tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30525215940542517952024-02-06T18:48:07.902-08:00Proverbs 31:10-31Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-55047929701600264992011-09-14T19:27:00.000-07:002011-09-14T19:30:44.955-07:00Amazing TweetI always feel the need to apologize each time I write a personal blog piece because I neglect this blog so much. But it is what it is and as I've mentioned in previous posts I feel like I cheat on this blog with my little friend Twitter! It's so much easier to put down snippets throughout my day of my happenings, thoughts, gripes, inspirations, etc. than to make/find the time to write consistent blog pieces. As my friend <a href="http://sweetgoosebumps.blogspot.com/">Kim Becker</a> told me, your blog is like a travel scrapbook. Yes, it seems I only write posts about our trips. Well, guess it's better than nothing and at least I'll have a nice compilation for my family because heaven knows I won't be doing any physical scrabooking of ANY sort. And besides I can only aspire to write a blog as witty and funny as the aforementioned Mrs. Becker, so why even try? But I digress...<br />
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So speaking of my dear friend Twitter, today I read a really amazing tweet from actress, author, humanitarian Ashley Judd. This is the text of her tweet, forgive the title of the linked post:<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>@AshleyJudd: a thoughtful read - how those of us w/ mental illness are depicted in relationships, from @BitchMedia: <a href="http://bit.ly/oj6i7o">http://bit.ly/oj6i7o</a>”</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I was really touched by the phrase "<strong>those of us w/mental illness</strong>". Mental illness is near and dear to my heart so I am always impressed when a celebrity lends their "name" if you will to the cause and hopefully the greater goal of erasing stigmatism. I wish more work was being done now and wish more work had been done in the past so people like my Mother who have suffered with the stigma of being "crazy" could've been embraced more along their journey. Their are more "crazy" people out there that I'm sure most would care to admit and if there were less stigma then certainly more would come forward and seek help. My husband likes to say the only difference betweem his family and mine is that mine are diagnosed! Well to an extent that's true and more prevalant than most realize.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">So kudos today to Ms. Judd for sending that tweet. You made one person proud today and I hope made many others think about their own lives and loved ones with your statement. </span><br />
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Also, that tweet reminded me that I have not yet read Ashley Judd's book <em>All That is Bitter and Sweet</em> so it's now downloaded to my iPad and I'm ready to curl up and get started reading it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-40490100658909120032011-07-08T11:27:00.000-07:002011-07-08T11:27:39.347-07:00One Bad Mother 4th of JulyMy brother-in-law operates a fireworks stand. With 2 small boys and a pyrotechnic leaning daddy this equals trouble. Going to the fireworks stand was like their own piece of heaven on earth. It was interesting observing the various firework products. They all have interesting names which I assume makes them more marketable to certain segments of the population. Well, anyway, now that Conner is 6 and reading he really became attached to one product in particular. One Bad Mother...<br />
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It was quite hilarious. Conner would say when our we going to get...One Bad Mother. I hope Uncle Bobby doesn't run out of...One Bad Mother. I can't wait to shoot...One Bad Mother. It was funny how he said it in casual conversation in a totally innocent context. Although, I think next year just to be safe I will be reviewing the inventory in advance of our visit to the fireworks stand.<br />
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We enjoyed a nice homegrown fireworks show on 41-A in Sango. It was loud and stinky and I wouldn't recommend it as your only form of fireworks celebration for the 4th but my boys enjoyed it and that's what matters.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BTW...Andy has a new camera that needs some work on the focus...</div><br />
Prior to that, we kicked off the long weekend with the <a href="http://fastlass73.blogspot.com/">Steele's</a> and our usual cookout/pool party at G's parent's house in Joelton. As of last year, we added a fireworks show in the mix. This is where the pyrotechnic leaning side of my husband emerged. I'm not a huge fan of the DIY fireworks anyway and this year sealed it for me. An errant firecracker came my way and hit be in the back as I was ducking for cover. Not cool. And Toddler Steele is forever scarred as a result of being inundated with fireworks as soon as he woke from his nap. <br />
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And I guess I can back up prior to that and mention the early start to our weekend was a lovely overnight trip to celebrate Andy's birthday. We had a great time at <a href="http://www.evinsmill.com/">Evins Mill</a>. It makes for a nice one or two night getaway that's close to Nashville. We hiked, read on the porch and had some great fresh food. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHyXY9EiuqAaNQTL-BFJZkV2bsQSvX0zX0zgt9zK-E9DGrKFZxXg5TDoOt34HhuySB6xvO_mJsDst149ShPe7YUT1B4NB8sh7s3R_6iQvfCQOuL6xPc1KVJr1MBw8n34gbNt47PnLQt1M/s1600/DSCN0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHyXY9EiuqAaNQTL-BFJZkV2bsQSvX0zX0zgt9zK-E9DGrKFZxXg5TDoOt34HhuySB6xvO_mJsDst149ShPe7YUT1B4NB8sh7s3R_6iQvfCQOuL6xPc1KVJr1MBw8n34gbNt47PnLQt1M/s320/DSCN0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking down and over from the side of the falls...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Carmack Falls was gorgeous</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz31fsjjfl3RvzPQZJgGdTrfX38ZiheXgij0tiHKO1_-ItVnpJm_vjwAZCZNDfsrJSP6FCrvJpMusEStQkZgQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-48354016985203543452011-06-28T07:07:00.000-07:002011-06-28T07:07:16.045-07:00Summer is Flying By!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;">Well summer is in essence halfway over for us. School has been out about a month and starts back on August 1st. We had a great start to summer with a trip to south Florida. We really enjoyed our trip and it was probably one of the most "normal" family experiences I've ever had with my family in my life EVER. For those of you that know my background I hope you're happy to hear this news because I'm sure happy to share it! For those of you that don't know my background then maybe one day I'll write a memoir and fill you in :-)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;">Tonight is the first night the boys have been in bed before 8pm since school let out. We've been busy with VBS and get togethers all summer thus far. Conner tests for his next belt this week in karate. He calculated tonight that he'll have his Little Dragon black belt one year from now. That seemed to give him some renewed enthusiasm about karate. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;">We're also entering what I call "birthday season" next week with mine and Andy's birthdays eight days apart with 4th of July in between. So I'm already mentally preparing for the ensuing gluttony! Guess I better prepare physically and increase my workouts too...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;">After birthday season we'll be on the road again for summer work conferences - one in Chattanooga and the other in Scottsdale, Arizona then exactly one work after returning from all that travel school starts. In the meantime, I'm going to try and savor and be present for each moment that's left of this summer. Hope you and yours are finding some time for fun and family this summer too. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;">**I originally wrote this last week. Blogpress on my iPad has not been kind to me in trying to post. But at least now I can add some pics from our trip to Florida since I didn't have those on my iPad. Birthday season starts later this week and Conner now has his blue belt.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHa21A5Ki7ZntXZdO3GYlAFux73ykx9-5WnVjzudd6T4MxdWb0w7dvUqgtTfavadFGezu3qgco_GjU1_ClJLdIU0KUYmbuL53Niz0K-Zk42JubJukf-CFERXYDJWW08_keKafRpsEZyx8/s1600/IMG_2565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHa21A5Ki7ZntXZdO3GYlAFux73ykx9-5WnVjzudd6T4MxdWb0w7dvUqgtTfavadFGezu3qgco_GjU1_ClJLdIU0KUYmbuL53Niz0K-Zk42JubJukf-CFERXYDJWW08_keKafRpsEZyx8/s320/IMG_2565.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a long 8 day vacation...we needed some TLC before getting on the plane :-)</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckWZIVNrgLGuJBS2NMUAH85clXY-V3p44VAk91BDBBLEVJWA6p6QSyFNy54qEw-oUZsXGKklAfBDlC7IQb6mpGueWqd3mtCSmZ5yQXcQO3GWDGQ7DotfdM5PVvwzsk7T-IaK9Ozmu_CSI/s1600/IMG_2563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckWZIVNrgLGuJBS2NMUAH85clXY-V3p44VAk91BDBBLEVJWA6p6QSyFNy54qEw-oUZsXGKklAfBDlC7IQb6mpGueWqd3mtCSmZ5yQXcQO3GWDGQ7DotfdM5PVvwzsk7T-IaK9Ozmu_CSI/s320/IMG_2563.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip753FmRYKV-ojQ_Mbr2Z1zwg_S2HneMhpI0fu-DrV_QTNmAcvNwKe7qXcPScda0ygfpOu6iCBlFUY63GH3m8Wx1BgurhVnlfbPDBkR-IFV0u6S3bstDRMRXQeUyM6rdORO8K1pfDY5m9S/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip753FmRYKV-ojQ_Mbr2Z1zwg_S2HneMhpI0fu-DrV_QTNmAcvNwKe7qXcPScda0ygfpOu6iCBlFUY63GH3m8Wx1BgurhVnlfbPDBkR-IFV0u6S3bstDRMRXQeUyM6rdORO8K1pfDY5m9S/s320/IMG_2562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camren. Doug, Mom, Thomas and Conner</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-73831281826728990892011-05-30T04:04:00.000-07:002011-05-30T04:04:29.149-07:0080Just a number but a pretty large one when you consider a person's life. My dad would've been that number today. Here's a yellow rose (his favorite) in honor of this day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPieMDnL6byCiRkQlcmGrcTNLy0xCVdf1whrpWzsXREsC7RowISWYCpLHq7Vvfd28QVGgJ4xR6j3gd-LNCSfRegdkZ3MNLr038PtaeMtGbBS5XQWNgMkrD0CxH3gcw1UgruxF_3SbhgNw/s1600/Yellow-Rose-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPieMDnL6byCiRkQlcmGrcTNLy0xCVdf1whrpWzsXREsC7RowISWYCpLHq7Vvfd28QVGgJ4xR6j3gd-LNCSfRegdkZ3MNLr038PtaeMtGbBS5XQWNgMkrD0CxH3gcw1UgruxF_3SbhgNw/s320/Yellow-Rose-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Grateful to be spending the day with my brother of whom I don't see very often these days. Here we are taken yesterday after church. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy birthday Dad. I'm sure you're smiling down today.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-59480473502127138022011-05-28T18:26:00.000-07:002011-05-28T18:26:06.827-07:00The Kindergarten Graduation That Wasn'tWe have a knack in our family for having a sickness during a major event. Kindergarten graduation did not disappoint. Camren had been sick on the Sunday prior to the Tuesday evening graduation but it was a quick fever with a little lethargy but not too much pomp and circumstance. No, that was reserved for the actual graduate on graduation day. After reading my friends Kim's <a href="http://sweetgoosebumps.blogspot.com/">blog</a> then maybe I shouldn't feel so bad about our well planned graduation but I was a horrible, miserable mess. So here goes...<br />
