and updates, I do apologize. With school being out for the little ones, life is a bit more chaotic than when they are in school. There is so much to update and I honestly don't know where to start! I am going to break this into a couple posts so you are not bored to tears with a LOOOOOOOONG post.<br />
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Two weeks ago, the girls and I decided we needed a break away from Macon and what better place to head to than the beach? Right? I know you are all out there agreeing with me right now! Thankfully Kev's parents have a coastal home that we were able to run to. The girls friend, Allei, joined us - so yes, it was me and three almost pre-teen little girls! Talk about some intense times! We had a blast though - from much needed time at the beach with them splashing in the water, to great seafood, and a Dolphin Tour. It was wonderful!<br />
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The Monday that we left, it was mid afternoon. We stopped for lunch, then were on our way. We arrived at the house around 6:30, unloaded our bags - Thirty-One style, of course, then we headed out to get groceries and stopped at St. Simon Beach for a quick walk on the beach in between storms that were passing through. On the beach we were able to see a ton of little crabs and was greeted at the car with a frog hanging out on my hood. The rain was off and on throughout our entire drive out, but it's like the sky opened up shortly after we were in Darien! It was seriously a torrential downpour for a short while. Luckily, driving in it doesn't freak me out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from parking lot - beautiful...even with the cars in the way.</td></tr>
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The following day, we all slept a little late - each of us cleaned up a little, got ourselves ready and headed to Jekyll Island. We decided to walk on the beach, then spend a couple hours out on the water and having fun with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sunset.dolphintours/info">Dolphin Tour</a>. What a GREAT idea this was! If you are ever out that way, I highly recommend this tour! It is something affordable and fun for the whole family! We were able to enjoy being on a boat, meeting new people and of course, seeing dolphins! <br />
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Once the tour ended, we found ourselves walking along Driftwood Beach, admiring the crabs that were all over the place and the driftwood. Shortly into the walk each of us noticed our stomachs growling and headed to eat lunch at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jekyllfins">Fins</a>...on the beach! We were so hot that we actually opted to sit inside where is was nice and cool. Lunch was great and priced right. When you step outside of Fins, you are on the beach with restrooms available, as well as outside showers. Of course, this only meant one thing - BEACH TIME!!! Okay, it was great for the girls to all run and splash in the water for a couple hours and wonderful for me to kick back and relax with a good book, while "wishing" I was tanning. We all know I just burn then turn white again...sigh...maybe one day...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Driftwood Beach </b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Fins on the Beach</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls had a contest to see who could keep a lemon in their mouth the longest</td></tr>
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<b> Jekyll Island Beach</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinpYYbx3NQ1lruT8KBDjcunm86Y4jIQHfPeHj39oluhOq3yzr_qmjuZi-phILfY1dO05vkRPPkQnwPEFuEFyBl5Nr2oRIZkkBr3Pi0-mMDB_gTcq2edEjg080luVl4m9Mx3twQrPiVb70/s1600/IMG_2338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinpYYbx3NQ1lruT8KBDjcunm86Y4jIQHfPeHj39oluhOq3yzr_qmjuZi-phILfY1dO05vkRPPkQnwPEFuEFyBl5Nr2oRIZkkBr3Pi0-mMDB_gTcq2edEjg080luVl4m9Mx3twQrPiVb70/s400/IMG_2338.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, they are making sand angels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9JnbEQpTxNCmKyzifs9NE5vaUvtjsl_MeIIb1XvT4RWflSbko_UmxoSbDKblzQPzNyLwQTmZpufO2oI-h-DwDNzysK1zLgRN9ieWS6oOIMiPqhDDfR_Ho9QBUDVotEB33UCDUTvgWxMU/s1600/IMG_2341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9JnbEQpTxNCmKyzifs9NE5vaUvtjsl_MeIIb1XvT4RWflSbko_UmxoSbDKblzQPzNyLwQTmZpufO2oI-h-DwDNzysK1zLgRN9ieWS6oOIMiPqhDDfR_Ho9QBUDVotEB33UCDUTvgWxMU/s400/IMG_2341.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always traveling 31 Style</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM5s82vVWoYKQW0QtFIiVZtlLumTIbCYWG1g5I5wr1hAT1qgiXOteWcFGmvkTIC96zuD2dWaoTAFdvYlLQHkbFU0A5On2h4qdNedbvsdBRgvOVy-4kgnDypyQhnz4Gb2oThdO02Qu5kGe/s1600/IMG_2343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM5s82vVWoYKQW0QtFIiVZtlLumTIbCYWG1g5I5wr1hAT1qgiXOteWcFGmvkTIC96zuD2dWaoTAFdvYlLQHkbFU0A5On2h4qdNedbvsdBRgvOVy-4kgnDypyQhnz4Gb2oThdO02Qu5kGe/s400/IMG_2343.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sand Dollars they found</td></tr>
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On Wednesday, I woke up just as Kevin, Justin, and Nic arrived. The AC went out and the repair guy was scheduled to show at 8, so of course the guys made it down there right before the repair guy. You don't realize how hot and muggy it is in south GA until there is NO AC. Thankfully it was repaired so we could enjoy the rest of our week there. During the day, everyone crabbed of the bridge in Darien, then decided to head to Jekyll Island to crab and play in the water. Kevin and Justin fished...or should I say caught sharks, off of the pier at Driftwood Beach and kids and I hung out on the beach by the shops. They played for a few hours before we decided to join the guys at the Pier. It was close to impossible to get the four little ones out of the water! They had a blast jumping over waves and riding the waves in. Our kids have played in the ocean once before, but never like they were able to this trip. It was honestly a lot of fun seeing my kids play and enjoy the water. The bad part - I ended up burnt and in a bit of pain after this day! And before anyone says anything - YES, I was wearing sunblock! <br />
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While the guys fished and the girls complained, Nic and I spent a lot of time spotting dolphins in the water and became real fixated on watching them in their natural surrounding. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3LDBJ61a8IpCX4ohBqe8wEZ3BokdVYj85qhWaEY4uxZ4neL7rj5wORyxxc4tkz65taAkQ14bviRohAudkXarV3c7v3PSxXs37gujWAzxgFgboVxDIhip87W-ecRsr-zFipDlrzQpBLT_/s1600/IMG_2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3LDBJ61a8IpCX4ohBqe8wEZ3BokdVYj85qhWaEY4uxZ4neL7rj5wORyxxc4tkz65taAkQ14bviRohAudkXarV3c7v3PSxXs37gujWAzxgFgboVxDIhip87W-ecRsr-zFipDlrzQpBLT_/s400/IMG_2346.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure why he is sucking in...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hZDF3NrY28AIBocBjZ86pMJLeyLgOTRZgaofAJx8aMVKbKZAfCHMJ3Am0WBZasrK2ozZ21FEvCcu1ZHNOhCn2cY-wof6BwbpeTHedYPY-fsmVPx6IcHcVndRhPNzFjKttub1bgmijB_b/s1600/IMG_2348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hZDF3NrY28AIBocBjZ86pMJLeyLgOTRZgaofAJx8aMVKbKZAfCHMJ3Am0WBZasrK2ozZ21FEvCcu1ZHNOhCn2cY-wof6BwbpeTHedYPY-fsmVPx6IcHcVndRhPNzFjKttub1bgmijB_b/s400/IMG_2348.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of MANY sharks Kev caught.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT_Fq61CHtwEf1WIi66BXY1bVYWce4CQhUDPZXyL5uHzURNqlHaxyD8O5GNumlVaL6tIrXZ7wETjfaW7ZiuV6nXH4eQ0cRxl6cTY9QjqF_JFuYuVNC-RSIHzhHs6dfqZGeRPTjfgPzUnK/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT_Fq61CHtwEf1WIi66BXY1bVYWce4CQhUDPZXyL5uHzURNqlHaxyD8O5GNumlVaL6tIrXZ7wETjfaW7ZiuV6nXH4eQ0cRxl6cTY9QjqF_JFuYuVNC-RSIHzhHs6dfqZGeRPTjfgPzUnK/s400/IMG_2352.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pregnant crab that Justin caught</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JK-2vTSWnbsxWmvDGMFBIZ3BT_bbPTpWxEMIh5jAzv9He1E8_ejlZVxy-X1l9iehBcbfsF1WqP27s92cZf-bfJrTYjvDT5hCoWV5pzchN3UbN7xnOnLDiOoPUVmWAzd6-5_mE-gj2JN6/s1600/IMG_2356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JK-2vTSWnbsxWmvDGMFBIZ3BT_bbPTpWxEMIh5jAzv9He1E8_ejlZVxy-X1l9iehBcbfsF1WqP27s92cZf-bfJrTYjvDT5hCoWV5pzchN3UbN7xnOnLDiOoPUVmWAzd6-5_mE-gj2JN6/s400/IMG_2356.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids were amazed at this sight.</td></tr>
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On Thursday, it hurt to be in the direct sunlight, shirts felt uncomfortable they way any of them rubbed my neck, and the side of my right leg was bright red...I was burnt! The girls were a little pink, but nothing that would have kept them off of the beach. However, there was just no way I could spend time on the sand that day, so we headed to St. Simon Island for lunch and some beach shopping...mostly window shopping. We ate lunch at <a href="http://www.explorestsimonsisland.com/st_simons_restaurants.html">Iguanas</a> and let me just go on the record saying they shrimp is fantastic!!! It was so yummy! The lunch special is under $10 and includes shrimp, slaw, hushpuppies, and a side. So worth the month! I went with the fried shrimp and can totally understand why they have been voted #1 for so long when it comes to shrimp! I think this will be my choice of places to eat at every time we are out that way.<br />
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On the way home from St. Simon the girls saw a turtle about to cross the road and talked me into turning around so they could "rescue" it. Breanna hopped out of the car, crossed the road, and grabbed the turtle - wanting to help it cross the road without someone hitting it. Of course, she had to bring it near the car to let everyone see...I never knew girls would "awwwww" over a turtle, but they did. Once the turtle was let go in the tall grass, we all decided to check out the dock on Butler River in Darien. We had heard that sometimes alligators can be spotted in the river when the tide is going down, never did we think we would see one. Yet, we did. We saw a few out there, one pretty close to us. We were all amazed as we watched it blow bubbles in the water. Bre and I wanted to see one a little closer, but it was still awesome to see the ones that we did see. Allei and Caitlin were a bit scared at the sight of one. Next time I will take my good camera so we can capture them with better quality than my iPhone. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80GoXRWaACpk6TToprSoxd557DgHj5YEx1Og_URYaf0_weSXFyoIGkL1Op9X40hFuvlI6MnZUIiu1FKo6v7npee_rzVPDDS-6zMZDaW6xO_RyFBHY6goG9E1TF2G8gwk_KPGCs82tyAdN/s1600/IMG_2360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80GoXRWaACpk6TToprSoxd557DgHj5YEx1Og_URYaf0_weSXFyoIGkL1Op9X40hFuvlI6MnZUIiu1FKo6v7npee_rzVPDDS-6zMZDaW6xO_RyFBHY6goG9E1TF2G8gwk_KPGCs82tyAdN/s400/IMG_2360.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terri, I think this would make a great thing to put in the house!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each one of us ended up with the same I'm on Island Time t-shirt. All in this same color, except Caitlin who went with tye-dyed pink. We LOVE them!!!</td></tr>
