tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86736294382484152692024-02-19T03:49:51.626-08:00The Boy's Club, plus a girl!The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-78022525002014835622013-05-29T08:51:00.001-07:002013-05-29T08:51:16.280-07:00Pure Love<img height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/originals/0c/38/92/0c389279671121a3989483a284b7475e.jpg" width="250" /><br />
Found this picture on pinterest while working on a project for my primary class, and absolutely loved it! So, thought I'd share...<!--[endif]-->The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-24207826525353230882013-05-29T08:07:00.000-07:002013-05-29T08:07:14.232-07:00Jenifer Moss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many of you have asked how my friend, Jenifer, is doing in her pregnancy, and I just wanted to give you her blog, so you can see for yourself! She's up at OHSU full time now, waiting on bed rest very patiently for what is to come.<br />
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<a href="http://www.toddnjenifermoss.blogspot.com/">http://www.toddnjenifermoss.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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I took her two little girls up for a visit, partly so they could see their mom, but partly so my kids could hear this amazing woman! She's at 33 weeks, and will go into surgery next week. It will be a long surgery, with a long recovery, but I know she can do it! Anyway, keep this incredible family in your prayers! Placenta Praevia with Placenta Accreta is nothing to mess with, but either is a world full of prayers :-)<br />
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I have the privilege of watching her 2 youngest children at least one day a week, and they have blessed my family's life in more ways than one. Go Jenifer! That baby boy is one fortunate child to come into your family!<br />
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<br />The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-26972679699169163982013-05-27T14:49:00.000-07:002013-05-27T14:49:03.611-07:00Happy Memorial Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We woke up early this morning (Glenn thought for sure it was 1AM) to attend a flag ceremony and pancake breakfast put on by our church. The flag ceremony was incredible! Every scout and cub scout were up front (unfortunately it was raining, so they had it inside), and watching all these kids walk in, looking their best, representing their country, was spine-tingling. We all arose as the flag entered the room, listened to music as they marched in, all in amazing reverence as the flag moved up to the front. We all sang America the Beautiful, and a beautiful narrative began about how this day came to be, and about the different wars our country has fought to keep us, and the world free. Meanwhile, the flag was passed from scout to scout. They posted the colors, and one of our scouts, and a Veteran volunteer, played the bugle call. I really appreciated the time to think about and honor those who have fought for my freedom.<br />
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Thank you to those, including my father and father-in-law, and my nephew and 2 nieces, who have served, and are serving in our armed forces to protect my freedom, and the freedom of those around the world. I'm grateful to live in a free nation, where I can walk freely, talk freely, and raise my kids in freedom. May we all work hard to preserve our freedom, whether in the military or not. We are "one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL."<br />
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Happy Memorial Day Everyone!The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-8225830489289307682013-05-24T12:24:00.001-07:002013-05-24T12:28:43.732-07:00Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been teaching a high school biology class about plants. This week, I brought a variety of flowers for the kids to identify plant parts, and then dissect different parts and analyze under a microscope. I fell in love with flowers again. They truly are so unique and beautiful, especially this time of year.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCTBGWwYEp8LcoQ4Htm9xcgetrj0QqptsYeWBpRRUchnvU7Qw7oeyphyTgxFxfB4fpMlvKK0NlqSja05TwQpLpUzCdgZvEeaIAVjkpKzCmRRWyaztdTOOYBCZbVY7UtwVlsgVwNq6fZcK/s1600/IMG_2676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCTBGWwYEp8LcoQ4Htm9xcgetrj0QqptsYeWBpRRUchnvU7Qw7oeyphyTgxFxfB4fpMlvKK0NlqSja05TwQpLpUzCdgZvEeaIAVjkpKzCmRRWyaztdTOOYBCZbVY7UtwVlsgVwNq6fZcK/s1600/IMG_2676.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Each plant brings a different smell, color, or shape that makes a bouquet special.<br />
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Even the goofy flowers, like my goofy Alex, make the bouquet special<br />
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Tiger Lilly's are gorgeous for it's pronounced features, and amazing auroma! I could smell those all day!<br />
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I love these flowers that come from a bush in my back yard. They make beautiful clusters, and mixed with the deep rich leaves, makes it so visually appealing.<br />
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The Yellow Poppy's are illegal to pick in CA! I had no idea. They are beautiful flowers, and always remind me of the Wizard of Oz</div>
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Daisies are amazing, because they are composite flowers, and the petals are actually ray flowers. And the yellow disc is actually a cluster of flowers!<br />
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The bearded-iris is beautiful, and has a unique beard that attracts all sorts of insects.<br />
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The rose is always a rose. So beautiful. And I think of Grandma Brown.<br />
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These flowers come as a bunch of tiny flowers clustered together on a branch. They don't smell, but they are spectacular as a bush, covered in thousands of these!<br />
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Fuchsia's are just unique the way they hang down, and such a vibrant color. Gorgeous.<br />
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Each of us is a flower in a grand bouquet of flowers. Some of us take a while to bloom :-) But we all have something beautiful about us!The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-42440340817269996022013-05-23T22:25:00.000-07:002013-05-23T22:25:42.680-07:00Starting the Blog... Again :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IrpmhKWaUoNdQ5n8wOd3DV46bTOL4kFt4d-4NKzPwNtRWnoE7w0L0d1NbcvxNmDJImYl4MYEI4ngKuH3VJ4VaAlnHG0Jht4ayZS2E_9-uVpb4gfV6_d7LkMEo_qJZ6e96DhPr_d30wBj/s1600/20121217_130841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IrpmhKWaUoNdQ5n8wOd3DV46bTOL4kFt4d-4NKzPwNtRWnoE7w0L0d1NbcvxNmDJImYl4MYEI4ngKuH3VJ4VaAlnHG0Jht4ayZS2E_9-uVpb4gfV6_d7LkMEo_qJZ6e96DhPr_d30wBj/s320/20121217_130841.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am the mother of 4 kids...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih7y6chwHKswsOF0KgLvW6SvPq4SfHxS5mmcZm0TjOqchsmXw-gR1RFEbtDloG7j6zEZEbharBtpG17Aq7Dge7Iny1t0heGEjArC8GxteIhdHdscUYvmMgvNu_nz7_NzJTeUm27xrqWRq/s1600/20121217_131149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih7y6chwHKswsOF0KgLvW6SvPq4SfHxS5mmcZm0TjOqchsmXw-gR1RFEbtDloG7j6zEZEbharBtpG17Aq7Dge7Iny1t0heGEjArC8GxteIhdHdscUYvmMgvNu_nz7_NzJTeUm27xrqWRq/s320/20121217_131149.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 feet...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGjVF_DV5D57wf4LM36sVjMCHZEExZjAix2YYB-gfiEwmza0QuyFfVF6PrfHumYD0Sm9xAWs6AbfB4ysEEruXxO0KMYLwljT-8CvqX0BKej0FrGSUNGlT8QN1ibziVnLFz6oSwwZXPIX8/s1600/20121217_131017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGjVF_DV5D57wf4LM36sVjMCHZEExZjAix2YYB-gfiEwmza0QuyFfVF6PrfHumYD0Sm9xAWs6AbfB4ysEEruXxO0KMYLwljT-8CvqX0BKej0FrGSUNGlT8QN1ibziVnLFz6oSwwZXPIX8/s320/20121217_131017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">40 toes. And so far we haven't lost a single toe!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love watching my kids create together...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGBKAHGW0qQxIF8JzqhhUNXU1IeMQwGlVfGdJXt3hTuwhDVf-52jU1W3L9TP3ITFjiIk-14QwsqzzvM3qQvdnyPXNzngQvIJfjw5HCri2fqUbTjWbU6ZmsN7fjN6496zmr3AWhyphenhyphenZ4ys-r/s1600/20130315_141233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGBKAHGW0qQxIF8JzqhhUNXU1IeMQwGlVfGdJXt3hTuwhDVf-52jU1W3L9TP3ITFjiIk-14QwsqzzvM3qQvdnyPXNzngQvIJfjw5HCri2fqUbTjWbU6ZmsN7fjN6496zmr3AWhyphenhyphenZ4ys-r/s320/20130315_141233.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love watching my kids work together...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XO0N6wXlz_4CIqavr1wUH9OssfNLzt5QArKKtGSBbOmyrJvOzilO574alWF9lgV-nOkqqIGtIOB0i9Yb1yyG20jlizAtjb5Zf28S4nD4ZCocS2LA9BHM_SxtUeOaPDDzVrTqwOAz28eX/s1600/20121110_104947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XO0N6wXlz_4CIqavr1wUH9OssfNLzt5QArKKtGSBbOmyrJvOzilO574alWF9lgV-nOkqqIGtIOB0i9Yb1yyG20jlizAtjb5Zf28S4nD4ZCocS2LA9BHM_SxtUeOaPDDzVrTqwOAz28eX/s320/20121110_104947.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love watching them play together...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJa-V1FJ6Q9QriFXHBPZ7kAbOOfowv0pHOyhP2LOw9Re_w8oiNyp69YexKUfqUpWsnRPqs-hYy3mJzJADC44L5J6L3BDSO0vFvPdSMK8i8_bXKR9WqCb_w2H8EEcqFHOYwkhAmmQOP-PST/s1600/20121121_104123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJa-V1FJ6Q9QriFXHBPZ7kAbOOfowv0pHOyhP2LOw9Re_w8oiNyp69YexKUfqUpWsnRPqs-hYy3mJzJADC44L5J6L3BDSO0vFvPdSMK8i8_bXKR9WqCb_w2H8EEcqFHOYwkhAmmQOP-PST/s320/20121121_104123.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and I love watching them work on projects together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love my kids, and am grateful the Lord has entrusted me with them. Today I want to remember how much they mean to me, how important they are to the Lord, and how blessed I am to be able to be their mentor in life.The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-58720489508295055712011-04-25T13:26:00.001-07:002013-05-23T21:30:43.723-07:00Hoppy Easter<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CIEvuwDk8L8wmZRcJHb0KqHLjfxhyphenhyphen2Y5nZwpOVb3l7vMl-QOj5fazvSvpQfoQywpG-d8jCIZpql7BO7_wtN7Srm6gnCbQMQOlXENvQkbxVPUcXu4fXxPDIApaB9Zi91gdxaTjYY88wZ6/s1600/IMG_0766.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599626604957555538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CIEvuwDk8L8wmZRcJHb0KqHLjfxhyphenhyphen2Y5nZwpOVb3l7vMl-QOj5fazvSvpQfoQywpG-d8jCIZpql7BO7_wtN7Srm6gnCbQMQOlXENvQkbxVPUcXu4fXxPDIApaB9Zi91gdxaTjYY88wZ6/s320/IMG_0766.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Our Easter activities started last week, when we had some leftover frosting.... James made cupcakes all on his own, and the kids went to town! We didn't have cupcakes with frosting. When Ellie had the frosting, she made frosting with a little bit of cupcake. Everyone had a wonderful time! It felt so good to have Easter colors around!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNH3kMMZFacLGfymjtTuKjmWogtntDcs6keANWyppBYPYOsdgTdAcoFqaqx_2Ctc9pUEOf4JJdDf53vGehQGucBC9accJUOH7EZ0bMrfXdcjmH5U4CklxL86l3-xK1UQd1sVsEPIyQOio/s1600/IMG_0768.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599626593791553138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNH3kMMZFacLGfymjtTuKjmWogtntDcs6keANWyppBYPYOsdgTdAcoFqaqx_2Ctc9pUEOf4JJdDf53vGehQGucBC9accJUOH7EZ0bMrfXdcjmH5U4CklxL86l3-xK1UQd1sVsEPIyQOio/s320/IMG_0768.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqAY6fbpj4jNkVzeOZRfHZvCg2jH4SnrAlb2mrkC87vNIpS3tqjHrt2OZTdKKzHhyEweCNNsvLLXVseWC4kfe_GmCs3BEep-JKedQsNcMF5ZSBbjZLUNhcFAjT_cEU-edbWqxDeilwM8P/s320/IMG_0770.jpg" /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxqP6Rr6dJ81byJZwPeaBdpksOIauEoM0JRuQ8XlSyf2Qlu-vKiqspEmE9iOVgKXRMeKTNi0ROiy9xWps2PdDrGPK1uKfwe0UIW5LT4dp3Vm2icirxBHjJvccrAqRXU7k5MQL-baYE61Q/s1600/IMG_0772.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599626590079289058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxqP6Rr6dJ81byJZwPeaBdpksOIauEoM0JRuQ8XlSyf2Qlu-vKiqspEmE9iOVgKXRMeKTNi0ROiy9xWps2PdDrGPK1uKfwe0UIW5LT4dp3Vm2icirxBHjJvccrAqRXU7k5MQL-baYE61Q/s320/IMG_0772.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Next, on our Easter Activities, was dessert for Easter dinner. I had been given these egg shaped jello molds, so I wanted to use those! Off we went. Hmmmm... what could we do with those eggs to make the dessert for fun? Well, after searching with the kids on the Internet, we had it. The boys love origami, so we decided on a bird theme! We made a nest with Tiger Butter and Chow Mien noodles which was fabulous! And certainly a dessert on it's own! And Ellie and Glenn LOVED forming that nest! But, I was bound to get those eggs in there! So, we put a little wax paper in the middle, and put our jello eggs inside, while James went to town on making origami cranes to sit next to its nest. It was quite the interesting dessert to say the least! The kids loved the eggs, but I personally will not make those eggs again. They all split in the middle when I opened up the mold. It was frustrating. But, we stacked them together, and made do. We had multicolored eggs (Alex's favorite... of course), and just plain orange. The tiger butter was my favorite... of course! Who wouldn't love white and milk chocolate mixed with peanut butter!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb8AnDwrEBPpqnOuKDlI1MOyFxjyQ1keXSPppu8wibpb4ivG8aak964V9Y9Qs5hAMXWBo8G3W1tq6EswZNCgHXiKbLoz0VSa89gtZWJY4d_n2ia-uwgn95LSIOfv2axuDwctx4TAyCykk/s1600/IMG_0818.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599625803953982594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb8AnDwrEBPpqnOuKDlI1MOyFxjyQ1keXSPppu8wibpb4ivG8aak964V9Y9Qs5hAMXWBo8G3W1tq6EswZNCgHXiKbLoz0VSa89gtZWJY4d_n2ia-uwgn95LSIOfv2axuDwctx4TAyCykk/s320/IMG_0818.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDbfeTxMoXeSkgg-HZcC__cU-vbvdn76ImFxh2cxEIbeLTAsZ9GQzG4mnnaYRpCK4YevzN2VwnevK_Fd1YPPL9u6eA5MYHp7QhiCYotkNsd3dvSanBakzxaE8QKd88fhFq-yLFGyAWuiD/s1600/IMG_0821.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599625802509739090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDbfeTxMoXeSkgg-HZcC__cU-vbvdn76ImFxh2cxEIbeLTAsZ9GQzG4mnnaYRpCK4YevzN2VwnevK_Fd1YPPL9u6eA5MYHp7QhiCYotkNsd3dvSanBakzxaE8QKd88fhFq-yLFGyAWuiD/s320/IMG_0821.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUPHh5g7wu0Mu16me32jpDYPC4jPjS7nLgmy0RZaNDO_zHgHfOCLlLbdsvwvnQ1TZaALQlAcHnhwTzlpuwWkoNoYalIn8XJEfx55lc3U5sdHtSF6NpsxWbD_CXltFyxBwwv6z1DrMrRkK/s1600/IMG_0827.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599625792907845090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUPHh5g7wu0Mu16me32jpDYPC4jPjS7nLgmy0RZaNDO_zHgHfOCLlLbdsvwvnQ1TZaALQlAcHnhwTzlpuwWkoNoYalIn8XJEfx55lc3U5sdHtSF6NpsxWbD_CXltFyxBwwv6z1DrMrRkK/s320/IMG_0827.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Next, were the Easter eggs. Hmmmm... Well, I was busy making hot cross buns, and let's just say I was a little distracted! When Glenn dropped an egg that he had colored, and it cracked open with a runny yolk inside, I realized that I had forgotten to boil the eggs! Yeah, well, it was only after they colored 18 eggs! Good thing we had plenty of eggs! I quickly boiled up another batch, and all the kids had a great time coloring the eggs, and adding stickers, and crayoning in star wars people and names. Great fun!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcr5XvFHeRv1LYJ1ZVxwkoS_2lrFyKWSZud2ipsyxGyn0zRnv-96MAn7muBT0QJITQXIguPKOsuoAJRuWtjhyphenhyphenR2Jubai-a8tNpzseuGy9XIUco_s1xvDhN7CT0kpzRRPBUp0Fnm79njACx/s1600/IMG_0790.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599623754395637298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcr5XvFHeRv1LYJ1ZVxwkoS_2lrFyKWSZud2ipsyxGyn0zRnv-96MAn7muBT0QJITQXIguPKOsuoAJRuWtjhyphenhyphenR2Jubai-a8tNpzseuGy9XIUco_s1xvDhN7CT0kpzRRPBUp0Fnm79njACx/s320/IMG_0790.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Last, came the table decorations. James loves to do origami, and wanted to do something other than cranes. So, we looked up info on the Internet, and was lucky to find a site with Easter origami, and had a side link to Star Wars Origami!!!! Ok, James just about flipped out! The kids are supposed to do a service project daily... something simple, even like making your brother's bed. But James kept scheming up ways to make Star Wars origami during the school day..."can I use it as a service project, if I make an A-wing fighter for Alex?" Yeah, it was hilarious. Anyway, we also found instructions for baskets, and bunnies. James was happily at work to make a basket and bunny for everyone. Alex and Glenn made eggs to go inside, and I was scheming a way to get my Cadberry Eggs for the season... "Oh, James! If you make the baskets, I can get a Cadberry Egg to put inside each one!" James then wants to know what is a Cadberry egg. WHAT???? On Easter, when he tried one, James says to me, "I can't believe you've never let me have one of these before in my life?!" I was surprised he'd never had one either. Now, he's hooked!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiYBL_YApGjD05OL8h2rwTdBMsXp7kZjlVCjvpwUbHpL4O7-s8FKq_0WM2H2G8YxXzXEnPN0gcnLY3bxAFygsCFRImJGT0caXBGCQalstqMohwnQrjS32iWsXoV5rhsSawHKxQ7x3uwXl/s1600/IMG_0792.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599623747835848738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiYBL_YApGjD05OL8h2rwTdBMsXp7kZjlVCjvpwUbHpL4O7-s8FKq_0WM2H2G8YxXzXEnPN0gcnLY3bxAFygsCFRImJGT0caXBGCQalstqMohwnQrjS32iWsXoV5rhsSawHKxQ7x3uwXl/s320/IMG_0792.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx0zy8wG16aQ_u94oNDuReBABmnDm6reJU-tnuJjeftUVM0wbaxceS3kMScVd_iqCCNDqIMs0w_yQMqL3LHk_Ed4WtDWYtc2bGph9ORfCF9HRGiFdqP-Ao0w577-puQW50XC1D_y4nbvN/s1600/IMG_0793.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599623743571529858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx0zy8wG16aQ_u94oNDuReBABmnDm6reJU-tnuJjeftUVM0wbaxceS3kMScVd_iqCCNDqIMs0w_yQMqL3LHk_Ed4WtDWYtc2bGph9ORfCF9HRGiFdqP-Ao0w577-puQW50XC1D_y4nbvN/s320/IMG_0793.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgzqlBdbRR4PuzTK-N6uiFh3QEJpRFdLb89m8vO3plD8ohP2R7lahzRm22yNqKBWE88Z_8evxGcOECVnAUTw839leQwT428tavsTt2lsgOhLfyLKgOkv93esgNO_ABURFlOMUAn88Bwka/s1600/IMG_0796.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599623739298749170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgzqlBdbRR4PuzTK-N6uiFh3QEJpRFdLb89m8vO3plD8ohP2R7lahzRm22yNqKBWE88Z_8evxGcOECVnAUTw839leQwT428tavsTt2lsgOhLfyLKgOkv93esgNO_ABURFlOMUAn88Bwka/s320/IMG_0796.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkXJ0rs0YnzgD-s06_Hh91eoYUAcvU9ssvi2pptZ-_RT77Eknmfva5XrFjzBD2UfpmnjrKeuPnsUqR3NTs5Slntg_fo0iQDkgcIETzx9t12kGJUI2kTRJ4YOgVGhiBN7xuMbGNDgHCCOV/s1600/IMG_0810.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599622805543195282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkXJ0rs0YnzgD-s06_Hh91eoYUAcvU9ssvi2pptZ-_RT77Eknmfva5XrFjzBD2UfpmnjrKeuPnsUqR3NTs5Slntg_fo0iQDkgcIETzx9t12kGJUI2kTRJ4YOgVGhiBN7xuMbGNDgHCCOV/s320/IMG_0810.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>Easter weekend was a beautiful weekend! Sunday wasn't so great, but Saturday was beautiful! And we had no baseball! So, we went to work in the yard! I had gotten a compost bin last year, and we finally had the time, energy, and a son, to work on it! James loves to put things together, and the bigger the task, the happier he is. This assembly required power tools, and he was anxious to start! So, I gave him the box, and he took it from there. He asked for help holding things once in a while, and I checked in on him to make sure he was doing it right, but he certainly was! And did I mention he loved the power tools!? He had to drill, then screw... and he loved changing the ends! Yeah, hilarious. Can't wait to remind of that when he has to build a playset for his own kids!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_emfZlKt3hxdynRw89zJMDfFOfEiHlimNBma0R0CdzBDpYj8j63G_GUlFp0EAgSq7eDY4nXAWt8xsql0iIKRPtaqJHaeeG_xV9TUj5K63K7pT9b5Gb-3pK0TVu2STiBbJWgSkc_H2PWH/s1600/IMG_0816.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599622802808113122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_emfZlKt3hxdynRw89zJMDfFOfEiHlimNBma0R0CdzBDpYj8j63G_GUlFp0EAgSq7eDY4nXAWt8xsql0iIKRPtaqJHaeeG_xV9TUj5K63K7pT9b5Gb-3pK0TVu2STiBbJWgSkc_H2PWH/s320/IMG_0816.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDaO0xKDRKtN32OMkUUA3dPO85cvCuNNXmOm7YwpuemobiyLvTVG90MYCLNxiWqv1ZUcAtB_QBZiXgWfQxOayOqAUJZRr3ridvY1-TpA4M2cJeAVJiB_tVNAPXLIfQe1GH8dmJB4kdSDh/s1600/IMG_0828.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599622793144245906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDaO0xKDRKtN32OMkUUA3dPO85cvCuNNXmOm7YwpuemobiyLvTVG90MYCLNxiWqv1ZUcAtB_QBZiXgWfQxOayOqAUJZRr3ridvY1-TpA4M2cJeAVJiB_tVNAPXLIfQe1GH8dmJB4kdSDh/s320/IMG_0828.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>But, he did it, and did a fantastic job! We already put some grass clippings in... life is good.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKBRYc16u8SHrpEt7qDqsuwYQ31PstpSjWyj8QvVbTj9Tj7A4RFyyuAE1VrmgaG5D8Z5JHQibkpnz4Dn9SGtlaQHmnmkUZAR4NeDuo6RcMiiwCEMwKm5m_lMEUef0A4ttjjOF8Npe-h0s/s1600/IMG_0811.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599622788351279922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKBRYc16u8SHrpEt7qDqsuwYQ31PstpSjWyj8QvVbTj9Tj7A4RFyyuAE1VrmgaG5D8Z5JHQibkpnz4Dn9SGtlaQHmnmkUZAR4NeDuo6RcMiiwCEMwKm5m_lMEUef0A4ttjjOF8Npe-h0s/s320/IMG_0811.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>While he was working on the compost bin, I had to fix our lawn mower. The pull string was literally on it's last string... it was hanging in one spot by one thread. So, my mother-in-law, who is very creative and handy, came to mind, as I decided to take a needle and thread and sew the two thick spots of chord together with skinny rope. Then I taped it close, and it did pull, so it should hold at least for a little while. James is almost 10 now, and any big person job he gets, he's quite excited about. Mowing the lawn is one of them! He LOVES it, and can't wait to do it again. And by the way, the clippings can go in the compost bin which spins... what can be more exciting than that?!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DWqA6CYH8TGLpcu7t_hJrfrRm8OaMAAtWvvAFq5Wf9I-IaJQtRP4T1B4f3wFA7fPMXqWIadB2G-0iYwYSIJN4e9GxyRwy9gaOrBDGyBZpIEs49y2a0NfNlV-Z5k-9EeYW-y6lD1KsYAV/s1600/IMG_0814.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599622787091788418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DWqA6CYH8TGLpcu7t_hJrfrRm8OaMAAtWvvAFq5Wf9I-IaJQtRP4T1B4f3wFA7fPMXqWIadB2G-0iYwYSIJN4e9GxyRwy9gaOrBDGyBZpIEs49y2a0NfNlV-Z5k-9EeYW-y6lD1KsYAV/s320/IMG_0814.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZYj0f-omP67oxAqtWLh2QeWeX362gij1h-cXViWYqkxbG3dTUNxiA6tFHf3CRNj8grZxdgS09U01Fe6_0KJL0V3rmcBDptg0MN6U4RqHTM-HbME-HHJKo1TjsxshPe_cXV_Z9xmwOL-c/s1600/IMG_0799.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599621323906748738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZYj0f-omP67oxAqtWLh2QeWeX362gij1h-cXViWYqkxbG3dTUNxiA6tFHf3CRNj8grZxdgS09U01Fe6_0KJL0V3rmcBDptg0MN6U4RqHTM-HbME-HHJKo1TjsxshPe_cXV_Z9xmwOL-c/s320/IMG_0799.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>Ellie wanted to make sure to get in on the nice day, too. She had a play date with her dolls. She zipped them up nice and warm in her coat to go outside, for a fantastic swing! She talked to them the entire time, making sure they were happy!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyUDLTP-Adz91kU57wI1iYgIvjf5n9kS97gQpueHp7Rkz0NBsIebz7MSslzUGTfvROAT2Pe326w2-qAEASx2vTrvpyu-C8sbRhZjx8CsfkQ7monMpAU0_MqIJcBxcEHF02sWchMqFnza0/s1600/IMG_0797.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599621320658139826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyUDLTP-Adz91kU57wI1iYgIvjf5n9kS97gQpueHp7Rkz0NBsIebz7MSslzUGTfvROAT2Pe326w2-qAEASx2vTrvpyu-C8sbRhZjx8CsfkQ7monMpAU0_MqIJcBxcEHF02sWchMqFnza0/s320/IMG_0797.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgwMza89DHy-o5CXgVpKMyJLh6kzgKSUBH8kiAucLaMtj0-nDabynAaB8DvPg3ro4drw79xlsGlUmlmJ6lHjwTcqd-c0HY2_x1oU7WU6QwzmvW5UeuhL0VzLvYcXmgl8d7baBH1rN2rrD/s1600/IMG_0802.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599621309579229650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgwMza89DHy-o5CXgVpKMyJLh6kzgKSUBH8kiAucLaMtj0-nDabynAaB8DvPg3ro4drw79xlsGlUmlmJ6lHjwTcqd-c0HY2_x1oU7WU6QwzmvW5UeuhL0VzLvYcXmgl8d7baBH1rN2rrD/s320/IMG_0802.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Glenn has become a member of the split club at karate, now. Yep, he's all the way down. It just looks painful! But, he's excited that he can do it!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSh2z6BridewC6Jppg0Ku0N8S_BvjsLsoW8qUzSW7mBFI1lZ0s8ZH9pLoU-rjFrFVVsWCbBATPiMb20mrCCRbCbh4lBu5vmQc9r-J2zswhFUQAelP7MUj7IpSlSXICVhudvmAZzAqKVEz/s1600/IMG_0804.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599621302868966162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSh2z6BridewC6Jppg0Ku0N8S_BvjsLsoW8qUzSW7mBFI1lZ0s8ZH9pLoU-rjFrFVVsWCbBATPiMb20mrCCRbCbh4lBu5vmQc9r-J2zswhFUQAelP7MUj7IpSlSXICVhudvmAZzAqKVEz/s320/IMG_0804.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>And of course, Ellie can't be outdone. She's also very flexible, and can do the splits too. It's amazing!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptE4n6nkca4ubwa_2Q3c24jTTCqkEWPh1iVd72CltvRO7obJ8O6QuWVLMw8hZyInq0qnc4DPWoJuzFNDs7qCKqlfkQWMSOk3NRbSONywybOZ_DmWydQ1vxkFy-zL8pppCFssIhb8vMrgI/s1600/IMG_0806.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599621300671067218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptE4n6nkca4ubwa_2Q3c24jTTCqkEWPh1iVd72CltvRO7obJ8O6QuWVLMw8hZyInq0qnc4DPWoJuzFNDs7qCKqlfkQWMSOk3NRbSONywybOZ_DmWydQ1vxkFy-zL8pppCFssIhb8vMrgI/s320/IMG_0806.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>Then there is Alex, who is NOT flexible, and tries to do the splits, and just cries cause he's not even close! So, we made up the horse stance club, and he's happy he's a part of that. For now.<br />
