These last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for me. I entered to win a contest at twitter moms for a brand new Samsung washer and dryer. As it ended last night, I looked back on my support system through this entire thing and was REALLY overwhelmed. Although I may not have had the most comments in the end, I can’t help but be proud at all of the hours my friends and family put forth. The theme of the post was to comment on The heart of the home. I finally decided on my kitchen, and while I still agree that a lot goes on in our kitchen, I’ve learned that the heart of the home is inside you and within the bonds you create with your family and friends. Much more powerful than any room in the home.

siblings

My Mom, Dad & all of my Siblings. Top: Geoff, Jason, Me, Clint. Bottom: Mom, Dad, Jeralee, Avry

My biggest cheerleader from the very start was my sister Avry. She kept telling me I could do it and commented endlessly.  She is 7 years older than me and I always looked up to Avry growing up.  Only now do I completely understand why.  When it comes to family, she will do anything she can in her power to help and it’s really inspiring.  She decided to make it a family affair when she got her husband Justin involved as well as her kids Kaden, Maeli, and Savanna.

Next my oldest brother Jason started onboard.  I had to chuckle when I read his first few posts in which he identified himself as “Cindy Lou Who”  only to look at the IP address the comment came from and realize it was his.  I’ve never had too close of a relationship with Jason, probably again because he is so much older than me.  After these last two weeks, I would not hesitate to call him, and know that he will always be there for me. I also saw Jason’s roomate Mark and his niece Kelsey coming to help out that last day. They really did a lot!

Next came my other older sister Jeralee.  Living 1200 miles away, I don’t get to see her very often.  Maybe once a year.  We share a huge candy fetish and can relate on so many levels.  She jumped on board and was all or nothing as well.

And then there’s my mom. My busy go gettem’ mom. She was there to support as well and I really love her for that. I even noticed my dad jumping in at the last moment.

My younger brother Geoff and his wife Cheryl jumped on the last few days as well.  It was fun for me to see my siblings one by one joining forces.

My last brother Clint is stationed in Germany with his family right now, serving in the army.  His wife Lia was here as much as she could be and it made me realize how much I miss their little family since I haven’t seen them for a year and a half.

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Clint & Lia & Family

My super wonderful husband Marshall was nothing short of amazing.  I came home from a night shift one night to find him commenting away.  He had set an alarm for 2 am and had been up commenting for 3 hours just because he knew how much it meant to me.  He also took Friday off work to help with the efforts.DSC_0115

Marshall’s family was onboard for a bit, and included my mother in law Jana, sister in laws Danielle & Natalie, and my brother in law Chris.

I also had some wonderful friends join the cause.  My good friend Ursula who I work with in the ER. A friend from college, Ashley, has been nothing short of wonderful as well as my friend Janaca. It was also fun to see readers such as Becca O. join in.

My very good friend Trisha from Sweet n Sassy girls commented thousands of times, and I also saw one of my best friends from high school Camille, come to comment when she could.

And how could I forget my girls from Mom Dot.  I learned through this experience that women empower each other and their support was awesome.  They listened to me vent, and offered advice.  Comments came from
Kori -The Story of a Princess and Her Hair
Faythe – Grammy Mouse Tails
Miss Blondie – Good Golly Miss Blondie
Trisha – Sweet n Sassy Girls
Jen – It’s Simply Unique
Kim – Accidental Mommies
Shan – Last Shreds of Sanity
Shannon – Potamus Prefers
Cat -  3 Kids and Us
Stefanie – Mommy’s Quiet Time
Karissa – Prissy Green
Kasandria – Southern Bellas Way to Save
Trisha – Momdot
Linda – My Trendy Tykes
Rhea – Mommy 2 3 Monkeys
Crystal – Simply Being Mommy
Lee – My Sentiment Exactlee
Candy – Serendipity Mommy
Holly – I like it Frantic
Andrea - Moody Mama Says
Emilie – Baby Loving Mama
Jenna – For the Love of Baby
Kate – The Shopping Mama

Thanks so much everyone!  Winner will be announced next week. :) If you commented on The Heart of the Home and would like for me to link you in this post, leave me a comment.

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