tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72646939979575997522024-03-20T02:50:07.081-07:00Southern SweetnessBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
-Galatians 5:22Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-22181336977415062842013-09-15T12:03:00.002-07:002013-09-15T12:03:56.711-07:00Date #5: Scavenger Hunt + Camping<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Cool weather means one thing for us: camping. While I'm battling yet another sinus infection, we agreed some fresh air would do us some good. Our 2 week camping adventure this summer proved to be one of the most exciting vacations we've experienced together. When you're campsite in NYC is outside of Brooklyn and you have to pay $10 each person for a shower, or in Washington, D.C. where we had torrential downpours for 2 days, you would have thought we could have waited a while to camp again. With 55 degrees on the forecast, we just couldn't resist.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>We set out to <a href="http://www.tannehill.org/">Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park</a> Friday evening but not before I led Kaden on a scavenger hunt. Since living in Alabama, Kaden discovered "Golden Flake" chips and if you're from Alabama, you know you can't go anywhere without a bag or two. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Last year, we camped at Tannehill for the Texas A&M game, and when Alabama lost, we heard some crazy Alabama fan "chopping down a tree" after the game. We were excited for the hype this year. Let me first mention that Tannehill is known for a great RV park. We turned the corner and you saw Alabama decorations at its finest! </b></span></div>
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<b>P.S. We talked to several people and they said some RV's have reserved their spots for a WHOLE MONTH for Halloween. Obviously, the week before Halloween is the time to go to see all the decorations!</b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>As we approached the "Primitive Camping" area, we quickly found a spot nestled behind the creek. We spent Saturday exploring Tannehill and Daisy LOVED IT. Living in our condo she doesn't get to experience the "country life" but this weekend she fell in love with the great outdoors. She even jumped in the creek by herself! She also had her 1st red wasp sting on the snout. One trip to the Pharmacy and a bottle of Children's Benadryl, she was back to herself in no time. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>How did we watch the Alabama game? Listening to Eli Gold, of course. With hotdog in hand, and maybe a few smores too, we had the chance to hear the Touchdowns first at Tannehill. All of the RV's have satellites so they are delayed about 5 seconds. It was awesome hearing the screaming and cheering from our campsite!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>On such a beautiful weekend, we couldn't help but talk about what we think Heaven will be like! We hope you enjoy your week & if you ever get a chance to visit Tannehill, definitely give it a try! </b></span></div>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-33444703460382728842013-09-08T08:24:00.002-07:002013-09-08T08:24:19.577-07:00Date #3 & #4: 1 Year, Sunset + Drive Inn Movie<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Wow! What a year it has been in our lives! The past few weeks I have taken a "social media" break or fast. Kaden challenged me for 1 Week to be completely free of all outside distractions. The timing was perfect as we celebrated our 1 Year Anniversary and my 1st Day of School with 17 First Graders!! Considering we were both so busy with the start of school, it was one of the most peaceful weeks I've experienced in a long time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We woke up on our Anniversary morning and made my favorite: 4 LAYER CHOCOLATE PIE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our topper of our cake was in a deep freezer, and when the deep freezer went out, our cake went bad too. We both love the kitchen so it was a blast making our delicious pie.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Date # 3:</span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Watch the Sunset in your own backyard! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In our condo, we have a wonderful back porch with plenty of room for relaxing! Our backyard is the parking lot, so we sat in our patio furniture and watched the sunset before my 1st Day of School! </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Date #4: <span style="font-size: large;">Go to a Drive In Movie</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been looking forward to this Date for weeks!! When you think of Drive In Movies, I typically visualize a dirt road, concession stands, crickets chirping, & kids. I researched Drive In Movies nearby and the closest one to Tuscaloosa was near Winfield, Alabama. I was SO excited because one of my best friends, Kerry is from this amazing little town. Every year Winfield has a festival called "Mule Day" where people from all over come to eat, shop, and watch a parade with Mules in it. I went with Kerry my sophomore year of college and it was such a wonderful time. Here is a link to <a href="http://www.winfieldcity.org/muledayinfo">Mule Day 2013</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kaden had heard about Winfield, and it lived up to his expectations when I took him to the Drive In restaurant called The Cardinal. The Cardinal blows Sonic out of the competition. We ordered our food + a Chocolate Milkshake that I secretly consumed the majority of it. We pulled up to The Blue Moon Drive Inn where a stream of lights greeted us at the entrance. Our movie of choice was "Planes," the Pixar movie about airplanes. Kaden LOVED it because the movie contained all of the "correct lingo" for airplanes. The main character was from Nebraska, so that was interesting to see their take on a midwestern state! Kaden was stationed in Omaha, NE for 2 years while in the Air Force! We have really enjoyed turning off our phones and spending quality time with each other. It is so easy to become distracted by "what everyone else is up to" that sometimes we forget the meaning of how beneficial Date Nights can be! Everyone have a blessed week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ-for this will brig much glory and praise to God"</span></div>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-21307134068871401112013-08-11T16:18:00.002-07:002013-08-11T16:27:15.207-07:00Date #2: Wedding + Walk in the Park<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/AVvXsEgGGEHFmoncyC7W5IjHyEVJx8nu7OmrHvsMVohif1KjdyNLtjy7kgz5j_0TaE8e7ERzCfglNbN6ZT86EOU9MxpRbMgKTiF7xXtJ4Qp-CT1fuPnRf2FPiNkOsL1UQ_98ZsOwDeisj2mp5oXl/s1600/photo+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGEHFmoncyC7W5IjHyEVJx8nu7OmrHvsMVohif1KjdyNLtjy7kgz5j_0TaE8e7ERzCfglNbN6ZT86EOU9MxpRbMgKTiF7xXtJ4Qp-CT1fuPnRf2FPiNkOsL1UQ_98ZsOwDeisj2mp5oXl/s400/photo+%25289%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This weekend Kaden & I headed to Mobile for my best friends wedding! We stayed with the sweet Peacock Family and enjoyed spending time with such a wonderful family. We woke up Saturday morning with hopes of going to the beach for the day. After scanning the radar, we decided to explore the city of Fairhope. I've always read about this quaint little city in various Southern Living magazines, so I was thrilled. With limited time, we drove through and adored all the boutiques & restaurants. We drove to the Pier that overlooks the bay. We walked the stretch as we saw many fishermen getting settled into their day. On our list of August dates, this week was </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The walk on the pier was peaceful, breezy, and the restaurant in the middle smelled like fresh hushpuppies! After spending time on our leisure walk, we were on the hunt for ice cream. As we were on our way to our car to head into town, guess what was parked right in front of us? A ice cream truck!! Many memories of my childhood include running full speed down our huge hill in hopes of catching that ice cream truck. Kaden and I shared a Jolly Rancher Bomb Pop--Every section was a Jolly Rancher flavor!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Behind the pier were gardens of rose bushes tucked behind a huge fountain!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafB7BQEOaq8XE4m8_GXMYR0DOhDepqmcVI-x5IeyX69lmZmDdXLrdSbEvM7jKpJUH8zlBEZ0dS_tdh3XO1Nesf3ORB_ljsqHuvlp1RXgyufG6tJuQ09jJkhoTXvIRLkjySfCTEQe_unIO/s1600/photo+%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafB7BQEOaq8XE4m8_GXMYR0DOhDepqmcVI-x5IeyX69lmZmDdXLrdSbEvM7jKpJUH8zlBEZ0dS_tdh3XO1Nesf3ORB_ljsqHuvlp1RXgyufG6tJuQ09jJkhoTXvIRLkjySfCTEQe_unIO/s320/photo+%252813%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We ended our day date at Wintzell's Oyster House where Kaden devoured oysters, and I half heartedly tried Fish Tacos for the first time. We drove back through Historic Route 98 to Daphne (gorgeous)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Brody and I have been the best of friends ever since Kindergarten and his new wife Drew is precious! The wedding took place in a beautiful, center aisle church. The celebration continued at <a href="http://www.ezellhouse.com/index.html">The Ezell House</a> where we were welcomed with a variety of savory food choices. Kaden loves to dance, so of course we delighted in dancing the whole night. For a brief moment, the skies seemed a little unsettling, but NO rain followed! It was a perfect evening to celebrate such a precious couple. My Iphone camera is clearly not the best quality, but I found this picture via FB that snapped a cute moment of the newlyweds!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br />We had a fantastic weekend! On the ride home, we couldn't stop saying "THANK YOU JESUS" for such a beautiful weekend!!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murph, my other best friend!</td></tr>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-25195025745366073812013-08-04T16:01:00.002-07:002013-08-04T16:01:18.982-07:00Date 1: Bowling with a COLORFUL Twist<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bowling with a Colorful Twist</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This idea came from <a href="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/tara/the-funky-town-date/">The Dating Divas</a> and we had a BLAST! The rules were very challenging! Each person picks a M&M, and you have to follow the rules accordingly!</span></div>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-61546930779488285202013-08-04T11:48:00.001-07:002013-08-04T11:48:12.173-07:0052 Dates<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">52 Dates</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 Year</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recently, I have enjoyed reading many blogs written by friends/strangers, so it encouraged me to pick back up on mine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, 52 dates. When Kaden deployed to Afghanistan last summer, I patiently waited on Skype or the phone. I read many books last summer, but one day I was tired of reading so I started searching the internet for dates. I have followed <a href="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/">The Dating Divas</a><b> </b>since 2010 and they always have the BEST date ideas. The best part of their website it they include several printables for FREE! They were my inspiration! I searched the internet in hopes of compiling a list of 52 dates: 1 for each week of the year. I spent several days working hard on my list and it's been in my closet for almost a year. We moved into our new condo this past week and when I ran across them, Kaden told me to pull them out. We will post each month on our fridge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year should be much better! After being on antibiotics for over 280 days our 1st year of marriage, I had sinus surgery that has COMPLETELY changed my health. I have never felt better. More energy, no more coughing, and definitely no more antibiotics, I am rebounding! Follow us on our journey as we blog about 52 Weeks of Dates!</span><br />