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Well, unfortunately we didn't actually get any pictures of Easter. But, we all enjoyed our time with the Dye's, despite my mishaps that day of having shoes completely come apart on me, sweet potatoes spilling over in the car, and getting frosting on my shirt... fun fun fun! It was still a wonderful day, and I'm glad we could be together as a family, and remember Christ's sacrifice for us. I'm so grateful for that, so we all can be together again with our families up in heaven!</div>
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Happy Easter Everyone!</div>
The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-71139225869218132842011-04-19T09:14:00.000-07:002011-04-21T09:46:16.323-07:00Baseball has begun!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0aOVHDk1Dtxbm8MV-b35iFLkFrutLWqabyAtdYpjHGJ2Z-C8wZv548COe1wnnm5ccFkTcrLkg_m55cW6-LIM5m1OqFEqWNtAcmspfoBd1znie882iNBOmdduRhRFU1kepT5ZBHh0k8u3/s1600/IMG00633.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0aOVHDk1Dtxbm8MV-b35iFLkFrutLWqabyAtdYpjHGJ2Z-C8wZv548COe1wnnm5ccFkTcrLkg_m55cW6-LIM5m1OqFEqWNtAcmspfoBd1znie882iNBOmdduRhRFU1kepT5ZBHh0k8u3/s320/IMG00633.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597336668824258770" /></a></div>It's baseball season, and boy does it tucker us all out! Those days where the weather is perfect, and we all get out to the field to practice catching and hitting, are few and far between right now, but our favorite moments as a family. All the kids love to play catch, and when Papa's home, the weather is nice, our family is gone to the fields to play! We are hoping these days will start to be more frequent! Until then, we do toughen up in the cold and rain, too. At least it's not snow, right? :-) But, after a long afternoon/evening of either practice or games, we all feel like Ellie! She's just lucky enough to be allowed to nap!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MwKOrzW55FUvsJKreGdTZtBp7bAFuzxCVbChUoGjpNP6Ecac_wkGXYRuiitQjd2PhY0rlPSx9tAskSDqCN-kuN1qGlu-AuvF1jC5PJrW58o9Oex9qXkMSvgEiK-x8v4vw70MHas9-_8h/s1600/Glenn+baseball+picture.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MwKOrzW55FUvsJKreGdTZtBp7bAFuzxCVbChUoGjpNP6Ecac_wkGXYRuiitQjd2PhY0rlPSx9tAskSDqCN-kuN1qGlu-AuvF1jC5PJrW58o9Oex9qXkMSvgEiK-x8v4vw70MHas9-_8h/s320/Glenn+baseball+picture.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597334685576807074" /></a>Glenn, is a serious player. If you looked at his team picture, every one of the kids are smiling and having a good time, and Glenn... has his baseball face on. Glenn's coach... the best of all coaches... is fun, hilarious, and has such a good time with the kids! But he's also trained the kids to give them their baseball face... the serious one. Now, most of the kids give it, and then they all laugh and giggle. Not Glenn. He gives his face, and keeps it :-) Good ol' Glenn!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7FTjLl7jToPsHnh6FZoS6NA_d-3sFjvyzrn36rYkMwnANB4wAe0IoI18bFzMR5ldg_RtUQqRPPu1ZSh7Bjbao1vZRpg0IZe4CiZZnhUQFTC3HQXob1LLXJQS8EXQIBEWR-rseEf1OBcy/s1600/James+Baseball+Picture.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7FTjLl7jToPsHnh6FZoS6NA_d-3sFjvyzrn36rYkMwnANB4wAe0IoI18bFzMR5ldg_RtUQqRPPu1ZSh7Bjbao1vZRpg0IZe4CiZZnhUQFTC3HQXob1LLXJQS8EXQIBEWR-rseEf1OBcy/s320/James+Baseball+Picture.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597334672534254818" /></a>Then there is our happy go-lucky James. He's always smiling, especially when he's pitching, just got a base hit, or just got someone out! Then he's grinning from ear to ear! And he's definitely the first to congratulate someone else when they've just done something spectacular, or even mediocre! And if they mess up, he still has a smile on his face, and tells them they'll get it next time. He's the kid that doesn't get upset. He's smiling and happy whether they are winning or losing. He just loves the game!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_jByvecBQejLMt8MBOrinTI8D3aS0dl7EcC6pzbRATkgBfcrMHBsS146PqQ_hdf2wQrLip9_FFCAmBXqnIMYIzHBY07prWYF3lRuJNlqREo8uRIrnZntKTfS0ABHNricVcmnjbHuXwdM/s1600/IMG00644.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_jByvecBQejLMt8MBOrinTI8D3aS0dl7EcC6pzbRATkgBfcrMHBsS146PqQ_hdf2wQrLip9_FFCAmBXqnIMYIzHBY07prWYF3lRuJNlqREo8uRIrnZntKTfS0ABHNricVcmnjbHuXwdM/s320/IMG00644.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597334663219450418" /></a>This is James on second base, getting ready to steal! Ok... so they don't steal yet... but the kids sure are ready to try!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEZkCODR8tKXdPJTUkMIu3ON0G4Sz1MXyrxoe3sDc-lkgIH1N7sb97hWwgK-zTVrKYYmjyuJdIa1SrqtMpEF8215s48IIXRjpHZ_WZors7ekB9EJxJsD5QtQQaC-rvI6z0U3roVVJss-3/s1600/IMG00642.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEZkCODR8tKXdPJTUkMIu3ON0G4Sz1MXyrxoe3sDc-lkgIH1N7sb97hWwgK-zTVrKYYmjyuJdIa1SrqtMpEF8215s48IIXRjpHZ_WZors7ekB9EJxJsD5QtQQaC-rvI6z0U3roVVJss-3/s1600/IMG00642.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEZkCODR8tKXdPJTUkMIu3ON0G4Sz1MXyrxoe3sDc-lkgIH1N7sb97hWwgK-zTVrKYYmjyuJdIa1SrqtMpEF8215s48IIXRjpHZ_WZors7ekB9EJxJsD5QtQQaC-rvI6z0U3roVVJss-3/s320/IMG00642.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597334653034247650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The tricky thing about baseball, is that it is exactly at dinner time. So, we have to get creative! Lots of sandwiches, and cut up fruit and veggies. The first game, I brought strawberries, and they were gone by the next time I turned around! They were a roaring success!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf2-KNraHXXr2XKsOl2MdFByTU8tip7DHxf4hypbmaY-icRjb7QUnWvlXWgFb0IDwOvIeF0tsG9tSf5ADcSluFqOOIhWv1jpyGgz10n58FF22WHIl_QQTLPwEu2AAdV8j2kAst5VLA8Y4/s320/IMG00646.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first game for each of the boys was beautiful weather. It was getting cold when the sun was starting to go down, but really, it was nice to have the sun shining without any rain! And even though the boys are playing, Alex and Ellie play right next to the field! They'll be pros by the time they start!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28OXzl76I1qVDiFHZaPQGbHLhygv1j9jcNp6VnUOLoWzcEWu7tLOZjzs4mBXgUxrISvYoJXsofyjxy3yFRFM6NuwL0MLOMk3VG9ola8kUM3IalBisW1cy0EkV86QVwMd5AVm9razQb1sn/s1600/IMG00640.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28OXzl76I1qVDiFHZaPQGbHLhygv1j9jcNp6VnUOLoWzcEWu7tLOZjzs4mBXgUxrISvYoJXsofyjxy3yFRFM6NuwL0MLOMk3VG9ola8kUM3IalBisW1cy0EkV86QVwMd5AVm9razQb1sn/s320/IMG00640.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597334643803666754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Alex is going to be a serious ball player, too. He's adamant that everything he does is right. If he's not catching the ball, he's upset that he's not doing it right. If he can't hit the ball, he's upset that he's not doing it right. Or he'll complain that the bat doesn't like hitting the ball! But, he is a perfectionist at the game, and already takes it quite seriously. But, he sure is happy when he catches the ball!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bFgwH4YYRFj-S3zsiE0QMIq2BLGtcB3ctqJ0ZdvOv2FkTwhsPkN6QTQupsytif8-CndKDh3n_qdrOZvS-sg7WxH_lf0-2Rs1qh968HB9MZmirjtOFIqbbIwf1sN_OBI4mrG6FDV4kyKo/s320/IMG00639.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The other exciting thing that happened this week, is the Glenn lost his tooth! This will be number 4. Only one of his four teeth have come out easily, and that one came out so easily, that we never found it! The others have all been unique stories! And this wasn't any different! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">James and Glenn were SUPPOSED to be upstairs matching up a large pile of mismatched socks. That was their assignment, while I was doing something downstairs on the computer. Well, about 20 minutes later, Glenn comes downstairs... crying... This is what he says, "I had a sock in my mouth, and James pulled it out, and my tooth hurts really bad!" This was said all through tears. So, as I'm thinking to myself, why on earth did he have a sock in his mouth (thankfully they were clean), I ask him to open up. His top front tooth, was completely twisted backwards!!! I'd never seen anything like it! Trying not to look completely shocked, which would have scared Glenn, I calmly (with my heart racing) walked briskly to the kitchen, grabbed a Kleenex, and walked back. Then asked him to open up, and just grabbed his tooth with the Kleenex and yanked it out. He SCREAMED! Ok. Let's all take a deep breath! James is on the couch with ears plugged in the fetal position... he does NOT handle blood at all! And Glenn is crying, and I'm so relieved to actually see the tooth in the Kleenex... Whew... it worked! What an ordeal. Needless to say, the tooth ferry felt bad for him, again, and he got 2 quarters, instead of the usual 1 :-)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Turns out that James was pouring some socks onto Glenn's head, who was laying on the bed, and Glenn was pretending to be a sock monster, and eat the socks. Boys!!!! Hopefully they will be more diligent in matching socks next time!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The picture above, is of Glenn trying to eat a pear with NO FRONT TEETH!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2_ZVacafAA6KFT7fgnsC8pYHouXtDrcwIvswwGRpqot9uXOZfuv7ksz_UaFrJ1-KgZ49SUBtkloA1DCox8_Nc_V4eaZAskfOpo5fcd73C2gGpMm9EqNTggCZT7OAbfZYzS5Dvp4euC9d/s320/IMG00638.jpg" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Our last greatest adventure last week, was going to see King Tut at the Elsinore Theater in Salem. It was very well done. I still think Robin Hood at the Children's Theater was our absolute favorite! But, King Tut was one of their favorite lessons in history, so they had so much fun seeing a rendition of the story in a play right in front of them! And as you can see, Ellie loved it, too! She was as gold as gold, thankfully, and we were all able to have a wonderful time!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, that's it from the Dye family. I hope everyone is enjoying springtime, and all the beautiful flowers and colors it brings! Take care everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-52705667276576746362011-04-11T10:38:00.000-07:002011-04-11T12:46:59.986-07:00Getting older...<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUbHrpH8xyBiHtIlytlum9rSdd1fMizm_uCaKxU7fS-bnOBkG6yt6t1bpnFyZXD43BIUEucvp4TESTWwIV6AelDk9wmC3i4z-sFWHfbNtm3EWBURIB7JfY47hI06w2AYt6GrYuxP6B6uk/s1600/IMG_0760.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUbHrpH8xyBiHtIlytlum9rSdd1fMizm_uCaKxU7fS-bnOBkG6yt6t1bpnFyZXD43BIUEucvp4TESTWwIV6AelDk9wmC3i4z-sFWHfbNtm3EWBURIB7JfY47hI06w2AYt6GrYuxP6B6uk/s320/IMG_0760.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594390393774653906" /></a></div>I have the wonderful opportunity to share a birthday with my mother-in-law. She is an amazing person, who has always been so loving and accepting of me. I am thankful for all that she does for our family. She has the cleverest of ideas, and is always so thoughtful in all that she does. My kids adore every moment with her, and wish they had more! And now that they are in Oregon, I get to celebrate my birthday with her! And thankfully, she loves cake :-)<br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqZT90OscPmNKVqDKcvSSpPFohgHcxBme4joltsXvnKzaLs555g1-7HGNdU27Ea8pzOSrP7122zN4uloLwNJY7mPGXyCJ3Qn7aZUZwusVQJHAM8lqlKH4YXX7TtfrRR9CWNW9rWdkLswI/s320/IMG_0758.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqPh0NiVBasU0LZR7D89kyCVqdmUdPIO-iEs9b1WTNiXa3wXYqBZiQRsfn8rp1LttfUkViXKYDf9MnxPT4EM0tJxmwg6bnmHEhIxB2Bt3ZzG8hnWZKnh7Hj5QccTvpqwro1QxRrwdtmhl/s1600/IMG_0763.jpg"><br /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0TpiNLAmJiA1LNMeGSwM773DIjJq8Ie3AL2IbPNE_kTi-M00DU5xb55GmxoiRDMvfqr3ajV_kBFsTq_Bhyphenhyphen8joOAkmy3IUQiG94pqw0a95qkSPCW8dyhVQ0QwR74uae4U3bYJmxEIbwJT/s1600/IMG_0749.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1ZGxQYPvvmJP-Z8sFt-IMApGpY0pneRJA7h2cvMWYDqGXmlcNF2sqifS_L31qeidSH9fLqjJdRueFvAWTjz-3My5JPb1UssDtsyQMrVq6K6WdCbM5fY3OP-ZEEhaOuTtb66R-ABdlRCr/s1600/IMG_0758.jpg"></a><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXJO2dYYMxpEG6NalMZl9rwZ1fl66EvOgZ2P_sr_L589BjaS491b22L6WeuQONLgGFo7st6GJqh2ddEaELqBFrFbpJAbXhMbPmcT47QBySrrODu7zbi4vC3SOmh9suaDIez_GfVdQEAXJ/s320/IMG_0762.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594382872829987170" />This year, I found a recipe in Rachel Ray's, for an Almond Joy cake. Oh boy, was it fabulous! It's a 4-layer dark chocolate cake with a coconut cream filling, and whipped cream frosting. It was supposed to just have almonds on top, but my mother-in-law had the fabulous idea of actually putting mini Almond Joys on tops. Yeah, that was the final touch that made it supreme! Definitely doing it again... and again... and again :-) <div><br /></div><div>I didn't get any pictures on my birthday, but Todd got to take the day off of work, and we played and played, and played some more. We played some baseball, and Todd had to do a little bit of work, so I got to just play with the kids. No distractions, other than being with them. We did airplane, spun round and round, played tag... it really was so much fun to just play with them for a few hours. Then I got to go look at plants all by myself! What a treat! I actually got to stop and look at all the information on the plants, and take the time to read them! Ahhhh... then it was off to China Blue for dinner with the Dye's. It was a fabulous evening with wonderful company, and delicious food! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjufwuuKu56EdIuECji9Ew7eH0srNpUWvVOiqrDpX6M3QzlGTEH_zjyDE1bhqNfFQGK0_CoviEvjmIZ2BLaVrn6bHofzVEjY0yipSVFTys4AnwWZr-Ie5R8dsOfkyE6rsDGjAMsuAqVyH/s320/IMG_0754.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Before Picture)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, the next day, James and I ran the Multiple Sclerosis 5K. James was amazing! We stopped for one rest stop, where there was fabulous food, and one more time on a small hill, and he ran the rest of the way with me. I was so proud of him! At the end, he was so tired, and said, "Now I know why you want to take naps after you exercise!"</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt2div1aOMc2PsxC5oqaZeTE9D7OhNpU3Tb0PqduBmskqfLitD_G8TRl6Z5lkRLMkguD1B4wPUtOpaDHsC-5XRrP9D5FcHOV5_kfQg84bKYIQjImR3csn44u-ZP4-a0kOSI3K3jNqWnQz/s1600/IMG_0756.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt2div1aOMc2PsxC5oqaZeTE9D7OhNpU3Tb0PqduBmskqfLitD_G8TRl6Z5lkRLMkguD1B4wPUtOpaDHsC-5XRrP9D5FcHOV5_kfQg84bKYIQjImR3csn44u-ZP4-a0kOSI3K3jNqWnQz/s320/IMG_0756.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594382852315029954" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">(After picture)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I enjoyed the one-on-one time with James. I think what I've noticed most about this birthday, is not so much that I'm getting older, but that my kids are. They are growing up so fast, and I don't want to miss a moment. James has become a running and biking partner. I think we've been able to grow much closer having this special time together. I was happy to have this time with him, and look forward to the other kids joining up as they get older!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjufwuuKu56EdIuECji9Ew7eH0srNpUWvVOiqrDpX6M3QzlGTEH_zjyDE1bhqNfFQGK0_CoviEvjmIZ2BLaVrn6bHofzVEjY0yipSVFTys4AnwWZr-Ie5R8dsOfkyE6rsDGjAMsuAqVyH/s1600/IMG_0754.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3g62nPynr8k3lEovR5j3r-tLKzW10zCFvJ6r6HroHrg4jdgKy7K8IXS0DGpihPI2bfeFxvtY0dNZQ4Y_wq0U8RKL4-yL4_Hdyeqq0CDI_SO7L4AO4gDQtqP_7QptlIehekI9AbQT3Aye/s320/IMG_0763.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">James just got a new pair of shoes... only slightly smaller than mine! Scary!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jSqk_M7j6dW3S8wa_WDM2RpCsXkaPpTGdq3optsYap3fq2PPiJCFInC4Bb0cBizPWRFs9Pb2mrav8j-b-z6MX-lXGqnLVRkMUTT2E6d9wQkUV4BibMaeR089MIDm7TyrcqsHky7FdDt9/s320/IMG_0749.jpg" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I couldn't finish this post without this picture of Ellie. Someday it will be used against her! It is a CLEAN pull-up that she thought looked funny on her face! Silly girl! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, I hope you all are doing well! Take care, and here's to another year!</div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-45287570550197737612011-04-03T17:44:00.000-07:002011-04-03T18:46:13.869-07:00April Fool's Day<div>Well, we celebrated April Fool's Day, with silly food! You can see here, that we started our dinner with cake, which was a fabulous meat loaf recipe that was made in 2, 9-inch pans. Then we assembled the meat loaf with mashed potatoes, with a layer in between the meatloaves too! It tasted fantastic! </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7kMN55eT27Q9CvHaJ3PwFz6a7ZL52U6JxoolFkAHhUy7C7qMksLm6ErGMTozDFX8bhcD9rSmul6fn8Slt-cJslXFxGcea84mgPdv1Fii-L3wwHpcRHd1w7H60u9p3dndioCQCMA2WKUk/s1600/IMG_0745%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7kMN55eT27Q9CvHaJ3PwFz6a7ZL52U6JxoolFkAHhUy7C7qMksLm6ErGMTozDFX8bhcD9rSmul6fn8Slt-cJslXFxGcea84mgPdv1Fii-L3wwHpcRHd1w7H60u9p3dndioCQCMA2WKUk/s320/IMG_0745%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591525865026173746" /></a>Then for dessert, it was corn on the cob...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bC51WtpgS_miJhF9GK0UfRsAPc6oA_FCalf0vJpsvdOEQ5rF3_MJU5sAF2Z0V157kppRX8FTj_nrSy_lBBE-n4vt1xIVwm5BN6qXJrItI-6B0mf8Ee2t-XGJo_EPLxTSf5Nk1ETJ0lXZ/s1600/IMG_0743%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bC51WtpgS_miJhF9GK0UfRsAPc6oA_FCalf0vJpsvdOEQ5rF3_MJU5sAF2Z0V157kppRX8FTj_nrSy_lBBE-n4vt1xIVwm5BN6qXJrItI-6B0mf8Ee2t-XGJo_EPLxTSf5Nk1ETJ0lXZ/s320/IMG_0743%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591525858115911842" /></a>The kids had a GREAT time, assembling! Ellie was the official jelly bean sorter, Glenn was the master piler, and Alex was his sidekick! Poor James was stuck doing his math. But, he enjoyed the treats when all were done! So, it was yellow cupcakes, with yellow buttercream frosting on top, with yellow jelly bean halves on that, sprinkled with sugar, which did totally look like salt, and finally bringing it up with half a laffy taffy for a pad of butter! They were FABULOUS!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIi2PbMRooBIOQxZr2pBmf85n_SgoF5KHfy9UIOyaCqd67mjKsgQCyS78ia74SLB9i-wAzomveEdzGRya_BEgBjRrVJ1cG8FyzapHiY9RoybMnYPLZz5ysPmJq2V7J3AjKKzjm_jNx8hMb/s1600/IMG_0740%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIi2PbMRooBIOQxZr2pBmf85n_SgoF5KHfy9UIOyaCqd67mjKsgQCyS78ia74SLB9i-wAzomveEdzGRya_BEgBjRrVJ1cG8FyzapHiY9RoybMnYPLZz5ysPmJq2V7J3AjKKzjm_jNx8hMb/s320/IMG_0740%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591525856132051234" /></a>While we were assembling, we were surprised to see Papa come home! It was such a beautiful day, so he decided he didn't want to be at his desk any longer... so we got to spend the day with the man of our hearts! It was fantastic! Alex got his gear out to take on the world, equipped with a toilet paper tube as armor! The rest of us got ready to have a great day at the park, riding our bikes around, and playing baseball with the kids. It was just what the doctor ordered! We enjoyed spending time together, enjoyed the sunshine, and enjoyed the smiles on the kids faces!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYKNixc_F14Dya2SKyIN3chRjhRAKWBVQRLAwGuLguuo_SVZaQNe7xOplGBowbQxV5nfGj2-E6IX4fksDNtRWrzcPThplolxU5qR-oCOf0IBt5xjjHmRZZeiGye2342PSAjZVd-Z1OU_v/s1600/IMG_0739%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYKNixc_F14Dya2SKyIN3chRjhRAKWBVQRLAwGuLguuo_SVZaQNe7xOplGBowbQxV5nfGj2-E6IX4fksDNtRWrzcPThplolxU5qR-oCOf0IBt5xjjHmRZZeiGye2342PSAjZVd-Z1OU_v/s320/IMG_0739%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591525853996889874" /></a>That morning, we did get Papa's windshield replaced, for the 2nd time! First time leaked, so this one is working so far! The guy told the kids, that if he had to come back again, they were going to replace it, since they'd seen 2 already done! He was a very nice guy, and we all enjoyed watching how they replace a windshield! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi9jrulnmufDS8JowgUhewOyyosl6WNjVM4t_43XFU4K8TTXOArGgTAGrC7u5koU9ncDigk0aXaQGc6N28IwPd0uhBdY0-spQYhyt0rDvzOJjwWTzEs_05yus940hyVfj6ukye6ucwPVZ/s1600/IMG_0738%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi9jrulnmufDS8JowgUhewOyyosl6WNjVM4t_43XFU4K8TTXOArGgTAGrC7u5koU9ncDigk0aXaQGc6N28IwPd0uhBdY0-spQYhyt0rDvzOJjwWTzEs_05yus940hyVfj6ukye6ucwPVZ/s320/IMG_0738%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591525845835653234" /></a>These are pictures of the kids at work... Glenn is actually doing his math... what a whiz!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUEYYGt-rI9sd_vsmGTfCDaWgct3inBXn9mskscedcVJSIsOEl2IdN_5h5bBR4XFjkX3QmRhChVqG7XF7PDTBPcWbjD0759UuLnVguWk-7jRlu6xI6FifAwkf98XEfhflYRfZGpU29QJ3/s1600/IMG_0731%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUEYYGt-rI9sd_vsmGTfCDaWgct3inBXn9mskscedcVJSIsOEl2IdN_5h5bBR4XFjkX3QmRhChVqG7XF7PDTBPcWbjD0759UuLnVguWk-7jRlu6xI6FifAwkf98XEfhflYRfZGpU29QJ3/s320/IMG_0731%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591524608233874498" /></a>James is being squeezed by Ellie while he's supposed to be doing his math!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJslS3Lfkihm2N7sLYbpFanNqRoQMPKJPWXwlnQ_1JVp7FU19uE3-qTeXlZTW16icOMTAZj1dJQaRVrsWNTYHIo6-h0EqPemKMt5s_sxNYPQ-VAugXXhhnpYSGc3YVpWgb2nyMgcFgWl_/s1600/IMG_0726%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJslS3Lfkihm2N7sLYbpFanNqRoQMPKJPWXwlnQ_1JVp7FU19uE3-qTeXlZTW16icOMTAZj1dJQaRVrsWNTYHIo6-h0EqPemKMt5s_sxNYPQ-VAugXXhhnpYSGc3YVpWgb2nyMgcFgWl_/s320/IMG_0726%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591524605117783730" /></a>Ellie and Alex are hard at work coloring their pictures, to help the time pass till the boys are done with school! All the kids have been into coloring lately, and it's hard to get them to put away their coloring pages! But, I can't complain. It's a great quiet activity, with little mess, and many pretty pictures around the house to enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28RCEY2NZK9fKO7EazjOBzuu8wqllV2Y5bzeH5ZAJ-ScHzJErhQvxY-GPIscd9Sh3uXayusssMyzGhnwg-D0_kb2eg3RQYpH8qIKFmoRn2YoVX7kOCX3GHpW4TiIhsbXYbgwXWfMNvz5L/s1600/IMG_0725%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28RCEY2NZK9fKO7EazjOBzuu8wqllV2Y5bzeH5ZAJ-ScHzJErhQvxY-GPIscd9Sh3uXayusssMyzGhnwg-D0_kb2eg3RQYpH8qIKFmoRn2YoVX7kOCX3GHpW4TiIhsbXYbgwXWfMNvz5L/s1600/IMG_0725%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28RCEY2NZK9fKO7EazjOBzuu8wqllV2Y5bzeH5ZAJ-ScHzJErhQvxY-GPIscd9Sh3uXayusssMyzGhnwg-D0_kb2eg3RQYpH8qIKFmoRn2YoVX7kOCX3GHpW4TiIhsbXYbgwXWfMNvz5L/s320/IMG_0725%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591524597731280930" /></a>A few weeks ago, we also went shooting at Grandma and Grandpa D's shooting range! The kids had a great time, but I certainly will say Alex was in seventh heaven!!!! He's into Star Wars... big time... so he regularly shoots storm troopers and battle droids. He enjoyed shooting a real gun at a target, and was smiling from ear to ear!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij79I2Psdqzick7glINg6JUptGGMBdvZt579hQkuyjnJr0tCjiOMv8boR3GLw9CrIxOQuoK9EAiEaKeh4jQBZjEApi9HmYMPeuoQAXUlPVdccZCIU9_6oi8HAqYJuAjzUM2Ngq2VazNoer/s1600/IMG_0720%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij79I2Psdqzick7glINg6JUptGGMBdvZt579hQkuyjnJr0tCjiOMv8boR3GLw9CrIxOQuoK9EAiEaKeh4jQBZjEApi9HmYMPeuoQAXUlPVdccZCIU9_6oi8HAqYJuAjzUM2Ngq2VazNoer/s1600/IMG_0720%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij79I2Psdqzick7glINg6JUptGGMBdvZt579hQkuyjnJr0tCjiOMv8boR3GLw9CrIxOQuoK9EAiEaKeh4jQBZjEApi9HmYMPeuoQAXUlPVdccZCIU9_6oi8HAqYJuAjzUM2Ngq2VazNoer/s320/IMG_0720%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591524595104835394" /></a>Here's Ellie with all of her ear and eye protection! What a picture!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYL-HsdNXejzuI1vnGbH-pI7IljnmFjnokoWLgl7IMjbEBkNlCsL9FsD1ZTXpxnM2ebfd04_lJ1MZjPPTE61ge0LF4cC8BaeXTfuivsM8KfI4nLNEOjL8YJFUtXVcNdLZF7KAcgjhPXM1/s1600/IMG_0719%255B1%255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYL-HsdNXejzuI1vnGbH-pI7IljnmFjnokoWLgl7IMjbEBkNlCsL9FsD1ZTXpxnM2ebfd04_lJ1MZjPPTE61ge0LF4cC8BaeXTfuivsM8KfI4nLNEOjL8YJFUtXVcNdLZF7KAcgjhPXM1/s320/IMG_0719%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591524592583734226" /></a>Well, I have another blackmail picture of Ellie with a CLEAN pull-up on her head, but it won't upload. So, I guess I'll just have to save it for when she gets married! Which of course won't happen till she's 30! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Baseball is starting now, so we are in the thick of baseball and karate with Demo Team. But, at least it keeps us all out of trouble! We are enjoying it, though, and look forward to sitting and watching some games... hopefully with some sun! It actually was beautiful yesterday, and the lawn is mowed, and garden is weeded and ready for tilling... thank you kids! We actually enjoyed some great laughs, while pulling out the tall weeds. It was quite enjoyable for a chore! It's so nice that spring may actually be here! It's about time!</div><div><br /></div><div>And today was a beautiful day to relax, and enjoy some cuddle time as a family! It was General Conference this weekend, which is when we get to watch church over the internet at home from church leaders in Utah. And we love this weekend, because not only do we get to hear some fantastic talks that help us become better people, but we also get to cuddle as a family, and chill! Ahhh... life is good! But, tomorrow we'll be back to the grindstone! Fun, Fun, Fun! </div><div><br /></div><div>Take care everyone! That's all for the Dye Clan! Stay warm and healthy!