tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158458762024-03-12T22:31:40.374-05:00Megilligan's HappeningsLife and times of Brian, Janet, Austin, Lindsey, and Reece MegilliganBrian Megilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471029033794309001noreply@blogger.comBlogger512125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-67388869808205237482011-04-24T18:02:00.003-05:002011-04-24T18:23:03.604-05:00Easter 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbH6ifm-51Zi-WGJNZnpDgldt3vvwAwMxoRbHA2Y9auD6auzTr6cogHlDzE0wmp5YmGw9c9vywEzl-1oJ0uV1nAhbgJwTxR1Mjno6e0ajM1hntumk5BmTcnS5WoCdKwZQPv4Mayg/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbH6ifm-51Zi-WGJNZnpDgldt3vvwAwMxoRbHA2Y9auD6auzTr6cogHlDzE0wmp5YmGw9c9vywEzl-1oJ0uV1nAhbgJwTxR1Mjno6e0ajM1hntumk5BmTcnS5WoCdKwZQPv4Mayg/s400/DSC_0046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599294377147925010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_EGQeKC6odYm1Wkr269G3JaLM7oOPTkhXBmo6Jn7cNQaJV36BFENecL4EGOcd_X4DEZVafLDpSiV-XBGgKorWS76S0dJVhW6JlIJm3Nlwt6yF42_Pkiu-pxBSXtD_56CuLErNw/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_EGQeKC6odYm1Wkr269G3JaLM7oOPTkhXBmo6Jn7cNQaJV36BFENecL4EGOcd_X4DEZVafLDpSiV-XBGgKorWS76S0dJVhW6JlIJm3Nlwt6yF42_Pkiu-pxBSXtD_56CuLErNw/s400/DSC_0048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599293998919323554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrywsp32TB4LbRvB8YrXVM3eDZxaZ8Ih3ktxpX1KKrEoT2osNL0Yd_6TmOEICg9aAvMG3JwVrXVlM1j4FT4If8Ld7MIm9TQmVIYiz2eQrYCqT_8CIr_CzsYIcVqfm1rLMFOGkIA/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrywsp32TB4LbRvB8YrXVM3eDZxaZ8Ih3ktxpX1KKrEoT2osNL0Yd_6TmOEICg9aAvMG3JwVrXVlM1j4FT4If8Ld7MIm9TQmVIYiz2eQrYCqT_8CIr_CzsYIcVqfm1rLMFOGkIA/s400/DSC_0056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599293989236807490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmwwcpdWCEcw4AnCuGJZXOSSbAkyn3hAD8yu4Z8-dgpo6idBZoDl1gEnI3iFqWeXbAfaCRUue91bvIEwuG2P6cI42q-IqRPXRe2Xeiq7FJD2S7vHCIxiP_Knhxd69UwALGzpwVQ/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmwwcpdWCEcw4AnCuGJZXOSSbAkyn3hAD8yu4Z8-dgpo6idBZoDl1gEnI3iFqWeXbAfaCRUue91bvIEwuG2P6cI42q-IqRPXRe2Xeiq7FJD2S7vHCIxiP_Knhxd69UwALGzpwVQ/s400/DSC_0059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599293984518434290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IdQwkeY2WRpNWMHlaSk6jeqi2tuX3sMrIKyHeruUXL6BhNubBGgc8N8Xwmopmi0z-Gz6aobTyDe_t0Gm4sZw874Laui6B7T6v1yT8OP0PuXJhAorhEqW8gbHDvUI7IuMfj6z4g/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IdQwkeY2WRpNWMHlaSk6jeqi2tuX3sMrIKyHeruUXL6BhNubBGgc8N8Xwmopmi0z-Gz6aobTyDe_t0Gm4sZw874Laui6B7T6v1yT8OP0PuXJhAorhEqW8gbHDvUI7IuMfj6z4g/s400/DSC_0069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599293981249342722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuctoPnDqMZktFJ7ZxLBLRGJ_I9U1_F55ar3Vm9FeI-hrQ75CGQuAYLnsM74k7wg81h3CeF9Gz9XuNZQ-pohsf15_TvI4fzxj6FcTgtNVtSKfpk9ujMYN7gZfEouz8N6fvghQbNg/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuctoPnDqMZktFJ7ZxLBLRGJ_I9U1_F55ar3Vm9FeI-hrQ75CGQuAYLnsM74k7wg81h3CeF9Gz9XuNZQ-pohsf15_TvI4fzxj6FcTgtNVtSKfpk9ujMYN7gZfEouz8N6fvghQbNg/s400/DSC_0068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599293978288074578" border="0" /></a>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-46130311509468522592011-04-05T21:53:00.001-05:002011-04-05T22:00:50.053-05:00Time away....<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:3483/cc74ae7bcc6571da4db6eaf7bc2bf05f/image/6f3833f056b10479.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3483/cc74ae7bcc6571da4db6eaf7bc2bf05f/image/6f3833f056b10479.jpg?size=400" border="0" /></a> </div>Thanks to some wonderful friends, we've been away for the past 10 days. It could have been 2 weeks, but we had to get back a little sooner.<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:3483/cc74ae7bcc6571da4db6eaf7bc2bf05f/image/cd2f147a228e0d6b.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3483/cc74ae7bcc6571da4db6eaf7bc2bf05f/image/cd2f147a228e0d6b.jpg?size=400" border="0" /></a> </div>The time away was precious time as a family filled with daily experiences like these...<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:3483/cc74ae7bcc6571da4db6eaf7bc2bf05f/image/e6d25c631fa00660.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3483/cc74ae7bcc6571da4db6eaf7bc2bf05f/image/e6d25c631fa00660.jpg?size=400" border="0" /></a> </div>And wonderful nightly times in God's Word and much time spent in prayer..<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:3483/cc74ae7bcc6571da4db6eaf7bc2bf05f/image/3af01787a75a92d2.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3483/cc74ae7bcc6571da4db6eaf7bc2bf05f/image/3af01787a75a92d2.jpg?size=400" border="0" /></a> </div>The past 3 months have definitely been the hardest our family has ever faced. It has also honestly been the sweetest times as well. I've seen the benefit of stepping away from the computer and spending more time face to face with friends. Since January 3rd I still don't buy Brian lunch groceries as his schedule fills up, quickly, with friends that want to talk. I've cherished the precious time with friends as well. There just aren't adequate words for how much people have carried us during this time.<br /><br /> Well.....we traveled home today and still went to Tae Kwon Do and eased back into it with only 2 hours. I know....crazy.<br /><br />The fact that my husband blogged this week has prompted my own post. I'd like to just end with a <a href="http://brianmegilligan.blogspot.com/2011/03/things-i-have-learned-from-being.html">post</a> he made and maybe I'll come back on here to post more pictures at some point.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-4585848640418446642011-01-31T20:32:00.000-05:002011-01-31T20:32:19.769-05:00Childlike Faith<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI-oGQppKxiYvuVA4XyC-_n9Bg2Hd7fT8vjmDxVPHMWF1kyPQ0qzxUmfNgDdN8afUGx55tP2BftyiEr7stAA_F0KC4PEBjzRjrp2sl3okjmTTkuoDr9wrpa5iWU7MCrfX-REW8A/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI-oGQppKxiYvuVA4XyC-_n9Bg2Hd7fT8vjmDxVPHMWF1kyPQ0qzxUmfNgDdN8afUGx55tP2BftyiEr7stAA_F0KC4PEBjzRjrp2sl3okjmTTkuoDr9wrpa5iWU7MCrfX-REW8A/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Reece asked Jesus to come into his heart, after our nightly 'family Bible time', on January 31, 2011. (Can't you see the 'transformation' in his face??? :)<br /><br />Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-13026107471252373372011-01-29T12:09:00.005-05:002011-01-29T12:52:30.705-05:00January 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNuYWDjjC2pDsOmBEWy9yyZtdc6j81atkWQL-cqqBpUB9v6l48plx_1QtJ3ONX9B73pTI1tWEuw5RZoEksc71WPpY8c7AH6nJol7gqtfpspVPq4GeD5KeJUcTK3JJDAsJMgbJiw/s1600/P1080038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNuYWDjjC2pDsOmBEWy9yyZtdc6j81atkWQL-cqqBpUB9v6l48plx_1QtJ3ONX9B73pTI1tWEuw5RZoEksc71WPpY8c7AH6nJol7gqtfpspVPq4GeD5KeJUcTK3JJDAsJMgbJiw/s400/P1080038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567660472057455538" border="0" /></a><br />I truly have to laugh when I said I'd become some 'boring mom'/hermit the month of January. Things can change on a dime. We've actually been out and about more than home this month. We've been blessed with friends who have walked a journey with us this entire month. Some day I'll write down all of that, but for now I'll share just a few pictures from our month.<br /><br />I really am not joking that I've hardly been at the computer - hence the lack of time on this blog. The time I have spent here has been replying to e-mails. Returning phones calls, replying to e-mails, doing school in the mornings, afternoon field trips, and evenings with friends. Wow! I've actually not even cooked this month - and I'm not complaining at all! :) We've been overwhelmed and blessed beyond measure! Even tonight we'll be spending the evening with precious friends and tomorrow as well.<br /><br />These aren't the "get together s" where you pull out a camera, but I do have a few pictures that I finally took off of the camera. So....here goes:<br /><br />Austin's first time 'rock climbing'. Had to post these pictures as this is a HUGE ordeal for our cautious first born. So thankful that he had this opportunity with some great friends!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZVvfs8CaAikFEYwJXqlVG12__K0tlnxQyfq-UQV3OWzA76PFCMBUGOCGHd8woOEaRqeswqMUDY-4Butgwg3QYCAC8MBrf0U5TTJ_TVJTwerOCQ4FIHHAhKeCnw6nYObrgXg7dA/s1600/P1080051.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZVvfs8CaAikFEYwJXqlVG12__K0tlnxQyfq-UQV3OWzA76PFCMBUGOCGHd8woOEaRqeswqMUDY-4Butgwg3QYCAC8MBrf0U5TTJ_TVJTwerOCQ4FIHHAhKeCnw6nYObrgXg7dA/s400/P1080051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567660467889930034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDch53KKzN4BxdpUCkKjl0LffC9wLV8pD3B3tKq8CJYenvVxWtyJ83k9fFwKRJsvyVFhHXJDhQDvCiYKI82Pg0Vhd0GYqg1OrqLbhs_3aSN5Iw1_d4sZO-N_mARj2yP7mJPuVs5A/s1600/P1080057.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDch53KKzN4BxdpUCkKjl0LffC9wLV8pD3B3tKq8CJYenvVxWtyJ83k9fFwKRJsvyVFhHXJDhQDvCiYKI82Pg0Vhd0GYqg1OrqLbhs_3aSN5Iw1_d4sZO-N_mARj2yP7mJPuVs5A/s400/P1080057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567660463223921218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwxYJET-tAziv2ZSBE3ET_WJDgaJRFi6kPYlXVXVPqBiQb2hk99w2HENkEXxjSx6X6PXIwwft1VexVI59pudGsa9P6mWp-4eSAR6bbxswUa8qBgoF2M3Nhkfs794X4Te3xNrNaw/s1600/P1080043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwxYJET-tAziv2ZSBE3ET_WJDgaJRFi6kPYlXVXVPqBiQb2hk99w2HENkEXxjSx6X6PXIwwft1VexVI59pudGsa9P6mWp-4eSAR6bbxswUa8qBgoF2M3Nhkfs794X4Te3xNrNaw/s400/P1080043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567660462375280722" border="0" /></a>One week we ended up in downtown Raleigh 3 times. Now...that is a big deal for me! This farm girl doesn't enjoy driving downtown, but we had some great reasons to do so. (and thank the Lord for the GPS my sister got us a few years ago) One was when we met a group of friends to tour the George Washington special exhibit that was at the History Museum for a short time. Completely worth it!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsbgJgjQKiCnbafNeUzYsLrSY2zyE4K5l0aIpswkRcljEJxxjLbys9GeHLKFBlB0mHAyT1a7rrdXcI7COGgkgDLM_NYw1WP1PQjXl86GjT9_mSV_Ohw1WZ0yEWdzsShNbm7mAdQ/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsbgJgjQKiCnbafNeUzYsLrSY2zyE4K5l0aIpswkRcljEJxxjLbys9GeHLKFBlB0mHAyT1a7rrdXcI7COGgkgDLM_NYw1WP1PQjXl86GjT9_mSV_Ohw1WZ0yEWdzsShNbm7mAdQ/s400/DSC_0023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567659784208810690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTWwF2tVZsQWg5EIbv1nDGSHM3XyQzFP1vSr9lWRBKQbm-QRG3rgoCD3ZaUXx39GGPBeWBtND-u0UJaD97E7WN2gXq97w0Tjzrsdm0ibM5tvRzt8pVkhJ2ZIoZd2KRBwaHQinVw/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTWwF2tVZsQWg5EIbv1nDGSHM3XyQzFP1vSr9lWRBKQbm-QRG3rgoCD3ZaUXx39GGPBeWBtND-u0UJaD97E7WN2gXq97w0Tjzrsdm0ibM5tvRzt8pVkhJ2ZIoZd2KRBwaHQinVw/s400/DSC_0022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567659773510078594" border="0" /></a>A special evening making pizzas at a friend's house. Chris and Scott have spoiled our children over the past few years and this was no exception.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMvwAcd169fAMO8hTWiJCD-w5TjuibiquBdddfgzZUac-Uoktb6Rrhyphenhyphen1CkrDdoXkmje08P0ASqaK5JHsL2tqrjE5KNbQTgJjaA3qPCU-DQ5KdDp_XQ9vaRBm_wHxlfaCuR8nEgg/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMvwAcd169fAMO8hTWiJCD-w5TjuibiquBdddfgzZUac-Uoktb6Rrhyphenhyphen1CkrDdoXkmje08P0ASqaK5JHsL2tqrjE5KNbQTgJjaA3qPCU-DQ5KdDp_XQ9vaRBm_wHxlfaCuR8nEgg/s400/DSC_0025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567659766638733666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqTYRdOVD6t17K8NbvZyygy0Cl6VjiWZOOSc79ONnlth1dRbNZivqkLqXFV0rpmOuM8v2O7GWjMbIcI0xSstFe4m98jNv8ylsgtmtI2mh4wxSJT2ciIyTJceMVQKoXdeOlZ97vw/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqTYRdOVD6t17K8NbvZyygy0Cl6VjiWZOOSc79ONnlth1dRbNZivqkLqXFV0rpmOuM8v2O7GWjMbIcI0xSstFe4m98jNv8ylsgtmtI2mh4wxSJT2ciIyTJceMVQKoXdeOlZ97vw/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567659764235245570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kvJ-dvpJ58RIppImyxoO_1hfKkkaChGMWmOYgdQjPDHq4lLFhu0BNQjDNku1lxALe9NdF-k3-8mWkAWLGpj4YmI1SoRkpry46rcF1DtR3c-e6Jez41q_IViAmX4xR2gErhCACA/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kvJ-dvpJ58RIppImyxoO_1hfKkkaChGMWmOYgdQjPDHq4lLFhu0BNQjDNku1lxALe9NdF-k3-8mWkAWLGpj4YmI1SoRkpry46rcF1DtR3c-e6Jez41q_IViAmX4xR2gErhCACA/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567659758083063826" border="0" /></a>Their outside hot tub gave us plenty of time to talk with our friends. The kids were simply in heaven and sure came out looking like raisins.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiIHNH7QGDs__15776SaxXXpLjrXYPJTnc21hWureNbRKDU8s0zOTkTsmvyGn96eS2Rbjn6MnLAeX1mss69nQKbJV_fxVlefv2-tc9tX6C0zGBGHyBsD8mmtUhvJTrGm42w4SGg/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiIHNH7QGDs__15776SaxXXpLjrXYPJTnc21hWureNbRKDU8s0zOTkTsmvyGn96eS2Rbjn6MnLAeX1mss69nQKbJV_fxVlefv2-tc9tX6C0zGBGHyBsD8mmtUhvJTrGm42w4SGg/s400/DSC_0031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567658816802746850" border="0" /></a>Another downtown trip, with friends, to the Science Museum. This time the girls, little boys, and big boys all had something separate going on. I was able to hang out with Reece's group. The leaders felt like this group would need the most supervision. Yep...very true.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEZ8ZYIAaIRD1Jyr0qgm2exNNtxtAa2XP-DsgQVcaqziXuO4C0586XRKjk4_8uSrgK6YAV53kTrVbNYvoLl8HoWB1MNLeAxwzFYwtyLEZYXvq_eiQtMQNZeg-0h54vnCNFq6xrQ/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEZ8ZYIAaIRD1Jyr0qgm2exNNtxtAa2XP-DsgQVcaqziXuO4C0586XRKjk4_8uSrgK6YAV53kTrVbNYvoLl8HoWB1MNLeAxwzFYwtyLEZYXvq_eiQtMQNZeg-0h54vnCNFq6xrQ/s400/DSC_0047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567658815961863474" border="0" /></a>I did peek in on "the girl's group". Don't think Lindsey even saw me..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAKxufoZfI-6eEPExXJedQ9XsRlRK1YnDwgy8gM76AJT8nszAvTwDPrMduy-eh7B6dcBxt6Ae65pUjwi-9yDjtIyNiY5O3QgPXjDhhuE10zcyUzmnxAdTTcZYFnTnRegEJYC5Kg/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAKxufoZfI-6eEPExXJedQ9XsRlRK1YnDwgy8gM76AJT8nszAvTwDPrMduy-eh7B6dcBxt6Ae65pUjwi-9yDjtIyNiY5O3QgPXjDhhuE10zcyUzmnxAdTTcZYFnTnRegEJYC5Kg/s400/DSC_0043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567658806210713106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionu1misNrfE4bmCjRCw4cRkcUPAr25ePkoAWxxr2Dvir3Au140CmBrRgoPKu5yCMXVhvgVkY9BGwGr10eq7xUpEu_ctcvE7kDceFMN9EMtPQinZdMZ95KObzUx8fUlz6Tly4OpQ/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionu1misNrfE4bmCjRCw4cRkcUPAr25ePkoAWxxr2Dvir3Au140CmBrRgoPKu5yCMXVhvgVkY9BGwGr10eq7xUpEu_ctcvE7kDceFMN9EMtPQinZdMZ95KObzUx8fUlz6Tly4OpQ/s400/DSC_0040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567658802761507042" border="0" /></a>Wish I had my camera at Mike's football party. There were a few gals with the rhythm section men, so some conversation was had. Laughed until we cried with Bob and Patty. That's NOT unusual. I did leave that party saying: "Wow...you men REALLY do <span style="font-style: italic;">watch </span>football when you have a football party." :) Mike had made his awesome chili and it was just a treat to be with so many friends. That was a sweet time that I don't want to forget!!<br /><br />This next picture was a party at our friends, Jeff and Karen. It was an impromptu party and, like Jeff told me...you expect it hard for people to do "impromptu anything". Well..everyone that was invited came and their house was packed out. SO much fun! It was cold that evening but we still took some of the party outside to try out Karen's new fire pit. I never want to forget the laughter we had watching Brian and Bob go off in their back yard and come back with some big branches. Then Brian would hold onto Bob and jump up and down on the thick branches trying to break them. Jeff comes out and says: "Hey guys, I do have a saw!". I know it's a "you had to be there" kind of a moment, but the laughter was so great!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8pIwo2zY4tWBKF3fCsDggmIazKSg6akrFGZg0mrHCSVrV1pkzBApjwOsAmm7YhRTc-RgzMQvmwG_8ZH5MUFhoNn7qtR99oztN1nZBkL9xmlj_5J5n8OGe8kNMgiC0047i97C6Q/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8pIwo2zY4tWBKF3fCsDggmIazKSg6akrFGZg0mrHCSVrV1pkzBApjwOsAmm7YhRTc-RgzMQvmwG_8ZH5MUFhoNn7qtR99oztN1nZBkL9xmlj_5J5n8OGe8kNMgiC0047i97C6Q/s400/DSC_0050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567658799755331394" border="0" /></a><br />What a precious month this has been! We know we are here (1) By God's appointment, (2) In HIS keeping, (3) Under HIS training, and (4) For HIS time.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-86375124592159296402011-01-10T19:14:00.000-05:002011-01-10T19:14:53.163-05:00A glimpse....<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Sunday after church..<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSprVuPuoVFQtKCLaBf7So07Gh-LvXLtzcbuMLXsy0cP54sc1rltvmqyzG8bK8t3i_RuogjTV_shyphenhypheneV4kCAlid76mhS26vRLVRzAGTPr_giA1GvPrTwRHxvKCKuFHlXZHwL0er3w/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSprVuPuoVFQtKCLaBf7So07Gh-LvXLtzcbuMLXsy0cP54sc1rltvmqyzG8bK8t3i_RuogjTV_shyphenhypheneV4kCAlid76mhS26vRLVRzAGTPr_giA1GvPrTwRHxvKCKuFHlXZHwL0er3w/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOkn1Ua-rpbEU4K_5H15XE9O3L6yF-vVk-C1PcpfniE9gZF2zBMV5oBtzoH8mTk6Kq0FavbUDiNpOMzdGNs9Mf_LklmRnNacMTH6wkKiT75jkBuFLXM6ARdL-MGf-ABzFhE2fwg/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOkn1Ua-rpbEU4K_5H15XE9O3L6yF-vVk-C1PcpfniE9gZF2zBMV5oBtzoH8mTk6Kq0FavbUDiNpOMzdGNs9Mf_LklmRnNacMTH6wkKiT75jkBuFLXM6ARdL-MGf-ABzFhE2fwg/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfe0csK94IIgyzIZbk8yiDTbmER79yFEksjnG52EK1P56UMaQ4iDDF7eMj_tgOngjBWddpXlORZiLElqWLBDO-muROjzfOcYxcrt_SzF7uVQ6zt4shpJ7XZU2XlldjYl0_dqHTg/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfe0csK94IIgyzIZbk8yiDTbmER79yFEksjnG52EK1P56UMaQ4iDDF7eMj_tgOngjBWddpXlORZiLElqWLBDO-muROjzfOcYxcrt_SzF7uVQ6zt4shpJ7XZU2XlldjYl0_dqHTg/s400/DSC_0021.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1AKyy3odJ6hFaSQ-Xv8cgwE3dmY5X1Y1WfLtvRqL9qiG9vLA3tLo2oOQQ_DuuLKkkVEqFvxNTcmOu9A9ModViSUIWmdObii4imD1yDySRy9jUh_J_7tsv1ojAmisHMOVJLiGkw/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1AKyy3odJ6hFaSQ-Xv8cgwE3dmY5X1Y1WfLtvRqL9qiG9vLA3tLo2oOQQ_DuuLKkkVEqFvxNTcmOu9A9ModViSUIWmdObii4imD1yDySRy9jUh_J_7tsv1ojAmisHMOVJLiGkw/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-60199107560147723212011-01-09T12:49:00.001-05:002011-01-09T13:05:45.707-05:002011<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1y4eJSOpigNXeP6LnEQgd9Apx2Fz-lCAKsWE50ropJeV6mjHLGhydwQ6s50Kp4clWmLTzGHddd4jb09A7CNoTet_gTQENMgmzYGc_SwD1SdaUGCcm_DkIbIK0ygGJuj4HWTt5Zw/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1y4eJSOpigNXeP6LnEQgd9Apx2Fz-lCAKsWE50ropJeV6mjHLGhydwQ6s50Kp4clWmLTzGHddd4jb09A7CNoTet_gTQENMgmzYGc_SwD1SdaUGCcm_DkIbIK0ygGJuj4HWTt5Zw/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Austin, Lindsey and Reece on January 9, 2011.<br /><br />"The stories of our lives are authored by the Grace of God."<br /><br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none; padding: 0px; background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-76915509900164169342011-01-02T21:02:00.000-05:002011-01-02T21:02:55.785-05:00Sundays and mentors...<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-1IL8VX-kDg0oqXQ-6y3qctuHlPMEKVepEAvKHJQbTKg-1r4CtwmzqdAANWTx2FeajUoKQ8D9D1zvZUAm2cVTFSn9eqhhFntNzumq74btKOFrUoxbyjE-Lihr2MSGISBBnsRYA/s1600/DSC_0408.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-1IL8VX-kDg0oqXQ-6y3qctuHlPMEKVepEAvKHJQbTKg-1r4CtwmzqdAANWTx2FeajUoKQ8D9D1zvZUAm2cVTFSn9eqhhFntNzumq74btKOFrUoxbyjE-Lihr2MSGISBBnsRYA/s400/DSC_0408.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Sundays are a powerful way to start our week around here. Ways that are expected (excellent preaching as always) and future gifts (Steve, our Lifeclass teacher, will be challenging us with the book of James. My FAVORITE book of the Bible!) and a very unexpected, to the heart, meeting each week....having Master Cromwell instruct us in Tae Kwon Do and then sharing what the Lord has laid on his heart.<br /><br />Pastor Horner gives a New Year's message that I know I'll be mulling over for some time. I hang on to my Life Class teacher's every word as I know the Lord speaks through Steve. And then there is Master Cromwell..<br /><br />I knew we'd learn Tae Kwon Do from this black belt but little did I know how God would use him in my spiritual walk.