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Conner woke up not feeling well Tuesday morning. He even had a very low grade 99 degree fever. I gave him some Tylenol and said I'd pick him up prior to or at lunch but he needed to go for his final graduation practice and then he could rest all afternoon before the program. This graduation is a little more elaborate than apparently others (ahem, Kim) with a 30 minute program (including surprises for the parents) performed by the students and a full cap, gown, sash & class ring ensemble as well as the diploma presentation. Of course there are only 3 students in his class so even if it weren't for my extreme desire to see him perform in this program that he has literally practiced all year for some of it then it was also quite a disappointment for his classmates for him not to participate. Now back to the story...<br />
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I was about to head to school when I got the call. Conner was not feeling well and was in fact worse. By the time I got there he was in tears and burning up. So we went home for more Tylenol/Motrin and hopes that a nice long nap would cure his ailments. I called the nurse to see if there was a compelling enough reason to bring him in for an antibiotic shot to get him through the evening but since Camren's illness on Sunday had been short lived we both assumed it was a virus. Then on the way home Conner vomited. After that Conner did nap and did feel better for a while so we all proceeded to get ready. And then he vomited again about an hour before he had to be at school. Oh, did I mention he also had chills. Yeah that too. Things were not looking good but it was time for more medicine and I was hoping he could at least go and walk down to get his diploma. He mustered up the energy to do that and we got to school in time (well, after they held up the end of graduation for 15 minutes) and put his cap and gown on over his suit and tie and he wouldn't do it. He was afraid he night throw up going down the aisle. So that was it. We sat in the back while Andy accepted his diploma and I cried the whole time. <br />
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It seems ridiculous as I recount it. It was just a small moment in time. But to us that had spent months planning this event it was devastating. <br />
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At least I got some pictures of him and his two classmates in their caps and gowns. <br />
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The next morning he was feeling some better but still running fever. Since we were also leaving for vacation that morning we made an unscheduled visit to the doctor and of course he had strep throat. Or at least we think so even though his quick test was negative but Camren's was positive. So two shots of antibiotics later (one for each boy) and we boarded a plane to Florida. I'd like to say that's the rest of the story but we had to make a connecting flight in sunny Orlando but due to weather in the midwest we had an eventual 7+ hour delay. So I did what any other mother with a credit card might do. I rented a car, two car seats and drove our little sick, happy family down 3 hours and 15 minutes to Ft. Myers. Best decision I've ever made. Well, at least this week. Especially compared to coercing my child to kindergarten graduation for naught. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP3_R676iBN933vRf4ZVqEF23-SrGMmTbgYA5Q8gb1ND96K51TNxtDIUXVL-ad33lIvE6_GFk3xRwi3MxSyfOsqhkwHLQui728NWxbzFDQUruyU8y6gwtFwPl5eb9CdayE68fHCVBrsJy/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP3_R676iBN933vRf4ZVqEF23-SrGMmTbgYA5Q8gb1ND96K51TNxtDIUXVL-ad33lIvE6_GFk3xRwi3MxSyfOsqhkwHLQui728NWxbzFDQUruyU8y6gwtFwPl5eb9CdayE68fHCVBrsJy/s320/IMG_2846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Conner and Ms. McFarland</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghaVVMGXNAxF1cc2laClVY35qIRvTxPydCxcr2apDkGsyxKaC1EWSjyfwZxdyARExue9TarAd1ry4gLhe3-HLdcm5Y6u3GsKXe2QClJYEiiqbswjMw-GP9R_RliMuwRPb4ycBcltsd7Dc/s1600/IMG_2858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghaVVMGXNAxF1cc2laClVY35qIRvTxPydCxcr2apDkGsyxKaC1EWSjyfwZxdyARExue9TarAd1ry4gLhe3-HLdcm5Y6u3GsKXe2QClJYEiiqbswjMw-GP9R_RliMuwRPb4ycBcltsd7Dc/s320/IMG_2858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Andy and Conner</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5bLwQMRy1mSYOLspEyTvw90KekJONJI3jjU0qLvXfgTlXgG5Cl2v9OnzyrTa_1mpcNVLfjecAVoxipXa5g0y_F6uISITwx1sGz_fZiRsqdeiHRWknADEtCNVKgJoxFM4ko08t3evKWay/s1600/IMG_2861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5bLwQMRy1mSYOLspEyTvw90KekJONJI3jjU0qLvXfgTlXgG5Cl2v9OnzyrTa_1mpcNVLfjecAVoxipXa5g0y_F6uISITwx1sGz_fZiRsqdeiHRWknADEtCNVKgJoxFM4ko08t3evKWay/s320/IMG_2861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ani, Conner and Emma Grace</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsBuxZR7BkowFbJUPfNOXyfXVh9HYS5iNKB3OTvjn2U-9tpzG_qsKooGvxazIvpGOuMMS4HpdpSVzPXybdd40hmYEjOHfk_4IgC4a1ZlSx6OrHTam3c8NkQpsbHEcSaK4lCUv62bBPRCY/s1600/IMG_2863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsBuxZR7BkowFbJUPfNOXyfXVh9HYS5iNKB3OTvjn2U-9tpzG_qsKooGvxazIvpGOuMMS4HpdpSVzPXybdd40hmYEjOHfk_4IgC4a1ZlSx6OrHTam3c8NkQpsbHEcSaK4lCUv62bBPRCY/s320/IMG_2863.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camren being too cute!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHAsuI5RYU38Zgos-I4DLlTFA2xaiH3r_RmnTrprgjnuUUuFQVVe6SrLtr6YDs7ieqjkgDZZw1-c42DRnxOnnsjKbsey0fj2DwQARgIO9A-F1is__2YAV2R-_3s7dp7tPBJLF2A4b7Mje/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHAsuI5RYU38Zgos-I4DLlTFA2xaiH3r_RmnTrprgjnuUUuFQVVe6SrLtr6YDs7ieqjkgDZZw1-c42DRnxOnnsjKbsey0fj2DwQARgIO9A-F1is__2YAV2R-_3s7dp7tPBJLF2A4b7Mje/s320/IMG_2865.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If Conner had performed he would've been the "candy man" in one of the numbers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyF23ZbVQ5iijZkFTvWJBZjgCFZhxYdUbTi7uXLCbnbO-vrnLkV4PE_2wvsxwYHWQiikJDkyULIzC13q3VuPfz6uFYySXZLp0rE_tlva_nnA6Ds30hxF4gnXoeqyb3AqMMV7xtTLXlKu3/s1600/IMG_2868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyF23ZbVQ5iijZkFTvWJBZjgCFZhxYdUbTi7uXLCbnbO-vrnLkV4PE_2wvsxwYHWQiikJDkyULIzC13q3VuPfz6uFYySXZLp0rE_tlva_nnA6Ds30hxF4gnXoeqyb3AqMMV7xtTLXlKu3/s320/IMG_2868.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEB4cxGQnSlNXJR9AhakY1_QXJHIuwR7N1R7vUtSTuQCpMDKvDmTsIezS5BjAR4budqbtQbD1RScLdxKyT6m-yotcLYUAZGkODB5XYMSbsr34w9t0zhPZneUzrrBjHVnRIF_lM0Mu1Eh0_/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEB4cxGQnSlNXJR9AhakY1_QXJHIuwR7N1R7vUtSTuQCpMDKvDmTsIezS5BjAR4budqbtQbD1RScLdxKyT6m-yotcLYUAZGkODB5XYMSbsr34w9t0zhPZneUzrrBjHVnRIF_lM0Mu1Eh0_/s320/IMG_2869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVfqidE9PUZ_ByLl5TBrQd4xkHWYLvznaXf-SL_xd9HDgsYcqCeODDKdDgGg_ngqO8BEcJEi954jXvKlOMU9-mc-pkq6-osfSCDKxQUek2Eln9MftC4fzcchAn34cE36nw6Kh6EA5-3VU/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVfqidE9PUZ_ByLl5TBrQd4xkHWYLvznaXf-SL_xd9HDgsYcqCeODDKdDgGg_ngqO8BEcJEi954jXvKlOMU9-mc-pkq6-osfSCDKxQUek2Eln9MftC4fzcchAn34cE36nw6Kh6EA5-3VU/s320/IMG_2871.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Note the streaks of tears in my makeup on the right side of my face!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqAxQC6Hh-xyaMh-4KHrzPDym2Rb1F4QINnGwippN9U6CdOCYYzMKn6WK2Ft2xtFTtVRKWWH51WcVugZ6EdEqTSt4DRarYC8C8k-QIiG0-r_g7lAfNKLkKtEiqm62Nw0hM5MGAR_bC4QA/s1600/IMG_2874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqAxQC6Hh-xyaMh-4KHrzPDym2Rb1F4QINnGwippN9U6CdOCYYzMKn6WK2Ft2xtFTtVRKWWH51WcVugZ6EdEqTSt4DRarYC8C8k-QIiG0-r_g7lAfNKLkKtEiqm62Nw0hM5MGAR_bC4QA/s320/IMG_2874.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful silhouette by one of the moms at school.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-64610780438278145622011-05-19T05:15:00.000-07:002011-05-19T05:15:06.077-07:00Sweet GMToday would've been my sweet Mamaw's 72nd birthday. I could write about her all day. It still takes my breath away to think she's not with us anymore. I always called her Mamaw but when my boys came along we started calling her Great Mamaw then just GM for short. I wanted to share a few of my favorite pics from the last trip we had out west with her before she got sick. I'm so grateful for all the time I was blessed with her. I learned so many lessons from her while she with us but I seem to maybe have learned even more from her after she's been gone. Or maybe I'm just now applying them. Either way her spirit inspires me every day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gDbuM8Ue95tl1F4bvDevZlWdQb5PzqVuJ4gwhSTYV5l2loz_hFHyvOVobsdmWhQavCIUo1XY7MOYQan4ZSURfwnx0wH2Lvt82dBgkeaBLJ6tjvAY1x0emNTf1FixIj9KV5fo7s20uE-6/s1600/2008+070_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gDbuM8Ue95tl1F4bvDevZlWdQb5PzqVuJ4gwhSTYV5l2loz_hFHyvOVobsdmWhQavCIUo1XY7MOYQan4ZSURfwnx0wH2Lvt82dBgkeaBLJ6tjvAY1x0emNTf1FixIj9KV5fo7s20uE-6/s320/2008+070_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Conner, baby Camren & GM </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May 2008</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gDbuM8Ue95tl1F4bvDevZlWdQb5PzqVuJ4gwhSTYV5l2loz_hFHyvOVobsdmWhQavCIUo1XY7MOYQan4ZSURfwnx0wH2Lvt82dBgkeaBLJ6tjvAY1x0emNTf1FixIj9KV5fo7s20uE-6/s1600/2008+070_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipZRey-kJAJ7wZRtlnoPs0eaPsTJz24x7tmtXMPik4tllbL55xtM-5kRIKvAPCo3dHr-mqwl6jg2E9JQKrDXoUNI7SMhrHNEjW3JexVfmHgm-d7Et3eJLg1Ka2uk7-73xHSPGGOvNnJC1/s1600/2008+094_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipZRey-kJAJ7wZRtlnoPs0eaPsTJz24x7tmtXMPik4tllbL55xtM-5kRIKvAPCo3dHr-mqwl6jg2E9JQKrDXoUNI7SMhrHNEjW3JexVfmHgm-d7Et3eJLg1Ka2uk7-73xHSPGGOvNnJC1/s320/2008+094_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Donna & GM at The Fish Market (one of their faves)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May 2008</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipZRey-kJAJ7wZRtlnoPs0eaPsTJz24x7tmtXMPik4tllbL55xtM-5kRIKvAPCo3dHr-mqwl6jg2E9JQKrDXoUNI7SMhrHNEjW3JexVfmHgm-d7Et3eJLg1Ka2uk7-73xHSPGGOvNnJC1/s1600/2008+094_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUYBB7HAZ4pKOY7lGU9xMYApUzog6toHARXywlu_6zLnU31YitK5kwHmh2GKq3PPMSCyImIhDgxb64AsreEzIP1gEsYQRqsDFdkteuQZjiQtTR4nirCwYrV2HZUnj1s6_DV1SWZ_29Sc1/s1600/2008+034_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUYBB7HAZ4pKOY7lGU9xMYApUzog6toHARXywlu_6zLnU31YitK5kwHmh2GKq3PPMSCyImIhDgxb64AsreEzIP1gEsYQRqsDFdkteuQZjiQtTR4nirCwYrV2HZUnj1s6_DV1SWZ_29Sc1/s320/2008+034_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my fav pics of all time in her newly </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">remodeled, beautiful, California backyard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Traveling solo cross country with a 3 year </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">old and 5 month old was SO worth it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So grateful for this trip...and looking forward to </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">seeing her again one day!