</div><div><br /></div><div>Love,</div><div><br /></div><div>Us</div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-75835606755002901472011-03-26T11:16:00.000-07:002011-03-26T12:51:59.428-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div>Last year we visited Death Valley on our way to visit my parents in AZ. We were only supposed to stay 1 day, and ended up staying 3 (and getting in trouble because we didn't have any cell signal, and couldn't tell anyone... oops). We LOVED it there. It was beautiful, warm, and sunny! So, this year, we decided to take a vacation, ONLY to Death Valley! We had 9 days there, and it was fabulous! We brought all the bikes, and it was an adventure we'll never forget. Some of our favorite experiences were:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcyqQQsdKA-4IYfqFOiA7OaCb91mk-h3I-KIB2cHB_UJZDnyu1rxB_NGTGdC5wUZytpjBDAo6Su3caOzSVPNXLozK7NcGA4YpzC0Qho6Yv0GdBk0PlJ30B70TUzwNfWF0jC3qxbNI-_1P/s1600/IMG_0716.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcyqQQsdKA-4IYfqFOiA7OaCb91mk-h3I-KIB2cHB_UJZDnyu1rxB_NGTGdC5wUZytpjBDAo6Su3caOzSVPNXLozK7NcGA4YpzC0Qho6Yv0GdBk0PlJ30B70TUzwNfWF0jC3qxbNI-_1P/s320/IMG_0716.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588455371667149650" /></a>1. Biking with the family<div><br /></div><div>Most of the time it was James and I on the tandem, and Todd hauling the train with Glenn on back of the tandem, Alex following on the trail-a-bike, and Princess Ellie following behind with the whole trailer to herself! Todd got a great workout, needless to say, and I am indebted to his legs! I had a hard enough time with only one child! But, both of us LOVED having the one-on-one time with the kids. One day we switched, and Todd took James 27 miles through Titus Canyon. They had a blast, and James couldn't stop talking about it! For me... well, let's just say that I gained a MUCH greater appreciation for Todd, as I took the Train on my own bike ride, and it was very hard work! But, there is nothing better than just being able to talk about whatever comes to your mind, notice the little flowers on the side of the road, and hear Alex sing the Star Wars theme song OVER and OVER and OVER again, with shots of a laser-blaster in between. It was priceless. And Alex couldn't get enough biking in! Every day, he was ready to go on another bike ride! He even lasted one time with me for 27 miles on the back of the tandem, which means he can't coast! He did awesome!<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibshAsxrzesy817KZXQXzKJggogdy-4tQ3uIkoPIgtjMJH9x1xQODZkJuHXZNqwQium4cIVenz4ov_Na_QG7_kHifFijeTO8Pxhul-pAQMiXcn3vu9uGYEhCha2LdGQdhv3ixuvghtkmy5/s320/IMG_0710.jpg" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelVWgZiQMtcy7bx5t-6ZlrNXLBX-weqwdb25oGk0K9uAchHiW1tunYqZhj-OpfNL2B2NZqMejI0-plJ2jeAnNKV2GMphRz-pZtCEBrsUQFx54C8_wFKyqsG0L9HozN8WhxPE2da09l2av/s1600/IMG_0709.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelVWgZiQMtcy7bx5t-6ZlrNXLBX-weqwdb25oGk0K9uAchHiW1tunYqZhj-OpfNL2B2NZqMejI0-plJ2jeAnNKV2GMphRz-pZtCEBrsUQFx54C8_wFKyqsG0L9HozN8WhxPE2da09l2av/s320/IMG_0709.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588455368375440018" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">2. NOT getting blown into a crater</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We huddled behind a wall as the winds grew stronger and stronger and stronger still! We saw the Ubehebe crater from here, and didn't venture any closer, for fear of being blown in! By the time we left, it was 50 mph gusts, and we feared that Ellie's trailer would flip, and not even sure if we would not flip!!!! We said a few silent prayers, and thankfully, we got out of the wind blast soon enough, while our bikes were literally at an angle, as we leaned heavily into the cross-wind so we wouldn't blow over! Whew! We got a few nasty looks, like they couldn't believe we would actually take our children up in this weather! (I wanted to run over to them and tell them it didn't start like this!) But, we only had to go about a 1/2 mile, and we turned, and the wind went behind us, and it was a very fast ride back to the car! What a whirlwind! Todd rode more, and he got about 30 some miles in with a 50 mph gust at his back! Talk about fun! I, in the meantime, was scared to death if our tent was still up! But, I should have been more confident in the engineer in the family, who had our tent staked down for a hurricane! But, I was still very relieved when I came back, and our tent was still standing. HUGE sigh of relief!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGpsM3cw9JbEyTRnGjj-Wmi5XKFDylHqxr7be0mqn7SiKmMXPtp0XLLrwUJ46Jzn2ujkRl9KNMIEM8gIaR3IxrqmtFmENGNKeATjAoKsMYNQWUET6vzRJBa-g0zFY-QECrZg6doSo3oA8/s1600/IMG_0702.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGpsM3cw9JbEyTRnGjj-Wmi5XKFDylHqxr7be0mqn7SiKmMXPtp0XLLrwUJ46Jzn2ujkRl9KNMIEM8gIaR3IxrqmtFmENGNKeATjAoKsMYNQWUET6vzRJBa-g0zFY-QECrZg6doSo3oA8/s320/IMG_0702.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588452352265322098" /></a>3. Hiking</div><div><br /></div><div>If we weren't biking, we were hiking. The kids loved running around, and sliding down some marble-like canyons. It was gorgeous to see all the different formations, all the different rock colors, and the many different canyons that were all so unique!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GAH3LJ0izr0VlX9MZ6u9g3e3907j9MebJK5MLk3CzsWSZngdjSSrkRE4I6J8ibWaN35iGIEfp9dk9FKs7DCW1JjqchaoK4dCrmTVZuXfdGcLkDnVDD-UtteU4Wn0a3Zo5CKW5dmf_BJ6/s1600/IMG_0696.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GAH3LJ0izr0VlX9MZ6u9g3e3907j9MebJK5MLk3CzsWSZngdjSSrkRE4I6J8ibWaN35iGIEfp9dk9FKs7DCW1JjqchaoK4dCrmTVZuXfdGcLkDnVDD-UtteU4Wn0a3Zo5CKW5dmf_BJ6/s320/IMG_0696.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588452349339922434" /></a>4. Salt Flats</div><div><br /></div><div>The salt flats were amazing! It tastes like salt, everyone! Even though Death Valley only gets 0.2 inches of rain a year, the salt flats are very moist underneath from the Panamint Mountain Range. You would expect it to be dryer than dry, but it's not! It was fascinating, and the kids loved all the different patterns that formed!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAPnEn65hLHigVFx7VZlK0DIZoiRClZ62b2bROWctAGN7BAGFLuvISLHtplGsMUlNfA02L2mpj42X35P3tKLokou8JdN-tKg4lG1lR2ovIKCA84e8eaalIvcOeeVFExNA9nf2vRpdyz9G/s1600/IMG_0684.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAPnEn65hLHigVFx7VZlK0DIZoiRClZ62b2bROWctAGN7BAGFLuvISLHtplGsMUlNfA02L2mpj42X35P3tKLokou8JdN-tKg4lG1lR2ovIKCA84e8eaalIvcOeeVFExNA9nf2vRpdyz9G/s320/IMG_0684.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588444936090454706" /></a>5. Building Relationships</div><div><br /></div><div>The relationship that Alex and Ellie established was priceless. I don't know what clicked on this trip, but suddenly these two were inseparable. They held hands together, played together, and watched out for one another when the other was in trouble. They have not acted like this at home. So, it was wonderful for them to really enjoy one another! And to see Ellie actually put someone else's needs before her own... she's used to being the princess in the family, and demanding her way! But, on this trip, she worried about Alex first. It was a wonderful change of attitude. The vacation was worth it, just for those moments!</div><div><br /></div><div>Glenn also got along great with Alex! They played in the dirt with some cars, built forts together, and enjoyed quality playing time! It was wonderful to have them thoroughly enjoying one another's company.</div><div><br /></div><div>James, was definitely older on this trip. He was more responsible, and didn't want to make much noise, and bother other campers around us. He let the others play, helped them when they needed help, but otherwise, was climbing or reading on his own. He's growing up! It was sad to see that he wasn't always his boyish self... I started to see a young man in him... SCARY!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGKO_DexH4sa6VXYji-MO_t9PPTKlV-xPRM5aE8NQXtBw5lidrbPUaGIX0GHGRcPXnv4Hv6kMVRkYcApqWf5maW6HtCga29__G4kUkSlrjMmxihWGW3faTFg5nuukYspplXGu_hHQ-7BY/s1600/IMG_0672.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGKO_DexH4sa6VXYji-MO_t9PPTKlV-xPRM5aE8NQXtBw5lidrbPUaGIX0GHGRcPXnv4Hv6kMVRkYcApqWf5maW6HtCga29__G4kUkSlrjMmxihWGW3faTFg5nuukYspplXGu_hHQ-7BY/s320/IMG_0672.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588444924339095122" /></a>6. Learning about our Alex</div><div><br /></div><div>We learned that Alex interprets things different than we do! Alex wanted to go on a family hike, and asked Papa if he could go on a family hike with him. Papa said no, because he was getting bikes ready, but maybe afterwards. Alex asked me if I would go on a family hike with him. I said no because I was getting lunches ready for the day, but maybe afterwards. Next thing we know, Alex is climbing up this mini mountain that is very steep!!!! And he gets stuck about 9/10 of the the way up, and is starting to whimper because he's stuck, and can't go up or down!!! As he's starting to panic more and more, Todd and I notice where he is at (as well as the other campers nearby), and Todd runs up the slope to get him. He helps him to the top, and Todd says, "Alex, you can't go up here by yourself! Why did you do that?" Alex tells me, "Well, I wanted to go on a family hike, but you guys wouldn't come with me!" So, Todd took him on a family hike, SAFELY up a mountain, and life was good. Alex was happy, and we all realized we needed to stop once in a while for Alex.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8eS9hr8vP7EQADbsIRAP8fBDOH0DOGnrSYAKLG21v25TpgnCmDuK1WgRTJSmE1YSQsxMgAhOhLeexQBwP8zMkDsPCO-nt1LhfcYUFHdFkDcr9uLQeizmPInEHFbVtG-GsBOzKCWUvqpJ/s1600/IMG_0670.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8eS9hr8vP7EQADbsIRAP8fBDOH0DOGnrSYAKLG21v25TpgnCmDuK1WgRTJSmE1YSQsxMgAhOhLeexQBwP8zMkDsPCO-nt1LhfcYUFHdFkDcr9uLQeizmPInEHFbVtG-GsBOzKCWUvqpJ/s320/IMG_0670.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588444920415009938" /></a>7. Learning about our James</div><div><br /></div><div> James is born with mountain goat feet. Our boys loved to climb, climb, climb. And thankfully, our campsite was right by many mountains to climb around, so they were off every morning. James was always the first up everything, and the higher he was, the bigger his smile got. He loved the cliffs, loved walking to the edge of them, and loved being the only boy able to do it! It certainly gave him some self-confidence that he was actually quite good at something! Glenn wanted to follow in his footsteps, but definitely was more cautious, which certainly isn't a bad thing! It was nice to know Glenn had limits! James, we had to keep our eye on :-) And Alex was happy, as long as we were biking or hiking. That's all he wanted to do... other than play star wars in the dirt!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnYM-m1JKPVdyooxeVOC_5nXRdgoXp6n9Ct_9pEsbh_QhEhOvyMK3dkrf6ezW6tm2axj3ZTF0x5D-dY7sVK5lYZgF78iKE5YkPVReU2RhrEGr3c9CKjDm1AVHiy6nD5VW8nCjYzi2J7WP/s1600/IMG_0660.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnYM-m1JKPVdyooxeVOC_5nXRdgoXp6n9Ct_9pEsbh_QhEhOvyMK3dkrf6ezW6tm2axj3ZTF0x5D-dY7sVK5lYZgF78iKE5YkPVReU2RhrEGr3c9CKjDm1AVHiy6nD5VW8nCjYzi2J7WP/s320/IMG_0660.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588444912627396754" /></a>8. Learning how to describe Toilet Paper</div><div><br /></div><div> Alex doesn't like thin toilet paper! When we felt the thin toilet paper at the campground, he instantly said, "Owwww.... what is that?" I explained to him that it was just really thin toilet paper, and they couldn't afford to use soft toilet paper, because it's more expensive. He looks at me with his big brown eyes, "Is this Toilet Paper made out of Cardstock??"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EpSjqI6M2fCQwmuquDQK6HRJhKzpfzMEXaS5sldJcQu7Vceb6DE7T4bLQuMuiyeSlFS0Lc1US1ufU0vRN_4uiLHWb55OA05f-loCntvecwvAYhPcBc0DOGjcgVtAHHLFQ0QXpZ4kYuIU/s1600/IMG_0656.jpg"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EpSjqI6M2fCQwmuquDQK6HRJhKzpfzMEXaS5sldJcQu7Vceb6DE7T4bLQuMuiyeSlFS0Lc1US1ufU0vRN_4uiLHWb55OA05f-loCntvecwvAYhPcBc0DOGjcgVtAHHLFQ0QXpZ4kYuIU/s1600/IMG_0656.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EpSjqI6M2fCQwmuquDQK6HRJhKzpfzMEXaS5sldJcQu7Vceb6DE7T4bLQuMuiyeSlFS0Lc1US1ufU0vRN_4uiLHWb55OA05f-loCntvecwvAYhPcBc0DOGjcgVtAHHLFQ0QXpZ4kYuIU/s320/IMG_0656.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588444903977818258" /></a>9. Learning about our Glenn</div><div><br /></div><div>Glenn worries about our family. We learned from many of the rangers scorpions are not good! The smaller the scorpion, the more poisonous. Death Valley has the smallest scorpions :-) Oh yay. Glenn's ears perked up at this knowledge, and always made sure that everyone's shoes were shook out in the morning, and investigated the bathrooms every morning for the rest of us! He came back from his morning duties, announcing to all that there were no scorpions in the bathrooms! It didn'thelp that Todd found one eating a spider at the campground in the bathrooms, and Ellie found a dead one hiding in the toilet paper tube! Yikes! Alex, of course, thought it was very cool!!!! It gave Glenn a greater determination to make sure our family is SAFE!</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnEkg7CZS1CFLE-3o1iVffSC9pjfgfd7uLZpDvGatsHpND56HGTLtLUpzTjtWtjj_2ssZ3qvcYhEowzKqiSYmt-OTXHW7BOdMdKfSC6QI0t-Zn_PjT23BtRW4HXjMlBwpFLKmhyZ0qjzV/s320/IMG_0704.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>10. Last but not least, our favorite experience was spending time together as a family. </div><div><br /></div><div>We LOVE to bike together! The harder our route, the more we worked together, the more fun we had, the more enjoyable the reward was at the end of our journey. We don't get good cell signal at Death Valley, so it's a great place to just be together, with no distractions, and enjoy each other. We loved it, and hope to go again next year!</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xZBXDV1k5aR0vFnRoMSG-7YAmx_EsbUrIEtUOnU-PifiTtnn5xvJa5UPciw62Zq7QNvsW6tTyugdFkfl6l8Yubm-ZAGIZcaV7F5SIpSoMPzKLFSmTI4xNBwfu8U-to52PYFfaHFIWIAO/s320/IMG_0682.jpg" /></div><div>To all those up North, consider a trip to Death Valley! Of course, we had a few friends go this past week, and it was only in the 70's with gust winds and rain... but most of the time it is beautiful! So, if you can be flexible with your trip a little to get the good weather, it is a nice reprieve from winter, and from every day life!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a wonderful day, and hopefully I'll write again soon! Thanks for all of you who have egged me on to start the blog again! I'm grateful for your patience!</div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-9327100129892867862010-06-06T09:34:00.001-07:002010-06-06T10:26:21.311-07:00Master James<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU1C4egH2mNVAo_U9l9fp8eLTzH14i02KCAwTa5oiFkSW6I9RDBzNuVoxOd7Qzjs9w0wMxe92DSUwp0Nmvxzz50WxUVdMuJK7d1N4BkDIzj7g9NKA4-cBMeweyaHX1PYq0fGNrMEw9owb/s1600/P9270014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479704191268846322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU1C4egH2mNVAo_U9l9fp8eLTzH14i02KCAwTa5oiFkSW6I9RDBzNuVoxOd7Qzjs9w0wMxe92DSUwp0Nmvxzz50WxUVdMuJK7d1N4BkDIzj7g9NKA4-cBMeweyaHX1PYq0fGNrMEw9owb/s320/P9270014.JPG" /></a> My baby just turned 9.... so hard to imagine... he used to be able to fit on my lap!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoxtypYq1lvLBzKopz4myhZ17e9SPftGrCsokhoudO3aRbR-9R4qs5DwBQOGbGMHXRVh2b4v2YmgE2vYW4psYwhJmS8nbALve15LDmetgueSwonUeGXqXxPqido96GKjdwO2INqidYXGU/s1600/PA270002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479704184900182578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoxtypYq1lvLBzKopz4myhZ17e9SPftGrCsokhoudO3aRbR-9R4qs5DwBQOGbGMHXRVh2b4v2YmgE2vYW4psYwhJmS8nbALve15LDmetgueSwonUeGXqXxPqido96GKjdwO2INqidYXGU/s320/PA270002.JPG" /></a> He was my first born, and I was scared to death. Now I know, he was sent to us for a reason, and my life would never be complete without him...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluzr09TLaSKrmebTaUMtyw7P76WN9j8JLyKCY-9kaG_qCI6gWPni-YcAavo9xMeyzWTR0FQ0FLe41I8-qQjjS7D4iPap8eMgt5XRlee5VNEddo_mhaszU6aZUNOGX2jWrCa6NtW6B98vg/s1600/P6240013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479704177108823538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluzr09TLaSKrmebTaUMtyw7P76WN9j8JLyKCY-9kaG_qCI6gWPni-YcAavo9xMeyzWTR0FQ0FLe41I8-qQjjS7D4iPap8eMgt5XRlee5VNEddo_mhaszU6aZUNOGX2jWrCa6NtW6B98vg/s320/P6240013.JPG" /></a> Since he first came to this world, he has made us laugh and smile. He's the Guardian Angel in our family, always putting us, including his parents, first and foremost... guiding us in the direction he knows we need to go.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479702972352214898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9Zr0x7rFWbS0gfxi50ba18p32sb0j52pZ3SNrofsu-HeqcVNjcSTi-n1cbqAWX1w8zIdYtynMxBIkbPZoKuQIjMzYVWhd7KyCMtr5XtKH3hxfNwFec0LttohJbpYT1C_xZqlNyunDx_7/s320/P5010052.JPG" />He's always had this knack, of wrapping us all around his finger, because he was always so sincere and caring. </div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479701590933598258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhAMl8Tna0e75yWFoHrMK1o7wIpRKJcH-Cd4j01ocjb56IjEdOGExx_1Wkk2ssjDfmt9fvG4r8KYcwvJq53qUNL7Zx8scSAaqJZFb3PR1V9dca9B_FC7FQq_CRjASuc-hFSPvZJdoH-9A/s320/IMG_5020.JPG" />Now, he's 9, and growing like a weed... I was putting shoes away the other day, and realized that his shoes are only a 1/2 inch shorter than mine! That's when it started to hit me. He has big feet. It's not going to be long, before he really grows up, in personality, and <em>height</em>. I don't know if I'm ready for that, yet!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479701601452311650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIEZ9Dr1XA63CcbzM7az6GLgImnGeYbCQBQRZ6F1Pcw1NPgVAYjfAQpSTXiTcaYRdOMMhyQxyO4yfyl-wOJzw9TRkQ3hT9FSPvts38r1drRhqLvD5sG6v60m07gOTbuaaDk3oaTug1_0t/s320/IMG_5031.JPG" />So, I am trying to take in every moment. I still wonder if he takes care of me, more than I take care of him. He has this 6th sense, and knows exactly what Todd and I need, and knows exactly when to do it. It's amazing, and we love him so much for it. He's our glue that sticks us all together.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhYYQJcPSstwy8QieSDcF5qnyCxmiYm9Yx3kezbTeV9YmclCMZGp_u1WIFUNoXUdj2pysiib20s42NIJbLkJ1AjVg1yBdSL-xHrxtiqMMhRutG4htrHpRP7tYkg9OK2zsZ5RMwb6c9te_/s1600/P5300016.JPG"></a><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479701630730182994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlhMjKDKXbpyFVf9UGoLUZSGt6dG51zytn1osdmNztwF7bW6FS5g2Ia5NxJ5dcPM_P518sGZV2MarEyW0thXu7wxaIW6W4eUnxW6kDM8u112e2b1rpKRyXqvver6b_bV25ShVRwGJkCrq/s320/IMG_5047.JPG" />He's becoming our little chef, and cooks us marvellous meals... Shrimp stir fry and tomatoes with basil and parmesan... FABULOUS!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZbGUTcX_K7_sTqrcxK9aVzbFJNIbJ_k7a2Ki7T4SVPLhaThkvlDdpzBRyoeyA77Ysx4Wl-1vkvWDGl9iW-aSNAyKVPbahcW64u6el-XN0TolBCSyWBZaeUOFMRpoOMjP34QEnQJFxVFr/s1600/IMG_5043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479701618572658146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZbGUTcX_K7_sTqrcxK9aVzbFJNIbJ_k7a2Ki7T4SVPLhaThkvlDdpzBRyoeyA77Ysx4Wl-1vkvWDGl9iW-aSNAyKVPbahcW64u6el-XN0TolBCSyWBZaeUOFMRpoOMjP34QEnQJFxVFr/s320/IMG_5043.JPG" /></a> He's Ellie's cuddle bug... she loves nothing more than to lay down and cuddle with James in the morning, when they are both still waking up!</div><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479710635529757714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvtCQILiLeo1PqLf6UuEFor_R3L-nKBk-argaEbR1CdtRr4WO4Uy1HvZqf2wnU-moNOMkk-rLxweN1G-qSyQ2q7LB-CKmsfIadLxhkDTKwtpZHNjKVFNN26l6IYPtSm5K4qwxULcGuSfX/s320/IMG_4945.JPG" />He's the best big brother anyone could ask for. Always watching out, and taking care of his younger siblings, without any complaint.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1e00qLuKHh4JKbTE9Nb3htGWpbfJyNGjP7j9Ri6xgo14_FJFIMU9padaswJr_QK0meF8nPMpevzqIpugfDNbTXppuWuwBah4FFFVjdLzU6pR4e4rQ3UfLNy9v3e2u3n7xfSnEtKetQB5/s1600/IMG_5012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479701608671414002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1e00qLuKHh4JKbTE9Nb3htGWpbfJyNGjP7j9Ri6xgo14_FJFIMU9padaswJr_QK0meF8nPMpevzqIpugfDNbTXppuWuwBah4FFFVjdLzU6pR4e4rQ3UfLNy9v3e2u3n7xfSnEtKetQB5/s320/IMG_5012.JPG" /></a> James truly watches over us all. We are so blessed to have him in our family, and as much as I hate to admit this, I do look forward to watching him grow up, and become who we know he can become. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-46376861691931000812010-05-29T07:50:00.000-07:002010-05-29T09:37:55.849-07:00Ellie is 2...Well, before my oldest turns 9 tomorrow, I need to hurry and give Ellie her 2-year-old blog, before I end up combining hers and James, and then never get that done, so end up combining all the kids birthdays from the past year, and it goes on and on! So, let's get cracking. I've gotta start somewhere, and soon!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's hard to imagine that it's been 2 years since our little Miss Ellie was born. Here is what Ellie has been to our family over these past 2 years...<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476706254512887474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtioPcCzj4YAyqEARAy7eZrI9kT6DvthSrv94yY4t1TWtQ1dz0EhIUCl9ccUNk3_F_iHo_FGhJdTbdZgyMfmg_AJ09rlsVAnxz_7NcIwRSKpWtkDKTI8lf7ewlt77qa0BsYRqsCCtP9tJ1/s320/IMG_0189.JPG" /><br />1. She has definitely been the princess in our house, who rules and reigns.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476706236579844882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nlsRjBGLQ9byM5v0J99u1hWVRulqx-_SslsYbf4tsZU4wNZl4TlOPcvrx-KEyz3t0bHgb87j7myZvm_D4B1_i8IGzFpelk6aGn8JM2DrHzIiO6I-CR_BkxD35e8BoWr0slSTJy9-8Vb5/s320/IMG_0111.JPG" /><br />2. She has been the caboose that brings up the rear of the train, and make sure the train runs properly! Believe me, we know when it doesn't!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476706245634553906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79Ekpqgq9NmaOrp-JmS0FQsRxbNSOttspjyqVimPHE_hpFIn8uKNF6uaWXz8kakViWtFxwBAMKCNZQ3lREbNACYyBfJClrS_6cOrT8Hy3MlVOcnGM7zmUrMEyeP6A4SSeyDFKXbh_sfm3/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" /><br />3. She has been the string around our finger.... she always makes sure we remember her!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476713229686660370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oN_DzkmpV3_mpx9RL-Rqh6sDx2AQ2b4K-HZOmRgNuWg-DiiqH8FE2sZhkSHcNGtQYxZd22XLFlvTKCjM3uTGCc9OD8Z58BC4zbKDPcCUDg5Y48HPJJMiYjIOvp18iGZZONWcrnIpVkl2/s320/IMG_2239.JPG" /><br />4. She has been the one to bring dresses, dolls, and the color pink into the walls of this home... finally :-)<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476715072536622546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEigu7WEcwAuo9DNvdDP9TlsYOSseiwaPjhsvCE9Nan1AquEueMQvlMtOqbQKQupUSUTYLrAdZWcjvdeYu0wGQs2AQTf4rSyfJQ4CEqbfpmji3Bd59QoyjUpfWefJUcY48C_OJ96EzMnph/s320/IMG_4966.JPG" /><br />5. She has been able to us wrapped around her pinky... we will go where you want us to go, oh child!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476713257873513554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Q1iOZgexY2tfV72q4CIhZbE0AwmGwXnroghjipmTNe7cAywl64IEUKN4cqfkUjaAE5l9GFrYbqzz09jAB86X8JpQZbEQ4jkMKGvrTZgoE9s9X05b1Gne_zgMbBNvVja2Y_R4jb6PprVH/s320/IMG_4950.JPG" /><br />6. She has been our peacemaker, and has the ability to melt away bad moods.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476713266123277074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WWxrs1pnIFwLMjIdvITtBd0U7UTrFnHMWyHIA2q-JzRKJp5_dbzYdbtk40psfcTiVbnNZO30sldL3wF4dk3388-F-OFcpzGzCJT0LnL8VKj3nxjp4ObFIWcB5AkHRN4I1ZxHt1Wz2J3f/s320/IMG_4994.JPG" />7. She has been our light on top of the hill, drawing everyone towards her, and loving and accepting all, unconditionally.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvkmXKanThVJ06_cc9QSE6DQAKBMrDGoSINAV0vuQBrOJcmSPbC08aXlfaOwqxixZrG2kbvxNPQ6j2nU0ryY3LScACthIj48F_UY8GaKMGMikrkrGeOj4M7iRvdBPXkF0l-Yb8EJhxWes/s1600/IMG_3470.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476713245785650850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvkmXKanThVJ06_cc9QSE6DQAKBMrDGoSINAV0vuQBrOJcmSPbC08aXlfaOwqxixZrG2kbvxNPQ6j2nU0ryY3LScACthIj48F_UY8GaKMGMikrkrGeOj4M7iRvdBPXkF0l-Yb8EJhxWes/s320/IMG_3470.JPG" /></a> 8. She has been our cheerleader. Always there to cheer us on to be the best mother, father, sibling, and friend we can possibly be!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOMEWsfaVLX_bI7d7PskCpRBqmauzIN89f6ZDY77vd-KFGFygtynVfHgM9SDYDpnvzBTfMmmseraYOjUJHEnJMUuKlwOb0bWaxIM4KpB4bQCsAYesUveiXYyLTuuMbaElemCQ7838TGys/s1600/IMG_4931.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476713240923815826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOMEWsfaVLX_bI7d7PskCpRBqmauzIN89f6ZDY77vd-KFGFygtynVfHgM9SDYDpnvzBTfMmmseraYOjUJHEnJMUuKlwOb0bWaxIM4KpB4bQCsAYesUveiXYyLTuuMbaElemCQ7838TGys/s320/IMG_4931.JPG" /></a> 9. She has been our reminder, to stop and smell the flowers. Life is too short to let it pass by.<br /></div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476723472571577282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFO00ZJo95TFhWJ3nXs6plbQOvoJd2F2WBv_cPPmKjd7JKbeV7o2k-XrtrpsgYaapEu1gpRWhjTZQooMhAIRH2CC-GRySux-ub93mYQcZZPPufgpFPUJ4HDS5sh7O-rEXhKBpzjz3yqO43/s320/IMG_5001.JPG" />10. And last but not least, she has been our little Miss Ellie. She brings life and excitement to our family. We love her with all our heart!</div><div> </div><div><br />Well, there you have it. Our little one is growing up so fast, as are all our other children, as are Todd and I, unfortunately :-) Sorry, it's been forever since I've blogged, for those of you who have been poking at me to get this done! As I have written this today, I realize that I need to do this more for my own piece of mind. I love writing about my kids, and blogging helps me remember the day to day small things, which I've lost over these past many months. So, thanks for the poking and prodding, and I hope to get back into the swing of things!