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-46633048954870016362013-04-07T18:38:00.001-07:002013-04-07T18:47:21.065-07:00Newlywed Newbies<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once again, I have neglected my blog that once recorded so many memories. Kaden safely returned from Afghanistan (a second time), and we were married on a cool, cloudy and rainy day in August. Many people have asked me how I would describe my wedding day. Leading up to the wedding, the stress of it all: dress, music, food, etc, nearly about killed my sweet Mom and me. I am nothing short of a handful, and when you get two personalities and two opinions thrown into the mix, things can get a little stressful. However, my parents provided me with the most wonderful day of my life and for that I will always be grateful. People showed us so much love during our wedding and I can assure you that every kitchen appliance, piece of furniture, lamps, pictures, and dishes have molded our marriage because not a day goes by when I don't thank God for all of the wonderful goodies we received. I am probably the only person that can tell you exactly what each person gave us, along with their address. Somehow, I looked at Wedding Addresses WAY to much :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When God changes the direction of your life, we often say "Why?" "What is our purpose?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kaden knew he was separating from the Air Force in September, so he had a wonderful job lined up in Augusta, Georgia. We had a down payment for a quaint little 1950's rent house, Kaden's job was lined up and ready to go (or we thought), and I was starting the process of my teaching certificate in Georgia. Long story short, someone didn't process Kaden's security clearances & paperwork for his new job so about a week before our wedding, we had no plan. We didn't want to bum on my parents for possibly 3 months as we waited for paperwork to clear, so Kaden denied the job and we were left in Oneonta, with absolutely no plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After our return from Cancun (so beautiful I must add), we were back home with my parents, and 1 schnauzer who we both adore. Should we wait for the Augusta job or should we find something else instead? With our Bibles wide open and our heads bowed, we asked God to show us where to go. We waited for 2 more weeks as we enjoyed Mom's home cooked meals. During the waiting process, I got a call from a friend saying she could get me a low paying daycare job (hoping I would eventually find a full time job) in these hard economic times. With faith, we took the leap, signed the lease on a apartment in Tuscaloosa, and four days later I was working with 4 year olds. Kaden quickly found a job at a Car Wash and we were worn slap out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luckily, I looked online for full time job postings in Tuscaloosa and I applied for one at a school called Walker Elementary. I applied online, got an interview, and a week later I was employed as a 1st grade teacher. I started November 1. 5 months later, I have been surrounded by such a wonderful and uplifting faculty and not to mention the most precious 1st grade class ever. I have learned A TON, and I am continuing to LEARN every single day. If I could sit down with you for 10 minutes you would understand just how precious my firsties are!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Not even a month after our 1st month of marriage, and our 1st month of working, I began to go downhill, and I mean fast. Sinus infections, coughing, and allergies through the roof, my immune system would not fight for me. I was in and out of the doc-in-the-box, sleeping every chance I got, and quite honest, the most miserable I have ever felt in my life. 7 rounds of antibiotics, and 2 trips to the ENT, I decided that taking antibiotics were out of the question, and I needed to find a more natural way. A friend introduced me to a NASA certified Air Purifier (that is used on the Space Station), and I was sold immediately. I also began taking SPARK, and AdvoCare all natural energy drink that would boost my immune system. I would drink it every morning before work, and within 48 hours of my Air Purifier on FULL BLAST, I began to feel better. It takes ALOT for a product to impress me, but my Air Purifier and SPARK are now my 2 children. We recently just got back from a road trip from Texas, and Kaden and I both double checked our children on our 15 hour trip. Kaden is now an AdvoCare representative and we are excited to improve the lifestyle of others! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">https://www.advocare.com/130412047/default.aspx </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you don't believe me, take a look for yourself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am still on the road to recovery of my terrible sinuses. I am scheduled for another ENT appointment in a week, and another round of Allergy Shots. I am PRAYING for some type of Nasal Surgery that will give me FULL relief. A Cat Scan should be scheduled soon. I can't wait to tell my ENT doctor that a AIr Purifier and AdvoCare has made me better; not all of those antibiotics that were making me sick to my stomach. Before I close, I must give a shout out to my sweet and amazing husband Kaden who has driven to CVS several times at 3 a.m. because I couldn't breathe, and heard every single complaint come out of my mouth. He is my gem. He is enjoying The University of Alabama where he is majoring in Computer Science and Math. I am SO proud of my college student :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Continue to pray for me, because there is POWER in PRAYER! We are so blessed. Now, we are starting to truly enjoy our marriage because I'm not the crazy lady in the back coughing up a lung. People must think I smoke 5 packs a day :)</span><br />
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-91672181833194631502012-06-29T18:16:00.001-07:002012-06-29T18:17:26.496-07:0008.18.2012<span style="font-size: large;">Considering it's nearly the 1st of July & I have updated since April, I decided to fire up my old Dell computer and write a quick post! Things have drastically changed in the past few months. Kaden left for the 2nd time to Afghanistan on April 3, 2012. I flew home from Nebraska, only to get stuck at the DFW airport the day the tornadoes ripped through Dallas. Luckily, I caught a flight later than night and settled back into the routine of a long, LONG, long-distance relationship. Kaden safely arrived back at Bagram (his second home, literally). I definitely got spoiled last deployment because we were on a great schedule, and a great Skyping schedule for that matter. I soon realized my computer was too slow and Skype wouldn't respond, so we began talking on the phone again with the usual, "Huh, what did you say?" conversations. I should not complain because I am thankful I can hear him at all. Kaden quickly hopped on the schedule where he is working nights. Keep in mind Afghanistan is 9 1/2 hours ahead of Alabama, so it basically puts us waking up and going to bed at the same time. Overall, it has been the biggest blessing yet. Kaden also found out that he is OFFICIALLY, yes officially... getting out of the Air Force early. Saying that, I'm not moving to Nebraska. Soonafter finding out the big news, Kaden was offered a job in Augusta, Georgia. I was hesitant to even tell anyone our news simply because you never know when the military will tell you one thing, then do another. It's all about being flexible, and that's exactly what I've become. So, in two months if you see me writing yet another blog post about how we are really moving to Nebraska with 2 feet of snow, you'll understand that's just how the AF rolls. It's been quite the exciting adventure though :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here I am, thinking how in the world I have 49 days until I marry the most loving, supportive, and caring man alive. I know ladies, you think the same about your man :) When we got engaged, I was the "Oh my gosh, I'm engaged, I must have a countdown" type of girl. So, I bought an impressive little app for a wopping 99 cents to keep me on track. When I started the app, I was on 203 days. Look how far we've come! Time flies is probably the most true statement out there. Everything is falling into place, but I just wanted to share a quick fact about my wedding that many people may not know. Call me crazy, call it God, call me weird, call it a blessing.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In January of 2011, I was home for the anticipated Christmas break. I was a senior in college, about to begin my Internship with the University of Alabama. I had just a few more days ahead until I went back to Alabama to prepare for such an exciting time in my life. Growing up, and still to this day, I have the most vivid dreams about everything. I can recall nearly every single detail of the dream and I believe our dreams can teach us many things. Oh yeah, and today on Twitter...I read this fact. "Depressing people have more vivid dreams than non-depressing people." Considering I'm not depressed, I immediately laughed at the random fact for the day. Anyways, back to my awesome dream....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had been asleep for at least 4 hours when I remembered an exact part in my dream. I was sitting somewhere looking at my Wedding program and on the front it read, "August 18, 2012." Oh, and it was my wedding. Somehow, I woke up and started laughing. You mean to tell me that A. I'm not dating anyone and B. I'm getting married NEXT year? Later, I looked at my calendar in my phone to see that 08.18.12 was on Saturday. HA. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Months went by and I forgot about the dream as I focused on enjoying my last semester of college. Two short months later, I met Kaden and almost immediately fell in love. We started dating, fell in love, and enjoyed every waking moment we had together before he deployed. We both knew his deployment would be a test to see if God really wanted us together. Kaden said that throughout the deployment that God told him that if we made it, I was the woman he was going to marry. As we started talking about the future, it became very real to me that Kaden was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. As we got engaged, I eventually told Kaden about my dream that I had before I even met him. No pressure, huh? As we started looking at wedding dates, my heart became very open to living out my dream. Kaden was of course 100 percent supportive of my idea and he swears it was God all the way. Not many people were supportive of my Alabama-August-oh-my-gosh-that-is-the-hottest-part-of-the-month-Wedding, but I just laughed and smiled like any Southern girl does and said "thanks for the suggestion." So here I am, reflecting on a wonderful 23 years on Earth blessed with a man who loves on me each and every day. I glad I followed my heart on that simple dream, because August is shaping up to be the best month ever. KK is getting out of the Air Force, we are getting married, honeymooning to Cancun, moving to Augusta, Georgia, and starting his job on the military base at Ft. Gordon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to all of you have supported us 100 percent along this journey. It has meant the world to US God is SO good and we give Him all the praise!</span><br />