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-68293919545310378802011-05-17T07:26:00.000-07:002011-05-17T07:26:15.078-07:00My Dad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1wE1GcMHO9ug2r3Y5OqM5Klsw43GM1WDg2Bf8fwILo8gFoqg0_dwtp0CgISyzx7ozPQC5Zp5smnM7sWoqOPvjRRnw7XsA94DFjGi0S3utbmXu3m64wO1Am8t0dfZ_IRa5pMlZvgJH27f/s1600/JulieMomDad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1wE1GcMHO9ug2r3Y5OqM5Klsw43GM1WDg2Bf8fwILo8gFoqg0_dwtp0CgISyzx7ozPQC5Zp5smnM7sWoqOPvjRRnw7XsA94DFjGi0S3utbmXu3m64wO1Am8t0dfZ_IRa5pMlZvgJH27f/s320/JulieMomDad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Centennial Park</div><div style="text-align: center;">1979</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dad, Me & Mom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My dad passed away 14 years ago today from complications of lung cancer. It's amazing how your mind takes over on certain anniversaries, birthday, etc. I dreamt about him last night. I don't remember my parents taking me to Centennial Park however I have many pictures from there when I was little. It's still one of my favorite places to go and now I take my children there often. Thinking of you today, Dad. Love, Julie</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-45639558081518331442011-05-02T09:16:00.000-07:002011-05-02T09:21:26.186-07:0065 Days to Reshaping It AllI encourage anyone interested in some encouragement in the food department to check out the button on the right side of my blog. This site will be offering daily tips and encouragement for all of us on our daily journey with food. Candace Cameron Bure (DJ from Full House) recently published a book entitled <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reshaping-All-Motivation-Physical-Spiritual/dp/1433669730">Reshaping It All</a> </b>that talks about her journey with food but it also talks about the spiritual connection. As I tell anyone when I talk to them about my sideline passion of nutrition, it's a lifestyle not a diet, and I think this book follows in the same direction. She also lists recipes that she uses in her family. <br />
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Disclaimer***I've yet to purchase this book for myself (although I did buy my Mom a copy for Mother's Day and I flipped through her copy before I mailed it). I've been trying to catch up on some other reading (ahem, book club that's already been extended once amongst other things ;-) But I do intend on getting the book later this week. What really pushed me into wanting to get this book sooner rather than later was reading about the <a href="http://www.reshapingitall.com/">65 Days to Reshaping It All</a> event and Candace's co-author Darlene Schacht saying that this book can be an inspiration for everyone whether you need to lose 100 pounds or just need to maintain your day to day journey with food. So even though I'm not looking to lose weight it's always a good idea to have encouragement and re-affirmation of what my daily walk with food needs to be. I like how Darlene admits that she herself has been doing some things she shouldn't and she co-authored the book! Of course life circumstances puts us in different places for different reasons and even if you've done well in the past there's always room to slip up. We always need encouragement and what better place to find if with other Christian women. My goal is to be healthy for myself and my family. I want to break the cycle of disease in my family and be as strong as I can so long as the Lord wants me in service here on this earth!<br />
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So here's to eating my salad today when I might be craving something else...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWyIsWYLWwxTkow0AEuYQZRA2X3Vyvx8LbG8CUKHwIgPJPhEuxjyg7CL3UtSgEq5KdiHY0k2TmIZ8Wg-vozKJmez5xQzo9BZ2qix3dykBTSu7TBHsasP3-wrCwtfO6kq-BU_t9TxC2GZR/s1600/ReshapingImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWyIsWYLWwxTkow0AEuYQZRA2X3Vyvx8LbG8CUKHwIgPJPhEuxjyg7CL3UtSgEq5KdiHY0k2TmIZ8Wg-vozKJmez5xQzo9BZ2qix3dykBTSu7TBHsasP3-wrCwtfO6kq-BU_t9TxC2GZR/s320/ReshapingImage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-72890677749324319062011-04-28T09:06:00.000-07:002011-04-28T09:06:11.268-07:00Easter In GeorgiaWe had a great time at Lookout Mountain Resort in Rising Fawn, Georgia over last weekend. I'm saddened to hear that this area was hit by the storms yesterday and am praying for all of the others that lost lives and homes. I got some really great pictures but until I delete some files on my computer they are stuck on the camera so I'll share some shots from the iphone. You'll have to trust that I can some really awesome shots with the Canon that my sweetie got me for my birthday last year!<br />
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We have been so busy of late that I was looking forward to doing a whole lot of nothing. I packed all of our food and except for an ice cream treat after the Incline Railway we ate all our meals at the cabin. I think that's a pretty big feat since it's so much easier to eat out while traveling combined with the fact that I like to get out and try new places then you can tell how much I was craving to stay in one place for a couple days! <br />
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I realized about half way down that I had left a couple of bags filled with Easter basket goodies (some really good stuff too I might add ;-) so we made a brief Walmart pit-stop to add to what I did bring. I ended up doing 2 baskets and acted like the Easter bunny was confused when they found a few more goodies when I got home. It worked out well considering I remembered everything else for the trip including all the recipe ingredients, church clothes, play clothes, toys, bikes, helmets & fishing gear to name a few things. On a side note, I don't think families would ever travel if not for the Mom. I love to travel so I do it all but man it will sure <s>make you never want to travel again</s> wear you out but I digress.<br />
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The boys did a lot of fishing and I did a lot of reading. We did venture out for a short trip over to the Incline Railway on Saturday and to worship service on Sunday morning. Otherwise it was biking and walking and resting. Just perfect! The only not so perfect part of our adventure was a trip out on the resort boat. I use the term "boat" very loosely here because this vessel reminded me of something that holds an order of cracklins at Captain D's. At least my boys enjoyed it and after being a good sport and taking a short trip I promptly retreated back to the comfort of the cabin while Andy took turns taking the boys fishing on the boat. Andy did end breaking the already duct taped boat oars but still managed to let Camren get his last ride in for equal time as his brother. Thank you for that sweetie. Your muscles are looking better as a result. We won't talk about the "tan" between the end of your shorts and the top of your boots. That looks extra nice :-)<br />
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The boys also helped me drive around the resort from time to time which is a huge deal to them. No car seats and sitting in my lap! Such a treat for us city folks!<br />
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Also we had a visit from the tooth fairy same night as the Easter bunny. Conner lost his 6th tooth. He now has 3 holes at one time and could easily pass for a Nashville Predators player! Thank goodness the tooth fairy and Easter bunny knew where we were staying :-o<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Conner riding through the water and having a blast. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another section of water caused 3 bike wrecks (me, Andy & Conner) but we won't discuss that!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz9mppxPXvokYuWhFpeQ9bZyMsAVxxBMyzaKW_ztk-yajofuULdlCnmMwwsI-JGYKZ0AQAT5RrD3lm2oMSlSg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-8074635224116935772011-03-17T08:49:00.000-07:002011-03-17T08:49:21.179-07:00Magical DCWell, this blog has seriously gone by the wayside. If I could just do something about these kids, this husband and our company then maybe I could find some time to do it justice! But then I'd have nothing to talk about so I suppose I'll have to settle for bi-annual postings at this time. (Cue the line, I'm really going to try and do better, blah, blah, blah...) Anyway, that's my attempt to say sorry for missing Halloween, Thanksgiving, Camren's birthday, Christmas, vacation to Texas in January and anything else in between. So this brings us to a little trip we got back from to DC. Of course, it was work related but we did squeeze in some cool stuff in between so here goes.<div><br />
