tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91886989710421180672024-03-04T22:02:38.516-08:00Martina's MomentsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-30531114178062481072012-08-19T14:07:00.004-07:002012-08-19T14:07:57.771-07:00VACATION FUN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Each year we take the entire family (daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren to Virginia Beach for a week of family fun. The cousins love spending time together. Here are the five Divas! Kari and Clara (top) and Sasha holding baby Tessa, and Emme. Adorable!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDl9i4ry37VkAn0zQ35JS5RMaKevUR8PkxP1vN_cFKW3ORH0VofUy4DRw4EhBVMyWAWuxNnVlMmptQgH6M_Pk1FOjGoVUzbRru1OSNDn8Mil4ORbODB8lZbm839X2ICP4nAe6qbmSbycy/s1600/DSC01690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDl9i4ry37VkAn0zQ35JS5RMaKevUR8PkxP1vN_cFKW3ORH0VofUy4DRw4EhBVMyWAWuxNnVlMmptQgH6M_Pk1FOjGoVUzbRru1OSNDn8Mil4ORbODB8lZbm839X2ICP4nAe6qbmSbycy/s320/DSC01690.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My oldest grandson, Aidan, holds my youngest grandson, Camden!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlzzv7T3yzVrv55zcgQxQKcfeWLfFegm8fYUNROHGzyoyhnVct-QyD-ifcFOjIWqNmVo-WkAiQ_aSRoe3dqr5AryqpxoPfvUnza5X2dydEQXQfE_Mza69VKC9_glGhFm9zZDR5hlS2Ugg/s1600/DSC06025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlzzv7T3yzVrv55zcgQxQKcfeWLfFegm8fYUNROHGzyoyhnVct-QyD-ifcFOjIWqNmVo-WkAiQ_aSRoe3dqr5AryqpxoPfvUnza5X2dydEQXQfE_Mza69VKC9_glGhFm9zZDR5hlS2Ugg/s320/DSC06025.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The kids love the beach and we had beautiful beach weather all week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ng9nxADLeg7iouHfVrsaKzGaui7xgRsWmV4zjIeG8E0IoYe1ffyWT_AoBk3Ql_oFTKycHbEE8mi8gQ0s__nxUN2MfVuf_iaW61UAIM7ETeMebMJ1YwugTpQyDIfvWubJQG_pTkF_A0_l/s1600/DSC01747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ng9nxADLeg7iouHfVrsaKzGaui7xgRsWmV4zjIeG8E0IoYe1ffyWT_AoBk3Ql_oFTKycHbEE8mi8gQ0s__nxUN2MfVuf_iaW61UAIM7ETeMebMJ1YwugTpQyDIfvWubJQG_pTkF_A0_l/s320/DSC01747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, Jayce was NOT happy at the beach! Maybe next year! Tessa just chilled.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiUvj16KHtWKPMFgos_Hhls8H5BqtrEnTUKqQUVtU7lBE37Fj4qbaHEU8q1Aazl55zjq6OK49pvfjcv3_lkGfbD7ZjTHo5CYB352_wJ2hlRshE1_HfjFdfV4pNOoeN_gOM8Wy-cpB2kjf/s1600/DSC06037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiUvj16KHtWKPMFgos_Hhls8H5BqtrEnTUKqQUVtU7lBE37Fj4qbaHEU8q1Aazl55zjq6OK49pvfjcv3_lkGfbD7ZjTHo5CYB352_wJ2hlRshE1_HfjFdfV4pNOoeN_gOM8Wy-cpB2kjf/s320/DSC06037.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq3s7GduYCqb-mrIoUF48a3ZqB4rsGRi0446gQQsXuJOO7glWIQkRm64X6MRnDn4UlFQMxHH_2by3smsjjdQMslFQ0aPlWPF7_WsE_iYPuuJsnPCrqgUuw4JenUnsH3doxnpkAgnvFtIz/s1600/DSC06048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq3s7GduYCqb-mrIoUF48a3ZqB4rsGRi0446gQQsXuJOO7glWIQkRm64X6MRnDn4UlFQMxHH_2by3smsjjdQMslFQ0aPlWPF7_WsE_iYPuuJsnPCrqgUuw4JenUnsH3doxnpkAgnvFtIz/s320/DSC06048.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of time was spent in the pool. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_BIF1guMStjK-4JHcejqDiaJsNE9rNad16zdgkUI1-2pQR4qzSmoBxO_PiltpsHVNYj-88o4D_EN0kKNby25dRlciaqz0uzbGRn2f44ZoVKKYWWts_vXjk8LwBeAdVEOIIBMwGhjTDQC/s1600/DSC06016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_BIF1guMStjK-4JHcejqDiaJsNE9rNad16zdgkUI1-2pQR4qzSmoBxO_PiltpsHVNYj-88o4D_EN0kKNby25dRlciaqz0uzbGRn2f44ZoVKKYWWts_vXjk8LwBeAdVEOIIBMwGhjTDQC/s320/DSC06016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRFzce5c6bdOQK2zY2KtT59z5AtgGoZAh6vEd6VfZNcYRCMU2AwSSGleR3qqq2rEZBAX16B_TTg_IB3WJ7aj9uwY7oixZRGn2CyCLT4BwosMPhvC9L35tAYGfifXbXDG8D9V8VdDI-Z_x/s1600/DSC06019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRFzce5c6bdOQK2zY2KtT59z5AtgGoZAh6vEd6VfZNcYRCMU2AwSSGleR3qqq2rEZBAX16B_TTg_IB3WJ7aj9uwY7oixZRGn2CyCLT4BwosMPhvC9L35tAYGfifXbXDG8D9V8VdDI-Z_x/s320/DSC06019.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZE9M2Snwn82DRWLruLUXdZ6TplTGa_5UecLk7OyMU7uUvDadM21dRQJoyt4Po_7S9Q1ve79_U_9FDQqg8FWuFl8GZPZj16mYH-st_ajEuS3feZQyevlk-OnULKBB_4FJwJl93ZU_ftSh/s1600/DSC06098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZE9M2Snwn82DRWLruLUXdZ6TplTGa_5UecLk7OyMU7uUvDadM21dRQJoyt4Po_7S9Q1ve79_U_9FDQqg8FWuFl8GZPZj16mYH-st_ajEuS3feZQyevlk-OnULKBB_4FJwJl93ZU_ftSh/s320/DSC06098.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Camden relaxed poolside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxImQ5yqd28MrKhtqlzsu9Bj3u8wtW70gzstu2u69PfaSWWNhGnse6zzRRClwJtGA6O-Zb6ZxMbsvln8xtQjIW9sqjl7LK3yQRC8DSqn-xTFCavxiAD8nXfzuPzFy79FQ6OYtafIMSXWXy/s1600/DSC06079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxImQ5yqd28MrKhtqlzsu9Bj3u8wtW70gzstu2u69PfaSWWNhGnse6zzRRClwJtGA6O-Zb6ZxMbsvln8xtQjIW9sqjl7LK3yQRC8DSqn-xTFCavxiAD8nXfzuPzFy79FQ6OYtafIMSXWXy/s320/DSC06079.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pap enjoyed the hot tub with Sasha and Jayce</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0-m-t5OOaMM_O1GcOvPjpRJGaRRWMdEYg04Geubz3xlpb42fs9ioAp_QL473q_QwZ8NAV7EfYr-9IHrQgJlPx9g4rkO4VgS3oAXlmBk7doj-H5bXQrL0icxzNOpRwJDjsqFAdyftHpl4/s1600/DSC06083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0-m-t5OOaMM_O1GcOvPjpRJGaRRWMdEYg04Geubz3xlpb42fs9ioAp_QL473q_QwZ8NAV7EfYr-9IHrQgJlPx9g4rkO4VgS3oAXlmBk7doj-H5bXQrL0icxzNOpRwJDjsqFAdyftHpl4/s320/DSC06083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can't go to Virginia Beach without at least one trip to Handel's for ice cream</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u8f4BaQyDWitrovhAf_edPsHTg17G1MgCIu6qYqImG5f7LGG9huUYEont0zvs1XfbdVuCy12sxyaIY_P5ItKifW5I6Hy6-DG20zin8crPOxnCe0DLirjxhsff6kOGiwGCxlLjP9e-Nys/s1600/DSC06101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u8f4BaQyDWitrovhAf_edPsHTg17G1MgCIu6qYqImG5f7LGG9huUYEont0zvs1XfbdVuCy12sxyaIY_P5ItKifW5I6Hy6-DG20zin8crPOxnCe0DLirjxhsff6kOGiwGCxlLjP9e-Nys/s320/DSC06101.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHrAZSYvH_qRlWPuDIC_qhL_klgKvdPgcCtKXIIrkyJ-PGSlzUebT_ybqD1HAovx0wUyN6iUbsrfIaX7rpRdR4I3P4R0qHdztQx_ANs5leuuRTiQomik6B4lg7lPe0XXQPLjTHBNOzdkE/s1600/DSC06106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHrAZSYvH_qRlWPuDIC_qhL_klgKvdPgcCtKXIIrkyJ-PGSlzUebT_ybqD1HAovx0wUyN6iUbsrfIaX7rpRdR4I3P4R0qHdztQx_ANs5leuuRTiQomik6B4lg7lPe0XXQPLjTHBNOzdkE/s320/DSC06106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazZrg8YNPbbRnrLLBJQ1hXFQpDk2umZKPYHkLzPu8JU7y2O1LOAHBIVnzwd7Zr2kshTEekFrXe6xlUgccxmGfi6ErDQVhO8f1gnnnj1aXpUh3eV8g1rrBDYDE4rskbaJlTzSaCQOZIOKV/s1600/DSC06110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazZrg8YNPbbRnrLLBJQ1hXFQpDk2umZKPYHkLzPu8JU7y2O1LOAHBIVnzwd7Zr2kshTEekFrXe6xlUgccxmGfi6ErDQVhO8f1gnnnj1aXpUh3eV8g1rrBDYDE4rskbaJlTzSaCQOZIOKV/s320/DSC06110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZajCWNdX8Xw1lmL_YDbyjssEa38j5IqHvsfjBnJ6VlfsHcbw3hBO2nVCYLF5lVAR6yj08cQ5fK_xwvs2Pd0-ny6ocv5A9hTkV1r9JfC6ja3yqpn7vSmDw_4whtw34vPwlG8efDyzpBxe/s1600/DSC06115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZajCWNdX8Xw1lmL_YDbyjssEa38j5IqHvsfjBnJ6VlfsHcbw3hBO2nVCYLF5lVAR6yj08cQ5fK_xwvs2Pd0-ny6ocv5A9hTkV1r9JfC6ja3yqpn7vSmDw_4whtw34vPwlG8efDyzpBxe/s320/DSC06115.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
This year we celebrated Clara's and Ryan's birthdays which are August 13th and 16th. They wanted a luau so that's exactly what we had! The weather was gorgeous so we ate outside poolside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWxwE_bUdjJMHyCsXYspk3VLK1XZ_BgaFIN39LUMgxQFM33s9cvqFNe4HjzZqj9kF76Pj_fvciRN2VGQZEE4BMk3Fqb30FqFwChpl7qXtKKZbgF8gIc3TjeaDtDo4fasT_60h8zMg-Ih9/s1600/DSC_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWxwE_bUdjJMHyCsXYspk3VLK1XZ_BgaFIN39LUMgxQFM33s9cvqFNe4HjzZqj9kF76Pj_fvciRN2VGQZEE4BMk3Fqb30FqFwChpl7qXtKKZbgF8gIc3TjeaDtDo4fasT_60h8zMg-Ih9/s320/DSC_0591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ryan turned nine and Clara turned seven!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5Tb72eYZfw4UKZrDvZB6uclp3mxWUSxhBwcPBiESferJ_jQosvSYql0MCMN16VdjwG1Ih_Z8akCYiOInZuyfXePuF9c2EvGE2BX58EOSx3kjeRPjHyIJvJpjhyGSUfT2zQt_xnYzg913/s1600/DSC_0602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5Tb72eYZfw4UKZrDvZB6uclp3mxWUSxhBwcPBiESferJ_jQosvSYql0MCMN16VdjwG1Ih_Z8akCYiOInZuyfXePuF9c2EvGE2BX58EOSx3kjeRPjHyIJvJpjhyGSUfT2zQt_xnYzg913/s320/DSC_0602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jayce LOVED the cupcakes!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha75QRsON-6o71xbRpAVRkeKg_pHs23nCYMMoHEv8O4t5ohya_zLF4c6dBJR1yZz5icBeEIASlQJvlxfmDZNBLbgHSXBwJkjuWzZ2qE3IkcWWQcsHizk8JnmB08I7KoqyH6qydLJNvpIx/s1600/DSC_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha75QRsON-6o71xbRpAVRkeKg_pHs23nCYMMoHEv8O4t5ohya_zLF4c6dBJR1yZz5icBeEIASlQJvlxfmDZNBLbgHSXBwJkjuWzZ2qE3IkcWWQcsHizk8JnmB08I7KoqyH6qydLJNvpIx/s320/DSC_0633.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Emme looked the part of a little island girl!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_c20MePbKaDZjs3iE8yO1NSO1grwdr4V1HYOalYCEgy9J0LDytCv7fHEdNCrp999w3zHq7lqe0tjNPJATRrMeQcwQWvl3eXrKGuEJP3waGf9Qa8qJnWLZ7Z2piDfItiWhaxvgVmQN1pyl/s1600/DSC06186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_c20MePbKaDZjs3iE8yO1NSO1grwdr4V1HYOalYCEgy9J0LDytCv7fHEdNCrp999w3zHq7lqe0tjNPJATRrMeQcwQWvl3eXrKGuEJP3waGf9Qa8qJnWLZ7Z2piDfItiWhaxvgVmQN1pyl/s320/DSC06186.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Too soon our week came to an end. Until next year . . . </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0m1RYgFpANHnJwfz4W3qle4oktAcXfXNewYyEb6S7DV6x815butZEHimZNiXc6LdM_U7SGEMC3DPGbrzHA7mIpvm5RmYHJ8glxPB6Sz9EGQ2xE4QvmxGqMrjJh8MbGtQJzFPCUsLKnGD/s1600/DSC06260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0m1RYgFpANHnJwfz4W3qle4oktAcXfXNewYyEb6S7DV6x815butZEHimZNiXc6LdM_U7SGEMC3DPGbrzHA7mIpvm5RmYHJ8glxPB6Sz9EGQ2xE4QvmxGqMrjJh8MbGtQJzFPCUsLKnGD/s320/DSC06260.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjhbqf-CpTd7pb7RDJntNA8GGaY_aRroB5bZ5XtoQah2Tgpvt2BmBpYqKOBosVpfKqwKpogBuOQjrhO-4yYvrvC-lCqFgDSRg4g-xoMfx9AS-vltGzfv8vD-waVYIs4xBS6qeSXfAEvyZ/s1600/DSC_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjhbqf-CpTd7pb7RDJntNA8GGaY_aRroB5bZ5XtoQah2Tgpvt2BmBpYqKOBosVpfKqwKpogBuOQjrhO-4yYvrvC-lCqFgDSRg4g-xoMfx9AS-vltGzfv8vD-waVYIs4xBS6qeSXfAEvyZ/s320/DSC_0561.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-6508766803923938582012-07-18T07:46:00.001-07:002012-07-18T07:46:34.469-07:00NEW BABIES!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-7gENUB5DF0xNN4p_7O5BVTxMKvMurjgODPkEJDhWbEIw600us9lSwiBVfC96f-K0ZJSXzCuKvOYFvKPzvhT5rHVGyIPuPgsW95TeLtOkzOB4GNjAlc__24tamEef20505tRWnjt1qSe/s1600/TessaCamden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-7gENUB5DF0xNN4p_7O5BVTxMKvMurjgODPkEJDhWbEIw600us9lSwiBVfC96f-K0ZJSXzCuKvOYFvKPzvhT5rHVGyIPuPgsW95TeLtOkzOB4GNjAlc__24tamEef20505tRWnjt1qSe/s320/TessaCamden.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>I am so far behind on postings I was having heart palpitations on where to begin since my last post (just kidding!). I am shocked at how long it has been since I posted, so I am going to vow to do better and try and do a weekly post from this day forward! To start it off, on July 2, my ninth grandchild, Tessa Faith (on the left) arrived weighing in a 6 lbs 2 oz. She's a precious little peanut and joins two sisters and a brother! A week later on July 10th, Camden Alexander arrived weighing in at 8 lbs. 9 1/2 oz. As you can see from the photo taken a few days ago, Tessa is already asserting herself! We are so blessed and thrilled to welcome two more members to our family! </b></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-77698871237448571532012-03-25T16:06:00.002-07:002012-03-25T16:31:44.776-07:00St. Patrick's Day Cuties!<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">St. Patrick's Day is a fun holiday to celebrate. I found these cute shirts for the Andersen clan at Wal-Mart. Little Jayce's reads " You're Lucky I'm Not Your Son." Too funny!</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U1QhRlHk5dE_ECu63HX7xxGdUbPFWp6HjgEg3aLjQ-yUF_nXLdo6UXaMX-fJyWZlSkBqZb9MpMxK6D5Sa7LCOSElyF_yFYfxa620F8Ac1kgcwQqgRN5iZBZf3pfw9s9ajhzrP3EXLckl/s1600/DSC05053.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U1QhRlHk5dE_ECu63HX7xxGdUbPFWp6HjgEg3aLjQ-yUF_nXLdo6UXaMX-fJyWZlSkBqZb9MpMxK6D5Sa7LCOSElyF_yFYfxa620F8Ac1kgcwQqgRN5iZBZf3pfw9s9ajhzrP3EXLckl/s400/DSC05053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723977367840536178" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">He thinks it's pretty funny , too! Love those sparkly blue eyes!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Czf9cT59tqjZCNB5TFrpuS9YXL_EEobXqTFJtXqz8XfoZrO_RCg57msnJxVLfh4acN7WdbYfDYTyZZvhAKSVvRmuq2Z30qdkBR2LFuWfvmuWxfTo2V-2LOK_P2slDwE97RkVSruL8aVF/s1600/DSC05059.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Czf9cT59tqjZCNB5TFrpuS9YXL_EEobXqTFJtXqz8XfoZrO_RCg57msnJxVLfh4acN7WdbYfDYTyZZvhAKSVvRmuq2Z30qdkBR2LFuWfvmuWxfTo2V-2LOK_P2slDwE97RkVSruL8aVF/s400/DSC05059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723977357282797842" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">I got the placemats at the Dollar Tree - fabulous for just $1.00 each! and filled the little white buckets with gold foiled Reese's cups - our pots of Gold, which were our favors. After dining on a beef stew- Hungarian style, we had dessert.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqALzM7lfsbQVmeTRqrRYo6l4qsVHh02k-OiAGUVsicIYakl7Ouct30DZPaPs7scTz0auU4t0W6ylJM5J6064hW2ayHcgz_h9e_x8wrwx2X5vdZmwiLu4HgoVAgkku-ajyZe8CULNhMLFU/s1600/DSC05049.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqALzM7lfsbQVmeTRqrRYo6l4qsVHh02k-OiAGUVsicIYakl7Ouct30DZPaPs7scTz0auU4t0W6ylJM5J6064hW2ayHcgz_h9e_x8wrwx2X5vdZmwiLu4HgoVAgkku-ajyZe8CULNhMLFU/s400/DSC05049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723977349265821250" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">I found a simple easy recipe for chocolate, peppermint meringues that were delicious! The kids LOVED them, so we are already planning on making Easter colored meringues using a variety of extracts for flavoring, coloring them with spring food colors, and putting "treats" inside!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VTVywe4ppJ6_iKNwFQMVSeJ3bTPSSPOllGEf6RJpspUPYj4rxkduUQvVNaeJc27esZe7YdzP9QCYQZsfICuh4T8QFlaL3vFoEOpcXdPCGbkAJl9BpncfQB434r0TqbQVyXt7Oo_IptsX/s1600/DSC05046.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VTVywe4ppJ6_iKNwFQMVSeJ3bTPSSPOllGEf6RJpspUPYj4rxkduUQvVNaeJc27esZe7YdzP9QCYQZsfICuh4T8QFlaL3vFoEOpcXdPCGbkAJl9BpncfQB434r0TqbQVyXt7Oo_IptsX/s400/DSC05046.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723976478498432418" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">On St. Patrick's Day, our other four grandkids dressed up in their holiday finery and we headed to TGI Fridays. It has been a tradition for several years.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIYdy0E-c80ykf-mUlp0oyRBVw7uQnW013MqTs2qD6eEHwy2OhxRvvOSQnL3fSXtk3LqO77BGI9SauXg8ni0ST4i9nkllvR96XKKWZf45LySKicNTjwbceEKqzt1JcoUK_co4DXdJh300/s1600/DSC05020.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIYdy0E-c80ykf-mUlp0oyRBVw7uQnW013MqTs2qD6eEHwy2OhxRvvOSQnL3fSXtk3LqO77BGI9SauXg8ni0ST4i9nkllvR96XKKWZf45LySKicNTjwbceEKqzt1JcoUK_co4DXdJh300/s400/DSC05020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723976461380521970" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">After dinner we headed home for cupcakes to celebrate Jim's birthday, which is the day after St. Patrick's Day!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaM6Q_MwjmaChFNVQgiJoaLyWukIow4Ys6lSYvcgP1CcFYdbc9K8BbMeAeXL-i_LkQYL-IE_3D3knkq6ewwycwuL7SN6j4lr6bdckAwTnzA65heYTsbVv2rJuC8WMymMDGHHZDL6V0TJH/s1600/DSC05004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaM6Q_MwjmaChFNVQgiJoaLyWukIow4Ys6lSYvcgP1CcFYdbc9K8BbMeAeXL-i_LkQYL-IE_3D3knkq6ewwycwuL7SN6j4lr6bdckAwTnzA65heYTsbVv2rJuC8WMymMDGHHZDL6V0TJH/s400/DSC05004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723976446662852434" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Happy Birthday Jimbo! I won't give away your age!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK0XDw0qVQjMSry45GXTAFmGsm2A7dnpH8JXdXzlsf6UaKsM6j3KwDhAFn1c8KN4PpTCsGOBKaWuJDDTjUU3j7qp-IVeWCfdUM6iO6vpC8U-zH_keu5cxif6dd7zTfpChIt7gBAxA9DjM/s1600/DSC05022.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK0XDw0qVQjMSry45GXTAFmGsm2A7dnpH8JXdXzlsf6UaKsM6j3KwDhAFn1c8KN4PpTCsGOBKaWuJDDTjUU3j7qp-IVeWCfdUM6iO6vpC8U-zH_keu5cxif6dd7zTfpChIt7gBAxA9DjM/s400/DSC05022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723976443456208754" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-91717249809172325702012-02-26T17:11:00.004-08:002012-02-26T17:39:08.956-08:00Love For Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation!<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc0000;">On February 18th we hosted our annual Scrapbooking/Craft Love Crop For a Cure to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Thirty wonderful ladies spent the day scrapping and crafting! This year we raised $846.66, which is almost $300.00 more than last year's Love Crop!</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGCuhkiaqNk6QGdU-373TmTXRjOTWRRYh20xqP-PvEp0mS6vDFOoG1ZsFJi11dslzFxivCp6emTF7n7u6Xy6yVVv7zPLSlxnP_K251bzlGyKgQGkY6ezJHQ4zvZL49X4GI2TQzRLRhZzD/s1600/DSC04924.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGCuhkiaqNk6QGdU-373TmTXRjOTWRRYh20xqP-PvEp0mS6vDFOoG1ZsFJi11dslzFxivCp6emTF7n7u6Xy6yVVv7zPLSlxnP_K251bzlGyKgQGkY6ezJHQ4zvZL49X4GI2TQzRLRhZzD/s400/DSC04924.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713620065385618706" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc0000;"><b>It is always fun to see the creativity each person brings to what they are making. There is so much talent in one room.</b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp60I0dpqfegVEJYYG8PtwjvUp3dYFhy3VnCpHqBR4phC99F1kHqRQkko7YqQLKJKMdFK2jtnde2ub1O8KEhXxtuXxIRUgL_armKX6BA9oFFck_R0JFp8EzbaIfzOcg-8MXe4qM0B7Eg16/s1600/DSC04922.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp60I0dpqfegVEJYYG8PtwjvUp3dYFhy3VnCpHqBR4phC99F1kHqRQkko7YqQLKJKMdFK2jtnde2ub1O8KEhXxtuXxIRUgL_armKX6BA9oFFck_R0JFp8EzbaIfzOcg-8MXe4qM0B7Eg16/s400/DSC04922.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713619560817395170" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc0000;">Thanks to Target, Food Lion, Giant, and Tastefully Simple, we had a delicious lunch and yummy snacks. Of course, a Love Crop wouldn't be complete without some "lovely" cupcakes.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfomP2FsujRjNcoPntaKzO-UaUQbb025_tqeV1RPMLUnpKcTNjcVm1HOSqW41AyOZe0jDpRCcB7hGURu-tLvrJyepW3SaPwPmCswLBNT-HDr8063UX7e448wSiAAwancvV2DZAMldzLIo-/s1600/DSC04921.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfomP2FsujRjNcoPntaKzO-UaUQbb025_tqeV1RPMLUnpKcTNjcVm1HOSqW41AyOZe0jDpRCcB7hGURu-tLvrJyepW3SaPwPmCswLBNT-HDr8063UX7e448wSiAAwancvV2DZAMldzLIo-/s400/DSC04921.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713619551344150690" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc0000;">This year two vendors joined us: Creative Memories and Thirty-One. Thanks Ally and Courtney for your contribution to a successful event!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb8oBmKtUGdQ0WUYziXAOT5nPJPWAXoBQyBci79fperBDL0sxDYJY75tie1kUbm3q4GXBbjU0v8-HfwTX8ccnomCNCh0RH_TJzLEkJ-KRQITuw80VxGYQO1eXu38x-UTuUPMaKtIP7GeY/s1600/DSC04926.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb8oBmKtUGdQ0WUYziXAOT5nPJPWAXoBQyBci79fperBDL0sxDYJY75tie1kUbm3q4GXBbjU0v8-HfwTX8ccnomCNCh0RH_TJzLEkJ-KRQITuw80VxGYQO1eXu38x-UTuUPMaKtIP7GeY/s400/DSC04926.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713618395265070578" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc0000;">It is always such joy to meet new crop attendees! This year we welcomed seven new scrapbookers to our Love Crop!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAeJSxQhPYmdnCOTFvHyo-my7405RNLFohTxx1ce9JEpDhpgMrs155H6GJF8U-oEBn_TSGNaFyQLjaRXMx6bBKY762XkfZg-j0tg7KfcyWIy1VCUH4eST_4vdfy3_78RFDupAXPrHbO_R/s1600/DSC04925.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAeJSxQhPYmdnCOTFvHyo-my7405RNLFohTxx1ce9JEpDhpgMrs155H6GJF8U-oEBn_TSGNaFyQLjaRXMx6bBKY762XkfZg-j0tg7KfcyWIy1VCUH4eST_4vdfy3_78RFDupAXPrHbO_R/s400/DSC04925.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713618387395276050" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc0000;">We are always grateful to welcome back scrapbookers who have been coming to both our Love Crop and our Fall Crop For a Cure.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXLJ6O4JNVtsNrsLXE-CM3TH5dRHE2yxu7Aw7zYtCdLJ_CLdtGmI0hLhWhB6HIGT_aA-ZJ3QxVhvMRkCPtr2y6vjv6GehU_Co5rAVo0MDrlypMHvqi-vADl5XVdK3TPjWuAdbjGYAY-94/s1600/DSC04928.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXLJ6O4JNVtsNrsLXE-CM3TH5dRHE2yxu7Aw7zYtCdLJ_CLdtGmI0hLhWhB6HIGT_aA-ZJ3QxVhvMRkCPtr2y6vjv6GehU_Co5rAVo0MDrlypMHvqi-vADl5XVdK3TPjWuAdbjGYAY-94/s400/DSC04928.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713618376553553522" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc0000;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Congratulations to our door prize winners! </span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra6YNK9IrJrVLr6OGNFqdrUGVD8Efzl8D42pwo9aYqNTsk6AjM1TvqCoJsL99UwuE8OKIMOk2n5BB4-rvdCg04p3jvn4ZohvVqe2ZgjygovDSWPUfZ3NGX9ika8Ce59xTPyIn0Vt27cy_/s1600/DSC04929.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra6YNK9IrJrVLr6OGNFqdrUGVD8Efzl8D42pwo9aYqNTsk6AjM1TvqCoJsL99UwuE8OKIMOk2n5BB4-rvdCg04p3jvn4ZohvVqe2ZgjygovDSWPUfZ3NGX9ika8Ce59xTPyIn0Vt27cy_/s400/DSC04929.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713618372438457650" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-90016761690401741462012-02-11T18:09:00.000-08:002012-02-11T18:55:56.798-08:00VALENTINES DAY PARTY TIME!<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">I love any excuse to make cupcakes and decorate the house, so with Valentine's Day approaching I thought it would be fun to plan a little party for the four grandkids who live close by. Their moms and dads would get a night out kid-free! I spent a few weeks planning the menu, the evening activities, and decorating. I loved reading some of my favorite blogs for ideas. This morning I made red velvet cupcakes, one of my favorite flavors!</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWW6St5vBwDvLnTs-tePRqos7TbYeuB4y5edYOr2vGFulpPRueWiuEUAUO_ka6KSBpBARQzGbKcIidE-28U4zqr1hwRLS4nfNfGjWZAUk2rQozIwl7rqIblbID0HipV-IKfR1Xi-nSbcY/s1600/DSC04872.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWW6St5vBwDvLnTs-tePRqos7TbYeuB4y5edYOr2vGFulpPRueWiuEUAUO_ka6KSBpBARQzGbKcIidE-28U4zqr1hwRLS4nfNfGjWZAUk2rQozIwl7rqIblbID0HipV-IKfR1Xi-nSbcY/s400/DSC04872.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708071462727743362" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Last week, Sasha, Clara, Dixon, and Emme made the adorable hearts that we turned into a sparkly banner behind the table. This was one of the blog ideas! Then I found these cute drink bottles along with the paper plates and napkins at The Dollar Tree - what a great place to get fun party gear so cheap!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB33FlLMU3-q0SLt4XmscQhiOmEk4BaTILwBbcA89HecmeU4pRyUf42O4VzkgORnNqnKbSCVvp_nbvYWxGR26HzkkDjxZKtJai0KZ2jmeij_mbVXGEpZHL79Qdg3_DY-4ja1pBhUUkKN9L/s1600/DSC04901.