A Huge Thanks To You

My husband joined the Army in late 2013. When we became a military family we had to face a great deal of adjustment and sacrifices. When I wasn't able to accept a transfer with work due to his intense schedule we faced our biggest struggle. This was a huge loss to our family financially and we've been playing catch up ever since.

This year, despite our best efforts, we knew Christmas was going to be VERY limited on our part. We have amazing family that did more than their part in spoiling our children and we appreciate it so much. But, I was so ashamed and disappointed we couldn't do more for our kids.

My husband was able to sign us up for the Christmas House program and what a blessing it was. The volunteers were great while we chose gifts and stocking stuffers for all three littles. We were even able to get a bone and toy for both of our dogs. And these were VERY nice gifts. Before leaving we also put in for different drawings on bigger gifts. Since MD's bike is...I think...3 years old and missing the rubber from the handlebars and covered in rust we chose to put all 3 entries into a bike for her...AND won it!

I cannot express how much this all meant to my family. Someday when they are old enough I cannot wait to tell them about our Christmas and the wonderful people who made donations and volunteered, making it more than perfect for them. The look on their faces when seeing our tree made me melt. It was amazing and I will forever be grateful.

Much Love. Heather.

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Top Ten Things to Love About a New Do!

        AFTER VS BEFORE

I've been feeling so FRUMPY lately! I went from wearing business professional everyday to yoga pants and baby spit up! Don't get me wrong, I love me some yoga pants but I also realize I need to get myself back into a routine and start my day by actually pulling myself together! A visit to my amazing friend and stylist Andria was JUST what I needed to jump start it all! So here's the list, ya'll!

1. It's pure motivation! My new color DESERVES to be styled everyday!

2. Sitting in that chair is therapy! Even if your stylist isn't as amazing as Andria, I'm guessing you sort of enjoy her personality or you wouldn't go back!

3. A couple hours away from chores and kids, we all need that from time to time.

4. I've read over and over again how change refreshes and recharges us!

5. Talk about a confidence boost.




6. People watching. I'm not saying judge them, it's just funny to watch others ;) .

7. YOU deserve it! It's ok to treat yourself every once in a while!

8. LEARN something! Listen to your stylist and take notes, my friends. Chances are your stylist will share some tips with you on styling and taking care of your hair.

9. Who doesn't melt when a stylist or their assistant does a good Shampoo?!?! Hello Heaven!

10. Ok, I truly can't think of another BUT it all of these combined sure add a nice pep in your step! So get to it Honey!! Make yourself an appointment!

If you need a great stylist at an ABSOLUTELY adorable salon, Check out my sweet friend Andria's page HERE! Tell her Heather sent ya! ;)

Little MD in the big ATL!

So, a few weeks ago we were asked if MD would like to be a part of a photoshoot to help rescue does in ATL find their forever homes in time for Christmas! I understand the stigma that comes with the idea of giving pets as gifts, but I can also tell you there are plenty of wonderful people who may be looking to add a fur baby to their family.

Everything about the shoot was amazing! We could not have asked for a better first experience at UWM kids! Blake Ballard was the photographer and he was nothing short of amazing. He had such patience working with kids and pups! His gorg sister, Blaire Ballard was the stylist. She is so beautiful and so kind. I really think she connected with all the littles! Erikka Hart did hair and makeup on the kids and she was so incredibly sweet!

Of course, the best part of the shoot was snuggling all those beautiful dogs looking for their forever homes. MD is just as much an animal lover as I am and we are both so glad to have had her be a part of this. Praying all these beautiful animals find their forever homes! You can check out all the dogs available at the rescue we worked with at www.walkinghometogether.com.

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back is Still Progress

When I was a little girl we didn't have much of a stable or happy home life. My one constant was my younger brother as I bounced back and forth from home to home with either my mom or my dad, at times even staying a day here and there in a car. Most nights we were forced to share a bed and as I grew up and our lives took drastic turns for the better, I would still sneak into his bed in the middle of the night and sleep with him. It was a safety net. He was like my "blanky".

Of course we grew up like normal brother and sister, fighting and screaming like brothers and sisters
do! But, I love my brother and am so proud of him. He has grown up to be such a great person. He is selfless and always doing things for everyone else. Last year he made a HUGE donation to my daughter, his nieces cheerleading fund. He is a hard worker. He went at a young age to work in the oil fields in North Dakota. He did amazing despite all of us being worried about him. He got engaged and started making life plans.

He had his first stroke last May. Of course, this was a huge shock and upset for our whole family.  It's just not something you ever imagine happening...especially to your baby brother in his early 20's. You can read more about his AVM and what transpired then on my post from then. Dylan has had a long journey on his way to healing including intensive rehab and brain surgery. After a series of seizure like episodes he returned to the cities to see his neurologist. It was decided he needed another surgery as part of the AVM was still present. What a huge heartbreak. Knowing he wasn't done fighting this monster.

An angiogram after surgery revealed more difficult news. Some of his residual AVM remains. They plan to do radiosurgery to treat this. Taking these precautions is what has continued to save Dylan's life and prevent another stroke, but I cannot imagine the disappointment and frustration he continues to face.

Dylan was registered to start classes this January at NorthWest Technical College-Bemidji. Whether this is going to stay the plan or not, we aren't sure but I'm praying he can stick to his plan and try to continue with life in a somewhat normal fashion.

If you could all do me a favor and check out his GoFundMe, Share it, comment on it, donate if you are able and keep him in your prayers! Wish him Happy Holidays and help us keep his spirits up!

Surviving a 2day Competition.

Whew, we had quite the weekend!

1. MD had her first competition of the Season.
I'll be honest I was a little worried going into this one as the team still has a lot of growing pains to get through. MD was so excited and SO NERVOUS. She gets a little funny right before competitions. She doesn't freak out or anything but she is anxious, doesn't talk much and loves to snuggle. We had some nice mommy/daughter time while doing her hair and makeup before each day since everyone was still asleep. I did my best to pep her up and to ease her nerves. Once she hits that floor you can't tell! I'm so proud of her! Her stunts were amazing, her tumbling was great and she had so much fun! The first day was rough and they dropped their pyramid. They ended up placing 9th but she was thrilled to call her friends and tell them about it, ha!


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2. My in-laws were in town. It was perfect timing, too!
It's hard not ever having family around. The kids don't have that group to attend any special events or functions but it worked out great that they were visiting when they were. They were able to travel to Tennessee with us for the competition, to visit MD's classroom and listen to her read to her class and we got to have lunch with her at school!

3. MD is not only student of the week but ALSO student of the month!
Hello double whammy! MD's class does a student of the week. Each student brings a poster they make with all sorts of tidbits about themselves, they bring in their favorite book to read to the class, share their favorite toy and/or stuffed animal and they bring in pictures to show the class! MD was SO excited about this. Then to top it off while I was picking MD up from school to leave for her competition on Friday the ladies in the front office told me they were actually working on her STUDENT OF THE MONTH poster! This girl is on fire! I am so proud of her and excited for her!

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