</div><div>For background, the trip was in support of National Pest Management Association Legislative Day 2011. The long and short of it is our industry holds a conference each year in conjunction with folks in our industry that are going to speak to legislators about whatever bills are important to us at the time. This year had to do with the Clean Water Act of 1972 (and the Cotton case) and Bed Bugs. If anyone really wants to know the specifics then I can tell more than you ever care to know but I'll not bore you with that. We had never been to DC and wanted to see a few sites but since we were traveling sans kiddos then we tried to schedule a quick turn around based on the conference schedule. We did arrive about mid-afternoon on Saturday and thanks to a recommendation from a church friend we took a night time DC lights tour. We hit all the major memorials and monuments in addition to the Capital and the White House. It was a brisk but beautiful evening and all of the landmarks are illuminated for nighttime enjoyment. It was a whirlwind 3 hour tour and quite frankly we were exhausted at the end but it was concise and did the job for us. As we traveled to different events over the next couple of days we were able to see some of these places in the daytime as well.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The best part of the trip was on Tuesday when we had appointments on Capital hill with some of our legislators. We started out the morning at an event called "Tennessee Tuesday" where anyone from Tennessee can meet with Senators Alexander and Corker. In addition, we had scheduled appointments with some of their aides so after a few opening remarks from the Senators we got down to business. We met with Senator Alexander's aide first and he was very nice and pretty well versed on the issues. After meeting with the aide, we met and had our picture made with the Senators. We then preceded to meet with Senator Corker's staff. At this point most everyone had cleared out. There were five in us in the group (Andy and myself, as well as 2 men from Memphis and one from Sevierville). Andy and I had sort of struck up a side conversation with one of the staff (of course, it started with bed bugs) and I mentioned that we had never been to DC before. So he wanted to know what we were doing afterwards and if we had ever been to the Capital (sorry NPMA but I'll send a letter to Diane Black because I wasn't about to miss a private tour of the Capital). Of course, I could tell where this was going so I said no and since we didn't have a "scheduled appt time with Rep. Black I said "well no we don't"! So he said he had a few free hours which was unusual and he loved history so off we went. It was the most incredible behind the scenes tour and we could not believe his hospitality. (Even though mostly personal friends read this blog I'm going to reserve details for in person account. It's not like a matter of national security or anything but I don't want to get anyone in trouble here either!)</div><div><br />
</div><div>After our visit to the Capital we attended a fundraiser for Congressman Bob Dold at the Capital Hill Club. Again, just amazing. Congressman Dold is from Illinois and he and his family have been in the pest control business since the 1800s. He has a law degree and an MBA but still works in the family business. He is the most humble, down to earth, common sense and smart politician I've ran across in a while. I believe his experience as an employer and operator of a small business is going to take him far in Congress. I heard his mom Judy Dold first speak in 2005 at a NPMA conference and she is a great example of professional women working in our industry. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Our flight home didn't leave until 6:15 so we had the afternoon to squeeze in a few more things which we did by visiting the Smithsonian - Air & Space Museum and the Museum of American History. I never realized that there are many Smithsonian museums not just ONE. You always here "The Smithsonian" so I just assumed it was one big place. We especially enjoyed an exhibit featuring Abraham Lincoln and the First Ladies. </div><div><br />
</div><div>It was great to get home to our boys and now we are in the swing of our "busy" time with work. I thought we've been busy each spring but this year we are holding on for the ride. It's been incredible so far and we are just praying for wisdom in our day to day decisions and trying to take it one day at a time and I'd appreciate any extra prayers on our behalf at this time.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As a former history/political junkie I was truly amazed and thrilled of the four days we were in DC. I look forward to taking our boys one day when they can appreciate it more. Being so involved with work right now has the family balance out of whack so I pray that we can maintain the best we can for the next 3-4 months. Conner will be graduating kindergarten in May and will be starring in his first solo speaking role production of The Wizard of Oz tomorrow night. He's also progressing in karate and will be receiving another belt next week. Camren is having fun being 3 and I'm just trying to hold onto these toddler/pre-school years and embrace them as long as I can. He still goes to Mother's Day Out one day a week which might be replaced with pre-school one day a week in the fall. I'm grateful to have a sitter that helps me out at home and I know other moms have it so much worse (in terms of jobs/child care/supportive husbands, etc.) so I'm still trying to live my 2011 mantra of "Be in the Moment" and just embrace it all. Life's too short to do anything else.</div><div><br />
</div><div>P.S. On a major bummer, I have temporarily misplaced my camera with my DC pictures...I'm afraid it fell out of my bag on the plane and I'm hoping US Air will track it down for me. Thankfully I have a few on my iPhone but I'm really hoping the other one turns up! </div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-69013608171724791082010-10-18T08:15:00.000-07:002010-10-18T08:17:39.807-07:00Team Y Pulled it Out!We completed an 11 mile family bike ride on Saturday morning! I am so proud of Conner for completing the 11 miles and so happy that my knees held up while toting 30 pounds of joy on the back of my bike :-) Conner was by far the youngest biker and he rocked it. He only stopped twice for water on the first leg and he didn't stop at all on the last leg. He also was breaking in his new 18 in bike. Some of the participants were calling him a little Lance Armstrong! I also love that we refer to ourselves as Team Y___ and we really pump up the teamwork aspect - lots of high fives, hands in the huddle and all. It was a great family-building time.<br />
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The start was cool and a bit foggy but it turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous morning. Conner is ready to do the 31 mile trek next year. Guess we better start training now...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Conner's post race massage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinbyy255_k7VAU49c0oAnOdzD6-_bC-EyqhdhRhyphenhyphensy_8SKwRyJkj91XWQiT0CkjLJnerNSh6zmMXwH4fog_jvctzJMDFqmOq3IBIuLbmCYT9KyH_IGwq1eE5M_YqUubzzCDCSSgCcpK-c/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinbyy255_k7VAU49c0oAnOdzD6-_bC-EyqhdhRhyphenhyphensy_8SKwRyJkj91XWQiT0CkjLJnerNSh6zmMXwH4fog_jvctzJMDFqmOq3IBIuLbmCYT9KyH_IGwq1eE5M_YqUubzzCDCSSgCcpK-c/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-54758450597725585132010-10-15T12:28:00.000-07:002010-10-15T13:31:53.050-07:00Fall BreakAs hoped Conner has taken to kindergarten like a duck to water. He really made the transition so easy for us. And as predicted for myself, after the anxiety of the unknown, I have taken to having a child in kindergarten much like having part of my exhausted, mindless self back. Of course, Camren keeps me busy but it's been refreshing to "just have Camren" during the day while Conner is in school and to be able to truly enjoy him at such an enjoyable age. When I only had Conner, I was stressed out, unsure about everything, and anxious for for every new phase from newborn to toddler. Now I'm much more mellow (although I'm sure that's debatable) and feel like I can really enjoy this time with Camren. It's a true wonder that not all first born children are just truly messed up because there are so many things I feel like I've done "better" the second time around. But that's life and I'm sure that's what's wrong with me since I'm one of those first born kids! Anyway, enough psychoanalyzing for one afternoon...<br />
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We spent a few days last week in Rising Fawn, GA which is about 20 min south of Chattanooga. We stayed at the most phenomenal cabin on a lake that we plan to visit often in the future. It was modern yet quaint in the middle of a gorgeous valley on Lookout Mountain (www.southernmountainresorts.com). We were close enough to the action in Chattanooga yet it felt like we were worlds away (and with no cell phone reception, we were!). The boys fished right off the dock attached to our cabin and I hiked some around the property. We also went to Ruby Falls and Point Park. Chattanooga is one of the few places that we vacationed when I was a child so I have a certain fondness for it but I truly think it's a great family destination and such a short drive from Nashville that I'd love to go more often. Here's a few pics from our adventures:<br />
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I'm so glad that my boys love the outdoors. Andy remarked that he felt bad for me that maybe we needed to have a little girl that I could go shopping with! I was very content to watch them fish while I read. I'm also glad to say that I take my boys along with me for lots of "girly" outings and I hope they can group those times along with their manliness and one day grow up to be well rounded, kind, loving and sensitive husbands. I don't need a girl to go shopping, I can manage that on my own!<br />