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB33FlLMU3-q0SLt4XmscQhiOmEk4BaTILwBbcA89HecmeU4pRyUf42O4VzkgORnNqnKbSCVvp_nbvYWxGR26HzkkDjxZKtJai0KZ2jmeij_mbVXGEpZHL79Qdg3_DY-4ja1pBhUUkKN9L/s400/DSC04901.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708070713727376578" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Dinner was Tastefully Simple Vidalia Onion Crispy Chicken, veggies, and a melt-in-your mouth stovetop macaroni and cheese from a favorite blogger - <i>Brown Eyed Baker</i>. It was so good! I actually substituted gluten free elbow macaroni and the kiddos went for seconds!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-LrGfmJdj37QroJRh7HBXBG1JtOUw0MtpY3NrZXjlDMDlAP_TbOh5_lj0uRJDMN-VQ_6Hd4NVt41xURczUJjWfmQKfjJE8L_6tMs68QKePMp9OJ2kQf7VLd3a9vYcqahYbWjc9BYAy3I/s1600/DSC04904.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-LrGfmJdj37QroJRh7HBXBG1JtOUw0MtpY3NrZXjlDMDlAP_TbOh5_lj0uRJDMN-VQ_6Hd4NVt41xURczUJjWfmQKfjJE8L_6tMs68QKePMp9OJ2kQf7VLd3a9vYcqahYbWjc9BYAy3I/s400/DSC04904.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708070706023847330" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">We did two craft projects - bookmarks and wooden cupcake ornaments. </span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmDUvNohM5qYNYwDCLZcUf-nXK_KnG7QwMT4nnz8yfGne7WHWs8HmW0lcDq8kQgwvsmtySreGfV5t8LY1HOi9X4eyhP3mbDpXKM2fkE3rY5ZcjYkzTmvoNoodtvDQsTuGAi2Iu1sT_w5_/s1600/DSC04869.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmDUvNohM5qYNYwDCLZcUf-nXK_KnG7QwMT4nnz8yfGne7WHWs8HmW0lcDq8kQgwvsmtySreGfV5t8LY1HOi9X4eyhP3mbDpXKM2fkE3rY5ZcjYkzTmvoNoodtvDQsTuGAi2Iu1sT_w5_/s400/DSC04869.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708068242771744466" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Then it was cupcake tasting time! I loved the way these cupcakes turned out!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYdR4AbEq4dk3ksKo1kiRVZhQtUhHJOKc3QNIv4LaKO9nfeJinoGTwtqdhYeCJ7mmK5fmwSj86YIfQOFtzGmGzRad4nRwKVZYV2WqNrVZRM8ARPlSupE8wCDO2GeqfDl7ZuXG498frr8F/s1600/DSC04908.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYdR4AbEq4dk3ksKo1kiRVZhQtUhHJOKc3QNIv4LaKO9nfeJinoGTwtqdhYeCJ7mmK5fmwSj86YIfQOFtzGmGzRad4nRwKVZYV2WqNrVZRM8ARPlSupE8wCDO2GeqfDl7ZuXG498frr8F/s400/DSC04908.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708068228270410850" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Dixon was definitely focused on the cupcake! The kids wanted seconds of these, but I knew the parents would not appreciate kids on a sugar high! I sent some home with them!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEGp9bveDuUBG06cDfWWV203vh8SiMU31tahl7rZ-ANeQW4BbUs12Yx8Sn2eeC0CEXrTue1UCALQVAYJw5dqrUBE1HdCPWwk6vXCZvgYK4IKSZ0Rcbp4p3wH5tRD22Dvx6tzFOgI2fhZk/s1600/DSC04888.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEGp9bveDuUBG06cDfWWV203vh8SiMU31tahl7rZ-ANeQW4BbUs12Yx8Sn2eeC0CEXrTue1UCALQVAYJw5dqrUBE1HdCPWwk6vXCZvgYK4IKSZ0Rcbp4p3wH5tRD22Dvx6tzFOgI2fhZk/s400/DSC04888.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708068219905122418" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">It was unanimous that this is going to be an new annual tradition! We had so much fun!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqihtusJ-ee3dkfYA9JlcI9DTlskiOsiP2S9WDVK8NcxztiN9qguLZTsm4wl8Mg8K45vcY39a3B1U56FriNcfgJQvOhfmjB9aTAT6xrFJjZMFih5pc7M3t_0UF01HpNKsFztn78fLtY5Ri/s1600/DSC04880.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqihtusJ-ee3dkfYA9JlcI9DTlskiOsiP2S9WDVK8NcxztiN9qguLZTsm4wl8Mg8K45vcY39a3B1U56FriNcfgJQvOhfmjB9aTAT6xrFJjZMFih5pc7M3t_0UF01HpNKsFztn78fLtY5Ri/s400/DSC04880.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708068209283817570" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"> I found all of these wonderful candies in pinks and reds, and white and each of the grandkids got to take a small bag and fill it with their choice of goodies. </span></b><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLYr8T2ggZF8v7R3eEcDNER_U2hnaV7mNgHICcpZHAmmnvNn8Vg5Et4rw6SMzQ2xbU9OkQDj0_jSVuDAbbP7Ke9FtQDCmbZV2XrUh9jXXb41Vi1yuMbnMJ3dsZUDIoVW7W59zIeSzB7zu/s400/DSC04915.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708071432563930210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Their little Valentine present bags contained a variety of goodies - books, art pencils, hair bows, and matchbox cars. On Valentine's Day - Tuesday night - Jim and I get to have our own date night. We are going to the Luhrs Center to see <i>Fiddler on the Roof</i>. Going to the theater is a wonderful way to spend Valentine's Day! I hope you enjoy the day!</span></b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-68056873869217942482012-01-29T09:21:00.000-08:002012-01-29T10:51:15.698-08:00JoePa and Icefest 2012<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">As a Penn State graduate, this week marked the passing of a legend. The Paterno family and JoePa meant more than football. The Paterno family led a simple life, donating their wealth in ways in which no one knew until the Memorial service and the testimonies to their quiet generosity poured forth from the speakers. And their stories were only the tip of the iceberg.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6H85CN6h9eAUyq8zeSXhyphenhyphenaQ0GtsrYkQBAgNVs3j1RiH5DedRmXzAvRXoaP4qBqWBugAW9uzTTPYsXUe3vYtGFelf5OlczCB5NCrU-PS51iLlU_OQi_DgSaCkGvQcLSBVLSJRzN3D7QXd/s1600/DSC_0944.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6H85CN6h9eAUyq8zeSXhyphenhyphenaQ0GtsrYkQBAgNVs3j1RiH5DedRmXzAvRXoaP4qBqWBugAW9uzTTPYsXUe3vYtGFelf5OlczCB5NCrU-PS51iLlU_OQi_DgSaCkGvQcLSBVLSJRzN3D7QXd/s400/DSC_0944.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703110120145293154" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">In addition to the library and sponsoring the Paterno fellowships at Schreyer Honors College at PSU, hundreds of thousands of dollars were given for scholarships, they helped families in need, and the list goes on . . . It is no wonder that the Penn State community, and not just the football players whose lives he touched, thought of JoePa as more than a coach.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPYiA7QMphZ9e0IQ9Miy9UVp1-_xFCFgj2Yp1_8I9LBL9SYFTPW-9sfodQVxqelB8b1DDjFHSXBZuhmKHvd2lKffz_xWM6BUQJf209DOmhLx8dUba0fTKhvInioAW2dS4yivihXBh__8o/s1600/DSC_0940.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPYiA7QMphZ9e0IQ9Miy9UVp1-_xFCFgj2Yp1_8I9LBL9SYFTPW-9sfodQVxqelB8b1DDjFHSXBZuhmKHvd2lKffz_xWM6BUQJf209DOmhLx8dUba0fTKhvInioAW2dS4yivihXBh__8o/s400/DSC_0940.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703110118389517394" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">My daughter and her husband (a PSU grad) were fortunate to obtain two of the 16,000 tickets to the memorial. The tickets went online at 10:00, they got theirs at 10:02, and by 10:07, they were gone. The two and a half hour service was a celebration of a life that made an impact on people who knew him personally and who never even met him. We love you JoePa. </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EePnD9zDdhvGk2d3cQDh3n_N192P0USheIsOPRb4gVmZdV_D9uUxiULRPNG16TArOWfolQ-7IgV0cfAvBGQhxCoCPbubTzuhBMWUq5qaLEwOcwP-284-uSZ7sIldd3s1fFvEzDNL-XSR/s1600/DSC_0943.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EePnD9zDdhvGk2d3cQDh3n_N192P0USheIsOPRb4gVmZdV_D9uUxiULRPNG16TArOWfolQ-7IgV0cfAvBGQhxCoCPbubTzuhBMWUq5qaLEwOcwP-284-uSZ7sIldd3s1fFvEzDNL-XSR/s400/DSC_0943.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703109601859793554" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Nine years ago, Chambersburg held its first annual Icefest and I think we have only missed one in the past nine years. Yesterday, Becky, Barry, Emme, and I headed for downtown Chambersburg! Jim was helping the Lion's Club with their entry in the Chili Cook-off. Last year they won - not this year!</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7it6wCaiFCyM4UQlqacvLnshg7qRpYUSlZJPZ5FDrAHqXRUH-IPdFQ1F-XI47ntz74pVQNC6GNgV0zHxcAr_am_Gnqjq81VqJqyzpTm6hBYX0cudUArE4eegpUroJ9GNe-r7vhPoZcU-K/s1600/DSC_0983.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7it6wCaiFCyM4UQlqacvLnshg7qRpYUSlZJPZ5FDrAHqXRUH-IPdFQ1F-XI47ntz74pVQNC6GNgV0zHxcAr_am_Gnqjq81VqJqyzpTm6hBYX0cudUArE4eegpUroJ9GNe-r7vhPoZcU-K/s400/DSC_0983.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703109592124560802" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Emme loved the ice sculptures, but held tight to her balloon! She loves balloons!</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfUDEK25fczDNXgoPUbapWGUCBcm7zRLx6JMxTs78tH9mnccUJFlcGS9m1ISrZ97xk-D1cZVDcGH8MWpCyof2vutphirW3L2-0Kp37izgVdLHUjwaS1jiKVoa5w29boz16AVXNUaJq-Ip/s1600/DSC_0968.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfUDEK25fczDNXgoPUbapWGUCBcm7zRLx6JMxTs78tH9mnccUJFlcGS9m1ISrZ97xk-D1cZVDcGH8MWpCyof2vutphirW3L2-0Kp37izgVdLHUjwaS1jiKVoa5w29boz16AVXNUaJq-Ip/s400/DSC_0968.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703109578768447986" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">The warm January day took its toll on many of the sculptures that were quickly melting. But a few maintained their beautifully sculpted details. </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEk1nUQma-dozjEL-3bj5OODiggxTqz84RXZxe5DxutRBVEtvyd7aUpgyovoG2K5l1wGvw6fgGiBJPJJPJfMo932QN5B18yeD0PRsVFMn8A5vaTFRNmxuO-xY6UFDkSP2Y7uwyrFHGwLA/s1600/DSC_0978.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEk1nUQma-dozjEL-3bj5OODiggxTqz84RXZxe5DxutRBVEtvyd7aUpgyovoG2K5l1wGvw6fgGiBJPJJPJfMo932QN5B18yeD0PRsVFMn8A5vaTFRNmxuO-xY6UFDkSP2Y7uwyrFHGwLA/s400/DSC_0978.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703109576754068530" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">A favorite each year are the two different ice chair sculptures. Emme fit perfectly on this one!</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWbUZ9T0xIbJzPjsxgRUPqhEvm1q5u-GyCW5o4QNGiP6sbAp3JgHiap2ulXjjEct_idP8OfgkxEOy1BerDkrZj7PgUYZWKOoivpudOIExEPgTz9BguMEZXpGfF6d7IWfZ1SGpyDjlcxQ2/s1600/DSC_0974.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWbUZ9T0xIbJzPjsxgRUPqhEvm1q5u-GyCW5o4QNGiP6sbAp3JgHiap2ulXjjEct_idP8OfgkxEOy1BerDkrZj7PgUYZWKOoivpudOIExEPgTz9BguMEZXpGfF6d7IWfZ1SGpyDjlcxQ2/s400/DSC_0974.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703108443641082242" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">We had to stop and get a picture of our little "cupcake" with this cupcake sculpture!</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwuCwV-OUv29x2otc6fl8jCJMAaxsevVfrKUNb_zUimAjvIdaeBNpOc_tbg9gr2YUQLzTkrrc_RGK2Vgcyr7kKzTUQHg7IydEcNJHqYx7TUNezoEN9MAiVRKv21ncgzYOHMTVNA-5YKMd/s1600/DSC_0993.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwuCwV-OUv29x2otc6fl8jCJMAaxsevVfrKUNb_zUimAjvIdaeBNpOc_tbg9gr2YUQLzTkrrc_RGK2Vgcyr7kKzTUQHg7IydEcNJHqYx7TUNezoEN9MAiVRKv21ncgzYOHMTVNA-5YKMd/s400/DSC_0993.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703108440182637314" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Inside the Woods Center, there was a cake decorating contest. WOW! There were some absolutely gorgeous and fun cakes like this one . . .</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gWF-Gp8rgMRqivArQd4cWSYNvke3ahDRitlNoHrb5lRuBb4B4rNbDG6iLtkuIXQeduVwXHEkNEW4w6WUyUX72IIau_RRgDDAUzk5V3cHmpAjjCGLjTyRvO8rmwn1hThxwmkjAYj0YXtX/s1600/DSC_1000.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gWF-Gp8rgMRqivArQd4cWSYNvke3ahDRitlNoHrb5lRuBb4B4rNbDG6iLtkuIXQeduVwXHEkNEW4w6WUyUX72IIau_RRgDDAUzk5V3cHmpAjjCGLjTyRvO8rmwn1hThxwmkjAYj0YXtX/s400/DSC_1000.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703108423582565330" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">And this one . . . </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbwXpScPFXjAO-jCn7S8eOKrU5ketOV3Sr5D-4L4OpUDBff8vzeRfdAGerKn3aGvmsaHmBxOKsNnn039x4kqBuUh54cafcM6QvtLZWaOAVq95LNC0CedTjWSbQbWGEFgBieSHfYlm4PBC/s1600/DSC_1002.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbwXpScPFXjAO-jCn7S8eOKrU5ketOV3Sr5D-4L4OpUDBff8vzeRfdAGerKn3aGvmsaHmBxOKsNnn039x4kqBuUh54cafcM6QvtLZWaOAVq95LNC0CedTjWSbQbWGEFgBieSHfYlm4PBC/s400/DSC_1002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703108420816217490" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">The cakes in combo with the cupcake ice sculpture, put me in the mood to go home and bake. So I did! I made a basic dark chocolate cupcake. Once the cupcakes were cool, I removed the center and put Tastefully Simple Caramel Sauce in the center. Next I piped whipped vanilla frosting on top and added chocolate sprinkles and Tastefully Caramel Cinnamon Sprinkles.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLkgSilEvnUb3wtPzrMW7-I9nKyf9i8_gAVZHSQ3kR_9XSD7P2LHbPSJVuqAQ-7WLIH8E7WmrwSfDe3O2KbohRKEAMO80jo7pxIyBA9cGPQG7-oqVujgfaDUBTvmp34f-wEG3_xln6CF7/s1600/DSC_1008.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLkgSilEvnUb3wtPzrMW7-I9nKyf9i8_gAVZHSQ3kR_9XSD7P2LHbPSJVuqAQ-7WLIH8E7WmrwSfDe3O2KbohRKEAMO80jo7pxIyBA9cGPQG7-oqVujgfaDUBTvmp34f-wEG3_xln6CF7/s400/DSC_1008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703106514692827778" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">When you cut it in half, the cupcake oozed that awesome caramel. This caramel sauce is simply amazing and no other sauce I have eaten compares to it.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yuTueXTDLFLst6KCRcOA9KRj6rejuPj9UAdyMxs8iDldhntrwJpUu9I-uMozgQdGhSVB2cWExDSn4yqsi1g64CZi2YCpvRN1WFJvFtHn1CNTiS-709Jkykrt9xbHZjwVHKSwftQr853J/s1600/DSC_1026.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yuTueXTDLFLst6KCRcOA9KRj6rejuPj9UAdyMxs8iDldhntrwJpUu9I-uMozgQdGhSVB2cWExDSn4yqsi1g64CZi2YCpvRN1WFJvFtHn1CNTiS-709Jkykrt9xbHZjwVHKSwftQr853J/s400/DSC_1026.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703106503664942450" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">I topped one for Emme with sanding sugar and multi-colored sprinkles.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL3VzQPXr7_mj2rDKxMhLCHgITBL3bmhyphenhyphenYMd4Ef-ZxtC9P1BI1DphpO03YnA0Dk6Wd3P2cJF7KRJ77MI1axrF_ycu2OM7N9lCctpErxphOfBXqhODbDsNMnSAZnp31nBwB-Hm3YyDc5sW/s1600/DSC_1014.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL3VzQPXr7_mj2rDKxMhLCHgITBL3bmhyphenhyphenYMd4Ef-ZxtC9P1BI1DphpO03YnA0Dk6Wd3P2cJF7KRJ77MI1axrF_ycu2OM7N9lCctpErxphOfBXqhODbDsNMnSAZnp31nBwB-Hm3YyDc5sW/s400/DSC_1014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703106496261897906" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Her response was "Yum . . . " So was ours! A great Icefest and a great cupcake! What could be better?</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_3lWwfXhyphenhyphen8sCdqda6CfbG5nsRmwcm5usdmAbfsBGffVaIMPmbIBNjQ7WWvs_8yiseA_4meXYUeqK7O-dEzEQ39Fw_1s8W9KKrj55CQxF_7AhuCGQJCterwpk9Cp_AoGF742Rt6tD5oGH/s1600/DSC_1020.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_3lWwfXhyphenhyphen8sCdqda6CfbG5nsRmwcm5usdmAbfsBGffVaIMPmbIBNjQ7WWvs_8yiseA_4meXYUeqK7O-dEzEQ39Fw_1s8W9KKrj55CQxF_7AhuCGQJCterwpk9Cp_AoGF742Rt6tD5oGH/s400/DSC_1020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703106490806402994" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-20598847030521867912012-01-22T17:05:00.000-08:002012-01-22T17:43:19.773-08:00A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS . . .<div>Remember that wonderful song from The Sound of Music - "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things" - made popular by the wonderful Julie Andrews? I found myself humming along to that song as I made a DIY (Do it yourself) project that I saw on blog recently - a book wreath! It made me think about some of my favorite things, so I thought I would share a few. I love making things by hand, so I decided to start with my newest favorite project - the book wreath that I completed this afternoon. I even made the felt flowers that I found on Pinterest!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw6sabtYBAk2wp6UK1x2iuu2boa8-XQYD9dHhrx9td0Gg4Xx46WpmYAtrrZ0UiSJjXT2pTSlS2GqqvgdQ5Bw-Mj5_jmqxCncTzrrUmWQpxoJDnUzDXQ4o_WbMeNc6PSgn2SlT9fPoDiAg/s1600/DSC04820.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw6sabtYBAk2wp6UK1x2iuu2boa8-XQYD9dHhrx9td0Gg4Xx46WpmYAtrrZ0UiSJjXT2pTSlS2GqqvgdQ5Bw-Mj5_jmqxCncTzrrUmWQpxoJDnUzDXQ4o_WbMeNc6PSgn2SlT9fPoDiAg/s400/DSC04820.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700631883463065986" /></a>Another favorite is my red Kitchen Aid Mixer. I could bake every day with this baby!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuHUnD9N7fDCHd7gPebD7usUL-SLlfgtxaBhX5AnKRBtMmlWCgY1fCo0E8Re5WylM_FWd0lAFHHsG5MLyIDMaquoJTyj3uYz7W9YYtBpfLkQO7wfEf4zFbNDPz9wbEV8Y5u1Q2SaQTMOR/s1600/DSC04835.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuHUnD9N7fDCHd7gPebD7usUL-SLlfgtxaBhX5AnKRBtMmlWCgY1fCo0E8Re5WylM_FWd0lAFHHsG5MLyIDMaquoJTyj3uYz7W9YYtBpfLkQO7wfEf4zFbNDPz9wbEV8Y5u1Q2SaQTMOR/s400/DSC04835.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700631878269344786" /></a>A huge favorite of mine are Tastefully Simple products. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't use one or more of their seasonings and several times a week I make one of their soups, breads, desserts, or casseroles and crockpot meals using their awesome products. Tonight I made a taco lasagna with the Corn and Black Bean Salsa! Easy, low fat, low calories, and high in flavor! So glad all three daughters are Tastefully Simple Consultants! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2cxvVHCGgrDHDwFb_K_codlNQCuu13pUz23bqF_zrNmWb1FEuqKszbiPqjDJ7itQom0XBZcObk7ZgWe3pSYBnOMimOXOgK0zFHO9qdnsh_jsm_zKNv1NtrppLuZLanQnUbuB83vN6AAo/s1600/DSC04822.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2cxvVHCGgrDHDwFb_K_codlNQCuu13pUz23bqF_zrNmWb1FEuqKszbiPqjDJ7itQom0XBZcObk7ZgWe3pSYBnOMimOXOgK0zFHO9qdnsh_jsm_zKNv1NtrppLuZLanQnUbuB83vN6AAo/s400/DSC04822.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700631871555537202" /></a>Several years ago I fell in love with Polish pottery. When I was in Poland I missed the chance to bring back these beautiful pieces, so I started collecting by checking Ebay, Marshalls, and other places for good buys. I now have a complete dinnerware service for 10 and lots of serving pieces - all different patterns- love it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEB0zT5M-d_yUZnfH01Tawgc9CaJdl9dOsOziHsBIOrOcFG4de3CNlk-UmkdtQ_UK709whbIzHzxxg9aOtjQwPMvTP9-30xCJvI0tDcNw02HGqBOfhtH1oKLSUAJGvGp71jg27qx_78gb/s1600/DSC04824.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEB0zT5M-d_yUZnfH01Tawgc9CaJdl9dOsOziHsBIOrOcFG4de3CNlk-UmkdtQ_UK709whbIzHzxxg9aOtjQwPMvTP9-30xCJvI0tDcNw02HGqBOfhtH1oKLSUAJGvGp71jg27qx_78gb/s400/DSC04824.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700630817281288706" /></a>Love making meals using Temptations cookware from QVC. This stuff is amazing! You can cook, freeze, and microwave it and it cleans so easily. Thanks QVC!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8waelhPXDBcc9V6gzTEWHMJZhs3JCtNAhAms_x6NO2B-M0nX4yD-lESrq9jXQ4ifGC2-2OvwV_c5ojVroeZ3GTQchz8YfPCWNwTlHiTm1HZ7n4XuVfzaiMIpQeqjtc9F79JwbDJ5TDs4p/s1600/DSC04827.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8waelhPXDBcc9V6gzTEWHMJZhs3JCtNAhAms_x6NO2B-M0nX4yD-lESrq9jXQ4ifGC2-2OvwV_c5ojVroeZ3GTQchz8YfPCWNwTlHiTm1HZ7n4XuVfzaiMIpQeqjtc9F79JwbDJ5TDs4p/s400/DSC04827.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700630807315007138" /></a>About ten years ago I started collecting Judaic art prints. I found this signed and numbered piece in Hell's Kitchen, NYC, at a flea market. It features an 18th Century Jewish wedding and is simply beautiful!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NM0lrq8rnDQOqqLvIjJYe4FPAMM9042RUuZa6VzwXypg2Cwuz7SCHCcpFLzNP7kv-dOnnsPlT4TTWEAcy-Umh7zhwDk33cbVQ8b0shmbUyLjZZSky3zb19vKFa4AzpyOFeZ_SlMK_ck4/s1600/DSC04828.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NM0lrq8rnDQOqqLvIjJYe4FPAMM9042RUuZa6VzwXypg2Cwuz7SCHCcpFLzNP7kv-dOnnsPlT4TTWEAcy-Umh7zhwDk33cbVQ8b0shmbUyLjZZSky3zb19vKFa4AzpyOFeZ_SlMK_ck4/s400/DSC04828.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700630801875271074" /></a>What English teacher doesn't love to read! I treasure my books, especially my autographed ones. These are just a few of my autographed books.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXofzNPySt2W9VX5pdJB178UH44ZFCJ1YfKGb2iIJpKOUluGBBb1SUfk2PVmB47nClmhS-R6BngDFs-XA_Zp-NCOk9l-QMcmarPn7Mp7m0fXnAJ93DcenWPaDhRjA1G5ZjMe17ZcZCE-nK/s1600/DSC04829.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXofzNPySt2W9VX5pdJB178UH44ZFCJ1YfKGb2iIJpKOUluGBBb1SUfk2PVmB47nClmhS-R6BngDFs-XA_Zp-NCOk9l-QMcmarPn7Mp7m0fXnAJ93DcenWPaDhRjA1G5ZjMe17ZcZCE-nK/s400/DSC04829.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700630793937360354" /></a>It's always nice to curl up with a good book and a good cup of coffee or tea. Keurig to the rescue! Love being able to make one fresh cup at a time!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC-px3-VYSz1byzTJTWYKN49r14ggPreDr3MV8bjabAdulD4xtbmS2IdJVzG1yXYBvzAm8dhXWaJ5GLnAGstcrHWAMwTMUYdeDkABVp4QnQqdNRRPyWgjkKrZRI2A6tHMmOzuz-7JVJnA/s1600/DSC04826.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC-px3-VYSz1byzTJTWYKN49r14ggPreDr3MV8bjabAdulD4xtbmS2IdJVzG1yXYBvzAm8dhXWaJ5GLnAGstcrHWAMwTMUYdeDkABVp4QnQqdNRRPyWgjkKrZRI2A6tHMmOzuz-7JVJnA/s400/DSC04826.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700628385225742242" /></a>A year and a half ago when I was in New York City, I discovered this wonderful fragrance, "Lola" by Marc Jacobs. My daughter got it for me for my birthday and I am on my second bottle!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkoiE2K3HjbXUM1wsnn8KC41d7JeCRCnAd8bLCH1JXjFKZ4FcinWHsXGif07nqmABh2G3vf0AJ5u_ZJ5xlQT8ehSTKluczSfuYEazebjKcfV3gKC31cYZVdJi5ejtbCj1YuY9qGohK4PK/s1600/DSC04832.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkoiE2K3HjbXUM1wsnn8KC41d7JeCRCnAd8bLCH1JXjFKZ4FcinWHsXGif07nqmABh2G3vf0AJ5u_ZJ5xlQT8ehSTKluczSfuYEazebjKcfV3gKC31cYZVdJi5ejtbCj1YuY9qGohK4PK/s400/DSC04832.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700628376641545362" /></a>Several years ago, Oprah listed Korres Guava body butter and shower gelon her list of favorite things. I stumbled upon it at Sephora in NYC and it has been a favorite of mine ever since! Lusciously wonderful!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0smO4TPusBeI20Sm6ZUMCk4FcPf0FkPzlMdgt23T_t8vNFCMgHGvkure7MzO58vKClid6zNMKreT39sk6sF3Fh_tMeeJbKGLEcXknULEIEY2Hd6n_e8xA_J-xX6FgN4ZXkpP2MRnTj6wa/s1600/DSC04834.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0smO4TPusBeI20Sm6ZUMCk4FcPf0FkPzlMdgt23T_t8vNFCMgHGvkure7MzO58vKClid6zNMKreT39sk6sF3Fh_tMeeJbKGLEcXknULEIEY2Hd6n_e8xA_J-xX6FgN4ZXkpP2MRnTj6wa/s400/DSC04834.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700628365026046738" /></a>So, what are some of YOUR favorite things? This was fun! Maybe I will do another list soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-92230825851849154642012-01-08T16:55:00.000-08:002012-01-08T17:29:39.423-08:00Grandkids Are Fun!<div>Jim and I had four of the eight grandkids this weekend while their moms and dads (Annisa & Cory and Becky and Barry) traveled to southern Maryland to celebrate Jennifer's Tastefully Simple team promotion. The kids had a great time playing outside in the beautiful balmy January weather. Clara helped Emme learn how to make the bike go.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiriF-sdxt3KTBTiCs-NAqEtZpo_EK1_5e4EyAW39LDYJuRQYwO6dCP3JJL_ncnU1wQ6mv7NiyBWWwvwAlbo2ojT9JLpBOsYGm06D_oqvvNc2GTWteGMAwzhyDihDbIXykD4XEI0vAvnQ/s1600/DSC04702.