</div><div> </div><div>Take care everyone! </div><div> </div><div>Love,</div><div> </div><div>Us<br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-73319396033236751482009-12-01T07:23:00.001-08:002009-12-01T09:46:15.519-08:00I am thankful for happy children...<div align="left">what more can I ask? Enjoy the pictures this time!<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410301942681592578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xEiI_fZISetlURGq3QRJr7mE60zDIMof-WWnlmqiZ0Lced1owQwuDoRjdF3YxTukX3eU_mjlOvuVG8Emg_1onvxVNriwlmdcSqs3PdO_I64AI8x6rnG560I6U77aVh6fPI4dPBUnTkhU/s320/IMG_3556.JPG" /><br /><p align="center">James LOVES animals, especially his pal, Koya<br /></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnBr7vPRzW2jIrAJRaGEsYTpyu4M30oNOsnsqy_u5Mk103ZyJAhIqBt5VkUt2W6GBy67rrzqHitvcEmJsyCfFlQtJVeLB6aK7iM8Z3gyXUhVs7qbDcT4g1FrF21kYKxbuJl4QChRgTH6N/s1600/IMG_3610.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410291521848113234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnBr7vPRzW2jIrAJRaGEsYTpyu4M30oNOsnsqy_u5Mk103ZyJAhIqBt5VkUt2W6GBy67rrzqHitvcEmJsyCfFlQtJVeLB6aK7iM8Z3gyXUhVs7qbDcT4g1FrF21kYKxbuJl4QChRgTH6N/s320/IMG_3610.JPG" /></a> Alex, enjoying every last bit of that frosting!!!! </div><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpJILaddK1HNAbYQqya6i0Mu6nzY55Z1oV0nd_WDe4QjJSNsv9Awr0SoO4SPXEFHs6y65x-dLhBu5vBHOHYJvBPjzfrgrClD2ajhcYmjttXh7Pb0AP7vHkJUyFFsR7XxdJgae9WsD0buZ/s1600/IMG_3594.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410291516385900210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpJILaddK1HNAbYQqya6i0Mu6nzY55Z1oV0nd_WDe4QjJSNsv9Awr0SoO4SPXEFHs6y65x-dLhBu5vBHOHYJvBPjzfrgrClD2ajhcYmjttXh7Pb0AP7vHkJUyFFsR7XxdJgae9WsD0buZ/s320/IMG_3594.JPG" /></a> Ellie enjoying the frosting, and leaving the cookie<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EQctFvV1acmGkECtlt7wcOaJyyH-SSu2WRVtjAtsRwntt3OHY97Cuda-jyv7rOykAPo10hcEW-gl6bRzOf52r9e2TZLLXy9A8-Am_wgKOc7pNfhoUvBnfidJT-CZFY_u_aqw-5BJei7q/s1600/IMG_3607.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410291508439122370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EQctFvV1acmGkECtlt7wcOaJyyH-SSu2WRVtjAtsRwntt3OHY97Cuda-jyv7rOykAPo10hcEW-gl6bRzOf52r9e2TZLLXy9A8-Am_wgKOc7pNfhoUvBnfidJT-CZFY_u_aqw-5BJei7q/s320/IMG_3607.JPG" /></a>Glenn, just enjoying frosting with Grandma and Grandpa D!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgY3cBsleKcksnx_Xn4g7UidPMlUg7fweP7yVqJes5L0gKUXLU7RKMvVtoU1cDbzl8naQWpATfchE6oPF7KZ4IDHS1ubVOhyhdy_rD5-m1oa1hyphenhyphen6fkG5eF0qn6BdcAQbAjAkiD6k5RFYU/s1600/IMG_3589.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410291506068679458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgY3cBsleKcksnx_Xn4g7UidPMlUg7fweP7yVqJes5L0gKUXLU7RKMvVtoU1cDbzl8naQWpATfchE6oPF7KZ4IDHS1ubVOhyhdy_rD5-m1oa1hyphenhyphen6fkG5eF0qn6BdcAQbAjAkiD6k5RFYU/s320/IMG_3589.JPG" /></a>Ellie loves to be our little princess... even if the crown is upside down :-)<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410290905382721746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFVw6K-b6RISHC4oF2Nr_r8zn8IoBXHkSvyE22JgRZOQ2HOZPqVWC-CUBJ3qelXivJnGVTT3PMeDoVgbPHuh3kEyOWFlDoybAPthyRa-IodAZOfK0uthSVzJNqAlKooLtL1EKIr9V8lR7/s320/IMG_3534.JPG" />The kids LOVED Thanksgiving dinner... all the way from the cooking stages...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410290912302337298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0GUlIjmfQ1AN1ErKNM0MXxctn1jiE7HoTam_IoRJISdZL84TbT__4dBwSg4916r1WZaVSBzidCU8dJ4NY8vK55yXRgqIWfCTka3d5B7SESBitaGViihkYSwRCSgSjno8QszJnolSHF-v/s320/IMG_3536.JPG" />to the activities in between food prep and courses....<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVlD702snRmzolzFw8kUkeBms_h9r3n9l95gPbbMqH4cVdxBpIBFQH8zjmH1eHoA8K3taRYIVItaaUEcDoZrkKpJZ6tomE_hd8U1K5em9MCcfsBzneAJGmR5Rh7dVMe5mPwjppqYVCL6h/s1600/IMG_3540.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410290926917299554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVlD702snRmzolzFw8kUkeBms_h9r3n9l95gPbbMqH4cVdxBpIBFQH8zjmH1eHoA8K3taRYIVItaaUEcDoZrkKpJZ6tomE_hd8U1K5em9MCcfsBzneAJGmR5Rh7dVMe5mPwjppqYVCL6h/s320/IMG_3540.JPG" /></a> to the yummy pie at the end!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJ3Yr9MCN-dLb0OPz1ogWwupBcu05KbGWP8JVCXAG65gYq5xVl5tluk1Q-10Srp8D4vMf4TSUur7xkGuH9VW3cMnd28hQjqawL551waFBzIzOCyCVb09pfC_DUAxRFjxL-v57Gi380B7f/s1600/IMG_3537.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410290921398600578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJ3Yr9MCN-dLb0OPz1ogWwupBcu05KbGWP8JVCXAG65gYq5xVl5tluk1Q-10Srp8D4vMf4TSUur7xkGuH9VW3cMnd28hQjqawL551waFBzIzOCyCVb09pfC_DUAxRFjxL-v57Gi380B7f/s320/IMG_3537.JPG" /></a>Mmmmmmmmm.... Gooooooooood! Pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkin, and Pecan Pie from Todd... and if you've had his pie before, I don't need to say anything else!<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5RvCCpFZxlY9D7YlcVhq507ihce7N-AYcSCc4qnV81CMX8ga8Xhn-s3I92jkyg56KxmBLwWfDeATiSBxJ6NSW5p_qkTiqW-yO9QLuFyggVPHD6kPBH5lL7XfPlDcOpGNY37JoqvrsEet/s1600/IMG_3533.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410290900167788066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5RvCCpFZxlY9D7YlcVhq507ihce7N-AYcSCc4qnV81CMX8ga8Xhn-s3I92jkyg56KxmBLwWfDeATiSBxJ6NSW5p_qkTiqW-yO9QLuFyggVPHD6kPBH5lL7XfPlDcOpGNY37JoqvrsEet/s320/IMG_3533.JPG" /></a><br />The Dye's cleaned house in a karate tournament<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlTS1uCg0MaIbllTY6JCZa9E6uJ-d6hL6WtPE0HJhyphenhyphennYymjoKBtOd-n6ABd8mMuTjm5fR-Pu9iheT5l784R2d-18IOkW1csL31rmunHw1MKPa5Qu5eyK2nTyg8UsP9vMOPBN_d4a4z2cL/s1600/IMG_3525.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410289997653357426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlTS1uCg0MaIbllTY6JCZa9E6uJ-d6hL6WtPE0HJhyphenhyphennYymjoKBtOd-n6ABd8mMuTjm5fR-Pu9iheT5l784R2d-18IOkW1csL31rmunHw1MKPa5Qu5eyK2nTyg8UsP9vMOPBN_d4a4z2cL/s320/IMG_3525.JPG" /></a><br />Both received 1st place in sparring</div><br /><div>Here's a video of their team performance together... 3rd place... Glenn did a great job going into stealth mode to catch up to James!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P2evlf8EzmU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P2evlf8EzmU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410303383053828130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyawghs8vgkva2C2AYLqCS6hqCuHyoG2f8VTpkQGlzCU91QZIropJwoQvppxlbgdvwU_hSuDQZq9wTQO8kvM0osRgv2ttU0E0zCuHwbezPcrjj03WbHArdZqObRECoBn6-H06zEDvul4x/s320/IMG_3503.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh1TJUS2Ts2pr4EzK71Zmf6smRqz8WR8FeubOa9qtBy6uy2Rs7aZlPEATLxeNrxLT5w2ssLsGuBLCOWTNVW_VvW_l33mUE7jSSbnFU8bnomFyYihxEjoDye6wA2wmNCp5rLt5lWaWpB3U/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG"></a>James was ecstatic to participate in the local school Science Fair Project: From start to finish, he knew exactly what he wanted! Such a rock hound!<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410289971054300850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGCLOIJKMA-Um0fdIKVnVJQXryhYo_kIgdToNRcwbJWjf4OoDwU4wWJ5A20on-YkEcq4HFQxXJDwqeYI5C8kvtCD_80tXBE0vxMEBOR5Pz_y1w5_nYg16IcQl1lqiJWi0YBXHUOLivbQY/s320/IMG_3480.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div>And Glenn, being the younger brother... of course, wanted to follow in his brother's footsteps! He wanted to learn about teeth! Guess that doesn't surprise me, coming from my child who loves food! They loved participating, but I think the Fair at the end, where they got to run around and play with their friends, was the highlight :-)</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeo7KqI73uoJA8wiI14U6J4dc-QW30vJ9OU8aMNLWBXIxbAR6i022_s4OmIlNh1pSCwMYeAuDX1YKob7bVJnwYZEYhb-9FG2y-LwSRCrqHiM4XeIzFgQm_sNBX1niGYRFb6QEgdpM-qufK/s1600/IMG_3494.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410289981023961714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeo7KqI73uoJA8wiI14U6J4dc-QW30vJ9OU8aMNLWBXIxbAR6i022_s4OmIlNh1pSCwMYeAuDX1YKob7bVJnwYZEYhb-9FG2y-LwSRCrqHiM4XeIzFgQm_sNBX1niGYRFb6QEgdpM-qufK/s320/IMG_3494.JPG" /></a> All I can say, is that she obviously knows something that I don't!<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif69PpNZCpAhHI5EJ_mNlLNzgjQC0mgLmXDU4Aew2fV_8-KsfQGRdy00XmNrwDQO8OIBGD4ljVaobcQ-ScEAIjETiEQaXWxYldkjQTUQp6sJdr2IqGTcKhaXHVqEN0cV3kNOLG4o4BAYIV/s1600/IMG_3476.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410289963342420194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif69PpNZCpAhHI5EJ_mNlLNzgjQC0mgLmXDU4Aew2fV_8-KsfQGRdy00XmNrwDQO8OIBGD4ljVaobcQ-ScEAIjETiEQaXWxYldkjQTUQp6sJdr2IqGTcKhaXHVqEN0cV3kNOLG4o4BAYIV/s320/IMG_3476.JPG" /></a>So happy, just to sit and color together! I LOVE those moments! Look at their faces... pure happiness!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /></div><p>Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I love this time of year when I stop and think of all the many blessings that I have in my life. And although kids are high on my list... happier kids are even higher :-)</p>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-69920608257849098492009-11-09T10:48:00.000-08:002009-11-10T12:25:08.086-08:00Fall has brought us....<div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt45-08tQVJlUDXCNyVaJVDMuLc6GsIzVLl10c5cybXEX8WsACTkDKJQYzb-iNzzPoFbCHe2LTNQThS04MMxRxuphH_WZQHqI4irQ0YcTirGUaKQzon1OFX0gKebc-AJC0MP_0FZMm6NH/s1600-h/IMG_3425.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402551093494466642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt45-08tQVJlUDXCNyVaJVDMuLc6GsIzVLl10c5cybXEX8WsACTkDKJQYzb-iNzzPoFbCHe2LTNQThS04MMxRxuphH_WZQHqI4irQ0YcTirGUaKQzon1OFX0gKebc-AJC0MP_0FZMm6NH/s320/IMG_3425.JPG" /></a> Happy Halloween, Thanksgiving, Fall, and whatever else you celebrate! Even though we got the flu bug, we've still tried to do what we can to celebrate this beautiful time of year! This is what our Fall has brought us...</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>First off... we've enjoyed many wonderful meals from our children! Glenn made superb spaghetti and meatballs... just look at how Alex enjoyed that meal! And Glenn also helped me make the dinner in a pumpkin. The kids love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHIRNRP4zLii_nkDN87qI4jvqmELf8IuECqOv4p_TqfxV2lih8SNK-EllNbn5I6PpaOyhjQ1gwf9xIJBfupY26ovuL0GJtYDhXnhGnZ3XyuCElaxntxFg-9K4lGGRdFpE8zZmg29r_pDd/s1600-h/IMG_3376.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402556768181885010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHIRNRP4zLii_nkDN87qI4jvqmELf8IuECqOv4p_TqfxV2lih8SNK-EllNbn5I6PpaOyhjQ1gwf9xIJBfupY26ovuL0GJtYDhXnhGnZ3XyuCElaxntxFg-9K4lGGRdFpE8zZmg29r_pDd/s320/IMG_3376.JPG" /></a> the responsibility, and I love teaching them kitchen etiquette... don't taste your product with your finger! :-) Anyway, we've had some fabulous meals lately because of our boys!<br /><br /><br />Second... fall brings us pumpkin patches! We've all had a wonderful time playing to our hearts content at 2 fabulous pumpkin farms... Airlie Pumpkin Farm, and Heiser Pumpkin Patch! What more could you ask for... delightful company while your kids play in corn/hay mazes, go on tractor rides, try to pick up pumpkins bigger than them, slide down slides,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGue9jWLDfunIM3K1ouCTaZtBedfCvI4myWZ1QXkSkvTcmJgKn_9lhZGJz8RAdA5aJHNi-rOcR1IFLZH70Ot1M2Je_CSxQjqqnG0sc60YkYnw-_ycQ_feIX0wEpZiXkQ0lJuAc38UYlY4B/s1600-h/IMG_3393.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402179413026156866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGue9jWLDfunIM3K1ouCTaZtBedfCvI4myWZ1QXkSkvTcmJgKn_9lhZGJz8RAdA5aJHNi-rOcR1IFLZH70Ot1M2Je_CSxQjqqnG0sc60YkYnw-_ycQ_feIX0wEpZiXkQ0lJuAc38UYlY4B/s320/IMG_3393.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphUIdTa2DojV4gZN_txfurchjEWkEKOPNiOC3kD-N7g6KzK7y6VNoWPrEE13FWVzvHSXLiuqLZ_iIrdU5u3ZFWe4jUuTCC30JFKod3Ul0DNsyQQwyB9YggzqjV1R0o733LMCwSCXTx0CS/s1600-h/IMG_0842.jpg"></a> watch pumpkin cannons shoot pumpkins at least 300 feet through the air, and climb on giant hay bails that look like spiders. Oh, and a cross race right through the middle of one! Life was good... </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Then, our third reason for loving fall... took a u-turn. Our family got stuck with the flu bug, and our typical Halloween of going to Astoria and watching people ride their bikes in costumes... well, that will just have to wait till next year! We did make it to downtown trick-or-treating, though, and went to a few houses in the neighborhood, but other than that, kept it quiet.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcq3v2BJzO4ygMNFLjkHY2BmvOK9P6mvArZHK5euuJH35gxZoLyWxzsaYzf8pTwtACYJvY0NI06pRxUZVPJOTpFtL1LhyphenhyphenQMJvwVpX81eUcMDd-yqi0w0izcRWSHexl0Vb5b49JE4HDuhnA/s1600-h/IMG_3467.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402179407100764242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcq3v2BJzO4ygMNFLjkHY2BmvOK9P6mvArZHK5euuJH35gxZoLyWxzsaYzf8pTwtACYJvY0NI06pRxUZVPJOTpFtL1LhyphenhyphenQMJvwVpX81eUcMDd-yqi0w0izcRWSHexl0Vb5b49JE4HDuhnA/s320/IMG_3467.JPG" /></a> We did have a few visitors that we walked around with, to make our Halloween much more enjoyable. We were in full StarWars attire... James was Luke, Glenn was Darth Vader, and Alex was a clonetrooper. And I put Ellie's hair up in 2 mini buns... I never did get a picture of her, though... go figure! So, Halloween was good, but we do hope that next year we won't be sick! And here's to a good winter, since we're chalk full of antibodies... right??!!<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Our fourth reason for loving Fall... it's Glenn's birthday! Grandma D was visiting, so we celebrated a day early, and he was in seventh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQz73CbiVX-M1nlVpr_E1tRH1Olif_JrjrROfsQmsfnxk0zkyyXUBopGan7zGRAQtslipAbn8WL8J44geP1x6TWEKIQE6GarXqvpslWCTAriOR3lGQqRmhRedgHHsCAxQ5KnU-rdrhPlME/s1600-h/IMG_3438.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402559316174700802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQz73CbiVX-M1nlVpr_E1tRH1Olif_JrjrROfsQmsfnxk0zkyyXUBopGan7zGRAQtslipAbn8WL8J44geP1x6TWEKIQE6GarXqvpslWCTAriOR3lGQqRmhRedgHHsCAxQ5KnU-rdrhPlME/s320/IMG_3438.JPG" /></a> heaven! We declared it Glenn week, and had a great time showing him how much we appreciated him, and what he brings to our family, and to our individual lives! And Glenn was SOOO excited, as you can see, to have Grandma D here to share it with him. The highlight of his birthday, was going to StarWars in Concert up in Portland, though. The boys LOVED it, especially Alex. They were riveted every second of the performance! And before/intermission, the boys loved finding the StarWars characters. Everyone got a kick out of Alex, though. Everyone else posed to get a picture with the characters.... Alex posed as to<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUIRSuREJ-nvyRcvnAx8nOaRySCxkfV9ZFsptc40X9ogWUsfYf247UqI-mDvFv_naoFTXFNXDcXUDG_CeimxUWftu5Ji_QM7KHczUXAnsghqgrbc5z-Dif0HEbIsh3d-9NUxZuXhO9nRB/s1600-h/IMG_0854.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402551056119725074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUIRSuREJ-nvyRcvnAx8nOaRySCxkfV9ZFsptc40X9ogWUsfYf247UqI-mDvFv_naoFTXFNXDcXUDG_CeimxUWftu5Ji_QM7KHczUXAnsghqgrbc5z-Dif0HEbIsh3d-9NUxZuXhO9nRB/s320/IMG_0854.jpg" /></a> play the part WITH the characters.... always pretending to fight with his light saber, etc. It was hilarious. The kids had a great time!!! Well worth the trip! It is hard to believe Glenn is 6 now, but he is growing like a weed, and is so anxious to catch up to his brother!!! Hmmmm.... think I should break it to him that he won't? :-)<br /><br /></div><div>Fifth reason we love fall... that's when Todd's parents are moving to OREGON! Grandma D came out here to look at a few houses, and although we saw one house we liked, Todd and I never saw any houses that we knew would be perfect for the Dye's. Then.... we happened to<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXhFgjafsDR-uGj5Y23bIzBL-rC3qQFiONQwK7lMdmUKvj3tfTniroQw8gWDa6tjVPUG4nhZvEFbfPnR8nmjqomVetkD1GrI1UnYaKyxb45rspvjssGVr9oTUKwnJLqDX4R3cgl4JlzpF/s1600-h/IMG_3417.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402179418014201730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXhFgjafsDR-uGj5Y23bIzBL-rC3qQFiONQwK7lMdmUKvj3tfTniroQw8gWDa6tjVPUG4nhZvEFbfPnR8nmjqomVetkD1GrI1UnYaKyxb45rspvjssGVr9oTUKwnJLqDX4R3cgl4JlzpF/s320/IMG_3417.JPG" /></a> call the right realtor, who knew of the right place, and before we knew it, Grandma D had bought a house in Philomath! I say Grandma D, because Grandpa D still hasn't seen it in person! But we have taken lots of videos and pictures for him! It still doesn't seem real... even though the deal is closed! I still feel like I need to be pinched, but I don't dare tell my kids that! :-) The house that they found has a gorgeous view of the mountains at sunset... perfect! They should be moving in around Thanksgiving!!!!! So, we will officially not have Thanksgiving alone this year!!!! I am so excited to actually be able to cook for a crowd! We always actually do cook for a crowd... we just have lots of leftovers! :-) When Grandma D wasn't looking for houses, though, Alex was her little sidekick! Alex read books with Grandma D, laughed with Grandma D, and cried with Grandma D (even though he was usually crying tears from bumps, and Grandma D had tears trying to contain her laughter). Alex made sure they were taken care of, with blankets, pillows, and monkey to make sure <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRnZ2dvsNpxvp3MtNa0ganLubzoubBuzHfVD33MeoV4i1_tytbfKSg3rmGaJQmNkziDfbHygkWA5QTLwIYXdLLRHhoGCmrdwZQ77Wr8YOHqNQjLmcFVtUTNdiWOmjHA9tfY5mVjLvpjiD/s1600-h/IMG_0834.jpg"></a>they weren't lonely! Anyway, we are all so excited to have Grandma and Grandpa D out here with us!!!! Only a few more weeks!<br /></div><div><br />Last, but not least, we are happy for fall, so we can count our blessings over this past<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhob4h4etsXhSbmIIhE1lLLOlXC8PiSOx0WGeWrhiCdvI08eIPUE28BNoW9wZ0J0USOJPjoCiuImxDiWSjbR8QnkGHk43b45P5Y0GQ3iH1YOYXgJYmKDZTGqYuJ5HgkL1MXpcKgiaEIQhqr/s1600-h/IMG_3442.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402179428724671266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhob4h4etsXhSbmIIhE1lLLOlXC8PiSOx0WGeWrhiCdvI08eIPUE28BNoW9wZ0J0USOJPjoCiuImxDiWSjbR8QnkGHk43b45P5Y0GQ3iH1YOYXgJYmKDZTGqYuJ5HgkL1MXpcKgiaEIQhqr/s320/IMG_3442.JPG" /></a> summer. The Relief Society from our church recently gave Alex a quilt which they made for him. It's a very special quilt. I'm already having to get the tissue box! People from our church were invited to contribute one block for Alex. Then the blocks were sewn together to make this quilt. What I had envisioned being a lap blanket, turned out larger than I could have imagined! And what made the quilt even more special, is that everyone who contributed a block, also contributed an 8.5X11 sheet of paper which contained a swatch of the fabric, and a note to Alex. The sheets were put into a binder, and became a game for Alex. As we go through the pages, he has to find the fabric which corresponds to the swatch. Then when he finds it, we read the message to him. James helped Alex with this game, and even when he was done, he commented on how good this blanket made him feel. It was made with love, sewn with love, written with love, and helped us feel the love for our family. <br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinynJHvm5yrD65gyd7qNviuJf6KjFUVMuvGAmg12COovQ-yJo3OuO_b7CRYFQ7paqgQRfGXXVXuGhkKGnQjCXSe6h1jMR1uO9m9q71iGRhlg4jTekNmHsBy-gfBJDvAmlwrVtoIiKUCOhp/s1600-h/IMG_3473.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402179400657139858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinynJHvm5yrD65gyd7qNviuJf6KjFUVMuvGAmg12COovQ-yJo3OuO_b7CRYFQ7paqgQRfGXXVXuGhkKGnQjCXSe6h1jMR1uO9m9q71iGRhlg4jTekNmHsBy-gfBJDvAmlwrVtoIiKUCOhp/s320/IMG_3473.JPG" /></a><br />Well, that's it from our family. I truly hope that your family is doing well! We really do miss all you midwesterners, and hope you make it out to Oregon sometime! One last thing I thought of, I also am enjoying this fall, because Ellie's hair is finally long enough to do things with! Here are 2 pigtails... still looking forward to the day I can braid it, though! Take care everyone, and Happy Fall! Stay happy and healthy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-86079852558754155982009-09-11T09:20:00.000-07:002009-09-16T09:16:06.203-07:00Summer Fun...<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oO3Q3IHuIVsXjxXjkWTUQQ1Fh7z34YyHUO2Mm5BdfsmmMcA4gMHKNevR46w9ofzjrdqwyJxmVDd2lRvadmawx0TOtO7xyh_FTkkgVJEHmKf3HbyqgTjZbFOU8cAqUhUUqBt-P_4X5CBu/s1600-h/IMG_3177.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380248279246752306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oO3Q3IHuIVsXjxXjkWTUQQ1Fh7z34YyHUO2Mm5BdfsmmMcA4gMHKNevR46w9ofzjrdqwyJxmVDd2lRvadmawx0TOtO7xyh_FTkkgVJEHmKf3HbyqgTjZbFOU8cAqUhUUqBt-P_4X5CBu/s200/IMG_3177.JPG" /></a> I still can't believe that September is here. The summer has flown past us! But, not without some fun.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Sorry it's been so long since I've posted last. It kept getting further down the priorities list! But, here we are with a bunch more pictures for you all to enjoy. Thanks for waiting patiently.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I was privileged to pick peaches this year! It is something that I LOVE to do, even if I don't fully<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURIcxj3-0F33d5MLMuTJtr1h-9h8nR1uExj_ab6LBwRqJt7NBKMcgHEGsjB71fFgU1dHBa5wHR7kHENbRyOXBuSsKkgGNwM_ELwm3C1eH1-GA0_fXSfqkfp2Vouw4GuzFqbdZCNGGi0fA/s1600-h/IMG_3178.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380248270661816962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURIcxj3-0F33d5MLMuTJtr1h-9h8nR1uExj_ab6LBwRqJt7NBKMcgHEGsjB71fFgU1dHBa5wHR7kHENbRyOXBuSsKkgGNwM_ELwm3C1eH1-GA0_fXSfqkfp2Vouw4GuzFqbdZCNGGi0fA/s200/IMG_3178.JPG" /></a> enjoy canning/freezing them afterwards. But I do it anyway, because I LOVE to pick! There is something so calming and peaceful for me, when I feel a peach just fall into my hands, as I take it from the tree. The tree says "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ahhh</span>... yes, finally a weight lifted...." and I say... "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ahhh</span>... yes, finally a beautiful juicy peach." It is such a mutual friendship! And as you can see, Ellie LOVES her peaches as well. The boys ran back and gave the man a quarter whenever Ellie dug into one... again. She just sat on the cart, and ate what she could!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We had an old college friend (she's not old of course :-)) come down with her family and stay the night with us. What a wonderful family! After all these years, it was neat to see why we were such good friends in college! We picked up where we dropped off, like we'd known each other for years! It was great to see them all! They stayed the night with us, and the boys had a blast with their 4.5 year old... so much so that we never heard a peep out of them, and before we knew it, it was midnight, and the kids were happily, and quietly <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgd-9emHPCVjYA09HTQ04VEVAb1a1cIajTo1w0Pcqgcxrz0x5U-EPds6AjXCVNbflmiUF4EDyM-dSpsp1VxJvNoQt-qWepqzeqOrUFAXf_CcN8bAQXjgbJjSTLWwSD9THKyY55fZRPMGD/s1600-h/IMG_3182.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380248255395817282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgd-9emHPCVjYA09HTQ04VEVAb1a1cIajTo1w0Pcqgcxrz0x5U-EPds6AjXCVNbflmiUF4EDyM-dSpsp1VxJvNoQt-qWepqzeqOrUFAXf_CcN8bAQXjgbJjSTLWwSD9THKyY55fZRPMGD/s200/IMG_3182.JPG" /></a>still playing. Such irresponsible parents! :-) It was wonderful to see them play so well together, though! And the following morning, we went to... pick peaches, of course! Now, if only we could get them to move down to Corvallis :-) She's a triathlete, and I had so much fun riding with her... she'd be a great addition to our riding group! </div><br /><div>James had his first <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">campout</span> as a cub scout last month, and was so excited! Todd's been on tons of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">campouts</span> with scouts before, but he wanted to make his first one with James special... so, off on tandem they went to Brownsville, with camping gear in the trailer. They had a blast, and are both anxiously awaiting next year to bike out there again! James has gotten quite good on the tandem! Todd and he make a fantastic team together!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp1_K9ZomCo0WG61c1xe39VPdoRtKFgZePnz1JY3iRIE-ToTJ0WEV69JTd-BmZ2jo1XShEz42yBQDlnsw0WpgcSAeqjnUIQ3fxu5iS2NQR3r3X7olCrrZ2nhCOQv6EMuTKQ1XQe30sPNR/s1600-h/IMG_3184.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380248248351786098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp1_K9ZomCo0WG61c1xe39VPdoRtKFgZePnz1JY3iRIE-ToTJ0WEV69JTd-BmZ2jo1XShEz42yBQDlnsw0WpgcSAeqjnUIQ3fxu5iS2NQR3r3X7olCrrZ2nhCOQv6EMuTKQ1XQe30sPNR/s200/IMG_3184.JPG" /></a> But, we did just get a used cross bike for James, and James LOVES to ride it. So, Todd hopes he keeps up his fire on the tandem, and doesn't want to always ride solo. It's such wonderful bonding time for them... no cell phones, no computers, just the 2 of them. I am so glad we have those tandems. And we are so thankful that the boys like to ride as much as we do!