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On a personal note, I've just really been focused on being grateful lately and despite all the craziness in our day to day lives, I feel so at peace. I'm really grateful that God has me in this space these days and I almost feel like a grown up now. Just taking life's day to day, good, bad, and ugly and taking it in stride. I hope to stay in this place for a while and hopefully bring a few others along on the journey. We have so much to be thankful for and even though I've logically known it for years, I really FEEL it now. Thank you Lord.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-1846698443217017372010-08-03T06:48:00.000-07:002010-08-03T06:48:00.267-07:00KindergartenThis really says it all.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Conner had a great first day which of course would not be complete had it not been preceded with drama. On Sunday he woke up with 102 degree fever which I <s>convinced myself</s> believed was due to a sinus infection from nasal congestion he's had for a couple of weeks. So a trip to the minute clinic and three doses of antibiotics later he woke up feeling great and ready to go to school. I broke the 24 hour fever rule but I feel I had no choice. He just possibly couldn't miss his first day of kindergarten. So hopefully none of the other moms at Conner's school will do a google search for us and realize I potentially endangered all their kids. And hopefully I don't have my child on antibiotics for a virus. Oh well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Conner was up at 6am ready to face the day. He was dressed with teeth brushed and ready to leave by 6:15. He asked every 5 minutes how much longer until we leave (7:15). I, in the meantime, made a from scratch apple tart for breakfast that no one ate one bite out of. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So Conner did well but I know you're all really wondering how I did. Well, I did great too. Or I least I think I did. I've been depressed about it for a month now so I figured if I got it all out of my system then on the big day I wouldn't be a blubbering idiot. And it seemed to work. I was on the verge of crying when we were about to leave and I just went on out and was fine. I did tear up today as I dropped him off in the line which by the way is what he wanted us to do yesterday. He was fine to go in by himself and leave us in the drop off line so we compromised and I dropped him off in the line and then parked and brought all his supplies in and took the requisite pictures and video. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here's to Mom getting used to our new reality and bouncing back among the living. I'm so proud of my boy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-78596605379480147192010-07-29T09:46:00.000-07:002010-07-29T09:46:02.574-07:00Time is moving onWow! It's the end of July and almost time for Conner to start kindergarten. We have been really busy this summer and it just occurred to me that I've forgotten all about blogging. Gasp!<br />
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I'll admit I've been weepy at times getting psyched up for kindergarten. I know it's all part of it but I just feel like so much is going to change and so much will be beyond my control (I know God is in control, but I can't help being a control freak, arghh!) once Monday rolls around. <br />
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On the bright side we've had a great summer and I've tried to make the most of the precious time we've had left when Conner will be home with us all day ever day. We've been to Hilton Head, a work conference in Murfreesboro (with lots of swimming for the boys), Nashville Shores, Dinosaur World. Our summer has also been full with karate for myself and Conner. We're both progressing up the ranks and I always feel better after being in class even though it's often stressful to make the time to get there! Conner has really responded to karate and we often have our own "classes" at home.<br />
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Andy got me a super cool new camera for my birthday that does way more than I know about. I need to take some classes just to figure this thing out! But at least I look cool with my super long paparazzi lens :-)<br />
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Two days ago a stray kitten came to our house (probably 6-8 weeks old) so we've added "Tiny" to our pet family albeit she will be an outdoor cat. Our indoor cats are really enjoying hissing at her from inside. I guess they don't realize they're the ones that have it made on the inside. Tiny is super sweet and has really taken to the boys so hopefully she will remain tough in the outdoors (i.e. not get run over). <br />
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Here's some pics of the boys with Tiny. Maybe I'll do some short blogs with pics of the summer adventures within the next few weeks...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpBAhFuzWaootbx8lKVIBPymFbEPo5Izc7cMmmIiaERHf4mtwq3v4EKqG0nY8VquAENSDLcd2QgbzRjt_xJdqROYsohxzUtVRLpYvo38e_qlJjKa_b8voojqbfdP-VfbpA6w0qvUkx7pZ/s1600/IMG_1512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpBAhFuzWaootbx8lKVIBPymFbEPo5Izc7cMmmIiaERHf4mtwq3v4EKqG0nY8VquAENSDLcd2QgbzRjt_xJdqROYsohxzUtVRLpYvo38e_qlJjKa_b8voojqbfdP-VfbpA6w0qvUkx7pZ/s320/IMG_1512.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholE3kxNw5Z_XHCyA3joQ5imM3XKLQw0FW5O0XZr_5nEMj3j5eU_dl9z7iB91rD-FVofF7pm6keIDhCrYpF-WKN8unbdr51xXcVQ48yLOD0lp3blbPuNGAYaHBdtfOyFtfKpJx72DpaOow/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholE3kxNw5Z_XHCyA3joQ5imM3XKLQw0FW5O0XZr_5nEMj3j5eU_dl9z7iB91rD-FVofF7pm6keIDhCrYpF-WKN8unbdr51xXcVQ48yLOD0lp3blbPuNGAYaHBdtfOyFtfKpJx72DpaOow/s320/IMG_1511.JPG" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-52217673147877178072010-07-04T19:56:00.000-07:002010-07-04T19:56:23.134-07:00Party on the 4thSo the kids are all tucked in and now it's time to...work. Hubby is at the office doing his paperwork and I'm in bed doing mine. We squeezed in some fun last night at a Sounds game with fireworks afterwards and we'll join some friends tomorrow for BBQ and swimming. In the meantime I'm catching up last week's paperwork in advance of being gone most of next week in a conference. Hubby was elected president-elect of our state industry association so he has at least three more years involved with the board of directors. I'm certainly happy for him but it does come with a fair amount of extra work. <div><br />
</div><div><i>I probably shouldn't write when I'm tired because I might lean toward the negative when I otherwise might not be but I'd rather be doing this than my actual work. </i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div>Anyway, hubby just reported that there was a clear view of the local fireworks show from our office parking lot and he felt guilty watching them without us. Shortly I'm going to cue up the DVR and see the Nashville production <s>as another way to delay my work</s>.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Actually I just wanted to post a few pics of my cuties and to report that Cam finally seems to be on the road back to "normal" sleep. His naps could still use some improvement but I'm pleased overall. And just when he gets all the way back to normal we'll be moving him to a big boy bed and I'm sure it will all start over again. Oh, I sure hope not! Earlier I was thinking about my grumpy Memorial Day post and wanted to report something positive in the sleep department.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Here's the good stuff:</div><div><br />
</div><div>The boys ran the bases last night after the game...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOHENrXNa-YtsRv5SocvzHEzAODBAyyp4dDLVVErqjPO5xWDbPT3Doh1c5eSg8sTVqYx5uGYjHj3QF-qCuqUe1nZWWkm_nzaNvXqOMR2AzzpbJIHIJSnR8Mnuw436C-12Q454mvVcoFIy/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOHENrXNa-YtsRv5SocvzHEzAODBAyyp4dDLVVErqjPO5xWDbPT3Doh1c5eSg8sTVqYx5uGYjHj3QF-qCuqUe1nZWWkm_nzaNvXqOMR2AzzpbJIHIJSnR8Mnuw436C-12Q454mvVcoFIy/s320/IMG_1436.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Getting ready!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Pda81liMBNijoTe8BYKNMfLJ30kYyAmMMiQe1BU07MrJDdDoakxh7OtUkw-eGJV1wm4am1Pr2E483u6oTXDgn9sgUIOkp7hZ4oxZoh8JFuWN9kYwjAaubpqMAvU0Xoeq90stqr5gWiSd/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Pda81liMBNijoTe8BYKNMfLJ30kYyAmMMiQe1BU07MrJDdDoakxh7OtUkw-eGJV1wm4am1Pr2E483u6oTXDgn9sgUIOkp7hZ4oxZoh8JFuWN9kYwjAaubpqMAvU0Xoeq90stqr5gWiSd/s320/IMG_1439.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camren zooming by</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0RwntnzjpYaa8SoMmxGh4o8xdJUhdJUAKsbYURdJAZfMJyCMtfZHaqZWVLpXGQ2u23zF-zF-mYu2ioBZgLAhw2xoPrV_ovUVRTu2tkUdGEfcX6JIfW9POPz94SEaEXO1gm4ENMFmydcw/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0RwntnzjpYaa8SoMmxGh4o8xdJUhdJUAKsbYURdJAZfMJyCMtfZHaqZWVLpXGQ2u23zF-zF-mYu2ioBZgLAhw2xoPrV_ovUVRTu2tkUdGEfcX6JIfW9POPz94SEaEXO1gm4ENMFmydcw/s320/IMG_1438.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Conner with Cam in the distance headed for home</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got home at 11:15 <i>pm</i> which is 4 hours past bedtime for Cam but they were both awake the whole way home (45 min in the car) and wouldn't crash until they got in their beds. Cam was up at 7:20 (which is fab for any other day) so when he woke up I brought him to our bed and this is what happened:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so the boys and I missed bible study this morning and barely got in our seats in time for worship service. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're now within the one month countdown of kindergarten starting so expect future posts to be sappy(ier) and weepy(ier). Sometimes it just takes my breath away thinking about it. But I'll save that for another day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy 4th and thanks to all who maintain our freedoms.</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-37719865421449501882010-06-23T05:57:00.000-07:002010-06-23T05:57:02.833-07:00Fishing with the Gators<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WwA2O_78SBnqTfJeBFfA7BWx_00WpXdroPKOl2ii5DnP0OmSdzVonEixAebj9b4_MZcNgh75nI78kUbdxXT6yH7F0Vu7hixG6ZHLwxivT1aYhU6smCjc2MiTxLG6oJjAAmIfvWjqm_tX/s1600/South+Carolina+2010+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WwA2O_78SBnqTfJeBFfA7BWx_00WpXdroPKOl2ii5DnP0OmSdzVonEixAebj9b4_MZcNgh75nI78kUbdxXT6yH7F0Vu7hixG6ZHLwxivT1aYhU6smCjc2MiTxLG6oJjAAmIfvWjqm_tX/s320/South+Carolina+2010+006.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were not sure what to make of Hilton Head Island but after a few days we seemed to get a hang of it and had a great vacation, <i>overall.