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiriF-sdxt3KTBTiCs-NAqEtZpo_EK1_5e4EyAW39LDYJuRQYwO6dCP3JJL_ncnU1wQ6mv7NiyBWWwvwAlbo2ojT9JLpBOsYGm06D_oqvvNc2GTWteGMAwzhyDihDbIXykD4XEI0vAvnQ/s400/DSC04702.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695435424879902674" /></a><div>She was a great teacher because it wasn't long that Emme's little legs were powering the bike and she was up and down the driveway!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYVpBQl8mO4zpAkFGz6NTGWe4kt59FrWingHf0gGoyKc_HVjfIzDSewqeZHqP-t7bixg8jeH6HrOg3Iewmt89IzOeLT1t0Ci9J1e40ZPEfRGcuWCaf5j65Z36W_ecgXX5goduuH7kESHM/s1600/DSC04704.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYVpBQl8mO4zpAkFGz6NTGWe4kt59FrWingHf0gGoyKc_HVjfIzDSewqeZHqP-t7bixg8jeH6HrOg3Iewmt89IzOeLT1t0Ci9J1e40ZPEfRGcuWCaf5j65Z36W_ecgXX5goduuH7kESHM/s400/DSC04704.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695434427297884402" /></a>We love doing crafts together, so out came the glue and we made cupcake clips. They were so cute and I got to make one too! Can't leave Nana out of the fun!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3oV2QgNraDzXx1im9XWnubScrhMqVaS0Z2gB9Fm31TM_8fMsWj6JPkyWO2WdOpNlwMfx9r_2rA_EHj2tbhz6E1YXTLC4MbW9AHfi9SHhUrgsaC2RgKkOyFHTbaB1RLDKmF2JYlGR88nO/s1600/DSC04698.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3oV2QgNraDzXx1im9XWnubScrhMqVaS0Z2gB9Fm31TM_8fMsWj6JPkyWO2WdOpNlwMfx9r_2rA_EHj2tbhz6E1YXTLC4MbW9AHfi9SHhUrgsaC2RgKkOyFHTbaB1RLDKmF2JYlGR88nO/s400/DSC04698.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695434412241021570" /></a>Dixon didn't want to be left out, so watercolor paints were just the project for him! I will say that his interest in painting didn't last long. He would rather play with cars!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIfduodfEH6QX9YN2GMobxrYxJSUdHyrTls58lRtQajDMzsI0jcUEtdtGbVfV5q4_5OIR0vTrJu22zp3HFbTwSL2f9i1-AKwqiUrXbtFRs0krT0HoKguCtqWkK-bL87yDgpWlEyI8HMeG/s1600/DSC04699.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIfduodfEH6QX9YN2GMobxrYxJSUdHyrTls58lRtQajDMzsI0jcUEtdtGbVfV5q4_5OIR0vTrJu22zp3HFbTwSL2f9i1-AKwqiUrXbtFRs0krT0HoKguCtqWkK-bL87yDgpWlEyI8HMeG/s400/DSC04699.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695434408389683938" /></a>We spent quite a bit of time both days making jewelry. Michael's had many of their kids' craft kits on sale so I snatched up the jewelry making kit. Sasha proudly shows off just some of her creations.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yditxbMqHu7JXdDNdxM83ZvpaHXGWbpglVFdYTULho3FbmdTASZX1FXQIosIfCqYR3Bg3sqDZjBPiyhVlp47GYyzWMESAzRcDFjkG8GTxx9Se3OHcPuegTeH4ATXDhwv4eto6zIIk_fi/s1600/DSC04718.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yditxbMqHu7JXdDNdxM83ZvpaHXGWbpglVFdYTULho3FbmdTASZX1FXQIosIfCqYR3Bg3sqDZjBPiyhVlp47GYyzWMESAzRcDFjkG8GTxx9Se3OHcPuegTeH4ATXDhwv4eto6zIIk_fi/s400/DSC04718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695430828315250066" /></a>Later in the day, we found Dixon fast asleep on the bean bag chair. Neither he nor Emme would take a nap. Emme isn't quite sure what to do when she spots him asleep, so . . . . . . . . .. . .<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8OE6pwO9BBdUpxijtFtmWjKcbj3eklhZ966tG_he-WL2RuqilG7BjN_mHjHULbgB3aPJhRBVTsxRUuVhT3n5Kl_4NQ_nGM7lbPnMlPk3ItNHnfHlhO5JBBZgtp3JK4Hce3AVjpmyVOHI/s1600/DSC04715.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8OE6pwO9BBdUpxijtFtmWjKcbj3eklhZ966tG_he-WL2RuqilG7BjN_mHjHULbgB3aPJhRBVTsxRUuVhT3n5Kl_4NQ_nGM7lbPnMlPk3ItNHnfHlhO5JBBZgtp3JK4Hce3AVjpmyVOHI/s400/DSC04715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695430825438872546" /></a>She gave him a loving snuggle and hug. I love these "kissing cousin" moments!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVjyjIkoRcq-7cbHuhX4TgjKQtluIMtgpAZImjs5rCo9iWReqYXPBWTVdjw2LIz74dCKr7ua_bZcmJpQAKZwJ1ORZLymAQcUumg964zgeOgT_oZ-oVI14c-u9g9ZMpBdWPmqPR1GK9SAp/s1600/DSC04716.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVjyjIkoRcq-7cbHuhX4TgjKQtluIMtgpAZImjs5rCo9iWReqYXPBWTVdjw2LIz74dCKr7ua_bZcmJpQAKZwJ1ORZLymAQcUumg964zgeOgT_oZ-oVI14c-u9g9ZMpBdWPmqPR1GK9SAp/s400/DSC04716.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695430812031916690" /></a>All of the grandkids love books. I caught the girls sharing a reading moment together. Check out the jewelry on Emme! Sasha made those pieces for her.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-5VsaZ8xfjQmjLo6guUKatLi4U-eY-TcWmE4Ky2KnBX9849L5AQWoof005cjnR9zSRtedaiR37xG8kG9gBrxCb4bM_h6UKwOtolxCkUy2DFQYVbSS2vhV-pGrV5SIPjVzKf1rNwYhclG/s1600/DSC04728.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-5VsaZ8xfjQmjLo6guUKatLi4U-eY-TcWmE4Ky2KnBX9849L5AQWoof005cjnR9zSRtedaiR37xG8kG9gBrxCb4bM_h6UKwOtolxCkUy2DFQYVbSS2vhV-pGrV5SIPjVzKf1rNwYhclG/s400/DSC04728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695430807264962642" /></a>Love spending time with the munchkins. They bring such joy into our lives.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-23880427891276302512012-01-02T16:53:00.000-08:002012-01-02T17:09:45.884-08:00RESOLUTION TIME or NOT!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">It's that time of year again when it seems as if EVERYONE is making New Year's Resolutions. The last two years I posted my resolutions and the results at year's end. This year I have resolved NOT to make resolutions. It's not that I can't keep them because I usually accomplish 85 - 90% of them. I just don't feel like it this year! It seems that each year it's the same ol' same ol' resolutions that we make and then hope like heck that we don't break! Usually those resolutions center around how much weight we are going to lose, how many books we will read, how much time we will spend with family and friends, where we will travel - you get the idea. </span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">If I had some unique resolution like bungy jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge, I would share it. If I <i>HAD</i> to make a resolution for 2012, it would simply be to embrace and enjoy every day to its fullest, even when it may just be an ordinary day. Each day is a blessing and I am going practice the adage from one of my favorite films, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Dead Poet's Society,</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> - Carpe Diem! Seize the Day! </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">In the meantime, if anyone has a great resolution to share other than bungy jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge (never gonna happen!), let me know! Maybe I'll add it to my "Bucket List"! Oh, wait! I don't have a "Bucket List!" Carpe Diem!</span></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-51067289903505442282011-12-29T18:18:00.001-08:002011-12-29T19:01:59.556-08:00The Holiday Continues!Christmas Eve at my mother's house was and is always a fun-filled, lively, and yes - quite boisterous time! My mother (pictured here in the center) had a set of the 12 Days of Christmas glasses that she would put at various people's places and we were expected to sing the song before dinner. One year, the teasing and complaining got to be too much for her (I suppose!) and the glasses did not appear in subsequent years. This year I decided to revive the tradition and since I did not know where the glasses were, I printed pictures and assigned "parts" to everyone and surprised my mom!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nL1qiGGHAMDGDCouaOB30z1EFTXn_fsQGAo9AhY48ekFd1yuEcVtOzuVqsUD_ImL0C3HpS0qe7rqbbaDmlmMl1YEFOpE0Fsl2WxjxMVCHIkLnQ8WLOZb4z03g5W3XEQZp36Zz0DjxzXx/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nL1qiGGHAMDGDCouaOB30z1EFTXn_fsQGAo9AhY48ekFd1yuEcVtOzuVqsUD_ImL0C3HpS0qe7rqbbaDmlmMl1YEFOpE0Fsl2WxjxMVCHIkLnQ8WLOZb4z03g5W3XEQZp36Zz0DjxzXx/s400/DSC_0087.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691746445439360098" /></a>Sasha and Clara had dibs on "Five Golden Rings" and their little girl voices resonated throughout the house - such joy!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk8xN2ZQO3V91h1kF40KpxN03TOUMi1Eg7hXyI4ZfSmlSHD-yRZdDmd4e8hBEku1egDznGoq_VjOJ0PqjFBWA0FifimfHlmumpnBPYG3H8j-QQEMtWr3IMs2hc9MwsI7PvnWxHmd4aPQU/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk8xN2ZQO3V91h1kF40KpxN03TOUMi1Eg7hXyI4ZfSmlSHD-yRZdDmd4e8hBEku1egDznGoq_VjOJ0PqjFBWA0FifimfHlmumpnBPYG3H8j-QQEMtWr3IMs2hc9MwsI7PvnWxHmd4aPQU/s400/DSC_0085.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691746428619764194" /></a>Becky and Emme claimed the the Twelfth Day!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmjZZx9ANx3B74ZT4YWU54bg3lKpm_xUpztYMEln9i86haj2rcB7QdlIZ1trYRkJ88DGrpDCWHh-0M_RvOvVz1mwROhfQ0qoGn18veCYyGS6uB9DUOYptfbqFpVLV3tZIfQ9-TNNGbhgk/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmjZZx9ANx3B74ZT4YWU54bg3lKpm_xUpztYMEln9i86haj2rcB7QdlIZ1trYRkJ88DGrpDCWHh-0M_RvOvVz1mwROhfQ0qoGn18veCYyGS6uB9DUOYptfbqFpVLV3tZIfQ9-TNNGbhgk/s400/DSC_0094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691746423084804962" /></a>Everyone did a great job of restoring the tradition.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e9zwCO_q2tvB2YJocKLcSqSNsrBTxysQcPlBN7oWgWXTyNegS21Ta7nFfSIO9wutXTxf5galnlV33emQza1iAGUxKlYYeUhPPP-Kv06WSF2Pjlk7dNcGtpobUbhgXDU-g9Tnk-M8Wlft/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e9zwCO_q2tvB2YJocKLcSqSNsrBTxysQcPlBN7oWgWXTyNegS21Ta7nFfSIO9wutXTxf5galnlV33emQza1iAGUxKlYYeUhPPP-Kv06WSF2Pjlk7dNcGtpobUbhgXDU-g9Tnk-M8Wlft/s400/DSC_0090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691745749790564386" /></a>As you can see, laughter abounded as lyrics were "altered" and the song came to a close.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkXknJuEsdAaYav2M3ZX9FCqpDmDwnepb72qvrs10bT_90vXuzYQuUeX9UAgY3TkpIr8NU0iDqeBckP7BO1rNy5HtBQ4NgkfHuoJIMQmhabWnHBj9wWYOiAONvxcTiNEuqjiuo9XeZAPB/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkXknJuEsdAaYav2M3ZX9FCqpDmDwnepb72qvrs10bT_90vXuzYQuUeX9UAgY3TkpIr8NU0iDqeBckP7BO1rNy5HtBQ4NgkfHuoJIMQmhabWnHBj9wWYOiAONvxcTiNEuqjiuo9XeZAPB/s400/DSC_0092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691745745317369026" /></a>I love Christmas for so many reasons. Children and now grandchildren make my heart sing! Emme was just seven months old last year and now she is into the Christmas spirit with everyone else!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmSSQzDPgCnJNIbdDPVUl0m0E63HexHCIIZbBcG34G92Us7Diu1Po_i4Y0vU60rfXApnijGjyq5NsgAeVHNrkXkAz_Ykuvj5wKEK8e80i0euLBkgWPtx3kaJTNO90w1XlyH96XOa_8KI0/s1600/DSC_0577.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmSSQzDPgCnJNIbdDPVUl0m0E63HexHCIIZbBcG34G92Us7Diu1Po_i4Y0vU60rfXApnijGjyq5NsgAeVHNrkXkAz_Ykuvj5wKEK8e80i0euLBkgWPtx3kaJTNO90w1XlyH96XOa_8KI0/s400/DSC_0577.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691745729059510370" /></a>Little (and I say that with a little sarcasm!) Jayce is 11 months old and is a gift to our family in so many ways!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZuXrazExWrn-YObrfOBkzzgcC-OUn9aJoZEtcYXQ2nYS2YXdk9Yvgfu3I89MMK9FXdN2HWJxDhRtPpxYxrmgX1oHaQW2HWFMWRY5ENgD2VV9J0ip1arJcgagbJzH-aV_At189zDNIK2X/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZuXrazExWrn-YObrfOBkzzgcC-OUn9aJoZEtcYXQ2nYS2YXdk9Yvgfu3I89MMK9FXdN2HWJxDhRtPpxYxrmgX1oHaQW2HWFMWRY5ENgD2VV9J0ip1arJcgagbJzH-aV_At189zDNIK2X/s400/DSC_0098.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691745724474566514" /></a>Our evening ended with another tradition - Happy Birthday Jesus cake.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmH2sRVAa3Lvbtmj99sgz1KGNMUFwLY_Vld2zFdo5D3I5JIx5cdtFzplrg6OBiwGeuuhDfGJPtr2kE3bhLfTrTrcEylkkwAcK_iIkb_vhq4LQr34KkZ5Pu6_SYy0JlluP15CcukH77c0D/s1600/DSC04500.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmH2sRVAa3Lvbtmj99sgz1KGNMUFwLY_Vld2zFdo5D3I5JIx5cdtFzplrg6OBiwGeuuhDfGJPtr2kE3bhLfTrTrcEylkkwAcK_iIkb_vhq4LQr34KkZ5Pu6_SYy0JlluP15CcukH77c0D/s400/DSC04500.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691744362574308210" /></a>On Christmas morning I was the first up to put the brisket in to cook and turn on the lights. It appears that our cat Legend was fascinated by the Snowman stocking!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7wevQ4SEktpwGyjg0NafYFHgG8Kn7G5-oINkBdnpONTHevNp7Z-jScBCOoYiQJHRsl1hcuRrfHQD38yJkJTo2mePhbEfErbw4C50i-0CuDFtooDaDU8p-9Lx3JS8gAN_3JRME2qdERQc/s1600/DSC04552.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7wevQ4SEktpwGyjg0NafYFHgG8Kn7G5-oINkBdnpONTHevNp7Z-jScBCOoYiQJHRsl1hcuRrfHQD38yJkJTo2mePhbEfErbw4C50i-0CuDFtooDaDU8p-9Lx3JS8gAN_3JRME2qdERQc/s400/DSC04552.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691744345431983874" /></a>We had fun opening gifts and enjoying two different breakfast casseroles. Here are just a few gift pictures . . .<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDw-Go0p_s6KKaGTSOqfv45qQvFuJd_Nl6-rTBh1TV-5Bu_d618_-Yr3vCVccV7hbE3pBYJdEajAXaRc9vBT11Fsk_QI3-IqTqXRCtFE_E_GOGlS92H7JigMpK56apx3DSaBYYTBlh2SjB/s1600/DSC04622.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDw-Go0p_s6KKaGTSOqfv45qQvFuJd_Nl6-rTBh1TV-5Bu_d618_-Yr3vCVccV7hbE3pBYJdEajAXaRc9vBT11Fsk_QI3-IqTqXRCtFE_E_GOGlS92H7JigMpK56apx3DSaBYYTBlh2SjB/s400/DSC04622.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691744332225136722" /></a>These are airguns, folks! The boys will be learning proper gun safety!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT4yB2LWorxaTJgu4UzK8oQIZlVcArS6WyB4e-lzwRv1amtPGJEvLjPMZc83qE86tsfkaQb4yj4WZecBRFmVqTs_abQvxCsKACK0qR9Uo8sjvtA_-p2fPA3t-bI9IlZ0btlXn5u-ak7tc/s1600/DSC04614.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT4yB2LWorxaTJgu4UzK8oQIZlVcArS6WyB4e-lzwRv1amtPGJEvLjPMZc83qE86tsfkaQb4yj4WZecBRFmVqTs_abQvxCsKACK0qR9Uo8sjvtA_-p2fPA3t-bI9IlZ0btlXn5u-ak7tc/s400/DSC04614.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691744327586611234" /></a>Barbie never goes out of style and Kari is anxious to do some "styling!"<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJbV09bo_mGWuBkLahfUk9CBA0Rhhs2-acoEb5XIrxsqG_92FiwMd3gunqPn8MWmCEBZFZyayhhzKk9WxVsVdyK3Gro-3h1lRq3l8WsoApqX-1xNRo_OQvLSBTnnKDx9ULD8oeoCGg1vd/s1600/DSC_0552.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJbV09bo_mGWuBkLahfUk9CBA0Rhhs2-acoEb5XIrxsqG_92FiwMd3gunqPn8MWmCEBZFZyayhhzKk9WxVsVdyK3Gro-3h1lRq3l8WsoApqX-1xNRo_OQvLSBTnnKDx9ULD8oeoCGg1vd/s400/DSC_0552.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691742517671990642" /></a>Emme loves soft and cuddly toys and this little doggy moves and barks and snuggles.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZHP9-MnmkVwNFHEecBOvHpxySaRyMQlKfk-r5C2vlyTOFPJUDvphRJ9R23tUFVyM0aVhyphenhyphenu4dl7QrsVc9NpN06xAvB1Q6ob5aUxsLrsVhLdsw1m8VdKBT1L_xTP-O-OF33PK1rMpoCsHc/s1600/DSC04651.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZHP9-MnmkVwNFHEecBOvHpxySaRyMQlKfk-r5C2vlyTOFPJUDvphRJ9R23tUFVyM0aVhyphenhyphenu4dl7QrsVc9NpN06xAvB1Q6ob5aUxsLrsVhLdsw1m8VdKBT1L_xTP-O-OF33PK1rMpoCsHc/s400/DSC04651.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691742493739356162" /></a>Although you can't see it, Dixon loved his remote controlled truck. Trains, trucks, and fast cars and this little guy is happy!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgblHEcbitaFYiTNp9Amt8qJTJTp5Gc2skDz_8ejRjNUkPCcIp3FJuZEoKWy0SVZmEn2UBIYUvOj8BZ8xjgFnn_lloX8BlJ-s_HuY1erMAeGYSEjA6iZK33imse-x21Yq2TAMcFInshkB/s1600/DSC04640.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgblHEcbitaFYiTNp9Amt8qJTJTp5Gc2skDz_8ejRjNUkPCcIp3FJuZEoKWy0SVZmEn2UBIYUvOj8BZ8xjgFnn_lloX8BlJ-s_HuY1erMAeGYSEjA6iZK33imse-x21Yq2TAMcFInshkB/s400/DSC04640.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691742484094860546" /></a>Clara and Sasha love American girl dolls and a bag of clothes and accessories was a hit!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YOSQBSeUmIEb2_zcRbIsh1K9NU9AmLWVmx-wACOH9FBMM4Mr2jeXZNUcpaoWshXFI26P6aUpK7FfDOu23LaNSoB6DwsqzM1X6QxK5uuzAZUCn1S0kBuKW4gbtrN0rhW6jgsKUL2-rIe6/s1600/DSC04644.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YOSQBSeUmIEb2_zcRbIsh1K9NU9AmLWVmx-wACOH9FBMM4Mr2jeXZNUcpaoWshXFI26P6aUpK7FfDOu23LaNSoB6DwsqzM1X6QxK5uuzAZUCn1S0kBuKW4gbtrN0rhW6jgsKUL2-rIe6/s400/DSC04644.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691742481510482594" /></a>Sashsa is a little fashionista and got some great new outfits. I don't know where she gets her love of clothes and accessories!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYg0fXq284IPnlsR5eAlV7Xrp9XqUMiE2Dr1cLHzfR6eU1ZbCdsDLaUL-lyioZbBAhZybomuHbuvOJo8WONGw7YUdVWqw4mCkKTJmMjS-kiY3hDAEg5lUC-DaeG6yQSDJjKEN_Ifo-ibG/s1600/DSC04676.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYg0fXq284IPnlsR5eAlV7Xrp9XqUMiE2Dr1cLHzfR6eU1ZbCdsDLaUL-lyioZbBAhZybomuHbuvOJo8WONGw7YUdVWqw4mCkKTJmMjS-kiY3hDAEg5lUC-DaeG6yQSDJjKEN_Ifo-ibG/s400/DSC04676.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691741270869048418" /></a>Just had to share just a few of the Lego sets Aidan put together. He is known as "Lego-Man!" Amazing what he can do and so quickly.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFl1bxpQDDBjUS_AGpH7XXhD4x-e-yOfmqROoxY4QEDBnWQznMAtp0-CID3Z1Go_lqI555aABGBgyRwlXdhZS3inqJW0ONp1d31AbRbaDa3Bii5-UgwFRCCpoxlnEC9yG2YGuLbuoYufl8/s1600/DSC04669.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFl1bxpQDDBjUS_AGpH7XXhD4x-e-yOfmqROoxY4QEDBnWQznMAtp0-CID3Z1Go_lqI555aABGBgyRwlXdhZS3inqJW0ONp1d31AbRbaDa3Bii5-UgwFRCCpoxlnEC9yG2YGuLbuoYufl8/s400/DSC04669.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691741260805122994" /></a>Jayce loves whatever makes noise and he can manipulate with those big hands of his. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7wcyOhTAMD3IuJ9dh7bEmp58dgAm4TXwYrtD6Uc7V7j8kEWSsQOttoQnqGkwLSfE2Qyxun8drwjJojbL-NkJEsjmKsr7RI1I-qwCCJxOH1EUDEbyqAHSiQoG-o8DkGA_jfPdHpCw6pgj/s1600/DSC04662.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7wcyOhTAMD3IuJ9dh7bEmp58dgAm4TXwYrtD6Uc7V7j8kEWSsQOttoQnqGkwLSfE2Qyxun8drwjJojbL-NkJEsjmKsr7RI1I-qwCCJxOH1EUDEbyqAHSiQoG-o8DkGA_jfPdHpCw6pgj/s400/DSC04662.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691741250525499138" /></a>Lunchtime was a feats of brisket cooked with Tastefully Simple's Peach Brandy Glaze - melt in your mouth good - ham, fruited rice pilaf, sweet potatoes, Pioneer Woman's recipe for brussel sprouts, a few other sides and my holiday dessert - Red Velvet Peppermint Trifle!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvRM4qEUU8l7eihcuzW_JPzRDtoXTLiYJ7A5tvDqhmEsjid0rU2i2Jm4JXK-5bkqypGanvEnPw4wQySsVTYitg7i03NlA2MtTi2rOyUk7NNy4LPuf6GoCcxs1s8EB4TsKb6iAUuIRA49T/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvRM4qEUU8l7eihcuzW_JPzRDtoXTLiYJ7A5tvDqhmEsjid0rU2i2Jm4JXK-5bkqypGanvEnPw4wQySsVTYitg7i03NlA2MtTi2rOyUk7NNy4LPuf6GoCcxs1s8EB4TsKb6iAUuIRA49T/s400/DSC_0147.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691741245733182386" /></a>I love this special time each year with my family. I hope that everyone, regardless of their faith, had a wonderful holiday! Until next year . . .Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-27836515741586103252011-12-23T13:52:00.000-08:002011-12-23T14:08:02.117-08:00The Holidays Begin - Day 1<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">One of our holiday traditions is making placecards for Christmas dinner. Each year we try to find new embellishments for our placecards.</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58thMFHUEof615KYB0F3zf4csKIkh4PKmwaiLQ8BXNYzVeFpXU8VtQq-ZgEVn3M9DH3ra00veAkmMrFboRDOy91PMQp2_-1DmwLPWmSnr4-5iGhe6IzwwuYbxDBQ-UISW7kwWoxcpw3qd/s1600/DSC04485.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58thMFHUEof615KYB0F3zf4csKIkh4PKmwaiLQ8BXNYzVeFpXU8VtQq-ZgEVn3M9DH3ra00veAkmMrFboRDOy91PMQp2_-1DmwLPWmSnr4-5iGhe6IzwwuYbxDBQ-UISW7kwWoxcpw3qd/s400/DSC04485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689447793279980146" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Ryan and Aidan stamped all the names on each card and chose the colors Holiday Red, Star Spangled Blue, and Ponderosa Pine ink.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6RMDTd0y73r3krGqKiA9c2XU0MjCdcnfCWdXUhXr7mxgi3kHLtqHIw3Qhf8VJGZGJxbu28mERhscocG1OMHu8poY0i3hAbVUw6c3Vwr35_zNyX27O0ypIeKx05g9RobAn1K7AbpC1IUt/s1600/DSC04487.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6RMDTd0y73r3krGqKiA9c2XU0MjCdcnfCWdXUhXr7mxgi3kHLtqHIw3Qhf8VJGZGJxbu28mERhscocG1OMHu8poY0i3hAbVUw6c3Vwr35_zNyX27O0ypIeKx05g9RobAn1K7AbpC1IUt/s400/DSC04487.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689447781665847666" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Kari was in charge of adding the fun foam stickers on each card.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLYaytHq7zLqK3CSQpX5HuJ7QlXA6XRfpr30zQf5ksroXwpJHONt9pS1Vu2MdHdoUuib3tWC0Lob5JvadQmBhePurU5H6EIs0LjjKDEpjbqXAn_Wt8acqX-B4W0t77xz6r-OkmSSRH25w/s1600/DSC04490.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLYaytHq7zLqK3CSQpX5HuJ7QlXA6XRfpr30zQf5ksroXwpJHONt9pS1Vu2MdHdoUuib3tWC0Lob5JvadQmBhePurU5H6EIs0LjjKDEpjbqXAn_Wt8acqX-B4W0t77xz6r-OkmSSRH25w/s400/DSC04490.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689447774566492866" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Voila! Our placecards are ready for Christmas Day! Tomorrow we go to my mother's home for Christmas Eve and some fun new surprises to add to our list of "traditions."</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2jGZmobTAvHxaAQtpEJhEnXbT_olh2YoTknVbkGvhlBe9XJWioGVFvUAHEJsUKZeVh6jaSDSbbAJ2Kgmj4btezNQUVwoVWjZqJBGpCNIVPAmHvoi5n7AuDBkpwYPv0HETEM5mzbXl3Dn/s1600/DSC04495.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2jGZmobTAvHxaAQtpEJhEnXbT_olh2YoTknVbkGvhlBe9XJWioGVFvUAHEJsUKZeVh6jaSDSbbAJ2Kgmj4btezNQUVwoVWjZqJBGpCNIVPAmHvoi5n7AuDBkpwYPv0HETEM5mzbXl3Dn/s400/DSC04495.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689447772040119986" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-41210826297187594992011-12-08T10:41:00.001-08:002011-12-08T11:46:16.277-08:00FAMILY MATTERS!<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">I had such good intentions of blogging each week, but have gotten so far behind! Now, it is catch-up time! In early November, Becky and I took the train to New York City to see Chinglish. I won tickets on Backstage Barbie's blog and was excited to spend a day in the Big Apple!</span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDQXHnhhA_A4bfVgrPt-imNfyJJKfhc4WYwN4dfaCT4gQ19lgw6basuKcPf9CVMcCMSOdHzUGR3CndKPJxCVGpqt2GN3OlA6aNmJwOK_ZFWCNco2932FCGv4NWP7WQtn8dUuPpgH5D6d1/s400/DSC04332.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683831972589971058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span><div><b>We did some shopping at Sketchers, Swarovski, and American Girl, where Becky got Emme a Bitty Baby to give to her when Emme's little brother or sister is born in July!</b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKJhMrJYNAs47DhBDuwyyaKfnfyv9F4Sx36_7AmCPdSVQsfBlhaAjD1aZoyldyHEK-IbiYNV_WlFmyk9Dsjfi_RCGidE8x-xAhb2oxyCCE_dEzwME_v3WBaprF9vNN6rzIbNeuhrvauC0/s400/DSC_0642.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683832977006277698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">We also had to go to Rockefeller Center, where the Christmas Tree was encased in scaffolding, ready for its unveiling. The ice skaters were having fun and it really made it feel like the holiday season!</span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlX6u-ywIq8qEEREwvFipF5Undo_aIC4FCg90QTG3wyYUyzAopBCc2VZ-TVU5T3B2XNV6r-9jpt7tjiSLcehKzRgZoPq4PKiFK6mpXkfg7LX0Nsx7slt6x9f4_b9hghleMA9eOyp7mN6H/s400/DSC_0627.