tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25787966076605174372024-03-13T05:37:17.722-07:00Boy CrazyBoy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-14758185544611137292015-10-14T23:06:00.000-07:002016-05-23T07:40:05.353-07:00Changes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Many changes have occurred in our family over the past year/year and a half. Last Fall (2014), Seth started attending Boise Bible College. He's pursuing a couple of different ministry options, but is leaning toward youth ministry. He absolutely loves living on campus, and he's doing great academically. My husband also joined BBC at the same time as Seth. Over the last couple years, Justin has felt God calling him into the ministry as a preacher, to be a light of compassion and truth to a hurting world. This also means God is calling me to be a preacher's wife. I've had many mixed feelings in this regard. But it's been obvious to me that this is what God is orchestrating in our lives. God has also been impressing the plight of refugees upon my heart in the last year or more, and I am wide open and ready to do what Jesus would have me do in helping those who are suffering, although I don't know exactly what this will look like. As some of you know we've had fun volunteering in the refugee summer reading in the recent past, and I also used to watch children at the refugee center while their parents learned English, several years back. Lately, they've been on my heart more and more, so I'm looking forward to where this will lead. Also, we're moving out of the home we've lived in for fourteen years, as a sort of leap of faith, which I will eventually elaborate on. There has been a lot of "faith-leaping" lately. Seth is very excited to be going to college with his Dad. As if that is not every kid's dream college experience. It's pretty handy to have one's clean underpants and socks hand-delivered by one's father, at school, while one is hanging out with cute girls. But for now, here is the belated father-son back to school picture from <i>last</i> fall. The rest are the younger boys' back to school pictures from the beginning of homeschool <i>this</i> year....jamies, blankies, puppies, and all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QYfSkzYsARQ/VMqhxbb4dBI/AAAAAAAAJF8/pkY1eDpBU44/s1600/2014-08-25%25252007.52.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/-QYfSkzYsARQ/VMqhxbb4dBI/AAAAAAAAJF8/pkY1eDpBU44/s640/2014-08-25%25252007.52.18.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8c0TatYtC0w/Vh85ewwxHsI/AAAAAAAAJz4/K7doVLZkQ8A/s1600/20151013_102709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8c0TatYtC0w/Vh85ewwxHsI/AAAAAAAAJz4/K7doVLZkQ8A/s640/20151013_102709.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GSiKPDWTnCc/Vh85gXIr_qI/AAAAAAAAJ0A/USJs9FxtfxI/s1600/20151013_104833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GSiKPDWTnCc/Vh85gXIr_qI/AAAAAAAAJ0A/USJs9FxtfxI/s640/20151013_104833.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CIpu7SUxKU4/Vh85h7_bllI/AAAAAAAAJ0I/idEvxMsRuhg/s1600/20151014_133606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CIpu7SUxKU4/Vh85h7_bllI/AAAAAAAAJ0I/idEvxMsRuhg/s640/20151014_133606.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-swlpVbvsLN0/Vh85jMkgm3I/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/qhqV_7LqORM/s1600/20151013_102902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-swlpVbvsLN0/Vh85jMkgm3I/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/qhqV_7LqORM/s640/20151013_102902.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--g2UUPcJO9A/Vh85lweBpMI/AAAAAAAAJ0Y/SO6ylNW41YM/s1600/20151014_101544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--g2UUPcJO9A/Vh85lweBpMI/AAAAAAAAJ0Y/SO6ylNW41YM/s640/20151014_101544.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ObpqhSAKVxs/Vh85u0AYtnI/AAAAAAAAJ0g/F5XT8rFWZok/s1600/20151014_104853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ObpqhSAKVxs/Vh85u0AYtnI/AAAAAAAAJ0g/F5XT8rFWZok/s640/20151014_104853.jpg"> </a> </div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-62338948936204904552014-06-05T20:45:00.000-07:002016-05-23T07:43:53.860-07:002014<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div dir="ltr">This has been a busy and momentous year for our family thus far. Justin and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on the 3rd of this month. We were able, thanks to some wonderful sisters-in-law, to get away for the night. I am so incredibly thankful that I am still married to my best friend, and my lover. We can hardly believe it has been 20 years already. Sometimes, we still act like a couple of teenagers in love. Just ask our kids, who are grossed out by our affection for each other on a daily basis. This is not to say we get along perfectly, or that things have always been easy. But we still like each other a lot, and for that we are thankful! </div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzdKps8eo4I/U5EgP3ouOLI/AAAAAAAAI5g/nk_fnDnZUJI/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzdKps8eo4I/U5EgP3ouOLI/AAAAAAAAI5g/nk_fnDnZUJI/s1600/wedding.jpg" height="200" width="150"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THEN: On our wedding day.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqNVdxufsIU/U5EJFKipe_I/AAAAAAAAI3k/l_g3Yf7zP9s/s1600/2014-06-03+22.44.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqNVdxufsIU/U5EJFKipe_I/AAAAAAAAI3k/l_g3Yf7zP9s/s1600/2014-06-03+22.44.49.jpg" height="186" width="320"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOW: On our 20 year anniversary.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaLaYygnRFg/U5EVnsC9NCI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/kSUdcfa3mcw/s1600/seth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaLaYygnRFg/U5EVnsC9NCI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/kSUdcfa3mcw/s1600/seth.jpg" height="200" width="105"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senior Picture 2014</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr"> The next day, our oldest son, Seth (who will turn 18 in August), graduated from the Idaho Virtual Academy, surrounded by many supportive friends and family. His father and I are incredibly proud of the godly young man he has become. He has a passion for youth ministry, and will be attending Boise Bible College this fall. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SpEr2lH10NY/U5EFTX3zKXI/AAAAAAAAI3M/mCWhhg_pUdI/s640/20140604_192144.jpg" height="225" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The high school graduate and his very proud father.</i><br><br><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Jarod, who turned 14 in April, just completed middle school and promotes to high school level in the fall. Micah turned 12 in May, and will be promoting to the 7th grade. Gideon turned 9 in January and is going into the 4th grade. Titus will turn 8 in August, and will be going into the 3rd grade. Isaac, who just turned 5 years old in February, has already been doing Kindergarten level activities, as he enjoys being a "big boy" and doing school time with his brothers. He will continue with this in the fall. We are still homeschooling. The older boys school through the Idaho Virtual Academy, and the younger boys work with miscellaneous curriculum.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SpEr2lH10NY/U5EFTX3zKXI/AAAAAAAAI3M/mCWhhg_pUdI/s1600/20140604_192144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-w7MBfBVDor8/U5EJLdzDa8I/AAAAAAAAI34/SG2urhvfkkA/s640/20140520_120001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w7MBfBVDor8/U5EJLdzDa8I/AAAAAAAAI34/SG2urhvfkkA/s640/20140520_120001.jpg" height="220" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here are Jarod & Micah, after they gave their science presentations at May's IDVA school fair. We were delighted to see Mrs.Baillie, who was their former on-line elementary school teacher. She was always a big help to me and was with us for many years. Both boys were awarded blue ribbons.</i><br><br><br><b>OTHER HAPPENINGS:</b><br><br><span style="font-size: small;">Just before our anniversary date, Justin ventured out into the mountains with the 5 youngest boys for an over night back-packing trip. Seth was off with friends for the night. I was completely alone in our house overnight....for the very first time in almost 18 years. It was a little difficult for me emotionally, but also very good for me. God drew my heart to rest in Him. The boys & Justin all arrived home the next day, healthy, dirty, and happy. </span><br><span style="font-size: small;">We recently had to say goodbye to our sweet old lady dog, Scout. She was very sick, and it was her time. She was survived by some very sad Sturgeon Aunties, Grandma, 6 very heart-broken boys, 1 sad mommy who tried to fix her, but couldn't, 1 sad yellow lab, and 2 ambivalent cats. I told Justin that we really needed some sack-cloth and ashes, because there was weeping and wailing in this house, all day long. That was a sad day. We will always remember what a faithful, slightly neurotic, sweet old girl our little Scout was. </span><br><br><span style="font-size: small;">In late April, my mother, Deanna, developed pneumonia, along with some other infections. She was critically ill, so I took the 3 younger boys (and left the 3 oldest with my husband), and drove immediately up to WA to be with her. Cousin Regina & her husband Chris graciously let me stay with them for the week. They only live 5 minutes away from the hospital, so I was able to spend all of my time with Mom. Through the prayers of many, and good medical care, she pulled through & is doing much better now. We are are so thankful to God that she is still with us. My younger boys were such good sports, and behaved so well in the hospital for hours and hours on end. Cousins Regina & Emily were life-savers, and watched the boys some of the time. My older boys were angels, and got so much school work done while I was away. I didn't get to see many family members, especially on Justin's side of the family, since I was not there for a vacation. Fortunately, my own father, sisters, brothers, nieces, & nephews were around the hospital frequently, so I was able to see some family. Even though it was a bit of a frightening time, it was also a good bonding time for my family. </span><br><br><span style="font-size: small;">On February 14, we traveled to Las Vegas to attend my sister Gloria's wedding. I was her maid of honor, just as she was in my wedding! She also asked me to sing during the ceremony. Afterwards, I realized that I have been privileged to sing in all 3 of my sisters' weddings! Gloria was a gorgeous bride. She married Elmer, a very kind and fun man. Many Haukaas family members could not be there, but I was delighted to see some of my cousins, aunts and uncles there. I am so happy my sister has found love and companionship. The boys LOVE their new "Uncle Elmo". Welcome to the family, Elmo!!! We love you! </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ILh4hwVZKlA/U5EJbaiY8zI/AAAAAAAAI4g/-bBG9wkgFok/s1600/IMG_7912379865675.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ILh4hwVZKlA/U5EJbaiY8zI/AAAAAAAAI4g/-bBG9wkgFok/s640/IMG_7912379865675.jpeg" height="424" width="640"></a></div><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F700vyYO-uo/U5EJieQ9BPI/AAAAAAAAI4w/N5QCEIOXsYg/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F700vyYO-uo/U5EJieQ9BPI/AAAAAAAAI4w/N5QCEIOXsYg/s640/IMG_6833.JPG" height="640" width="480"> </a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What we're up to: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Justin and I are currently having semi-regular Bible Study in our house (co-leading with another couple) on Tuesday nights, and are volunteering in the high school youth group on Monday nights. Justin is mentoring a couple of young men in the youth group, and I have found myself very attached to the girls in my care group. I am no longer playing keyboard or singing with the "SweetTarts". I am now playing worship (& occasionally singing) in the Celebrate Recovery Band at our church on Friday nights, which is a blast. I am also co-leader in the Life-Support group (dealing with relationships, and other emotional issues), and will be starting to co-lead a 12-step class in a couple weeks on Sunday nights. Justin is on the hunt for a new job, and excited to see where God will lead him. We both are growing closer and closer to Jesus, and can't wait to see what he has in store for our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm somewhat sorry to admit that, even with all these boys, we really are not involved in sports. The boys are not on any teams, and we do not really watch sports very often. I realize that is completely un-American, but that just hasn't been a priority, which is OK because we can't afford it for 6 boys anyway. However, we do TONS of camping every Summer. There is daily tree-climbing, scooter-riding, tree-swinging, and other such adventures in the back yard. I don't think our boys are too ruined. ;) They have also all discovered a deep love of reading. Seth enjoys history pod-casts, and audio books. Jarod and Micah have recently discovered the genre of fantasy, and all things dragon-related. Gideon is enjoying The Hardy Boys. They all love music. Seth is a classic rock buff, and plays a mighty mean bass guitar, as well as acoustic guitar, and electric. Jarod and Micah both can play a few songs on ukulele, as well as guitar. Gideon has a drum set and loves to practice when he remembers to do so. Isaac and Titus do a great job shaking their shakers....sort of to the right beat. ;) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></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/-ISnOJexnfBo/U5Er4eTbzbI/AAAAAAAAI5w/O48-QEhrDVM/s1600/camping+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISnOJexnfBo/U5Er4eTbzbI/AAAAAAAAI5w/O48-QEhrDVM/s1600/camping+1.jpg" height="150" width="200"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C8Im-3JbiEw/U5Er9djrlpI/AAAAAAAAI54/IADuP9I9uIc/s1600/camping+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C8Im-3JbiEw/U5Er9djrlpI/AAAAAAAAI54/IADuP9I9uIc/s1600/camping+2.jpg" height="240" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>I think I have covered all of the most important happenings of the year thus far. Below are a few more miscellaneous pictures that encapsulate our happy, blessed and full life. God bless, and hope to hear from you, our dear friends and family, very soon. <br><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_E6RVFklzM/U5EJGTEPVGI/AAAAAAAAI3s/uUZzruO7aSk/s1600/20140524_150641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_E6RVFklzM/U5EJGTEPVGI/AAAAAAAAI3s/uUZzruO7aSk/s1600/20140524_150641.jpg" height="200" width="110"></a><a href="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-DY_Roe3FYuE/U5EJmOWsY7I/AAAAAAAAI5A/xbbkL2yROWM/s640/IMG_5860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DY_Roe3FYuE/U5EJmOWsY7I/AAAAAAAAI5A/xbbkL2yROWM/s640/IMG_5860.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FvP9MPJl_3M/U5EJJ9j1ymI/AAAAAAAAI3w/9JqPvgNoCR8/s640/2014-05-27%25252001.25.45.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr></tbody></table><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-w7MBfBVDor8%2FU5EJLdzDa8I%2FAAAAAAAAI34%2FSG2urhvfkkA%2Fs640%2F20140520_120001.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh6.ggpht.com/-w7MBfBVDor8/U5EJLdzDa8I/AAAAAAAAI34/SG2urhvfkkA/s640/20140520_120001.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-DY_Roe3FYuE%2FU5EJmOWsY7I%2FAAAAAAAAI5A%2FxbbkL2yROWM%2Fs640%2FIMG_5860.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh6.ggpht.com/-DY_Roe3FYuE/U5EJmOWsY7I/AAAAAAAAI5A/xbbkL2yROWM/s640/IMG_5860.JPG" -->Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-68045295423278378662013-11-28T22:50:00.001-08:002016-05-24T08:52:11.054-07:00Praying for Turkey<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OxO-NL5DXoE/Upg5F7CyNcI/AAAAAAAAIvM/OipMIl5QUEU/s640/blogger-image-160165899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OxO-NL5DXoE/Upg5F7CyNcI/AAAAAAAAIvM/OipMIl5QUEU/s640/blogger-image-160165899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dCyv5ZhmoXE/Upg5E67hAcI/AAAAAAAAIvE/OQtDrPsvm0g/s640/blogger-image--540852903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OxO-NL5DXoE/Upg5F7CyNcI/AAAAAAAAIvM/OipMIl5QUEU/s640/blogger-image-160165899.jpg"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Such a civilized bunch are we....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OxO-NL5DXoE/Upg5F7CyNcI/AAAAAAAAIvM/OipMIl5QUEU/s640/blogger-image-160165899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-x2zyxMgHfeo/Upg5KB3RL2I/AAAAAAAAIvs/1W31-G9TeiQ/s640/blogger-image--1578029634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-x2zyxMgHfeo/Upg5KB3RL2I/AAAAAAAAIvs/1W31-G9TeiQ/s640/blogger-image--1578029634.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">....as well as graceful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3ekFTumELXs/Upg5IBgAHbI/AAAAAAAAIvc/Klx1H8obPQs/s640/blogger-image--1375562454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3ekFTumELXs/Upg5IBgAHbI/AAAAAAAAIvc/Klx1H8obPQs/s640/blogger-image--1375562454.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is how we speed up turkey digestion to make room for pie. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IuYlhjfYVx0/Upg5JK8sOPI/AAAAAAAAIvk/DvmhFq84hm4/s640/blogger-image-571387295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IuYlhjfYVx0/Upg5JK8sOPI/AAAAAAAAIvk/DvmhFq84hm4/s640/blogger-image-571387295.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Abi & Gideon decided to write stories after dinner....</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">....while the others watched 'The Hobbit'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJ0l938TNgE/Upg5G5hvKBI/AAAAAAAAIvU/ssFusg0SY14/s640/blogger-image--1478961902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJ0l938TNgE/Upg5G5hvKBI/AAAAAAAAIvU/ssFusg0SY14/s640/blogger-image--1478961902.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hmUlUe1lOPY/Upg5CzHGiDI/AAAAAAAAIu0/2b5LxYMgJhg/s640/blogger-image--814476125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hmUlUe1lOPY/Upg5CzHGiDI/AAAAAAAAIu0/2b5LxYMgJhg/s640/blogger-image--814476125.jpg"></a></div>Got my girl-time in tonight with my sweet & silly nieces. They took turns being the photographer.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o34HyIu1QxY/Upg5EO4L-ZI/AAAAAAAAIu8/X8royshgApw/s640/blogger-image--810294332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o34HyIu1QxY/Upg5EO4L-ZI/AAAAAAAAIu8/X8royshgApw/s640/blogger-image--810294332.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Justin has been faithfully leading our family in nightly bed time prayers, and each night we usually pray for a different country. We ended up praying for Turkey three nights in a row this week. We're following a prayer plan that we get via email. I don't know if the prayer-plan-writers thought praying for Turkey would be funny during Thanksgiving week or what, but those three nights our conversation with Isaac (our youngest, who is 4 yrs old) went something like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Isaac: "<i>Daddy, what country are we praying for tonight?"</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Justin: "<i>We're praying for Turkey tonight."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Isaac: "<i><b>Turkey</b>??? We're praying for <b>Turkey</b>???"</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Justin: "<i>Yes, we're praying for Turkey."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Isaac: "</span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hee-hee-hee!!!! We're praying for <b>Turkey</b>!!! Hee-hee-hee!!! (Literally says, "hee-hee" when he giggles.) </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Three nights in a row. Same conversation. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">But the third night, after normal the "hee-hee-hee-we're-praying-for-Turkey"-s:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Isaac: "</span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Daddy, why are we praying Turkey for?" (His way of asking what the country needs prayer about.)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Titus (our 7 yr old) piped up: "<i>CRANBERRY SAUCE!!!</i>" *<i>Giggle-giggle-giggle*" (Didn't literally say, "giggle". He just giggled.)</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Then last night, we finally prayed for a different country, which I'd never heard of before: Turkmenistan. <i>Turkmenistan? Really? </i>Of course, Isaac still thought it was funny, because Turkmenistan was just a really <i>silly</i> name for <i><b>Turkey</b></i>. He and Titus still got their "<i>hee-hee-hees</i>" & *<i>giggle-giggle-giggles</i>* in. And apparently we all had Turkey on the brain, because Jarod forgot how to say, "Turkmenistan" when it was his turn to pray. Instead, quite reverently and sincerely, Jarod prayed for, <b style="font-style: italic;">"Turk-mania". </b>Yes, he did. And so, four nights in a row, Mommy got in trouble for *chuckle-chuckle-chuckling* (didn't <i>say, </i>"chuckle-chuckle"; just couldn't stop shaking and choking slightly) during bedtime prayers. Tonight, I can't even remember the name of the country we prayed for. Sad, I know, because it was like five minutes ago. But I don't think it was Turkey-anything though, or I would probably remember. As I tucked the boys into bed tonight.....