<br /><br />If you looked up his name you'd find that he has several initials behind it: MD, FAHA, FNLA. It also would show that he is a Chief, Division of Atherosclerosis and Lipoprotein Disorders. A Medical Director, an Adjunct Associate Professor and a Diplomate. This is just in the first paragraph. Even though it isn't the case I'd like to add that he <em>should </em>be a preacher of the Word. After 60 min. of patiently working with us on blocks, kicks, and punches this humble gentleman has us sit on the floor for another 30 min. as he shares with us what God has laid on his heart.<br /><br />Of course with the New Year ahead of us he shared how we all know there will be joys and challenges and that clearly, as followers of Christ, we need to make sure our steps are laid out by the Lord and not our own agenda. At the end he said something (I know you had to be there to get the impact of this statement) that will stick with me for a long time. He said:<br /><br /><strong>Fear CANNOT occupy the same space as Faith. <br /></strong><br />That was from the Lord and it was for my ears. I read this somewhere and it fits where I want to go for the new year and I<em> want</em> this because I struggle with it:<br /><br /><em>Yesterday is HISTORY<br />Tomorrow is a MYSTERY<br />Today is a GIFT<br /><br /></em>I realize more and more that I fret over the past, I worry about tomorrow and therefore I do not enjoy the gift that is today and the fact that the Lord gives me all that I need for each day.<br /><br />I cannot have Faith and fear. It just doesn't work. Only January 2nd and I know I have SO much to learn this year! <br /><br />It is also so good to surround yourself with wise counsel, friends, and mentors. Looking at my Sundays with Pastor Horner, Steve, and Master Cromwell... I think I'm starting my weeks out right and -meant in the best of ways - some sleepless Sunday nights mulling over all that I've learned from my mentors. Happy New Year indeed!<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-74694931537590063152011-01-01T19:26:00.006-05:002011-01-01T20:25:03.782-05:00Finishing up 2010 and moving into 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMY3SPFK6OUt9BAvMAw4Ri6jX-f4L2pv8atbWwYepGK0kUtZFumJ46db5EXbCLWBJ4ox7Vu1BZahxYFWvvvfYeA7sNGcp9gHjobZdnL0OGnAVu0TSrWRa5L8towptY_rw7N29UA/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMY3SPFK6OUt9BAvMAw4Ri6jX-f4L2pv8atbWwYepGK0kUtZFumJ46db5EXbCLWBJ4ox7Vu1BZahxYFWvvvfYeA7sNGcp9gHjobZdnL0OGnAVu0TSrWRa5L8towptY_rw7N29UA/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557383959959838290" border="0" /></a>After being snowed in Dec. 26th we left a day later and went to see Brian's family in PA. in the picture above is Granddad and below is Brian's sister, Sharla, with the twins from the D.R. It was a second round of Christmas presents for us and the kids sure didn't mind a bit..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvOhQSi8vuZwdm_O_IiLKCgwLvRxJbDI748G9cDdwwdAdU5EUQ3KBp0m92ZFTen4u6McH3A5CdHlw3zC_46ZTWwfxx6Y5WrrLBaXbG-koiEzndQN38UuMuQ8omz08L4cYMfrdPg/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvOhQSi8vuZwdm_O_IiLKCgwLvRxJbDI748G9cDdwwdAdU5EUQ3KBp0m92ZFTen4u6McH3A5CdHlw3zC_46ZTWwfxx6Y5WrrLBaXbG-koiEzndQN38UuMuQ8omz08L4cYMfrdPg/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557383953886673746" border="0" /></a>Austin had to open several boxes to get to a gift card for Game Stop.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynYksbra2IFQryQgYTEiaYq58_tK9h7Z2WtLH7uWE6jwx6hjM8LuMA5SWqbVWhgwWMCeQahc7ONC7qXgPmlmOUUAsbTL0kvkpUFQXSuHBSqI4ITKcUqy433LwV9MAa9QFYOIJPg/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynYksbra2IFQryQgYTEiaYq58_tK9h7Z2WtLH7uWE6jwx6hjM8LuMA5SWqbVWhgwWMCeQahc7ONC7qXgPmlmOUUAsbTL0kvkpUFQXSuHBSqI4ITKcUqy433LwV9MAa9QFYOIJPg/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557383575525142706" border="0" /></a>While we stayed at the Grandparent's house, we spent time traveling to see Aunts, Uncles, cousins, etc. Here is Brian's cousin, Angela, with her daughter, the twins, and Reece. More presents and toys to play with.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESsh7RcypVPui01yMqrItAN7WxAYp6Xbr2fnufoRhxUYbeAACnidCthXUoDShil2KOXKL3U8IreyZqA3NsSLsspvOi9DORPyPvxsZsm0iHa42wuN3mYBWSQhE0iRimcii-aw9dA/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESsh7RcypVPui01yMqrItAN7WxAYp6Xbr2fnufoRhxUYbeAACnidCthXUoDShil2KOXKL3U8IreyZqA3NsSLsspvOi9DORPyPvxsZsm0iHa42wuN3mYBWSQhE0iRimcii-aw9dA/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557383567242544866" border="0" /></a>After a brunch at Aunt Joelle's we went on to see Granny. We spent the rest of the afternoon and supper with Granny. I highly recommend spending time with older generations. It is good medicine for the soul. I think I laughed (the kind where you laugh so hard you cry) a good couple of hours listening to Granny.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU8WtJraFniL07b1kPuMATyQHG7YRxnYvam7D-Kt0L-n7c6UjxX5YGNP64M3XFoN0Px708hS3p5FLq4fggRMhTJ-VCIKjND8y6rVpY5rZRxPIT15raUQyNdoJHHil_jLZYkg3YA/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU8WtJraFniL07b1kPuMATyQHG7YRxnYvam7D-Kt0L-n7c6UjxX5YGNP64M3XFoN0Px708hS3p5FLq4fggRMhTJ-VCIKjND8y6rVpY5rZRxPIT15raUQyNdoJHHil_jLZYkg3YA/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557383559603714194" border="0" /></a>Reece and the twins LOVE any toy that has wheels on them so they were very content to play with cars and trucks the whole time. West Chester had also gotten some snow and to see the twins (who live in Texas) rush out to jump in the snow was priceless.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMVzIHct1z2jXrSM9NFfONfRgjSyfP4ZopumkprkngFNaUWWgw7eim_tfYOucuw3dpwGPYLpclWlK135tZOPXDN73M01-ociF5NStZciN6qn0S0z5bxNz3CD7xBJdyZGBzHeapA/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMVzIHct1z2jXrSM9NFfONfRgjSyfP4ZopumkprkngFNaUWWgw7eim_tfYOucuw3dpwGPYLpclWlK135tZOPXDN73M01-ociF5NStZciN6qn0S0z5bxNz3CD7xBJdyZGBzHeapA/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557383555214068706" border="0" /></a>Cars, cars, and more cars..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUJ2la9westmpzdG4K9LMb0nuVN_vyJcKBH3J3_TiBUaZ-AbgY9nxUhkO7ZKP6NY5_qIqnxK1lhkQq_4ox-Fr6kXSVMSSnvJeoZjYaaDE8SYP_dDY_Pnvroog4U6OeS-wtz1aEg/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUJ2la9westmpzdG4K9LMb0nuVN_vyJcKBH3J3_TiBUaZ-AbgY9nxUhkO7ZKP6NY5_qIqnxK1lhkQq_4ox-Fr6kXSVMSSnvJeoZjYaaDE8SYP_dDY_Pnvroog4U6OeS-wtz1aEg/s400/DSC_0033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557383551615558066" border="0" /></a>Even Brian jumped into the fun of cars and tracks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXgKq4JKM1DD-cCCXOtneG8HDYoq2Bo511xiUZQByWcNK8YqCutDwbYz2gHhUq13dbjWg1j4i7ziF48h7WkBfw0QrWK-OEIbE3D_gxI0JRQPG1SOdXOFoI3S670AIbWo1BGCDQg/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXgKq4JKM1DD-cCCXOtneG8HDYoq2Bo511xiUZQByWcNK8YqCutDwbYz2gHhUq13dbjWg1j4i7ziF48h7WkBfw0QrWK-OEIbE3D_gxI0JRQPG1SOdXOFoI3S670AIbWo1BGCDQg/s400/DSC_0055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557382649835225282" border="0" /></a>At home the kids quickly unpacked their Christmas presents and were thrilled. Here is Lindsey with her new art set from Grandmom and Granddad.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmyheW4TDf9TqKzviizMJdaCxQPVj25WQ726gIiXMfHmS6Wzplgdh3QJx9aWmkIojVTgmSahNuRy3z2e3V0yQjMgqt6mAXr75N56PKCH0bKbtjs6N2fkf7eE8Z7iy_0tZfTXgQA/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmyheW4TDf9TqKzviizMJdaCxQPVj25WQ726gIiXMfHmS6Wzplgdh3QJx9aWmkIojVTgmSahNuRy3z2e3V0yQjMgqt6mAXr75N56PKCH0bKbtjs6N2fkf7eE8Z7iy_0tZfTXgQA/s400/DSC_0056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557382645901398946" border="0" /></a>A kid's cookbook from them as well..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0zuiuyrEYpuMWvdDaCpIQ_24ztPJ13udDLyMUwgW38lPfJSnStIZCthN6rXPGqdC2FN09q8a4cEjUETUxQpClv1vE_8rQoq0XM5tXKObN-7-7yci-wQFQOavG1-11wsJtnxf0Q/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0zuiuyrEYpuMWvdDaCpIQ_24ztPJ13udDLyMUwgW38lPfJSnStIZCthN6rXPGqdC2FN09q8a4cEjUETUxQpClv1vE_8rQoq0XM5tXKObN-7-7yci-wQFQOavG1-11wsJtnxf0Q/s400/DSC_0057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557382642084268786" border="0" /></a>Anything with wheels brings out a huge smile..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRA1oj0q3anVV5BeDxnlFr2CJVCu-B7ieD9G1wmJVmH8a4E5utyfTbrsKgPI9DxU_7nzkuphTnC5TSWE1AT4fzMTGUDM-4c5aWMDd4edAznOZQXi1PmlG44eyDd2TDUsxaWtpgg/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRA1oj0q3anVV5BeDxnlFr2CJVCu-B7ieD9G1wmJVmH8a4E5utyfTbrsKgPI9DxU_7nzkuphTnC5TSWE1AT4fzMTGUDM-4c5aWMDd4edAznOZQXi1PmlG44eyDd2TDUsxaWtpgg/s400/DSC_0059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557382638353431186" border="0" /></a>Aw.....New Year's Eve. Sweet New Year's Eve.. We slept in and played Angry Birds just because we could.. We cuddled and hugged our kids a lot. Took down our decorations and played with Christmas toys.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMc-w3jfhrdCslgrjqWrefHi8TQcyIxessqPxSJtmhPUPo3Coq5PVTJsjUZa47uN9hygWwVO9qlOjDnmrYzG1oAqGciLE2UjTxlIQANesSR6uH-EY5Dp7u5Rb9H3me2F8906MCYw/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMc-w3jfhrdCslgrjqWrefHi8TQcyIxessqPxSJtmhPUPo3Coq5PVTJsjUZa47uN9hygWwVO9qlOjDnmrYzG1oAqGciLE2UjTxlIQANesSR6uH-EY5Dp7u5Rb9H3me2F8906MCYw/s400/DSC_0060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557382633195828546" border="0" /></a>We had our traditional Chinese and played games the rest of the night.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6xHKojwaBGmJpxraFk2wBZvf22d6TxwdKqeyyXoU5oiJWcrRcq0J32p18g5hpH9wk5fzUeVsfOFpO6pFVSgQJ79rjLisZLb3QDzPfnc6YsZGplRXDjVEMfM3kbUKWZ0ApcfR2g/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6xHKojwaBGmJpxraFk2wBZvf22d6TxwdKqeyyXoU5oiJWcrRcq0J32p18g5hpH9wk5fzUeVsfOFpO6pFVSgQJ79rjLisZLb3QDzPfnc6YsZGplRXDjVEMfM3kbUKWZ0ApcfR2g/s400/DSC_0065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557381446252176930" border="0" /></a>I must say it is SO nice having older kids and being able to play more than Candy Land.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ooI5pVK8LRayWX5nVgXAZtJh84JsZYIIzwEgBsxx-o_U0jbTRNgFO-iVGW-QsbJaO2TPznTw2AG6IXx1Ob9kBHxrWpindbojTpRU06z6SF_MmTvha7xJ3s_uc1d8d1U7tjEi3w/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ooI5pVK8LRayWX5nVgXAZtJh84JsZYIIzwEgBsxx-o_U0jbTRNgFO-iVGW-QsbJaO2TPznTw2AG6IXx1Ob9kBHxrWpindbojTpRU06z6SF_MmTvha7xJ3s_uc1d8d1U7tjEi3w/s400/DSC_0067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557381442197705570" border="0" /></a>Did you all know that QI is actually a word? The kids sure had fun hearing Brian and I go back and forth on what constituted a word. What did we ever do without dictionary.com on our phones?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1gtuDfasaAPGJC9Z0upOjFu8XWEoYYWcAQvbV3yGL1PBT-cz9m81r0E-AzwsJgPAE-eSUC0eEGPggGWks8cmPNpJavgV0QF4n-i-1rrecc7QxOWhGtulTG99Hf6eVgImV42yEw/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1gtuDfasaAPGJC9Z0upOjFu8XWEoYYWcAQvbV3yGL1PBT-cz9m81r0E-AzwsJgPAE-eSUC0eEGPggGWks8cmPNpJavgV0QF4n-i-1rrecc7QxOWhGtulTG99Hf6eVgImV42yEw/s400/DSC_0071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557381437427309122" border="0" /></a>Reece loves his new remote control car from Granddad and Grandmom.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCJX9_wXFP0c7myfM_JlF8B1GOTAuLyP0qWdcKIiGRVEqbNKeUETxvYrPtwwc5GQH-zGge0pgb9EhFy6wGuJdkqoy-SG8zYW2BJhN1vuTkbbUOgSZUm1EuhGvDV5BRcK9owxy1Q/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCJX9_wXFP0c7myfM_JlF8B1GOTAuLyP0qWdcKIiGRVEqbNKeUETxvYrPtwwc5GQH-zGge0pgb9EhFy6wGuJdkqoy-SG8zYW2BJhN1vuTkbbUOgSZUm1EuhGvDV5BRcK9owxy1Q/s400/DSC_0073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557381433425530562" border="0" /></a>Jenga is serious business around here...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAGkpgTAE2QYecg5kaX_C-JOv-Aov6fxf0qBcC0EZohjDbLt32azxDez7313ot7Ehxs7EHq4I83ByXE2gb2vLjHoj_ErCP3BhER7T_sLBPqtotwOPoRznxNgDgeJJBgK3NhzvQg/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAGkpgTAE2QYecg5kaX_C-JOv-Aov6fxf0qBcC0EZohjDbLt32azxDez7313ot7Ehxs7EHq4I83ByXE2gb2vLjHoj_ErCP3BhER7T_sLBPqtotwOPoRznxNgDgeJJBgK3NhzvQg/s400/DSC_0082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557381432240356322" border="0" /></a>The kids wanted me to wake them up at midnight and I went in to hug and kiss all of them, but I don't think they remember that. <br /><br />Didn't take pictures of New Year's Day, but it couldn't have been better. We spent the day with our church and TKD friends Kevin, Marsha, Brooke, and Bailey. Kevin cooked all kinds of barbecue and baked chicken. He also made homemade potato salad, homemade coleslaw and peach cobbler. He spoiled us with all his cooking! The kids played in their woods ALL afternoon and built some bridges over the creek. I can't believe it kept them happy and busy the entire day and evening.<br /><br />Once again we forgot our manners and talked the day away into the evening hours. When we did leave we found that the kids were not only out playing in the dark (we were fine with that part), but it was pouring down rain. Thankfully it was in the 60's that day and they had a wonderful time getting all soaking wet. It was so nice to just sit and share the day with Kevin and Marsha. Sweet people that we are privileged to call friends.<br /><br />Well....staying up to the New Year just about did me in. Brian did shake me awake to see the excitement in NYC -- I'm such a party animal. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year's!!Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-80402517650080544852010-12-26T21:23:00.005-05:002010-12-26T22:05:48.795-05:00How it all went down...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVQ4y_BYf4SGne0fyPpnL93Q_1OVRB0Abnqts-ZEzwZ-hIPi36-qlxBG_sr4KqnhGZoo0FhIWh-gQY9K8XCXmxrfFCBAd_0xk_HbL_K84PEvMJJQdHT4sMi5jNbiIRTANahk8KQ/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVQ4y_BYf4SGne0fyPpnL93Q_1OVRB0Abnqts-ZEzwZ-hIPi36-qlxBG_sr4KqnhGZoo0FhIWh-gQY9K8XCXmxrfFCBAd_0xk_HbL_K84PEvMJJQdHT4sMi5jNbiIRTANahk8KQ/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555184716344518610" border="0" /></a>I changed a few things this Christmas morning. I decided to put their stockings and their first gift in our bedroom. I really thought they would come in to wake us up, but I heard them just whispering and organizing presents quietly at 8a.m. I called them into our room so they could do their stockings (picture above). They simply LOVE doing their stockings from Grandma and Grandpa. Then their first gift (below) is their own box of cereal that they picked. We wrap them up just like any gift and they love it. Then off they went to eat breakfast while Brian and I took our time getting up. :) We like this new plan!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jl4seBHXGI6BpAABpCWpyapuaiCJB7-WADTvrfkHL2Lstc8q1gIEltjFs2PGEpvx8IKGCeeXLOqR-voQ1T1v3wlRWuU8YgS-FAXPktJGom8M_rMSQyIZN20mBz-xSos_SDMWgg/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jl4seBHXGI6BpAABpCWpyapuaiCJB7-WADTvrfkHL2Lstc8q1gIEltjFs2PGEpvx8IKGCeeXLOqR-voQ1T1v3wlRWuU8YgS-FAXPktJGom8M_rMSQyIZN20mBz-xSos_SDMWgg/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555184713694976834" border="0" /></a>The kids learned a LONG time ago who Santa Claus is -- their Aunt Nar. Life becomes a buzz around here when they get a Thanksgiving e-mail - from Aunt Nar - asking for their wish list. Aunt Nar takes their list and goes above and beyond everything these kids dream of. Thank you Aunt Nar!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieIWWIx8Idx7X_yIg-MhdV3sjLOfFwMjRoGiBII-n2kPsJwjV0y8AOQlr-aGc9n4m5prw6X3nk-3yVi4_BUu2gyNxL4Ba9cBGpeXpLP94K-iljq7JajSY215CdB1aFfznj2gUCA/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieIWWIx8Idx7X_yIg-MhdV3sjLOfFwMjRoGiBII-n2kPsJwjV0y8AOQlr-aGc9n4m5prw6X3nk-3yVi4_BUu2gyNxL4Ba9cBGpeXpLP94K-iljq7JajSY215CdB1aFfznj2gUCA/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555184710899351426" border="0" /></a>A book that Austin wanted from Aunt Nar..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByFsW6esI9MErhiNMpX6jjxLYprnJ6h498txNRSyybzdNGwdEK_BH0IcObISJ3ot35ewYTkRX7SdMAVRAQyzy5h-6pkLiIyafG_0WySXDTfqpFheSjwLVI6q9J5LO5giB6nGf6Q/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByFsW6esI9MErhiNMpX6jjxLYprnJ6h498txNRSyybzdNGwdEK_BH0IcObISJ3ot35ewYTkRX7SdMAVRAQyzy5h-6pkLiIyafG_0WySXDTfqpFheSjwLVI6q9J5LO5giB6nGf6Q/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555184710624287586" border="0" /></a>Here is a robe that Grandma and Grandpa gave Lindsey...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsh9tCkG4iJwDyTES_N8ESkGA_Jo__kivmoNAusvEss4oMfURwUe-PUtYWveAJ4j65r42xSfDVUALBNQ2QfY1BW-HTGYmkAS0J4gQscJrejeHbJnODS59kik3RUUDXK5S-i5t2A/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsh9tCkG4iJwDyTES_N8ESkGA_Jo__kivmoNAusvEss4oMfURwUe-PUtYWveAJ4j65r42xSfDVUALBNQ2QfY1BW-HTGYmkAS0J4gQscJrejeHbJnODS59kik3RUUDXK5S-i5t2A/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555184006122099106" border="0" /></a>Nerf guns from Aunt Nar..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK2Azv83BwV4CfzIki2Fz71bB06AtxgkD-OYB1d8y26gWyKKMsPUb-drPh-xSqtXbTdI0o_QjlwuMDZ0EOoIjbdczpQtglTYQSjYhWRdOdF3rIhGcK_NqnJiFml73ALs8Mel37Q/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK2Azv83BwV4CfzIki2Fz71bB06AtxgkD-OYB1d8y26gWyKKMsPUb-drPh-xSqtXbTdI0o_QjlwuMDZ0EOoIjbdczpQtglTYQSjYhWRdOdF3rIhGcK_NqnJiFml73ALs8Mel37Q/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555184000092293714" border="0" /></a>Complete joy on this guy's face!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6xw880ct7H1bcMldYHG1_0Daw0dxtUfSc7Fy4Z0yt347AdgKdG0dRuU-E54_hyWEleLXSXKC8oX2CxgD842DBpmTYeXaPtT3bhWv0DVn6FlmUQHbB7b9U7sarXBqV_J1OwET7Q/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6xw880ct7H1bcMldYHG1_0Daw0dxtUfSc7Fy4Z0yt347AdgKdG0dRuU-E54_hyWEleLXSXKC8oX2CxgD842DBpmTYeXaPtT3bhWv0DVn6FlmUQHbB7b9U7sarXBqV_J1OwET7Q/s400/DSC_0030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555183998048505042" border="0" /></a>Love this picture and the utter mess!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZUMefUjJYrXjvjCnJ7I2DQHn8yBGHKcVNQfMX8CfvSnV-52e_k01zMyDlBnoxgpl9Yf6KRYkYsvH6hCXKtrGcEo3_cx6yXsJ-W80qytEEz8nRqwtLSF1ib4LtOPZ1lYKjW8cNg/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZUMefUjJYrXjvjCnJ7I2DQHn8yBGHKcVNQfMX8CfvSnV-52e_k01zMyDlBnoxgpl9Yf6KRYkYsvH6hCXKtrGcEo3_cx6yXsJ-W80qytEEz8nRqwtLSF1ib4LtOPZ1lYKjW8cNg/s400/DSC_0031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555183993982944162" border="0" /></a>Reece's remote controlled jeep from Aunt Nar..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEL53ulqf6853O7qcmZLaCanl_me4HluXSg7MDeygAeqo_Wac8y48sjz4YtTP7pWs-oCL9cMowpN8pes59F9ybSa4focoQwH3s1RKoxwv3yUJaB76RYIc64yksQtMoZkbRNnONzw/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEL53ulqf6853O7qcmZLaCanl_me4HluXSg7MDeygAeqo_Wac8y48sjz4YtTP7pWs-oCL9cMowpN8pes59F9ybSa4focoQwH3s1RKoxwv3yUJaB76RYIc64yksQtMoZkbRNnONzw/s400/DSC_0033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555183988476560754" border="0" /></a>Could not wait another minute to try it out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0PGHLIbRfOd1HI5R31mGKYft9bCYV3qdCIY5ZVx1VYxVL2tA4BvfRy8DAUPFseE8tAKZrmpjq3jkdg0T5wEx1bGaYkxWTV2Z0EhgFXS1I2S8JhIwTgPi3uemRo7WA6X5NNErBA/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0PGHLIbRfOd1HI5R31mGKYft9bCYV3qdCIY5ZVx1VYxVL2tA4BvfRy8DAUPFseE8tAKZrmpjq3jkdg0T5wEx1bGaYkxWTV2Z0EhgFXS1I2S8JhIwTgPi3uemRo7WA6X5NNErBA/s400/DSC_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555183036600328674" border="0" /></a>I love that I still have a "little guy" who likes play dough creations.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzedzF4q2L4jFKXMxhcZ7vTJCNLKpuHEbms-GYjXP2n4RC_DHc91NeVv9alIjUFGs6pZHsjKeIp_qaROWUBx5EZlZPI1GuyxHi_-A1IsABCpjy0f_XRNRcIiyQ98lSpv7o5sa1Q/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzedzF4q2L4jFKXMxhcZ7vTJCNLKpuHEbms-GYjXP2n4RC_DHc91NeVv9alIjUFGs6pZHsjKeIp_qaROWUBx5EZlZPI1GuyxHi_-A1IsABCpjy0f_XRNRcIiyQ98lSpv7o5sa1Q/s400/DSC_0035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555183039966889842" border="0" /></a>Thanks to Aunt Nar and Grandma and Grandpa - these kids had a wonderful Christmas and played all day. I believe they went to sleep with smiles on their faces for sure! <br /><br />It was around 9p.m. and the Lord really laid it on my heart to call my college buddy, Allie, who had lost her husband (plane crash) this past summer. This would be her first Christmas without Mark. We talked until Dec. 26th. Three hours of sharing. I told Allie that this "life's journey" she would not take alone and I would be with her through it all. She shared some things around the time of Mark's death. <br /><br />I'm so very proud of her (she credits the Lord) that, at the viewing, she was able to tell the man -who inspected the plane- that she didn't blame him. (He could barely walk as sobs shook him.) She told him that God knew the day Mark would die before he was born. <br /><br />A man also approached her to say that he was the man that was going to buy their plane. (They hadn't been able to get in contact with him.) She was able to hug him and tell him that she was glad he hadn't bought the plane yet and that he was alive. She spoke at the funeral as pilots and air traffic controllers flew in, from all over the country, to be at the funeral. She made them hear her that you just don't know when you are going to leave this earth and that you had better be right with the Lord. I'm SO proud of her strength.