tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87665438760865490892024-03-05T23:04:48.239-08:00mommyofthreeI live in rural Northern Missouri. I've been married for 17 years and have three children. There is always something funny happening around our house and for your amusement, I will share.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.comBlogger402125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-73227102220715495012014-02-26T10:27:00.002-08:002014-02-26T10:27:10.392-08:00<div id="fb-root">
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=217528585106519">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jim.blighwhb">Jim Bligh Whb</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-88980440503243691592013-02-27T12:47:00.002-08:002013-02-27T12:47:51.880-08:00M.I.A. and now I'm found....Can we pretend it hasn't been over a year since I've written in this blog? <br />
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If it's ok with you? Honestly, even if it's not ok with you, that's pretty much how it's going to be.<br />
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We had a blizzard this week. Which means the monkeys have been home a lot. It also means the hubby has been home. </div>
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I needed a little "Mandy time", so I went on a snow walk.</div>
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I felt a little like Lucy and Mr. Tumnus in Narnia.</div>
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Gus and Ollie went with me. They aren't made for snow walks.</div>
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Oh yah, you don't know who Ollie is! </div>
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We had a moment of weakness and thought our family needed another fur ball. </div>
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He is cute as a button, but I'm afraid he doesn't click on all cylinders. To put it nicely....Ollie is a very slow learner.</div>
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Gus is fatter than ever! I had to drag my feet in the snow to make a path for him to follow. He was breathing like he was in cardiac arrest. Poor boy!! I've decided this Spring that he is going on a diet! </div>
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Ian and Gracie also had fun throwing snowballs at each other. They built forts and a snowman.</div>
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See there....we made it through a post without any awkwardness. It's just like we talked yesterday. :)</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-60391247977471153192012-02-15T07:04:00.000-08:002012-02-15T07:04:15.649-08:00Sweet (how in the world) 16!!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not really sure how it happened. 'Cause last I knew it was January 22nd, 1996......and I was holding my beautiful red-headed baby. I was a scared new mommy who was absolutely......completely......head over heels in love with her baby boy!!!!</div>
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16 years have somehow passed.....and that baby boy can now PICK ME UP! </div>
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If I think about it too long, I get all misty eyed.....but I don't want you to misunderstand. I'm proud of the young man he has become. I'm still head over heels in love with my 6'4"+ baby boy. </div>
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There are certain moments in my "timeline" that I will never forget. </div>
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I'm pretty sure that this is one of them.</div>
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I was the only person awake....and it was Sunday morning.</div>
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I made coffee. Decorated the chalkboard. Hung a Birthday banner on the mantle. Unloaded and loaded the dishwasher. You know, ordinay stuff!! But the whole time I'm thinking......holy cow!!!!! How in the world is it humanly possible for time to go so quickly!!!</div>
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Then the clock on my oven turned to 8:02. The exact time I held Ryan for the very first time. He had a cone head, he was covered in ICK, he was screaming bloody murder........but my heart skipped a few beats. I felt love on a new level.......a mommy's love!!!</div>
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I'm pretty sure that I drive him bonkers!</div>
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I may even embarrass him from time to time!</div>
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Often....he's angrier than cuss at me........</div>
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But I'm his momma...............and I'm so, so, so proud of him!</div>
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So.....this is the part of the story where we open a few presents. </div>
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Can't have a sweet 16 without presents, right?</div>
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Ian was with his church youth group on a weekend trip....so Emma Grace picked out a present from both of them. </div>
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It was a x-box 360 game. Honestly, can't remember the name of it for nothin'. Honestly, I couldn't care less. I haven't enjoyed a video game since the Sega Genesis released a game called "Space Harrier". I was the master! I played till my thumbs hurt. </div>
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The next present was from Mom and Dad.</div>
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Yup......a Hotwheel car!!! </div>
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Because Rick and I think that we are funny! </div>
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Wait a second!!!!!!!! </div>
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Rick and I think we are comedians!!!!</div>
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We duct taped his final present shut. In case you didn't get that......We covered the box in duct tape!!!!!!</div>
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OK....guess it's not THAT funny!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDos0I0GIZyg9N8C464BaCcwB3ypfKqtRJnbmF7U_Ab6XuF327MjTyoyn2aq-2SFIruWLHAJZ6viB0ko6LuKO3kxFElZK1Ryt_N4UqUT3zlIsuUJ0u2nRZN4dE53Il2IEk3TmMXSlaRP5M/s1600/IMG_9931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDos0I0GIZyg9N8C464BaCcwB3ypfKqtRJnbmF7U_Ab6XuF327MjTyoyn2aq-2SFIruWLHAJZ6viB0ko6LuKO3kxFElZK1Ryt_N4UqUT3zlIsuUJ0u2nRZN4dE53Il2IEk3TmMXSlaRP5M/s640/IMG_9931.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After he finally dug a steak knife out of the drawer and cut the box open.....he pulled out a little green drawstring bag with the name Lauhoff embossed on the front. </div>
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He's puzzled. That's a jewelry store? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l0jwpIqqLLoyDzbTPGW_fDHqLkyrxwl6Dd1lwsnuifchj0lqdkYnuP5xdc958dO9RybUwd0D_NIdl-GBDVgQdsJx24GgPb5uJoGkr283cANmrGiHilGZ1abQwgrBJmosr2sKGqYB7piY/s1600/IMG_9937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l0jwpIqqLLoyDzbTPGW_fDHqLkyrxwl6Dd1lwsnuifchj0lqdkYnuP5xdc958dO9RybUwd0D_NIdl-GBDVgQdsJx24GgPb5uJoGkr283cANmrGiHilGZ1abQwgrBJmosr2sKGqYB7piY/s640/IMG_9937.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then he pulled out a shiny new engraved key chain with a key attached to it.</div>
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He is finally starting to understand.</div>
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He's shaking!</div>
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He's smiling!</div>
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He's nervous his mom and dad are trying to be comedians again.</div>
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(And we sort-of were.......See I posted a picture of his car on Facebook, tagged him in it, then made him check his wall. </div>
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Whadya' know? It's a picture of a car THAT'S IN OUR DRIVEWAY!!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8LBIeK-K1GE2boyAv8IN9jJvGGBsPpQTzcXcWvlAdDw0h1Y3iYBbyJvVEvmg6igZm6zLNPOXSbOxE5_bRVd93IskEM-7YTF-GavBGr4DoatVFWcDb7fVLV7C1_aznSl8pF_rIRuJE-jE/s1600/IMG_9940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8LBIeK-K1GE2boyAv8IN9jJvGGBsPpQTzcXcWvlAdDw0h1Y3iYBbyJvVEvmg6igZm6zLNPOXSbOxE5_bRVd93IskEM-7YTF-GavBGr4DoatVFWcDb7fVLV7C1_aznSl8pF_rIRuJE-jE/s640/IMG_9940.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I included this blurry picture for a reason. I wanted you to believe me when I tell you that Ryan has never moved so quickly in all his life.</div>
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And this is what he found...........</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mxgcJiTm_yLJBTZIsxGU75sJo7n7J5dQS_PLGS3tYstOmKLixLkQnpy4gSRaoH4job4A8dbNougbctfMy-VSCFRAeXIb0lp5WdRLQPXL2mKf9GDefyraTbT4dsowvgndVz67BcEVT9q4/s1600/IMG_9944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mxgcJiTm_yLJBTZIsxGU75sJo7n7J5dQS_PLGS3tYstOmKLixLkQnpy4gSRaoH4job4A8dbNougbctfMy-VSCFRAeXIb0lp5WdRLQPXL2mKf9GDefyraTbT4dsowvgndVz67BcEVT9q4/s640/IMG_9944.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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His reaction was what I meant earlier when I said I would never forget this day. There isn't enough money in this world to trade that memory for. </div>
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I've never seen him so excited!!!!! </div>
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My heart was bursting!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqxD4xDX5Q7vYIDnhaDVmAtyxM_BpjCxJ5XmyBFpHW2SzZuFDcxnDjOrcGV4809fK0dCiDEQFck40SXqn_k3X0bTg0GnrHYBwhntJlo6sxUHDKPFcrX7QGAokLGc9ghxIgBro4gUv4tu0/s1600/IMG_9945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqxD4xDX5Q7vYIDnhaDVmAtyxM_BpjCxJ5XmyBFpHW2SzZuFDcxnDjOrcGV4809fK0dCiDEQFck40SXqn_k3X0bTg0GnrHYBwhntJlo6sxUHDKPFcrX7QGAokLGc9ghxIgBro4gUv4tu0/s640/IMG_9945.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is the part where you start to lose me. </div>
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Hemi engine.</div>
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The guts of the car.</div>
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Under the hood.</div>
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Ehhhhh!</div>
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Then we watched him open his other gifts.</div>
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This one was from his girlfriend. </div>
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A Kansas dart board (how appropriate)!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVILJW265QTZSiuPMEVatELgLkUbBvNrHhLqmUSEXHPtBI9jLZHypWG8eOoHHBtxpvDfKqvdTCKNFhU1InZAQg0GOI9hqYtu9E2RamLRLIlsdAL0OmLBl8wrtMVUtUQDe4q2xtQbikzLu/s1600/IMG_9970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVILJW265QTZSiuPMEVatELgLkUbBvNrHhLqmUSEXHPtBI9jLZHypWG8eOoHHBtxpvDfKqvdTCKNFhU1InZAQg0GOI9hqYtu9E2RamLRLIlsdAL0OmLBl8wrtMVUtUQDe4q2xtQbikzLu/s640/IMG_9970.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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....and a MU camo shirt. </div>
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He got moola from his grandparents that I'm sure will pay for gas and dates with Lacey. </div>
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My camera was acting wonky. I wanted to have both of them in focus. But it would either do this......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFO-lVIb9sLFQwmGt_myM2tqUn5EiET50UOuz8jcUtH3dEsW0FoHxNDHloj7rkKRYx5WmPhtOFC2qWy95U06xW-95U1kBdVLvPaBoOlvTct4w0_ToNibwPaO3dxet1Z1uWtAgb76iDyrI/s1600/IMG_9958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFO-lVIb9sLFQwmGt_myM2tqUn5EiET50UOuz8jcUtH3dEsW0FoHxNDHloj7rkKRYx5WmPhtOFC2qWy95U06xW-95U1kBdVLvPaBoOlvTct4w0_ToNibwPaO3dxet1Z1uWtAgb76iDyrI/s640/IMG_9958.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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or this?</div>
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What's a car without a license? Right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2RQN3HyEOLUUey0_iuYtY5QUMIT_11GdRrNqiDQDX2-jyolURee7xPsr4X1QFov-pjhnFzW4mtZCTKK9sH2DdinNMHrjPb5OcpFfw52OiMqMgG10Ovax8Li0RAeYG1VFPUzwOUlxxw6J/s1600/IMG_1547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2RQN3HyEOLUUey0_iuYtY5QUMIT_11GdRrNqiDQDX2-jyolURee7xPsr4X1QFov-pjhnFzW4mtZCTKK9sH2DdinNMHrjPb5OcpFfw52OiMqMgG10Ovax8Li0RAeYG1VFPUzwOUlxxw6J/s640/IMG_1547.JPG" width="536" /></a></div>
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This was taken the morning he officially became a driver. He wanted to drive to school and his car wasn't quite ready, so he asked to take my rig. I didn't mind that he did, but it required that he take me home first (because I didn't want to hang out in Wal-Mart for 6 hours). We pulled up to the house....and it was time for me to get out of the car.....and let him drive.......ALONE...........WITHOUT A LICENSED DRIVER........WITHOUT ME!!!! I was thankful that I had sunglasses on because my eyes welled up and I had a lump the size of a walnut in my throat. I sat there, in the passenger seat, for a little bit. Not saying anything (because I couldn't), yet not reaching for the door handle either. It was time for my red-head....who is growing up....but still has a momma who is head over heels in love with her baby boy, to let him go. </div>
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So, I gave him a squeeze, told him I loved him and that I was proud of him, and although my voice was now cracking, I told him to PLEASE BE CAREFUL!</div>
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Then I ran in the house....plopped myself in a chair.....curled up in a ball.....and bawled my eyes out! </div>
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It's been three weeks since that day......and I'm not crying anymore. Quite the opposite....I'm thankful to not have to sit in my car every night for 20-40 minutes waiting on him to get out of basketball practice. I'm thankful that he can drive himself to physical therapy for his ankle. I'm thankful that he can take himself to his girlfriends basketball games. </div>
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It's kinda nice!!!!!!</div>
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So happy birthday Rhino the Dino! </div>
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I love you more than new car smell!!!!!</div>
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And birthday parties!!</div>
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And Duct tape!!!!</div>
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<span id="goog_238908734"></span><span id="goog_238908735"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-52941500385962102202012-01-11T07:41:00.000-08:002012-01-12T05:13:51.823-08:00Cannot Be Held Responsible<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a two cups of coffee into my morning.</div>
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One cup: Still not safe to talk to me</div>
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Two cups: I can hold a conversation, but cannot be held responsible for my words.</div>
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Three cups: My kidneys are now working overtime, but I can finally begin my day.</div>
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Four cups:<b> I can conquer the world!!!!!!!!!</b></div>
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So, I'm blogging on two cups. Just warning you!!!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VhwjxpngecbPWQalSH2edFKDlLLacF0e9iOnGliygiI6E-qOdF_dJHc1lTM1Lyx5nezB1NmBrQxVAzyEWRSpTjfrmGI7uTTOow3KWM2Njkd_6L3Xy0v_zbQ9rTYDKobyiVcbKswp7rfC/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VhwjxpngecbPWQalSH2edFKDlLLacF0e9iOnGliygiI6E-qOdF_dJHc1lTM1Lyx5nezB1NmBrQxVAzyEWRSpTjfrmGI7uTTOow3KWM2Njkd_6L3Xy0v_zbQ9rTYDKobyiVcbKswp7rfC/s640/IMG_0323.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday I worked my tail off on these signs. All because I was in the mood to get a little crafty (and also because I'm a wanna-be super mom). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZZ7MiAGYQ0C1NVbucWt3vNRSdSoVjl_XhACrOK8DcKdZu5-bgKudSmpOWXXFDIoao4KDvB8Dt9sscOrLkLTQhP73b_-VR2nZiAdgcxEdLekTSDXtBSoqBPgZJqtZ2oUTN39ST3Xfrj96/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZZ7MiAGYQ0C1NVbucWt3vNRSdSoVjl_XhACrOK8DcKdZu5-bgKudSmpOWXXFDIoao4KDvB8Dt9sscOrLkLTQhP73b_-VR2nZiAdgcxEdLekTSDXtBSoqBPgZJqtZ2oUTN39ST3Xfrj96/s640/IMG_0324.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Ryan's. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOa8zflyybVi2uczLlztupEtLdBUQSgtiMknoqlUXNDhiX9mjDFSmmi8QAVCj70c2wuXTUWLGY6Wd4KfQEzBbGegiJLXGQcBUhkjFbhhSn3X5rHDBNUlAm5JoHv70g0BPqpNhBv47iyyYX/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOa8zflyybVi2uczLlztupEtLdBUQSgtiMknoqlUXNDhiX9mjDFSmmi8QAVCj70c2wuXTUWLGY6Wd4KfQEzBbGegiJLXGQcBUhkjFbhhSn3X5rHDBNUlAm5JoHv70g0BPqpNhBv47iyyYX/s640/IMG_0329.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because I was also channeling Betty Crocke.....I made these!!!! Recipe will be at the bottom of this post (in case you want to forfeit your New Year's resolution).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jYJ75APEKePh1brxGr-O80WsHC5Oq_NcVaqL13kbY0ACWK3pdwMUAFJEAe3nMIBsva46mUFH6lkQZhOL2p1BfVcWC1n6nJtL6EpDOK0gQRvdusXR9eqPi_YKXOxEIVLRbOksOofTKaC4/s1600/IMG_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jYJ75APEKePh1brxGr-O80WsHC5Oq_NcVaqL13kbY0ACWK3pdwMUAFJEAe3nMIBsva46mUFH6lkQZhOL2p1BfVcWC1n6nJtL6EpDOK0gQRvdusXR9eqPi_YKXOxEIVLRbOksOofTKaC4/s640/IMG_0348.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I sat my hiney on a bleacher seat. Again.</div>
