Back on the Chatahoochee

Today we went back out on the Chattahoochee. Georgine, Todd's wife, and the kids wanted to take a friend so we went too. This time Matt, there son, was able to go too. This time we went further up the river. We were closer to the Dam so the water was running fast. This time Mom and I remembered to wear our hats! :) They made me go first so if I tipped then they would know not to go there.But we made it through all of the rapids with no problem-and NO Cari did not tip over this time. We came to one that real fast and oh my gosh it was soooo fun. The water was so fast and the waves so high that as you went through the rapids water would come over the front of your kayak. There was a place where you could paddle over and pull your kayak over some rocks and go again. I think I probably did it 4 times and would have continued to if they were not yelling at me to come on. LOL One funny thing was AJ, Todd's daughter, and Alysa, AJ's friend, were going to try it a agian. So they followed me up the rocks to go in after me. After I go down I paddled around and see those two stuck on a log and tipping over and they are both screaming. After 2 tip overs they finally got off the log and made it through the rapids. :) Later on down the river Matt was trying to tip them over and instead tipped himself over. He had an in the water kayak so it filled with water. And he tipped at a place where there was no shore so get the water out so he and Mom were standing on a log trying to get him back in. It was too funny.

This time our 2 hour trip took us 3 hours!! :) Hey, we are getting better! This one was much more fun . I want to go back so bad!! And this time we saw a bunch more ducks AND Canadian Geese!!

Rock'n Out

This weekend we are going to the the Kenny Chesney concert at Turner Field. I do not know how dad does it, but he really surprised me with this one! And I do not think anyone was more than the crazy country music fan in the family, Cari. Mom, Dad, Cari, Christina, and I took on the rain and went to the concert.I did discover though that Kenney Chesney was actually short--shocker I know!! It was awesome!!!! It was LeighAnne, Brooks and Dunn, Kenney, and a bunch of other artists. I think dad even had fun- he was actually up on his feet clapping at one point. But I do think the funniest thing was Cari. Lord that child was on Cloud 9 that whole night. She was screaming so loud the scruges infront of us moved, but Christina and I were happy and threw her a few high fives! We left a little early to try and beat the traffic because that place was PACKED full of people. It was another great night spend with the family in Atlanta and memories made!! ":)

Taking On the Rapids...and the snakes!!

Today we are heading out to take on the Chatahoochee River with Todd and his family and Uncle Jimmy and Christina and Rachel (Chris had drill). ( I really like them) We packed up the coolers, greased up , and headed up the road an hour to go kayaking. Mom went to Wal Mart and got us all cool, matching water shoes (they really came in handy). We chose to go on the 4 hour trip-there were only level 1 and 2 rapids so we could start off easy. We loaded up our kayaks and got in vans, more like rollercosters, and went to the water. We let in close to Buford Dam and we found out the hard way that water was COLD because the water in the river comes from the bottom of the dam!! That day the water was a wopping 52 degrees, but it felt good on a hot day.

We started out that morning with a fog over the water. It was so scary when you can hear the water rushing infront of you but you can't see them. Poor Care Bear, our first set of rapids she his a rock and tips over. I have never seen her move so fast. She hit that cold water and popped right back up LoL We had the above the water kayaks so it was not hard to get back in once she fell. We, of course being girls, broke into song singing Pocahontas..."Just around the river bend." After a few miles we pulled off and took a break. Oh man I should have seen this coming. I had my back turned to everyone talking smack to dad and the next thing I know I am in the freezing water adn trying to swim to the shore. Todd had come behind me and tackled me into the water, but he did not know it dropped off so we went completely in!!! :) Dad was high fiving him of course!

It was so peaceful on the river! We saw a bunch of hawks, eagles, and fish on the way down but I think the best thing we saw was a snake. Todd HATES snakes so the whole time dad was messing with Todd telling him he saw a snake but with the water so cold I did not really think there would be any. Dad, Jimmy, and I were all kayaking together with mom just a few feet infront of us when the next thing I hear is, "SNAKE!! SNAKE!!!" A water mocasin a come slithering out from some brush Right Infront Of Mom! It was so funny. I have never seen her move so fast before. She was paddleing so fast backwards I think she might have been hovering over the water. :) It did not bother us though. He just kept right on.

Our checkpoint was the third bridge. However by the second bridge I think everyone was slowing down. We had started the trip sitting straight up and racing and by then we were all pretty much LAYING in our kayaks just taking it slow. Rachel had even hooked on to the back of my kayak for a while-that was hard pulling 2!!