<br /><br />In this journey with her...she read me the autopsy report and we cried. We rejoiced that Mark could not have lasted a second during that fatal crash. This week she has to go and see the wreckage that's been in storage. The autopsy leads us to believe that it's going to go down as another hard, hard moment in this journey. <br /><br />It<span style="font-style: italic;"> is</span> possible to laugh over the strangest - trust me - things. A few days before Mark's death he suggested that Allie get rid of her Mary Kay business as she possibly had 5 customers. She just couldn't. Well...this would be a long story, but I'll just say that her business is now booming because the funeral director says Mary Kay has the best foundation and is being taught, by Allie, which ones to use for people with pink undertones and yellow undertones. When Allie has shared this with people...so many think it is just plain morbid, but as she shares: She's had the worst ever happen to her and she's earned the right to find some humor in her "booming business" because Mark would have LOVED this story and found it hilarious. We laughed....oh did we laugh!<br /><br />We prayed....I prayed..this is not uncommon in our friendship. We can now say that we have been through thick and thin together. I looked at the clock and told her that it was Dec. 26th and I could hear an audible sigh. She had made it through her first Christmas with just she and the kids. We hung up and I went to look out the window and there was light snow falling down and strangely it brought joy and comfort to my soul as I ache for my precious friend in Maine.<br /><br />Then we woke up to this!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dlCvz4Xtwq8nwyxbNxdmcciSCkTNSxEknGBVLvRwDJWeDHrGv3UeN-ztgm4yequEqGX22BCZ5alHDFcGcsvFj_uTmCPkx3mF9Cn4mLdL_36i1U94UEc4POaA9NiH74NGVqKoGg/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dlCvz4Xtwq8nwyxbNxdmcciSCkTNSxEknGBVLvRwDJWeDHrGv3UeN-ztgm4yequEqGX22BCZ5alHDFcGcsvFj_uTmCPkx3mF9Cn4mLdL_36i1U94UEc4POaA9NiH74NGVqKoGg/s400/DSC_0037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555183032450856066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_svJyIvBHLP3ukeS8fX-noBVSw-ikuNKHcWiihLPL_0VvNyGPyCgPOBjppgk9EXXqHjUMWMh7CXhIiNTj7o_oruT89rw1rTNTcv24oYvSbHIZsEWJMOTWg4Pcqsq1gYxqFZzpA/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_svJyIvBHLP3ukeS8fX-noBVSw-ikuNKHcWiihLPL_0VvNyGPyCgPOBjppgk9EXXqHjUMWMh7CXhIiNTj7o_oruT89rw1rTNTcv24oYvSbHIZsEWJMOTWg4Pcqsq1gYxqFZzpA/s400/DSC_0039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555183030055424946" border="0" /></a>Pastor Horner had called to tell Brian that church had been canceled. He had suggested that we meditate on Psalm 145 so we gathered the kids, around our table, and each of us read several verses and shared which ones stood out to us and why. It was a good time of "home church"..<br /><br />We don't get this very often so the kids then went out and simply piled up snow just to knock it down. They had a ball! You can tell that we might be the only ones, from the North, because we passed our shovel around the cul de sac to share with our neighbors.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQPQqQ2gUtO7CUpKHxTCdwMz7FOmGDeEFUi-NNi2fNqObSdubJnw_ww9cIcVTvz44XUGlrzOIyTRY4-7-MEUslccKH20Inz7xHv1uX9xypKqD37tEp5SubFPj_UBDX9rF00q_lQ/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQPQqQ2gUtO7CUpKHxTCdwMz7FOmGDeEFUi-NNi2fNqObSdubJnw_ww9cIcVTvz44XUGlrzOIyTRY4-7-MEUslccKH20Inz7xHv1uX9xypKqD37tEp5SubFPj_UBDX9rF00q_lQ/s400/DSC_0044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555183026290826034" border="0" /></a>What a sweet Christmas indeed!Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-30239324620913550792010-12-24T20:51:00.008-05:002010-12-24T21:25:28.467-05:00The week of Christmas..and I earned the right to be a boring mom in January. :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d-d8DBR5MMkCsapOLJ5MmjGrxlaeEBw9BgXJFRKP8speYIbpb03uMdu07eW0MrUv5JckcoeGxSZMR5SrqbxFWANO91K_mJWZ1R3J1YBt5az3G8a4bXjiS_c0IegqIaLBFsVqqg/s1600/IMG_0926.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d-d8DBR5MMkCsapOLJ5MmjGrxlaeEBw9BgXJFRKP8speYIbpb03uMdu07eW0MrUv5JckcoeGxSZMR5SrqbxFWANO91K_mJWZ1R3J1YBt5az3G8a4bXjiS_c0IegqIaLBFsVqqg/s400/IMG_0926.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554436321934069714" border="0" /></a>The past 7 days have been filled with lots of fun and laughter. I'll give a short and sweet guided tour. Reece was able to go to a Christmas roller skating/gift exchange party with Brian. Great Christmas party idea! This party went from 3-5p.m. and then he was invited over to his friend, Jackson's, for the evening. Beth brought him home at 9p.m. What a day for this little guy, but he sure was a happy boy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF83iM6Yk1ldAshlaaUSzwtgNOflXwdm-mM_7xSkzIurVWO_q8KaRTrKElMdXUVctC4dmFKl8cGvGIXJrnjgzpXHFmuj7q104ssGoZa_8DQMqOanqMCbpw5hIvJyxQxyy1eL92Q/s1600/IMG_0929.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF83iM6Yk1ldAshlaaUSzwtgNOflXwdm-mM_7xSkzIurVWO_q8KaRTrKElMdXUVctC4dmFKl8cGvGIXJrnjgzpXHFmuj7q104ssGoZa_8DQMqOanqMCbpw5hIvJyxQxyy1eL92Q/s400/IMG_0929.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554436314163373810" border="0" /></a>On Sunday we had our Tae Kwon Doe Christmas party. It was dress up and it was crazy! I've decided NOT to share what - especially- Brian and I did during this party. What goes on at TKD must stay at TKD....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8FHN-xxr_xQ5AJOGdd7OodlE0BAdo9LNpDqUnCxDeu2GWnOuJxqMopcNN-KITZaQ1HoGsSTTlY4doZuVUc8gfI3ThmWTLX19ZdZrVC1Le1Xhc2CsX1XeoFgGRVvz8zVekFY5uQ/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8FHN-xxr_xQ5AJOGdd7OodlE0BAdo9LNpDqUnCxDeu2GWnOuJxqMopcNN-KITZaQ1HoGsSTTlY4doZuVUc8gfI3ThmWTLX19ZdZrVC1Le1Xhc2CsX1XeoFgGRVvz8zVekFY5uQ/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554435919877117330" border="0" /></a>Look out for that Santa Claus! He is a big-time black belt dude!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYz_IBV00zMJYVXy6wbbCayvU55tMtqv6NiD7febjlp20-PBmmGJ4Hv40L4dTDKrAMhWDcuI9zmDfKOXFGlI86jSdrh0lEP9CZF1PG2n88IR-vtW9gecnBoggYUHp0MC6srtlfA/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYz_IBV00zMJYVXy6wbbCayvU55tMtqv6NiD7febjlp20-PBmmGJ4Hv40L4dTDKrAMhWDcuI9zmDfKOXFGlI86jSdrh0lEP9CZF1PG2n88IR-vtW9gecnBoggYUHp0MC6srtlfA/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554435914062150962" border="0" /></a>Love that my husband wore my Christmas scarf on his head!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7iQV2KW64_ElWXDmvA1XVk8JotVTGtT3MCK-A6c9tzwDV726rUToQhAgvFMFR7JuK-EcQV_dIMmx39i1ji6HAzD8_uHDTzMqD1ayrM-IznX7PGJIuq6swiMIjUWPLh7stoYYVA/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7iQV2KW64_ElWXDmvA1XVk8JotVTGtT3MCK-A6c9tzwDV726rUToQhAgvFMFR7JuK-EcQV_dIMmx39i1ji6HAzD8_uHDTzMqD1ayrM-IznX7PGJIuq6swiMIjUWPLh7stoYYVA/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554435911414528530" border="0" /></a>Some of our friends who had to pretend to be Christmas trees while we decorated them. Some even had bows on their eyes. This was as tame as the afternoon got.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIzF2Vo1EUIa52kIUIgE6PI9vq5ios5tDJKBbeezIKPXWg-O49RcNqEL-jlpFydxptrqE_6xwU0594_HhGhfY3nguKE0q2hCiI00qCTB9h6gzA0yx6CPEwq-Pi2iZUievTRv0BQ/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIzF2Vo1EUIa52kIUIgE6PI9vq5ios5tDJKBbeezIKPXWg-O49RcNqEL-jlpFydxptrqE_6xwU0594_HhGhfY3nguKE0q2hCiI00qCTB9h6gzA0yx6CPEwq-Pi2iZUievTRv0BQ/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554435905589636562" border="0" /></a>My sweet Lindsey had the opportunity to go to the Nutcracker with about 10 other girlfriends. My friend, Leslie, gave me the day off and took Lindsey and some of the girls with her. Lindsey had a wonderful time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDUq0hBJjKkHmiXiWPjEWZm-fjDL4brM4tu0T9G23yRvX6-O-6C5cBo3xqVzYbWH-YsCAPnRtDB8F9WntzfLFLeCGcZkJQ-wk1kpo20MypI-AljpEYxp5NXjKGA4QTfpdZYK6tA/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDUq0hBJjKkHmiXiWPjEWZm-fjDL4brM4tu0T9G23yRvX6-O-6C5cBo3xqVzYbWH-YsCAPnRtDB8F9WntzfLFLeCGcZkJQ-wk1kpo20MypI-AljpEYxp5NXjKGA4QTfpdZYK6tA/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554435906517450162" border="0" /></a>Wednesday night we were invited to a Christmas Open house. I'm not surprised, at all, that the hostess invited many people and only 2 couples couldn't come because of being out of town. I think I heard she had about 83 people show up. Kudos to Gretchen because she does this all in stride and we simply had a wonderful time. I'm sure we broke every "open house etiquette rules" for how long we stayed, but their house is ALWAYS hard for us to leave. Wonderful party Gretchen!!<br /><br />After 3 hours we did find our manners and say goodnight. This was about 9p.m. and Brian knew I planned to squeeze 2 festivities into one night. So we headed to a local church that does "Christmas Unwrapped". It is amazing and was actually better going to that later as it was less crowded that way. Look at these decorations!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnGo4tlOM64JIM4wHAMYrG3qo5CD9AL0hd67QLPvWJn212SREtNVCN3Es0LdXLiMZLq3jhMn33RWoLHHGBa2HCs-G4_qUedzrrIRSDUAfAOpD5q2Kk8q78c0gN0OxF9v46I8clw/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnGo4tlOM64JIM4wHAMYrG3qo5CD9AL0hd67QLPvWJn212SREtNVCN3Es0LdXLiMZLq3jhMn33RWoLHHGBa2HCs-G4_qUedzrrIRSDUAfAOpD5q2Kk8q78c0gN0OxF9v46I8clw/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554434904484029122" border="0" /></a>Reece LOVES that they have bouncy houses in 3 or 4 rooms. I think he had gotten a bit of sugar, from Gretchen's house, and needed to bounce the rest of the night away.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIiOGhfKMjjylSpckHccQ0UTXeuZ5D-d9Rd1XruFEsLBGnHBdyrr4-jgGZm-cKODjoGuTc9lDBKDOurwRNKRXRQen3pg9tyTMLIhqf1ziBNfv949_NjEcab9DeOlJqXBbvAX7Lg/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIiOGhfKMjjylSpckHccQ0UTXeuZ5D-d9Rd1XruFEsLBGnHBdyrr4-jgGZm-cKODjoGuTc9lDBKDOurwRNKRXRQen3pg9tyTMLIhqf1ziBNfv949_NjEcab9DeOlJqXBbvAX7Lg/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554434892344605698" border="0" /></a>Carolers at the Gift Unwrapped..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneuLwBmy_FQWAvFEv5BjMJwPkmNQGmwbMSDnMOwooA2E2W8iKoivTrdyGMS1_G1sK6hevBwMvad4XQn_uS5mSjTeGduHlGYv8SBvlf7CjJXCNkdHxbWrmfIe84pVmrIlBOEQbMA/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneuLwBmy_FQWAvFEv5BjMJwPkmNQGmwbMSDnMOwooA2E2W8iKoivTrdyGMS1_G1sK6hevBwMvad4XQn_uS5mSjTeGduHlGYv8SBvlf7CjJXCNkdHxbWrmfIe84pVmrIlBOEQbMA/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554434887608855682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEEngE9KwQbli_5kYGYBaQgr9ydVjoo8GCpBtLlIlza4anGZte9r4u8cLVkjH-JKPjf9wQn31Ljc2tKs0tuiwFJi03UG-AlwDPZ7Q68mKb23uRr3wBktyj88ukk7BaUjeP-6xPA/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEEngE9KwQbli_5kYGYBaQgr9ydVjoo8GCpBtLlIlza4anGZte9r4u8cLVkjH-JKPjf9wQn31Ljc2tKs0tuiwFJi03UG-AlwDPZ7Q68mKb23uRr3wBktyj88ukk7BaUjeP-6xPA/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554434883505435986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN25NW6lxKtje0C4AUaHwsF0Feh2LbyUgCw_WhH86uox7UapuKi5i84qbWSvjwtGb-G9664zzijonaLqaRsuj4BNQi3Kgo38szlhyphenhyphenPVHjpLD_UGzRuZg6ExGxjYqKhmxeRRTO0g/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN25NW6lxKtje0C4AUaHwsF0Feh2LbyUgCw_WhH86uox7UapuKi5i84qbWSvjwtGb-G9664zzijonaLqaRsuj4BNQi3Kgo38szlhyphenhyphenPVHjpLD_UGzRuZg6ExGxjYqKhmxeRRTO0g/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554434879677848450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5X1e4WsPJQLAZoyy7TjADoc4sot30nj2wPH_SPy-JtfhP4PWS-Lq_BjeJ11IKBJby-VcSyJDAWztVVHYqbYEkTXUCzG4qTUbnSTwBo0sZoXHbEJt5FrFjVQd8xEE7UU9oCgH/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5X1e4WsPJQLAZoyy7TjADoc4sot30nj2wPH_SPy-JtfhP4PWS-Lq_BjeJ11IKBJby-VcSyJDAWztVVHYqbYEkTXUCzG4qTUbnSTwBo0sZoXHbEJt5FrFjVQd8xEE7UU9oCgH/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554433984265547282" border="0" /></a>They sure had a 'rockin Christmas concert' in one of the rooms.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvf2rWAdZ-HJVYiGNNM-GMaU93Nc_lwumzaprHKptojEhFMDoFc0E8TnOUE7bvMPVcaJdTD7se5zsI4GrAnIbU_U4K0B66TsmXuTEjevFMxZ65FkKdsSed-KULGbKroUNgWh9/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvf2rWAdZ-HJVYiGNNM-GMaU93Nc_lwumzaprHKptojEhFMDoFc0E8TnOUE7bvMPVcaJdTD7se5zsI4GrAnIbU_U4K0B66TsmXuTEjevFMxZ65FkKdsSed-KULGbKroUNgWh9/s400/DSC_0021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554433985593862658" border="0" /></a>We were still awake and partying on at 10 o'clock that night. We are generally pretty strict about bed time so the kids thought this was pretty cool to say the least!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjy1RPjKqUtFhbPJLQIZCPTT5DivElcgoEWxjE1L7W_xYSy_TeRwA66KjvnLbMIFgis8CAX6HU4kdsivLtDe98IXuCcToJw6cVESyxU-Iq5CHyRFYzD_tfErbNq3a2t0Ntrbc/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjy1RPjKqUtFhbPJLQIZCPTT5DivElcgoEWxjE1L7W_xYSy_TeRwA66KjvnLbMIFgis8CAX6HU4kdsivLtDe98IXuCcToJw6cVESyxU-Iq5CHyRFYzD_tfErbNq3a2t0Ntrbc/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554433977053291618" border="0" /></a>Thursday night we went to see a Christmas light display that is my favorite light display in our area. The picture below is blurry, but during the magic show, there was a marriage proposal and that was pretty unique...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4bIUMdNpdowunbbDTYAR_hXZhg-tl69tthJEmWgvqxQ-TRlKzTbidgpwjCXmoFc9JHM3dI50FsAX-sc_7qRVq2Htr68uCznlxDCGkPoDKAaU-UNPziPTksH-kQcYnD6cJx8E/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4bIUMdNpdowunbbDTYAR_hXZhg-tl69tthJEmWgvqxQ-TRlKzTbidgpwjCXmoFc9JHM3dI50FsAX-sc_7qRVq2Htr68uCznlxDCGkPoDKAaU-UNPziPTksH-kQcYnD6cJx8E/s400/DSC_0037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554433975808971362" border="0" /></a>I think we spent an hour and a half in the cold. Thankfully they had a fire going and hot cocoa.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfd3W3hNNj20p_k-TzHyUyqEGVvuUpMrFwTsmFJL6b8LfjyUgqOBmj2jDE7CTcX_XaFYvvAXSy6pKLFZQUR71XYEqDQA58k6AzBXWFXnQxuQGD1Gwa7oItNTFXvRuovYWoYl7Y/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfd3W3hNNj20p_k-TzHyUyqEGVvuUpMrFwTsmFJL6b8LfjyUgqOBmj2jDE7CTcX_XaFYvvAXSy6pKLFZQUR71XYEqDQA58k6AzBXWFXnQxuQGD1Gwa7oItNTFXvRuovYWoYl7Y/s400/DSC_0050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554433968995068914" border="0" /></a>Love the lights!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAqP49rwyL1ZXp46OD2lSkeaAx8sfisxInBFgSyRpemJQZtvfDLIYN_T-FtW7El1Z5BJ1s6eLiTQvVfIZbI-CRcnCgM7SpzvSEHWBCPY35aNtU9JIw3nujnfiOMEdrUdc0YUs/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAqP49rwyL1ZXp46OD2lSkeaAx8sfisxInBFgSyRpemJQZtvfDLIYN_T-FtW7El1Z5BJ1s6eLiTQvVfIZbI-CRcnCgM7SpzvSEHWBCPY35aNtU9JIw3nujnfiOMEdrUdc0YUs/s400/DSC_0055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554432693276152002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvItKQ5wJh6DTjcnFAGoZTjpBwI1aKqPSw302EoOJ850Q7DYXRuIcqb5hfRDywZ1pugHgsKRkPsZfS6V4k50FjFBQ_OIG1HZYP2WmL-IBa399wU1IsazWe-TWj1nAMpRzJ-TN9/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvItKQ5wJh6DTjcnFAGoZTjpBwI1aKqPSw302EoOJ850Q7DYXRuIcqb5hfRDywZ1pugHgsKRkPsZfS6V4k50FjFBQ_OIG1HZYP2WmL-IBa399wU1IsazWe-TWj1nAMpRzJ-TN9/s400/DSC_0057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554432689874428210" border="0" /></a>Santa Claus was there...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmAqmDA8rz1C8eUWOtkD48Dq5iMDOdZrf10KWgoFWfY9zZq1TX9O5s379-dcrJ2Ur_6I9n9KHIkAVQj1_htLjh17j9yjjAcI3_Ir3Kfx4aImiaSIjeJszo3Qcu0N7WdJhiI8c/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmAqmDA8rz1C8eUWOtkD48Dq5iMDOdZrf10KWgoFWfY9zZq1TX9O5s379-dcrJ2Ur_6I9n9KHIkAVQj1_htLjh17j9yjjAcI3_Ir3Kfx4aImiaSIjeJszo3Qcu0N7WdJhiI8c/s400/DSC_0059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554432686859472162" border="0" /></a>Here we are at our Christmas Eve service. The last song we sing is Silent Night and the entire church lights candles.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLzKUjudgBhK2ubKX4XTMEp11Gr1XEBn3-y4zmiOB23-2DODGuzN8FFuO7qbYZ_bd4ZItpzmT8HzWDgy6DUbUEKy6MRtL-5NwKwDYcrNQUdcZ3S2hjH1yrgwe1DwXM48E_5Lt/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLzKUjudgBhK2ubKX4XTMEp11Gr1XEBn3-y4zmiOB23-2DODGuzN8FFuO7qbYZ_bd4ZItpzmT8HzWDgy6DUbUEKy6MRtL-5NwKwDYcrNQUdcZ3S2hjH1yrgwe1DwXM48E_5Lt/s400/DSC_0064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554432685702116514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80w7x1qBHYL9HLZDjGbMe217HqkGoBkmW5FxZqcPPiIT3LSIjyojCsxuD2p-oOQxvWeeGN_BAzYzlnhBOzBLX47hhZFvQNCy5Jtiz-jsVyIX-7UpQ7xpoacrGec0K114bcxRr/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80w7x1qBHYL9HLZDjGbMe217HqkGoBkmW5FxZqcPPiIT3LSIjyojCsxuD2p-oOQxvWeeGN_BAzYzlnhBOzBLX47hhZFvQNCy5Jtiz-jsVyIX-7UpQ7xpoacrGec0K114bcxRr/s400/DSC_0070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554432683302834930" border="0" /></a>Have a blessed Christmas!! Christ the Lord is born!!Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-24191520369783806602010-12-17T20:33:00.007-05:002010-12-17T21:47:38.709-05:00The changing of our "table themes" and other tid bits from this week..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUXtJFjZ38LKkKw6PNKFo2SsGKTp7mQBxrhsrUnGRDqZWh2tR6jtLU32F-k1sPRI3rDGL5UAzKOx5agRT0HVwB-GjHOzc1G_RQoVYGyU57SuNH_OgqhvHxF-YOZPYtDVkdYJz/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUXtJFjZ38LKkKw6PNKFo2SsGKTp7mQBxrhsrUnGRDqZWh2tR6jtLU32F-k1sPRI3rDGL5UAzKOx5agRT0HVwB-GjHOzc1G_RQoVYGyU57SuNH_OgqhvHxF-YOZPYtDVkdYJz/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551832578314844818" border="0" /></a>It's been another special week in our household and this week has sure left me changing my table for some fun occasions. The first table was decorated for a "sugar cookie party" with the Williams. I'd been looking forward to this time for quite awhile. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4azh4W5tAnm7SC0V7G7ZPsYp5J5vNxuqcsxMED0PBT2fXNoK3twkjGy0OqBJoJHUjo7rW3tNdpXl7sxODw0TxXOiT_4R8QaajbnUM-A7kq4n3IJB1iKx5vTTWEQj7egkG3bOv/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4azh4W5tAnm7SC0V7G7ZPsYp5J5vNxuqcsxMED0PBT2fXNoK3twkjGy0OqBJoJHUjo7rW3tNdpXl7sxODw0TxXOiT_4R8QaajbnUM-A7kq4n3IJB1iKx5vTTWEQj7egkG3bOv/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551832577588804018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQrjCsZfv33k7Me0WFVxobvImg3WJDrf2GzDnyD6NoQRQtYpa2OviokYyhnsfGobxoJaypUyVdhABtgtT6CCBWo69UOdPTkK1H83d7_x4Yvez8AqdSPsJu5t0V9-xxykuhWrC/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQrjCsZfv33k7Me0WFVxobvImg3WJDrf2GzDnyD6NoQRQtYpa2OviokYyhnsfGobxoJaypUyVdhABtgtT6CCBWo69UOdPTkK1H83d7_x4Yvez8AqdSPsJu5t0V9-xxykuhWrC/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551832573090347986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EBMFHh-P8VitJJtGcct0R_t_vXnkMEHCAbWk7NS1-7jI3wnkrZ2bpghF8IxoaBJFqCmaNsOtr6vc2IW7T93CcXLN5eztEk_6y1TckhjI3FNz0TaEqcFGvDvARC-XOD_cNNNw/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EBMFHh-P8VitJJtGcct0R_t_vXnkMEHCAbWk7NS1-7jI3wnkrZ2bpghF8IxoaBJFqCmaNsOtr6vc2IW7T93CcXLN5eztEk_6y1TckhjI3FNz0TaEqcFGvDvARC-XOD_cNNNw/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551831978447264322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSHtZr9jdmJmcmf9ghNqzsKucDZRmooOsYDv-AhzwWgSzCYyXNY5MTh2BeVMJoCwfxnfCD3CcgULLomXnNz3jTKS8ebdtu87WYxwZlWAbb54dzjhrmrWmGLBpyks-gE1UwSiP/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSHtZr9jdmJmcmf9ghNqzsKucDZRmooOsYDv-AhzwWgSzCYyXNY5MTh2BeVMJoCwfxnfCD3CcgULLomXnNz3jTKS8ebdtu87WYxwZlWAbb54dzjhrmrWmGLBpyks-gE1UwSiP/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551831966986409858" border="0" /></a>I told Beth that I wanted the kids to feel free to "go crazy" with their cookie decorating. Below is a picture of Addie Grace's cookie. How fun is that?!? Do you see the cookie in all the sprinkles?