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I thought it was fun taking pictures of the student section with my signs. </div>
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How cute are our Hornet fans? Ummmm....VERY CUTE!!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiqo1CZ5G3zViVjKwDlfKO8rTvTARlvJuQVLiq_WXWN55KqLTMzxJ_8J31_ziNkKTcPcpstbPNylC0Xw_Vg96BPeZXWRS1usBOQ3CFdKR__lERnOJoCjJzuh7mo_nlVUJXclUwH6uDZNM/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiqo1CZ5G3zViVjKwDlfKO8rTvTARlvJuQVLiq_WXWN55KqLTMzxJ_8J31_ziNkKTcPcpstbPNylC0Xw_Vg96BPeZXWRS1usBOQ3CFdKR__lERnOJoCjJzuh7mo_nlVUJXclUwH6uDZNM/s640/IMG_0337.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are all three of our Coaches.</div>
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The guy in grey is Coach Marsh.....his name is Tim.</div>
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The guy in the black argyle sweater is Coach Cunningham....his name is Tim.</div>
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The guy in the white shirt and red tie is Coach Cool.....his name is Tim.</div>
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Nope, not kidding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVbRcyEiTNVV7EC8Tt4Z5CsmVBj2_HOc2e8iRY_yW0MNC2KIxhJxxRWAnWJtFUShkYxXx1KrqzC7ZA-FlbDsO9vk2HIvW0R79D5Z0ZuugLB9K1yQrjKu0EUbTCtKT1SZjzg1hk3lSkd70/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVbRcyEiTNVV7EC8Tt4Z5CsmVBj2_HOc2e8iRY_yW0MNC2KIxhJxxRWAnWJtFUShkYxXx1KrqzC7ZA-FlbDsO9vk2HIvW0R79D5Z0ZuugLB9K1yQrjKu0EUbTCtKT1SZjzg1hk3lSkd70/s640/IMG_0340.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoW4aECCmGr6c8oJnkVUnD1jlPqd8f-sn9GSUWYQ3rNGtrPiCdpv7ew2sE620KzLReQCt6aaqFX56MoJ688wmrxihvG-jkgdtFCGSgA_I3nFxt8vallo17TXXwlSH5muozWeLUrXPal8P/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoW4aECCmGr6c8oJnkVUnD1jlPqd8f-sn9GSUWYQ3rNGtrPiCdpv7ew2sE620KzLReQCt6aaqFX56MoJ688wmrxihvG-jkgdtFCGSgA_I3nFxt8vallo17TXXwlSH5muozWeLUrXPal8P/s640/IMG_0341.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><u>Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Ingredients:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Crust:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1/3 cup packed light brown sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">3 tablespoons granulated sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">3/4 cup flour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">2/3 cup chocolate chips</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Cheesecake Filling:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">10 oz cream cheese, room temperature</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1/4 cup sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1 large egg, room temperature</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Directions:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line an 8" square baking pan with parchment paper or foil allowing a little overhang and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">2. Mix the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until thoroughly combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 6 minutes. Remove pan to a cooling rack. Leave your oven on while you prepare the dough.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">3. While the crust is cooling, prepare the chocolate chip cookie dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt and vanilla until smooth and thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. Mix in the flour on low speed, and mix until just incorporated. Mix in the chocolate chips. Set aside.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer cream together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg and vanilla on low speed just until incorporated. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Using your hand to form clumps, distribute the cookie dough onto the top of the cheesecake batter in teaspoon-sized clumps. Be sure to use all of the dough.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">5. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top feels dry and firm (the cookie dough) and the entire pan looks set if given a gentle shake. Move bars to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Chill in refrigerator overnight or for at least a couple hours.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">6. Lift the bars out by the overhang and cut into squares for serving.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
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I found the recipe on this blog........<a href="http://brandysbaking.blogspot.com/2011/06/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-cheesecake.html">Brandy's Baking</a><br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-6916601984389179902012-01-09T06:34:00.000-08:002012-01-09T06:34:09.972-08:00New Year = New ListsI'm going to table my Christmas (part 2) post until later this week. <div>
#1. There are TONS of pictures and I'm dreading the comentary.</div>
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#2. People......I am soooooo done with Christmas. The thought of looking at the pictures nearly brings tears to my eyes.</div>
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So, I will skip forward temporarily.</div>
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It's a New Year!!!! 2012!!! Holy smokes they sure come around quicker and quicker nowadays. We had a little bit of family and a little bit of friends over to celebrate (and it was nice). </div>
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Normally I make the New Year's Resolution to bless someone every day. I thought this year that I would add to that some. 2011 was a little difficult for me. I wasn't sad in the least to see a different number on the ole' calendar. I'm making a vow to make 2012 happier! (More on that in a bit).</div>
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So, here is my list....... </div>
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#1. Drink more water and less Diet Coke.</div>
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It's really not fair. Why can't Diet Coke be good for me? Why does water have to taste so blah? Anywhoo, so far, I'm doing a better job.</div>
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In summary....</div>
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and less.....</div>
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#2. Plan meals ahead so there is less eating out.</div>
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We are gone nearly every single night. Ball games, play practices, and whatever the heck is happening in our home, takes us away from our family table. I believe that if I just planned better, we could avoid some of the impulse super sized Big Mac meals. </div>
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#3. Exercise more and be aware of what I eat.</div>
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I go through spurts. I have to say that last year, I did much better in the "healthy eating" catagory. I want to continue that though and possibly improve on it. I downloaded four apps on my phone called, "Ab Workout, Butt Workout, Leg Workout, and Arm Workout". In case you're wondering, the apps target my ab's, my butt, my legs and my arms. I did them all yesterday and my buns especially are a little achy today. Achy is probably a good thing. Achy means......DO IT AGAIN, and AGAIN, and AGAIN!!!</div>
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#4. Go to church regularly.</div>
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I'm starting a bible study on James on January 19th. Pretty pumped up about it. </div>
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#5. <a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/onelittleword.php">Ali Edward's "One Little Word" </a> started on 1-1-12. I have picked a word each year for the last three years. I try to be mindful of it. This year, I am choosing HAPPY.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-13766159054755026482011-12-28T06:14:00.001-08:002012-01-02T08:40:09.628-08:00Christmas 2011 (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The holidays are over......</div>
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We ingested large amounts of sugar, saturated fats and caffeine. My jeans are on the snug side. </div>
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So, like the majority of Americans, I am on a strict diet!!!!!</div>
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I will share more about my New Years Resolution in tomorrow's post. Before that happens, I need to catch you up on our Christmas festivities. At least the ones that I captured, I kindof failed at photo taking during the holidays. </div>
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Buddy and Bridgette (our elves) brought each of the kids a gingerbread house. We have assembled these for four or five years straight. I made up my mind that this year.......we would forego the tradition. Mainly because it's a humongous mess, but also because after they are done, they sit around till I throw them away. Just not a fan of things sitting around on the counter. It stresses me out. But since the elves brought them, I felt like we had to do it, ya know?</div>
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This year, Ryan wasn't too thrilled about playing with frosting and peppermint candies. He knows that it was important to his mother however. So he put on a pretend smile and began opening his gingerbread box. Call it luck of the draw or........ he threw the box against the wall when I wasn't looking, when he pulled the gingerbread out, it was crumpled to pieces. Guess that took care of that problem. </div>
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Ian and Gracie's were perfectly intact though, so I made them continue. </div>
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Rick sorta feels the same as Ryan about the whole edible house thing, so he watched his favorite holiday movie instead. </div>
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Then another of our traditions of reading "What God Wants for Christmas". This year we let the kids read instead of Rick. We also made them read the corresponding Bible verses. </div>
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Gracie drew a manger scene on the chalkboard. I'm going to be awfully sad to erase it because it might be my favorite drawing she has ever done. </div>
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We headed over to Grandma Charlotte's and Grandpa Bob's to have our Christmas with Macy, Titus, Colten, Trey, Nate, Pam, and Heather. </div>
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We had our first dusting of snow that day. It might have stayed on the ground for 30 minutes. No snow this holiday! It's a very strange 50 degrees AND I DO NOT LIKE IT! In a perfect world, it would snow the week before Christmas and melt on the 2nd of January. Then not return until the next third week of December. But Missouri doesn't work like that. </div>
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It wasn't, however, warm enough for shorts. But my children are freakish and they wear them year round. </div>
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We opened gifts and I practiced my depth of field.</div>
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Then we loaded everyone up to eat barbecue.</div>
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Titus was having a bad hair day.</div>
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The holidays sure fly by. It seems like I just decked the halls. I'm not a Grinch guys, but I'm usually glad that they are over. It's just so much mingling, and eating, and short nights, and kids fighting, and cleaning, and cooking. I love it................yet I dread it. Does that make sense?</div>
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Part two of Christmas 2011 coming soon.......</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-60866000435102153582011-12-19T06:36:00.000-08:002011-12-20T12:11:16.255-08:00Holiday Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdICOapnuwGnQac-dF2URWrUkmSCMTMRBtF-RGG4p-DqXc2MHESVwnc9_6dZKWru_GZOegvYZfgRP85HtADWh27oZtIWhuGDFVMYH_ibPMvz2Nxz4G6DJmg6oipSMY7MWbyqbOR_hehf8Y/s1600/IMG_9799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdICOapnuwGnQac-dF2URWrUkmSCMTMRBtF-RGG4p-DqXc2MHESVwnc9_6dZKWru_GZOegvYZfgRP85HtADWh27oZtIWhuGDFVMYH_ibPMvz2Nxz4G6DJmg6oipSMY7MWbyqbOR_hehf8Y/s640/IMG_9799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been busy painting signs for 30+ freshman-varsity basketball boys.</div>
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Ian finished the last science fair project in his lifetime. He got a 63.5 out of 60 points. Not too shabby.</div>
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Gracie and Ian worked most of the afternoon Sunday filling their quarter books. </div>
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Buddy and Bridgette, our house elves, have been as mischieveous as ever. Here they are hiding behind lincoln log/wooden block forts and having a marshmallow fight!</div>
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The house looks "Christmas-sy". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv-P5SMU8k1bf1ftUtz-fKKWKKZOj0svXbUfiITuIcmmnFPkAKwGptVjSZD8Z9L5Bd7810jahAr5x2hDqnbrNUkVsibJ3xU8hdM9NZCQXFf1ATOaEZ2PmNbvI00KT2i3P2ciIImo3gUrb/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv-P5SMU8k1bf1ftUtz-fKKWKKZOj0svXbUfiITuIcmmnFPkAKwGptVjSZD8Z9L5Bd7810jahAr5x2hDqnbrNUkVsibJ3xU8hdM9NZCQXFf1ATOaEZ2PmNbvI00KT2i3P2ciIImo3gUrb/s640/IMG_0101.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Gus and Congo.......lazy as ever!!!!!</div>
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Gracie sang in a Christmas concert with her Stingers group. I was impressed! They did an amazing job! </div>
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That about catches me up. </div>
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Hope to be better about blogging after the first of the year. </div>
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I have more monkeys than adults in my house. That makes life a little bananas!!!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-6665929418566955082011-12-08T06:30:00.001-08:002011-12-09T05:50:46.075-08:00Tis the Season........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HWVSLImrKQVvcHrUydO6g9y3tXD2VJYENSBKqe3l3r4Fqc1DHJVw-oLyMH-0mHY32R4Bn3FKjAQXVmamV4fqAp7NfetC3PWF02PVXgdGavHRhyjmrrQZwhb9kb7kJLrZN7IL9Ta9H997/s1600/IMG_9991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HWVSLImrKQVvcHrUydO6g9y3tXD2VJYENSBKqe3l3r4Fqc1DHJVw-oLyMH-0mHY32R4Bn3FKjAQXVmamV4fqAp7NfetC3PWF02PVXgdGavHRhyjmrrQZwhb9kb7kJLrZN7IL9Ta9H997/s640/IMG_9991.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Long story.....made short! </div>
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Ryan played in the very first Varsity game. It was the first quarter, he made the first team points with a basket. He rebounded..........he blocked.......then he got hurt! He was laying on the court and I jumped into "Momma Mode". I was elbowing Rick to go out there. I was scowling at him because he kept saying, "Give him a minute"! Well a minute felt like 400 minutes to me. Daddy went out on the court (so I wouldn't bruise his ribs with my elbow jabs). </div>
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It was a sprain. Nothing that is going to halt his High School sports career. It did, however, require two days of crutches, two different types of ankle braces, physical therapy for a week, and lots of Advil. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZvfPyikNGv9J1PhV75sCTLsCoLcKF3PB2AaCVVfLYbGhMW2TvndgzuF3OCD4lWU9iKKuSCNnYdidNhWmOzftSJqYbZlw6EzlwykoCCkyUsjjuAeWbhCGwq9v2sJ89cSPoa-GGRrGOGxE/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZvfPyikNGv9J1PhV75sCTLsCoLcKF3PB2AaCVVfLYbGhMW2TvndgzuF3OCD4lWU9iKKuSCNnYdidNhWmOzftSJqYbZlw6EzlwykoCCkyUsjjuAeWbhCGwq9v2sJ89cSPoa-GGRrGOGxE/s640/IMG_0003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVbnOgZmCl6C6llrOZMgesJK60WXbXlpCxlwdzwcLhBJVNmHuBd8PNHywWyWqMOzxlEUyxRM_KOKyLV2SxgPKlnMh7bXeg4dEozOlTZlQq_o9uvGWhEycosZmeEFJhzKYzL2yHymqjbp3/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVbnOgZmCl6C6llrOZMgesJK60WXbXlpCxlwdzwcLhBJVNmHuBd8PNHywWyWqMOzxlEUyxRM_KOKyLV2SxgPKlnMh7bXeg4dEozOlTZlQq_o9uvGWhEycosZmeEFJhzKYzL2yHymqjbp3/s640/IMG_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Poor E-man is having his own case of bad luck. As of today, they have not won a single game. They play tonight and I hope God will look down on them with favor. I like this picture of Ian. He makes the funniest facial expressions while he's playing. Glad I got this one captured!!!</div>
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Just to prove that he is a handsome young man, I also included this one. He has had a haircut since this picture and he now looks like a young Matt Damon (wink ;) )</div>
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I've also painted a wall mural on paper for Ryan's 4th hour class. The high school has a hallway contest every Christmas. The winner gets a pizza party. </div>