<br /><br />While James and Todd were gone, the rest of us had a party. Popcorn, movie, and puzzle fun. Glenn LOVES 3D puzzles, and why shouldn't he... he's fantastic at them! He started this puzzle the previous night, and when I came down the following morning (he beat me downstairs, and quietly worked on it while I was sleeping), he had finished it. If you've done a 3D puzzle before, you know this is quite a feat. And obviously he was quite happy! Way to go Glenn! If you need anything built, ask Glenn! Glenn also has recently acquired a bigger bike from a neighbor. He went from being scared of going downhills, to becoming a kamikaze downhill! He FLIES down our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">cul</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span>-sac as fast as his little legs can carry him! Todd came out, and saw this kid flying down the hill, and thought, "Who on earth is that?" Then took a double take, and it was Glenn! This literally happened overnight! So, last weekend he did his first kids race, and was in seventh heaven! He's growing up fast!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFgLELnZIc7-3RutzlNVTKA4atAOkp2nZzMsczinYNG8Uyh2wAHo5aThi0m2pHRDJJ-f1ECyVzHah6gQEkvDyLiAqqIl7v2Iz3J6gqXtzzAxCBaZSm_CAAzwUlVdchyuNIvdpIWqJtCKK/s1600-h/IMG_3187.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380248238916892402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFgLELnZIc7-3RutzlNVTKA4atAOkp2nZzMsczinYNG8Uyh2wAHo5aThi0m2pHRDJJ-f1ECyVzHah6gQEkvDyLiAqqIl7v2Iz3J6gqXtzzAxCBaZSm_CAAzwUlVdchyuNIvdpIWqJtCKK/s200/IMG_3187.JPG" /></a><br />Alex's burns are improving. They have healed completely over now, and has these compression socks that he wears that go from his knee, down to his little toes. We've definitely had a lot of finagling to do with seams, and such, but I think we've got most of the kinks worked out, and they are doing it's job. He loves the compression socks... first they help relieve the itching, and second, they allow him to do anything again! They provide the protection from sunlight, and from scrapes and bruises. So, he still needs to wear them for a year, but at least he loves them!!! He'll still be wearing pants till next year too, but thankfully he loves pants, too! Of course, it helps that I took his shorts away, so he doesn't have that option in his drawer! But he is very happy, go-lucky, and will gladly show his burns off to anyone who asks, and tells them they are feeling better!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6CvNA7z2ARRA8Z7WYcshJVmmyl3FUR8BBi23kytLwKep1Cs-d71x-f-jH07CDNkslGP45_dL0Zf_NJWjfOXRHARM_5_8uNgJWbW6C7Yqcm9w99pKc7hJiBN_p6fxQH9NBecJ6zS8n9tm/s1600-h/IMG_3228.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380247325514495490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6CvNA7z2ARRA8Z7WYcshJVmmyl3FUR8BBi23kytLwKep1Cs-d71x-f-jH07CDNkslGP45_dL0Zf_NJWjfOXRHARM_5_8uNgJWbW6C7Yqcm9w99pKc7hJiBN_p6fxQH9NBecJ6zS8n9tm/s200/IMG_3228.JPG" /></a>We had another friend come visit us this summer from my high school! It was so good to see her again, and reconnect. Ellie showed off her love for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koya's</span> water bowl, and would put her hair in the bowl, and then pick up her head and smile as the water dripped into her face. Disgusting, I know, but so cute! Jenn and I got to go over to the coast together and spend the night at a beautiful B&B. We soaked in the hot tub a few times, walked the beach, saw the seals and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yaquina</span> Head Lighthouse. And Jenn was my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">guinnea</span> pig that I made go on all the rocks that were near the ocean but had great views behind them! Perfect photo <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">opportunities</span>! It never failed, though, and as soon as she got up on<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW44ToFWKLG6czkQG452bXfC72cQ7L3_NTtdQJeyDr0INEj5aDWDINQqf8TCgrknF7tIvGmYyZiYYj03XnqeombxmMnJSL1RTkPYeHRLSqJonjT8TB9iz7bm7z2EEFdlL75kzPI2SnzsFJ/s1600-h/IMG_3284.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382086285953833874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW44ToFWKLG6czkQG452bXfC72cQ7L3_NTtdQJeyDr0INEj5aDWDINQqf8TCgrknF7tIvGmYyZiYYj03XnqeombxmMnJSL1RTkPYeHRLSqJonjT8TB9iz7bm7z2EEFdlL75kzPI2SnzsFJ/s200/IMG_3284.JPG" /></a> the rock, a huge wave would come in and get her soaked, and close to stranded! I couldn't stop laughing!!! Of course, because it wasn't me! :-) It was a great weekend, and it was sad to see her go. Especially Alex, who clung to her, and made her read any book he brought her! They were pals!<br /><br /><div>Speaking of pals, Ellie and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koya</span> have become the best of friends! They have a mutual relationship at the dinner table. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koya</span> will let Ellie lay all over her, and do what she likes with her, as long as Ellie continues to drop half of her food off the table! Ellie LOVES <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koya</span>, and looks forward to seeing her in the morning, and letting her inside, and looks forward to laying with her when she's laying down. It's fun to see her enjoy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koya</span> so much. Ellie enjoys life in general, though. She loves <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajRGh414hClYbZenwiCJ9H2KOnzqIswjGmbCmSDqOgw9omKkr90IeZqF-2d0asq4FEenHdnsalgpMqBizLtU-0SZtlwPCpYgWZj83AVaPHdjkgJl-nH0pinRwBZRFGb_Fv71LxlYBWvLL/s1600-h/IMG_3323.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380247295748180258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajRGh414hClYbZenwiCJ9H2KOnzqIswjGmbCmSDqOgw9omKkr90IeZqF-2d0asq4FEenHdnsalgpMqBizLtU-0SZtlwPCpYgWZj83AVaPHdjkgJl-nH0pinRwBZRFGb_Fv71LxlYBWvLL/s200/IMG_3323.JPG" /></a>having the boys dote on her, loves being the center of attention, loves playing with the phones (fake ones DO NOT COUNT in her book), and talks as much as she can! She's growing up so fast, and is trying so hard to communicate with us. She does some basic signs, but I am amazed how much she can talk to us, too. Such a girl! Already loves the phone, and talking. Watch out! Her favorite things to say first thing in the morning is, "Papa." Then when she sees Papa, her favorite thing to say is, "Bye." But she gives fabulous hugs now, and we all melt when she divvy's them out!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IKfLF5t_99wm2UmiOJyUeRz1vrmdaryQ6InSyz_onY81HE13CVC_fLMmEu-Y03X1bjkEL1At6G_X2Al4O31-uP8EjPiPGgexEVq5x1MrV16Sob0r03atIVkOG3JmSkTXqd03q9lhx5in/s1600-h/IMG_3325.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380247284707808818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IKfLF5t_99wm2UmiOJyUeRz1vrmdaryQ6InSyz_onY81HE13CVC_fLMmEu-Y03X1bjkEL1At6G_X2Al4O31-uP8EjPiPGgexEVq5x1MrV16Sob0r03atIVkOG3JmSkTXqd03q9lhx5in/s200/IMG_3325.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Well, our school year has begun as well! Ellie is adjusting from not being the center of attention! The first week I counted down till nap time! But this week is going so much better! She comes up to the table and colors when the boys are at the table, but otherwise, just goes and does her own thing... like wear princess crowns! The other boys were so anxious to school start, the first day couldn't get here fast enough for them! But if finally came, and they were excited to see that waffles with blueberries, whip cream, syrup, and chocolate sauce, waiting for them at the table! It was a great start to a great year! This<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn7mWdeaje0p3ja_HwiVoUP_CwAz4JaQ2keOti1SdL1zw44nP8KOhaXaTGrOgjHWfIBr05tjBxmhfP25rBd7Asd7ZhXPe36pT0UnZsBUibtzF-lSdmUhSwbPqAhvEdd9bAacBicQxty3y/s1600-h/IMG_3320.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380247307687081042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn7mWdeaje0p3ja_HwiVoUP_CwAz4JaQ2keOti1SdL1zw44nP8KOhaXaTGrOgjHWfIBr05tjBxmhfP25rBd7Asd7ZhXPe36pT0UnZsBUibtzF-lSdmUhSwbPqAhvEdd9bAacBicQxty3y/s200/IMG_3320.JPG" /></a> year we're moving into Rome, studying biology, and keeping up on our Chinese. Fun, fun, fun! The kids are excited as can be, which just makes me smile to see their love for learning! As sad as it is to see the summer <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">playdates</span> disappear, at least they are excited for the next stage! Welcome to fall everyone!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Take care everyone!</div><div> </div><div>With love,</div><div>The Dye's<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJHP2ZFNOO-eUG5rzm8rPd4nPPFNLLJYn3UcT0d_7RLGtWsew2UECLdfn5Gf9gl8YyEKhx0ZPloZKlbEQAcsXMyesEPHOCnZTEtJMgs3ABV9Q89vWpNNHx1fm1_xuT4qut2MyDUE_ykO_/s1600-h/IMG_3238.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-80687559860565734162009-07-24T22:03:00.000-07:002009-07-24T23:43:46.727-07:00To Miracles and Kind People<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqTuotZWhdH5pqmWT7GcFcjwQNH2ZrJeyFVPCW3qAlQ-3M9jkXqf3e67V8hg8acAW61A2cG-GCLv_hjffx2RbCU5Y4JirnHyfZpxT_ksShffiEW1sytSGgnPgXOAAtUR_TXUf-zcvyffM/s1600-h/IMG_3082.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362260174301016274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqTuotZWhdH5pqmWT7GcFcjwQNH2ZrJeyFVPCW3qAlQ-3M9jkXqf3e67V8hg8acAW61A2cG-GCLv_hjffx2RbCU5Y4JirnHyfZpxT_ksShffiEW1sytSGgnPgXOAAtUR_TXUf-zcvyffM/s200/IMG_3082.JPG" /></a>I wanted to give an update on Alex, and the blog is the best way that I know how. For those of you who are not aware, our 3 year-old tripped backwards into a firepit with a live fire, while we were camping up by Clear Lake along the McKenzie River. I was at the picnic bench, so ran over as quick as I could, but he still had borderline 2nd/3rd degree burns on the back of his legs from the ring of the firepit.<br /><br />Miraculously, we had a fantastic day enjoying each other's company, and went on a beautiful hike by Clear Lake. We stayed and played in the stream for about an hour each way on our hike,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8IPnmbJOu37l49s9MvWFFQihJUdIkiAk1B2wjNB_c4xi7EXowuIG2qXDtjC-MBT_nX58gkawrTWfAp0EmqUyFay1M9FlpwnwcDsNSnjwc__VoP-PwAHPkRiCvMhhPHVFwjwP8nmBtYmi/s1600-h/IMG_3086.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362260180317186674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8IPnmbJOu37l49s9MvWFFQihJUdIkiAk1B2wjNB_c4xi7EXowuIG2qXDtjC-MBT_nX58gkawrTWfAp0EmqUyFay1M9FlpwnwcDsNSnjwc__VoP-PwAHPkRiCvMhhPHVFwjwP8nmBtYmi/s200/IMG_3086.JPG" /></a> and Alex LOVED playing in the water. Which in turn soaked his shorts, and saved him from being burned worse. His jacket, as you can see was melted in places, but he had on a long-sleeved shirt AND short sleeved shirt underneath. So, he still had minor burns from just the heat on his waistline and arm, but miraculously, nothing else. And he was also wearing his hat... which had burn marks on it as well... so his head was spared, minus a very minor burn from a stick up on his brow. So, when we stop to think of all that could have happened... falling in face first, having dry crisp clothes, we feel so blessed that our Alex is here with us, and doing well.<br /><br />When I first grabbed him out of the fire, I<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U5JI6-Ck8PO8hmMxhpRy63DIDJGUFlssy6gTlORzIi-JhnkevZPJNpvvDtOlBhjA1cb2exPKcIpyLe6Yp7SbrN8IEoD9i8dCfdBBu4y1pDf6w9Bi49kOFOUvvAiswA6BG260qqlgAqQn/s1600-h/IMG_3116.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362261974108344850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U5JI6-Ck8PO8hmMxhpRy63DIDJGUFlssy6gTlORzIi-JhnkevZPJNpvvDtOlBhjA1cb2exPKcIpyLe6Yp7SbrN8IEoD9i8dCfdBBu4y1pDf6w9Bi49kOFOUvvAiswA6BG260qqlgAqQn/s200/IMG_3116.JPG" /></a> threw off his jacket, and noticed that his hands were burned from putting them down and trying to get up. So, the campers nearby who heard him came running over, and were so kind and gentle to all my kids, and took my jug of water and poured it over his hands. In the back of my mind, I'm thinking, this poor child can't console himself by sucking his fingers... which he LOVES to do, but thank goodness it's only his hands (2nd degree). Then someone noticed the back of his legs. Panic started pressing in, but being a mom with my kids around, I knew I had to keep it together. Todd was getting back from leading a group of kids down the McKenzie River Trail, and wasn't there... hmmm... how am I going to find him. Thankfully he rode up within 3 minutes of the instance. I asked him if Dr. Ramton was over with our LDS group, and he said that Dr. Nelson and Dr. Penington were... so he ran over to find them, while these sweet men poured water over Alex, and helped comfort James, who was in tears. Todd came back with our friend and packed all our stuff up while I walked over to the lake and poured water on Alex's legs, and then took him over to the doctors. They were lifesavers.<br /><br />Doctors are so calm, and that is exactly what I needed. No flipping out! So, Dr. Nelson was so calm and gentle while he applied bandages to Alex. Dr. Penington was calm and reassuring, and had Alex and me lay in the back of his suburban while they went to work. They reassured us that everything was going to be ok... Todd came back to give Alex a blessing, and off we went to Corvallis... a long 2 hour drive. Well, when you go at least 80, it's only an hour and a half! Thankfully Alex calmed way down after the bandages were applied, and actually slept on the way home!!! We had cell signal for about 10 seconds at an interchange about 1.5 hours from home. I quick called my good friend, and visiting teacher, and bawled for the first time as I explained in about one quick sentence what had happened, and asked if she could meet Todd at the house with the kids. She said absolutely, and the signal died.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyPqSWqsXG04z_K5mzbwaYcoT-SzbFHh4WCFotx3fo0fr0IeUWSHNVN2fAaVlWmTcXQYK0MmB04eicjGGAY1v9e1bRwJf17BaEavpZAm_N8kuiNKyLqau6yIjdf5mZlphDOoNq7UifnCc/s1600-h/IMG_3109.JPG"></a><br /><br />We got to Corvallis, and Todd dropped Alex and I off at the ER,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcO5wGhrsIj7vToW99DKRzLtsJrb0s3NLxVoYxJ4C7LZW42EYSAbGIGMlmRePaouV7XcDDEc6zKaizgTiK5mOojwTQ2J80Rwzmf3EOWKjJi2ELQ5ywFl-2caokMyLurIdu0PAVMkvkPOt-/s1600-h/Alex+in+hospital.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362260163168071106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcO5wGhrsIj7vToW99DKRzLtsJrb0s3NLxVoYxJ4C7LZW42EYSAbGIGMlmRePaouV7XcDDEc6zKaizgTiK5mOojwTQ2J80Rwzmf3EOWKjJi2ELQ5ywFl-2caokMyLurIdu0PAVMkvkPOt-/s200/Alex+in+hospital.jpg" /></a> and took the rest of the kids back home where our Visiting Teachers were waiting at our doorstep. And 2 more women met us at the ER to give me my 'finally-able-to-let-it-out' hug, and Alex a praying teddy bear, which became his comfort through all of this. Alicen stayed with the kids overnight, because as the doctor looked a little more closely at the burns, she knew we needed more care than they could give. So, Alex and Todd (who arrived soon after dropping kids off at home), took a ride in an ambulance up to the Legacy Emanuel Burn Center in Portland. I drove up after taking a quick shower so I didn't smell like our campfire! When the doctor first looked at him, he said that he had a better than even chance that he needed a skin graft. His legs were bad... ARGH... but looking at the burns the next day and a few days after that (we stayed up there 4 days) he decided to let nature take its course, and see how Alex did healing on his own. Unfortunately the doctor wasn't too clear on this, and we had so many people telling us different things... we were quite confused! But I called his office after we got home, and got the whole scoop, and felt much better about things.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglc2zexRzB4WbQuDRKEoYgE1qnDw7H-OnohtT515i5lHAY_nNpuG1dBjcvUvjRPwV-mbi6BHmMEj72T7g1CA1qIdVx7Zf-gHTrzHa-m3OeX_ugDBOrVz09jauw_TdBhSNEkFnOBeznhNUW/s1600-h/IMG_3104.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362260988677716802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglc2zexRzB4WbQuDRKEoYgE1qnDw7H-OnohtT515i5lHAY_nNpuG1dBjcvUvjRPwV-mbi6BHmMEj72T7g1CA1qIdVx7Zf-gHTrzHa-m3OeX_ugDBOrVz09jauw_TdBhSNEkFnOBeznhNUW/s200/IMG_3104.JPG" /></a><br /><br />During this time, and from then till now, we have had more people offer to help us, than we knew what to do with!!! We were in such a complete fog with every emotion possible running through our heads as Alex cries, has a fever, doesn't move... you just can't stop your mind moving to worst possible situations, and you can't see the light at the end. But we were carried and lifted up as people offered to watch kids, bring meals, do our laundry, clean our house, water our garden, feed our dog, pay for our stay at the Ronald McDonald House.... the list could go on and on. Every time I talked to someone, there was always more. And even though we couldn't accept every one's service, just the thought of everyone trying to help us, gave us the glimpse at the light at the end of the tunnel that we needed. We knew that our Heavenly Father was watching over us, and taking care of us, through other's service.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyPqSWqsXG04z_K5mzbwaYcoT-SzbFHh4WCFotx3fo0fr0IeUWSHNVN2fAaVlWmTcXQYK0MmB04eicjGGAY1v9e1bRwJf17BaEavpZAm_N8kuiNKyLqau6yIjdf5mZlphDOoNq7UifnCc/s1600-h/IMG_3109.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362260992480306690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyPqSWqsXG04z_K5mzbwaYcoT-SzbFHh4WCFotx3fo0fr0IeUWSHNVN2fAaVlWmTcXQYK0MmB04eicjGGAY1v9e1bRwJf17BaEavpZAm_N8kuiNKyLqau6yIjdf5mZlphDOoNq7UifnCc/s200/IMG_3109.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Well, we were so happy when we were all together again, and back home with our little Alex who called himself a soldier, because everyone called him a 'trooper.' And as horrible as bandage changes are, he is so happy to be home. Each day he has gotten stronger and stronger. He went from never moving off our couch, to crawling around, to standing up, to walking around, to running around!!! He still favors one leg over the other, but is still using both!<br /><br />And today we took him up to the Burn Center for his follow-up, and he's gone from a better than even chance of having a skin graft, to a better than even chance he won't need one. There is one deep burn on his left leg that they are keeping an eye on, but as long as <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctI2EY6iQ8bG2IruB-_z9AVraxTlpm1YtufnsQG7oWQvNvNqJmL6sigtXahti4psIp0NFq652Ow4yQ-_eGBqsbWbzbeCPOnt8i0QjTxS4n5Y6jvP2Rb23LsFofRqmXPe9W78UOAK1ykn5/s1600-h/IMG_3112.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362261000941884642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctI2EY6iQ8bG2IruB-_z9AVraxTlpm1YtufnsQG7oWQvNvNqJmL6sigtXahti4psIp0NFq652Ow4yQ-_eGBqsbWbzbeCPOnt8i0QjTxS4n5Y6jvP2Rb23LsFofRqmXPe9W78UOAK1ykn5/s200/IMG_3112.JPG" /></a>it continues to make progress, and he doesn't get any infections, he'll be good to go! So, it'll still be quite a while of bandage changes, but there is a light at the end, and we are all so very happy! We go up a week from Monday to get the final say for skin graft or not. So, until then, we just keep plugging along. We have been on a roller coaster, but I am happy that it feels like we are getting close to finishing our ride!<br /><br />In a moment, our priorities became crystal clear. We knew our Heavenly Father loved us, and was watching out for us, we knew that all of us being together as a family was the most important thing, and we knew that our family and friends were here for us. Nothing else mattered. And as we look back now, we've all learned so much. I've learned that it's ok to lean on others... something that is VERY hard for me to do. I've learned that my family is like cement. When push comes to shove we stick together... praying for each other, loving each other, holding each other, laughing together, and crying together. I've learned that there is great power in prayer. Listening to so many say they were praying for us... people putting Alex's name on the prayer roll... listening to other children pray for Alex, with no prompting from parents... melted my heart, and lifted us up higher than imagined. I've learned that by serving others, we are servants of the Lord. He is offering His help to us through others. And, I've learned to enjoy every moment together. Love your family and friends to your fullest, create memories that won't be forgotten, take the time to enjoy the small things, and notice all the little miracles that surround us. Stay close to your Heavenly Father, and notice His hand in all we do.<br /><br />Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers, concerns, and acts of service. And for those who are just learning about this, thanks for serving all those people near you, and taking care of the families near you who need it. Enjoy life everyone... I know we are doing our best to enjoy ours! We'll let you know how next Monday goes!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qgM0nHE0I4im_TCkoVmx7AGFFjNJpVdVD3-a1Js2bnKtrO_awhaS7tFYeZKyXyTTKq1wvDwBR0hX7RHxYimKEnLE4ePcP8FaauL0YNvDpDzKDLaH4xv5rCZe-V_XzjWShyphenhyphenRqXs8op-xc/s1600-h/IMG_3117.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6esyEM8yjXaJNGTXMsx6W398MLaYofxyJVjw3VNyJjc8PFv8_PaHWu8Wtwc4hLt4LDbP_wLSAKlfgL_mh-co7AkWmTmgInJCkm0nk9M8Qetd2mZS8bgCTjHdwiqq8_QFI01xH5I1dKpqS/s1600-h/IMG_3117.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcO5wGhrsIj7vToW99DKRzLtsJrb0s3NLxVoYxJ4C7LZW42EYSAbGIGMlmRePaouV7XcDDEc6zKaizgTiK5mOojwTQ2J80Rwzmf3EOWKjJi2ELQ5ywFl-2caokMyLurIdu0PAVMkvkPOt-/s1600-h/Alex+in+hospital.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_LLTLZDI5Ww51lG4dcnMajCQTeRdYat2E_FQVxz_78aBqtwax4NSlm9vqZgB1xFpiZVRcWi8VzwPL3qik7LHHu2uuyFheasKavogaS5DrgtcU7Bk8NDIwqwhe6dUgJknNWnc5fotITO5/s1600-h/IMG_3117.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8IPnmbJOu37l49s9MvWFFQihJUdIkiAk1B2wjNB_c4xi7EXowuIG2qXDtjC-MBT_nX58gkawrTWfAp0EmqUyFay1M9FlpwnwcDsNSnjwc__VoP-PwAHPkRiCvMhhPHVFwjwP8nmBtYmi/s1600-h/IMG_3086.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYXbrHU6e_9mh7lw0v1pFFDA3KHY2lo1SAhqw1hyphenhyphen3JRKLSA3f-a1kuZr9EbHlqxw7khXPJPJRm-CRCZodfrY3NUyNqrHRyMPnPVtLg151xg_hcArr8XhE1viIkyGE_HUtDikboiKExQBj/s1600-h/IMG_3120.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-13726676965757417812009-06-26T08:25:00.000-07:002009-06-26T09:55:15.648-07:00James is 8!<div>Well, I figure I had better hurry up and post this post before Alex's birthday happens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNja9ehY-9-KwKVR9QjNdSWDJEfJVcgGUSMBnoUyuzP3x0eRTbNVmmRNipAuJ3JEImUAWr1ugipx_SfmiH5NO2EFKuwDA_3oJ4KuH-6yjz95yKFbphN7NMLCYjHMA5PGOLAyJp3XwG553J/s1600-h/IMG_2766.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351659034592020338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNja9ehY-9-KwKVR9QjNdSWDJEfJVcgGUSMBnoUyuzP3x0eRTbNVmmRNipAuJ3JEImUAWr1ugipx_SfmiH5NO2EFKuwDA_3oJ4KuH-6yjz95yKFbphN7NMLCYjHMA5PGOLAyJp3XwG553J/s200/IMG_2766.JPG" /></a> tomorrow!<br /><div><br /><div><div></div><div>Happy belated birthday to James!</div><br /><div></div><div>My little boy is now 8. It is so hard for me to believe... I am still going through withdrawals. Even when you ask him, he says that he feels like things connect more, now that he's 8. And I already feel like he's so much older. He truly is connecting the dots more, and frankly, it is a little scary! I enjoy kids when they still don't<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispNdc9mxeRKI2eEqPPHQDePjOcNxD52YHgvv_9Urwy3e-GoP03hAVzPWq0TKxURrpR9PqQlI5ifZZZ14vMsF2qd7kKkHeHeNP3dGMUsQx1uHGQ-dcNGVe2MV1zyV0WceT55H4IZ1bZku_/s1600-h/IMG_2779.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351659050468377826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispNdc9mxeRKI2eEqPPHQDePjOcNxD52YHgvv_9Urwy3e-GoP03hAVzPWq0TKxURrpR9PqQlI5ifZZZ14vMsF2qd7kKkHeHeNP3dGMUsQx1uHGQ-dcNGVe2MV1zyV0WceT55H4IZ1bZku_/s200/IMG_2779.JPG" /></a> connect the dots fully, and you can tweak the system a little :-) Not James, anymore...</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTCRIJrQ0s3eee6yUgn3PVahZR4f44IQNqDF9Ow01sKWOmgGrkO-3_gmu7V3Jow_OcbNOp5iYjMAErg7j9uOuM7oUGnZHTFBBrWeZV1tq2OZdHfgvCqoQPAYB-DOoIIRzbFFw6958jyun/s1600-h/IMG_2807.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div>He has always been my go-to child. If anything needs to be done, I know I can count on James to get it done, first time, right away, and most of the time with a happy smile on his face. He's my unexpected child (I wasn't ready to be a mom, but the Lord had other plans!), yet he was the only child who could have broken me in to be the mom I have become. He teaches me how to become a better person on a daily basis. He ALWAYS keeps us on tract, by telling me when to lower my voice, when to pray for patience, and always informs us when we haven't read scriptures at night... even if it's midnight!!!! He's his Papa's boy when it<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QYd_ovTvoGfDALXmSFKSaTnRf9s3gMJsCUsaW6bC21tZyRHM05UX8itiIBgkLvVP4DfDb1sTZd15wejLMLO1jmgxXXS2PksbJ_mc0Vlb_McxyctFXnTNcuoNeUo0aByao0q7P9m_-pyy/s1600-h/IMG_2776.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351659046362577442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QYd_ovTvoGfDALXmSFKSaTnRf9s3gMJsCUsaW6bC21tZyRHM05UX8itiIBgkLvVP4DfDb1sTZd15wejLMLO1jmgxXXS2PksbJ_mc0Vlb_McxyctFXnTNcuoNeUo0aByao0q7P9m_-pyy/s200/IMG_2776.JPG" /></a> comes to staying up late at night... we've found him in his bed sneaking his book light at 12:50 in the morning... still reading... and last night as I passed out when my head hit the pillow, I woke up for a little bit at 11:45... enough to see both Todd and James reading voraciously... trying to read as much as they could before the evil Mama woke up to tell them to get to bed!<br /></div><br /><div>James LOVES his family. From a little boy, has always been content just spending time with his family. He's Alex's biggest fan, and Ellie walked for him before she walked for me! And James and Glenn... most of the time... are the best of friends, and will both say as much. He's such a wonderful<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHmAF8fYKhyphenhyphen9rFte7LIA9tsgLSo_TdIB2GoYYttuGA2AGHrKlgnoZ9D-9RDTjD6twkxwkckx68jf9-q7Y_4grp93c2RW2VVdEDccYDMXsO-PhuMqG75z740zCFE4x52c5nq8oKKBwx0GE/s1600-h/IMG_2773.