tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21018118576714511692024-03-14T01:52:35.329-07:00Our Family, Our StoryAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.comBlogger451125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-34607598893544298522012-03-08T17:58:00.000-08:002012-03-08T17:58:08.761-08:00afternoon at the farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Look at the cuteness Kobi brought home from school for a long weekend!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX8i4LElJDPG47siyWcmI5pfvb_Jof1WtAYFjDyUMkLelJX4dYgYSkCqMnzri-3W64t51ynZZ91HZHTlw54x6QC1Mq4j3CNebx-WyQg8loMt_aosBLp__Bf0zi00wYoeuJ6wob3sizTgy/s1600/IMG_3714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX8i4LElJDPG47siyWcmI5pfvb_Jof1WtAYFjDyUMkLelJX4dYgYSkCqMnzri-3W64t51ynZZ91HZHTlw54x6QC1Mq4j3CNebx-WyQg8loMt_aosBLp__Bf0zi00wYoeuJ6wob3sizTgy/s640/IMG_3714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I am all over this kind of project for the kids. They are so thrilled and it keeps them super busy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbT77vYyVlEslyl84a3VyZOONP9PPtSmUwObMeU0WYvHoMQiIDq-O6xH3XLdeaLc2Klqx11T7VOI0ci-7NsMJ-Ip_DGcdunTVc5EHNcNvrrbS4kL-oTN4zhFBcwVV4o7F5RHXbDgizwmB/s1600/IMG_3712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbT77vYyVlEslyl84a3VyZOONP9PPtSmUwObMeU0WYvHoMQiIDq-O6xH3XLdeaLc2Klqx11T7VOI0ci-7NsMJ-Ip_DGcdunTVc5EHNcNvrrbS4kL-oTN4zhFBcwVV4o7F5RHXbDgizwmB/s640/IMG_3712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The giggles are priceless<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH289eiGiHn_B3QRCEl1OIZkPaLxf0sgiPPfHfu_OZvGQ7zPa3QGr-mNSyhfpiePa-3C-kGK1-PNplZRMk8iF8obUsrZVKxf5q4TJo4DsdFhmYPBXI48eYoWwZSgCIpB-gryCGeg96sh82/s1600/IMG_3711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH289eiGiHn_B3QRCEl1OIZkPaLxf0sgiPPfHfu_OZvGQ7zPa3QGr-mNSyhfpiePa-3C-kGK1-PNplZRMk8iF8obUsrZVKxf5q4TJo4DsdFhmYPBXI48eYoWwZSgCIpB-gryCGeg96sh82/s640/IMG_3711.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I have a suspicion that the Easter bunny may be bringing them their very own spring chicks... Shhhhh! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdNM3QQjIcXlFzAlEh4fbtFk1USmQB2tqA-3AobDlMMamjXymZ6jIDziRAt2df_bt4eqzBr3PF5pUfFMjhSCzrAvPR6hjpxPTvmI0GGpUpAQadq4fkJF-CnMo0dblngBvnwu3iR5DYNjk/s1600/IMG_3710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdNM3QQjIcXlFzAlEh4fbtFk1USmQB2tqA-3AobDlMMamjXymZ6jIDziRAt2df_bt4eqzBr3PF5pUfFMjhSCzrAvPR6hjpxPTvmI0GGpUpAQadq4fkJF-CnMo0dblngBvnwu3iR5DYNjk/s640/IMG_3710.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This vet came by today to check out the horses and he had to "float" this guys teeth. If you are scared of the sound of a dentist drill you wouldn't want to witness this process. How cool is it that the vet let Ty "help". He was all.over.it!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfayMTS7Hpvf79FSYvaqCMyAeYPWNxtNVlJHwTZUG_E0hAtE5X1ErzeIlIbgfuIphx6rS22i5RLSt-I8GGAQeq31Gkt748nbcygEQhce9bo9gGbQDlA7T-x6gY7Kn-nuAkJPd92mv1gTzG/s1600/IMG_3692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfayMTS7Hpvf79FSYvaqCMyAeYPWNxtNVlJHwTZUG_E0hAtE5X1ErzeIlIbgfuIphx6rS22i5RLSt-I8GGAQeq31Gkt748nbcygEQhce9bo9gGbQDlA7T-x6gY7Kn-nuAkJPd92mv1gTzG/s640/IMG_3692.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
Then when I wasn't paying attention the vet wrapped up the boys arms... told them they were broken and they couldn't go to school for 6 weeks. It made their day. What a great guy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaznhlihH-wfXbzpd1mkoPnbH1fpBsbxTYIg5A9411Q6cT14hDHOGPSI56-ZxeF4qKWHUKEjmU5_DJyLre71UGqbrUIuQ0t80Rbw82ySOhyphenhyphen9WyEtlit_GT42NktdG9DICzrR2zsb_Syrxg/s1600/IMG_3703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaznhlihH-wfXbzpd1mkoPnbH1fpBsbxTYIg5A9411Q6cT14hDHOGPSI56-ZxeF4qKWHUKEjmU5_DJyLre71UGqbrUIuQ0t80Rbw82ySOhyphenhyphen9WyEtlit_GT42NktdG9DICzrR2zsb_Syrxg/s640/IMG_3703.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Kobi is back in the saddle after her scare and concussion last week. It took her a couple rides before her confidence was back but she is running and jumping her Grandpa's horse for now. She loves this guy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTmR7EQlKV1kl7Nc1Rx0ugfv3d4S4rAmOIsNpM6S_VtlUYOfpjO0nzIocnu9pUpMC4Ji3lyOddy3UkM1_RmR9GjjdZawJZCXqXHjsoye6Djc6BJMYGPhkbvXAL792MqhsFwYuxxFYWfzp/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTmR7EQlKV1kl7Nc1Rx0ugfv3d4S4rAmOIsNpM6S_VtlUYOfpjO0nzIocnu9pUpMC4Ji3lyOddy3UkM1_RmR9GjjdZawJZCXqXHjsoye6Djc6BJMYGPhkbvXAL792MqhsFwYuxxFYWfzp/s640/IMG_3647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have so much fun spending the afternoons at our grandparents farm. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrS-9o9PDWBD9OQXta2catAzUoY4P43lPbDCckyO_yCDM9r9tAeTPUqhMqqANBb1nm_9lemAC4voUlC1g99MMCs9dwuOYPBIj4_cqTcJHfluLIvfqiKs9VHkQpoOEKZEMKp0lpla91yBZS/s1600/IMG_3704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrS-9o9PDWBD9OQXta2catAzUoY4P43lPbDCckyO_yCDM9r9tAeTPUqhMqqANBb1nm_9lemAC4voUlC1g99MMCs9dwuOYPBIj4_cqTcJHfluLIvfqiKs9VHkQpoOEKZEMKp0lpla91yBZS/s640/IMG_3704.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This one here is going to be the biggest animal lover of them all. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSkhHxttQioclczwDCIU-ZFw31zzgVTfEpHFxWSfpYxPaovJR0GwSWFH1xlwqcqMX0fnfx8efSjsxJ2n7bMznV0O-MQIVvPQd-gSFFxeYVeDgULRpDoM9qWaX4bnzTdC3jEZ9B7_2egjf/s1600/IMG_3694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSkhHxttQioclczwDCIU-ZFw31zzgVTfEpHFxWSfpYxPaovJR0GwSWFH1xlwqcqMX0fnfx8efSjsxJ2n7bMznV0O-MQIVvPQd-gSFFxeYVeDgULRpDoM9qWaX4bnzTdC3jEZ9B7_2egjf/s640/IMG_3694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
She is actually starting to like the outdoors. FINALLY!!!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN0jPnO9PfyuV2QTLsmI2_i3gi7XANRxz-ytjdwh8GTvebTnjCJvPq0L23r9YTcRQDnJn4_ZSL2T8Cm7qFY_SznKw99bUtJQ-YeW8fQfrnr9FMcC1DSzKpyOoqauT0a2cMYgsFgFw5Wm6/s1600/IMG_3709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN0jPnO9PfyuV2QTLsmI2_i3gi7XANRxz-ytjdwh8GTvebTnjCJvPq0L23r9YTcRQDnJn4_ZSL2T8Cm7qFY_SznKw99bUtJQ-YeW8fQfrnr9FMcC1DSzKpyOoqauT0a2cMYgsFgFw5Wm6/s640/IMG_3709.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
barefoot chubby baby toes....nothing. cuter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-kHXdCBkhRe0pe7WgPhNUPYKCB-Cmqa5Vb-DqAsf5DdoVLBMdPOh-buBYZsibUnTfWgwEktNqqwgme0wfgR367skwNJcc2NmcetTQl3ehSqy7YO8e0H_aTW1gSmjehQ58gqk89_9d7o8/s1600/IMG_3708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-kHXdCBkhRe0pe7WgPhNUPYKCB-Cmqa5Vb-DqAsf5DdoVLBMdPOh-buBYZsibUnTfWgwEktNqqwgme0wfgR367skwNJcc2NmcetTQl3ehSqy7YO8e0H_aTW1gSmjehQ58gqk89_9d7o8/s640/IMG_3708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com110tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-6434818589484350652012-03-02T13:21:00.002-08:002012-03-02T13:21:30.955-08:00Ramblings from Crazytown...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Have any of you read those blogs where the Mommy writers seem to have it all together? You know they have a big family, beautiful home, they volunteer, make projects with their kids, take beautiful pictures, their kids are perfect and always look like gap models, they cook beautiful meals 3 times a day 7 days a week, have a job they actually get paid for doing, have amazing spouses with gads of time for date night and romance all while taking pictures and blogging about it. This is not that blog! Sure I have my shining moments, and some of them have been caught in pictures and posted proudly on this blog...but that is what it is...moments, the ones we will hopefully savor but small moments. Most of the time this Mama of 6 gig is ugly and hard and exhausting and chaotic. I have easy kids and difficult kids. I looose my patience, way more than I would like to admit. I question why God placed adoption on our hearts in such a big way because I am so not the kind of girl that should be responsible for so many little people. I try to channel my inner Michelle Duggar, but I cannot seem to find her. I have kids that struggle because of things they faced in their first years and as much as I understand I also get frustrated by it all. But these little people also crack me up into belly laughter and make me beam from the inside out. </span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
We did decide to put our house on the market and holy heck has that been a roller coaster of drama. We will see how it all turns out. It is so up in the air right now, and honestly I am okay with whatever happens. My worst case scenario is I get to stay in a house that I love, so I need to gain a little perspective and keep praying that God will open the door that is best for our family ( quickly please Jesus, cause I can't take the living in limbo). My house feels a little violated at the moment from all of the strangers poking and prodding it. Gives me the creepers. It is soooo fun to keep your house perfectly together with a bunch of little kids running around. No stress here. I will keep you all posted. IF we move, we will move closer to the horses, and if we stay we will just be a few miles away and I am so fine with that too. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Speaking of horses, we went to go see one the other day and my baby girl ended up getting bucked off and into the Emergency room with a concussion. So Scary!!!!! She is doing better now and can ride this weekend, hopefully that dang horse didn't shake her confidence. I'm still also hoping and praying to find the perfect(ish) pony. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
And then my photo library went missing and I think my computer is about to have a coronary. I haven't had time to pretend I know what I'm doing enough to try to figure it out. Hence the post with my common rambling but no photos...</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Have I ever told you that when I grow up I want to be a hippie? I vow here and now that at some point in my life I will have full on dreadlocks. If it was at all socially acceptable I would have them now. I have the perfect hair for it,, the girl at super cuts told me so, and no I didn't ask her opinion, she just told me. Has anyone ever told you that? And if they did would you take it as a compliment? </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
I have also signed up for gardening classes next week and I couldn't be more excited, I am so high maintenance! </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
I fantasize about having an indie hippie airstream trailer and I beg my husband to buy me one way too often, some girls want diamonds and some girls want huge run down pieces of aluminum to fix up. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Our little crew makes such a scene no matter where we go, seriously a simple dinner out and we get lots of comments and looks,,,, could you imagine me rolling in with my dreads, my Birkenstocks, and a few tattoos,,, holy geez... someday though, I've already warned my kids that I'm going to be a hippie grandma. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
So there you go...my chattering away here is proof that I don't have it all together...not even close. i'm all over the place today, but now I feel cleansed of all my crazy :) thanks for listening :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-67453408157544848012012-02-13T11:32:00.000-08:002012-02-13T11:32:38.479-08:00OUR HOUSE TOUR and Thinking about Selling...Ok y'all. I think I may get ill, or need to be medicated for this one... We are contemplating selling our house. I love our house. I have poured my heart and soul into this place for the last couple years...but we are tossing around the idea... I don't mind moving so much... I love change... the thought of going through the selling process makes me break out in hives... We have sold 2 houses before and they were both nothing short of miracles. We have never had to have a realtor or list a house or even really show our house. If we do decide to list it, I will no doubt need pharmaceutical intervention to be able to deal with having a house "show ready" all day every day for months with strangers traipsing through my space. Please pray for my sanity :) I figured I would go ahead and give you a little tour of our digs...I know I'm nosy enough and would love to see all of your spaces too :) Here is the house when there are actually leaves on the trees...oh I can't wait for warm weather. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdMEVNCl4GyXqn7PdP88BmVw_spFwf_M5c8FVy3fe6U3GLgr0XLLsCiLC1Ps70SzWa_NR0zHgetmMGn0fAc-ImAB-9tuS6FxgrX0ag1O7ISg0kcTk0SgMvvgesKnRplQ3HxfL78fKxPGp/s1600/IMG_8117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdMEVNCl4GyXqn7PdP88BmVw_spFwf_M5c8FVy3fe6U3GLgr0XLLsCiLC1Ps70SzWa_NR0zHgetmMGn0fAc-ImAB-9tuS6FxgrX0ag1O7ISg0kcTk0SgMvvgesKnRplQ3HxfL78fKxPGp/s640/IMG_8117.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is our living room, where we spend 98.9 % off all of our time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY40L5g1uVs0s-O-DOsE2hvBOi-Of2VqSO2yejSuCdDuMcjvR_pjvFnBesOUzLOcfXK-ujNswnHy9sRV2MlMlixT7JqU-7OOJkRpd6FGd4fNKDNof9D2oVj-o3sIwA23xhIpgr_4-3ScWe/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY40L5g1uVs0s-O-DOsE2hvBOi-Of2VqSO2yejSuCdDuMcjvR_pjvFnBesOUzLOcfXK-ujNswnHy9sRV2MlMlixT7JqU-7OOJkRpd6FGd4fNKDNof9D2oVj-o3sIwA23xhIpgr_4-3ScWe/s640/IMG_2611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
white couches...yes, you can bleach the slip covers. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdYhYn_xZuErNlOVoykHe5OTGofncIkOk7WLIi44p7c8nQeMdI8yv5Bf1SP8VY57ejPtXlaAhfO8vIPZ1aDLGBpoeHJ9tK2r_lk7q7AGyNHlhiq45kwmVIufrB0DIcUuFCnKj6RKfXp8M/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdYhYn_xZuErNlOVoykHe5OTGofncIkOk7WLIi44p7c8nQeMdI8yv5Bf1SP8VY57ejPtXlaAhfO8vIPZ1aDLGBpoeHJ9tK2r_lk7q7AGyNHlhiq45kwmVIufrB0DIcUuFCnKj6RKfXp8M/s640/IMG_2605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
the opposite angle of the living room<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuG1LGxkbctNYMk7Iao3qqZ62zSnpMrX2jhYzpZbwM7hEKodKplrYZc556wBjPz0rCqT-zslcPEM9fP7GZUDrpRn5tC0Qp8_0YSpNrNLaMGKXubHsDsXOoEd-iJWLC3pSGMI8DuchXdF0r/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuG1LGxkbctNYMk7Iao3qqZ62zSnpMrX2jhYzpZbwM7hEKodKplrYZc556wBjPz0rCqT-zslcPEM9fP7GZUDrpRn5tC0Qp8_0YSpNrNLaMGKXubHsDsXOoEd-iJWLC3pSGMI8DuchXdF0r/s640/IMG_2609.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
The kitchen... really it is the kitchen...I figured that would be a hard one to figure out..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc5KSA0x8lfec5qYKlTKQw14hTCkp0hrX_CCwMue1T3IzZMJNZ8lDptT5cLDTDUuo1Ce3vOSXULkcZk4Sr0kmMho-0Veqd-BbehpiJ16GhuKoZKO16KVamTRkY2YXxC-4dbeJD0BWjz4O/s1600/IMG_2614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc5KSA0x8lfec5qYKlTKQw14hTCkp0hrX_CCwMue1T3IzZMJNZ8lDptT5cLDTDUuo1Ce3vOSXULkcZk4Sr0kmMho-0Veqd-BbehpiJ16GhuKoZKO16KVamTRkY2YXxC-4dbeJD0BWjz4O/s640/IMG_2614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bxCrVHclwQhEOqyZ37n9l_yK4SiJK0dxSfjrA_Clcjfau-9RjM-fJveGzpABGGcRuZFPMQ2Gn18h3IYk7CXKT1M3myR848-Nt0xndxpaQZbGpws_0cdUWgRvhWj5rrRms6nh1NDYu_EW/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bxCrVHclwQhEOqyZ37n9l_yK4SiJK0dxSfjrA_Clcjfau-9RjM-fJveGzpABGGcRuZFPMQ2Gn18h3IYk7CXKT1M3myR848-Nt0xndxpaQZbGpws_0cdUWgRvhWj5rrRms6nh1NDYu_EW/s640/IMG_2615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I love my funky light...I made it and I love it.... but I think I may need to put up the old normal people chandelier if we decide to sell, thoughts???<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WNooM_jSSbyaCYQJdlptjIZYWcpbac9Jk9HVJSSjiJD9eQ4ywh8DwEy7a0YIYiT8JfBZVbHYCKRcGugRKdxQaLiQ7G9b-IWrW5BTzIGb1EN1SfARbd7I4BsB4ztQj3ouOhIAuQy_Dljm/s1600/IMG_2620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WNooM_jSSbyaCYQJdlptjIZYWcpbac9Jk9HVJSSjiJD9eQ4ywh8DwEy7a0YIYiT8JfBZVbHYCKRcGugRKdxQaLiQ7G9b-IWrW5BTzIGb1EN1SfARbd7I4BsB4ztQj3ouOhIAuQy_Dljm/s640/IMG_2620.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
dining room<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1Ky58yYUmJcXOseuxyBGzXXy4JhwzUDIy7SjG5GSK-UTGu5UIoPcHNBEeNFNFG5tVyUcc1rJH0HkMTZLCYamWPdIQ2yAsRoXGtc86dw_mBGoqJzfNw0JeAuCIGtEdtYkw1PUpi8pB0lm/s1600/IMG_2622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1Ky58yYUmJcXOseuxyBGzXXy4JhwzUDIy7SjG5GSK-UTGu5UIoPcHNBEeNFNFG5tVyUcc1rJH0HkMTZLCYamWPdIQ2yAsRoXGtc86dw_mBGoqJzfNw0JeAuCIGtEdtYkw1PUpi8pB0lm/s640/IMG_2622.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
the foyer<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eXc7RRTel2HQ6fEeDz_SMhTDnR0F3AQOvc9n3MoZyE6vOIYk7m_vqqgcozxKsDXUeF4D7dZGvEArBHi7-eV37e2VGV2HtFrl-4lAd7Ful1ysReqe5UrkindwCx0ql_Fk-PPCpl5JTlZM/s1600/IMG_2625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eXc7RRTel2HQ6fEeDz_SMhTDnR0F3AQOvc9n3MoZyE6vOIYk7m_vqqgcozxKsDXUeF4D7dZGvEArBHi7-eV37e2VGV2HtFrl-4lAd7Ful1ysReqe5UrkindwCx0ql_Fk-PPCpl5JTlZM/s640/IMG_2625.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
this is the kids TV room/ craft room<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr8KueuiLqvsSL-V6vkBkVPQ6Spz9Kt29wNb_7rptU5xrOKUQpAfYJ_7Os7O0wUS9J78boKLPP9oZXiPg3nuDIE2oBEUy-miKO1uUXFNho4VFodGsnstf99mS3UZ-JznahRDohkJRs9_L/s1600/IMG_2630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr8KueuiLqvsSL-V6vkBkVPQ6Spz9Kt29wNb_7rptU5xrOKUQpAfYJ_7Os7O0wUS9J78boKLPP9oZXiPg3nuDIE2oBEUy-miKO1uUXFNho4VFodGsnstf99mS3UZ-JznahRDohkJRs9_L/s640/IMG_2630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
this is my Mommy only space in my bedroom... My personal favorite hide out :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPYBhpKOvzvdmoh6Jcl6DKIjstNsnzsw9fd7NTmuiVo2irhu9jHhNL-Ww3_Ph3dhIPf1_e1LmbNePrYNPditw0l3pGYMSSwkFlveW_RE9sGaHJCAEGUGXs-Xhr0GAJmqxXxkdt7ysaVTv/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPYBhpKOvzvdmoh6Jcl6DKIjstNsnzsw9fd7NTmuiVo2irhu9jHhNL-Ww3_Ph3dhIPf1_e1LmbNePrYNPditw0l3pGYMSSwkFlveW_RE9sGaHJCAEGUGXs-Xhr0GAJmqxXxkdt7ysaVTv/s640/IMG_2645.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