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Friday morning, we slowly woke up, all tired from a busy week and so much sun. We took our time getting ready, went to the pet store, where the girls met a super friendly Great Dane. We spent the afternoon at the house, cleaning and doing laundry, sadly preparing to leave on Saturday.<br />
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Late in the afternoon, we all loaded up in the car for our last beach trip. With the sunburn still irritating me, I wanted to wait until late afternoon before heading to the beach. We spent a few hours with me reading and the girls splashing and playing in the ocean on St. Simon Island. As we were leaving, we were able to see a beautiful sunset over the water.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breanna made a face in the sand</td></tr>
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As we entered back in Darien, the girls all asked if we could walk on the docs and look at the boats and see if we could find a gator or manatee (manatees have been spotted out there, we saw one while on the Dolphin Tour). We loved looking at the boats - from sail boats to shrimping boats, it was really neat. Sadly, we didn't see any activity in the water, but we did see guys that were set up for Saturday's Festival.<br />
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The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBurnOfDarien">Burning of Darien</a> took place the following day - based on 150th Anniversary of when the town was burned into ruins during the Civil War. There is one building still standing, but closed with Do Not Enter signs posted. The experience of this event was one that was quite amazing and gave more insight as to what all happened to this small coastal town...<br />
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<i>On June 11, 1863 the seaport of Darien was vandalized and burned by
Federal forces stationed on nearby St. Simons Island. The town was
largely deserted, most of its 500 residents having sought refuge inland.
Lost were public buildings, churches, businesses and most private
residences. Conducting the raid were units comprised of among the first
African-American troops to serve the Union cause, the 54th Massachusetts
Volunteers under Col. Robert G. Shaw, and the 2nd South Carolina
Volunteers under Col. James Montgomery. The burning of Darien,
undefended and of little strategic importance, was one of the most
controversial events of the Civil War.</i> (Text of historic marker
placed by the Lower Altamaha Historical Society and the Georgia
Historical Society in 2001). The movie <i>Glory </i>was based loosely on the story of the 54th Massachusetts.<br />
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<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-77598569941622165032013-05-27T00:40:00.000-05:002013-05-27T00:40:08.001-05:00Happy Memorial Day isn't so Happy...We've all seen it... <i>Happy Memorial Day </i>on commercials, ads, Facebook, and all social media sites as well as television. We've heard it from those around us. While I have kept my opinions quite for the most part, I am really bothered by the way so many view this Holiday weekend. It is seen as a reason to get together and party, to cook-out, to shop awesome sales, and to enjoy a nice, cold beer. I cringe every time someone calls me or sees me and says "Happy Memorial Day", then continuing about their day. I smile, holding myself back from speaking my mind and asking them if they truly understand the meaning behind this day...this weekend.<br />
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Right now I am struggling with this Memorial Day and with the meaning behind it. Memorial Day isn't about anything I mentioned in the paragraph above, but about remembering the men and women that selflessly gave their lives while fighting for our country or those that died as a direct result of injuries sustained in combat. So many lives have been lost and so many families have taken on the toll of these losses as well as the Gold Star Family title. I keep thinking about the conversations I have heard about parties and sales this weekend and just wish people would spend a little less time obsessed with that and more honoring those that have laid their lives down. I just wish everyone would take the time to honor and respect our fallen men and women, as well as their families - not focus on material things in life.<br />
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Telling a veteran or their family <i>Happy Memorial Day </i>isn't exactly the best thing to do. Neither will find this day to be happy. Yet, many will take the time to celebrate the lives of those they lost on this particular weekend. Our family was one of the blessed ones. Kevin had so many close calls while deployed, yet he is home with us now. Severely injured, but home. When I think about it all, I realize that a piece of him never came back home when he returned to us. That part of him will always be lost because of war. Our family as a whole has been changed and life is nothing as we planned for it to be. Memorial Day brings up the reality of what our men and women were faced with. It brings back memories of before their brother and sisters from the military paid the ultimate sacrifice in life. It leaves spouses such as myself, remember the phone calls about another soldier Killed in Action and the way it ripped through their family, the family that was patiently waiting on the homefront. <br />
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When you approach your loved ones that are or were military and have served in war, keep in mind most don't see the "happy" in Memorial Day. Many will shut down and won't have the desire to do anything or take part in the gatherings that will occur tomorrow and other holidays. Be patient and understand from their point of view. Don't become angry or upset if they don't want to take part in the festivities. Instead, just be understanding. Don't pressure them for a reason why or for things that happened while they were deployed. Allow them to have their space and whatever time they need. Remember, their emotions may be all over the place, and that is okay. If anyone deserves to do what they feel on holidays, it is those that served and the families that paid the ultimate sacrifice.<br />
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My family has forever been changed due to war... We each hold those close that selflessly gave their lives and we hold Kevin a bit closer now. We find gratitude in the fact he is still here with us, yet guilt in a way because we are one of the "lucky" families. I don't expect all or many to understand, especially if you haven't walked in our shoes.<br />
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Before you start showing appreciation to our veterans, remember that Memorial Day is NOT Veterans Day. Veterans Day is when you thank and honor all of those who served honorably in the military, during wartime or peacetime. It is intended to thank the living veterans for their service. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring those that died while fighting for our country or later as a direct result of injuries sustained in combat.<br />
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Take time to remember why Memorial Day is celebrated. Take time to explain it to your children as they think it is just a time to start going to the pool. Take time to say a prayer for those that laid their lives down and the families left behind picking up the pieces. <br />
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My thoughts and prayers are with the families of all the fallen this weekend. Words can never show the appreciation and pride I hold for all that gave their lives for each one of us. It takes a special kind of person to join the military and pay the sacrifices that so many have paid - or are willing to pay...Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-4674405063160440792013-05-20T22:31:00.001-05:002013-05-20T22:31:07.909-05:00Nic's First Braves GameIf you know me well, then you know I absolutely LOVE the Atlanta Braves and have a fabulous time attending games! Lucky for me, Nicholas had a blast watching the Braves win a game in early April against the Cubs. The best part of the game was seeing Nic's face light up with a huge smile at the homerun that was hit!<br />
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We started the day off greeting the Budweiser Clydesdale's on the street in front of the stadium. Nic was in awe at seeing the horses and stood in front for his photo opportunity.<br />
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Once we entered Turner Field, Nic was in total amazement at everything going on around him. As we walked around (because he wanted to see it all), he spotted the batting and pitching cages. which of course he had to take part in. At first, when he was holding the bat it was ALL wrong, so before I could say anything, a kind man standing with his grandson helped Nic bat the right way. After two swings, he was able to hit a ball and did pretty good. He LOVED being able to pitch more than batting.<br />
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There was a lady next to the pitching cage that was painting faces, or arms in Nic's case, by airbrush. Nic became excited and wanted a tomahawk painted on his arm...but only if I would have my face painted. So, after his arm was painted I had to get an A painted on my face. Both turned out really good!<br />
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Throughout the game, Nic and I took pictures and even had some taken together thanks to the nice people around us that offered to take our photo. Nic was full of laughter and excitement throughout it all. He kept his glove on the whole time in hopes of catching a ball, which sadly didn't happen. He yelled and smiled during the wave and of course when the Home Depot tools raced to the finish line that was right in front of us.<br />
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Once the game was over, kids from all over lined up in one of two lines so they could run the bases!!! Since Nicholas became a Kids Club Member for his birthday, he was able to line up with the first group full of Kids Club Members and run the bases! It was a bit chaotic, but a ton of fun for the little ones! Nic ran the bases and was rewarded with a t-shirt and certificate! Once he was back with me, he smiled and smiled and told me how "cool" it was to run the bases.<br />