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351659038690205170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHmAF8fYKhyphenhyphen9rFte7LIA9tsgLSo_TdIB2GoYYttuGA2AGHrKlgnoZ9D-9RDTjD6twkxwkckx68jf9-q7Y_4grp93c2RW2VVdEDccYDMXsO-PhuMqG75z740zCFE4x52c5nq8oKKBwx0GE/s200/IMG_2773.JPG" /></a> example, and I hope his brothers and sister follow his footsteps! Thanks, James, for all that you do for me, and for your family! You are our twinkling star!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For his birthday, he wanted toast... yep... toast... so we make him a smiley faced toast! Then it was off to baseball games. Our neighbor took him out for his birthday to buy him baseball gloves... I don't know if it was because he was so excited about his birthday, or if it was his gloves, but he did an awesome job hitting that day! He looked like a little professional hitter... way to go James! Glenn had his game first, then James. So, we got to enjoy hanging out as a family at the fields, with beautiful weather!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaszwGV_GqfmftNl5o4D-eG992DUhbvo7Ldv3bAQ_VrCWpjehbo65l3e3DzdHrFVC5ykLiUIY3KDVSON2GV27xhEcgqyymMguxvSVr7jiAuSLA1AOPz3PO5yWy_pOUWUymdBhCi90Tv73/s1600-h/IMG_2807.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351672320472239378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaszwGV_GqfmftNl5o4D-eG992DUhbvo7Ldv3bAQ_VrCWpjehbo65l3e3DzdHrFVC5ykLiUIY3KDVSON2GV27xhEcgqyymMguxvSVr7jiAuSLA1AOPz3PO5yWy_pOUWUymdBhCi90Tv73/s200/IMG_2807.JPG" /></a> Life was bliss! What more could you ask for... </div><div> </div><div>Well, this boy LOVES the New China Buffet, so we went there for lunch so James could eat his full plate of shrimp... he was in 7th heaven! Then we met some friends at the Bounce Place, and met more back home for cake and ice cream... with a Pikachu cake. James wanted to Pokemon theme... and his favorite is Pikachu. Knowing absolutely NOTHING about Pokemon, it was the best I could do. James did everything else related to Pokemon... and he did a great job! By the end of the day, we were all exhausted, but I think James had a fantastic day!! It was great. </div><div> </div><div>A few weeks later, James had the wonderful opportunity to be baptized with his buddy Christopher. In our church we<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMRi3CCxt4d2xt7qmIpE6L-N2Dud_4zZvjbJ-n5MFzTuKSZAymkvKMQ5K3U2Bph9vkDei8TsM0OPMpr0CafE_YoWaV2ohwYnBXhaEvFae4iD3j_2WsjhZ6FHrK5Gf4QYfsCvhiDZa9cBT/s1600-h/IMG_2940.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351671263615008242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMRi3CCxt4d2xt7qmIpE6L-N2Dud_4zZvjbJ-n5MFzTuKSZAymkvKMQ5K3U2Bph9vkDei8TsM0OPMpr0CafE_YoWaV2ohwYnBXhaEvFae4iD3j_2WsjhZ6FHrK5Gf4QYfsCvhiDZa9cBT/s200/IMG_2940.JPG" /></a> believe in baptism at age 8, when they are old enough to understand what they are doing, and old enough to be accountable for the covenants they make. And James has done his best to prepare for this day. He's read the Book of Mormon, and has had many wonderful teachers in church, and talks with his family, to know what this day was about. And he was SOOO excited! </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NW03dNZj_DzppWsvZfvqKRrRxTll7Q4KgDDllarNcH5nbr_29j0JtzdaHRCii2jMK94vIn1Ryy6kHC-xwKZEkyD4MadP3gGzORoRr-0UDFnwe8PHyWqe4k_RIeihpCctm4wnupADz5G6/s1600-h/IMG_2945.JPG"></a> </div><div>It was a perfect day. We were very blessed to have Grandma and Grandpa Brown visit us for the occasion, and help participate in the program! It was such a special moment to watch him get baptized. We are so excited for him! My friend Stephanie and I wrote a song together for this special moment with my mom accompanying, and we held it together till the very end. It's so hard to sing when you <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NW03dNZj_DzppWsvZfvqKRrRxTll7Q4KgDDllarNcH5nbr_29j0JtzdaHRCii2jMK94vIn1Ryy6kHC-xwKZEkyD4MadP3gGzORoRr-0UDFnwe8PHyWqe4k_RIeihpCctm4wnupADz5G6/s1600-h/IMG_2945.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351671269336439010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NW03dNZj_DzppWsvZfvqKRrRxTll7Q4KgDDllarNcH5nbr_29j0JtzdaHRCii2jMK94vIn1Ryy6kHC-xwKZEkyD4MadP3gGzORoRr-0UDFnwe8PHyWqe4k_RIeihpCctm4wnupADz5G6/s200/IMG_2945.JPG" /></a>have your 2 little ones smiling from ear to ear up at you ... Christopher mouthed 'I love you', and that was the end for Stephanie... which in turn ended me. It was a special experience to write the words of our hearts, and sing to our special little boys.<br />I'm sad that we didn't get to record this song before my mom left, but hopefully she'll be back again, so we can record it for posterity. The boys always ask me to sing it.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe3H2wLOpHQQ0ZyGcxrkND3Ramp1th8AwbBbyvtTCWfDLtOcQrePawJ6y1h7iBAHwaXv4X8bJ7VmmJ4CE7m4VYJp8qiey1x2yUqMClmROF7lb9Cnk61_kYVbybc8D46C-p3OOcMlv4L71/s1600-h/IMG_2941.JPG"></a> </div><div>Well, James is now 8... I feel old... at<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe3H2wLOpHQQ0ZyGcxrkND3Ramp1th8AwbBbyvtTCWfDLtOcQrePawJ6y1h7iBAHwaXv4X8bJ7VmmJ4CE7m4VYJp8qiey1x2yUqMClmROF7lb9Cnk61_kYVbybc8D46C-p3OOcMlv4L71/s1600-h/IMG_2941.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351671266513346290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe3H2wLOpHQQ0ZyGcxrkND3Ramp1th8AwbBbyvtTCWfDLtOcQrePawJ6y1h7iBAHwaXv4X8bJ7VmmJ4CE7m4VYJp8qiey1x2yUqMClmROF7lb9Cnk61_kYVbybc8D46C-p3OOcMlv4L71/s200/IMG_2941.JPG" /></a> least the sun is shining to help me feel young again! We hope all is well with everyone! And hope you are enjoying a good growing season! Garden pictures to come!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-89915862259333187422009-06-08T06:20:00.000-07:002009-06-08T07:45:28.647-07:00Happy Birthday to Miss Ellie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2ZkCoHEcPA2n9NsL4bb7KQ-ujOPJcODuMcS3GyNDAz8BO9jVQIAucoZSBLi74-kKtKvUXUiBOyl36FkgPdbQnTYdhJUVcaYqVO1zb42eQw0m4xiLbcCK1AlzBG8NiBKsVLcQ3Hhl4nRB/s1600-h/IMG_2688.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344948654503804242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2ZkCoHEcPA2n9NsL4bb7KQ-ujOPJcODuMcS3GyNDAz8BO9jVQIAucoZSBLi74-kKtKvUXUiBOyl36FkgPdbQnTYdhJUVcaYqVO1zb42eQw0m4xiLbcCK1AlzBG8NiBKsVLcQ3Hhl4nRB/s200/IMG_2688.JPG" /></a> I'm not sure how Miss Ellie became a Miss, but she most certainly is a Miss. She's not an Ellie yet, she's not an Elizabeth yet, she is Miss Ellie. And I can hardly believe that she turned one a few weeks ago! Of course with her being one, she was oblivious as to what was going on. She just loved the fact that everyone payed so much attention to her!<br /><br /><br /><br />We started off the day with pancakes with whip cream smiley faces. She loved the whip cream, and shoved it in her mouth as fast as she could!<br /><br /><br /><br />Throughout the day, people brought her a few gifts... her favorites where: banana bread made into a shape of a 1 ( we like the<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZrYJfKfMx4BOW_lzZlgutF2tk4iCqNUul4JzaIn7dEF3_douzQxxkaicRTd5XKUVG7d0fboMH0m8O0wRDpC1kztwnX4bBvRmNGDCCpw8uTprGOPGooGj8Mtay2PhOYvBqyzJ8RMDGGMH/s1600-h/IMG_2701.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344948024336905394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZrYJfKfMx4BOW_lzZlgutF2tk4iCqNUul4JzaIn7dEF3_douzQxxkaicRTd5XKUVG7d0fboMH0m8O0wRDpC1kztwnX4bBvRmNGDCCpw8uTprGOPGooGj8Mtay2PhOYvBqyzJ8RMDGGMH/s200/IMG_2701.JPG" /></a> one, she only cared about the banana bread!), and a picture book that had pictures of our family... but the best part about the book, is that it is drool proof! But I am amazed how much she LOVES to look at those pictures... then chew for a little bit... then look at the pictures again!<br /><br />Now, as a family, I think our favorite present was a PINK John Deere onesie which says, "Dirt, makes me cuter." It is OH so adorable. And Alex LOVES the tractor shirt, and always pulls it out for Miss Ellie to wear!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUeLe6MLrD9BfhgPmEg9kDt3jb5eT11Pb8wPmLtHc1GJPxO3G9xwYLMICKQPM8ilaRbR11YIUjWgJBzu7C491GiGG_G4KidMU6NqWnZYqFKDpTNR1LdLfAlUmEDa8bAZCtH8T785ou2Md/s1600-h/IMG_2694.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344948029102670786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUeLe6MLrD9BfhgPmEg9kDt3jb5eT11Pb8wPmLtHc1GJPxO3G9xwYLMICKQPM8ilaRbR11YIUjWgJBzu7C491GiGG_G4KidMU6NqWnZYqFKDpTNR1LdLfAlUmEDa8bAZCtH8T785ou2Md/s200/IMG_2694.JPG" /></a><br />And of course, the best part of Ellie's birthday, is the fact that she is only starting to learn how to open packages... which means she needs help from her brothers. They were so excited to teach her this new delight! And by the end, she was thoroughly enjoying ripping paper up. In fact, as the present came out, she'd look at the present, then go back to tearing up the paper some more! So adorable. She is so blessed to have 3 older brothers who love to help her, though. They have just as much fun as I do, teaching her to do new things, and watching her grow up and learn new things every day. It's wonderful to sit and just watch our little family at times...<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzFairrUQGSHtiP7hht02OKJRxGkn6NvzguGg9Nu5ra1h_zz6tMGX505u7pEQrbpsJOZNEr_YsrNRKZ7W_4OayTTEDeZ10LmyL9cpzQIawYh6znUvsJr6ttZnGx4ZAHJrFFFu7m5GXvUw/s1600-h/IMG_2690.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344948645048786162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzFairrUQGSHtiP7hht02OKJRxGkn6NvzguGg9Nu5ra1h_zz6tMGX505u7pEQrbpsJOZNEr_YsrNRKZ7W_4OayTTEDeZ10LmyL9cpzQIawYh6znUvsJr6ttZnGx4ZAHJrFFFu7m5GXvUw/s200/IMG_2690.JPG" /></a>So, since Ellie has no preference yet as to birthday cakes, we decided to go all out with Ladybugs this year! So, these are not just any ladybugs... let me tell you! These are fancy ladybugs! My friend gave this idea, and it was FABULOUS! It is a chocolate cake mix, prepared and baked, then crumbled and mixed with the absolutely most delicious cream cheese buttercream frosting I have ever tasted! Thankfully I made quite a bit of frosting, so we had plenty left over for taste testing. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs8qtSSHs_bholrinGKWkGsubmoe45dSXc2yNRp0bcC9u190pXT15owKiwuI9hvG5nqTbY9G571aiALhYJQw4emIpvWN397q6NmOD9CV2p6TcNtZ8mlSyZfnyiGUYsKbapajPgLW3fTiF/s1600-h/IMG_2689.JPG"></a> </div><div>Once that mix is made, you form<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs8qtSSHs_bholrinGKWkGsubmoe45dSXc2yNRp0bcC9u190pXT15owKiwuI9hvG5nqTbY9G571aiALhYJQw4emIpvWN397q6NmOD9CV2p6TcNtZ8mlSyZfnyiGUYsKbapajPgLW3fTiF/s1600-h/IMG_2689.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344948647990213970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs8qtSSHs_bholrinGKWkGsubmoe45dSXc2yNRp0bcC9u190pXT15owKiwuI9hvG5nqTbY9G571aiALhYJQw4emIpvWN397q6NmOD9CV2p6TcNtZ8mlSyZfnyiGUYsKbapajPgLW3fTiF/s200/IMG_2689.JPG" /></a> them into the body of a lady bug... for the big bug, I actually pressed the mix into a small bowl... the rest were just done by hand. Then... get ready for this... I bought red chocolate, and dipped the backs of the ladybug into the melted chocolate. Then the kids quickly put chocolate chips into the backs of the small ladybugs, and Oreo cookies into the backs of the large ladybug, and used pieces of licorice for the antennae! The kids had a ball creating these little creatures!!! And we all had the best time enjoying the leftover Oreo's dipped in the leftover cream cheese buttercream frosting... to die for!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qpKZPOpxt1NGcB4OfT7Y-LF2rQ_c9P9VzM9RNdg5ZBQuQM0k5o-eWZ2jew9jjDgPjz74NEHepmK1V0E0EFfyLD6jl6-mOJZTAXnQj-RfmD0BYJOkeY3fmzhCJWhyYqoZ3wXua-6Y_tpT/s1600-h/IMG_2708.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344948020590787634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qpKZPOpxt1NGcB4OfT7Y-LF2rQ_c9P9VzM9RNdg5ZBQuQM0k5o-eWZ2jew9jjDgPjz74NEHepmK1V0E0EFfyLD6jl6-mOJZTAXnQj-RfmD0BYJOkeY3fmzhCJWhyYqoZ3wXua-6Y_tpT/s200/IMG_2708.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>And voila... here is our little family of ladybugs! There is another sweet lady that we know that shares Ellie's birthday... she turned 92! So, we took over a lady bug for her and sang happy birthday... it was fun! Then we were off to ball games, and back home to enjoy birthday cake together as a family! Now, when it came to the cake, Ellie was not so sure about all this. Glenn came up with the idea about putting dirt around the big ladybug with crushed oreo's. She touched that a little, but other than that, she kept on wanting to feed the cake to Koya! Todd broke up her cake and fed her the FABULOUS inside, and she ate a little that Todd gave to her, but really was not interested in it! So, the rest of us were very happy to help her eat her ladybug! They were fabulous!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDBJvAJWYG1yUriNQDYoyYOUwBAsmi1Pl0HHz0ecRkcednTpdkhVU2x2igLYHHXdlipPrM0ChA-0Dby523UZ31yFrs2wdNtaJHhgGQMRPIxTp3AjZE_6A6eHKMGRWvuLfyGIuK9CjMTUI/s1600-h/IMG_2713.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344948014979808498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDBJvAJWYG1yUriNQDYoyYOUwBAsmi1Pl0HHz0ecRkcednTpdkhVU2x2igLYHHXdlipPrM0ChA-0Dby523UZ31yFrs2wdNtaJHhgGQMRPIxTp3AjZE_6A6eHKMGRWvuLfyGIuK9CjMTUI/s200/IMG_2713.JPG" /></a> You can see from the picture, that Ellie enjoyed seeing something different in front of her... and enjoyed having everyone's undivided attention on her, but still was not interested in the cake!<br /><br />The last cake picture is of Ellie's crumbs that she made, while trying to break up the cake to feed to Koya... :-)<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRWmaubyBeV16LZubO_nzURzAVszGWofA0wKyqmvy5s4CATjnvxelCmapZRdABOJFsuItnATHix8QvJgCxhT45MfZ6CzweWKMMo3t3TcHcLScrZzEgYftRL-Ow0DfQV03Uz1p1JeioWtb/s1600-h/IMG_2694.JPG"></a>So, as her birthday has come and gone, I have to say that Ellie is definitely the twinkle in our family. We all light up around her. She has a way of wrapping us around her little finger. The boys LOVE being a big brother, and treat her so gently and kindly... most of the time :-) Alex still tries to discipline Ellie sometimes, and will say "Ellie Zander Martin"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirYGNvWDScLRrv2YNyiFUa7ut0cQzMPzheyNbA-El49_ec5nSG6_NIqCpMtEzZcrOhBWFGmyzHO-FckbePVvk2OBsWZaWcjaf5SWVfGINQalDIF6mxStGEFDxWwZKRmiQUBRoIKwJPXHp/s1600-h/IMG_2715.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344948008511572834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirYGNvWDScLRrv2YNyiFUa7ut0cQzMPzheyNbA-El49_ec5nSG6_NIqCpMtEzZcrOhBWFGmyzHO-FckbePVvk2OBsWZaWcjaf5SWVfGINQalDIF6mxStGEFDxWwZKRmiQUBRoIKwJPXHp/s200/IMG_2715.JPG" /></a> when she's in trouble. Cause of course his name is Alex, but when he's in trouble, it's "Alexander Martin" which in his eyes is "Alex Zander Martin." So, when anyone is in trouble, it's "Ellie Zander Martin, Glenn Zander Martin or James Zander Martin!" And yes, I have heard, "Mama Zander Martin" when he thinks I've done wrong! Hilarious! But Alex, who has tried our patience the most, is becoming friends with Ellie, and that has made such a difference in his life. Yesterday they played peek-a-boo for at least a half hour, and both were giggling uncontrollably! It was so delightful to see!<br /><br />And as a one-year-old, she can say a few words, with her new favorite being "Cheese." No, not because she likes cheese, but because we went camping last weekend, and took lots of pictures... and now she says cheese when<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qeJ0iIb7Hn1szRUpQLACs2lJ8WeLGJ9pSGOproG5YUeQqd4ZTLWsK-RMWOkAaL45RScEJvRU_IakeRqD_1hSPb7zVX3onNUIlZgCtQ64wTej-HYz66Xqpz41nBs4Zv0hNCNKTqjOCIq9/s1600-h/IMG_2724.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344947032096083346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qeJ0iIb7Hn1szRUpQLACs2lJ8WeLGJ9pSGOproG5YUeQqd4ZTLWsK-RMWOkAaL45RScEJvRU_IakeRqD_1hSPb7zVX3onNUIlZgCtQ64wTej-HYz66Xqpz41nBs4Zv0hNCNKTqjOCIq9/s200/IMG_2724.JPG" /></a> the camera is on! We are trying to teach her sign language, and the funniest is Papa. She puts her thumb on her head and says, "Papa" But when Todd's not there, and she REALLY wants him, she starts with one hand, saying "Papa." Then she works up to the two handed (looks like antlers on her head), "PAPA!" She gets so excited! She can sign eat, and banana, and we're working on please now! Gotta teach them their manners while they're young! :-)<br /><br />She also has enough hair for a fountain!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBK7l6Gc6VQy4KLmBegkOzmcUpGzEyFJflNCd7lfojtS6N5TN1LZwbUPI9khhJ9YkKu6pEy3MsmTQRz8WsO7FsnAVPLZunn0mHOTXB8YOYv8SBn44uLDUc64675gBd_of0nsojVUbxkGij/s1600-h/IMG_2753.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344947018808448818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBK7l6Gc6VQy4KLmBegkOzmcUpGzEyFJflNCd7lfojtS6N5TN1LZwbUPI9khhJ9YkKu6pEy3MsmTQRz8WsO7FsnAVPLZunn0mHOTXB8YOYv8SBn44uLDUc64675gBd_of0nsojVUbxkGij/s200/IMG_2753.JPG" /></a> Well, she had it in for a day, and then she found out that she could pull it out... so we now have fountains for about 5 minutes a day... it's adorable for those 5 minutes! :-)<br /><br />Since last month, a few more notable moments, are:<br /><br />The Assyrians have attacked again, and here are the boys practicing their attack strategies!</div><div> </div><div>Alex loves to get dressed by himself... most of the time in James' clothes! I don't know what he's thinking, but he loves it! And here's him with a shirt on halfway inside-out and halfway right-side out... how he did that was beyond us!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp1KwrgZ6MD1JqK_dp4iqLjxK73z2HtJJdKhx4kLl8_he3FJxDhrjNEJfNZAXHaZWVKaLR76OOGnOdLoosZ-c6e2Mwhm2ibIIbWpzfh9UKIEst6_gxgb3YZaK1wOQXrb-YVcyvvmPaelr/s1600-h/IMG_2747.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344947024697790146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp1KwrgZ6MD1JqK_dp4iqLjxK73z2HtJJdKhx4kLl8_he3FJxDhrjNEJfNZAXHaZWVKaLR76OOGnOdLoosZ-c6e2Mwhm2ibIIbWpzfh9UKIEst6_gxgb3YZaK1wOQXrb-YVcyvvmPaelr/s200/IMG_2747.JPG" /></a> And the pants are size 8!<br /><br />James earned his blue belt in karate! He's loving it! As do Glenn and Alex! Alex doesn't take karate lessons at the school, but he sure does take lessons at home!</div><div><div><div><br />Well, sorry this is so long! I didn't even include James' birthday! But I will next time! I know if I did this more frequently, they could be shorter! But I am grateful for the chance this blog gives me to look back on the week/month/whatever time allows and see the wonderful blessings we have in our lives. I hope you enjoy it as well.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7QeZPEJslesZXQms30G9rzYZrMDmWjtp7harlGIikhsdspFrBfezOJkxcUjZksEvDA2V4v4I23PK5__6UuYjVbwtzSPPNLSozr7dSVeVUxaCtvrpPHYpLFlFwLz6dHFYfkYHACxhEPV_/s1600-h/IMG_2751.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344947024141626274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7QeZPEJslesZXQms30G9rzYZrMDmWjtp7harlGIikhsdspFrBfezOJkxcUjZksEvDA2V4v4I23PK5__6UuYjVbwtzSPPNLSozr7dSVeVUxaCtvrpPHYpLFlFwLz6dHFYfkYHACxhEPV_/s200/IMG_2751.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zni-1GpQDyGxLeLbRao4-9LQcYEdAwCpJf3dLTg8ruGpaoWL3pBwfhuO3W_uei5nlYjCPakL4gVjpkGNzEe46OeGSka2AEw3o1BUmNm_fcH12OOMUmiuauH2eHjSOpwsMVJiJMyb-Akw/s1600-h/IMG_2746.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344947012437716066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zni-1GpQDyGxLeLbRao4-9LQcYEdAwCpJf3dLTg8ruGpaoWL3pBwfhuO3W_uei5nlYjCPakL4gVjpkGNzEe46OeGSka2AEw3o1BUmNm_fcH12OOMUmiuauH2eHjSOpwsMVJiJMyb-Akw/s200/IMG_2746.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-60255895628422094532009-05-12T07:11:00.000-07:002009-05-12T07:36:26.928-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOS6pfbZbf0RzwT260wGfwWzXi4IH13xaSPRaJKGuSE4Cwg2xSqmjrWjreKO8qxM216xffCmqttmJEJ52Oa0w2IjEIeANL1pblOhan9zuu9g8rBJpkPlSz8hVBu2B20KOhQ492CvhQ9P-/s1600-h/IMG_2645.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334940935038463106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOS6pfbZbf0RzwT260wGfwWzXi4IH13xaSPRaJKGuSE4Cwg2xSqmjrWjreKO8qxM216xffCmqttmJEJ52Oa0w2IjEIeANL1pblOhan9zuu9g8rBJpkPlSz8hVBu2B20KOhQ492CvhQ9P-/s320/IMG_2645.JPG" border="0" /></a> Gotta love baseball season! As crazy as our schedules become, I LOVE it! So, for this years snack, I decided to be a little creative, and found this idea on the internet. Glenn's team was first, and the reaction was priceless! The kids couldn't believe their eyes, and were so excited to eat baseball cookies! Of course, James wanted them for his team, too. So, I made more, only to have his game rained out! So, they sit in my freezer, waiting for the make-up game... won't be till June! Hope they survive!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_38Dsz6EXU_6lnrvvyR6VDb0B9Acekk2uznoJoj4-YHxq1zre907X8AlypOXbv5ZBZ8whRdkWTzwKd085Gwd8QMzS-pM661KkJkMO43p5_OXJ4-qhRNoisqKdvtVn680dNPRL3ugcMp_/s1600-h/IMG_2649.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334940923990730354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_38Dsz6EXU_6lnrvvyR6VDb0B9Acekk2uznoJoj4-YHxq1zre907X8AlypOXbv5ZBZ8whRdkWTzwKd085Gwd8QMzS-pM661KkJkMO43p5_OXJ4-qhRNoisqKdvtVn680dNPRL3ugcMp_/s320/IMG_2649.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Ellie turns one this week! So hard to imagine that one year ago today, this little bundle came into our lives! She's not walking on her own yet, and to be honest, I think the reason why is not because she can't, but because she LOVES being with people. And if she requires you to hold on to her while she walks, she gets to be with you that much more! So, she already has her brothers wrapped around her little finger! James' favorite thing to do, is walk with Ellie, and look how happy she is!</div><div></div><div><br /> Alex got dressed himself the other <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwx4-oiPmfMfRmYXUugiiQhDB04RBdiI-64_DJ3pYPjf9kJstm1iZ-8dc1QofUepC9ZQ4gylchne1Pjn7XjzHrEE3N3DEU3mQZpnWGbSoYx6WzGekt5tys5KoQg6eLfTzXBGOTr4dXUsG/s1600-h/IMG_2651.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334940922824096226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwx4-oiPmfMfRmYXUugiiQhDB04RBdiI-64_DJ3pYPjf9kJstm1iZ-8dc1QofUepC9ZQ4gylchne1Pjn7XjzHrEE3N3DEU3mQZpnWGbSoYx6WzGekt5tys5KoQg6eLfTzXBGOTr4dXUsG/s320/IMG_2651.JPG" border="0" /></a>night... he came running downstairs, SOOOO excited! He yelled with his high pitched excited voice... "I got dressed by myself!" We took one look at him, and said, "Why yes you did Alex... how could we tell :-): Shirt inside out and backwards, pants backwards, but happy as a lark! Hey, I'll take it! His funny saying for this week is when he saw the Statue of Liberty in a book he said, "Look, Mama, Princess." I said it wasn't a princess, but the Statue of Liberty. That night he found another picture and told me, "Look, mama, Statue of Princess."<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaKW9euYz0nhAxRkUvcQ4fN8Xr2e6vDzHPlttV5yA2NeRrBBKmDj4jqOsyTZciVSXYWGNA_1ZsDtigCvg91nqPv1Zc7A7Ma1JtBLrUlG0Zv_frN38g7e_BCDLNbamtvDdRsCZeVOWsNT-/s1600-h/IMG_2655.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334940915719594434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaKW9euYz0nhAxRkUvcQ4fN8Xr2e6vDzHPlttV5yA2NeRrBBKmDj4jqOsyTZciVSXYWGNA_1ZsDtigCvg91nqPv1Zc7A7Ma1JtBLrUlG0Zv_frN38g7e_BCDLNbamtvDdRsCZeVOWsNT-/s320/IMG_2655.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ahhhhh, last Friday was the Extravaganza. It's basically a HUGE karate recital. Every belt rank gets to show his stuff to music. The kids LOVE it! And James was on the Demonstration Team this year, so got to do some extra routines, the most difficult was the Star Spangled Banner. With Saturday practices since Jan, it's been a long time in coming! But it finally came, and the boys were fantastic. It was wonderful to watch them, and see how excited all these kids were to perform! Alex wished he was out there!! I keep telling him... don't grow up too fast.... your time will come soon enough! Here's a clip of James practicing for the Star Spangled Banner right before the event... notice how all the boys have it memorized... even little Alex tries his heart out to follow in his brother's footsteps!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pyI0DYIGL5g&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pyI0DYIGL5g&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgWbhm2YNssP7VsJxtG5xSNp5LR-3rfLD6bPpkSqzbsMkTEmMhC85WQcj04joOMAWPQU5yJmOF4cPrd4ugVB8ML5irF9RTlSmU2JClpe5tOmMYJ-tCSZF5atBloGOG8xcJfKQOrYECn-5/s1600-h/IMG_2676.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334940911453897874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgWbhm2YNssP7VsJxtG5xSNp5LR-3rfLD6bPpkSqzbsMkTEmMhC85WQcj04joOMAWPQU5yJmOF4cPrd4ugVB8ML5irF9RTlSmU2JClpe5tOmMYJ-tCSZF5atBloGOG8xcJfKQOrYECn-5/s320/IMG_2676.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And last, but not least, here are the kids on a beautiful Saturday morning... no Demo Team this morning, and we were all Loving life! James built a patio table for me for Mother's Day, and the boys, especially Papa, kept up the house and cooking to perfection. It was a fabulous weekend. And I hope all you Mother's out there had a wonderful day as well.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Have a wonderful week!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-12361295254935456822009-05-05T08:39:00.000-07:002009-05-05T10:08:32.010-07:00Slacker!!! No, not you, me!I have been putting off writing in my blog... sorry for those of you who look forward to our adventures! I am on a mission to get back on track. So, here are quite a few pictures from our recent activities that I thought you'd enjoy.<br /><br /><br />First off, the reason why I've been <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmJqL5ZnQyizT51EZbfOA_vJaEOytQvHriaEwEKmTbkRYWasYDE3_7UKimzRM07wfpZRjGtcUB7qEsrt_swI1iGiEtmm6fHCtLVBY0hiFoEL4NbBCzEY2IzdrO_Sspj8kNvdPHBkZ3w0l/s1600-h/MawMawfamilypicture.