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The theme for our hall was, "The Grinch That Stole Christmas". This Grinch costume was actually one that Rick wore during the holiday parade one year. Ryan's 4th hour class is Health and it is in the Science room. Therefore, we placed the costume on Bones, the class skeleton. Genious, I think!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRdVNHP50KwIGsmNo3V5-yQ0-q0IyINC1lricTRESvb7zp3QpTd1Eq7LVI8P74V-uQDGgTe5q7nTfcW5Iucg-cDIq71adO5atAhOHnXpSAz-elUhmxX5JPlTgXNxVd6k9C45PKG1xbXho/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRdVNHP50KwIGsmNo3V5-yQ0-q0IyINC1lricTRESvb7zp3QpTd1Eq7LVI8P74V-uQDGgTe5q7nTfcW5Iucg-cDIq71adO5atAhOHnXpSAz-elUhmxX5JPlTgXNxVd6k9C45PKG1xbXho/s640/IMG_0062.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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What is Who-ville without a Who tree?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U4Rn2G5_85dhH4fXoVLlwwL5naUXFq2ECrp2AlE4gXu60yn8X7d9vDcCTrBDlrlhtDHpsofZqxYZhGCYr8dU7kfz1m-j1aSEvulrLJn5u4EDBJiUYww295BetYn89VHW2tW8w4LIKdXO/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U4Rn2G5_85dhH4fXoVLlwwL5naUXFq2ECrp2AlE4gXu60yn8X7d9vDcCTrBDlrlhtDHpsofZqxYZhGCYr8dU7kfz1m-j1aSEvulrLJn5u4EDBJiUYww295BetYn89VHW2tW8w4LIKdXO/s640/IMG_0041.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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And this is a very small portion of the mural. </div>
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Now I am drowning in wooden basketballs that need to be completed.</div>
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Basketball games every single night.</div>
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Gracie's Oompa Loompa practice and</div>
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a 5th grade Christmas concert that her Stingers group is singing in.</div>
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I haven't found a mother of three who isn't busy, but it's sometimes overwhelming.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-47629991434497271322011-12-02T12:00:00.001-08:002011-12-03T10:13:41.135-08:00On the go, go, go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bad blogger......bad, bad, bad!!!!!</div>
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I've let myself get so far behind, that I'm hitting a creative wall. I've stopped taking pictures, I've stopped looking at other blogs. Hence, I've been a little inactive here lately. So, this post is my meager attempt to catch up.</div>
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I consider this little blog a record of our family events. It is nice that friends and family can view it, but honestly, I would probably still do this even if they couldn't. My goal isn't to have thousands of followers. It's to be able to remember! Friends, something happened at 30 years of age to my brain. It no longer recalls things as easily. I do remember having three children and a husband. Maybe a dog or two. </div>
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Possibly a cat..........or three cats. Who knows?</div>
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In the past couple weeks I have sat through countless basketball games. </div>
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I've ordered a few Christmas gifts (though not nearly enough). </div>
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I've decorated the house for the holidays.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH4dkgz1XEcbEYOL1OCBO757gWN2u-f7leb9lZdWOFUMFCtrg6sx_Kk2DFTvFjBp9sQagUiFdxdHUq6tFKGBfpsR0Fynlhyphenhyphenl4tSLY16Ch84T-StmXPwbnc_Owq1l49dfFN2V1C-m-VcD2/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH4dkgz1XEcbEYOL1OCBO757gWN2u-f7leb9lZdWOFUMFCtrg6sx_Kk2DFTvFjBp9sQagUiFdxdHUq6tFKGBfpsR0Fynlhyphenhyphenl4tSLY16Ch84T-StmXPwbnc_Owq1l49dfFN2V1C-m-VcD2/s640/IMG_0050.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="426" /></a></div>
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I've cleaned my scrapbook room (which was a huge, huge feat!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Nvx03-TW0vOMpoBmVoNh7povScblMKFW_LTZYeY136gCMmcxoPaCtsWRAGW-txSN5At6CusN1DpU8sGbrjykKUYOH0EI3rSxzayts59Edu1gVOQAGPqZ1pP9raQUFa2RIfBSyV0vJwpx/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Nvx03-TW0vOMpoBmVoNh7povScblMKFW_LTZYeY136gCMmcxoPaCtsWRAGW-txSN5At6CusN1DpU8sGbrjykKUYOH0EI3rSxzayts59Edu1gVOQAGPqZ1pP9raQUFa2RIfBSyV0vJwpx/s640/IMG_0085.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Remember Buddy? Our little elf who visits the house the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas eve. As we hoped, he was waiting for us when we returned home from black Friday shopping. With a nice note, no less. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKocf1eE7MewpvoPWznbEYrrfyXJPlWEjz2tG0FpkDSVpFpqfAPC7kRspYnZsP7T07co-4iOnZOc9oyXmJG6bieZxlPKDo3BCO6PTZtUc5CG3xxMrv1TpLae8O6frGs2QEFv1UfrA04id/s1600/IMG_9888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKocf1eE7MewpvoPWznbEYrrfyXJPlWEjz2tG0FpkDSVpFpqfAPC7kRspYnZsP7T07co-4iOnZOc9oyXmJG6bieZxlPKDo3BCO6PTZtUc5CG3xxMrv1TpLae8O6frGs2QEFv1UfrA04id/s640/IMG_9888.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This year, Buddy brought a helper. Her name is Bridgette. We are noticing that having Bridgette help him has gotten him into more messes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvImW7HnfsP7X1xKcBQzl6RKPEHbMuCrdQIc-IlVvEFtjqqeGu_0D0Frx9SK5aQNZ0a9YDXSgtDH33vGnKB2Q0W3i3z3QL_XpMnrd9U8gMxQ0M99sF0UKXSfDL3kaRWy-FuvtYqKlmKGe/s1600/IMG_9900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvImW7HnfsP7X1xKcBQzl6RKPEHbMuCrdQIc-IlVvEFtjqqeGu_0D0Frx9SK5aQNZ0a9YDXSgtDH33vGnKB2Q0W3i3z3QL_XpMnrd9U8gMxQ0M99sF0UKXSfDL3kaRWy-FuvtYqKlmKGe/s640/IMG_9900.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A toilet paper mess with a toilet paper roll crown.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKYh5vweYsOvGFlbt7PORfrUeJx9cY7aOhBnrP_2V1b51-r67ySyaDpOOxI-wKxJSTxxdPd1Gic-TS4y8msMIESHGhi6S6Y5ka5ZKUnGm5fkwtet9x6JK_IyLpWD_cAwz91W3WnXqnvqm/s1600/IMG_9903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKYh5vweYsOvGFlbt7PORfrUeJx9cY7aOhBnrP_2V1b51-r67ySyaDpOOxI-wKxJSTxxdPd1Gic-TS4y8msMIESHGhi6S6Y5ka5ZKUnGm5fkwtet9x6JK_IyLpWD_cAwz91W3WnXqnvqm/s640/IMG_9903.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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And a paper trail from the bathroom to his location on the dining room buffet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbJ4N67DTEVZ9l3gn9hu0xsJXanky0xUP4J-WcGvtLIV_YfeB3qz17miveKKaQAUmatlhA-e5b1ORtoJPbEBctwM4DKURWgQB7V99uC2mqVjYZ_sw20kuhqAtXOjMieL_9ORUfN5tyznn/s1600/IMG_9945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbJ4N67DTEVZ9l3gn9hu0xsJXanky0xUP4J-WcGvtLIV_YfeB3qz17miveKKaQAUmatlhA-e5b1ORtoJPbEBctwM4DKURWgQB7V99uC2mqVjYZ_sw20kuhqAtXOjMieL_9ORUfN5tyznn/s640/IMG_9945.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Ian's sock drawer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-Vy1uv3IhA6mFaGCRmnlIhtieQCJiTeekdwsBL-Y4kf-6fxlDsFiANU_zFJ7ULl39uVc5a8q8bo8KTIMM6n72ttt1MPPKfMvE8QBzAeEjClLeDZ-XfVIdMpy2tWhY2RxWh5_o3pe516C/s1600/IMG_9950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-Vy1uv3IhA6mFaGCRmnlIhtieQCJiTeekdwsBL-Y4kf-6fxlDsFiANU_zFJ7ULl39uVc5a8q8bo8KTIMM6n72ttt1MPPKfMvE8QBzAeEjClLeDZ-XfVIdMpy2tWhY2RxWh5_o3pe516C/s640/IMG_9950.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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A bowl of milk chocolate chips in the kitchen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv-uoY8r04p7OBR9eB6Fvots3XtmbZovNwaYv8yj4C2FlCYFzs_8U-cM6pO0mLP7ybgEY1z-FH9dFsNjI8m0k0ymVe6xG77s_88QNxcW97cVBaTa_Ya1mqBRMvF45WQvv4VCG8TQjuac7/s1600/IMG_9961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv-uoY8r04p7OBR9eB6Fvots3XtmbZovNwaYv8yj4C2FlCYFzs_8U-cM6pO0mLP7ybgEY1z-FH9dFsNjI8m0k0ymVe6xG77s_88QNxcW97cVBaTa_Ya1mqBRMvF45WQvv4VCG8TQjuac7/s640/IMG_9961.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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And milk chocolate faces!</div>
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A horseback ride through the mess in Gracie's room!</div>
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A science experiment in the hall bathroom with food coloring.</div>
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Yes, toilet water CAN be turned a nice shade of Christmas green.</div>
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Then a game of cards with a few friends.</div>
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I will try to keep you up to speed on his where-abouts from time to time. He has a Facebook page if you care to send a request. It's Buddy the Elf, in case you're wondering.</div>
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Well, we are off to another basketball game in St. Joe, MO. Ryan had an injury in his very first Varsity game. So this is his big RETURN! Hopefully (praying hard), he doesn't get hurt again. This momma cannot take it when her babies are hurting! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-52548846816371151292011-11-14T08:29:00.001-08:002011-11-21T11:37:50.458-08:00Oompa Loompa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My sweet little angel got a part in the upcoming city production of</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD4aIOuHqJQuSmokVPdF_iV95cFr1s6q6wlYaYNZv_sHwe3QpXdC1cEh5a8TKURWmqx_Yn4JflTbVvBZokPHdBt2LhBskgH6jfz_c04aicxNcw2h4R6btdtWPK18iiodRqMIFFBxweZc_/s1600/IMG_0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD4aIOuHqJQuSmokVPdF_iV95cFr1s6q6wlYaYNZv_sHwe3QpXdC1cEh5a8TKURWmqx_Yn4JflTbVvBZokPHdBt2LhBskgH6jfz_c04aicxNcw2h4R6btdtWPK18iiodRqMIFFBxweZc_/s400/IMG_0930.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
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She's going to be an Oompa Loompa</div>
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I've always wanted to have an Oompa Loompa in the family.</div>
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There will be countless practices and rehearsals before the February </div>
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I'm thinking our lil' Smith has finally found her nitch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUBDsRpweXu5glKjHuoSfnzuKlJkszCbejSNtNl4E4cSkWBGZ8axClLRozhyphenhyphenuua4B000kVA0NBP9vscQqUI8eZfK8C6qTOs2UROnQsLnSmL27E3DsDoZZdLm67Quf4qRwIIzJ4wQ4n5sU/s1600/IMG_9776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUBDsRpweXu5glKjHuoSfnzuKlJkszCbejSNtNl4E4cSkWBGZ8axClLRozhyphenhyphenuua4B000kVA0NBP9vscQqUI8eZfK8C6qTOs2UROnQsLnSmL27E3DsDoZZdLm67Quf4qRwIIzJ4wQ4n5sU/s400/IMG_9776.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ian kicked off our basketball season. They played against the Brookfield Bulldogs, Rick's alma mater. This means that we sat with the enemy (namely cousins and a Aunt and Uncle) who are still residing there. </div>
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I'm a little sad that we weren't able to pull out a win but Ian played well, and for that, I'm pleased.</div>
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He scored 8 points and played nearly the entire game. GOOOOOO Ian!</div>
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I have lots more to catch you up on, but not a lot of time. Hopefully I can get to that this week. </div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-48691058479495591032011-11-14T07:31:00.001-08:002011-11-22T19:52:54.577-08:00Puss in Boots (Gracie Style)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My dear sweet barn kittens have been reduced to dress-up dolls for my daughter and her friends. <br />
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I intended for them to catch unwanted barn critters. </div>
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<i>Their</i> intentions were somewhat different.</div>
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They have had a small taste of heating and air conditioning and decided that was the life for them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua9-UisOd_sYMAzOJ6g2Sekc71IRyIwF_uv76Jng3YqsM7Ccn_Xzx1dbBQKeM6sYY827BO4nbbYULaIIwd9Ln4sAUdIo9tYxua_tJjKT6GXgN3mNHtrhLfx0I2efvSXqkIkTSQUSZKqCa/s1600/IMG_9791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua9-UisOd_sYMAzOJ6g2Sekc71IRyIwF_uv76Jng3YqsM7Ccn_Xzx1dbBQKeM6sYY827BO4nbbYULaIIwd9Ln4sAUdIo9tYxua_tJjKT6GXgN3mNHtrhLfx0I2efvSXqkIkTSQUSZKqCa/s640/IMG_9791.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I'm positive that this WAS NOT what they had in mind!</div>
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It seems like a perfect math equation........</div>
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kitty cats + American Girl doll clothes + two 10 year old girls = DRESS UP!!!!!</div>
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Our ever loyal felines took one for the team and allowed this humiliation upon themselves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7Esgyvc88y0NvIEVC6pThs6ZskR2Xsgm5ck2u_CI-587oi9j7odI5waTYgqmgfhJkmI5P3yWNDU0e-C5e45nBKEddOE9ih9YIrLuPtpaI9kpaVIMApZj1FDLVbMz9H6XWmR6ht4YTorn/s1600/IMG_9798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7Esgyvc88y0NvIEVC6pThs6ZskR2Xsgm5ck2u_CI-587oi9j7odI5waTYgqmgfhJkmI5P3yWNDU0e-C5e45nBKEddOE9ih9YIrLuPtpaI9kpaVIMApZj1FDLVbMz9H6XWmR6ht4YTorn/s640/IMG_9798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Landing on all fours seemed to be a little difficult with chaps and a tube top.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbZKodleOR8o5tfUFHfW3ePNIDQXkls40PdQeZsdUp2Sq9bWQDoR-0TwPzxQiLjIWfZXPxniiKQloEEYo-g6QV9TpRKO0C9NorVwpooWFoaPbMgGDm0Yjp0hkF4CBc12AcFASe2DBxYwA/s1600/IMG_9782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbZKodleOR8o5tfUFHfW3ePNIDQXkls40PdQeZsdUp2Sq9bWQDoR-0TwPzxQiLjIWfZXPxniiKQloEEYo-g6QV9TpRKO0C9NorVwpooWFoaPbMgGDm0Yjp0hkF4CBc12AcFASe2DBxYwA/s640/IMG_9782.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Please pardon the tail. It's a little tricky managing to keep your dignity in this position.</div>
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Yup, the tail is still there people!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzIFZFox6LAg1DnalsWi41c8OuUQ23T-HXOzs1OXbMHORR19z7CRW_suI2f33Qd4kQsnAZ-iv6O24epCqXkTcfTb9IutX52y25YdeSvlDhKC5Q_Onuyxk3EXE9FhVwSOw1_vanr9xhKB_/s1600/IMG_9784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzIFZFox6LAg1DnalsWi41c8OuUQ23T-HXOzs1OXbMHORR19z7CRW_suI2f33Qd4kQsnAZ-iv6O24epCqXkTcfTb9IutX52y25YdeSvlDhKC5Q_Onuyxk3EXE9FhVwSOw1_vanr9xhKB_/s640/IMG_9784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Does the song, "These Boots Were Made For Walking", come to mind?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJwDILHNVhIa0Afk9nvKJeWydroxvlb2kdGEbgWbNq3L0sVfZu0okzH8fZ_qVzXyMOf7TcmGt5CvlrCqBA5Ma0IejVSUWKmrKHKt4NYznudoOedwsypQ4v4MMdafB70XLDA7CiKqV8gyr/s1600/IMG_9787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJwDILHNVhIa0Afk9nvKJeWydroxvlb2kdGEbgWbNq3L0sVfZu0okzH8fZ_qVzXyMOf7TcmGt5CvlrCqBA5Ma0IejVSUWKmrKHKt4NYznudoOedwsypQ4v4MMdafB70XLDA7CiKqV8gyr/s640/IMG_9787.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQl-cWi6PTi_AtHKaD8L_hWMQ_lcCwGETjwj8JX26x2HsSaWfMhb1bP05Q3uf94_4OYEXo1hSMkbsFD-XGJJGlh52_VcqbDvodYZfGiZkJ6hSgptptskkjtQzch59LjnPIGM8-pIPVXQXB/s1600/IMG_9789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQl-cWi6PTi_AtHKaD8L_hWMQ_lcCwGETjwj8JX26x2HsSaWfMhb1bP05Q3uf94_4OYEXo1hSMkbsFD-XGJJGlh52_VcqbDvodYZfGiZkJ6hSgptptskkjtQzch59LjnPIGM8-pIPVXQXB/s640/IMG_9789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Would you believe that these kitties purred the entire time this was happening? </div>
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It takes the story, "Puss in Boots" to a whole new level, doesn't it?</div>
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I am thankful that Mouser #1 and Mouser #2 are finally serving a purpose around Rocky Ridge Farm. It isn't really what I had in mind, but it'll do I suppose. From now on, I will never be able to purchase doll clothing without thinking of our kitties. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-74873673895317966902011-11-14T06:10:00.001-08:002011-11-14T07:14:29.789-08:00Antlers and Buzzers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's hunting season!!!!</div>
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That means..... I have camo EVERYWHERE! </div>
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I get woke up before the sun so my hunters can head to the woods.</div>
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I am told countless stories of squirrels, turkey and deer!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioK_Oh0B0-SHiFzSx1gAc0LOQNbaJkZHAcUfFPK7BHvbj9Wp70mSdlCKkYavkhs_efXjh_I0qfsZOtiueoVF4welRzjNDSXpnz3CTiQLQzAQR_a_Emic8lcsZk2qNn1PPo2UuFP3Eh0fy4/s1600/IMG_9763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioK_Oh0B0-SHiFzSx1gAc0LOQNbaJkZHAcUfFPK7BHvbj9Wp70mSdlCKkYavkhs_efXjh_I0qfsZOtiueoVF4welRzjNDSXpnz3CTiQLQzAQR_a_Emic8lcsZk2qNn1PPo2UuFP3Eh0fy4/s640/IMG_9763.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Gracie's very first deer. </div>
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I am officially the only non-hunter in the family now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH14IbhGWnRkmIBPYdcHAfculPQNAb1Ff_iM_gaDfNUwwqNiBk7PgLcO_YFNtFbZPiW2Utx_rLoKgcEqgz_dtmnznL6vE1VB0EaiFeA31CcqW_Ix8BDhfaY_Ekk0IcVIuxUpdtY6jxDJV/s1600/IMG_9766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH14IbhGWnRkmIBPYdcHAfculPQNAb1Ff_iM_gaDfNUwwqNiBk7PgLcO_YFNtFbZPiW2Utx_rLoKgcEqgz_dtmnznL6vE1VB0EaiFeA31CcqW_Ix8BDhfaY_Ekk0IcVIuxUpdtY6jxDJV/s640/IMG_9766.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIZpAVUYg9tDEOMutR0LlK8CLRVPFffNJHIf-xEQWiPeldubzAMnafCmcTj4keqiRqd0mSQ-RVCmdrhsoR-xdc5u3NeQsWszNBSvGZTEGAK8WBhKJ_7xRbd1wGYqjzL27BaY6Bol-_Fw2/s1600/ryan%2527s+deer+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIZpAVUYg9tDEOMutR0LlK8CLRVPFffNJHIf-xEQWiPeldubzAMnafCmcTj4keqiRqd0mSQ-RVCmdrhsoR-xdc5u3NeQsWszNBSvGZTEGAK8WBhKJ_7xRbd1wGYqjzL27BaY6Bol-_Fw2/s640/ryan%2527s+deer+2011.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="478" /></a></div>