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34J8vMqv6lSv0RMgnWSn4fmqu2TUV-7S_8uz_NRpFtoUPeoHEwhrWGzhQETMs6_0WV1dODmYGtxtSdbkpETnZkDptmrdt89PtoCcWc_BclGiINuF-cG-nGH66GfW4ZeLGYiad/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34J8vMqv6lSv0RMgnWSn4fmqu2TUV-7S_8uz_NRpFtoUPeoHEwhrWGzhQETMs6_0WV1dODmYGtxtSdbkpETnZkDptmrdt89PtoCcWc_BclGiINuF-cG-nGH66GfW4ZeLGYiad/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551831964199556754" border="0" /></a>As I look at these pictures I am realizing that it was a very "sweet week" literally. I didn't take pictures Monday night, but we had met up with the Lords for some dinner out and dessert. And we also had some snow this week. In our house snow means we make hot cocoa. It's probably good it really doesn't snow much here. :) Here are the kids with their hot cocoa.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlChPgwpEHKvZNOK8F326s3NbcfKMq4LKqcEHG36WOMVljefOaM7MEJoUis8OL2icUyHPMNqXzag9PfEnciwiLrnxfRhMIIyXVIOaeeBLU6sDkWbQZuxzs8tWiOYgfVnQtchcB/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlChPgwpEHKvZNOK8F326s3NbcfKMq4LKqcEHG36WOMVljefOaM7MEJoUis8OL2icUyHPMNqXzag9PfEnciwiLrnxfRhMIIyXVIOaeeBLU6sDkWbQZuxzs8tWiOYgfVnQtchcB/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551831960173544642" border="0" /></a>The next "table theme" was a candle light dinner with our friends John and Judy. It was a wonderful time of catching up and hearing hilarious stories of some past Christmas gifts, they've received, from certain relatives. You all know that we ALL have stories like that, because we all have "those relatives". We truly laughed the night away. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf9Q1GOVJsmCOP3TQr3IiWDTUtiGM1JOeFW_Y3knzl-0D5ll1rWXGbspC8Mq9FchfadkeDPdFLa28BJSolTvewyXExWEkctredLIcklS80mCmkkbrjVv35ZeTnOYVnjBwU1aD/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf9Q1GOVJsmCOP3TQr3IiWDTUtiGM1JOeFW_Y3knzl-0D5ll1rWXGbspC8Mq9FchfadkeDPdFLa28BJSolTvewyXExWEkctredLIcklS80mCmkkbrjVv35ZeTnOYVnjBwU1aD/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551831953661957506" border="0" /></a>After washing the above table cloth a few times I decided to give my washing machine a rest and pull out another table cloth for the next evening. All week I'd been planning a boys pizza and games party for Austin's friends. I did not tell any of them that it was a surprise, but we kept it quiet all week and really shocked him. The "table theme" below is an "all boy party" theme. We're talking chips, pizza, cookies, etc.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseMf62dKyeX8Vx9-YiB2l5uP3uD_vZkBN_f7rcI4Ir_zBYun0u9Csrs8tKa6yA6sbwhmeBHQLWtLivb8Cj9T-CLfqTPQiP5ntYiayzx3aWZoDkjXZn3c13LG1l2gDvwMPF8OM/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseMf62dKyeX8Vx9-YiB2l5uP3uD_vZkBN_f7rcI4Ir_zBYun0u9Csrs8tKa6yA6sbwhmeBHQLWtLivb8Cj9T-CLfqTPQiP5ntYiayzx3aWZoDkjXZn3c13LG1l2gDvwMPF8OM/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551830952597021234" border="0" /></a>Austin's first guest arriving and seeing 5 other vehicles coming down the cul de sac. His expression was priceless.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pmQ2waYdNV2BavAjVYJaA-rR8nIZ4jwKOEohsPoIK1rALDkbWOBftBVJFRoev7FyB15EU9tWqa64rxJ_-5YZYTxnWIKtAT2_Ay0an6ZyXCmjspAQ4YlyYC-01fexaJU07ODR/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pmQ2waYdNV2BavAjVYJaA-rR8nIZ4jwKOEohsPoIK1rALDkbWOBftBVJFRoev7FyB15EU9tWqa64rxJ_-5YZYTxnWIKtAT2_Ay0an6ZyXCmjspAQ4YlyYC-01fexaJU07ODR/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551830946797881042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZI42KlJ7t5lyMhxXO07SqBYciO1_NaACtGhQbRAraXtMqZ7lsg7xa6lM3DnYJdiCRRuCQEsy3bv-JERWn_YOCE0qKxrMcLdEzwJ6JGL6UAvDCai9qXVe6FQyGgSHtt5OyF8J/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZI42KlJ7t5lyMhxXO07SqBYciO1_NaACtGhQbRAraXtMqZ7lsg7xa6lM3DnYJdiCRRuCQEsy3bv-JERWn_YOCE0qKxrMcLdEzwJ6JGL6UAvDCai9qXVe6FQyGgSHtt5OyF8J/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551830940224688338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmtyHZB5C5mMwXmp8aZ9Kje-Eg83Jtsp7dFFvut1eh_IKLdIjhA29D4DlABIhk6ztjfKjwWWX_p5ugi8AT8oARjgTtdcvnD9XaCQq4ylaeK-eZZBArvpAVW5RbaHvemuf10zT/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmtyHZB5C5mMwXmp8aZ9Kje-Eg83Jtsp7dFFvut1eh_IKLdIjhA29D4DlABIhk6ztjfKjwWWX_p5ugi8AT8oARjgTtdcvnD9XaCQq4ylaeK-eZZBArvpAVW5RbaHvemuf10zT/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551830935695413394" border="0" /></a>This summer I learned a big lesson. In our busy lives I hesitate to join "yet another thing". Well, the Lord had a very kind friend not really give me a choice about joining a group. She just told me I was going to join. How thankful I am for that friend. Because of her I can say that each one of these boy's moms are my friends (who I actually meet monthly with) and what a huge blessing that has been in my life -- not to mention the joy it is to see Austin with such a wonderful group of friends. God knew what I needed before I knew it. Well....of course He did and what Austin needed as well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NDeM22uo8HYYYx49r7Wp0AKRmQqxp7HwSTkZjS9gsB8xZyqRp-DozQ1Y6lqqgajH3lnU0XEMw-e7rxNALBCYtv77FuaecFYUucNZjQRv6t9hKE90ss-durbK49XIWnVGAFcI/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NDeM22uo8HYYYx49r7Wp0AKRmQqxp7HwSTkZjS9gsB8xZyqRp-DozQ1Y6lqqgajH3lnU0XEMw-e7rxNALBCYtv77FuaecFYUucNZjQRv6t9hKE90ss-durbK49XIWnVGAFcI/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551830934719498162" border="0" /></a>As I've said before December can often be a time where we just try to 'survive' it for various reasons. Making a conscious decision to actually "thrive" has been so wonderful for us. It can mean a simple board game, afternoon sipping hot cocoa, meeting up with friends at Chick Fil A and having a "double date" (with Neal and Heather) while all of our kids were in the Play Land, sugar cookie parties with the sweetest of friends, dinner and laughter over candle light or the laughter of boys with their video games and take out pizza. I've never been more thankful for the month of December.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-54926049851921132722010-12-12T21:53:00.008-05:002010-12-13T09:21:52.897-05:00Intentionality....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihx_Rp9eknkJTjpQxBMVcZkDM1g9o7wtnIOqajOkgvhIiloSmVuKvMwgL4DFJIngb8NA2wUdFzgeGk1FN8w9HOkqkJpZn_Y7Neub-kUCAu0jIajH1YzpcbYsGRU0oxaBysxyz/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihx_Rp9eknkJTjpQxBMVcZkDM1g9o7wtnIOqajOkgvhIiloSmVuKvMwgL4DFJIngb8NA2wUdFzgeGk1FN8w9HOkqkJpZn_Y7Neub-kUCAu0jIajH1YzpcbYsGRU0oxaBysxyz/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550001301090284578" border="0" /></a>Not sure why, but this year I felt convicted to "take the reins" of our December month and be 'extra intentional' about some Christmas fun and cheer. During Thanksgiving vacation I sat down and wrote out some ideas for December. Here is a taste of the past 8 days.<br /><br />The picture above was last Saturday night when it was snowing here. We decided to knock on our neighbor's door and see if they would like to join us for Frosty the Snowman (seemed appropriate on a snowy day) and some apple slices. So much better watching this movie with friends.<br /><br />Here we are making monster cookies for gifts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1NlKtg_tA3WKRWdmDLIx5k5yl06WnxTD-j4PlfyWiE96VhtAadmAfbZ-ZB_ImRm_zbpJqzda-okodH8xQQ8AXQC69YEaVaoGs2q_D3lawHenp1-FtXEn0FZIz4PEssidT-nD/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1NlKtg_tA3WKRWdmDLIx5k5yl06WnxTD-j4PlfyWiE96VhtAadmAfbZ-ZB_ImRm_zbpJqzda-okodH8xQQ8AXQC69YEaVaoGs2q_D3lawHenp1-FtXEn0FZIz4PEssidT-nD/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550001292335636674" border="0" /></a>Reece is trying to decide if he can sneak a cookie or not...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI8To24cbbXqFubBmjtp8hZ3u5Br1_sErLHy9MIvPetC50BJHJGy7qd6nBnqeVLCAD3zE9q-Dpw8Z6yWMxfx4cyFFfC2J1wEAUhKdQDa4wFd0NbSX9ZY8vTH92znR-fro0AjM/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI8To24cbbXqFubBmjtp8hZ3u5Br1_sErLHy9MIvPetC50BJHJGy7qd6nBnqeVLCAD3zE9q-Dpw8Z6yWMxfx4cyFFfC2J1wEAUhKdQDa4wFd0NbSX9ZY8vTH92znR-fro0AjM/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550001274131046434" border="0" /></a>Last Sunday we went to see a drive-thru nativity. It was wonderful, I truly believe, because it only started at the nativity and continued on to Christ's death and resurrection. I'm so glad we went..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YRF5mOIh_MpwvfdgC7mKx90Sb4cx_Sovt8pQIRgZzDsNR-F6ELGzoDD_2mIF3j5xd_5rpajxuid5yBYGjkKxkSy-HWxnezTZZ1_CcV4D3B04jTt8kAwxtHOm-hr0Gye9_ie3/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YRF5mOIh_MpwvfdgC7mKx90Sb4cx_Sovt8pQIRgZzDsNR-F6ELGzoDD_2mIF3j5xd_5rpajxuid5yBYGjkKxkSy-HWxnezTZZ1_CcV4D3B04jTt8kAwxtHOm-hr0Gye9_ie3/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550001265283122322" border="0" /></a>Here's the empty tomb..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JR9TE8eAEw0P-hAVnE0hXXUAfvtK8NOdYl3wJa0ODVKTnrj-H3vngBBF9aTY4GcLI21TFDQhuEuDS4jxjcVadZDJLmhPBhbmw98gPTG8f5bLFafK5USdy-qbA0XmNQEIk-EQ/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JR9TE8eAEw0P-hAVnE0hXXUAfvtK8NOdYl3wJa0ODVKTnrj-H3vngBBF9aTY4GcLI21TFDQhuEuDS4jxjcVadZDJLmhPBhbmw98gPTG8f5bLFafK5USdy-qbA0XmNQEIk-EQ/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550001249019648210" border="0" /></a>This has happened more than this week, but deserves a picture here. Any time Daddy is home, Reece begs to do the train. This is a train his GrandDad had when he was a kid.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbwTndjO_4QqQoHdmor4897nnGbtIE_GuXGpF-9NdnYuGf86MqgBnrba7VwHEkNbHDSfyp-0CEKaTsYOodHv4HBXzGkI4v4dq3M3dyl_ByNjHy_PvZRt2VgxEC5BHmMFPQuc-/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbwTndjO_4QqQoHdmor4897nnGbtIE_GuXGpF-9NdnYuGf86MqgBnrba7VwHEkNbHDSfyp-0CEKaTsYOodHv4HBXzGkI4v4dq3M3dyl_ByNjHy_PvZRt2VgxEC5BHmMFPQuc-/s400/DSC_0040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550000070641343378" border="0" /></a>Lindsey and I had a wonderful outing to a Christmas Craft Party. My friend, Missy, did a fabulous job setting up craft stations..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyxbBzLHnUyDPBcJMKlh78U5Khho75VqcmVa0gIG_FMa0Rx0bl0yyKS_5crnh0BLPuSdvbv5XLOhG2v4CgZd4B6dMFXF4MNzmkqvl_KVdyCgbfh54sZRh0lU3s8h8hMlnlN-o/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyxbBzLHnUyDPBcJMKlh78U5Khho75VqcmVa0gIG_FMa0Rx0bl0yyKS_5crnh0BLPuSdvbv5XLOhG2v4CgZd4B6dMFXF4MNzmkqvl_KVdyCgbfh54sZRh0lU3s8h8hMlnlN-o/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550000064938107330" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxhEQjvFpEpu2Jr-Q2fgbvCynXtysASmfhTmUdMonz9sH_AD0R3dsbqSGMyv3dtjSi4MrQagIp4d6AX-Fs6zv1AJNUi4RBd7HA6rCp7IMpRdUxablg2rp6mO-UjWUJQ-o8hrv/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxhEQjvFpEpu2Jr-Q2fgbvCynXtysASmfhTmUdMonz9sH_AD0R3dsbqSGMyv3dtjSi4MrQagIp4d6AX-Fs6zv1AJNUi4RBd7HA6rCp7IMpRdUxablg2rp6mO-UjWUJQ-o8hrv/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550000052184167698" border="0" /></a>A favorite, of the girls, was a "pit stop" at the hot cocoa station.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsojUJ1KIHONJIKOJv_7q3SLKkkGxHil6EXMQVBi5FqSprQ7PCHMBmf_hWIM5Hh-BrJECqBbhOQpw2yRORj5AD75XZQ6mNQAJggLmc5Tr3JcageU3f5sfcTSG21AYuQWp0to_/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsojUJ1KIHONJIKOJv_7q3SLKkkGxHil6EXMQVBi5FqSprQ7PCHMBmf_hWIM5Hh-BrJECqBbhOQpw2yRORj5AD75XZQ6mNQAJggLmc5Tr3JcageU3f5sfcTSG21AYuQWp0to_/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550000048943833170" border="0" /></a>Made some more treats for presents..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJckmTF_i6ryQKcHBaogz61CLrC5VMfw9_lQIcXEYe9rKH07SqWQ6nbwZtW8SS9GYeioSViyL10XR4UZD8iV7KSOrE6yD37ILHKhIT8QmzEUR3xmOD_M8r3igh5x9aVOVeB4nk/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJckmTF_i6ryQKcHBaogz61CLrC5VMfw9_lQIcXEYe9rKH07SqWQ6nbwZtW8SS9GYeioSViyL10XR4UZD8iV7KSOrE6yD37ILHKhIT8QmzEUR3xmOD_M8r3igh5x9aVOVeB4nk/s400/DSC_0024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550000033784355378" border="0" /></a>We had an evening of Fine Arts where the children were able to bring in art work to display and also sing or play an instrument. Here Lindsey is with some friends.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-wcBlbj8g6CP2fkqcdcQt9R-aNCSvxsaUqFULwVsZ_t18DCEOcYaS3YRleOxY-tSVibQAPWTY4BR-xuGoGA9SXswZQMjfNM-j9qjom-8SRmve-jF4CIhSIFHmkUOwj0gdgCP/s1600/christmas+arts.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-wcBlbj8g6CP2fkqcdcQt9R-aNCSvxsaUqFULwVsZ_t18DCEOcYaS3YRleOxY-tSVibQAPWTY4BR-xuGoGA9SXswZQMjfNM-j9qjom-8SRmve-jF4CIhSIFHmkUOwj0gdgCP/s400/christmas+arts.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549998242440344242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfUkv5i928KN7CXShmvOgxOvbS2MXk_9Zz4Ezqcfe3xUnYVgYZCG_ekU9lsRNfvDFkL7b6k5ipgPu_yhS4TbJfoTY97bYylO9rgVGAcoQhjOeaFTN1PfC4UniXgGuiccrXYUq/s1600/christmas+girls.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfUkv5i928KN7CXShmvOgxOvbS2MXk_9Zz4Ezqcfe3xUnYVgYZCG_ekU9lsRNfvDFkL7b6k5ipgPu_yhS4TbJfoTY97bYylO9rgVGAcoQhjOeaFTN1PfC4UniXgGuiccrXYUq/s400/christmas+girls.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549998241925809698" border="0" /></a>Some sweet friends of our dressed their kids up and gave such a great performance.. Austin and Reece were there as well, but must have gone to the gym to play while us moms took pictures.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpij-KkeGAUHqcDOq4rkCCYi0n61xJH7TS5RCwbqp0Y1ZCdYiUW8q0w5nl0SllVH1en58b0UsJ4VrEqgRB4ToxpUCoocHnB5kFdtuduqfbqNZKTGadyKUbOvvrYuHH6pxST9x/s1600/christmas+party.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpij-KkeGAUHqcDOq4rkCCYi0n61xJH7TS5RCwbqp0Y1ZCdYiUW8q0w5nl0SllVH1en58b0UsJ4VrEqgRB4ToxpUCoocHnB5kFdtuduqfbqNZKTGadyKUbOvvrYuHH6pxST9x/s400/christmas+party.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549998230512611586" border="0" /></a>The next 4 pictures are of Lindsey, Brian and I as we enjoyed a Christmas brunch with her Sunday school teachers and some kids, from her class, and their parents.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqvx9o_s6jWa9O_yuDlHelcYh3y5vcYAqQVQSU0KxuwSBmSABAssFDUUDHoCVzDAxDmu_S0SOKesDz1idVxrWCyJb56LHhuzcqYKFOyBo4p9RVP8Fq56Z8Yn_abVyQJGGIqgp/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqvx9o_s6jWa9O_yuDlHelcYh3y5vcYAqQVQSU0KxuwSBmSABAssFDUUDHoCVzDAxDmu_S0SOKesDz1idVxrWCyJb56LHhuzcqYKFOyBo4p9RVP8Fq56Z8Yn_abVyQJGGIqgp/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549998225663275986" border="0" /></a>We had to play a game where our backs were to Lindsey and she had to create a lego design and then Brian and I had to make the same design while she described hers to us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xdWYDSmL4yirfiHVccOP1WhLHRdAqsTBMZplToRqdpvj85EnS6MmC67qTVKw5jYXdFcLTD_5H_UkYVpOxt2Xal5mCUnRgX4zQIW11NSyy1UY8RpuKZEBmEjQ7UaY3lT8LjpI/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xdWYDSmL4yirfiHVccOP1WhLHRdAqsTBMZplToRqdpvj85EnS6MmC67qTVKw5jYXdFcLTD_5H_UkYVpOxt2Xal5mCUnRgX4zQIW11NSyy1UY8RpuKZEBmEjQ7UaY3lT8LjpI/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549998224746814802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA5IFig-J3YMbRWx3_oPRn2buJv-9NDvVmmwaUWGVadil75gnbWeTbsNbzD6jwj8-XIDR20gNJi8tDsiPigK8MKzl0hiwqnYKDZFDEKSrBc6OqjQAXymTNalKYf9WgqcSsQAX/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA5IFig-J3YMbRWx3_oPRn2buJv-9NDvVmmwaUWGVadil75gnbWeTbsNbzD6jwj8-XIDR20gNJi8tDsiPigK8MKzl0hiwqnYKDZFDEKSrBc6OqjQAXymTNalKYf9WgqcSsQAX/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549997479749906162" border="0" /></a>Lindsey's teachers and some kids from her class..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKFT0idHrTAkMFurvFkoZxLUKjAMZaMzzf0YuKjb_MPZe790GEQDk9K-f6e5vvQEWR6J5YqGcT0JNh5sLTW-JnJDhJPPBmqk9RAz_84P40P57g3oOvoouuNYsCC-jC890CKR5/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKFT0idHrTAkMFurvFkoZxLUKjAMZaMzzf0YuKjb_MPZe790GEQDk9K-f6e5vvQEWR6J5YqGcT0JNh5sLTW-JnJDhJPPBmqk9RAz_84P40P57g3oOvoouuNYsCC-jC890CKR5/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549997475132534306" border="0" /></a>This weekend we went to Providence's Christmas concert and Lindsey and Reece were thrilled to go up on stage and hear Pastor Horner share the Christmas story with them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7hABkdLBCl-f1-L3Vhe3TMDt_Hf5oBMam-5FkXnEJYZ3Tq_BU_p2NnT7B6hNRp5pDqf64laCXvrU5_eaNf0n7p7SWlpyuGq8Ohy-qf0wrKmGc8PNCxinNQPlDonxKzKs7Rm5/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7hABkdLBCl-f1-L3Vhe3TMDt_Hf5oBMam-5FkXnEJYZ3Tq_BU_p2NnT7B6hNRp5pDqf64laCXvrU5_eaNf0n7p7SWlpyuGq8Ohy-qf0wrKmGc8PNCxinNQPlDonxKzKs7Rm5/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549997470192377426" border="0" /></a>Ahh....don't know why we don't do THIS more often. In the past 5 years I think we've only been to the Krispy Kreme 3 times. What is wrong with us? Well...I surprised the kids with breakfast out at Krispy Kreme to get their Christmas donuts. Notice Reece's snowman's head was already eaten off even BEFORE praying!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAl7i04eKhpBwzSkCIcJlHKkvcWNd5epiD8n1M-6B6fJPoDxbM3igbJxs4GmzC9wJQJ98iAL9n5HuCgWM2tXSwz85yATEt881cGUJNK6WU9oCquJYxd1bPz0TF-M0bGFa355t/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAl7i04eKhpBwzSkCIcJlHKkvcWNd5epiD8n1M-6B6fJPoDxbM3igbJxs4GmzC9wJQJ98iAL9n5HuCgWM2tXSwz85yATEt881cGUJNK6WU9oCquJYxd1bPz0TF-M0bGFa355t/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549997468510112050" border="0" /></a>They love watching the donuts being made!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZACH3K0xNrjA7dq5_UoFTRtDSaHLHB-Yw7XwVpy3dwrjUPV_7aTqGhEXIQhA-ePPVNx1lPFwas-EdAL4jgdiCy_OqJL-sMpswLrEIKPTcLOxQEj3Nk7XdeNIsPAcOVn9TNr1/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZACH3K0xNrjA7dq5_UoFTRtDSaHLHB-Yw7XwVpy3dwrjUPV_7aTqGhEXIQhA-ePPVNx1lPFwas-EdAL4jgdiCy_OqJL-sMpswLrEIKPTcLOxQEj3Nk7XdeNIsPAcOVn9TNr1/s400/DSC_0019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549997458252179170" border="0" /></a>Cannot believe how fast Polar Express sold out at the IMAX. Thankfully for my Nov. list, I was on top of it this year and surprised the kids with tickets. Seriously LOVE this movie in 3-D. While the kids might have thought I was crazy to get there an hour early (we were first in line) they appreciated picking out some good seats.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_EmUNWkCm-iHDbBIjscTNUJBUc_yzPsNlgMJdjy5esO7hBmsqzXwct0bc5j1MBmbNIg_5_k1pHLU_yta4hWuFOn1E05-S4-0COZkLPieRpT_yf-NeWGFNVAj_Rg9V8OVsPUF/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_EmUNWkCm-iHDbBIjscTNUJBUc_yzPsNlgMJdjy5esO7hBmsqzXwct0bc5j1MBmbNIg_5_k1pHLU_yta4hWuFOn1E05-S4-0COZkLPieRpT_yf-NeWGFNVAj_Rg9V8OVsPUF/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549996370334998674" border="0" /></a>I let the kids go crazy decorating their rooms with lights. This is Reece's room.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxwkkpbjxrtSO6VyITO-o5DGRpMryRwzFO8kSEYE7B4ymjpJdMkTrgqyeaqZII7KnilCkjENktewKGP_3dMAzRPqYQNAepnDagzogyq-ye3Ti1N5q4-euxNF22EQFKpr-61Qf/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxwkkpbjxrtSO6VyITO-o5DGRpMryRwzFO8kSEYE7B4ymjpJdMkTrgqyeaqZII7KnilCkjENktewKGP_3dMAzRPqYQNAepnDagzogyq-ye3Ti1N5q4-euxNF22EQFKpr-61Qf/s400/DSC_0021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549996369224502338" border="0" /></a>And Lindsey's room<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMucVhMIok9gkWMXClTHREIdDbPv73SWbcyEeb3W_dz02777s3EMwdpccuiUl3dGpBkStN5QTAz6JV5a_74q6OKhhLb2zTLXEreXrbv2lSr93hTv4Aq8dhKyDhXlqLNkMznNkv/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMucVhMIok9gkWMXClTHREIdDbPv73SWbcyEeb3W_dz02777s3EMwdpccuiUl3dGpBkStN5QTAz6JV5a_74q6OKhhLb2zTLXEreXrbv2lSr93hTv4Aq8dhKyDhXlqLNkMznNkv/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549996352540190018" border="0" /></a>While Daddy was gone at the concerts we decided to sneak off to the store and buy outside lights to surprise him with.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZIkdkR9jegEMQzJXOVAinSyq2F5KOPBerjYrv4HBFaONTZyxPuCpt7qJcahYSgAbMyf-fS9_y_thlOYt1CphaOJZ6udArVAKmowrrGnA1B8MMnfixw3nzdte9OivFYRMyRkX/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZIkdkR9jegEMQzJXOVAinSyq2F5KOPBerjYrv4HBFaONTZyxPuCpt7qJcahYSgAbMyf-fS9_y_thlOYt1CphaOJZ6udArVAKmowrrGnA1B8MMnfixw3nzdte9OivFYRMyRkX/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549996344868570946" border="0" /></a>I can't go crazy with lights because it would drive me crazy, but I agreed to do our front bushes and it was a lot of fun to do with the kids.