Scenes from the “Sherpa” Side

by LCCotter on April 25, 2012

First things first… this poster. Yes, it basically sums up life right now. Don’t you think? Let’s all take that pride and run with it. Ready, set, go!

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Okay phew, got that out of my system.

Well, 48 hrs have past since our little MULTIPLE CHOICE. I haven’t talked much with the hubs, but I know he’s got a still on his mind. In fact, I actually caught him writing a DRAFT blog post today. WOW, that means something. Thoughts on paper are a good sign. But all I can do at this very moment is be an encouragement, no matter what he decides to do with the rest of the season.

Speaking of encouragement, this past weekend was full of Sherpa’s encouraging their friends, spouses, family members, etc. I just loved it! I got to play “momma” sherpa to a lot of our friends and fellow athletes, and that makes me happy. I thought I’d give you a little sneak peak into my side of things on race day. The sherpa side.

Here’s a vlog that sums it up and pictures to follow. Smile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite parts about “sherpa-ing” is catching those candid moments. The focus, the drive, the determination, the passion. You can see it in their eyes. It’s priceless.

4am…..

pre race

The change up— > duathlon pro start…

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Solid bike and transition….

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Finishing the run… toughing it out before having to let the knee rest.

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Our fellow friends and athletes KILLING it on race day. So proud! Go Jim and Sarah. Oh and Sarah just so happened to WIN the women’s pro race. Way to go SARAH!

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The long 9 hr drive home….

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Races don’t define the athlete, the athlete defines himself/herself with hard work, dedication, and passion. Sure, placing well is a bonus, especially when it’s your livelihood. But what you see “behind the scenes” of race day is far more impressive. Well, to me at least! I maybe a wee bit bias. Winking smile

No questions today friends, just pictures. Thanks for letting me share!

Cheers,

LC

{ 78 comments… read them below or add one }

STUFT mama April 25, 2012 at 1:04 am

That poster is AWESOME. I just want to say that I love ya and am praying for you guys and that holy cow you’ve got a lot if greatness ahead of you. God’s just giving you little tests. :) HUGS!!!!!! Oh and you’ve got some great Sherpa skills to catch those moments.
STUFT mama recently posted..Weekend Snapshots and a Smoothie

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:59 am

Your prayers are like gold to us! Amazing and so blessed to have them.

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lauren @ wwob April 25, 2012 at 1:08 am

Gosh this post almost brought me to tears. I miss racing! I miss triathlon! But at the same time, I am at a new place in life that I also love – and Im sure I will do another tri someday, just not competitively. You and the hubs WILL figure it all out. I cant imagine the confusion and anxiety he (and the two of you as a team) must face when trying to determine your path for the future. So many things to think about, passions and loves, but also finances, family planning?….., etc. But really, with the two of you together, no decision will be a bad one. You will always have eachother, and that will bring happiness to any situation, place, time, or trouble.
<3 always here, always readin'

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 8:00 am

oh thank you lauren. I miss you! I wish you were here in austin but I am excited for all the new things going on your life in CA> maybe a tri will be in the future. Keep me posted on life, etc. You are important to me.

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Vera April 25, 2012 at 1:56 am

It is such a well written post. So are so right – races don’t define athletes. The same way numbers don’t define us. It is all about that great bumpy journey, not the final destination. Thinking of both of you!
Vera recently posted..Tomorrows

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:58 am

SOO true. You can apply this to life and our self confidence as well vera.

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Lou April 25, 2012 at 1:57 am

Yay, thanks for sharing! Tell Jimbo I like his speedy biking hat ;) Misty would like a hat like that (he’s obsessed with hats at the minute!)

AND YAY, your blog design is showing up properly for me now… it was all on the opposite side before, now I can see it :) Looks great, so sunny and happy!
Lou recently posted..anxiety and almond pulp solutions

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:57 am

another reason you all need to move to the states, misty and james could play bicyles. hehe

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Alexandra April 25, 2012 at 4:35 am

Thanks for sharing these awesome pics and that video, I loved seeing them on instagram as you posted them. I’m SO happy you and your man have each other in your lives–not only for sherpa skills, but for the epic support you give one another. It’s truly inspiring! :)
Have a blessed and beautiful day Linds!
Alexandra recently posted..Trainer Update and Recent Noms

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 8:01 am

Thank you Alex. So glad instagram has brought us closer, hehe. that and GOD of course. <3

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Miz April 25, 2012 at 4:45 am

I love this post, too.
Your love for him and of him shines through.
Miz recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: RIP Rosa.