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This is Ryan's deer. I wasn't there to get pictures, so we will have to settle for this cell phone pic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDKTS4ljOBe5vODWNyEJcZhdB88q1Z9unA9xPMicGZCGrQQq8BlYGytWwCWMbozvsRP-vY4hP8Mdigji5E_jQTUr3NzaJFXM4rhAICuu17YizfDS2Kr0_lSZp2dPQgkZN689lUJDEJNEU/s1600/IMG_9768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDKTS4ljOBe5vODWNyEJcZhdB88q1Z9unA9xPMicGZCGrQQq8BlYGytWwCWMbozvsRP-vY4hP8Mdigji5E_jQTUr3NzaJFXM4rhAICuu17YizfDS2Kr0_lSZp2dPQgkZN689lUJDEJNEU/s640/IMG_9768.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Basketball season has also started and I'm thankful that we have now moved to an indoor bleacher. The football games and fall baseball bleachers were starting to get a little cold for my taste.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zoU29aWDkbfILOVkfilFItFuzNEOD33-T-0sgMEo9me19ksFlcbahy38fGtqXTKId4SdlV3o0hJI2CgR1wPsOpMpMdaJTTqSRbYXfFGYPT0ON2nz8M3Z1by4Myy08Z1HLF-a3lE20wTV/s1600/IMG_9772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zoU29aWDkbfILOVkfilFItFuzNEOD33-T-0sgMEo9me19ksFlcbahy38fGtqXTKId4SdlV3o0hJI2CgR1wPsOpMpMdaJTTqSRbYXfFGYPT0ON2nz8M3Z1by4Myy08Z1HLF-a3lE20wTV/s640/IMG_9772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5QjqNPRC3tClcYUgwz-Iy-6H5wmzzIyLg5WQvKUHqk9MClsoqHEQE9u9V-T8LM7Fx0ABKAiS-BhFm2F4q_PqYZqTR-gdAt4brnl-71ygSd_tFz96vA3a4eBz17glk_lqeSvMNcx6lqu0/s1600/IMG_9776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5QjqNPRC3tClcYUgwz-Iy-6H5wmzzIyLg5WQvKUHqk9MClsoqHEQE9u9V-T8LM7Fx0ABKAiS-BhFm2F4q_PqYZqTR-gdAt4brnl-71ygSd_tFz96vA3a4eBz17glk_lqeSvMNcx6lqu0/s640/IMG_9776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am waist high in Christmas decorations. </div>
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My house is trashed! </div>
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My toe has a boo-boo from my trashed house!</div>
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I've been listening to Christmas music and I'm not ashamed!</div>
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I'm really not! </div>
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REALLY!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-82181298460178798212011-11-04T06:16:00.000-07:002011-11-04T06:16:44.350-07:00Pop Star Wanna Be<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV5bXMDyUSuy7AHsqhYO6OJLzOQH3ZO6w7CMZ-X3UYXWv5Zw7qgWHZ9bsYI_6e5mk2Cd-sdgF5snPBz_1HAEOAbw-4jSnsSHyvk35CuQ_wc1gNUufv73aRgLNA2bnMUgx0VokqI-dQe4r/s1600/bakerella-about.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV5bXMDyUSuy7AHsqhYO6OJLzOQH3ZO6w7CMZ-X3UYXWv5Zw7qgWHZ9bsYI_6e5mk2Cd-sdgF5snPBz_1HAEOAbw-4jSnsSHyvk35CuQ_wc1gNUufv73aRgLNA2bnMUgx0VokqI-dQe4r/s400/bakerella-about.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm a<a href="http://www.bakerella.com/"> Bakerella</a> fan through and through. I stalk her blog, order her cookbooks, and now I.....</div>
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make cake pops!!!!</div>
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She is the queen momma of cake on a stick.....and for that......I'll be forever in her debt!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58pK5yC2r7QUr_AWq1ZdpXUbsI_ru8h1HwzSFteuoWSPppp5no9fTjxe8yXwrVbWlmC9dtTcGf7UN9EOzwNKO3ARd-OJAhwytoBfqftYPlAaGd3u3acrZlHX_q70YU_Rb9pgRmechkfIA/s1600/184-snowman-pops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58pK5yC2r7QUr_AWq1ZdpXUbsI_ru8h1HwzSFteuoWSPppp5no9fTjxe8yXwrVbWlmC9dtTcGf7UN9EOzwNKO3ARd-OJAhwytoBfqftYPlAaGd3u3acrZlHX_q70YU_Rb9pgRmechkfIA/s1600/184-snowman-pops.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI98uUCZ1bHLCjwO61oZh4gkFYNJrv9S9lGyJHJ1sVp6F8cZnyB-BsdjcLAAbBDzMtYdZR6AqEAOuin9LolD5I2ObuIcSja_MDJNv44BADQT3TGOF4FD7AIbGYMgBRc_w4s3Em3xnmn3Rj/s1600/272_sweetsoldiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI98uUCZ1bHLCjwO61oZh4gkFYNJrv9S9lGyJHJ1sVp6F8cZnyB-BsdjcLAAbBDzMtYdZR6AqEAOuin9LolD5I2ObuIcSja_MDJNv44BADQT3TGOF4FD7AIbGYMgBRc_w4s3Em3xnmn3Rj/s1600/272_sweetsoldiers.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOm4CQb-L8JwjoSY_nvYaQdvwbysa9X_AtSUJbyhQkn9Lnav-28xCNiPHvoLOzZq6m8Ukx0_y1UTTzu7CnjNLLbFLonJy-bsHDgjEjSuEQiWw_MkdqXPudFs-q8fZHlx5df3l0UNRa0vEV/s1600/117-here-kitty-kitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOm4CQb-L8JwjoSY_nvYaQdvwbysa9X_AtSUJbyhQkn9Lnav-28xCNiPHvoLOzZq6m8Ukx0_y1UTTzu7CnjNLLbFLonJy-bsHDgjEjSuEQiWw_MkdqXPudFs-q8fZHlx5df3l0UNRa0vEV/s1600/117-here-kitty-kitty.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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These are just a few of her many creations. </div>
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I wonder what it feels like to be so talented? I wonder if she looks in the mirror and says, "yup, you're da bomb of sugar."?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjKVUyBgcQQYJFJ5RuaOBqFnhsNRFwOSocLosMdPeGkWAXyow9ApUXXSk8ebGP39wcrEJnaqNByvgF2ka5OzSJ3jkfsY_XjLrlb6QtYn3PpQ6EjUnbkMXHnwoDBLmRJP_UMfONJF0Of7q/s1600/6044220748_af827b7b9b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjKVUyBgcQQYJFJ5RuaOBqFnhsNRFwOSocLosMdPeGkWAXyow9ApUXXSk8ebGP39wcrEJnaqNByvgF2ka5OzSJ3jkfsY_XjLrlb6QtYn3PpQ6EjUnbkMXHnwoDBLmRJP_UMfONJF0Of7q/s400/6044220748_af827b7b9b_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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She also makes other things like, brownies, cheesecakes, muffins, cookies, and these super photographic gummies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyhsmEnm88O6Wq6o7NAraimFQ7iuiInrjV_Iy6nsFTLAG2YTinowyosJzQLmRlDYRuBwhSn43ueXpdCsD_ppDW68EIHoB0LG1hMSdO2-5EUCQY_2A12nH4WhhR4oB-nIEZtJeznATz2ZO/s1600/IMG_4365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyhsmEnm88O6Wq6o7NAraimFQ7iuiInrjV_Iy6nsFTLAG2YTinowyosJzQLmRlDYRuBwhSn43ueXpdCsD_ppDW68EIHoB0LG1hMSdO2-5EUCQY_2A12nH4WhhR4oB-nIEZtJeznATz2ZO/s640/IMG_4365.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So how does this apply to the "mommyofthree"? </div>
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Well......</div>
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I wanted to do something special for the Hornet football team. They made it to the play-offs and we were having a small celebration for them. (which means, lots of food in teenager talk!) In planning the celebration, I blurted out, "I will make cake pops"! Then before I could retract my statement, everyone was cheering for me. They were smiling......and nodding their heads in agreement. They were patting me on the back and clapping their hands! </div>
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OK, not really, but I did say it loud enough that everyone heard me. And because I am a wanna-be Martha Stewart, I could not let them down.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwpX94nLos08ts4UwCa8zTxgTCJDUqY8hUFN53fOMPXOYiXHaE2W3X764nd-xTjOhHZdDBpJewAuY6Zx1Ye_YMHNpNZPV0HR1Ksvk5c_4DmcBK3mgJPc_CkvnB2NHM_8jeGxGqqXFt-8h/s1600/IMG_4366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwpX94nLos08ts4UwCa8zTxgTCJDUqY8hUFN53fOMPXOYiXHaE2W3X764nd-xTjOhHZdDBpJewAuY6Zx1Ye_YMHNpNZPV0HR1Ksvk5c_4DmcBK3mgJPc_CkvnB2NHM_8jeGxGqqXFt-8h/s640/IMG_4366.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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It took me nearly a full day to make 60 of them. </div>
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I destroyed two of them (then ate them).</div>
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So technically, there were 58.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDHXk00OBvXWZdfjOZ4Fe8ZqEdtOpPC4W9HV2Kzfi0iOCTTPydAC6QGfBsTXNMSFAyURPu4UxsT6PTylz-3rMp3sYToI3Y4LNq4495HtvWA8H_58KN6XAOg49KLQLnb6UTnlCQJkGaUoy/s1600/IMG_4367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDHXk00OBvXWZdfjOZ4Fe8ZqEdtOpPC4W9HV2Kzfi0iOCTTPydAC6QGfBsTXNMSFAyURPu4UxsT6PTylz-3rMp3sYToI3Y4LNq4495HtvWA8H_58KN6XAOg49KLQLnb6UTnlCQJkGaUoy/s640/IMG_4367.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am not Bakerella! </div>
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But I tried.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrGcliAd_6BgTiuLhCEyFLJ58rUz9-c1X055oq5livnMaMe-cLagn34BzTGWhKnXstpPcXrk53Et2Vlr-0TE8z8zpb7Oi5Bp0qGOI6Z_Bg9dFKJNIc_Rj7LB9nzLlPx0SHH7-ylcerCAx/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrGcliAd_6BgTiuLhCEyFLJ58rUz9-c1X055oq5livnMaMe-cLagn34BzTGWhKnXstpPcXrk53Et2Vlr-0TE8z8zpb7Oi5Bp0qGOI6Z_Bg9dFKJNIc_Rj7LB9nzLlPx0SHH7-ylcerCAx/s640/IMG_4368.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm sure that I'm not going to end up on her "Pop Stars" page with these cake pops.</div>
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I'm going to keep trying though.</div>
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It is basketball season now, you know?</div>
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Ohh.....Snowman cake pops!</div>
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and elf cake pops!</div>
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and present cake pops!</div>
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and.............</div>
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It's endless guys!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-68923874751570080622011-11-03T07:51:00.000-07:002011-11-03T07:51:24.832-07:00Halloween Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq_rc2DE1IxP25L4AgCxz4xDdbtIV0I6yZoFjk1tQCQJL2YbL59azKahYzWHNh2R9yFNZGwltArV5TgGoCWM_i9UpCMQ1qvdoPYpORgW2qzOV44yBOJjXp5ocFYJoEtEO1YMqalyUs7bv/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq_rc2DE1IxP25L4AgCxz4xDdbtIV0I6yZoFjk1tQCQJL2YbL59azKahYzWHNh2R9yFNZGwltArV5TgGoCWM_i9UpCMQ1qvdoPYpORgW2qzOV44yBOJjXp5ocFYJoEtEO1YMqalyUs7bv/s640/IMG_4347.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Halloween was a little different this year. The kids are growing up and I couldn't convince my 6'4" and 6'2" boys to go house to house. As a matter of fact, my tall red-head chose to be with his girlfriend at her grandparents instead of me. Ian stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's house to watch the Chiefs vs. Chargers game (and to eat all the yummy food that she made for us.....<b>as always</b>!) Gracie was still willing to go, but she didn't want me to walk with her. My job was to stay in the car and follow her around. Rick had to work in the E.R. on Halloween so I brought one of my friends along. She kept me from hitting any smallish trick or treaters in the residential neighborhoods. She also helped me remind Gracie to say......."Trick or Treat" and then, "Thank you". </div>
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Manners first, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZNpxcxCo3BGlMTX7uZOiQ57rYYMQyMEgwbECnyi3qS4iklhh0zidrYRePW2TEAs5vF1Iak2CgJ4NkL8MK16_lbCX4kGRVm2vPM_dU08TIjjdsWNUiUQQ-XBcuDluPv78e65ioMwH3art/s1600/IMG_4357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZNpxcxCo3BGlMTX7uZOiQ57rYYMQyMEgwbECnyi3qS4iklhh0zidrYRePW2TEAs5vF1Iak2CgJ4NkL8MK16_lbCX4kGRVm2vPM_dU08TIjjdsWNUiUQQ-XBcuDluPv78e65ioMwH3art/s640/IMG_4357.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Her costume was a pre-teen version of a zebra. She picked it out all by herself. She opted out of the blue wig that we bought, yet was all for the furry boots I stumbled upon Halloween morning. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXSCW4-IaPhmPsG_8Pl-G8jj3o6Y9Eq3UK_zdibW680KyraHjdyY7KRrHhDCaDtkj4clTaXnc2YfYsCvPeub9iXuVPDRIQK61iuHe3tBpcdhRp4PmffPy5m4GzDn4vf-2dEwzCgpd7bmq/s1600/IMG_4344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXSCW4-IaPhmPsG_8Pl-G8jj3o6Y9Eq3UK_zdibW680KyraHjdyY7KRrHhDCaDtkj4clTaXnc2YfYsCvPeub9iXuVPDRIQK61iuHe3tBpcdhRp4PmffPy5m4GzDn4vf-2dEwzCgpd7bmq/s640/IMG_4344.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBV8OEM_g7E16-Gy8-3kXLlXnuRzdKj51w-suvoACAYak8mvTK1hcfVK-oCk4VeQwMqHHfBrM5SUMPy02jSVgLQO0sNqKF6wSJUTX7NrgZKP23j1GO62jSkB6d5O-DipjRk-XttAzO-wi/s1600/IMG_4319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBV8OEM_g7E16-Gy8-3kXLlXnuRzdKj51w-suvoACAYak8mvTK1hcfVK-oCk4VeQwMqHHfBrM5SUMPy02jSVgLQO0sNqKF6wSJUTX7NrgZKP23j1GO62jSkB6d5O-DipjRk-XttAzO-wi/s640/IMG_4319.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was in charge of favors for her classroom. I also did Halloween favors last year. Here is the <a href="http://mandy-smith.blogspot.com/2010/10/psyco-room-mother.html">link</a> to them. Last year, it was eyeballs........this year, monsters. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEk4pB6KqKothW-qIVtn33WP39VDtZLk2QSnJxFygWFAwuJFQUXfiX6LDmi2V4ZA_175Stj1I9CSebNIwM79eTTio3N90sQHbuW_HjgKkQ75YOSsiwq7kb9dNaKpWT2Jbn7n1SqLcxVR1/s1600/IMG_4320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEk4pB6KqKothW-qIVtn33WP39VDtZLk2QSnJxFygWFAwuJFQUXfiX6LDmi2V4ZA_175Stj1I9CSebNIwM79eTTio3N90sQHbuW_HjgKkQ75YOSsiwq7kb9dNaKpWT2Jbn7n1SqLcxVR1/s640/IMG_4320.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I put monster bouncy balls, wax lips, candy, skeleton candy (that you can assemble), monster glasses, and a monster ring pop. Then I tied it up with a monster plush (photo above) and a handmade tag. I'm not sure why I go to the trouble of making handmade ANYTHING for elementary kids. Half of them were on the classroom floor and the other half were ripped to shreds when the kids opened the bags. </div>
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I wanted to tell each child when I passed them out, "DO NOT TEAR UP THE TAGS! I SPENT SIX HOURS MAKING THEM! I REPEAT....DO NOT TEAR UP THE TAGS!" But I didn't, therefore, they tore up the tags. (sigh) Oh well! That's why I take my happy pill every morning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchkDdnxeEgzwrrpPEcLmvK0rIecWWSpdTlNu_YrNC7J8wye8HWJjnfOJe_Hw46y3HGv5UKpprxUdLuOTf7oU5vIvZ7UxbJkiem3fv2mTtsRehaUdM4XwSzBF6qvVdkaLBEXqOqO1H6gNN/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchkDdnxeEgzwrrpPEcLmvK0rIecWWSpdTlNu_YrNC7J8wye8HWJjnfOJe_Hw46y3HGv5UKpprxUdLuOTf7oU5vIvZ7UxbJkiem3fv2mTtsRehaUdM4XwSzBF6qvVdkaLBEXqOqO1H6gNN/s640/IMG_4323.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I took pictures of all Gracie's classmates but I don't want to upload all of them. Mostly because I'm lazy, but also because I'm not sure their mommies and daddies want their pictures on my lil' ole blog. So, I'm only showing you my very favorite costume. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZOcEXKECeOkn-wMadBPWZdC0Nn-03x7T_CZjsCaTc2AYuiGdnRrzaJHMq5h_BZEOWguJeMm8cM6wpp5NX-J7g3BpNzn2oz8qJojTGYBqoj3Wx6diY3VXXa3w3Q0H8bBiCGegq4gTfaOM/s1600/IMG_4336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZOcEXKECeOkn-wMadBPWZdC0Nn-03x7T_CZjsCaTc2AYuiGdnRrzaJHMq5h_BZEOWguJeMm8cM6wpp5NX-J7g3BpNzn2oz8qJojTGYBqoj3Wx6diY3VXXa3w3Q0H8bBiCGegq4gTfaOM/s640/IMG_4336.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Mr. McKay's classroom had a "mystery visitor". He/she came into the room and passed each child a goody bag. When he/she left, they had to fill out a Q/A about who the guest was. If you want to play the game also, look at the picture of our mystery guest and I will have questions at the bottom of this post for you. If you play, you cannot cheat. That means....you cannot look at the picture once you start answering questions. </div>
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Promise? </div>
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Pinky promise?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRTbjK66X0bf1QRy4_r8XT7yto4SDHKz6KfXoJRmGOfFo7_Sa6I8D-5A9M8BL6aYM35meLNoGyWdlYL9HQrGYTz8KvvbGD-ZeF3VVUp29l6RGEwoQzbuTjjPcyOjBKeULIPw8P0prvNpR/s1600/IMG_4340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRTbjK66X0bf1QRy4_r8XT7yto4SDHKz6KfXoJRmGOfFo7_Sa6I8D-5A9M8BL6aYM35meLNoGyWdlYL9HQrGYTz8KvvbGD-ZeF3VVUp29l6RGEwoQzbuTjjPcyOjBKeULIPw8P0prvNpR/s640/IMG_4340.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiU4nzK2UD1n_b7qU0IQmfk8JmjOBYFRDpiG-znFiWfCxhKbJasVWKhLZ7GIQHQ6kxZRL6qr223XOVy7sSt2pbasBRZt2NDxVNLviIUZWrpp1Vu5fQ7VUsDt33-M-M6xY6AC1eBJlSkC9s/s1600/IMG_4352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiU4nzK2UD1n_b7qU0IQmfk8JmjOBYFRDpiG-znFiWfCxhKbJasVWKhLZ7GIQHQ6kxZRL6qr223XOVy7sSt2pbasBRZt2NDxVNLviIUZWrpp1Vu5fQ7VUsDt33-M-M6xY6AC1eBJlSkC9s/s640/IMG_4352.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I'm adding a few extra shots of the costume so you won't be able to see the "mystery guest" photo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupFrRURD0JAAt4jqNMIukc2fXbckSiZVMTrMzMb6dA_dYBx5Bi_TObXAPezKi5qXif4HvtU5uLo6gX1gZlndwDhZz_F6pvlk2Tlgjlckhf9H5CD_gtJR5K9tHjvfnBFG02ajbbC79YGZP/s1600/IMG_4361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupFrRURD0JAAt4jqNMIukc2fXbckSiZVMTrMzMb6dA_dYBx5Bi_TObXAPezKi5qXif4HvtU5uLo6gX1gZlndwDhZz_F6pvlk2Tlgjlckhf9H5CD_gtJR5K9tHjvfnBFG02ajbbC79YGZP/s640/IMG_4361.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Work it GUUURRLL!</div>
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<u><b>WHO IS HE/SHE?</b></u></div>
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What color is the scarf around "mystery guest" neck?_________________</div>
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Is the "mystery guest" wearing a brown suede hat or a yellow straw hat?___________________</div>