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683832981472287554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b>At Rockefeller Center we made a stop at a wonderful chocolate shop.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCA_JOzvbnIulejNxze_kD_Q3khC4R4z7uPMEbfCqSwL25-DuPZmVwrFB81IbZYwqObPDhYZACsekycsvRKMFHGOlrk2vvJ9PNUwGDszPJa_StwLLZKZIwtOknstaXbfeu0hJ333bCpCH/s400/DSC_0644.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683839157569665906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px; " /></span></b></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">The displays inside were gorgeous. The chocolate was pricey, so we settled for just a few goodies.</span></span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX6NOYTcsqutG1bEimy679b4HgS_05FtPeP8f2Pj3qNVsKy8EAopD1aGxb54nBtdXPVUV3c_-l-9QpyU972TBU9nJhEvt-y5OHiHDXZxxD6LSF91OrQYk-CzkRDjRVC-q7vHlJZSpP_Jl/s400/DSC04288.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683839148314833826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">After the seeing <i>Chinglish</i>, which we really enjoyed, we hung out at the stage door and got the lead actor's autograph.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0azcZwOVSxCrZPQAlvN_ZweeKfH5teE1Ta92-J1ab03A8yusDR_QCNzm0d69ibU46OrUZdROtc-gbruZCcwSWleZpGrw-OQddMIxe7hNV_PcDSV-0FTVk1f59ylHXRD0VQ03iv01YHSsy/s400/DSC_0663.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683840178921159026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">A trip to New York would not be complete without Crumbs cupcakes! We headed to the new shop in Times Square to see what kind of yummy goodies we would get!</span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L9B6dT0p3ZLuYsGR-SYUBxDSnxWkUM3kkpddJLVua7mUgIezis_BAKrIsPd8l_2fCzrz_bHggq0vCzVGWG6KeKGxWCljBXOJA-VhUcNLOOE0RHFdX41DeDyMajQTX0-c9gxEvT2mBnbn/s400/DSC_0610.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683831981225070818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">What to choose! What to choose! I could have dived right into this tower of goodness!</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSs02lWR4zH3hWCk03o19U7XojUu1fp8Al34U1FAM1bmqQECG2s9coeWn9nZY4SyJvl6CUrH3srDoenFu395NLWudWXaBXP88qgB9O-G2ssn63VGySYRED8kgPOhyovseFm5PUutiaSBP/s400/DSC04308.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683835892443397666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Heavenly yumness!</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SUjnVfUYL4adHo5tkQvmBv-_ErShKMMb08tosgZl4b-UV5Akv8qaZndUM1_NAbXrte6HMu_0NqGJSwOiTpp6Pka2RpkyRE1TMKD_Sv0sti1S_-jEpdhu_Ab2ZellJ5e_RmuoenDpBxzf/s400/DSC_0684.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683832959044802274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Our day in New York came to an end - one last look at Times Square!</span></b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3lg7P0vviWd3kaBFm65ysyMTK5lgTPj5cWmiRrCNML7wUNEOJ3amEtFL15r2Jw8L4uQrfDALv2Hu5Veyw9Ooirgx0pPS0zZDa-YP092jTl3WH7mJ6g1Nr5UWR3XasDbBakGgB9tBCv4L/s400/DSC04304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683835907710852034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Off to Penn Station where we had an amazingly good meal at Kabooz's in the station concourse. For $14.00 we had melt-in-your-mouth ribs, homemade mashed potatoes and cornbread, green beans, and a huge salad. Obviously, we had to take most of it to-go to enjoy the next day! Delish!</span></b></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcN65T3dXhbgg2bglKKdFXy9YDHlj5UtQyV39W4dIXNox9ha2wJgilXCpKyav_nMAXbdsj2d_yiZIZ917cLI9mdtNGJhegZPz0IAz0-tJHA6HPbZ4qZiAI-bvxjuhfm8ILY0v-sYWL4Bj/s400/DSC04310.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683835884888131682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Homeward bound . . . </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZbTiR5ApA5l8twMmn0BO5sCD76UiktfjoKv5iTNAUrG9O2C7tM2Dr74KBNse1xquYrDley9JS9cm6cxB-KEdDFJlq8yoRw5vOFJpv2sI3hhV40ZtJ3Q-zN86QJYrTp71h51urnXy3Igv/s400/DSC04312.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683835882065747154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Over Thanksgiving we celebrated a special birthday! Kari is now 5 years old! She is a little princess through and through! If the crown fits . . . . </span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6lspGnaLLRwl2wx7lrlOkfGXebrgwbUZ6DypYtZU95e8dXAVr-b8IXdhGMdIG9BOIjY1A1s9QYlRda-H-3g9F-0otSsDBcayJHy5dZJMABjD6HSuvR5xiO6ujBMj-oM9EOUUcynqSJBJ/s1600/DSC04404.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6lspGnaLLRwl2wx7lrlOkfGXebrgwbUZ6DypYtZU95e8dXAVr-b8IXdhGMdIG9BOIjY1A1s9QYlRda-H-3g9F-0otSsDBcayJHy5dZJMABjD6HSuvR5xiO6ujBMj-oM9EOUUcynqSJBJ/s400/DSC04404.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683836773190449378" /></a>Other special events involving my daughter were worthy of a celebration. Jennifer, Annisa, and Becky are all Tastefully Simple Consultants and each one is at different levels on the career ladder. Becky recently recruited her first two consultants, which earned her a promotion. Annisa also realized a goal that she has been working toward and was honored for promoting. She is the one on the far right!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVhTx4l5F8DrSVQO512niXU-bKcL1_69pQXXJLpohkV_484NSQ_f3iybBAMLxZARAqRfMoPEFwgQq5xhXoz7Jq8yu1b_nYQol9xuZPjgA-8tQvrHmMkDkUET8cFi4jKo0ICLPZSt0VD2J/s1600/DSC_0560.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVhTx4l5F8DrSVQO512niXU-bKcL1_69pQXXJLpohkV_484NSQ_f3iybBAMLxZARAqRfMoPEFwgQq5xhXoz7Jq8yu1b_nYQol9xuZPjgA-8tQvrHmMkDkUET8cFi4jKo0ICLPZSt0VD2J/s400/DSC_0560.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683832954607257426" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Because her sisters and others on her team hit their promotion goals, Jennifer promoted to a level that less than 1 % of the company achieves. She has worked so hard to attain this goal and her wonderful team celebrated her success by presenting her with a very special bracelet. Company recognition for all these wonderful achievements will occur in January. Tastefully Simple enables my daughters to be stay-at-home moms and have a career! Congratulations!!!!! So proud!!!</span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQlfQpNmsQZP7361mC43AaJGDXrxJFCkjn8xYJtWbkGWL3Ttva9eFqyJciAlsbzmzMTjexCD2aI9i5FpB1ph-Wpd3PL1eEYUTKPvsY8KxazeH_iOoMxNQJEkRjh93Ud3LTFPcrPglWAUc/s1600/DSC_0578.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQlfQpNmsQZP7361mC43AaJGDXrxJFCkjn8xYJtWbkGWL3Ttva9eFqyJciAlsbzmzMTjexCD2aI9i5FpB1ph-Wpd3PL1eEYUTKPvsY8KxazeH_iOoMxNQJEkRjh93Ud3LTFPcrPglWAUc/s400/DSC_0578.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683831948551288658" /></a><b>Over Thanksgiving break when we were all together, Annisa took our Christmas card pictures. She got some great shots of the gang! Jennifer and her family.</b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0I2M8rzVekTqPiyDd9T8gL93RsF456elt2_JzouJQrDHgNtsAWDQGWrm-NMkkJRN3yrY8YjSxaTCtoUXLzDc9Vn-PxkO6Ge067ROVPAjAFQjsZpsARp5Ny15pgH9YOKvS2OLAxZBOkaG/s400/DSC_0894+copy_filtered.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683830076540629874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Had to get a fun shot in!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5kXDP94F5fCWa4pptirmzKKeszB0iDedccNKXi7yOxh0DTz26Lp-jxRSarV0mclL8KFIQsWOTLz1kgDgGP1wSuqPmqIDYrXDldJwt9hmi0wa-ltQ_uTzJdGKouVqSJRYNvlwDQS7hcju/s400/0982copy_filtered.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683830511217985970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Annisa and her family!</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA7HX1Qsxuf5Tifox75OmLtb_VK938MmR01XmKr46EYL0j3aFT68YTcVhJkYwT2kOXe24o7iOYKq_s1tAVUoj_uCt7jh7Bccwe3yPDkMZVgrGA_8POU5mlxNjLFmgh9J7c2VjPIpKYSKT/s400/1008copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683830071025955714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Becky and her wee one! Another on the way!</span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkO9_Pa16p-uXEGWCzObjXTXDRBc1_7uaLGiZ8fgeaiA3x-Q13Ca5NBWKXozELFsywqFvxxh6fdMSbXDs9yunIgDD1FpxsQ_ypsz3HoYmpmG565KzptqcTtuCrjX75qEU9CqCm234nDkb3/s400/DSC_1003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683830066551944770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px; " /></span></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">And, Jim and me with all eight grand-kidlets!</span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchbPsGXlHfDgRG-Z3RDItWBajd3nnbqrhq8999Xnu3JSKbrOBmTGYvl9kjqSRvGoDCw2sKrZEHdXrpPVgVQPmbBH47ihu8OW1TsK-KWx4KOGhbzfUFjPCSmAuxH0opIwK5qjyrGz5ovQs/s400/1005copy2_filtered.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683830516202415250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Last, but not least, we started the holiday season with the Lion's Club annual Christmas party this week. It has been a tradition since my daughters were babies. It continues . . . We took Sasha and Clara and had a wonderful evening. Santa even made an appearance!</span></span></span></b></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Rrn5IAkD1sDYxPoRjopphz0GalmC_Yocp45jBdx6KL0fdEwN4D9nj5vxtCKyacyHh76u0mkppVXd7P5wTmIeTI4hNAeDWJX2ob_FPGuTNeJpFmWr2im7iTtmVDYswDl6uyLUUR3oyhWh/s400/DSC04442.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683830819086911906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Looking forward to more Christmas and holiday delights! Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas from my family to yours!</b></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSN8rCwUBTuepC6I3SjL3ttN6jiaTyLRbA8IeFuGphL4_89_U9BsP5MlfaGSKfXD9UovwkYBu6KYE5NdpVv-qJG9BJ31vMt13QD-toSU0aP5-0SyNWymM3zhwsy935DIfvXglcN1GVzUx/s1600/DSC04429.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSN8rCwUBTuepC6I3SjL3ttN6jiaTyLRbA8IeFuGphL4_89_U9BsP5MlfaGSKfXD9UovwkYBu6KYE5NdpVv-qJG9BJ31vMt13QD-toSU0aP5-0SyNWymM3zhwsy935DIfvXglcN1GVzUx/s400/DSC04429.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683830527954522946" /></a><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-1321105280982094182011-10-12T08:21:00.000-07:002011-10-12T09:09:50.428-07:00GOING BATTY IN AUSTIN, TEXAS!<div><b>My oldest daughter Jennifer earned a one week trip to Tastefully Simple's Sunset River home in Austin, Texas for the second year in a row! This year I got to tag along for the week!</b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yjiL1LYO6tdNuLSM0MoSMbwjEWMYUrycrY-jK8F1sM8LeUn00XRWim6DokkO0Ey82d3FDQZNyA6ng-Bx5rJLIAgZzeFOWsoQkXd_Z_7olSsuYt48Bx-_ah_Yu8HAk0zWtpTbKLBv-lic/s1600/DSC03935.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yjiL1LYO6tdNuLSM0MoSMbwjEWMYUrycrY-jK8F1sM8LeUn00XRWim6DokkO0Ey82d3FDQZNyA6ng-Bx5rJLIAgZzeFOWsoQkXd_Z_7olSsuYt48Bx-_ah_Yu8HAk0zWtpTbKLBv-lic/s400/DSC03935.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662630432289793858" /></a><b>These photos were taken outside the beautiful home we called our own for the week.</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNR6Y_T3420uQXQj7unR5YsmX4QUKEQZx61TRF2OnuisTClQNooyB0Ov895OTtNt-c3o0gu884ABPTBPGYpLJrNYJ1_5PLBvWABCELLexti-SfcXuW7pu1oAVob-ZR1DHKHcdgeM79bYr/s1600/DSC03940.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNR6Y_T3420uQXQj7unR5YsmX4QUKEQZx61TRF2OnuisTClQNooyB0Ov895OTtNt-c3o0gu884ABPTBPGYpLJrNYJ1_5PLBvWABCELLexti-SfcXuW7pu1oAVob-ZR1DHKHcdgeM79bYr/s400/DSC03940.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662630421506409810" /></a><b>Yesterday we went to the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, which is not like other zoos. It is a zoo that rescues animals that have been abandoned, neglected, or abused.</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS2Mgd1nqvmRxj_trLiMu7cTdUKmQIuo6dUyVbbzXNUUoDSy3cerdQX07ZinxlxXYvpkb1VKIjsOV6UImkn6qB4CPLnu8PJRVf2sbucQZk70fIg-mv-Y7vpdoJu9CyAD7EmcamKnFnsaj/s1600/DSC03959.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS2Mgd1nqvmRxj_trLiMu7cTdUKmQIuo6dUyVbbzXNUUoDSy3cerdQX07ZinxlxXYvpkb1VKIjsOV6UImkn6qB4CPLnu8PJRVf2sbucQZk70fIg-mv-Y7vpdoJu9CyAD7EmcamKnFnsaj/s400/DSC03959.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662630416447346018" /></a><b>As Kari was feeding one of the animals, Toni, one of the zoo's staff, told her the story of how the zoo acquired the goat. For some reason, Toni took a liking to our little group and proceeded to give us a guided tour of the zoo for the next hour or so. She was amazing!</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw0H0nwlukQYlxlAU6pwCLmIUtuqUhKL_UbWhVH5sQnqrt3szeuBhJ69jzHAkBM3KecOWr1Rc_3kMj-VxqNJkKaPU1wvkNasp4ptF_XGivfhGCqxf53luFUBkB_EONc4YUTLaQEz5_ajm/s1600/DSC03966.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw0H0nwlukQYlxlAU6pwCLmIUtuqUhKL_UbWhVH5sQnqrt3szeuBhJ69jzHAkBM3KecOWr1Rc_3kMj-VxqNJkKaPU1wvkNasp4ptF_XGivfhGCqxf53luFUBkB_EONc4YUTLaQEz5_ajm/s400/DSC03966.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662629624820659794" /></a><b>The zoo houses seven gorgeous tigers, all rescued from bad situations. These animals were magnificent. Luckily, this tiger decided to pay us a visit!</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD6olBWDyRddk5SckpiP4NoozbC4iS64g4qNzEpJYBH4JxLY6BJOalSmFuvJZ2_ljt0LxmYMr9V7gfPoJskBj9I6l84Ei5DcH_kaUym5FOXjtQVsLFwzLpYNb-E5B7XKnLi2UStBXsYCW/s1600/DSC03985.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD6olBWDyRddk5SckpiP4NoozbC4iS64g4qNzEpJYBH4JxLY6BJOalSmFuvJZ2_ljt0LxmYMr9V7gfPoJskBj9I6l84Ei5DcH_kaUym5FOXjtQVsLFwzLpYNb-E5B7XKnLi2UStBXsYCW/s400/DSC03985.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662629618167090722" /></a><b>The story of Leroy was especially touching. He was literally rescued from a junkyard! He was in such bad shape that he permanently lost his mane. His lioness "wife" was shot by the junkyard owner in front of Leroy. He obviously loves his new home as he was sprawled in the sun "chillin."</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht71W6_sFqxhEragr_AuD42FSoUOqCTLvJwp8-cZ-N56VGu2eQHdczDJpHM_4TZbsWyY_EKu-lga2-l2LyytgppvXeGed_UOzhtujwbBsbqymh6CTffEPUhq9J8VvMCRgzViWXtrWn9GZZ/s1600/DSC03986.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht71W6_sFqxhEragr_AuD42FSoUOqCTLvJwp8-cZ-N56VGu2eQHdczDJpHM_4TZbsWyY_EKu-lga2-l2LyytgppvXeGed_UOzhtujwbBsbqymh6CTffEPUhq9J8VvMCRgzViWXtrWn9GZZ/s400/DSC03986.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662629613074973314" /></a><b>Even the birds were rescued from abusive owners. This little guy was quite the talker! He loved saying "Hello!"</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z6j4zBw3KBOgnuClrtv_uYqbI7jjO4mJVyjxRQICclbrOj3ixf0u6pLhH1QO28B-3BXAmQCd5FTlfJEaE3jUEJqHjAzjA3NePEBokKFnjRgaesLHuGTvpgqFzPsoZaLoOHJsrE2BjI38/s1600/DSC03995.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z6j4zBw3KBOgnuClrtv_uYqbI7jjO4mJVyjxRQICclbrOj3ixf0u6pLhH1QO28B-3BXAmQCd5FTlfJEaE3jUEJqHjAzjA3NePEBokKFnjRgaesLHuGTvpgqFzPsoZaLoOHJsrE2BjI38/s400/DSC03995.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662628719218561234" /></a><b>Jayce was mesmerized by all of the animals and in spite of having no nap, he had a blast! The zoo houses more than 300 animals from 100 species. I highly recommend a trip to the Austin Zoo !</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEdnbb8WTFO0b7Rj_Zrfm39vw_gsDsGOlxI6cmCgWFfg3tmCJwsCqRmkAIVglVS1s2hRGL_irS0jwgRMqLKO6hDn21btyEYAm5EzhLWGl4SiuVdK6GKE4Tnuty20W0KtIaI1kWgKkInN-/s1600/DSC03999.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEdnbb8WTFO0b7Rj_Zrfm39vw_gsDsGOlxI6cmCgWFfg3tmCJwsCqRmkAIVglVS1s2hRGL_irS0jwgRMqLKO6hDn21btyEYAm5EzhLWGl4SiuVdK6GKE4Tnuty20W0KtIaI1kWgKkInN-/s400/DSC03999.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662628709849701570" /></a><b>Next we headed into Austin and found a gluten-free bakery. This is just one of the treats in store for us! The boys didn't know what to pick, but Aidan decided on these chocolate treats and Ryan had a strawberry filled cupcake with cream cheese frosting.</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBXPw2unKArNXzjX5DjY360DoUUMTx4bPztqfeemmVwiiFfZ7tnjBm5rYoEIcAmq1H17fwFfM1k87on8SopP-sAxTxUXmZmukPTjwOLcsl1KNlHbDIQ7zdXDrqoCAD1pOPCjMWvAmuCPX/s1600/DSC04004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBXPw2unKArNXzjX5DjY360DoUUMTx4bPztqfeemmVwiiFfZ7tnjBm5rYoEIcAmq1H17fwFfM1k87on8SopP-sAxTxUXmZmukPTjwOLcsl1KNlHbDIQ7zdXDrqoCAD1pOPCjMWvAmuCPX/s400/DSC04004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662628709716770274" /></a><b>After dinner, we went on a boat cruise on Lady Bird Lake to see the bats fly out from under the Congress Street Bridge. In March 750,000 pregnant female free-tail bats arrive from Monteray, Mexico and nest under the bridge. A few months later, they give birth and the numbers of bats soar to over 1.5 million!</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeaySQOhmKKUNGQzxZHUH1hx5q_SJWirGtUBM14kPVdFOVgjd0qcYIAUaCRqGc6rfu8pHH_5JVZOArDUy7CquSaUJffGXJ7PHy0uCZKUvIxviAaa_82KLxBMMb7yH_7n1II3TOzaGv0wP/s1600/DSC04010.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeaySQOhmKKUNGQzxZHUH1hx5q_SJWirGtUBM14kPVdFOVgjd0qcYIAUaCRqGc6rfu8pHH_5JVZOArDUy7CquSaUJffGXJ7PHy0uCZKUvIxviAaa_82KLxBMMb7yH_7n1II3TOzaGv0wP/s400/DSC04010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662627106623204210" /></a><b>As we cruised the waters of the lake, our guide told us quite a bit about Austin history, especially the downtown area.</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMEjKAH4kHYwTevzVd3UZUYKLsmHSMcR7AKvAwhkT1STHhMx2U9vBV0rAZ4xcqF4NLzqERIuR6Mo8R9p24k3HD_VkV3m5YMsSy4vUVYXKau5jRA4W4Y8s_rOm1TUNUwElIJDiTW1l69WU/s1600/DSC04025.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMEjKAH4kHYwTevzVd3UZUYKLsmHSMcR7AKvAwhkT1STHhMx2U9vBV0rAZ4xcqF4NLzqERIuR6Mo8R9p24k3HD_VkV3m5YMsSy4vUVYXKau5jRA4W4Y8s_rOm1TUNUwElIJDiTW1l69WU/s400/DSC04025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662627100248548322" /></a><b>Then the bats came! As the sun set you could hear them and then see them soar by the hundreds of thousands out from under the bridge. We were literally right underneath them on the boat! It was an amazing sight!</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgokGF1rmIu_QcFVLxtym8CNJJl6vhPhuyjDigwcdNgYyQM6DD75XZk76N6CXmqvlwN_ItYI0rFu77aVUiCRa_R-AJO6ctTy-xfoHl1cME0hvbre-D6aMQbMH5bAOxwJZ71ownhyH2hTk/s1600/DSC04035.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgokGF1rmIu_QcFVLxtym8CNJJl6vhPhuyjDigwcdNgYyQM6DD75XZk76N6CXmqvlwN_ItYI0rFu77aVUiCRa_R-AJO6ctTy-xfoHl1cME0hvbre-D6aMQbMH5bAOxwJZ71ownhyH2hTk/s400/DSC04035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662627097581047746" /></a><b>The bats form columns and head for the hill country in search of food. The bats bring in more than $8 million in eco-tourism each year and save farmers millions of dollars as they provide natural pest control. </b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PtbHy0qODsvdccl4R-MgtRAdkeuQelXGjoVoGFM-cKT9YYstk-DQ7xDKG-YilAaCtw0bwchrojGJmFh_tVFVnLS0Bhh6W1JyeMklOdl-6qg4ah_uI9hJuJUq1OxCoah8HoLB_MivHjll/s1600/DSC04039.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PtbHy0qODsvdccl4R-MgtRAdkeuQelXGjoVoGFM-cKT9YYstk-DQ7xDKG-YilAaCtw0bwchrojGJmFh_tVFVnLS0Bhh6W1JyeMklOdl-6qg4ah_uI9hJuJUq1OxCoah8HoLB_MivHjll/s400/DSC04039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662627088445888418" /></a><b>Today I think we will spend the day poolside and just relax and enjoy the beautiful Austin sunshine!</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-43279077780826718482011-10-07T17:08:00.000-07:002011-10-07T17:22:38.553-07:00Scrapbooking For Juvenile Diabetes<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">On October 1st we hosted our fifth annual fall "Crop For A Cure" to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Twenty-eight scrapbookers, card makers, and jewelry makers spent twelve hours "crafting," eating, and socializing! We raised $1273.00!!!</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NuYwJ4BRE0snHSfg1ZGlqbU4FRdd3YWh5uMnqijvbW4CFbd5ZZYSCLHX9OaIUT9bc5An8Rk1QZ3Dql_tQqY1UxP-yMi-iRSwFH_ROamtPCjYMYGA8PffssjjbQ8pOh6i8vvRCxLHEyKn/s1600/DSC03853.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NuYwJ4BRE0snHSfg1ZGlqbU4FRdd3YWh5uMnqijvbW4CFbd5ZZYSCLHX9OaIUT9bc5An8Rk1QZ3Dql_tQqY1UxP-yMi-iRSwFH_ROamtPCjYMYGA8PffssjjbQ8pOh6i8vvRCxLHEyKn/s400/DSC03853.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660907684562768082" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">It was so much fun seeing all the wonderful scrapbook pages being created!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vzs-Pwv1mw_b8gPC_ObyR_KulzLl6_fdMiqEI_wF3hHtn-32SAGGmU4kcnFYcq3s1dC6BYRX7R3xfYS17AYmInT3QWWrIhzB6skQF5w8rnwqB5XOpXfAty3ZX0fw0c1NkFmK-cgjG_F9/s1600/DSC03855.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vzs-Pwv1mw_b8gPC_ObyR_KulzLl6_fdMiqEI_wF3hHtn-32SAGGmU4kcnFYcq3s1dC6BYRX7R3xfYS17AYmInT3QWWrIhzB6skQF5w8rnwqB5XOpXfAty3ZX0fw0c1NkFmK-cgjG_F9/s400/DSC03855.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660907678350973970" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;"><b>During the day we also gave away a door prize every hour. Many generous people donated items for our giveaways.</b></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Huymn127dz09XvJiJuo-b24pH7CNa-Wjqn6HkFVdpxMOsRZ2VzmCFgiYm2F3qMqp_mnX_j7KplfjU8Su8R-j-UnsnT_RZUvVzvGebM7-OKAWYDmzYmwxNaHmycJ42fxYEA4nddHyjUmr/s1600/DSC03856.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Huymn127dz09XvJiJuo-b24pH7CNa-Wjqn6HkFVdpxMOsRZ2VzmCFgiYm2F3qMqp_mnX_j7KplfjU8Su8R-j-UnsnT_RZUvVzvGebM7-OKAWYDmzYmwxNaHmycJ42fxYEA4nddHyjUmr/s400/DSC03856.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660907267496693170" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">Many thanks to Allison Beaudry for being our vendor, Creative Memories. 10 % of her sales were donated to JDRF.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAo-GMWcokclB1ybeFQO0-ipIYAx-kfMaTAet4jPv3Psjxh4m21Y16G0zd7hEVjxnmon02d5W4vF2fLJZbXn_dLrAZVcUP7gshqzYjs8I_nPKIBYYbNMK0-W53VYsWswpzmOQBB4LNC6s4/s1600/DSC03860.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAo-GMWcokclB1ybeFQO0-ipIYAx-kfMaTAet4jPv3Psjxh4m21Y16G0zd7hEVjxnmon02d5W4vF2fLJZbXn_dLrAZVcUP7gshqzYjs8I_nPKIBYYbNMK0-W53VYsWswpzmOQBB4LNC6s4/s400/DSC03860.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660907261479079410" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">Our three end of the evening grand prize winners were Vickie Oyer, Brenda Geiman, and Muriel Tukey. Congratulations ladies!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKXFzFV1W-lrB6h4kxRr6jgoYwIdNpGHCELM_hBkEVhjh9PJbL72iSHjWZWvh_dkCxboDTXJ-VyIIh1-2ZR-vvbZyBndPrBpRdscsXenUKTuogWGDIZsb2Ga37canyLNmPsGP3nxzByPV/s1600/DSC03863.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKXFzFV1W-lrB6h4kxRr6jgoYwIdNpGHCELM_hBkEVhjh9PJbL72iSHjWZWvh_dkCxboDTXJ-VyIIh1-2ZR-vvbZyBndPrBpRdscsXenUKTuogWGDIZsb2Ga37canyLNmPsGP3nxzByPV/s400/DSC03863.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660907256808946802" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">So many area businesses helped make our event a success: TGI Friday, Central Presbyterian Church, Giant Foods, Food Lion, Subway Sandwiches and Salads of Chambersburg, Fuddruckers, and Tastefully Simple. Thank you to everyone who attended! Our next crop will be our Love Crop, February 18, 2012.