</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Me: "Goodnight, boys. Happy Thanksgiving. I love you."</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Titus: "Happy Thanksgiving, Mommy. I wish we had prayed for Turkey again tonight."</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Me too, kid. Me too.</i> But still, even though we didn't pray for <i>Turk-o-Rama</i>, or <i>Turkey-Lurkey, </i>I am SO thankful for SO many things. I'm thankful that we still have the freedom to worship as we wish, that we are not tortured for believing in Jesus. I am thankful that we have carpet on the floor of our cozy house, instead of a dirt floor (though there is usually plenty of dirt on the carpet--not the same, I know). I am thankful that we have clean, running water, instead of having to walk five miles every day to find a mud puddle to drink from. I am thankful my children can go to the doctor (and naturopath) when they are sick. I am thankful that my family gets three meals per day, instead of per week. I am thankful for a husband who is seeing needy, lost, and hurting people through Jesus' eyes, and who is teaching our sons to do the same. I'm thankful for God's patience with me. And I'm so. very. thankful. for Turkey. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!!!</div></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-76475009030745247042013-11-23T14:02:00.002-08:002016-05-23T07:54:45.294-07:00Stuff That Happened This Year Here are some highlights since Spring: <br><div class="" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="" style="clear: both;">For starters, Jarod turned 13, and had lots of friends over for a slumber party. I survived to tell about it, though the essence of socks, armpits, and "recycled" pizza lingered in my house for a few days there-after. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sbc3H8c5NBI/UlmaCb-_5XI/AAAAAAAAIjs/EBuh_8fmilo/s640/blogger-image-935344845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sbc3H8c5NBI/UlmaCb-_5XI/AAAAAAAAIjs/EBuh_8fmilo/s640/blogger-image-935344845.jpg"></a> <a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dBTsJvUd0Fc/UlmaESHTagI/AAAAAAAAIj8/eAda22jYAik/s640/blogger-image-1809738750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dBTsJvUd0Fc/UlmaESHTagI/AAAAAAAAIj8/eAda22jYAik/s400/blogger-image-1809738750.jpg" width="265"></a> </div><div class="" style="clear: both;">This is Jarod. He is very cool now that he is 13.</div><div class="" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x2auADqP-bU/UlmdivRgYrI/AAAAAAAAIkI/36jz_pUTdKc/s640/blogger-image--2029810452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x2auADqP-bU/UlmdivRgYrI/AAAAAAAAIkI/36jz_pUTdKc/s320/blogger-image--2029810452.jpg" width="209"></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QXN9rnl5ogc/UlmaBobweoI/AAAAAAAAIjk/1rngGVzWBwU/s640/blogger-image-671089452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QXN9rnl5ogc/UlmaBobweoI/AAAAAAAAIjk/1rngGVzWBwU/s320/blogger-image-671089452.jpg" width="210"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Micah. He turned 11 this year.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aFdJeGwW8OE/UlmaDfXq7iI/AAAAAAAAIj0/eSH0qr2rupI/s640/blogger-image-140447989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aFdJeGwW8OE/UlmaDfXq7iI/AAAAAAAAIj0/eSH0qr2rupI/s640/blogger-image-140447989.jpg"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So happy together. Mostly.<br><br></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K765p6aJm4U/UlmaAhRpS8I/AAAAAAAAIjc/koKdAymUKDg/s640/blogger-image-635210917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K765p6aJm4U/UlmaAhRpS8I/AAAAAAAAIjc/koKdAymUKDg/s400/blogger-image-635210917.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Justin & I had our 19th anniversary. Still in love. Looking forward to our 20th in a few months.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br><br><br>This is Micah's first day of Middle School Youth Group at church. He is now officially "cool" too, in case you were wondering.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6BNKLpFfcsg/Ulmk3YxcW6I/AAAAAAAAImc/ptnx9xU2rHE/s640/blogger-image-1177733432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6BNKLpFfcsg/Ulmk3YxcW6I/AAAAAAAAImc/ptnx9xU2rHE/s640/blogger-image-1177733432.jpg"></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7FhF78TdBm0/UlmigKwuAWI/AAAAAAAAIlA/ufFMTnQKcxg/s640/blogger-image--378463585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7FhF78TdBm0/UlmigKwuAWI/AAAAAAAAIlA/ufFMTnQKcxg/s400/blogger-image--378463585.jpg" width="300"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6OcRsRc7xGw/Ulmig5TDvqI/AAAAAAAAIlI/YJJIjsZSCoc/s640/blogger-image--1283730226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6OcRsRc7xGw/Ulmig5TDvqI/AAAAAAAAIlI/YJJIjsZSCoc/s320/blogger-image--1283730226.jpg" width="212"></a>Seth started being allowed to "group date" this year. He felt a little gypped when he realized that he had already been hanging out with "groups" of friends & that not much had changed. But, hey....he can CALL it "dating" now. That matters. He also turned 17 this year, and is now a senior in high school. He has plans to get his driver's license, and head off to Boise Bible College....all in the next few months. He has a passion for youth ministry, and for music. I am very proud of him, and know he will do awesome things with his life. The first birdie will be leaving the nest soon. No, I do not want to talk about it. <a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GZy4WANHNt8/UlmifHMo98I/AAAAAAAAIk4/hGuhICgOiMg/s640/blogger-image--100424697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GZy4WANHNt8/UlmifHMo98I/AAAAAAAAIk4/hGuhICgOiMg/s640/blogger-image--100424697.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T9UR0-DI9Ns/UlmkyMnT8YI/AAAAAAAAIls/Ck1jl-F4onM/s640/blogger-image--836857919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T9UR0-DI9Ns/UlmkyMnT8YI/AAAAAAAAIls/Ck1jl-F4onM/s640/blogger-image--836857919.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br><br>Summer Camps & lots of family camp-outs happened this past Summer. I may back-track & do a camping blog post at some point. Because you can never have too many camping pictures.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vEfmUb_dvDQ/Ulmii7fXRaI/AAAAAAAAIlY/zdArhGwT4AA/s640/blogger-image-1169145563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vEfmUb_dvDQ/Ulmii7fXRaI/AAAAAAAAIlY/zdArhGwT4AA/s640/blogger-image-1169145563.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-McZJCLPyeMM/UlmidZKZG2I/AAAAAAAAIko/zyk8nHWDynQ/s640/blogger-image--1471912168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-McZJCLPyeMM/UlmidZKZG2I/AAAAAAAAIko/zyk8nHWDynQ/s320/blogger-image--1471912168.jpg" width="208"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uc2nuRd3F80/Ulmk6k60w1I/AAAAAAAAIm8/YbEv7rc-Lso/s640/blogger-image-2070077144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uc2nuRd3F80/Ulmk6k60w1I/AAAAAAAAIm8/YbEv7rc-Lso/s400/blogger-image-2070077144.jpg" width="265"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTUX3NazjgA/UpEBoHx62RI/AAAAAAAAIs0/PUqfdF_7jbw/s1600/742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTUX3NazjgA/UpEBoHx62RI/AAAAAAAAIs0/PUqfdF_7jbw/s400/742.JPG" width="300"></a></div><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mtVGKBOMwAA/UlmicjwU9bI/AAAAAAAAIkg/LypVvvT3Ly4/s640/blogger-image--396129397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TvARtDkoORo/UlmihnDfNXI/AAAAAAAAIlU/JBd7F4XJxNU/s1600/blogger-image--2060177289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TvARtDkoORo/UlmihnDfNXI/AAAAAAAAIlU/JBd7F4XJxNU/s320/blogger-image--2060177289.jpg" width="240"></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mtVGKBOMwAA/UlmicjwU9bI/AAAAAAAAIkg/LypVvvT3Ly4/s320/blogger-image--396129397.jpg" width="212"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mtVGKBOMwAA/UlmicjwU9bI/AAAAAAAAIkg/LypVvvT3Ly4/s640/blogger-image--396129397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mtVGKBOMwAA/UlmicjwU9bI/AAAAAAAAIkg/LypVvvT3Ly4/s640/blogger-image--396129397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mtVGKBOMwAA/UlmicjwU9bI/AAAAAAAAIkg/LypVvvT3Ly4/s640/blogger-image--396129397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mtVGKBOMwAA/UlmicjwU9bI/AAAAAAAAIkg/LypVvvT3Ly4/s640/blogger-image--396129397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mtVGKBOMwAA/UlmicjwU9bI/AAAAAAAAIkg/LypVvvT3Ly4/s640/blogger-image--396129397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mtVGKBOMwAA/UlmicjwU9bI/AAAAAAAAIkg/LypVvvT3Ly4/s640/blogger-image--396129397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a>My incredible, very sexy, hard-working man has been building me some awesome stuff this year, such as this amazing home-school computer table, and two sets of these awesome bunk beds for the boys' rooms. He is also remodeling the bathroom by the boys' rooms, because the floor had water damage & the change was long over-due. I may blog about that later as well.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>I had the immense privilege, this past Spring, to go to Seattle to be with my little sister, while she had her 3rd baby, her first little girl. It was an exciting adventure which I embarked upon with all six boys. We had to leave Justin at home, as he could not take the time off of work. I had a blast with my boys, but I never want to do that without my husband again. Ever. I mean it. And that's all I have to say about that.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7dWwEQlVhg/UpEVl8DihPI/AAAAAAAAItE/skyAKG0vKyg/s1600/523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7dWwEQlVhg/UpEVl8DihPI/AAAAAAAAItE/skyAKG0vKyg/s400/523.JPG" width="400"></a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbeTQYAVx30/UpEXrRvmf1I/AAAAAAAAIts/oJV88SJtKfg/s1600/544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbeTQYAVx30/UpEXrRvmf1I/AAAAAAAAIts/oJV88SJtKfg/s320/544.JPG" width="240"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00DwgXRijjw/UpEY2A3jYFI/AAAAAAAAIuM/XlFpBf7Z9lE/s1600/640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00DwgXRijjw/UpEY2A3jYFI/AAAAAAAAIuM/XlFpBf7Z9lE/s200/640.JPG" width="200"></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rE8k3xjoZU/UpEZWcrLcxI/AAAAAAAAIuc/5dxKZdL5O1s/s1600/669.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rE8k3xjoZU/UpEZWcrLcxI/AAAAAAAAIuc/5dxKZdL5O1s/s200/669.PNG" width="200"></a><br><br><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GvjrETY0pvQ/UlmieHbA1bI/AAAAAAAAIkw/xcAINsZ0SOo/s640/blogger-image--1256255501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GvjrETY0pvQ/UlmieHbA1bI/AAAAAAAAIkw/xcAINsZ0SOo/s320/blogger-image--1256255501.jpg" width="211"></a></div><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NDwoeWsaoqo/Ulmk2nO5kkI/AAAAAAAAImU/Ufj-6GL_8nE/s1600/blogger-image-115005941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NDwoeWsaoqo/Ulmk2nO5kkI/AAAAAAAAImU/Ufj-6GL_8nE/s200/blogger-image-115005941.jpg" width="200"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zw2mCfZaMmg/UpEY_1jKtXI/AAAAAAAAIuU/bD1c8-HoVmo/s1600/674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zw2mCfZaMmg/UpEY_1jKtXI/AAAAAAAAIuU/bD1c8-HoVmo/s200/674.JPG" width="200"></a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><br><br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fjuR_syE1hA/Ulmk0oMeWwI/AAAAAAAAImE/BWifXaN7gDg/s640/blogger-image-741657450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fjuR_syE1hA/Ulmk0oMeWwI/AAAAAAAAImE/BWifXaN7gDg/s640/blogger-image-741657450.jpg" width="424"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The cousins all had a blast together.....mostly.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5OswYUYI4dI/Ulmk5HB2dSI/AAAAAAAAIms/g7Y4Ps6NyOA/s640/blogger-image-560358911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5OswYUYI4dI/Ulmk5HB2dSI/AAAAAAAAIms/g7Y4Ps6NyOA/s320/blogger-image-560358911.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; font-style: italic;">Welcome, Adelyn!!!!</span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"> I was so blessed to be allowed<br>in the delivery room when she arrived. So special! </span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVJbfHW2_cc/UpEYQCC_GGI/AAAAAAAAIt8/2MruCXFxVOo/s1600/614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVJbfHW2_cc/UpEYQCC_GGI/AAAAAAAAIt8/2MruCXFxVOo/s320/614.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So proud of my beautiful sister, Keri, who is such a good mama.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e7FC4Cl4CgA/Ulmk4Kn3aCI/AAAAAAAAImk/CUAumEoqFOA/s640/blogger-image-2114876689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e7FC4Cl4CgA/Ulmk4Kn3aCI/AAAAAAAAImk/CUAumEoqFOA/s320/blogger-image-2114876689.jpg" width="208"></a><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UhJ9o7MIE_8/Ulmk7_e1QpI/AAAAAAAAInE/TaBZdtvLugI/s640/blogger-image--1495711408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UhJ9o7MIE_8/Ulmk7_e1QpI/AAAAAAAAInE/TaBZdtvLugI/s320/blogger-image--1495711408.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Had so much fun spending time with all my little nieces & nephews,<br>whom I rarely get to see. Miss them so much now.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ug5nnNCU5s0/UpEYgeyOiOI/AAAAAAAAIuE/W59t_1crsPQ/s1600/630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ug5nnNCU5s0/UpEYgeyOiOI/AAAAAAAAIuE/W59t_1crsPQ/s320/630.JPG" width="240"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is my cousin, Regina. She is the angel who<br>watched my boys for hours on end so I could<br>spend time with my sister & brother-in-law<br>at the hospital.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--XFFOruIwOE/Ulmk55zadeI/AAAAAAAAIm0/c-lPLbW108o/s640/blogger-image--743405053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--XFFOruIwOE/Ulmk55zadeI/AAAAAAAAIm0/c-lPLbW108o/s320/blogger-image--743405053.jpg" width="212"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LYz75C1nQOY/Ulmk1k0jaKI/AAAAAAAAImM/8kUvx_UZ7V0/s640/blogger-image-1099949795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LYz75C1nQOY/Ulmk1k0jaKI/AAAAAAAAImM/8kUvx_UZ7V0/s400/blogger-image-1099949795.jpg" width="265"></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both;">While in Seattle, we got to visit Nanny & Papa, as well as Cousin Sorin. </div><br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-606lCte9DvA/UpEXbJ8fcHI/AAAAAAAAItk/pLv9mbisl_Y/s1600/1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-606lCte9DvA/UpEXbJ8fcHI/AAAAAAAAItk/pLv9mbisl_Y/s400/1037.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fortunately, Nanny & Papa gave us lots of gifts to take home, one of which was this handsome puppet here. We decided that he was John the Baptist. John is a happy sort of fellow & he gave us much entertainment on the trip home. On the end of Seth's hand, John stared, smiled, danced & waved at strangers in the cars next to us, while the boys & I got to watch their various reactions. According to our observations, there are more happy drivers out there than not. Some pointed & laughed. Some waved back. Only a couple gave John & Seth grumpy looks. Seth found himself slinking down to the floor at one point, after pulling up next to a car of cute girls & being embarrassed by John's antics. Silly John.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NDwoeWsaoqo/Ulmk2nO5kkI/AAAAAAAAImU/Ufj-6GL_8nE/s640/blogger-image-115005941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NDwoeWsaoqo/Ulmk2nO5kkI/AAAAAAAAImU/Ufj-6GL_8nE/s640/blogger-image-115005941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NDwoeWsaoqo/Ulmk2nO5kkI/AAAAAAAAImU/Ufj-6GL_8nE/s640/blogger-image-115005941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NDwoeWsaoqo/Ulmk2nO5kkI/AAAAAAAAImU/Ufj-6GL_8nE/s640/blogger-image-115005941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NDwoeWsaoqo/Ulmk2nO5kkI/AAAAAAAAImU/Ufj-6GL_8nE/s640/blogger-image-115005941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NDwoeWsaoqo/Ulmk2nO5kkI/AAAAAAAAImU/Ufj-6GL_8nE/s640/blogger-image-115005941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><br><br><br><br>This year we also welcomed Cousin Aaron Gabriel Alexander to the family.<br><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-77rpJgGPCWQ/Ulmp-xp4NXI/AAAAAAAAInU/I3NKL7yzIWU/s640/blogger-image--728236226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-77rpJgGPCWQ/Ulmp-xp4NXI/AAAAAAAAInU/I3NKL7yzIWU/s400/blogger-image--728236226.jpg" width="400"></a><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-crKRrttjTtk/UlmqCUmCn0I/AAAAAAAAIn0/5f2Usk-O_G8/s640/blogger-image-1994813593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-crKRrttjTtk/UlmqCUmCn0I/AAAAAAAAIn0/5f2Usk-O_G8/s640/blogger-image-1994813593.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zLkdVcr6M4o/UlmqAkpMEoI/AAAAAAAAInk/33kC4okocHY/s640/blogger-image--1286865265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zLkdVcr6M4o/UlmqAkpMEoI/AAAAAAAAInk/33kC4okocHY/s400/blogger-image--1286865265.jpg" width="266"></a> <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CmM9Rdzs-KY/UlmqDFFypSI/AAAAAAAAIn8/TWFgesbgbBU/s640/blogger-image-491030459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CmM9Rdzs-KY/UlmqDFFypSI/AAAAAAAAIn8/TWFgesbgbBU/s320/blogger-image-491030459.jpg" width="213"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Last, but definitely not least, Titus turned 7 years old. He is quite adept in utilizing "The Force", so watch out, world!<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0qDm64GLlD8/UlmqBZvrrVI/AAAAAAAAIns/kZBuloQosNU/s640/blogger-image--1836620790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0qDm64GLlD8/UlmqBZvrrVI/AAAAAAAAIns/kZBuloQosNU/s400/blogger-image--1836620790.jpg" width="266"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qQaBB7eL-7s/Ulmp_jlo2RI/AAAAAAAAInc/28evS6eP-EY/s640/blogger-image--715485121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qQaBB7eL-7s/Ulmp_jlo2RI/AAAAAAAAInc/28evS6eP-EY/s320/blogger-image--715485121.jpg" width="212"></a></div><br> <span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>~~~T</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">he </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">End~~~</span></i></span><br> Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-73812082966234429692013-05-07T01:21:00.000-07:002016-05-23T07:57:03.393-07:00Valentine's Day 2013: Treats & Torture<br>On Valentine's Day this year, I took the boys out "on the town" for the day, to celebrate how much I love them. We live in a small town, however, so downtown is only about three minutes away....and is pretty much where we go every other day anyway. Still, it was special! We went to our favorite burger/ice cream place: Arctic Circle; then to the library & the dollar store. Because we're fancy like that. We are well-cultured, in addition to being well-mannered.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LnD0QvlG5i0/UYiNdNCv-cI/AAAAAAAAIZ4/4tu9RgG238Y/s640/blogger-image-141096146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LnD0QvlG5i0/UYiNdNCv-cI/AAAAAAAAIZ4/4tu9RgG238Y/s400/blogger-image-141096146.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jLrJ9f3ckCg/UYiNkHQ3AVI/AAAAAAAAIag/E6_a2xH3Byc/s1600/blogger-image--2105455139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jLrJ9f3ckCg/UYiNkHQ3AVI/AAAAAAAAIag/E6_a2xH3Byc/s320/blogger-image--2105455139.jpg" width="212"></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyCqR4IbIRI/UYiN21QQJhI/AAAAAAAAIbU/S7qxLxGtkV8/s1600/blogger-image-1722363697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyCqR4IbIRI/UYiN21QQJhI/AAAAAAAAIbU/S7qxLxGtkV8/s320/blogger-image-1722363697.jpg" width="212"></a><br><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyCqR4IbIRI/UYiN21QQJhI/AAAAAAAAIbU/S7qxLxGtkV8/s1600/blogger-image-1722363697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyCqR4IbIRI/UYiN21QQJhI/AAAAAAAAIbU/S7qxLxGtkV8/s1600/blogger-image-1722363697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">Mr. Seth looks the part of the grump here, but he was simply being a good sport about hanging out with his ole' mom, instead of his buddies.He has become quite the funny guy, comfortable in his own skin, and more than willing to humor me in the bazillion </a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jLrJ9f3ckCg/UYiNkHQ3AVI/AAAAAAAAIag/E6_a2xH3Byc/s640/blogger-image--2105455139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">pictures I love to take of him & his brothers. Jarod, on the other hand, has to be begged, bribed, nagged, and whined-at, in order for me to get a shot of him without his hat over his eyes, or without him ducking behind the nearest large structure to avoid the camera. In this case, he had ice cream, so he was semi-tolerant. Poor kid. 13 is such a rough age. I have learned recently, from a reliable source (I have an inside person within youth group leadership), that he is <b>the</b> <i>talk of the town/church</i>. Alllll the middle school girls love him. I fear I may be in for some trouble. He really is so pretty, after all. I've already had to fend off one fairly persistent little lady! SO....I'll take his shyness & standoff-ishness for as long as it lasts! But I shall continue torture him, with my picture taking, because he will never be 13 again, and because I must. </a><br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vaA13mK9G8s/UYiNi_KBGZI/AAAAAAAAIaY/I5SAZw-_1cg/s640/blogger-image-256841575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vaA13mK9G8s/UYiNi_KBGZI/AAAAAAAAIaY/I5SAZw-_1cg/s320/blogger-image-256841575.jpg" width="212"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not as malevolent as he appears, I swear.