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-1689937568900883322012-04-04T18:56:00.010-07:002012-04-04T20:06:26.932-07:00Deployment #2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGD248ctlTh16ngqkZtVTEVCAByLflrTLshiF1QR5ZZ_51lKUCpM0ZwCE5iqCeXhPyBvKwjQMoCUSZDoabTeT8RYYKeESaagmCYqu99oqB8hAidc-OVRxX85PKLn12AMM76se2QkBAgxX/s1600/OMAHA.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGD248ctlTh16ngqkZtVTEVCAByLflrTLshiF1QR5ZZ_51lKUCpM0ZwCE5iqCeXhPyBvKwjQMoCUSZDoabTeT8RYYKeESaagmCYqu99oqB8hAidc-OVRxX85PKLn12AMM76se2QkBAgxX/s400/OMAHA.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727747601885466162" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b>What a crazy few days it has been!! This past weekend Kaden and I decided to take a quick little road trip and drive 6 hours to The Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Neither of us had been to Minnesota before so we both decided it would be a fun state to tackle together as we marked another one off our list. I've become slightly addicted to crossing off another state and I believe I am at 31 states. However, there are more that I want to "re-do." As we started traveling together, we wanted something we could remember each state by. We finally decided on buying magnets from each state! We have a great collection of them so far: 12. I want to find a magnet set that has molds each state together but I don't know if they make one or not! During each visit, we continually thanked God for letting us have the opportunity to see such marvelous sights and eating at nice restaurants. I realize that there are people out there that would give anything just to get out of the state they live in. I have a whole new insight about traveling and I definitely don't take it lightly. Kaden knows as we enter into a new state, the first thing he does is pull over the truck so I can get a picture in front of it. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b>As we drove to Minnesota, we first passed through the state of Iowa. Iowa is beautiful with some rolling hills and plenty of farmland. Old barns is the number one thing I saw on our trip to the mall. Absolutely beautiful, let me tell you. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b>The mall was INSANE, consisting of over 520 stores and 50 restaurants. The parking garage was labeled by states. We parked in Nevada, section P. The mall had it all, and even duplicates of many stores: Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret, etc. My favorite store was Godiva where we indulged in chocolate covered strawberries. Kaden enjoyed the Lego store where there were HUGE things made out of Legos. We finished the day riding the roller coaster that went straight UP and straight DOWN, followed by a upside flip. I love getting adrenaline rushes but let me tell you, I am terrified, petrified of roller coasters. I am so weird, I LOVE the roller coasters at Disney World. But roller coasters anywhere else, I become the biggest scardy cat. I guess I feel safer at Disney World than anywhere else. I finally agreed to ride one since I wasn't seeing any little kids flying off. I was so scared but I had to suck it up because there were 8 year old kids jumping up and down because they were SIKED about this roller coaster! As we turned the corner, I had one last chance to bail but considering Kaden had my hand in a death grip, I was stuck. In no time, I was strapped in but not until I checked my seat belt 50 million times. Kaden was a great support system as he laughed at me the whole entire time. I am here to say I survived, and God willing, I will tackle on Six Flags (one day)</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b>Yesterday morning at 3 AM, we were getting ready to head to the airport when I realized I had left my wallet at Buffalo Wild Wings the night before. We went to the airport as I boo-hooed my eyes out thinking I would never make it back to Sweet Home Alabama. Luckily, I found out that you can fly on an airplane without a Driver's License: you just have to be patted down by the TSA. We changed my ticket for a later time and headed back waiting on BWW to open up. Around 8, I called the store hoping someone would be there and to my surprise the manager answered. We retrieved my wallet, called a taxi, and arrived with all of our bags. Kaden kept reminding me, "Catherine, thank God for this day. Tell him how thankful you are for everything. It's going to be okay." I realized Kaden was 100 percent right about the terrible day I was having. God was going to work it out for the best and smearing my mascara was doing me no good. We said our final good-byes as we knew it wouldn't be too much longer before I saw him again. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b>After being stuck in the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport for 10 hours yesterday, it feels so nice to be home. I became a little shook up at the airport because the weather was extremely dangerous and people were being too lackadaisical. I politely told one older lady that tornadoes are VERY real and in seconds, it can wipe out a town. Coming up on a year of the Tuscaloosa Tornado, I made sure to tell her how devastating tornadoes are. With over 400 flights cancelled, and 110 planes damaged by the unbelievable hail storm, I made it to Alabama last night around midnight. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b>I had a day of lots of praying and lots of thinking. How Great is our God? Like me, we may not always respond to mishaps in the right way, but in the end....It's gonna be okay. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><span><b>Please continue to pray for Kaden. He called today from Turkey. 3 more months, 3 more months (fingers crossed) He has a wedding to attend :</b></span>)</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank" style="font-size: 100%; "><span ><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" style="border-top-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></span></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/1B9CCCCD646AA04714FB681A45439E4C.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-5635217888343555312012-03-30T10:42:00.006-07:002012-03-30T11:07:45.563-07:00Videos from our Road Trip<div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwDBmH6UY1ygAuo7H4ZxSrEhvcdQ0eRkf4TlfPwDe_BPSU91CScA33mn4qZL8CJ-dTeGnYaQ1XGvpoiLS2f9Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxBDVlY5WHLrh4VFl-Kx1aO9Fcb50FYkn89Y4vsMEvWpJzd3sJtPkf6r3A3Az_Np5TG-_edxVqWE5uq12QPTw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-67819242687080270182012-03-28T15:10:00.012-07:002012-03-28T16:18:55.381-07:00Nebraska<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TEoRRhdqeBc1Tt_RpY0aYLHsM4UD0EUrIKGbQ861-VwKrjJTR-Sx5GUeS1TqTWINFpJyJKs9iKoXeikkmg1X110SNjXyBCuBf5L4P2hlvUBhiSSErbIn8ugj89-YHv6wrugxXysKC7hX/s1600/IMAG0366.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TEoRRhdqeBc1Tt_RpY0aYLHsM4UD0EUrIKGbQ861-VwKrjJTR-Sx5GUeS1TqTWINFpJyJKs9iKoXeikkmg1X110SNjXyBCuBf5L4P2hlvUBhiSSErbIn8ugj89-YHv6wrugxXysKC7hX/s400/IMAG0366.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725082678123414738" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6i8oun3Wac-Pc-B2yrjGKtIgc84qrctMDGdlMv1B7k2uqYIRJhZ7o6piOkXnnS8odtn8YPKhZvS79Mpo1Ia9smdicmx9ojLFPPn7wbPjeb7S0Lbp0E5G1A5LARYV7Xv3BTCOYY5glGC4/s1600/IMAG0365.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6i8oun3Wac-Pc-B2yrjGKtIgc84qrctMDGdlMv1B7k2uqYIRJhZ7o6piOkXnnS8odtn8YPKhZvS79Mpo1Ia9smdicmx9ojLFPPn7wbPjeb7S0Lbp0E5G1A5LARYV7Xv3BTCOYY5glGC4/s400/IMAG0365.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725082135513036578" /></a><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b>Wow! It's hard to believe that in 143 days I will become a Mrs, take a new last name, and move to Bellevue, Nebraska. These past few months have been extremely exciting and sometimes overwhelming! Kaden and I returned from our 5,000 mile road trip across the Western United States and settled back into every day life. I found my wedding dress, picked our band and photographer, and started looking on pinterest (probably too much) </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b><br />Soon after Kaden's return to Nebraska, we found out he would </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b>soon be re-deploying to Afghanistan. Thankfully, we found out his deployment would only be 3 months instead of 6, so I came to the conclusion that with as much wedding planning as I had, I COULD DO IT. 3 months flew by the first time and with God's amazing grace, we could do it together.</b></div><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNVemYRK2xrZJB6a6t3mS0JK9qtGwSM0W6QoFS_UU9MxFe0O5-YJM64tyRNm7ffCtLcilF5SylrrZPLqpj_BhJ_kBIOcmqTuJjLI6dyfQftEtg_IeXcohNiDu9HsmsZ_3cUWUqK_f5Cfv/s400/IMAG0540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725081700732187186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 400px; " /></span></span><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b>My first trip to Nebraska was on Valentine's Day where we spent 2 weeks having fun together: eating out and finding the best restaurants Omaha has to offer, buying a bed together, and packing all of Kaden's belongings into a storage unit. The time went too fast and before I knew it, I was back in Oneonta! Luckily, I found myself subbing nearly every single day for the next month. Kaden flew to California for a week of training & I started to pack my bags for my 2nd trip to Nebraska :)</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b>So here I am now....Sitting in Bellevue, Nebraska looking out the window of a busy intersection. It is so hard to believe that in 143 days I will be moving to a big city where I will know no one except my husband. Bellevue is 15 minutes away from Omaha, Nebraska. The past week we have looked at nearly 15 apartment complexes as we search for the perfect one. Can you believe I will be living in a city where I have access to Starbucks, Target, and TJ Maxx?? Living 15 hours away from Alabama may be difficult but I'm hoping for some road trips from friends and family... wink, wink :)</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b>As far as wedding planning goes, I have the BEST Matron of Honor and the BEST bridesmaids EVER. When I say they are on top of things, I'm not kidding. My life has been so full of JOY from the support and kindness I am getting from all of my best friends. Mal is getting married June 23 and Savanna on June 2! I am SOOOO excited for them! </b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b>Our honeymoon is booked for Cancun, Mexico :) We are staying at the Sun Palace Resort...here, take a look</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><span><b><a href="http://www.palaceresorts.com/sunpalace/promotions-en.html?ADID=ppcsp&phonalytics=87z&gclid=CPz5kOvRiq8CFUUZQgodyCP8Rg">http://www.palaceresorts.com/sunpalace/promotions-en.html?ADID=ppcsp&phonalytics=87z&gclid=CPz5kOvRiq8CFUUZQgodyCP8Rg</a></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b>We are staying Monday to Monday and even flying first class! My past two flights to Omaha, I have sat on the 1st row of "Coach" and I get so jealous when the flight attendant whips back her curtain so separate me from first class. Let me tell you, 1st class gets the hook-up when flying! I am excited to get cokes and cookies on our flight!</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b>Overall, Kaden & I have had a wonderful week together in Nebraska. Kaden's dad came up for a few days and took us out to eat and we even went to the Zoo! 5 hours of looking at animals was a blast! We had a great time :) Especially looking at the monkeys and giraffes! We went to a local Baptist church where we stood out like a sore thumb, looked at apartments, went to Nebraska's largest winery and sampled some wine, and enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL weather Nebraska is having right now! 80 degrees.....Believe me when I say it feels like 65! NO HUMIDITY! I need to go ahead and apologize for my August Alabama wedding...geez! Praying for great weather!</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b>As for now, it's back to help Kaden write a research paper for his online English 101 class. Love you KK! You really are so amazing and I'm so glad God brought us together. You keep me young by your sweet and silly personality that always keeps me laughing. You have made me laugh more than ever this week...And I will get you back for all of the pranks. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b>Pranks this week:</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b>1. Kaden's live background on his Android is of grass blowing. He told me to "Blow on the phone" and the grass would start waving on the screen. Yeah, after I tried it for a few seconds of working really hard, Kaden started laughing so hard. Yes, I looked like an idiot in the middle of lunch.</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b>2. Kaden told me that "I saw this written down somewhere and I didn't know what it meant." He said, "Catherine, what does this say? Read it out loud." He wrote..</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b>WE TODD ID</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b>Pretty mean, huh? </b></div><div style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b>3. I did get Kaden by standing behind his wheel by his truck. I got him with the usual "AHHH" scream. </b></div><div style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b>4. Oh, and I literally experienced the saying "Laughing until you cry." We were sitting there laughing about something (can't even remember what now) and then in the middle of the hardest laugh of my life, I started BAWLING my eyes out like I had lost my puppy dog. No kidding, I couldn't even breathe. So then, Kaden thought I was "faking crying" because of all the times I have fake cried and he believed me. He sat there and just stared at me saying "OHHH KAAAYYY, Catherine, Whatever. You're aren't really crying." When he started seeing all of my REAL tears, he finally gave me a hug. It was one of the strangest things I have ever experienced and I wasn't even upset. Pretty dramatic night, huh? </b></div><div style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span><b>Never a dull moment....