</span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-43559406350779812162011-08-31T19:45:00.000-07:002011-08-31T20:03:50.745-07:00Hurricane Irene<div><b>Our hearts go out to the millions of people affected recently by Hurricane Irene. My oldest daughter and her family live in St. Mary's County, Maryland. They decided to stick it out and stay in their home for the storm. I don't think anyone in their area expected the storm to wreak the havoc that is did. Last Saturday the rain began to fall and by 4:00 pm their power was out and they spent the night in darkness listening to the howling winds, water pounding their home, and the snapping, popping, and crashing of trees. It was frightening! In the morning they surveyed the damage.</b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlan5drHhvQrJG892d_rDryGvaeQS7ehceob7n5t5x6UKPbjelbkvR6qv6hp0Jc3FxJRPhAHIxnQgQMYl2ub2Q9W3vkE4tqZ4J_FxNYDaT_B8_J8Wkz4_ULr_bn54lcgjo4e4Itk2bvIE/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlan5drHhvQrJG892d_rDryGvaeQS7ehceob7n5t5x6UKPbjelbkvR6qv6hp0Jc3FxJRPhAHIxnQgQMYl2ub2Q9W3vkE4tqZ4J_FxNYDaT_B8_J8Wkz4_ULr_bn54lcgjo4e4Itk2bvIE/s400/IMG_0340.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647217888133772210" /></a><b>This area was a yard across from their property. Massive downed trees covered it.</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0eOa4ZAPHTOuNkhl6AkPrjysgu8lWok7nfutqPb3YW5cXFvUXooGCf2YdyT5cP6FLiE2Uu62y8usQiVlz-YxX46ofQpXA9GxY3kR_swbQP3Ag7RDQz1FXwE06d2cNXQeNE133iEredrl/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0eOa4ZAPHTOuNkhl6AkPrjysgu8lWok7nfutqPb3YW5cXFvUXooGCf2YdyT5cP6FLiE2Uu62y8usQiVlz-YxX46ofQpXA9GxY3kR_swbQP3Ag7RDQz1FXwE06d2cNXQeNE133iEredrl/s400/IMG_0341.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647217878483953938" /></a><b>Fortunately nothing fell on their neighbor's home.</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPlhY2TsptfP6q4hYTLCNagAPaGPuExstjcIavsDhNAralv6J-GQ-rN5qPmXfjydy_a-L2g7MrkfuyMXHABLvrj4RMCJCwscFyqiteYA4cyyXDBwqpdITKkN4aSMSN3FJnBdkDhECFw7J/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPlhY2TsptfP6q4hYTLCNagAPaGPuExstjcIavsDhNAralv6J-GQ-rN5qPmXfjydy_a-L2g7MrkfuyMXHABLvrj4RMCJCwscFyqiteYA4cyyXDBwqpdITKkN4aSMSN3FJnBdkDhECFw7J/s400/IMG_0342.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647217878229680082" /></a><b>Their home escaped falling trees, although one narrowly missed the front of the house.</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQWSJ-7pdiLrgBYwu14qhhY1OkdRRFyQ5buGOt1PF5vnxsj-KQ8wCA0G95sfgXCL_fkaj9IoRblBqzS3lIcGl8HDd-sh-zRT4eGG7ay16FRPpOM_yccuaKAJ8Sz6GvzsWrjDko8x_9eUR/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQWSJ-7pdiLrgBYwu14qhhY1OkdRRFyQ5buGOt1PF5vnxsj-KQ8wCA0G95sfgXCL_fkaj9IoRblBqzS3lIcGl8HDd-sh-zRT4eGG7ay16FRPpOM_yccuaKAJ8Sz6GvzsWrjDko8x_9eUR/s400/IMG_0343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647217385615049778" /></a><b>This is a tree that fortunately fell parallel to their driveway.</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8u_FX-baNMHQ9l8kh1TWavlS7Psruoj7MgrZRwhWiJGAv7pOK9WcpGzrWKEUoJy4w-XQ6xBHIOEUOVap-V17u49p7l90BTb2BIj4xvh9DVrGYJm-u0aMANR9Z-aT8jABZ_jCAoLOAc9B0/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8u_FX-baNMHQ9l8kh1TWavlS7Psruoj7MgrZRwhWiJGAv7pOK9WcpGzrWKEUoJy4w-XQ6xBHIOEUOVap-V17u49p7l90BTb2BIj4xvh9DVrGYJm-u0aMANR9Z-aT8jABZ_jCAoLOAc9B0/s400/IMG_0345.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647217381840190194" /></a><b>Another neighbor's home was a resting place for a tree. Many homes in their neighborhood suffered tree damage and water damage. Adam took a drive through the neighborhood to see if they could get out and head for Pennsylvania because there were major power outages. Initially the roads were blocked by fallen trees, but folks with chain saws cleaned the way to Route 5. So they packed up the four kids and headed to our house.</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxXkqViBUXyTmqY5FaCv3lr9PUWbPHu2TzCSwbyFO66uVqrxZqolxIcCwM-aK13gx8ZmZsjUXI0WIhs1_ieHQql6GBo3Eli6-9Y6MQUBoE9lbn_zsl3f5yWtMcFygVUUYOfa0e4Je5nYt/s1600/IMG_0347.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxXkqViBUXyTmqY5FaCv3lr9PUWbPHu2TzCSwbyFO66uVqrxZqolxIcCwM-aK13gx8ZmZsjUXI0WIhs1_ieHQql6GBo3Eli6-9Y6MQUBoE9lbn_zsl3f5yWtMcFygVUUYOfa0e4Je5nYt/s400/IMG_0347.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647217374444077906" /></a><b>Trees like this and much larger were everywhere. Area schools were used as shelters. We were happy to have them home and safe for several days, but were so sorry for those who had nowhere to go. On Tuesday evening they returned home. Power is still out in many areas of the county, but school starts back tomorrow - Thursday. We are thankful that they weathered the storm and are back home safe and sound. You never know when Mother Nature throws a hissy fit! Keeping those who lost lives and property in our prayers.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-47712031601875712562011-08-17T14:37:00.000-07:002011-08-17T15:12:11.789-07:00Butterfly Art!<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Sometime this summer I saw a butterfly craft project on someone's blog and thought it would be a great project to do with my granddaughters. However, the summer is almost over and time was running out, so I decided that today would be the day! You start with a blank canvas. I got mine for $4.00 each at Big Lots - love that store!</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_qZ-DM7bOMmiWegKxGtNSNvsjG8N5yeybO_r2ZC9VBGWIGlhZkfSwxg5nZdsjfyMjFJHGnjaSmsRl7oXG5S9IE5q18Wqq2CBdmxsXv9r5_JPCSX_S6Gql4DOYxvjM3AMob22b2-O_aof/s1600/DSC03504.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_qZ-DM7bOMmiWegKxGtNSNvsjG8N5yeybO_r2ZC9VBGWIGlhZkfSwxg5nZdsjfyMjFJHGnjaSmsRl7oXG5S9IE5q18Wqq2CBdmxsXv9r5_JPCSX_S6Gql4DOYxvjM3AMob22b2-O_aof/s400/DSC03504.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641948330508631602" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">My next stop was Michael's to get acryllic paint (it was on sale for 49 cents!), brushes, some butterfly embellishments (also 49 cents!), a butterfly punch, and ribbon.</span></b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wE7_mYXWRjrwu8Oh01Xfcao6dlUZTmLcNOYJuJdMEr-pJkjYGXGJxMtLJsN8VGouVk15ALBOr9VB5WKhd7aXZLACTl_oL_TXfc8WpEmukN1I3spNd7RdNYrujAbKBJlgmxYAdeGf62OX/s1600/DSC03507.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wE7_mYXWRjrwu8Oh01Xfcao6dlUZTmLcNOYJuJdMEr-pJkjYGXGJxMtLJsN8VGouVk15ALBOr9VB5WKhd7aXZLACTl_oL_TXfc8WpEmukN1I3spNd7RdNYrujAbKBJlgmxYAdeGf62OX/s400/DSC03507.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641948296763772466" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">I put some paint on a paper plate and the girls brushed it lightly on the canvas. Sasha chose an abstract approach and Clara actually painted some flowers.</span></b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGvsBO5W4GrjeSugVfhLuisO619I0rVEJ3Qew2baZiG3sPzlchVy0mDR0pRrimlLxPfTE-dbH3sE7HnRJDTBh_3GR5mZ8TJfnqgZQ-GCC_hLObaSBAT_BLtw1_gSQ0B_vxypO_a2W30VL/s1600/DSC03510.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGvsBO5W4GrjeSugVfhLuisO619I0rVEJ3Qew2baZiG3sPzlchVy0mDR0pRrimlLxPfTE-dbH3sE7HnRJDTBh_3GR5mZ8TJfnqgZQ-GCC_hLObaSBAT_BLtw1_gSQ0B_vxypO_a2W30VL/s400/DSC03510.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641948293624134162" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">While the paint dried, we raided my stash of scrapbooking paper and punched out butterflies. Aren't they beautiful? Next we folded the butterflies down the center with the good side of the paper facing in so they will have a three dimensional look.</span></b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5oJJN27WUkn_3r9WJ-EmIePYC_NOLauUbvgcaBYiXyrOBcSadDaDZjpB4ALPMV8Opofe9-Mskt40QDXHnmRsx1ZbSnICoYTOLf1__J9Y0m-8n1gSFRLqrRShJ56EuTxpfs1ooosypAyr/s1600/DSC03512.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5oJJN27WUkn_3r9WJ-EmIePYC_NOLauUbvgcaBYiXyrOBcSadDaDZjpB4ALPMV8Opofe9-Mskt40QDXHnmRsx1ZbSnICoYTOLf1__J9Y0m-8n1gSFRLqrRShJ56EuTxpfs1ooosypAyr/s400/DSC03512.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641948286479763730" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">The girls arranged and rearranged the butterflies on their canvases to get just the look they wanted. It was fun watching them decide on their butterfly layout.
<br /></span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4RMmrbPfHFj_ob9Tt1aFzljQ10yVDZZC_7Ih63CcwS1pdHQpLAFbvYFuCbGDSM8FZw7tzPSQffC3yRYvo1qX-mmKo0l04GnWMGANjOFyNCYM3HK9lafINe8zpRgzxuktJzG4FddSTSZh/s1600/DSC03516.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4RMmrbPfHFj_ob9Tt1aFzljQ10yVDZZC_7Ih63CcwS1pdHQpLAFbvYFuCbGDSM8FZw7tzPSQffC3yRYvo1qX-mmKo0l04GnWMGANjOFyNCYM3HK9lafINe8zpRgzxuktJzG4FddSTSZh/s400/DSC03516.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641947128034609234" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Using a clear glue the girls glued the folded area of the butterflies onto the canvas. We finished it off with gluing ribbon on the sides of the canvas. This one is Clara's.</span></b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-U7izPWt4AAJ1fjdf0mWHsOQlYx8yGSJpcnmjz7JVJZzAAvmmh3LJjPnRTys6BnHRzhNwchtBI15cHqlee9uSCY5jo58WGZMQfYyzahYyOSaEcHZyeW_1oCMLJ4pwXHDidub9m7aMNJS/s1600/DSC03520.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-U7izPWt4AAJ1fjdf0mWHsOQlYx8yGSJpcnmjz7JVJZzAAvmmh3LJjPnRTys6BnHRzhNwchtBI15cHqlee9uSCY5jo58WGZMQfYyzahYyOSaEcHZyeW_1oCMLJ4pwXHDidub9m7aMNJS/s400/DSC03520.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641947121336485778" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">This one is Sasha's. Both are so unique and special.</span></b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRPPtLXxrwOfsRn737ePzPzq9KeS5lymmzfkjx5wsuBtdpeTudpEAB29LjZap6EXCHT2mI0Dz7V1GXcVxC7Awp7-_1JpbqTHDodyg7VhpPzZkQQD9sncuG_X_BCO5IFhofEBIbyWtf5gD/s1600/DSC03521.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRPPtLXxrwOfsRn737ePzPzq9KeS5lymmzfkjx5wsuBtdpeTudpEAB29LjZap6EXCHT2mI0Dz7V1GXcVxC7Awp7-_1JpbqTHDodyg7VhpPzZkQQD9sncuG_X_BCO5IFhofEBIbyWtf5gD/s400/DSC03521.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641947114163119090" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b>Then we made cupcakes - cupcakes make every day special!</b></span></u></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRPPtLXxrwOfsRn737ePzPzq9KeS5lymmzfkjx5wsuBtdpeTudpEAB29LjZap6EXCHT2mI0Dz7V1GXcVxC7Awp7-_1JpbqTHDodyg7VhpPzZkQQD9sncuG_X_BCO5IFhofEBIbyWtf5gD/s1600/DSC03521.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvTd0gLIiNTNjBRmaOALiWnEbTrFUx0xSBUIws43db4J9lyWBRgtow1z0O2f1stRFSj2X6QcXbJs64g1adQonGuqATxSdISiHe_m5tWV8DIPnoiVObhJPbgsixLcDQJXSpeMgWwYJ1ehr/s1600/DSC03523.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvTd0gLIiNTNjBRmaOALiWnEbTrFUx0xSBUIws43db4J9lyWBRgtow1z0O2f1stRFSj2X6QcXbJs64g1adQonGuqATxSdISiHe_m5tWV8DIPnoiVObhJPbgsixLcDQJXSpeMgWwYJ1ehr/s400/DSC03523.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641947113301980050" /></a>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-70808841438603570302011-08-13T19:06:00.000-07:002011-08-13T19:59:10.963-07:00Love, Fun, and Food in Minneapolis!<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">This is Grace. She is a nine month old cutie who LOVES Jayce. This is her expression after giving him a big ol' smooch!</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rkIY2NBfyKRH3-nemRoOlpMytHGvo2xH4dIenlo7-VDTpHJZP-dhvZwLZhKg_oCkLP7GIIcwCFGzSXkEc2kxpObivbKXgetuO46JTh1WUXq291sXCXt5sFdSY-yZ46ZK-FCubldpQhFl/s1600/DSC03462.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rkIY2NBfyKRH3-nemRoOlpMytHGvo2xH4dIenlo7-VDTpHJZP-dhvZwLZhKg_oCkLP7GIIcwCFGzSXkEc2kxpObivbKXgetuO46JTh1WUXq291sXCXt5sFdSY-yZ46ZK-FCubldpQhFl/s400/DSC03462.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640531731347475042" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Jayce made the rounds at the convention after hours!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmSSOTKmskJDrvmCAVGakMtDMx9irmbgc2dZydk6OzMNzfaxvTN2SL3nBFUjH0oj0ldkCTr89jJr1fQylk_DStDlk5QuucmxLefGAwQuiLtTl6ZpTjsC9KLWCxgiRyJWnzHCsWx6U-KXB/s1600/DSC03453.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmSSOTKmskJDrvmCAVGakMtDMx9irmbgc2dZydk6OzMNzfaxvTN2SL3nBFUjH0oj0ldkCTr89jJr1fQylk_DStDlk5QuucmxLefGAwQuiLtTl6ZpTjsC9KLWCxgiRyJWnzHCsWx6U-KXB/s400/DSC03453.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640531722469363698" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">The decorations reflected the theme of "Cut Loose" and were complete with lights and music. Jayce loved the balloons and music.</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGbneQzHy8eUh3J8bq30mn_hk7c5_ir6e_MorZ4A7a4jDajHdps1FPcleYj7dTCULdQjZgUEqt_VKTjAXC7RRnQPKzMRHmhTjNybgozTHlRr6WvRM9gBP3o37Ncw7SKltdBpq01SdECqX/s1600/DSC03470.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGbneQzHy8eUh3J8bq30mn_hk7c5_ir6e_MorZ4A7a4jDajHdps1FPcleYj7dTCULdQjZgUEqt_VKTjAXC7RRnQPKzMRHmhTjNybgozTHlRr6WvRM9gBP3o37Ncw7SKltdBpq01SdECqX/s400/DSC03470.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640531716168139970" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Today Jayce and I returned to Cosi for lunch. I had the Bangkok salad, which was very good! Everything is so fresh and the flatbread - yum!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M-3TVvAPHhUaNE5daTkcqp7PxnKK7orAQNYDBH0khOsUb41i3c4TojcuOpWrLtH3N-vN68M-COy-9vqUoZLOSF2L96mXpiFcuBdjWEmrh_PRQMUq1ShfTZuB9MRakL0sJcRekdQYHaoz/s1600/DSC03477.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M-3TVvAPHhUaNE5daTkcqp7PxnKK7orAQNYDBH0khOsUb41i3c4TojcuOpWrLtH3N-vN68M-COy-9vqUoZLOSF2L96mXpiFcuBdjWEmrh_PRQMUq1ShfTZuB9MRakL0sJcRekdQYHaoz/s400/DSC03477.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640529982602417074" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Jayce is a great little lunch buddy. He definitely attracts attention with those big blue eyes!</span></b></span></div></b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrEaMsRJVWkmuJ_bD_Bm0S8q-Wuw_5CyY47KeWbQymHjCrIg1ycaiPDrp8sFJitXEHv7GsymnofR8uLj4EHaLDLXh8Ctjy_rVJd_Hz_IgFScof_5oRvpNnpjxuvR79QXJCWb9P4PfQ4e4/s400/DSC03479.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640529969473791314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>I returned to Cocoa and Fig for a chocolate cupcake with Raspberry cream frosting and a lemon macaroon and coffee macaroon. The lemon macaroon was delicious, but I wasn't impressed with the coffee one. I saved the cupcake for Jennifer since she did not get dessert last night.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6qtJiiy9R5s8AwUNqCuJK4kIXJUBkjo8nc3GXKVnRjMYiXU_TXHbE4zQmFKx_kPkRsLFMt-GDjrG3DtVnz_h73IXJGobgkXIq1resfID1THrsC_8WJNdy3sRjjS-0HARQ8STbbg5J8-4/s400/DSC03491.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640533502315418978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>After lunch Jayce and I took a walk and near the concert hall we discovered these cool music note sculptures.</b></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuJx4DWL9frGOYO1H-_PiQ9nofgnC2cw2hw0nAXTJTL8WAl2MgBP-N4w2VhKfWkEnynHo-kvSggH-NhHwepYfgk2EpTjkKmK_uDyJeltczpJPX1YheIzHSrMmlVvbCj94APbjv7G0UyIQ/s1600/DSC03486.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuJx4DWL9frGOYO1H-_PiQ9nofgnC2cw2hw0nAXTJTL8WAl2MgBP-N4w2VhKfWkEnynHo-kvSggH-NhHwepYfgk2EpTjkKmK_uDyJeltczpJPX1YheIzHSrMmlVvbCj94APbjv7G0UyIQ/s400/DSC03486.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640529965503786386" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">It turned out to be such a pretty day after our morning rain so we sat awhile in the grass surrounded by pretty flowers. I wonder what the little man is thinking about?!? We sure have had a good time together.</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvgGf_lZN0YLoTi-YQJlIN278Ujl2c49vXeZWzKXkMYlhyphenhyphenyPHFCsduxYzGe21hKOeI-p3OMBUrY1zpS340kSIJ_dM90ACned0gjFIuH0ioOW4J8qE6LwPmLOqAPh2eKxONfJdgady-Cur/s1600/DSC03489.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvgGf_lZN0YLoTi-YQJlIN278Ujl2c49vXeZWzKXkMYlhyphenhyphenyPHFCsduxYzGe21hKOeI-p3OMBUrY1zpS340kSIJ_dM90ACned0gjFIuH0ioOW4J8qE6LwPmLOqAPh2eKxONfJdgady-Cur/s400/DSC03489.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640528497423351202" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">After Jayce's nap, we got dressed up for our last night in Minneapolis "date night."</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmCjRuiPfuFmrxsHfZeF3AETAIo9kmqiUwDZUKzxrFsdbcfm51xPYw-wSB5AaAlly4XCRKxj3KhWtwu4TCZAGrwKHtlnCM1XBToiPTy1Ve_hvZxDjTAArMeW5qs54ezfvy46Bf3IiNNEq/s1600/DSC03500.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmCjRuiPfuFmrxsHfZeF3AETAIo9kmqiUwDZUKzxrFsdbcfm51xPYw-wSB5AaAlly4XCRKxj3KhWtwu4TCZAGrwKHtlnCM1XBToiPTy1Ve_hvZxDjTAArMeW5qs54ezfvy46Bf3IiNNEq/s400/DSC03500.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640528494318329730" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">We went to Bombay Bistro, an Indian restaurant near our hotel. Doesn't he look like such a little man? Hard to believe he is only six months old!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPig8q0Ep5QUOrr8cX7iK-Der-w8w2D82jnTFxhJxLf9pqUcgGYA55_eo1CscSglt6IGSDEx5XRn4hVlVJLwuUC3mXdKDXkn9QLc1waGQqnDfmiITsTrHbZK5yK2vWkRiV03fIWH4ALQ3L/s1600/DSC03503.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPig8q0Ep5QUOrr8cX7iK-Der-w8w2D82jnTFxhJxLf9pqUcgGYA55_eo1CscSglt6IGSDEx5XRn4hVlVJLwuUC3mXdKDXkn9QLc1waGQqnDfmiITsTrHbZK5yK2vWkRiV03fIWH4ALQ3L/s400/DSC03503.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640528489209587826" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">I had a wonderful chicken dish with garlic Naan bread</span></b>. </span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwlbubioN0-b15A6RcpGMCoa2_bMG-neBuLJTJCtapy8391LC679xhXGpHiDJCbmUNEo3odXS9qDfBUC6jr6SNnStmvwrnZdt7NU_MxHPn0dM5MafrqjnkXylmirnqstEi7SATf_WSaAD/s1600/DSC03502.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwlbubioN0-b15A6RcpGMCoa2_bMG-neBuLJTJCtapy8391LC679xhXGpHiDJCbmUNEo3odXS9qDfBUC6jr6SNnStmvwrnZdt7NU_MxHPn0dM5MafrqjnkXylmirnqstEi7SATf_WSaAD/s400/DSC03502.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640528485131402002" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">This is my third trip to Minneapolis! The Tastefully Simple convention is always fabulous, even though I can't attend the events, I get a firsthand report on all the exciting new products and promotions each day and I love it when I can come along as one of the grandkids' "nannies" for the trip. </span></b></span></div></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-14537187380571186042011-08-12T13:16:00.000-07:002011-08-12T14:10:45.540-07:00Mayhem in Minneapolis!<div><b>I am in Minneapolis with Jennifer Jayce, and Annisa. While they attend all the exciting events at the annual Tastefully Simple Convention, I get to babysit Jayce - I am his nanny "Nana!" Before the convention started, we ate a wonderful lunch at The News Room. Take a look at what Jayce was attracted to - typical guy!</b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcOMXZslMV3rMi9RsXMZiZSi8y1AsxZOcWGntVpMg_9T0O1tki0aeAA6IuUPS3AMR_j0BrOaw_ragWUzse1hTLaiGIuKJQ5j6JH-_ZLWqDsmvZAsn-UGPqN-1kgY0IYj91U07gHEfxGHn/s1600/DSC_0616.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcOMXZslMV3rMi9RsXMZiZSi8y1AsxZOcWGntVpMg_9T0O1tki0aeAA6IuUPS3AMR_j0BrOaw_ragWUzse1hTLaiGIuKJQ5j6JH-_ZLWqDsmvZAsn-UGPqN-1kgY0IYj91U07gHEfxGHn/s400/DSC_0616.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640074752865531954" /></a><b>Annisa had a Reuben which was delicious . . . I had to take a bite!</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2LTkNzkxQS4Jj-JCB21s_bdPbiH-FPtr2r2YJmq6m7sokubZUnhdRNN9AiTsh0LsG1qDGwqz1JHvwwSkL7FQ2IAMgi5b6lXaTmWkB99Z48rqmGCKk5_vBNGv6Mrr49NkHcpEygP4qgq9/s1600/DSC_0620.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2LTkNzkxQS4Jj-JCB21s_bdPbiH-FPtr2r2YJmq6m7sokubZUnhdRNN9AiTsh0LsG1qDGwqz1JHvwwSkL7FQ2IAMgi5b6lXaTmWkB99Z48rqmGCKk5_vBNGv6Mrr49NkHcpEygP4qgq9/s400/DSC_0620.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640074745931284018" /></a><b>Jen and I had the Thai Noodle Salad. It was light and so good. The peanut sauce was wonderful!</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBAwB14XuNHM0KiJ6olKHBYJ2_rN9QtZcJYV8RfZ1DxfuUMhLIC3__3DKL3v0TXnW77bd69qvXXfivOleNSDltv-B0iyEHYtnR3ARgrO-Pp-qgk6Y-1h0bSVBaYKUJMOXB75bEYJYxT3C/s1600/DSC_0619.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBAwB14XuNHM0KiJ6olKHBYJ2_rN9QtZcJYV8RfZ1DxfuUMhLIC3__3DKL3v0TXnW77bd69qvXXfivOleNSDltv-B0iyEHYtnR3ARgrO-Pp-qgk6Y-1h0bSVBaYKUJMOXB75bEYJYxT3C/s400/DSC_0619.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640074740476985010" /></a><b>Later that night we encountered this metal chicken. There is a hilarious metal chicken story that prompted Jen to have her picture taken with the chicken, which she then sent to Adam. Enough said . . .</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGRhg6W6eW7UMn2MPZ3VTLswUnYR0ArWAbzrZgouqfNkchsoSfPetcsSM19mBx9aai9dP2Z1g12aEL8T4Bu_iqlXHJ9e11PaN34Vi1px0uNSUPvAddKU0qBTA_9Lu2VC_tJvrc3nsrUQ5/s1600/DSC_0630.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGRhg6W6eW7UMn2MPZ3VTLswUnYR0ArWAbzrZgouqfNkchsoSfPetcsSM19mBx9aai9dP2Z1g12aEL8T4Bu_iqlXHJ9e11PaN34Vi1px0uNSUPvAddKU0qBTA_9Lu2VC_tJvrc3nsrUQ5/s400/DSC_0630.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640074737252629410" /></a><b>On Thursday morning we had breakfast at one of my favorite Minneapolis restaurants, Hell's Kitchen. I love, love, love their homemade lemon yogurt with fresh berries. This is me and Jayce in the lobby area.</b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjfgXFVvlPEzP_R9zLfHi1BWoqxapmAztUFIST3ER7caUkUHYTzfwnb2zQv7iM67Hi9lbtLHVv7JgV6WLO6jS4C1C_AsGmJRXdc96eiCTIq4ocQ0bRvhvO3YljP7XYcbGH78_JCi4Nadg/s1600/DSC_0658.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjfgXFVvlPEzP_R9zLfHi1BWoqxapmAztUFIST3ER7caUkUHYTzfwnb2zQv7iM67Hi9lbtLHVv7JgV6WLO6jS4C1C_AsGmJRXdc96eiCTIq4ocQ0bRvhvO3YljP7XYcbGH78_JCi4Nadg/s400/DSC_0658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640073424244636130" /></a><b>Annisa had their famous lemon ricotta pancakes, which were heavenly!</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby4WLLVDqdePOj0wRTTVOM-rskDxBjkE6E5MWba3iP0FpxA4eWqeqqTw2QSWzuhgRvDc7WxEk_8ZcUNjqMkjoEJqe0z1vX8D9EmCwmeaCM_XbQZN7a7v-U0fovJGBnPp1rHV51CHU3sVD/s1600/DSC_0650.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby4WLLVDqdePOj0wRTTVOM-rskDxBjkE6E5MWba3iP0FpxA4eWqeqqTw2QSWzuhgRvDc7WxEk_8ZcUNjqMkjoEJqe0z1vX8D9EmCwmeaCM_XbQZN7a7v-U0fovJGBnPp1rHV51CHU3sVD/s400/DSC_0650.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640073415393401586" /></a><b>Thursday afternoon Jen was a session presenter at the convention. According to Annisa and others who attended, she did an amazing job and even had some folks reaching for tissues!</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVgR4H7WssxN0p6YdLD5Qj7nq3ro43UDrct1AMV-hSDvVP4JjyGliGNcfY2YksLksXlGkxAQaCDrm2HeSmirtUpRzs2KTqgY0VydzzL13PbYVy-Ts8Qtjj4p6I3uN13QIXMWWJ2kBnIHZ/s1600/DSC_0670.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVgR4H7WssxN0p6YdLD5Qj7nq3ro43UDrct1AMV-hSDvVP4JjyGliGNcfY2YksLksXlGkxAQaCDrm2HeSmirtUpRzs2KTqgY0VydzzL13PbYVy-Ts8Qtjj4p6I3uN13QIXMWWJ2kBnIHZ/s400/DSC_0670.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640073411402873570" /></a><b>She spent HOURS developing her presentation and you can see that she is happy that her session went so well!</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nN0yYRz6X1_G0to9kevZD0NmV6QtJAuTcHYLV7wllRv4Yd54ZfIbSYSb0jnz0AGBhF3N43XXBBiaFMLOpsnr3SHIyCJwh3gq_WQ3JpLTMHVA9cdmADMHs07CxEKAljfJzjSBNdjA1rAQ/s1600/DSC_0674.