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9jGGC3hmMPU/UYiNhsmuTrI/AAAAAAAAIaI/62IbRs0J2Ew/s640/blogger-image-1736168309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9jGGC3hmMPU/UYiNhsmuTrI/AAAAAAAAIaI/62IbRs0J2Ew/s200/blogger-image-1736168309.jpg" width="133"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Any 80's/90's girls remember these? What<br>a blast from my past! These stories were awful.<br> Still, fun memories.<br>These books contributed to<br> my love of reading, after I was over<br>my Nancy Drew phase, that is (which I may or may<br>not have actually ever "gotten over"...eh-hem).<br><br> </td></tr></tbody></table><br><br><br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ux9q91xatHs/UYiNzUPKrSI/AAAAAAAAIbI/mO1uZ7AJm-o/s640/blogger-image--1236033107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ux9q91xatHs/UYiNzUPKrSI/AAAAAAAAIbI/mO1uZ7AJm-o/s400/blogger-image--1236033107.jpg" width="266"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not as innocent as he appears. <br>This I also swear.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-svX4phNgiaY/UYiNqzS3jUI/AAAAAAAAIbA/aI5egeP0dKQ/s640/blogger-image-19460139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-svX4phNgiaY/UYiNqzS3jUI/AAAAAAAAIbA/aI5egeP0dKQ/s400/blogger-image-19460139.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The library is truly our favorite hang-out. Here, Jarod is losing his patience with me & my camera. I told him it was candid, and to pretend I wasn't there, and to, for heaven's sake, quit scowling at me. </td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_V6VhpzV-JU/UYiN4o2e6xI/AAAAAAAAIbg/X4-j8VedHII/s640/blogger-image-1318950484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_V6VhpzV-JU/UYiN4o2e6xI/AAAAAAAAIbg/X4-j8VedHII/s400/blogger-image-1318950484.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a shot of me with the boys who still love their mama, and are not trying to leave her forever (for some college in a year), and/or avoid her at all costs (because she's so annoying)....unless ice-cream is involved. </td></tr></tbody></table><br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mizr3ePHuTA/UYiNokTCQ3I/AAAAAAAAIa4/45ddaRUPKvs/s640/blogger-image--880128996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mizr3ePHuTA/UYiNokTCQ3I/AAAAAAAAIa4/45ddaRUPKvs/s640/blogger-image--880128996.jpg"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everywhere we go, it's a party! </td></tr></tbody></table><br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IE72yCwomIw/UYiNaruPFjI/AAAAAAAAIZo/07Keh-guuIU/s640/blogger-image--1459837346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IE72yCwomIw/UYiNaruPFjI/AAAAAAAAIZo/07Keh-guuIU/s1600/blogger-image--1459837346.jpg"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you build it, they will climb.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Jo2M3grBgNU/UYiNlZM69SI/AAAAAAAAIao/2dXfYXjdzZY/s640/blogger-image--361744175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Jo2M3grBgNU/UYiNlZM69SI/AAAAAAAAIao/2dXfYXjdzZY/s400/blogger-image--361744175.jpg" width="266"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My oldest & hairiest valentine gave me these<br>purdy things & took me out on a date. Sure am<br>in love with this handsome fellow.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2uL0WiLXGkY/UYiNbufzG4I/AAAAAAAAIZw/XQTR_kAQfZ0/s640/blogger-image-509995356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2uL0WiLXGkY/UYiNbufzG4I/AAAAAAAAIZw/XQTR_kAQfZ0/s400/blogger-image-509995356.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speaking of torture forms (the first being my incessant picture-taking ), one of the<br>biggest joys Justin & I derive from living is grossing our kids out on a regular basis, with frequent, and often public, displays of affection. Nothing is quite so amusing & entertaining than hearing our kids' fake<br>gagging sounds, and horrified gasps. Especially when their friends are around.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rYtp9vc9pRU/UYiNdiAJ5-I/AAAAAAAAIaA/cyQhP8TWW4k/s640/blogger-image-601333776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rYtp9vc9pRU/UYiNdiAJ5-I/AAAAAAAAIaA/cyQhP8TWW4k/s400/blogger-image-601333776.jpg" width="266"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for bearing with me while I catch you all up on our life, in pictures. Now that Summer is almost here,<br>happy late Valentine's Day!!!! </td></tr></tbody></table>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-85023270649218957592013-04-01T12:15:00.000-07:002016-05-23T07:58:14.803-07:00Winter 2012 <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2TbxZglOxis/URH_YCoeQPI/AAAAAAAAH-s/oMXJIg1u0eI/s640/blogger-image-1225176549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2TbxZglOxis/URH_YCoeQPI/AAAAAAAAH-s/oMXJIg1u0eI/s640/blogger-image-1225176549.jpg"></a></div><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Early December</span></i></b>, we played towns people in our church's 'Bethlehem Live' production.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas</span> </span></i></b>was a blissful time of tree decorating, Mommy constantly listening to Christmas music (to the joy of Daddy, who is so immensely fond of holiday music), dinners with friends, church activities, and a lovely visit from Uncle Joshua & Auntie Heather.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Yw8kdAmAV2A/URIAHXWe2gI/AAAAAAAAH_k/F6xbVyUklk0/s640/blogger-image-1877766907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Yw8kdAmAV2A/URIAHXWe2gI/AAAAAAAAH_k/F6xbVyUklk0/s640/blogger-image-1877766907.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3ZdrHvxpjXY/URIADxWe7tI/AAAAAAAAH_c/yV6FQZiFBe0/s640/blogger-image--1392732681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3ZdrHvxpjXY/URIADxWe7tI/AAAAAAAAH_c/yV6FQZiFBe0/s640/blogger-image--1392732681.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UDxuCedtE_w/URIDyOA04HI/AAAAAAAAIAY/kBFW8L67cig/s640/blogger-image--1550822053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UDxuCedtE_w/URIDyOA04HI/AAAAAAAAIAY/kBFW8L67cig/s640/blogger-image--1550822053.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tCEVkE9cM6o/URID4Pl0-8I/AAAAAAAAIAo/TAC_b8ooZnE/s640/blogger-image-1199711409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tCEVkE9cM6o/URID4Pl0-8I/AAAAAAAAIAo/TAC_b8ooZnE/s320/blogger-image-1199711409.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TrZQwtVDbAk/UVnDcmsEPjI/AAAAAAAAIQM/F55VAOwnjH8/s640/blogger-image--1542364081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TrZQwtVDbAk/UVnDcmsEPjI/AAAAAAAAIQM/F55VAOwnjH8/s1600/blogger-image--1542364081.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ILJCK3ikl_o/UVnEUM69HXI/AAAAAAAAIQ0/AhUhdKZMmI0/s640/blogger-image-313374841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ILJCK3ikl_o/UVnEUM69HXI/AAAAAAAAIQ0/AhUhdKZMmI0/s320/blogger-image-313374841.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun beating Uncle Joshua at connect four<br><br><br><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h4z1ruQ5dp4/UVnFPIPnzWI/AAAAAAAAIRU/MXqpWdYWtpc/s640/blogger-image--1285233572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h4z1ruQ5dp4/UVnFPIPnzWI/AAAAAAAAIRU/MXqpWdYWtpc/s200/blogger-image--1285233572.jpg" width="150"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles with Auntie Heather</td></tr></tbody></table><br><br><br><br><br><br><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><br><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><br><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><br><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><br><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><br><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><br><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><br><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Winter Birthdays:</i></span></b><br>Cousin Abigail turned 8 years old in December. Her Daddy & her step sisters came from WA to celebrate with her.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9aBJTWSyGT0/URIAAURoOvI/AAAAAAAAH_U/n3OjGKtZkWU/s640/blogger-image-938500417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WAAmVnLAxrQ/URH_VOAf7XI/AAAAAAAAH-k/PuyfFNNgU2w/s640/blogger-image--938521278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WAAmVnLAxrQ/URH_VOAf7XI/AAAAAAAAH-k/PuyfFNNgU2w/s400/blogger-image--938521278.jpg" width="400"></a><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9aBJTWSyGT0/URIAAURoOvI/AAAAAAAAH_U/n3OjGKtZkWU/s400/blogger-image-938500417.jpg" width="400"></div><br><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><i>In January & February: </i></b><br>*Gideon also turned 8 years old<br>*Cousin Aiden turned 2 years old<br>*Isaac turned 4 years old<br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ro2CndqD6QY/UVnFVOiicCI/AAAAAAAAIRk/0e3yQAB0bjs/s640/blogger-image-1600451999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ro2CndqD6QY/UVnFVOiicCI/AAAAAAAAIRk/0e3yQAB0bjs/s400/blogger-image-1600451999.jpg" width="400"></a></div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-glY9I30w-rY/UVnDitD7QMI/AAAAAAAAIQc/TKvd-UOUMmE/s640/blogger-image-1245107499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Ib7ykPFSSg/UVnDfzApcCI/AAAAAAAAIQU/yZuuP8rSPdE/s1600/blogger-image-755441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Ib7ykPFSSg/UVnDfzApcCI/AAAAAAAAIQU/yZuuP8rSPdE/s400/blogger-image-755441.jpg" width="300"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8IqnPamLEyo/UVnFSGOQbVI/AAAAAAAAIRc/cfGSJhF9Faw/s640/blogger-image--1458239388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8IqnPamLEyo/UVnFSGOQbVI/AAAAAAAAIRc/cfGSJhF9Faw/s320/blogger-image--1458239388.jpg" width="212"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JYxXGLCRbFM/UVnEXOeTyLI/AAAAAAAAIQ8/g8E2JPd6HvI/s640/blogger-image-933715953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JYxXGLCRbFM/UVnEXOeTyLI/AAAAAAAAIQ8/g8E2JPd6HvI/s320/blogger-image-933715953.jpg" width="240"></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-glY9I30w-rY/UVnDitD7QMI/AAAAAAAAIQc/TKvd-UOUMmE/s400/blogger-image-1245107499.jpg" width="300"><br><br><br><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D_yd1XAZp6E/UVnEaMiwAqI/AAAAAAAAIRE/AwXJE4V5Iog/s640/blogger-image--894631227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D_yd1XAZp6E/UVnEaMiwAqI/AAAAAAAAIRE/AwXJE4V5Iog/s1600/blogger-image--894631227.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ukUQcldjxzk/UVnDZj_3JHI/AAAAAAAAIQE/qS-vC-O2JVY/s640/blogger-image-935132621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ukUQcldjxzk/UVnDZj_3JHI/AAAAAAAAIQE/qS-vC-O2JVY/s1600/blogger-image-935132621.jpg"></a></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-8648148396887919972013-01-21T15:23:00.000-08:002016-05-23T08:02:11.429-07:00Happenings of Fall 2012<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qjoT83FBWM/UPsbJBcsUGI/AAAAAAAAH6I/eD5i2B8IMFQ/s1600/blogger-image-1038916325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qjoT83FBWM/UPsbJBcsUGI/AAAAAAAAH6I/eD5i2B8IMFQ/s640/blogger-image-1038916325.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: large;"><em>#1. My boys have each grown 5 &1/2 feet since last fall.</em></span> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIyqUZR2ML8/UPsbGAxWBfI/AAAAAAAAH6A/k7A7nHA_g24/s1600/blogger-image-1914640408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIyqUZR2ML8/UPsbGAxWBfI/AAAAAAAAH6A/k7A7nHA_g24/s640/blogger-image-1914640408.jpg" width="640"></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbyA7UDMqw4/UPsb-ZjDp7I/AAAAAAAAH6o/5tC8lY8mslk/s1600/blogger-image--322677693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkeayeuRtzI/UPsb663ZOXI/AAAAAAAAH6g/9NPYsaSTe0g/s1600/blogger-image--1172141513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkeayeuRtzI/UPsb663ZOXI/AAAAAAAAH6g/9NPYsaSTe0g/s200/blogger-image--1172141513.jpg" width="150"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbyA7UDMqw4/UPsb-ZjDp7I/AAAAAAAAH6o/5tC8lY8mslk/s1600/blogger-image--322677693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbyA7UDMqw4/UPsb-ZjDp7I/AAAAAAAAH6o/5tC8lY8mslk/s400/blogger-image--322677693.jpg" width="400"><br><br><br> </a><br><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkeayeuRtzI/UPsb663ZOXI/AAAAAAAAH6g/9NPYsaSTe0g/s1600/blogger-image--1172141513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br><br><br><br><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUFROAd4JcA/UPsYtHT0iyI/AAAAAAAAH5A/npwKQxdttEM/s1600/blogger-image-1258619880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUFROAd4JcA/UPsYtHT0iyI/AAAAAAAAH5A/npwKQxdttEM/s640/blogger-image-1258619880.jpg" width="640"></a><br> <span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">#2. Justin has been a bread-bakin' fool the past few months</span>.</em> Be jealous, ladies. Be very jealous. Not only is he the sexiest, best husband & daddy on the planet......he is <em>amazing</em> in the kitchen. He home-bakes most of the bread we eat now, which saves oodles of "dough" (yeah, I just said that), and tastes better. In this picture: Justin & the boys posing with some tasty pretzels they made together. </span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: large;"><em>#3. Halloween happened.</em></span> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wKtAHG5pzfU/UPsYhrGufMI/AAAAAAAAH4g/D0WlB1HrdAo/s1600/blogger-image-1490455384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wKtAHG5pzfU/UPsYhrGufMI/AAAAAAAAH4g/D0WlB1HrdAo/s320/blogger-image-1490455384.jpg" width="208"></a></div><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">The boys & their cousins went to our church's 'Trunk or Treat'. Abi was Snow White, Olivia was a kitty-girl, Aiden was a baby elephant, Jarod was a zombie (note the masterful paint job by yours truly), Titus was a monkey, Isaac was a bug, Micah was a karate-guy, and Gideon was a storm trooper. Seth was ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, and his friend, Logan, was a leprechaun-zombie, naturally. Eeek. They had a much-more-cool-party to go to, so they missed trunk-or-treating. I had forgotten to plan a costume for myself, so I decided, at the last minute, to just go as a mom of 6 boys. </span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pOMhS2Bllys/UPsXLC8gJCI/AAAAAAAAH3w/Uhv7BUcz5_4/s640/blogger-image-433569171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pOMhS2Bllys/UPsXLC8gJCI/AAAAAAAAH3w/Uhv7BUcz5_4/s640/blogger-image-433569171.jpg" width="640"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LF8kk_-0dAg/UPsXFHNiHXI/AAAAAAAAH28/Z6j91WkuJgg/s640/blogger-image--1060192163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LF8kk_-0dAg/UPsXFHNiHXI/AAAAAAAAH28/Z6j91WkuJgg/s640/blogger-image--1060192163.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3hGBtrY1UE/UPsiw2ZnTrI/AAAAAAAAH7w/f_2739_90pk/s1600/blogger-image--569951691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3hGBtrY1UE/UPsiw2ZnTrI/AAAAAAAAH7w/f_2739_90pk/s200/blogger-image--569951691.jpg" width="150"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JiyeZrujajs/UPsi0GhlUOI/AAAAAAAAH74/6YUSXZF6Eds/s1600/blogger-image--330271009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JiyeZrujajs/UPsi0GhlUOI/AAAAAAAAH74/6YUSXZF6Eds/s320/blogger-image--330271009.jpg" width="320"></a><br><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKYPrA26AO4/UPskYwe61iI/AAAAAAAAH9I/9o9ZasA5pgo/s1600/blogger-image--933716236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKYPrA26AO4/UPskYwe61iI/AAAAAAAAH9I/9o9ZasA5pgo/s200/blogger-image--933716236.jpg" width="150"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSIVFr_MPak/UPskP3m-e5I/AAAAAAAAH8w/dD_gPgkwMj8/s1600/blogger-image--698798028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSIVFr_MPak/UPskP3m-e5I/AAAAAAAAH8w/dD_gPgkwMj8/s320/blogger-image--698798028.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEc5pyUFVtA/UPskSwVK8_I/AAAAAAAAH84/ORDvJHT7QC4/s1600/blogger-image--131050436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEc5pyUFVtA/UPskSwVK8_I/AAAAAAAAH84/ORDvJHT7QC4/s400/blogger-image--131050436.jpg" width="300"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnOnswqMF4E/UPskeemgZGI/AAAAAAAAH9Y/lPGlS2Dt20E/s1600/blogger-image--1482947642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnOnswqMF4E/UPskeemgZGI/AAAAAAAAH9Y/lPGlS2Dt20E/s400/blogger-image--1482947642.jpg" width="300"></a></div><br><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHlnTTw11ps/UPskV1GSmkI/AAAAAAAAH9A/9IJ8orOcQTo/s1600/blogger-image-1583613380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHlnTTw11ps/UPskV1GSmkI/AAAAAAAAH9A/9IJ8orOcQTo/s1600/blogger-image-1583613380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5muosxn0C0/UPsiuECNWJI/AAAAAAAAH7o/Qvg7G9PnjlQ/s1600/blogger-image--448132986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5muosxn0C0/UPsiuECNWJI/AAAAAAAAH7o/Qvg7G9PnjlQ/s200/blogger-image--448132986.jpg" width="150"></a><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHlnTTw11ps/UPskV1GSmkI/AAAAAAAAH9A/9IJ8orOcQTo/s320/blogger-image-1583613380.jpg" width="320"><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ5D2UMWMcY/UPsV0RFrJ2I/AAAAAAAAH2Y/p4Vq7_MMH1Y/s1600/blogger-image-47052220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ5D2UMWMcY/UPsV0RFrJ2I/AAAAAAAAH2Y/p4Vq7_MMH1Y/s400/blogger-image-47052220.jpg" width="300"></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6C2gi3Qy7SU/UPsbAPPBVWI/AAAAAAAAH5w/w78GY4CApsQ/s1600/blogger-image--360618212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6C2gi3Qy7SU/UPsbAPPBVWI/AAAAAAAAH5w/w78GY4CApsQ/s400/blogger-image--360618212.jpg" width="300"></a><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: large;"></span><br><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: large;"></span><br><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: large;"></span><br><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: large;"><em>#4. Olivia had her 6th birthday.</em><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> </span></span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">(This should actually be #3, but I am fighting with the Blogger layout & it is kicking my tushy.) She is my shy, silly, sweet princess/kitty-cat-niece, aka: 'Yaya', and I adore her. She, also, has grown 5 & 1/2 feet since last fall.</span><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: large;"><em>#5. SweetTarts rocked the nursing home!</em></span> <span style="color: #f9cb9c;">OK....so, I know the last gig was supposed to be my last gig, but it was our lead singer's grandma's 80th birthday party. Couldn't pass that one up! But it's my last, last gig. I swear. Until the next last gig. (And this should really have been #1 on this list since it happened in September. Oh, well.) The SweetTarts have since left me in the dust, performing around the city in various cool places, gaining more popularity in the local music scene. Meanwhile, I have turned back into the home-body I was created to be. I am still very involved in music, however, singing to my boys at bedtime, singing in the shower, and playing keyboard in the Celebrate Recovery Worship Band. I am also blessed to be able to, on occasion, go with a friend and sing hymns in another nursing home. Love it! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMLZ66uBHCY/UPsVYBAP6JI/AAAAAAAAH2A/qp3J2rseTIU/s1600/blogger-image--404134774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMLZ66uBHCY/UPsVYBAP6JI/AAAAAAAAH2A/qp3J2rseTIU/s400/blogger-image--404134774.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: large;"><em>#6. The Black Plague hit our household.</em></span> <span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Every single one of us, except for Justin (who got it a week ago), were all sick with body aches, fevers, and the worst sore throats of our lives. I'm pretty sure it was strep, but my awesome naturopath (<a href="http://www.nuzumsnaturals.com/">http://www.nuzumsnaturals.com/</a>) helped us get through it with some natural remedies & such.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAO79JVPqgE/UPsYna2qayI/AAAAAAAAH4w/kyDOafkytss/s1600/blogger-image-737515622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAO79JVPqgE/UPsYna2qayI/AAAAAAAAH4w/kyDOafkytss/s640/blogger-image-737515622.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: large;"><em>#7. Thanksgiving happened.</em></span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> All the local in-laws & cousins came for dinner, as well as my sweet friend, Robin. She was very, very, very brave. Justin did most of the cooking (yes....be jealous, ladies). Of course, I had to make my famous coffee cake recipe (which I stole from my mother-in-law) for breakfast, and a couple loaves of pumpkin bread & a couple pumpkin pies (which I made the day before).....but, other than that, I was able to chill most of the day. Jarod made yummy apple pies. Then he went outside with his brothers all day, to dig out a camouflaged "spider hole" so that we will be ready to defend our territory when the poop hits the fan. Thank you, honey, for watching 'Doomsday Preppers' with them.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ouEhYQ1m0wE/UPsi3lABDDI/AAAAAAAAH8A/ND24ju3zuPw/s1600/blogger-image-1625862592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ouEhYQ1m0wE/UPsi3lABDDI/AAAAAAAAH8A/ND24ju3zuPw/s640/blogger-image-1625862592.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9Q6Ffp_Olw/UPsV5zN7yYI/AAAAAAAAH2o/kbe02O6ahE8/s1600/blogger-image--1942378527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9Q6Ffp_Olw/UPsV5zN7yYI/AAAAAAAAH2o/kbe02O6ahE8/s1600/blogger-image--1942378527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9Q6Ffp_Olw/UPsV5zN7yYI/AAAAAAAAH2o/kbe02O6ahE8/s200/blogger-image--1942378527.jpg" width="150"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBCRyEcmgw8/UPskbW4NNAI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/V75IbSVWA9g/s1600/blogger-image--1698585323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBCRyEcmgw8/UPskbW4NNAI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/V75IbSVWA9g/s200/blogger-image--1698585323.jpg" width="150"></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dk8zN4NhPTo/UPsbDN4jvWI/AAAAAAAAH54/XzrGzGcpR3o/s1600/blogger-image-754216272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dk8zN4NhPTo/UPsbDN4jvWI/AAAAAAAAH54/XzrGzGcpR3o/s1600/blogger-image-754216272.jpg"></a><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">These "preppers" know how to get the job done....in comfort, and style.</span><br><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"></span><br><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6H24bJbTqro/UPsYkp61TiI/AAAAAAAAH4o/vztzTH8mUyI/s1600/blogger-image-1238006381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"></span></a><br></div><br><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">After the turkey.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6H24bJbTqro/UPsYkp61TiI/AAAAAAAAH4o/vztzTH8mUyI/s1600/blogger-image-1238006381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6H24bJbTqro/UPsYkp61TiI/AAAAAAAAH4o/vztzTH8mUyI/s400/blogger-image-1238006381.jpg" width="300"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>#8. The sexy, bread-makin', weird-show-watching stud had a birthday.</em></span> Apparently I didn't take a single picture of his party. He shares this birthday with his little sister, Auntie Jubilee. We all celebrated & went out to dinner. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">And that was our Fall. The end.</span> </em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-30062191233189769552012-10-19T23:35:00.000-07:002012-10-22T11:28:40.853-07:00Code Name: Operation Mom <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I probably don't need to say much about this picture, since it's fairly self-explanatory if you look closely. I'm sure you see things like this all the time. However, as the reader, you might like a little clarification. </div>