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wrVz8IR9e_0GhRLE8EmYs_EFLFyRi7punqFqiBwjiML0XPI77oXguoScj3Wh0L3UJ7m9aP1MiDF0akLQ73HJbbG7JMX0JYPnzZP-mmrQr9-xHSkI6m4k3wYOFDcYhoGl9MGS/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wrVz8IR9e_0GhRLE8EmYs_EFLFyRi7punqFqiBwjiML0XPI77oXguoScj3Wh0L3UJ7m9aP1MiDF0akLQ73HJbbG7JMX0JYPnzZP-mmrQr9-xHSkI6m4k3wYOFDcYhoGl9MGS/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549996346932817570" border="0" /></a>Hope you all are enjoying this season and treasuring the time you have with your children!Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-54885865566570196922010-12-07T22:10:00.000-05:002010-12-07T22:10:33.327-05:00Silent Night.......NOT..<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br />Tonight I had the priviledge of having a beautiful Christmas dinner with some very dear homeschool friends of mine. The ladies, who set it up, had candles lit everywhere. It was truly a treat to dress up in our holiday "glam" and just laugh and talk the evening away.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zxv6U6CLVDUNjUnMOLsG_2Xm2EFYjwPE9DifMIbgh6OvmIuF7VxLgP1Y8tMU_NNA0GYu1C4EGIB368EIdBqqGigrO-kxrJKdPQKaF9gU_Fr0gEZoIs4GRAykUUeXWgA9_n72/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zxv6U6CLVDUNjUnMOLsG_2Xm2EFYjwPE9DifMIbgh6OvmIuF7VxLgP1Y8tMU_NNA0GYu1C4EGIB368EIdBqqGigrO-kxrJKdPQKaF9gU_Fr0gEZoIs4GRAykUUeXWgA9_n72/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz72LuTO86L4iuMb5msovZnJLBHoviD5P6ofsVoN3S-tms1trVpD3bP1tC7rqPDdbBOVXe87hJ7-uWkEma4ymgeDYs4BZI7xbWEat07AXih_R8V1m72PCOmH9elbby7NQ-qo3-/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz72LuTO86L4iuMb5msovZnJLBHoviD5P6ofsVoN3S-tms1trVpD3bP1tC7rqPDdbBOVXe87hJ7-uWkEma4ymgeDYs4BZI7xbWEat07AXih_R8V1m72PCOmH9elbby7NQ-qo3-/s400/DSC_0021.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>As I said, it could not have been more beautiful. We laughed until our sides hurt. After our dinner each and every one of us said a prayer of thanksgiving. It was quite touching. I looked around and marveled at these sweet ladies -- or so I THOUGHT. Next came our gift exchange with some interesting rules. I've done the white elephant thing many a Christmas so I must admit I was THRILLED that these gifts were actually something you would WANT to keep.<br />You were allowed to steal, but they didn't "freeze" gifts like I was used to. And the last 5 minutes were unlike any I had experienced. We went back through everyone's number and you could again take gifts. Well....I never...even quiet, humble women can go a little crazy when they want a certain gift. <br /><br />Oh...alright..I'll confess what I did (after all Life Class was about repentance this past Sunday and as usual - VERY convicting). I had stolen a candle/pebble fountain gift and was so happy that no one was trying to steal it. Twenty-seven seconds left and I whispered to my friend that I had wanted one of these for 15 years. Ten seconds left and my friend, at my other side, took my fountain. I actually stood up and slapped her arm. Pretty shocked that I would do that to her....she actually gave it back to me since clearly I had lost all sensability. During the outburst of laughter I tried to explain to the entire table how much I had always wanted a little candle fountain. The very words, coming out of my mouth, made me even cringe with how silly I sounded.<br /><br />Oh my....while I watched through-out the whole grab bag game at women going "crazy" over various gifts I have learned that I am FAR from above reacting in such a way. But that's ok because I came home with my fountain and I am SO happy! :) <br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHeVfL_N2ZR_11opcIYuRoirkbF1TvCkqVtnsB0WpIPI2S-LiIaYGdJlmUWrIjtXhhpNFHQpScnfi5wH-BovyY8uHE3zzbwkNRB9lAW1u6uqWksRF5AJrmcT0CDe9IRbJof1c/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHeVfL_N2ZR_11opcIYuRoirkbF1TvCkqVtnsB0WpIPI2S-LiIaYGdJlmUWrIjtXhhpNFHQpScnfi5wH-BovyY8uHE3zzbwkNRB9lAW1u6uqWksRF5AJrmcT0CDe9IRbJof1c/s400/DSC_0024.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-80376939392909920742010-12-03T20:48:00.003-05:002010-12-03T21:09:06.419-05:00How sweet it is!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkRGWlJnm5eRq1vVzYErOTF6d5-BDlOYFk9hYqdXKmf4LkJWFR0QleLz65vqLSuYb7ejs7_P3PS_3MffgDRB_5bNFpor4fCAm-alPF68v9ytVfNG849lZ8ry_33GR66ujmFDL/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkRGWlJnm5eRq1vVzYErOTF6d5-BDlOYFk9hYqdXKmf4LkJWFR0QleLz65vqLSuYb7ejs7_P3PS_3MffgDRB_5bNFpor4fCAm-alPF68v9ytVfNG849lZ8ry_33GR66ujmFDL/s400/DSC_0053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546639695374453170" border="0" /></a>Today we had the fun of making gingerbread houses with Gretchen and her children. Immediately when we arrived at their house, the kids took off and it appeared that Gretchen and I might be on our own. Fortunately we decided the actual building of the houses should be done by us and the kids could decorate them. <br /><br />Their oldest decided to help us and advise us (me) on how to keep the house from crashing down. Such a help was she!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA09uA8N1L8aYqanLiHA08UkL1HxWTw1BX3i5vpo0Mcin5FITVtDrqTrbY2HgvZOpMPzWqgPhCOrllzVHCGyq7juPGd-1mM7X8mb85qETG0sMaCG0qOtHJ9rVxUAOQAtmcFhc/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA09uA8N1L8aYqanLiHA08UkL1HxWTw1BX3i5vpo0Mcin5FITVtDrqTrbY2HgvZOpMPzWqgPhCOrllzVHCGyq7juPGd-1mM7X8mb85qETG0sMaCG0qOtHJ9rVxUAOQAtmcFhc/s400/DSC_0050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546639692840982034" border="0" /></a>Gretchen and I could not have been more different in how we approached our houses. My style of frosting the house could only be summarized as the "slap on" method. Whereas Gretchen makes everything a master piece. Take note below: <br /><br /> SLAP ON METHOD<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwpO7WCc4Irb7oSNPKuIL8CNCP3h8FCP5V0C9uK8hR1u2QQMJYrG22aQqRWPJ77B1EUjp8Zxzh5xr_EjoH_usehPmXcJroEua9esxRv_Ti2QJGmALmDTLZk6VVtwZPK0raea4/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwpO7WCc4Irb7oSNPKuIL8CNCP3h8FCP5V0C9uK8hR1u2QQMJYrG22aQqRWPJ77B1EUjp8Zxzh5xr_EjoH_usehPmXcJroEua9esxRv_Ti2QJGmALmDTLZk6VVtwZPK0raea4/s400/DSC_0046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546639280902494898" border="0" /></a> MASTER PIECE TECHNIQUE<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS_GhhLycngLR_C7Jff79yqKZj024rFOi2WdCFWGWo3DEyQ4TkNAYSK3EbOiqG_y1JEHBQagJy22Hr57-vZ1cjhJ78SGq9zsZKsX_e5axqLHSI9sba8QjbrJ9M5e0WOODkGZ3/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS_GhhLycngLR_C7Jff79yqKZj024rFOi2WdCFWGWo3DEyQ4TkNAYSK3EbOiqG_y1JEHBQagJy22Hr57-vZ1cjhJ78SGq9zsZKsX_e5axqLHSI9sba8QjbrJ9M5e0WOODkGZ3/s400/DSC_0047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546639270966483170" border="0" /></a> OUR HOUSE<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHvuyn_kwBLZo28de9RxQtc-gEth33kpKuGo4pMgdx_EUBeRTUqA24ucBTudjvdzEtmuArLLtawPPCZ8pWVr0z-FaUGpGR__G838qZjypj5VhTVhkFQphVondMfnbBxs4ef-W/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHvuyn_kwBLZo28de9RxQtc-gEth33kpKuGo4pMgdx_EUBeRTUqA24ucBTudjvdzEtmuArLLtawPPCZ8pWVr0z-FaUGpGR__G838qZjypj5VhTVhkFQphVondMfnbBxs4ef-W/s400/DSC_0055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546639266872998642" border="0" /></a> THEIR HOUSE <br />How funny is that? After seeing the difference I couldn't help but quiz Gretchen on her up bringing. I do know her parents as they are my Life Class teachers, but I still just had to know how she makes everything so amazing and if she was always this artsy! :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N-vFgrhTkPir1bu0ganokqSADGkt3n0MdARX0ZfDgG75TfeMOx0Wixx216vz_GsFT31rFBU55z8NK7tDzhchvK-tRkM5EP7nrZRM__3EVHwd8uZVhcWX-PcXxeV1hh5nOwjL/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N-vFgrhTkPir1bu0ganokqSADGkt3n0MdARX0ZfDgG75TfeMOx0Wixx216vz_GsFT31rFBU55z8NK7tDzhchvK-tRkM5EP7nrZRM__3EVHwd8uZVhcWX-PcXxeV1hh5nOwjL/s400/DSC_0056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546639263824348962" border="0" /></a>While the houses hardened up it was a real treat to spend the afternoon talking with Gretchen while the kids were outside playing. There was an extra treat waiting as we got to go see their chickens and a fresh egg awaited us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QvFgGQd-gxqNwnLsL4IMTgokuc2ffpMZhM0bKRw8ser9IqKCdAbddo-4skcEJDyz46aNtCsiteulWZT9cuBwlrx1-R1b6p944-ttyUnJSWDGswpXoZYU_bZKq6ThpbT4gcXC/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QvFgGQd-gxqNwnLsL4IMTgokuc2ffpMZhM0bKRw8ser9IqKCdAbddo-4skcEJDyz46aNtCsiteulWZT9cuBwlrx1-R1b6p944-ttyUnJSWDGswpXoZYU_bZKq6ThpbT4gcXC/s400/DSC_0057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546639258382287874" border="0" /></a>Love this time of year with sweet friends and fun times!Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-71934007292135358052010-12-02T18:04:00.006-05:002010-12-02T18:40:41.722-05:00Been "sitting" on these pictures for awhile now....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgl693f_blHO6g-Cobt-Wby0Xde1IbLQsM8LRq8_TKmM4IPdir7FJM1DkQbvUEir8W_1fAyu1PNCekKJ-bpVkwZvl8gG7mtEXB4uC8OLTIgVWTkJAsqqfRH5PTZPJ8Ftj2Muf/s1600/P1010972.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgl693f_blHO6g-Cobt-Wby0Xde1IbLQsM8LRq8_TKmM4IPdir7FJM1DkQbvUEir8W_1fAyu1PNCekKJ-bpVkwZvl8gG7mtEXB4uC8OLTIgVWTkJAsqqfRH5PTZPJ8Ftj2Muf/s400/P1010972.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546227699100469746" border="0" /></a>It will be a year, in January, that we started Tae Kwon Doe. We initially started because we were looking to find an athletic niche for one of our kids who wasn't into some of the 'typical sports'. What we found was truly so much more. It's been such a beautiful thing to have such an activity that we all do together. It is something the entire family enjoys. <br /><br />It has become a "TKD family" of sorts. On a typical Tuesday we take two hours of classes and spar for an extra hour. If we don't spar, you will now find a bunch of us orange belts hanging out at Moes until they kick us out at 9p.m. On Sunday afternoons you will find us also having class and an opportunity to all meet in one big room with all the belts. Brian has many thoughts on why this is a priority above other activities -- almost a requirement in today's world. A MUST for our family.<br /><br />The picture above is Marsha and I doing a pivot round kick at testing. These pictures still make me laugh. I'm so glad I can't watch myself do these moves. Surely the black belts have to occasionally hide their faces to stifle some laughter.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMdS8MFsS2PFN394A_bdOD-TQhzwoRL3jcddc9Sb24wMtFCZrZKP1813Z3w58kimn7uCZNvo_50pzt6Ymfmj1qlmdd4PZcnR-GHCt1o7URx3zWHNqYBwECNJva7j06jpUZvQ3/s1600/P1010978.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMdS8MFsS2PFN394A_bdOD-TQhzwoRL3jcddc9Sb24wMtFCZrZKP1813Z3w58kimn7uCZNvo_50pzt6Ymfmj1qlmdd4PZcnR-GHCt1o7URx3zWHNqYBwECNJva7j06jpUZvQ3/s400/P1010978.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546227454548495570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqShyzY2ZnbfU2WLvTSiT98A-qjEY9CIXBsIkpf5NM2PuW9N8n9YQxcHWLshhTu1RyRZTvZv2W6QlDRrNyf50Yn9V1BUpYCTRngfDpCDjg3A6VxYHERMVeQCyLBInN-HvIFeQY/s1600/P1010983.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqShyzY2ZnbfU2WLvTSiT98A-qjEY9CIXBsIkpf5NM2PuW9N8n9YQxcHWLshhTu1RyRZTvZv2W6QlDRrNyf50Yn9V1BUpYCTRngfDpCDjg3A6VxYHERMVeQCyLBInN-HvIFeQY/s400/P1010983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546227451797824498" border="0" /></a>Marsha has become such a dear friend and I always call Tuesday nights as getting my 'Marsha fix".<br /><br /> I have a funny memory, of this testing night, that I pull up in my thoughts to occasionally laugh over. Marsha and I were sitting on a bench waiting for our turn to spar. We had on our full "marshmallow sparring gear" and Marsha turns to me and says: "Janet, just LOOK AT US!!! What has happened to us! Look what we are doing on a FRIDAY NIGHT"!<br /><br /> I remember taking out my "dripping saliva mouth guard" to say: "I KNOW!!" There is a reason why I didn't post pictures of us ladies in our sparring gear.....trust me....you don't want to see that!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVdiBISeOVCuvaYvbucE08LocR-Yd3jK8hleRA9fym8HelpIYkVOtLvi-cJhALMUAhggrfBOUdXwajU4UGB-NE3j8DS-6RMrL7-Sen9GyP30QcgNa-qgmDLgpg-HxEvGKiUhX/s1600/P1010984.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVdiBISeOVCuvaYvbucE08LocR-Yd3jK8hleRA9fym8HelpIYkVOtLvi-cJhALMUAhggrfBOUdXwajU4UGB-NE3j8DS-6RMrL7-Sen9GyP30QcgNa-qgmDLgpg-HxEvGKiUhX/s400/P1010984.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546227448294175138" border="0" /></a>Austin and Colton doing one steps. Marsha and I in the background.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyaTo7h6MGiqs86ndqo4gBBTHSAPgfUdflhwpwPYJj8ZMXmUHvv-vyVrwcFSS5jeJkn_-wpiRSfu8fQvawkeR28MzcRPM_VMVJKdROfauXIHdKGKsHhMLg4PujRqxG1hRymkC/s1600/P1010987.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyaTo7h6MGiqs86ndqo4gBBTHSAPgfUdflhwpwPYJj8ZMXmUHvv-vyVrwcFSS5jeJkn_-wpiRSfu8fQvawkeR28MzcRPM_VMVJKdROfauXIHdKGKsHhMLg4PujRqxG1hRymkC/s400/P1010987.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546227444563700930" border="0" /></a>These sweet girls have so much fun together!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DKvz5Az6LSblYXnX9ZxMbuGu3FnhbNqYUc4duUyERveEVXwFLZy-p7MrXKDFVb-MxixFm-brfH6i4hGywS2KljsAn3fKlvNlWkUyeYWR4EU4lXqXCNkGyJQK2PrSBq-aHAYQ/s1600/P1010994.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DKvz5Az6LSblYXnX9ZxMbuGu3FnhbNqYUc4duUyERveEVXwFLZy-p7MrXKDFVb-MxixFm-brfH6i4hGywS2KljsAn3fKlvNlWkUyeYWR4EU4lXqXCNkGyJQK2PrSBq-aHAYQ/s400/P1010994.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546227438216438274" border="0" /></a>All geared up for sparring...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJGY5zZ1VKYP1fj0YXtvKlupUSTTFHvS9eokcebYtwY9TDH1malxY5zq8UIXfasyDC5On1EOtQcHbNXTqIAq0NYY39Tr10N5J6mWK2zxqZGz566MfbI1BtKhSn1SAp9OP4qNi/s1600/P1010997.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJGY5zZ1VKYP1fj0YXtvKlupUSTTFHvS9eokcebYtwY9TDH1malxY5zq8UIXfasyDC5On1EOtQcHbNXTqIAq0NYY39Tr10N5J6mWK2zxqZGz566MfbI1BtKhSn1SAp9OP4qNi/s400/P1010997.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546226308877720242" border="0" /></a>Lindsey getting her orange belt from the master... you shake all of the black belts hands..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPjLX2HEpHw4TjZZlgwtjznBdYytO2VeJLzywfHsrRRsRMooYSTQwZ-6JcVxTulQQBnTLFX55NQnwR2aRxgGLWUk8H8TBz67kiSY4yX-Gfu3APc9nZHvVwDNpF6qSr1U3z7-K/s1600/P1020017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPjLX2HEpHw4TjZZlgwtjznBdYytO2VeJLzywfHsrRRsRMooYSTQwZ-6JcVxTulQQBnTLFX55NQnwR2aRxgGLWUk8H8TBz67kiSY4yX-Gfu3APc9nZHvVwDNpF6qSr1U3z7-K/s400/P1020017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546226305563491586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOuzfBouNTCQ4T1tyScN17H41WD-xqDwHwburP4kNZfXYDWpaeYoqk9X8iewhPpt-HhI_zp3jwOiDU3EETw4mxk_Hvu42CJPct9dkMYJdfsLb_fzqnqxv3HNHUIyAa3IMTRPH/s1600/P1020018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOuzfBouNTCQ4T1tyScN17H41WD-xqDwHwburP4kNZfXYDWpaeYoqk9X8iewhPpt-HhI_zp3jwOiDU3EETw4mxk_Hvu42CJPct9dkMYJdfsLb_fzqnqxv3HNHUIyAa3IMTRPH/s400/P1020018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546226299746095314" border="0" /></a>They test every month and this was the group we tested with.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTOhVL2OotpXZ_-cPkb4ay7dLNpcoaHuc3bmzUWxvHx6UhpJylWHpEpULsrGRzpwE10cEBV5o7ilyTtjN4lxRd01h1AQHcM4ytEE9Z-Cn0EB6IWWIAUzLQtWHVdDgGTsnUrb0/s1600/P1020030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTOhVL2OotpXZ_-cPkb4ay7dLNpcoaHuc3bmzUWxvHx6UhpJylWHpEpULsrGRzpwE10cEBV5o7ilyTtjN4lxRd01h1AQHcM4ytEE9Z-Cn0EB6IWWIAUzLQtWHVdDgGTsnUrb0/s400/P1020030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546226280332647026" border="0" /></a>Some very special relationships have formed for the kids, the moms and the dads.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO3RNYitRgz3kbzq_lT9SCVQ1Eglugt-x3RVMl3zG13v6k8aGYy7JUghFiGKgNwQIg96yEIcQS-ny3X82SDPks9ehqiyMKsHR3RzMxkTAOJBlCyFvQGWVJmMClPAO1ocpktZw/s1600/P1020036.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO3RNYitRgz3kbzq_lT9SCVQ1Eglugt-x3RVMl3zG13v6k8aGYy7JUghFiGKgNwQIg96yEIcQS-ny3X82SDPks9ehqiyMKsHR3RzMxkTAOJBlCyFvQGWVJmMClPAO1ocpktZw/s400/P1020036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546226273924479458" border="0" /></a><br />I'm thankful that we found this for our family. A little nervous as we will test for our blue belt in January. The orange belt testing took 4 hours. Can't imagine what will be in January. <br /><br />This past Tuesday we had one class where we did kicks for an entire hour. Most of the older students - us - do this to work our brains as well. We were asked to do a pivot round kick, spin side kick and a jump hook kick, turn and do it all again. It's been hard enough doing all the spins and the jumps and the proper kicks while hoping you won't fall flat on your behind. Let alone trying to remember what is coming next. After three hours each Tuesday night - we just keep coming back for more. I guess that says it all.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-47563867134783831642010-11-30T11:25:00.004-05:002010-11-30T11:52:04.878-05:00This just cracks me up.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSX1giuz37Gg3SZgXIYkgqRZ6a70StRRVDX-txdDyxNeKQWW8Lr5yRam3abjfd4pO6VqW681gP6ujhn9slarub_5l8Duuc9-o3sc2o1BXgZ1Q7Ft2WcIPHGsvhM8OVsytK-xe/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSX1giuz37Gg3SZgXIYkgqRZ6a70StRRVDX-txdDyxNeKQWW8Lr5yRam3abjfd4pO6VqW681gP6ujhn9slarub_5l8Duuc9-o3sc2o1BXgZ1Q7Ft2WcIPHGsvhM8OVsytK-xe/s400/DSC_0038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545384019776634338" border="0" /></a>Never in my wildest imaginations did I ever think to make a phone call and confirm that a local park "was open for business". So of course you do all the building up and excitement over a whole afternoon of playing at the park. This is a first for us!<br /><br />The kids all looked out at the playground with such looks on their faces. I believe mulch was being put down at the time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhTHrZdKzhh8bjyokslAvkK2GUNcywxvVnMg3U2NeolOpRyCyyK2YnPGcHa7LXK8DnWuhyphenhyphenBHOTFEdZjadOHmo8nQ36VSHPoDViG39nY-KZlBcGdRN9XpkDwLkQw89LDZ_wnGb/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhTHrZdKzhh8bjyokslAvkK2GUNcywxvVnMg3U2NeolOpRyCyyK2YnPGcHa7LXK8DnWuhyphenhyphenBHOTFEdZjadOHmo8nQ36VSHPoDViG39nY-KZlBcGdRN9XpkDwLkQw89LDZ_wnGb/s400/DSC_0102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545384002046412226" border="0" /></a>Oh that face: "What do we do now?"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhp7npU0qRYqwewNCsfNyHChsRwUymSqjg4vqDJbZf74PAhN_PTFf2qiA6HJw5t12yeAtY7gEZNgA1uGiVUtDm1cRSVlgbvOVJ_qqaGpn4IlFrF2gAmdp1jNvKdR3cVA3e6NG/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhp7npU0qRYqwewNCsfNyHChsRwUymSqjg4vqDJbZf74PAhN_PTFf2qiA6HJw5t12yeAtY7gEZNgA1uGiVUtDm1cRSVlgbvOVJ_qqaGpn4IlFrF2gAmdp1jNvKdR3cVA3e6NG/s400/DSC_0041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545383495733277618" border="0" /></a>To the rescue the older kids grab her little hand and tell her "we'll go feed the ducks!"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdfme7T0XIvL4hTWyCS8y8rxYNWVuoFmHyumX_BSQuH0U1mPxB7dOxjJHrHK3KuJL_fBXEEX9cbDi4HncTU47EJ-58uhW_nWuLVdfj9MFt6p3w2VWGuJsnN3MWZOx_HxbLMKG/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdfme7T0XIvL4hTWyCS8y8rxYNWVuoFmHyumX_BSQuH0U1mPxB7dOxjJHrHK3KuJL_fBXEEX9cbDi4HncTU47EJ-58uhW_nWuLVdfj9MFt6p3w2VWGuJsnN3MWZOx_HxbLMKG/s400/DSC_0043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545383485630648050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJYnG2uDy41lszm6T9iNGja1gxT5tauSN5kDaLjaiF6hVXO3fv3Q5qoenm_pSyHuzjRmkXVeEMwPNhNx1zHbopWqGXqmd-iBmqT67-2A-VuJQcruBNzf9kWMZaz6wStuwnPLN/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJYnG2uDy41lszm6T9iNGja1gxT5tauSN5kDaLjaiF6hVXO3fv3Q5qoenm_pSyHuzjRmkXVeEMwPNhNx1zHbopWqGXqmd-iBmqT67-2A-VuJQcruBNzf9kWMZaz6wStuwnPLN/s400/DSC_0045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545383480077277586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad-EBubRJprmXsoc_EJ8T2wmI3bIyilo7mZqyYDboCCmp6fF53ZTAIshkkgVwjwvC7Xl85gWz4nar6heeTEsM2YxiLGraFArK9YVjpfz38XCN3yarZEIeqEt5ydF1Lu0Zb-By/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad-EBubRJprmXsoc_EJ8T2wmI3bIyilo7mZqyYDboCCmp6fF53ZTAIshkkgVwjwvC7Xl85gWz4nar6heeTEsM2YxiLGraFArK9YVjpfz38XCN3yarZEIeqEt5ydF1Lu0Zb-By/s400/DSC_0059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545383472419842834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtEVWFR0MD899KSGhXdc6EghnasMLMpggrwLxq2vyqcaCtOPYkWKtm9kkBzRlz-rktkgRapjLYWMmy5uivJltQWn4Ua9iABPlQDI6PYCdfrCw5EkrR96AqrUdaqZJ3NNThKaM/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtEVWFR0MD899KSGhXdc6EghnasMLMpggrwLxq2vyqcaCtOPYkWKtm9kkBzRlz-rktkgRapjLYWMmy5uivJltQWn4Ua9iABPlQDI6PYCdfrCw5EkrR96AqrUdaqZJ3NNThKaM/s400/DSC_0062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545383469834082562" border="0" /></a>There's that smile!