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This outing was needed for me and Nic. We needed time away and a day out with just the two of us. Of course, we barely made it to the interstate when I heard snoring from the backseat. The heat and sun wore the little man of the house out!!! He slept almost all the way home. For those of you that don't know, that was over an hour and a half of sleeping! We all heard about how much fun he had for days...Okay, so we are STILL hearing about it and how he cannot wait to attend another game!</div>
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<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-48174724216259933122013-05-20T00:12:00.000-05:002013-05-20T00:12:31.242-05:00Spring Break in Mena & Easter in MaconI know I am soooooo behind on my updates on here and I don't have
much of an excuse other than I have been super busy and trying to figure
things out in our lives. No worries though, all is well with the Biddle
Family!<br />
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The last week of March was Spring Break for the kids and it was a BUSY week for all of us! On Friday, as soon as the kids were home from school
we spent time packing for our trip to Arkansas and getting ready for
Nic's 6th birthday party!!! It is still so hard to believe our little
man is now 6! Time sure has flown by. Nic's party took place on a
Saturday and following it, Kevin took a 5 hour nap before we all loaded
up in the truck and headed to Mena, AR!<br />
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The drive from
our house until we reached the outskirts of Memphis was hell! It stormed
the entire time, slowing us down and at one point with us having to
stop on I-20 before we reached Birmingham. Due to the high winds, a tree
fell into the middle of the interstate causing a tour bus to lost their
windshield and a car to end up totaled. We pulled over for the car to
make sure they were okay and found two young women on their way to visit
family, pretty shaken up. Kevin got out to check on them at first, then
called 911 to let them know what was going on and to get assistance out
before someone was seriously injured or a major wreck occurred. The
tree scratched the entire drivers side of our truck when we hit it,
luckily we were in the right lane, so we didn't have terrible damage or
worse...flip.<br />
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The kids slept through most of the drive...the perks of driving through the night!
Excitement struck as soon as we crossed the bridge and saw the Welcome
to Arkansas sign, then again in Hot Springs and as we came to the
Welcome to Mena sign. It almost felt like we were home...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, at one point they were sleeping nicely - then the next the girls were fighting...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Nic
was so excited to see Bailey and as always, the two of them stayed side
by side whenever we were at Aunt Jeanette's house. It is so cute to see
these two together. They run and play, then lounge around and sleep
side by side. Nic adores her as much as she does him. Even at night, she
decided she needed to sleep right at Nic's side!</div>
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During
the week, we spent time with Grandmama, Aunt Jeanette, Leah, Don, Nita
and the Philpots...which made the whole week absolutely amazing and of
course has left us longing for more time with each of them! We had an
amazing week in Mena and cannot wait to get back. The week flew by us a
bit too quickly!<br />
<br />
Towards the end of the week, Breanna and I decided we wanted to shoot my .380 and lucky for us, we were able to do so at Don and Nita's house on the back part of their property.
Bre did AMAZING shooting!!! I must say, she takes after her mom...a
total natural! Kevin wasn't thrilled about being around my gun, but he
managed to keep "calm" while around Bre and Aunt Jeanette. He even found
a bit of patience with them both in teaching them the right way to
shoot. Of course, as soon as it was over and he could get away from my
pistol, he was out of there! We can't thank him enough for teaching Bre and Aunt Jeanette how to shoot! This was also Aunt Jeanette's first time shooting and she did great!!! It was so much fun watching her and Bre shoot! <br />
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Our
last day in Mena was an emotional day for each of us...we were all so
sad to see the week come to an end and to head back to Georgia. Nic and
Caitlin loved on Bailey until we almost had to pry them off of her. I'm
sure she loved it though. We took photos with Aunt Jeanette and
Grandmama. I know I was trying my hardest to contain the tears as we
were saying our "Goodbyes". I hate leaving those two, as does Kevin,
Breanna, Caitlin, and Nicholas. I can honestly say that Aunt Jeanette
and Grandmama are two of the most amazing woman we have in our lives and
we are so blessed to have them! We sure do miss them now and cannot
wait to see them sometime soon!</div>
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Since
we knew we wouldn't get home until very early Easter morning, we let
the kids have an egg hunt on Friday afternoon before we all ate dinner
at Don and Nita's house...of course, they had a blast! We left Mena a
little after lunch time on the Saturday before Easter and started to
make our way back to GA. In the couple hours we were able to sleep, the
Easter Bunny stopped by and left goodies in the kids Easter "Baskets".
Each one received a cute piggy bank and a basket full of things that
they loved!</div>
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Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-23648660527492666022013-05-01T02:21:00.002-05:002013-05-28T10:47:32.770-05:00Out with the Old...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPgKcjIVGrvYz768dY6odg28jZb3goiDfGA-1bPBM_gc4cTb1ORFbRB6pxcbqetU_DLHt3Kns6wx9ldx6sFmk9EnqInx-yUxUFeG-wJSt20aEWIEyuvKPjjPYJa4eTMfUAqtiZ0s8jDk/s640/blogger-image--1827067317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPgKcjIVGrvYz768dY6odg28jZb3goiDfGA-1bPBM_gc4cTb1ORFbRB6pxcbqetU_DLHt3Kns6wx9ldx6sFmk9EnqInx-yUxUFeG-wJSt20aEWIEyuvKPjjPYJa4eTMfUAqtiZ0s8jDk/s320/blogger-image--1827067317.jpg" width="320" /></a>As many of you know, our weekend was a bit on the rough side with Kevin's F-250 ending up in the shop. We had to pull into an empty parking lot right outside of Stone Mountain on Saturday while on the way to my Dad's house due to the truck making odd noises and then locking up while Kevin was driving. We jacked the truck up and took the wheel off to find that his bearings were completely warped and there was absolutely NO way we could drive it any further without seriously risking his wheel falling off while in route. Now, we all know that would have been more than terrible had it happened! So, we did what anyone else would do... We called the dealership down the street to let them know of the issue (after Thanking God that we hold enough common sense to put extended warranties on all of our vehicles), then we called a towing company to have us towed to the dealership.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, my dad doesn't live too terribly far from where we were and was able to meet us in the parking lot while we waited. Him and Josh, my brother showed up in Josh's truck, with Barb following in her van. We all waited for the tow truck and spent time chatting. When the truck arrived, we all watched as it loaded our F-250, then Barb took the kids to their house and the rest of us headed to the dealership. <br />
<br />
Once we arrived at the dealership, the guys quickly dispersed to the lot to look at new F-150's while I handled the issues with our truck and <a href="http://www.worldfordstonemountain.com/">World Ford</a>'s Service Department. Thank you to Key for helping us and getting everything set up with NO issues! After a few minutes, Josh and I had to rush over to Enterprise to pick up our rental car while Kevin and Dad kept looking at the nice and pretty new trucks. Before leaving them, I told Kevin "We are NOT buying a new truck!!!". Now, please keep that in mind for later while reading this... I even told my dad and the salesman, Jody that in no way were we in the market for a new vehicle at this time because we are focusing on other things going on in our near future.<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]-->Once at Enterprise, we were put into a Chevrolet Impala as our rental car and we honestly HATED this thing while we had it. It was great on gas and did have power, but was the most uncomfortable car with very limited room! Luckily, we were only in this vehicle for just a few days.<br />
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Now, here comes the bad news...or I guess you could say good news that was given to us in an <i>undisguised blessing </i>type way. On Monday, we received news about our truck that led us to make some pretty quick decisions. The bearings were in fact shot and damages were covered under the extended warranty. However, there were a few other issues that were not covered under the warranty and would cost us a few thousand dollars that we simply do not have right now for the repairs. So, this is where I ate my words... After a lot of talking back and forth, we had Jody run numbers for us this morning...on a new F-150!!!<br />
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Yes, we ended up trading our F-250 that we have loved so much this past year in on a 2013 F-150 thanks to Jody Sexton and George Figueroa with World Ford Stone Mountain! Family and friends in that area, if you are in the market for a Ford, please head on over to World Ford and ask for Jody Sexton! I simply encourage you to check them out! The customer service is outstanding! Every single person there worked hard to make the deal from today go through as it did and found awesome interest rates for us! We could not be any happier or pleased as we are with Ford!<br />
<br />
Kevin drove the truck back to Macon and absolutely LOVED it! It was so quiet driving and easy to drive throughout traffic across the Atlanta area. The interior is nice (I love the color scheme!) and the options that are included in truck are great! We are so excited that compared to the F-250, it will cost less to fill this truck up, give us more miles to the tank of gas, way less expensive oil changes, inexpensive tires, and the overall upkeep will cost us less now. Overall, we are very pleased with our decision to trade and so thrilled with Kevin's new truck! It was so good to see him happy with this decision and to see it work out as it did for him and us. Thank you to everyone at World Ford!!! We are more than pleased with this experience and will be doing business with you in the future!<br />
