Monday, March 4, 2013

Million Dollar Question

SO here is the million dollar question...I don't really have a million dollars to give someone who can give me the best answer although I would if I could...BUT please think seriously about this one and give me your VERY best answer...we will take ANYTHING...and I'm being serious!!

What would you do (for work) if you went blind?????

This is the question that has been heavy on Zach and I's mind of course since he went blind 3 1/2 years ago but A LOT the last few months. Before Zach went blind he ran his own landscaping business. He went blind in August of 2009 towards the end of the landscaping season. Because he was in the hospital for 3 weeks and then of course in devastation mode afterwards he didn't finish out the landscaping year and then came winter. He had never worked in the winter anyways, we just save up for it, so it was a time to cope with what life had just dealt us.

As the winter months turned to spring we were a little in panic mode...what do we do now?? What does a blind man do for work?! Because time had run out he decided to give his landscaping a try...this year as a blind man. He had an AMAZING worker to fill in the gaps that he couldn't do anymore and seriously the Lord guided and provided and he did great!
Every day was a struggle for him because EVERYTHING he used to do very easily now took him 10 times longer. He had to pay his guy extra money just to drive him around, etc. Dakota and I also became his employers taking him to bids, picking up parts, dropping off trailers and equipment. I got pretty dang good at pulling a trailer...even with a heavy skid steer in the back.

It hasn't been ideal especially since Dakota's accident and when the last year rolled around and his long time employer had to go back to Mexico. He was in a panic on what to do now. Luckily he found a great kid to work for him and he once again, with the help of the Lord, made it work...and he really does AMAZING work!! I'm not just saying that because I am his wife!

Because he can't do all the things he used to do though he has become more of the physical laborer then he ever has been...doing more shoveling, raking, picking out trenches. This has of course taken a toll on his back and he realizes that he can't do this line of work forever...SOOOO he is looking for something new.

Obviously spring is upon us though so he is going to have to start another year of landscaping, but once again lost this last employee to a wife and baby (which I guess is a good excuse...insurance is nice! ;) ) SO...if ANYONE knows of a good, hardworking, reliable person looking for a job that's not afraid of a little sweat and dirt PLEASE let me know! He is hoping to get started aerating the middle of March if all of the snow is melted by then and he is on the hunt!!

But back to my question...ANY ideas??? After going blind Zach finished his last year of school. It was rough to say the least since I had to read his text books and homework to him! Let's just say I am SOOO glad that is over and that we are still married after that! ;) He got his degree in sales and is such a people person. He would LOVE a job in sales and would be amazing at it because he is such a go getter, SUPER motivated, hard working, great with people, and handsome! ;) (I just threw that last one in there for fun! ;) ) Some of the sales jobs that he has looked into that he would love...you have to drive a lot. OBVIOUSLY that is a problem for him. He could do a job with a little driving and be able to get rides around but obviously a job that requires a lot of driving is not for him. It's SOO hard for him to be able to see all of these opportunities out there but know that he is limited all because of his sight! It is frustrating to say the least.

So I'm asking for some serious thought. Ask your spouse, talk about it. If you or your spouse (whoever is the provider of your family) went blind today...what would you do? Would you be able to keep the job you are doing? I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear!

And one day when we do make millions of dollars on Zach's inventions he has been working on...maybe we will throw you a few! ;)

46 comments:

  1. Hey I have been reading your posts for a long time now and I think you are darling. my husband and I have a little boy named Dakota as well and I have just connected with your blog. But I was wondering if your husband can at all use a computer? My husbands company is hiring right now and it is an inside sales job that he would be able to work from home and call on the phones. It is a great job and since he would be home they are really good with letting them take a break to spend with family throughout the day which is really nice. The company is Carestream Dental and it is out of Atlanta but we did the job and loved it and we were in Ogden. If you are interested in it, there may be a way around a lot of computer stuff but it is a great job and pays good to. Email me if you are interested it is terrabrinley@hotmail.com or you can look up our blog it is thebrinleysest2009.blogspot.com

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    1. You are so sweet!! I checked out your sweet blog and your little family is adorable and of course I love your little guys name. I will emailing you for sure for more info. Thanks for taking the time to read and share!! So appreciated!!! Oh and yes Zach can use the computer if he blows the screen up big and sits really close. If its tons of computer work it is strain on his eyes but some is ok. ;)

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  2. Hello, i'm a blog stalker. I love to read your blog - especially when I'm feeling sorry for myself. It pulls me out of my funk and reminds me my life could suck so much more. I don't mean offense. Anyways, i have a friend whose husband has gone blind as well. Her blog is jacobkristaflamm.blogspot.com. he was going into the family business of running a funeral home but had to quit because it required so much driving. His wife started an etsy shop to make ends meet and he helps her with that now.