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I07E7tKrPENf5Gat1dDiDXm3ckihg536tqf-5FA74ikGBVFSFzCBsi-k4YLTjkb3rh5skRo0Gsrl2cJjgKOXYNjIFMizvhmGD1H0e6o3bQHDc693kiyyIQ5vV6KD2c6XySFU/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I07E7tKrPENf5Gat1dDiDXm3ckihg536tqf-5FA74ikGBVFSFzCBsi-k4YLTjkb3rh5skRo0Gsrl2cJjgKOXYNjIFMizvhmGD1H0e6o3bQHDc693kiyyIQ5vV6KD2c6XySFU/s400/DSC_0077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545382423747744482" border="0" /></a>While I was concerned that the whole afternoon would be a wash...we all took off down a trail and stayed even longer than we normally would have.<br /><br />There is great danger of having Reece near any water. I'm still amazed his light up tennis shoes work...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvEW-M7ADgraDnog_9oCadMlbRK_7zWkZsaVH9_djOOuz0cvC6ub7qZHyoQRBwusi32es1oPX-ITykb_cSHsdK2yt0UqaT7Nz14Pm6vd-Mae_i_bQGggHg1c_WZafPEbJHzZK/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvEW-M7ADgraDnog_9oCadMlbRK_7zWkZsaVH9_djOOuz0cvC6ub7qZHyoQRBwusi32es1oPX-ITykb_cSHsdK2yt0UqaT7Nz14Pm6vd-Mae_i_bQGggHg1c_WZafPEbJHzZK/s400/DSC_0081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545382418276347602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUNjwNgy4dY5cB82WFOURdAAIZgOjL0ptEEkjAr-kGnJalcy9dbMtgEM9P83c16MYnhZ2sITOkGYqHPhqsGgSx5EcawIYFbBJsr8DLyuvsjqkYspaqTGsIdiFg9AI4nzsiGPe/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUNjwNgy4dY5cB82WFOURdAAIZgOjL0ptEEkjAr-kGnJalcy9dbMtgEM9P83c16MYnhZ2sITOkGYqHPhqsGgSx5EcawIYFbBJsr8DLyuvsjqkYspaqTGsIdiFg9AI4nzsiGPe/s400/DSC_0086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545382414835384514" border="0" /></a>Oh yes they did....all the way down the creek they explored and had the time of their lives...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8ByXINj0jV5kNEQ3aRSXZPp3pNsAGQ2NaEelSrDx5oEhKYtGIm46apGZL7n5MQcdT2SVTItHC18skbGSRhbtDcm39L7VPu9iNHcK1c1DzoULmT5L8r0T-dPu1hQl9ni7-YG7/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8ByXINj0jV5kNEQ3aRSXZPp3pNsAGQ2NaEelSrDx5oEhKYtGIm46apGZL7n5MQcdT2SVTItHC18skbGSRhbtDcm39L7VPu9iNHcK1c1DzoULmT5L8r0T-dPu1hQl9ni7-YG7/s400/DSC_0095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545382401470191266" border="0" /></a>This sweet princess is "all girl" and doesn't like to get dirty so she opted out of that creek adventure... Turned out to be the best afternoon and we would have never had this much fun if the park had been open. I think I learned a great lesson...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGXBN5BcIGWyECZFy3_sf9c4X73MArTN4dGNORrV-ZOBUT7X520SPBb_zY8sGAyD5taXLrXVt9ZkSdT3qNAPRic8cGRpzp6sBWuJNEGju0ZdkMJco6FzsB_uO85y5SgWFHNxp/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGXBN5BcIGWyECZFy3_sf9c4X73MArTN4dGNORrV-ZOBUT7X520SPBb_zY8sGAyD5taXLrXVt9ZkSdT3qNAPRic8cGRpzp6sBWuJNEGju0ZdkMJco6FzsB_uO85y5SgWFHNxp/s400/DSC_0092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545382389036367218" border="0" /></a>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-41787079641150419612010-11-29T12:53:00.005-05:002010-11-29T13:14:37.901-05:00All I want for Christmas....."All I want for Christmas....is a T-bone steak in Amy's marinade." I just know that is what Brian would say. Well....he got his wish a little early this year. He had his steak for Thanksgiving.<br />Our friends, Amy and Eric, made us a delicious steak dinner and this marinade is simply the best. So good that Brian ran out to get the ingredients and made it himself. I don't buy red meat or pork so, trust me, this was a HUGE treat to Brian who only sees chicken and turkey around here. Thought I'd share Amy's recipe here and spread the joy. I like steak okay but this marinade easily puts "loving steak" in my vocabulary.. Here's the recipe...<br /><br /><br />Steak Marinade:<br /><br />Begin by salting one side of each steak with course sea salt (or Kosher salt). Then put those in a large zip lock bag. (about 4 to a bag)<br /><br />Mix these ingredients and pour into the bags:<br />2 T Olive Oil<br />1 T pickapepper sauce (found near Worcestershire sauce)<br />1.5 T Molasses (this makes it brown on the grill)<br />1 T Balsamic Vinegar<br />2+ T of Horseradish<br />2+ cloves of minced garlic<br />1+ cup of Worcestershire sauce<br />1/2 t. of pepper<br /><br />Marinade them in the fridge over night or 8-12+ hours. Flip the bag every few hours.<br /><br />Grill your steaks to your liking.<br /><br />Seriously delicious!<br /><br />Sent from my iPhoneJanethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-21781130446177640312010-11-20T20:40:00.003-05:002010-11-20T20:52:43.765-05:00The little things.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgph8W7Urdgh1gcUEy7uu9GpO5aJnBubiHpkV9vBt0VZHeuo7Lmz6Ritz3Zlkn55qcs9PGRH1xeFk-H1NjT0VZ0BnpNOPKdb0JPRskLWdfceXLcYDr6QzVM_FQOdoVFnEQJ4s6B/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgph8W7Urdgh1gcUEy7uu9GpO5aJnBubiHpkV9vBt0VZHeuo7Lmz6Ritz3Zlkn55qcs9PGRH1xeFk-H1NjT0VZ0BnpNOPKdb0JPRskLWdfceXLcYDr6QzVM_FQOdoVFnEQJ4s6B/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541813335170353906" border="0" /></a>We had a weekend filled with "little things": EVERYONE sleeping in past 9a.m., the whole family going to the Library and just getting lost in our books... Late night talks between Austin and his Daddy.. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6agPSXWpctKeAuHo_GMZn-bIFfOqAwROe-ci9N-9K5o7UclwmDjJ-WD6TxU1MvYo4Nm0FbWKIIHPfx1HOGeZuWkRHYSmM91ZFkAgHsavrDkjZNf0xjhI_fTxEnoU3rFRy7D7e/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6agPSXWpctKeAuHo_GMZn-bIFfOqAwROe-ci9N-9K5o7UclwmDjJ-WD6TxU1MvYo4Nm0FbWKIIHPfx1HOGeZuWkRHYSmM91ZFkAgHsavrDkjZNf0xjhI_fTxEnoU3rFRy7D7e/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541813056961399890" border="0" /></a>Praise music playing throughout the house while I cleaned... homemade tortilla soup and a salad with every fresh veggie around.. (because I had time to make it)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ba7EBsPDShgtTawxkvasEGSgF2xFY1s4AJ-ykKUCuoyLAdHGYWAqQAEqsjeTgjng-GUk-hQUhi1i3uT8kWK8S_04_zhl94Z5yuDaXdAPqOBP73JTA-YgCkseYeukjpACwGvi/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ba7EBsPDShgtTawxkvasEGSgF2xFY1s4AJ-ykKUCuoyLAdHGYWAqQAEqsjeTgjng-GUk-hQUhi1i3uT8kWK8S_04_zhl94Z5yuDaXdAPqOBP73JTA-YgCkseYeukjpACwGvi/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541813046576934802" border="0" /></a>Middle of the day couch time with Brian.. Austin working in the backyard with Daddy..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMilpMQ8-T6h5qRWcDmonG7NEfl3AgG5ezsO7X-qpvijJD1JwPHobnDmLJkmfNtRzBihG7_yq3nK0TazNKu8436CNkWXXcqjnTjIP1CihY2d4_7dyi7pcdlormrrnQUfWimu9/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMilpMQ8-T6h5qRWcDmonG7NEfl3AgG5ezsO7X-qpvijJD1JwPHobnDmLJkmfNtRzBihG7_yq3nK0TazNKu8436CNkWXXcqjnTjIP1CihY2d4_7dyi7pcdlormrrnQUfWimu9/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541813025933090322" border="0" /></a>Slowly reading the words to Psalm 91.... Praying for people, as the Lord brought them to mind, while driving..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdxczupZbEOxzl1v6uJXPhUSkWxl9mCmxJS5gGb-czrAsNiVMFwAeLzgCmdFv9zrBsozM6Ed97UZnVKPEquHQ-KpNWRfmD7urzJ1P1tNZRNCu8RmdhozftfFilgHDlQ8rug9x/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdxczupZbEOxzl1v6uJXPhUSkWxl9mCmxJS5gGb-czrAsNiVMFwAeLzgCmdFv9zrBsozM6Ed97UZnVKPEquHQ-KpNWRfmD7urzJ1P1tNZRNCu8RmdhozftfFilgHDlQ8rug9x/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541813013981460002" border="0" /></a>And yes....a "Mentos and soda volcano eruption in our cul de sac....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSABK4FYMWijtI7HKbCL3ICHYiTorjHf49Dy5LaYos_lF00AE1a8c5jEWB5Vu1MfE6SWOIFstyh5c-aEcTwrmUoK1dAHZSprEyIRadVq8TwfJ71Wq4N9Sthup88XM714X3eYH8/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSABK4FYMWijtI7HKbCL3ICHYiTorjHf49Dy5LaYos_lF00AE1a8c5jEWB5Vu1MfE6SWOIFstyh5c-aEcTwrmUoK1dAHZSprEyIRadVq8TwfJ71Wq4N9Sthup88XM714X3eYH8/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541813002759116434" border="0" /></a>Thank you Lord for this weekend. We've not had one of these in MONTHS!! It was true nourishment to my soul..Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-72908697249279166312010-11-18T15:18:00.003-05:002010-11-18T15:30:41.862-05:00A child's DREAM playground...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVgMgVAr_995Rjc-QqmMXGfle_-OQXJZnO3RJoJ5tg39qZ97nP4xBOQ-2Oosp8D0UNHm7go6r4N9V9evc52BBTbXgTyVRNOVvgFCiyaCACA8rCavG1Kiw6hSwolghvFEPlqAL/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVgMgVAr_995Rjc-QqmMXGfle_-OQXJZnO3RJoJ5tg39qZ97nP4xBOQ-2Oosp8D0UNHm7go6r4N9V9evc52BBTbXgTyVRNOVvgFCiyaCACA8rCavG1Kiw6hSwolghvFEPlqAL/s400/DSC_0030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540989123885089858" border="0" /></a>While Beth and I relaxed at the hotel, the afternoon before 'race day', the kids got a huge treat of going to the Outer Banks Sand Dunes with Brian and Anthony. No other words really needed....they were in 'kid heaven'. The Dads were too.... <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9RdzwMbyc1ygESVpM1eYUooXNaGEbNyEOOYt2nTGy-5wqIQwCy4_aHNjzsOXTCOD3Crz52HLVMCPK756G7po1xGYEDRSJ5vNjnWyjoyCz0psD_7mtjIX-tRi6RDqLhqylya8/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9RdzwMbyc1ygESVpM1eYUooXNaGEbNyEOOYt2nTGy-5wqIQwCy4_aHNjzsOXTCOD3Crz52HLVMCPK756G7po1xGYEDRSJ5vNjnWyjoyCz0psD_7mtjIX-tRi6RDqLhqylya8/s400/DSC_0040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540989122325241090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCn9Wkfc_Yo3fRVcySU3TVnTJMMVrFvkhdsyxHtRIc9hjspCU3E3Dq5qdwIVvKVs3W47O50sNNC16DbcnsqBpEfdUEcDPiso4fYP1E2lu0Z8EIVM0l6rUT_Xm_Xs-bJ0E4pl6/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCn9Wkfc_Yo3fRVcySU3TVnTJMMVrFvkhdsyxHtRIc9hjspCU3E3Dq5qdwIVvKVs3W47O50sNNC16DbcnsqBpEfdUEcDPiso4fYP1E2lu0Z8EIVM0l6rUT_Xm_Xs-bJ0E4pl6/s400/DSC_0043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540988609430767218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RcA3AWoE_sM8qjggtv3i3ZCC7mlaLJj4TBVd-APk9_DG8jyHc1GSrOw31Xw1qwitLcc4Vyh2H64Wt3M45si3f0Y3dcKOUOfartt2ac0N4P8MgolUEXASpLpHscNOFewmjbiX/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RcA3AWoE_sM8qjggtv3i3ZCC7mlaLJj4TBVd-APk9_DG8jyHc1GSrOw31Xw1qwitLcc4Vyh2H64Wt3M45si3f0Y3dcKOUOfartt2ac0N4P8MgolUEXASpLpHscNOFewmjbiX/s400/DSC_0055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540988606006381250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NmGPgwhnu4dbqLsv3Bm3bpJwI9Bh-i9kvoHprmvtBgGwZXMkcKXq9N7AQ2j086Qqp3q5Wj4Ej6PXOYVzbqdionngt3R8DHGYrGKyFwCgzXHifxYTCaJAk-labwE5ZAW48qdp/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NmGPgwhnu4dbqLsv3Bm3bpJwI9Bh-i9kvoHprmvtBgGwZXMkcKXq9N7AQ2j086Qqp3q5Wj4Ej6PXOYVzbqdionngt3R8DHGYrGKyFwCgzXHifxYTCaJAk-labwE5ZAW48qdp/s400/DSC_0077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540988598468612290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GamM1Aj0hNg7SZJ0QfvZ_PgO1rKIno_xxUxIBYEpnDDla9u7JFX2MMGrhOSSNtcv-kmT38HAf4jvRyndIGPR0oxhhCeboLcyqD1dqrs_E7pKC3ILySdX7_tSFP4WnJAIiMzC/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GamM1Aj0hNg7SZJ0QfvZ_PgO1rKIno_xxUxIBYEpnDDla9u7JFX2MMGrhOSSNtcv-kmT38HAf4jvRyndIGPR0oxhhCeboLcyqD1dqrs_E7pKC3ILySdX7_tSFP4WnJAIiMzC/s400/DSC_0078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540988591516626562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJBuo12i60jyXYtFOfRxHlLdYZzy_CkPqO_jDVCbeyPIfu_o4EJTVQ3fxGjyQuXyGYZrO3g9wG7cQmaQUX6tLJIftXgWGxMacf4Us5Xyd4yUAkUMvt0pS61pa7wMC0_yz-dDK/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJBuo12i60jyXYtFOfRxHlLdYZzy_CkPqO_jDVCbeyPIfu_o4EJTVQ3fxGjyQuXyGYZrO3g9wG7cQmaQUX6tLJIftXgWGxMacf4Us5Xyd4yUAkUMvt0pS61pa7wMC0_yz-dDK/s400/DSC_0079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540988584465580706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtat9mXCl9yWYX6TCMNZp-vuav4F0S2EmdhjwfD0JIGQFxM3A2M15gOODgfYunSgJPDBb1-oYtrQ4U6jCgd_J0aFswreB0APZKe7mkSSITOwO9UxNPLShyphenhyphen5eNwDsB4R-jUKJf_/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtat9mXCl9yWYX6TCMNZp-vuav4F0S2EmdhjwfD0JIGQFxM3A2M15gOODgfYunSgJPDBb1-oYtrQ4U6jCgd_J0aFswreB0APZKe7mkSSITOwO9UxNPLShyphenhyphen5eNwDsB4R-jUKJf_/s400/DSC_0081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540987682566105682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eIyueIbaRvDrlWJtAlF4S2JI-YBz-oEU-35rKKue7dITukUhJvle-_7L52hyqgpFvSk-GVksrwlenOtoujVSbFNx1jpyw2mSeeh6eH_1MHRbKtru3c_TpnMPKKeTtBHIYgpA/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eIyueIbaRvDrlWJtAlF4S2JI-YBz-oEU-35rKKue7dITukUhJvle-_7L52hyqgpFvSk-GVksrwlenOtoujVSbFNx1jpyw2mSeeh6eH_1MHRbKtru3c_TpnMPKKeTtBHIYgpA/s400/DSC_0082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540987678979928514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSXI9ImrI2o2PYcuphGZdXHLA7qnQ7XLeJhRTwaAu6s8u6J2_7s9Pqe11XHO0qujvoMfEtArwie4j406Pt341eIZ_eg9Kb2Veek-61pSbifcoM6_CyTJmlXTbZ6F8Z0aUoJ-r/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSXI9ImrI2o2PYcuphGZdXHLA7qnQ7XLeJhRTwaAu6s8u6J2_7s9Pqe11XHO0qujvoMfEtArwie4j406Pt341eIZ_eg9Kb2Veek-61pSbifcoM6_CyTJmlXTbZ6F8Z0aUoJ-r/s400/DSC_0084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540987658503408946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ShidxwEQRkBA99su6tYWET6Y1F-QP5lN69ktUBzpN9-88LRURceQwjWyfmoyr3ftRWjvdPh2kY05QAydOZsQ1R6iE_uCqfXXPh8nfoeJ9_hjFUfipC_T3yoz0trTjYfaCDl0/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ShidxwEQRkBA99su6tYWET6Y1F-QP5lN69ktUBzpN9-88LRURceQwjWyfmoyr3ftRWjvdPh2kY05QAydOZsQ1R6iE_uCqfXXPh8nfoeJ9_hjFUfipC_T3yoz0trTjYfaCDl0/s400/DSC_0090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540987654187976834" border="0" /></a>Gorgeous night in the Outer banks!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvzODD-adxfj9vC6N6KIypA1-TKdESZt5My4Unf_Ug_x0x0FTZ74mcXVTASOaeWTL0rlY7lCY80ijIjvAkC_t83TB22IF9s83Xa69dN6FGDea_jF-cUn54PBZ3vaNTTNRkgv_/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvzODD-adxfj9vC6N6KIypA1-TKdESZt5My4Unf_Ug_x0x0FTZ74mcXVTASOaeWTL0rlY7lCY80ijIjvAkC_t83TB22IF9s83Xa69dN6FGDea_jF-cUn54PBZ3vaNTTNRkgv_/s400/DSC_0097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540987634662520882" border="0" /></a>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-46091693738295377652010-11-14T18:08:00.008-05:002010-11-14T19:01:17.531-05:00Because I am unable to walk...I thought I would blog..Today was the day I ran my 1ST half marathon! I won't go into a long history of how I got here except to say that last November I decided to use my phone APP of the Couch to 5K. After that was done I said, "What next?" I found a Bridge to 10K APP and did that. What next? My friend Beth said it would be a good time to train for a 1/2 marathon. I couldn't even begin to imagine doing that, but started the training process the first week of August. 293 miles later I ran my 1st Half Marathon!<br /><br />Here Austin and I are, at the Expo, looking for my number...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNG36gr84ZvUdVu3tSr4fOdHkdi-x7Wcdy9uNfcxvqyPhtUbtQ7056UrC-HbkotKf4_IzyNtHFvidbGQesfrn8lFNxwc-9z7YDJA79DHaoRk8Bhjtw-75O2sLLiG7fkk-yWb0/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNG36gr84ZvUdVu3tSr4fOdHkdi-x7Wcdy9uNfcxvqyPhtUbtQ7056UrC-HbkotKf4_IzyNtHFvidbGQesfrn8lFNxwc-9z7YDJA79DHaoRk8Bhjtw-75O2sLLiG7fkk-yWb0/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539553037759637490" border="0" /></a>The true thrill of getting my number.... :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0UyN9BU9WHV-Eao2WlOhPZJjLGA_Gj93pP5OFbDW7KiUcOxU32JXdWlv7XiRGcFtgjbTSn_NhuO1f-aoZKFJNog4OmLGlkD0cdMXQp_nQf8G0oCfwZ448__18-vk86egVN7R/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0UyN9BU9WHV-Eao2WlOhPZJjLGA_Gj93pP5OFbDW7KiUcOxU32JXdWlv7XiRGcFtgjbTSn_NhuO1f-aoZKFJNog4OmLGlkD0cdMXQp_nQf8G0oCfwZ448__18-vk86egVN7R/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539553035873562450" border="0" /></a>Beth and I at the Expo...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15mIz4mlH73VTGfQAgwVmNZun0LSxPvVllZFN8_HItL5JVb1AyYLhZuL3Xem4fYG4SJSwbdKuAGDrKtFIcDNrfxdjO6SprIQA3HOeQsHf-ATpTJ5FCTOOSyhqRLpbcefQxjJJ/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15mIz4mlH73VTGfQAgwVmNZun0LSxPvVllZFN8_HItL5JVb1AyYLhZuL3Xem4fYG4SJSwbdKuAGDrKtFIcDNrfxdjO6SprIQA3HOeQsHf-ATpTJ5FCTOOSyhqRLpbcefQxjJJ/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539553035460722018" border="0" /></a>It was simply hilarious to walk out our hotel door and find out that we had rooms right next to each other. That afternoon Anthony and Brian took the kids to the sand Dunes and Beth, Addie Grace and I spent the afternoon relaxing in Beth's room.<br /><br />That night we had the BEST spaghetti ever! The guys had pizza, but they HAD to try our spaghetti when we spent so much time raving about it. Delicious!<br /><br />We went back to the hotel and were all in bed by 9p.m. For Brian and I we were a little restless during the night as I expected a little bit. Didn't want to miss my 5:45a.m. wake-up call.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj020XAl04v6XYxvxyApW6KVd05fxbqaBTm8jx3WhaqEshqF55RBjylpJsjIgsIx_yISp6G3jKr7PuUN3XdRbcDKB-NeN6llm_xZDilDgd7MyoCWoWV0UqPyWqkUt1j4Fnu2KDg/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj020XAl04v6XYxvxyApW6KVd05fxbqaBTm8jx3WhaqEshqF55RBjylpJsjIgsIx_yISp6G3jKr7PuUN3XdRbcDKB-NeN6llm_xZDilDgd7MyoCWoWV0UqPyWqkUt1j4Fnu2KDg/s400/DSC_0110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539550646539249634" border="0" /></a>Here I am being dropped off for the start of the race. Pre-race jitters definitely!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfSu731O0JdScBWHOnus_mrWfP4vzK684VEtliKIEBYBpFEVm8TNUnQLlKRuwfGxk2mnqm2Xayny7FFinK8emAjBrHQ-PMLDcKEmtKUo-lQsfSNBT4OMkFB2xfC44lBlhp-vu/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfSu731O0JdScBWHOnus_mrWfP4vzK684VEtliKIEBYBpFEVm8TNUnQLlKRuwfGxk2mnqm2Xayny7FFinK8emAjBrHQ-PMLDcKEmtKUo-lQsfSNBT4OMkFB2xfC44lBlhp-vu/s400/DSC_0111.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539550642688406338" border="0" /></a>My sweet girl made me a poster that said: "Go Mommy go!"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTryNFuPtaeDvcf8YloMBzjX55BiclP53Hn7ow_OYkZhPQYPBRTql2-LIMJH66pMLbmDe4no1cR3nnaHivbYv9GpfG-T13d4T2HCNpgO2fdKg5nWxFs5F2y5opzdw9gK6QgVmm/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTryNFuPtaeDvcf8YloMBzjX55BiclP53Hn7ow_OYkZhPQYPBRTql2-LIMJH66pMLbmDe4no1cR3nnaHivbYv9GpfG-T13d4T2HCNpgO2fdKg5nWxFs5F2y5opzdw9gK6QgVmm/s400/DSC_0112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539550638306874834" border="0" /></a>Unbeknown to Beth and I, some interesting characters were in front of us running and that helped Anthony and Brian know when we'd be coming up. Here are some pirates.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly7tPdcuCDKhzcKFrkhyphenhyphenn7s7N6eRbRFM6Nh-IEH5yomD9dUQ0U3iFOuzsiOVDTkXXgmbMaXUJ2tvbVZU_W-7K-voGSTxlLw_QGq10dpuddEx1KyxTZ8eAix3fgZ9yW4yahkrs/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly7tPdcuCDKhzcKFrkhyphenhyphenn7s7N6eRbRFM6Nh-IEH5yomD9dUQ0U3iFOuzsiOVDTkXXgmbMaXUJ2tvbVZU_W-7K-voGSTxlLw_QGq10dpuddEx1KyxTZ8eAix3fgZ9yW4yahkrs/s400/DSC_0137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539550634425055986" border="0" /></a>A Star Wars dude...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKURZj2cnzX7Cj0wJnCsPNY35MSJEUW3i2Fp5Bqy923QimYcdtUU33-YpBK1SurLNp5l-0YLV_5uEd2LrVUv0kbL9EXY6R7Vu1o6xgD0Iz2iAAgSYzL-8cArZMO7DMk3ITmX5/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKURZj2cnzX7Cj0wJnCsPNY35MSJEUW3i2Fp5Bqy923QimYcdtUU33-YpBK1SurLNp5l-0YLV_5uEd2LrVUv0kbL9EXY6R7Vu1o6xgD0Iz2iAAgSYzL-8cArZMO7DMk3ITmX5/s400/DSC_0152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539549855553295202" border="0" /></a>Super woman -- women...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJstI9ANEG7pshVAl2LwDzP59NLZrAdGvCmv6m_X-aBkfInSd42kgZAiazv_P5TMgdbJR7eWhjISgV5XRddhrncOTjs7BYWn5OOjl2RKoNrf-EMiZ486GbzvbZ8wDVZzXtIKU/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJstI9ANEG7pshVAl2LwDzP59NLZrAdGvCmv6m_X-aBkfInSd42kgZAiazv_P5TMgdbJR7eWhjISgV5XRddhrncOTjs7BYWn5OOjl2RKoNrf-EMiZ486GbzvbZ8wDVZzXtIKU/s400/DSC_0154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539549853513639746" border="0" /></a>Another pirate...