tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10880733055362517242024-02-21T10:01:35.843-06:00Splinters in my ForeheadThe only thing I can really tell you about life is to expect the unexpected.Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-91150448722750267742020-11-21T07:01:00.000-06:002020-11-21T07:01:04.004-06:00I love nature!<p>I’m grateful for nature! I love being outdoors. I’ve recently discovered that I love hiking! The challenge of climbing up a steep hill or cliff is exhilarating and the view is always amazing. </p><p><br /></p><p>I love the fresh air and sunshine on my face. I love to feel my skin drinking in the sun’s rays and absorbing it’s energy. </p><p><br /></p><p>I’m grateful for the beauty and variety of landscapes on our earth. </p><p><br /></p><p>Being in nature refreshes my soul and reduces my stress. </p>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-6048658982114824902020-11-20T08:36:00.008-06:002020-11-21T07:01:42.719-06:00Are you taking care of YOU?<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Self Care</span></p><p><br /></p><p>(I recently found an app called the Gratitude App. It’s a little journaling app that has challenges for writing about different things you’re grateful for. I felt promoted to share my entry for today.)</p><p><br /></p><p>It’s funny that this is today’s topic of gratitude because I was just sitting here thinking how if I could share one piece of advice with everyone who is struggling, especially all the mamas, it would be to MAKE time for yourself. I know it’s not easy. I remember those crazy days of no sleep and chasing littles all day. I know the long nights of worry over your teenagers. I even understand the navigating of relationships with your grownup children and trying to figure out when to step in and help, when to let them struggle and grow from the experience, when to speak up and when to keep your mouth shut. It’s all so beautiful, but in order to be able to GIVE so much to all those you love, you have to give to YOU first. It’s not selfish. It’s essential!</p><p><br /></p><p>So, I’ve carved out this sacred time for myself in the mornings. Now, I work from home teaching English online to children in China. I’m up stuuuuupid early! I’d love to take my ME time before my day starts, but I just can’t make myself get up any earlier than I already do. So, I wake up, put on the required blue shirt, spritz water on my crazy hair, throw on a bit of foundation, mascara (hello, invisible eye lashes!) and lip stick because the camera filter can only do so much. I run through my mini morning routine if I have time (make a warm drink, unload the dishwasher, fill the essential oil diffuser, and start a load of laundry). Then make my way to my work room, which I have renamed the Shanti room because shanti means PEACE. </p><p><br /></p><p>After a couple of hours of teaching, my time is mine. </p><p><br /></p><p>I make a cup of herbal teal or (my current favorite) Mudwtr (Mud Water, made with cacao, mushrooms and chai), spend some time in prayer and open my Bible. Then I spend some time meditating. Next is my routine on the Daily Shifts app, and the Gratitude app. After all the sitting, my body needs MOVEMENT! So, depending on the day I either practice yoga alone, with a video (like Simply Sadie Jane), or I go to the studio to either practice or teach. </p><p><br /></p><p>I love to have some soothing or inspiring music playing while all of this is happening too. Today was the Piano Guy’s new album. ❤️</p><p><br /></p><p>If I’m home, I then spend some time learning to play the harmonium. </p><p><br /></p><p>All of this can take a few minutes or a couple of hours, depending on how I’m feeling and what I need that day. But, the point is, it FEEDS me. So, then I have something to offer the people I love. </p><p><br /></p><p>I’m very grateful to be at a point in my life where I understand that my needs are important, that I don’t come last. It’s taken a long time to love myself and treat myself well. </p><p><br /></p><p>I’m grateful to have a beautiful space where I can learn, teach and create. A place where my heart heals and my spirit is fed. </p><p><br /></p><p>So, please, know that you are important. You deserve some time to care for yourself. Find a few minutes and COMMIT that time to yourself. Get help. Find a quiet place and make it your own! It doesn’t have to be big or fancy, my space used to be a corner in my closet!</p><p><br /></p><p>And most of all, find something to be grateful for everyday!</p><p><br /></p>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-62375198971123042952020-11-20T08:24:00.001-06:002020-11-20T08:24:16.385-06:00Welcome Back<p> Well, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve spent any time here! I started a post about a year ago, but never finished it. It would take too long to catch up with where I’ve been and what has happened the past few years, so I’m just going to jump in! I’ll fill in the blanks as we go. </p>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-76982738006220426222020-11-19T08:26:00.000-06:002020-11-20T08:37:04.311-06:00Have you ever wondered what you're supposed to be doing? I mean REALLY doing. Not just day-to-day life things, responsibilities, or whatever. But what is your purpose? Maybe it's because I'm approaching my 50th (FIFTIETH??!!! how the heck did that happen??!!) birthday. Maybe it's because I've been through a lot and I'm trying to heal and recover. Maybe it's because I've been married my entire adult life (and then some, ;0) ) and I'm trying to figure out who I am. And who I want to be. But, yes, I am actively working to find out who I am and what I am supposed to be doing. <div>