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This was just the beginning of our crazy and exciting day that was full of changes...<br />
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Last night, Kevin and I started talking more about my truck and the fact that with so many miles on it and all the driving that I now do, I am getting to the point of being in the market for a new vehicle myself. I needed something more dependable for my daily driver that came with a good warranty. After going back and forth, weighing options, I started to talk to our friend, Danny Gillian that works over at <a href="http://www.butlertoyota.com/%E2%80%8E">Butler Toyota</a> in Macon to see what we would qualify for. NEVER did I think we would be matched with my now NEW CAR!!!<br />
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Goodbye Nissan (I am truly sad to see my xTerra go...), you have been an amazing SUV...<br />
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But, I am super excited about my new car!!!<br />
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Hello, Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE!!!<br />
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We have bought new cars in the past, but they have always been more towards the base line vehicles. For the first time EVER, I have a loaded car, equipped with a sunroof and navigation! YAY! I am on top of the world tonight, so much so that I almost broke into tears. Well, between this and the anxiety over the whole anxiety attack that occurred. Thank you so much, Kendra for talking me through this craziness tonight and helping to calm me down! This of course, is also a Happy Birthday, Brittney "gift" and it's one that I LOVE!!! I am amazed with all of the features that come with this car and can't wait for tomorrow when I meet with Danny to learn more about my car!<br />
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My car is perfect and I am so thankful to have all that I have been blessed with. I am also very blessed and lucky to have the husband I do that wanted to not only get me into a new car, but to get me into the one that I wanted without simply settling as we have done on past vehicles! Never, did I think I would actually like a Camry, but I love it and cannot wait to drive it more! Oh, and when we were driving it tonight, we noticed it will get almost 700 miles a tank of gas! 700 miles, people!!! That is almost double from what my xTerra and his F-250 were getting! Simply amazing!<br />
<br />
Speaking of Danny, thank you so much! It's so hard to find a good dealership now and even harder to find an outstanding one! Today we lucked out with two outstanding dealerships! Thank you so much to Danny Gillian and Troy Stephens R for making this deal go through! You guys simply amazed me with the way you worked this deal and how quickly you made things happen! The customer service was amazing as was everything about this whole process. Even though we made it there literally at closing time, they all stayed late to make sure this deal went through, have my Camry detailed, and even filled it up! Thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication!<br />
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Today was an amazing day, even though it did in fact add more to our bills, lol. The outcome of our new vehicles is that they will pay for themselves with the money we save in gas and upkeep. <br />
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Thank you Kevin for taking me to the Toyota dealership tonight! <br />
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<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]-->If you are looking for a new Ford in the Stone Mountain area, give Jody Sexton a call at 678.344.3300 or if you are looking for a new Toyota, please call Danny Gillian at 800.706.0600<br />
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<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-21870457727657288812013-04-13T17:17:00.002-05:002013-05-03T13:16:59.914-05:00Dear "Old Army" Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>I sat down the other night after taking time to pull away from conversations and everyday life and took the time to think about what we have been through, where we have been and where we are now. Where we are now is so incredibly different than where we were in life just a couple years ago. After all this time, I have found a way to be content with the past and our experiences/obstacles because each significant and insignificant moment in our lives have made each of us who we are today. They have molded us into the lives we live and left us with the will to survive and fight harder for things we desire in life. Things will never be the same, not as they once were. But, that is okay because things always happen for a reason. With all that I have been through from the army life, Kev's time active duty and now as a wounded veteran, kids, and my own serious health issues/surgeries, this is our life and I am so proud of where we are and who we are. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>When I sat down and wrote, it became a letter to our old <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/article/9861689/dear-old-army-life-12086719.html?cat=9">Army life</a>. It all just poured out of me in an unexpected way. I never thought I would just sit down and become honest with myself and then share it with others. I did this because often we lose ourselves in the negative side of this life and forget that there is so much positive to it - even with the breakdowns and numerous shedding of tears. I have decided that I am going to put a sincere smile on my face and enable myself to be happy despite the hard times, despite the breakdowns, despite the injuries and despite what we are going through - and you can too! Our lives as spouses of wounded veterans is far from easy, but the more any of us dwell on the past and focus on the negative aspects, the worse off each of us will be. Why bring unneeded misery to our lives, we have enough of that with daily living when moments are rough. We can all make a difference, whether it's revolving around our families or taking our own experiences and using them to help others. I have taken this stand and want to use our experiences to help others, to let them know they are never alone. We have all been there.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I submitted the below article to Yahoo Contributor and they published it a couple days ago, I won't share the whole thing on here, however you can always click <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/article/9861689/dear-old-army-life-12086719.html?cat=9">HERE</a> to view it on Yahoo's website.</i><br />
<br />
.......While I so desperately have wanted to hate you, I simply cannot. Had it
not been for you and all of your experiences, Kevin and I would not be
anything close to what we are today, nor would our marriage hold the
love and strength it does. Sure, I despise the stress that came with
you, the numerous times Kevin spent away from us, the many super close
calls, multiple changes you brought into our lives, injuries Kevin now
faces, and so much more. Yet, without you, this strength that now lives
within me would be nonexistent and my heart would never swell with pride
every time our National Anthem plays loudly through the speakers and
brings me to tears. I wouldn't know what my heart is capable of handling
and loving, just as I wouldn't know what it is like to miss someone so
much every ounce of my being hurts or <a class="link interlink" href="http://voices.yahoo.com/theme/1765/what_its_like_to.html" rel="&content_type=theme&content_type_id=1765" title="what it's like to">what it's like to</a>
fall in love with the same person over and over again upon every return
home. I wouldn't know what it's like to fill with pride and love as my
husband dressed in his BDU's and later in ACU's, stood in formation, or
led his soldiers. I wouldn't know what it's like to wait for that one
phone call to come in in over two months and that one call get me
through two more months of limited communication while he was in a war
zone. I wouldn't know the feeling of rockets hitting his FOB while we
are talking on the phone and listen to him as he drops the phone after
telling me he loves me; only to breakdown hours later as his voice came
through the speaker of that same phone telling me he was okay, they had
just lived through another attack.<i>.......</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
.......You've taught me patience in every step, just as how you have taught me
"Hurry up and Wait" in everyday life. Everyone knows we all became
professionals in this sense. During his first deployment, you taught us
to never take a single moment for granted and to cherish every day that
we live, good or bad. You've given me strength and confidence to stand
up for what I believe in, to never give up, and to fight for Kevin with
his injuries, after all no one else can advocate for him as I can. You
left us with the cold reality of tomorrow not being promised so to enjoy
each breath we take and to always smile.......<br />
<br />
<i>To read this article in full, please visit </i>http://voices.yahoo.com/article/9861689/dear-old-army-life-12086719.html?cat=9. <i>Please feel free to share this blog post and the article. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>To contact me, email brittney.biddle@yahoo.com</i>Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-4460188334106094592013-04-10T00:19:00.001-05:002013-04-13T17:21:05.047-05:00Eggs in a VentYou know that moment when you grab the clothes from your dryer only to find everything is still damp? You have to throw everything back in and start another dry cycle, of course with a bit of frustration. Then, as the dryer is turning, your mind starts running crazy... "Is it the heating element?" or "could the vent be clogged somewhere?". Regardless what it is, in your busy life it's an inconvenience. This is what happened to me last week, however it was neither of these issues.<br />
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Kevin and I went to Home Depot to pick up some things to clear the vent, thinking the cause was it being clogged. The dryer is barely eight months old, so we were hoping it wasn't the heating element or anything like that. <br />
<br />
When we made it home, we pulled the dryer out and found two things... 1. The vent and duct leading from my laundry room to the outside is NOT closed off. In other words, there is comets openness for things to come in and out! and, 2. This is what we found...<br />
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Super cute, blue bird eggs!!! I wanted to cry. By running the dryer with the best and eggs in the vent, those babies had absolutely no hope in surviving! <br />
<br />