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiia_FvGyPVosjstBJ7-ii67CEJv5g_JEBZlj45638clEg_f0yFUQx7Lwu7F2ljSh18VQkvSyT_YGhg9hN_xHmucGPKWUR1KYlDRyjCiKUeftbk3gSBYCWsu7qJtkxmJLbp7Mn9/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiia_FvGyPVosjstBJ7-ii67CEJv5g_JEBZlj45638clEg_f0yFUQx7Lwu7F2ljSh18VQkvSyT_YGhg9hN_xHmucGPKWUR1KYlDRyjCiKUeftbk3gSBYCWsu7qJtkxmJLbp7Mn9/s400/DSC_0158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539549843154363138" border="0" /></a>And here we come. This was at mile one. We were warming up right away so, when we saw our families, we took off our top shirts/jackets and tossed them to the guys. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUp5hHXjw7EwCh3vrjSWfoJ6NG_vs7ozp7DgyIARE1ipgu4f8N-PGzRlik8xSYdVbWNe7rGpq2e5KiC5AYQMDY0_vMFQKLhj_oQnI0yCf6x4z3JPi2pu1nTyA1Rr6IVQWQIo2/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUp5hHXjw7EwCh3vrjSWfoJ6NG_vs7ozp7DgyIARE1ipgu4f8N-PGzRlik8xSYdVbWNe7rGpq2e5KiC5AYQMDY0_vMFQKLhj_oQnI0yCf6x4z3JPi2pu1nTyA1Rr6IVQWQIo2/s400/DSC_0140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539549837267986530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeCzCJiFwC7R2MzYKbw1X_-0_tVJevWsOPA1wWGKbYrPNKpb5O7aTPbDptiaXL1hw_dNvrToVY8I9h09zf18gXoeEsK1D10rGRehqR0QRabG9SYgp1syknV-XPKRNPAlZW8lo/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeCzCJiFwC7R2MzYKbw1X_-0_tVJevWsOPA1wWGKbYrPNKpb5O7aTPbDptiaXL1hw_dNvrToVY8I9h09zf18gXoeEsK1D10rGRehqR0QRabG9SYgp1syknV-XPKRNPAlZW8lo/s400/DSC_0144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539549828199895682" border="0" /></a>The guys were able to drive past us and stop at a few mile markers to cheer us on. We smiled for 11 straight miles. It felt awesome!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBtmV9perM6XmCgkXrq9bCGEeg3eyZUv5jVLriT2oaXsFgRlQFCEgaDRkADgUrurglpkSonmEpYyTBhR0VcQUgKOCxznygmmWf0aZQOjEqb92M76doFn7666FgljdbK5Fc1b6/s1600/DSC_0160.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBtmV9perM6XmCgkXrq9bCGEeg3eyZUv5jVLriT2oaXsFgRlQFCEgaDRkADgUrurglpkSonmEpYyTBhR0VcQUgKOCxznygmmWf0aZQOjEqb92M76doFn7666FgljdbK5Fc1b6/s400/DSC_0160.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539548785219470274" border="0" /></a>At mile 7 Beth saw the kids up ahead and then the people we didn't see were Anthony and Brian. They had staged the kids where they could run with us a few yards and the guys were up ahead ready to take pictures. This was a highlight of our run. Running with the kids. Here is Austin taking off on the run....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbsIdVQGB2oswFaMSqFxNDIIYdsvywa5BRwLBuVMHm6eW7BYP2TE4iPPbkKqK_wNsJM062FZQpDNATkLnj08Obm_8VEbKGpw3EDn8Abxv_q7n79Gzu9VJ2kmzb88YDQ1j6DB0/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbsIdVQGB2oswFaMSqFxNDIIYdsvywa5BRwLBuVMHm6eW7BYP2TE4iPPbkKqK_wNsJM062FZQpDNATkLnj08Obm_8VEbKGpw3EDn8Abxv_q7n79Gzu9VJ2kmzb88YDQ1j6DB0/s400/DSC_0166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539548780079789042" border="0" /></a>Reece in the red shirt and Beth, Lindsey and I right behind him. Jackson was running by his mommy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DtF8HyJi6S3IXzpOPR8wQ_VXtBO96oN0rpo2DcyDGfdS5PcWCyIhhFp1M8XkjtatWz4Z5QZlyXHNjAUbhid1ZWZAN4Q7oXEEDNCUypbA_hRWMzTRvpnhZJqhZJnf5kv-3HZP/s1600/DSC_0167.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DtF8HyJi6S3IXzpOPR8wQ_VXtBO96oN0rpo2DcyDGfdS5PcWCyIhhFp1M8XkjtatWz4Z5QZlyXHNjAUbhid1ZWZAN4Q7oXEEDNCUypbA_hRWMzTRvpnhZJqhZJnf5kv-3HZP/s400/DSC_0167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539548778127809362" border="0" /></a>The kids were grinning ear to ear when they got to run with us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IrSQgvOfY79YOGgbiC8j2Kfa2dP_chEpNMDAdII9LASsrFS80GfsZVpWohJVu7LLg_htkvr1g22S7cAu3G8GUD-7va2q8kH73nsKApcg0YQjmw1m96t1JjCw8RdjGdwzuSL4/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IrSQgvOfY79YOGgbiC8j2Kfa2dP_chEpNMDAdII9LASsrFS80GfsZVpWohJVu7LLg_htkvr1g22S7cAu3G8GUD-7va2q8kH73nsKApcg0YQjmw1m96t1JjCw8RdjGdwzuSL4/s400/DSC_0170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539548774354927074" border="0" /></a>After this mile marker the guys had to get going so they could meet us at the finish line. I wish I had a picture, but at mile 10 we had to go up a huge bridge over the ocean. It looked like you were going up the first hill of a roller coaster. I was most worried about that hill, but Beth made sure we were on the edge of the bridge and the view was breathtaking. Before I knew it Beth was saying that we were at the top and at mile 10. We both cheered and were just so happy and thrilled that the scariest part wasn't so hard after all. It truly went by quickly as we looked out at the ocean.<br /><br />Mile 11 was when I started really feeling it. I'm not surprised. The last two miles (of my 2 12 mile runs) were always the hardest. I had never run beyond 12 miles before in my life. But...by the time you get to mile 11 you just KNOW you're going to do it. My goal was to finish the race and to run the whole race. Even though the last two miles were hard - I KNEW I would do it!<br /><br />Here we are with our medals!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI_k92LDjw-EueoQciXFdQMXl40cGcJ4SJrlQH4UfTSDAG3UHR76LSvH9FG0RfmRvyxbW_M4J7RHOxlIHi-jvwXmJtyXSLyaiya1w4S_2nOlYD4joQuVRC1UOgkHNfS1t19Jv/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI_k92LDjw-EueoQciXFdQMXl40cGcJ4SJrlQH4UfTSDAG3UHR76LSvH9FG0RfmRvyxbW_M4J7RHOxlIHi-jvwXmJtyXSLyaiya1w4S_2nOlYD4joQuVRC1UOgkHNfS1t19Jv/s400/DSC_0177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539548767199740754" border="0" /></a>Anthony and Beth...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2dzrQkL7RUJxE46c59rp_NLZBn13LaXHVI0qEdwwFoptUxtSaSMcdfLAn34oRp3hJa2JqtwGeT6kX-v6kPCha_UJi_Vv5C68m_tYbkk_uwMBou4oVGOpEYELkgp84DPtT_Pa/s1600/DSC_0179.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2dzrQkL7RUJxE46c59rp_NLZBn13LaXHVI0qEdwwFoptUxtSaSMcdfLAn34oRp3hJa2JqtwGeT6kX-v6kPCha_UJi_Vv5C68m_tYbkk_uwMBou4oVGOpEYELkgp84DPtT_Pa/s400/DSC_0179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539547785540914802" border="0" /></a>The Williams...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuoyslNj63U2CEiT6EwkLXLQCKmIaGowhyZo6nech3HcPcIgMPneMUkcWlIxYqe4xVQ8c5jkrQPqfnIccYBudwoslJoIuCv8iFFRzz7JtkxI0IYgt9ep4VKsuGlHn9PkZ4oca/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuoyslNj63U2CEiT6EwkLXLQCKmIaGowhyZo6nech3HcPcIgMPneMUkcWlIxYqe4xVQ8c5jkrQPqfnIccYBudwoslJoIuCv8iFFRzz7JtkxI0IYgt9ep4VKsuGlHn9PkZ4oca/s400/DSC_0180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539547781855248210" border="0" /></a>The Megilligans...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RtdDxd4uHD6NoOtva27LnGWHfAb0K5r_bSJrZR8WXPLsxhKQbfjIvUnX1iygrKZYqDw76sZylhS7f14WoKZguLdlTM4qyBfBw86t79py1XIOjM1F5jBlnFkiqwHhqFpIrUlR/s1600/DSC_0182.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RtdDxd4uHD6NoOtva27LnGWHfAb0K5r_bSJrZR8WXPLsxhKQbfjIvUnX1iygrKZYqDw76sZylhS7f14WoKZguLdlTM4qyBfBw86t79py1XIOjM1F5jBlnFkiqwHhqFpIrUlR/s400/DSC_0182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539547776334647090" border="0" /></a>We celebrated with an awesome lunch after a long shower and then took off for home.<br /><br />I'm so thankful for Beth! There really are no words at all! It's been a rare time that I've not ping chatted, e-mailed, called, twittered, or spent time with Beth every day this year. Even during our long summer trip, it was a joy to keep in touch. Beth was a constant support through this training. We live SO close which was handy for us to do mid-week runs together and also some long Saturday runs. I loved this journey with Beth and so love our friendship!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrCNp6eB-H1wb2mO58h0QwCuqtS1A2D3gfKKfM1XZEOe6ihN53t21YQosd7RJAaauHnE_k-LVKx-PXTi_9IS0OlB5a4ngeSkKBboJJls0ZVTBvtwmYyAVO5u8qZ4sre8TlHi4/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrCNp6eB-H1wb2mO58h0QwCuqtS1A2D3gfKKfM1XZEOe6ihN53t21YQosd7RJAaauHnE_k-LVKx-PXTi_9IS0OlB5a4ngeSkKBboJJls0ZVTBvtwmYyAVO5u8qZ4sre8TlHi4/s400/DSC_0183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539547772532065170" border="0" /></a>I am SO not a bumper sticker kind of gal, but you just KNOW I had to get this one!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuOgHQkhGK8hx7tyF-UjXGSfASQFyAPPsLB5nwkol0N6Qipkm2tSzr_NmWlBWNFZGdoPieraqGZgGwtyOF_t0ybcPeefNW7hXL5Yqr2fnxQ2U3oL8LejHRYqo3Sf98HXW756q/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuOgHQkhGK8hx7tyF-UjXGSfASQFyAPPsLB5nwkol0N6Qipkm2tSzr_NmWlBWNFZGdoPieraqGZgGwtyOF_t0ybcPeefNW7hXL5Yqr2fnxQ2U3oL8LejHRYqo3Sf98HXW756q/s400/DSC_0184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539547766622394610" border="0" /></a>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-66117706738049086432010-11-10T13:24:00.000-05:002010-11-10T13:24:28.656-05:00I KNEW this before you were even born..<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyLz1sxQ5uXhumGVUFUmDM34mRiW5DH3G7MBo55Sowh7cKziBv97XBI5CN6BhIB7XG7MAQDl11dY08P5FHHZKV4cYmDoJPcdxmzpA0fnTl64ocr8mK994NkSYRNqdntFwwLac/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyLz1sxQ5uXhumGVUFUmDM34mRiW5DH3G7MBo55Sowh7cKziBv97XBI5CN6BhIB7XG7MAQDl11dY08P5FHHZKV4cYmDoJPcdxmzpA0fnTl64ocr8mK994NkSYRNqdntFwwLac/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Austin, Lindsey and Reece,<br /><br />I just knew, WAY before you were born, how much I would LOVE being your Mom. I think I knew it, as a little girl, when I would line all my dolls up and cover them with blankets and feed them their bottles.<br /><br />I just KNEW...<br /><br />When, in highschool, I would cancel my own 'party plans' to babysit and even when church friends would double book me with two families to care for...<br /><br />I just KNEW...<br /><br />When, as a newlywed, I worked at a school where I had to call a mom to pick up her child because she had a temperature and the mom said: "I just don't have time for this! I have so much shopping to do!" Then...I knew I wouldn't be 'that' Mom.<br /><br />I just KNEW...<br /><br />When Brian and I had to visit friends, who were in the hospital having babies, and I cried after leaving them even though we had no plans to have children right then.<br /><br />I just KNEW...<br /><br />When my mentor told me to get to the Library each week, with a six week old (!) and start reading to you all each day and then God chose the next steps in your education...<br /><br />I just KNEW...<br /><br />Last night when I was at a Mom's meeting/party and an hour into the night I went up to my friend and said I just needed to get home to see my kids before they went to bed. My friend said: "I know you do."<br /><br />I just KNEW..<br /><br />And when I got home to a boy running down the steps, squealing that I was home, jumped into my arms and wrapped his legs around my waist -- as I struggled not to fall off the steps.<br /><br />I just KNEW..<br /><br />I KNEW I would LOVE being your Mom!!<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-23219515288945759112010-11-06T21:33:00.006-05:002010-11-06T21:49:30.384-05:00Fall Soccer 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86jJGGN-l5coYDJFgP54DNgacGSlJSgUmVUXNWqSTZqwOCnVh_5VTTxEeBJk1en9gJP0rtxfDVQbGlxWErZjJyfbSii4ib2lVZqD-3FwtTv7tMMkFuegMx9XLJwnuRifY_iUp/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86jJGGN-l5coYDJFgP54DNgacGSlJSgUmVUXNWqSTZqwOCnVh_5VTTxEeBJk1en9gJP0rtxfDVQbGlxWErZjJyfbSii4ib2lVZqD-3FwtTv7tMMkFuegMx9XLJwnuRifY_iUp/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536631834953284818" border="0" /></a>Soccer finished up 2 weekends ago and the kids had a good season. Reece seriously smiles the whole time while out on the field and he still thinks it's cool to wave to his Mama. I love that of course! He'll go after the ball like crazy, but he doesn't have a "game face" on at all. It's all for fun for this kid...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7sf2_OyTN3zLpJxmDkJYzv1OubJRBAeedNDzc0RQWdZP-nQ9dtn_Fkq1_HTJEtGr12BX0Zc4VYqVudcdKWz4heSQtz3R1Wghcuec3KUu5Dbl_KzkqCX0OqrfjeZFgPICP-Xr/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7sf2_OyTN3zLpJxmDkJYzv1OubJRBAeedNDzc0RQWdZP-nQ9dtn_Fkq1_HTJEtGr12BX0Zc4VYqVudcdKWz4heSQtz3R1Wghcuec3KUu5Dbl_KzkqCX0OqrfjeZFgPICP-Xr/s400/DSC_0025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536631483162938322" border="0" /></a>Especially when you get donuts and Bojangle biscuits during the trophy party. It was fitting after their last game was at 8a.m.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXQ1NG-2QNeEJRo1z2u85V5l4jdEkYm_TW8MMkhGxITyruvqhyxX7dKlvesYcoRbVz6EJhU-kUhkmkH3Ah__1CpfCaqQZIV7yJtCowpFxIVN-GfFusn0MTPmrXrjfn5YlLAFI/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXQ1NG-2QNeEJRo1z2u85V5l4jdEkYm_TW8MMkhGxITyruvqhyxX7dKlvesYcoRbVz6EJhU-kUhkmkH3Ah__1CpfCaqQZIV7yJtCowpFxIVN-GfFusn0MTPmrXrjfn5YlLAFI/s400/DSC_0035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536631478591576386" border="0" /></a>Lindsey had a good season. She'll go after the ball although she does prefer to play defense and goalie. It's great exercise, but for her it is about the team and being together with her friends. (such a little female).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4dDSSsOfnaaIfwp_x8I0uazEu4d0nwS9lYzhjUCRUMzEkf2Fi6vWpoYL9SPQqXrHmUQSEe5ckvPxQFIBHzTE0La5_JlEUqwy1-jNlzvtDtPqFAPX4SiV1Q_LTd97I5VSlPzh/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4dDSSsOfnaaIfwp_x8I0uazEu4d0nwS9lYzhjUCRUMzEkf2Fi6vWpoYL9SPQqXrHmUQSEe5ckvPxQFIBHzTE0La5_JlEUqwy1-jNlzvtDtPqFAPX4SiV1Q_LTd97I5VSlPzh/s400/DSC_0055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536631470798400306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijcoQ8xGnZAyOMhKLg2SCum6pqTTtC439pKmSkl914hvSl7dEYfb2Tbvw4mg-LBDQcY23W1Lf0ROvcdJCb12qvc0_yhXCNFpWayaUGPaOmPD0vFFhW4tC4UngnWdpTig25xYd/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijcoQ8xGnZAyOMhKLg2SCum6pqTTtC439pKmSkl914hvSl7dEYfb2Tbvw4mg-LBDQcY23W1Lf0ROvcdJCb12qvc0_yhXCNFpWayaUGPaOmPD0vFFhW4tC4UngnWdpTig25xYd/s400/DSC_0058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536631469649712434" border="0" /></a>A highlight is the trophy party (her coach took them all to Chick Fil A for milk shakes) where her coach talks about each one of them and she eats that up. We always wonder when she might say that she doesn't want to do soccer anymore, but after getting a trophy and much love, from her coach, she always wants to sign up for the next season.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3HSrUa3vL82Sk8f_wR5sBWvNKMDMUtmIRWrc7srY8y8g6Ced8fTK_Buc1QwPrxETnCu6YrW756THxMY9ZceIwQ3Dgms0Dq34cPpcgSXcpcSUNqXEzFXzS0Hz0OTUpDnaErP_/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3HSrUa3vL82Sk8f_wR5sBWvNKMDMUtmIRWrc7srY8y8g6Ced8fTK_Buc1QwPrxETnCu6YrW756THxMY9ZceIwQ3Dgms0Dq34cPpcgSXcpcSUNqXEzFXzS0Hz0OTUpDnaErP_/s400/DSC_0068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536631466041131154" border="0" /></a>I'd have to say it does get tougher, on the parents, as they get older. Lindsey's games are now more in the afternoon and Reece has early games. Also, Lindsey had a few weekends where they would have 2 games on one day so we would actually be at the soccer field 3 times. We had a weekend where we had an 8a.m, 12p.m. and 2p.m. games. Ugh! I might have been a little "too obvious" of my excitement over the season finale when her team lost, but I was cheering: "Yay...we're done!" Brian encouraged me to curb my enthusiasm, but it just felt like it was a long soccer season. Yet I am very thankful for this amazing organization and can't speak highly enough about this great opportunity for the kids.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-11229031004569473932010-11-01T17:49:00.007-05:002010-11-01T18:29:29.915-05:00Our Weekend with Aunt Nar..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRWGTHs7MSqBFXvj1pxaBEe6qnLJxo6Xli403L3i2VlEyF-xLIaC_JoouycfWenJvO_ngrxYgkzJrLJZ6hmhyHDFHfbu929AaUvv3BBXEP7AgHBM59vkcvLqk-bMqN1x0ahtk/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRWGTHs7MSqBFXvj1pxaBEe6qnLJxo6Xli403L3i2VlEyF-xLIaC_JoouycfWenJvO_ngrxYgkzJrLJZ6hmhyHDFHfbu929AaUvv3BBXEP7AgHBM59vkcvLqk-bMqN1x0ahtk/s400/DSC_0118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534720768612505458" border="0" /></a>The kids anticipated Aunt Nar's visit like they do Christmas morning. It is always a blast when she comes! Aunt Nar arrived Friday morning and we promptly threw her luggage in the house and took her on an adventure. We kept her guessing the whole way there. It especially freaked her out when she asked if she'd be getting wet and we said "possibly, but it wouldn't be water."<br /><br />We took her to a favorite spot where you ride wagons and get up close to some amazing animals to feed them. Love the Zebras!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mGIr3AixVVB6ZvuYy2Ry_MsfKpRpqHgTyAt26Z4j38iw1gN157DQucl2kfoIwR3oHeSfu0n4r7_evp7C3dBcjZoDjtHVV6S2ZOw9TqyKMK2SQyzBVHxgGbNH7XsB0r6FTrOW/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mGIr3AixVVB6ZvuYy2Ry_MsfKpRpqHgTyAt26Z4j38iw1gN157DQucl2kfoIwR3oHeSfu0n4r7_evp7C3dBcjZoDjtHVV6S2ZOw9TqyKMK2SQyzBVHxgGbNH7XsB0r6FTrOW/s400/DSC_0124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534720494928270818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yAvJEv89czST2WPvgcmq9HON682Hcz1OTaoS_uUAYJ6HGuLB4qEAsCLdqhCMMyrcCoNGY-KH7GgqHsgI3QepyNOBUasmvEgExHbkRkqty32HnIvOBoRK6GqejuE5vqnE1zGG/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yAvJEv89czST2WPvgcmq9HON682Hcz1OTaoS_uUAYJ6HGuLB4qEAsCLdqhCMMyrcCoNGY-KH7GgqHsgI3QepyNOBUasmvEgExHbkRkqty32HnIvOBoRK6GqejuE5vqnE1zGG/s400/DSC_0127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534720491201929474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgushGoLIDCGVzap2HWvdQBCsdUL_bDnhXy4wCMLoxguHN7Kj8F4IbTcCsp8gvssHFn15IAdFIaCH9tckXrjoxhxu1TthOosb2CCEQSsA2dBtkHfbVWL3x1b9MYxvZlYIw-7DNx/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgushGoLIDCGVzap2HWvdQBCsdUL_bDnhXy4wCMLoxguHN7Kj8F4IbTcCsp8gvssHFn15IAdFIaCH9tckXrjoxhxu1TthOosb2CCEQSsA2dBtkHfbVWL3x1b9MYxvZlYIw-7DNx/s400/DSC_0137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534720488209848034" border="0" /></a>These animals have "the life"....come right up to the wagon and get fed by hand.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb2yGGO1Pen3d4VBx58m_n4LKjzmCfCTJorp_-3zrW6TNf4FldU_0s0SGYpb73dsNyTFcbxgyLWrXEFVF6cT6ByySfC9aP287wuA4QG5BC2MK66mXsJXnKnpgYziRdAQe1jhD/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb2yGGO1Pen3d4VBx58m_n4LKjzmCfCTJorp_-3zrW6TNf4FldU_0s0SGYpb73dsNyTFcbxgyLWrXEFVF6cT6ByySfC9aP287wuA4QG5BC2MK66mXsJXnKnpgYziRdAQe1jhD/s400/DSC_0143.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534720480541525426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlG76d1TLRUYNOawvDSyPQJNi2kKDoOh5wCCrXctcsPqz-7OY0mxkDAMHWAY6x8CrI_FlUDKWnmrFzu96AsgCtubjU_ICj9hPKK2UBaY057MoEU9DJyTTbvh1R2yO4ANtJf9M/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlG76d1TLRUYNOawvDSyPQJNi2kKDoOh5wCCrXctcsPqz-7OY0mxkDAMHWAY6x8CrI_FlUDKWnmrFzu96AsgCtubjU_ICj9hPKK2UBaY057MoEU9DJyTTbvh1R2yO4ANtJf9M/s400/DSC_0158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534720478117308386" border="0" /></a>Seriously up close and personal...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIzRsW-bKXauMvfqEG7LPa_v4qpP_DE-NyinZJCFyaS6deFLjX51djIbW7ruQEZk8SStOIcsQIvI04N9Tz6pfcBY2tRfpyOTHEa-b7nkSYu8dfqvDVcI17Pag7HrUeJNC5Z3_/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIzRsW-bKXauMvfqEG7LPa_v4qpP_DE-NyinZJCFyaS6deFLjX51djIbW7ruQEZk8SStOIcsQIvI04N9Tz6pfcBY2tRfpyOTHEa-b7nkSYu8dfqvDVcI17Pag7HrUeJNC5Z3_/s400/DSC_0161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534719432971913042" border="0" /></a>Aunt Nar came all the way from Iowa to have this 'first'. Feeding a giraffe...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWGoq4Pn2yNi_MMbmu6O0c81ELTDhYgquIxLMzLySR5ZjfAQ30KKaZ4y3fog13k6qLOAod3w45143lsA_qSTKEQMbg_I0kuJi2vQSd2M36gfhehegVFFltMCqolwNqU2cS0Ta/s1600/DSC_0163.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWGoq4Pn2yNi_MMbmu6O0c81ELTDhYgquIxLMzLySR5ZjfAQ30KKaZ4y3fog13k6qLOAod3w45143lsA_qSTKEQMbg_I0kuJi2vQSd2M36gfhehegVFFltMCqolwNqU2cS0Ta/s400/DSC_0163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534719423939430994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHErvnj9VZsb6wytYdBQv5nv4WrcdjLLl9xAgnJX1Je2y6NybyEoYDDxTdDoWaLHYf-tkGG6Q3Tr0seLJ26Uw8L6rcBEd54Hb7Y-PaLd_aRQnlaMdlS179X4yvAJXGVQL5OK_/s1600/DSC_0181.