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nN0yYRz6X1_G0to9kevZD0NmV6QtJAuTcHYLV7wllRv4Yd54ZfIbSYSb0jnz0AGBhF3N43XXBBiaFMLOpsnr3SHIyCJwh3gq_WQ3JpLTMHVA9cdmADMHs07CxEKAljfJzjSBNdjA1rAQ/s400/DSC_0674.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640073406997126738" /></a><b>Today Jayce and I took a long walk and around lunch time I spotted a restaurant that looked pretty popular with the locals - Cosi. I had the Adobe Chicken salad with lime dressing. Doesn't it look yummy? The flatbread and salad were awesome!</b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJmjzrY_BD0yq78vyh6FR9gTmLItNeYmF4fl9GfUCMfiA8xyxqQ4gV2qJLwzwwUkhIJ9o-T7ZaZ11dJKnOW5AgOU9AEC0fSu2SISC9Iq-yn50UsLMmua3y77cB6rnFVa48cbtBu9Ysxnr/s1600/DSC03442.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJmjzrY_BD0yq78vyh6FR9gTmLItNeYmF4fl9GfUCMfiA8xyxqQ4gV2qJLwzwwUkhIJ9o-T7ZaZ11dJKnOW5AgOU9AEC0fSu2SISC9Iq-yn50UsLMmua3y77cB6rnFVa48cbtBu9Ysxnr/s400/DSC03442.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640067682179802178" /></a><b>Then I discovered a little bakery - oh my! Although they can't compare to Crumbs ginormous cupcakes, they were so tempting. </b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqymBQQR_9nDSX3zqCq0gB4qsnSKEuS3JNmhjEnIQGnrCjXkwyWkbGjRfE38RtszMuWCROza6yj1OZKsysy3MPtBxvR_lsD71g5dv5is39LJ-X-aSRuqgW7cYgv7cXrWWLteQx3LSjLEb/s1600/DSC03439.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqymBQQR_9nDSX3zqCq0gB4qsnSKEuS3JNmhjEnIQGnrCjXkwyWkbGjRfE38RtszMuWCROza6yj1OZKsysy3MPtBxvR_lsD71g5dv5is39LJ-X-aSRuqgW7cYgv7cXrWWLteQx3LSjLEb/s400/DSC03439.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640067676614260466" /></a><b>They also had a selection of cake pops and macaroons, which are gaining in popularity.</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjU_Y4Fwiut2ZJkso9Gb-MKMY2ej72mre0DMdE4FmtDurF1zsEMiUFEH0xJHlO_gsbM6dCqepNc6cAOF2_H7XEBURufSA5YHr7bUkPiosTcR7rG8sqAIRR1AlajluoBiz5cxIVnt5xngR_/s1600/DSC03441.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjU_Y4Fwiut2ZJkso9Gb-MKMY2ej72mre0DMdE4FmtDurF1zsEMiUFEH0xJHlO_gsbM6dCqepNc6cAOF2_H7XEBURufSA5YHr7bUkPiosTcR7rG8sqAIRR1AlajluoBiz5cxIVnt5xngR_/s400/DSC03441.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640067671638007426" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><b> I gave into temptation and got the chocolate cupcake with a peanut butter filling and chocolate ganache topping. Wish you could taste it!</b></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTD50bHEhg6r6nnCGQDqNCSVMHP5M9bMudwRjbvtRp_HmaQ7qdMusBa3wl38LPCyDROqv8dhsv_eMmAKXDVcMJoRj20dcoRy6w4Pg6eShO-S8CmosdM6h2YUV0NRx2N4KJzsBZS0Ur9Uw/s1600/DSC03446.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTD50bHEhg6r6nnCGQDqNCSVMHP5M9bMudwRjbvtRp_HmaQ7qdMusBa3wl38LPCyDROqv8dhsv_eMmAKXDVcMJoRj20dcoRy6w4Pg6eShO-S8CmosdM6h2YUV0NRx2N4KJzsBZS0Ur9Uw/s400/DSC03446.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640067669957518002" /></a><b>I also got three of the Hazlenut filled macaroons: one for Jen, one for Annisa, and one for me!</b>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPs4AGjod7SOJIIIjmWnzqcmcyT0-GM6S8iaIYGw81wCoUGm7ndZjxd7nRmpG9VJnaq29qvg-tsQi1ElTkZ-grpCo1m6jlIXw6WzimEtaraULlb67ew1aFBVhHRPSy5vpOFaNRIDx3I7R/s1600/DSC03451.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPs4AGjod7SOJIIIjmWnzqcmcyT0-GM6S8iaIYGw81wCoUGm7ndZjxd7nRmpG9VJnaq29qvg-tsQi1ElTkZ-grpCo1m6jlIXw6WzimEtaraULlb67ew1aFBVhHRPSy5vpOFaNRIDx3I7R/s400/DSC03451.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640067664076328370" /></a><b>We are having a great time and I will post again tomorrow. Who knows what Jayce and I will get into and what great food treats we will find!</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-11080031298603495262011-07-25T18:48:00.000-07:002011-07-25T19:09:05.175-07:00FREEBIE FUN !!!<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">For about a year and a half I have sporadically entered a few blog or other online giveaway contests. Last year I won a Cricut die-cut machine for scrapbooking that I donated to our Crop For A Cure silent auction to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. I also won some other scrapbooking giveways that I donated to the crop. I was thrilled to win these wonderful items, but never really put any consistent effort into entering giveaways until several months ago. A few weeks ago I was notified from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">The Recipe Girl</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;"> Blog that I won this </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Dansk/Lennox</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;"> wooden salad bowl set valued at $143.00. Look at the size of it! It is simply gorgeous! Thank you </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Dansk/Lennox</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Recipe Girl!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;"> </span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeNqVpmQts7eKfQ4T3ZOuPHzBYTSZjviibJL9kpCWM2HdPOgYlf-3fzOWpb8axwEq06BBxPC8NE-KtQlDU7QEEJZNYwDYKGP_Q-gExK8JcVWGYtfg5guOejSTNturHCt3m7Za87CMHvXJ/s1600/DSC03390.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeNqVpmQts7eKfQ4T3ZOuPHzBYTSZjviibJL9kpCWM2HdPOgYlf-3fzOWpb8axwEq06BBxPC8NE-KtQlDU7QEEJZNYwDYKGP_Q-gExK8JcVWGYtfg5guOejSTNturHCt3m7Za87CMHvXJ/s400/DSC03390.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633472602193438290" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">I have also been registering to win free samples from various vendors via blogs and facebook. In the past week and a half I received a travel size Crest toothpaste, rinse, and floss set, a sample box of Honey Nut Cheerios, a sample of Tide Stain Release, a full size Bayer Aspirin, a free subscription to </span></b><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">Martha Stewart Living </span></b></i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">magazine, a sample of a new Head and Shoulders shampoo, and a coupon for a full size Pantene shampoo. Other products are on their way! I have also been couponing and have scored some amazing deals at Staples, CVS, Rite Aid, Giant, and Walgreens. It takes a little time and effort, but the pay out has been more than I expected. I have linked many great sites to the left of this post that frequently post giveaways, contest, and coupon deals. I will keep adding to the list. Give it a try! Even if you can only spend 15 minutes a day, you can receive some great deals and freebies! </span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-11361520935564411372011-07-21T06:47:00.000-07:002011-07-21T08:37:44.580-07:00BOOK CLUB - THE HUNGER GAMES!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Our July Book/Recipe Club selection was T</span></b><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">he Hunger Games</span></b></i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"> by Suzanne Collins. I heard about the book for over a year, but like some of our book club members, was reluctant to read it. It just didn't sound like something I would like. Was I ever WRONG! After reading the first book in the trilogy, I devoured the next two. I wasn't the only one who finished all three before our meeting.</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT258CYdQm9LUAA-nTFGZQz6LDvbG88uO1thtmCwqHbZCUT0XpanTH6Y_8p7rWzNgAgtx44ZgiFOvqM59Zxu4QWPx3iRluQ-sagTijvV36Xo43xVlfn-UYgst9JHnVUlQ8Ffb1y9IJ-_rW/s1600/2767052.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT258CYdQm9LUAA-nTFGZQz6LDvbG88uO1thtmCwqHbZCUT0XpanTH6Y_8p7rWzNgAgtx44ZgiFOvqM59Zxu4QWPx3iRluQ-sagTijvV36Xo43xVlfn-UYgst9JHnVUlQ8Ffb1y9IJ-_rW/s400/2767052.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631823788757036498" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b>Since I was the host, I decided to have some fun. I made parachutes (you have to read the book to understand why!), which contained our place setting, a book mark featuring "Rue's Lullaby," and fruit chews.</b></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtjii1bUENEkGCQpIcbqM_mnhWWKb1Y4b76dWO_9ov8Z2qFIcKstAzeCDCIQ-RffEK-vscUx7HNs1XHMe7AbddszlTkjmqCRJ34KHrIZRPOpTCcQpJ6gcS8EDEpaBrg0gZC2bS2ohigy1/s1600/DSC03369.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtjii1bUENEkGCQpIcbqM_mnhWWKb1Y4b76dWO_9ov8Z2qFIcKstAzeCDCIQ-RffEK-vscUx7HNs1XHMe7AbddszlTkjmqCRJ34KHrIZRPOpTCcQpJ6gcS8EDEpaBrg0gZC2bS2ohigy1/s400/DSC03369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631821327922182194" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Found adorable woven placemats and a bow and arrow at the Dollar Tree to add to the theme. Read the book and you'll get the significance!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTPJRUK5UavCRpeb3bCVh6tDJBGo56UB8bl_dOe-JqUhhCluzRut5rkxwItBFcw7bkw2dKewMaPLxG8XdQ-xsRSWE7zdZlTG8SUKhYGZ25Zctk21uD5DPKvxvVog5fV16l-SBzmpFJvKx/s1600/DSC03372.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTPJRUK5UavCRpeb3bCVh6tDJBGo56UB8bl_dOe-JqUhhCluzRut5rkxwItBFcw7bkw2dKewMaPLxG8XdQ-xsRSWE7zdZlTG8SUKhYGZ25Zctk21uD5DPKvxvVog5fV16l-SBzmpFJvKx/s400/DSC03372.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631821324752456498" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b>The food was amazing! This was a book that was easy to connect to recipes. We started the meal with quite a variety of appetizers. Spinach dip in a bread bowl . . .</b></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBlO3vcnDfYWkdHNMlyUukcnkgV-YblTIvtH-a6_LfMprCtuOA5PuPnVv3OwqJ99cxpJ134Ny7zA1INArLDHwbwQiOvbuEqAhyphenhyphenrJPE9XKD_rl1_XakDIDB6_67zQmZNwboGDwCsbFpP86/s1600/DSC03374.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBlO3vcnDfYWkdHNMlyUukcnkgV-YblTIvtH-a6_LfMprCtuOA5PuPnVv3OwqJ99cxpJ134Ny7zA1INArLDHwbwQiOvbuEqAhyphenhyphenrJPE9XKD_rl1_XakDIDB6_67zQmZNwboGDwCsbFpP86/s400/DSC03374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631821318261688562" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">A beach dip featuring shrimp and crabmeat (relates to another book in the trilogy).</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1wJEHhUN7LTVjGGxGCPc18rnCyryUE_Pu1WnRNNH8eDjAeS-x9RcdVulEe57MSy9pjYFUugSzrNM9D-qlzzmBHH5VrwFHdHElEkc4Fc7SE23HYBcKSQN27y2KO0XcT_oZEZtv3kP-JVZ/s1600/DSC03375.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1wJEHhUN7LTVjGGxGCPc18rnCyryUE_Pu1WnRNNH8eDjAeS-x9RcdVulEe57MSy9pjYFUugSzrNM9D-qlzzmBHH5VrwFHdHElEkc4Fc7SE23HYBcKSQN27y2KO0XcT_oZEZtv3kP-JVZ/s400/DSC03375.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631821315854682066" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b>And a goat cheese and apple tart. Oh my, were these amazing!</b></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr-t5KXVxHGpG9I_VZnfw3xOFt3Xd3taOMiyZjM8h9UoVEWcPG67rIh2tm05-TuAl0YEHS2YA1AbZOF9ad-o2UOai-uFfYWV9jNkrAXqLRQL7bCCSYukbKzTALdVDgMY3_olJzxQA52nI/s1600/DSC03381.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr-t5KXVxHGpG9I_VZnfw3xOFt3Xd3taOMiyZjM8h9UoVEWcPG67rIh2tm05-TuAl0YEHS2YA1AbZOF9ad-o2UOai-uFfYWV9jNkrAXqLRQL7bCCSYukbKzTALdVDgMY3_olJzxQA52nI/s400/DSC03381.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631819827400526546" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Take a look at this beautiful plate filled with fresh berries and nuts mix!</span></b><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbLipOUJ2g-y6IWsIoRejAw36vqVqUxZX3mAk1kubnRp9-YsrE63NTD3BgQtfRt6Ro4y26zv5GAwCWXcGEnsOTthXeNobZ0TP_ZeewPTwGwSJMCKd7wFWPZytQ3OgSdZCa7pv8esumzC0/s400/DSC03376.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631828597323815074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">A hearty bread filled with golden raisins and other goodies was delish!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2u4F4BU87Y2Bzu0ajfq2LCsyu76BufKwodX4NHcL0Xq54_FZ9ttJQebMUFSl6QXtUsa97qiK6IVg6I6PF8m1G471hCe3fLED8MxXzu_45gcNZkQU79_U-DdOgQUh5jJAY9Vr5xJw8FtAv/s1600/DSC03382.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2u4F4BU87Y2Bzu0ajfq2LCsyu76BufKwodX4NHcL0Xq54_FZ9ttJQebMUFSl6QXtUsa97qiK6IVg6I6PF8m1G471hCe3fLED8MxXzu_45gcNZkQU79_U-DdOgQUh5jJAY9Vr5xJw8FtAv/s400/DSC03382.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631819814732288290" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Our other sides included "Green Noodles", which were noodles with a yummy pesto sauce.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLl9nxt6pIqLzFoWkotEYdwrrRaWb9jcRlKhMwF87beH9q1cVY0_RvlWJ2URx-d7FkjMOH9-IEzc4NSEBnJcfQaT1nkIw_kUXJB1ULQcNvhHMrOhXtP4CICuQS2qf9lvKWt-qB2mbQH1I/s1600/DSC03380.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLl9nxt6pIqLzFoWkotEYdwrrRaWb9jcRlKhMwF87beH9q1cVY0_RvlWJ2URx-d7FkjMOH9-IEzc4NSEBnJcfQaT1nkIw_kUXJB1ULQcNvhHMrOhXtP4CICuQS2qf9lvKWt-qB2mbQH1I/s400/DSC03380.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631819812222571938" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b>The roasted root vegetables were scrumptious . . .</b></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg7H9sTYvxRqMWm0nFxcPRgBy5qlf-vvjHihVvQdkFg56AUWH6GmPFCyC049Y6O0DBRhqVZ8XVs1k52YA4RwW6iJYO5-61AiW6Sb2fMaKxkhVSY69sgCPCtlvT8gnR2We5V8DCxHdQVRp/s1600/DSC03378.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg7H9sTYvxRqMWm0nFxcPRgBy5qlf-vvjHihVvQdkFg56AUWH6GmPFCyC049Y6O0DBRhqVZ8XVs1k52YA4RwW6iJYO5-61AiW6Sb2fMaKxkhVSY69sgCPCtlvT8gnR2We5V8DCxHdQVRp/s400/DSC03378.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631819806501763266" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">And the main dish was a Parmesan encrusted orange chicken.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDenL2fy-4cQ9TuyKp430ppiPDVj19-hBShv7jAxc8iVpNk1g4an9UEPSeRTWNphKwY-sSaIFYyX3TQ6pybpI75kK8yDDSrywgJrfsReSGiq2RH29E5Kwl_oAd16-akBgHJbtPAEb1Y6XG/s1600/DSC03377.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDenL2fy-4cQ9TuyKp430ppiPDVj19-hBShv7jAxc8iVpNk1g4an9UEPSeRTWNphKwY-sSaIFYyX3TQ6pybpI75kK8yDDSrywgJrfsReSGiq2RH29E5Kwl_oAd16-akBgHJbtPAEb1Y6XG/s400/DSC03377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631817842304630466" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Ten of us ate, talked, ate, talked, ate, talked for several hours.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7p6oS_N3YS0nbNRBZ8ID3zTpX_h10twF2sX4pnHvjx8BiyoHJtDwy2Nn30UyKyG36CVhIIdy_MwGTWN1mEHEUtIn_hFW65zzupW1TFJMGexeMZ2aLoRTKrXaA6r2FHNQ6KiFaPKXD-4H/s1600/DSC03383.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7p6oS_N3YS0nbNRBZ8ID3zTpX_h10twF2sX4pnHvjx8BiyoHJtDwy2Nn30UyKyG36CVhIIdy_MwGTWN1mEHEUtIn_hFW65zzupW1TFJMGexeMZ2aLoRTKrXaA6r2FHNQ6KiFaPKXD-4H/s400/DSC03383.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631817839443739890" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">There was so much to discuss about the characters, the themes, the symbolism, and the overall plot. It was challenging not spoiling the next two books for those who had not yet read them!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IGztoespiRVj-7QKS_thnt2gFMANOQekFnW5_wHSxpZf33OrGlpSloIKWrZm11hsGfUxhK6l_GtCpimlSp5vyplpezhaJEAszG8x89GySV3oZxMkPgjc4_amTRHQVtTYqCPZrP3mKK3D/s1600/DSC03384.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IGztoespiRVj-7QKS_thnt2gFMANOQekFnW5_wHSxpZf33OrGlpSloIKWrZm11hsGfUxhK6l_GtCpimlSp5vyplpezhaJEAszG8x89GySV3oZxMkPgjc4_amTRHQVtTYqCPZrP3mKK3D/s400/DSC03384.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631817836643807234" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Just look at this yummy plate of food! We even had a delightful Pink champagne, pink lemonade, vodka based drink called "The Effie" to wash it all down! Effie is a character in the book.</span></b><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MxPiSL16m8Lez2cKe0bJlNlCmj-DCY8Cl0mxXh0PQKt5Sp12Qy9BUpP9y9FTvBj4-kOoQdVJqtP7sAULyzEtE_OFrO0B9Ye8tkn4GUxDTpFH3LBIpom_e0num3SFjOU2JhbutK-boQBE/s400/DSC03388.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631822658244002562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">We had so much fun talking about the book and sharing why we made the various dishes that connect to or are inspired by the book.</span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzYa4m7yt1yDeEfNPGvL_TPB7lqfgu3D712ti1d0HutE5RFPZuRSsNG0M9yOmxNvfeFL5sh9eVKeb8OGZWiWo6ktqYbBDMlqqA98QfEJbrkBG2mFzTOgj6PS1XLyIEQ0grnBkKSnpNXuV/s1600/DSC03385.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzYa4m7yt1yDeEfNPGvL_TPB7lqfgu3D712ti1d0HutE5RFPZuRSsNG0M9yOmxNvfeFL5sh9eVKeb8OGZWiWo6ktqYbBDMlqqA98QfEJbrkBG2mFzTOgj6PS1XLyIEQ0grnBkKSnpNXuV/s400/DSC03385.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631817832991729090" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Our desserts were amazing. A Hershey's chocolate cake made from scratch and in the background are cinnamon roll cookies. I could have eaten the whole cake and plate of cookies</span></b>!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpG-5uZqWpw3SKeB4NXEQAjjfJbEfY4yOLTNOQq-qGgjTGCsY0zdKdQrmsdTiK_iR_yDs-OvmEnU-1kWUKwx-bUSmW0PBseKsS-1q15FTbt85P7ih9NcFeDj0cAzRVOMJemSBBW0u3i-I/s400/DSC03379.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631822655876323666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b>Next month we are tackling </b></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b>Olive Kitteridge</b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b>. Can't wait to see what our book club members come up with for the food and I am sure the book conversation will be great!</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibvuXOX0v5-l-zRhZc_lYHhOv3BdpKrIpWqoYQxiOcS1zcOyeN3wMHjif4ft3bvigaza-OeWvUHzG2RWm1upr7hHSadLqMiXVPYZIB0IQsUW-wDDk66EEU5xm5ENbNiwqiV_qe7_AI_CA/s400/%2521%2521d4ZOIQBGM%257E%2524%2528KGrHgoOKkEEjlLmY7zeBJ-RiK0l5%2521%257E%257E_26.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631828603520549858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 90px; height: 140px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-12478062283967014662011-07-11T17:00:00.001-07:002011-07-11T17:30:27.390-07:00Vacation Memories<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Each summer the entire family spends a week together in Virginia Beach. We rent a house and fill it with laughter, lots of kid noise, and just plain fun! Our week started out poolside.</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3pqQG7M0MZbxq9tVUBL-o3Gk0GGHkMdqImLjXZEwieeo2f5VELtoVEHSzTb3Z1A2cGlOWZ47ISD4Rfah_vatYtsx7JF7iBYULX72-_0kniIjZFRI5xNcUyvMZRmyAQkz1523uHCtImW8/s1600/DSC_0412.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3pqQG7M0MZbxq9tVUBL-o3Gk0GGHkMdqImLjXZEwieeo2f5VELtoVEHSzTb3Z1A2cGlOWZ47ISD4Rfah_vatYtsx7JF7iBYULX72-_0kniIjZFRI5xNcUyvMZRmyAQkz1523uHCtImW8/s400/DSC_0412.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628251664576268162" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">And of course, we had to spend some time on the Sandbridge beach, a short walk from our house. </span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_X-giELFZeZF8xCam4UB0DJjqqN4xW3uQX3cQOD62MzU68bW9Q4LaZPZsdhKdopnkDx17WpvJsxX7JOoq7Ezn_CDHyatN92ubBlpXjDmkirUyz_tewDOvUCyzi2VNSzmLUobBLrcQ93Q/s1600/DSC02974.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_X-giELFZeZF8xCam4UB0DJjqqN4xW3uQX3cQOD62MzU68bW9Q4LaZPZsdhKdopnkDx17WpvJsxX7JOoq7Ezn_CDHyatN92ubBlpXjDmkirUyz_tewDOvUCyzi2VNSzmLUobBLrcQ93Q/s400/DSC02974.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628251658388193906" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Jayce, the newest family member loved lounging in the pool. Last year at this time he was lounging in his mommy's tummy poolside!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB9gt0GmPpQS1P0_ALeWMcEiJ1Il2BZJ0sM1cgW3sLSu5u5oYvPWm-9VrBEt39W4hbpqxmOKhyemQxrSY_SJNisC94XCnYacvzB9XpZzpKK0MMKZwHhY_S0ZxT6uqa0tUsPhIj1wV796y/s1600/DSC03262.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB9gt0GmPpQS1P0_ALeWMcEiJ1Il2BZJ0sM1cgW3sLSu5u5oYvPWm-9VrBEt39W4hbpqxmOKhyemQxrSY_SJNisC94XCnYacvzB9XpZzpKK0MMKZwHhY_S0ZxT6uqa0tUsPhIj1wV796y/s400/DSC03262.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628251649470129970" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Kari loved posing by the pool. What a cheeseball!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoChdgWdVfUeghNPGw3beios9DgcjP0UlGsgBd-2HFoZzcLlD1bbnkMEp7DECRrsnPiy1qnhJXYuPJxsQojranGjKdGuCvqUXqGnhUOA4NUOdQT3ENBchrPCKAVlhJ28ANfuOnPn4fx2a/s1600/DSC02903.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoChdgWdVfUeghNPGw3beios9DgcjP0UlGsgBd-2HFoZzcLlD1bbnkMEp7DECRrsnPiy1qnhJXYuPJxsQojranGjKdGuCvqUXqGnhUOA4NUOdQT3ENBchrPCKAVlhJ28ANfuOnPn4fx2a/s400/DSC02903.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628251647806320258" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">The afternoon of July 4th, we made cupcakes, which the kids had a blast decorating.</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZn0WEFfrRu3hiGAUmz-nrzfwAEqi1SlPPGdZtS_ITyo3UKuiuvrz2-OZ0qM2FxRuqInnbI8NbVI6zgLQY000reizdBOJYgtJmQm4MrHgr5fRxk6d5faH1A2gkwXYdFW3s2_fAY7_p69c/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZn0WEFfrRu3hiGAUmz-nrzfwAEqi1SlPPGdZtS_ITyo3UKuiuvrz2-OZ0qM2FxRuqInnbI8NbVI6zgLQY000reizdBOJYgtJmQm4MrHgr5fRxk6d5faH1A2gkwXYdFW3s2_fAY7_p69c/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628251640366388610" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">We created a display of their finished products.</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bRdPmAlTiamBsF_Hl8hyphenhyphenB8vjRpy0nzy4BojgZCaLJq43-4UcH2Vpoc5NMjmUFFNI3qYm5W2eYrsJQGAd-bdy3v82eHEJJrrFOH-iheWWFCtCmpy8D0BzF9P8-QirlGQDcJRtvhs0Xo7S/s1600/DSC03173.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bRdPmAlTiamBsF_Hl8hyphenhyphenB8vjRpy0nzy4BojgZCaLJq43-4UcH2Vpoc5NMjmUFFNI3qYm5W2eYrsJQGAd-bdy3v82eHEJJrrFOH-iheWWFCtCmpy8D0BzF9P8-QirlGQDcJRtvhs0Xo7S/s400/DSC03173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628251028637344242" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Then it was time to eat the cupcakes and two of our crew were ready to dig in!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VfKmsITzVkXBP_Fj1tQb5Wm3NzokVBmsoOmsPc2y2V1KnooRlp_V9AHplv22Fbm9YbualsI_8p9u9AjmDlZXrjzyq2FQZaVPlRPX8i2DCtc1kZqu54GZjMj543ivTP95gNcJQ6y16DHC/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VfKmsITzVkXBP_Fj1tQb5Wm3NzokVBmsoOmsPc2y2V1KnooRlp_V9AHplv22Fbm9YbualsI_8p9u9AjmDlZXrjzyq2FQZaVPlRPX8i2DCtc1kZqu54GZjMj543ivTP95gNcJQ6y16DHC/s400/DSC_0075.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628251025767168370" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Dixon and Emme enjoyed every morsel, especially the icing!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_5EOIIftxoIvbW6iCxniBcTr-SvCtmaJN7sFWGsQA7R9atxHEVPpvbRu2I0W0u63j-61wlr-TiYLk7xdfS_6dnZPuerJwEb5_CiqnQ_DLALnupo73F5K5hD_VryI5EUlPAAB8TcErojP/s1600/DSC03198.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_5EOIIftxoIvbW6iCxniBcTr-SvCtmaJN7sFWGsQA7R9atxHEVPpvbRu2I0W0u63j-61wlr-TiYLk7xdfS_6dnZPuerJwEb5_CiqnQ_DLALnupo73F5K5hD_VryI5EUlPAAB8TcErojP/s400/DSC03198.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628251017400769426" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRtiKSoCV57kwwGrWirHRWdxWvJXblfYrxBWSoQ48wHrDyUWwns4yuAhOfTUSbuIjaEduxxmNOHWaHMP9Bt38o2cAsRvDM3fFNreucyzNa70AQ-Hdzl4zWOyWyTnJDSycMfsUwnCT1TJP/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRtiKSoCV57kwwGrWirHRWdxWvJXblfYrxBWSoQ48wHrDyUWwns4yuAhOfTUSbuIjaEduxxmNOHWaHMP9Bt38o2cAsRvDM3fFNreucyzNa70AQ-Hdzl4zWOyWyTnJDSycMfsUwnCT1TJP/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628251013653040354" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">All decked out in their fourth of July finery for our annual picture. Getting all eight kids looking at the camera and smiling is virtually impossible!