What gets me even more, not even a few days before Spring Break I was downstairs and heard a scratching noise upstairs. Every time I made it to the top of the staircase, the noises stopped, so I could never find the freaking noise! All we can think is the mama bird decided to form her best in the vent right before w left and laid the eggs while we were away for the week. Why she would decide upon our dryer vent is beyond me and I hate that she did! <br />
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So, next time your dryer isn't drying all the way, check all areas before taking the time to spend money and time on parts that may not be needed! <br />
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<b>Also, keep in mind clogged vents in dryers can lead to house fires. We are very lucky in this aspect that it did not catch on fire as clogged as it was. </b><br />
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Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-36447490346703228582013-04-02T22:48:00.003-05:002013-04-02T22:48:49.598-05:00Looking Back on FebruaryFebruary was an amazing month, it started off wonderful and ended the same. It's been such a long time since I have been able to say something such as that. Sure, there were plenty of bumps in the road and difficult times, but so much was learned and many unexpected experiences were lived. I wrote about the <a href="http://www.biddlebuzz.com/2013/02/finding-me-in-my-hoop.html">WWP Caregiver Retreat</a> that I was blessed to attend and the impact it made in my life, but I have not yet shared the latest trip I was on - I was simply blessed to attend the USO Caregivers Conference in San Diego, CA on February 25. This was an unexpected trip for me and it was one that I am still trying to process and that will play a part in my life from here on out.<br />
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Early on February 24th, I "fearfully" headed to Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta to start by short, but amazing journey. Fearfully because I <i>HATED</i> flying, especially being that the only time I had flown before this was from Atlanta to Frankfurt, Germany; which is a bit crazy as first flights. This time, however, I was flying solo - no husband and no kids. To my surprise my flights were actually pretty good and a bit relaxing for the most part! There was a bit of turbulence on the way to San Diego as we flew over El Paso and then on the return flight home from Vegas we hit quite a bit of turbulence that had me uneasy for a few minutes. On the way to San Diego, I had a connecting flight in Houston, TX then on the home we connected in Vegas. All in all, the flying and connections were actually kind of fun!<br />
<br />
I arrived to the Atlanta airport a few hours before my boarding time and being that I had free time I was able to meet up with a long time friend of ours, Jason. It was so good to see him and made me miss hanging out with him and his wife, Heather even more. It's so good to still have friends after so many years and experiences in life.<br />
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After hours of flying, I arrived in San Diego a little after 4pm. I met up with someone from the USO and another fellow caregiver at the airport and together we headed to Camp Pendleton. San Diego is a beautiful city - well, from what I could see between landing and our drive. It is definitely a city that I would love to return to and actually spend time sight seeing. We arrived and checked into our rooms right as the sun was beginning to set. To those of you who don't know me real well, one of the things on my Bucket List was to see the sun set on the west coast...this trip enabled me to complete this. The sunset was beautiful, a bit magical. My room faced the Pacific Ocean and was an amazing view. Following the sunset and some downtime to collect ourselves, we all met in the lobby to go out for dinner. Once dinner was over, we made it back to the hotel around 9 and I believe most of us headed to our rooms and crashed for the night. <br />
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Early Monday morning, February 25, 2013 we all headed to the opposite side of Camp Pendleton to begin our day with the USO Caregivers Conference, which was above and beyond outstanding. I highly recommend all caregivers to attend a conference if given the opportunity. I won't go into a ton of details on this post since I already posted a pretty detailed post a couple weeks ago. Honestly, I started this post last month and thought that I completed and published it. Obviously, my thought process was not accurate and I am now trying to catch back up! To read more about the actual conference, click <a href="http://www.biddlebuzz.com/2013/03/uso.html">HERE</a>. I still feel incredibly blessed that I was fortunate enough to attend this conference and to meet the people I met! Absolutely amazing experience with fantastic bonds that were formed! Connecting with people is the key to so many things in life, especially when connecting with individuals that get us and our lives!<br />
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Following our day, we all headed back to the hotel for some downtime...or in mine and Monique's case, a walk to the Exchange, which was down hill from the hotel. How neither of us slid down this hill is a bit of a mystery. We enjoyed our afternoon and the warm, sunny California weather. We did take some time to ourselves after our trip out before dinner. Dinner was spent with a nice group of people, and many conversations at our table of seven. I thoroughly enjoyed the people I sat with and chatted with.<br />
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Once we were back to the hotel, Monique and I talked to Kristen who happily took us to Oceanside Beach for a few minutes! This trip was for me to dip my toes in the icy cold Pacific Ocean and walk on sand that literally felt like ice! It was so cold, yet such an awesome experience for me! This was the first time I had ever been able to step foot in the Pacific Ocean! The furthest west I have been is the eastern side of New Mexico!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-OMJQ9MC5BWAyHxSROikEd4RJcG4WqqLKY8k8juZICbr4dMdmFCpmnBmNpq3w1KVc-vxvmUNqU9Gs7Eewmo3g4oF-W5F64Ds4zBqmpVreJgZF9LzCyJp5k56XzgG5RUVHZP_3_Hfh9U/s1600/from+my+room+2252013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-OMJQ9MC5BWAyHxSROikEd4RJcG4WqqLKY8k8juZICbr4dMdmFCpmnBmNpq3w1KVc-vxvmUNqU9Gs7Eewmo3g4oF-W5F64Ds4zBqmpVreJgZF9LzCyJp5k56XzgG5RUVHZP_3_Hfh9U/s400/from+my+room+2252013.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful way to start my morning!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjiLTSw9aDCo61CX8OF9z3VLIzZKegfdYyD7j-M4HP9X0kMaT3uQTt12dLc66OVVkhf76ZfS449sUWNiMmjjab8uDpRcYUlQQMx7g4KTSrA0CklujmmlHHkgSgIGAv3QWxHCnmIp1Exs/s1600/USO+Conference+22513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjiLTSw9aDCo61CX8OF9z3VLIzZKegfdYyD7j-M4HP9X0kMaT3uQTt12dLc66OVVkhf76ZfS449sUWNiMmjjab8uDpRcYUlQQMx7g4KTSrA0CklujmmlHHkgSgIGAv3QWxHCnmIp1Exs/s400/USO+Conference+22513.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monique and I with Elmo at the Conference</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWbYBnxIS-pRmoReCW99XZ00iA-V8vqINYMf73LfH2qKlqDSzBUWtaxq1uOqXl-44NuBP6m8yV3d-GJDRGM34bbjr7Av_iJ5md3rgh-S72UDXGfY8ZYng5mEjuXW1cUpApTIh7nonluw/s1600/oceanside+beach+2252013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWbYBnxIS-pRmoReCW99XZ00iA-V8vqINYMf73LfH2qKlqDSzBUWtaxq1uOqXl-44NuBP6m8yV3d-GJDRGM34bbjr7Av_iJ5md3rgh-S72UDXGfY8ZYng5mEjuXW1cUpApTIh7nonluw/s400/oceanside+beach+2252013.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oceanside Beach, CA - My FIRST time ever at the Pacific Ocean!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Following an exciting evening, Monique and I said our goodbyes in the lobby and each headed back to our rooms. It was time to pack and get ready for bed. The following morning I met a group in the lobby at 5am so we could head to the airport in San Diego. Our few days there had sadly come to an end.<br />
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This trip is one that will stick with me from here on out for so many reasons. I was able to mark things off of my bucket list; flying from the east to the west coast, seeing the sun set on the Pacific (beautiful), see San Diego (even if it was to land and take off), visit California, walk on the Pacific beach and dip my toes in the cold water, see the Grand Canyon (okay, so we flew over it. I was still able to see it, which is what counts!), and to make more connections that I will always carry with me in life. February changed so many things about me and my life that I am still trying to process it and take it all in. I feel as though a weight has been lifted off and that I can breathe again.<br />
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Thank you to all in Tampa, FL and San Diego, CA for making such a positive impact in my life! I can only hope and pray that I can leave people with a better outlook in life and a reason to never give up in life!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hj-LlOlac194tU-Irmwx5dVIt6sKVEBKmVe_RUwDIdMHlrtwk1VCEBW1oADfJvCybPxlQkoLvkGysVmWKHL_r_G0P4yYo7CunD3CHO8KFRZsKwIbTL6-YURn7c99kXdjnf9ND4LaALw/s1600/sd+to+vegas+2262013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hj-LlOlac194tU-Irmwx5dVIt6sKVEBKmVe_RUwDIdMHlrtwk1VCEBW1oADfJvCybPxlQkoLvkGysVmWKHL_r_G0P4yYo7CunD3CHO8KFRZsKwIbTL6-YURn7c99kXdjnf9ND4LaALw/s400/sd+to+vegas+2262013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Until next time, San Diego...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTncHzQdV8WEj-OdiSnj4gWe4icj671wyeO7MbyxYJK5ZqMC6NFbvZ2zukrvkI45QH9VyhBnsgywQYXMeMZc4VnLyStWm1MRePSeuLTy-dWzTqciHhFi0gIoMjqFnu7OAD0GUvVJ8NGo/s1600/Grand+Canyon+2262013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTncHzQdV8WEj-OdiSnj4gWe4icj671wyeO7MbyxYJK5ZqMC6NFbvZ2zukrvkI45QH9VyhBnsgywQYXMeMZc4VnLyStWm1MRePSeuLTy-dWzTqciHhFi0gIoMjqFnu7OAD0GUvVJ8NGo/s400/Grand+Canyon+2262013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying over the Grand Canyon was a picture perfect site</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7NspdZExEii96cLn84kGtIUxXpJnW4pq05ika3NKkB6gkOnUd5bQrh8JuMnWNvNOC28m4eNNoMfDeZVXJCtZhm7arj-bftidkJGFaAMfVHBueOIZDhS-AHvSbeCBEEd5vkbdzTJNRjk/s1600/Vegas+to+Atl+22613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7NspdZExEii96cLn84kGtIUxXpJnW4pq05ika3NKkB6gkOnUd5bQrh8JuMnWNvNOC28m4eNNoMfDeZVXJCtZhm7arj-bftidkJGFaAMfVHBueOIZDhS-AHvSbeCBEEd5vkbdzTJNRjk/s400/Vegas+to+Atl+22613.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Vegas, flying over states, and landing in Atlanta... Home for this southern girl!</td></tr>