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:57 am

<3 ... still free this week?

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Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb April 25, 2012 at 5:34 am

“Races don’t define the athlete, the athlete defines himself/herself with hard work, dedication, and passion” Hear, Hear!! Hold your heads up and continue on, right? Love you guys.
Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb recently posted..See Ya! Wouldn’t Want To Be Ya!

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:56 am

I knew you could relate. Passion is a MUST!

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Michele @ nycrunningmama April 25, 2012 at 5:41 am

I love both the poster and the saying at the end. I agree…Thanks for sharing your pictures, video, and thoughts on the weekend. xoxo
Michele @ nycrunningmama recently posted..Mother’s Day Traditions / Review + Giveaway of Erica Sara Designs

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:56 am

it’s a joy to share with such amazing support like YOU!

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Lisa @ RunWiki April 25, 2012 at 5:44 am

SO well said “the athlete defines herself/himself” not easy to do sometimes but certain the meaning in it all. The behind the scene is really a FUN place… my hubs just wrote a guest blog on the very topic. Putting it up this week. So sorry thing did not go well this race… I have so much empathy, always many, many prayers coming your way. <3 ya! xoxo
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..My Fall Marathon

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:55 am

oh can’t wait to read the blog post by the hubs. keep me posted. <3 you!

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Sarah @ The Healthy Diva April 25, 2012 at 6:04 am

Love your quote about how races don’t define the athlete…so true! And pictures speak for themselves…the joy of being a sherpa is catching all those lovely moments :)
Sarah @ The Healthy Diva recently posted..Motivational Monday: Natural Energy Boosters

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:55 am

i agree. sherpa’s get the best moments on camera. priceless!

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Bre April 25, 2012 at 6:34 am

I love the vlog & pics. I have a solution…race Quassy. I’ve never seen a duathlon at a Rev3 race. hehe and I’ll be there!! ;) and there is no NEW anywhere there!

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 8:01 am

so far QUASSY is in the plan. Hope i get to come!!!

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Heather (Where's the Beach) April 25, 2012 at 7:20 am

Yay finally seeing new layout ;-) “Races don’t define the athlete, the athlete defines himself/herself with hard work, dedication, and passion.” I love this idea. I really never thought about it before to be honest, but it’s really true. Thank you for sharing as always.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Short Shorts & Spaghetti Squash & Spinach Toss

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:53 am

well you are a true athlete! i get a peak at what you do and it’s the passion and drive that defines YOU!

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Sarah April 25, 2012 at 7:25 am

So cool and so inspiring! I am with you about how an athlete defines himself/herself. It is not about time but about perseverance and dedication!

Lovin all the pix!
Sarah recently posted..Awesomely Huge Fitness GIVEAWAY!!

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:53 am

amen to that! a true test.

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Lisa April 25, 2012 at 7:44 am

Great job, Sherpa :-)

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:52 am

thanks lisa. I like this job. :P

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Kim K April 25, 2012 at 7:48 am

i want that poster for my apartment!

hoping JC is healing and recovering – and gearing up for the next race. there is always a next race – a new journey – a fresh start.
Kim K recently posted..Gloria in Excelsis Deo

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 8:02 am

he is recovering. I think its getting better. Have you chatted with him yet? If so, stroke his ego a little. hehe. How are YOU!? New plan working out well?

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katie April 25, 2012 at 7:52 am

You two are on a journey to more wonderful and amazing things ahead!!

So proud of your hubby!!!

love you!
katie recently posted..Wednesday {loves}

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 8:03 am

you always make us feel loved. your hubs and little man are blessed to have YOU!

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Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health April 25, 2012 at 7:54 am

Love the post and all the pics! I can only imagine everything it takes to be an athlete, and I’m sure that having you as a support is amazing :) . You and the hubs are so lucky <3.
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..Exercise Comparisons

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 8:04 am

we are, i agree. SUpport is a blessing. We will embrace that for sure! Hey how’s the wedding planning going?

