Hey y’all 💜 Can you believe we’re already at the end of this 12-week journey together? I’m so proud of every single parent who showed up — even when it was hard, even when the kids were wild, even when life felt like too much. You made it here, and that means something. Weeks 11 &12 are combined to help our families relax for the holidays? 💜 Over these past weeks, we’ve learned to nurture our children and ourselves — through awareness, empathy, consistency, and connection. And now, as we close out the year and head into the holidays, it’s time to slow down, reflect, and celebrate how far we’ve come. When I think about this time of year, I think about feelings — the good, the heavy, and the holy-in-between. The holidays can bring joy and laughter, but they can also stir up old memories, grief, and exhaustion. And that’s okay. Growth doesn’t mean life gets easy — it means we meet life with more compassion, more calm, and more tools than we had before. If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, I’d say this: “You don’t have to yell to be heard. You don’t have to be perfect to be loved. Your calm presence will teach your children more than fear ever could.” I wish I had known, back when I was 19 and raising my oldest two, what I know now about emotions, the brain, and behavioral science. I didn’t understand that when kids act out, they’re communicating needs they don’t have words for yet. I didn’t know that I could model calm instead of chaos — or that I could repair after a rough day and still raise resilient, loving humans. Now, as I raise little Arianna, I get to use these new tools — and I’m still using them with my adult children, too. That’s the beautiful part of healing: it’s never too late to do it differently. This week, we’re blending everything we’ve learned: 💜 Feelings — understanding what they’re trying to tell us. 💛 Communication — speaking and listening with love. 🌿 Relationships — repairing instead of repeating. 🌸 Celebration — honoring the growth that has happened, even quietly.

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Today

The countdown is on!! We're fired up, Bradenton. Our newest fire station at 2233 Manatee Ave E opens on Wed., October 22 at 5:30 p.m. — and you're invited! 🧯Tour the new station. 👨‍🚒Meet your firefighters. City of Bradenton Fire Department 🚒See fire engines, emergency vehicles & more in our touch-a-truck area. 🎃🍬Enjoy free food, candy and giveaways for all ages (costumes encouraged for kids 12 & under. Extra fun for those dressed as firefighters!). 🏴‍☠️Meet Marty the Bradenton Marauders mascot. 🩸Make a difference at the on-site Blood Bus by donating blood. 🚧 Learn about upcoming City projects in your neighborhood. It's a celebration for the whole family!