the Master bedroom. Our "head board" is sentimental to us. Our very first house was a Mexican hacienda type house in South Florida and these gates were in the living room. Not very practical with little kids but now they are pretty symbolic of how far we have come together :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzjYvDZDZ6ALkkPfiZSEnKsEKotOi4cwp0ai0po9WHyEoCvMeWlASY1pZ91Ngt76c-gEbK4-klRlkiql5MuXJlwWZsuKQ3yXVL7UcdEWjYAzUwGFtVM4CicDVlYBbsoSWhrfBtKjGdRVL/s1600/IMG_2650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzjYvDZDZ6ALkkPfiZSEnKsEKotOi4cwp0ai0po9WHyEoCvMeWlASY1pZ91Ngt76c-gEbK4-klRlkiql5MuXJlwWZsuKQ3yXVL7UcdEWjYAzUwGFtVM4CicDVlYBbsoSWhrfBtKjGdRVL/s640/IMG_2650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Kobi's room<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGXX3QuOFm-L9wgvjRmTVDRvE5N7uLww9Nx-tA1RUeEGNS8ZTeeAh5-gR034AJvDPPIBIEBEl8GNcSgC3UlFRA0SlkVW4Gcc50ZfHtIUCDvwVzuD008maDL9uIPAx0yPw_Vqlqhoq5BQe/s1600/IMG_2657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGXX3QuOFm-L9wgvjRmTVDRvE5N7uLww9Nx-tA1RUeEGNS8ZTeeAh5-gR034AJvDPPIBIEBEl8GNcSgC3UlFRA0SlkVW4Gcc50ZfHtIUCDvwVzuD008maDL9uIPAx0yPw_Vqlqhoq5BQe/s640/IMG_2657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
They extra bedroom/bonus room.. If we end up staying here the kids have begged to all move in here for the summer to make it like a 3 month summer camp out... Why not? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZRs-a-GMcLCdqO_X0xe7d7P6j5SYsWNbIkkehJJ8ytN3OQGt5fAaoFv0dflJn3VZD9g7eFstN256J2uNOLLOsgsbPgPeY_RaZs7G2t9F3q3-XupQWbEsF1hxIt2rw6b6NMMFLsj2JHfx/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZRs-a-GMcLCdqO_X0xe7d7P6j5SYsWNbIkkehJJ8ytN3OQGt5fAaoFv0dflJn3VZD9g7eFstN256J2uNOLLOsgsbPgPeY_RaZs7G2t9F3q3-XupQWbEsF1hxIt2rw6b6NMMFLsj2JHfx/s640/IMG_2662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Mina and Finn's room<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcnJu0BJhx30bbZx2PtU9NH5C2duG3Sf4IpVeZEBxIsi_l3dcG4apDgo7OUrmCn79Neyv0_MmQf_SFl7drkPTAIIzT1jQJvaSjFHsR0V7owYaGEZYnGR6X80l8_LzvvyO-3jjDyuhUbKj/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcnJu0BJhx30bbZx2PtU9NH5C2duG3Sf4IpVeZEBxIsi_l3dcG4apDgo7OUrmCn79Neyv0_MmQf_SFl7drkPTAIIzT1jQJvaSjFHsR0V7owYaGEZYnGR6X80l8_LzvvyO-3jjDyuhUbKj/s640/IMG_2682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Jack and Ty's room<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpopju7gU5xLis3Q89aAA9-3LY7CUEkLKuPAtYVDhJI2dwKVTs7rR0rKmKMyuDTB7Tmy_kPdYFjpBvoi-mupS91M45aF8ba8Mi9atkGm5P7KBwhpeirfEZITwxP7fStPISKXiTmpZ_sOK3/s1600/IMG_6564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpopju7gU5xLis3Q89aAA9-3LY7CUEkLKuPAtYVDhJI2dwKVTs7rR0rKmKMyuDTB7Tmy_kPdYFjpBvoi-mupS91M45aF8ba8Mi9atkGm5P7KBwhpeirfEZITwxP7fStPISKXiTmpZ_sOK3/s640/IMG_6564.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The girls bathroom<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGj0PfLONmxYKTeNQ-4UYDTtOA1dsf7mhu-oArpAEFvcwQWoh33xwSQ5XaxfAlQKdZnZ_3Vc01qBgK3K6FILBj2JNhEslxu-8sTnfi9RVU8sdXWmf1MagC9A_M-xnS1quBgLg6lPC-2UN/s1600/IMG_2665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGj0PfLONmxYKTeNQ-4UYDTtOA1dsf7mhu-oArpAEFvcwQWoh33xwSQ5XaxfAlQKdZnZ_3Vc01qBgK3K6FILBj2JNhEslxu-8sTnfi9RVU8sdXWmf1MagC9A_M-xnS1quBgLg6lPC-2UN/s640/IMG_2665.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This meager little space is a kid favorite :) There is a huge space under the stairs and we made it into a "reading room". Filled with bean bags, their favorite stuffed animals and their favorite books. When they have quiet reading time they are always are cuddled up in here. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y7e5jrYcHMYQXqdwthf1QxWdbcLX_1iQo4KRPL79649potzSx4TlJRQ0KUFLZpfLzaGtoqBnJHCWPmjweoej32bd2pk9FhjyVQk5agUl5XE-JfDoyTCE5p423gLInqVrqfD6mNj3rNZQ/s1600/IMG_2668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y7e5jrYcHMYQXqdwthf1QxWdbcLX_1iQo4KRPL79649potzSx4TlJRQ0KUFLZpfLzaGtoqBnJHCWPmjweoej32bd2pk9FhjyVQk5agUl5XE-JfDoyTCE5p423gLInqVrqfD6mNj3rNZQ/s640/IMG_2668.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
the back sun porch with the hanging bed...which is also the only place Kobi does her homework when it is warm outside. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLmRzLERz7jIhNZt1R62wq1bW9LJF44yIKctZE0ITaPq1m5AHMcWSyclfO6uPhyphenhyphenrtVukSMX9nN2VU3qrWrDOEpYb60YDqWm6VvEACnrlywyyeT-frxZLzNlQm1yFLM5sTLo-JnEIAsrIp/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLmRzLERz7jIhNZt1R62wq1bW9LJF44yIKctZE0ITaPq1m5AHMcWSyclfO6uPhyphenhyphenrtVukSMX9nN2VU3qrWrDOEpYb60YDqWm6VvEACnrlywyyeT-frxZLzNlQm1yFLM5sTLo-JnEIAsrIp/s640/IMG_2641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
and last...and least their play house :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_3FeBNFsxMRUcRalpIXWIUbPIvp2GGUkyqAsG2enTfucDTgAaoItnV3FU_mJxcnqReWqtMdHQjAxhzl6CjrNHiQAIX9Q5W8Ulr3OAFHKwzIpH8EAiRoaue1LbW97nXwbMvfcWWJUKMtE/s1600/IMG_8952_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_3FeBNFsxMRUcRalpIXWIUbPIvp2GGUkyqAsG2enTfucDTgAaoItnV3FU_mJxcnqReWqtMdHQjAxhzl6CjrNHiQAIX9Q5W8Ulr3OAFHKwzIpH8EAiRoaue1LbW97nXwbMvfcWWJUKMtE/s640/IMG_8952_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
So there's the tour of our home sweet home. Anyone have any positive spins on selling? Anyone looking or know someone who's looking for a house in our area? That would be a perfect solution to my dilema :) Oh what to do....... I'll keep you posted.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-46176131619442616562012-02-12T19:53:00.000-08:002012-02-12T19:53:49.186-08:00Overthinking things...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I know we all have these private little conversations, my husband and I surely do, in fact we had it tonight. When you have little kids you just can't help but wonder," what are the teenage years going to be like with these kids?" I can't be the only one... In our chats we worry about which of our kids are going to give us the biggest run for our money during the teen years. I hope we are worrying for absolutely no reason at all. I hope and pray that all of our kids have uneventful and simple teen years. This kid always comes up during these conversations mostly because he is such a hard nut to crack. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrt1PzKSCGdwWKdAdaGPj51pc0nhDFep-4ffFLQGNGy8c_8ZO5v0fuJfHO4HF92PzEKfRAGUwf-uyo0LmoKWaacVgehZzdxT7lehh8-z4M-m7wuTCKjP0qNQTbPVX30AHLm4A6y2F_-7e/s1600/IMG_2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrt1PzKSCGdwWKdAdaGPj51pc0nhDFep-4ffFLQGNGy8c_8ZO5v0fuJfHO4HF92PzEKfRAGUwf-uyo0LmoKWaacVgehZzdxT7lehh8-z4M-m7wuTCKjP0qNQTbPVX30AHLm4A6y2F_-7e/s640/IMG_2598.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I want to write his future wife a letter now and apologize for his lack of communication skills. My boy is NOT a talker. It would be very easy for him to go a few days without saying a word, so you have to work hard to pry one word responses or grunts out of him. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKfRp0O-qNFyKrtL0ueISenqVSN_a8H-2pXB_ZBXn173LVxISap1wjwa2e9956rvLBdOiobEjNYHl59azKpNe2m4S6h_AiV7V_ORl-A8IRlMYasBT-0Vd7OgcevR-QMuX7L5zf6s992bJ/s1600/IMG_2564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKfRp0O-qNFyKrtL0ueISenqVSN_a8H-2pXB_ZBXn173LVxISap1wjwa2e9956rvLBdOiobEjNYHl59azKpNe2m4S6h_AiV7V_ORl-A8IRlMYasBT-0Vd7OgcevR-QMuX7L5zf6s992bJ/s640/IMG_2564.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then once and awhile he will blurt out a long winded story or a quick witted joke and everyone stops to listen. Someone recently pointed out to me that most people talk too much and we need more listeners in the world. I agree. And apparently, so does Jack. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_saI4vyELupoJr3CytgCK3lWopWA9ndGHfC-hQEyigp7paRsT0Ki6F1o6sFEjlxGVUx7d_AQe3K-6xVNrhusQ_-cqJG1IXNPploKBpJwuDYXYMDipl8uqJn5HkNZeAZzsDnP5L3waGCM/s1600/IMG_2566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_saI4vyELupoJr3CytgCK3lWopWA9ndGHfC-hQEyigp7paRsT0Ki6F1o6sFEjlxGVUx7d_AQe3K-6xVNrhusQ_-cqJG1IXNPploKBpJwuDYXYMDipl8uqJn5HkNZeAZzsDnP5L3waGCM/s640/IMG_2566.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My boy and I have been at odds lately about clothing...as in.. "boy, it is 30 degrees outside, you cannot wear shorts and a t-shirt to school... you-crazy" </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrt1PzKSCGdwWKdAdaGPj51pc0nhDFep-4ffFLQGNGy8c_8ZO5v0fuJfHO4HF92PzEKfRAGUwf-uyo0LmoKWaacVgehZzdxT7lehh8-z4M-m7wuTCKjP0qNQTbPVX30AHLm4A6y2F_-7e/s1600/IMG_2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1H7YMiw8ZFLvYZqXAgwuRAJ0TPdyXlOVwvCtEEU706JnREx1E5lniqQ1SlfZKOkrxRPLfXQWNdZFnO1UDJXMduaZcwsA4L0h7Jo3fyEInlCGOUAWY6Fg49a8aW84FWkykzU9Iitf5uzL/s1600/IMG_2573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1H7YMiw8ZFLvYZqXAgwuRAJ0TPdyXlOVwvCtEEU706JnREx1E5lniqQ1SlfZKOkrxRPLfXQWNdZFnO1UDJXMduaZcwsA4L0h7Jo3fyEInlCGOUAWY6Fg49a8aW84FWkykzU9Iitf5uzL/s640/IMG_2573.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So today it was freezing outside and I told him he had to put a hat on, he wasn't thrilled, then I told him that I wanted to take his picture. Oh he was overjoyed...yeah, right. But he obliged,,, and then goofed out on my little photo session. </span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjku1PecMuWtOGq8VkcrKd2_gHshsEw98nCplwY4nqrowuoQ74pHxJ-BiHAIzEQ3XXxPXz1srDFS37huKD60c02GEsFsuuBwwV-PBoIDAehqQVW1BuGnHoMbipsevpHg2Zl7-ZAm_ytt9/s1600/IMG_2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjku1PecMuWtOGq8VkcrKd2_gHshsEw98nCplwY4nqrowuoQ74pHxJ-BiHAIzEQ3XXxPXz1srDFS37huKD60c02GEsFsuuBwwV-PBoIDAehqQVW1BuGnHoMbipsevpHg2Zl7-ZAm_ytt9/s640/IMG_2575.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now on the complete opposite side of the coin...this girl has a lot to say. a lot to say about a lot of things. and a vivid imagination that leads me to wonder...where the stinking heck does she come up with this stuff? She has poise and charisma to spare, and talk about social butterfly...jeepers. She is 5 going on 13 as it is.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjnyRiL9jc7x9ZkrIbcrv9G4DqP2Ws7_lMXoDgsmCr3aUhKRtxwdYWX34otnEkH8CyOCVw1tldL00aZdeHkKMlj74mMTXHJxvnI_sJ08F0T6XahCASXlndVPk_ZmUIV9N1g4YrSj19a5d/s1600/IMG_2459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjnyRiL9jc7x9ZkrIbcrv9G4DqP2Ws7_lMXoDgsmCr3aUhKRtxwdYWX34otnEkH8CyOCVw1tldL00aZdeHkKMlj74mMTXHJxvnI_sJ08F0T6XahCASXlndVPk_ZmUIV9N1g4YrSj19a5d/s640/IMG_2459.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Oh we have our work cut out for us...I hope and pray she continues to grow wise beyond her years before those tricky teens sneak up on us. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfm_18QKGKo5AIoIMAaqQ41IFPC7vmrASYWWg84pOMHAjB2LPqaLxFNVQHT_ULo2L8BPjvEgxemKHCxvXzdu1I7xicIvOzZuGuoBBkoV4arpq9E5kbU-iGOfZ45qOwIeg2cii7R5mxdbDI/s1600/IMG_2445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfm_18QKGKo5AIoIMAaqQ41IFPC7vmrASYWWg84pOMHAjB2LPqaLxFNVQHT_ULo2L8BPjvEgxemKHCxvXzdu1I7xicIvOzZuGuoBBkoV4arpq9E5kbU-iGOfZ45qOwIeg2cii7R5mxdbDI/s640/IMG_2445.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one keeps me on my toes as she is the least like me in so many ways but I can see her wheels constantly turning and questioning and I really relate to that. We have come so far together. More than anyone else in my world I can catch my sweet Mina's eye from across the room, we can exchange a simple smile and can connect in an instant. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfNKw5Ax56NMcZKmkL4Nr5mJyJQBscLS6oB0KG2T_Au3LPkL12AC4tL3u3IdW4HK2OqxLCizEVNj1JYeUIUC803N8TJdM4v5ZpzFAT_G_1ryCL-4B5Bx9uQeS30gqB2UFNVPzDgZQNF7i/s1600/IMG_2440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfNKw5Ax56NMcZKmkL4Nr5mJyJQBscLS6oB0KG2T_Au3LPkL12AC4tL3u3IdW4HK2OqxLCizEVNj1JYeUIUC803N8TJdM4v5ZpzFAT_G_1ryCL-4B5Bx9uQeS30gqB2UFNVPzDgZQNF7i/s640/IMG_2440.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However the years unfold I know that God has a beautiful plan for my kids, regardless of the mistakes I make, regardless of the good or bad choices they make they are in his hands and I am filled with hope. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eW5hSaFkXO_cZgZIRbMVvWp5_KIjERyWzDJUMUR6yEjDuZbaWwC17C7COG6AIXj4aFtgnzjLLdm5A-kqowc8uKgh2iANxnUs20060FDPfJnPE8ndtPonxSKBxFR9X5xeIsLWJ8l6vS0g/s1600/IMG_2435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eW5hSaFkXO_cZgZIRbMVvWp5_KIjERyWzDJUMUR6yEjDuZbaWwC17C7COG6AIXj4aFtgnzjLLdm5A-kqowc8uKgh2iANxnUs20060FDPfJnPE8ndtPonxSKBxFR9X5xeIsLWJ8l6vS0g/s640/IMG_2435.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11</span></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-40148000767449585202012-01-27T07:16:00.000-08:002012-01-27T07:16:53.238-08:00The Low Down on Februray No Spend Month<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">My February No Spend Month starts next week. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">I'm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><strike> nervous</strike></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"> excited. I love how when I posted about it a few weeks back everyone was asking me the "rules". Basically, last year I was winging it and trying to save money so my man and I could go on a trip-a.l.o.n.e.-somewhere with sunshine. </span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASMWj6tqBHk9W83eHTvj2izw03Sl-_sPY7oh0dFS42H2Rou4Utlad0hxxw8SAFFOnUQ-ae4PLWDtqhPMrdRaEozR6xrUmIP0YPwPtQN5IWKsAzA8bChD8EMXoqOwymVp4rDnaZJUrhHuq/s1600/IMG_0737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASMWj6tqBHk9W83eHTvj2izw03Sl-_sPY7oh0dFS42H2Rou4Utlad0hxxw8SAFFOnUQ-ae4PLWDtqhPMrdRaEozR6xrUmIP0YPwPtQN5IWKsAzA8bChD8EMXoqOwymVp4rDnaZJUrhHuq/s640/IMG_0737.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">But I really <strike>enjoyed</strike> appreciated the challenge. We live on a rather tight budget but it was amazing to see how all the little things add up when you take them all away. This year I want to add in a "Simply my Life" factor, which is really more like an escape from consumerism. After reading the book "7" which I talked about <a href="http://4ourkiddos.blogspot.com/2012/01/7-experimental-mutiny-against-excess.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, I realize that there is always room to cut out the excesses. I really want to stay away from the vicious consumer cycle as much as I can and February is my chance to put things in perspective. So here is what I am doing this month and a few of my lessons learned or cheat strategies I learned from last year. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hb7BYOqt38AZVKvvJR6QIShrH8oQkVFMzdnu0z0qw751IvEK7k9OkRNqBNI1dv42kCrildNbua5g4k4fUm4GakhmtNIU5hvTbmCG59iAiOsM7CzrQX9i0jkCLMJjF6KRdfEhpT7O5edN/s1600/minamoney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hb7BYOqt38AZVKvvJR6QIShrH8oQkVFMzdnu0z0qw751IvEK7k9OkRNqBNI1dv42kCrildNbua5g4k4fUm4GakhmtNIU5hvTbmCG59iAiOsM7CzrQX9i0jkCLMJjF6KRdfEhpT7O5edN/s640/minamoney.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Every penny of our spendable cash for the month of February will be monitored very closely. So we will still be paying our mortgage, electric bill and all that jazz. I will only spend money on MUST haves like milk, fresh produce, gas and doctor visits...but those purchases will be tracked. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5peiHF2KnD0B7coEGBbdYTRnTpT_ZeD272vn01DkuIpsrlDUF9sJBd9DWKUZBfyGxjpfes1YAy3CF8f5ZnSs35ROmiOrb_OraQANQgslo4fJrZhM9GwKdJmLU_3zPf9aOwZ7bMlgKpwbM/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5peiHF2KnD0B7coEGBbdYTRnTpT_ZeD272vn01DkuIpsrlDUF9sJBd9DWKUZBfyGxjpfes1YAy3CF8f5ZnSs35ROmiOrb_OraQANQgslo4fJrZhM9GwKdJmLU_3zPf9aOwZ7bMlgKpwbM/s640/IMG_0587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"> What I learned from last year is to plan for the expected. Last year I got caught off guard by Valentine's Day. I don't know why but I didn't even think about it and I ended up resenting having to spend $60 on trashy candy and valentines for the kids to take to their school and little gifts for my kids that day. This year I am proclaiming myself a planner and picking those things up this week so I don't have to use my February budget money. So think of birthdays or other times you may know of in advance and take care of them this week. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgckREXDR2fSGuZE5gN9MXK0bJfdGtrQPRHBfXc5NFlA9F4SqmUJyMKwTlfj-5n2SDNpMkx9YqIwbkVXc5sZC2s6W8hT_QPKTHcvVTrW0v_wvLDXuvgmPyG1pDCTbfFxAk2A5czCdKiQy/s1600/IMG_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgckREXDR2fSGuZE5gN9MXK0bJfdGtrQPRHBfXc5NFlA9F4SqmUJyMKwTlfj-5n2SDNpMkx9YqIwbkVXc5sZC2s6W8hT_QPKTHcvVTrW0v_wvLDXuvgmPyG1pDCTbfFxAk2A5czCdKiQy/s640/IMG_0294.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"> Also, I know I will have a few more days of down time since I will be slashing a lot of my errands... I want to paint one of my bathrooms so I bought paint yesterday and I will paint in February. I guess you could call that cheating but I'm not using February money to do it, so I am just calling myself a planner.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRMAxiFItjQAZbv5XR6478orPMlQ4Q92qQV4KvLpYZ-nqvPoOox7B4uH7Xrw5PFB9avN9Q3IHQlrKL3dC3bIXuYEk1e9NdNo0aaxltVCKSoiz16_UXg8oR75Mjp9hAxWjtki0TO2sBFjT/s1600/IMG_0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRMAxiFItjQAZbv5XR6478orPMlQ4Q92qQV4KvLpYZ-nqvPoOox7B4uH7Xrw5PFB9avN9Q3IHQlrKL3dC3bIXuYEk1e9NdNo0aaxltVCKSoiz16_UXg8oR75Mjp9hAxWjtki0TO2sBFjT/s640/IMG_0239.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">If you want to stop here, I get it...but this year I am taking it a step further</span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Now for the Simply my Life (Escape from Consumerism) factor: </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
I know this will put me in a whole new league of crazy for a lot of people but I am up for the challenge. Especially because I am an all or nothing kind of girl. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
I am going to use my time away from consumerism to PURGE! I want/need to have less stuff to have to keep track of. We do NOT need 1700 different clothing options in this house when there are so many people in this world who have so little. We will be purging everything that we do not absolutely LOVE! And to make this hit home a little better...we are all going to pick out our 7 favorite outfits and wear them once a week for 4 weeks. I am not a clothes loving girly girl so this will probably be very easy and actually refreshing to me. It will also cut out a lot of stress with the kids getting ready in the morning. I doubt my husband will join in on this part of the crazy, as he actually has to look presentable everyday... I ,on the other hand do not, and it won't be a stretch for me to be wearing my favorite jeans or yoga pants nearly every day. And maybe I will actually learn to appreciate my closet full of clothes :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTZpsopz50GUB38zq4MXdm9f0QFn0-m9XujQEZ2yF8lvH6EP1dx4swlgSixznv_iVSeQ17BusSFbd7BJPAcNW2UVTTqYndbTweZiDVtQbCJBkqpl_r6aszveNMzX5hKWO09SRkXOi8KtT/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTZpsopz50GUB38zq4MXdm9f0QFn0-m9XujQEZ2yF8lvH6EP1dx4swlgSixznv_iVSeQ17BusSFbd7BJPAcNW2UVTTqYndbTweZiDVtQbCJBkqpl_r6aszveNMzX5hKWO09SRkXOi8KtT/s640/IMG_0694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<div>
