It really is true.....

Do you remember when people used to tell you to remember that the same sibling you were fighting with and wishing would disapper would one day become your best friend? Well, it really is true! Now don't get me wrong, it doesn't mean that you will forever be done with fighting or getting mad or even not wanting to be in the same room with them at times (haha), but it is different than before, and it doesn't last or ever change the way you feel.

There were times growing up that I thought Brett and I could just kill each other! LOL From hair pulling, scratching, pinching, biting, name calling, crying, "I can't stand yous" and "When I grow up you won't be my brother/sister," we said and did it all. Looking back now it makes me laugh because I remember times in the backseat of the car that we would be fighting so bad that my mom told us not to talk to one another or even think about each other (and now I find myself often telling my own kids the same thing!! lol). But then, those times would pass and we would be best buds again, laughing, sharing secrets, getting into trouble, and making memories. We were pretty much inseparable growing up, and at barely two years apart in age we often had the same general groups of friends and even shared a bedroom until we were about 8 and 10. And even then when we had separate bedrooms we ended up in each others most of the time. There were times I couldn't stand being around him when he made me mad, and then times I didn't want to be around anyone else but him. But even then, being that close, I didn't imagine how much deeper and special that bond would be as we grew into adults. Even though I am the older one and he often looked to me as kids, now as adults I have many times been able to go to him for help, advice, or just a shoulder to lean on, cry on, or vent on. Even recently when some things went on and I have gone through a really difficult and sad time, he has been so amazing and the Lord used him to really help me through what felt like one of the worst nights of my life. And likewise, he is able to come to me with the same kind of things. Even living overseas for eight years, a week (barely a day) has gone by without us talking. He even walked me down the aisle at my wedding, and it was then and is today such a special memory.

Today I am so thankful that we have grown from childhood buddies into true friends. Where we shared memories and little secrets as kids, we share real trust and true friendship as adults. Even on the days when I am aggravated with him, or we are frustrated because we don't agree with one another's choices- we know that we have each other's backs and can still call anytime we need a friend. :)

So thank you Brett, and I love you.

I am also glad to have the opportunity as my other siblings grow (teenagers right now- 16, 15, and 13) to share continuting growing friendships and memories. It is so neat to watch them grow into "big kids" when I can still see them as sweet little babies. I truly love them so much and look forward to growing even closer as we all get older. :)

Okay, so I will stop with the mushy stuff. But I think we should all remember to tell the people important to us what they mean to us "just cause." It doesn't have to be a special occasion or reason. How do you know it may not be just what they needed to hear on that day, at that moment. I know that has happened for me before, and it made such a difference in my day and my life. :)

So next time you hear someone tell siblings how they will be best friends one day, or you are pulling your hair out watching your kids fight with one another and wondering if they will ever even be civilized aquaintances....... remember...it really is true. :)

Till next time,

Britt

White Christmas.....White sand, that is.

So we enjoyed a WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL white Christmas and New Year's....on the white, sandy beaches of my hometown- Panama City, Florida. It was so nice to see everyone again, we have missed them so much. For the first time since 2000 we were able to be a part of the holiday celebration and traditions back home with my family. I hadn't been able to spend Christmas with my Mom since 2000, and so I was so blessed to be able to finally do that again this year. We also got to spend alot of time with my best friend in the world (besides Paul and my Mom), my brother Brett and it was alot of fun. On top of all of that, we were able to enjoy Christmas dinner at Nanny and Pop's house (the best grandparents in the world!!!) with them, Mom, Brett, my uncle, Randy and his handsome and sweet boys, Steven (and his adorable girlfriend Summer) and Kaden; and my sweet aunt and uncle, Renee and Marty and my precious new baby cousin Hannah Renee. She is absolutely the most beautiful baby girl I have ever seen along with my own two beautiful girls and my beautiful little sister. :) I so enjoyed holding and kissing her!! I was supposed to take her pictures and was so excited and then got so sick the last few days, so I will be doing a fabulous photo shoot of her the next visit for sure!! LOL We also got to have a great family friend (well, he pretty much seems like family), John, over for Christmas dinner as well, and we were so glad to have him. I also was also able to see my grandmother's sister, Aunt Irene, for the first time in many years. It was so great to talk and catch up and enjoy everyone's company.

After Christmas, Mom, Brett, and I and the kids checked into a condo out on the beach and spent the last week of our vacation out there. It was oh so beautiful and so nice to wake up to the beautiful waves of Panama City Beach. We had so much fun swimming at the pool, relaxing in the hot tub, walking on the beach, playing in the sand, and just enjoying our time together. Brett drove in almost every night from his job in Enterprise, Alabama so we could all be together, and I know it probably exhausted him, but I was so thankful that he did so we could see him every night. The kids were just in heaven having NaNa (my mom) there all the time because aside from me and Paul I think she is their favorite person of all time, LOL. And David thinks that Brett hangs the moon, so he just loved following him around every minute!

On New Year's Eve, Brett bought some fireworks and after we watched the fireworks show at the pier, we shot off our own down on the beach. David decided he didn't like the "pop-pops" at all, so NaNa and Kaylee took him back inside while me, Brett, Aly, and Ry shot them off in the cold like little kids. It was a blast. The kids also spent a day with Nanny going out to eat and playing and they absolutely loved it!! They probably ran her ragged, but I know she enjoyed it too. :) And on the night we came in, we went over to Nanny and Pop's and just got to visit and talk and we had so much fun, I just love them so much!! And of course, being able to be home and spend time talking to my Mom and hanging out with her was just so wonderful. As I have grown from child to adult, she has truly become the most wonderful and best friend.

The only thing that could've made this trip any better would have been for my wonderful husband to have been able to be there with us. It stunk to be so far apart on the holidays, but we were able to talk so at least I could hear his sweet voice. :) Looking forward to next year's Christmas when he will be enjoying it all with us.

Another neat surprise was the snow falling as we drove back into Cabot. It was c-c-c-cold, but beautiful. So we are back home and settled and ready for a year ahead greater than any previous ones as we walk forward praising and thanking God and looking excitedly ahead at what He has in store for us this year.

So anyways, there's a little update....and I've included a pic from the beach too :).

Till next time,

Britt