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Was the "mystery guest wearing gloves?__________________</div>
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Did the "mystery guest" use her right or left hand to grab the goody bags?_________________</div>
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Did the "mystery guest have a feather in his/her hair?______________________</div>
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How many pairs of feet are in the picture?_____________________</div>
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What color is the bowl that the goody bags are in?________________________</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dHC4XKZlWYHGScHE-fyVKGwE4-ZWnd8IYo9RX5YUNPz0yOmEmsvTUEh0M-wbSazYojjIFdFtWvojxx99mqmhujUZ1QxZOboD0oTZRbhLjHLg-k_rag4VLETdJ8fXKheL52pGDXzGnwyJ/s1600/thumbnail.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dHC4XKZlWYHGScHE-fyVKGwE4-ZWnd8IYo9RX5YUNPz0yOmEmsvTUEh0M-wbSazYojjIFdFtWvojxx99mqmhujUZ1QxZOboD0oTZRbhLjHLg-k_rag4VLETdJ8fXKheL52pGDXzGnwyJ/s1600/thumbnail.aspx.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Were the "mystery guest" overalls pin stripe or solid?________________________</div>
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BONUS: The "mystery guest" is one of these four people...who do you think it is?_____________</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-30724120081322588212011-10-25T13:24:00.000-07:002011-10-25T13:24:19.880-07:00Silly Randomness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcDtOBMoKJ-CDxCl1aS4wVQd2KugmYq7zpezGbFH9xWyyHER8yb36YUCeeYRuXD8G9Dxy7V0MDQ06UYz5XisFXpi9bU8nlB4NufMFYThZc7P-DmdpxmdxQ9hXoJSZPXih5WvmgR8G9-wo/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcDtOBMoKJ-CDxCl1aS4wVQd2KugmYq7zpezGbFH9xWyyHER8yb36YUCeeYRuXD8G9Dxy7V0MDQ06UYz5XisFXpi9bU8nlB4NufMFYThZc7P-DmdpxmdxQ9hXoJSZPXih5WvmgR8G9-wo/s640/photo-11.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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My very first 10K.</div>
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Does it count if we only ran down the hills and walked up them?</div>
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If you average our time of 1 hour and 22 minutes for 6.2 miles, it equals........</div>
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13.22 minutes per mile.</div>
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Left to Right:</div>
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Rhonda, Linda, Lacey, Susan and I</div>
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( I'm the only one whos last name wasn't Rucker )</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZtdfwuzk1mWj8rV-08ntbup0nYf42Nkx8uJNGggWU8xyi7UZ31WGNVoAsEasZx6sQRrIkj2EDWVT-9aNObb9c815gK75zfwjd4my9FAVU6XmLDoNaeFZri824hgkCS-GrKshmd7qKnhg/s1600/IMG_4236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZtdfwuzk1mWj8rV-08ntbup0nYf42Nkx8uJNGggWU8xyi7UZ31WGNVoAsEasZx6sQRrIkj2EDWVT-9aNObb9c815gK75zfwjd4my9FAVU6XmLDoNaeFZri824hgkCS-GrKshmd7qKnhg/s640/IMG_4236.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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Ryan and his cousin's, Logan and Austin, are all playing for the Chillicothe Hornets this fall. It seems strange to have them on the same team........but I love it! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEwygHcKjDXucrg5h8-xdHUb8v9mAlf61hfkmo9MyDfzIlyNI0dLTjqu-bMPLrfrGWehrlscybrmEKmIU_EaWYm-pyYERKNH47Bo5h-Wugy_LsFiwp_yC63K2gdp1Ue7SMuylEUzzwxV9/s1600/IMG_4238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEwygHcKjDXucrg5h8-xdHUb8v9mAlf61hfkmo9MyDfzIlyNI0dLTjqu-bMPLrfrGWehrlscybrmEKmIU_EaWYm-pyYERKNH47Bo5h-Wugy_LsFiwp_yC63K2gdp1Ue7SMuylEUzzwxV9/s640/IMG_4238.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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By the way.....Ryan is highly embarrassable. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR6Q53l_jHeC9Z0EmC7gYm1317bGGyKqeibl4jPQzI4SXrADdLyeigh1ZUQHnooT08wudaCMUsqHshp2MlLSxzlArvWKV88OouQyBjHj2MtMW1IQtk8dV88cAGtdvnSCCyMaBH0Q9yl0F/s1600/IMG_4239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR6Q53l_jHeC9Z0EmC7gYm1317bGGyKqeibl4jPQzI4SXrADdLyeigh1ZUQHnooT08wudaCMUsqHshp2MlLSxzlArvWKV88OouQyBjHj2MtMW1IQtk8dV88cAGtdvnSCCyMaBH0Q9yl0F/s640/IMG_4239.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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This is a prime example.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXoNn8xItuyatlWvb-TtO-ZpZGDCtteSDkYqJRlF27AhKVAUEj4ULV2QAFgbKfieD2dOjhjNGSzZaRKV1ctC7hjg2Ii8zrbKMr4dmRboit_vNyEnbF6QQms1Z7mmXKyyY7l12CMi73dhT/s1600/IMG_4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXoNn8xItuyatlWvb-TtO-ZpZGDCtteSDkYqJRlF27AhKVAUEj4ULV2QAFgbKfieD2dOjhjNGSzZaRKV1ctC7hjg2Ii8zrbKMr4dmRboit_vNyEnbF6QQms1Z7mmXKyyY7l12CMi73dhT/s640/IMG_4240.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After we found dog food and mouse droppings in the air filter of the navigator, we decided to get barn cats. They were NOT going to be pets, they WEREN'T going to have names, we WEREN'T going to get attached. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKqDZl9mLH6KNVI5VQtIydFdUWADIyUNDN46E2wMg6VLmhDs3pcGTrdVhAG23CnKb6ZEvYpZUeQoKfBSU3yiW2B81YUg79mWMeoG5hTCRsul13gefehiHR4B4DrxFDr6hlN9IJR2iAkUp/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKqDZl9mLH6KNVI5VQtIydFdUWADIyUNDN46E2wMg6VLmhDs3pcGTrdVhAG23CnKb6ZEvYpZUeQoKfBSU3yiW2B81YUg79mWMeoG5hTCRsul13gefehiHR4B4DrxFDr6hlN9IJR2iAkUp/s640/IMG_4243.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Our "barn cats" live on the deck..........and the front porch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQHcXs4vcTGFTdOagOE9fJR1gKhLzhxW9k37I-eQ8e_LlcxiCObNi32D-O-3eGP1Dwv_Q3ioWN7OqtAGJdXeLO6ohxjFbd3L0soLQLFS2i8e0INi1nIaGjbSgsQtKgpeY_1agGdGzKdbK/s1600/IMG_4250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQHcXs4vcTGFTdOagOE9fJR1gKhLzhxW9k37I-eQ8e_LlcxiCObNi32D-O-3eGP1Dwv_Q3ioWN7OqtAGJdXeLO6ohxjFbd3L0soLQLFS2i8e0INi1nIaGjbSgsQtKgpeY_1agGdGzKdbK/s640/IMG_4250.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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They poop in my flower pots. They walk on the pool cover. They squeeze through cracked windows and wake me up at night. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZs-7Pl-79NHq68Eop9mwKb8EzU9GTUhpPtLeq5S-6rq7175Fg_s_WWplRhs38J1pRPjb1Vup6dcwu4B9moAwRVrfQX50rTSxdaOg4fSxmnV-wbfBS2kh9__oL8ulHmp2G863tlb_W7os/s1600/IMG_4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZs-7Pl-79NHq68Eop9mwKb8EzU9GTUhpPtLeq5S-6rq7175Fg_s_WWplRhs38J1pRPjb1Vup6dcwu4B9moAwRVrfQX50rTSxdaOg4fSxmnV-wbfBS2kh9__oL8ulHmp2G863tlb_W7os/s640/IMG_4252.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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They beg for warm milk and catnip.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVxmHZif9sKZ5zwkwXdFhXj1nqzs1vznb7zy8DBfWiFd0BnG_n8JHfePdpcnq1e_GTIhs5nWxZGA88jfLJmmqRInnpA_WPmpalSEROUM3SEjmfcA0cJwqLTjM9Uv9mlmYISyPAlQfgR_g/s1600/IMG_4258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVxmHZif9sKZ5zwkwXdFhXj1nqzs1vznb7zy8DBfWiFd0BnG_n8JHfePdpcnq1e_GTIhs5nWxZGA88jfLJmmqRInnpA_WPmpalSEROUM3SEjmfcA0cJwqLTjM9Uv9mlmYISyPAlQfgR_g/s640/IMG_4258.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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They annoy Congo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNZAWPgOG2eFSyv2su2M0od1jXACYh8-qUKaU0aUAF9ho0pw7pPL0aWLkT9b45xCJ3WyRecnmT80V2VI2oj9aNlpD49WdtkWnLhWHJYlm16Dki6ZB7kwffLfOu9vfOTUeKBvG7Pm97bnl/s1600/IMG_4259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNZAWPgOG2eFSyv2su2M0od1jXACYh8-qUKaU0aUAF9ho0pw7pPL0aWLkT9b45xCJ3WyRecnmT80V2VI2oj9aNlpD49WdtkWnLhWHJYlm16Dki6ZB7kwffLfOu9vfOTUeKBvG7Pm97bnl/s640/IMG_4259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Really????? GO FIND THE BARN!!!!!!!!!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-72925127772391712752011-10-18T11:57:00.000-07:002011-10-18T11:57:30.703-07:00Making The Paper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyK06pWGDhXyAGlV3CTsNQTpm7tHUZ3EN6Xv2wwoQtAnnNsEFpeDB3BuX7RUX-QNq2u78-wgwgPtVOVaqNcyGv1KB52WFwJuuDJmZ5mnFypsd7itdn-ZVvU9KcVL_qWttiLHlYujbMnjN/s1600/IMG_4227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyK06pWGDhXyAGlV3CTsNQTpm7tHUZ3EN6Xv2wwoQtAnnNsEFpeDB3BuX7RUX-QNq2u78-wgwgPtVOVaqNcyGv1KB52WFwJuuDJmZ5mnFypsd7itdn-ZVvU9KcVL_qWttiLHlYujbMnjN/s640/IMG_4227.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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This was on the front page of Chillicothe's local paper yesterday. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfo7gG4sySfwRlp71e8QxzLd_QYcWoZ4GbqX2f85zcJcepOVBhRG_bKMpIsaRV4UOIXusHKmkATtPl1REVidJLMoPif-De6E-uBkUqbC1GzLvKaRq55Dq-CjQ0atZxT75QjZu54YZD-Hlo/s1600/IMG_4228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfo7gG4sySfwRlp71e8QxzLd_QYcWoZ4GbqX2f85zcJcepOVBhRG_bKMpIsaRV4UOIXusHKmkATtPl1REVidJLMoPif-De6E-uBkUqbC1GzLvKaRq55Dq-CjQ0atZxT75QjZu54YZD-Hlo/s640/IMG_4228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl48VYIuY765ZY4nMh7JHUE_XkAwcSjWCZlqsCY5T5F6FTV98P-V9XALwwqR19vk2LxPoVTGTqdKy8VCZ2VKL8MSqQU6dISmDIrfP4EF0MawthDllowJHDIfsYOMdirBuWBsBA2DEnG6aU/s1600/IMG_4230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl48VYIuY765ZY4nMh7JHUE_XkAwcSjWCZlqsCY5T5F6FTV98P-V9XALwwqR19vk2LxPoVTGTqdKy8VCZ2VKL8MSqQU6dISmDIrfP4EF0MawthDllowJHDIfsYOMdirBuWBsBA2DEnG6aU/s640/IMG_4230.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I copy/pasted the article below. I highlighted the part where it spoke of Ryan. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A night of extremes for the Chillicothe High School football Hornets went heavy on the negatives, but was not devoid of plusses as the Hornets lost their fourth-straight game Friday, 56-13 to the host Maryville Spoofhounds.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The biggest negative for Chillicothe was the season-ending injury suffered in the first quarter by one of its two best players, senior Jacob Lewis. The 2-way starter sustained what CHS head coach Phil Willard said he was told was a broken leg while blocking on a kickoff return in the first quarter.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">“Jacob’s kind of our heart and soul. I just feel bad for him,” Willard said after the game, his eyes seeming to moisten as he thought about the loss of the hard-nosed, hard-working senior.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Aside from that saddening occurrence, the game saw a one yard of rushing by the Hornets on 20 carries – both apparently the third-fewest in CHS history – and Maryville's excellent offense steamroll CHS for 427 ground yards, three more than St. Joseph: Lafayette netted a week before, on 49 tries</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">“We were having good success on the line of scrimmage,” Spoofhounds head coach Chris Holt understated.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Maryville, which led 20-0 after one period and out-gained Chillicothe 351-51 in the first half, was led by fullback Cole Forney's 151 yards and five touchdowns on 14 carries. Sophomore wingback Derek Stiens gained 143 yards on 17 rushes. Both of them were well over 100 yards by halftime of the teams’ Class 3 District 16 opener.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">On the plus side for the Hornets, it displayed a heretofore-hidden passing game, completing 18 of 32 throws between sophomore new starter Tyler Clampitt and senior reserve Jake Mathew for 188 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Clampitt was 14 of 24 for 162 yards and both scores.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">“I was really pleased with the way Tyler threw the football. He saw the field pretty well,” Willard assessed.</span><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">“…It was nice to be able to at least get a couple of scores on the board through the air.”<br />Three CHS receivers – seniors Trevor Reger and Guy Vinson and sophomore Ryan Smith – topped 50 yards and senior Austin Hatfield had the most catches – six. Vinson had a 26-yard TD catch and Smith, who essentially replaced Lewis following his injury, an 18-yarder.<br />“Ryan Smith caught the ball very well,” Willard observed. “They were doubling Guy a lot of the time, so that opened up some other areas.”</span></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Chillicothe (3-5, 1-5 MEC) will have its final home game – perhaps its last ever at Jerry Litton Memorial Stadium – Friday against Cameron (2-6, 2-3 MEC), which lost to Kansas City: St. Pius X 37-12 in their Class 3 District 16 opener.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Maryville (7-1, 5-1) will travel to Kansas City: St. Pius X (5-3) for its second game of district play.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Despite the program’s rich history of highly-competitive games, especially the past 20 years, Friday’s game was anticipated to potentially become a blowout, given Maryville’s strong play all season and Chillicothe’s difficulty in sustaining a strong level of play for all four quarters. If Maryville came out playing well, there was real risk the outcome could be decided by halftime.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">When the host ’Hounds overcame a short return of the opening kickoff and 5-yard penalty on their first play to move the ball 84 yards to paydirt in nine plays, the die was cast.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Forney got the first of his five first-half touchdowns from four yards away, capping a drive highlighted by Derek Stiens’ 39-yard gallop on a third-and-5 counter play the Hornets had a chance to stop right around the first-down marker.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Starting at their own 20, the Hornets’ initial possession began well enough with two runs gaining three yards each and then righthander Clampitt rolling left to hit Reger on an “out” route for 13 yards and another set of downs.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">When Clampitt rushed a short swing pass on second down and threw wide of the intended receiver, it put Chillicothe in third and long, which they did not convert, leading to the first of six punts.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Maryville reinforced the message of its initial drive, taking over at its own 28 and inexorably sweeping down the field to score again. On simple “dive” plays, Forney had runs of 11, 29, and 11 yards before bursting up the middle for a 20-yard scoring scamper with 2:52 remaining in the opening period.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">As the Hornets tried to adjust their defense to what Maryville was doing play to play and possession, the Spoofhounds were ready with countermeasures, Holt said.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">With CHS making alignment changes late in the play clock after Maryville would set its offensive formation, the Hounds “just went high-tempo and just said we basically won’t ‘check’ (audible) anything,” the MHS coach reported. “We were just going to go as fast as we can and see if we can get them and see if we can get them off-balance, and I think that really gave them problems.”</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">After Clampitt missed a handoff and fumbled the ball away on a first-and-10 at the CHS 40, the quick-paced MHS attack took the ball to the end zone in five snaps, ending with an 11-yard Forney run. That made it 20-0 after one quarter.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-55841022355338600122011-10-14T08:36:00.000-07:002011-10-14T08:36:44.888-07:00Too Much Information!!!I'm about to share as many random things happening this week at the Smith's house as I can think of.....<br />
Here we go.............<br />
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1. I made 7 batches of puppy chow yesterday. That means 6 large boxes of Chex cereal, four bags of chocolate chips, two jars of peanut butter and four sticks of butter. All because we are playing football tonight against the Maryville Spoofhounds and puppy chow seemed appropriate. (note: I didn't know what a spoofhound was until I googled it. If I'm being honest, I'm still not quite sure.)<br />
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<a href="http://chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=45860&CategoryId=342" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtS_tMCHItMEPWBLn1hawaBfl8f8uxCT1dj0LcGwdRZJ1XF9IKVSnXinHiiFe8vBwRY-gtVQA9VDR3q3q0QbmkYKRClc_mVbXEyv7yWCYhiEFkPRRmdPfXncyAkIGxYuEjaWx4bL55tHf/s320/r45860fp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. I have had a violent case of a stomach bug that has left me with a permanent toilet ring imprint on my hiney. (too much information......sorry about that).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9Mr9V31iSz4sLKN-_YjO2jd7vkMQUxHDTzoU3iogR-RS2HJCcR__SB04f1EuHbmKDe-ndjqz-tNbyV7TUXKqTQHz44cEKKyOyavVuTtvG3mWf6Jwse1NhwrzLbWX2NAKRNc_TKOEI0VO/s1600/thumbnail-5.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9Mr9V31iSz4sLKN-_YjO2jd7vkMQUxHDTzoU3iogR-RS2HJCcR__SB04f1EuHbmKDe-ndjqz-tNbyV7TUXKqTQHz44cEKKyOyavVuTtvG3mWf6Jwse1NhwrzLbWX2NAKRNc_TKOEI0VO/s1600/thumbnail-5.aspx.jpeg" /></a></div>
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3. I made a FB account for my daughter and I haven't seen her so excited since......ummmm.....the Taylor Swift concert.<br />
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4. I have walked a beach littered with dead jellyfish and 10 ft + waves. My man was beside me and I smooched his face a couple times......that made the jelly fish go away in my mind.<br />