I am also planning on making the same 7 dinners for the month... so the same 7 meals for 4 weeks. This will REALLY simplify things around here. I surely won't be stressing what to make for dinner every night. And maybe, just maybe we will learn to appreciate that we have so many options and luxuries when so many do not. Another benefit to this one is that I can go shopping now for the basic items so my February grocery bill will be much lower and I will only have to purchase the fresh necessities! Score. So far my menu is spaghetti, stir fry, chicken tacos, breakfast for dinner, and soup.. I still have a day or two to come up with the last two :) Any ideas on budget friendly meals is appreciated. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So if you didn't think I was crazy before I surely just sealed the deal. Is anyone still with me? Is anyone intrigued? Anyone? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJxqs0SSCCZDHh1h_8uyfDVuhOjg99xB2DQvV2RsDmT_4AJtdCHmUWw6uJ72f0SnZq0D6llU4Egz9aFrMVBCrczmOW71Bu0ekJswObuK1sIxC_Gey2mOXkEzRoW36nk-i2P5UGMLjFnYt/s1600/IMG_0746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJxqs0SSCCZDHh1h_8uyfDVuhOjg99xB2DQvV2RsDmT_4AJtdCHmUWw6uJ72f0SnZq0D6llU4Egz9aFrMVBCrczmOW71Bu0ekJswObuK1sIxC_Gey2mOXkEzRoW36nk-i2P5UGMLjFnYt/s640/IMG_0746.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
All in all there are no "rules"... you can do it however you would like...or not at all. I decided to start a F@cebook page for anyone who wants to join in and add to the conversation. I would be so fun to commiserate, share tips, goals and the ups and downs of it all. The FB link is up at the top of my blog for the month... come join in :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1";
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));
</script>
<br />
<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/February-No-Spend-Month/238656802881134" data-send="true" data-show-faces="true" data-width="450">
</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-22808018713506471142012-01-17T18:46:00.000-08:002012-01-17T18:46:26.859-08:00Oh the Drama...<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Oh.my.goodness....</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Even though no one would ever believe me... I really want a simple life. A quiet life. An easy life. Problem is, I don't seem to know how to make any decisions that would lead my crew down a simple path. Chaos. Absolute complete and utter chaos is always the choice we make. I'm not exactly sure why and I would probably need a psychotherapist to help me figure it out but I don't have time for such luxuries :) </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
So with the stage set of my madness...</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
I'm not the kind of mom that just signs her kid up for horse lessons, drops her off and picks her up an hour later. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
I'm the kind of mom that realizes her kid likes horses, signs kid up for lessons, finds a horse farm for the in-laws to purchase (how convenient), finds someone who will give us a few horses, and then goes on a mad search for our own horse. All in the matter of weeks....And the kicker...I'm scared of horses, like as of a few months ago you couldn't pay me to pet one... Psychotic. (I'm also the kind of Mom that has 3 kids and decides to adopt 3 more in a 2 1/2 year time span) Patience is not my friend. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
So, now that my dirty little secrets are out in the wide open....Let me just tell you why I have been so absent around here. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
These stinking horses are a bunch of D.R.A.M.A....but secretly I'm really starting to love them... </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">This is my daughters face a few weeks ago when we told her we bought her her very own first horse.....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGC2K0rOZSbCxN4f7-J191ttye5sFmgm_cVVpcvaydROzcW0MpHjbOWbBJczIFWhNqQt8gfsr0MBjOJUVhE5gHZ16lXUKOhEM3KWLXQBsNDQYscnH1gmcHoYcBWUSFDRrLvMfGnt8DUz-/s1600/IMG_1548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGC2K0rOZSbCxN4f7-J191ttye5sFmgm_cVVpcvaydROzcW0MpHjbOWbBJczIFWhNqQt8gfsr0MBjOJUVhE5gHZ16lXUKOhEM3KWLXQBsNDQYscnH1gmcHoYcBWUSFDRrLvMfGnt8DUz-/s640/IMG_1548.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Keep in mind this sweet child would never ask for such a gift...she's never asked for anything...she knew we were considering...knew we were looking but never once asked or begged or pleaded (she's weird, I know) </span></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/AVvXsEi_I2F4oUHqqpZVz2xNwTnHq0PGyPc6nPz_2YWy4DgouNY4svMzY_uvGfQH_iSwXk1CKA1Wg45rVcMnfV9ALoVubUOPtQV5PLRhowXtF3_rbQkyHbCJH3pyxbwMQgR36Bq_FaZHmkJr5H9S/s1600/IMG_1545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_I2F4oUHqqpZVz2xNwTnHq0PGyPc6nPz_2YWy4DgouNY4svMzY_uvGfQH_iSwXk1CKA1Wg45rVcMnfV9ALoVubUOPtQV5PLRhowXtF3_rbQkyHbCJH3pyxbwMQgR36Bq_FaZHmkJr5H9S/s640/IMG_1545.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">So we went to see this guy and we fell in love, the story goes something like this..</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-3fYnSZjVsOWqGqTv4y0EGXaiDvRIfF1pk6ucn35bjJ86YUjzJbJun7aPnQFAkLT3ucXevEFtpPxaJJKZ8cKnPokFdugwGDs9vmBUpGFe-CRvk91J4YQfB58JrU2p3jPEG5rbBiIF23r/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-3fYnSZjVsOWqGqTv4y0EGXaiDvRIfF1pk6ucn35bjJ86YUjzJbJun7aPnQFAkLT3ucXevEFtpPxaJJKZ8cKnPokFdugwGDs9vmBUpGFe-CRvk91J4YQfB58JrU2p3jPEG5rbBiIF23r/s640/IMG_1651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9zV-ldSkFS6W4niAbpQ8iev7KocIGvWNx-Fwrt0AySi17abHjmopEb_jBaNNJGLaKq1LCmQXFM2mV58vqtCmZmMvQAeMnczUClSBtjMn7EpqSX9OTUDGHk-oJQVp9ZwSQgPpod4JcSE7/s1600/IMG_2331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a> He was the most mellow, broke, child friendly horse we had found. And his mane was the exact same color as Kobi's hair (very important when buying an animal that weighs 1000 pounds more that your little girl...sheeeesh)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9zV-ldSkFS6W4niAbpQ8iev7KocIGvWNx-Fwrt0AySi17abHjmopEb_jBaNNJGLaKq1LCmQXFM2mV58vqtCmZmMvQAeMnczUClSBtjMn7EpqSX9OTUDGHk-oJQVp9ZwSQgPpod4JcSE7/s1600/IMG_2331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9zV-ldSkFS6W4niAbpQ8iev7KocIGvWNx-Fwrt0AySi17abHjmopEb_jBaNNJGLaKq1LCmQXFM2mV58vqtCmZmMvQAeMnczUClSBtjMn7EpqSX9OTUDGHk-oJQVp9ZwSQgPpod4JcSE7/s640/IMG_2331.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
and he was her same age, like as in born the same week...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2knov1weZjrVbw2dJ6zl-gRDq3HNoZON9DYMbDr4b2sDHvK9S9Js6M9HYpDLqf_M6ZHRtidRlU8FDSqmt1GkNpyoG_hRCGJtYcod79K3fvO4eJ8r_mwDGLpxla99ZoQ_pb0COm2Y3YfzP/s1600/IMG_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2knov1weZjrVbw2dJ6zl-gRDq3HNoZON9DYMbDr4b2sDHvK9S9Js6M9HYpDLqf_M6ZHRtidRlU8FDSqmt1GkNpyoG_hRCGJtYcod79K3fvO4eJ8r_mwDGLpxla99ZoQ_pb0COm2Y3YfzP/s640/IMG_3217.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
and He LOVED LOVED LOVED The kids and a lot of attention (we have attention to spare around these parts :) ) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LdDOUbIEOtfPIGQLMXuB44ey8dVas_PR2oBeDZDW-liqoZ2jHbAqxr58Dy_0_XzXBE1GVgWp_EoA-KE8eDVBGWp_TCFP_GVbMGG1BJVoHsnkjnyoi0EceCbzamfoAa29Gtjn6Y7HKXl6/s1600/IMG_3132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LdDOUbIEOtfPIGQLMXuB44ey8dVas_PR2oBeDZDW-liqoZ2jHbAqxr58Dy_0_XzXBE1GVgWp_EoA-KE8eDVBGWp_TCFP_GVbMGG1BJVoHsnkjnyoi0EceCbzamfoAa29Gtjn6Y7HKXl6/s640/IMG_3132.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but there was a problem that we didn't realize until we brought him home... He goes bananas when he isn't with his friends (aka the other horses) and becomes...uh....dangerous. Major buyers remorse, wrapped up in a little girls heart. OUCH! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOH-6dB7KUAtYH7ODUCoDM_N77whYjyZHcE60WgZMEW5PW3RYO82G4dBW-oe1iVfBIFVEF8kdBl_qTA8dTVbERfKd52jze7eq4jS8eQbluDv-oQLDl6NYVUMfQl0bzm7SAN_G8yZYQa_SW/s1600/IMG_3251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOH-6dB7KUAtYH7ODUCoDM_N77whYjyZHcE60WgZMEW5PW3RYO82G4dBW-oe1iVfBIFVEF8kdBl_qTA8dTVbERfKd52jze7eq4jS8eQbluDv-oQLDl6NYVUMfQl0bzm7SAN_G8yZYQa_SW/s640/IMG_3251.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So we had to do the right thing and let him go to live with someone who was going to use him for what he loved the most... trail riding with his buddies.... Major lesson learned, for all of us. It wasn't easy, but I promise you that the lesson won't go wasted. I have already thought of how it will translate well to that first bad boyfriend break-up....something like this-</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNezirOfR7qiRHAEX1fEiP_Wo0xMAPWpyK2vjQQsdAFAf88Oacyp-yRh7DdSZL6GTqqH-L1Y__-XYu9E9g9iOUHWlnEWL-JSW1Iav9vUMebo6x3G3XLkOZLFd6ZiwiSJXhM3_AkyuQepR/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNezirOfR7qiRHAEX1fEiP_Wo0xMAPWpyK2vjQQsdAFAf88Oacyp-yRh7DdSZL6GTqqH-L1Y__-XYu9E9g9iOUHWlnEWL-JSW1Iav9vUMebo6x3G3XLkOZLFd6ZiwiSJXhM3_AkyuQepR/s640/IMG_2218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
"Honey, I know you cared for him, I know he was cute, but he wasn't for you, he wasn't any good, there is someone much better out there for you that will take care of you. yada yada ya.....Remember when you were a little girl and we bought you that beautiful Palomino horse, he was so sweet at first, but then he turned out to be not so great...then remember your favorite pony...the one who replaced him and how good he took care of you..... " Oh yeah I'm already saving that one, it was worth every tear. Now I just have to find the perfect next horse/pony :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZ3wqRPYuzAEJ2GKJGyUsRZ2d2RQB-y9XkY9l0eH7RZUIYMBGafwLZfPoyc1Dgx9hgRzYZ6zrkCztKuT9KNkusSKXj0qyTY4QU122yeKs8Vsj97ZpWA4YGR2oqdpRTASNsuiY5mfMwB8o/s1600/IMG_3287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZ3wqRPYuzAEJ2GKJGyUsRZ2d2RQB-y9XkY9l0eH7RZUIYMBGafwLZfPoyc1Dgx9hgRzYZ6zrkCztKuT9KNkusSKXj0qyTY4QU122yeKs8Vsj97ZpWA4YGR2oqdpRTASNsuiY5mfMwB8o/s640/IMG_3287.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now this is the thing that has really shocked our socks off....guess who else LOVES horses and seems to be a real natural. He could spend hours on this horse and he is doing so well. You can just see a spark in him that hasn't been there with any other activity. His confidence has me giddy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QkTGxJsyG-3LXktxQQuPHcLcMfggRz7i1xp4lJFlRXjcxZnuHLS-973kwxL3IRfHAoLMI1joZmP257xjKt9QMxVOQVK6BrowHuIhDSNSkuLWObB-6UP_F96slqxCw9O1cv4pnMP1AMOJ/s1600/IMG_3289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QkTGxJsyG-3LXktxQQuPHcLcMfggRz7i1xp4lJFlRXjcxZnuHLS-973kwxL3IRfHAoLMI1joZmP257xjKt9QMxVOQVK6BrowHuIhDSNSkuLWObB-6UP_F96slqxCw9O1cv4pnMP1AMOJ/s640/IMG_3289.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kobi loves to give him pointers :) In three lessons he has come soooo far. I have been leading him around for the past few month, he finally begged enough to turn him loose and who would have known. He is doing fabulous. I feel so blessed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrGA936Pj_WfcOCNX5LDqi1bGeLnO4CVZ9D33Uoy9z4hYZTxI6gW-xzrrFbv7B8fzmkepzS28BeJoX7FMIZKn1S6OCw9mfgr6yxNs5PHzbq-DkejoC0U2UOpuy84pRwI2OZe-ccqimSwa/s1600/IMG_2356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrGA936Pj_WfcOCNX5LDqi1bGeLnO4CVZ9D33Uoy9z4hYZTxI6gW-xzrrFbv7B8fzmkepzS28BeJoX7FMIZKn1S6OCw9mfgr6yxNs5PHzbq-DkejoC0U2UOpuy84pRwI2OZe-ccqimSwa/s640/IMG_2356.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are having a lot of fun figuring out this whole new world but my oh my is it time consuming. So much for the simple life. But I love that we are all outside together hanging and learning and squealing and working it all out. Thank goodness we have some patient horses right now. Hopefully we will find a new replacement for Kobi and the kids in the next few months. </div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-89100136381482632132012-01-12T06:03:00.001-08:002012-01-12T06:03:04.049-08:00Blackboard quote of the week revisited and winner of "7"<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/12/737.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/12/s_737.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Hmmm. Relieved and convicted at the same time. Can't wait to see how the kids dissect this one over dinner tonight:).<br /><br />-And congrats Gretchen for winning the copy of my new favorite book "7". I sent you an email:)<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-57919912241002257392012-01-03T10:12:00.000-08:002012-01-03T10:12:59.859-08:00"7" An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">A couple months ago a friend linked a blog post about adoption aftermath on her FB page. When I read <a href="http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2011/09/06/after-the-airport" target="_blank">this post</a> I realized I felt like Jen Hatmaker had crawled inside my head or peered inside my house and leaked out all our dirty little secrets. Right then and there I became a fan! Or her BFF that she doesn't even know exists...either way it's all good. I got the chance to read her newest book "<i>7" An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess</i>...again she must have crawled straight into my brain, figured out that I have all of this uneasiness building up in me, then decided to spend a year of her life working out my junk. She also decided to eloquently and humorously write it all down and put it all out there for everyone to see. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5KArcRAQoo/TwNDBrKKXZI/AAAAAAAAEok/EzZDdRcekrk/s1600/7+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5KArcRAQoo/TwNDBrKKXZI/AAAAAAAAEok/EzZDdRcekrk/s400/7+book+cover.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"> I read the book in less one day, (of course I was completely attentive to my rowdy brood the entire time)and let me tell you it is a game changer folks. I love it! I can't wait for you all to read it too. You can read some reviews and more about it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/7-Experimental-Mutiny-Against-Excess/dp/1433672960/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324432275&sr=8-1" target="_blank">here</a>. I am having a giveaway for a copy if you just leave me a comment here or on FB. It has me all riled up for my 2nd annual February No Spend month this year! I have some bigger and better ideas as I would love to incorporate some of Jen's ideas of limiting excess into the month as well. I would so love some of you to join me, let me know what you think!!! Please leave a comment with your email address to be entered into the give-away!! </span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-42589591553287552992012-01-02T06:26:00.000-08:002012-01-02T06:26:08.033-08:00The Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As if Christmas week wasn't busy enough already..we celebrate 3 birthdays the week of Christmas....Simple family parties are the only way to go :)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJHsQRWks1E/TwGjxGOEHzI/AAAAAAAAEmE/MCI975DmRWY/s1600/IMG_1565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJHsQRWks1E/TwGjxGOEHzI/AAAAAAAAEmE/MCI975DmRWY/s640/IMG_1565.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I can't believe our little girl is 5...seems way too grown up. I vote we should add a number in there between 4 and 5... just to slow these guys down a bit. Mina's requested meal was stir-fry and dumplings...and a coconut/chocolate bunny cake... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-La9AlV769X8/TwGkpOdYm4I/AAAAAAAAEmM/ASEpm6GfEWg/s1600/IMG_1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-La9AlV769X8/TwGkpOdYm4I/AAAAAAAAEmM/ASEpm6GfEWg/s640/IMG_1568.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
She is our only family member who's love language is "gifts" so Christmas week with a b-day and Christmas....she is beaming from the inside out. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ddSmzf8slM/TwGlZfyE0SI/AAAAAAAAEmY/U1f0-5AuhTU/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ddSmzf8slM/TwGlZfyE0SI/AAAAAAAAEmY/U1f0-5AuhTU/s640/IMG_1571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOQ3kymEOCs/TwGmH2PRv0I/AAAAAAAAEmg/bk45XzOJ6Ds/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOQ3kymEOCs/TwGmH2PRv0I/AAAAAAAAEmg/bk45XzOJ6Ds/s640/IMG_1592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
and here is Ty...I can't even begin to count how many photos I have of this guy posing or jumping into pics...he LOVES to be the center of attention. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7pLIFh0CWg/TwGm1HHCvPI/AAAAAAAAEms/x7oINaqYUPo/s1600/IMG_1599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7pLIFh0CWg/TwGm1HHCvPI/AAAAAAAAEms/x7oINaqYUPo/s640/IMG_1599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Jack's b-day is next in succession, I was not in picture taking mode this night but this smile, (an orthodontist dream) melts my heart. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rlhob9I5Trg/TwGncKBypGI/AAAAAAAAEm0/sL_qMatL-vk/s1600/IMG_1725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rlhob9I5Trg/TwGncKBypGI/AAAAAAAAEm0/sL_qMatL-vk/s640/IMG_1725.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Can I pause for a moment and ask Mom's of young boys what the heck is up with boys caring so stinkin' much about their clothes and the brand names???? I feel a little ill about it all. My first and hopefully only kid that wants clothes (very particular clothes) for bday and Christmas. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLMrm-68IXo/TwGnpe295xI/AAAAAAAAEnA/Aq8XpRJaCwg/s1600/IMG_1719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLMrm-68IXo/TwGnpe295xI/AAAAAAAAEnA/Aq8XpRJaCwg/s640/IMG_1719.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
And Finn completes our birthday trifecta two days before Christmas . She starts out her day with birthday french toast. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--qflrOl7HbU/TwGoIYTuguI/AAAAAAAAEnI/swF3Oew0GFA/s1600/IMG_1845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--qflrOl7HbU/TwGoIYTuguI/AAAAAAAAEnI/swF3Oew0GFA/s640/IMG_1845.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I LOVE watching her open gifts... she would be completely satisfied with one thing from the dollar store and she would have just the same expression of JOY on her face. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNY9UgcKUHI/TwGqKPGB5II/AAAAAAAAEnk/mdInQgYjjbo/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNY9UgcKUHI/TwGqKPGB5II/AAAAAAAAEnk/mdInQgYjjbo/s640/IMG_1911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