We finally made it to our checkpoint and still with smiles on our faces! A trip that was supposed to only take us 4 hours took us 5 and a half hours, but it was fun. The only thing we did wrong was not wear hats and not reapply sunscreen. Our heads were fried and we had "cute" short and shoe lines where we got burnt! :) I can't wait to go back!

See Ya Later Gators

In June I said good-bye to Satsuma and hello to Atlanta!! :) I decided to take the summer off and spend time the family while I can. It was quit a challenge unloading everything and finding a place for it all. You know, you never REALLY know how much stuff you have until you have to pack it up and unload it--and that was after we threw stuff away...twice!! Mom, Cari, and I had problems getting started, but we finally got our game faces on and took on the job while Dad took on his new job at the base.

Thank goodness for family! Aunt Dana and Sarah came up to see the house and help us unpack. Rachel came too. I think she just did not want to miss out on any fun. lol Their first day here Sarah, Cari and I got inside some empty boxes and roled down the hills. Poor Sarah, I landed on her head at least once. We got a little braver and took on Pine Straw Surfing-Sarah's brilliant idea. The first time I went up I found out the hard way it was slippery when you stepped on the box and I took a face-plant to the ground. They all had a good laugh. Todd, dad's bestfriend (aka Dad's boyfriend) came over and got a kick out of us. He has been such a help to us and really to dad putting up fans too. They all watched from the back window and the whole time dad is worried about us messing up the pine straw. It was so much fun; cuts, bruises, mud, grass stains and all! Fun time was over though the next day and Cpt Dana was on a mission so we were put to work. I am convince that if she had not come up those days we would have NEVER gotten this house unpacked. In the time she was here I think she unloaded and organized the kitchen and then organized it again. LOL We are still having to open every cabinet before we finally find what we are looking for.

A couple of weeks later we were sick of unpacking boxes. It was like every time you unpacked one there were 50 more behind it. Cari and I were laying around the house and mom bust in the door and told us to go pack like we were goin to the beach and pack a lunch and drinks. She wouldn't tell us where we were goin. . . So what do I do? Hit up Dad for some clues. Obviously mom forgot to tell dad it was a surprise because it took me two seconds to figure it out- he got in trouble :) So, we loaded up the truck and headed off to John Wagner State Park for the day. The place was so pretty! There was a lake with picnic tables and a walkway that went around the lake. However, less could be said about the people there. Going there made you feel like high class. I can saftly say that we were the prettiest people on that beach :) We walked away that day with a few sunburns but I think it was worth it. I had so much fun and it was a good change from unpacking.

It was So COOL!!

OH wow it was so amazing!

Last week I was given the opportunity to shadow a dermatologist. This office does more cosmetic treatments like I want to do! I was able to watch mole and wart removals, chemical peels, injections, laser treatments, and even a biopsy! (for the biopsy I am sure I watched with my mouth wide open in amazement) I have always said I wanted to do dermatology and that day confirmed it for me. I was able to sit down with Ms. M and discuss the steps I would have to take to achieve my goal. I have such a passion for this and I know these next (NINE) years are going to be rough but I know it will be worth it in the end. And with this job I can do what I love and still have the family that I want and be an involved mother. I just cannot wait to see what these next years hold for me. I have already learned so much in just this past month! Thank you all for standing by me. Your loving words and encouragement me so much, even when you don't think so! You have been there through it all and I know you always will. I have an awesome family and I love you guys!

FYI- I am going to be all over yal about taking care of your skin and wearing sunscreen after seeing all of the people, some as young as 30, being treated for cancer and pre cancer spots for not wearing proper protection. Sarah, No More Tanning In Tanning Beds for you and I. Now it's all natural or spray tans. I was so scary to think of how common skin cancer is! They told me of a woman that came in for a spot on her arm and was dead 6 months later. So wear the proper protection so we don't have to see you go through it too.