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5. I may have had too many cocktails in Florida. I have been told that I waved and shouted hello to every person that walked by me on the street. I may have even asked two homosexual men to be "The Uncles" of my children. But Rick has no proof of this and I'm sticking to my innocence.<br />
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6. I watched my middle son's football team win in the last few minutes of his football game. Ohhhhh, how I love watching Ian play football. I cannot even begin to describe it.......so I won't. Just trust me, it's a whole, whole, whole bunch.<br />
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7. I went to Gracie's universal breakfast on Tuesday, only to find out that it isn't until NEXT Tuesday. So, I'm an idiot! I ate breakfast with her anyway and it was a pure delight. Sometimes mistakes are awesome!!!<br />
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8. I have been ten shades of grumpy in the last three days. I feel a change of mood coming though. I feel like my bowels are going to be nicer today. (again......too much information).<br />
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9. I made my first batch of apple dumplings that I thought, were an epic failure! I also made a dinner experiment that I WILL NOT be trying again. Rick said he liked it, but I know that's only because he's afraid to say otherwise.<br />
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looked like this........</div>
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tasted like this.......</div>
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10. I am wanting to start a new "Thank You Thursday" based on a blog I enjoy from time to time. It's called <a href="http://thxthxthx.com/">http://thxthxthx.com</a> and I laugh every time I read it. So, in honor of my strange-ness, I will give you my very first "Thank You Thursday" installment on a Friday.......because, that's how I roll! <br />
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So in lieu of my week........<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Thank you lower intestine,</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>For never quite letting me forget you are there. There are many individuals who live their lives without being fully aware of you. </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>When I'm nervous..........you are there for me!</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>When I'm scared.............you are there!</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Angry........yep.....you're still there!!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Your needle-like pains jabbing through my abdomen give me the cold sweats. I'm then reminded of child-birth and the joys of motherhood. You give me gas bubbles that leave my family in complete wonder. I'm so very thankful that you begin rumbling within a 45 mile radius of my house, while praying at church, or as I lay down at night to sleep. </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Lovingly attached to you,</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Mandy</b></span></div>
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P.S. I hope I haven't scared you with my first note.<br />
Tootles friends!!!!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-23248219816900754992011-10-12T06:13:00.000-07:002011-10-12T06:13:05.545-07:00Fall Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I went for a walk in the woods last week. The same woods I went to last Fall (<a href="http://mandy-smith.blogspot.com/2010/09/on-mushroom-frenzy.html">here is the post</a>). It was the same park, same time, same season, and same trail. Yet the view couldn't have been more different. At first I was disappointed because I thoughly enjoyed looking at the moss beds and mushrooms, but I found other things this time I didn't see before. Leaves in every shade of red, orange and yellow and squirrels devouring mountains of acorns. </div>
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Happy Wednesday!</div>
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Happy Fall!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">acorns</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">apple cider</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">autumn </span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">apples</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">bonfire </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;">boots</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">leaves </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">hot cocoa</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">fog </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">sweaters</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">Halloween </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">hot tea</span></b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-46404853919996097442011-10-11T06:24:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:24:41.734-07:00Dirty Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Most days, Gus' life is uneventful. </div>
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He wakes up.....</div>
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goes potty.....</div>
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eats breakfast......</div>
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has a nap......</div>
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and then begins it all again.</div>
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He is allowed an occasional car ride, a chicken flavored bone out of his treat jar, and sometimes......sometimes, he gets a bite off my plate at dinner. </div>
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All these things are fun, however, Gus' thrill in life is when I let him out to potty......and then forget he's out there. </div>
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You see, Gus is three years old. In dog years, that makes him 25. I found an <a href="http://www.onlineconversion.com/dogyears.htm">online dog/human conversion table</a>......so it MUST be true! Often times 25 year old boys are mischievous! Since I am now <b>27</b> (ahem) and a girl, I have left those childish things behind. </div>
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Gus still has an onery streak. Forgetting him outside is like an open invitation to misbehavior. He partners in crime with his older, yet no wiser friend, Mr. T. Or T-bone as he is also known. They go on adventures....dreaming of being stars in a rock band....discovering skeletal remains of pre-historic dinosaur bones and treeing a raccoon.</div>
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Then the inevitable happens, the pond! It's forbidden, therefore, enticing!!!! It calls their names, "Gus....T-Bone.....I have water, mud, frogs and bugs"! </div>
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Then before I can make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, they are bathing knee deep in murky stinky water. The same water that houses loads of algae, worms, snakes, etc. EEEEWWWW!</div>
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When they return, Gus is muddy from his chest down. And I, his mother, get to bathe him. During the warm months, this isn't a big deal. I bring the doggie shampoo outside, suds him up and hose him off. Easy peasy! But when the weather is too cool for my pampered puppy, he gets the jetted tub. </div>
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Is Gus fond of the jetted tub? NO!</div>
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Do I care if Gus if fond of the jetted tub? NO!</div>
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Do I want to bop him in the noggin with the shampoo bottle? YES!</div>
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Now, the puppy dog look comes. Mommy, I'm sorry that I'm a mischievious 25 year old. </div>
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It's really tough being a dog you know? </div>
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Ughhhh, I forgive you Gus! Good grief!!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-54085975614383985452011-10-05T05:20:00.001-07:002011-10-05T05:20:38.444-07:00Ready to Rummmmbbllleeeee!<br />
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Ian had his first away game against Cameron last Thursday. </div>
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His team-mates take turns being Captains. This week was Ian's turn. </div>
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I'm not sure he was listening to the ref's instructions though, because of a mouthpiece malfunction.</div>
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A really, really bad mouthpiece malfunction! </div>
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Alright...alright...let's shake hands so we can tackle each other! Blah...blah...blah....yes, I will be a good sport. Yada...yada...yada......I promise not to clobber them to hard. La-Ti-Da........no I am not on a growth hormone! </div>
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Let's get ready to RUMBLE!!!!!!!</div>
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Rick always stands on the side-lines as the team doc. I always pray that he isn't needed, but it's handy having him there. It decreases my mommy instinct to run onto the field when my babies get knocked down. I tend to.......um.......overreact</div>
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Ian surprises me when he plays football. Normally, he has a comfort bubble that no one is allowed into. He's not especially fond of hugs. However, when he's on the field, the bubble pops!!!!! I love how he is staring down his opponent. Nope......no bubble there.</div>
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Then, the ball is snapped and Ian rushes across the line to make his tackle. If you had audio with these pictures, you would hear helmets clanking together and grunting. Lots of grunting!</div>
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Looks like E-man has two or three boys on this play.</div>
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I love watching you play pigskin! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-10847305935772549382011-10-01T14:05:00.000-07:002011-10-01T14:33:20.471-07:00Gracie's Dream Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Saturday Gracie went to her very first concert. We picked up her BFF first thing that morning and headed to the city. They both wanted matching outfits.....only different colors. I'm cool with that! </div>
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This little number is what they finally agreed on. The silly faces are an added assessory.</div>
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As you can see, my Aunt's dog, Taken, loves to be included.</div>
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We were one of the first people to arrive (cause we were so stinkin' excited). We needed snacks (what's a concert without pretzels, nachos, cheese popcorn and cotton candy?)</div>
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This is the stage. You cannot believe the props and lights and fireworks. Honestly, Taylor Swift isn't my favorite singer/songwriter, sorry Gracie.....but her stage was the best I had ever seen. NO QUESTION!!!</div>
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This tree was placed in the opposite end zone. That way both sides of the stadium were able to see her up close. When the lights were dimmed, they lit this bad boy up in every pastel shade that you can imagine. Even the Easter Bunny would have been impressed! She sang three songs under that tree. Of course, while there, she couldn't do a "dress change". Gracie thought that maybe she wore her favorite dress while doing that part 'cause she wore it the longest. </div>
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I thought I would include the article from the KC Star. It is better able to summarize the night with better adjectives than I'm capable of. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
CONCERT REVIEW</span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
Taylor Swift’s KC show a rush of spectacle and songs</span></h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
BY TIMOTHY FINN</span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
The Kansas City Star</span></h4>
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<a class="thickbox" href="http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2011/09/25/22/43/1nTr63.St.81.jpg" rel="storyImg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; zoom: 0;" title="Taylor Swift sang her hits — and her young audience sang along all night — at Saturday’s show at Arrowhead Stadium."><img alt="Taylor Swift sang her hits — and her young audience sang along all night — at Saturday’s show at Arrowhead Stadium." border="0" height="381" src="http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2011/09/25/22/43/1nTr63.Em.81.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 284px; zoom: 0;" width="300" /></a></div>
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SHANE KEYSER | The Kansas City Star</div>
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Taylor Swift sang her hits — and her young audience sang along all night — at Saturday’s show at Arrowhead Stadium.</div>
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<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #e5e5e5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 2px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 7px; padding-left: 7px; padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 7px; zoom: 0;"><a class="gallery has_photos" href="http://www.kansascity.com/2011/09/24/3165130/taylor-swift-at-arrowhead.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://media.kansascity.com/images/icons/camera.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; zoom: 0;">Taylor Swift at Arrowhead Stadium | Saturday, Sept. 24</a></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #e5e5e5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 2px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 7px; padding-left: 7px; padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 7px; zoom: 0;"><a class="link" href="http://mingle.kansascity.com/photos/2011/taylor-swift-concertgoers/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; zoom: 0;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Community Faces |</b> Taylor Swift concert-goers</a></li>
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The football stadium is where rock megastars go to show off their muscle and might. It’s no place for the small, the slight or the meek.</div>
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So when Taylor Swift announced that some of the dates in her Speak Now Tour would be at football stadiums, including our own Arrowhead, some of us wondered how her pop anthems, her stage personae and her somewhat infamous voice would translate.</div>
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Saturday night, we got our answer: Just fine. For more than two hours, she rained spectacle and hit songs on nearly 50,000 fans, most of them fawning teen and preteen girls with mothers in tow.</div>
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The show was a manic rush of sights and sounds: fashion/wardrobe changes, dancing (including ballet and tap), aerial feats, the usual visual treats (confetti, fireworks, flash pots) and 17 songs performed by Swift and her nine-piece band, all presented before a towering, lavish and garish stage (big red curtain, balcony, ramps, trap doors) that rivaled one or two of U2’s stadium showcases.</div>
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At times, the circus going on around her threatened to overwhelm Swift and her songs.</div>
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The stage was flanked by two large, high-definition video screens that broadcast all the action and energy to those in the upper deck of Arrowhead. It also projected close-ups of Swift singing and playing instruments (guitar, banjo, piano, ukulele).</div>
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If she was getting any vocal “help,” it wasn’t obvious. In fact, it was obvious many times, especially when the cameras zoomed in on her, that she was singing live — and more than adequately.</div>
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She would give the folks in back some personal attention about halfway through the show, when she left the main stage, skipped to the other end of the stadium and performed solo-acoustic on a satellite stage, under another prop: A glowing, lighted tree. If anything, all the skits and interludes, which made time for all the wardrobe changes, interrupted the flow of the show.</div>
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Do the math: 17 songs in two hours and 10 minutes means there were plenty of breaks.</div>
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All the gowns and glitter and dancing and props and drama skits were icing on the cupcakes, which were the songs.</div>
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The night was one long sing-along, even when she slipped into a few verses of One Republic’s “Apologize.”</div>