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<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-30314097714640706382013-04-01T02:18:00.001-05:002013-04-01T02:18:22.137-05:00iTunes GiveawayTo many, music is a true therapy in life. I know for me it definitely is! I can relate to so many songs and have many that have helped me get through some of the most traumatic times in life, as well as the best. For example, "Somebody Must be Prayin for Me" by Tim McGraw. For years now, that has been a song that has guided me through so much, especially the bridge and chorus,<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sometimes she stares out the window<br />And wonders about her hollywood dream<br />But when she tucks her kids in bed<br />she softly whispers as they fall asleep<br /><br />Somebody must be prayin' for me<br />Somebody out there must be prayin' for me<br />Ain't it funny how you always find just what you need<br />Somebody must be prayin' for me </i></div>
<i><br /></i>
If you know me well, then you know the reason without me having to go into an explanation. There was so much I wanted to do in the music business, then I found out I was pregnant with Breanna at the young age of 17. Five months after an emergency c-section and holding my sweet preemie, we found out that we were having baby #2, Caitlin. At the age of 19, I had carried two high-risk pregnancies, survived two c-sections and watched as two sweet little girls took over every part of my life. At the age of 23, Nicholas was born via c-section. At 25, I had to undergo a hysterectomy due to my medical issues. All of the dreams and goals I had that I walked away from, were for a reason. At the time I could not see that of course, now I do. It leaves me so thankful for taking pregnancy on and becoming a mother at a young age. Had I not, I never would have been able to have my children. That alone has left me so blessed in life.<br />
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Anything Miranda Lambert makes me smile. There are so many songs I can relate to and that seem so fitting in life. <i>Heart Like Mine</i> is one of my absolute favorites and makes me think of me every time I hear it. <i>When I See You Smile </i>is a song that has helped me stay strong and helps me know that everything will be okay. It was mine and Kev's wedding song. <i>Long Trip Alone </i>by Dierks Bentley was Kevin's Skype ringtone while he was deployed. Every time it would play through my cell, I just knew everything was okay...he was okay. <i>If I Could Reach</i> by Gloria Estevan is another that hits me real hard... Caregivers, listen to it when you get a chance. You will understand. My list could just go on and on and on since music is my number one outlet in all that I do. It is the one thing I could not live without.<br />
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So, what song helps get your through good and bad times and why? Right now on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/southerngirlsstand">Southern Girl's Stand Facebook page</a>, I am giving away a <b>$10 iTunes Gift Card</b>! To enter in this giveaway, you must like my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/southerngirlsstand">FB page</a> and comment on the status, which you can click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/southerngirlsstand/posts/528491367203411">here</a> to comment! Also, make sure to share this with others you know! I can't wait to read what songs/music gets you through life!!!Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-77883389990241299282013-03-15T08:00:00.000-05:002013-03-15T10:35:17.792-05:00VOW: 31 Days Fundraiser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0L54xhy2JxjbiLOh080X47NI86hUtgxovK8-7QP1tagA5Md86e26q10O5YqvCqVCU2Zej5bh-FDnexPohUhi6pjlC0JaksH74BQQzrJNT-8gjuBXmf_TZfw8RyDxWHdijDdGd3tcliVw/s1600/vow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0L54xhy2JxjbiLOh080X47NI86hUtgxovK8-7QP1tagA5Md86e26q10O5YqvCqVCU2Zej5bh-FDnexPohUhi6pjlC0JaksH74BQQzrJNT-8gjuBXmf_TZfw8RyDxWHdijDdGd3tcliVw/s200/vow.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you looking for a way to support a Non-Profit Organization that is focused on bringing Warriors and Communities together through Education and Resources?</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
From March 14 - March 30, 2013 I am hosting a Fundraising-Giveaway even for <a href="http://voiceofwarriors.com/">Voice of Warriors</a>, that will reward 31 contributors! </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Goal</b>: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
300 tickets to be purchased for $10/each</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Prize</b>: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$2,000 will be donated to Voice of Warriors (of course, if more than 300 tickets are purchased then more will be donated!) and 31 names and numbers will be drawn and rewarded a <a href="https://www.mythirtyone.com/bbiddle/">Thirty-One</a> Gifts Hang-Up Room Organizer!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>How this will work</b>: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every person that purchases a ticket will be emailed a confirmation that will have a number between 1-300. On April 5th a document will be posted with each contributors name and number. There will be a jar that contains at least 300 buttons, all numbered 1-300 that we will use for the drawing. Beginning April 15, we will start drawing one name a day and that winner will be sent a Hang-Up Room Organizer.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixik3MfoUOBA7DcQwSjvoctejyN2yV15AivVY4OYy5z3GZfvdEOkvDePO8MYT2EyjJ0mXzUQ3z91RgensBE_xCfUcpLn4LgslPW9B9dBBjZ-IkfVstca86Wxp6waSA16nRclI0Jl2pDT4/s1600/Hang-Up+Room+Organizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixik3MfoUOBA7DcQwSjvoctejyN2yV15AivVY4OYy5z3GZfvdEOkvDePO8MYT2EyjJ0mXzUQ3z91RgensBE_xCfUcpLn4LgslPW9B9dBBjZ-IkfVstca86Wxp6waSA16nRclI0Jl2pDT4/s320/Hang-Up+Room+Organizer.jpg" width="134" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hang-Up Room Organizer is a perfect way to get organized in everyday life!</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
You can purchase as many tickets as you want!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This fundraiser is put together through PayPal, so all donations will be processed this way. Please use the donate button we have on here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The more tickets that are purchased the more funds will be donated to VOW</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are looking to purchase Thirty-One products from March 14 - March 30, please click <a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/catalog.aspx?eventId=E2983395&from=DIRECTLINK">HERE</a>. 25% of proceeds will be donated to Voice of Warriors.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>About Voice of Warriors (VOW)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To learn more about VOW, click <a href="http://voiceofwarriors.com/">HERE</a> to visit their website.<br />
Voice of Warriors is supported completely through tax deductible
donations. The organization is run by an all-volunteer staff which
enables every dime of your donation to be applied to their support
programs. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://voiceofwarriors.com/about/"><b>http://voiceofwarriors.com/about/</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="8B2W7PBSGQTP8" /> <br />
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<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" /> <br />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="WYLM3GKQM48DJ" /><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This fundraiser is being held by Brittney Biddle in support of Voice of Warriors and their mission. If your organization is interested in hosting a fundraiser, please contact Brittney directly at britts31gifts@gmail.com or 478.719.0733</i></div>
Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4452013100703491082.post-64420213825248406282013-03-12T21:52:00.001-05:002013-03-12T21:52:06.651-05:00Five Years has Come & Almost GoneNext week on March 21 we will be celebrating the 6th birthday of the most amazing little boy I know. A little man that stole a part of my heart that I never knew existed after the girls had already taken so much. This little man, born almost five weeks early completed me and completed our family of five. It's so hard to believe that give years have come and now almost gone since we welcomed Nic into our lives, our hearts, and our world. <br />
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Over the last five years I have watched him grow and change, I've held him close as he shed tears in pain after falling or becoming upset with his big sisters. I've laughed at his silly ways and goofy expressions and I've learned the true meaning of having a "mamas boy". <br />
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I never knew how much three kids could and would change my life and I never imagined I could love three little people as I do my three. Even though I had all quite a bit early in life, I thank God every single day for allowing me to welcome these three into our lives when he did. Had he not, I would never experienced all of this or been blessed with my own kids. <br />
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Time has passed more quickly than I wished for and my children are all so big and independent now. My heart swells with pride when I see them accomplish big and little things, just as it hurts and breaks when I see them upset and in years. <br />
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It's been an amazing ride this far and it leaves me absolutely excited, anxious and a bit nervous for the years to come with these three!<br />
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So, to this little man that stole the rest of my heart and changed each of our lives, we thank you and we all love you more than words! You bring so much laughter into each of our lives and we would not be complete without the silliness of you! We are all so excited to share your 6th birthday with you next week and can't wait for this next year to begin with you!!!<br />
<br />
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text-align: center;">
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<br />