</i> Other than us getting less sleep than at home due to us four sharing a room (I won't even go into how that happened) and Camren becoming carsick to and fro it was nice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I enjoyed riding bikes on the beach and elsewhere the most. But bike riding is too mundane for this adventuresome family. Andy's favorite was the alligators. Steve Irwin was reincarnated in my husband and it was a tad bit scary. Scarier still was that he thought we had little Bindi Irwin's in Conner and Camren. They were dangerously close (in my humble opinion) to 3-4 foot long alligators during their fishing excursions (which often garnered a crowd of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">incredulous</span> onlookers-- you'd think that would be a clue?).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaluAtm783YhOWafVaWkVKw3sD8L8FfXTp_BhBU9V4rnlcnMJ6WPRcSbDgl34zn8qadVq0cNnUvtkvvDRgEYF2CmzPu4GVAqWPLMWbOg95zxwCp7-Lh4_HUZ5MqPRdnGQbF5voaHv2Gdw/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaluAtm783YhOWafVaWkVKw3sD8L8FfXTp_BhBU9V4rnlcnMJ6WPRcSbDgl34zn8qadVq0cNnUvtkvvDRgEYF2CmzPu4GVAqWPLMWbOg95zxwCp7-Lh4_HUZ5MqPRdnGQbF5voaHv2Gdw/s320/IMG_1356.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C4kZrBeP_FnWTATE_C_NPmMGj_cj1EnDkdIFLqAscpXE27Ozksgpc8V_AG2YyKmwQDqrvDG3MgYkbxeOJTsbmPE1K2QTYMl2pramP654LvkwTe1wQjJ0Ny-spASiM2z8tcMy_USL6FDx/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C4kZrBeP_FnWTATE_C_NPmMGj_cj1EnDkdIFLqAscpXE27Ozksgpc8V_AG2YyKmwQDqrvDG3MgYkbxeOJTsbmPE1K2QTYMl2pramP654LvkwTe1wQjJ0Ny-spASiM2z8tcMy_USL6FDx/s320/IMG_1354.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note the proximity of my children to the bank...alligators are lurking below! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At least they have their bike helmets on...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-8989806804752674162010-05-31T04:36:00.000-07:002010-05-31T04:36:01.965-07:00Pacifier Withdrawl?Or something like that.<br />
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It's the only explanation I have for the insanity of the past 3 weeks. Separation anxiety, nap problems, bedtime problems, behavior problems. You name it. We're going through it. Hence why I've been up since 4:30 am on Memorial Day. I'm not going to talk about who's ultimate decision it was to take away the beloved "baby 'fier" as Camren affectionately called it except suffice it to say it wasn't ME. Although I'm sure that if he did still have it then he "would surely keep it until kindergarten." Not to mention that we are in the busiest work months where many days I'm a single mom. Or that he was already having a tinge of separation anxiety prior to the executive decision to terminate the baby (hmmm, maybe not a good time to do it, but hey what do I know?). Of course baby 'fier was already just a staple at naptime and bedtime so that seemed reasonable to me. And the pediatrician said he would give it up naturally but at a minimum we had discussed having some type of giving away ceremony. Or at least I thought we did. Maybe I dreamed it. Maybe it wouldn't have mattered. Maybe it's not the problem but since these issues are lingering on I'm sure looking for something to pin it on.<br />
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He only asked for it a few times after the initial termination. But even though he's not verbalizing it I'm thinking actions speak louder than words. Maybe I'm an enabler. Surely when he's older I won't be giving him alcohol or drugs to help him deal with his daily problems (No, I'll be buying them for me probably in the near future. Actually, that reminds me I haven't gotten that Lortab prescription filled from when I partially tore my Achilles last week in karate. And that's a whole other blog post). <br />
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Well, given the meaning of Memorial Day this is insignificant. This too shall pass. But when?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-89790982185780930952010-05-24T07:36:00.000-07:002010-05-24T07:36:44.396-07:00Karate KidI am now consumed with a new hobby - karate. I have been asked to do this for a while and since they now have a daytime class and I worked out babysitting I am now a student of the martial arts. Please don't ask me what kind as many have I just know that we wear gloves and protective foot gear (although I don't have any yet - ouch!) while hitting into mitts and pads of a partner and also this stationary pad thing that I call a reverse punching bag. At first I was a little anxious about the time and money involved but after a couple of weeks I am full on Karate Kid. I still don't know my interest level in rising up the belt system but it is a good workout and great for stress management. It's nice to have a new challenge mentally and physically. The mental part is an unfortunate reminder of my diminished brain capacity since having children. It has improved but I still don't feel like my old self. Of course my husband says the our children will be very smart because they each inherited half of my brain. This might make me a bit angry if I didn't somewhat agree. Something seriously happens postpartum. I'm hoping by the time they graduate high school I might be back in the game brain-wise! Of course there is a lady in my class with three kids and she seems to be sharp as a tack but I digress...<br />
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We had talked about our boys doing karate and since Conner is now five I figured it would be a great time to get him started. After a slow start (it takes him some time to warm up in new situations) he is now a white belt karate student too. Of course you get your white belt after one class but I sure was proud of him and appreciated the emphasis the instructor places on self confidence. I was doing all I could not too majorly weep during his first group class. He ended up doing three classes last week and can't wait to go back tomorrow. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU82bdV81sSk_F11YafocqR5mK7516NVpd-tua7U3UEaY_LfnB-XIn5brFtMcPJMHb2CGwu4iehq54JOkKA6jkY9k98v1LBPjv_uG-h21cIdmLCbNUrVpb4Z0uSzFsnohF8MLD_MEzVak/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU82bdV81sSk_F11YafocqR5mK7516NVpd-tua7U3UEaY_LfnB-XIn5brFtMcPJMHb2CGwu4iehq54JOkKA6jkY9k98v1LBPjv_uG-h21cIdmLCbNUrVpb4Z0uSzFsnohF8MLD_MEzVak/s320/IMG_1215.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZ6OouIZovJJBG2CR3sX7l5AFfyyMUE84KNx8bOt_g7RUuIOlXMyhQO89jGhK1LMWuHfM49MzrjyRGFO4oyEgDngkdtwvILph-fCaUcQ6F4Ijbzm-ORIHW-rAPCS2nFCAMBBKRvJP8pYs/s1600/IMG_1216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZ6OouIZovJJBG2CR3sX7l5AFfyyMUE84KNx8bOt_g7RUuIOlXMyhQO89jGhK1LMWuHfM49MzrjyRGFO4oyEgDngkdtwvILph-fCaUcQ6F4Ijbzm-ORIHW-rAPCS2nFCAMBBKRvJP8pYs/s320/IMG_1216.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other news, Wednesday is the last day of pre-school. We are gearing up for a busy summer with a trip to Hilton Head just around the corner and our summer work conference in Murfreesboro in July. I'm also hoping to make a trip to California sometime in July. It will be a short summer as kindergarten starts AUGUST 2. Wow....still can't quite get my head around that. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-3933056798009191362010-04-09T11:03:00.000-07:002010-04-09T11:03:57.024-07:00For All WomenThis is a moving piece I watched today.<br />
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The Invisible Woman<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0</a><br />
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Unfortunately You Tube suggested the 8 year old who still breast feeds and since I was mesmerized by that possibility I had to watch it. Very weird. I don't suggest you follow the first video (which is very uplifting) with the weirdness of the second one!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-62648473187169305112010-04-08T11:01:00.000-07:002010-04-08T11:01:47.125-07:00Easter 2010We went to Eggstravaganzoo (or something similarly spelled like that) this year for the first time. Had loads of fun with friends from church. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN-KLq2299OT_lmAMVheqAZkRregraAqXxg0iNyskfCv_54J30_yPkgkFPfwggPnO7R3o2V3mslI1Yqdf5vv7R5lGPeMV-vf9rBjeDP5isWovOUbWVqnPwvJ4F7UG-z1syB57XdCce3RO/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN-KLq2299OT_lmAMVheqAZkRregraAqXxg0iNyskfCv_54J30_yPkgkFPfwggPnO7R3o2V3mslI1Yqdf5vv7R5lGPeMV-vf9rBjeDP5isWovOUbWVqnPwvJ4F7UG-z1syB57XdCce3RO/s320/IMG_1057.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camren has the best cheeeeese!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbWkdGyYYPESCpVGQA38MSkQMGOZbJFWtY8ZlHOeM7nP0o_IlItzpvh5Hw_oZYkYsl5jrKgP7GXG3AIZMGobRBUbB4D8Wxr55H-S2KDxxoIXTVMdE024qsV9SjjWEpeD2nuEpIdDQqmie/s1600/IMG_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbWkdGyYYPESCpVGQA38MSkQMGOZbJFWtY8ZlHOeM7nP0o_IlItzpvh5Hw_oZYkYsl5jrKgP7GXG3AIZMGobRBUbB4D8Wxr55H-S2KDxxoIXTVMdE024qsV9SjjWEpeD2nuEpIdDQqmie/s320/IMG_1060.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He really cheeeesed every time he got an egg.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxnG5QrLa8ISF13Qtx966zOdAYIV8adNBe-Vql_CKLZXPuJG2bR8Wkn_GBuLDRYbuAPlyLXRb4gAwCFxhq-QFso9XFmzw7roFmYiTa_6XqPqd_aBXYUlzi0Q_MQ8GuZ05Lb0lS2tpsVe6/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxnG5QrLa8ISF13Qtx966zOdAYIV8adNBe-Vql_CKLZXPuJG2bR8Wkn_GBuLDRYbuAPlyLXRb4gAwCFxhq-QFso9XFmzw7roFmYiTa_6XqPqd_aBXYUlzi0Q_MQ8GuZ05Lb0lS2tpsVe6/s320/IMG_1085.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet Conner was patient while Camren hunted eggs first.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQnTgf_qpJ8WBG17-DYP3AW2z1QoKz_ZJiQ0R9HNxOJ_F3AXgbu_gcZ3h_cinai084jhfJSd9_jZQYK2K2F8r-_zNkmPE-dAmjwjjBjz2x8iu13GBIltZZbkliY0VphwUCgQXAa3GqYM7/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQnTgf_qpJ8WBG17-DYP3AW2z1QoKz_ZJiQ0R9HNxOJ_F3AXgbu_gcZ3h_cinai084jhfJSd9_jZQYK2K2F8r-_zNkmPE-dAmjwjjBjz2x8iu13GBIltZZbkliY0VphwUCgQXAa3GqYM7/s320/IMG_1107.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After church on Sunday...tired boys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the home front, the first showing last week was not interested in floor plan and no more showings yet. I'm hoping we'll get some activity this weekend as it's National Open House weekend and even though we're not having an open house all the people going by our house will want a showing anyway! Another successful Publix saving trip this week...not so much at Kroger but it's better and I have a well stocked pantry. The old me would not grocery shop for weeks now (except for milk, bread, fresh veggies/fruit) and just eat up what we have but I'll keep hunting deals each week and keep stocking up. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-89008631356869373042010-03-31T15:52:00.000-07:002010-03-31T15:52:42.817-07:00What did I write yesterday?So yesterday I was in pure bliss over being ready for a showing at <i>any</i> time and conquering the supermarket world with my store coupons, manufacturer coupons and buy one-get one free's. Well, here's how it all played out...<br />