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She opened with “Sparks Fly” from her “Speak Now” album, which has gone triple-platinum since its release a year ago, then two more from that album: “Mine” and “Story of Us.” But it didn’t matter much which album she pulled a song from, her fans sang along with her all night.</div>
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The show was one long highlight but a few songs ignited louder responses, such as “You Belong With Me,” “Fearless” on the ukulele, “Dear John” and the closer, “Love Story.”</div>
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Swift turns 22 in December, but she still has some of the mannerisms of a girl in her teens (the skipping, the hair flinging, some facial expressions), which suit some of her material. She ended with one of her best songs, “Fifteen,” a parable about young love that seems to resonate hard with the adolescents and with the mothers who brought them.</div>
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She can probably do that song until she retires, but it will be interesting to see how she evolves, as a songwriter and stage performer, away from the teen themes that have made her so popular. I suppose she needn’t worry about that for a bit. Right now, she’s one of the biggest things in popular music, and she has the stadium show to prove it.</div>
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As an added bonus for you.......AND ME!</div>
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I carried our little point and shoot into the concert because I didn't want to lug around the big Canon. </div>
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It was already loaded with a memory card and a full battery. No prep needed, I just threw it in my purse. When I went to download the photos from our night, I found a few bonus pictures. For instance, this nice little number of Gracie's doll, Felicity.</div>
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A nice shot of Gracie's bedroom.</div>
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The contents of our fridgerator.</div>
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A stunning self-portrait</div>
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Our Boo-boo bunny who has lived in our freezer since Ryan was a toddler.</div>
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And lastly, a pyramid that Gracie made out of M&M poker chips. </div>
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All for your viewing pleasure! </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-61226832121957350222011-09-27T14:27:00.000-07:002011-09-29T06:39:43.770-07:00Brains, Heart, and Courage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Friday was Chillicothe's Homecoming. </div>
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That means much more to me than it used to. I have a high school football player now. It also means that I'm in a group called "football moms". We painted business windows with our kid names. We tied ribbons on every single car's antennae at the high school Friday morning. Approximately 8,938,924 of them. If they didn't have antennas, we tied them on the wiper blades. I came across one car that had neither wipers or an antennae. We make desserts for Thursday night team dinners. We give the boys treats for the bus ride on away games and we ride on floats during the </div>
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Homecoming parade. </div>
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Then on Friday evening.....</div>
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I planted my hiney on a stadium bleacher, alongside my hubby. Ryan usually plays in the J.V. games and we were flabbergasted when he didn't run out with them. What Rick didn't know.......what I didn't know......what Ryan didn't know until moments before, was that he was starting his first Varsity game! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Rf5vpsAvRAzn4nFGxy41nVin-qL1wyYYx34eBZIX2uPno9mk3aahScGvKdDG9cBZ_oFCHcgjauQw7ujB_q8Yc5_PxM0s-6TgBPN64gbYBOFDACkaqLFEH47cctFLM1axGQZXFMf4n5T-/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Rf5vpsAvRAzn4nFGxy41nVin-qL1wyYYx34eBZIX2uPno9mk3aahScGvKdDG9cBZ_oFCHcgjauQw7ujB_q8Yc5_PxM0s-6TgBPN64gbYBOFDACkaqLFEH47cctFLM1axGQZXFMf4n5T-/s640/IMG_0005.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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My pulse quickened.</div>
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I couldn't feel my limbs.</div>
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I started to sweat.</div>
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I thought my head might explode!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFeZX7PVF4oWX6AmWnfqphallO8Bymef0VcR_v-pOQRATSqBbljBxZiJt5oQtAqp95NIGz641vgyDmVIbMUTOXyBO9Sr0O1fxN4ijHiPCFuvWdCHOR6UvnFokCwWPbvCCFde5oizTvfoC/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFeZX7PVF4oWX6AmWnfqphallO8Bymef0VcR_v-pOQRATSqBbljBxZiJt5oQtAqp95NIGz641vgyDmVIbMUTOXyBO9Sr0O1fxN4ijHiPCFuvWdCHOR6UvnFokCwWPbvCCFde5oizTvfoC/s640/IMG_0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is my boy. You see that guy running across the field? He's my son. #84.........I am his mother!</div>
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His name was announced overhead and I sort-of remember it, but it all seems a little fuzzy now. I do recall them saying something like this.........</div>
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A sophomore, playing end...............RYAN SMITH!!!!!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14-zuM4uSE27Ag-l8ncPQ4ZjLDO_ekz8q29bHZNT-Gcowuibi8zX-2w4DKUb1ITlp45dDTkvdNHUYh8uKqzoP4K8TyMinbywc_Wo8Bn5l1j4iLYw04Zt0mn8aDDh-sP-zKzXoCxm9RrYT/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14-zuM4uSE27Ag-l8ncPQ4ZjLDO_ekz8q29bHZNT-Gcowuibi8zX-2w4DKUb1ITlp45dDTkvdNHUYh8uKqzoP4K8TyMinbywc_Wo8Bn5l1j4iLYw04Zt0mn8aDDh-sP-zKzXoCxm9RrYT/s640/IMG_0034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then the Hornets swarmed into a huddle. (you get it? <i>Swarmed</i>.......the Hornets<i> swarmed</i>. Oh forget it.)</div>
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Then the dance squad walked onto the field and did the cutest rendition of "Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead" I've ever heard. Are you noticing our Homecoming theme yet? </div>
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Then, before I could catch my breath, they were lining up on the field.</div>
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I said several quick prayers. Something about protecting him, blessing him and guiding him. Again, my brain still was not clicking on all cylinders. </div>
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I always know where my boys are on the field. Both Ryan and Ian stand at least a head taller than everyone else. So, I scan their helmets. The one that sticks up above the others is usually my kid. Even though I cannot see his number in this picture, I still know exactly where he is. It's convenient.</div>
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And that would be Ryan before 2,000 pounds of boy pounced on him.</div>
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(sure glad I prayed)</div>
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He gets his facial expressions from his father.</div>
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Half-time</div>
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Put 'em up, put 'em up! Which one of you first? I'll fight you both together if you want.</div>
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I'll fight you with one paw tied behind my back. I'll fight you standing on one foot.</div>
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I'll fight you with my eyes closed.</div>
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Ohh, pullin' an axe on me, 'eh? Sneaking up on me, 'eh?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMgOM2QLdhZCPKxSq5cLTuFHvc587pQhTnPNOd0HeWc-ZhAjrVaSOdaKld87DApswD9iak-ckhuNDNEpRTYVyyDdX8BblRYncF9pvHV-HD83SWQQeydxSQpeKnUu6supmcRBYELsvW6yN/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMgOM2QLdhZCPKxSq5cLTuFHvc587pQhTnPNOd0HeWc-ZhAjrVaSOdaKld87DApswD9iak-ckhuNDNEpRTYVyyDdX8BblRYncF9pvHV-HD83SWQQeydxSQpeKnUu6supmcRBYELsvW6yN/s640/IMG_0054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ryan, I know you don't read this blog. It embarrasses you, I'm sure. But in case you ever do, I want you to know that this was one of my proudest moments. Your dad was just as proud, if not more. We were both running on 100% adrenaline. </div>
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You are not just an amazing athlete, your a kind young man. You're smart and I simply cannot tell you how much I love you. I know that I'm impatient with you sometimes. I understand that I'm overprotective and annoying. It's just because I KNOW I will have more proud moments like this one. I also know that it won't always include a ball. </div>
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You have a heart like the Tin-man....</div>
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You have brains like the Scarecrow....</div>
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You have courage like the Lion......</div>
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and I love you.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-20656805115431502592011-09-26T07:04:00.000-07:002011-09-26T07:04:36.299-07:00Mad Science<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, hello Monday!</div>
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Seems like you were just here, doesn't it?</div>
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Last week, like many of my weeks, was a complete blur!</div>
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I've ran to and fro between practices, ball games, and the grocery store countless times. Then you throw in an inkling to organize every drawer, cabinet and storage room within a 10 acre radius, and here I sit. Ready to start it all over again. </div>
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Please don't think I'm complaining! I enjoy a busy life.</div>
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I do<b><u> not</u></b> believe the quote that says....</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Life is just a quick succession of busy nothings.” ~ Jane Austen. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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I do believe that for myself, idleness leads to boredom. I'm happiest when I'm involved with my family, my children, my husband and my friends. </div>
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You don't have to agree, that's just my way. And for me, it seems to work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFhnAvDDhyphenhyphenhRjVv5peNUtDgAnmv8JFS7eDzshcTeCH9TceZn8TC2nE7TPaKlnARY0ChoQ1SK2oAcp2500MzZdJrynWRJVyKL6IrfN1VIcBzo8rv29NtMWZFPqPldPXrGeYUpPG8PEjOK2/s1600/IMG_9912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFhnAvDDhyphenhyphenhRjVv5peNUtDgAnmv8JFS7eDzshcTeCH9TceZn8TC2nE7TPaKlnARY0ChoQ1SK2oAcp2500MzZdJrynWRJVyKL6IrfN1VIcBzo8rv29NtMWZFPqPldPXrGeYUpPG8PEjOK2/s640/IMG_9912.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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In between the aforementioned things I accomplished last week, I decorated for Halloween.</div>
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I love to "SPOOK" the house up a bit. I dangle snakes from the light fixtures and place mice on the bookshelves. I drape gauzy fabric from the furniture and pose the skeletons on mantel.</div>
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I add something new every year to our crazy collection of eerie frights. </div>
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This year I may have my new all-time favorite. Dr. Giggles, the mad-scientist. I love him for 3 reasons.</div>
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#1. He makes reference to diarrhea, and that instantly made him apart of our family.</div>
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#2. He seems more rattled than me, based on the four or five things he says.</div>
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#3. He seems misunderstood........and I always root for the underdog.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTFW2MWbuZgVYLaNxYUiU8pHDpVeOQeDhP9kPCYvS2f5F29S5_5ZrB75HwWaw3K4uH4WVRe3XcOSUOHPMjAwAcTZxryzgIsODfAwfViJn_dZ8KiZopyhC7mS4JgJu6Va6P4222s9RNroZ/s1600/IMG_9913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTFW2MWbuZgVYLaNxYUiU8pHDpVeOQeDhP9kPCYvS2f5F29S5_5ZrB75HwWaw3K4uH4WVRe3XcOSUOHPMjAwAcTZxryzgIsODfAwfViJn_dZ8KiZopyhC7mS4JgJu6Va6P4222s9RNroZ/s640/IMG_9913.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Without further ado, friends, I introduce to you, Dr. Giggles.</div>
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Dr. Giggles, I introduce you to my cyber family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIN2XSxt5H2pKsxZ89Z03f3PTDxXnw5-V75mBfacPcqU6qaT7BR1PsTEXhN20nl2ceRMhpRYtMJMDc8-_oYIp7PcGI_4dS-h2ssAFZMhjLHytg0XPBGqjwk5xwMO4CZnQ-WHuUduGutaK/s1600/IMG_9915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIN2XSxt5H2pKsxZ89Z03f3PTDxXnw5-V75mBfacPcqU6qaT7BR1PsTEXhN20nl2ceRMhpRYtMJMDc8-_oYIp7PcGI_4dS-h2ssAFZMhjLHytg0XPBGqjwk5xwMO4CZnQ-WHuUduGutaK/s640/IMG_9915.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I supplied Dr. Giggles with an assortment of chemicals and potions for his experiments and such. </div>
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Everyone knows that you cannot complete a lab experiment without deer antlers and severed fingers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT0hkFS1WsPTRXnJRMX-Q10Qo6wpwBBKzvt1wv4nlT-0yI1Hlw0O-FEFXjfQszJHt_F5az2iXTvjUI2e_GxeeQIQP4XLInRDyefywCkAfII5dPTzO_qXaHkV901uQMfX5JyjEyxMmB7ks/s1600/IMG_9917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT0hkFS1WsPTRXnJRMX-Q10Qo6wpwBBKzvt1wv4nlT-0yI1Hlw0O-FEFXjfQszJHt_F5az2iXTvjUI2e_GxeeQIQP4XLInRDyefywCkAfII5dPTzO_qXaHkV901uQMfX5JyjEyxMmB7ks/s640/IMG_9917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I combined potassium chloride and liquid ammonia to make a potent truth serum. Anyone care to join me for dinner? Mah wah hah! </div>
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(Disclaimer: I have no idea what happens when you combine potassium chloride and liquid ammonia. Do not try at home. I may.....or may not have added a wee bit of red food coloring to water and slapped a Martha Stewart halloween label on an old margarita mix bottle.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiIe4NF1_7U-bY1vDALkKk7oA2V0YxDBiiGCvCGP3VZDcXb5wFWlOaM1dxwB00m2qI8pB49u3wJ1WvZPkPAZDTYZjE7aoPNh0tdVgyqxCqwM3iC8AmLEwTWXM3Pr4qWuk1vcy_QRGSD0e/s1600/IMG_9938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiIe4NF1_7U-bY1vDALkKk7oA2V0YxDBiiGCvCGP3VZDcXb5wFWlOaM1dxwB00m2qI8pB49u3wJ1WvZPkPAZDTYZjE7aoPNh0tdVgyqxCqwM3iC8AmLEwTWXM3Pr4qWuk1vcy_QRGSD0e/s640/IMG_9938.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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These beauties on the other hand are authentic, certifiable, and bona-fide. These are old medicine bottles that Rick and I have collected for eons. Grandma and Grandpa Howe and my Aunt Pammy have helped us add the assortment over the years. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LWm9u5y2JufXoP0d2KzcvFERCJXWWzHy2x-zqh1fiKyU7WXj2oqwoTJRfuyCx-624GHvDYWI-1N7gVxJDpGKM2VXXEw8b6vTUBITD6hfXoVzRntEvIQDR0DFJWFt-8mzYtAVmLtNVkbQ/s1600/IMG_9937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LWm9u5y2JufXoP0d2KzcvFERCJXWWzHy2x-zqh1fiKyU7WXj2oqwoTJRfuyCx-624GHvDYWI-1N7gVxJDpGKM2VXXEw8b6vTUBITD6hfXoVzRntEvIQDR0DFJWFt-8mzYtAVmLtNVkbQ/s640/IMG_9937.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Rick's Granny and Grandpa Smith owned a pharmacy </div>
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When Grandpa passed, Granny had an auction and we purchased some of their old supplies. We were newly married and pinched for extra cash, so we didn't get it all. We kick ourselves for not buying it all now....but at the time, it just didn't seem practical. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQ_rx4Cawk0GoQUB02KtD5wmasg89-xueyDcLRjxBBVC90XTHDHu8MITheG4AHIalUiu2P54QiSfgZhG1jr8KNU1SYEpQQEJ0FryRArBn4RZlLLJub6S1SwErg-L9JMb5GiD_nZ8DcMZ0/s1600/IMG_9936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQ_rx4Cawk0GoQUB02KtD5wmasg89-xueyDcLRjxBBVC90XTHDHu8MITheG4AHIalUiu2P54QiSfgZhG1jr8KNU1SYEpQQEJ0FryRArBn4RZlLLJub6S1SwErg-L9JMb5GiD_nZ8DcMZ0/s640/IMG_9936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGEsKVNOrZGIiNg_2Tzde2OaMGgeJT90BQKS2ZHh99XX6mizTQ8__Pjc-9q1UP8rhIgm3VILd73GTTY1KuDZwFn_1V6IyXhyphenhyphenJCVBPIJCardwvqs9Xq2izrPCJxQ3Q0PS1m1yKOO1CJqfq/s1600/IMG_9943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGEsKVNOrZGIiNg_2Tzde2OaMGgeJT90BQKS2ZHh99XX6mizTQ8__Pjc-9q1UP8rhIgm3VILd73GTTY1KuDZwFn_1V6IyXhyphenhyphenJCVBPIJCardwvqs9Xq2izrPCJxQ3Q0PS1m1yKOO1CJqfq/s640/IMG_9943.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You may have to squint, but I am amazed at the advise this author gave pregnant women on smoking. Jeez...times have sure changed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVlz9u0VmDQ5_aoxqID-k_4zWii564k9tr2aty8Wjh2QNswaMscdw38e5Sq5OT7G69i-vFKtfYMBMbO6ZdsJVzvT4NwoI3oO4vlu5Lbe9_TEACjaaIXLH8f_HCvajTf-kj9jTYz1BJjxk/s1600/IMG_9944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVlz9u0VmDQ5_aoxqID-k_4zWii564k9tr2aty8Wjh2QNswaMscdw38e5Sq5OT7G69i-vFKtfYMBMbO6ZdsJVzvT4NwoI3oO4vlu5Lbe9_TEACjaaIXLH8f_HCvajTf-kj9jTYz1BJjxk/s640/IMG_9944.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I thought I would close with a few mad scientist images I found and a rock candy science experiment I would like to try with the kids. I'm off to mow the yard. Hopefully for the last time this year!!!!!</div>