On February 25, 2013 I had the opportunity to attend the USO's 4th Annual Caregivers Conference in San Diego, CA that has impacted my life in ways that I never imagined. The presentations and atmosphere as a whole has changed my life in such a positive way. There are not words that describe the impact that was made or all that has remained in my life. This conference has helped me to open up more to our life and to what we are going through, as well as openly express to others what we have been through. If our experiences and our story can help someone else out in life, then I want to help. After attending this conference I have been able to grasp how far our family has come and how far I have come as an individual. There is no doubt that we will have many hard days ahead with Kevin's injuries and I am "okay" with that because I know that the good days will guide me through the difficult ones. Those few and far between glimpses of who he use to be bring light to the darkness. I also know that bad days are okay to have, as long as I can pick myself up the following day and continue walking on with a smile. This life is one that I never anticipate, one that I never dreamed I would live. However, it is the life I have been given and with it I will make the most. I am proud of my husband and the man he is and know that despite the injuries, seen and unseen, he cannot help his actions most of the time or the way his PTSD and TBI's tend to "take over" his life and our family. I am just grateful to have him here and feel blessed that I can be here for him as his wife and caregiver. Thank you so much to the USO and everyone involved in this conference. My appreciation goes such a long way! I cannot wait to see what the next conferences have in line for the many caregivers of our wounded veterans! Thank you for all that you have done, do and will continue to do in the future!<br />
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The mission of the <a href="http://www.uso.org/">USO</a>'s CEO and President, Sloan Gibson spoke to all of us, expressing the mission of the USO is to lift spirits among the service members, families, veterans, and caregivers of veterans. We now fall into three of those four categories. I attended this conference as a wife of a wounded combat veteran, but also as his caregiver - which I became without even realizing it following Kevin's injuries. Sloan went over four goals of the USO, which I believe are reachable and need to happen.<br />
<ol>
<li>Sustain hope and instill confidence for a fulfilling future</li>
<li>Keep families together and strong. Healing is so much more that operating rooms and recoveries. It goes beyond that.</li>
<li>Have a plan for future families</li>
<li>Help families build a network of support for the future.</li>
</ol>
The compassion in his words and confidence in his voice left me with more respect and admiration for the USO.<br />
<br />
<i>Sloan Gibson has held presidency with the USO since 2008 and is a graduate of United States Military Academy at West Point. He served as an Infantry Officer and earned both his Airborne and Ranger qualifications. </i><br />
<br />
Col Willard Buhl was the next person that spoke briefly to us. He spoke to us about us being caregivers and how we have to take times for ourselves. Too often caregivers experience Caregiver Fatigue and we lose our bedside manner. We become short with those around us, those that we are closest to and sometimes it takes someone on the outside to point this out. It takes the true friends and family we have to tell us we need a break, to tell us to take a "time out". What we are dealing with should not become a stigma in our lives and it should never be something that we don't want to admit.<br />
<br />
We need to surround ourselves with people that we have a good relationship with that we trust and can help bring us back to common ground and help us to adjust. This life we are living is a team effort and if we don't work together, we won't survive it. We must learn to delegate things in our lives. Yes, I know this is a very difficult thing for many of us, but we have to learn to hand responsibilities over in life. As human beings, we will never get everything done if we are expected to keep going twenty four hours a day. As a caregiver, we must learn to take breaks and take time for ourselves.<br />
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<i>Col Buhl, Commander, Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1981 and commissioned in 1986.</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Game On Nation - Confidence Boosting and Laughter: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Learn to stay Optimistic During a Difficult Time</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The next presenter is one that strongly impacted my life in a positive aspect. He is one that I am forever thankful to that touched the lives of many and is helping to change lives with his theories and ways. Steve Shenbaum is a man that I encourage you to check out and to pay close attention to his presentations. There is a real good presentation on YouTube (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTuZmPePCho">The Power of Honesty, Humility, and Humor</a>) that is worth sitting down and listening to...What you will take from it is a deeper appreciation for things and those around you.<br />
<br />
When Steve began, he stated his intention was to "move us with laughter". In the beginning he automatically started with the fact that we all need to laugh and how laughter sends off endorphins making us feel better. We listened as he spoke about connecting with others and the importance of connections. There are three rules for connecting with others that we all need to follow:<br />
<ol>
<li>Don't bounce - don't go from one person to another and never connect. Don't stare at someone, just connect. Get to know each other. This all starts with a smile. If you remember someone's eye color, you will remember their name. So, get their eye color.</li>
<li>Are you listening or are you just waiting to talk?</li>
<li>Don't be too cool for school. For us to move one another, we must put our cool away. No one wakes up in the morning thinking "Hey, I want people to laugh at me today". Remember to always laugh with - not at. </li>
</ol>
Video games have four different themes/concepts that are addicting and that we need to pull away from; empowerment, mystery, competition and humor. They keep endorphins flying. Find something in life that does the same thing. Laughter and connecting will do this! Step away from video games and focus on life, the good things that bring humor and smiles. Laughter sends endorphins out that leave us wanting more. Empower people by making them feel valuable and bring humor by lifting each other up.<br />
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Steve went over "Expert Speaking" with us, explaining we are all expert speakers. We are all presenters in life, whether it be a job interview, date, teaching, or volunteering. When speaking, people are leaning into our words. Listen to the title, "Expert Speaker" - we are all experts in our lives and should all root for one another. When the Expert Speaker game was played, there were three rule: all of which we should abide by.<br />
<ol>
<li>Everything you say is correct and I will agree</li>
<li>Everything I say is correct and I will agree</li>
<li>Take care of one another. You take care of me and I will take care of you. </li>
</ol>
When connecting:<br />
<ol>
<li>Show it before you say it. Sit and act like an expert. Have confidence in yourself. Often, we are the pilot.</li>
<li>When communicating with loved ones, you are the expert on you. Surround yourself with experts.</li>
<li>Always surround yourself with people that will have your back. People that will and are clowning on you, let them go! Protect your wall and protect your space. (From my last retreat: <a href="http://www.biddlebuzz.com/2013/02/finding-me-in-my-hoop.html">Protect your hoop</a>!!!) </li>
</ol>
Steve's challenge to us: Think of things that light you up, that you value. These things are called "Coins". Coins are not what you do for a living, they are things that make you shine, that put a smile on your face. When you think about them, talk about them, and share them - it completes your entire picture in life. Coins give us value.<br />
<br />
When connecting with someone by using coins, don't fake the connection with "I understand". Connect with things that light you up - outside of being a caregiver and outside of the military. Find what you have in common. This is where connections and bonds are formed.<br />
<br />
What are your coins? Find your value, smile, and own it!!! <br />
<br />
If you are an organization looking for a presenter or an individual looking for laughter and gaining strength while doing so, I encourage you to look at the video in the link a couple paragraphs above. Look at Steve's website, <a href="http://gameonnation.com/">Game On. </a>This is a man that has touched the lives of many, including mine. He changes outlooks, while bringing humor into a room. There are not enough words to explain how my outlook on things has changed, which in return plays a positive impact on my life.<br />
<br />
<i>Steve is a former actor and is now president and founder of <a href="http://gameonnation.com/">Game On Nation</a></i>. <i>He has worked with seven No 1 overall draft picks from the NBA, NFL, and NHL, as well as numerous college athletic teams. </i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What About the Kids?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Raising Children and Teens During Transition</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Trevor Romain, Diana Holmes, and Melinda Morgan led this session speaking about the challenges and ways to beat these challenges. As we all know, raising kids is difficult in itself, but when you throw in raising children in a house with a wounded combat veteran, the difficulties are amplified.<br />
<br />
What are the current challenges our children are facing?<br />
They are not getting enough information from us as parents and adults. They are left feeling confused and worried. We need to communicate with them and explain the situation, explain the injuries and how they have affected not only the veteran, but the family as well. When our children don't have answers to issues they know exist, they will make up stories for answers. Communication is so important. <i>Explain to them that the medications Daddy uses make him sleepy or that Dad had a big bang on his head, so we can't play how we use to - but we can still play and have fun. Explain with the head injury that dad can't handle bright lights, so that is why he keeps rooms dark when he is in them.</i><br />
<br />
With age, personality, and growth, children can handle and cope with things differently. Remember this when talking and communicating with your children. When they know what is going on and they aren't acting differently, let it all go and know they are okay. Give them knowledge because it makes them feel involved. It's important to let them know they can always come to you and ask anything - no questions are silly. They don't want to "burden" you with questions because too often they hear "don't worry about it", so make sure you give your children the ability to talk. Also, remind your children that daddy/mom still love them and they are still dad/mom.<br />