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332372012623373810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmJqL5ZnQyizT51EZbfOA_vJaEOytQvHriaEwEKmTbkRYWasYDE3_7UKimzRM07wfpZRjGtcUB7qEsrt_swI1iGiEtmm6fHCtLVBY0hiFoEL4NbBCzEY2IzdrO_Sspj8kNvdPHBkZ3w0l/s320/MawMawfamilypicture.JPG" border="0" /></a>such the slacker on blogging, is because I wanted to share one last tribute to Todd's grandmother, and the kids great-grandma who passed away last month. I kept thinking I didn't want to write this, because I wasn't ready to only write one last time about her. But, I realized that this isn't the last time. We all have so many wonderful memories with MawMaw, and we are so thankful that we were able to go back as a family last year to truly visit with her, have some quality time with her, and have lasting memories. The kids LOVED MawMaw, and Ellie was her little shining beacon. I think the biggest reason, was because it reminded her so much of her days with Jeanne. I heard more stories of Jeanne growing up, after I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFri70rtn4RdxHY8g9T0wTKJ_LHHeFMpMG0TQN5Lxvfr-_eEDwjwTj5d0p9SQgrl3LW8tGL4ZDZpSTtDZqw3P-b6MjJUqhgjOnVI7dbTPWMkD7-1qi2Me8xHUEVhir7L_M53iRCFpOFL8u/s1600-h/IMG_2496.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332371301769148002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFri70rtn4RdxHY8g9T0wTKJ_LHHeFMpMG0TQN5Lxvfr-_eEDwjwTj5d0p9SQgrl3LW8tGL4ZDZpSTtDZqw3P-b6MjJUqhgjOnVI7dbTPWMkD7-1qi2Me8xHUEVhir7L_M53iRCFpOFL8u/s320/IMG_2496.JPG" border="0" /></a>had Ellie! It was priceless to see MawMaw and Ellie interact. And our little Alex, who is usually quite shy with people, went right up to MawMaw to drive cars on her leg! She was amazing. My 2-year-old put it in the best perspective, after she had passed away... when I talked to him over the phone (I was in WI at the time), the first thing he said was, "MawMaw's up in Heaven!" I replied, "That's right, Alex, MawMaw's in Heaven." Then he says, "I like to go to the beach!" As if to say, MawMaw's in vacation up in Heaven, and I like to go to the beach for my vacations! Out of the mouth of babes! I know we are here on Earth for just a moment in the eternal perspective. And it won't be long till we're all together again, as a family, for eternity, just as God has planned it! I am so grateful to truly believe this! It really does set the heart at ease. So, as I include this picture of MawMaw with my kids, know that this lady was someone amazing. Full of spit and vinegar, and sugar and spice. She told you how it was, and by golly, she was ALWAYS right! And if she ever wasn't, you never told her! I loved getting to know her, and look forward to many more laughs with her after I'm gone too! We all love MawMaw, and how our family can't wait to see her again! Until then, we know she's watching over us... so we better behave :-)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-Fr42Gry4PF05O8y_z9j-lAlXP_5tKWYkAMa53d-WJ4vXcQev0A8S5T7-I5vOioPEPdDPcobIBWAkGqfIrVQpsUVBkmjH0wEOB5EzZrs69E4goS-G1ixlEh3OUtDg2iHL0heL9YGevDy/s1600-h/IMG_2539.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332372005147387570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-Fr42Gry4PF05O8y_z9j-lAlXP_5tKWYkAMa53d-WJ4vXcQev0A8S5T7-I5vOioPEPdDPcobIBWAkGqfIrVQpsUVBkmjH0wEOB5EzZrs69E4goS-G1ixlEh3OUtDg2iHL0heL9YGevDy/s320/IMG_2539.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />While I was gone to see MawMaw, Glenn received his yellow belt! He was SO excited! He LOVES karate, and walks around doing karate moves like his brother, constantly! He's growing up so fast! And looking more and more like Todd! So, off with the white, and on with the yellow! Makes our karate schedule a little more crazy, but hey, it's worth it! This weekend we have the Extravaganza, which shows off all their karate moves... it's like a dance recital for karate! The kids are stoked! More pictures of that to come! Let us know if you want to come!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoS8hlezhyphenhyphenJvU1MDNnucNmoog6zAsnFkR9vKjOXWbiZOAU42gEJbimf7OepQzpVPWvFsILqMXiGtxEBTsTf8HNih5SUwqBL0SrS0_7lBAgaNimuaN32__SyONSIO0tzkQC5M0zUVNtlPn/s1600-h/IMG_2544.JPG"></a><br /><br />The night <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoS8hlezhyphenhyphenJvU1MDNnucNmoog6zAsnFkR9vKjOXWbiZOAU42gEJbimf7OepQzpVPWvFsILqMXiGtxEBTsTf8HNih5SUwqBL0SrS0_7lBAgaNimuaN32__SyONSIO0tzkQC5M0zUVNtlPn/s1600-h/IMG_2544.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332371306713713666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoS8hlezhyphenhyphenJvU1MDNnucNmoog6zAsnFkR9vKjOXWbiZOAU42gEJbimf7OepQzpVPWvFsILqMXiGtxEBTsTf8HNih5SUwqBL0SrS0_7lBAgaNimuaN32__SyONSIO0tzkQC5M0zUVNtlPn/s320/IMG_2544.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>I returned home from WI, the boys were up and waiting for me! It was 10PM, and Papa had made brownies, and we all had a feast, and just enjoyed being together again! Of course, all the kids (except for Ellie, who was happy to be in her bed, thankfully!), had to cuddle with us that night, and of course, I was ready for some serious cuddling from them! I was gone 4 nights, and I was ready to not be sleeping by myself! This picture is of the following morning. We all fell asleep together, and I just have to say, that by the time Todd and I had gotten up and ready for the day to take the picture, Glenn and Alex had started cuddling next to James. While Todd and I were there, those kids were cuddling with us... and we were close to falling off the bed... all night long! It was a great night, regardless!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdlzaKwEnV-233TcZy8rCvvO8ACDDE-sKP1exGf43AUTlYhszNjcsS8B_NkaurYIOT7qZmIQ6E4xXHJTv-GvTj8GyiFMs1HO4SqWFDLonc9xjyP_LZYlWL3maljMqEpMlB6lUBHDK5uKk/s1600-h/Ellie+and+Grandma+D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332371999409639474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdlzaKwEnV-233TcZy8rCvvO8ACDDE-sKP1exGf43AUTlYhszNjcsS8B_NkaurYIOT7qZmIQ6E4xXHJTv-GvTj8GyiFMs1HO4SqWFDLonc9xjyP_LZYlWL3maljMqEpMlB6lUBHDK5uKk/s320/Ellie+and+Grandma+D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ellie had us all in stitches back in WI! She was picking her nose, walking behind a car with the cutest skirt flowing through the breeze... she was a doll! And thankfully she was a doll on the plane rides, also! Whew! Here's a fantastic picture of Ellie with Grandma D... but I need one of her with Grandpa D! We got some great pictures of her with him too! Here's a YouTube video titled "Top Ten Picks" of Ellie...<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uSk4m2tTBbw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uSk4m2tTBbw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Aaaahhh... and baseball season<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLZiLZB5yjGv-v0Ju_v9SEwj6abhhOmXYOq0sI_wSUfA0ceeeW4A1Xd9RDKekORcGsAfPy_cEWkfOBFwDDte8URF0mZUzXWT3jv5u-KeWda1K9cFEUhfkXYoEfRknUzeDD6FJ3gf1dwiW/s1600-h/Glenn+at+bat.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332371997871385138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLZiLZB5yjGv-v0Ju_v9SEwj6abhhOmXYOq0sI_wSUfA0ceeeW4A1Xd9RDKekORcGsAfPy_cEWkfOBFwDDte8URF0mZUzXWT3jv5u-KeWda1K9cFEUhfkXYoEfRknUzeDD6FJ3gf1dwiW/s320/Glenn+at+bat.JPG" border="0" /></a> has begun! These boys LOVE baseball, and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlBEcwxb2azXfZYm1E42z5Y2jlAB06KrsqHiTr6rGCpaLItlFaK1YoS8rHUR7mjQVBekotwfQBP-4Dnl3ZPxUOfbFPqpC6S5bDFCTY-S869lG0lCw4NLIL_Gyd3FiA5yy7J26wQcMCN3C/s1600-h/James+up+to+bat!.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332372003900233458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlBEcwxb2azXfZYm1E42z5Y2jlAB06KrsqHiTr6rGCpaLItlFaK1YoS8rHUR7mjQVBekotwfQBP-4Dnl3ZPxUOfbFPqpC6S5bDFCTY-S869lG0lCw4NLIL_Gyd3FiA5yy7J26wQcMCN3C/s320/James+up+to+bat!.JPG" border="0" /></a>Glenn is SOOOOO excited that it is finally his turn to do T-ball! 3 years of watching James do it... he is ready and roaring to go! This was Glenn's photo shot they took of him... but he's holding the bat wrong! So, I'll be taking that one again! James is in coach pitch, and he's getting better every game! The team is actually catching balls now, and getting outs! It's SO much fun to watch! And it's even more fun to actually play catch with James now, because he actually really can catch hard throws, and will wing it right back at you!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2r1KR2YTAjxHG5D01EvperO4sHFNRG__N2sUvXdgL5aE_Ihvff0W2OGTK4ZQ0IJZ17TtQyxCSeVRDmGJGAMTUONrvu1RDdvFjEtBE4Rb8_MabF0emTqYNSwFbr5FX4fkUKRicTSgPX62f/s1600-h/IMG_2612.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332371315328485554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2r1KR2YTAjxHG5D01EvperO4sHFNRG__N2sUvXdgL5aE_Ihvff0W2OGTK4ZQ0IJZ17TtQyxCSeVRDmGJGAMTUONrvu1RDdvFjEtBE4Rb8_MabF0emTqYNSwFbr5FX4fkUKRicTSgPX62f/s320/IMG_2612.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And the thing I love most about baseball games... is you get to sit back and enjoy them! People bring their chairs/blankets/food, and sit back and cheer and chill. I can't think of any better way to spend a nice sunny day! And when it's cold, we just bundle up a little more... life is great during baseball season, even if we are all running around getting to the games!<br /><br /><br />One last story... Todd took Glenn out for his alone time last night, and they went to GI Joe's, a sporting goods store that is going out of business. Anyway, Glenn had to go to the bathroom, #2, so Todd took him, and it was taking Glenn FOREVER! Todd kept on saying, "Come on, Glenn, hurry up." Glenn finally says, "Papa, sometimes it takes me a longtime to go to the bathroom. Sometimes it's hard to go. I need to eat more flakes on my cereal." Todd replies, "Did mama teach you that?" Glenn said, "Yeah, when it's hard to go I need to eat more flakes on my cereal." Man, when Todd told me this, we were practically rolling on the ground with laughter! I vaguely remembered a long time ago when we got this Flax seed powder stuff to try (Flax, not flakes!), and it's supposed to help you be regular! And when Glenn had a hard time going to the bathroom, I teased him that he needs to eat more Flax seed! Anyway, I couldn't believe he remembered that! So, moral of the story... if you have trouble going, I guess you need more flax on your cereal :-)<br /><br />Well, I think this is long enough! I'll try to be more regular (I'll sprinkle Flaxseed on the keyboard :-))so I don't have so much make-up to do! Enjoy the spring rain/sun, and know that we miss you all, and hope all is well!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c-8ldDer6BkCfSnlOgL8Eo46LX4dN3a-1tkgB96otxHJ6jGp0-TMZrxlLoUV3wmvCKZjAgNAPSqS2u2vwMteg5T54EuCVz3ZMhyphenhyphen-Z1yI4BFd8oA712-8P44JHZ_iD0_O1xLSbAZruiku/s1600-h/James+up+to+bat!.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8uOIti3EKmsLroRODcwAYJayfkk7Ok2cxbLXFB4OPfIoc1ycrFe9ADf0RZL1AMtoQvU2XevR3QWYTKawPTuiFieAbKKTJo-jhVkL_4QKROd6ijApbznFVE55gQ44uS87zRm8afEO9UgE/s1600-h/Glenn+at+bat.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SFucIwO-dvPfXYeJKknFts8Ke953s0pSGMd-f8kan63104cZE5Y-JjzpcrzvyiZGdfSVOrTn-HXybJ3kqeoty4w5M7aPtvSIAGfikgH-0OMlweRiOVjaIVwg7XcO1C1cRFgtDGtswWpN/s1600-h/IMG_2539.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCObuODcMq2FBRuN3t8o6duoRnqeoOi3iFjZMT2pl5s4kRgysThMsGFLcLrAbW6-84kmq3DXZz0kX3QJzARRafxyfEdDdSpwmq5SdDz5d4LiN-EqcruRCVxIGnXFt1Rh3cpGDheLZQSFrm/s1600-h/Ellie+and+Grandma+D.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgqEFlU96h87I9sMm8ZNqhDk10ywrmnXX_Gtc03xPbxwJmNdI0nHVT-Kw5vVb-Els7JzDcTcqzXE3ZuNHTfGwGFGaKUuoVkCfg_oIsdev-Y80yAG9yJhxlIKWsF0Xc4Nb03YreW21hDNO/s1600-h/MawMawfamilypicture.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-27380261499917580412009-03-22T19:57:00.000-07:002009-03-22T21:45:35.874-07:00Where does the time go?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8nx0QrztrF0RQ1Q6fU2lECN8V5cbNcShs1Dp8tKmZo9qxgqQvIxTBa8WBcMUHrbRilRnlscJRPNKLCl1AKcQHD4fLmW3SIKEjjN_EVDMcg366BUVJJK9BVd45mAbIayjo8S2H_ELwDAb/s1600-h/IMG_2353.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316233170416525874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8nx0QrztrF0RQ1Q6fU2lECN8V5cbNcShs1Dp8tKmZo9qxgqQvIxTBa8WBcMUHrbRilRnlscJRPNKLCl1AKcQHD4fLmW3SIKEjjN_EVDMcg366BUVJJK9BVd45mAbIayjo8S2H_ELwDAb/s200/IMG_2353.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Time really does fly, doesn't it? I'm amazed that my little girl is almost one, and my oldest boy is almost 8! I swear it was yesterday that I took James on a flight by himself back home to visit my family! Now 8 years later, I'll be embarking on the same journey with my 4th child... where does the time go? But honestly, other than slowing time down a little, I wouldn't change it all for the world.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><div>I love watching them all grow up... interacting with </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLxOjNnvgU3dKAVlWJbUfIFAWFsw8rl5IRmybVfj7K1CO2LtHGpqhFMZpG2yKHhtMJ7p5Fl6vrleBH3p8YYuWstZPRYWnNi2TNmoKcqntW08Ts2o6jl6425SjYtfbUj8pDZZTWS0Z8OJn/s1600-h/IMG_2356.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316214928674346642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLxOjNnvgU3dKAVlWJbUfIFAWFsw8rl5IRmybVfj7K1CO2LtHGpqhFMZpG2yKHhtMJ7p5Fl6vrleBH3p8YYuWstZPRYWnNi2TNmoKcqntW08Ts2o6jl6425SjYtfbUj8pDZZTWS0Z8OJn/s200/IMG_2356.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>each other as a family, with their peers, watching their little mind work, making connections, connecting dots, and just loving life. I'm not going to have this opportunity forever... they will grow up not needing/wanting my help in connecting my dots. So, until that moment, I'm trying to catch every moment that I can.</div><br /><div>I've got a ton of pictures from the past few weeks, so hope you don't mind! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnCQZS3QBerrBzFKfEvPvi3IE6hfa9Hv6bHe9q6290aImG3GH2PtusY52Dg5gaOkGhXnFVUwXr9FJpJIKEsXNsl_D5bZXhUCeC4ltA4Gh_Q0VddJvyJ-py154U-81hDmXctqSChuI28Bd/s1600-h/IMG_2473.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316214920545468306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnCQZS3QBerrBzFKfEvPvi3IE6hfa9Hv6bHe9q6290aImG3GH2PtusY52Dg5gaOkGhXnFVUwXr9FJpJIKEsXNsl_D5bZXhUCeC4ltA4Gh_Q0VddJvyJ-py154U-81hDmXctqSChuI28Bd/s200/IMG_2473.JPG" border="0" /></a>They were just too cute to pass up! So, here they all are in their glory! The first picture is one I am DEFINITELY keeping for blackmail! When she becomes a teenager, and starts to become moody, I'm pulling this picture out and telling her that she better shape up or I'll show this picture to her friends! It's such a classic, isn't it?! Can't you see her process... "Huh, look at this interesting hole!"</div><br /><div></div><div>The next picture of her, I wish I could say was chocolate <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjoNxo8a2v647_NPUHLfqhLozwR7zalA80wfuBenPwJ1PrLCp5OiOpzQGGAtJyDe1ni8irx580ZSjMiraj11FWJaBMbOvcZUNgRzwpz28YOg_LkZdBpHThr8omdrFuseNN9wiTCYEyBUn/s1600-h/IMG_2469.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316214907607723314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjoNxo8a2v647_NPUHLfqhLozwR7zalA80wfuBenPwJ1PrLCp5OiOpzQGGAtJyDe1ni8irx580ZSjMiraj11FWJaBMbOvcZUNgRzwpz28YOg_LkZdBpHThr8omdrFuseNN9wiTCYEyBUn/s200/IMG_2469.JPG" border="0" /></a>all over her mouth... but not a chance. Glenn had been a big help, and had swept the floor for me! And the nice pile of dirt was right in the middle of the floor. While I was doing something else, and Glenn was trying to find the dustpan, she crawled right over, and started an eating fest on dirt! Yum, yum! As you can see, she loved it! Just great... she's going to be the type that will eat worms!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And then in the same breath, I LOVE <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwX5dBHuwJjD2gqaH1lYdXbXuCy2EKM_vzBpPaysSz3wUt24eJUXQQRDaOR1jdsrkn8IUTPpgFWDAQ3blb8G-_rAcnhU5MCG1jZHzgeE3gTL_fDYb0zcbF_K658DCb4OfhuvHSUV-dmLT/s1600-h/IMG_2467.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316214898257444786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwX5dBHuwJjD2gqaH1lYdXbXuCy2EKM_vzBpPaysSz3wUt24eJUXQQRDaOR1jdsrkn8IUTPpgFWDAQ3blb8G-_rAcnhU5MCG1jZHzgeE3gTL_fDYb0zcbF_K658DCb4OfhuvHSUV-dmLT/s200/IMG_2467.JPG" border="0" /></a>this outfit, and the hat especially is so cute on her. Thankfully she enjoys having it on! I still love Sunday mornings, to decide what outfit will look the best for the day! She's so bright an happy!</div><br /><div></div><div>Next on my list is Alex. He came up to me with Buzz Lightyear and said, "Look at his guarding stance." So, here is a picture of Alex and Buzz doing their guarding stance together! Alex never ceases to amaze me. I can feel like stringing him by his toenails, and then the other moment be as sweet as sugar, and just makes me melt. I do feel like his sweeter moments are becoming more frequent, and I do pray that they will continue to do so as he moves out of his two's! But I'm not holding my breath. I do feel like he is going to be the child that teaches Todd and me the most about patience!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrKcNcnwcyttigFSgK5Li16S8f9TmHBSHUTnurrpCkYEfdRbIwzKuulkibXYZVIU0PgmQZ8pbjp9GIwZ1wbZa09OUAxKvp657QbmDKRmdplZRH7pQJ6dM-5YIApXSpO3a10xUUfz8nKeX/s1600-h/IMG_2452.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316214885202656578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrKcNcnwcyttigFSgK5Li16S8f9TmHBSHUTnurrpCkYEfdRbIwzKuulkibXYZVIU0PgmQZ8pbjp9GIwZ1wbZa09OUAxKvp657QbmDKRmdplZRH7pQJ6dM-5YIApXSpO3a10xUUfz8nKeX/s200/IMG_2452.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9ddck6TVzahcDqprD-VHF9JMs4GoidOysFK20ygpT_9DN-WqiOVYg2Pl51io3X9CCcqMII7yBexA6whMZtDRgXBwjOcSRGA3DsVXWbA_Ke1CvUCFYQGwZustBb-4JpJI9VPMaNzy5rcf/s1600-h/IMG_2446.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316213950733465618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9ddck6TVzahcDqprD-VHF9JMs4GoidOysFK20ygpT_9DN-WqiOVYg2Pl51io3X9CCcqMII7yBexA6whMZtDRgXBwjOcSRGA3DsVXWbA_Ke1CvUCFYQGwZustBb-4JpJI9VPMaNzy5rcf/s200/IMG_2446.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMas75vjBdi6zq8nlqwzRNOlj8OULRTsxUokhycpIEqeEereH8Ve1W45dYfokUtwLF1d_34eUF9gxEFEx1ICvezARIcel_2Fy9HHJ4I0yOtuhp83B7zQ6ADMmhWvMtjRj4aCM91TPx988F/s1600-h/IMG_2448.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316213936924941666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMas75vjBdi6zq8nlqwzRNOlj8OULRTsxUokhycpIEqeEereH8Ve1W45dYfokUtwLF1d_34eUF9gxEFEx1ICvezARIcel_2Fy9HHJ4I0yOtuhp83B7zQ6ADMmhWvMtjRj4aCM91TPx988F/s200/IMG_2448.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /> </div><br /><br /><div> </div><div>The boys and I headed over the the coast last week for Homeschool Days at<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchx0CnaIX3ehsPzw4YFGXUBlofSGMZA3cI_lvsH8WFmYwoFJiCUxziRK9DaWjp0ZHdXwuc_cv_jbK6p3-xOZ32SwNMxKvjMbe2_OXzDQTBARhBuuslP2uivjeLqPYl__y-hRD_nrYfP63/s1600-h/IMG_2392.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316212824803758498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchx0CnaIX3ehsPzw4YFGXUBlofSGMZA3cI_lvsH8WFmYwoFJiCUxziRK9DaWjp0ZHdXwuc_cv_jbK6p3-xOZ32SwNMxKvjMbe2_OXzDQTBARhBuuslP2uivjeLqPYl__y-hRD_nrYfP63/s200/IMG_2392.JPG" border="0" /></a> the Aquarium. They give you a phenomenal deal on tickets, and give you free reign to roam with lots of learning stations set up around the place. And they have classes offered that you can pay for, and others that are free. I noticed that they had a class titled "Shark Dissection." It was free, and the kids LOVE sharks, so we headed over there. I had no idea what to expect, but thought it must be where they just show you different parts of the shark, that have already been cut up, preserved, etc. I was wrong!</div><br /><div></div><div>If you click on the picture to blow it up, you'll see that he completely cut up a fresh shark. In this picture he's showing us his heart! It was fascinating! James and Glenn had front center <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZIxwSuSQ9GQoR6m79rPFcOs0wtGtXc5xVI1ysdPK5TiJF-_eAJPBKgA40G9WiZ2HxUjUNWvWpkavLzQuSXao4Fmd-M-v36zb8LqxcLEmoHcbucyTdcxZOmRQApIdtGxmUE_4_vr4lswM/s1600-h/IMG_2405.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316212830143679602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZIxwSuSQ9GQoR6m79rPFcOs0wtGtXc5xVI1ysdPK5TiJF-_eAJPBKgA40G9WiZ2HxUjUNWvWpkavLzQuSXao4Fmd-M-v36zb8LqxcLEmoHcbucyTdcxZOmRQApIdtGxmUE_4_vr4lswM/s200/IMG_2405.JPG" border="0" /></a>seats. I was off to the side with the others. I thought it was spectacular! There was one part that I was sweating buckets... the man asked if anyone knew the difference between male and female sharks. James' hand went up instantly. Now, if you know James, you know that he's not afraid to speak what he thinks... not shy at all... and you never know what is going to come out of his mouth! The guy never did call on him, which I was saying "Whew..." and turns out it had to do with the fins. But anyway, I asked James what he was going to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstpDIq4JXJJm-sKFQ5GEc5kxUzMaZEv09tfsKxoLhU3awZkmrtzgd1dNDE23dbLKglQMdh6_IyGrUbf4zbMREJyJAZ5Xjd5qgjifFD3tgwLPMdr4NLbVCk7s-XbF7vJ8xtifvieQMlPIT/s1600-h/IMG_2362.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316232489962411618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstpDIq4JXJJm-sKFQ5GEc5kxUzMaZEv09tfsKxoLhU3awZkmrtzgd1dNDE23dbLKglQMdh6_IyGrUbf4zbMREJyJAZ5Xjd5qgjifFD3tgwLPMdr4NLbVCk7s-XbF7vJ8xtifvieQMlPIT/s200/IMG_2362.JPG" border="0" /></a>say, and he actually was just going to say that he thought it was about their different electronic signals that they send... ok, James, that would have been a good guess. I was so worried it would be about something else anatomical! It was an excellent class, and my boys stayed as long as they could afterwards, touching every part of the shark they were allowed to touch! Thank goodness for baby wipes!</div><br /><div></div><div>The other most fascinating exhibit at the aquarium, was called "Oddwater" <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlF7f_HJqYzproL4bqwKzXrBfnun8vsuQ5I5TxFT2kqgk_AMyVCECIFQ6TClXZ-ESLBEcigth4Lm0NGyr4gItUxfXJX2t5Iq3h3wiLbfxY9KZFMKByNjOtGO-zPOiSj1GoZr7mPxEu2Gv/s1600-h/IMG_2431.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316212847527096738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlF7f_HJqYzproL4bqwKzXrBfnun8vsuQ5I5TxFT2kqgk_AMyVCECIFQ6TClXZ-ESLBEcigth4Lm0NGyr4gItUxfXJX2t5Iq3h3wiLbfxY9KZFMKByNjOtGO-zPOiSj1GoZr7mPxEu2Gv/s200/IMG_2431.JPG" border="0" /></a>and had to do with odd animals from the bottom of the ocean. The fish were spectacular, but the blown glass artwork that were in every one of the displays were incredible! They had seaweed, fishhouses, platters, bulbs... it really was incredible! The touchpool that they had here to the right was full of glass <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpLpi3BRnYSjmhi__cU1GnwaUCkiyIOMo-aMg3OXVUiQvJWp-CxSf_FYu2Ey41MnFTg9LswxWo3kd3sb2PNrJzp1aCrfGvlwaq4kEAuSbdygr63QnKo7teCMqTZv6axjNSEs1oMe6iv_Y/s1600-h/IMG_2439.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316213927271855730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpLpi3BRnYSjmhi__cU1GnwaUCkiyIOMo-aMg3OXVUiQvJWp-CxSf_FYu2Ey41MnFTg9LswxWo3kd3sb2PNrJzp1aCrfGvlwaq4kEAuSbdygr63QnKo7teCMqTZv6axjNSEs1oMe6iv_Y/s200/IMG_2439.JPG" border="0" /></a>starfish, but also these platters, that if you look closely at the picture, there were skate rays that <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4c6xStRSg8S70za9o0S-BQyjFM-YQdiGI8NWc3vjclT1mieoI4JU-h-nvvm7v3gjJKicJ_l0FcgITs8d9DhKe5mouOpQCKuzCOC5cTQVcUVSnkGJ7WHm-D_B22VsRxaR1eUz9S0EJqiZA/s1600-h/IMG_2440.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316213930397320978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4c6xStRSg8S70za9o0S-BQyjFM-YQdiGI8NWc3vjclT1mieoI4JU-h-nvvm7v3gjJKicJ_l0FcgITs8d9DhKe5mouOpQCKuzCOC5cTQVcUVSnkGJ7WHm-D_B22VsRxaR1eUz9S0EJqiZA/s200/IMG_2440.JPG" border="0" /></a>loved to just lay in them! It was fascinating!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>They had Nemo in one exhibit which Alex kept <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunsw2LpTK-u4CZ9xGWXtE9SxmnFQvUeFY44rkOUl_-U_oUOCVjRlLtfmMtCJFbrDG8OmeJeJXqiy_Dgax8PscCd_TE2k1NL7R9b3jNEszTvDSGK7omYaQNh5c8Sj77_0NdxPml3hqZKG0/s1600-h/IMG_2437.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316232498076158834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunsw2LpTK-u4CZ9xGWXtE9SxmnFQvUeFY44rkOUl_-U_oUOCVjRlLtfmMtCJFbrDG8OmeJeJXqiy_Dgax8PscCd_TE2k1NL7R9b3jNEszTvDSGK7omYaQNh5c8Sj77_0NdxPml3hqZKG0/s200/IMG_2437.JPG" border="0" /></a>pointing to and saying, "Look Mama, Nemo!" Over and over, and over again! He loved it! They also had a Dora from Finding Nemo in <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_flpva5qOpqMZon9_PFWTpz7KZ67vdBJN8FyQtZzMKKomCoa-qnvnKkrQ6WKe5mFLGqIJyYBqM31IUKxMusYLv8asuhRMaa9LCnRtSug2tSrosrzE8Fku6aznEgCmBU6vFRUI6NsfFETR/s1600-h/IMG_2438.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316213914746690962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_flpva5qOpqMZon9_PFWTpz7KZ67vdBJN8FyQtZzMKKomCoa-qnvnKkrQ6WKe5mFLGqIJyYBqM31IUKxMusYLv8asuhRMaa9LCnRtSug2tSrosrzE8Fku6aznEgCmBU6vFRUI6NsfFETR/s200/IMG_2438.JPG" border="0" /></a>another tank, and she was beautiful! I had never seen on so large before!<br /><br />This is a picture of little Ellie, who was in front of the large picture window that <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxK5AwWodQcMLcEklBfRU_VAU6Tmjht8lfsMH6HO-bn_yBGXDLvHxPqVyZ4ntHwfaCUgZHoK71TKW3k-kwEl9_C4BhKpC0pmNWRhwqf9Mc6GOtvpTJP3xPCfd0jtx85pFmdBm7d-Gp7dxj/s1600-h/IMG_2411.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316212843254423586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxK5AwWodQcMLcEklBfRU_VAU6Tmjht8lfsMH6HO-bn_yBGXDLvHxPqVyZ4ntHwfaCUgZHoK71TKW3k-kwEl9_C4BhKpC0pmNWRhwqf9Mc6GOtvpTJP3xPCfd0jtx85pFmdBm7d-Gp7dxj/s200/IMG_2411.JPG" border="0" /></a>looked into the huge immense shark tank with thousands of other fish in there as well. The window was from floor to ceiling, and about 20 feet wide. She crawled from one end to another, back to the other end, and then back the other way. She couldn't get enough of it! Sometimes she'd stop and stand up against the glass... she LOVED watching all the fish! And since there was an art project in this room that the boys were taking their sweet time on, I was happy that she was so entertained!