If I could capture the look of sheer joy, this would be it..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8EZ-LzQsJ4/TwGquiUfvtI/AAAAAAAAEnw/1_mDs0SWfc0/s1600/IMG_1893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8EZ-LzQsJ4/TwGquiUfvtI/AAAAAAAAEnw/1_mDs0SWfc0/s640/IMG_1893.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
and this..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg_7sMXGod4/TwGrR9OxHYI/AAAAAAAAEn4/Tin30YTv5Uc/s1600/IMG_1892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg_7sMXGod4/TwGrR9OxHYI/AAAAAAAAEn4/Tin30YTv5Uc/s640/IMG_1892.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
and this..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eahYI87n8no/TwGr22jmxnI/AAAAAAAAEoE/0XwTv-rUKXU/s1600/IMG_1878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eahYI87n8no/TwGr22jmxnI/AAAAAAAAEoE/0XwTv-rUKXU/s640/IMG_1878.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
and this..can you tell that this girl is just naturally happy and joyful All.the.time! How funny that is her middle name...for reals<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnc5Ej3K9Q4/TwGsU08MY0I/AAAAAAAAEoM/AABb7vqmyeQ/s1600/IMG_1881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnc5Ej3K9Q4/TwGsU08MY0I/AAAAAAAAEoM/AABb7vqmyeQ/s640/IMG_1881.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
and for my keeping it real photo of the week. This is what envy looks like in photos...envy when your sister is opening gifts and your birthday was 5 days ago and you have to wait 360 more days for your own special day full of attention and presents and ruling the roost... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sckvf_XMjkg/TwGs3JtMueI/AAAAAAAAEoU/hq_zD3qblB4/s1600/IMG_1931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sckvf_XMjkg/TwGs3JtMueI/AAAAAAAAEoU/hq_zD3qblB4/s640/IMG_1931.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Happy Birthday babies...now could you all just pause for a year or two and let me catch up to you growing up???Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-51093940727894879132011-12-28T12:05:00.000-08:002011-12-28T12:05:50.227-08:00Christmas 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you remember the days when they <a href="http://www.4ourkiddos.blogspot.com/2009/05/stink-eye.html" target="_blank">couldn't stand each other</a>? Now, Thick as thieves these two. I truly believe being polar opposites is the salvation of this relationship. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIZACa43U-U/TvtcrfVO4YI/AAAAAAAAEh4/AtwXJoLAtOU/s1600/IMG_1940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIZACa43U-U/TvtcrfVO4YI/AAAAAAAAEh4/AtwXJoLAtOU/s640/IMG_1940.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
We had a super marvelous low key Christmas.. Just the 8 of us!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oS-1N8u_AzI/TvtdGKaym0I/AAAAAAAAEiA/cz-FanKQPOU/s1600/IMG_1967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oS-1N8u_AzI/TvtdGKaym0I/AAAAAAAAEiA/cz-FanKQPOU/s640/IMG_1967.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last year I mistakenly only bought <a href="http://www.4ourkiddos.blogspot.com/2010/12/here-comes-santa.html" target="_blank">1 gingerbread house</a>...This year we had 3 teams of gingerbread house builders, and I think we found the problem...see the focus</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4Hf2abncu0/Tvteale3paI/AAAAAAAAEiU/Tk2sTRRTOIk/s1600/IMG_1785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4Hf2abncu0/Tvteale3paI/AAAAAAAAEiU/Tk2sTRRTOIk/s640/IMG_1785.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They are on a full fledged constentrating on their candy constructing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ullTKBq9E0U/TvtgLB7KbdI/AAAAAAAAEi0/sxxEgjNpZAY/s1600/IMG_1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ullTKBq9E0U/TvtgLB7KbdI/AAAAAAAAEi0/sxxEgjNpZAY/s640/IMG_1793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
These two also...full on tunnel vision for the perfect gingerbread house<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NeVa6TKTuLU/Tvte_dQ92pI/AAAAAAAAEig/XTe1nTCLbw4/s1600/IMG_1799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NeVa6TKTuLU/Tvte_dQ92pI/AAAAAAAAEig/XTe1nTCLbw4/s640/IMG_1799.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Then you have these guys, the weak links..up to their eyeballs in shenanigans and goofballing around<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUt0LO-HkVA/Tvtds8xAcPI/AAAAAAAAEiM/rc2cL8EgaFY/s1600/IMG_1745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUt0LO-HkVA/Tvtds8xAcPI/AAAAAAAAEiM/rc2cL8EgaFY/s640/IMG_1745.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I mean like- grossss me out.... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgxHuQac6zk/TvtfjMyzl-I/AAAAAAAAEio/TfYx3UXi60Q/s1600/IMG_1803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgxHuQac6zk/TvtfjMyzl-I/AAAAAAAAEio/TfYx3UXi60Q/s640/IMG_1803.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
What the girls are doing....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NLQlHjbhxKU/TvtguGAS32I/AAAAAAAAEi8/yE67adcMUpk/s1600/IMG_1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NLQlHjbhxKU/TvtguGAS32I/AAAAAAAAEi8/yE67adcMUpk/s640/IMG_1981.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
What the boys are doing...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ztn_A2r2v2M/TvthWw0Z0sI/AAAAAAAAEjI/V2VjdAk3BWo/s1600/IMG_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ztn_A2r2v2M/TvthWw0Z0sI/AAAAAAAAEjI/V2VjdAk3BWo/s640/IMG_2006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I love having Collin home...he is a foodie like me. He said he would take over Christmas eve dinner and I would do Christmas...This is what was on his menu... Sauteed shrimp with butter and lemon sauce..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsN5BJcJfXc/TvtiDxQDdGI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/m0pfhsspQv8/s1600/IMG_2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsN5BJcJfXc/TvtiDxQDdGI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/m0pfhsspQv8/s640/IMG_2009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
and our families favorite crab cake recipe...served with a salad and big crusty bread...yumm-o . So fun to have my boy in the kitchen with me!!!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmJqqu0OU0E/TvtiyMJLzrI/AAAAAAAAEjc/6bTs6RpeDU4/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmJqqu0OU0E/TvtiyMJLzrI/AAAAAAAAEjc/6bTs6RpeDU4/s640/IMG_2011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
My favorite part of Christmas Eve is that we all sat around the computer and found our Compassion Int'l sponsor child. The cutest little 5 year old boy from Haiti, that just melted all of our hearts in about one second flat!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsomGz5DOAE/TvtjW_n2kqI/AAAAAAAAEjk/hx7G1nGB1IE/s1600/IMG_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsomGz5DOAE/TvtjW_n2kqI/AAAAAAAAEjk/hx7G1nGB1IE/s640/IMG_2014.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Jack read the Night before Christmas...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKIZuZRj1no/TvtkC6GsDNI/AAAAAAAAEjw/qYLdvCXrsDs/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKIZuZRj1no/TvtkC6GsDNI/AAAAAAAAEjw/qYLdvCXrsDs/s640/IMG_2021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
and I read the story of Jesus' birth from the Bible<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-UqYhCP4uA/TvtkresjBCI/AAAAAAAAEj4/nmyLO2aNySg/s1600/IMG_2035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-UqYhCP4uA/TvtkresjBCI/AAAAAAAAEj4/nmyLO2aNySg/s640/IMG_2035.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
all while we had the yummiest hot cocoa ever made ....I will have to post the recipe sometime...dangerous! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuQPJB8kHOs/TvtlYA6tpzI/AAAAAAAAEkE/LBsen8-9AR0/s1600/IMG_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuQPJB8kHOs/TvtlYA6tpzI/AAAAAAAAEkE/LBsen8-9AR0/s640/IMG_2056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Does anyone else think I should fear the teenage years with this one...cause I'm skeered<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MI99Tb4P5Io/TvtmDwfpV0I/AAAAAAAAEkM/coiPgkeeSe8/s1600/IMG_2067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MI99Tb4P5Io/TvtmDwfpV0I/AAAAAAAAEkM/coiPgkeeSe8/s640/IMG_2067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Finn, open your mouth and close your eyes...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q2hy099wEk/TvtmnzzOMZI/AAAAAAAAEkY/bIlawaSBGm8/s1600/IMG_2068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q2hy099wEk/TvtmnzzOMZI/AAAAAAAAEkY/bIlawaSBGm8/s640/IMG_2068.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
yeah, we are such a mature and posh family...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--9jDY3N9ZS0/TvtnKSiTdUI/AAAAAAAAEkg/6MUM-HnzsG4/s1600/IMG_2070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--9jDY3N9ZS0/TvtnKSiTdUI/AAAAAAAAEkg/6MUM-HnzsG4/s640/IMG_2070.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
We started a new tradition this year of hiding a "pickle" ornament in a tree, the first to find it gets to open the first present... Only one child was focused enough at 6:00 a.m. , the same child that was waking me up on the hour every hour since 3:00 in the morning... giving me a full 2 hours of sleep Christmas night. arrrrrgggggghhhhhh<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TE1QXxDpq7Y/Tvtny9nzQhI/AAAAAAAAEks/r7VLF8-SWyk/s1600/IMG_2083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TE1QXxDpq7Y/Tvtny9nzQhI/AAAAAAAAEks/r7VLF8-SWyk/s640/IMG_2083.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeE4ajQ9-4o/TvtobwEVF5I/AAAAAAAAEk0/9XnwS-EjmLk/s1600/IMG_2115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeE4ajQ9-4o/TvtobwEVF5I/AAAAAAAAEk0/9XnwS-EjmLk/s640/IMG_2115.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Collin's favorite Christmas present...a dolphin pillow pet... i know he's a freak, he knows it too so he won't be offended that I'm telling you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcP9yOEEF6E/TvtpBac_e5I/AAAAAAAAElA/fO4FoWVFNME/s1600/IMG_2120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcP9yOEEF6E/TvtpBac_e5I/AAAAAAAAElA/fO4FoWVFNME/s640/IMG_2120.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
He also got a money tree, doesn't every college kid want a money tree over a pillow pet??? His response..."did you see this on pinterest Mom? " he's a freak and a brat... but he loves to help me in the kitchen so I loves him...a lot<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1jKgwGL-U0/Tvtprj-TQDI/AAAAAAAAElI/3ZrGf7XEhYk/s1600/IMG_2135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1jKgwGL-U0/Tvtprj-TQDI/AAAAAAAAElI/3ZrGf7XEhYk/s640/IMG_2135.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
the carnage<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3wS76iMI5w/TvtqaPL0JmI/AAAAAAAAElU/EYC1t_0O2-g/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3wS76iMI5w/TvtqaPL0JmI/AAAAAAAAElU/EYC1t_0O2-g/s640/IMG_2139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Christmas dinner, grilled leg of lamb, tabouli salad, roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, tzatziki sauce...all made while still wearing my jammies...made it taste so much better :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivzBXdeKHVQ/TvtrFK4Mb1I/AAAAAAAAElc/opI-ALrK8sA/s1600/IMG_2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivzBXdeKHVQ/TvtrFK4Mb1I/AAAAAAAAElc/opI-ALrK8sA/s640/IMG_2165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Does anyone see anything wrong with this picture???<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgL6iWmw7pI/TvtrryQ9bII/AAAAAAAAEls/UHqWc5mS5Hc/s1600/IMG_2169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgL6iWmw7pI/TvtrryQ9bII/AAAAAAAAEls/UHqWc5mS5Hc/s640/IMG_2169.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
yeah, neither do we :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMQeRsG6tQY/Tvtsc_1h3DI/AAAAAAAAEl0/mLITKJbPdQE/s1600/IMG_2179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMQeRsG6tQY/Tvtsc_1h3DI/AAAAAAAAEl0/mLITKJbPdQE/s640/IMG_2179.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!!!!!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-22132695306160007592011-12-22T05:04:00.000-08:002011-12-22T07:53:18.403-08:00Crafting fail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The kids and I had thought we found the perfect DIY Christmas project to give Papa and Grandpa for Christmas. They both love starting a nice warm fire as evidence of Grandpa here...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWwJlXnWybE/TvNQNG9NXFI/AAAAAAAAEhs/fCoso6ZPL2I/s1600/dennisfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWwJlXnWybE/TvNQNG9NXFI/AAAAAAAAEhs/fCoso6ZPL2I/s640/dennisfire.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had seen this craft all over pinterest and blogs. So we figured we would give it a go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One thing I have to say to all those bloggers who posted their how to steps on this is... SHAME!!!! While we are pleased with the end result of this project...getting there was wayyyyy harder than anyone had led on. <br />
<br />
The step by step calls only for Pine cones, candle wicking, wax and cupcake liners. We feel like we are pretty crafty folks so we decided to add coloring and a Cinnamon scent as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVEyHAF15EXbCgkHlW_u2YTpIATUk75m8B62AtGUAovpDVT9zeHCUX74bH9bG_IPQU8eTVHbPkxlr20qBM9qCBnEdFdfwENnwuC4qZ5Z64XbMIgssQuMzHacboXhS4QXSBQYKJzjDwNSx/s1600/IMG_1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVEyHAF15EXbCgkHlW_u2YTpIATUk75m8B62AtGUAovpDVT9zeHCUX74bH9bG_IPQU8eTVHbPkxlr20qBM9qCBnEdFdfwENnwuC4qZ5Z64XbMIgssQuMzHacboXhS4QXSBQYKJzjDwNSx/s640/IMG_1697.JPG" width="640" /></a>Please note that this is truly the only step of the process that a child can and should help you with. Placing already wicked pine cones in cupcake liners, it takes all of 2 minutes...Then they must vacate the area as they will most like be scalded with hot molten wax or possibly over hear you using foul language under your breath. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUwPD2xxG8q9cVXiy8wnvA2QpHWL9VOizZp7I89G2UwzOH52jpzgRqipDPMxiBvbG1Ca7FUJZ6JMfPno7mtTDF2LXIR2iI7AnQsosXv2uFNbuq642gfOIEeh0fDu8Q5jvAjrQy_HBb1gn/s1600/IMG_1695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUwPD2xxG8q9cVXiy8wnvA2QpHWL9VOizZp7I89G2UwzOH52jpzgRqipDPMxiBvbG1Ca7FUJZ6JMfPno7mtTDF2LXIR2iI7AnQsosXv2uFNbuq642gfOIEeh0fDu8Q5jvAjrQy_HBb1gn/s640/IMG_1695.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This child, my super crafter, is using a super sharp butcher knife to cut the huge blocks of wax into teeny tiny pieces...don't worry this step only takes an hour or two...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLHVZgmXh39p4qB087dVfXCuCu2OXqsDiWD8XarIG9dlyggNBsFjfOJ46DRQIaXGvsSqq946OXuORsud6FcSA1p-rTs_he34LrcO4dudF9mestu7DKZA8E1UaPAI1KYwjnPaVKqn0rkF2/s1600/IMG_1699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLHVZgmXh39p4qB087dVfXCuCu2OXqsDiWD8XarIG9dlyggNBsFjfOJ46DRQIaXGvsSqq946OXuORsud6FcSA1p-rTs_he34LrcO4dudF9mestu7DKZA8E1UaPAI1KYwjnPaVKqn0rkF2/s640/IMG_1699.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You melt the wax, in 15 separate batches, (it takes about 45 minutes per batch)...and hot wax and water will splatter all over your stove and floor and may possibly singe your skin when you try to move it or turn down the heat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlADXPorocpbm_Rlnd-y5URo4Q1VoeJa3tAmQVgcYO0wsIHsGxNixVcT09KzTi5OGDiIVGLSNUCwucmeC2PuUpelMm6nRFRGFDOJnrTdQgYBJ6C9v939dHMbzJUbORVtDiRCLv9H6kqrz/s1600/IMG_1706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlADXPorocpbm_Rlnd-y5URo4Q1VoeJa3tAmQVgcYO0wsIHsGxNixVcT09KzTi5OGDiIVGLSNUCwucmeC2PuUpelMm6nRFRGFDOJnrTdQgYBJ6C9v939dHMbzJUbORVtDiRCLv9H6kqrz/s640/IMG_1706.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Once you have braved melting the wax, pouring it into the cupcake liners, searing your fingertips, and making a total wreck of every available surface in your kitchen, use a butter knife to scrape off wax and reposition the pine cones so you set them up for another go around. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYve-wkdHiajc-cNw3b_rjW3cFmkzlTQFIMYtYkNrrLMOHtC8oOUs8zoOgLbsT-RUtJ0ohlny2TBwbHunx9EYQ_M5BxwoaO_DptYo78UvUibJuof3WmRkWtaIBAzSVgM35fe5BiWti9At/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYve-wkdHiajc-cNw3b_rjW3cFmkzlTQFIMYtYkNrrLMOHtC8oOUs8zoOgLbsT-RUtJ0ohlny2TBwbHunx9EYQ_M5BxwoaO_DptYo78UvUibJuof3WmRkWtaIBAzSVgM35fe5BiWti9At/s640/IMG_1700.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Keep pouring the wax until the bottom of the wick is covered with wax, otherwise...reposition all wicks and repour...again.. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZGLbszUP3FTWKgGkL3BgveRoU-l_-nqO56QWgozm4fy4LgE6uzF3D2jS6P6dCPL5CY5BzCjmI1fpuhALim1YTDBPzAdcutfbD5wpCZyp8mZxoRdbK0J1ob-0s_Z5bWvL17evdr0Vty0g/s1600/IMG_1703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZGLbszUP3FTWKgGkL3BgveRoU-l_-nqO56QWgozm4fy4LgE6uzF3D2jS6P6dCPL5CY5BzCjmI1fpuhALim1YTDBPzAdcutfbD5wpCZyp8mZxoRdbK0J1ob-0s_Z5bWvL17evdr0Vty0g/s640/IMG_1703.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Try to ignore all of your other children when they ask if you are ever going to be done with this project, so you can feed them and they can actually get out of their pajamas by lunch time and maybe have a small chance at interacting with you at some point in the day..</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPbCUacZ_0pGAWHnyVrUcASj6R0nCcE4dCW-2tv7JE58FaihTyXOE0wghaUPHFJ6okYgIdyniF9KfDgcTf_FLiCr4-tx8NwRlouTXUunC_jxZOs_zvE_mdBFVvwFwTiEjDrWtGQPi0IC_/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPbCUacZ_0pGAWHnyVrUcASj6R0nCcE4dCW-2tv7JE58FaihTyXOE0wghaUPHFJ6okYgIdyniF9KfDgcTf_FLiCr4-tx8NwRlouTXUunC_jxZOs_zvE_mdBFVvwFwTiEjDrWtGQPi0IC_/s640/IMG_1708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