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I briefly saw a counselor earlier this year. While he gave me points to ponder, I'm not one to report week after week so I'm done. But, he did tell me that he "not only gives me permission to do some self care, but he gives me a <i>prescription</i> to do so." </div>
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Self. Care. </div>
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What does that even mean? I take a shower everyday. Ok, <i>almost</i> everyday. 😏 I eat. I sleep. Not well usually, but still. </div>
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"What do you like to do?" the counselor asked. "I have no idea." was my honest reply. He recommended that I spend some time and figure it out. </div>
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That made me really think about what I like to do, might enjoy or want to try. I signed up for a yoga class, and everything changed. </div><div><br /></div><div><<<this is the post I didn’t finish. Stick around, I’ll tell you what happened. 😊>>></div>
Dana Draveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13745538728400737486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-78953569584702239922012-05-31T17:14:00.000-05:002012-05-31T18:27:03.278-05:00Little Mummies<span style="font-size: large;">I've decided to make this summer different that summers past. I want it to be.... <i>productive.</i> I know, weird, right? Previously I believed whole heartedly in just letting the little goobers run amuck and entertain themselves. However, this usually doesn't end well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, because I stopped homeschooling in January, I still have tons of super fun stuff I had planned for the second half of the school year. "Hey!" I thought. "Why not USE that stuff to keep the punks busy and <i>learning</i> through the summer. AND, lose some guilt about the money I spent on curriculum that is sitting on the shelf collecting dust." :0)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, PROJECT #1</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Egyptian Mummies</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First they colored while I read a bit about mummies. I don't know about your kids, but with mine, if their hands aren't busy, their ears don't work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Punk #6 coloring</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "Stained Glass" pictures</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even the teenage girl joined us. :0)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So after they finished coloring</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and I finished reading,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought it would be fun to</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">mummify the children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Doesn't he look eager?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know, he looks less than thrilled, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but trust me, he was loving it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">See? Happy little mummy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course he had to look</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">somewhat zombie-fied</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of a sudden, my punk says,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Mommy, I don't feel good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I need out of this!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I let him unwrap immediately.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right after I made him pose</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">for one more picture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was doing my best to convince him</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">everything was okay, and </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">he was NOT going to get sick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Poor kid couldn't tear that one-ply</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">toilet paper off fast enough!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Notice how pale he is?