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHErvnj9VZsb6wytYdBQv5nv4WrcdjLLl9xAgnJX1Je2y6NybyEoYDDxTdDoWaLHYf-tkGG6Q3Tr0seLJ26Uw8L6rcBEd54Hb7Y-PaLd_aRQnlaMdlS179X4yvAJXGVQL5OK_/s400/DSC_0181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534719418431203362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSyOX4Ijl44vGB7MuyfLcHf-If2NOgT-zhKRf2GG9fjN4gZO6z7Q_QdOcMzusV-xESfXin6suTcHJG4uafhVO7T2r_IeJdkhX95FeWuPPXqHHPJUyW_vxWuNQl1HMAdzOpr9x/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSyOX4Ijl44vGB7MuyfLcHf-If2NOgT-zhKRf2GG9fjN4gZO6z7Q_QdOcMzusV-xESfXin6suTcHJG4uafhVO7T2r_IeJdkhX95FeWuPPXqHHPJUyW_vxWuNQl1HMAdzOpr9x/s400/DSC_0191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534719409724643298" border="0" /></a>These camels were so hungry....Lindsey took her whole bucket to dump it in its mouth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC9BlzqVN0_Rx2UbwaO-PJ5jWnBmgYBfP7jh_ih5EPUGxZAhYzb2hlIenbtql9IfgNxwBw1dpXya5A46zf3G3sNVeQ7fohEwRM_4gglMPcz6qRzCfFNaDdWS9VJkToLH7h-VP/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC9BlzqVN0_Rx2UbwaO-PJ5jWnBmgYBfP7jh_ih5EPUGxZAhYzb2hlIenbtql9IfgNxwBw1dpXya5A46zf3G3sNVeQ7fohEwRM_4gglMPcz6qRzCfFNaDdWS9VJkToLH7h-VP/s400/DSC_0208.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534719404123199890" border="0" /></a>They have an awesome playground and Lindsey is ready to slide on down...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ_B9TMm2_NrRzqkozRzmaBCEy2Y4BcFWgKeiFTYZE3d7vROa1V89gNqfyEps3IB60hGvyhzt6AoKV1nCCm1LPw7zgg4KuBSeOIphZaOBGb4ZEDqH-5tXI7AdcJ2OnBtPABUl/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ_B9TMm2_NrRzqkozRzmaBCEy2Y4BcFWgKeiFTYZE3d7vROa1V89gNqfyEps3IB60hGvyhzt6AoKV1nCCm1LPw7zgg4KuBSeOIphZaOBGb4ZEDqH-5tXI7AdcJ2OnBtPABUl/s400/DSC_0256.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534718436132420098" border="0" /></a>The ranch took up all of Friday and Aunt Nar treated us to Cracker Barrel that night.. On Saturday I had to run 12 miles and the rest of the family went to a special Diabetes Walk to raise money and awareness for diabetes research. It just so happens that Aunt Nar's best friend lives in Raleigh and has a son with Type 1 Diabetes so they did this walk with their family. After wards we all met up at the mall for lunch. Brian and Nar had a great time at the Apple Store getting Nar an IPad. We also hit Gymboree. We rushed from there to a movie and then came home for dinner and a night of setting up the new IPad.<br /><br />We were thrilled to have Aunt Nar here for Sunday church. This was a special service as we had invited some singers, from a sister church, to sing with our worship team. It was a great morning of worship. It was special for Brian as he had planned it, wrote all the music for it (arrangements/charts for every single song sung that morning), went to the other church to rehearse those singers, had some 2 a.m. practices of his own, went shopping late Sat. night to the local Harris Teeter to buy food for the worship team to keep them going Sunday morning. It was exhausting, but rewarding to see all that work come to fruition. Thankfully every Sunday is fantastic as we are blessed with amazing singers and musicians. One also can't forget the congregation who are so beautifully sincere with their worship. More importantly is the worship we give to the Lord and not what we receive come Sundays. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4KxeWYXZoNEDAg7aM0b7bVilDjGavaYfoODq6M2NzDNS0gygMqWYXnpdSLc8hrzHKL4agYe5FwWB3_UXRimI2lSqDSoeqVCdlJ4NnVfs9G7tiMmZgFcJP55dSaiTlucI2fBc/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4KxeWYXZoNEDAg7aM0b7bVilDjGavaYfoODq6M2NzDNS0gygMqWYXnpdSLc8hrzHKL4agYe5FwWB3_UXRimI2lSqDSoeqVCdlJ4NnVfs9G7tiMmZgFcJP55dSaiTlucI2fBc/s400/DSC_0269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534718431153922674" border="0" /></a>Being that it was Halloween we had such a great time, once again, spending it in our neighborhood. This year we had two "repeats". Lindsey once again was an angel and Reece wanted to be on the SWAT team. Austin had the most comments being that he was Iron Man. All the neighborhood kids knew who he was.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDf9R0_ZLn4pwaN9d6jPgOU-RZQsFVD-bUilsRDYkIvOajVilDWFDJ7eHHtHa6VBRsQCPJyMhDBoxtrEw-Gkar0v_IGXg9GCEeSckzT9GEtJyMYMQS2Lu9uOl1WZuqXUMwC4C/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDf9R0_ZLn4pwaN9d6jPgOU-RZQsFVD-bUilsRDYkIvOajVilDWFDJ7eHHtHa6VBRsQCPJyMhDBoxtrEw-Gkar0v_IGXg9GCEeSckzT9GEtJyMYMQS2Lu9uOl1WZuqXUMwC4C/s400/DSC_0270.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534718416675749538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaN-EE7hk4RkVlvPXewP8MZ__WO_5LhH3kXNaA5Vh9vkpmoNLgrgLxkvU0H0ucj5zNDUeEYYp6EGn0OT1VZ2s-lmfaEbgFlPCb6FdVPGnavE-DOEn4B0KOVyBlxTFvdTj1s63/s1600/DSC_0278.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaN-EE7hk4RkVlvPXewP8MZ__WO_5LhH3kXNaA5Vh9vkpmoNLgrgLxkvU0H0ucj5zNDUeEYYp6EGn0OT1VZ2s-lmfaEbgFlPCb6FdVPGnavE-DOEn4B0KOVyBlxTFvdTj1s63/s400/DSC_0278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534718412523749634" border="0" /></a>Our neighborhood is just a "scream" literally with Halloween. Here is Aunt Nar coming out of someone's garage who had made their own Haunted House. We heard screams, down the street, coming from this garage and we volunteered Aunt Nar to go through it with the kids -- while Brian and I waited outside. We were out for a good part of the night going all around.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87plBj8OdkYGe5YK4PCb3WbdlgXjCNkZw6iJPqhiMZcSQXWNTcfvwhFxRytKQLdwf9w-tiRiRr1e-YIcSI49DIPENXWH-JIoyJRqobW1-EG_j9C_IOgIKSd5P7TnbL_ACBeGv/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87plBj8OdkYGe5YK4PCb3WbdlgXjCNkZw6iJPqhiMZcSQXWNTcfvwhFxRytKQLdwf9w-tiRiRr1e-YIcSI49DIPENXWH-JIoyJRqobW1-EG_j9C_IOgIKSd5P7TnbL_ACBeGv/s400/DSC_0285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534718406704606978" border="0" /></a>The weekend was jam-packed and Aunt Nar headed home this morning. Five minutes after she left we were already missing her sorely! There is just never enough time with her! It must be fun being an Aunt! I know the kids sure think it's fun being nephews and niece's. Aunt Nar makes everything fun!!Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-15633478084083712022010-10-24T18:06:00.004-05:002010-10-24T18:55:42.380-05:00Austin's Birth Story: 5 min. from a C-section.....October 23, 1998<br />I'm excited to talk to Brian and find out that tomorrow will be the day for their baby's birth. They were told to report to the hospital at 6:30a.m. Oct. 24th for induction. She is already 1 week overdue and cervix is 3 cm and 70% effaced. When I hang up I am looking forward to tomorrow but also pray that Janet will be in early labor by the time she reports to the hospital. I know things usually go more smoothly if the body is really in labor.<br /><br />October 24 6:30a.m.<br />I arrive at Akron City Hospital OB and inquire if Janet has arrived yet. They don't have her listed for induction today and ask if I'm sure she is delivering there. I assure them she is and then visit with the nurses while we wait for Janet and Brian to arrive. I ask if Linda Tober is working today. I'm thrilled to find out that she is and that they will try to give her to Janet as a labor nurse.<br /><br />6:45a.m.<br />Janet and Brian arrive with Janet's parents. They were delayed because they initially parked in the wrong parking garage. Actually the delay gave me needed time to introduce myself to the hospital staff since I have not been a doula there before. God's timing is amazing!<br /><br />7:00 a.m.<br />Janet's folks are in the waiting room settling in. Linda Tober arrives in the labor room. She will be with us until 7 p.m. She shares that this is an extra day for her to work. She had originally been off but came in extra. We hug and say thanks to the Lord for showing us so clearly He cares.<br /><br />Another nurse, Ruth Stein, who is an LPN comes into the room a short time later with Linda. Linda just wanted us to know that Ruth was there because she goes to the Chapel. Before she leaves the room I ask her to join us for prayer. We all join hands and I pray for the Lord's protection and the wisdom and skill of all of us assisting Janet in Labor and birth.<br /><br />Linda gets Janet all set up for labor with the fetal monitor and explains how the day will probably begin. The baby's heartbeat is strong at around 140-150 and he is really active. The monitor shows that Janet is already in early labor! She is having contractions every 3-5 minutes. Janet doesn't really feel them at this point.<br /><br />8:10<br />Linda examines Janet. She is 3+, the cervix is posterior 50% effaced. The exam is not very comfortable because the cervix is so posterior. Janet does a wonderful job of relaxing and remaining composed. Linda starts the IV pitocin. After this procedure Janet feels overwhelmed and needs time alone with Brian so I leave for a short time. I go out and visit with Janet's folks.<br /><br />8:30<br />Grandma and Grandpa come back to the room with me to see Janet for a little while. Janet's Dad says this is their first grandchild. They are both so excited to see their "baby" have her first baby but concerned for her. Janet reminds all of us that she has a low pain tolerance and her folks confirm that. I assure her we will help her as much as we can to manage the pain.<br /><br />9:15 - 11:15 a.m.<br />Janet is on her left side resting with the video "In His Presence" running. We have the sound off on the video and have a CD of jazz playing. I give Brian some lotion and we each massage one of Janet's hands. She isn't using any special breathing at this point. After awhile we do some walking out to the waiting room to visit with her parents. Contractions are lasting a full minute now every 3 min. but Janet can still walk, talk and laugh through them.<br /><br />11:20<br />Linda comes to check on Janet and recommends that we continue to walk.<br /><br />12:30p.m.<br />Janet and Brian are working very well as a team and need some time alone. Janet's folks ask if they could treat me to lunch in the cafeteria. I agree since Janet is handling her contractions well and it is nice to talk with Grandma and grandpa more.<br /><br />1:15p.m.<br />Brian now takes a lunch break and goes outside on this beautiful fall day to take a walk. The break is good for him! This is hard work emotionally and physically for his as well. Janet and I walk the halls with her mom joining us. We check out all of the cute baby gifts in the gift shop on the OB floor. We find we can even walk over 2 elevated walkways between the hospital and the medical office buildings. We stop some now for contractions because they are getting harder.<br /><br />1:30p.m.<br />Linda check Janet and increases the pitocin. Janet still doesn't need special breathing techniques but does need to focus more to be able to relax. She is now 4+ cm and the cervix is less posterior and is 75% effaced. We try different positions to relax, the hand vibrator on her back, the warm rice sock, the wooden ball massager and lotion on Janet's back. They all help, but contractions are getting harder.<br /><br />2:45p.m.<br />The resident comes into the room to rupture the membranes to get the contractions more effective. Janet is really apprehensive but with Brian by her side she handles the exam well. It's time for a few tears and that is OK. It has been tough today and tears help get rid of some tension and frustration. We discuss waiting longer for the epidural so she can walk more.<br /><br />4p.m.<br />Nubaine in the IV gives Janet some rest now. The contractions are hard every 2-3 min. lasting a full 60 seconds. We do pattern breathing and massage an she leans on Brian for every contraction.<br /><br />5p.m.<br />Contractions are hard and close. Linda checks and Janet is 6cm and not posterior any longer and the baby is definitely lower in the pelvis. Her planned epidural happens now. Janet's Dad comes in for a visit to check on his girl.<br /><br />6:30 p.m.<br />Janet has been sleeping and Brian has been resting on the couch. Brian uses the warm rice sock on his tired shoulders. I check in with Janet's folks in the waiting room and few times to let them know how she is doing. Linda checks her before her shift is done and Janet is 7-8cm. Good news! Linda talks to me about Janet's new nurse, Mary. She has a lot of experience so we are in good hands.<br /><br />8:30p.m.<br />Labor is progressing. Contractions are every 2 to 2 1/2 minutes lasting 60-90 seconds. Mary checks Janet and she is 9cm. Janet is feeling some back pressure which is a good sign. I say a silent prayer for Janet that she will be able to complete birth soon. She is cooperative but a little teary eyed as she is getting tired.<br /><br />9p.m<br />Finally the cervix is completely dilated! Mary tells us that she will call Dr. Jadallah and then be right back to assist with pushing. What a relief that Janet can now start pushing. Mary asks her to start pushing semi reclined so that she can be check for progress. Once she is sure Janet is moving the baby down she can move to a more upright position if she can support her weight.<br /><br />10p.m. Janet is getting tired as she pushes, with each contraction, using the squatting bar.'<br /><br />11p.m.<br />Janet is exhausted and becoming more uncomfortable. Brian and I both rest on the bar in between contractions feeling pain for Janet.<br />When Dr. Jadallah arrives he is very gentle and encouraging. He increases the pitocin to make the contractions for effective.<br /><br />11:30p.m.<br />Janet is doing a wonderful job of pushing with every contraction, but her back is hurting her. It is hard to see her teary eyes and to look at Brian as he feels for her pain. His presence gives her such strength. It is frustrating that the baby is not moving more. The baby's heartbeat looks OK but is slowing periodically.<br /><br />11:45<br />Dr. Jadallah gently tells Janet and Brian that he would like to try and assist birth by using the vacuum extractor. He explains that in spite of great pushing efforts by Janet and good contractions the baby just doesn't seem to be moving down for birth as he should. He says that if that doesn't work he will have to consider doing a cesarean. I can sense Janet and Brian's fear but I know the Dr. is right. 3 hours of pushing is a long time!<br /><br />The next few minutes are kind of a blur. Dr. J. has to work very hard with the vacuum and he has a resident come in and apply pressure on the uterus from above. That is very hard to see being done. I hold Janet's hand and ask Brian if he is ok. He is but feeling her pain so much! As the baby's head comes out it is obvious that he weighs much more than the expected 7 - 7 1/2 lbs. The Dr. needs to get his shoulders out. Dr. J. says what he wants and I relay the message to Janet.<br /><br />OCTOBER 25 at 12:02 a.m.<br />Austin Keith is born! He is HUGE and has lots of hair. He is up on Janet's chest for awhile and then he is taken over to the warmer to be suctioned and evaluated. Janet is so exhausted and yet so thankful. I go out to tell her folks.<br /><br />Grandma and Grandpa are so happy and so glad to know all is well now. When I come back to the room they have Janet more comfortable and up close with Austin. Dr. Jadallah tells Janet she did a wonderful job. He weighs 9-9 and is 22 inches long. Wow! The nurses all give Dr. J a hard time over his weight guessing and the room is filled with laughter as we hear of Austin's stats. <br /><br />1:30a.m.<br />I leave for home as Janet is ready for some sleep. She has nursed Austin and the nurses plan to take Janet to her room. Grandma and Grandpa have thoroughly enjoyed holding Austin for the first time too. I leave very tired but so thankful for the Lord's hand of protection on the Megilligan family today.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845876.post-25867738398948908422010-10-22T12:52:00.005-05:002010-10-22T13:02:57.806-05:00Yates Mill Field Trip...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwV7D4NnR9785Cc-2hdZIPi3hq1_ch_YdapNO2Y6yjgs8f-es2E71EHxROwTx_oRUCC3J2GbXrsO-qyMcjgS_acecXYopAQBoHu0HNBUTr1PLFkR_3pJe9XMik9kayZ5bVdLy/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwV7D4NnR9785Cc-2hdZIPi3hq1_ch_YdapNO2Y6yjgs8f-es2E71EHxROwTx_oRUCC3J2GbXrsO-qyMcjgS_acecXYopAQBoHu0HNBUTr1PLFkR_3pJe9XMik9kayZ5bVdLy/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530931568059151298" border="0" /></a>Yesterday we had the opportunity to go on an hour long field trip to Yates Mill.. We'd only been there once to hike around so it was great to hear all of the history behind it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpb-TAZRG6rFQAkWFUgHz1oUY6Nm649Wkq8m2rLSqe_K_jyDsb0zFKFetL9fLH58ArDGTdVbKaYL14j_-qI4vNtnNRvoq4C9q9UgkVzBMg9ElwB55id5Jc5c6GYgyld1h8lpxa/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpb-TAZRG6rFQAkWFUgHz1oUY6Nm649Wkq8m2rLSqe_K_jyDsb0zFKFetL9fLH58ArDGTdVbKaYL14j_-qI4vNtnNRvoq4C9q9UgkVzBMg9ElwB55id5Jc5c6GYgyld1h8lpxa/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530931558861881250" border="0" /></a>Reece....gotta remember to not let him sit on the ground anywhere! This kid and piles of dirt!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cOYV_pN4imBvQoP6w2ugFcoVN_77umTGfQKtA1v2g50BT_CQZUvZg2zZ1y_VSvSHgF5oZv2lXk1Vf8hSfJRYAf1ECfNFDHeTZw4jMWiHXeD8CEf5pPcVDFEOafOGj0qNRkrO/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cOYV_pN4imBvQoP6w2ugFcoVN_77umTGfQKtA1v2g50BT_CQZUvZg2zZ1y_VSvSHgF5oZv2lXk1Vf8hSfJRYAf1ECfNFDHeTZw4jMWiHXeD8CEf5pPcVDFEOafOGj0qNRkrO/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530931549793045394" border="0" /></a>The kids loved seeing this gentlemen use an old machine to take the corn off the husk...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCjq46Rz-d3qImeWGZ-qjYGDtkP4E73a3sNA9hw_PRWuXPZTPzjpmyOw39W0c4nK6b27Ptixk4aMMuZtJG0gYsWD90jtRUUmQfSyB_Zivtfuv9hozDr10rRkn5zaItjU3Yga6/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCjq46Rz-d3qImeWGZ-qjYGDtkP4E73a3sNA9hw_PRWuXPZTPzjpmyOw39W0c4nK6b27Ptixk4aMMuZtJG0gYsWD90jtRUUmQfSyB_Zivtfuv9hozDr10rRkn5zaItjU3Yga6/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530930823345535938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64w5AnATuDvP1gUcIy_GjOrADh32JpNgbx6ipzlSNXm9MVTeZT5P5qJblCsjTqakJ9a9lDphEFRZcZUcWsceSimcUvlSWV5qL9JZPkoj75z-RNr4Ee69KJ4GQTCoezqsYtSgw/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64w5AnATuDvP1gUcIy_GjOrADh32JpNgbx6ipzlSNXm9MVTeZT5P5qJblCsjTqakJ9a9lDphEFRZcZUcWsceSimcUvlSWV5qL9JZPkoj75z-RNr4Ee69KJ4GQTCoezqsYtSgw/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530930820520751826" border="0" /></a>They even turned on the water for us..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jzHX6p5K5ZS6X-xk2jydFlzWI-kPHplD8SXf1xIMgA4T6N94xuXrCaiURTv8OKnPNJRyATTQUJedvy77HGO6OQGCLSaq1EECB3VL_610ngJHA1ED6jJ8vXZbfxVW4Tm4EjxU/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jzHX6p5K5ZS6X-xk2jydFlzWI-kPHplD8SXf1xIMgA4T6N94xuXrCaiURTv8OKnPNJRyATTQUJedvy77HGO6OQGCLSaq1EECB3VL_610ngJHA1ED6jJ8vXZbfxVW4Tm4EjxU/s400/DSC_0023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530930816379965442" border="0" /></a>A highlight was actually going inside the mill. Here Lindsey is inside looking out at the water wheel that you see in the picture above.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUoyMullMiyQZsBjIuBH3jBbFVmvCnOi69nLbrCIXy3VMREoBzxCjLvs2jkx26FbM_kyeZqSwgAbMQAn6uA6eUOjSjts3y3RAHi1-zI73Iv5ZoAAw6zcKC3RY9ckqVkVodNEt/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUoyMullMiyQZsBjIuBH3jBbFVmvCnOi69nLbrCIXy3VMREoBzxCjLvs2jkx26FbM_kyeZqSwgAbMQAn6uA6eUOjSjts3y3RAHi1-zI73Iv5ZoAAw6zcKC3RY9ckqVkVodNEt/s400/DSC_0029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530930805068113666" border="0" /></a>Inside the visitor building they have periodic dress up clothes as well. Leave it to Reece to get into that! It was a gorgeous day and we ended our tour with a picnic on the grounds. Great time was had by all!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PacdJAvzEbKHO1L6QEqlQvzz2v7l4sMRhSbuk-Zt1r3GlwmzWuZoGhZDRwUATvSattLXTt46PZDf0wriHIcHBGAcmQ63FwrHiiS1JKwq_Dus1apHCOAszEWsuJ3HTDsoeCki/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PacdJAvzEbKHO1L6QEqlQvzz2v7l4sMRhSbuk-Zt1r3GlwmzWuZoGhZDRwUATvSattLXTt46PZDf0wriHIcHBGAcmQ63FwrHiiS1JKwq_Dus1apHCOAszEWsuJ3HTDsoeCki/s400/DSC_0035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530930803655125458" border="0" /></a>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347972224554959330noreply@blogger.com0