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    1. I love blog stackers. ;) your comment made me laugh...I even had to read it to Zach it was hilarious. No offense taken...trust me, I hope people appreciate their life and blessings from hearing our story. I always wonder if maybe I appreciated mine more before maybe all of this wouldn't have happened to me. So learn from us...appreciate all the simple things. ;) thanks so much for sharing about your friends. I am excited to check out their blog. You don't hear of many people going blind so it is great to connect. Thanks again for stopping by and taking a minute to share!!

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  3. Hi I blog stalk u too ;) My husband manages a gym and is always looking for a great sales team. Not sure if your husband is into fitness at all but I'll check with mine and keep ya posted :) I love your blog and I think u have a beautiful family!

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    1. Once again, I love blog stackers! ;) thank you for your sweet words and of course for taking the time to share. I wish Zach was more into the working out thing but he is not so I don't think that he would enjoy working for the gym but I will definitely let him know. Hank you so much for your thoughtfulness, concern, and willingness to help!! So appreciated!!!

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  4. Two thoughts - auto sales? Or retail, such as the Home Depot? Retail can have good career pathing into management opportunities......just some thoughts. Good luck!

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  5. I have recently found your blog and you are amazing. Your family and your faith inspires me to be better, hope for better and be content with current situations that are not ideal. Thank you for being honest, open and heartwarming. I actually want to head back to work and after reading this I wonder if it could be something for your husband. I want to be a 911 dispatcher. You can actually make pretty good money, no driving involved.?

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    1. Trinity, thanks for finding us and for taking the time to read and share. Never thought of a 911 dispatcher?..pretty intense but would be very interesting. Thank you for your kind words!!!

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  6. I am a blog stalker too! Have you thought about being a marriage and family therapist, or a child therapist? Some kind or social work or counseling? Just a thought. Good luck.

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    1. Thank you my anonymous blog stalker! ;) I appreciate you taking the time to stop by, think about it, and comment! In this busy thing called life I know that is not easy...so thank you!! I'm thinking we could probably use counseling ourselves so not sure if we would make the best therapists! ;) We are a little nutso! But then again...who isn't...right?! Thank you for the idea though! LOVE IT!

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  7. My admiration for you and Zach never ceases...you are both such amazing examples of a never-give-up-attitude! That being said, I hope so much for the answers you are searching for...if any two people deserve the guidance they need in this matter, it is you and Zach :)

    I was also thinking some kind of dispatcher job. I really wish I could 'close the gap' between your little family and mine, for so many reasons, but in this case, I live in a thriving oil field area with a high demand for dispatchers, who are paid generously! I am sure there are many different lines of work that need a dispatcher, though. I can only imagine how discouraging it must be for Zach... knowing his interests and abilities, and not really being able to use them the way he would like.

    I just wanted to tell you that as a wife of a self-employed husband, who literally "is the business"...
    I always have that concern in the back of my mind because if Brett were ever unable to do what he is required to do now, our business would cease to run. Obviously, I can't let that worry consume me, but your sweet words/concerns are so humbling to me. I did talk to Brett about your question, and asked him what he would do. His answer ... "Just pray A LOT!" I have a pretty good feeling that prayer has been at the top of your list :), but I just want you to know, I will be praying for you both that the guidance you are searching for in this very important decision, will come as soon as possible for you! {{hugs}}

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    1. Oh Jenell, YOU are amazing! Thank you for the novel! You know I always love to hear from you! Short or long! So what exactly does a dispatcher do in the oil fields? I wouldn't mind closing the gap! ;) He didn't really think he could handle the stress of a 911 dispatcher when I gave him that idea but maybe in the oil field it would be a little less stressful.
      We have definitely been praying A LOT trying to figure it all out. I wish the answers came a little quicker and a little easier but I know it will come! Until then, we are grateful for what he can do now and I am SOOO grateful I have an amazing husband who doesn't just give up when life gets hard!
      Thank you for your thoughtful wisdom!!

