A REMINDER FOR US...

This is an AWESOME pic of us. I LOVE IT!!! This was Nick's "A-Day"...his "adoption day". If you scroll down to one of my older posts, you can read more about it. But, I just wanted to share this picture with you. What a GREAT day it was...and now it's ALSO my "goal" to get back into shape & grow my hair out again. LOL!!!

We are BAAAAACK!!!! ;)

Hey Everyone,

Well, now that we are officially "TEXANS"...and away from our family and friends...I have made a "vow" to BLOG on a regular basis. I use to BLOG every single day...of course, that was when Nick was NOT "mobile" and I didn't have to keep an eye on him 24/7 and or entertain him. LOL! So, I just wanted to let you know that and I am going to try my VERY best to keep this up...at least ONE post a day (or maybe every OTHER day...I better NOT make too many promises...ha!).

FINALLY, EH?!?!

Well, just wanted to let you all know that I finally got MY OWN laptop. So, NOW, I HOPE to be able to get back into the "blogging world". We have LOTS to catch you up on. But, for now, just know that I am "here" and STAY TUNED.........

Brothers...

This picture is a year or so 'old' but I thought those of you that I am getting back into contact with (from camp) might like to see my younger brothers. I can no longer say they are my 'little' brothers, because they 'tower' over me. So, they are my 'younger' brothers


This was taken right before Bryan (LEFT) got married. (He and Whitney were married in November 2005). They totally 'gutted' a tri-level house and this was taken in the middle of all the construction!


Jonathan (Jon) is on the right. He is currently a senior at Auburn University in Alabama and will graduate in August! He is in their ROTC Program


It's amazing how life circumstances change your relationships. Before my illness, we (well, especially Bryan and me...Jon was a 'perfect child' HAHAHA) fought all the time. Then when things didn't look good for me we were forced to re-evaluate our relationship. Now, we have a great relationship (at least I think and hope so!). They have been with me every step of the way. They would carry me up and down the steps at my parents (bi-level) house, take me to appointments (Bryan just took me to a procedure a couple of months ago). Even though Jon is a long ways away, I know that he is available whenever I need him. I just have to email him or pick up the phone.


I can't imagine my life without them! I love you both and I am so PROUD to have you as my brothers. Thank you for ALL you have done for me the past 10 years! I couldn't have made it without your love and support! Thank you for puttin' up with me through the years!

Upward Cheerleading Squad (2006-07)

***THE SPARKLERS***

Left to Right: Sarah, Kaily, Jenna, Grace, Noelle, Hannah, and Danielle

I had an awesome opportunity to coach Upward cheerleading through a ministry at our church. My squad consisted of girls in the 2nd-3rd grades. I had a WONDERFUL group of girls. They were so much fun to be around and I watched them 'grow' in many areas of their lives. Thanks girls, for making the season SO much fun!

Look At These Two Babes...

Sorry, Cal, but I couldn't resist posting this picture. I think it's a great picture of YOU....

Do you remember this? My dad drove the bus for our high school boys basketball team down to PCC so I 'went along for the ride'... This was probably end of '97 or beginning of '98.

I enjoyed hanging out with you during those few days and appreciate you 'accepting' me even though I looked like THIS!!!

(like the 'death glare' we are getting from the cheerleader behind us?)

Remember When?

Dear Camp Faces,

Remember when we all went to the Branch's house (here in Normal) back in 1998? I think it was either right at the end of '97 or the beginning of '98. It was right after I came home from the Mayo Clinic. You all came down to surprise me for a quick visit. I was so excited to see everyone!

I don't know if I ever officially thanked you, so I just wanted to take a moment to say a BIG THANK YOU! You all are wonderful friends and I count it a priviledge to know each and everyone of you. I don't know what I would have done without the prayers and support from everyone that summer (and the years that followed). If you know how to contact any others in this photo, please feel free to pass this 'post' on to them.

Look how 'young' we all look? Can you believe how much we have all changed? Now most of us are married maybe even have kids. Looking at this picture, I realize how sick-lookin' I was! At the time of this picture, I was at my lowest weight....about 82.5 lbs. Man, times have changed....I am back to my normal weight and THEN some. HAHAHA! It is AMAZING what God has done in MY life and also, I am sure in your lives since then. Can you believe that we all worked together at least 10 years ago at camp? (1997) Some of you I worked with even before then... Those were the good ole days, weren't they.

Seriously, though, thank you for just being there for my family and I during one of the most trying times of our lives. "A FRIEND LOVETH AT ALL TIMES" - Proverbs 17:17