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I had just finished playing keyboard, earlier this evening, with our church's Celebrate Recovery Band. I was sitting next to a girlfriend, listening to a great speaker giving a moving testimony, when I got a phone call (my phone was on vibrate, lest you think I am some heathen who forgets to turn her ringer off during church) from the preacher's wife. I knew this was likely a bad thing because she was teaching the kids' class. <em><strong>My kids'</strong></em> kids' class. I snuck out of service & went to see who might be bleeding profusely <em>this </em>time. It was Titus (boy #5), but there was no blood anywhere. His teacher said, "Come take a look." I thought, since there was no blood, that there might be some internal injury, so I readied myself to start checking his pupil dilation for signs of concussion. It was an internal problem alright....but not in the way I had thought. Yes, you read the incident report correctly. Yes, he had torn a little piece of rubber off of his shoe. Yes, he had placed it into his ear canal. Why had he done this, you ask? Well, because, you see, he had torn a little piece of rubber off of his shoe. The classroom was out of trash cans (I can only assume) and he didn't know what to do. Then, it suddenly dawned on him that he had <em>just the thing</em>! He had a very convenient, very tiny hole, in his very own head, that the little piece of torn shoe rubber would fit into perfectly! (It makes sense when you think about it.) But it didn't end up being the enjoyable experience he had thought it would. He was fairly upset & panicked when I got to him. First, I tried to pry it gently out with the curve of a paper clip. Wouldn't budge. I was afraid to really dig around in there & either hurt his ear, or shove the rubber chunk further in. I was desperately trying to avoid an annoying hours-long visit to the ER. I've had my fair share of those. They've lost their charm. I try to "fix things" myself as much as possible, if it's not a broken bone, or some life threatening thing. Butterfly bandages have saved us big bucks in ER bills. Stitches shcmitches. I had the brilliant idea, in my desperation, to take Titus into the bathroom, where no one would see me perform Code Name: Operation Mom. I put my lips around his ear canal area, created an air-tight seal & tried to <em>suck</em> the thing out. That's when it occurred to me that I should probably wash his ears more often. The thing still wouldn't budge. Titus did, however, acquire a lovely hickey inside of his ear. Almost resigned to needing to go to the ER after all (and a little embarrassed about possibly having to explain the ear hickey to the doctor), I took Titus, whose panic was ever-rising, back to class to get the other boys & get ready to leave. Fortunately, his teacher had found some tweezers in the first aid kit, during my absence. It took me 20 seconds flat to get the torn shoe rubber out of his ear canal with those tweezers. Titus was as happy as a mother who had just given birth. Gasping, giggling, laughing and hugging ensued. The poor kid. All ended well. I was able to go back to my group & the kids were able to continue with their class. I really appreciate the preacher's wife, & the other teachers, for all that they do for my children, but I think I might talk to them about buying a trash can for the classroom. ;-) </div>
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Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-55364299508573388582012-10-18T13:32:00.001-07:002012-10-18T13:32:06.159-07:00Making Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My boys like to make stuff...</div>
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....like this handsome stick fellow here.....</div>
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......and this cool Nerf-gun-warrior-buddy-guy......</div>
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......and like this cute little super-stick-hero-baby-dude......<br />
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.......and like this ginormous family of stick friends. </div>
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Why, you ask, did they spend hours outside, making these adorable stick friends? </div>
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So they could engage them in battle, naturally.......</div>
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.....and kill them all. Of course.</div>
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When they brought me this cute little "friend" <em>(into my house!!!),</em> they wanted to keep it, and love it, and pet it, and take it home, and call it George. I said, "No" calmly (<em>only squealing and shrieking slightly</em>).......and had them set it free down by the canal. <br />
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Even though I am a mean mommy and don't let the boys keep the furry "friends" that they find, I am still cool, right? Aaaaarg. Yeah. <br />
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No, we did not celebrate Halloween early. It was "pirate night" at Pioneer Club last night. The nice thing about Pioneer Club is that most of our little friends there do not have long, creepy tails. They don't scurry under my fridge, eat all my cheese, poop in my pantry, nibble on my toes while I sleep, and give me fatal blood-born diseases in the middle of the night. The unfortunate thing about Pioneer Club is that it might be frowned upon if we try to annihilate our Pioneer Club friends in battle. I guess that's why we need our stick friends.</div>
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A quick shout out to Nanny & Papa, who came from WA for a lovely visit over the weekend. Love you guys! <br />
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</a><br />Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-68765230186192929552012-10-11T16:05:00.001-07:002016-05-23T08:12:20.477-07:00Summer-Wrap-Up-So-I-Can-Move-On-With-My-Life-Blog-Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xoiSlHOb-7Q/UCyXmA-T59I/AAAAAAAAGaI/2jZ1DvlYFT0/s1600/blogger-image--645140256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>When last the Boy Crazy saga left off, we were saying goodbye to boy #2, who was leaving for church camp. Since then, boy #2 has returned home from church camp, talked about what an amazing time he had at afore-mentioned church camp, crashed shortly thereafter, and slept solidly for practically 3 days straight. The next week (3 days later), we said goodbye to boy #3, who left for preteen camp. Boy #1 also went with him to be a junior counselor. Knowing that boy #1 would be there to watch out for boy #3, made their mama feel better, but she was left alone, with<em> only 4 boys</em> to keep her company, for five. whole. days. She survived, but just barely.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoiSlHOb-7Q/UCyXmA-T59I/AAAAAAAAGaI/2jZ1DvlYFT0/s1600/blogger-image--645140256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoiSlHOb-7Q/UCyXmA-T59I/AAAAAAAAGaI/2jZ1DvlYFT0/s400/blogger-image--645140256.jpg" width="400"></a></div><br><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FbYRdIddxwc/UCyXjoKXs8I/AAAAAAAAGZo/dEwhp9I2AbA/s400/blogger-image-571043087.jpg" width="400"><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gnMYPjVqbtQ/UCyXqddkg6I/AAAAAAAAGa4/eatGNb7Mr4c/s640/blogger-image--588498233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gnMYPjVqbtQ/UCyXqddkg6I/AAAAAAAAGa4/eatGNb7Mr4c/s400/blogger-image--588498233.jpg" width="400"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fUR82R3OVBI/UCyXhKRrCII/AAAAAAAAGZI/JOh_f1Rhfeg/s640/blogger-image-243052896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fUR82R3OVBI/UCyXhKRrCII/AAAAAAAAGZI/JOh_f1Rhfeg/s320/blogger-image-243052896.jpg" width="240"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mIZpQ-m5LOg/UCyXmzIlQfI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/QYdS6OsgfRE/s640/blogger-image--2124906429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mIZpQ-m5LOg/UCyXmzIlQfI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/QYdS6OsgfRE/s640/blogger-image--2124906429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-53E_mFNDXVk/UCyXi5emWNI/AAAAAAAAGZg/MpxJb4PAPSs/s640/blogger-image--1115568534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-53E_mFNDXVk/UCyXi5emWNI/AAAAAAAAGZg/MpxJb4PAPSs/s400/blogger-image--1115568534.jpg" width="300"></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mIZpQ-m5LOg/UCyXmzIlQfI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/QYdS6OsgfRE/s320/blogger-image--2124906429.jpg" width="240"><br><br>In between the comings and goings of boys numbers 1, 2, and 3, boy #5 had a birthday. Titus turned 6 years old. We had a party with cousins, aunts, and Grandma. Abigail crowned him king for the day, naturally. King Titus received several lovely gifts from his Grandma, Aunts,and parents, but seemed especially excited about the birthday cards. <br><br><br><strong>Other exciting Summer happenings:</strong><br><br><strong>A. </strong>Gideon lost his first tooth!<br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-INBv3SAYon8/UCyXkNB5aCI/AAAAAAAAGZw/xDSsxO85BKA/s640/blogger-image-1051655958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-INBv3SAYon8/UCyXkNB5aCI/AAAAAAAAGZw/xDSsxO85BKA/s400/blogger-image-1051655958.jpg" width="400"><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>B.</strong> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9jgz2cBg-Uw/UCyXlgOM4ZI/AAAAAAAAGaA/X6GldBDNRpU/s640/blogger-image-443285463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>More visits were made to our refugee friends for story times. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BYaVf0ONghA/UCyXnuyFTGI/AAAAAAAAGaY/MdQN8Ocv6sU/s640/blogger-image-242343685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BYaVf0ONghA/UCyXnuyFTGI/AAAAAAAAGaY/MdQN8Ocv6sU/s640/blogger-image-242343685.jpg" width="640"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5LWTz57DA8k/UCyXh35wX3I/AAAAAAAAGZQ/IowR0vyRzjE/s640/blogger-image-895370183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5LWTz57DA8k/UCyXh35wX3I/AAAAAAAAGZQ/IowR0vyRzjE/s640/blogger-image-895370183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Apparently showing off for the camera is fun for kiddos from all cultures. </a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W7MMILNfF30/UCyXeHdw7DI/AAAAAAAAGYo/E4pmfIMnjPU/s640/blogger-image-1728886059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W7MMILNfF30/UCyXeHdw7DI/AAAAAAAAGYo/E4pmfIMnjPU/s640/blogger-image-1728886059.jpg" width="640"></a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A2pFPSkCMho/UCyXsJ_zaGI/AAAAAAAAGbI/WcKe-bRe1ME/s640/blogger-image--1823484603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A2pFPSkCMho/UCyXsJ_zaGI/AAAAAAAAGbI/WcKe-bRe1ME/s320/blogger-image--1823484603.jpg" width="240"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5LWTz57DA8k/UCyXh35wX3I/AAAAAAAAGZQ/IowR0vyRzjE/s1600/blogger-image-895370183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5LWTz57DA8k/UCyXh35wX3I/AAAAAAAAGZQ/IowR0vyRzjE/s320/blogger-image-895370183.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>C.</strong> Too many awesome Summer outings and camp outs with friends to blog about.<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lnMWUsFAvdU/UCyXk5NAFvI/AAAAAAAAGZ4/Wwvbbl4En2w/s640/blogger-image-466794867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lnMWUsFAvdU/UCyXk5NAFvI/AAAAAAAAGZ4/Wwvbbl4En2w/s640/blogger-image-466794867.jpg" width="640"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One camp out was a "boys only" camp out, and the mama was left completely alone in the house, over-night, for the first time....E.V.E.R. She could have gone to band practice, she could have stayed the night with a friend, and she could have gone to a fun BBQ. Instead, all she did was stay home, cry, and watch shows on Hulu. She is embarrassed and doesn't want to talk about it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k6CHJz6OITM/UCyXeq-Vr3I/AAAAAAAAGYw/akZW4dFL66s/s640/blogger-image-1378530982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k6CHJz6OITM/UCyXeq-Vr3I/AAAAAAAAGYw/akZW4dFL66s/s640/blogger-image-1378530982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k6CHJz6OITM/UCyXeq-Vr3I/AAAAAAAAGYw/akZW4dFL66s/s400/blogger-image-1378530982.jpg" width="400"><br>D. Gideon lost his second tooth!</a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>E.</strong> I/she jumped in with the SweetTarts for a Saturday morning gig in the park, for our community clean-up day. In case you didn't know, I haven't done much with them lately, due to life, kids, etc...Turns out I don't have as much time to be a rock star as I thought. But I thought I'd get one last hoo-rah in before the school year started back up. My sweet sister-in-law, Jubilee, who just moved here from WA (and brought my adorable nephew with her), watched the boys for me that day, and again, the next week end, when I went on our church's ladies retreat. I did much better without my kiddos & hubby that weekend, since I had so many neat gals around me. I definitely needed that weekend. I came home feeling refreshed spiritually & emotionally closer to God, and to other women. So, thank you, Auntie Jubilee!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are now in the full swing of the new school year. Our home group (aka: Bible study) started up again on Tuesdays, and we love it. Justin is leading it & he does a great job. The kids & I are going to Pioneer Club on Wednesdays, where they get to have a blast, and I get to teach the 2 & 3 years olds. There is high school youth group on Mondays, middle school youth group on Tuesdays, Celebrate Recovery on Fridays (where I am privileged to be part of the official, new "CR Band"), and, of course, church on Sundays. I'm desperately trying to get the boys' school lessons done during the days, and not let them get behind....this time. I sometimes feel like I'm failing my kids by not having them all in sports, and music lessons, and such....but, seriously,<em> when would I do it</em>??? I don't honestly know how <em>anyone </em>does it. Justin is also involved in our church's Men's Fraternity, which is an awesome thing, but is so very early in the morning that I am barely breathing when he leaves the house. He is working like a dog, as usual, to support all of us. He is also constantly working on our cars, with their various issues, on his days off. The poor guy needs a break. I think he still wants to take us out on one more camp out before Winter hits. I want a million dollars. I'll let you know if either event comes to pass.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-14946477806973952062012-07-30T10:06:00.000-07:002016-05-23T08:21:39.400-07:00Summer Camp!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Nsxs2d50bzk/UBarOK-JEdI/AAAAAAAAGWw/1_dBjg33Mlw/s640/blogger-image-222611857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Nsxs2d50bzk/UBarOK-JEdI/AAAAAAAAGWw/1_dBjg33Mlw/s400/blogger-image-222611857.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the time of year that the boys probably love the most. It's the time when they get to ditch their brothers and parents, to hang out with friends for a whole week at church camp! Since I have a high-schooler, a middle-schooler, and a pre-teen.....there are three different camps. That means that, for three weeks in a row, I only have 5 boys. Sigh. I'm finally starting to get....sort of, kind of, a little bit....used to my older kids going off in different directions, and not worry so much. That doesn't mean I like it, of course, but I do know that they are having a blast with all their friends, that they are in excellent hands, and that they are spiritually benefiting from their camp experiences, so that makes me happy for them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yAeOgnE5c_8/UBarQMFUkYI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/EvFlpx59QC4/s640/blogger-image-1071090970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yAeOgnE5c_8/UBarQMFUkYI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/EvFlpx59QC4/s640/blogger-image-1071090970.jpg" width="425"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>Over the weekend, Seth came home from high school camp. He had such a blast, as usual. He got to play bass in the worship band all week long. My son is so cool. I was never that cool in high school. I just love when he comes home and talks my head off about how awesome camp was. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Z85pqW4zig/UBarNcQ7KeI/AAAAAAAAGWo/wMr_pjpSSdA/s640/blogger-image-1242955777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Z85pqW4zig/UBarNcQ7KeI/AAAAAAAAGWo/wMr_pjpSSdA/s320/blogger-image-1242955777.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, this morning, I dropped Jarod off at church, so he could hop on the bus for his week of middle school camp. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YCYwY66fLFk/UBarP9n7s5I/AAAAAAAAGXI/SDSBAVGHom0/s640/blogger-image--1812535908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YCYwY66fLFk/UBarP9n7s5I/AAAAAAAAGXI/SDSBAVGHom0/s640/blogger-image--1812535908.jpg" width="480"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jarod was so happy his buddy was going. He's not quite the social butterfly that Seth is, and still isn't quite comfortable in his own skin yet. He was not about to hug his friend for a picture! Nor did his little friend <em>want</em> to hug Jarod for a picture. Nor did Jarod want to hug his mama in front of his friends. They were both way too cool for such things. So, naturally, I planted a big ole smooch on his cheek, in front of his friends, when I said good bye. Don't worry. It's character building for him to be embarrassed by his mama. Eventually he will succumb to the reality that I'm <em>never </em>not going to be embarrassing, and he'll just learn to my accept public displays of affection as a part of life, like Seth has. Because mamas are just embarrassing, but ya gotta love um anyway. Life lesson right there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UcKqnTNWWS4/UBarR8X6M_I/AAAAAAAAGXo/s1nbvldw7Mw/s640/blogger-image--1660034550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UcKqnTNWWS4/UBarR8X6M_I/AAAAAAAAGXo/s1nbvldw7Mw/s640/blogger-image--1660034550.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the massive group of middle schoolers (!!!holy moly and bless the youth leaders' brave souls!!!) heading off to camp today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pN04GUVJweU/UBarRFfJfxI/AAAAAAAAGXg/e4GmniF51xk/s640/blogger-image-156852093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pN04GUVJweU/UBarRFfJfxI/AAAAAAAAGXg/e4GmniF51xk/s400/blogger-image-156852093.