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After I wrote the blog I was scheduled to babysit four kids from church plus my two kids. Even though some of their kids are a little older (ages 5-12) it was extremely exhausting. I also had Conner and Camren making Easter cards to send to out of town relatives (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">I hate </span>arts and crafts are not my thing as hard as I try) so by the time last night rolled around I hit the sack (after watching DWTS results show first, of course). As soon as I hit the pillow around 9:30 I hear "mommy, mommy, mommyyyyyy!'. After initial settling by Andy and then myself this routine continued on. For some reason Cam was really needed and would not be put down. This is very unusual at this age so I figured he's getting sick or at least think that's a good excuse to put him in our bed. He did sleep there albeit he woke up many times throughout the night crying and needed comfort. Very weird since he's fine today but sleep problems usually precede sickness for him so we'll have to wait and see. <br />
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Anyway, I was not a bundle of sunshine as usual this morning and we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">were 20 minutes late</span> barely made it to school on time. Plus since I got tired I had not done all my coupon prep so my plan of starting my day at Publix was altered. I did have serious work that had to be done today (payroll) so I rearranged my day and did work while Conner was at school and Cam <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">screamed</span> played on the deck and napped. He actually napped very early due to the terrible night of sleep and boy am I glad he did because about 1:45 I got a call that someone wanted to show the house from 2:30-3:30. How exciting, but wait I hadn't even made the bed today! Thankfully the babysitter arrived and we frantically got the house prepped and Cam woke up from his nap with about 2 minutes to spare. So I took the kids and babysitter to the park while I went to Publix. $89 worth of groceries for $39...not too bad but I've got a ways to go. Once I get some things stockpiled then I should really be able to save. All in all everything worked at well this today albeit not anyhow like I had planned. In the past this would've really bothered me but I just rolled with it.<br />
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Well time for makeup and change of clothes, then dinner, then bible study at church then I'll be ready to crash again. I better make my bed in the morning just in case but I'm praying the first showing will be our last. I know an offer is coming our way any minute. A girl can dream, right?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-77852526199756130082010-03-30T07:26:00.000-07:002010-03-30T07:34:20.150-07:00New House, Maybe? Save Money, Definitely!Well, as some of you know we've found another house that we really like so we made an offer and after about three counters finally settled on a deal. Of course we made it contingent upon the sale of our house which has been on the market exactly one week today. After the initial anxiety of how I might possibly be able to manage showing while maintaining two kids, two cats, one husband and one business I am at peace with it now. Even though we haven't had any showings yet so far I'm keeping the house within about 10-15 minutes of being "show ready". Of course when I do get our first showing call I will probably turn into a frantic crazy person but for now I feel good about it. I figured I've done harder things in my life plus when you really want something then you'll do what it takes to get it! The house we want has 15 acres (still in our area) with a barn, creek and lots of trees. I can really see my family of boys enjoying every minute of God's creation on this property.<br />
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My latest ambition is to become like one of these people who spend $25 for $100 worth of groceries. I've always been an avid couponer even before couponing was cool. Although my coupon skills/use have wanted some <i>after</i> having kids. I know this is the stage where most moms ramp up their money saving but I needed <i>sanity </i>saving. Convenience has ruled over frugality. Not to say that I totally waste money but I'm not as good as I once was. So in 2010 I've been working toward getting back to my more frugal self now that the kiddos are getting a little older and a little more self sufficient and I can actually clip the coupons, make a grocery list, plan meals, etc. on a regular basis <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">without feeling like I'm losing my mind</span>. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to match my friend Tracy who spends $40 a week for a family of four but I'm working in that direction.<br />
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So you'll notice some new blogs I'm following and I recommend that you check them out too just to get a few extra money saving tips for your family. Even if you don't go coupon crazy you can look at these and they've done some of the leg work for letting you know what stores have what on sale each week and what coupons you might be able to pair with it to get the most savings. <br />
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Of course one of the things that you have to consider is what type of food all these people are buying. One of the reasons I'm probably not going to the best at this game is due to the fact that I'm really trying to get us away from processed foods and make more organic choices. There are coupons for organic products out there (not as common though) and since I've been buying almond milk I've gotten some of those coupons from the register at Kroger. So basically while I try to balance more fresh foods, less eating out, clipping coupons, planning meals and saving money I'm just going to be happy with doing the best I can. <br />
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I also wanted to share with you all where I get my beef for my family. A friend of mine (and her husband) have a cattle farm in Springfield and they raise grass fed cows - no hormones, etc. They know everything about the cows they breed. I've been buying their beef for about 2 years or more now and in the past when I've ran out (I don't EVER run out anymore) Conner has called me out on it and said "Mommy is this Ms. Kathy's beef?" They have amazing ground beef, steaks, roasts and they even make dog treats. The link to their site is <a href="http://www.gourmetpasturebeef.com/">www.gourmetpasturebeef.com</a> I have a regular order that I get every month and she used to give a 10% discount for standing orders and sometimes she has coupons at <a href="http://www.robertsonchamber.org/">www.robertsonchamber.org</a> I figured after our latest book club read of <a href="http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/">Animal, Vegetable, Miracle</a> then some of you might be interested in more information of this locally available, organic beef.<br />
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I'm on my way to Kroger to get FREE Steamfresh veggies (frozen still works for me :-) that are on sale $10/10 this week (you don't have to buy 10 to get the price BTW) and pair it with my $0.50 off coupon that will be doubled. Now that's my kind of frozen broccoli!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-20112378084168969502010-03-15T09:12:00.000-07:002010-03-15T09:12:39.937-07:00Hotlanta!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8bDaNRjjvertYRUBlicFVk3MHqxaG9xkseKbU8iuTk5QK5Lfr3EHZBgI0xDZIudaqCIm579f6mvDjWyI_Ku03qDUFgi4QQ0kk8HODAD2jCsX0XBofn6i_e2DDGqXLKgPn4J-k4_cAPPt/s1600-h/IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8bDaNRjjvertYRUBlicFVk3MHqxaG9xkseKbU8iuTk5QK5Lfr3EHZBgI0xDZIudaqCIm579f6mvDjWyI_Ku03qDUFgi4QQ0kk8HODAD2jCsX0XBofn6i_e2DDGqXLKgPn4J-k4_cAPPt/s200/IMG_0977.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>This weekend I took a spontaneous, planned trip. OK, I know that might sound contradictory but the trip was planned for a couple of weekends from now but with shifting schedules the trip had to happen this weekend. So on Friday night I said...mommy's going on a trip tomorrow! Short notice for the boys but it was maybe even better that way. As far as the home front, everything went great while I was gone for 36+/- hours. It was so sweet to come home to Conner last night saying "I missed you so much, more than anything, ever, I love you" over and over. Wow! Here's some pics that daddy sent of the boys being sweet while I was gone.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatNTA45pRnN7MOzdpDnrGNmXce3GhUV3Xftw0g_Fjeuf0NkKoRRszn7XwjkVv3wNZTRm3lGIWFv6vS6u9fran9d-IK-mLKMPFmAiid1XxyNDTboZP8ckbNVgzKmmLHxrxlNdNh5a9GGKT/s1600-h/IMG_0982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatNTA45pRnN7MOzdpDnrGNmXce3GhUV3Xftw0g_Fjeuf0NkKoRRszn7XwjkVv3wNZTRm3lGIWFv6vS6u9fran9d-IK-mLKMPFmAiid1XxyNDTboZP8ckbNVgzKmmLHxrxlNdNh5a9GGKT/s200/IMG_0982.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
OK, the trip itself was in celebration of my dear friend Angela's #? birthday :-) It was also really just a time for us to be gone overnight without the wee ones and to get a decent night's sleep (mainly for her since her wee one is still a baby) and to enjoy some good food, shopping and down time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCsDRdetATQMrYvqFiZBqWntM7an4Xl6Aqj38-HDXJLOI99AvVrsVZGkCpm_SAtUYM-OQWbIvzCk71iG4xFP_DmRXiTDWzS5Mfg1gHTBV52rHEE3Fw1qcxu_Qc1QLziDSA91J7sNhB9QJ/s1600-h/IMG_0978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCsDRdetATQMrYvqFiZBqWntM7an4Xl6Aqj38-HDXJLOI99AvVrsVZGkCpm_SAtUYM-OQWbIvzCk71iG4xFP_DmRXiTDWzS5Mfg1gHTBV52rHEE3Fw1qcxu_Qc1QLziDSA91J7sNhB9QJ/s200/IMG_0978.JPG" width="200" /></a>There were some elements of the trip that maybe showed our age and responsibilities (like having to stop shopping to pump milk and icing my bum knee in between excursions). Otherwise it was totally freeing and nice just to go and plan what we were going to do on the way down. I'm a major planner and usually have an itinerary in place <i>anytime</i> I travel but at the least I have a room booked but the late planning didn't allow for that. I was too tired Friday night to even look on the internet so thankfully my macbook and Sprint mobile broadband card proved useful for something other than working while driving. The drive went super fast with us talking the whole way and looking up hotels, spa treatments and shopping. Really - what did we ever do before all this mobile technology? And in case I didn't want to use the computer, I had my iphone and GPS and sometimes we had all three going at the same time (sad to say, I know). <br />
