A New Year...... A New You...... A New Us

     So far, 2013 has been GREAT! A lot has happened within the past few months that I can honestly say that our family has grown to a new level. Communication within my family is something that I cherish and of course with friends but........ The root in my opinion has to begin with family, if you can't communicate successfully with family then how can you communicate successfully with others.

My family has started to settle in to it's own and by that I mean we have and still are beginning to adjust to what our purpose is for each other and for ourselves. We are NOT perfect, we have our arguments  we have our disagreements, and we have our OWN personalities. This is actually how we have always been though, it's what works for us. So, as the days, months, and years now have gone by we look back upon That Day and notice exactly what WE mean to each other. It's not about the things we have, it's not about the time we have left..... it's about today, it's about seeing my family everyday, giving hugs and kisses when we go our separate ways, it's about remembrance.... because we will always remember that day.

One of my many New Years Resolutions was to put more time towards myself. Of course I love giving all of my time to my family but I don't think I can function to my fullest without my manicures, pedicures, massages, and tanning sessions.... lol. I have started to do some part time work at Seth's school and even though it's only for a couple of days a week, I absolutely love it. It helps get me out of the house and see new faces. I also have helped Operation Homefront/Hearts of Valors (Wounded Warrior Wives) by volunteering my time. I have always liked to volunteer and now that I am in a place in my life to help contribute my time to help other wives and/or families that have been through similar situations is great for me.

Jeremy has done so well thus far this year. For someone that has gone through so much pain and suffering has really out done himself. In January he started cycling and kayaking.

In May, he leaves us for a few weeks to enjoy the beautiful hills of France all the way to London! Yes, they will be taking a ferry. Operaton Comfort is a non-profit organization that has put this wonderful trip together specifically for Wounded Warriors. The past two Saturdays he has cycled 33 miles with Operation Comfort to prepare for this long journey. He has also been kayaking and has really come to love it. Seth and I actually went with him one time so far and WOW that is a lot of work. Although I had a hard time just trying to stay straight and not turn in circles, Jeremy however does not have that problem. Hopefully he will make it to finals in July of this year. Jeremy will also be competing in the Extremity Games again this year in June. He has a lot of work and training ahead of him but I have no doubt what so ever that he can pull this off and come home with a single digit place.

Back in 2011, Jeremy went with the CFI (Center For the Intrepid) to surf in California. He had such an amazing time and I believe I even blogged about his trip about a year ago. Well, last month Van Curaza (Founder of Operation Surf) came to our home to interview Jeremy for a promotional video, in regards to Operation Surf. The founder, instructors, and volunteers that help this organization are unbelievable. Our family will forever be thankful for you all and helping Jeremy get back up on his legs again!!!

Our family has for sure come a long way. I guess life really does only give you challenges that you CAN handle! At this rate we CAN handle anything and it's obviously NOT going to break us.

To donate, sponsor, or need to kill time here are the websites for the organizations mentioned above:

Hearts of Valor (Wounded Warrior Wives)
http://www.heartsofvalor.org/

Olympic Outdoor Center
http://www.kayakinstruction.org/clubportal/ClubStatic.cfm?clubID=1972&pubmenuoptID=41000

Operation Comfort
http://www.operationcomfort.org/

Operation Homefront
http://www.operationhomefront.net/

Operation Surf
http://www.operationsurf.com/