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeD6Dg7hkl_QLtpJxuVhRcQ7Ai3ikyu4TW-MnEQnu1W8eQjfbS6MdChRJbs7pBeK0tdbd5spQjorOhAmmpWLG4upATM7UuD9Mi6XAaUe4KLQmg_z83mG_0OWCf_2oMUwfPfXdMzMBZPeA/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeD6Dg7hkl_QLtpJxuVhRcQ7Ai3ikyu4TW-MnEQnu1W8eQjfbS6MdChRJbs7pBeK0tdbd5spQjorOhAmmpWLG4upATM7UuD9Mi6XAaUe4KLQmg_z83mG_0OWCf_2oMUwfPfXdMzMBZPeA/s400/DSC_0044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628251008822298546" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Little Jayce was loving the attention! We had planned on going to the beach for the fireworks show, but a horrific storm blew in and the fireworks were cancelled.</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnTuK2R1Hl9EDlf2ErMwWQ5927RJTzv8Hjd5QZ7o5Q624yz8wH8wR_8GbSl2K0ge6dSYlHtEe6Ls8a6aGSwoTkYz1k5eSpgvTfPquvb1XWlQarvOr92zZJFj_G3V7-sLkj4xPbIxy1jrE/s1600/DSC03114.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnTuK2R1Hl9EDlf2ErMwWQ5927RJTzv8Hjd5QZ7o5Q624yz8wH8wR_8GbSl2K0ge6dSYlHtEe6Ls8a6aGSwoTkYz1k5eSpgvTfPquvb1XWlQarvOr92zZJFj_G3V7-sLkj4xPbIxy1jrE/s400/DSC03114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628250288867905122" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">The sun came out the next day and Emme experienced sand for the first time.</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fWLjJj1UoCEY91pPjLmRXBNjuXF1RgkmRNB55OWKHbjeUobgveLjuShmx1regkawLvkBS-VlYvYH1BEbGScnB3j8N8lPP29-x7GWmMGXUUlnIAaVpVFZ_vbs_EKKQNFYnenk_D0gVR4j/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fWLjJj1UoCEY91pPjLmRXBNjuXF1RgkmRNB55OWKHbjeUobgveLjuShmx1regkawLvkBS-VlYvYH1BEbGScnB3j8N8lPP29-x7GWmMGXUUlnIAaVpVFZ_vbs_EKKQNFYnenk_D0gVR4j/s400/DSC_0208.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628250283822749586" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Annisa took these great photos of the kids on the beach. Clara Grace . . . </span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN56wFUk9C2CbAiQEFOqu_W8r9iThMt9TUtWi0hxl5XptJRy20QyKxJM3UXCeSKg_fE0hgmVDKEU2QOx0niICSy3PDL25xxyZIOnHZ2JB7z0jLaOiA3ikcB27fD4jeHwMytCtOvuOgzrsd/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN56wFUk9C2CbAiQEFOqu_W8r9iThMt9TUtWi0hxl5XptJRy20QyKxJM3UXCeSKg_fE0hgmVDKEU2QOx0niICSy3PDL25xxyZIOnHZ2JB7z0jLaOiA3ikcB27fD4jeHwMytCtOvuOgzrsd/s400/DSC_0217.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628250281361205090" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Sasha Rose . . .</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXRLX_IGGBFpFv9rVilZFOTw6iRnNwnC_PPRkrsYzXr9aJRucvukVTlRaTFUukFs-TrhHlifYxg-5Mhj85TKyBIM1HTiYUzuZCm02Y1-eR49GiPh1R7I6K5OxMm6R7qVRiKauyjY6Ae_U/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXRLX_IGGBFpFv9rVilZFOTw6iRnNwnC_PPRkrsYzXr9aJRucvukVTlRaTFUukFs-TrhHlifYxg-5Mhj85TKyBIM1HTiYUzuZCm02Y1-eR49GiPh1R7I6K5OxMm6R7qVRiKauyjY6Ae_U/s400/DSC_0334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628250278353294946" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Karianna Joy . . .</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx2beoX8iOeHE3A6umnB8wlTntGHiTVlwd87NE3epXqt6SI8Ty3-Cz6Rh03aXiOiVRrLd4nkmx_MgCqUc67WtTbvjaLs6AhFyhB5uvhf874qKfjp3AxaSB0lLWUvZv96h5BoQR3cGQdm3/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx2beoX8iOeHE3A6umnB8wlTntGHiTVlwd87NE3epXqt6SI8Ty3-Cz6Rh03aXiOiVRrLd4nkmx_MgCqUc67WtTbvjaLs6AhFyhB5uvhf874qKfjp3AxaSB0lLWUvZv96h5BoQR3cGQdm3/s400/DSC_0315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628250273613584114" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Aidan James . . .</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSf9WR0WKNS8AM0e0cpYnda-GFc90Ka0RO4Hz_7prFc8cJSPElS_jGoYA6j93B168t11mqaP3iFjoduxF4ReQsliTVtkRnvBobdi1FBnidK10_oid1RGlZGqsQCe_YVmZItIdsv3T_XqX/s1600/DSC_0321.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSf9WR0WKNS8AM0e0cpYnda-GFc90Ka0RO4Hz_7prFc8cJSPElS_jGoYA6j93B168t11mqaP3iFjoduxF4ReQsliTVtkRnvBobdi1FBnidK10_oid1RGlZGqsQCe_YVmZItIdsv3T_XqX/s400/DSC_0321.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628249759845581810" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">And Ryan finds a crab! They were everywhere!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZNbyYznBwlwxoN5XctTnk743TM5NGJ4cGmVPv9P4bEI8bT55lfhVvE-YwubJ9wObV37VDIEWjDkPhkhXAJt1VQTDjV1cw1TEfS4nkl-f0xgXEHGkbmyw2VRqedgXVzH_Iu5CHzNA71ly/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZNbyYznBwlwxoN5XctTnk743TM5NGJ4cGmVPv9P4bEI8bT55lfhVvE-YwubJ9wObV37VDIEWjDkPhkhXAJt1VQTDjV1cw1TEfS4nkl-f0xgXEHGkbmyw2VRqedgXVzH_Iu5CHzNA71ly/s400/DSC_0100.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628249757323040370" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">A trip to Virginia Beach would not be complete without a visit to Handel's for</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> ice cream!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoPoC5NNlfeHNqnb0IEAwjXISZL-uYLaBTQjnMpcmG9hN4HO930Kso4wGRI7-DuMwl32uEfK7qN5AmpX6ZHQJviHG72IFXV6kKXtd03gAoR5oTEphOmI7G4Jfk7mDzcAbF2r-B9GOri1h/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoPoC5NNlfeHNqnb0IEAwjXISZL-uYLaBTQjnMpcmG9hN4HO930Kso4wGRI7-DuMwl32uEfK7qN5AmpX6ZHQJviHG72IFXV6kKXtd03gAoR5oTEphOmI7G4Jfk7mDzcAbF2r-B9GOri1h/s400/DSC_0109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628249757481665826" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">I actually had a little time to scrapbook a few pages. I love this one of Emme on the beach in her little tutu and wings!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aCRsNvvguxM06ICcJSwUgkJSNQ_MGH1YSTgI-bes5h2dmcGtudAb2FiKtijneewoJvtuDMOdTQUVgQzaT1wkzUuJLW_JSZIUJ7CzGte4QyqiAbl4zH-uZSYBm18PoQYOpxupvXVOcxD5/s1600/EmmeBeach11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aCRsNvvguxM06ICcJSwUgkJSNQ_MGH1YSTgI-bes5h2dmcGtudAb2FiKtijneewoJvtuDMOdTQUVgQzaT1wkzUuJLW_JSZIUJ7CzGte4QyqiAbl4zH-uZSYBm18PoQYOpxupvXVOcxD5/s400/EmmeBeach11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628249747208459650" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">It was a wonderful week together and these pictures and many more will keep those memories alive. Spending time with family creates cherished moments. Love to you all!</span></b></span></div></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-46353742854044353522011-06-19T11:23:00.000-07:002011-06-19T18:37:07.383-07:00Cupcakes, Coupons, and Cuties!<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">I was hoping to be more diligent about posting weekly, but the past few weeks got away from me! It's time to play catch-up! My daughters and I have gotten involved in couponing the last few months and thanks to some awesome websites and blogs, we are stockpiling and saving, saving, saving money!!! On my blog list to the left, I created a new category for these great links. It is amazing how much money you can save and it is extra exciting when you end up getting items for FREE! We are certainly not extreme couponers, but on a recent trip to Target I paid $2.04 for almost $40.00 of merchandise! Sweet!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"> </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Since I last posted, our littlest "cupcake" Emme turned one! For weeks, Becky and I made some fun decorations for her party. Some of these ideas came from the blogs I have linked to this blog. Using pastel mini clothes pins, Becky made garlands of photos from Emme's first year. Guests could take any of the pictures they wanted.</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gnZjKwlfR_1w38nxqRblkWCNSJkD10CH_EE9IMGk1NibhERjeVwXj-gMSlteB-apCMXmchzSBeyt7Cqcf_ivCwuIkH1TSHsIXxAp64iBqbbom7T4Wm3SrOjH2Di5hdz2pBME4ah5jC3Y/s1600/P1060128.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gnZjKwlfR_1w38nxqRblkWCNSJkD10CH_EE9IMGk1NibhERjeVwXj-gMSlteB-apCMXmchzSBeyt7Cqcf_ivCwuIkH1TSHsIXxAp64iBqbbom7T4Wm3SrOjH2Di5hdz2pBME4ah5jC3Y/s400/P1060128.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620004246534409698" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Something Becky loves to do is bake. Check out the dessert table! The BIG cupcake is for Emme. She made filled cupcakes, cake pops, and iced and decorated Rice Krispie treats. I had fun helping make this delicious array of goodies!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj911o-Yj_zuCp2foBhnoaDUvLDK5REVVnHVm6X-2h_L1KF34SlWmM1TrlDMZ4E1Behotpn3QR7zR-C6-bimq679H6TOq1Vw4d-gmOm4yuDbBGlqIOwsvCzuhQrKQnPzm30S1KgGtIoo5Pf/s1600/P1060142.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj911o-Yj_zuCp2foBhnoaDUvLDK5REVVnHVm6X-2h_L1KF34SlWmM1TrlDMZ4E1Behotpn3QR7zR-C6-bimq679H6TOq1Vw4d-gmOm4yuDbBGlqIOwsvCzuhQrKQnPzm30S1KgGtIoo5Pf/s400/P1060142.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620004243897075490" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Aren't these Rice Krispie treats adorable?</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1CtCvswxkYrmGTPCgeU8Z4ceJ-7IdA8nV8SubhGAUiwUvSmBg88tc5JmHVskOfJ8-0MIR-pvQdCBtNXaz1C_O6xDUyAZrmwKnydHPlTAtqo1mMf9bRvwSw52iSHz5rMuBGwnPIqOiPDr/s1600/DSC02735.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1CtCvswxkYrmGTPCgeU8Z4ceJ-7IdA8nV8SubhGAUiwUvSmBg88tc5JmHVskOfJ8-0MIR-pvQdCBtNXaz1C_O6xDUyAZrmwKnydHPlTAtqo1mMf9bRvwSw52iSHz5rMuBGwnPIqOiPDr/s400/DSC02735.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620004241038326818" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">One day I saw this cupcake garland on another blog and decided that since Emme's party was a cupcake themed party, I would make one. I headed out to Michael's and found packs of cupcake liners in the pink, green, and purple party theme and while watching TV one evening, strung yards of garland on pliable wire. We fastened the garland to the tops of the cabinets in the kitchen. It was so festive!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6WQm66iWGBH2ABCy_9yllSsa7w7_l32RAZ44YWUCnnMPOMq3LuS9R7VazqJKPU4WJg7t3YLljea5rzibisgZqwhyE-cOdpSf-DV53iiiShanYwG53tRs3zs1hhCygtBszjOvTujr3gIi/s1600/DSC02729.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6WQm66iWGBH2ABCy_9yllSsa7w7_l32RAZ44YWUCnnMPOMq3LuS9R7VazqJKPU4WJg7t3YLljea5rzibisgZqwhyE-cOdpSf-DV53iiiShanYwG53tRs3zs1hhCygtBszjOvTujr3gIi/s400/DSC02729.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620002000320888674" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">I also dug out my holiday cupcake tree and we added it to the decor.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4o2nqsxXSovSh1xiWpyMqiTIvCJVNLrNYI7IgBeRZwYkq54rxB1cIObqHxn4z72oVUr7Nqx1H1853cDtHCX5fRGEWbwTh3u1hioDu8aVlcI6VDFwrbaB2aHdbhkM8O_t_KH7EEaTpgF-/s1600/P1060145.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4o2nqsxXSovSh1xiWpyMqiTIvCJVNLrNYI7IgBeRZwYkq54rxB1cIObqHxn4z72oVUr7Nqx1H1853cDtHCX5fRGEWbwTh3u1hioDu8aVlcI6VDFwrbaB2aHdbhkM8O_t_KH7EEaTpgF-/s400/P1060145.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620001992037579346" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Another idea I saw on a blog were these paint sample napkin/utensil holders. This project took some work. I had to sew 60 of these pockets. I am glad I did because aren't they a great way to package utensils and napkins? Plus they are reusable! </span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWZuK7fJYqidVpKuHtTIxWeduRswKLksZaHv9SQtXMsTSDYjjcObwEtQqGobeedexULFMFLeXHtNcD-SQ_BNHX1yw2toXyCOn-kp-WjBeUGlhxrpZKqLXLbFwzSYK4vs_VgPvfPcdo_kV/s1600/P1060105.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWZuK7fJYqidVpKuHtTIxWeduRswKLksZaHv9SQtXMsTSDYjjcObwEtQqGobeedexULFMFLeXHtNcD-SQ_BNHX1yw2toXyCOn-kp-WjBeUGlhxrpZKqLXLbFwzSYK4vs_VgPvfPcdo_kV/s400/P1060105.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620001984638241026" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">For children's party favors, we found these sweet pencils topped with cupcake erasers. Emme's friends each got one as a thank you for celebrating her special day.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7f3nI6ewKhVR1gKvxq5nMDtH8RKSC1KTKVkJCEGcXuoVQxrfIF1i2-hvF10F5sxamTLeXBZdbSPlYqlawpIIQu8QFdjusRhM9ctDJkBhR3GDF-xhAnnPrx45Vbi2IlCHxljS69Jul5wm8/s1600/P1060118.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7f3nI6ewKhVR1gKvxq5nMDtH8RKSC1KTKVkJCEGcXuoVQxrfIF1i2-hvF10F5sxamTLeXBZdbSPlYqlawpIIQu8QFdjusRhM9ctDJkBhR3GDF-xhAnnPrx45Vbi2IlCHxljS69Jul5wm8/s400/P1060118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620001967197864594" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><b>No party is complete without balloons. This is just one of the many balloons Becky got her. Emme loved them!</b></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEc_-zV-uT0sIzg6sU7D9szXLRGmW0PN-wUS5Kne7Gymg1BCD_QqMjyoZa1zVKEVI5D26Cv7zyle3GNQVpT8yTg7MchPsY0RyjvWmFNAzMdK-AKlgww7HIboSVA64b0i05bAwuLb4LfvP/s1600/P1060151.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEc_-zV-uT0sIzg6sU7D9szXLRGmW0PN-wUS5Kne7Gymg1BCD_QqMjyoZa1zVKEVI5D26Cv7zyle3GNQVpT8yTg7MchPsY0RyjvWmFNAzMdK-AKlgww7HIboSVA64b0i05bAwuLb4LfvP/s400/P1060151.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620001964545485554" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">It was a beautiful day for a party so we spread a blanket on the grass and Emme had a blast opening her gifts. What little girl doesn't like a doll!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA4KAatOSqDeJo-Tn-MDTjeOhkgdPDJ6mho6Z4X4l5h7eiLuRda-wHSCiPRmVCQgM9TnmYyvvLzHdTiT6EIRPTO-a1xHjbLINKhew8ovcYff4r7BZElQSR-rdYmJr7OnbQiuAxfaAdj7P/s1600/DSC02776.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA4KAatOSqDeJo-Tn-MDTjeOhkgdPDJ6mho6Z4X4l5h7eiLuRda-wHSCiPRmVCQgM9TnmYyvvLzHdTiT6EIRPTO-a1xHjbLINKhew8ovcYff4r7BZElQSR-rdYmJr7OnbQiuAxfaAdj7P/s400/DSC02776.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620000785429755346" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Emme's cousin Dixon had so much fun blowing bubbles. </span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEu6WnmdekPiLnVUrimYg18SsBAZ4my_2CtvXSpMeM5jyGGGJoKWw8pUcHL7QrdjnoSRm7O-cive455r90y8kl4ZoBEzdvGX4Axs7jZsSQehvSxHllAix5mqcIIekHFVIgj9AmreyAkpu/s1600/DSC_0531.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEu6WnmdekPiLnVUrimYg18SsBAZ4my_2CtvXSpMeM5jyGGGJoKWw8pUcHL7QrdjnoSRm7O-cive455r90y8kl4ZoBEzdvGX4Axs7jZsSQehvSxHllAix5mqcIIekHFVIgj9AmreyAkpu/s400/DSC_0531.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620000780123216194" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><b>All the cousins love a chance to play together, especially outside.</b></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5jHDA-_M5y-s_Iyo_3bw2llH3m5e_3GymiYtM1g0852DRy4zfif51yslk48P3G5c6lIuB0eyjcrH-EwRE30mmiX7JSsKvL7lOvvbazIMMzyl87MXvYCnemBrxK_oyvoKviwGlgOsQaxd/s1600/DSC_0648.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5jHDA-_M5y-s_Iyo_3bw2llH3m5e_3GymiYtM1g0852DRy4zfif51yslk48P3G5c6lIuB0eyjcrH-EwRE30mmiX7JSsKvL7lOvvbazIMMzyl87MXvYCnemBrxK_oyvoKviwGlgOsQaxd/s400/DSC_0648.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620000770505167922" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><b>Even little Jayce was smiling and enjoying the celebration!</b></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zv_7iU5SePy7lXvGg-to9HjqsEr_GanULRn-EMpblqsXCh37ptVkfwsumjCJYUidlC-QvGPXc-9Agz5QH14lSCFhOqM4zhqsV9l7MUhWyZ9mN554bAO8QCvC4WF_XPf7YjTL_uNlBMRm/s1600/DSC_0676.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zv_7iU5SePy7lXvGg-to9HjqsEr_GanULRn-EMpblqsXCh37ptVkfwsumjCJYUidlC-QvGPXc-9Agz5QH14lSCFhOqM4zhqsV9l7MUhWyZ9mN554bAO8QCvC4WF_XPf7YjTL_uNlBMRm/s400/DSC_0676.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620000757511551778" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><b>Oops! Some people never grow up! Emme's great-grandmother snuck in some swinging!</b></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEJFwfBN6Y2OaZ4Jv3Jz03ShrBf1xSXTOnX3DTXAfSt61OULZAqGy8H7NcA4EMlnw1RLAVjxK4AdF-i_wpDDeqmhYgyj3ipjrLuXNwGWrgSX2jU-VkOUb4ZOD-RpanD-GMW3xt2qTq2ES/s1600/DSC_0584.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEJFwfBN6Y2OaZ4Jv3Jz03ShrBf1xSXTOnX3DTXAfSt61OULZAqGy8H7NcA4EMlnw1RLAVjxK4AdF-i_wpDDeqmhYgyj3ipjrLuXNwGWrgSX2jU-VkOUb4ZOD-RpanD-GMW3xt2qTq2ES/s400/DSC_0584.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620000747427616258" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Now, for the cupcake's very own gigantic cupcake! She couldn't wait to get her hands on it!</span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hMUC0FqDBvvtKcsnuFyNTxu4gLX0BSZSoXMpq8HxiNbCyxlxoSrvYzkxev3U3KxoQH5uGs3AbhwBq-RfKFb5iCJvyfcluqka6fd2cBO5pTAhpQYG8d-yjLH6pwp1VOmIkLtnunOCGHT8/s1600/DSC_0615.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hMUC0FqDBvvtKcsnuFyNTxu4gLX0BSZSoXMpq8HxiNbCyxlxoSrvYzkxev3U3KxoQH5uGs3AbhwBq-RfKFb5iCJvyfcluqka6fd2cBO5pTAhpQYG8d-yjLH6pwp1VOmIkLtnunOCGHT8/s400/DSC_0615.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620000224178517842" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Gotta check out the FunFetti frosting first!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfcB7zNHeAIJNeqvyQ7B2GY3gxgrA0Uv8N65hxzXq05LO7uusG8BT_e7M-zbb4IQlj0w_gmOLNpY1cuwFOjS_gyZWRq6z2i_AZ03FzRm6gE8YGazNPeeCC_-Bqw08Goxix4nKwcRQfDDc/s1600/DSC_0624.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfcB7zNHeAIJNeqvyQ7B2GY3gxgrA0Uv8N65hxzXq05LO7uusG8BT_e7M-zbb4IQlj0w_gmOLNpY1cuwFOjS_gyZWRq6z2i_AZ03FzRm6gE8YGazNPeeCC_-Bqw08Goxix4nKwcRQfDDc/s400/DSC_0624.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620000221676396722" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">It's time to dig in!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZYZSu0XW-qXbre7MzyKCisGw1cf_73h8fXV_bgwLB3XvNcjqYY4M8Nsw38grJPGjw4rkHYgQ1RrsjVdsg8mqK2ULBtTnznsUBe4FUWVzEOR8GGqhrsscl7k5sEkMdtONz-MkHaINh_8I/s1600/DSC_0639.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZYZSu0XW-qXbre7MzyKCisGw1cf_73h8fXV_bgwLB3XvNcjqYY4M8Nsw38grJPGjw4rkHYgQ1RrsjVdsg8mqK2ULBtTnznsUBe4FUWVzEOR8GGqhrsscl7k5sEkMdtONz-MkHaINh_8I/s400/DSC_0639.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620000216767322082" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">It was a wonderful day and we took so many pictures! It will be hard to decide which ones to scrapbook! The following day, Emme and Jayce were baptized together. It was such a special family weekend.</span></b> <div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">In fact, the weekend actually started with Sasha and Clara's dance recital. Don't they look like Diva ballerinas!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCl6VJ4aYS4mA7Nc1uByJloJj4JjMZKyY7FteJheouXEtsIoH4TxihFmUqGYrWFpBxreurUMl4_y7mkfT0PMOu7gdoF3WO-j_z0bLO1ahMeZS4KhYa0wfKOWkLvYl3HHxsp2NQ_rUb0UK/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCl6VJ4aYS4mA7Nc1uByJloJj4JjMZKyY7FteJheouXEtsIoH4TxihFmUqGYrWFpBxreurUMl4_y7mkfT0PMOu7gdoF3WO-j_z0bLO1ahMeZS4KhYa0wfKOWkLvYl3HHxsp2NQ_rUb0UK/s400/DSC_0411.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620000208703958306" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Both danced in two dances and were amazing! Of course I am not partial in any way! Along with Kari, we now have three family ballerinas! Clara has the ballerina post down pat!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaMEeeEFNldWeNIivd9YQFa_nODVDunrez-zoAtf_JjulGDpahoQ-GrNfWr4SFffHo2o2V-eP34UNf-DA6IVLyrWriZ1UPa3Ageonu8-nt7Rv8mG2Vi5bh17bGp_gNnKrRyNc6qJ507L_/s1600/DSC_0384.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaMEeeEFNldWeNIivd9YQFa_nODVDunrez-zoAtf_JjulGDpahoQ-GrNfWr4SFffHo2o2V-eP34UNf-DA6IVLyrWriZ1UPa3Ageonu8-nt7Rv8mG2Vi5bh17bGp_gNnKrRyNc6qJ507L_/s400/DSC_0384.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620000202764405714" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">I am aiming to be better at posting on a weekly basis. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer! Off to read the second book in <i>The Hunger Games</i> series. Stayed up until 1:30 in the morning finishing the first book!</span></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-75484077738753232192011-05-26T07:26:00.000-07:002011-05-26T09:08:21.140-07:00TINY DANCER !<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Last weekend my mother and I traveled to Southern Maryland for the weekend. My granddaughter, Kari, performed in her first ballet recital. Kari was in the first dance of the Ladybugs. How adorable these tiny dancers were as they performed so beautifully! The discipline and the skill development in these tiny dancers was amazing!</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgdhH9iSayEEwHMMVeOJgZZoCm3rhH_js3vrX-qSqm31OrusA_IqPbLpZkD5ZxwkKRLza8vrjSevjd0iLTkTUPNEqRzuAuqlQg_Q9aW-T3MTzMFy7oHUX1SJuFCChiabMDKr_kHAvyDjm/s1600/DSC02670.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgdhH9iSayEEwHMMVeOJgZZoCm3rhH_js3vrX-qSqm31OrusA_IqPbLpZkD5ZxwkKRLza8vrjSevjd0iLTkTUPNEqRzuAuqlQg_Q9aW-T3MTzMFy7oHUX1SJuFCChiabMDKr_kHAvyDjm/s400/DSC02670.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611032090538350050" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">After the show, her proud brothers gave her flowers. Although they deny it, they were pretty captivated by the dancers.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqgxYWu0gMEPyuAN5UDAIR7c3k30-jOc5cdOL0IhiP9LxryZZnZWf7UYFv1qXQ3IOrfRbTAZygpEz-g9n6SUtB4PIf51KQ2A20rEPcJRIpxX6QH42hcPG_9MPQOiAI49Z-LmtiSkkCfTp/s1600/DSC02682.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqgxYWu0gMEPyuAN5UDAIR7c3k30-jOc5cdOL0IhiP9LxryZZnZWf7UYFv1qXQ3IOrfRbTAZygpEz-g9n6SUtB4PIf51KQ2A20rEPcJRIpxX6QH42hcPG_9MPQOiAI49Z-LmtiSkkCfTp/s400/DSC02682.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611032087902472418" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Mom was so proud of her little ballerina. Watching little girls dance is so different from attending T-Ball and soccer games!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0-8YpwR0bMXZSIrWNIeBjjmG_wbam5K54KiPHfxEzjeKFP_p1WfAufxUWbXoZvfTjkg0EIPKLwuNUGvuE2WYMuDG-rLVqFstoWY1lEq8JWkxllJQ3Csyc-qSptKJZFz1OboMQHMYQkr-/s1600/DSC02678.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0-8YpwR0bMXZSIrWNIeBjjmG_wbam5K54KiPHfxEzjeKFP_p1WfAufxUWbXoZvfTjkg0EIPKLwuNUGvuE2WYMuDG-rLVqFstoWY1lEq8JWkxllJQ3Csyc-qSptKJZFz1OboMQHMYQkr-/s400/DSC02678.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611032084050656354" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">My mom, who is 81, showed off her athletic ability with a one-on-one game with Ryan. Look at that shot! She surprised us with how many baskets she made.</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3udYv8zViJQ13SN4U3Zr5uZ33JE9i_gc3zFf3CR3NCgEFVDGZiajcdcMhFnXbcVKm2pfLopzP3qu8ADOostG8w6i00gpGSYariBqVdiVL1OIUa0SX-pxuICSMQvRpdFwEndgjjsfG78d/s1600/DSC02702.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3udYv8zViJQ13SN4U3Zr5uZ33JE9i_gc3zFf3CR3NCgEFVDGZiajcdcMhFnXbcVKm2pfLopzP3qu8ADOostG8w6i00gpGSYariBqVdiVL1OIUa0SX-pxuICSMQvRpdFwEndgjjsfG78d/s1600/DSC02702.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3udYv8zViJQ13SN4U3Zr5uZ33JE9i_gc3zFf3CR3NCgEFVDGZiajcdcMhFnXbcVKm2pfLopzP3qu8ADOostG8w6i00gpGSYariBqVdiVL1OIUa0SX-pxuICSMQvRpdFwEndgjjsfG78d/s400/DSC02702.