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  8. P.S. Sorry for the novel I just typed! :)

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  9. One more blog stalker here :) I love reading about your adorable family. And I think that Zach should look into modeling, he is so gorgeous!

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    1. More love to the blog stalker although this comment along with anonymous makes me a little nervous! ;) This is very flattering and when I told Zach your suggestion he said, Jake (his friend) must have wrote that. I don't believe it though cuz I think he is very handsome as well! ;) Thanks for stopping in!!

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    2. Oh no, I am not his friend lol (I live in Michigan, don't worry I'm no threat!) I truly meant my comment, he could model & you are absolutely beautiful as well!

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  10. My husband works for, Costco. He seriously loves his job and it becomes a career for many because of the awesome pay rates and benefits. I'm positive he could do it blind :)
    My husband is a inventor like, Zach. He has lots of awesome ideas and so many that he would love to follow all the way through and make some money on.
    There has to be something for him that is perfect. You've got my brain going now, scary;) LOL
    I've been a blog stalker for a while now. I found you through my amazing friend, Brandis Goodman. I just got done reading your post on "Heroes." I know how much a accident and almost losing your child effects you, forever. My son lost his foot to a lawn mower accident. The riding mower( tractor) was on him all the way up to his neck. We know how blessed we are that he only lost his foot, it could have been so much worse. {There were 5 adults there when it happened and my brother started mowing and I didn't know and I took my eyes off him for only a second while I talked and he took off to the mower because he wanted a ride.} He is a smart, sassy, ACTIVE, athletic, almost 10 yr old now and I will never, ever, be the same. I still have hard days 8 years later. Anyway, I'm grateful you share your story and your journey through it all. Your a amazing wife, mommy, friend, and blogger, Tessie <3 You guys are always in our prayers, I'm going to ask my husband and keep thinking about jobs for your hubs and pray he finds something he loves that he can do with great success!!

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    1. And I seriously love your sweet, Dakota! He is so handsome and such a amazing, inspirational guy. Your so lucky to be his mommy <3

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    2. Rachel...thank you SOOOO much for stopping in and taking the time to share all of this! I LOVE to hear others stories because I think as we share our life experiences and hardships with others it connects us on a deeper level and we find strength in the journey of life together...life is sure hard!!
      I will let Zach know for sure about Costco and I wish you and your husband success with your inventions. Being an inventor is hard work for sure!! Zach is still dying for his one to make it and is already on to a new one that he is pretty excited about. I just want him to find success to boost his confidence in himself. He is really amazing!
      Thank you for your kind words about our family! We sure to appreciate them!
      I wish the bet for your little guy as well! I'm sure missing a foot doesn't slow him down at all!! ;)

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  11. You guys should take one of his ideas/inventions and apply to be on Shark Tank (the TV show)! Their website says that they are casting.

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    1. We actually took his post hole digger invention on there but he didn't get on. They LOVED his idea and his story but they didn't think it was a product that would appeal to a large audience and wasn't too exciting. I guess not everyone loves a post hole digger like my husband! ;) Maybe his new invention will be a hit! He is OBSESSED with that show!!! Thanks for your idea and stopping in!!

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  12. Tessie, There was a previous post about a man who has gone blind and is now helping his wife with her etsy shop. That man happens to be my brother. Small world that you have two blog stalkers that know him! This has been a very hard time for him, and he has looked into many different things trying to continue to be the main provider for his family. But everything he looked into he seemed to hit a wall. They have depended on their faith and a lot of prayers also. Right now for them their business is growing rapidly and they are able to make a living off of it. Not without A LOT of work. But I do know that one of the things he was looking into was becoming a professor at a college. Not that it wouldn't be extremely hard to be a professor having lost your sight also, but he is a people person also and is so great at interacting with people especially if it's something he's passionate about. He would've been a great professor, but for him that required more school which he was willing to do but he didn't really have that option with two kids and twins on the way so he decided to continue trying to make their business grow which so far has blessed them. But he would be a great person to talk to if you leave a comment on their blog he would love to talk to you guys and give you some ideas that he has thought about and looked into. I'm not much help but he might be! Good Luck and I know your prayers will be answered and you will figure out the best thing for your family!