6 hours later, when you are finally done...show off your biggest and smallest creation and act like it was all worth it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-yb9uEfpC0RKeHwINvQ093C50kGdczuAPMmkuNx1tBLBVNTqhGQz3L2ym2CU4FrXjf6VUaqNQG6ZUWJFgwhFiztkesUICuobqewM4xzWweav5nn2h-Cs1hsknPfiQ4f6A2viZTavU_AR/s1600/IMG_1709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-yb9uEfpC0RKeHwINvQ093C50kGdczuAPMmkuNx1tBLBVNTqhGQz3L2ym2CU4FrXjf6VUaqNQG6ZUWJFgwhFiztkesUICuobqewM4xzWweav5nn2h-Cs1hsknPfiQ4f6A2viZTavU_AR/s640/IMG_1709.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They did turn out nice, but do not be fooled, 5 hour project with at least 1 hour of clean up... pots and pans that had to hit the trash rather than deal with hours of scrubbing... If you decided to try this one...don't say you weren't warned :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsV3aJAuxeCCIX-zXXrEO4PHvjNOQ7_TPrtaFzQVDMVxfNKpvLkxToLG8jB582Bsg6OFkfAKDTrGo0JDE2U8zukEfBe0KWg4u72Wjufkxy7tOmLj-NK3A3PtKXpFzW6Us6W0l1umny0qr/s1600/IMG_1711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsV3aJAuxeCCIX-zXXrEO4PHvjNOQ7_TPrtaFzQVDMVxfNKpvLkxToLG8jB582Bsg6OFkfAKDTrGo0JDE2U8zukEfBe0KWg4u72Wjufkxy7tOmLj-NK3A3PtKXpFzW6Us6W0l1umny0qr/s640/IMG_1711.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Today we will be doing our annual cookie bake off and we are expecting much better results :) <br />
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!<br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-3367042108551707122011-12-12T05:10:00.000-08:002011-12-12T05:10:54.164-08:00Holiday Horse Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kobi had the cutest Holiday Horse show at the barn she takes lessons at. I love how it was a "fun" show, no pressure. Her class had a farm animal theme so she (and by she, I mean "I") had to make a costume for her horse... The thought stressed me out but we pulled it out. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbw6qX8jlj_7JNxzdOeK834CRgyab8xJnS7cohBhWzLKfdlPrlNuOrg_1IHPCRokODgwK9AaWT1491RqKKBwPlJxKxnYgZLl5vzXjlxBd76q0w7k520lb1eTKrgRFChyphenhyphen67XIzN1e6wBe-/s1600/IMG_1255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbw6qX8jlj_7JNxzdOeK834CRgyab8xJnS7cohBhWzLKfdlPrlNuOrg_1IHPCRokODgwK9AaWT1491RqKKBwPlJxKxnYgZLl5vzXjlxBd76q0w7k520lb1eTKrgRFChyphenhyphen67XIzN1e6wBe-/s640/IMG_1255.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He turned out super cute, for a sheep...but doesn't he look like he is just a bit humiliated to be wearing such a get-up :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V2tkKNwfTm2Of-PzFM_EGGM3DQmQjBby9rGunrbYnn5ky8jysfXgL_5FqKelqG5DWzzwh4V7KKOsyHMlXWp4DovOqkk8YFs-K1AVtGwz5qrxr1njCRHga4vUsYy7mrReuqkB0ikXimU0/s1600/IMG_1248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V2tkKNwfTm2Of-PzFM_EGGM3DQmQjBby9rGunrbYnn5ky8jysfXgL_5FqKelqG5DWzzwh4V7KKOsyHMlXWp4DovOqkk8YFs-K1AVtGwz5qrxr1njCRHga4vUsYy7mrReuqkB0ikXimU0/s640/IMG_1248.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Here is a video I made of her class, I know no one will think it is as cute as her mama and papa does but I figured I would put it out there :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/33104327?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/33104327">HORSE SHOW HOLIDAY 2011</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2619068">amy</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
Fun times! Hope you all are enjoying the holidays and soaking up the season. Next week is the mad rush of 3 of the littles birthdays and MY biggest BOY is coming home for a few weeks. I vow to soak up the family moments and not to get obbsessed with all the to do lists and expectations of this glorious season. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l1KoLgkRvP-DX853fIRDIQxsZUZ2S_N4QpyO4Hvx8E04OVepwCE-q7GpUwkwTODgjql-LwEkC-xqYvNYL6SOKzWzNHtp5O7c791kjj73U3Jk9xEV10ReitKpTzzQK-rsEe39ddLxYzE1/s1600/IMG_1352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l1KoLgkRvP-DX853fIRDIQxsZUZ2S_N4QpyO4Hvx8E04OVepwCE-q7GpUwkwTODgjql-LwEkC-xqYvNYL6SOKzWzNHtp5O7c791kjj73U3Jk9xEV10ReitKpTzzQK-rsEe39ddLxYzE1/s640/IMG_1352.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-44954866049832640342011-12-07T05:15:00.001-08:002011-12-08T18:37:59.869-08:00Thanksgiving in FL.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took a trip to Florida for Thanksgiving....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUuKY1MoMPuxauWbNNhbGJZ5yRF6KuCu9Z-V5xSCNKHAx_g_6WBHAXcnO9_yV-Nrd4mO_TEt-sao-Ve8Y3WZdU2dchP_LzB0L9AR94vMacEplq80GoDtk4tAUCMkqBEYSgTt7LTUeO68a/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUuKY1MoMPuxauWbNNhbGJZ5yRF6KuCu9Z-V5xSCNKHAx_g_6WBHAXcnO9_yV-Nrd4mO_TEt-sao-Ve8Y3WZdU2dchP_LzB0L9AR94vMacEplq80GoDtk4tAUCMkqBEYSgTt7LTUeO68a/s640/IMG_1104.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Oh the sunshine, it feeds my soul. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12xRkUjnU6oMVWqqS8pFXXyq5BfHfcmpRhOum5VlSxA3XmZuUjq7xgAF2i0oEdARMUkHiGHgCBbfFdzVomTI6SF0K8iM4S8E9DL2uCsgUGpsZTuA8hI_C23KSdGR8P2Oz-QOrULN7vB37/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12xRkUjnU6oMVWqqS8pFXXyq5BfHfcmpRhOum5VlSxA3XmZuUjq7xgAF2i0oEdARMUkHiGHgCBbfFdzVomTI6SF0K8iM4S8E9DL2uCsgUGpsZTuA8hI_C23KSdGR8P2Oz-QOrULN7vB37/s640/IMG_0924.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are the dorkiest tourist, even when we are in our old stompin' grounds...</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4Zg_DPr_Q4H8vjyVMq0-JRR5WdBnVKGJubllJPr3W0Ol6Wc52kAExe4sNtfQcUUJKFyyZBdnzPpQCl8Q1QwautASbeyyNQiSQIWzPQ-KxxaXarDkr5QEFt3kQV5K_CD9bv8qP6qQFug0/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4Zg_DPr_Q4H8vjyVMq0-JRR5WdBnVKGJubllJPr3W0Ol6Wc52kAExe4sNtfQcUUJKFyyZBdnzPpQCl8Q1QwautASbeyyNQiSQIWzPQ-KxxaXarDkr5QEFt3kQV5K_CD9bv8qP6qQFug0/s640/IMG_0928.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finn cracks us all up... She decides to try to give the passerby's High-five's from her front row seat...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNDLJEMM08FbuowCFnjqRwKktXb-d8AbzjvCAC5_Om3c-iCpKS0uOZcTEuTseug1QTycYiLzly1LJjRkwN4B2qquf5zhO9qwIwHUVhBpnQ20T5c-hDqILv-LcP0K8na_mslBsZcf9uFnh/s1600/IMG_0937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNDLJEMM08FbuowCFnjqRwKktXb-d8AbzjvCAC5_Om3c-iCpKS0uOZcTEuTseug1QTycYiLzly1LJjRkwN4B2qquf5zhO9qwIwHUVhBpnQ20T5c-hDqILv-LcP0K8na_mslBsZcf9uFnh/s640/IMG_0937.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She quickly realized that Florida people are not usually as friendly as our fellow Northernerns, but she was quite proud when she could get someone to join in her shananigans. She is so funny...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidchfajyncuWKIWDPgXhYmq8iviCkV43NexSmd1eh5GaKDPUIh5QXEqiwpGytGoFxkyiwnuj7MP-D3JXy0JXKdiNGdK1BC__iF-5lHMvRoAPYWG7liJEukJY1pClCfhdzLa5ktxIZmVFVx/s1600/IMG_0939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidchfajyncuWKIWDPgXhYmq8iviCkV43NexSmd1eh5GaKDPUIh5QXEqiwpGytGoFxkyiwnuj7MP-D3JXy0JXKdiNGdK1BC__iF-5lHMvRoAPYWG7liJEukJY1pClCfhdzLa5ktxIZmVFVx/s640/IMG_0939.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So our trip took a pretty crumby turn... Right as we were headed to my Mom's house, she called and said she wasn't feeling well. She ended up in the hospital having an emergency quadruple bypass heart surgery. So we spent most of our trip at her house, even though the little kids didn't even get to see her. We had to do a quick impromptu Thanksgiving dinner...and I am so thankful that my biggest boy flew in the day before... I couldn't have pulled it off without him. He is so awesome... This is probably the worst picture ever taken of me...but my boy is so stinkin' cute...and helping me in the kitchen..i couldn't resist... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8as5oK1hyRApPf4zjPWiXuwfvm7fWfpqGn_jMyqwS6eG1hJ4mxP2st8t3oJocuHPEM3VI_6OLP1Amh-cj-tvvNCWcldnB-Xp4XzUWlxYlMgj2qrHub8zkVFKZnHRO7dzbso2P4Bx9gOZW/s1600/IMG_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8as5oK1hyRApPf4zjPWiXuwfvm7fWfpqGn_jMyqwS6eG1hJ4mxP2st8t3oJocuHPEM3VI_6OLP1Amh-cj-tvvNCWcldnB-Xp4XzUWlxYlMgj2qrHub8zkVFKZnHRO7dzbso2P4Bx9gOZW/s640/IMG_1063.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvcZtjCGtKjbClKA0FSFmM95J8yfupUVPOa0Y0NG7jpK35I4GqP5Hbk87JbOUvhHZLrD9BBfu0OBqMb2pclHy4b8Ki0oiGTtnFw8on_hBBFK8ziuoag0RW0jj83e1JR0yzeeHhTdKB0VJ/s1600/IMG_1115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvcZtjCGtKjbClKA0FSFmM95J8yfupUVPOa0Y0NG7jpK35I4GqP5Hbk87JbOUvhHZLrD9BBfu0OBqMb2pclHy4b8Ki0oiGTtnFw8on_hBBFK8ziuoag0RW0jj83e1JR0yzeeHhTdKB0VJ/s640/IMG_1115.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even with the worry over my Mom, we made the most of our trip. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIzOVMEmz-oIAakeXBCOxz5GurAGPa1_3oqDF1qCvO-WEAXzsZVh5LmsLhv08hnQfuKNgOzDLIaGfjongG3BLC6wu91iH74aHeEJLe_3kyYV21TIDyccvXXtBNi0rUltkwLiAqthGZSyA/s1600/IMG_0991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIzOVMEmz-oIAakeXBCOxz5GurAGPa1_3oqDF1qCvO-WEAXzsZVh5LmsLhv08hnQfuKNgOzDLIaGfjongG3BLC6wu91iH74aHeEJLe_3kyYV21TIDyccvXXtBNi0rUltkwLiAqthGZSyA/s640/IMG_0991.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know why, but I have always loved sea turtles... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNKMUDb_EXezP3HCg_ApftK7r-2qJ3IHXPVVXiqBd7zy4mHqn6JLDrKVDXeD9Lx4FCIIa8k93W7hlwMWgc505O2qChXl9Nqkq4Id2OGoBkqZ1XkCi1rA5fzJtZLVHRoFrpwMQlx51cY1H/s1600/IMG_0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNKMUDb_EXezP3HCg_ApftK7r-2qJ3IHXPVVXiqBd7zy4mHqn6JLDrKVDXeD9Lx4FCIIa8k93W7hlwMWgc505O2qChXl9Nqkq4Id2OGoBkqZ1XkCi1rA5fzJtZLVHRoFrpwMQlx51cY1H/s640/IMG_0999.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This big guy has a shark bite injury... poor little dude. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDoZ4Xg5YNsN6pQxcFIUv4eYN2hZHljL0mxLRahvShrYxWW5OC8RAO59CMdeqYml3Nk0YTqDy3bKP5SDoYOuZr4kIWCCCUq5QfeZvjKE-bp_k4Lc_zn0Bxw1L8ka9Cw1mV80KE4QA5qGW/s1600/IMG_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDoZ4Xg5YNsN6pQxcFIUv4eYN2hZHljL0mxLRahvShrYxWW5OC8RAO59CMdeqYml3Nk0YTqDy3bKP5SDoYOuZr4kIWCCCUq5QfeZvjKE-bp_k4Lc_zn0Bxw1L8ka9Cw1mV80KE4QA5qGW/s640/IMG_0998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Great memories are built crashing on the floor of Grandma's house with a room full of cousins :) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE30A4-ifcUskByF_o2Oao1iHshVuD779zagwVxxAHMdDin26qe5CWp2l0P0RqdGN9iCqClodad3RGIE3q6wULqBEtphbcHy9nHYdDB0twQXkoqyz_loWRYSiJP3ujyTrPbQ-eujYHIOSD/s1600/IMG_1030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE30A4-ifcUskByF_o2Oao1iHshVuD779zagwVxxAHMdDin26qe5CWp2l0P0RqdGN9iCqClodad3RGIE3q6wULqBEtphbcHy9nHYdDB0twQXkoqyz_loWRYSiJP3ujyTrPbQ-eujYHIOSD/s640/IMG_1030.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Cousins,,,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NESzNdzyTAm9S8wp0izmWzjzOQYBMRS_0nfabgjnkImvslPqmE-Ure122bj6a6-2awmGlaognZlh1Dq55tc-MPqSfHsDGpxA8l4B_mTnrDsKUInCCpaOCfE_Z2-eZEfpkVeaDVy-DcZE/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NESzNdzyTAm9S8wp0izmWzjzOQYBMRS_0nfabgjnkImvslPqmE-Ure122bj6a6-2awmGlaognZlh1Dq55tc-MPqSfHsDGpxA8l4B_mTnrDsKUInCCpaOCfE_Z2-eZEfpkVeaDVy-DcZE/s640/IMG_0921.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Friends,,,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhwgOOPR2R3w6DZtiZf6IoPxG1r734spjN1wUWMTeEPy2jukhjVIwD-EmCRiaHkVqxNR4Bk5Y6XSRIZCTREOeKcGYfCKAf9kz_odWi6rlRIQeAFUkCpgPbyWpY8r0EbCszB04CMYUX5TP/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhwgOOPR2R3w6DZtiZf6IoPxG1r734spjN1wUWMTeEPy2jukhjVIwD-EmCRiaHkVqxNR4Bk5Y6XSRIZCTREOeKcGYfCKAf9kz_odWi6rlRIQeAFUkCpgPbyWpY8r0EbCszB04CMYUX5TP/s640/IMG_1009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Uncle's<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKICDYTjY6HBokJJBfaImEc8pbwMfm5_PoXjonMQp4IR_v_6Uh7fDc2SX5Xsf0epHuK1mo2JhvAMcbre9TFr3s0g352kQ2sImVeyRs5KnvRv0klMWQY09fqPJrWMmQoNLUAmWUdTJARy4d/s1600/IMG_0922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKICDYTjY6HBokJJBfaImEc8pbwMfm5_PoXjonMQp4IR_v_6Uh7fDc2SX5Xsf0epHuK1mo2JhvAMcbre9TFr3s0g352kQ2sImVeyRs5KnvRv0klMWQY09fqPJrWMmQoNLUAmWUdTJARy4d/s640/IMG_0922.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
more cousins,,,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrloTImFX_Ciwz_gx6X-4lg_Tab4byec5nGNLTKaTukSttnoGlPvCAIZDayqBt361-5FGqemDlclgOXiKse5pgk2dXb1qs7j6-Ne-O-nFZiKEEJ8ZnyqKITkdXan8Zo5oNIfYO7XvZUTqO/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrloTImFX_Ciwz_gx6X-4lg_Tab4byec5nGNLTKaTukSttnoGlPvCAIZDayqBt361-5FGqemDlclgOXiKse5pgk2dXb1qs7j6-Ne-O-nFZiKEEJ8ZnyqKITkdXan8Zo5oNIfYO7XvZUTqO/s640/IMG_1051.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKBTbj2aIbSttb4fGFJJDRY0EyXThVrmFt3xlJka3kcWrmZVBAPipUPxhDMsD4mHKy0tWaFXoNDAYaaWBN1P8byA5pbVIDdoi7diLCr4PfVcVvZgJEcqCBc3PqZj_V92AyUY6-UFEWB8Y/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKBTbj2aIbSttb4fGFJJDRY0EyXThVrmFt3xlJka3kcWrmZVBAPipUPxhDMsD4mHKy0tWaFXoNDAYaaWBN1P8byA5pbVIDdoi7diLCr4PfVcVvZgJEcqCBc3PqZj_V92AyUY6-UFEWB8Y/s640/IMG_1027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and even more cousins... We miss them all....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7jJ-ocI5ifyQfKYpGljNSCegCVZuXGDieRt-qOFl_I8WveYCHkyh8gF28aL5iLAS9xK2u302_MXsR4ujxivgvlZcjUI-yoMfkFBzeG7ZbIRcqLVvQrzJWlzyY7Ha2YtXFGVMsVXPIA8Q/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7jJ-ocI5ifyQfKYpGljNSCegCVZuXGDieRt-qOFl_I8WveYCHkyh8gF28aL5iLAS9xK2u302_MXsR4ujxivgvlZcjUI-yoMfkFBzeG7ZbIRcqLVvQrzJWlzyY7Ha2YtXFGVMsVXPIA8Q/s640/IMG_0987.JPG" width="640" /></a>I had to leave you with fun easy yummy dessert the girls and I made. We were craving some banana pudding after trying some at a hometown diner last week...so we looked up<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/uncooked-banana-pudding/detail.aspx" target="_blank"> this recipe</a> and it turned out super yummy for how easy it is... big time family hit. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGsLMzEO1RLlMREBXdso4qZdVqo5AF7z6m_cMFLttumvh6r0tuSctJdoUYL9hnvkZIqGkgQwPZ5bphT6fgHemAXfO69PXMwEb0ZCh4xTpg2KYUHBX_wPYyvheJQf83Wfw5jJ-w-lrgKfu/s1600/IMG_1212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGsLMzEO1RLlMREBXdso4qZdVqo5AF7z6m_cMFLttumvh6r0tuSctJdoUYL9hnvkZIqGkgQwPZ5bphT6fgHemAXfO69PXMwEb0ZCh4xTpg2KYUHBX_wPYyvheJQf83Wfw5jJ-w-lrgKfu/s640/IMG_1212.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-24487203108668662972011-11-04T10:22:00.000-07:002011-11-04T10:22:24.836-07:00The joys of being 3!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0-RMwNzdORMidFT57nchzv4G3VB3HBIa2ULM84QPeb5zgsCDpAECApU3dicQFf6uZRMETUejnMNgWyadHMN0UizqT-nE6gvb0bUeOHmpsAXBlK-ya3o-oRlMsaYx9Gy_1it_3r3w9H7w/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0-RMwNzdORMidFT57nchzv4G3VB3HBIa2ULM84QPeb5zgsCDpAECApU3dicQFf6uZRMETUejnMNgWyadHMN0UizqT-nE6gvb0bUeOHmpsAXBlK-ya3o-oRlMsaYx9Gy_1it_3r3w9H7w/s640/IMG_0197.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Time elapsed: 0.7 seconds</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdUllZeAUIBE0UzPhYh_ejxAX709bdT1VjVpxFz7en9o2X52lQ7Bbow3rS7U6EURoTv3vo8mgBr-gYaWSlNFzIjP81k4CngctTLxQCv9lwyJpImolFRZ1kcVIol99WE49h3-hPBYlU79V/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdUllZeAUIBE0UzPhYh_ejxAX709bdT1VjVpxFz7en9o2X52lQ7Bbow3rS7U6EURoTv3vo8mgBr-gYaWSlNFzIjP81k4CngctTLxQCv9lwyJpImolFRZ1kcVIol99WE49h3-hPBYlU79V/s640/IMG_0208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-85884245886634427392011-11-03T08:35:00.000-07:002011-11-03T08:35:59.316-07:00The best day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Halloween day was probably the best day of my girls life thus far.... not because of the candy or the costumes but because of HORSES!!!! </span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">We finally got the long awaited horses at Grandpa's farm!!! We are taking care of these horses that are part of a huge camp program while they are out of season. So these guys have been around the block and are perfect for us, the inexperienced equestrians :)</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAtrEmmpP6oAPBie9dM_u-N9KILpTw09wTc0Z5iftGXSj-kKqovMP0RK4bzS1v1pN8jQe86E_U8PU0Sly3-uBxmASS3xJ3Y05GNOXj1jfDCSKJ3Ri319FBW9tPA6g02qYu2KXNHyAVfha/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAtrEmmpP6oAPBie9dM_u-N9KILpTw09wTc0Z5iftGXSj-kKqovMP0RK4bzS1v1pN8jQe86E_U8PU0Sly3-uBxmASS3xJ3Y05GNOXj1jfDCSKJ3Ri319FBW9tPA6g02qYu2KXNHyAVfha/s640/IMG_1205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">We have 6 months to find our own horses while we love on these sweet guys. Problem is we are quickly growing attached. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrNjVjsnr3ZvEgcnPxlDlSSO1UnyP2cNhLmW32mPoJWknvL8_OqF4zsUzNKC7pIfnkNx2GfGhIjvWrO0BRCpGUnYb5PJwEIVDcJKujy8YH7INLTJPr1nl8Ts7e9bJZlrDgtpxOJIQnmdL/s1600/IMG_1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrNjVjsnr3ZvEgcnPxlDlSSO1UnyP2cNhLmW32mPoJWknvL8_OqF4zsUzNKC7pIfnkNx2GfGhIjvWrO0BRCpGUnYb5PJwEIVDcJKujy8YH7INLTJPr1nl8Ts7e9bJZlrDgtpxOJIQnmdL/s640/IMG_1214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Thank goodness for my beautiful friend and all of her horse expertise. She has been a lifesaver this past week as she shows us the ropes. She is one of my best buds, we both have big families blessed by adoption. I am so blessed to have friends like her!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxA1sGuxGs7c8kW8Lb1m28JtZoiJxljUsvs6ntiThnqXSlWcskutpPcFkDTxJSzAmCKK0z7qiOqWRBjTHQxNzSnttRuC2BLhsZ6oa2wCIbsTA2M1pGVa6eOjIUldowGY2Povjoe-OofSn4/s1600/IMG_1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxA1sGuxGs7c8kW8Lb1m28JtZoiJxljUsvs6ntiThnqXSlWcskutpPcFkDTxJSzAmCKK0z7qiOqWRBjTHQxNzSnttRuC2BLhsZ6oa2wCIbsTA2M1pGVa6eOjIUldowGY2Povjoe-OofSn4/s640/IMG_1271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
My heart is so full right now. And not exactly because of the horses. Truth be told I am a total spazz around them. I am not an animal girl by nature :) I am trying my hardest to overcome my fears and flip outs to find my way with these magnificent animals. My heart is full because ever since my oldest girl was a baby I saw myself in her in so many ways. She has healed some dark sides of me, this beautiful child. I can love some of the qualities that have held me back because I see them glorified in her. One thing that was hard to watch was how painfully shy she was. As I really suffered from that as a kid. For me it turned into lacking of self confidence and led me down some really tough roads. But my girl, she is different. She is confidently shy. It's really cool actually. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziqDqqjdamsoEs6T1j7X17pd9Ww8F_EMawO9exfp02zjKOjS8qnrbA6D-M8c7nckcHBqj3R_eL-bA3tgeTw4sKONGZGnmEm_7clCmADB4ABhggcXsAh9Jvy6Pt2ekr6M3BVqSrx809z-9/s1600/IMG_1236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziqDqqjdamsoEs6T1j7X17pd9Ww8F_EMawO9exfp02zjKOjS8qnrbA6D-M8c7nckcHBqj3R_eL-bA3tgeTw4sKONGZGnmEm_7clCmADB4ABhggcXsAh9Jvy6Pt2ekr6M3BVqSrx809z-9/s640/IMG_1236.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