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Happy Monday! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Wi4p_I0_of_KnEugI9VAUNBBV8WUBM3zCtiTBilPhDSfx1xhZBC5PaMPSQUvPNCEEUWAbYXhciy6KtY3wRN38S18CYSFkUgvKUvIubszh1j2VhvKNFozUFAKwY-4pqLlWPxczbfgHSHy/s1600/thumbnail-3.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Wi4p_I0_of_KnEugI9VAUNBBV8WUBM3zCtiTBilPhDSfx1xhZBC5PaMPSQUvPNCEEUWAbYXhciy6KtY3wRN38S18CYSFkUgvKUvIubszh1j2VhvKNFozUFAKwY-4pqLlWPxczbfgHSHy/s320/thumbnail-3.aspx.jpeg" width="291" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yn4-LR7HAsnPjAYI3PvJzlcBTMcRJ6S-TGm62FlIYRq4pXB4RrwvxxpkYi_y4LK2cId45V24cCr9e2LrYCGOph9bTosUK6L_1oKNaOpQmnVFc696h2cgiJfYaQx5_lCrJv9UqNZV_5Qg/s1600/thumbnail-4.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yn4-LR7HAsnPjAYI3PvJzlcBTMcRJ6S-TGm62FlIYRq4pXB4RrwvxxpkYi_y4LK2cId45V24cCr9e2LrYCGOph9bTosUK6L_1oKNaOpQmnVFc696h2cgiJfYaQx5_lCrJv9UqNZV_5Qg/s1600/thumbnail-4.aspx.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wfynNBUtyDemnb4J-cFD__0HnZ-WSedAfkt_zrLwq0k96xmCXY459RBhjyqAYLNhNkRtCiFx5jiDjNFvml0PccD7PtMBfGTjSEYCWXgJFlWSvephOEZ21pU8CyFtUnhFeAoczXRHdlth/s1600/thumbnail-5.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wfynNBUtyDemnb4J-cFD__0HnZ-WSedAfkt_zrLwq0k96xmCXY459RBhjyqAYLNhNkRtCiFx5jiDjNFvml0PccD7PtMBfGTjSEYCWXgJFlWSvephOEZ21pU8CyFtUnhFeAoczXRHdlth/s1600/thumbnail-5.aspx.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<u>Rock Candy for Kids</u></h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">Ingredients</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><div class="section clrfix ingredients" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 0.538em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; zoom: 1;">
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<li style="background-position: 0px 7px; color: #862676; float: none; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 13px/18px Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-left: -0.308em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">2 cups granulated sugar</span></li>
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Heavy cord</h2>
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<li style="background-position: 0px 7px; color: #862676; float: none; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 13px/18px Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-left: -0.308em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">1 cup water</span></li>
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Directions</h2>
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<li style="color: #862676; float: none; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.31; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"><span style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-left: -0.308em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left;">Put one cup of water into a small saucepan, pour 2 cups of granulated sugar into the water, heat the water and sugar on the stove over a medium heat, continue stirring until the sugar melts, keep adding sugar and stirring until it melts, stop adding sugar when you see that it will no longer dissolve in the water (that is until you see sugar lying on the bottom of the saucepan). Remove the pot from the stove, let the liquid cool until it is just warm.</span></li>
<li style="color: #862676; float: none; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.31; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"><span style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-left: -0.308em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left;">Pour the liquid into a clean glass jar.</span></li>
<li style="color: #862676; float: none; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.31; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"><span style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-left: -0.308em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left;">Tie one end of a piece of heavy cord around the middle of a pencil.</span></li>
<li style="color: #862676; float: none; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.31; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"><span style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-left: -0.308em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left;">Place the pencil over the top of the glass jar letting the cord fall into the liquid.</span></li>
<li style="color: #862676; float: none; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.31; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"><span style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-left: -0.308em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left;">Crystals will begin to form in a few hours The next day, remove the cord from the jar, pour the sugar liquid back into the saucepan, reheat and cool it just as you did before. Pour the liquid back into the jar and reinsert the cord with the crystals into it. More crystals will form.</span></li>
<li style="color: #862676; float: none; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.31; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"><span style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-left: -0.308em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left;">If you repeat this procedure every day the crystal candy will grow bigger and bigger.</span></li>
<li style="color: #862676; float: none; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.31; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"><span style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-left: -0.308em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left;">When it has reached a size that pleases you, snip off any excess string and enjoy.</span></li>
</ol>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-12701573558315255622011-09-19T07:26:00.000-07:002011-09-19T07:27:19.611-07:00The Big 1-0<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-NcX8wyBp7LfpxceR_hYMpvklNNY_uDjuWQoRqNNDUbwtolaAuOkLu67ylumSfFUDEIzg8En6SowYwvvxgbJWNlBimIE_JvahyphenhyphenmFVORjV2kw6oKdsWUou1gcVT-uUju4jtXMXgR7doN2/s1600/thumbnail-1.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-NcX8wyBp7LfpxceR_hYMpvklNNY_uDjuWQoRqNNDUbwtolaAuOkLu67ylumSfFUDEIzg8En6SowYwvvxgbJWNlBimIE_JvahyphenhyphenmFVORjV2kw6oKdsWUou1gcVT-uUju4jtXMXgR7doN2/s1600/thumbnail-1.aspx.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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So, I've been thinking about birthdays.</div>
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(You know, a <b>caution sign</b> should flash above my head when I start thinking). </div>
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Wouldn't it be amazing if everyone had a sign that flashed their mood above their head?</div>
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If I embarrassed my children, their sign would flash "embarrassed".</div>
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If I made my hubby mad, his would flash "ANGRY"!</div>
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If I frustrated a store clerk, it would flash (yes, you guessed it)..."frustrated".</div>
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Gosh, how easy would that be.</div>
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Oh wait! That means that when I go to church and I'm annoyed because the cat puked on the floor and no one can clean it up but me (strange how that is, huh?) The kids have fought all morning and the husband is watching ESPN while I'm trying to get myself and the monkeys ready. I was having a good hair day until I walked outside and noticed it was raining. I plaster a smile across my face because that is what everyone does when they walk into church. My flashing sign would say, <i>"#%@#-ed off beyond words and nothing the pastor says today is going to sink in because I'm having a pity party. Look at how happy all these other people are. Smiling......twinkling eyes.....and cute little cheek dimples.</i><i>" </i>(I'm going to need a very large sign).</div>
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Then I read<b> their</b> signs..........and I begin to feel better.</div>
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Whoa, I think this post was supposed to be about a birthday! </div>
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Now do you see now why I need a caution sign?</div>
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OK, I've collected my thoughts.</div>
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As I was beginning to tell you, I've been thinking about birthdays.</div>
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Namely because my sweet, little, angel, baby girl celebrated her 10th birthday last week.</div>
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Yup, she has blessed my world for a whole decade.</div>
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In some ways, I cannot remember my life without her. </div>
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Then other times, I think about the time I held her for the very first time, and it feels like yesterday.</div>
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She is my pal. My sidekick (or maybe I'm her sidekick). </div>
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Birthdays are to Gracie like peanut butter is to jelly. She thinks about her birthday. She plans her parties year round. She changes her party ideas 4,234 times throughout the year. A week before her birthday, she told me she was going to take many naps and go to bed early every night, so her birthday would get here quicker.</div>
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<i>NOTE: She just turned 10 and she is already planning her sweet 16. </i></div>
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What I'm trying to say is........for Emma Grace, birthdays are BIG! </div>
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BIG, BIG, BIG!</div>
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Gus' birthday was June 9th. He could care less! Birthdays mean nothing to him.</div>
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However, he understands that they mean a lot to Gracie, so he mustered up some extra energy and joined us for the gift opening ceremony. (If Gus had a sign above his head in this picture, it would say "BORED")</div>
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We all signed a card for her. Everyone knows (but no one admits), opening a card before a gift is semi worthless. We are all so curious about what they gift is that we hardly read the card. Anyone relate? I'm speaking the truth here, people!</div>
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Gracie did a very good job of acting like she was interested in the card. </div>
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Because she has opened many gifts in this particular shape, she pretty well knew what was inside the package. </div>
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She also told me multiple times exactly what she wanted. She marked catalogs and left them on the counter for me to see. </div>
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Please ignore that my middle child is picking his toenails off in this photo.</div>
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This is what Gracie asked for......her gazillion-th American Girl doll. She wanted this one because she has super long hair. My daughter has hair styling DVD's THAT SHE WATCHES!!! She watches YOUTUBE videos on up-do's and braiding. Most girls want headbands and bows for <i>their </i>hair.....Gracie wants them for her dolls. </div>
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Gus has just about reached the top of his patience max!</div>
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Gus doesn't need a caution sign, he has a tongue!</div>
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Gracie did not know that Rick and I purchased a gift that she didn't ask for. As a matter of fact, we purchased this gift almost 5 months ago. Maybe even longer ago than that. </div>
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The gift was four tickets to see Taylor Swift in concert. </div>
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She has never been to a concert and has never seen a concert ticket, so it took a little bit for her to figure it out. </div>
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She looked and looked. The sign above her head would say, "Confused"!</div>
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Then it clicked! She read the name on the ticket. He turned bright red, started shaking like a leaf and then had a little trouble breathing. </div>
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You see, when you ask Gracie what she wants to be when she grows up, she says, "I want to write songs for Taylor Swift". She has a karaoke machine and sings Taylor Swift all the time. She has all her CD's and knows every song like the back of her hand. </div>
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I have never seen her so excited in all my life! She called four or five people to tell them. She squealed for over an hour. She jumped up and down and ran around the house. </div>
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Aunt Pam was on speaker phone with us while Gracie opened her gifts. </div>
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Yes.....I took a picture of the phone.</div>
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The concert is this Saturday and I cannot wait to show you pictures. </div>
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Gus' sign now says, "misery". </div>
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Yes, Ian is still picking his toenails.</div>
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And yes, I put a strategically placed a sea shell on Gus because I care about you.</div>
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Happy Birthday Gracie!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766543876086549089.post-22293244633908077632011-09-13T09:10:00.000-07:002011-09-13T09:10:36.002-07:00Proud as a PeacockI wish there were a way to bottle certain feelings. Namely the feeling I had last night at Ryan's second JV football game. My heart swelled as he caught a pass (while being double covered) and ran for nearly 70 yards . Then in the fourth quarter, he caught a touchdown pass that doubled my heart rate and plastered a smile across my face. There is no other feeling like being proud of your offspring. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>#84 has his game face on</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Yup, that's Ryan, in a headlock. </b></td></tr>
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Ian is playing his first 8th grade football game and I'm hoping that I get those warm fuzzies again. You see, Ian is a little timid off the field. He's quiet and bashful. But when the ball snaps, the man/child turns into a raging buffalo. He forgets his manners and charges across that field. Boys have been known to reposition themselves so they aren't lined up against him. I'm not just saying this because he's my boy. It's a known fact. Besides, it's my blog, and I can brag if I want to! I can selectively leave out that I had to go to school yesterday to get Ian's phone because he was caught playing "Angry Birds" before school. Or that I have to run forgotten homework to them at least once a week. I can also leave out that the monkeys give me sighs and eye rolls almost daily. I may also fail to tell you that when I pick them up from practice, I have to roll down car windows and spray air freshners in the car. Teenage boys are officially in my top 10 worst smells. Therefore, if they do something that makes me happy.......darn right I'm gonna talk about it! <br />
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While I'm at it, I might as well brag about my daughter. She has finally taken interest in her grooming habits! She loves pretty clothes, high heeled shoes and assessories, but bathing has never concerned her. Until the last week!! I have added hair styling to my list of morning rituals. (please note that I STILL have not missed making breakfast once morning since school started) What started as an occasional good deed for the kids, has now become an expecatation. They now ask the night before what they will be eating the next morning. I've even had a few requests as of late. I'm afraid that I've created a breakfast monster. The days of Pop-Tarts and milk with cereal are gone. Boo-hoo!<br />
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Anyway, back to Gracie. She has been cute as a button for the last week with wavy curls and lip-gloss. I'm so proud! She is also going to turn the big 1-0 tomorrow and she made a point to tell me that she wanted that on her cake! She also said yesterday that she will be taking lots of naps and going to bed early so her birthday will get here quicker. Funny girl! She is possibly the sweetest girl on the planet. I'm never short on hugs and kisses from her. She's my little side-kick and I love her with all my heart. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865577586739240292noreply@blogger.com0