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Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health April 25, 2012 at 7:48 pm

It’s good! We just booked our photographer :)
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..Exercise Comparisons

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Samantha April 25, 2012 at 8:23 am

I love that poster! Thanks for sharing these pics, it is amazing to see what really goes on behind the scenes of races like this.

I will continue to keep you and the hubs in my mind, hoping for health and recovery. <3 XOXO
Samantha recently posted..Product Review: Zensah Women’s High Compression Shorts

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 11:53 am

thanks Sam! Love that support. xoxo

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Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) April 25, 2012 at 8:52 am

Love that last paragraph. That is important part of being a great sportsman. What a lucky guy to have you as his Sherpa! Such an inspiring couple!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) recently posted..Chicken Parmesan Promises…

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 11:54 am

it’s funny, cause i think the same of you and tony. Great team! How is everything? If you have time, email me an update. Been thinking about ya.

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Jess April 25, 2012 at 9:04 am

LOVE what you say about races not defining an athlete but an athlete being defined by his/her passion and drive and hard work — beautifully put and so spot-on. I hope the hubs collects his thoughts and works through this past race, with your help (oh Sherpa!) of course. You’re the best Sherpa around, seriously. I could learn from you. A LOT.
Jess recently posted..On my mind.

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 11:55 am

ahh me too. I think the best way to encourage is to give him space. You know how that is. Sometimes it’s solitude that is needed. Right!?

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Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers April 25, 2012 at 9:05 am

Although it was on a very different level, I always enjoyed cross country meets. Cheering for friends/teammates on the course as they sweat it out and pass other runners was fun. There’s so much going on that you don’t see if you’re only at the finish line!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 11:56 am

oh i think that is on the same level for sure! Athletes are athletes at any sport and being a spectator/sherpa is so important. I bet you have awesome yelling lungs! hehe.

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Ashley @ Freckles & Spice April 25, 2012 at 9:35 am

I love the poster. If there is anything I have learned the past couple days it is that life gives you obstacles for a reason, and if you embrace them they will only make you stronger.
You guys are great people and I know after a little processing and reflecting you will come out on the other side to great things and be even better for it!
Ashley @ Freckles & Spice recently posted..Powering Through

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 11:57 am

TOTALLY ASH! Well said. You put my exact thoughts into words.

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Sonja April 25, 2012 at 10:30 am

Good reminders here. It was great to meet you this weekend, you are such a doll. James has such a good attitude, A smile even through disappointment. Thank you for the love grown too :)

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 11:32 am

SONJA!! SO glad to randomly connect with you. LOVE THAT!! Hope we get to do it again soon. THanks for the encouragement. Tell Beason hello. Cheers and happy training!

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Julia @ Pain, Pride, Perseverance April 25, 2012 at 10:30 am

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. PERFECTLY said. love love love. i dont even have a comment. i just relate. and agree. and love it! happy wednesday LC!

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 11:57 am

relate we will. Love you!

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Tessa @ Amazing Asset April 25, 2012 at 11:10 am

Ummm that poster is absolutely perfect Lady! You two are such wonderful people :)

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 11:57 am

i think that poster can apply to anything too, ya know?!

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jobo April 25, 2012 at 11:57 am

You are the model sherpa, in every way. I love the video and the images you capture (no NH! Sad!)…and in seeing James’ blog, he seems pretty matter of fact about things but positive, even if frustrated at the same time. You two are such a good team. ((hug))
jobo recently posted..On recognizing opportunity and never looking back.

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 11:59 am

but there is a rhodle island and a maine race! Maybe we can go there! and then go to your lake house in maine!!! haha, i love how i am planning this.

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PavementRunner April 25, 2012 at 12:29 pm

Thanks for the share. Your posts are always spot on and I love the poster. Would make a great shirt!
PavementRunner recently posted..Two Races and Two Winners

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 5:07 pm

oh i like that idea for a shirt too! It can apply to sooo many things in life, you know?

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Laura @ LauraLivesLife April 25, 2012 at 1:53 pm

I know this is hard time (and I’m sure it is hard for you too, to just wait) but I’m glad you are approaching those decisions with such a positive attitude. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laura @ LauraLivesLife recently posted..Salt Lake Marathon Weekend WIAW

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 5:08 pm

Laura, you know I (we) appreciate you… ALWAYS!