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_ktp2AojrsTwKhFI8DGhXFAxN2ZPPWKJe9ljb1MaLcMnjM_luh-IRIR5EFvz2eZYPbHJrI2DpsoZToGvlN-tbHacZdEtHxg2UPOIUmKf6npThTknv_8T9D-Te7XQZ2WE5bVfZDLXbMNw/s1600-h/IMG_2410.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316212835330624114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_ktp2AojrsTwKhFI8DGhXFAxN2ZPPWKJe9ljb1MaLcMnjM_luh-IRIR5EFvz2eZYPbHJrI2DpsoZToGvlN-tbHacZdEtHxg2UPOIUmKf6npThTknv_8T9D-Te7XQZ2WE5bVfZDLXbMNw/s200/IMG_2410.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpPAUuixzSD_fhrRl4Qp218UaQ1YtO_Md9OV25dlKNhEidgDQbXF_SXD-iCIUaXB3gQ_5zYZGJSL7lPU4SoHI_2sFQDdIb7eSCgg0x0mGd1H8W3_AhGf-Suwwim3Cgibjnf1JX-cMwQrF/s1600-h/IMG_2409.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316232507694668402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpPAUuixzSD_fhrRl4Qp218UaQ1YtO_Md9OV25dlKNhEidgDQbXF_SXD-iCIUaXB3gQ_5zYZGJSL7lPU4SoHI_2sFQDdIb7eSCgg0x0mGd1H8W3_AhGf-Suwwim3Cgibjnf1JX-cMwQrF/s200/IMG_2409.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>I included these last pictures of Alex and Glenn crawling up into the diver's helmet, because when I look at Alex's eyes in his picture, they are so GLENN! So, click on that picture and see the resemblance!</div><div> </div><div>Oh yeah, and one last thing... we went to the beach after the Aquarium fun, and we brought our kite Opie. Now Opie is Very light, and flies at the tiniest wind... and wouldn't you know... there actually was NO wind at the coast... ever heard of such a thing??? So, Alex pulled Opie around in the sand! Oh well, better luck next time!</div><br /><div></div><div>Well, sorry this is so long! Hope you enjoy the pictures at least! Take care, and we miss you all!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-71647554482086692742009-03-10T07:38:00.001-07:002009-03-10T08:39:30.422-07:00Fabulous Book<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYVlHTd3-u04q0fEp8pIeZ1QMzmxCJ-G5E5I0pysvVdyX1v7gtMlHJrYbNnbmWJEM_KbqpPpdrpMMp7xbDl2ppOlhRxEAsc1bcfvB0WiY3SNMEGk9qRn2xhy_mQ5T1XD9NUnbi1GXb0rz/s1600-h/math+book.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311579039143690850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYVlHTd3-u04q0fEp8pIeZ1QMzmxCJ-G5E5I0pysvVdyX1v7gtMlHJrYbNnbmWJEM_KbqpPpdrpMMp7xbDl2ppOlhRxEAsc1bcfvB0WiY3SNMEGk9qRn2xhy_mQ5T1XD9NUnbi1GXb0rz/s320/math+book.jpg" border="0" /></a> <u>What's Math Got to Do with It?</u>: <u>Helping Children Learn to Love Their Least Favorite Subject - and Why it's Important For America</u> by Jo Boaler<br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">If you get a chance, this book is at the Corvallis Public Library, and it is fabulous. I think every parent of a public schooled, private schooled, charter schooled, or homeschooled child should read this book. I found it quite insightful with quality research. Jo lives in England, so much of her research is done in England, but she also was a professor at Stanford for a while, so did studies in the States too. She's also gone abroad to look at classrooms abroad. She has analyzed different classrooms with different teaching habits, and has done extensive surveys to teachers, but more importantly the students. And really gets to the heart of our where our society is going with math, and how we need to help it from going down the toilet.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">She talks about worksheet math, which she agrees has a place, but math is so much more than just plug and chug. There is communication and problem solving, intrigue and richness, not fully comprehensible when you are only plugging and chugging. She discusses the importance of understanding math in the real world, and not just memorizing equations. And she discusses the dangers of track systems, and how group work with a variety of levels is beneficial to everyone.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />Anyway, if you're a parent with some extra time (yeah right!), this really is a fabulous book. It's new, so it's a 14-day checkout still at our library.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Other than that, the 3 funny stories from last week are:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311576974291498258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI1RY1okLfIzvHGUbMO7fTVLwB47m2CNbJ7Q5bJg2NXKHA_4MVn8kGsqngm0VwBKTGWfgcFdwL6X19FGZGvg_HhEXlJb_mo4D6JrteAKeVhY0nesRNVvztLUNli8jC7ph7psEhbXkpaBw/s320/IMG_2342.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Ellie proud of her car she's been hiding in the boot!</span><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br /><br />1. Our family has been quite sick this past week... really can't remember a time that we've been down for so long! Todd, Ellie, and I so far are fine, though, and we are triple crossing our fingers we don't get sick :-) Anyway, Glenn woke up one morning, and I asked how he was feeling. He said, "Good!" with enthusiasm. I asked him how his nose was feeling. He took on BIG LONG Sniff, and replied, "It's still a little bit snuffy." I thought that was adorable.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311576960162993554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfjeIgxKX3MmbL9pm2uq1QNWKBPum4FuQao8Hg7KT2L7u-IxWOYzkAGZ0asKjvuTc2YUO2BjnKVA8hVeeGZor8PLK3erQkJDGYcB9Q20YQAt5_XQFaLAHhkv4kQRaKE9fHFSKsUYfd18M/s320/IMG_2338.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">The boys making a mock stained-glass solar system</span><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">2. Todd's been reading non-stop with James... trying to finish the 3rd Eragon book. Todd edits some of the gory stuff for James, but both are THOROUGHLY enjoying it. The other night I served chicken for dinner, and James politely told me he was done with dinner (he didn't touch his chicken). Well, if you know James, he is a bottomless pit. "What do you mean, you're done? Don't you want your chicken." "No," he tells me. "I don't want to eat meat anymore." I looked at him in utter shock... where on EARTH did this come from? With my mouth still open, I reply, "What??!! Why don't you want to eat meat anymore?" He replies, "Because I love animals." WHAT??!! I looked at Todd in utter disbelief. Todd gets an 'ah-ha' moment in his eyes and says to James, "Is it because Eragon is a vegetarian?" James shakes his head up and down. I almost put a stop to reading that book! :-) That night as I was explaining this to my friend who has loaned us the books, she assures me it's fine. Eragon comes to reality and eats meat again. Well, the boys have come to this point, and Eragon is eating meat again, but James still wouldn't eat his chicken last night...... books, I tell ya!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311576969992687634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuF5KSzEX6fYdMhninyoznS9RNqhife7LKug19SEzpAQFDWNYP-neD6vttbEKnqFOeZitOVmspQNYijtGrb5nMcMc9P9U-btfNP_CFDKoszyU0NoDSfD08Vo1LRf2Vpv2z7WLl9OvyaHw/s320/IMG_2339.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">The complete solar system</span><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">3. While Todd has been reading the past few nights on the couch (till midnight one night! Little stinker :-)), Glenn was laying all over him the first night, and last night Alex starting crawling all over Todd. He announces, "Why must everyone climb all over me whenever my bladder is full!" James replies without hesitation, "Maybe it's because they think it's squishy." Todd and I laughed hard over that one, and told James, that was a good comeback!</div><br /><br /><div align="left">Well, that's about it for us. I'm hoping today will be our first day back to normal in about a week, but we'll see. James still had a fever last night, and Alex is still coughing and not sleeping well... but I know it will end, and it's gotta be soon :-) Have a good one!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onclick="SitbReader.BuyActions.goToDetailPageFromThumbnail(); return false" href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><a onclick="SitbReader.BuyActions.goToDetailPageFromThumbnail(); return false" href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-60101685785993388012009-03-05T01:59:00.000-08:002009-03-05T02:51:26.787-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNS40FzBXWOJJ2uppy4FtGARWLjxH7aVM0b3wXMaNs1Y_AiW0SOhyK2ytAfkLomWf98_rRYfi7RMkEDVoCbGjA1k5r8AXsoCWL-0GTtVi5l0sMxkue7X_hbvsZuxSyMwscxWtCjIzmzmO/s1600-h/IMG_2272.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309641869072453762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNS40FzBXWOJJ2uppy4FtGARWLjxH7aVM0b3wXMaNs1Y_AiW0SOhyK2ytAfkLomWf98_rRYfi7RMkEDVoCbGjA1k5r8AXsoCWL-0GTtVi5l0sMxkue7X_hbvsZuxSyMwscxWtCjIzmzmO/s320/IMG_2272.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And the results of the Abraham Lincoln cake.... drum roll please... (please remember this is designed by a 7-year old... I just helped create... so if something doesn't make sense, sorry!)<br />1. 200 in pink marshmallows: Lincoln turned 200 this year<br /><br />2. A.L. initials in white marshmallows: obviously Abraham Lincoln's initials<br /><br />3. butterscotch chips: outline of Abraham Lincolns face<br /><br />4. chocolate-covered pretzels: James thought they looked like 2 eyes and a mouth, so they ended up representing Lincoln's 2 terms in office. (He didn't finish his second, obviously, but he did start it!) 5 pretzels (4 plus 1 :-))<br /><br />5. peanut butter: representing the copperhead pennies... once again, 2 for his 2 terms!<br /><br />Thanks for all who participated!!! It was fun to see what everyone thought! The winner goes to the Bluemels in Wyoming! They actually got them all and then some! They even added the twist of the brown pretzels off-setting the white marshmallows representing the civil war and slavery movement! I thought that was clever... so did the boys! So, I'll be sending cookies off to you guys sometime soon!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKM8a9-NmSv6pmzh8fiJvDj5h1rna4OPOwLaDsZdC5wMLdRJpw5lxTfLtZ1ogxxDLm6Tx8cjlTlHDOikuYCZ6vET40uFXDB9yll3iaF7wSyz1lkgsM33UpTGbdDmcAgClGnA49h-t20U7/s1600-h/IMG_2332.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309641860039455794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKM8a9-NmSv6pmzh8fiJvDj5h1rna4OPOwLaDsZdC5wMLdRJpw5lxTfLtZ1ogxxDLm6Tx8cjlTlHDOikuYCZ6vET40uFXDB9yll3iaF7wSyz1lkgsM33UpTGbdDmcAgClGnA49h-t20U7/s320/IMG_2332.JPG" border="0" /></a> As for the rest of our lives, I thought I'd add a few funny pictures with a few funny moments this past week... First, is Ellie stretching... is she ready for karate, or what!? James was QUITE proud of her! Her new favorite thing to do now, is to put cars in shoes. Many-a-time lately I have gone to quickly get in my shoes... only to step into a car!!!! Gotta love her!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUQSdFFAS_BBnCn52pCkqXgJm81BkojvwB5gZeliM0Tz-7kQSRGdi4NmQ-PNCuE2N27ppGgJW7xbDyfbRvkepFF1oEc8qpUDyzpLVZQNy7anFL0AsGDk_6SnbvQgrNclXF_rFX_i4aCIf/s1600-h/IMG_2325.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309641856323406194" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUQSdFFAS_BBnCn52pCkqXgJm81BkojvwB5gZeliM0Tz-7kQSRGdi4NmQ-PNCuE2N27ppGgJW7xbDyfbRvkepFF1oEc8qpUDyzpLVZQNy7anFL0AsGDk_6SnbvQgrNclXF_rFX_i4aCIf/s320/IMG_2325.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />James literally had a minute between doing his math and spelling, and he ran over to the chair to be silly, and said, "Ahhh.. I'm taking a break!" I thought he was funny, so I snapped a shot. </div><div> </div><div>My 'bad-mom moment' with him this week came when he said at night, "See mom, this is what I was talking about when I told you about the vultures carrying those heads away." What??!! Ok, so I have NO recollection of him EVER talking about that, EVER! So, this is my 'bad-mom moment', when I'm sure he mentioned it, and I was doing something else and not really paying attention, and saying "Oh sure, hon, sounds good!" Yeah, so much for my New Years Resolution! :-) Anyway, turns out he was reading a fun book (believe it or not!) that lets you choose your way through Ancient history (if you think you should make spears for the soldiers, turn to page 14, etc.) and there was a part about a Sumerian army advancing on the Ummaites, and talks about vultures carrying off with their heads... yikes... the things parents let their children read these days :-) honestly, it is a fun book!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-JAhBSMU8txZccCSjVzWQM8PHZYkvamLg74iiWPAwlTV0ZGpDVQ10fsuZpRAeO7pRQwb5dqy5uRlynDenpkYly04xBpreWbAbRyAz3-0tdFiqN-ehu4X741mCPLs8LAVEZdgxvo3u20s/s1600-h/IMG_2324.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309641851393308002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-JAhBSMU8txZccCSjVzWQM8PHZYkvamLg74iiWPAwlTV0ZGpDVQ10fsuZpRAeO7pRQwb5dqy5uRlynDenpkYly04xBpreWbAbRyAz3-0tdFiqN-ehu4X741mCPLs8LAVEZdgxvo3u20s/s320/IMG_2324.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So, while we are doing school, Alex actually loves to participate by coloring in my Teacher's Math Manual, while the kids do their math! When I say it's math time, he eagerly pulls out their math books for the boys, and pulls out my manual, and starts to color in it! We're talking full concentration here... tongue hanging out and all! Other than that, he loves to create his army on the table while we work away! Isn't he proud of himself!<br /><br />And the last picture, is a cute picture I took when I found Alex in the carseat, and I honestly thought it was Ellie at first! He sure is cute... when he wants to be! If he doesn't want to be... you better watch out :-)</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWIOMy25slF6_pZvlczoJXCug4wanIGzbt01FaIZES8vubHAbq9EHMbrUBE_RMMYN6qY7bwD02dM-sm24T2twdq84wO1nReq4UFL5-CRsHCFyUxvd4T3UjrKxqmlV_YlGPACKG4ZrO7gk/s1600-h/IMG_2320.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309641839593689826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWIOMy25slF6_pZvlczoJXCug4wanIGzbt01FaIZES8vubHAbq9EHMbrUBE_RMMYN6qY7bwD02dM-sm24T2twdq84wO1nReq4UFL5-CRsHCFyUxvd4T3UjrKxqmlV_YlGPACKG4ZrO7gk/s320/IMG_2320.JPG" border="0" /></a> One more funny story of the boy who didn't make it into the pictures this week (better known as Glenn, or G-2)... Aristotle came up nonchalantly in our history this week, and I asked James if he remembered who he was... he thought for a moment and said, "Oh yeah, he's the guy who thought the Earth was the center of the universe." Glenn says, with hands moving, "But that's not right, it's the Sun that in the center. It's a good thing the Earth isn't in the center, or we'd all be on FIRE!" We got a good laugh out of that one.</div><div></div><div>Well, hope you all have a good weekend! The Iditarod starts Saturday, so we'll be watching! The boys have their mushers picked out, and I'm hoping to whip up some 'dog chow." </div><div></div><div> </div><div>Anyway, we had Stake Conference last weekend for church, and they showed a phenomenal video on prayer that I really enjoyed. If you haven't seen it, check it out. I loved it! Enjoy, and Take CARE!<br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FfUgVWnTA34&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FfUgVWnTA34&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-54782250971550593442009-02-22T17:15:00.001-08:002009-02-23T01:23:01.818-08:00Firsts....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fCWNsEcK92ebhiF6R6dEswyu-Olv1KSG6l2rtomNWXzP381qEMAN5Fk1guq_8-ox2xk84v8xs4CA5arHqgCglv7YD4irXSbJMf4gZUs1qnl8lpVPHxwHGeV8VYyxSQRXkwjPYTC_Ut41/s1600-h/IMG_2295.JPG"></a><br />So, first off, I'm going to give one more week for everyone to get their answers in for the cookie contest! So, good luck! One note, and sorry for not clarifying, but you need to identify what each of the letters, symbols mean in relation to Abraham Lincoln... it just adds a little more fun. You've done fantastic so far!!!<br /><div><br /><div></div><div>So, here are some firsts this week! And many <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fCWNsEcK92ebhiF6R6dEswyu-Olv1KSG6l2rtomNWXzP381qEMAN5Fk1guq_8-ox2xk84v8xs4CA5arHqgCglv7YD4irXSbJMf4gZUs1qnl8lpVPHxwHGeV8VYyxSQRXkwjPYTC_Ut41/s1600-h/IMG_2295.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305796064633878994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fCWNsEcK92ebhiF6R6dEswyu-Olv1KSG6l2rtomNWXzP381qEMAN5Fk1guq_8-ox2xk84v8xs4CA5arHqgCglv7YD4irXSbJMf4gZUs1qnl8lpVPHxwHGeV8VYyxSQRXkwjPYTC_Ut41/s320/IMG_2295.JPG" border="0" /></a>have to do with Ellie! Last Saturday our state celebrated its 150<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> year in the Union. And we helped celebrated it by going to the capital building! It was Ellie's first visit, and she was joined by thousands of other people who wanted to get in! We waited outside for an hour to get in, but the boys, true to their form, could have cared less. They played and played for the hour in line, and thankfully Ellie was a happy camper even though she got a little rained on... but she is from OR, so didn't melt! Inside was fantastic even if it was jammed with visitors! The kids had a great time, and got to watch some blacksmiths, listen to choirs sing Anthems, and eat cake and hot dogs. And for a person who doesn't care for frosting, unless it's REAL, they actually had FANTASTIC frosting on this cake! The kids had a GREAT time, and that was all that mattered!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYuisT5jac-Ag46zs1eCUhhAuhCkA12Ms9Xn-weMsvzXBUYkEifpMeBIYa0nvYauS2y-HU7MnDv2hlMVPwJy6M0a3zpF7SOGXu6RAmxlSwwkJlUSwGPTlMukUpS3NJrJhfvGKFzK1zpX5/s1600-h/IMG_2311.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305796060656465714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYuisT5jac-Ag46zs1eCUhhAuhCkA12Ms9Xn-weMsvzXBUYkEifpMeBIYa0nvYauS2y-HU7MnDv2hlMVPwJy6M0a3zpF7SOGXu6RAmxlSwwkJlUSwGPTlMukUpS3NJrJhfvGKFzK1zpX5/s320/IMG_2311.JPG" border="0" /></a> The older 2 boys and Papa went back to WI for a week long trip, and Grandma and Grandpa D did a great job spoiling the boys! When they came home, Glenn asked for pancakes every morning... Papa finally told Glenn... you were spoiled at Grandma/pa D's, but you are not going to get spoiled here! Well, we've <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">indulged</span> a little, and have started a family tradition of making pancakes on Sat. AM. A friend of mine makes pancakes/waffles regularly for her family, and I have told her, don't tell my boys! I don't want to think that's normal! So, they definitely are lucky to get pancakes once a week, but before it was like twice a year! Everyone is LOVING the new tradition, forking in 5 to 6 pancakes a piece! And Ellie, 1 to 2!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTcMIBXQYd_L66zLnKNpnRmWi021L5SEpNznmnDubCX8aBo_GtIcvIl3tiinoOtn8jpoQsvaNGUJFoJ81GjCpRiIxkS_43lg5Z6uR1F2ZPN9a51I_mTcVTZsu_14lomUj0-Ha-ggI9Q3H/s1600-h/IMG_2309.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305796052203279586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTcMIBXQYd_L66zLnKNpnRmWi021L5SEpNznmnDubCX8aBo_GtIcvIl3tiinoOtn8jpoQsvaNGUJFoJ81GjCpRiIxkS_43lg5Z6uR1F2ZPN9a51I_mTcVTZsu_14lomUj0-Ha-ggI9Q3H/s320/IMG_2309.JPG" border="0" /></a> James lost his 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> tooth, and although this is not a first... it is a first, that he has lost the same number teeth as Glenn's age, and also lost the tooth the same day that Ellie got her 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> tooth. So, we're classifying this as a first! These kids are growing up fast! Too fast at times :-)<br /><br />So, today, Ellie has had 2 first! First off, she decided to sip from a straw! I have given her a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sippy</span> cup since she started eating... just gave it to her for her to figure it out... and she was never interested. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o6Lk0W7G6n4X5vgcw2XWqg_VfKEeAQdRU0xEbNXSq0fZB1eQA6Q-1sDeV_7WeCU6s23B33bLDMsY3gbz5K-cFxpWlpw-WcIUVoa01b4sq9GPZmpI5Rp7UUyBaA7piNteJ0ojo5h7BuNS/s1600-h/IMG_2314.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305796049234919618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o6Lk0W7G6n4X5vgcw2XWqg_VfKEeAQdRU0xEbNXSq0fZB1eQA6Q-1sDeV_7WeCU6s23B33bLDMsY3gbz5K-cFxpWlpw-WcIUVoa01b4sq9GPZmpI5Rp7UUyBaA7piNteJ0ojo5h7BuNS/s320/IMG_2314.JPG" border="0" /></a> Then I decide today to give her a straw cup, and this morning she wanted nothing to do with it... but tonight, she started sipping! And to top it off... after 2 sips, I told the boys to get the camera and James started video taping... and just as she took a sip, she spewed it back out like a water fountain! It was adorable! So, I'll have to include that clip when I get a chance! The boys of course couldn't stop laughing!<br /><br /><div></div><div>Secondly, today she started clapping! She's tried clapping before but never really got it, but today she is clapping with force, and happy to be communicating with the rest of us... because of course we are all clapping because she is! :-)<br /><br />And <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">although</span> she got her first tooth about a month ago, here is my first <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbJsz8ce2hPSp9z4qpU3ezhSiVYBFs0D_QHLuev2yrNoMykuO2CAl9W2GjZGHgKVYEVdHAf6FDXpgk1agix3XFhJGsYhqy4LQnjRZcmAbY7o1_IPuGrYxOqMSJFA0QL2S4WMnzAjnAGjd/s1600-h/IMG_2306.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305912239314227554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbJsz8ce2hPSp9z4qpU3ezhSiVYBFs0D_QHLuev2yrNoMykuO2CAl9W2GjZGHgKVYEVdHAf6FDXpgk1agix3XFhJGsYhqy4LQnjRZcmAbY7o1_IPuGrYxOqMSJFA0QL2S4WMnzAjnAGjd/s320/IMG_2306.JPG" border="0" /></a>picture of her tooth! One thing you have to understand before you judge me too harshly, is that the she LOVES HER TONGUE! And sticks it out whenever she really is happy! So, for me to actually get a picture of her tooth without her tongue hiding it, is quite the feat!</div><br /><br /><div>And last, but not least, this is our first time cracking hazelnuts for at LEAST <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTrqzvnBD2s4aTBg2Sn5hJN54IpHE7u1a8nIKwOcOeHva_vFI1ERgKTDpGm11bPJHsSskiOnE-UgmEp-XbMRSQRAWLa3do_Yd78UZaJsf8W2ouydL1N3XbWGOW75FyZmZseZ_u1XmYaCd/s1600-h/IMG_2319.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305915808015268706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTrqzvnBD2s4aTBg2Sn5hJN54IpHE7u1a8nIKwOcOeHva_vFI1ERgKTDpGm11bPJHsSskiOnE-UgmEp-XbMRSQRAWLa3do_Yd78UZaJsf8W2ouydL1N3XbWGOW75FyZmZseZ_u1XmYaCd/s320/IMG_2319.JPG" border="0" /></a>5 hours! Todd and the boys worked on it for 2 hours tonight, I had worked on it 2 hours the night before, and another hour tonight! Let me tell you... if you get a bag of nuts and think.. well, that's not too bad, it is! It's like the game where you count how many jelly beans are in a jar... you think... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ahhh</span>, there won't be that many to crack... yet the pile never seems to get smaller when you start cracking! Anyway, we got a LOT of nuts from a friend of ours, and had no idea how long it would take us to crack them! But on the plus side, James has LOVED it, and has been a phenomenal helper, and I have to admit, the one-on-one time has been priceless. Just the two of us (sometimes Glenn and Alex try to help... mostly in the beginning, but the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">novelty</span> wore off quickly!), and chatting away about our favorite planes, books, and spouting off wild stories! It has been great, and we can't wait to reap the rewards by making a "nut crunch" recipe that someone gave us... we'll let you know how it turns out!</div><div></div><div></div><div>And one last picture, is of Ellie helping her <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3vrUe3ER8FC1UzXMYpggxzPebmWcqZebuu15iSKvGPLpO742ox5bWm9l1OeCprQQ5jXpx3Y2153pJzSex4Kd-WWrbVYlxMic-Ihxs6AUarFaZFR334D3U_vlPEuGozyo5cj3MYsUS73V/s1600-h/IMG_2312.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305917368590032098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3vrUe3ER8FC1UzXMYpggxzPebmWcqZebuu15iSKvGPLpO742ox5bWm9l1OeCprQQ5jXpx3Y2153pJzSex4Kd-WWrbVYlxMic-Ihxs6AUarFaZFR334D3U_vlPEuGozyo5cj3MYsUS73V/s320/IMG_2312.JPG" border="0" /></a>mother in the kitchen... I was cleaning away in the kitchen yesterday, and she had a wonderful time keeping me company! Yes, I had to clean up after her, but I loved every second together with her! It actually was a wonderful bonding activity! Look at the happiness in her eyes!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well, that's about it for us! Take care everyone! And have a wonderful week!<br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673629438248415269.post-56245316126430583802009-02-16T13:58:00.000-08:002009-02-16T14:07:29.134-08:00Cookie Contest and Happy President's Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDHupI96cNOs6X7vE5jji2eKLoM_eE0GI0FIZFuQfbRbSAjTlSfEZwUJf6XeV-XhMFUqQDoHrBR93brdW9ZEpcvxbPPvd1DEF8tyq5qZY8-tYYXgq7D3_VPbYIXzEriZhXDCp8tznNe_W/s1600-h/IMG_2272.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303518464384674946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDHupI96cNOs6X7vE5jji2eKLoM_eE0GI0FIZFuQfbRbSAjTlSfEZwUJf6XeV-XhMFUqQDoHrBR93brdW9ZEpcvxbPPvd1DEF8tyq5qZY8-tYYXgq7D3_VPbYIXzEriZhXDCp8tznNe_W/s320/IMG_2272.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Happy President's Day everyone! I've decided to hold a cookie contest. We made brownies for Abraham Lincoln's birthday, and the kids created 5 different ideas to put on their brownies. Can you find them? A dozen cookies will go to the first person to get all 5! Have fun, and good luck! And yes, I will even send cookies across the country! So, enjoy deciphering!</div>The Boys Club plus a girl!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16659310504523602926noreply@blogger.com2