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Angela got to reflect about the last time she was in Atlanta she could barely afford to eat and stay in a hotel. What a difference a few years make? I'll let her expand on that in her blog is she chooses. But really, time does change things and I in particular don't feel so guilty about going shopping or spending money on a spa treatment like I did when I was younger. I guess it helps when you can afford it a little easier but you also have to give yourself permission to just enjoy it even when you can afford it.<br />
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Back to the trip, we enjoyed a nice stay at a boutique hotel - <a href="http://www.ellishotel.com/">The Ellis</a> thanks to a great deal on Orbitz.com. This hotel is certified green which also meant that they had a great restaurant with fresh, organic, locally grown food. Yummy! We ending up eating dinner and breakfast there since it was so good (and convenient). We took a trip (well actually) three trips to H&M at Atlantic Station. Ladies, if you've never been to H&M then you must go when you're in the area. I've been to their store in San Francisco and Las Vegas but this was Angela's first foray to H&M. She's now an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">addict</span> avid shopper of H&M. I believe I heard the phrase "these jeans rock" once or twice :-)<br />
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We also had some great spa time at the <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/atlmq-atlanta-marriott-marquis/">Marriott - Marquis Atlanta</a>. I literally gave my therapist a hug at the end of my session and told her if I lived in Atlanta I'd want her to live with me too. She actually specializes in sports medicine and trigger therapy which was just what I needed with my knee/leg problems. It feels much better today and I hope that it has me on the way to recovery without a doctor's visit.<br />
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The funniest part of the trip was probably on the way back when Angela was traveling 80-90 mph to get home vs. the 70-80 mph on the way to Atlanta. The night away was great but mommy was ready to get home to her baby and I was too (although preferably between 70-80 mph :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-4362449993919319542010-03-02T13:01:00.000-08:002010-03-02T13:01:59.056-08:00I have a five year old!It's been a whirlwind last few days trying to make Conner's 5th birthday a memorable one. Donna flew in on Friday to help with Saturday's party. We hosted 30-40 people at the house Saturday afternoon with the downstairs and garage set up with several games for the kids (and adults) to play. I even included face painting and crafts so I felt like we had our own mini-carnival. Melanie made an awesome train cake for Conner (complete with American flag per his request). On Sunday we went to The Spaghetti Factory and to see Playhouse Disney Live! which was a totally last minute indulgence (by Mommy) for Conner. Thanks to Angie and Hank for joining us even though Hank was scared to death. Yesterday, on his actual birthday the whole family including Donna surprised Conner at preschool during lunchtime and we went to Cracker Barrel for dinner (side salad w/ranch dressing and fried okra, being his favorite). Tonight we'll round out the birthday experience with a night downtown at SATCO and hockey. Go Preds!<br />
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There have been <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">numerous</span> a few blog worthy stories to write about in the last week or so but <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">having the</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">brain capacity to remember them all</span> time has been limited to sit at the computer for anything more than <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">reading people.com</span> work lately. And yes, Kim, I love the strike through feature as well!<br />
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On the trolley car at The Spaghetti Factory<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5mgWrZFNjegPKjIBt41ucl6_51UZJNLXJxKm_lATr_mTgzpYXPulr7Y9d9oFBiwtSANKvvlqZ7drSD1Sn8tELL2RthTBDKKqoWuR02wO6VYlW_q-GyZTdcjKqjN7lg7lTpUCVWGx-D8O/s1600-h/DSC03681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5mgWrZFNjegPKjIBt41ucl6_51UZJNLXJxKm_lATr_mTgzpYXPulr7Y9d9oFBiwtSANKvvlqZ7drSD1Sn8tELL2RthTBDKKqoWuR02wO6VYlW_q-GyZTdcjKqjN7lg7lTpUCVWGx-D8O/s320/DSC03681.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5mgWrZFNjegPKjIBt41ucl6_51UZJNLXJxKm_lATr_mTgzpYXPulr7Y9d9oFBiwtSANKvvlqZ7drSD1Sn8tELL2RthTBDKKqoWuR02wO6VYlW_q-GyZTdcjKqjN7lg7lTpUCVWGx-D8O/s1600-h/DSC03681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Cool train cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRbp9cd-1hIlUYsFDAfB2TyoyfdYNeBeSqJIpPsa3kinnRnsmlBrsQ4NRFP6_L51Eq4Y-NkfLyO2vsTmz_S5Gtq1_XtGYE0J40uYYpqkk6mv1nTXw10A28azdmTfJOoYEyciq_xgg1XS4/s1600-h/DSC03611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRbp9cd-1hIlUYsFDAfB2TyoyfdYNeBeSqJIpPsa3kinnRnsmlBrsQ4NRFP6_L51Eq4Y-NkfLyO2vsTmz_S5Gtq1_XtGYE0J40uYYpqkk6mv1nTXw10A28azdmTfJOoYEyciq_xgg1XS4/s320/DSC03611.JPG" /></a> by Aunt Mel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEBHNiF9BYw9TSZ0l37kzH9glCWi6D5ua_Lg3miIsBvLUc2RX4IuEArMcKhxRRpCC1n2iUJ3SvcJ8kiAqn8c31N5UW-XzoVQkYkRmjT_A8maGwhDkOCdE2LIu2G1L0HSCrL846pwC422u/s1600-h/DSC03609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEBHNiF9BYw9TSZ0l37kzH9glCWi6D5ua_Lg3miIsBvLUc2RX4IuEArMcKhxRRpCC1n2iUJ3SvcJ8kiAqn8c31N5UW-XzoVQkYkRmjT_A8maGwhDkOCdE2LIu2G1L0HSCrL846pwC422u/s320/DSC03609.JPG" /></a> not really digging taking picture pre-party</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJETfZ2zW7NErbwEhl2XxaAFOtvLS0CKoYTgsEro_pm1MzBqGP5H5NYpJhYvCxKFJJB7HohOiPqFecIMnFWHuVOLcqTi6WESzs6xBq8dhZSEhC5O1tuKK3clKd69MdrdCLLACwuARr1LK1/s1600-h/DSC03664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJETfZ2zW7NErbwEhl2XxaAFOtvLS0CKoYTgsEro_pm1MzBqGP5H5NYpJhYvCxKFJJB7HohOiPqFecIMnFWHuVOLcqTi6WESzs6xBq8dhZSEhC5O1tuKK3clKd69MdrdCLLACwuARr1LK1/s320/DSC03664.JPG" /></a>enjoying the yummy cake - yes, that's a conductor's hat I'm wearing for my boy's party!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052521594054251795.post-88365605516060143592010-01-26T09:33:00.000-08:002010-01-26T09:33:43.758-08:00When's the next flight outta here?<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span>My husband is going on a business trip next week 3 days/2 nights. While I will relish some alone time to do endless reading, watch Lifetime and eating endless popcorn, the 12+ hours day shift with the children each day will be exhausting until I can plop in the bed and do NOTHING. Don't get me wrong, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">tolerate </span>enjoy every moment of every day with my wee ones - even while listening to Kidz Bop over and over and over and over. (I'm still waiting for someone to 'fess up to giving us that CD.) But imagine if I had a business trip to go on - all by myself. The thought! We've taken a few (very few) trips without the boys and yes, I know what you're thinking, it's your own fault for not taking more. But the truth is I don't really want to be without them all that often save for my weekly Pilates <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">indulgence</span> necessity and mommies night out ever now and then. However sometimes I'm at a point where I am mentally, physically, whatever you want to call it exhausted and could just use a break. So imagine if I said hey honey, next week I've got a mommy conference in Costa Rica (a girl can dream!) and I'll only be gone 3 days. Anyway, not complaining just thinking out loud. The possibilities... <br />
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If only I had read about this in the Mommy Manual, oh wait, that's right, there's no handbook for this journey. That's a real shame 'cause I sure like to read directions. Just ask my husband.<br />
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On the home front, we've had some very important business of listening to the new cats Riley and Snickers this morning to make sure they are still breathing. I was pretty sure they still were since they were running at a pretty brisk pace before we finally captured them for their exam. Here's a picture of the fun. Thanks to step-grandma Shirley for the first aid kit. The cats are especially enjoying it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRqB8eT-uDlDAUjAAwgQaToIHn1YP0XCf2DCpbxSKT5_LlJtCqTIrkGdKb16_we0C0QaLUtesynIybyysFUyy2odX-v2XFSwvTPpc9seMrdP2cHIkobv4TI9MwyQQEom5IUzhVEXZCIPN/s1600-h/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRqB8eT-uDlDAUjAAwgQaToIHn1YP0XCf2DCpbxSKT5_LlJtCqTIrkGdKb16_we0C0QaLUtesynIybyysFUyy2odX-v2XFSwvTPpc9seMrdP2cHIkobv4TI9MwyQQEom5IUzhVEXZCIPN/s320/photo.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRqB8eT-uDlDAUjAAwgQaToIHn1YP0XCf2DCpbxSKT5_LlJtCqTIrkGdKb16_we0C0QaLUtesynIybyysFUyy2odX-v2XFSwvTPpc9seMrdP2cHIkobv4TI9MwyQQEom5IUzhVEXZCIPN/s1600-h/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRqB8eT-uDlDAUjAAwgQaToIHn1YP0XCf2DCpbxSKT5_LlJtCqTIrkGdKb16_we0C0QaLUtesynIybyysFUyy2odX-v2XFSwvTPpc9seMrdP2cHIkobv4TI9MwyQQEom5IUzhVEXZCIPN/s1600-h/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRqB8eT-uDlDAUjAAwgQaToIHn1YP0XCf2DCpbxSKT5_LlJtCqTIrkGdKb16_we0C0QaLUtesynIybyysFUyy2odX-v2XFSwvTPpc9seMrdP2cHIkobv4TI9MwyQQEom5IUzhVEXZCIPN/s1600-h/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a>I just got a glimpse of the cats and it appears they have band-aids on them. Well, of course they do says Conner, they just got their shots. But now we need more band-aids for more shots. Mommy the old band-aids have a lot of hair on them. Really? I can't imagine.<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1