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Nichole April 25, 2012 at 2:09 pm

Placing well is a bonus – I love that.

You guys are both studs in my opinion. Dream team.

I think we should start our own mama sherpa (merpa?) company!
Nichole recently posted..You Keep Moving

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 5:08 pm

OMG!! I am cracking up. Let’s make Merpa shirts! You are clever!

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Michelle {lively kitchen} April 25, 2012 at 3:14 pm

Oh Lindsay – always an inspiration. The two of you have such a good thing going and I love that you both know it. I always leave your blog feeling inspired, encouraged and better for having read it.

You are a dream Sherpa and the two of you will be a great team in whatever comes next. Sending love your way!
Michelle {lively kitchen} recently posted..What I Ate, but mostly drank, Wednesday

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 5:07 pm

thank you michelle, what a true compliment coming from you. I admire how you care for you family and am always encouraged with your words. xxoo

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Bekah April 25, 2012 at 3:45 pm

A) This post is amazing.

B) I need a sherpa.

C) I am so impressed by how well you write and how gracious you are to reply to so many comments. Major props.
Bekah recently posted..30 Before 30: The New Glamour Book and the Post that Wasn’t

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 5:06 pm

oh gosh, thank you Bekah! haha I don’t think I am a real writer but I love sharing. and of course I love staying in touch. <3

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Jocelyn @ Peace Love Nutrition April 25, 2012 at 5:09 pm

Love that saying at the bottom and I think you can use it in all aspect of life. The ‘end result’ doesn’t define you- your actions and hard work do!
Jocelyn @ Peace Love Nutrition recently posted..Arm Candy- Friendship Bracelets!

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:19 pm

words to live by, yes?!

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Shannon April 25, 2012 at 5:50 pm

If you do one in NM you’re detouring to CO to see me, k?
Shannon recently posted..Close, but no PR (Bass Pro Half Race Recap)

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 7:19 pm

DEAL!

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Rach April 25, 2012 at 7:41 pm

I absolutely love that poster!

And yeah, you’re right! Races don’t define the athlete, for sure!
Rach recently posted..Summer Recipe Lovin’

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LCCotter April 25, 2012 at 9:42 pm

We need it Stuck on our fridge, right?

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LCCotter April 26, 2012 at 5:19 am

we need fridge magnets made, right! :P

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Katie April 25, 2012 at 8:59 pm

I’ve never been to a race like that, so I loved this video! (Truthfully, I love all your videos, and I NEVER watch vlogs, except yours!) And I think the sherpa side looks more fun. And far less painful. ;)

That really sucks about the swim though. Was there no way to move it to an inside swim? I guess they’d have to alter the course quite a bit then for the transitions and such.

Great attitude. Both of you!!
Katie recently posted..For your mid-week reading pleasure

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LCCotter April 26, 2012 at 5:21 am

ya, no way to alter that course. Bugger. I think the pros still should have raced it but that is just my two cents. oh and love that watch my vlogs. Does that mean if I make a vlog about oatmeal, you’d still watch? ahhh haaaaa!!!

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Lisa April 25, 2012 at 9:49 pm

I love that poster! How awesome and true! You both have a great attitude on the race. And you truly inspire me, my friend
Lisa recently posted..WIAW #5

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LCCotter April 26, 2012 at 5:21 am

thank you lisa. Attitude is everything, at least thats what i remind myself. haha. Right?

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Melissa @ Live, Love, & Run April 26, 2012 at 10:54 am

Know what I love about you? Your pride not only in the things that you accomplish…but also in what your hubby accomplishes.
Melissa @ Live, Love, & Run recently posted..Back to Basics

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LCCotter April 26, 2012 at 12:09 pm

I’m definitely proud of him, his attitude, and his passion. And you know what i love about you?…. YOU!

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Klh April 26, 2012 at 9:25 pm

Great post Linds! Sorry it was a rough wknd but I think you guys have a lot more to come. Love all the pics as usual and the dude in the video just hanging out in his speedo cracked me up :)
Hugs <3
Klh recently posted..The Arch

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LCCotter April 27, 2012 at 6:44 am

LOL! I was hoping someone would catch the speedo guy. TOO FUNNY!

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