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611032079966703378" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>Mom was in her element relaxing with Jayce, aka "moose!" This child is only 3 1/2 months old, but is already outgrowing his 6 months clothes! Future Suma wrestler?</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFr0A7eNXXxwwuD_fvcrZyvDVBvmke8DONoNE5whs_exMu0GCcdSGk_34mozKm9O1eds-IpkA3BAtUV3SyYQiidXfMrIz8_LUqI2BKxBhKVOWkMK076Zweg4Ng_0uZjq6HVUl03Ix-IpS/s400/DSC02711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611052935680435858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>"Capture Photography" by Julie Showalter took these pictures of Jayce a month ago. I love this black and white photo!</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH95UVwAIeoJ56sFokT0l0qNtywZOoVjL_gKsAqmu6USwOg4cbNDCjQTfOlT783_-xQN9zzFJJqaO980Ku_KIoj8t_Z20VNW3FDINiNh8oMWwvF-7mdedoJlGamhyphenhyphen__j5xILpoh_W-JG6u/s400/Jayce-10+BW.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611032612728011986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>Look at his sparkling eyes and pudgy little hands! I just love babies!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqKweFl_wgX5_0RRJKr9nrB6Q9QjQg1hqQb3PRq6RLdxEH1bFMTUEXJy2XfhPdM2qN1fJuXvrf7qd8Ku8T5kS_-L8CdG-A3lZwZcnodYKteZcTEm3Oh9GNthIXOtFhl6TYSv__zB8hYDg/s400/Jayce-51+fabric+soft.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611032605398730322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>How appropriate is this picture of Jayce tipping the scales! He barely fits!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7veBfn-XdPzFxBSLEiFT6HZL1kJDBMSQThVF8eZi7egPTC4nGF1oV4eIRPHnoQBy8fNF4bjjW9m-yzF5vqe7zvuG1T0o3oMrfSpi2kWZYuXK-nc-lOQtkru06fCTTCA434DDklEm_gQd/s400/Jayce-20+copyLUNA.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611032596890775362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>Last Friday I was able to attend Marion Elementary School's grandparents day. Sasha was all smiles when I arrived. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XhzwxFJH3xyqB-pNFyQZdzHZ-tnRfKB3SoQVqY1ac8YG43qJvHIm_Sq292N5lnKLWD3F7G7OfTqfFxPKrXSkmX18wuN_NrtLdohmGFpc7KtoUb2ozkkWR22pF2xVBWRKEs1x5eWNIjxN/s400/DSC02655.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611033168481806354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>The entire class recited a wonderful poem about grandparents. Then Sasha gave me this art piece with the poem attached. Love the joy on a child's face about the simple things in life. We can learn so much from the children.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3jXm4L0uP8Ec64g26J91-2rxhc-qixC9pTN1yUjEHBDGE7tgZ_MbDbqFpoez89YdDioiDy3yH_pOdjodmqTQ5MVzOX-A_db6HdcVUyt2zNXkJ_gNY9XeyUS6vuNWV4WsnqGAu2O9pOj_/s400/DSC02647.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611033172051676658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-62264761368566402272011-05-08T17:43:00.000-07:002011-05-08T19:00:57.930-07:00Mother's Day Moments<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Mother's Day is such a special day for me for so many reasons. This year it all began Friday night when I received a box on my doorstep. Nestled inside were one dozen decadent chocolate covered strawberries. OMG! My favorite fruit is strawberries and who doesn't love chocolate</span></b>!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNQM8iq-SghiAs5ZJ1TSwReMN60cTAYvKPP4T6-qff6OMerVc2Lg6LXdvgqhOM8sl6sTcUJWrX8TzyhWkyiS-F2j_WWGeyr9cdkgNcWj8ZjsDmP-SxYACRfU0MFuCDLcoKhYAxFqKr7ov/s400/DSC02529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604514332712380210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Jennifer and her family sent this luscious treat my way. Although they couldn't be with us on Mother's Day this year, these little faces are in my heart. Is Jayce not simply the cutest little baby boy!</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAHbqHxduneCcC1U5eFk_QWNbpPgT8g2Zn6M8BPvP77vYfuyT9Y8RH1mRAQmGj_SEnotZ6wIMmGVhSHNb3Xatt5_ZeZT1V5LJtNi6gSouV508ux8TY5uP4Wtw_pOjYXMnd1rwv3GxrQG7/s1600/DSC02173.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAHbqHxduneCcC1U5eFk_QWNbpPgT8g2Zn6M8BPvP77vYfuyT9Y8RH1mRAQmGj_SEnotZ6wIMmGVhSHNb3Xatt5_ZeZT1V5LJtNi6gSouV508ux8TY5uP4Wtw_pOjYXMnd1rwv3GxrQG7/s400/DSC02173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604518410604130578" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">And then there's Diva Kari! Those big brown eyes just melt our hearts!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsEeZDp13blcTxdd7DkZE185MWQl1WgykeaNTNDyjL-3_D9PmSnLfokyZhbd4PCmCMDwDCFey8QsB1Z_v574IyFj0UhL_stIjD16ofQIf6_1atZnqrA70mHWFuEwcMxJNrQEmk0m7JxCG/s1600/DSC02177.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsEeZDp13blcTxdd7DkZE185MWQl1WgykeaNTNDyjL-3_D9PmSnLfokyZhbd4PCmCMDwDCFey8QsB1Z_v574IyFj0UhL_stIjD16ofQIf6_1atZnqrA70mHWFuEwcMxJNrQEmk0m7JxCG/s400/DSC02177.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604518406086800930" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">The eight grandchildren began with Aidan's birth nine years ago. It seems like yesterday. And Ryan followed eighteen months later - such a smart, sweet boys! Thanks so much for the strawberries - I am enjoying every sweet morsel!</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvyAO2PzYID4R_7qbXCXL0bPzStXwwHmzfHDUiGiVAsLvk0J-yaIfUeOS4uDAao7aSdRc4DMiwcMA0tXBtJyfu5QSMy-DK-HXQArUiOx0v6Jew_iUiiIo98sJc6goPXUIpenUQjMm_rMu/s1600/DSC02259.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvyAO2PzYID4R_7qbXCXL0bPzStXwwHmzfHDUiGiVAsLvk0J-yaIfUeOS4uDAao7aSdRc4DMiwcMA0tXBtJyfu5QSMy-DK-HXQArUiOx0v6Jew_iUiiIo98sJc6goPXUIpenUQjMm_rMu/s400/DSC02259.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604518400648138770" /></a><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Today we celebrated at my house with a Mother's Day brunch. Everyone brought yummy dishes including an oatmeal fruit bake, a hash brown, bacon, egg and cheese casserole, fresh fruit, cinnamon muffin melts (a la Tastefully Simple!), and a strawberry pie. Oh My! Annisa and Becky got me Marc Jacob's "Lola" perfume. It smells heavenly! </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Then it was picture time. Last Mother's Day Becky was awaiting the birth of her first baby and here she is now! Little Emme!</span></b></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWXKwtcm9Ix5e3AEd4xC-l3QbzKlat4A5gojLDU4kueRqfQtkA4azuMqSgYp_inJurNYQIEWfiU-_VpRELw3uOsv_mDwfNXhsZWD-iHKljRldF6024t5gBbBIoCiqXDgS2hllJ7K5PALX/s1600/DSC_0048.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWXKwtcm9Ix5e3AEd4xC-l3QbzKlat4A5gojLDU4kueRqfQtkA4azuMqSgYp_inJurNYQIEWfiU-_VpRELw3uOsv_mDwfNXhsZWD-iHKljRldF6024t5gBbBIoCiqXDgS2hllJ7K5PALX/s400/DSC_0048.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604514327608788226" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Annisa has such a beautiful family. Dixon is such a rambunctious little boy - full of fun and spunk! </span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPki9dXQlZ6R6QkaJHaT04uT4QTSBqM810OWCn_PUyNq2yjI13IzBMgCvoyCEZKT3dEdQoOHdK8OSh0tOIdv2xyaR9iFJEZj1IVS33r9GJy8e2NKPlmxBYv2wslthgEWlEfRzm3kZ42zJe/s1600/DSC_0052.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPki9dXQlZ6R6QkaJHaT04uT4QTSBqM810OWCn_PUyNq2yjI13IzBMgCvoyCEZKT3dEdQoOHdK8OSh0tOIdv2xyaR9iFJEZj1IVS33r9GJy8e2NKPlmxBYv2wslthgEWlEfRzm3kZ42zJe/s400/DSC_0052.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604513456667743186" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Sasha and Clara, like Kari, are such divas. However, they are very close sisters and someday in the future will share the joy of their children with each other just like their mom does with her two sisters.</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKg6H34EbDl0JKwbG276RB2RiTyZIPQY1y_dPmkzAF2GWwaZEUFsrrXkNRHaKnejG7dTbB0DVNFUs2jJVGNRe6roM8ZEikbtUmXYt9bKSkIGMksiqDLi7Dt1SnNrpx4yKdxvBdfENpcY-/s400/DSC_0722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604519345600900578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">On the left is my mom with her only daughter (me), two of her four granddaughters and four of her great grandchildren.</span></b> </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnaolsZIDEW34rVO9YHBc56fW8c3cuTQaq4schc7aQKBoBCLBnf8VVRi1l-bx31tnu6RT4Ekf7pXEGxatG_KV4D4_AuR7XGdtS1LyXz0PCe-lpnlyUrzXtLSxI5aPsEMQ5lV_jaPCEdwr/s1600/DSC_0063.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnaolsZIDEW34rVO9YHBc56fW8c3cuTQaq4schc7aQKBoBCLBnf8VVRi1l-bx31tnu6RT4Ekf7pXEGxatG_KV4D4_AuR7XGdtS1LyXz0PCe-lpnlyUrzXtLSxI5aPsEMQ5lV_jaPCEdwr/s400/DSC_0063.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604513446938480418" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Four generations!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nkyyhCSv5rnT2bwP77zajDn3S6NxczDL4iX46vBnrvvdwCH2QzHeI2-_6gerHVlJ26sEVX1jCTbUXkiM4zVTsj4YpIUftLEW7REzbLQcBEmu6OEpVYmKHQIAh760n0YksgxdFRSK6NID/s1600/P1050914A.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nkyyhCSv5rnT2bwP77zajDn3S6NxczDL4iX46vBnrvvdwCH2QzHeI2-_6gerHVlJ26sEVX1jCTbUXkiM4zVTsj4YpIUftLEW7REzbLQcBEmu6OEpVYmKHQIAh760n0YksgxdFRSK6NID/s400/P1050914A.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604511730107150018" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">A proud new mom!</span></b></span></div></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWPS_bqkjF1l2V0jM3nMLVhsxWJMuIppDALZO1b9DCVpqNYJ_XkCNngrIGWF1XHripT6FinIKjORCv4nAOyR6ZHR9IXSzxdtZ9ZB4Py4ibE_xNpabU67rSsKzVTbBh8Ib03zu9susHMAG/s1600/DSC02541.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWPS_bqkjF1l2V0jM3nMLVhsxWJMuIppDALZO1b9DCVpqNYJ_XkCNngrIGWF1XHripT6FinIKjORCv4nAOyR6ZHR9IXSzxdtZ9ZB4Py4ibE_xNpabU67rSsKzVTbBh8Ib03zu9susHMAG/s400/DSC02541.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604511725203141762" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Just couldn't resist adding this picture that Annisa took of Emme's litte feet! She is standing now and soon she will be walking</span></b>!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QIG5Zj9rUo1KJL9NbEQwgtoU99RNfR_FLgDdG-_XfkVhzeqBgneUWieGBD1gjElUQVM8Npq4TCZkaxhoW1Ro_ab5GlXtbXGdqdi55FuX0J2T4AR_Eablpf71YJAC0PE7HL6hg1IwDBcZ/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QIG5Zj9rUo1KJL9NbEQwgtoU99RNfR_FLgDdG-_XfkVhzeqBgneUWieGBD1gjElUQVM8Npq4TCZkaxhoW1Ro_ab5GlXtbXGdqdi55FuX0J2T4AR_Eablpf71YJAC0PE7HL6hg1IwDBcZ/s400/DSC_0077.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604511721525238498" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> have so much to be thankful for this Mother's Day and it all began with my own mom. She is an amazing person of strength, love, and compassion. God bless moms everywhere not only on Mother's Day, but every day of the year. Love you Mom!</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxElyxBpdf4pStNh2mWn6_xKz_jFCnUCxW60KwQqLUcSMYLngTWCW22SKM2dhKz3via01HvVLUasiVA0vuDsGw5NB0aAFzZDrh4Nr9rCIZLqxEB97922LoFPlKHM0uPe_TEJCtYpbdJk2/s400/DSC02572.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604519347709802002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188698971042118067.post-48916680932925433742011-04-26T06:52:00.000-07:002011-04-26T09:00:22.831-07:00THE SCIENCE GUY & OTHER FUN STUFF!<div style="text-align: left;"><b>My brother Doug is aptly referred to by my grandchildren, his great-nieces and nephews, as "The Science Guy!" From the time he was their ages, he loved science and enjoyed blowing up stuff! Oh, could I tell some stories! After he retired at a pretty young age, he went to college and got his teaching degree and is teaching eighth grade science in Pensacola, Florida. Doug has done some amazing projects with his students including building a solar powered go-kart! He decided to teach the kids some science on Easter Sunday and the following are just a few of the MANY photos we took of his "science lessons! He also threw in some "magic" tricks including this one. He had the kids draw a replica of a dollar bill. If they did a good job, he had them feed it through a roller device.</b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUizzglEkf2szpmeQZKIRPuww1WFYlE3PErt0AxwB38lxoeKqgSfDrQaG8gixn4JlAmrdg4KiIQHuxkbEap5NPIPB4wmuJZIiv8bzLU35qWylAbEjqktlZQXghbuxzGHku_80Z1ex3Phyphenhyphene/s1600/DSC_0806.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUizzglEkf2szpmeQZKIRPuww1WFYlE3PErt0AxwB38lxoeKqgSfDrQaG8gixn4JlAmrdg4KiIQHuxkbEap5NPIPB4wmuJZIiv8bzLU35qWylAbEjqktlZQXghbuxzGHku_80Z1ex3Phyphenhyphene/s400/DSC_0806.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599895024405594722" /></a><b>Just look at the concentration on Clara's and Sasha's faces as they fed their replica through the rollers! Will it turn into a real dollar? Are they "true believers?"</b><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5Q7LIwMc-UqFQ20zdKSmdrbIUqPMWAf-h-DHW6hKReI7nU_29cCVsSMew04rmOnh9HnNpJy9qE6D24mOz-U7ei_qE2Cs_MVPBy9GPOIpT4FumtB80_-1SiTXSMivgV1-yuZGPpwnGoqg/s400/DSC_0810.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599895386862019250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>You betcha! It worked! They said it even smelled like the crayon replica they drew. Aidan and Ryan also got a turn and one of them asked if they could draw a $100.00 bill! . . . .on to the next project!</b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5b8ttWmOizMcfl9whdKp6mkUV0YOPmlTC5WKU9EmyOA8TETShxR8GQarxOVPhlvsRcx-ZFxrbEQO3f-SnB_QtVJYOD5hPQr7v3SuQXeXQObmVUven89BmC7UflWLSszQkxWOBg-F9WRTt/s400/DSC_0813.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599895393168321218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b>Another project that the "Science Guy" had them make was a catapult. These were so cool! The kiddos got to pick their wheel colors and assemble them. </b></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrLdHfwNGFqEkrJVtkZeEca0EWjQrDSnPjeaaBs4uVNyIzj-BonczwfY5S5jcy73Ez_E6YKsXhOrt1GfN00t0K5jwszLJodlR1UpVErXD1ChgHtC7CvYKukcUZQBdd6GDW6CwmIzsxTLB/s1600/DSC_0857.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrLdHfwNGFqEkrJVtkZeEca0EWjQrDSnPjeaaBs4uVNyIzj-BonczwfY5S5jcy73Ez_E6YKsXhOrt1GfN00t0K5jwszLJodlR1UpVErXD1ChgHtC7CvYKukcUZQBdd6GDW6CwmIzsxTLB/s400/DSC_0857.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599895017710288850" /></a><b>Aidan was particularly fascinated with building an electric "motor" using a battery, wire, etc. You can see how engaged he was with the whole process. Imagine a room full of eighth graders having fun learning about science - you rock, Doug!</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimacgCMvtyfa3neDyuVv8ybr5EKe1FSDQirrnNCiilMko89TfSMP3gKdCZwI2JHsfwk2sCjNQmwrKvNw9musaEj-ggZIhbhCj4o30D8IGw1kBpY8uoG2yu0XHdQGdM6TJjKIIuYDR7Djw/s1600/DSC02379.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimacgCMvtyfa3neDyuVv8ybr5EKe1FSDQirrnNCiilMko89TfSMP3gKdCZwI2JHsfwk2sCjNQmwrKvNw9musaEj-ggZIhbhCj4o30D8IGw1kBpY8uoG2yu0XHdQGdM6TJjKIIuYDR7Djw/s400/DSC02379.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599894671057783074" /></a><b>Before launching the rocket - yes, we had a rocket launch! - Doug did another magic trick using a card, a magic box, and matches! </b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYPDXXKn4TG9Qd1nfs8d_Or3n7O8rp4g43Fl88_lvOZ9DS4XWZJVlaKafv5em_-Q8_bkHftOD7KI266Ap-KAWA8ofdhDv-MgR7Mo65dLA3wlgjrBYKC8F8C_PAW59Zrds3WSZM1OfCB99/s1600/DSC02384.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYPDXXKn4TG9Qd1nfs8d_Or3n7O8rp4g43Fl88_lvOZ9DS4XWZJVlaKafv5em_-Q8_bkHftOD7KI266Ap-KAWA8ofdhDv-MgR7Mo65dLA3wlgjrBYKC8F8C_PAW59Zrds3WSZM1OfCB99/s400/DSC02384.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599894668063099170" /></a><b>When the card Aidan picked was set on fire, imagine their surprise when Sasha opened the empty box she had been holding and there it was - intact! WOW!</b><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuc0KLhhAkSktQ2Z_dL93AM-4hfvkjqjww82SQtR9JtXk6WBOjM-H8M6CoeQrHvvgrj4wh5yBpA_UqwdXDKEG4WxRWCwHkWjCkKAcCLT1prRkHo2j7xSeGU8L1ly9U3U36WUjfkogkiOe/s400/DSC_0843.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599895021424450690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Rocket Launch!!! One of the special activities Doug's students do is building and launching rockets. It is quite a production! He brought along a rocket to launch and before setting it off, he had the kids put jelly beans in the payload.</b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41NZVIhGAzjtKXxfy95a-ndh07kYbVxF0b2hPeOCfKfzhXOGp_D405Dv-RfUUSkPzbIzK_1hE9jVCeZFtocHGuML2GMVALRctkUFn87pvUEJ4EMZxhUC5Hh4iVqQEe36FySEmtPeHxcF3/s1600/DSC02405.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41NZVIhGAzjtKXxfy95a-ndh07kYbVxF0b2hPeOCfKfzhXOGp_D405Dv-RfUUSkPzbIzK_1hE9jVCeZFtocHGuML2GMVALRctkUFn87pvUEJ4EMZxhUC5Hh4iVqQEe36FySEmtPeHxcF3/s400/DSC02405.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599894662364370050" /></a><b>Off it went! It went so, fast, this is the only shot I got of it launching. It soared into the beautiful blue sky and when it landed, it came crashing down into the middle of a large pine tree!</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3PB6b4sE0opLUV9hNi8_E9sIRWwduLEo9XczpvQgnQyTCZk1dO-q-7GWOjnp8syCD9kE_iU9dBmmG-v4i3YEkYdlnQjcJuo2GUxDKES1hXwLo6qOnHw1Pic7PTIr5m-o-9gCpUkSD7VZ/s1600/DSC02406.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3PB6b4sE0opLUV9hNi8_E9sIRWwduLEo9XczpvQgnQyTCZk1dO-q-7GWOjnp8syCD9kE_iU9dBmmG-v4i3YEkYdlnQjcJuo2GUxDKES1hXwLo6qOnHw1Pic7PTIr5m-o-9gCpUkSD7VZ/s400/DSC02406.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599894658654135378" /></a><b>However, we were able to recover it and to the kids' surprise, the jellybeans were still in the rocketship!</b><br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidL1U2hh_nHJFT9LcWOevXrRfqafhimXhwDsSid7e0Izam37hUNUbPr7m1Ns36G1gtAUiAmOprXYaZ9cTpwUJMXvhMvQx3kVEeM1FTD8BODG_HLaxYbwWpP4GyxyOxcyCmJlR0qPnHeNU/s1600/DSC02409.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidL1U2hh_nHJFT9LcWOevXrRfqafhimXhwDsSid7e0Izam37hUNUbPr7m1Ns36G1gtAUiAmOprXYaZ9cTpwUJMXvhMvQx3kVEeM1FTD8BODG_HLaxYbwWpP4GyxyOxcyCmJlR0qPnHeNU/s400/DSC02409.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599893773470882850" /></a><b>We were so lucky the weather was beautiful for all the activities for the kids.</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWTn4Lo0_3a-0__3rubUSydchArMWekk4NFoAgrCiWxv59kiVZ2DzjRPEA1nOLqHG-vEEnc8VSkJeX10qmSbMNhq6oV1G4SlkXdF13W920ZPOyeTdpf5GRgqFOzGNgmWRhkVluPUX-qc/s1600/DSC02411.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWTn4Lo0_3a-0__3rubUSydchArMWekk4NFoAgrCiWxv59kiVZ2DzjRPEA1nOLqHG-vEEnc8VSkJeX10qmSbMNhq6oV1G4SlkXdF13W920ZPOyeTdpf5GRgqFOzGNgmWRhkVluPUX-qc/s400/DSC02411.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599893761072918514" /></a><b>Our morning started off at church and our annual Easter photo with Nana and Pap (that's us!). Trying to get all of the kiddos looking at the camera without goofy faces is no small feat!</b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfvaRurqf_C1iOOybslKb0cYTySQsuYIZOIgv3BLLrtbDEePbL7ljPbSZJ2DiBhkHzISaBspn704IRBwZVNGpAiLlQ5TO-DjXzJaSKiofF9q-jcpTNNKiyE9bLaTDPuYkGLjH9SaPCJU/s1600/DSC02286.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfvaRurqf_C1iOOybslKb0cYTySQsuYIZOIgv3BLLrtbDEePbL7ljPbSZJ2DiBhkHzISaBspn704IRBwZVNGpAiLlQ5TO-DjXzJaSKiofF9q-jcpTNNKiyE9bLaTDPuYkGLjH9SaPCJU/s400/DSC02286.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599893417523181378" /></a><b>Check out Jayce in his Easter finery! He is such a cutie-pie!</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGp44JxbQsCVEEBuV8NfyBu86I8iWoCjIUXPLepkLmVt_szrfknIB-yuZaBZgcx6cAUbhAOjAnH-H0zfi5d5ja7rk7CKDxNtPxnMyIkj594s2lpLVGZ1QLrVxgV4Sb2WCTnHvpGLMAVE/s1600/DSC02346.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGp44JxbQsCVEEBuV8NfyBu86I8iWoCjIUXPLepkLmVt_szrfknIB-yuZaBZgcx6cAUbhAOjAnH-H0zfi5d5ja7rk7CKDxNtPxnMyIkj594s2lpLVGZ1QLrVxgV4Sb2WCTnHvpGLMAVE/s1600/DSC02346.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGp44JxbQsCVEEBuV8NfyBu86I8iWoCjIUXPLepkLmVt_szrfknIB-yuZaBZgcx6cAUbhAOjAnH-H0zfi5d5ja7rk7CKDxNtPxnMyIkj594s2lpLVGZ1QLrVxgV4Sb2WCTnHvpGLMAVE/s400/DSC02346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599893411345490546" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">This was Emme's first Easter and she was very serious about finding her egg! </span></b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOH_QSRV1fHMVOkC3XbZB-Iu4FRP6hkigVuF-Nn-lX4S2e0DamrqaFbPTYbu6PAulJmEtIT8pimtfJTyAnICqBeJMBfj8lUoTZog5t-jP71AtGvNvIbDHJShFjSFNkX0zimpSS8lkqYsQ/s400/P1050778.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599895941977183618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Easter bunny hid 120 plastic eggs this year and the kids had a blast finding them!</b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9Q4tfKqxKvI4o4-Vb4qYDYqii4unuNvsuUzRszqoLwJo4kxzwTd6woZWkM5iYqONy0d6OF0mphpqUlAu0-7D6oIMZuiu105GOQa7AFSSTWfOrhcq9MAWLT8k3ds2illdFSMrxRb0aY8/s1600/DSC02332.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9Q4tfKqxKvI4o4-Vb4qYDYqii4unuNvsuUzRszqoLwJo4kxzwTd6woZWkM5iYqONy0d6OF0mphpqUlAu0-7D6oIMZuiu105GOQa7AFSSTWfOrhcq9MAWLT8k3ds2illdFSMrxRb0aY8/s400/DSC02332.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599893407104533010" /></a><b>On Saturday we had a big celebration of Dixon's second birthday. He wore the overalls that his dad wore when he was a little boy. How adorable he was!</b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk8Z51Y1oUv6tUxb2CulLMYKwGNcv6NVXfyrS3NzfC3S7pClJIpRIzc8SGSPYLYjTJ8jqvg4MiPrgCpplzI_jqpkfBpbExAQQZZzpvcE9NlqNysK0wAazuYOxsCMDbZY_05LZIzGsrAw/s1600/DSC_0517.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk8Z51Y1oUv6tUxb2CulLMYKwGNcv6NVXfyrS3NzfC3S7pClJIpRIzc8SGSPYLYjTJ8jqvg4MiPrgCpplzI_jqpkfBpbExAQQZZzpvcE9NlqNysK0wAazuYOxsCMDbZY_05LZIzGsrAw/s400/DSC_0517.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599890851491478194" /></a><b>Dixon is obsessed with Thomas the Train and his cake was a big hit!</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon5_1M3ItZXoguC6UZoEWQh7yYWHE9-2S1mdw8SjMSIxtBpMu6unSvwQ_PbG2DNDRjRFYIdcTdplcMNP-jzqmeQLhWqTctTMWETfaKYnYOW3jDZzsKo1Pr-WuiUUzJbFY59xtxt8Yxgw/s1600/DSC02219.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon5_1M3ItZXoguC6UZoEWQh7yYWHE9-2S1mdw8SjMSIxtBpMu6unSvwQ_PbG2DNDRjRFYIdcTdplcMNP-jzqmeQLhWqTctTMWETfaKYnYOW3jDZzsKo1Pr-WuiUUzJbFY59xtxt8Yxgw/s400/DSC02219.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599890845798902706" /></a><b>He also got lots of different Thomas the Train sets, T-shirts, pj's, and swim suits. He will be all decked out in Thomas gear this summer! Happy Birthday little guy! Choo Choo!</b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHOp2k_VUbQhgemizr8dasoG6SnC3yIPrt3AIUHuE7SslyqDK0JKcf6lHYlroy4_bvM9SxBQ3a9LMbWP_1zcXBzc4EMnh-Rh9IL5HEt1ikRXQWxKr1Kg_jKPqJcKtueF-mGqL7wUihJ0/s1600/DSC_0539.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHOp2k_VUbQhgemizr8dasoG6SnC3yIPrt3AIUHuE7SslyqDK0JKcf6lHYlroy4_bvM9SxBQ3a9LMbWP_1zcXBzc4EMnh-Rh9IL5HEt1ikRXQWxKr1Kg_jKPqJcKtueF-mGqL7wUihJ0/s400/DSC_0539.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599890840606975042" /></a><b>Although it was a hectic weekend, it was a wonderful one. We feel so blessed to have been able to share the weekend with the entire family. Although we are a quirky bunch in many ways, we love each and are grateful to have one another to share life's special moments.</b></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0