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Got a picture of Jarod just about to step onto the bus. His little brothers were yelling very important reminders out to him, like, "Don't forget your sunscreen!" and, "Don't forget to eat!" and, "Don't forget to pray at night!"......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X4fspsTfsBg/UBarSM7cLcI/AAAAAAAAGXw/Bvh0onLs-QM/s640/blogger-image--1370672226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X4fspsTfsBg/UBarSM7cLcI/AAAAAAAAGXw/Bvh0onLs-QM/s400/blogger-image--1370672226.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">......which, of course, degenerated into, "Don't forget to go pee!", and "Don't forget to poop!", and "Don't forget to wipe!" Because everything comes down to those three things in the <em>end</em>, don't they? Especially if we're needing a topic for conversation at the dinner table. I assume that this embarrassed Jarod (ironic, considering they learned much of their humour from him), but I'm not sure because he disappeared under the window, way down in his seat, for some reason. Maybe he dropped something on the floor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bus didn't take off for a few minutes, and I had put an unfortunate end to the helpful camping hints, so the little boys entertained themselves another way, in the mean time. A friend pointed out how helpful my kids would be on a tropical island. They could pick coconuts and bananas for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B3JNmxMm3yI/UBarSr6uwKI/AAAAAAAAGX4/HVZoG7QTNZM/s640/blogger-image-1853723725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B3JNmxMm3yI/UBarSr6uwKI/AAAAAAAAGX4/HVZoG7QTNZM/s640/blogger-image-1853723725.jpg" width="480"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also left Seth at the church all day, today, to hang out with his friend and then to go to youth group later. I only have four boys today. It's so strange. I don't quite know what to do. Next week, I lose Micah to pre-teen camp. Boo-hoo. But, after he comes home, we'll be a whole family again. Soon after that, our refugee reading program will end, and school will start. Summer is flying by! </div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-74527669825861762852012-07-18T00:40:00.000-07:002016-05-23T08:24:29.465-07:00Tea Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cRnrLO_5VhM/UAUI80XBvaI/AAAAAAAAGWU/FBekHtIxpIY/s640/blogger-image--100351753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cRnrLO_5VhM/UAUI80XBvaI/AAAAAAAAGWU/FBekHtIxpIY/s640/blogger-image--100351753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cRnrLO_5VhM/UAUI80XBvaI/AAAAAAAAGWU/FBekHtIxpIY/s320/blogger-image--100351753.jpg" width="320"><br><br><br><br><br></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qPDknoXJ45w/UAUI79MwOqI/AAAAAAAAGWE/g-1jjRWII4k/s640/blogger-image-1206731876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qPDknoXJ45w/UAUI79MwOqI/AAAAAAAAGWE/g-1jjRWII4k/s640/blogger-image-1206731876.jpg" width="640"></a>My boys (the too-cool teenager excluded, naturally) decided to have a tea party. All on their own. I like tea. I've been drinking a lot of herbal teas lately. The boys, especially Jarod, have been drinking a lot of tea with me. Jarod, to be perfectly clear, was sure to inform me that they were NOT having a tea party, but were, in fact, having "tea time", which is<em> vastly</em> different. They even lifted their pinkie fingers and spoke with British accents the entire time. We didn't have any scones, so they ate popcorn instead. I made them watercress sandwiches, except that I was plum out of watercress, so they had to eat baby kale sandwiches. And they loved them! Weird. They did not, however, dress in their Sunday best, which I believe is proper etiquette for tea time. Or am I just thinking of the stereo-typical-girl-tea party? Nor did all of them come to tea-time fully dressed, and some were still in their PJs. And who knew that proper tea time etiquette included pinkie-finger-lifting while eating sandwiches? Not I! But what do I know about proper tea-parties? I mean....tea time. Proper etiquette, or no, this was a very fun, and very manly TEA TIME. Not tea party. Nope. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pvC22u8CJ44/UAUI8T9x56I/AAAAAAAAGWM/aRixkCv9Gb0/s640/blogger-image-636300551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pvC22u8CJ44/UAUI8T9x56I/AAAAAAAAGWM/aRixkCv9Gb0/s320/blogger-image-636300551.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><br><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KNu765SRgCM/UAUI6EnS9LI/AAAAAAAAGVs/R-TgE_HfF5c/s1600/blogger-image--111508896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KNu765SRgCM/UAUI6EnS9LI/AAAAAAAAGVs/R-TgE_HfF5c/s400/blogger-image--111508896.jpg" width="400"></a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u1XnXceHVmE/UAUI7W_cCBI/AAAAAAAAGV8/WukU6ob8bEQ/s640/blogger-image--1881632098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u1XnXceHVmE/UAUI7W_cCBI/AAAAAAAAGV8/WukU6ob8bEQ/s400/blogger-image--1881632098.jpg" width="400"></a></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-20545311374616906822012-07-15T15:33:00.000-07:002016-05-23T08:26:32.531-07:00We Didn't Start the Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LtOmWjIUxNg/UADxOt-leFI/AAAAAAAAGSc/DCdyoMd8Xa8/s640/blogger-image-1152453717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LtOmWjIUxNg/UADxOt-leFI/AAAAAAAAGSc/DCdyoMd8Xa8/s640/blogger-image-1152453717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LtOmWjIUxNg/UADxOt-leFI/AAAAAAAAGSc/DCdyoMd8Xa8/s640/blogger-image-1152453717.jpg" width="640"><br><br></a><br><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LtOmWjIUxNg/UADxOt-leFI/AAAAAAAAGSc/DCdyoMd8Xa8/s640/blogger-image-1152453717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LtOmWjIUxNg/UADxOt-leFI/AAAAAAAAGSc/DCdyoMd8Xa8/s640/blogger-image-1152453717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LtOmWjIUxNg/UADxOt-leFI/AAAAAAAAGSc/DCdyoMd8Xa8/s640/blogger-image-1152453717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div></a>Since I know that my loyal readers (all 2 of you) never, ever tire of seeing endless pictures of our camping trips, I thought I would post a few more for your viewing pleasure. Earlier in the week, we loaded everyone up & went out again. We found a perfect spot along the creek, with a swimming hole. The water was the perfect temperature to cool a body off on a hot day, without freezing the bones. The boys & I pretty much stayed in that water the whole campout. The older boys spent much of their time floating down the creek (it was more like a small river) with their bodies, then pulling themselves back up the stream, against the currant, and against the big rocks, just to float back down again, all the while shouting, "WEEE!!!! OWWW!!! WEEEE!!! WOOO-HOOO!!" and, "OUCH!!! WEEEEEE!!!!" This painful entertainment went on for hours and hours. Even Seth, who claimed that he would rather have been somewhere else, hanging out with his friends, had himself a jolly good time....in the stream, playing with (gasp!) his brothers....not that he would ever admit it to anyone. They invited me to join them but I declined. I had just as much fun watching them from my nice, calm, swimming hole, with the little boys....and I sustained fewer bruises. I know, every party has one. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1d8_2C31rqo/UADxR9Zwx4I/AAAAAAAAGS8/NSe3DY1PwUo/s1600/blogger-image-765348895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1d8_2C31rqo/UADxR9Zwx4I/AAAAAAAAGS8/NSe3DY1PwUo/s400/blogger-image-765348895.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Floating downstream...</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-68vxOOCY36Q/UADxOOVTrjI/AAAAAAAAGSU/GquSYUnKQjw/s1600/blogger-image-401696892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-68vxOOCY36Q/UADxOOVTrjI/AAAAAAAAGSU/GquSYUnKQjw/s400/blogger-image-401696892.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Under the bridge....</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvZ74K6e1B8/UAHAe-7lfBI/AAAAAAAAGU8/lduteJT77ck/s1600/blogger-image--1568105443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvZ74K6e1B8/UAHAe-7lfBI/AAAAAAAAGU8/lduteJT77ck/s400/blogger-image--1568105443.jpg" width="300"></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Trying to drown Mommy</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCEE6l3IQZg/UAHAdovZfqI/AAAAAAAAGUs/hTbLG5rhUGE/s1600/blogger-image--66965944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCEE6l3IQZg/UAHAdovZfqI/AAAAAAAAGUs/hTbLG5rhUGE/s400/blogger-image--66965944.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fun with Daddy</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VZtGhr0nYTc/UAHAeLRhC-I/AAAAAAAAGU0/eREy43plaWE/s640/blogger-image-657856714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VZtGhr0nYTc/UAHAeLRhC-I/AAAAAAAAGU0/eREy43plaWE/s640/blogger-image-657856714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VZtGhr0nYTc/UAHAeLRhC-I/AAAAAAAAGU0/eREy43plaWE/s400/blogger-image-657856714.jpg" width="400"><br>Dousing big brother</a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HHNXMcBBjII/UADxUnFwLZI/AAAAAAAAGTk/QKIpqQM5ivk/s640/blogger-image--728869015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HHNXMcBBjII/UADxUnFwLZI/AAAAAAAAGTk/QKIpqQM5ivk/s400/blogger-image--728869015.jpg" width="400"></a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Slap jack break...</div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uUX2T7bZUkA/UADxXrToi0I/AAAAAAAAGUU/lcuj2_p0h2E/s640/blogger-image--906238406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uUX2T7bZUkA/UADxXrToi0I/AAAAAAAAGUU/lcuj2_p0h2E/s400/blogger-image--906238406.jpg" width="400"><br>Potty break....</a><br><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Daddy & the big boys got a little target practice in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xcMtxd-CA6A/UADxV1iGFZI/AAAAAAAAGT0/3aqYoYSaYmY/s640/blogger-image--1834809713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xcMtxd-CA6A/UADxV1iGFZI/AAAAAAAAGT0/3aqYoYSaYmY/s400/blogger-image--1834809713.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aIhSGF4pPa8/UADxQ6BiS4I/AAAAAAAAGS0/UaAyOlvQCgI/s640/blogger-image--876115358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aIhSGF4pPa8/UADxQ6BiS4I/AAAAAAAAGS0/UaAyOlvQCgI/s400/blogger-image--876115358.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AhySHHOIJiE/UADxWdmVe2I/AAAAAAAAGT8/9SEVf0WDZFg/s640/blogger-image-1039376869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AhySHHOIJiE/UADxWdmVe2I/AAAAAAAAGT8/9SEVf0WDZFg/s400/blogger-image-1039376869.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">During our campout, we saw several helicopters, with buckets of water, on the way to some distant forest fire.. so we assumed. On the last day of our campout, however, in the afternoon, we saw lots of smoke starting to come down the hills towards us from every direction. No rangers had come by to tell campers to evacuate, but we figured we had better start packing up anyway....just to be safe. We left and, after we had driven a few miles, we saw this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2AkYv76qT4M/UADxTtROFwI/AAAAAAAAGTU/d3gc8hrg8wI/s640/blogger-image--1807526611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2AkYv76qT4M/UADxTtROFwI/AAAAAAAAGTU/d3gc8hrg8wI/s640/blogger-image--1807526611.jpg" width="640"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HEqm81YuQ38/UADxWl95QuI/AAAAAAAAGUE/X3VDSiQvLio/s640/blogger-image--641782390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HEqm81YuQ38/UADxWl95QuI/AAAAAAAAGUE/X3VDSiQvLio/s640/blogger-image--641782390.jpg" width="480"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i57zkfIoyqc/UADxQFugGTI/AAAAAAAAGSs/3stS8-gm6E0/s640/blogger-image--1389754610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i57zkfIoyqc/UADxQFugGTI/AAAAAAAAGSs/3stS8-gm6E0/s640/blogger-image--1389754610.jpg" width="640"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-imZ2VnY_5CA/UADxXMIfS4I/AAAAAAAAGUM/BGhxveu05aU/s640/blogger-image--1900558436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-imZ2VnY_5CA/UADxXMIfS4I/AAAAAAAAGUM/BGhxveu05aU/s640/blogger-image--1900558436.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IPnDSTBzJKg/UADxUKCsY7I/AAAAAAAAGTc/WN2xV1awzs0/s640/blogger-image--792059152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IPnDSTBzJKg/UADxUKCsY7I/AAAAAAAAGTc/WN2xV1awzs0/s640/blogger-image--792059152.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It turns out that there had been three separate fires burning in the forest, for a couple of days, and that they all came together, on that last day, to create one 250-300 acre forest fire. Some homes in the national forest were threatened, but I think the fire was contained fairly quickly with no harm done to them. When we got home, a fire fighter friend of ours noted how it was a little too coincidental that there had been a forest fire, at the same time (& general area) that we were out camping. I can see how that would look a little suspicious, but it wasn't our boys who started it! This time....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-36155825776236625762012-07-07T11:08:00.000-07:002016-05-23T08:32:33.457-07:00A Series of Fortunate Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Summer is a third of the way over. Sheesh. I blink and it's gone! I was going to caption all of my photos, but Blogger is being a stinker, so I'll just let you figure out which picture goes with which event, on the ones that I don't caption. My series of very fortunate events happened something like this: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> #1. My sweet, sweet Micah John had a birthday, and turned 10 years old. He is such a sweet, good-hearted boy. He makes me so happy and proud. Now I have 3 boys who are in the double-digits. Sigh. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#2. End of school happened, with lots of stress and cramming....but we got through it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#3. Seth and I volunteered at our church's middle school end-of-school-year-party. Jarod attended and had a blast. Seth got to be with buddies who were also helping, so he had fun too. I...made it out alive.....and with a renewed respect and appreciation for the youth leaders in our church. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#4. Somewhere around the end of May we went on a fishing/swimming day-trip into the mountains. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#5. A yard sale happened at some point. Helped us pay a few bills. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#6. Early June was mine and Justin's 18th wedding anniversary. Yes, that is a long time. Yes, we still like each other. To celebrate how much we like each other, we went to a movie, and stayed in a hotel (compliments of my church....I won the mother-load raffle prize of hotel, restaurant, and movie gift certificates, at our ladies' night in May). My awesome sister-in-laws stayed the night with the boys. Quite literally, the last time Justin and I got out together, alone, overnight, without the kids, was when I was in the hospital, giving birth to another kid. Doesn't quite count as a date. We badly needed this little rendezvous. Now we like each other even more. *Giggle* </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#7. My dear cousin, Regina, and her kids, came for a visit. There were walks to the park, a trip to the river, late night talking, and watching folks fry green tomatoes, and charm bees. I wish she was still here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#8. Went on the church's family camp out, for Father's Day weekend. Had lots of fun with friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#9. Came home for a day, so Justin could go to work, and I could cook and do laundry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#10. Left for another camping trip the next day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#11. Went to Justin's annual work picnic. First year we've gone without Seth. He was with a buddy. That is happening a lot these days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#12. The boys and I started volunteering for Catch Life(<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/catchlife.net/catchlife/">https://sites.google.com/a/catchlife.net/catchlife/</a>), a Summer reading program for refugee kids. We just go to a specific neighborhood once a week, sit on a blanket with the refugee kids, bribe them with candy, and read stories to them for half an hour. It helps them with their English fluency skills, which become somewhat diminished in the Summer. I haven't taken any pictures because I don't want to make their parents uncomfortable. But these are the sweetest kids and are already working their way into our hearts after only 3 weeks of these short visits. The boys have fun playing with the kids at the park afterwards as well. There are also teenage boys there who like to kick a soccer ball around with Seth. It's a little uncomfortable still, because I'm not sure what the parents think of me. They tend to hide in their houses away from me, but they do let their kids come out. I'm hoping to somehow get to know them a little bit better soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#13. Seth, Jarod, and I volunteered at our church's VBS week. Micah, Gideon, Titus, Isaac, Abigail and Olivia attended it. I had an awesome crew of 11 boys and 2 girls. They were all sweeties, although most of the boys, of course, were a bit rowdy. I get the feeling that my being a boy-mom to 6 had something to do with the number of VBS boys which were assigned to me. It's just as well. We had a good ole time together. Whenever things got too crazy, I just had the boys give me push ups and run laps, and they were fine. Also, I bribed them with candy. (Are you seeing a theme here? And you thought I was super-mom. Little did you know, it's all because of candy.) And money. Can't go wrong with candy and money. The little sweet hearts just used that money for the VBS mission, Water of Life (<a href="http://water.compassion.com/about-water-of-life/">http://water.compassion.com/about-water-of-life/</a>), so families in Ecuador can have clean water for life, and stop getting sick from drinking dirty water. Something we Americans take so for granted. There were 460-plus kids at VBS, and those kids (and their families) raised enough money for 89 families in Ecuador to have clean water for life!!! I am always so touched at their loving little hearts, and the compassion they feel for those who suffer. I think I end up learning more from them than they do from me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#14. Mommy got sick with a cold. After a week of little sleep, and exposure to 460-plus sweet, lovable, cute, walking little petri dishes, it was bound to happen. And most of the family caught it from me, but it wasn't a terrible cold, and we're all mostly better now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#15. Uncle Joshua, Auntie Heather, Auntie Jubilee, and baby cousin Aiden (from Justin's side of the family) came for a lovely visit. My little nephew Aiden is only 17 months old, and tiny, but boy is he a whipper-snapper. He can talk like no one's business, he is agile and athletic, and runs as fast as his 3 year old cousin. He goes down the biggest slides fearlessly. He. does. not. ever. hold. still. He did let me hold him and kiss him, however, while he was eating a cookie. (ATTN: Heather and Joshua, I really did have a cute picture of you up, but I accidentally deleted it on Blogger.......and I just can't add it back in without risking more Blogger problems. That will directly impact my sanity, as I have been fighting with Blogger ALL DAY. But I love you guys.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#16. Uncle Ted (my baby brother) and Auntie Rachel came for a visit. It was short and sweet, but I was very happy to spend some time with them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#17. Had an awesome 4th of July party at our house, with lots of awesome friends and family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OQQmmcoomTs/T_dryujhgwI/AAAAAAAAGNU/el-7vNDMI84/s640/blogger-image--233287896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OQQmmcoomTs/T_dryujhgwI/AAAAAAAAGNU/el-7vNDMI84/s400/blogger-image--233287896.jpg" width="300"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VGb5qZ_kLfg/T_ctZ1B2XcI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/ZNHvBmea8ec/s640/blogger-image--1524731972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VGb5qZ_kLfg/T_ctZ1B2XcI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/ZNHvBmea8ec/s320/blogger-image--1524731972.jpg" width="240"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OsBtiFoFVLk/T_ctg06UvkI/AAAAAAAAGI0/-JAy5BIUiCk/s640/blogger-image--668579529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OsBtiFoFVLk/T_ctg06UvkI/AAAAAAAAGI0/-JAy5BIUiCk/s400/blogger-image--668579529.jpg" width="300"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ocXX-7BQ-uc/T_cthfkE3ZI/AAAAAAAAGI8/ZvXSBfxAKMY/s640/blogger-image--1951291562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ocXX-7BQ-uc/T_cthfkE3ZI/AAAAAAAAGI8/ZvXSBfxAKMY/s400/blogger-image--1951291562.jpg" width="265"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cuepRxX_7SY/T_ctkrL403I/AAAAAAAAGJc/vDSOeLbKTsk/s1600/blogger-image--1648571888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cuepRxX_7SY/T_ctkrL403I/AAAAAAAAGJc/vDSOeLbKTsk/s400/blogger-image--1648571888.jpg" width="300"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ha-aMHajwwg/T_ctqpxtbtI/AAAAAAAAGK0/5MvGCBILCBw/s1600/blogger-image--1194900659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ha-aMHajwwg/T_ctqpxtbtI/AAAAAAAAGK0/5MvGCBILCBw/s640/blogger-image--1194900659.jpg" width="640"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cuepRxX_7SY/T_ctkrL403I/AAAAAAAAGJc/vDSOeLbKTsk/s640/blogger-image--1648571888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qJ5zxVLXxj8/T_ctXv4W54I/AAAAAAAAGGw/p7GMnvYoEb4/s1600/blogger-image--2112183294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qJ5zxVLXxj8/T_ctXv4W54I/AAAAAAAAGGw/p7GMnvYoEb4/s320/blogger-image--2112183294.jpg" width="240"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-omEwaqgiAnU/T_cto_rcnOI/AAAAAAAAGKc/9wAvwPVZsmk/s640/blogger-image-1346075726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-omEwaqgiAnU/T_cto_rcnOI/AAAAAAAAGKc/9wAvwPVZsmk/s320/blogger-image-1346075726.jpg" width="320"></a></div><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cuepRxX_7SY/T_ctkrL403I/AAAAAAAAGJc/vDSOeLbKTsk/s640/blogger-image--1648571888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br><br><br></a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y3c1Kuet8gY/T_ctoANaqNI/AAAAAAAAGKU/aGaF52nCn7Q/s640/blogger-image-2013539851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y3c1Kuet8gY/T_ctoANaqNI/AAAAAAAAGKU/aGaF52nCn7Q/s640/blogger-image-2013539851.