Friday, September 19, 2008

My First Blog

Well, I've never done this cyber posting of all my personal information before. Ok, besides getting on LDS Singles.Com and then finding the sweetest husband ever (those websites do work). I've enjoyed visiting my sister, Heather's, family blog and decided this IS a cool way to keep in touch.

A lot has changed in my life over the last 2 years such as.....moving from Birmingham, AL (my home of over 20 years) to Cookeville, TN. I went through a divorce, worked an exciting sales and marketing job that allowed me to travel to places like Grapevine, TX, Philadelphia, PA, Vienna, VA, Orlando, FL and Los Angeles, CA. My most recent change, I got married to Jerry Theodore "Ted" Brothers, Jr. on May 3, 2008 and moved to Hickory, NC. Yes, now I am Sister Brothers but it's not as funny as Brother Brothers.

Tennesse was a good place for me the last two years. I was close to my sister, Lezlea and my brother, Brent and their families. If it weren't for Lezlea and Dana, my sister-in-law, my life would have been very difficult. They really picked up the slack for me with my two boys. While I worked, they would pick the boys up from school and keep them until I got off work. When I was traveling, they kept them overnight, sometimes for 4 or 5 days at a time. I really appreciate you two so much!

Cookeville was a small college town (home of Tennessee Tech) and it had a hometown feel. It didn't offer a lot by way of excitement or shopping but I felt very content there. Besides, we were only an hour away from Nashville, the Country Music Capital of the world. If I hadn't been working so much, I think I could have spent a lot of time in Nashville.

Hickory is a really nice area. It's not huge, but it does offer quite a bit more than Cookeville did by way of shopping and activities. Some of the most beautiful scenic views can be seen close to our house. We live in the mountains not far from Asheville or Charlotte.

Now, let me tell you a little bit about my sweet husband. He is a wildlife enforcement officer and the district captain for this area. He's been at this job for 25 years and will be eligible for retirement in the next 3-4 years. As if that wasn't enough, he is also a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard Reserve. He has put in 19 years in that job as well. He has four beautiful children from a previous marriage. The oldest, Miranda, lives in Raleigh. She specializes in the cosmotology field. Next is Marlena who works as a pediatric nurse in Albemarle. Caroline is a senior at East Carolina University in Greenville. Last but not least is Trey. He just turned 20and is still weighing his options but leaning heavily toward a degree in Architecture. They have been so great at welcoming me and accepting me into the family. I feel very blessed.

I was recently called to be the second counselor in the RS presidency at church. I am over Enrichment. I work with some great ladies and have really grown fond of many folks here in my new ward.

I now have the opportunity of being a stay-at-home mom and though I am so grateful for that opportunity, it is taking some getting used to. I've been accustomed to being on the go constantly that I have struggled with all the free time I suddenly have. I have signed up to help out at the boy's school, and want to take some art or pottery classes. I got to read a thick book. I started the Twilight Series by recommendation of Heather. I'm not sure what I think of it.....it's so bizarre and interesting at the same time. I find that I want to read them even though I find the story a little un-nerving.

Well, enough of my jibber jabber right now. Hope you enjoy the photos and if I haven't heard from you in awhile, take the opportunity to write me. I'd love to hear from you.

Melissa