</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span><b>I hope everyone is having a great day</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span><b>Count your blessings</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" style="border-top-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "></a></span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank" style="font-size: 100%; "><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/1B9CCCCD646AA04714FB681A45439E4C.png" style="border-top-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></span></div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-9353851492736940262012-01-18T14:01:00.000-08:002012-01-18T14:22:29.468-08:00Engaged<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6zWh_nQo2BqHBgiuKosusFOy1lEElGdaircH0BEInU0OiCHOu77USO3OimmVz3_zLzCNCr9C9pkl8DK2gBq6JwbROuFTU9BKpjUAOlQfFU1-3mN7BRIgNyrCOiUGynWBqfBze6HJsTGL/s1600/390407_2606490474035_1008090061_32297828_1932076533_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6zWh_nQo2BqHBgiuKosusFOy1lEElGdaircH0BEInU0OiCHOu77USO3OimmVz3_zLzCNCr9C9pkl8DK2gBq6JwbROuFTU9BKpjUAOlQfFU1-3mN7BRIgNyrCOiUGynWBqfBze6HJsTGL/s400/390407_2606490474035_1008090061_32297828_1932076533_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699100819029057810" /></a><br /><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 4.5pt; "><span style="font-family:Kalinga"><span ><b>I’m not the type of girl that has always dreamed about my wedding. I refused to make any plans, pick my colors, or my wedding dress until the man of my dreams put a ring on my left finger. I did, however, pray my whole entire life that God would send me a soul mate, a best friend, and a constant companion for life. As soon as I met Kaden, I knew instantly that I was attracted to him. Not only because he is so handsome but because of the way he treated me the very first night I met him. When I met Kaden, I sent my mom a text message saying “I’m sitting here talking with a guy in the military and he kinda reminds me of Jason.” My mom replied, “Bring him home.” I never even anticipated or imagined that I would even see Kaden again after that night. He was just a good ole Texas boy that was in the Air Force and temporary stationed in Meridian, MS before he deployed to Afghanistan. </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 4.5pt; "><span style="font-family:Kalinga"><span ><b><br /></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 4.5pt; "><span style="font-family:Kalinga"><span ><b>I am constantly amazed how God works in not only my life, but the lives of my friends, family, and complete strangers. The very next day, March 19, I drove home to Oneonta to attend Hannah’s lingerie shower that night. Kaden sent me a message on the way saying how much fun he had getting to know me, wished me a safe trip home, and told me I was a God-send. I remembering laughing as I thought, “This guy doesn’t even know me, how in the world was I a God-send to him?” I went to the lingerie shower that night and immediately everyone could tell how tired I was. I just briefly told them I met someone and that I stayed up late talking to him. On Sunday, I drove back to Tuscaloosa to find Kaden and his friend Rico still in town. Not even five minutes after I returned, I see them pulling into my apartment complex. I called one of my best friends Kelly to come over so in case in was awkward, she could relieve the situation! Kaden suggested he make us steaks at Kelly’s apartment. Kelly asked if he was paying, and of course Kaden said yes….So we were off to Target where we spent nearly $200 on groceries and had a wonderful dinner. I would say from that night….it was history. Kaden took me on our first date to the Riverwalk in Tuscaloosa where we had a picnic. We ate Depalmas, a local Italian restaurant, with NO silverware because they forgot to put it in our bag. I remembering thinking, “Oh, what the heck. I am hungry and I barely know this guy so either he’ll laugh or be completely mortified.” Luckily, Kaden thought it was the funniest thing that I was eating noodles with my fingers and from that night on, we spent a lot of time together and quickly fell in love. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 4.5pt; "><span style="font-family:Kalinga"><o:p><span ><b> </b></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 4.5pt; "><span style="font-family:Kalinga"><b><span >So, after 3 months of dating in Tuscaloosa/Meridian, and 6 months of a deployment in Afghanistan, I fell in love with Kaden each and every single day. He truly became my best friend and we both knew if we could make it through the stress of a deployment, we could do anything. We began talking about getting engaged but I knew nothing could happen until he asked my Dad and family for my hand in marriage. As I arrived in Omaha, he began saying little things such as “Man, I’m never going to get the chance to ask your Dad,” or “It will happen one day.” I took those comments with a grain of salt because to be honest, I knew it would happen when the time was right. One day, Kaden told me he had to spend the whole day at work. I didn’t care because I had PLENTY of his clothes to wash (15 loads to be exact). He was right, he was gone the whole day and I was so excited to see him when he arrived!! He told me he had a surprise and I guess while I was doing something, he slipped the ring into the top shelf of his wall locker. He told me not to look or else I would be extremely disappointed. Did I think it was a ring? NO! I figured he bought me a gift certificate for a massage or something. Anyways, a few days later we left for Texas and we spent 8 hours driving on Tuesday. Wednesday morning, I woke up and got ready for the day as Kaden left with a friend to run an errand. He returned with a rose in his hand and gave me the sweetest hug ever. Very sweet, but no surprise considering I am dating one of the most romantic men alive! We spent the day going to the mall in Lubbock, buying a cookie from the Cookie Factory, and purchasing me a Texas Tech T-Shirt.</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 4.5pt; "><span style="font-family:Kalinga"><b><span ><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:4.5pt"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 4.5pt; "><span style="font-family:Kalinga"><o:p><span ><b> </b></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 4.5pt; "><span style="font-family:Kalinga"><span ><b>We came back home and sat on his front porch as his Dad put up some Christmas lights. He made us coffee with whip cream and as we swayed back and forth I told Kaden, “This has been the best day ever.” Soon after, I got ready for our adventure for Santaland. Santaland is a place full of Christmas lights and decorations with a 60 foot tree in the middle. I was very excited to go because I love lights and the feel of Joy! On the way, Kaden’s hands were extremely sweaty and I asked him why. He said, “Baby, it’s your hands, not mine! You have on lotion.” I said “OK” and now that I think about it, I didn’t even wear lotion that night! We arrived, and Kaden began asking me, “Do you love this place?” “Do you just like it or do you love it?” He continued to ask if I liked, I mean LOVED it and I assured him that I did. We walked around the display of lights very fast so that is a blur to me…I do remember seeing some penguins that I thought were cute and a pirate ship. We got in line for the Christmas tree/Santa Sleigh to take pictures when he told me he was going to get someone to video us. Again, that is no surprise to me because we had been filming our whole entire trip! Well, it was our turn and we sat in the sleigh and I said, “Welcome to Santaland.” If you’ve seen the video, you can probably tell I am clueless until Kaden pulls me close and starts whispering things in my ear. At that moment, I knew what he was doing then seconds later, he whips out my ring! He got down on one knee (of course), and asked me to Marry him. I said YES and immediately followed with “Did you ask my Dad?” Turns out, Kaden sent my family an old scroll asking for my hand in marriage. Considering he was in Afghanistan, it was difficult for him to ask in person. We ended the night with a fabulous steak dinner and bottle of champagne with his Dad. I don’t really recall dinner because I looked at my ring the whole entire time!! It was absolutely perfect and I can’t wait to start another chapter in my life!</b></span></span></p><p></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span ><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" style="border-top-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-28750144301107438892012-01-16T16:12:00.000-08:002012-01-16T17:34:23.903-08:00Road Trip & Wedding Bells<div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>After 31 days of traveling the Western United States with my best friend, I am finally back in the great state of Alabama. As I begin writing about my recent journey, I must admit there is a lot of truth in the term, “There’s no place like home.” We rolled into Alabama with the video camera recording and the very familiar song “Sweet Home Alabama” blaring in the background. Kaden and I were singing at the top of our lungs, because our 30 hour drive from Las Vegas, Nevada was nearly over. Familiar territory- Tuscaloosa, Alabama: The beautiful city where I began my sophomore year of college living with my best friend, attended football games, met new friends, worked at a cupcake store, graduated college, and fell in love with a man I can now say I get to spend the rest of my life with!! Now, before I go off on that, let me back track and reminisce on my road trip of a lifetime!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><o:p><span ><b> </b></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>The day had finally arrived for Kaden to come home! I boarded my airplane in Birmingham, Alabama bound for Omaha, Nebraska later that evening. The flight went smoothly and in no time I was in Nebraska with snow ALL around me. People quickly picked up on my southern accent and wished me well as I told them my story. I spent all day Thursday in the Holiday Inn watching tv, reading, and sleeping. Kaden called me from Baltimore and it all set in at once that he was truly coming home from Afghanistan in less than 24 hours. Let’s just say falling asleep was quite difficult for me on Thursday. My alarm was set for bright and early, my outfit was prepared, and I was more anxious than I think I’ve ever been before. Friday was here and Kaden called me from Chicago saying he was less than 2 hours away. The airport shuttle picked me up and I was on the way to the airport!! I first bought a pack of gum (to make sure I didn’t have bad breath of course), and sat down against a wall facing security. Not one other single person seemed to be there waiting on a loved one and I immediately became nervous. About half an hour later, a wife and a few military men came with a sign that read “Welcome Home” and that assured me that Kaden was about to walk into my arms. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><o:p><span ><b> </b></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>I cannot begin to describe the feeling to you as I saw Kaden for the very first time. I just stood there in shock right before I ran his way. For the last 6 months, we talked countless hours on the phone or Skype, wrote letters, and made each other laugh as we tried to mark off just ONE more MONTH. Kaden instantly grabbed me as I hugged him for the first time and for a few minutes, I couldn’t do anything else but smile and cry. Talk about a mess. Walking to the baggage claim, we held hands and just smiled because we had no idea what to say to each other. It was by far one of the most sentimental and rewarding feeling knowing that God brought an incredible man home safely from such a despicable and terrible place. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><o:p><span ><b> </b></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>For the next week, we stayed in Omaha, Nebraska doing the small things we had missed so much for the past six months. Going on dates, eating a lot, laughing, holding hands, and just enjoying each others company. In Omaha, we:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>1. Ate Mexican <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>2. Put up a Christmas tree<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>3. Made homemade stockings for each other<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>4. Ate sushi <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>5. Caught a mouse in Kaden’s room<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><o:p><span ><b> </b></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>We obviously did much more than that but these five memories will always be very special to both of us. Now, it’s time for our road trip!