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tCgM9wRBO8g/T_ctgADTx_I/AAAAAAAAGIg/64ceEI8hfDw/s640/blogger-image--1052575546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tCgM9wRBO8g/T_ctgADTx_I/AAAAAAAAGIg/64ceEI8hfDw/s640/blogger-image--1052575546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">Checking out a frog: <img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tCgM9wRBO8g/T_ctgADTx_I/AAAAAAAAGIg/64ceEI8hfDw/s640/blogger-image--1052575546.jpg" width="480"><br><br></a><br><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mRm3ocrJwWI/T_dN6vWmUjI/AAAAAAAAGLw/jxEv-vwkMUU/s640/blogger-image--966934171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mRm3ocrJwWI/T_dN6vWmUjI/AAAAAAAAGLw/jxEv-vwkMUU/s640/blogger-image--966934171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mRm3ocrJwWI/T_dN6vWmUjI/AAAAAAAAGLw/jxEv-vwkMUU/s640/blogger-image--966934171.jpg" width="640"><br><br><br>Justin's work picnic was apparently a test of manhood. <br>Gideon needed a hug from Mommy when it was all over. </a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jcE5nS_ZEok/T_dN5z_b2UI/AAAAAAAAGLo/bpznam0qqyA/s640/blogger-image--2104290728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jcE5nS_ZEok/T_dN5z_b2UI/AAAAAAAAGLo/bpznam0qqyA/s640/blogger-image--2104290728.jpg" width="425"></a><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZfGZ-YlqEyc/T_ctmkD9TGI/AAAAAAAAGJ8/aVZkjYhUXPE/s640/blogger-image-563485948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZfGZ-YlqEyc/T_ctmkD9TGI/AAAAAAAAGJ8/aVZkjYhUXPE/s400/blogger-image-563485948.jpg" width="300"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8l7QI9AOf0/T_cteQdO8BI/AAAAAAAAGII/rGDnnJfRs0I/s640/blogger-image--512659089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8l7QI9AOf0/T_cteQdO8BI/AAAAAAAAGII/rGDnnJfRs0I/s400/blogger-image--512659089.jpg" width="300"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qiwd0g9c-34/T_ctY2N2X7I/AAAAAAAAGHA/Zil62GP4myo/s640/blogger-image--1876484038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qiwd0g9c-34/T_ctY2N2X7I/AAAAAAAAGHA/Zil62GP4myo/s400/blogger-image--1876484038.jpg" width="400"></a></div><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gk_YKcCg-dU/T_ctZU8tbVI/AAAAAAAAGHI/VzZWJMPymNg/s640/blogger-image--868792690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gk_YKcCg-dU/T_ctZU8tbVI/AAAAAAAAGHI/VzZWJMPymNg/s400/blogger-image--868792690.jpg" width="400"></a><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BR7U1qNCHIE/T_cti-UWTrI/AAAAAAAAGJE/NcCI-h32EyE/s640/blogger-image--76071622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BR7U1qNCHIE/T_cti-UWTrI/AAAAAAAAGJE/NcCI-h32EyE/s640/blogger-image--76071622.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br><br><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EDFbgNAksYw/T_ctkCOeqOI/AAAAAAAAGJU/i84RK3kDHiA/s640/blogger-image-65210250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EDFbgNAksYw/T_ctkCOeqOI/AAAAAAAAGJU/i84RK3kDHiA/s640/blogger-image-65210250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">My VBS crew: the Yellow Parrots. It was kinda sad saying goodbye to them the last day.<br><br><br>My OTHER crew</a><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EDFbgNAksYw/T_ctkCOeqOI/AAAAAAAAGJU/i84RK3kDHiA/s640/blogger-image-65210250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EDFbgNAksYw/T_ctkCOeqOI/AAAAAAAAGJU/i84RK3kDHiA/s640/blogger-image-65210250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EDFbgNAksYw/T_ctkCOeqOI/AAAAAAAAGJU/i84RK3kDHiA/s640/blogger-image-65210250.jpg" width="640"><br><br>...........got to take these ones home with me. <br><br><br><br></a><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EDFbgNAksYw/T_ctkCOeqOI/AAAAAAAAGJU/i84RK3kDHiA/s640/blogger-image-65210250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EDFbgNAksYw/T_ctkCOeqOI/AAAAAAAAGJU/i84RK3kDHiA/s640/blogger-image-65210250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EDFbgNAksYw/T_ctkCOeqOI/AAAAAAAAGJU/i84RK3kDHiA/s640/blogger-image-65210250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EDFbgNAksYw/T_ctkCOeqOI/AAAAAAAAGJU/i84RK3kDHiA/s640/blogger-image-65210250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EDFbgNAksYw/T_ctkCOeqOI/AAAAAAAAGJU/i84RK3kDHiA/s640/blogger-image-65210250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EDFbgNAksYw/T_ctkCOeqOI/AAAAAAAAGJU/i84RK3kDHiA/s640/blogger-image-65210250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div></a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IEIartR6q4g/T_ctdqxJpSI/AAAAAAAAGIA/grHMlB__yrE/s640/blogger-image-461865684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IEIartR6q4g/T_ctdqxJpSI/AAAAAAAAGIA/grHMlB__yrE/s640/blogger-image-461865684.jpg" width="424"></a></div><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IrRsXGo9P0A/T_ctrbs8KrI/AAAAAAAAGK8/Da52XUsqSvc/s640/blogger-image-1240837631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IrRsXGo9P0A/T_ctrbs8KrI/AAAAAAAAGK8/Da52XUsqSvc/s640/blogger-image-1240837631.jpg" width="640"></a><br>"Um, excuse me, Auntie Heather. You might want to stop taking pictures of me and go see who is yelling, 'help!' in the water." Yup. That's how articulate and smart my nephew is.<br><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QtFHLnxCFR4/T_ctgk1ujRI/AAAAAAAAGIo/ncun899eRVk/s640/blogger-image-392640721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QtFHLnxCFR4/T_ctgk1ujRI/AAAAAAAAGIo/ncun899eRVk/s640/blogger-image-392640721.jpg" width="640"></a><br><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u4CCRdR7-60/T_ctjYmltoI/AAAAAAAAGJM/1U7hT4LUv_M/s640/blogger-image--1768638888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u4CCRdR7-60/T_ctjYmltoI/AAAAAAAAGJM/1U7hT4LUv_M/s640/blogger-image--1768638888.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ojO1HhU5GjI/T_ctXOPvGGI/AAAAAAAAGGo/NDFZZj1BEDE/s640/blogger-image--2028826544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ojO1HhU5GjI/T_ctXOPvGGI/AAAAAAAAGGo/NDFZZj1BEDE/s200/blogger-image--2028826544.jpg" width="200"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sJTGFZIb2o0/T_ctVsZ5iRI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/06pPu8MGdew/s640/blogger-image-1686198706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sJTGFZIb2o0/T_ctVsZ5iRI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/06pPu8MGdew/s200/blogger-image-1686198706.jpg" width="200"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dNoJhHiYyeM/T_ctWFdDn-I/AAAAAAAAGGY/wtTOgLZ2hAk/s640/blogger-image-760301268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dNoJhHiYyeM/T_ctWFdDn-I/AAAAAAAAGGY/wtTOgLZ2hAk/s320/blogger-image-760301268.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FyuanP_dsdY/T_ctsl18O_I/AAAAAAAAGLM/Y5H5zeQzTMo/s640/blogger-image-382559585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FyuanP_dsdY/T_ctsl18O_I/AAAAAAAAGLM/Y5H5zeQzTMo/s320/blogger-image-382559585.jpg" width="320"></a><br><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tAtrqn4P_-U/T_ctmFxa5UI/AAAAAAAAGJ0/oQbQ-UwHVjU/s640/blogger-image--2021542101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tAtrqn4P_-U/T_ctmFxa5UI/AAAAAAAAGJ0/oQbQ-UwHVjU/s200/blogger-image--2021542101.jpg" width="200"></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0MJ19lGYLSI/T_dN_tFaHzI/AAAAAAAAGM4/BA2GSucKmEE/s640/blogger-image--302610679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0MJ19lGYLSI/T_dN_tFaHzI/AAAAAAAAGM4/BA2GSucKmEE/s200/blogger-image--302610679.jpg" width="200"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YKKFI7CUksc/T_dN7DiLkCI/AAAAAAAAGL4/gr7pTrGr1oc/s640/blogger-image-293854288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YKKFI7CUksc/T_dN7DiLkCI/AAAAAAAAGL4/gr7pTrGr1oc/s320/blogger-image-293854288.jpg" width="320"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Or8E3wJ2_Mg/T_ctcbthW1I/AAAAAAAAGHw/yeotd9EUS2s/s640/blogger-image--701914946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Or8E3wJ2_Mg/T_ctcbthW1I/AAAAAAAAGHw/yeotd9EUS2s/s200/blogger-image--701914946.jpg" width="200"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-67381985826491321512012-05-19T14:08:00.002-07:002016-05-23T08:42:08.663-07:00Goodbyes, Projects, Graduations & Armpit Hair<em><span style="font-size: large;">My parents left yesterday morning and, yes, I miss them already. Saying goodbye was kind of hard. The below pictures are of a trip to the park with Grandpa, who is kind of a big kid himself. </span></em><br><br><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C845fiDVbnk/T7f-aNO5WhI/AAAAAAAAF8A/BJC_TSRoq6k/s640/blogger-image-1108128864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C845fiDVbnk/T7f-aNO5WhI/AAAAAAAAF8A/BJC_TSRoq6k/s320/blogger-image-1108128864.jpg" width="240"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zdbRgxr7f4o/T7f-KpH2IbI/AAAAAAAAF7g/L3PrqCBKeJs/s640/blogger-image-456554109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zdbRgxr7f4o/T7f-KpH2IbI/AAAAAAAAF7g/L3PrqCBKeJs/s320/blogger-image-456554109.jpg" width="240"></a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rz4glFydE-4/T7fn3iEEFEI/AAAAAAAAF6g/VZhgEWjzgS0/s640/blogger-image--1039351146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rz4glFydE-4/T7fn3iEEFEI/AAAAAAAAF6g/VZhgEWjzgS0/s200/blogger-image--1039351146.jpg" width="150"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VDb1WdLfSYU/T7f-ZwZvhgI/AAAAAAAAF74/2Zhb-XFksvw/s640/blogger-image--172564604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VDb1WdLfSYU/T7f-ZwZvhgI/AAAAAAAAF74/2Zhb-XFksvw/s400/blogger-image--172564604.jpg" width="265"></a></div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6O4Ap8gEtPw/T7f-az7MvHI/AAAAAAAAF8I/A5CGip9sdco/s640/blogger-image-317003853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6O4Ap8gEtPw/T7f-az7MvHI/AAAAAAAAF8I/A5CGip9sdco/s320/blogger-image-317003853.jpg" width="240"></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><em><span style="font-size: large;">Isaac is now fearless and climbs to the top of EVERYTHING.</span></em><br><br><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vw3KMWTgfPk/T7f-cBsQ-0I/AAAAAAAAF8Y/6SjM-yVHpBw/s640/blogger-image--1249877788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vw3KMWTgfPk/T7f-cBsQ-0I/AAAAAAAAF8Y/6SjM-yVHpBw/s400/blogger-image--1249877788.jpg" width="265"></a><br><br><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OoBz_dj-8UA/T7foeLISWoI/AAAAAAAAF7A/gxca8GAip-Y/s640/blogger-image-2111499924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OoBz_dj-8UA/T7foeLISWoI/AAAAAAAAF7A/gxca8GAip-Y/s400/blogger-image-2111499924.jpg" width="300"></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Before my parents left, Dad helped me (ie. did all the hard work & let me do the fun painting part) with the below project. If you can't tell, it's an art board to hang the kids' projects from, without having to use an ugly old cork board, or have tape all over the place. It's a great replacement for the ugly school-room posters I'd had up, which were mainly there to cover up holes in the wall....even though I pretended that they were there for educational purposes. Now, thanks to my Daddy, I have a dining room/school room wall that I LOVE!!!!</em></span> <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-foIk6FEkDko/T7fochue3WI/AAAAAAAAF6o/c4rgDIeOpgs/s640/blogger-image--560372671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-foIk6FEkDko/T7fochue3WI/AAAAAAAAF6o/c4rgDIeOpgs/s640/blogger-image--560372671.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eyCwX88TTOI/T7fn2-L1fsI/AAAAAAAAF6Y/FjS-bIjs7vQ/s640/blogger-image-898924234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eyCwX88TTOI/T7fn2-L1fsI/AAAAAAAAF6Y/FjS-bIjs7vQ/s320/blogger-image-898924234.jpg" width="240"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Earlier in the week, the younger boys graduated from Pioneer Club. Micah had to miss it because he was recovering from a teeny tiny little surgery, which he would be very embarrassed about, if I elaborated much beyond that. It was a no big deal thing & he's doing great. Jarod helps teach at Pioneer Club & he also had to miss the graduation ceremony to do school work. It's the last week of school and, since we do charter school curriculum at home, there are state requirements which we are desperately trying to meet by next Friday. That's a bit stressful, but it's almost over. Next weekend, we go camping! First trip of the season & I can't wait!!!</em></span><br><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QV48_NMHN8s/T7f-ZbCmsoI/AAAAAAAAF7w/YYUoVWvrWCA/s640/blogger-image--247890785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QV48_NMHN8s/T7f-ZbCmsoI/AAAAAAAAF7w/YYUoVWvrWCA/s400/blogger-image--247890785.jpg" width="300"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4j5Fsi-vbkI/T7f-LC0O0vI/AAAAAAAAF7o/nC8Bu2P5Ayw/s640/blogger-image--1155120913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4j5Fsi-vbkI/T7f-LC0O0vI/AAAAAAAAF7o/nC8Bu2P5Ayw/s640/blogger-image--1155120913.jpg" width="480"></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ArDybPijkYM/T7fodN9Ey5I/AAAAAAAAF6w/7wbKm51g3Bs/s640/blogger-image-1810524420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ArDybPijkYM/T7fodN9Ey5I/AAAAAAAAF6w/7wbKm51g3Bs/s640/blogger-image-1810524420.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br><em><br></em><span style="font-size: large;"><em>An extremely important highlight/milestone of the week.....Jarod discovered an armpit hair & wanted it documented. So here it is....not that it's actually visible. But, the "man hormones", as we fondly call them around here, have definitely hit boy #2. If the invisible armpit hair doesn't prove it to ya, then the stench and mood swings will. Awwww....isn't it so cute how proud he is?</em> </span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-059yC6FB_Mk/T7foffLO-gI/AAAAAAAAF7I/G4fhCRcRg7I/s640/blogger-image-1180401594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-059yC6FB_Mk/T7foffLO-gI/AAAAAAAAF7I/G4fhCRcRg7I/s400/blogger-image-1180401594.jpg" width="300"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-7232915700888849672012-05-14T14:00:00.000-07:002016-05-23T08:46:11.323-07:00Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CR3ZOzN-8DE/T7FKM3hWXiI/AAAAAAAAF1A/lzced-4d4UM/s640/blogger-image-1180376866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CR3ZOzN-8DE/T7FKM3hWXiI/AAAAAAAAF1A/lzced-4d4UM/s200/blogger-image-1180376866.jpg" width="170"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4XFcDM_1cUg/T7FKIrqgPHI/AAAAAAAAF0I/LLwaKOyg7DM/s640/blogger-image-1158409829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4XFcDM_1cUg/T7FKIrqgPHI/AAAAAAAAF0I/LLwaKOyg7DM/s400/blogger-image-1158409829.jpg" width="400"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iLwCGLYocIc/T7FKLvIrsPI/AAAAAAAAF0w/65MN1mCtux8/s640/blogger-image-108063276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="555" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iLwCGLYocIc/T7FKLvIrsPI/AAAAAAAAF0w/65MN1mCtux8/s640/blogger-image-108063276.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mother's Day was terrific. I woke up and found little homemade cards & gifts, from the boys, waiting for me on the kitchen counter. My good-lovin' man brought me flowers & a card with the sweetest words inside. I was able to guilt all the boys into posing with me for a Mother's Day picture. It was wonderful that I could spend Mother's Day with my own Mama this year. We all went to church together, to Costco for lunch and a little shopping, and then home for a peaceful afternoon full of sunshine. The boys played in the back yard in our state-of-the-art swimming pool. Seth even played outside with his little brothers. It does my heart good on the rare occasions that he does this. Now that he's almost (gulp) sixteen, it's a rarity.....which is natural, I know. But I just love it when I hear the laughter and yells of ALL of my boys, coming from the back yard. Seth even built his brothers a sturdy tree-swing, which he was very proud of. Justin made some delicious, homemade fried chicken and biscuits for dinner. The little boys said, "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy" about two-hundred times apiece, throughout the day, and gave me bazillions of hugs & kisses. I enjoyed time with my parents. It was truly a perfect day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6UfQp0dePRk/T7FKJFyIphI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/MG9cAxcx-y4/s640/blogger-image--135759975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="483" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6UfQp0dePRk/T7FKJFyIphI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/MG9cAxcx-y4/s640/blogger-image--135759975.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zCjxoeUDz5c/T7FKNNBC_tI/AAAAAAAAF1I/7xBsmJdlRAc/s640/blogger-image-1990771976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zCjxoeUDz5c/T7FKNNBC_tI/AAAAAAAAF1I/7xBsmJdlRAc/s640/blogger-image-1990771976.jpg" width="505"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Kp6PGHM0JIA/T7FKMFYoWoI/AAAAAAAAF04/y5X8cpPjMok/s640/blogger-image-1526762659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Kp6PGHM0JIA/T7FKMFYoWoI/AAAAAAAAF04/y5X8cpPjMok/s400/blogger-image-1526762659.jpg" width="290"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fz9IKX4EdAo/T7FKKh3dKQI/AAAAAAAAF0g/cyLNckxJ5Uw/s640/blogger-image-1114631532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fz9IKX4EdAo/T7FKKh3dKQI/AAAAAAAAF0g/cyLNckxJ5Uw/s640/blogger-image-1114631532.jpg" width="480"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SaqvZMzgiZE/T7FKJ4Z7DXI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/tN55f16kXs4/s640/blogger-image--739063235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SaqvZMzgiZE/T7FKJ4Z7DXI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/tN55f16kXs4/s400/blogger-image--739063235.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-85848100305280147232012-04-09T14:56:00.000-07:002016-05-23T08:48:45.515-07:00Our Special Easter<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gxXrxGVH35I/T4M4grR6-MI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/6wm4Cs1rseI/s640/blogger-image-944014369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gxXrxGVH35I/T4M4grR6-MI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/6wm4Cs1rseI/s400/blogger-image-944014369.jpg" width="322"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ln8khBk0nC8/T4M4oIe1j0I/AAAAAAAAFHA/CWYt7pm_TP8/s640/blogger-image-1455867178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ln8khBk0nC8/T4M4oIe1j0I/AAAAAAAAFHA/CWYt7pm_TP8/s320/blogger-image-1455867178.jpg" width="320"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZG9G-0qg7Pk/T4M4mJyHpAI/AAAAAAAAFGg/RncE8ShmzSs/s640/blogger-image-937607305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZG9G-0qg7Pk/T4M4mJyHpAI/AAAAAAAAFGg/RncE8ShmzSs/s320/blogger-image-937607305.jpg" width="320"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDmV1X26kzs/T4M4igatMAI/AAAAAAAAFFo/RStz8prjWF0/s640/blogger-image--2051014013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDmV1X26kzs/T4M4igatMAI/AAAAAAAAFFo/RStz8prjWF0/s320/blogger-image--2051014013.jpg" width="304"></a>Our Easter weekend looked like a pretty typical Easter weekend, with egg-dying, opening Easter baskets, going to church....