And something clicked in her a few months ago when she started being around these animals. I saw a light go off in her. She may not be the most gifted soccer player, or some other typical things... but when she is with these animals,,, my jaw drops in awe of how "large" she is. I tease that she has a little bit of horse blood running through her veins. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z8lFUrI9FkVnJfa_eR7O9XZcByQrvWFlGuQETUKAuga7zJBQ1CWFLwB5vDxqT4eOB4w7BzBDZKWZ7eSyE7ODp-AXBst5BqJufZ6YlqRxF46OWrrvHhiY7VzgDEph2THbCRrHsoNnqCxO/s1600/IMG_1235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z8lFUrI9FkVnJfa_eR7O9XZcByQrvWFlGuQETUKAuga7zJBQ1CWFLwB5vDxqT4eOB4w7BzBDZKWZ7eSyE7ODp-AXBst5BqJufZ6YlqRxF46OWrrvHhiY7VzgDEph2THbCRrHsoNnqCxO/s640/IMG_1235.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
All of the sudden she has this "don't mess with me" attitude, these horses pick up on it immediately. If I walk into their pasture...they walk away from me. This girl, they follow her around like puppy dogs. She shows me the ropes and climbs around and tacks them up without flinching. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMV7cQ5_JxJFt1OpaJWEQz3BOXlcRoSyxiXwtLA1sTiyBdioMNjvWarFo6kx9LLdQi6NkHukX7B0O2v4mJ6D9M0suV-sxU6Q5adPDV_WQEM0BN23J_3Xg2FklU_GuTbYENwYvZ53qa-Z8/s1600/IMG_1298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMV7cQ5_JxJFt1OpaJWEQz3BOXlcRoSyxiXwtLA1sTiyBdioMNjvWarFo6kx9LLdQi6NkHukX7B0O2v4mJ6D9M0suV-sxU6Q5adPDV_WQEM0BN23J_3Xg2FklU_GuTbYENwYvZ53qa-Z8/s640/IMG_1298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
We are so blessed that Grandpa loves this place as much as she does. But I know for sure that if I had to, I would move my whole crew into a trailer to keep them around horses. Now I just hope a few of the others follow suit and fall in love just as much. That would make things a little easier around here as far as carpool for all the crazy activities goes :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAoLwrTQUVpNRIxukthhemcL_y4lf_276T0urrXzeixT72xQP4ygmdylUJidHtB82gbWn4fhP4eSKuEVPlLPnmppxKkdiBScn3dSHl8_iZdThcCl1iviK6WoaE3CEEL7r1J_UWnKr-wls/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAoLwrTQUVpNRIxukthhemcL_y4lf_276T0urrXzeixT72xQP4ygmdylUJidHtB82gbWn4fhP4eSKuEVPlLPnmppxKkdiBScn3dSHl8_iZdThcCl1iviK6WoaE3CEEL7r1J_UWnKr-wls/s640/IMG_1229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Ok, so we had to get to the Halloween cuteness. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp9-IJYXOtlylIbIt2KMx7PUcoO3p7_UumyL7R9ptzzwT8DJ1QRhyYJvpc4UaVqG3boZBb6IqgaT7EAbGujcGhFoYk-TN1p5_DU-rCrKJ7RpJDFwGDJjGrkZNulF_g20tQFkA89lp8m3D/s1600/IMG_1199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp9-IJYXOtlylIbIt2KMx7PUcoO3p7_UumyL7R9ptzzwT8DJ1QRhyYJvpc4UaVqG3boZBb6IqgaT7EAbGujcGhFoYk-TN1p5_DU-rCrKJ7RpJDFwGDJjGrkZNulF_g20tQFkA89lp8m3D/s640/IMG_1199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This picture stinkin' cracks me up.... This is my girls in a nut shell. They had to dress like cowboys for a fall party at preschool. Mina is perfectly posed in pink...and Finn is smirking with her shirt lifted up as she scratches at her belly button. Total opposites these girls! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-J9nE3bOiiOO6oBoJSx8GVYEtdrW0f3DYrXkfdgSP9gT1J2sFQPi4KPCDKmGPJeRJEUIQslcAAxWFscOuXJHGJUCh-evi_CQgKuu1Pn0zO4QPs55aaucLxC7Zi6j0VHtWA801gnomHSAs/s1600/IMG_0260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-J9nE3bOiiOO6oBoJSx8GVYEtdrW0f3DYrXkfdgSP9gT1J2sFQPi4KPCDKmGPJeRJEUIQslcAAxWFscOuXJHGJUCh-evi_CQgKuu1Pn0zO4QPs55aaucLxC7Zi6j0VHtWA801gnomHSAs/s640/IMG_0260.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Finn wanted to be a scary witch for Halloween, thanks to some plastic teeth that got her a ton of laughs the previous week. So this is what we came up with in about 9 minutes of prep time... It's awful..I know. I hate that nasty greasy face paint... yuck-o. but she was pretty hysterical. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvs16l6EDmL3Q9YLWZnaJzkslom-wBZfdyxGsCUwNGxijeeRIAnDL9sNUegtcZVKy9NOn6Smf7pRSIRIttGRlLZtmUof1IDBUJ91h6ovr_Epez_QnTXTxvFe48_LjIAEqdWskh8mGkfQD/s1600/IMG_1317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvs16l6EDmL3Q9YLWZnaJzkslom-wBZfdyxGsCUwNGxijeeRIAnDL9sNUegtcZVKy9NOn6Smf7pRSIRIttGRlLZtmUof1IDBUJ91h6ovr_Epez_QnTXTxvFe48_LjIAEqdWskh8mGkfQD/s640/IMG_1317.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Work it girl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8UZf3H-I315hfm8a010BgrctolmBgRa5-uYXCcbbfZ1G_5lVrgYRXGxolgzM9WtWYmc75KX2NIAc95cxbdyLSaCGGsDh0a7TBJcfZtXB_ykSin8Iv46pQtVarktSKYtNEs4uaqzxr-HO/s1600/IMG_1329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8UZf3H-I315hfm8a010BgrctolmBgRa5-uYXCcbbfZ1G_5lVrgYRXGxolgzM9WtWYmc75KX2NIAc95cxbdyLSaCGGsDh0a7TBJcfZtXB_ykSin8Iv46pQtVarktSKYtNEs4uaqzxr-HO/s640/IMG_1329.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
This was Mina's 75th costume choice of the hour...we just went with it...10 hour old face paint and all. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jq9n2CBDaRVwgmK71bqqcouRXnjF610G7avwpy47u3LGXMqfs-KMFbJHMiQGbmb_9cq4Ije-k8a_s2uGSIk9KohvPXXBNkXQzn_9VO3Kfc6uJNcavdXs3h4UNx9PPtGxz2uAVdx69ske/s1600/IMG_1324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jq9n2CBDaRVwgmK71bqqcouRXnjF610G7avwpy47u3LGXMqfs-KMFbJHMiQGbmb_9cq4Ije-k8a_s2uGSIk9KohvPXXBNkXQzn_9VO3Kfc6uJNcavdXs3h4UNx9PPtGxz2uAVdx69ske/s640/IMG_1324.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Rough looking Halloween crew :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz49A4oMmr702UQUpditYJ1t1byUxgp71wuZybCXo8bsmRv_sU3ltxrfOqJBw1ZiIZcvKD9yaSL0gJ6dXrg0X0ZgXxDT7EY0vSJHmzDwCRfTAuP679GDCoXi8kPdGwBJSbpm9PYgAxIw_G/s1600/IMG_1335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz49A4oMmr702UQUpditYJ1t1byUxgp71wuZybCXo8bsmRv_sU3ltxrfOqJBw1ZiIZcvKD9yaSL0gJ6dXrg0X0ZgXxDT7EY0vSJHmzDwCRfTAuP679GDCoXi8kPdGwBJSbpm9PYgAxIw_G/s640/IMG_1335.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGd78ik9oHdymGhC-QXoEuZnFhPebju_lwgriRU84wBDbBVO160Um1h2NJmViPBCYBo_om7J7MyqJZQJFBFM5gfQZRAyGvVkFaUHxloci59-L9cmYni9DVK6fZ173j4Es1US7IgmpRw2X/s1600/IMG_1347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGd78ik9oHdymGhC-QXoEuZnFhPebju_lwgriRU84wBDbBVO160Um1h2NJmViPBCYBo_om7J7MyqJZQJFBFM5gfQZRAyGvVkFaUHxloci59-L9cmYni9DVK6fZ173j4Es1US7IgmpRw2X/s640/IMG_1347.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
She got ready in 2.7 seconds after spending the entire day with her horses. She could have totally skipped all of this...chocolate has nothing on those horses...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkXu3relPXC0c5wqQnCMDK_1FKQiNZwD-XOg4hdsSc-lfteTxd1-iQwufMm5KRz6-PNmQ-fgAcNvdC6ns-fQ4aVjsxv_7vwxjNE0lq9Q8Hhtf7B_NH_dICvTaN9535nCNvZHPMqSr7P-b/s1600/IMG_1350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkXu3relPXC0c5wqQnCMDK_1FKQiNZwD-XOg4hdsSc-lfteTxd1-iQwufMm5KRz6-PNmQ-fgAcNvdC6ns-fQ4aVjsxv_7vwxjNE0lq9Q8Hhtf7B_NH_dICvTaN9535nCNvZHPMqSr7P-b/s640/IMG_1350.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-8824821796809291522011-10-30T16:06:00.000-07:002011-10-30T16:06:09.141-07:00Finally some Fall Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Se we are still learning some leasons about how to deal with having a big family... There is a balance we are trying to figure out. A balance of having family down time and having our kids involved in various activities. When we signed all 5 kids up for soccer, we knew it was going to be a busy season, but I don't think we realized just how over our heads we were getting. Our every weekend has been completely consumed with soccer. Saturdays and Sundays,,,sometimes 8 hour days spanning 100 miles of travel to get each kid to their respective games. Plus practices, 3 nights a week at the fields for 3 hours. The hardest thing has been not having time to do all of the family things we love. So yesterday we got an early email that the soccer fields were closed due to rain...but the forecast for the rest of the day was nice and clear. It took us about 2 seconds to come up with our plan of action. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsMWTZFjAb3LFeJ32v3fUqGsWUsxdNWqtBlssFxIlhQzE7vJQQRY7mlAp-umTtC76MG3Xg36pGGN3WPCkP9S5Dy59ewZqDL3gm5BSarn3bohmhNdYuAUitV38QejI_RaGep6-wjPZDaSE/s1600/IMG_0384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsMWTZFjAb3LFeJ32v3fUqGsWUsxdNWqtBlssFxIlhQzE7vJQQRY7mlAp-umTtC76MG3Xg36pGGN3WPCkP9S5Dy59ewZqDL3gm5BSarn3bohmhNdYuAUitV38QejI_RaGep6-wjPZDaSE/s640/IMG_0384.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hiking!! it is over a four mile trek to the top. Finn didn't get her "I'm an indoor type of girl" pass either. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV_G17A1ZNqXZY_rzNLAnUbaDhvxoNLgjSyn5mnYeJUVO2Y2Jd1U4FRL8Yo1qHBPkPOuWwpc83DlyuPj5GZmOOPLk5TKe4ZWCgHtkef8Gfqq4LRhaVudbw9w7c-QPotIxQFTLc31ZKjpS/s1600/IMG_0404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV_G17A1ZNqXZY_rzNLAnUbaDhvxoNLgjSyn5mnYeJUVO2Y2Jd1U4FRL8Yo1qHBPkPOuWwpc83DlyuPj5GZmOOPLk5TKe4ZWCgHtkef8Gfqq4LRhaVudbw9w7c-QPotIxQFTLc31ZKjpS/s640/IMG_0404.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
She did ride about one of those miles in "style". She did <strike>more than her fair share</strike> whine a little on the last half but over all she hung in there better than expected. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02y8-DMdxKsPtCr7RMvw3aUAgi1Kwh9IJVpAWiZGkKcOb7MFXLIMIv291e0fbVEiuDH9ncIFAI96xVZGUgE5372xy4ocNOMATjW1d8byjmq7Chk3GWAwsfePlS92f90nfaEp0bmAHhUz_/s1600/IMG_0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02y8-DMdxKsPtCr7RMvw3aUAgi1Kwh9IJVpAWiZGkKcOb7MFXLIMIv291e0fbVEiuDH9ncIFAI96xVZGUgE5372xy4ocNOMATjW1d8byjmq7Chk3GWAwsfePlS92f90nfaEp0bmAHhUz_/s640/IMG_0437.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHhWdvkG8c_ZWC2s0NT53ODy9mAPDbztUYjcl8BboaPCsmq2id1p0am2yfF5OWnoo0F1O60el_tmDR_wBONYCEBCwpmDlqoLy8uulyJjFPpFxZJp9sENUzyVLr3QsFo2tAZQ5ZqLDvjEo/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHhWdvkG8c_ZWC2s0NT53ODy9mAPDbztUYjcl8BboaPCsmq2id1p0am2yfF5OWnoo0F1O60el_tmDR_wBONYCEBCwpmDlqoLy8uulyJjFPpFxZJp9sENUzyVLr3QsFo2tAZQ5ZqLDvjEo/s640/IMG_0428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once at the top the kids had a picnic lunch and we enjoyed the view :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicFLbHWU1qboYgl7r5M3Gg1uS8UzkFf0F2vvXH-TwAdUF2jiKuFe1FTWNBy3z8GLcSjyj4OIO8RC_6HEJoGOrttXxyvV3iQ5nirtx3FLkSmWCxJMoT4DwGRkDofbtkjiDWm-UArfOSGnz/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicFLbHWU1qboYgl7r5M3Gg1uS8UzkFf0F2vvXH-TwAdUF2jiKuFe1FTWNBy3z8GLcSjyj4OIO8RC_6HEJoGOrttXxyvV3iQ5nirtx3FLkSmWCxJMoT4DwGRkDofbtkjiDWm-UArfOSGnz/s640/IMG_0454.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6nIHSqcmO-YvN-AuAhDQ-4Fri_dsM8Rf-gg46eLJtOMPiHnNiGWXRRW3VYD7PYKxt-OsW8HckbhKcsHTCPkt0fJwHU0saZT_6n7e7pmgpi5YN4EuAVWqh_sY2JCKMm9jD_w_qYvLmkgF/s1600/IMG_0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6nIHSqcmO-YvN-AuAhDQ-4Fri_dsM8Rf-gg46eLJtOMPiHnNiGWXRRW3VYD7PYKxt-OsW8HckbhKcsHTCPkt0fJwHU0saZT_6n7e7pmgpi5YN4EuAVWqh_sY2JCKMm9jD_w_qYvLmkgF/s640/IMG_0485.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Brothers. I want to hang this pic in their room. There is quite an interesting dynamic going on between the two of them. I really can't wait to see how it plays out. At this point, it's anyones guess. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPac0-mkTitwCe8-lqgmjQwOJqP9t1K2r2vj_uxF7DVLxat-0Q3TuTDLn1hrlF5ht1r0j7ALrlQWDlOqRA9d00NfPn10TxX_E1_TGn159R9Hg1S6Y2dbDJ6TKMH1D-tdWkXjkTRwiTe5mo/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPac0-mkTitwCe8-lqgmjQwOJqP9t1K2r2vj_uxF7DVLxat-0Q3TuTDLn1hrlF5ht1r0j7ALrlQWDlOqRA9d00NfPn10TxX_E1_TGn159R9Hg1S6Y2dbDJ6TKMH1D-tdWkXjkTRwiTe5mo/s640/IMG_0469.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Jackson is such a turkey....I wonder where he learned to be such a stinkin' goofball ?????<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycQmjmuR9BPv6zbVK3ZGdZyKMCea75bAtKGFiKbilEjns20nRAdKkOX3PKPDfAdXswhf3HRZYzjK_Ldw1DLvfUGS_Vkg1cWFfMEEeNG-NOU7B2u2ZTmjFRyn9CKbVkpLF31fbN6zyIjE8/s1600/IMG_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycQmjmuR9BPv6zbVK3ZGdZyKMCea75bAtKGFiKbilEjns20nRAdKkOX3PKPDfAdXswhf3HRZYzjK_Ldw1DLvfUGS_Vkg1cWFfMEEeNG-NOU7B2u2ZTmjFRyn9CKbVkpLF31fbN6zyIjE8/s640/IMG_0422.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Oh, nevermind. It's genetic, there is no hope.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprIuwmYRvghsAprvxs0SVrFA0r8Lv4x7FreIHkrNFpUul_5WgBxSdC0tPV8e344AzrvXTo133M1YQjijSHkI4KAQNNH3GXe9Pk57ctAwNEN_6YPNPDZjZyYxl9sH00CALHa_FYbGl-Gj9/s1600/IMG_0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprIuwmYRvghsAprvxs0SVrFA0r8Lv4x7FreIHkrNFpUul_5WgBxSdC0tPV8e344AzrvXTo133M1YQjijSHkI4KAQNNH3GXe9Pk57ctAwNEN_6YPNPDZjZyYxl9sH00CALHa_FYbGl-Gj9/s640/IMG_0419.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aMpMFH5oiVz1XWKqFI1VLb35eGaA2rdn9F48CRi8owY7LwV37BcyEPhJKTjsmOJuvykh_t7QJuQTIdGOw0lN1qupGOIuYRhHLgRkWS8wg3HS-u1YtdJdgQBJ_rQxkRX_C5OX1cXyYJW5/s1600/IMG_0399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aMpMFH5oiVz1XWKqFI1VLb35eGaA2rdn9F48CRi8owY7LwV37BcyEPhJKTjsmOJuvykh_t7QJuQTIdGOw0lN1qupGOIuYRhHLgRkWS8wg3HS-u1YtdJdgQBJ_rQxkRX_C5OX1cXyYJW5/s640/IMG_0399.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Somone stole his sisters Haloween socks that are 2 sizes too big :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wfkPV5tmKvAG-w3SBWEpk_pCZqM4CQz_hB5M2iwduxI8r34Urufn8dlrr2EW7WMdEWiZism65rgN6Mq1sL7GgnikEy2pWJYUJvQx614IWQqbTi6tfWGbR45fZmcJPcpSk_ccOqz4EECs/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wfkPV5tmKvAG-w3SBWEpk_pCZqM4CQz_hB5M2iwduxI8r34Urufn8dlrr2EW7WMdEWiZism65rgN6Mq1sL7GgnikEy2pWJYUJvQx614IWQqbTi6tfWGbR45fZmcJPcpSk_ccOqz4EECs/s640/IMG_0412.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0RxYA0NI-1REczm5umDZP4MFuO7mAWNNqhlsW1cGFfVmOK9s6cDi6aSjQKFC6pvw9F5LH0GM8HFYXX3z3kv_wZfqH2QJPhr-MPXU0dej3ea3wUGUpfbLYijdLVX4v6mzHxfqDS9ezTjB/s1600/IMG_0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0RxYA0NI-1REczm5umDZP4MFuO7mAWNNqhlsW1cGFfVmOK9s6cDi6aSjQKFC6pvw9F5LH0GM8HFYXX3z3kv_wZfqH2QJPhr-MPXU0dej3ea3wUGUpfbLYijdLVX4v6mzHxfqDS9ezTjB/s640/IMG_0446.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
love overflowing for this motley crew :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2xEfwHdqYX9kwXoA8woG5Dn9xYocAzsxzAiNbV8iwW00HLwqS7WNm-sDpW4A_vEhzzhFK6RvrKa7iO_s8HZl85ZhOR5m0cLCsuM8W6wu08fTDRwDYAtDBBI_oo4qF2gDDa1Yww4ILvF9/s1600/IMG_0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2xEfwHdqYX9kwXoA8woG5Dn9xYocAzsxzAiNbV8iwW00HLwqS7WNm-sDpW4A_vEhzzhFK6RvrKa7iO_s8HZl85ZhOR5m0cLCsuM8W6wu08fTDRwDYAtDBBI_oo4qF2gDDa1Yww4ILvF9/s640/IMG_0521.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8RKvgt53qYYI90zjkqti6UFX4Zv_HQW_idelzrlUAM2YyylHucqcSS9h6Catmng0J2N2cRcwTm2oWzz_s_3CERGHELhQG8KgvLWjQk_K50a3dLi6TjMmTwAh5wZQGao9eBv1v84a0bOQ/s1600/IMG_0409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8RKvgt53qYYI90zjkqti6UFX4Zv_HQW_idelzrlUAM2YyylHucqcSS9h6Catmng0J2N2cRcwTm2oWzz_s_3CERGHELhQG8KgvLWjQk_K50a3dLi6TjMmTwAh5wZQGao9eBv1v84a0bOQ/s640/IMG_0409.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This is the good stuff :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ9sLoCtojhz-xc6MmNNaa0-RMcqN1tWh0vhi6DqTCbf-3pqw2u8k7cvhxOUa_jqR3qql7HAJx1IsIm1aZSCaeM1D82pgGrx87_6CFxB1GTEmomQqmH-XQAy1NeikszUpmzpNKgid8upr/s1600/IMG_0452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ9sLoCtojhz-xc6MmNNaa0-RMcqN1tWh0vhi6DqTCbf-3pqw2u8k7cvhxOUa_jqR3qql7HAJx1IsIm1aZSCaeM1D82pgGrx87_6CFxB1GTEmomQqmH-XQAy1NeikszUpmzpNKgid8upr/s640/IMG_0452.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Taking in the sights...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV8SQSMLYCCaq5pU63H_ApvDI2INFWqzA__Hroz9fjtmZ2G9TTjlxdIb6Vda9zsVNoqe9RYhwsW-PnGMJXLtxC_4BcufTlkZ65oIGZpnXoPsD-ORPlDat21lkxF7UoU6-2TlWHi6sxy0V/s1600/IMG_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV8SQSMLYCCaq5pU63H_ApvDI2INFWqzA__Hroz9fjtmZ2G9TTjlxdIb6Vda9zsVNoqe9RYhwsW-PnGMJXLtxC_4BcufTlkZ65oIGZpnXoPsD-ORPlDat21lkxF7UoU6-2TlWHi6sxy0V/s640/IMG_0465.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Really this hike is so beautiful... looking down over the fall foliage. This is the best time of year. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcLtwmpfY6ysPU0Y4Fzc3zX7pXRA-o1yv06IorQn5xy6_ymWTuyEzV8iPGDwOgW5n4pq30Tt4BOLDZbZfM0CagTxOvX37KIqZ8jF8W4gnqwqN7xhmqS_fyoi6Xv-1DlDUsOQ6AHBQ1_Q0/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcLtwmpfY6ysPU0Y4Fzc3zX7pXRA-o1yv06IorQn5xy6_ymWTuyEzV8iPGDwOgW5n4pq30Tt4BOLDZbZfM0CagTxOvX37KIqZ8jF8W4gnqwqN7xhmqS_fyoi6Xv-1DlDUsOQ6AHBQ1_Q0/s640/IMG_0499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
It is such a sence of accomplishment for the kiddos. They love seeing how far they have climbed. Such a beautiful payoff!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkefvwrWgmd3P_m0nj35BwYx5QhU9InMG2-3Pchj6-BMjq9J6JwTOoIj2WNt-H4Dulw2aSazU7POVufjhslgb5JubQ478f3ROQqa_spe4_O-Lirqad7qL8wT-YT73853H2BQiVsDAePvm0/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkefvwrWgmd3P_m0nj35BwYx5QhU9InMG2-3Pchj6-BMjq9J6JwTOoIj2WNt-H4Dulw2aSazU7POVufjhslgb5JubQ478f3ROQqa_spe4_O-Lirqad7qL8wT-YT73853H2BQiVsDAePvm0/s640/IMG_0490.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finn was wiped out and quickly fell asleep in the car. Come on...who sleeps like this????? The cuteness is ridiculous. I love those little lips and those cheeks keep her outta heeps of trouble :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczycoTc9ByCB7CEllu3qvXGo-2PSgCNhBKIY8_MOw2eZbZNOCyG3rYRGnyD9tvfheyuSZxOsjqvwXEXOO0QeaiPEWzSuD-eW77mgulFt5m1nOrcMUZRjS_dZXMZl93OP_qM5Fo9pMB3HA/s1600/IMG_0553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" id=":current_picnik_image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczycoTc9ByCB7CEllu3qvXGo-2PSgCNhBKIY8_MOw2eZbZNOCyG3rYRGnyD9tvfheyuSZxOsjqvwXEXOO0QeaiPEWzSuD-eW77mgulFt5m1nOrcMUZRjS_dZXMZl93OP_qM5Fo9pMB3HA/s640/IMG_0553.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Hopefully we will make her into an outdoorsey type someday???Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-11230322161707309622011-10-24T10:52:00.000-07:002011-10-24T10:52:09.174-07:00The difference between raising girls and boys...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"></span><br />
<pre><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Conversation with Girl Child : </span></u></b>
<b>Me:</b> Would you like Cheerios or Mini-Wheats for breakfast?