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    1. Chantell...holy cow...that is SERIOUSLY a small world!! I am so sorry to hear that that is your brother! I will most definitely go to their blog and leave a comment! I would love to hear more about his story and his vision at this point! I would love to connect to his wife as well...there aren't that many wives to blind people that I know of! ;) Thank you SO much for your thoughts and encouraging words! They are SO very much appreciated!!!

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  13. Ok so I am a blog stalker also :) I don't even know how I came across it, but I have such admiration for you and your family. You amaze me in all that you do and endure. With that being said, I might have an option that would work for your husband. Insurance Sales, I have my own office and have a few people that sell for me. I have one that comes in the office and one that will just do things from their house. Thanks to the convience of computers you can do insurance from almost any where, and the pay is pretty good. If your interested let me know. My office number is 801-504-6088.

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  14. Wow you have a lot of stalkers here including me. My dad went blind later in life and fell into a deep depression. Deep. If you haven't worked with the Association for the Blind you must contact them. They have a million answers to everything. When my dad yelled at the young girl that she just didn't understand what it was like, she touched his arm and quietly said, oh yes I do." He had no idea she was blind. She joked him out of his bad mood and started showing him very practical hints of how to do everything. It was hard but he began living again. And completely no cost.

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  15. I can't say I'm a stalker because that is like spying on you. I come here for inspiration and faith. I'm never disappointed. You are a spunky little miss.

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  16. Mama & Papa ;) thank you SO much for blog stalking! ;) I just read your profile and saw that you live in Payson. I have an aunt that lives right by there in Elk Ridge. :) Thank you SOOO much for your willingness to help. Zach and I have actually talked about insurance sales before but worried that it was SO much paper work that it might be a little intense for him. I will most definitely let him know and give him your number. Thank you SOOOO much! You are a sweetheart!

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  17. I am Jake Gorder's cousin and have been following your blog from theirs for quite a while now. I actually met Zach and Dakota at McKennlie's run awhile back. You were way far ahead of us as we're very slow, lol! My husband is an Operational Analyst for Sears. He has an MBA and deals mostly with the finance side of their call centers. He said they have quite a few employees in their call centers that are blind. They have special computers that help them. They don't have any call centers here in Utah, though. He's based out of Chicago but works from home. It's not the typical work situation for Sears. We are very lucky. He said there are other companies with call centers that have centers here and Zach could check into that. His degree in sales would probably be very helpful, especially for the outbound calls.

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    1. Chantel, thank u so much for following us and taking the time to talk to your husband too. That means a lot!! That is great info. Zach is not really the type to sit and be on the phone all day. There are actualy lots of sales jobs that are calling but I think he is looking at something like that for a last resort if he had to. He is being a little picky so it makes it harder. ;) thank you so so much for your input!!

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  18. He could totally model! You and Dakota could too. You guys are one seriously gorgeous family!

    I'm another blog stalker ha ha! I read one of your comments on Lisa King's blog. You guys are all amazing! And real! I appreciate that so much.

    I wonder if he'd be interested in working for Apple? I understand they have a whole division that focuses on developing things for people with disabilities. Siri is one example. I can see him working as a developer (an inventor! So cool.), or in sales there. I know at least in education, their salespeople mostly travel in pairs--like the rep and the systems engineer together. They are big on people with personal experience...our rep's parents were both teachers and she went into technology, so what she does makes sense--helping people like her parents use/get the best technology for what they do. They also make a lot of money, so that's always a plus. We might have some connections there if you're at all interested. The last rep we had mostly worked from home and would come out to sites with the systems engineer as needed. Same with this girl.

    Call centers can make a lot of money too. My husband did inbound sales for Toshiba when we were first starting out. Zach would probably move up to a manager position quickly too with his degree, and those guys make a LOT of money. Ours made at least $85,000+.