<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--y7r9fsZJEQ/T4M4hcnA1BI/AAAAAAAAFFY/587bTcxRBVE/s640/blogger-image-549019727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--y7r9fsZJEQ/T4M4hcnA1BI/AAAAAAAAFFY/587bTcxRBVE/s200/blogger-image-549019727.jpg" width="200"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nS33X-xMCYo/T4M4nHGpvqI/AAAAAAAAFGw/sPg4Pi1C9cc/s640/blogger-image--206796872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nS33X-xMCYo/T4M4nHGpvqI/AAAAAAAAFGw/sPg4Pi1C9cc/s320/blogger-image--206796872.jpg" width="296"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3TD_hbbMeD8/T4M4pi7cEkI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/1dexfCoKIVQ/s640/blogger-image--2060145241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3TD_hbbMeD8/T4M4pi7cEkI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/1dexfCoKIVQ/s320/blogger-image--2060145241.jpg" width="320"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1WvTI7j0GVw/T4M4mncxAcI/AAAAAAAAFGo/E5GDMdqBscE/s640/blogger-image-1131888765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1WvTI7j0GVw/T4M4mncxAcI/AAAAAAAAFGo/E5GDMdqBscE/s320/blogger-image-1131888765.jpg" width="320"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fllKn4Kgxzo/T4M4jJXpQLI/AAAAAAAAFFw/ANd-sZFTKws/s640/blogger-image--1227100353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fllKn4Kgxzo/T4M4jJXpQLI/AAAAAAAAFFw/ANd-sZFTKws/s320/blogger-image--1227100353.jpg" width="266"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">.....but with a few very special exceptions. The first exception being the great idea below, which I stole from a dear friend. Keep in mind, I had to adjust some of the steps to fit our family's...um...needs. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step one:</strong> On Good Friday, build a tomb out of boxes.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step two:</strong> Let the kids play in it for a while. I know, it sounds slightly morbid. Fortunately, they know this story has a happy ending. Don't worry, I don't let my kids play in tombs very often.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step three:</strong> Roll up some stuffed animals <em>(in the shape of Jesus)</em> in a white sheet and put "Jesus" in the tomb.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step four:</strong> "Roll" a HUUUUGE stone<em> (i.e., draw a stone with a sharpie on paper & tape it over the hole)</em> in front of the tomb, sealing it for the rest of the weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step five:</strong> Have fun dying eggs & doing fun stuff all day Saturday. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step six:</strong> Try to keep cats from leaping onto the weak-paper-roof of the tomb.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step seven:</strong> Rescue, from the grave, cats.....who have leaped <em>(i.e., may possibly have been thrown, by certain angelic boys)</em> into said weak-paper-roof, and onto the resting, stuffed-animal-Jesus.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step eight:</strong> Put the sweet, angelic, kitty-throwing boys to bed Saturday night, tomb & seal still miraculously in tact.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step nine:</strong> After said angels are sleeping, roll away the HUUUUGE stone <em>(i.e., tear the paper & tape off of the entrance)</em>, throw stuffed animals on the floor in the living room, put sheet back into linen closet, and watch TV with hubby while filling Easter baskets.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step ten: </strong>Sunday morning, show kids the <strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">empty tomb</span></em></strong>, ask them where Jesus is<em> (and try not to laugh when Gideon says, dead-pan,"He's over there by the couch."),</em> read them the Resurrection story, and celebrate that Jesus is alive & that he loves them!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step eleven:</strong> Let kids open their baskets.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Step twelve:</strong> Turn tomb into a play-fort.....which is <em>not</em> sealed in case flying-kitties need to escape. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ElLJC2BkD-A/T4M4nhRxoZI/AAAAAAAAFG4/RlSIFyvUWPs/s640/blogger-image--2125133774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ElLJC2BkD-A/T4M4nhRxoZI/AAAAAAAAFG4/RlSIFyvUWPs/s320/blogger-image--2125133774.jpg" width="264"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hid9PEcYTGQ/T4M4kcv2-UI/AAAAAAAAFGI/3sWUwY6bstQ/s640/blogger-image-4587100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hid9PEcYTGQ/T4M4kcv2-UI/AAAAAAAAFGI/3sWUwY6bstQ/s320/blogger-image-4587100.jpg" width="304"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qRoehiaf0GQ/T4M4j-2rtLI/AAAAAAAAFGA/bHhN-YgAQkM/s640/blogger-image--1952626081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qRoehiaf0GQ/T4M4j-2rtLI/AAAAAAAAFGA/bHhN-YgAQkM/s320/blogger-image--1952626081.jpg" width="316"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bWLOkqeCOTM/T4M4iILIjKI/AAAAAAAAFFg/nkaoCXFnJgc/s640/blogger-image--2001052134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="435" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bWLOkqeCOTM/T4M4iILIjKI/AAAAAAAAFFg/nkaoCXFnJgc/s640/blogger-image--2001052134.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Goofy kids enjoyed their Easter morning loot: stuffed animals, KJV New Testament Bibles, Bible-story-books & candy....all from the dollar store....cuz I'm just that cheap. I must add that Seth was such a very good sport. He tried to tell me (being that he is almost sixteen years old) that he did not need an Easter basket. But he played along very sweetly, which is good because I only have 2 years left, give or take, to share Easter with him still living at home. And I plan to give him a basket both of those years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next special Easter-thing we did was go to Grandma's house for an <em>Easter-dinner-birthday-party</em>. Of course, she cooked a delicious meal (Rara made a delicious banana cream pie), and gave Jarod & I some awesome birthday gifts. She was even kind enough to provide a rock wall for the boys to climb during the <em>Easter-dinner-birthday-party</em>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uZ3KvziELGs/T4M4jtetPPI/AAAAAAAAFF4/oZTneCadh4w/s640/blogger-image-1106198569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uZ3KvziELGs/T4M4jtetPPI/AAAAAAAAFF4/oZTneCadh4w/s400/blogger-image-1106198569.jpg" width="213"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pQTMYT_58lY/T4M4k4Pht7I/AAAAAAAAFGQ/eeFafm-OPeY/s640/blogger-image--1109236049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pQTMYT_58lY/T4M4k4Pht7I/AAAAAAAAFGQ/eeFafm-OPeY/s400/blogger-image--1109236049.jpg" width="306"></a>The most special "Easter thing" that happened was at church in the evening. Justin baptized Micah John into Jesus Christ. I am one proud and happy mama & wife. I'm so thankful that my children are coming to understand the deep love that God has for them, and that they want to say "yes" to Jesus. Of course, all of our local family was there for the event, including Cousins Abi & Yaya. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> This was the most civilized Easter picture I could get of them all together. Please excuse the scary eyes. <img border="0" height="379" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k3MX6QS4eyk/T4M4pMVXJfI/AAAAAAAAFHI/BKxV9czQ3z0/s640/blogger-image--424957401.jpg" width="640"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">From our family to yours, hope everyone had a Happy Easter!!! God bless!!! </span></em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">I also want to tell my sister, Gloria, who's birthday was on Easter, "Happy birthday, sis!!! I love you & miss you."</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: black;">PS. No kitty-cats were injured in the making of this blog post.</span></em></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-78857473082433699572012-04-07T15:19:00.000-07:002012-04-07T15:19:25.535-07:00Birthday Grimaces & Doughnut-Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">April 4th was my birthday and April 5th was Jarod's. Last year, I wrote a sufficiently long and sappy blog post about our almost-shared birthdays, about how I was in labor with Jarod on my birthday, about how much I love him & all that good stuff. (Read here: <a href="http://boycra-z.blogspot.com/2011/04/almost-shared-birthday.html">http://boycra-z.blogspot.com/2011/04/almost-shared-birthday.html</a> to refresh your memory.) So, this year, I'm posting some pics & calling it good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are the gorgeous flowers my man spoiled me with. He also bought me a gift, and took me out to dinner. Aunties Rara & Memmy babysat the boys. It was a lovely evening. <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W0ye8K1GkK8/T4Chbw_9r6I/AAAAAAAAFBQ/3D8oOtwKOjU/s640/blogger-image--1536384634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W0ye8K1GkK8/T4Chbw_9r6I/AAAAAAAAFBQ/3D8oOtwKOjU/s400/blogger-image--1536384634.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2S0sldwDMFs/T4ChcSuFysI/AAAAAAAAFBY/9Ry3BWtg54o/s640/blogger-image-985321396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2S0sldwDMFs/T4ChcSuFysI/AAAAAAAAFBY/9Ry3BWtg54o/s400/blogger-image-985321396.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the birthday kiss that Jarod allowed me to give him, with only a small grimace. He loves me!!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The boys spoiled me with sweet, homemade birthday cards. (Except for Seth, who did, however, post, "Happy Birthday, Mom!" on my Facebook wall. Seth acknowledging me on Facebook is HUGE....so that was almost as good as a card.) Gideon's card was the largest. <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NwxTeSZ7H2M/T4ChcwQdmII/AAAAAAAAFBg/f_kVEMmVnE0/s640/blogger-image--2005189290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NwxTeSZ7H2M/T4ChcwQdmII/AAAAAAAAFBg/f_kVEMmVnE0/s400/blogger-image--2005189290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yUymgswb06s/T4ChdSkVY0I/AAAAAAAAFBo/UH12foNQybA/s640/blogger-image--250985675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yUymgswb06s/T4ChdSkVY0I/AAAAAAAAFBo/UH12foNQybA/s400/blogger-image--250985675.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the handsome, 12-yr-old birthday boy, whom I adore with all my heart. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I was also spoiled with hugs & kisses & snuggles. I don't think any mama ever felt more special or blessed.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T0wvYgQFRxE/T4CheCepLlI/AAAAAAAAFBw/QWD5_jDEFG0/s640/blogger-image-1396048133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T0wvYgQFRxE/T4CheCepLlI/AAAAAAAAFBw/QWD5_jDEFG0/s400/blogger-image-1396048133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dCtaPrQBLcM/T4ChevDk8VI/AAAAAAAAFB4/W_lszC41nRs/s640/blogger-image--407905536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dCtaPrQBLcM/T4ChevDk8VI/AAAAAAAAFB4/W_lszC41nRs/s400/blogger-image--407905536.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, that is a stack of doughnuts. I was too lazy to make a cake....and too cheap to buy one. I also forgot a #12 birthday candle (if they even sell those?)....so I had to use a votive instead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But the boys loved it, so I win! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CCZI561zfao/T4ChfVsHPYI/AAAAAAAAFCA/kEuv5_BVdig/s640/blogger-image-1272334768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CCZI561zfao/T4ChfVsHPYI/AAAAAAAAFCA/kEuv5_BVdig/s400/blogger-image-1272334768.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sw9Jo7gUh8o/T4ChgXcM9YI/AAAAAAAAFCI/k8R9rZDbkd4/s640/blogger-image-92166324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sw9Jo7gUh8o/T4ChgXcM9YI/AAAAAAAAFCI/k8R9rZDbkd4/s320/blogger-image-92166324.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guess I did something right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With this many brothers, there's always a party! Coming soon (may or may not blog it): on-going birthday celebrations with the extended family party & a friend-sleep-over for Jarod. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J0syWW2uO-U/T4ChhHDOxgI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/vveGQwgpavM/s640/blogger-image-1019486915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J0syWW2uO-U/T4ChhHDOxgI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/vveGQwgpavM/s400/blogger-image-1019486915.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-b3yU0HgV4HQ/T4CwBLtDg5I/AAAAAAAAFCY/7zbi8svgcBY/s640/blogger-image--632331740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-b3yU0HgV4HQ/T4CwBLtDg5I/AAAAAAAAFCY/7zbi8svgcBY/s400/blogger-image--632331740.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The end</div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-87111002076338959422012-03-22T00:42:00.023-07:002016-05-23T10:18:41.632-07:00Birthday VisitAuntie Melanie & Auntie Jubilee came to visit a couple weeks ago. We celebrated Isaac's birthday, as well as Grandma's, Auntie Deborah's & little Cousin Aiden's (he just turned one year old!) birthdays. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cem9LzzbmYk/T2rX4k_cG0I/AAAAAAAAEnM/LzO73p8ZBKQ/s640/blogger-image--591463361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cem9LzzbmYk/T2rX4k_cG0I/AAAAAAAAEnM/LzO73p8ZBKQ/s640/blogger-image--591463361.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Cousin Aiden giving Jarod some love! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PeC811HXX6M/T2bcgl9uvCI/AAAAAAAAEis/cwcj4okDetI/s640/blogger-image--201747428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PeC811HXX6M/T2bcgl9uvCI/AAAAAAAAEis/cwcj4okDetI/s640/blogger-image--201747428.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">Seth & Aiden</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JZhwv3Utzco/T2rX5MZqrkI/AAAAAAAAEnU/7ddDoorHdEE/s640/blogger-image--1904945720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JZhwv3Utzco/T2rX5MZqrkI/AAAAAAAAEnU/7ddDoorHdEE/s640/blogger-image--1904945720.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">Auntie Jubee & Cousin Aiden getting ready to blow out candles</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Yh_0e3j2nQA/T2rZ2JUfAjI/AAAAAAAAEn0/RPk3V8DgKZw/s640/blogger-image--335008174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Yh_0e3j2nQA/T2rZ2JUfAjI/AAAAAAAAEn0/RPk3V8DgKZw/s400/blogger-image--335008174.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">Boy cousin wrestle time!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QOG8Lu3Es4Q/T2rX5i4-J5I/AAAAAAAAEnc/azyASroSzyc/s640/blogger-image--1539051688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QOG8Lu3Es4Q/T2rX5i4-J5I/AAAAAAAAEnc/azyASroSzyc/s640/blogger-image--1539051688.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">Auntie Melanie holding Birthday Boy Aiden & Birthday Girl Deborah holding Birthday Boy Isaac</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ha1LEtrbQzs/T2l-aHPOlXI/AAAAAAAAElU/AcOEc7oi05M/s640/blogger-image-493757386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ha1LEtrbQzs/T2l-aHPOlXI/AAAAAAAAElU/AcOEc7oi05M/s640/blogger-image-493757386.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cousin snuggles</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Gqm8yr65Ocw/T2rZ1Il_v1I/AAAAAAAAEnk/iuGu-s7YNdg/s640/blogger-image--777519622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ta37WAX-s-Q/T2rZ1gX-6KI/AAAAAAAAEns/S1MKjc4RX9s/s640/blogger-image-2084579906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ta37WAX-s-Q/T2rZ1gX-6KI/AAAAAAAAEns/S1MKjc4RX9s/s640/blogger-image-2084579906.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">One of Grandma's big tough Newfoundlands hiding from the horrible scary noise of kids blowing into some little party party favor thingies. The horror.</div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-68982437385714280722012-03-18T00:32:00.000-07:002012-03-18T00:32:06.261-07:00A Mr. Roger's Field Trip<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I knew that Krispy Kreme made good, fattening, sugary doughnuts that I should never, ever, ever...ever....eat. On occasion, I've had one (or two, or two and a half, or two and three quarters....but <em>never</em> three.....OK....yeah.....sometimes three....) when someone else has bought some and shared with me. I knew that they were yummy, soft, squishy, moist and best avoided at all costs. But I had never physically visited an actual Krispy Kreme establishment before this last Thursday. We were broke, as it was the day before payday, and we wanted to do something special, as a family. Something special....but cheap. I had free doughnut coupons for the kids, so off we went to Krispy Kreme. I found out some really cool things about Krsipy Kreme. I found out that the boys could actually <em>watch</em> the doughnuts being <em>made </em>on a conveyor, Mr.Roger's-field-trip-style. The boys absolutely loved watching all those doughnuts floating by in the oil, as if living some wonderful, fluffy, sugary, doughnut <em>dream</em>, and then going through the frosting curtain to be glazed. It was doughnut heaven. I found out that the nice Krispy Kreme people just come right up to customers to give them free doughnuts!!! And then they still let said customers redeem their free doughnut coupons. They even give away FREE HATS!!!! We bought coffee so they wouldn't regret being so nice. Yes, I realize that this was a guilt-inducing-ploy that they used against me so I would actually, you know...pay for something.....and I fell for it. And, yes, I realize that these are all things that everyone, but me, already knew about Krispy Kreme. I don't get out much, ok? But..Krispy Kreme is SO COOL! Kids get an educational experience that they can use later in life (in case McDonald's won't hire them in this economy....you know...) and parents don't have to pay for diddly! I think I know where our new favorite "field trip" outing place is............</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--MKBNOMIRXY/T2FAWFGI3UI/AAAAAAAAEZY/xvBe-GkPgCU/s640/blogger-image-1301893684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--MKBNOMIRXY/T2FAWFGI3UI/AAAAAAAAEZY/xvBe-GkPgCU/s400/blogger-image-1301893684.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--HCHoNGjjYk/T2WG_w5qQoI/AAAAAAAAEf4/Hqxa3YoONh0/s640/blogger-image-1872416744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--HCHoNGjjYk/T2WG_w5qQoI/AAAAAAAAEf4/Hqxa3YoONh0/s640/blogger-image-1872416744.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ooLJ9BnVzWc/T2WHAbVV95I/AAAAAAAAEgA/By1sOpsNkP8/s640/blogger-image-811588994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ooLJ9BnVzWc/T2WHAbVV95I/AAAAAAAAEgA/By1sOpsNkP8/s640/blogger-image-811588994.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No, I did not wash Isaac's finger before he ate his doughnuts. But I should have.</div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-42777330883207088792012-03-07T21:20:00.002-08:002012-03-07T21:27:17.522-08:00The Sweetest WordsIn this house, there are 3 sweet little words spoken often, which promote affection, love & emotional bonding. And it's not "I love you". Well, ok...it is "I love you." But the other 3 sweet little words are the call to "DADDY WRESTLE TIME!!!!!!" It is <em>all </em>the boys' favorite past time. Justin's been wrasslin' those lil' cowpokes since the beginning of......Seth. Little did he know how outnumbered he one day would become. I sometimes wonder if he needs a little help. That's when I get out the camera.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YR-vtLpyb1o/T1hBln6apkI/AAAAAAAAEYo/hbazmSszLtI/s640/blogger-image-834698176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YR-vtLpyb1o/T1hBln6apkI/AAAAAAAAEYo/hbazmSszLtI/s400/blogger-image-834698176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m0kHffnqhhM/T1hBmWdyN9I/AAAAAAAAEYw/xVZSar9amOc/s640/blogger-image--152819154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m0kHffnqhhM/T1hBmWdyN9I/AAAAAAAAEYw/xVZSar9amOc/s400/blogger-image--152819154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a9OQjaSasQQ/T1hBnYPlJDI/AAAAAAAAEZA/4pdttukvBQw/s640/blogger-image-515795562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a9OQjaSasQQ/T1hBnYPlJDI/AAAAAAAAEZA/4pdttukvBQw/s400/blogger-image-515795562.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TtBIxKgGK2Y/T1hBoD-g7cI/AAAAAAAAEZI/8Y80vsFwUDo/s640/blogger-image-1412819799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TtBIxKgGK2Y/T1hBoD-g7cI/AAAAAAAAEZI/8Y80vsFwUDo/s400/blogger-image-1412819799.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AcLfpSoIQVI/T1hBo4IKThI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/IEOvnXxHDC8/s640/blogger-image--1974535303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AcLfpSoIQVI/T1hBo4IKThI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/IEOvnXxHDC8/s400/blogger-image--1974535303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YBeurgWwCdY/T1hBm2kkmLI/AAAAAAAAEY4/wilMEKhRIC8/s640/blogger-image-1258130780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YBeurgWwCdY/T1hBm2kkmLI/AAAAAAAAEY4/wilMEKhRIC8/s640/blogger-image-1258130780.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-48927426264535701032012-03-03T20:14:00.000-08:002012-03-03T20:14:49.528-08:00Spooks<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3ctzKfvAbM8/T1LnJg3XreI/AAAAAAAAEYM/IST0qyg8eEc/s640/blogger-image--932605347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3ctzKfvAbM8/T1LnJg3XreI/AAAAAAAAEYM/IST0qyg8eEc/s400/blogger-image--932605347.jpg" width="266px" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-okRLwhTXEjs/T1K8lX15wLI/AAAAAAAAEX0/2pHOlSqXa3U/s640/blogger-image--1929203863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>Sunbeams through the window,</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>orange juice in my cup,</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>drip coffee brewing,</em></span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>and a lil' barking pup.