<b>Girl Child:</b> What else do we have?
<b>Me:</b> We have Cheerios or Mini-Wheats.
<b>Girl Child:</b> Do we have waffles?
<b>Me:</b> No honey. We have Cheerios or Mini-Wheats.
<b>Girl Child:</b> I like waffles.
<b>Me:</b> I know you like waffles. We don't have waffles. Would you like Cheerios or
Mini-Wheats?
<b>Girl Child:</b> Ummmmm. Can I have them mixed together ?
<b>Me:</b> Child, which do you want, Cheerios or Mini-Wheats?
<b>Girl Child:</b> I'll have Mini-Wheats, in the pink bowl.
<b>Me:</b> Ok, here's your breakfast.
<b>Girl Child:</b> Not that pink bowl. The pink plastic one with the built in straw.
<b>Me: </b> Arrrrrgggghhhhhh
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>CONVERSATION WITH BOY CHILD;</u></b> </span></span>
<b>Me: </b> Would you like Cheerios or Mini-Wheats for breakfast?
<b>Boy Child:</b> Cheerios, Please. </span></pre>
<pre><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></pre>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; white-space: pre;"><i>****Disclaimer:::This is my experience with the differences between my 3 boys and my 3 girls in a nutshell. Cereal is just the metaphor for every conversation and option presented every day/ all day.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><pre><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
</span></pre>
</span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-272324893830631202011-10-21T06:40:00.000-07:002011-10-21T06:40:50.539-07:00Wanna be a part of something BIG???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey all! Remeber back<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> <a href="http://4ourkiddos.blogspot.com/2011/05/do-you-know-where-our-mama-is.html"><b>HERE</b></a> </span>when I told you about two precious little girls waiting for their families? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNWhMfDyEm8h5eKYnmcD9xP2v48jLr4kmc14QovsWp8I_PfNfH7DNcMrh6XknxoOFt3IpEMFXl5JorgzxLTsy7AhjphWkJs57ocOuP9B8UUVzCWvGbqtTDRQUZb72n3Hb4a_ppDa2ijkM/s1600/pearl-born-feb-2008.html.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNWhMfDyEm8h5eKYnmcD9xP2v48jLr4kmc14QovsWp8I_PfNfH7DNcMrh6XknxoOFt3IpEMFXl5JorgzxLTsy7AhjphWkJs57ocOuP9B8UUVzCWvGbqtTDRQUZb72n3Hb4a_ppDa2ijkM/s640/pearl-born-feb-2008.html.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well one sweet little girl is getting one of my very<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b> <a href="http://thebarbeebunch.blogspot.com/">favorite families</a></b></span> in the whole world!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycFTaaSgqCnjJkzDSlCq1M4m34YbFsVIP9Zaefxjxv0aG11Q3hjhevuTMQjTxCyEsgFFt5fUbv5a_tZSEkLDTJqCoS3u0wfN6TicEF0YLC6C2FVGkX5lKFwcvHlObbd7bWUAusqB9dslp/s1600/familybw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycFTaaSgqCnjJkzDSlCq1M4m34YbFsVIP9Zaefxjxv0aG11Q3hjhevuTMQjTxCyEsgFFt5fUbv5a_tZSEkLDTJqCoS3u0wfN6TicEF0YLC6C2FVGkX5lKFwcvHlObbd7bWUAusqB9dslp/s640/familybw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
They are a model family that inspire Marc and I to be better parents. They lead their children with faith and a strength that you can just feel in their presence. We admire them for so many things but right now we are in awe of them stepping out once again to adopt this beautiful little girl when everything of this world would have told them that they should play it safe. Not step out. Not commit financial suicide but commiting to adopt when finances are tough.....but they didn't listen to the norm... They stepped up big when they decided to bring Pearl home. Now they are holding a raffle to try to raise funds for the orphanage and travel fees. I would love to see some of us rally around this family. They are so deserving. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Here's the cool part! One family has already stepped up and purchased TWO ipads for them to raffle off! How cool is that. So every penny they make on raffle tickets goes straight to adoption costs...not purchasing the TWO ipads!!!!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfABp9jdzhHn3aqsH7qHNP1B_FjHCUhGa0e6PkK5yvR8HdcX-k6c1Gare0SdihFMyI7GXoug83nf2XSKqU50RyF8GSlm0fCZJG88Nh8rM9-WzwbbfjelBnb0dBmOfu9aj1DeYbI_K41O4o/s320/iPad-2.png" width="320" /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">The deal is $2 for 1 ticket OR $10 for 6 tickets. Drawing will be December 1st.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is a chance to win an ipad,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: large;"> but it is also a chance to stand up with this family and support them in bringing home their daughter. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;">One less orphan waiting!!!!! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span><a href="http://thebarbeebunch.blogspot.com/" style="color: purple;">Visit their website, by cliking here and you can donate in the upper right corner.</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">...It's really easy and every dollar counts! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Thank you friends! </span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://thebarbeebunch.blogspot.com/">http://thebarbeebunch.blogspot.com/</a></span></span></b></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-19858763374607210872011-10-03T06:03:00.000-07:002011-10-03T06:03:58.472-07:00Randomness & TMI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First off, I want to thank you all for sticking with me during my fuzzy photo phase... I have my sights on a new camera and hopefully will be scoring it soon.... I have a few silly photos that I thought I would throw together for a random blog post...so here we go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My girls are on the same soccer team this year...probably the only time we will ever get to slide on this one. I think they felt sorry for us having 5 kids on different teams so they let us squeak in an age bracket to keep the girls together.. It's pretty comical watching 3 & 4 year olds playing soccer...especially ones like Finn, with no love for the outdoors or physical activity. So funny. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiek-ldi08278SLgS49z59MADxckAZHsq-LBPQ1tbrtNKXKTT6WpU2K3KY1lYGSUEQTV_cUSAiBGPFLA_XtVxjcJskAV81WL6ECHYwUrn8WnzYwf11FeUhv-PGf4-vBz7l3Plna3T82gi9N/s1600/IMG_2049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiek-ldi08278SLgS49z59MADxckAZHsq-LBPQ1tbrtNKXKTT6WpU2K3KY1lYGSUEQTV_cUSAiBGPFLA_XtVxjcJskAV81WL6ECHYwUrn8WnzYwf11FeUhv-PGf4-vBz7l3Plna3T82gi9N/s640/IMG_2049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This girl has been sitting on counter tops and "helping" for 9 years now. All of my hard work has finally paid off, now she is super helpful and I am loving putting her to work. She is going to have her own food network show someday. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOlH6sHUI3_vq-dcxKGbCNDs8wMdX7qQUt2wa9PdxKq6lcuc797VxSqw-tfbpZt1qJddRm3DXrXcw_vdHk1T3ouQP6rgb6crpsdDPIu8PUoqur4ESGxTU9Q5jGLzOcbhaTeKhwtdj6lJ4/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOlH6sHUI3_vq-dcxKGbCNDs8wMdX7qQUt2wa9PdxKq6lcuc797VxSqw-tfbpZt1qJddRm3DXrXcw_vdHk1T3ouQP6rgb6crpsdDPIu8PUoqur4ESGxTU9Q5jGLzOcbhaTeKhwtdj6lJ4/s400/IMG_2073.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
Just in case you were wondering, this kid is a total jokester, a scootch if you will, an in your face always jabbering about comedian. We love him to bits but I will be honest that I am loving that he now he thinks Jackson is the coolest thing ever...over the past year, he has been all about mommy, every second of every day. He is just now realizing that Jackson is way more fun than mommy...Thank You Jesus...mommy needed some breathing room. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxzc-wouifm1v9f6q5sOP7Aam_QByEfFVFzVeQ2rsujcQJse-HDn2zgm7LHlY92LyeMtN77nA_V0YGlgkf1ZnqoR0SPsfLBZr921NBhxTAfGAGv7oOC-YJKq0-RottvqpuGuBTqPvkxl8/s1600/IMG_2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxzc-wouifm1v9f6q5sOP7Aam_QByEfFVFzVeQ2rsujcQJse-HDn2zgm7LHlY92LyeMtN77nA_V0YGlgkf1ZnqoR0SPsfLBZr921NBhxTAfGAGv7oOC-YJKq0-RottvqpuGuBTqPvkxl8/s400/IMG_2138.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
During our weekly house cleaning hour, I walked into the bathroom to find Jackson decked out in this get-up...complete with mouth guard??? Boys crack me up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2VbvBqAkInhauhP0I_PaFkiSuFcfxPn8TT4KjDEbTBiH8Hzmy65srNRsTR3QqUL5913ebosDYy549ZHslfsIYoMr4we2PEZgwHIpgi27p7ZAdN1ztJE4OWVEcKJMygb_ct9F20RBuQGq/s1600/IMG_2156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2VbvBqAkInhauhP0I_PaFkiSuFcfxPn8TT4KjDEbTBiH8Hzmy65srNRsTR3QqUL5913ebosDYy549ZHslfsIYoMr4we2PEZgwHIpgi27p7ZAdN1ztJE4OWVEcKJMygb_ct9F20RBuQGq/s400/IMG_2156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Does anyone else bribe their kids with slushies and let them try on Halloween gear to keep the peace during a Target run?, No? Me either.. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89I2e6YchQof7sd-5AOYX3qam8wr8lw82oWyKwHt83cMNfXlR6NTzdthQDia8JqUW-4Zj6CFe5vHkjXK-abXXBwKMr_WnwY3O9RMn1u9I-Vq0VVuR86bltu0XAxL6XtDjlE_vxX6zMUk5/s1600/IMG_2163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89I2e6YchQof7sd-5AOYX3qam8wr8lw82oWyKwHt83cMNfXlR6NTzdthQDia8JqUW-4Zj6CFe5vHkjXK-abXXBwKMr_WnwY3O9RMn1u9I-Vq0VVuR86bltu0XAxL6XtDjlE_vxX6zMUk5/s400/IMG_2163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I think my kid has a triple nipple, like Chandler on "Friends". Can you see it? Is that TMI? Is that just gross? I think it's hysterical and now he has just one more crazy nickname, "tri-nip". <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt1FoD-q0g5XiY2M-4royPAQbrh1OkUdI36b4AsCkwNk52rQnHE17ZgV5KsQe80nrBiscD_VuDOKxNUfoTXiST9FwkD1IDMu9EUi9Qd_M5cFidLYLKM8l8dxQGu-Ft28bUr1jJ5aA3ScD/s1600/IMG_1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt1FoD-q0g5XiY2M-4royPAQbrh1OkUdI36b4AsCkwNk52rQnHE17ZgV5KsQe80nrBiscD_VuDOKxNUfoTXiST9FwkD1IDMu9EUi9Qd_M5cFidLYLKM8l8dxQGu-Ft28bUr1jJ5aA3ScD/s400/IMG_1973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
My favorite time of the day,,, my boy reads to me for 20 minutes outside on the swinging bed. It's required by his teacher and I love it.... I can't resist the urge to take his picture when he's concentrating on a good book... but he caught my goofy face this time :) You should be paying attention mommy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C36Z-NJueWZTSrH6sM1N8p9YESyildhN2UEn5giANUUhIr5VqOtErfuasy5Md5k11SrdeTOiTL7KLZWjcq2EqMYSF9cIrePm1YzbmRKEJrjBJPqJywNfxK0cU4saOgzy1AD8V0gCNHH1/s1600/IMG_2056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C36Z-NJueWZTSrH6sM1N8p9YESyildhN2UEn5giANUUhIr5VqOtErfuasy5Md5k11SrdeTOiTL7KLZWjcq2EqMYSF9cIrePm1YzbmRKEJrjBJPqJywNfxK0cU4saOgzy1AD8V0gCNHH1/s640/IMG_2056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My B-day was a couple weeks ago. My girl asked her Papa to take her to the store so she could buy me a present with her own hard earned cash. I know your jealous, don't you wish you had a florescent orange man watch.... and just in case I ever forget..It is Water Resistant up to 30 Meters. How helpful. So sweet. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KV9oXQtol5KFxjj0IyDNmJsuFAWMxlJFuGrqwCCKOxP9J6UYZqCm17qUchECfnENsJ2HRztpmk3l69kaCSINWCpJmbidjqJ7gjxHdr2VrJx2ofvUCtsxzjxomDAhXdvH-nEpyRLkWoBT/s1600/IMG_2052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KV9oXQtol5KFxjj0IyDNmJsuFAWMxlJFuGrqwCCKOxP9J6UYZqCm17qUchECfnENsJ2HRztpmk3l69kaCSINWCpJmbidjqJ7gjxHdr2VrJx2ofvUCtsxzjxomDAhXdvH-nEpyRLkWoBT/s400/IMG_2052.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-58655072486051334872011-09-30T07:18:00.000-07:002011-09-30T07:18:44.868-07:00Allegiance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzXCF-h-_UfRXIlWttEh5bMvoVub12nxwCzQLJQWWAA5SGDtGLm8ZvvMuH_2-Ixiay6rBwY2Zc4n6UE0CRHUw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
OK, So I know I'm her Mama, but this right her is just pure cuteness. My girl has gone through over 300 hours of therapy since she has been home. She is almost 4 years old. Selfishly it can be exhausting, and some days I feel like we have made NO progress. But this video does give me some hope. My girl is a smarty pants, I have no doubt about that. But I will be honest and saying we have concerns. Both Marc and I feel that there is something that is just "off" with her development. We worry. But this is the hard part, I ask her therapists and teachers and they all fall back on moments like this video. She can memorize the "Pledge of Allegiance" and she taught herself her letters and numbers even before her big sister. So what I hear from her teacher when I question her development is, "I think Finn is doing great, she is the only one who knows her letters." But our intuition is that something is off... the simple things for Finn are so much more difficult. And finally we found someone who is willing to listen. Someone who came highly recommended. Someone who, hopefully, will be able to see through her wide open, friendly personality and see what we see. And part of me hopes that they will tell me what all the others have told me, "Finn is great. Her speech will catch up and she will be just fine by the time she starts Kindergarten." and the other part of me wants them to see what I see and give me an action plan, a diagnosis. We are thinking there may be a processing disorder, but we shall see. I would love to either rule it out or get to work on it! But I'm nervous too. Her appointment isn't for another 3 weeks...oh the torture of waiting. I would love prayers that she receives a correct diagnosis, whatever that may be so we can move forward. I'm so lucky that I get to snack on those cheeks everyday, my happy place :)<br />
Thank you!!!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-77836085273057169352011-09-29T04:08:00.000-07:002011-09-29T04:08:57.462-07:00Hey all, I just had to share that I am cross posting Ty's one year gotcha day over<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b> <a href="http://www.weargraftedin.com/">www.weargraftedin.com</a> </b></span>today. You can also click the button on my sidebar located just at the top right. I LOVE this blog for the honesty and to get a glimpse into the real heart of adoptive families and I am so happy to be a contributor! Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-5815640138433717732011-09-26T06:01:00.000-07:002011-09-26T06:01:07.938-07:00Anticipation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is a Christmas morning style excitement around our house lately....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ejUxkdWlQdPGN-gy0dNcMphqCW1NcasIgV4rNdwnQsd3hWX5VX9Z79QUtm9mzUs0YDJEAoSdEBObiA5eMbChf-ljxCrh35MMoX7aKkkavEnboPr_vjY01_aaPF8vbfsUcdvsp5qzqGQ9/s1600/IMG_0971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ejUxkdWlQdPGN-gy0dNcMphqCW1NcasIgV4rNdwnQsd3hWX5VX9Z79QUtm9mzUs0YDJEAoSdEBObiA5eMbChf-ljxCrh35MMoX7aKkkavEnboPr_vjY01_aaPF8vbfsUcdvsp5qzqGQ9/s640/IMG_0971.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The best Grandparents in the whole world just closed on their farm house....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsHjjrsfXxqSvTA1AJCmUJC4H8RjpZLYwjbYpf7U-Maiw5HD2o9TGGpiGNH5Q-by6HnR_Ls1Ag7FKgJLh6oVAHUcatMZ3pjpbfOhGhH_DlC_Ys3shyuwRV2q4rZgNQGOuaSDYTF1kph5T/s1600/IMG_1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsHjjrsfXxqSvTA1AJCmUJC4H8RjpZLYwjbYpf7U-Maiw5HD2o9TGGpiGNH5Q-by6HnR_Ls1Ag7FKgJLh6oVAHUcatMZ3pjpbfOhGhH_DlC_Ys3shyuwRV2q4rZgNQGOuaSDYTF1kph5T/s640/IMG_1968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Said farmhouse is about 6 miles away from our house....and I have a feeling we will be crashing it...OFTEN.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HJBz5_P4hToMkTBnPiYO1fu2pLbzZh5as-oGUnBQKDIEGezu3MXodwTCgLeX-ueQ1Cov9NSKStTNEKvEQhSFJkULvmRy4cI94In8YsF5UWg3L5dJCKMOvSdkmx0SkvJV1fDAOg0V7Dl2/s1600/IMG_1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HJBz5_P4hToMkTBnPiYO1fu2pLbzZh5as-oGUnBQKDIEGezu3MXodwTCgLeX-ueQ1Cov9NSKStTNEKvEQhSFJkULvmRy4cI94In8YsF5UWg3L5dJCKMOvSdkmx0SkvJV1fDAOg0V7Dl2/s640/IMG_1970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Kobi has been soaking up every second of her horse lessons and I have seen her blossom right before my very eyes. My once shy, skeptic....has found her niche, he confidence, her passion....it is a beautiful thing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tUEM_dNmEOryzh-q23oNtlAsixKrhEAILvvlXJk0qIv3XjMAZKZRXlmj8NzI-umXDvrJ_2d5UyCr46CP31Y2lJ56_S64BfIjIBfdDeN-a_iq4wdLPIWEAz66jvat16ZrSye14XGCCrWU/s1600/IMG_1964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tUEM_dNmEOryzh-q23oNtlAsixKrhEAILvvlXJk0qIv3XjMAZKZRXlmj8NzI-umXDvrJ_2d5UyCr46CP31Y2lJ56_S64BfIjIBfdDeN-a_iq4wdLPIWEAz66jvat16ZrSye14XGCCrWU/s640/IMG_1964.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
For starting out, we will be leasing some horses from a wonderful summer camp program for a few months, while the camp is out of session. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnZ9J37QHL_jV0E4T42j_Ue0Va8NcACIjEXGQU2Uqm6BdONZzmQzeUxr6MAFvw9fdMqbG2R3Q3jOT2rffF6-JF1NgmEtpY-NzHNwXGNzU4BZ4NWpHVOxYKom_ishgzDS-2h1hSC8z5JN2/s1600/IMG_1909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnZ9J37QHL_jV0E4T42j_Ue0Va8NcACIjEXGQU2Uqm6BdONZzmQzeUxr6MAFvw9fdMqbG2R3Q3jOT2rffF6-JF1NgmEtpY-NzHNwXGNzU4BZ4NWpHVOxYKom_ishgzDS-2h1hSC8z5JN2/s640/IMG_1909.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