    There's a family in our ward with three of their four kids having disabilities and then the husband is going blind. I'll have to find out if she has a blog or something if you want to connect. :)

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    1. I should also add that travel with Apple can't be that much...our last rep also was a volunteer coach at Scottsdale CC and taught at Grand Canyon University. :)

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    2. Dear anymore blog stalker..thank you for stalking and taking the time to put such a thoughtful comment!! I so appreciate you taking the time to really think about it and share...it truly means so much. This idea sounds very intriguing. Do u have to be super tech savvy?? Would you mind emailing me so I could ask you more questions please? Tessie11@msn.com.
      Thank you thank you!!!
      And thanks for the modeling comment...that is sure sweet of you...do you think they would mind some sexy stretch marks!? ;)

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  19. How about a job in radio, announcing, voice-overs, commercials? If his fingers can learn to read (braille) then let his voice repeat what he has read! Any audience: elderly, children, disabled, sports enthusiasts etc. He could learn to interview. You don't need eyes for that!! Sensitive ears and a loving heart make the difference there. I've been thinking about this since I read your plea. I can almost see him with the earphones securely placed and the mic near his chin with that big smile on his face because he loves what he can provide for so many. Prayers for your family :) Julie

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    1. Julie...thank you so so much for taking the time to leave your thoughts!! I know through a blog you probably havent heard Zachs voice but I think he has a sexy little voice. That's what I fell in love with since we had along distance relationship when we were dating! ;) we will have to look into that! Thank you!!!

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  20. I don't remember how I found your blog but I love it. You are amazing. This is so uncomfortable commenting but I have an idea. I used to work at a nursery (plants obviously) in Layton and they are open year round. They had nurserymen and your husband could be perfect because I'm sure he knows it all. They usually hire really early in the year but maybe still this year or next year. Email me and I can give you more information... or find more since I don't work there anymore. kallidmyers@gmail.com You can follow our blog but it's new and pretty boring thus far. caseyandkalli.blogspot.com Or really check out any nursery and see. Good luck!

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    1. Kalli thank you so, so much for taking the time to read and comment even though it was uncomfortable for you. You have no idea how much it means to me...I'm not just saying that!. I will definitely let Zach know about that. Thank you! I loo forward to checking out your blog too!

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  21. Thought I had posted before. If you haven't been in contact the the Association for the Blind you really should. They have a million easy answers to everything.

    My father went blind late in life. He went into a deep depression. Deep, angry and mean. A gal came out to see him and to get to know his circumstances. He snapped her head off and told her she didn't have any idea what it was like. She gently put her hand on his arm and told him "Oh yes, I do. I've been blind since childhood." Oh well. That moment completely changed his life. He gave some of her ideas a try and got back on with his life, slow to be sure. He even learn to walk around the block and he was in his late 60s.

    They would also be aware of employment situations.

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    1. Kathaleeny thank you SO much for reading and sharing this personal comment. It is so refreshing to know that others have overcome these difficult situations. I totally feel for your dad...I often times try and out myself in Zachs shoes because even though I live with him and see his personal struggles since going blind I still cant completely comprehend everything that he feels and everything that he struggles with. He has told me since the beginning that one day when he can see again he is going to make me some glasses that give me an idea what it is like.
      He has worked a little with the local vocational rehab but they have dropped the ball on him many times so he is a little frustrated with him. Thank you so much for the advice though. It is very helpful!

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  22. Tessie, What about Forgein Exchange? It is kindof like the stock market, so risky, but right now the US dollar is just going down. However there are online radio stations he could listen to all day about the trade market. This is the exchange of money between countries. Like when you go to another country and get their currency. I did it for a little while, but didn't want to put in the time to follow oil, and elections etc. I would be happy to show you sometime, and really he could do it on his own. It is little screen time. You can set up a "demo" account and it gives you fake money and you trade it as if it was real. A lot of people that do this full time do really well. When I did it 7 years ago I used a software called 4X made easy. I don't know which software is best now, and the market is always risky. My mother in law did well with it and made a rule to herself of putting in $200, keeping the low balance $500 and always pulling out the excess at the end of the week. Love your guts! ;)

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    1. Julia, I love you! Thank you so much for always caring about our little family! I will most definitely share this with Zach and let you know what he thinks!!

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  23. Ask a successful blind man. Pick his brain and learn.

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  24. I would become a doterra IPC. You don't have to be able to see to have an experience with the essential oils and when you do you will want to share them with everyone. The money is good too.:)

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  25. I am so happy to see you've gotten so many encouraging comments & leads on here Tess! What did Z say about the modeling?? The modeling idea posts made me giggle, even as his sister though I have to agree, he is a good lookin kid! I wish, hope, & pray for him to find something he enjoys. He DEFinately deserves it!!I'm glad for the kindness, encouragement, & prayers on your behalf from all your blog followers. I love you & I sure miss you guys. Can't wait to see you Sunday! Xo

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