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>Smiling and dancing,</em></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>and soft, clapping hands,</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>bubbles and washing</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>and marching in bands.</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>Joy runs through the hall</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>and plays in the grass; </em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>sits in the lawn chair </em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>as squirrels skitter past.</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>Sunflowers reaching </em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YemEHgVFAhg/T1LnJ4De5EI/AAAAAAAAEYU/Ag05DiUbViQ/s640/blogger-image--77084098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YemEHgVFAhg/T1LnJ4De5EI/AAAAAAAAEYU/Ag05DiUbViQ/s320/blogger-image--77084098.jpg" width="288px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nryxtnCICZ8/T1LnKVmDGWI/AAAAAAAAEYc/lla0mRuOEN4/s640/blogger-image-44349411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284px" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nryxtnCICZ8/T1LnKVmDGWI/AAAAAAAAEYc/lla0mRuOEN4/s320/blogger-image-44349411.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>a sparkling sky,</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>pinwheels spinning,</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>a sweet lullaby.</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>Jesus loves me,</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>and gruff billy goats,</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>gingerbread running,</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>and tub sail boats.</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>Giggling and snuggling</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>under rose-budded sheets,</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>stroking my hair </em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>as I give in to sleep.</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>Growing and distance</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>as time travels by,</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>talking and tears</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>and wondering why.</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>Pictures and letters,</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>visits and calls,</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>children, new joys,</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>and spooks to recall.</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>One last reunion </em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>with giggles and tears,</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>loud voices straining</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>for beautiful ears.</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>Last time to sing,</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>to hold her soft hands,</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>go now to see Jesus</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>and march in his band.</em></span></div></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Written and copyrighted by me</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-46932287133277764072012-02-22T23:35:00.000-08:002016-05-22T19:47:19.718-07:00Birthday Toast & Sap<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gideon turned seven whole years old last month. </div>
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Isaac, my very last baby ever (unless some act of God occurs), turned three whole years old this month. </div>
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His brothers made him birthday toast. Different, yes, but sweet.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y0c8_pCBWeA/T0P2cWuSqWI/AAAAAAAAEWw/RfDNfIlD5Dg/s640/blogger-image-691563294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y0c8_pCBWeA/T0P2cWuSqWI/AAAAAAAAEWw/RfDNfIlD5Dg/s1600/blogger-image-691563294.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zIid_YhKHnE/T0P2eaP7ddI/AAAAAAAAEXI/Qz-gyQ403Iw/s640/blogger-image-1881424979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I wrote this poem a couple of weeks ago. It hit me as I was tucking Isaac into bed one night, but it's how I feel about every single one of my boys, as they are growing into such amazing big boys and young men. Yes, I know, it's terribly sappy. The older I get, the bigger a baby I become.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Mine</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Aching, longing</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Sighing, wishing </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Joyful, fullness </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Tender, squishing</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Baby's face</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>I still can see</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Chubby cheeks</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Astounding me</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Can't you stay</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Forever mine?</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Will grasping tightly</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Pause Nature's time?</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>My little warrior</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>My angel sweet</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Mountains climbing</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>With Future's feet</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>I'll not keep you</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Nor make you stay</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Loving, fighting</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>You'll go your way</em></span></div>
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written & copyrighted by me</div>
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Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-10381558896029869342012-02-04T13:57:00.000-08:002016-05-23T10:29:42.674-07:00Lazy Christmas<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HE35bC42YRs/Ty17YWMriAI/AAAAAAAAEUs/NGJ7BPaalUQ/s640/blogger-image--464297659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HE35bC42YRs/Ty17YWMriAI/AAAAAAAAEUs/NGJ7BPaalUQ/s400/blogger-image--464297659.jpg" width="400px"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Christmas 2011 came and went at lightening speed. I kept things pretty simple (aka: "Heather was lazy"), with decorations, this year. After the big trip to WA, the sadness of Grandma's funeral, and all the catching up with school lessons that was needed, I just couldn't muster up the emotional or physical energy to go all out for Christmas this year. I dragged out my sad, fake, little, twelve-inch-three-dollar-Big-Lots-bargain-tree from the attic, and used that. I did miss the <em>real</em> tree smell, so I sprayed a can of pine-scented air freshener every so often. You know, the good stuff. Yeah, um....not as "fresh". Anyway, I've been feeling very nostalgic recently, probably due to the death of my Grandmother (on my father's side), in November. Also contributing, is the fact that Isaac (my very last "baby" ever) is almost three stinkin' years old already, the fact that my oldest baby will be sixteen this year (and may leave me in just two short years).....and the fact that I am almost thirty-gasp!-seven and I have no idea, whatsoever, where all the time has gone. I have had feelings of incredible thankfulness and joy, as well as some of sadness and loss. Bittersweet visions of my own childhood, memories of lost loved ones, as well as all of my children's infant-toddler-hoods, have been floating gently, and persistently, through my mind and heart. So, even though I kept things "simple" this year, of course, I still had to bring out the "special" Christmas things, such as:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">1. The ceramic nativity set that Justin's sweet grandmother, who passed a couple years ago, gave me for (if I recall correctly) a wedding gift.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">2. The St.Nick tree-topper that my grandmother, on my mother's side, gave me, (which was the size <em>of</em> this year's <em>tree</em>, so it sat on a desk instead) when Seth was little. A year and a half ago, she also went to Jesus.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Various ornaments and paper angels that the boys have made for me in Sunday school over the years.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Sesame Street ornaments that Auntie Rara gave Seth when he was in his "I love Elmo" stage. Of course, they were a little too big for the tree, so they were hung....elsewhere. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">5. The beautiful, wooden, advent calendar that Nanny and Papa gave the boys a couple years ago. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">6. Mine and Justin's "First Year Together" ornament. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">7. The Disney tree skirt that my Aunt Violet made for me several years ago. Granted, I had to stuff most of it behind the bookshelf, in the above picture, due to the petite nature of my tree, but, gosh-darn-it! I made it work!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I felt a little like Mr.ScroogeMcGrinch, not stringing lights, garnish, and tinsel on a big ole, fresh-smelling, <em>real</em> tree....and wreaths around the house, but let me tell ya......clean up afterwards was a breeze. I may do it again next year. It saved money, it gave me more time to sit around and snuggle my babies before they grow up and leave me, and clean up was so much easier this year. By the way, did I mention that clean up was easier? Still, it was a trade-off. The<em> real tree smell</em> is also very nostalgic for me. Maybe I will have the motivation to decorate more thoroughly next Christmas. Or maybe I'll just try a different brand of air freshener.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nJRxWR3D0xc/Ty17dXWS0gI/AAAAAAAAEV0/Jlx60ie4kdU/s640/blogger-image--1431554058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nJRxWR3D0xc/Ty17dXWS0gI/AAAAAAAAEV0/Jlx60ie4kdU/s320/blogger-image--1431554058.jpg" width="240px"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qOScd1Z8JAM/Ty17coSNuMI/AAAAAAAAEVk/Zp_SfyA61Qw/s640/blogger-image-482275594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qOScd1Z8JAM/Ty17coSNuMI/AAAAAAAAEVk/Zp_SfyA61Qw/s400/blogger-image-482275594.jpg" width="400px"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VRretuMKuNo/Ty17agqvHPI/AAAAAAAAEVM/mlKwb0uRKLA/s640/blogger-image-1749522221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VRretuMKuNo/Ty17agqvHPI/AAAAAAAAEVM/mlKwb0uRKLA/s200/blogger-image-1749522221.jpg" width="150px"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JXffU8F8ReI/Ty17ZtQOTWI/AAAAAAAAEU8/C5q7Lwx0EAI/s640/blogger-image--196243545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319px" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JXffU8F8ReI/Ty17ZtQOTWI/AAAAAAAAEU8/C5q7Lwx0EAI/s320/blogger-image--196243545.jpg" width="320px"></a></div><br><br><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CYo4BQGkJoA/Ty17c9MbbZI/AAAAAAAAEVs/VJeqjHM5HdU/s640/blogger-image-183210867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CYo4BQGkJoA/Ty17c9MbbZI/AAAAAAAAEVs/VJeqjHM5HdU/s320/blogger-image-183210867.jpg" width="240px"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Za-BuTWXU3A/Ty17Y-fgi4I/AAAAAAAAEU0/KuN87RODINo/s1600/blogger-image-834619512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Za-BuTWXU3A/Ty17Y-fgi4I/AAAAAAAAEU0/KuN87RODINo/s400/blogger-image-834619512.jpg" width="300px"></a>Christmas morning consisted of Daddy reading the Christmas story to the boys, which is our tradition, anxious wiggling, giggling, and waiting to open presents, and the excited unwrapping of the many lovely gifts that Grandma Colleen had given them, and the few cheap gifts from Justin & I. Because we're cheap. Of course, they got several lego sets & lego-related items, since they are all fairly obsessed with such things. My poor mother-in-law wishes that they would learn to be obsessed with something that isn't always out of stock, in every single toy store, during the holiday season. But she did a bang up job of getting them what was on their wish lists anyway. The coolest gifts, though, in my opinion, were the Ukuleles that Jarod & Micah received. They were horribly ecstatic in opening them, and have since learned to play several songs, as well as some that they have written themselves. I am quite proud to say that I, myself, have even learned to play the very difficult tune, 'Row Row Your Boat'. After present-opening, we got dressed for church, ate Justin's delicious Christmas breakfast and loaded up into the van. I'm not sure why we got dressed <em>before </em>eating, but most of us, oddly, did not spill ketchup on our clothes. A true Christmas miracle.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uYwMVab-pCs/Ty17b00welI/AAAAAAAAEVc/5T1HM_iwncQ/s640/blogger-image--265172335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uYwMVab-pCs/Ty17b00welI/AAAAAAAAEVc/5T1HM_iwncQ/s640/blogger-image--265172335.jpg"></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">During the Christmas season, we had a couple different Christmas dinners with the in-laws, and went to see Abigail and Olivia's Christmas musical. On stage, Abi was a perfect little lady, but Yaya stole the lime light with wee little bit of microphone-hogging. But she sure had soul up there and gave it her best shot. I was very proud of her. My nieces sure were pretty in their Christmas dresses.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So was Gideon, at one of our family Christmas dinners. Having girl cousins certainly helps him to express his.....um.....individuality. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V5EZUz3dnEU/Ty17beZFrgI/AAAAAAAAEVU/7ZrCNbpulGs/s640/blogger-image-865781860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V5EZUz3dnEU/Ty17beZFrgI/AAAAAAAAEVU/7ZrCNbpulGs/s400/blogger-image-865781860.jpg" width="300px"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">A little late, but, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us, to all of you!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LexYZLjSSrI/Ty17aRlhpQI/AAAAAAAAEVE/cnqChyEt2pM/s640/blogger-image--1728203764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LexYZLjSSrI/Ty17aRlhpQI/AAAAAAAAEVE/cnqChyEt2pM/s640/blogger-image--1728203764.jpg"></a></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578796607660517437.post-1782439346192464202012-01-28T14:45:00.000-08:002016-05-23T10:31:31.802-07:00Abi's Fishy Birthday<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8wOTv55N0Zk/TyRt6W9wiyI/AAAAAAAAES0/LjcoXP_fAks/s640/blogger-image-1680825041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8wOTv55N0Zk/TyRt6W9wiyI/AAAAAAAAES0/LjcoXP_fAks/s400/blogger-image-1680825041.jpg" width="300"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o30Kfsy62ng/TyRwwGeWAkI/AAAAAAAAET4/sRhfFW9m-R8/s640/blogger-image-284013657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o30Kfsy62ng/TyRwwGeWAkI/AAAAAAAAET4/sRhfFW9m-R8/s200/blogger-image-284013657.jpg" width="200"></a>Last month my niece, Abigail, turned 7 yrs old. She took her bestest, best little BFF, along with her sister, and her boy cousins, to the new aquarium here in town. It's no Seattle Aquarium, but the kids had fun. Maybe too much fun. It was more like a wet petting zoo, really. And there was an iguana. At the aquarium. Who knew? I guess when a place is built on donations, ya take what you can get. The whole aquarium consisted of 2 rooms and a hallway....pretty much. But don't listen to my negativity. I grew up in Seattle & went to the SEATTLE Aquarium for Field trips, where there were exhibits bigger than my house, and where part of it was submerged in the <em>actual sea</em>. The kids didn't know any better & all of them LOVED our little local aquarium. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wuPeATsWQdY/TyRt4LAlKSI/AAAAAAAAESU/m_bRkLV5jXc/s640/blogger-image--1882672590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wuPeATsWQdY/TyRt4LAlKSI/AAAAAAAAESU/m_bRkLV5jXc/s400/blogger-image--1882672590.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Look! It's Nemo!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LwCiZaOuQ80/TyRt4_SyXfI/AAAAAAAAESc/ZxYGqv_QzjE/s640/blogger-image-1886128158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LwCiZaOuQ80/TyRt4_SyXfI/AAAAAAAAESc/ZxYGqv_QzjE/s400/blogger-image-1886128158.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Starfish tank</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oRRdTYD2LFQ/TyRt5Tl_OnI/AAAAAAAAESk/nK6VcOqweoY/s640/blogger-image--1340608992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oRRdTYD2LFQ/TyRt5Tl_OnI/AAAAAAAAESk/nK6VcOqweoY/s400/blogger-image--1340608992.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">A crab, I believe. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ys-T6OOMzw/TyR-fzo06vI/AAAAAAAAEUA/hbLGunz5fv4/s1600/397913_3124296476391_1533997584_32906383_925219911_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ys-T6OOMzw/TyR-fzo06vI/AAAAAAAAEUA/hbLGunz5fv4/s320/397913_3124296476391_1533997584_32906383_925219911_n.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5M7Mf2t6kI/TyR-g6HI8oI/AAAAAAAAEUI/6G4KbPwVhS8/s1600/402382_3124279435965_1533997584_32906379_1350907209_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5M7Mf2t6kI/TyR-g6HI8oI/AAAAAAAAEUI/6G4KbPwVhS8/s320/402382_3124279435965_1533997584_32906379_1350907209_n.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anemones & stuff.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f1idU0cmyz0/TyR-hhAWhrI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/41Q1J0GWtKI/s1600/418694_3124268395689_1533997584_32906377_354532548_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f1idU0cmyz0/TyR-hhAWhrI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/41Q1J0GWtKI/s320/418694_3124268395689_1533997584_32906377_354532548_n.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Grabbin' a shark by the tail. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LzCqAfR4h0/TyR_zQfoWEI/AAAAAAAAEUY/8KnvdXYMgy0/s1600/427519_3124342077531_1533997584_32906401_979803130_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LzCqAfR4h0/TyR_zQfoWEI/AAAAAAAAEUY/8KnvdXYMgy0/s320/427519_3124342077531_1533997584_32906401_979803130_n.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shark egg!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></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/-jWLOxWHFD6A/TyR_5TBl-bI/AAAAAAAAEUg/syU7hv-p08k/s1600/426030_3124347357663_1533997584_32906409_1473727406_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWLOxWHFD6A/TyR_5TBl-bI/AAAAAAAAEUg/syU7hv-p08k/s320/426030_3124347357663_1533997584_32906409_1473727406_n.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Inside the shark egg: baby shark!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-77XT80ckuSc/TyRt5z72BzI/AAAAAAAAESs/ZjUO2NN-HLo/s640/blogger-image--953317424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-77XT80ckuSc/TyRt5z72BzI/AAAAAAAAESs/ZjUO2NN-HLo/s640/blogger-image--953317424.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, Jarod's hair is WET. He got a little carried away trying to make contact with the sea life. We left shortly after this picture was taken, to avoid being <em>kicked out</em>.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/---4A5aAzlTs/TyRt67HD08I/AAAAAAAAES8/sHTWC3f2gc8/s640/blogger-image--1473806668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/---4A5aAzlTs/TyRt67HD08I/AAAAAAAAES8/sHTWC3f2gc8/s400/blogger-image--1473806668.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jarod making friends as usual.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3YjFWGwip4s/TyRt7OhTA_I/AAAAAAAAETE/w1shAAhga0A/s640/blogger-image-385781245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3YjFWGwip4s/TyRt7OhTA_I/AAAAAAAAETE/w1shAAhga0A/s640/blogger-image-385781245.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">His pal, Ray.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ynyyjv2verw/TyRt7iu69ZI/AAAAAAAAETM/0QIKJXvpurE/s640/blogger-image--2133288841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ynyyjv2verw/TyRt7iu69ZI/AAAAAAAAETM/0QIKJXvpurE/s640/blogger-image--2133288841.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">No, you can't take it home, Gideon. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Back at the ranch, we had the usual birthday celebration with cake, presents & noise. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> Auntie Heather loves you, Abi. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So much. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--LOtToAvSO0/TyRwvaBF7QI/AAAAAAAAETw/HKPmeeymMg8/s640/blogger-image-1102282302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--LOtToAvSO0/TyRwvaBF7QI/AAAAAAAAETw/HKPmeeymMg8/s400/blogger-image-1102282302.jpg" width="400"></a></div>Boy Crazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11804655113500789222noreply@blogger.com1