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><o:p><span ><b> </b></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>We were packed and ready to set out on a trip of a lifetime! We drove over 5,000 miles our entire trip…Here is our route.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><o:p><span ><b> </b></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>1. Left Omaha, Nebraska and drove to Lubbock, Texas. Went through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas (My first time!)<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>2. Spent a few days in Lubbock (Kaden’s hometown: Got ENGAGED on December 21 at Santaland (a display of Christmas lights and trees!!!) Ate a steak dinner with his Dad to celebrate! Visited Lldean and was impressed with his wood working skills.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>3. Drove to Odessa, Texas and spent Christmas Eve with Kaden’s mom! Had a wonderful Christmas together and we received 6 inches of SNOW. Built a snowman. Enjoyed homemade cooking. Opened presents. Played monopoly. Bought my first wedding magazine. Loved sitting next to the fire.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>4. Left Christmas morning and headed towards Lameisa, Texas to eat with grandparents. Ate way too much. Experienced a cute little town way smaller than Oneonta. Opened presents.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>5. Back to Lubbock and ready to head to Clovis, New Mexico to visit grandparents. Got delayed one day because of my trip to the Emergency Room. I had an allergic reaction to a antibiotic I was taking and broke out ALL OVER MY BODY. Kaden drove like the Dukes of Hazzard the whole way there. Got an IV. Slept all day.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>6. Drove to Clovis, NM and enjoyed eating with family. Loved all the different looking houses. Looked at baby pictures of Kaden. Fun visit.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>7. Left Clovis, and headed towards Angel Fire, New Mexico to snow ski. Long curvy roads. Beautiful sunset. Coffee stops to re gain caffeine. Started to see snow. High elevation.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>8. Arrived in Angel Fire and ate dinner with Andy and John, Kaden’s brother. Laughed the whole time because John is hilarious. Settled into our room. Went to bed early.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>9. Woke up and spent the whole day on the slopes. Had one of the best times I’ve ever had. Fell 3 times. Someone stole Kaden’s sunglasses. LOVED the ski lift. 10,000 feet up. Ate pizza for dinner. Slept very hard.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>10. Set my alarm early so we could get to the Grand Canyon by sunset. Arrived in Arizona. Route 66. Still some snow. Lots of red dirt. Winslow, AZ…sang the Eagles famous song. Did not make it to the Grand Canyon by sunset. I cried and cried because I thought I would never see it. Luckily, there are hotels by the Canyon (should have known). Checked into hotel. Ate Mexican.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>11. Woke up at 5am to get ready for sunrise at the GC. Grabbed McDonalds but was too excited to eat. Took pictures in parking lot. Walked fast to “Mathers Point.” Experienced the Grand Canyon. Brought tears to my eyes. Tons of people. Tons of foreigners. Kaden overheard someone talking about me in Korean saying “that girl looks crazy with no hat”(it was cold) Took lots of pictures. Got a souvenir.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>12. Hopped in the truck and headed towards Nevada. Stopped at the AZ/NV state line to take a picture. Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Jumped the fence to get a better picture. Rolled down the windows as we drove to the Hoover Dam. Thought about Chevvy Chase the whole entire time. Found a great parking spot. Took lots of pictures. Scared because Kaden acted like he was throwing me over. Very deeppppp. Ready for Vegas.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>13. Drove through Vegas. Arrived and met his dad and family. Ate lunch at the In and Out burger place. Got ready for New Years. Sketchy people in Vegas. 300,000 people on the strip. Watched fireworks. New Years Kiss. Won 27 bucks on the slot machines. Got crammed up against a fence. Scared for my life and worse than World’s Wildest Videos. Stupid people. Military ID saved our life. Got back to our room as fast as we could. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>14. Watched football with family. Ate pizza and wings. Rode dirtbikes. Kaden flipped me off. Cut my hand. I pouted. Told Kaden, “You are shaky on that dirtbike.” He thought I said “Sexy.” Laughed about it afterwards. Watched is very talented sister dance at dress rehearsal. Amazed at her talent at only 11. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>15. Started our journey back to Alabama. Drove 15 hours one day, and 15 hours the next day. Arrived in Tuscaloosa and met up with my Gigi’s friends for wings and pizza. Stayed the night with Hannah and Tyler and had a great time catching up.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>16. Made our last 100 miles to Oneonta! WE MADE IT!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><span ><b>17. Kaden left for Omaha, Nebraska. See ya soon!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><o:p><span ><b> </b></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:KaiTi"><o:p><span ><b> </b></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span ><b><span style="font-family:KaiTi">As you can see, I simply just jotted down a few things here and there that either made me laugh or meant a lot to me on our trip. I had the most amazing time and I have Kaden to thank for that. I got engaged to a wonderful man, and if you haven’t met him yet, don’t worry… you will! We set the date for August 18, 2012 so mark your calendars people </span><span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:KaiTi;mso-fareast-font-family: KaiTi;mso-hansi-font-family:KaiTi;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings">J</span><span style="font-family:KaiTi"> I will continue to update on our wedding plans! Thank you to everyone for all of the support, it means more than you will ever know!!! We are BLESSED with great family and friends. Hope you all have a better glimpse of our trip and our journey over the past 6 MONTHS. Welcome home honey!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span ><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" style="border-top-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></span></a></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-46553843367218555682011-11-30T14:37:00.000-08:002011-12-01T06:04:13.980-08:00Coming Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDead2pyY6Kab9Ig-NL3fS2d9EbcjECeeUffMPbnJtXIxr6jt5USLgz_24ISmJVBNP0xly20h2RCBptVe3hOr_oPSf6kXDNOt5689pvOOZGVu9sk0fNYr495uDi-16oxk6UppcWaZet4tc/s1600/217509_1804931035550_1008090042_31672541_1120404_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDead2pyY6Kab9Ig-NL3fS2d9EbcjECeeUffMPbnJtXIxr6jt5USLgz_24ISmJVBNP0xly20h2RCBptVe3hOr_oPSf6kXDNOt5689pvOOZGVu9sk0fNYr495uDi-16oxk6UppcWaZet4tc/s400/217509_1804931035550_1008090042_31672541_1120404_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680931367435223266" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Kaden is coming home friends! The last time I saw him I stood there in the Meridian, MS airport in a daze. I left the airport, turned my shoulder one last time to see Kaden and his friends boarding the plane bound for Afghanistan. I drove 3 hours home, stopping first in Tuscaloosa to get a Wendy's chocolate frosty to somewhat help me from not crying. As I drove, Kaden texted me one last time saying what a trooper I was back in the airport. Driving home, I had no clue what this deployment would bring me, him, or us but I had faith in myself that I could stick it out through the sleepless nights and trying times. I kept telling myself, "You can DO this, Catherine," since my brother and many good friends have been deployed 3-5 times.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">The following months consisted of phone calls from the USO (where I could actually hear Kaden clearly), Skype dates, and writing him a letter every single day. Other days brought me frustration where I didn't hear from Kaden for nearly a week because his internet went out and he was too lazy to walk to the USO to tell me he was ok. (Sorry honey :)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">The Post Office started to see me every other week, wondering what in the world I was sending him next. Such things included:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Care packages wrapped in Alabama Crimson Tide duct tape, neon duct tape care packages, a message in a bottle that included 30 things I loved about him- one for each day of the month. The best package was by far the Blown Up Beach Ball I sent him as I asked everyone who came in contact with it to sign it. 4 or 5 postal workers signed it along the way and when it arrived in Afghanistan 6 DAYS later (inflated and all), someone came up to Kaden and said, "Uhh, man, you have something waiting for you in the mail room, your girlfriend just outdid herself."</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">It took 14 days for the first batch of letters to arrive in Afghanistan, and when they finally arrived he received 14 in one day. He said I broke the record for the most letters in one day! Bam!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">I tried my hardest to be a supportive and loving girlfriend because Kaden deserved to hear a happy and upbeat voice on the other end of the line. Sometimes I would be so frustrated with the internet connection (because I couldn't hear a single word he was saying) that I would take it out on him. I give Kaden props for putting up with all of my sassy-ness and know-it-all moments. As I reflect back today, I can finally say "WE MADE IT." We made it through laughs, tears, long conversations, and the adversity of a deployment. While it's definitely not an easy thing, it is doable.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Sorry for the ranting and raving readers, I'm nearly done :)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">If I had one thing to say to anyone who asked about my experience and what it taught me, I would tell you </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">ENJOY THE TIME WITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">We all know life can get in a routine that may be monotonous at times, but if you have someone special or even your family, Enjoy them at all times. I just spent nearly 180 days without going out to dinner or even just having a face to face conversation. Saying that, 180 days is usually short when dealing with a deployment because other branches may sometimes go a year.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">The other night at work, (Buffalo Wild Wings), I was closely watching this couple on a date. It was clear to me they weren't just "brother and sister" and as I observed, I noticed myself getting jealous. They were sitting there at dinner, less than 2 feet away from one another, texting away on their dang cell phones. She was texting and he was texting, and they were paying NO attention to one another. They were on those stupid things for nearly the whole entire time they waited and it took every single thing in me to hold back from saying something to them. Jokingly of course, I would have said "Do you know what I would give to be in your shoes right now?" That's merely just one example of spending your time efficiently. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">So my fellow blog readers :) it's my time. Time to go on a date and time to hold my boyfriends hand again. To all of you out there, thank you so much for listening to my stories and being an uplifting friend to me. Thank you for all the persistent prayers throughout this time. It's been a journey and we are finally near the end!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">And Kaden, THANK YOU for being one of the most amazing men I know. You have made me laugh countless times, made me cry just a few times ha, and assured me that we were going to make it. Babydoll, we made it! I love you with all of my heart and I'm so ready to not say, "What was that?" "Huh" "Baby, I can't hear you." :)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/1B9CCCCD646AA04714FB681A45439E4C.