**Oh yeah, AND I chopped all of my hair off! I will post a pic asap!

It's Going, And Fast

HI! Sorry I have not written in so long. Things are really changing in the Raymond family. I am leaving in a week (well and a few days) for the big "ATL" with the family. I am supposed to be boxing up everything and I have not really seen too much progress being made. Things are going great!! Rachel and Chris found out that they are having a baby...just kidding! We are going to have 3 moves in this family tho because..Chris did find out he got the job in GA!!! YAY I am so proud of those 2. Now they will be only 30 min from Mom, Dad and Care Bear! Looks like I am being left behind :) Chris told me, "Brit that means I have a whole summer to talk you in to staying up there." Well, I guess I will have to see how things are. I am still going to look at the schools up there and see how I like them. I know they all want me to be with them and especially poor ole dad. He misses me :) That is something you can pray for me about. Pray for wisdom to make the right decision. And if it is to move back here to USA pray that God will surround me with godly friends who will love me and hold me accountable. Those are things I need even now.
After talking to The Wise, The Wonderful Mr. Scott (LOL) I think I may even get another job for the summer. Just something I will be able to put money aside for school! --pray for that too!

Latest on Ryan:
As some of you know Christina's bf, Ryan, has been battling cancer this year. He took his "last" treatment last week and was put in the hosp. over night for fever and an infection. He left Monday for MD Anderson in TX to have a second opinion on the next step. Doctors are wanting him to do a Stem Cell Transplant to increase his chances of the cancer not returning. The scare is that his immune system will be week and for 3 months even a cold could be harmful to him. The problem is Ryan is the only child and may have problems finding a donor. Please keep Ryno and his family in your prayers. Pray that God will provide a way and make him safe and strong. I am going to try and find out more about being a donor for him. If you know anything please feel free to comment.
Hugs and Kisses to you all!!

Peace in the Storm

Well these past two weeks have been a journey of self-discovery for me. It has been an amazing and tearful trip. I can say that through these past weeks I have gotten a chance to experience something that most go a lifetime without even knowing its true meaning, WORSHIP! I was brought to a point of complete brokenness and humility and for the first time I got on my knees and just cried out for “Help Me.” I have never been one to do that. I have always thought I had COMPLETE control over my life, but come on who was I kidding! I have learned that it is not about me and my wants and needs. GOD has a plan and I am just the spectator. It is not Britney’s plan, but His. It is an amazing feeling when you get that point of surrender. (With the guidance from my wise mother) I have tried to turn this experience around. I try not to focus on my heart ache but try to figure out why I am going through it? Why did this happen and who can I help from this experience?
To any young woman reading this, my mother has always told me “to guard your heart.” To guard your heart you have to gaurd you eyes and guard you ears. The junk you let yourself hear and see affect your heart too.I always thought I knew exactly what that meant, but I didn’t. I don’t think it is something you really understand until you have been through it. But if sharing my experience can help you, then I am willing to bare all to save you from making the same mistakes. You have to protect yourself (for yourself and your future mate). Do not give him ALL OF YOU! Set barriers in your relationship and STICK TO THEM. I will be the first to tell you it is hard but it is worth it. Hold each other accountable in your relationship or have your friend to hold you accountable. It hurts worse in the end if you don’t. Hey if he is the one….he will guard your heart too and treat it will all the care.
I hope this can help you make wise decisions in your life!

Heart ache and Summer Plans

Well, a lot of things have happened since my last blog. Jonathan and I are not longer together. I ended it. He has some things he needs to work out first. It's been the worst week of my life, but I've had some awesome friends and family to help me through it. Thanks to all of yall!
Through all of this though I have learned a lot about myself. I have decided to take the summer off and go to Atlanta with mom, dad and Cari. I think it is time to give myself a break and see the family while I have a chance to. I will be leaving in sometime in May to head up that way. So, yal come on up too and we can all go to Six Flags!!! I am planning on returning to USA for the Fall semester and will finish school in Mobile. I am also making another change and moving into the new housing complex on campus, The Grove. I am so excited!!! I will be living with one friend I know of and then I will have another roommate too.
Another change is I have decided to go back to my original major (BMD). It is going to be a lot of years but I want to be a dermatologist. I will be able, in the next few weeks, to shadow a dermatologist and ask her questions. I am so excited about this opportunity! There have been a lot of changes in the past 3 years, especially in the past year, but I am looking forward to this year. I have a good feeling about it. Well, until next time....just keep smiling!

"Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you're up to."

Hey and welcome to my blog!! My name is Britney and I am a student at South Alabama. My life is crazy mostly because I love to spend time with my friends and family. I love to be the life of the party and I make no excuses for my fun personality. I hope you enjoy getting to know me...and probably the people I spend my time with (sorry guys!) through this blog. If you don't want it to end up on here, SORRY! hehe!!

Feel free to comment whenever you want!

~Brit