So the crazy countdown has begun..." Mommy, how many more days until we get the horses?" About 77 times a day. I will admit to being just as excited :) We have 4 more weeks though, sigh. Halloween has nothing on horses. We are set to get them day of or day after, so I doubt pilfering for candy will happen this year. Shame, I so <strike>loathe </strike>look forward to that holiday. Not the costume part, the greedy candy snatching part.... mostly because I have no will power and always end up stealing all the good stuff outta their treat bags the second they are out the door for school. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhMqpNCZAIlXU-XEsnOQRxlQ-8tcG6eWDR6z_smBdW5GwCVgfo65CmmdIGuLdJ8-LIniGagBvqgDetCKnW8-kjEKsOaSzGtcxiWN3NUFr-XJ5qnIVEdZHM05dXwu1joMoON4UOoT7azT0/s1600/IMG_1696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhMqpNCZAIlXU-XEsnOQRxlQ-8tcG6eWDR6z_smBdW5GwCVgfo65CmmdIGuLdJ8-LIniGagBvqgDetCKnW8-kjEKsOaSzGtcxiWN3NUFr-XJ5qnIVEdZHM05dXwu1joMoON4UOoT7azT0/s640/IMG_1696.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Finding her balance, and scaring the whits outta her mama :) No worries though, a very capable horse with a more than capable trainer close by. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWdjDuSjG2pHf8QM-ygASNzcPZzJbDtYLYro2u2opj6kEnL-4tAr5K37YJFTxKeNqE5CjzgxsYZ-v4F_OAoKFGSf6VcG-5jMPxBk9kaOEgyzvIAQduurXn_JF9-UfwnKmGUtEcIyK-gVm/s1600/IMG_1688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWdjDuSjG2pHf8QM-ygASNzcPZzJbDtYLYro2u2opj6kEnL-4tAr5K37YJFTxKeNqE5CjzgxsYZ-v4F_OAoKFGSf6VcG-5jMPxBk9kaOEgyzvIAQduurXn_JF9-UfwnKmGUtEcIyK-gVm/s640/IMG_1688.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-36707400340391131802011-09-23T05:12:00.000-07:002011-09-23T05:12:06.360-07:00Entitlement & Ladybug fingernails<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
One of my goals in parenting my kids is to raise them without that spoiled brat sense of entitlement. It seems like a wide spread epidemic of sorts. I may not have done everything right but I know I got this one point right with our grown teenager as he is the one that calls me out when I whine or complain about the little things that get me all twisted up. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
But as a mother it is a fine line where you want to give your child everything you possibly can but you don't want to spoil them. I had a bit of an eye opening experience a few months ago and yeah...I'm just now getting around to sharing it. Stick with me now,,,there is a point to this story. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Kobi's teacher just happens to be the most fun teacher you could ever have as a kid. She had noticed that I had painted Kobi's fingernails to look like ladybugs and she invited me to the classroom to paint all the girls nails. They were studying insects and ladybugs so we could put a fun spin on their lesson. See, super fun teacher! Of course I jumped at the chance.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">So I ran out to the store to buy the necessary supplies.. and $5.00 later I came out with this....</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoh3_OrDFt0BYEXaYP-O-JrCTlcHuA3JvFkXL0x1iFc9sDDcPyFpn2x06SSfRsX6532RTSmoN6cz9ZgnFac5-Xrn4x55OgOgoQ16EDQpztUJXPKq-zuTeLhUtt4egQZqBQ4FmqnILFHq8/s1600/IMG_4547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoh3_OrDFt0BYEXaYP-O-JrCTlcHuA3JvFkXL0x1iFc9sDDcPyFpn2x06SSfRsX6532RTSmoN6cz9ZgnFac5-Xrn4x55OgOgoQ16EDQpztUJXPKq-zuTeLhUtt4egQZqBQ4FmqnILFHq8/s640/IMG_4547.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Now, I will have to say that we live in an area smack in the middle of suburbia, where 99% of the children have never wanted for anything. Most of the children in Kobi's class have a nicer wardrobe than I could ever hope for. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9xFWGnB5G1FyKW9Y0_aGX1cStZVcPOLjMSR5D1T2cplM2WuUsf4HVRblq_Ixs9yxglxs9EXJC5174rVZ96-2MhVKKGAo-QsOsvtWlrpp5z-cWMpG4rhz69hvH8pIeAU2W0D6vxVmkX1p/s1600/IMG_4554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9xFWGnB5G1FyKW9Y0_aGX1cStZVcPOLjMSR5D1T2cplM2WuUsf4HVRblq_Ixs9yxglxs9EXJC5174rVZ96-2MhVKKGAo-QsOsvtWlrpp5z-cWMpG4rhz69hvH8pIeAU2W0D6vxVmkX1p/s640/IMG_4554.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">I got to her class and set up my little salon. The girls took turns and one by one I sat there painting their little nails. I chatted a bit, but mostly listened, and these little girls were teaching more than I could ever imagined. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdCt13v-OSkaRq-3V8l5uBRROj1F-RtBd5c0dQbU6pTqHA7epKl3LACvJ1RmUwQQe7sYt49YbjpRkaxarUAX7sBSsVMMrrFpNB10cAqWLQiMIWrh76juBvUgT1qXX9qArNy9W9qY7bE07/s1600/IMG_4558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdCt13v-OSkaRq-3V8l5uBRROj1F-RtBd5c0dQbU6pTqHA7epKl3LACvJ1RmUwQQe7sYt49YbjpRkaxarUAX7sBSsVMMrrFpNB10cAqWLQiMIWrh76juBvUgT1qXX9qArNy9W9qY7bE07/s640/IMG_4558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">The joy on their faces was priceless, they were over the top thrilled by their little ladybug nails. But it was their words that got me.... "Do you paint Kobi's nails like this all the time?" "Kobi is so lucky that you know how to do this" "When I grow up, I'm going to learn how to do this so I can paint my daughter's nails!" "I wish I could do this at home" "Where did you get all of this cool stuff?" " Do you have these things at your HOUSE?" </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWuNGaEb5N7SMDdMcDSdf0tP9ExTgaf2sqOzbtmtFJV3PY2Ttq2yAeYjHItZUo2ZXyb6NyHzMuvf4RidrSEfNPB8AhNDsAiBmqpZL_srNzOoBllY-yX-1hf626ZMv188mMiF8k3NURnTl/s1600/IMG_4560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWuNGaEb5N7SMDdMcDSdf0tP9ExTgaf2sqOzbtmtFJV3PY2Ttq2yAeYjHItZUo2ZXyb6NyHzMuvf4RidrSEfNPB8AhNDsAiBmqpZL_srNzOoBllY-yX-1hf626ZMv188mMiF8k3NURnTl/s640/IMG_4560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">At that moment I was climbing towards "Taylor Swift" status. I know for sure the joy on their little faces would have been the same if we were sitting in a poverty stricken orphanage. </span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFkWDynrOwkD2fy68P1XhNARs22pe2T36brv46VEOcfRuKUDgZlDnUBhg9E6JZB_KM_lNnwu2pFVqe5ZgDAegmUhKRHXhB0M1BWoKVxyt5cLyNgPiBiXUFwbQAWnYL8aEeUbfuadWzCBV/s1600/IMG_4563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFkWDynrOwkD2fy68P1XhNARs22pe2T36brv46VEOcfRuKUDgZlDnUBhg9E6JZB_KM_lNnwu2pFVqe5ZgDAegmUhKRHXhB0M1BWoKVxyt5cLyNgPiBiXUFwbQAWnYL8aEeUbfuadWzCBV/s640/IMG_4563.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">It got me to thinking once again about the little things. We all strive so hard to acquire the best of the best or to lavish our kids with all the latest crazes and gadgets. They come to expect these things like they are just a right of passage. We deserve a fancy car or phone or computer or latest style just because everyone else has it. For $5 I had enough supplies to paint hundreds of little nails, it is time these kids want, NOT stuff. <b>The one thing I think we ALL crave the most is someone to take the time to see us, spend time with us, make us feel special, and take care of us</b>. I may not be able to give my kids the finest material things, they will have to deal with not having name brand clothes, or cell phone (unless they have earned them) in middle and high school. But my job is to make them feel special without needing those things. I'm sure I will have to learn more tricks than just painting fingernails, but it is a start. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspNrLJgngCtlBmuCD_0Jw0h7SNrnabzfCWsjTqWvmlD0AWaOY09EG-C05o9gkWtvVz7N8Mcov7iG-APzKJQ1cDVmXa2kdcXtBnbky0qUT4uA268iFyE4lUIfM9q3WsVPWK69pnQkhOerw/s1600/IMG_4568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspNrLJgngCtlBmuCD_0Jw0h7SNrnabzfCWsjTqWvmlD0AWaOY09EG-C05o9gkWtvVz7N8Mcov7iG-APzKJQ1cDVmXa2kdcXtBnbky0qUT4uA268iFyE4lUIfM9q3WsVPWK69pnQkhOerw/s640/IMG_4568.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-21092780540233150312011-09-20T16:06:00.000-07:002011-09-21T12:08:12.274-07:00gotcha day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I have been MIA while my computer was at the doctor... man I accomplish so much more around my house when I don't have access to a computer :) Anyhow, while I was away I missed blogging about a pretty momentous milestone around here. Ty's one year Gotcha day. It has been a year filled with witnessing miracles and one of the hardest years of my life all at the same time. For the girls we always celebrated their gotcha day with a yummy dinner and a small gift that we bought for them in China. But we are treading on different ground this time around. Last week when we told Ty that his special day was coming up he started to get sad and has a lot of questions. Not the kind you would expect. He does not ever want to talk about his time in China. We bring it up often or try to ask him questions which he NEVER answers. We all love China and talk about one day going back with the entire family. He will quickly pipe up and remind everyone that he does NOT want to go to China. When the conversation does turn to China he usually starts to question me and asking me, "Mommy, what took you so long to get me in China?" "Why did it not take a long time for you to get Mina and Finn in China?" "Mommy, you should have gotten me first!" "Mommy, I want to be a baby when you get me in China." I think he blames me for the fact that he waited so long. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then sometimes he just tells us that he WAS a baby when we came to China. I think he would love to just gloss over and pretend that is how it all went down. Denial. I totally understand that. I don't know if I will ever be able to tell him the truth that I had seen his sweet face waiting on waiting lists for over 2 years before I even thought about the possibility of adding another child to our crew. I do know for sure that for the past year this boy has loved like I have never seen, he has the biggest heart I have ever known and I am blessed to be his Mama. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Needless to say we didn't celebrate too much, I don't think he would have appreciated it. He wants so badly to just forget, to be just like his big brother and not have this past. So we just went on like any other day. But I went back to look at some pictures of my boy one year ago and I broke into tears. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENn2Ak2l0-evm64gmBKu40INfa9-guXvgfYhMo40IieRQYmMIo87be1ECjAocNOo1F6n8b7EJqQIfv7a8vgwPV7lXXIPEhdEqJ_EQp5C1da1cJCpohCFZBOI89EPBPO-UTSH09RwVbi3M/s1600/00000003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENn2Ak2l0-evm64gmBKu40INfa9-guXvgfYhMo40IieRQYmMIo87be1ECjAocNOo1F6n8b7EJqQIfv7a8vgwPV7lXXIPEhdEqJ_EQp5C1da1cJCpohCFZBOI89EPBPO-UTSH09RwVbi3M/s640/00000003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
In this picture I see a pale skinny little kid. I remember how weak he was. How ridiculously uncoordinated he was. How he hoarded food. How he flinched when you tried to give him a high five. How he tested his limits to see if we could protect him. How he would carry 17 toys at the same time for fear he would lose one. How he was too nervous to leave my side for a second. How he would try to win our love by sweeping, and cleaning like mad. How happy he was during the day and then we would go in to find him quietly sobbing at night. How he would wet the bed every night for fear of getting out of bed.<br />
Now, if you put these pictures side to side I wouldn't pick my boy out of a line up. He is a totally different child. He looks and acts like he has aged 4 years in the past 12 months. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEbXVpOYfgOGPk-CEuTXu2EvZdoAYZiQoL0cl9v70QFVGZnELg7rAmaqwHjycthiRhLa8TdRgfPXeXxXik9aVWxwrSWcps4r8xBY2Xr5sd1Ioc3LIxrxnyToTy-o5fbcR_pVXvyUpL-1b/s1600/photo-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEbXVpOYfgOGPk-CEuTXu2EvZdoAYZiQoL0cl9v70QFVGZnELg7rAmaqwHjycthiRhLa8TdRgfPXeXxXik9aVWxwrSWcps4r8xBY2Xr5sd1Ioc3LIxrxnyToTy-o5fbcR_pVXvyUpL-1b/s640/photo-15.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
So last year in China I will admit that I was scared...he couldn't even tell his colors to the guides, he couldn't hold a pencil and trace a straight line. His Mandarin, the few times he tried was barely understandable to anyone in China or here. I was worried that he was very delayed... Now that he is a few weeks into Kindergarten, I spoke with his seasoned teacher and she said he was doing fabulous...better than a lot of the kids that have been here their whole life...she said she would have him reading by the end of the year!!!!! I cried huge tears of joy! I am crazy proud of how far he has come. He is so brave and so determined and so loving. and I am blessed! Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101811857671451169.post-50847167726983369362011-09-09T06:36:00.000-07:002011-09-09T06:36:57.071-07:00School days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The kiddos started school!!! I L.O.V.E. these little people, love them a bunch, love them with all of my heart, so please don't think I'm a horrible person when I confess that during the last few weeks of summer, I have a little countdown to the first day of school playing in the back of my head. In case you were wondering, having 6 kids is hard, like really hard. And summer break is about a week longer than I am personally qualified to keep this crew together 24/7 without becoming homicidal or suicidal...but that is just if I'm being honest. Any-whooo...this is my motley crew early , 6:45 a.m. early, after a long summer break...we all walked them in the first day...Finn is yawning and wearing a shirt that belongs to one of her older sisters. Lord help us! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL77hnuafX0qyjFaJShW5bYsjhpdAe8MsPDhG4TlZVGGuYo4mPplMvCQoTZWTMBgNbMctL6RZEn1UiDzUjCi9DNVpil_5FfhM7auY858eDw7fiq16vLvL3by7DgYo_97wVpDzCUWJGUteU/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL77hnuafX0qyjFaJShW5bYsjhpdAe8MsPDhG4TlZVGGuYo4mPplMvCQoTZWTMBgNbMctL6RZEn1UiDzUjCi9DNVpil_5FfhM7auY858eDw7fiq16vLvL3by7DgYo_97wVpDzCUWJGUteU/s640/IMG_1789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
My school kids! Ty's first day was actually an assessment so he had a week off in between his first and second day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW94WXEn1XJQcoAEGeqn3dVv5OU6hG73mpu7-qUL1gYAi6SjUIZLdNO_S-8oEZDntvk97c-TqATsLk0Kj5ObVU1xSZsutSSz88a13s98vdiJZ8bT67hFCh8PPmUWSZbBvz541OyGPIuoNL/s1600/IMG_1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW94WXEn1XJQcoAEGeqn3dVv5OU6hG73mpu7-qUL1gYAi6SjUIZLdNO_S-8oEZDntvk97c-TqATsLk0Kj5ObVU1xSZsutSSz88a13s98vdiJZ8bT67hFCh8PPmUWSZbBvz541OyGPIuoNL/s640/IMG_1793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
We are also going full force in soccer this season...yeah all 5 are on a soccer team. Marc and I are trying to figure out how to clone ourselves so at least one of us will be able to make it to each of their games ( 3 outta 5 are on "travel" teams). so 5 days a week for hours at a time we find ourselves hanging at the soccer fields... <br />
<br />
Now see this pic.. when you look at it do you get the impression that my girls sit on the sidelines soaking up educational books at great lengths? Quietly, and all mellow like so we can relax and enjoy the games of the older kiddos?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EwugKcG4Wjc39oFBTY17mAEdisUF7_QtCmVyPtXLxEdwbkqELN0qIYaSvS0kjsnyPWkq_KF8idC5iX2Vk1RfNEI6tPj3OHlyJKf_UHbqrw19eUYzoCQVbpZ4OAErCL01ZZpMjzYXpCBe/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EwugKcG4Wjc39oFBTY17mAEdisUF7_QtCmVyPtXLxEdwbkqELN0qIYaSvS0kjsnyPWkq_KF8idC5iX2Vk1RfNEI6tPj3OHlyJKf_UHbqrw19eUYzoCQVbpZ4OAErCL01ZZpMjzYXpCBe/s640/IMG_1818.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
WRONG!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7-tIes3PNZ9P6KsI3wE9H_6GXHQU7PYB2w7WxEH_tL4LByrrevikA3tvNTHerYuXzJ20-sMrClMSI3TYSYV4WczheB3MzmZA48St8nYrsIMmrDJFelRBV7ErT4FHJdQWPQlr9Nnu-2Bz/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7-tIes3PNZ9P6KsI3wE9H_6GXHQU7PYB2w7WxEH_tL4LByrrevikA3tvNTHerYuXzJ20-sMrClMSI3TYSYV4WczheB3MzmZA48St8nYrsIMmrDJFelRBV7ErT4FHJdQWPQlr9Nnu-2Bz/s640/IMG_1844.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This is Ty, his actual first day with his actual teacher... he was so excited!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEFB5Ds9z5mv9VsQC_VYdQVePQUY8FVOYcXbNgPYhcyoDG05ytmJtpBQhA5iQJ9hozXBt6ppQvNAcMcNYolfLg_ImDflar1SLBv9oWI_pWVE2hE2cBCfNzRnGj29E3IBcPDt4skaJOyho/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEFB5Ds9z5mv9VsQC_VYdQVePQUY8FVOYcXbNgPYhcyoDG05ytmJtpBQhA5iQJ9hozXBt6ppQvNAcMcNYolfLg_ImDflar1SLBv9oWI_pWVE2hE2cBCfNzRnGj29E3IBcPDt4skaJOyho/s640/IMG_1849.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
My sweet guy coming off the bus..smiling ear to ear. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut02IkC1uvBJccZtI2Pb-EcOGYInnzqHJd4-4Nql62ckNfpSxiogJUn2oOwBGYTU5Tb1L2P4MMtUG3D2-IiFp8sdCBG5x0g6agoPTD-XUjcQy_eTXq0RxP65NHdtjSO1DpOblz5Rwmx6i/s1600/IMG_1867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut02IkC1uvBJccZtI2Pb-EcOGYInnzqHJd4-4Nql62ckNfpSxiogJUn2oOwBGYTU5Tb1L2P4MMtUG3D2-IiFp8sdCBG5x0g6agoPTD-XUjcQy_eTXq0RxP65NHdtjSO1DpOblz5Rwmx6i/s640/IMG_1867.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And then this week was the little girls turn for starting preschool. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMRPXXUSiGDSdmVnfmEhxsO1dcO_UTzEEcsns91XDRUNSr09MUarTnYBKZBvOjQL_w0h1T8BOo4hj8ryvkWcx7URZkbdMePQuJQqxwDxO6lc2MtOy7lDO9l1ra_XryMz2MqO0yAL3JPWX/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMRPXXUSiGDSdmVnfmEhxsO1dcO_UTzEEcsns91XDRUNSr09MUarTnYBKZBvOjQL_w0h1T8BOo4hj8ryvkWcx7URZkbdMePQuJQqxwDxO6lc2MtOy7lDO9l1ra_XryMz2MqO0yAL3JPWX/s640/IMG_1935.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Finn was just about as broken hearted as I was when we said goodbye and severed the tie that has been between us for the past two years. Her first day of preschool and we were both devastated to be on our own for a few hours. Can't you tell by the look on her pathetic little face.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxCWXMne1-oWBbOZ8CHFbUGep3woLDqKhVrpVtoQi7KpVc32K0rxacH0aqnqfDR31r8z7drNW7EQh7WsE2YoOGzfMzSI6FRy-CJT9Pby-rjGHZ5Xsh8NBW8uO4zsXC0kf8zKlELAASxwC/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxCWXMne1-oWBbOZ8CHFbUGep3woLDqKhVrpVtoQi7KpVc32K0rxacH0aqnqfDR31r8z7drNW7EQh7WsE2YoOGzfMzSI6FRy-CJT9Pby-rjGHZ5Xsh8NBW8uO4zsXC0kf8zKlELAASxwC/s640/IMG_1948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
So now I have actual free time a few hours a week...child free for the first time in 18 years... I'm not gonna lie... it doesn't stink.. Having a few hours to recharge my Mommy soul does wonders for the psyche. And my heart actually leaps at the sight of them when I pick them up from preschool or I see them stepping off the bus. I love these little people! Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10899336515005862996noreply@blogger.com7