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-861609425204949102011-09-05T09:53:00.000-07:002011-09-05T10:35:49.110-07:00Happy Labor Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYhUDZ5y6uEb9H27WZXwXSwa00-Y2V9xCAXAJ5YaN7XJJujw0qLdPyxuZyTINNO1zMA0WafAWzJ2ulltCMm3JaJYEhldqrAMZZC_8Wp12Y03siKLqgnlil8Jjb-l_2RIicJ3hxCbW4KL4/s1600/DAD+278.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYhUDZ5y6uEb9H27WZXwXSwa00-Y2V9xCAXAJ5YaN7XJJujw0qLdPyxuZyTINNO1zMA0WafAWzJ2ulltCMm3JaJYEhldqrAMZZC_8Wp12Y03siKLqgnlil8Jjb-l_2RIicJ3hxCbW4KL4/s400/DAD+278.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648929985645824194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">NO LUCK! Someone in 1998 won 6.2 Million Dollars at this Hole-in-the-Wall</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnn15Qdt0-abMroPuJMRNL-hYQdxQ4QX0_ZH_5YTy6qVaFRAeUnDwP8xsGVzGfO-LnSvbDaRG_rMTzShic0hAYopSBkSzhLKQ_LMxo5AAIDqEF3cDyhrjeELhqMYNnS2pqew6_oGQSrDcR/s1600/DAD+268.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnn15Qdt0-abMroPuJMRNL-hYQdxQ4QX0_ZH_5YTy6qVaFRAeUnDwP8xsGVzGfO-LnSvbDaRG_rMTzShic0hAYopSBkSzhLKQ_LMxo5AAIDqEF3cDyhrjeELhqMYNnS2pqew6_oGQSrDcR/s400/DAD+268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648929423921693570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Half in Georgia/Half in Alabama</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpnSIIddL1WLcnZPsL6gA4Nb7oIlHt9RqUtRqI3jebJ3b01H6Ssyd0xXvXB1CpQMaFdVmGi5JWIfdiSmQLnWMAjtfQOshs-7AkG2Jbb2XupdWnI71SwzTyI-7_6qkP1CCLQLtm951pZ0L/s1600/Graduation-August%2521+066.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpnSIIddL1WLcnZPsL6gA4Nb7oIlHt9RqUtRqI3jebJ3b01H6Ssyd0xXvXB1CpQMaFdVmGi5JWIfdiSmQLnWMAjtfQOshs-7AkG2Jbb2XupdWnI71SwzTyI-7_6qkP1CCLQLtm951pZ0L/s400/Graduation-August%2521+066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648923005138463986" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmWTySunoChMdRmCELGYPN1lJ-pcD3GCgOqz17vSKnzh8a6AvMwU4XM1q4OzJXT2TNZ_g_aW4cRrQy5R7NgHGW8upo3b2Du9d54tg6Qh0zV01nybY_RSL8b3S4zpWnd1stXhiujMV7Sty/s1600/Graduation-August%2521+047.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmWTySunoChMdRmCELGYPN1lJ-pcD3GCgOqz17vSKnzh8a6AvMwU4XM1q4OzJXT2TNZ_g_aW4cRrQy5R7NgHGW8upo3b2Du9d54tg6Qh0zV01nybY_RSL8b3S4zpWnd1stXhiujMV7Sty/s400/Graduation-August%2521+047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648922603021034706" /></a><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >It's been about a month since my last post and a lot has happened.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >1. I graduated from The University of Alabama.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >2. I've done a lot of cooking since moving back home.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >3. I re-finished my first piece of furniture.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >4. I sent Kaden a beach ball to Afghanistan and it didn't pop!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >5. I got a job at Lonestar in Trussville to make some money and pass the time.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >6. I am completely addicted to Pinterest. Ready to start making things!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >7. I bought a vintage Iron Table and 2 Chairs at an Estate Sale for $17.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >8. It's been 3 months since Kaden's been gone....Getting Closer.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >9. On September 9, I mail out Letter #100 to Kaden.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >10. I sent him an Alabama care package wrapped in Bama duck tape.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >11. Dad and I went riding bicycles on the Chief Ladiga-Silver Comet trail. 30 Miles of riding bikes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >12. I bought $15 worth of lottery tickets and won absolutely nothing.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I hope everyone is having a great Labor Day in this rain! If you need me, I'll be on Pinterest trying to find my next project!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-39202836115473462852011-07-28T19:20:00.000-07:002011-07-28T19:57:55.496-07:00Cheerful<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b>I'm currently sitting on my bed, listening to my fan shoot back and forth as I breathe in the scent of my favorite tea-light candle. Thank you Bed Bath & Beyond for making those cute little thing</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b>s for my enjoyment. My room is COMPLETELY cleaned & organized, with every t</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b>hing I own in a particular spot. Many of you may know that I love to keep stuff and I'll keep it for as long as I can (until my Mom makes me give it away or throw it away) For the past few weeks, I've been tackling my room. I never wanted to start it because I knew somewhere under my bed I would have to get rid of something that broug</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b>ht a smile to my face. Before I moved home, I started with baby steps. I</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b>got rid of 7 bags of clothes....Go ahead, say it.... "You go girl!" But anyways, I've tried to make more room for everything because in all reality, I don't need m</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b>y pencil pouch from the 6th grade or all of my sparkly little picture frames that held all of the hilarious pictures of my friends and I.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>I officially did it. I did keep my pencil po</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>uch to save all of the other little knick-nacks I just couldn't get rid of. Most of them are very important to me, like all of my seashells from the beaches I've been to, or the bookmark that my sweet baby brother made for me that says "Merry Christmas" with the most ridiculous looking Elf on it. I just can't bring myself to do it. However, I did suck it up and donate tons of stuff to the Thrift Store. I'm definitely a regular there now, don't worry. It's been fun sorting thro</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b>ugh all of my memorabilia!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>On a different note, I've kinda-sorta...okay you </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b>caught me...Got addicted to something. Pinterest.com is the coolest website I've come across so far. It is just a board where people pin stuff they think is cool. For example, recipes, DIY projects, wedding ideas, photog</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><b>raphy, and travel. I love it and I have come up with some pretty ideas. Well, I actually stole them from someone.. :) I found an idea called "52 Things I love about You."</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>First, I made a list of 52 things I love about Kaden. Second, I typed them out and glued them on a playing card. I used a whole deck of cards (52). I punched holes in it, put rings around it, and made a cute cover for it! BAM, that's it people. Just call me Crafty Catherine. Here is the final product:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VhOvHBiikRMf_l7rnoOYaIBFHQfr1aDWCvdLWbK-DV8uhVO8GTvTYCjc_iiYuhNxYzdoZa6ETTULa25d7rvSQ5aeJog1uwcQKX84fzNtGlUZ9HtQ0G6f9mJIgXQXovKEb-aeFVL0sNKY/s200/TENNESSEE+2011+003.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634597809172516354" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIwj70Jjs15FDv47uNJZpmBubaMTCCm-0McchM5C9LjGN85idXck8kEZSB-VfUA2XFNVmcSjUJWSvgCiCzHSdBrZURogi3ObXJdj0JMH8hQCJHvS2ryCnbgqBKADMuvV4P8mmnbpl3HxI/s200/TENNESSEE+2011+001.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634597187290365122" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >I thought it turned out so great! Kaden absolutely loved it. I also sent him a "Christmas in July" care pack</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >age because who doesn't like getting Christmas twice a year! I individually wrapped every thing I bought him! He opened it on Skype and his facial expressions will forever be burned in my mind!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Sorry for all the transitions, but I graduate from The University of Alabama on August 6th, then off to my friend Katie's wedding!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b> What an exciting day! I'm excited for graduation and remembering the April Tornado. Tuscaloosa will always have a very special place in my heart!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Also, our family minus Zach took a camping/hiking trip to Cade's Cove Tennessee last week! We didn't fully rough and tough it, but we didn't have a shower for a week. Calm down, I'm only kidding! National parks do not have showers so we had to pay 5 bucks to take one. I took 2 showers, thank you! We hike 2 trails...Abram's Falls (5 miles) and Mt.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b> Leconte (10 miles & Tennessee's 3rd highest point.) Of course the Page family cannot go any where without having a good time. We saw a black bear, ate at the Pancake Pantry, bought our dog an Alabama jersey, grilled hot dogs, listened to the crickets, scared Dad a time or two, slept good in a tent. I will always forever be grateful for my parents taking us on trips. I've been to some pretty interesting places with my friends and</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b> family! Next stop....Kentucky!! Another state I can mark off!! #23 Woop!</b></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79k7rmuYC_lEyzs9qqc9dTpVJ0nIxOcb2KFF8nIiw4Jg27Vx9pwuSvsnkzgB-JDx_eegWWZmHKt3Kf5u75xFvqYqewWBwQomWEQaiPg6i_43SqWuAVY9yAMkO0GCdLsqG99WhRDHAzznf/s200/TENNESSEE+2011+104.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634601405239043522" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Well, thanks for reading (if you read this far!) I'm continuing to catch up with all of my friends.. MISS you guys!</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/1B9CCCCD646AA04714FB681A45439E4C.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-3089623569295885022011-07-08T20:48:00.001-07:002011-07-08T21:13:08.222-07:00Deployment<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ew2T8gv1NHY3Hr2SfTVsuntLqXCcug70f6qbr6akpaMKFvuZpPirzqli1WBfrOUXFe0b4E-O3BqsJfiqS0zhug5qiHdP-jMCY611iBPk1oIjo2_-poorwJehsOCR2ppbfpa9ZFbyKh3G/s1600/Zach%2527s+Camera+433.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ew2T8gv1NHY3Hr2SfTVsuntLqXCcug70f6qbr6akpaMKFvuZpPirzqli1WBfrOUXFe0b4E-O3BqsJfiqS0zhug5qiHdP-jMCY611iBPk1oIjo2_-poorwJehsOCR2ppbfpa9ZFbyKh3G/s200/Zach%2527s+Camera+433.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627200659253023650" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >For the last five years, I've spent a huge part of my time sending letters and care packages to my brother, friends, and complete strangers. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >For most people, it's not a matter of life but for me the military has become my life. My older brother has gone on 2 deployments, both lasting 4-6 months. Saying that, my emotions have sky rocketed from really high to sometimes quite low. Whether it's watching interviews on TV, or seeing pictures of Military homecomings, I always see it somewhere. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Kaden has officially been gone a month. Thankfully, we have had the opportunity to talk every single day (besides 1 day). He calls me when he can and when I see the long number on my phone, my face lights up! It's a very reassuring feeling the very moment I talk to him, see him on Skype, or receive an email. Nearly 37 letters and 4 care packages later, we are officially 1 MONTH down on this journey. A journey that sometimes seems to fly by, yet other times drag on. The summer always gives me an opportunity to relax but I must say I'm ready to get back into the swing of a routine. I'll be subbing this school year as I look for another part time job. I fully believe the Lord will guide me wherever I need to be. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Thank you to all of you who have faithfully prayed. As I sit here blogging, I'm reminded of the verse, "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you." How comforting!!