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Children become "experts" at being okay, so finding a safe way to build communication - reconnect and rebuild is crucial. Give your children journals as a way to express themselves. Ask them "Did you notice..." when it comes to obvious changes in their injured parent, then follow it with "how did it make you feel?" Continue to have conversations about everyday life - not just when things happen. Let them know that we are all vulnerable and that it's okay to show emotions. It's okay to cry.<br />
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As a parent, never be afraid to show them you worry. Say more to them than, "I know how you feel", instead replace it with, "I'm worried to...". Never judge your children based on their thoughts. Talk through scenarios and give them tools when they are on their own. Give them and help them build the self-confidence to handle situations. <br />
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When someone offers to help you and your family, remember them and take them up on it! If they didn't want to help, they wouldn't offer. We aren't wonder woman and when we feel better as a person, we will be a better parent, wife, and caregiver. <br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.uso.org/trevor-romain.aspx">Trevor Romain</a>, Co-Founder and President of The Comfort Crew for Military Kids</i>. <i>He is a best selling author and illustrator of self-help books for children, as well as a motivational speaker. Trevor has performed on many USO tours, helping military kids deal with problems they face on daily basis - from deployments to wounded parents to the loss of a loved one.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Diana Holmes is a wife to a Marine, caregiver, and mother of four children. </i><br />
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<i>Melinda Morgan, Ph. D., LCSW, Site Director Families OverComing Under Stress...or FOCUS, at Camp Pendleton</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Invisible Wounds:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Post-Traumatic Stress and TBI Recognition</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This session was led by Nancy Commisso, Melissa Nova, and Sarah B. Asmussen<b>. </b>Throughout this session, we listened as the speakers hit on the invisible wounds, that we all know so well and the signs/symptoms of these injuries. PTSD leaves your veteran in a constant state of anxiety and nervousness, always uneasy with what will happen next. No matter how long the veteran lives with PTSD, it will always be an active disorder.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When your spouse, give them a sense of purpose in the home. Give him a reason. If he is unable to work outside the home, he may feel as though he has no purpose and it becomes easy to dwell on limitations and injuries, other than purposeful and positive energy. Encourage him/her to find a sense of purpose and enjoyment to keep them motivated. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Caregivers, carrying our own sense of worry can become our own personal "PTSD". Take advantage of the mental health care that is offered for caregivers through the VA.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Nancy Commisso, Director, Military Family and Wounded Warrior Caregiver Support, Easter Seals DC/MD/VA</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><a href="http://www.uso.org/spouse-relates-journey-uso-caregivers-conference/">Melissa Novoa</a>, Caregiver and Spouse to a medically retired Marine. She is a mother of three and full-time employee of the naval hospital at Camp Pendleton. She speaks about her experiences because if has aided in her own recovery. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Sarah Asmussen, Ph. D., Co-Senior Scientific Director and Clinical Neuropsychologist, Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Couples Intimacy and Communication:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Breaking the Barriers to a Healthy Relationship</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Life in the military adds many obstacles in our lives, but when you add in injuries; seen and unseen, the obstacles are amplified beyond what we could ever imagine. Noel Meador, Nicole James, and Chaplain (Lt.Col) Laura Bender touched on this topic. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Our lives are slowly becoming the "new normal" as we adjust to the injuries of our veterans. This alone can raise emotions, including anger. When anger comes out, defense is made. However, anger is typically an outlet for something much deeper, such as fear, frustration,and grief. You are grieving for the loss of the present, loss of what the future is suppose to be. You have the thoughts of "he didn't die over there, but he didn't come home either". I know I for one, have this thought all the time. It often crosses my mind that physically my husband came home, but tragically not all of him returned. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It would be helpful to you as his caregiver to take time to process all of this and to research what you and your veteran are going through. Combat injuries are a lot to take on in life and for our families. Learn the effect that the injuries will and do have on the veteran and your family. Educate yourself on the extreme highs and extreme lows that will come with the injuries and your lives. Cognitive issues and PTSD make things in life a bit more challenging. One thing to remember: Men need to be respected and admired and women need affection. As a married couple, you have to find the mixture of these things.</div>
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Noel made a good point, "The one big thing you need for communication to be affective is empathy". Always remember this. </div>
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As humans, we are often afraid of conflict. We try to avoid it, yet what we are avoiding is a resolution to a problem. Act in a positive manner to address the conflict, which in return will lead to a successful resolution. Managing a conflict in a positive manner will leave you satisfied in the long run.</div>
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If you change dynamics in a relationship, you will see the domino effect take place. One one changes, the other will soon follow suite without realizing it.</div>
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A relationship is like a car: It requires maintenance to keep it flowing in a healthy manner. It needs a tune up after so many miles. With that being said, why do we think our relationships can go on without basic tuneups? Relationships take work and at times counseling, and that's okay. It's needed. Keep your relationship in line and remember it takes maintenance, patience, and love to keep it healthy. Feelings will follow actions most of the time. It is possible to maintain a healthy relationship and marriage after injuries if you look at it in a new way and new beginning.</div>
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<a href="http://www.strongerfamilies.org/">Stronger Families</a> offers a FREE <a href="http://www.strongerfamilies.org/7-day-love-challenge-2/">7 Day Love Challenge</a> that is definitely worth taking time to check out. For a small amount, you can also take the <a href="https://www.couplecheckup.com/webapp/checkup/home/template/DisplaySecureContent.vm;jsessionid=1A234D3FE98B531FC417B3380328A74F?id=checkup_main_site_content*home*CoupleCheckup.html">Couple Checkup</a>. This site allows couples to restore insight and understanding in couples while they are able to hold conversations that they probably would not have held before the checkup. </div>
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<i>Noel Meador, Executive Director, <a href="https://www.couplecheckup.com/webapp/checkup/home/template/DisplaySecureContent.vm;jsessionid=1A234D3FE98B531FC417B3380328A74F?id=checkup_main_site_content*home*CoupleCheckup.html">Stronger Families</a>. Noel is dedicated to strengthening families and marriages. He works with wounded, ill, and injured military couples at various military installations and medical facilities in partnership with the <a href="http://www.uso.org/warriorandfamilycare/">USO Warrior and Family Care</a>. Take time to look at the Stronger Families website and make an effort to attend the conferences that are being scheduled at military installations nationwide. These conferences are worth every moment that you will spend attending one. </i></div>
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<i>Nicole James, Caregiver and Spouse to a Marine Sergeant. </i></div>
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<i>Chaplain (Lt. Col) Laura Bender, Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment. </i></div>
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<b>About the USO Warrior and Family Care (the following is directly from the USO):</b></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.uso.org/warriorandfamilycare/">USO Warrior and Family Care<b> </b></a> offers program support for wounded, ill and injured troops, their families and caregivers, as well as families of the fallen. This support provides a continuum of care that helps provide wounded, ill or injured warriors with the hope and confidence to sustain their journey toward full and rewarding lives. The program presents the best opportunity for our heroes to heal with honor. It also supports the troops' families and caregivers throughout the recovery process, as well as giving assistance to families of the fallen.</i></div>
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<i>USO's support of wounded, ill and injured troops, their families and caregivers continues today and has expanded to encompass many critical facets of life, including physical and recreational activities, behavioral health support, family strengthening, education, employment training, and community reintegration support. In order to support wounded, ill and injured troops, their families and caregivers, USO Warrior and Family Care offers multiple <a href="http://www.uso.org/Programs/Warrior-and-Family-Care/Programs.aspx">programs</a> and partnerships with best-in-class organizations.</i><br />
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Follow the USO's website to find out when future Caregivers Conferences will be held so that you or someone you know can register to attend.<i> </i></div>
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<span class="watch-title long-title yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="The Power of Honesty, Humility & Humor: Steve Shenbaum at TEDxSarasota"><br /></span></h1>
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<br />Britthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05545438352619232807noreply@blogger.com0