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >I hope that everyone is having a fantastic summer in this Alabama heat, whew! And if you ever want to make a day, send Kaden a letter :) </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >A1C Goodell, Kaden S</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >4 ERS-Bagram</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >APO AE 09354</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-20136799788173883752011-06-12T21:06:00.000-07:002011-06-12T21:12:17.267-07:00First phone call<span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Today was a great day! I received my first phone call from Kaden! He called right when I walked in the door. I saw an unfamiliar phone number and I knew it was him. We talked for about 2o minutes or so. He sounded very tired but happy to be off the airplane! The time difference is so different. It was 2:30 p.m. here and 1:30 a.m there. </strong></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">I missed his skype call tonight and I feel terrible. I think I'm just going to always stay logged in now. Last night was a rough night for me because I barely talked to him any yesterday. I lost a lot of sleep last night worrying about him. However, I did get to take a 3-4 nap today so I'll probably be up all night.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Please continue to pray for us. I'm hanging in there! 1 week down....only 9 more months to go. </span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/1B9CCCCD646AA04714FB681A45439E4C.png" /></a></p>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-61069248751756606692011-06-08T18:00:00.000-07:002011-06-08T18:23:42.810-07:00Thankful<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><strong>Well, well, well. Let me first apologize to the few followers I have for being a slacker! 2011 has brought me some unexpected happiness. I graduated from The University of Alabama in May but I still haven't walked across the stage. When the tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011, they decided to postpone the ceremony until August.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><strong>Anyways, my life has been non-stop since then. I've been in Mississippi with Kaden the past few weeks enjoying our last days together before he deployed. On Tuesday, I drove to the Meridian airport knowing that would be the last time I saw him for nearly 9 months. I held up much better than I thought. I just have to keep my head up and remember that God has a plan for my life! For those of you who want to write Kaden, here is his address.....(he would love a letter or card from anyone!!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><strong></strong></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;color:#000099;"><strong>A1C Goodell, Kaden S</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;color:#000099;"><strong>4ERS-Bagram</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;color:#000099;"><strong>APO AE 09354</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><strong></strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><strong></strong></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><strong>Hannah's wedding was absolutely perfect and she couldn't have looked more stunning on her wedding day! She went to Mexico for her honeymoon and by looking at her pictures it looked like they had a fantastic trip! Hannah's wedding was so special to me because she is one of my very best friends. She constantly encourages and prays for me. Who wouldn't want that as a best friend? I admire her and Tyler's God-centered relationship and I pray for the same for myself one day.</strong></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><strong></strong></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><strong>I've missed all of my friends and for those of you who read this, I'm sorry I've been such a sketch the last few months! Hopefully you'll understand the circumstances with Kaden! Without you guys, I don't know what I would do!! </strong></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><strong></strong></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><strong>Hope everyone is doing great and I can't wait to see you soon! Please keep Kaden and I in your prayers while he is in Afghanistan. </strong></span></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" /></a></p><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/1B9CCCCD646AA04714FB681A45439E4C.png" /></a></div><br /><div align="left"></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-33484775467071909142011-04-16T08:40:00.000-07:002011-04-16T08:48:32.648-07:00Time Flies<div style="text-align: center;">It's been nearly a month since I have blogged! Where has the time gone?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm finishing up on my last two weeks in Kindergarten and I must say that I absolutely love the little kids! They make me laugh harder than I ever thought. I'm teaching a unit on animals and I've taught some fun activities to spark their interest. Since we were learning about Pandas, I brought in Bamboo for the children. They can't wait to take it home!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On a different note, my life has changed a lot in the past month. I met an amazing guy, Kaden, who truly lights up my life. We met about a month ago in a random situation, ended up talking for the rest of the night, and I've talked to him every day since then. He respects me and who I am and values our time together. He's in the Air Force so he doesn't have too much longer in the United States before he's deployed :( I believe this time apart will help us grow closer to God and ourselves. I can honestly say I'm really happy with life right now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last weekend, we went to the RODEO in Auburn, AL and boy what a weekend! I have never seen so many crazy people in my life! We had a fun time and Blake Shelton put on a fantastic show :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last night, the Sugarland concert was cancelled due to Tornadoes in Tuscaloosa. I was really upset because the girls from work,(LT, Madeline, and Kelly) were all off for the concert! We had it all planned out. We ended up going out on the town and it amazes me how God can put the perfect people in your life. The girls from work, or the CORE 4 as I would say......have meant the world to me my last semester of college. We constantly encourage one another and without them, my days wouldn't be so bright! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today is A-DAY, but I have to work!! Hope everyone has a great weekend!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/1B9CCCCD646AA04714FB681A45439E4C.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-79452271906478885132011-03-14T16:58:00.000-07:002011-03-14T17:47:10.190-07:00Breaking A Bad Habit<div><br /><div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbmTqVrVc6NKk-Lgs08rUfryu9Cw8D90ipR4cgPiGyO3TsnfW2xIrqfB6fdCk9R2XcU37tItVUSZpQqv4niJU1fVF6RSGmrRGe8aALwBfWO1MdHPe0AvgE1KAmbFGNiCsWKZ6BSCxsw6L/s1600/Fingernails.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 357px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 101px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584092462837916754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbmTqVrVc6NKk-Lgs08rUfryu9Cw8D90ipR4cgPiGyO3TsnfW2xIrqfB6fdCk9R2XcU37tItVUSZpQqv4niJU1fVF6RSGmrRGe8aALwBfWO1MdHPe0AvgE1KAmbFGNiCsWKZ6BSCxsw6L/s200/Fingernails.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#6600cc;"> <strong>For as long as I can remember (and from what my Mom has told me), I have ALWAYS bitten my fingernails. It's one of those weird, nasty habits that I'm not proud to say I have. As my mom says, I don't even realize I'm biting my fingernails until I'm on finger #10. I bite them when I'm stressed, when I'm bored, and when I'm tired. </strong><br /><br /><br /></span><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6600cc;">Well.....the time has come to....STOP.</span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">My motivation first came when a new friend at work, Lauren Taylor, always had the cutest painted fingernails. Nearly every time we worked, I noticed she had a different coat of paint on her nails. I asked her why she always painted her fingernails so cute, and her response was simple. She used to bite her fingernails and her grandmother told her she would take her to get her nails done if she went three days without biting them. </span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">On Friday night, LT, Madeline, and I had a slumber party at Lauren Taylor's apartment. We had such a good time, and she even painted my fingernails a fun and Spring Purple color. </span></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">GOOD NEWS.....GOOD NEWS...<br />-I haven't bit my fingernails since Thursday, and today is Monday!</span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">I went and bought some hot pink fingernail polish this afternoon!! It is a perfect color for the Springtime :) I'm excited, because even though it sounds silly, it's a huge accomplishment for me!</span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>I've been home since Saturday night and it feels great to be home. Hannah's bridal tea was yesterday and it turned out so good! She got some awesome gifts and I know they are just so excited. I'm coming back to Tuscaloosa on Wednesday to work, work, work! Hope everyone is enjoying Spring Break (if you have one), and keep me in your prayers at night that I can "BREAK A BAD HABIT!!"</strong><br /><br /><strong>Here are some pictures from this weekend!</strong></span></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">The Bride to Be!!!</span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584097484327200802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiie_Yi62c6TiJ-EkT-9_-8nvSJMaVz7am7N_6e1kLfZa7K1zVE4nO06gL4kE4PRyl0df3C1qC33nds78xwpzkYrGrRjptsDZ-9QYkigAA9F0wlHIthql3lVKNd0mZEsUNyQgCNAnIwrLNA/s200/196046_10150460596295002_839120001_17625901_749418_n.jpg" /></span></strong></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584095171258514434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9EihozF_t1cR0yAnssV9gQ5aEn9PbP5tmyYkUbHJClS1UkRLwg82kRGbE0xzt1dyp13XPwBQbnFezCtFe7v4nqSjf70DpXcxIr9aK4J0lhJGboJwBOMxl1KSw6am7Y4EKRFfBoJsL92-/s200/Tea.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584099411325353682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmeoODyCvHlGLGHsiFI001Q9mU9Q2MH1VWSIWR_OTM-adqhJQNnw_FGjjD32FUIc3VBx1TUpX8DSW3kJXjuEIV8__H0o44dRDPK_s6o13oEUcQtdGP5VGmSOHY5dzDvS-fzOH949X22rj/s200/P3120027.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584097170470407106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdyama_KI0qBMbSpikHpJkN1X2wluD32rwB_G52XgFW7qdkqBt1o_UWAyQiSiE5VJIP7eLVD-Uo33nEQ2q_0z9U5XmXxg2H36K_TxbuC_-sbDj9i33P4uM6XFX7etdfdKgSyL333uMTDL/s200/P3120026.jpg" /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/1B9CCCCD646AA04714FB681A45439E4C.png" /></div></div></div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-80122820643317935192011-03-03T19:30:00.000-08:002011-03-03T19:47:56.853-08:00Fortune Cookie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMCa0KKHM029h7kga0PvK1CjTSwfOZALKDt1JBLDH4Bi0q8awJUcAFf1ZUxsft4SqsUOJUpANHKiSDv5Fc7HYQouWYpYjSOrM1kZw7_KyWZxBnN7fLOKv4LMji53qZE7GY-GSrypODcn_/s1600/blogfortune.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMCa0KKHM029h7kga0PvK1CjTSwfOZALKDt1JBLDH4Bi0q8awJUcAFf1ZUxsft4SqsUOJUpANHKiSDv5Fc7HYQouWYpYjSOrM1kZw7_KyWZxBnN7fLOKv4LMji53qZE7GY-GSrypODcn_/s200/blogfortune.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580066460871153042" /></a><br /><div>I'm probably one of the biggest fans of "Fortune Cookies." Whoever writes these silly sayings knows how to make me smile for sure. So, I have a funny story! 2 nights ago after work, some friends from work and I went to Kobe to eat some Japanese! Of course, as we were paying....I spotted the fortune cookie on my check. I like to think that when I read fortune cookies that they were made especially for me (selfish I know haha) but a lot of the times, they really relate to my life. This is the one I got Tuesday night.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"You will make many changes before settling down happily."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Good fortune, right? Ya it is! Well, I stuffed it in my purse, payed and went home on Tuesday not thinking anything else of it. Tonight after work, I got another craving for some Sushi and Rice, so I headed back to Kobe by myself for a take out order. I just got finished eating my meal, and it was fantastic! As I spotted my fortune cookie laying in the bottom of my bag, I reached for it excitedly! </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>GUESS WHAT? There was no fortune cookie in there!!! So, do I eat the cookie or not? I decided to just eat it and make up my own fortune for the night. I'll share it once I think of a good one. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>I just thought it was funny because of all things, a small cookie can make me smile. Tomorrow is my last day in 5th grade and I'm going to miss those sweet kids dearly! They have made me mad, made me laugh, and almost made me cry. Each and every one of them have a special place in my heart and even through the good and bad times, I've put a smile on my face. It's been a great first half of the semester thanks to my cooperating teacher, Mrs. Todd, my kiddos, and my friends. Not to mention my AWESOME Gigi's friends. Working at Gigi's has opened my eyes to a different variety of people but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm worn slap out at the end of the day after teaching 5th grade, then heading straight to work, but somehow at the end of the day I'm still smiling and wanting to go back and re-do the whole day again. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The Lord places special people/things in your life at the exact and perfect time and I couldn't be more happier/busier than I am right now. Kelly got us a "HAPPY" as she calls them: a fun, cute surprise :) She got 3 of us the most precious cupcake cup!! I love it!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Well, bed time is approaching, my feet are hurting, and my eyes are fading fast. The next few weeks are going to be jam-packed and I'm excited! Hannah's wedding showers are coming up and I cannot wait to share all of these special memories with one of the most Godly women I have ever known. It's going to be a blast! Time for bed, sweet dreams friends :)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/1B9CCCCD646AA04714FB681A45439E4C.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></span></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-23940820993375930292011-02-27T16:03:00.000-08:002011-02-27T16:17:07.601-08:002-27-11<div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>This weekend I worked, ate too much, and attended an Education Conference here in Tuscaloosa. On Saturday, I spent most of the day cleaning up a local school. I dusted, swept, and cleaned anything in sight. It was such a beautiful day & I enjoyed the fellowship with new friends!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>This morning I went to campus to hear 2 different seminars. The first one was on Bullying and the second one was on Special Education. Here are some notes I took from the session about "Bullying." It really opened my eyes to the problem schools have with bullying. I've always told myself that if I can achieve anything when I become a teacher that I'm going to try and have a positive attitude when dealing with my students. I want my students to become productive citizens in society, but I believe more teachers need positivity and careful preparation!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>-When it comes down to it, the issue is power. Every parent believes their child is an 'angel.' The responsibility falls on the teacher when a parent's "baby" becomes a bully.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>-Power gives you the opportunity to distribute the blame.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>-Just because you're loud, doesn't mean you're right!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>-You have the opportunity to create an environment that's different from the outside.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>-Students will adapt to a consistent environment. You have to alter their environment.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>-We need to start teaching coping skills again: patience, forgiveness, courtesy, etc.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>-"I remember when common sense use to be "fairly common."</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>-Everybody has a plan until you get hit in the mouth. -Mike Tyson.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>~So overall, I really enjoyed the Bullying session. Students are exposed to so much and it's amazing how the environment has a huge impact. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>-On the other hand, I'm still enjoying working at Gigi's, and I have some great co-workers! There are 4 of us "THE CORE 4" that work really well together and these girls have made my days soooo much better as we sell cupcakes!! Well, I'm off to write lesson plans! Kelly and I ate seafood, and I'm constantly reminded of our great friendship!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/1B9CCCCD646AA04714FB681A45439E4C.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-23264791406092082472011-02-20T06:49:00.000-08:002011-02-20T06:58:08.145-08:00Life Lately<div>Well I turned 22 on Thursday and considering I was sick, I still had a great birthday! I don't quite feel 22 yet, but I'm sure it will sink in soon. I worked on my birthday, but it was great because I was working with my 2 new friends, Lauren Taylor & Madeline. Kelly brought me a pink crown to wear while I was at work, and afterwards we met her at a Japanese restaurant. A few of our friends came out too and it was great to see them!! Kelly bought me some Junie B. Jones books, magnets, a coffee cup, a candle, and tons of candy! I was soooo excited, I'll be ready when I start teaching!</div><div><br /></div><div>This week has been so beautiful and I wish I had time to enjoy it. I worked 30 hours this week and that's on top of my internship in 5th grade. I am really tired, but I love to work so it's been a fun experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm finally not sore anymore! My right knee is a little tight, and hopefully I didn't do anything to it! Well, time to catch up on some homework. Come see me at Gigi's!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/15B8BA2DCAA9B07D8A0ED4DFB80D1E8A.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/78/1B9CCCCD646AA04714FB681A45439E4C.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-14544853806674532812011-02-13T14:15:00.000-08:002011-02-13T14:44:02.844-08:00Mardi Gras 1/2 Marathon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvX7FdP0YkyXfT2HcMzcoQYd66WFS9PAgtvfbjTtihLfcrTwbmasU-PvSlHAJPsbPUhcmJ2b6tvvor7yMkGi-PZJkp6oX2XnCAidpDgj4puB1jJezAMGuOYWrimzCv5EFBb2RHuhdLkVRF/s1600/MArdi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvX7FdP0YkyXfT2HcMzcoQYd66WFS9PAgtvfbjTtihLfcrTwbmasU-PvSlHAJPsbPUhcmJ2b6tvvor7yMkGi-PZJkp6oX2XnCAidpDgj4puB1jJezAMGuOYWrimzCv5EFBb2RHuhdLkVRF/s200/MArdi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573308514321945538" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" >Let me start off by saying there is "Power in Prayer." For the past month, I have been struggling with a possible stress fracture in my left foot. Two weeks before the race, I didn't run one time. I decided letting my foot heal for at least 14 days would be best for me in the long run. I told several people to keep me in their prayers as the race was approaching. I prayed for my foot every single day, and if you think I'm kidding I'm not. 2 weeks ago I went on a run, and I only made it 0.5 miles. Yes, that's right....1/2 of a mile. Well today...</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I ran 13.1 miles.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I was beyond nervous for the race because on Saturday afternoon we walked around New Orleans and my foot was giving me problems simply walking around. I just knew there would be no way I could possibly run 13.1 in less than 24 hours. At 5:45 a.m. this morning we were off to the race site to load the shuttle bus. Shortly afterwards, we made it to the start line with "Eye of the Tiger" playing in the background.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I walked to my race corral number and begin warming up. It was quite chilly this morning but with all of the body heat from the runners, I was fine. I talked to a older lady beside me who was running her 1st half-marathon, and I wished her luck. I plugged in my I-pod, and the race was on. As I began running, I immediately began praying for my journey I was about to try to conquer. As I reached the 3 mile mark, my foot was in good shape as I grabbed some water from a volunteer. Then, at mile 6 (almost the half way mark) I saw a lady on the side of the road holding up a sign that read,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >PAIN IS TEMPORARY, BUT SUCCESS IS PERMANENT!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >My eyes nearly filled with water as I passed a complete stranger knowing she had no idea how much more she just motivated me. I continued running, when I reached mile 9. I started running behind a group of older men who had a good pace. I kept pushing on. At mile 10, my legs started feeling extremely tight, and my foot was beginning to give me discomfort. However, as I ran past a woman wearing a sign on her back that was in memory of her 1 year old son that had passed away, I trekked on. Mile 11 and 12 were tough. I slowed down a lot, not even meaning to. My body was telling me to STOP but my mind was telling me to FINISH! When I came to the 20K part of the race (12.4 miles), I saw the end in sight. I kept telling myself that in less than a mile, I would be crossing the finishing line and heading to the food table to stuff my face. As I turned the corner, my I-pod started playing "Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns. It is a personal favorite that will make me cry on a drop of a hat. Then it happened. I saw hundreds of complete strangers cheering me on, and that in itself made me smile from ear to ear. I crossed the finish line as a medal was placed around my neck. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I stocked up with a bagel, 2 fruit packs, Cytomax (like gatorade), and headed to find the meeting spot. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >It felt so nice laying down on the pavement with the sun shining on me. It was a fantastic feeling knowing that my foot didn't give me much trouble. The race was amazing and I had a wonderful weekend!! I also beat my personal record from my 1st half-marathon by close to 20 minutes. But just remember, when you think you can't do something, keep pushing through. Life is full of battles but it is possible to overcome them. I'll post pictures later......</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >After I take 2 more Advil and a NAP! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Lots of love,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >CAT</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264693997957599752.post-31353926756865661372011-02-01T19:23:00.000-08:002011-02-01T19:37:45.147-08:00Helloooooooo 2011<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Kristen ITC""><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>May I just start off by saying, “GOD IS GOOD.” 2011 is shaping up to be quite the year. So as you all may know, I love cupcakes. Yesterday Kelly and I went to the new cupcake place in town called “Gigi’s.” Well, we left with a cupcake in hand (I got wedding cake) and headed to her apartment. We printed off an application and tonight we both got the call that we are both hired!! Tomorrow is our first day! <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Kristen ITC""><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Last night I was reading my Bible and many of the stories I was reading involved people having FAITH. How easy is it to say, “Yes, I have faith” but truly mean it? I’ve prayed countless times that the Lord will truly lead me down the path that is meant for me. I’m graduating in May, and starting a new chapter of my life. Just to brag a little…I absolutely have the best family and friends anyone could possibly ask for. They cheer me up and make me smile. What more could I possibly want? I’m writing this post tonight with a smile on my face and a wonderful feeling in my heart. God has provided me with more than I deserve and growing closer to him each day is what I desire. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Kristen ITC""><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>If I could leave a mark on anyone, say a stranger or a friend, I would say “BE THANKFUL.” You may think there are people out there who have a better life than you or drive a nicer car, but the Lord looks at our heart. My relationship with the Lord is something that no one can ever take away from me, and I think that’s worth celebrating for!!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Kristen ITC""><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Have a Happy Wednesday and remember, you’re always more attractive when you Smile!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:"Kristen ITC""><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Lots of LOVE</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>CAT</b></span></p>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372333607477890noreply@blogger.com0