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even his lips are white.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Poor baby!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHNjHz6XqILMUpO0Anfygn7jvHGyKST-7xRaPHRrvkuZ8tZWc5oPp6V6YQbItTUjT-zKhuAZj_tppzOmnY01EeBmDSzhNIjg9vdOSviTVrqEuCeCI7D1QeW7ZgiM7WvCZnLPhehlyJ7E/s1600/IMG_7284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHNjHz6XqILMUpO0Anfygn7jvHGyKST-7xRaPHRrvkuZ8tZWc5oPp6V6YQbItTUjT-zKhuAZj_tppzOmnY01EeBmDSzhNIjg9vdOSviTVrqEuCeCI7D1QeW7ZgiM7WvCZnLPhehlyJ7E/s320/IMG_7284.JPG" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbctoKSO54nSDG2Es4RrDLjqUHqHxIOtlMXEjdZJUM59cpGbav_k2F-igWtiJW7bfWfTeAnMcZ4cA6fBfQaiUdbcSWkI6JlP7725hKIIPg123Bn_up_tCRcJ0mF3K1r8ZEh31Lv70sPl0/s1600/IMG_7298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbctoKSO54nSDG2Es4RrDLjqUHqHxIOtlMXEjdZJUM59cpGbav_k2F-igWtiJW7bfWfTeAnMcZ4cA6fBfQaiUdbcSWkI6JlP7725hKIIPg123Bn_up_tCRcJ0mF3K1r8ZEh31Lv70sPl0/s320/IMG_7298.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before After!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something tells me he will</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">NOT </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">want to be a mummy for Halloween.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, none of that scared Jay in the least.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_23aFH_nJdbM0VCoAMZFop4fR_J_sBf-NJlURctKNd1KBgcqAHyLVuyJmaXl22oTpjcGrifBhok3wDKzHUqK1flhV_mgiClbs4Q5SwVYzGRfuf1jitz-g-_wUjcX5WTy6n5HpIv16D_4/s1600/IMG_7305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_23aFH_nJdbM0VCoAMZFop4fR_J_sBf-NJlURctKNd1KBgcqAHyLVuyJmaXl22oTpjcGrifBhok3wDKzHUqK1flhV_mgiClbs4Q5SwVYzGRfuf1jitz-g-_wUjcX5WTy6n5HpIv16D_4/s320/IMG_7305.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KJNenFJG9XvQeQ79gABgTne3hMa0L1wM7nL4dtE-cEKoUIyKbQvLq4PhJ6mjahcsOaeWRO6mRuCOU-0m1MI2-52Q9rO2YelMO1F1LwnjtaDOrYK4hyphenhyphenyUmgmMWhMTbMK9n8a4B4wiRJM/s1600/IMG_7304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KJNenFJG9XvQeQ79gABgTne3hMa0L1wM7nL4dtE-cEKoUIyKbQvLq4PhJ6mjahcsOaeWRO6mRuCOU-0m1MI2-52Q9rO2YelMO1F1LwnjtaDOrYK4hyphenhyphenyUmgmMWhMTbMK9n8a4B4wiRJM/s320/IMG_7304.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can see Jared lying on the couch</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">in the background.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recuperating.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0VYzKRIaH_Pnb6FRI684UunK3MYiLeo9-t0e4PGy8aqOa-xl3UiT1sQhF4DZ2Y7Bfv-hq-xFhheRGDuo7li46LtXR65mypWTZl1uJI2ti22CpowD2nMLuSN7lQg_c1HwR-syyCK9q7s/s1600/IMG_7315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0VYzKRIaH_Pnb6FRI684UunK3MYiLeo9-t0e4PGy8aqOa-xl3UiT1sQhF4DZ2Y7Bfv-hq-xFhheRGDuo7li46LtXR65mypWTZl1uJI2ti22CpowD2nMLuSN7lQg_c1HwR-syyCK9q7s/s400/IMG_7315.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">His best mummy face.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakIoFsrPyKHJ66jgqb61lNOAjT-pwIjnBp3Xd9HhFQ9SStpIuRRHMFOQijRzJc4K84aCiqV9OXpz5yWC5wtRoGDH7UT9wAjtkzHfwPV7Jr8_f93GccATjHhacKxxVyBpx2cG0EQkatzo/s1600/IMG_7319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakIoFsrPyKHJ66jgqb61lNOAjT-pwIjnBp3Xd9HhFQ9SStpIuRRHMFOQijRzJc4K84aCiqV9OXpz5yWC5wtRoGDH7UT9wAjtkzHfwPV7Jr8_f93GccATjHhacKxxVyBpx2cG0EQkatzo/s400/IMG_7319.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Time to rip it off</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and watch </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the Mummy Episode of</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Phineas and Ferb.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, the next time you feel the need to waste 4 rolls of perfectly good toilet paper, go ahead and teach your punks a little bit about mummies and wrap 'em up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WARNING: May cause unexpected nausea!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-3950864101285610272012-05-30T17:36:00.001-05:002012-05-30T17:36:17.315-05:00School's Out For Summer!<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Do any of you remember that song from the 80's? It's by Alice Cooper. Not my favorite type of 80's rocker, but the dang song <i>will not</i> leave my head! I was going to put up a picture of Mr. Cooper, but as my punk walked by he kinda yelled, "Ahhh!" at the sight of him. So I took it down. You're welcome.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Anyway. Kindergarten Graduation. Seems (or rather it <i>did</i>) pointless and silly. But, my punk was excited and I wasn't going to burst his little bubble. So I decided to put on a smile and play along. Well, as his teacher was handing out the caps and gowns and parents were getting their little darlings ready, my heart softened. Just a little. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QUxRsA0nUd9W3eZiHxOxbl7E2RJd7NOKhXe728z29kMfF5iGS8dn0VGJwCjMTiDzLnw5bK79lduaPVbWFCzmgeN3kUvzpaIv-91kuefPvjOwu0c-RF_nPPvVqV6pWZnmbBD4fXDWRQo/s1600/IMG_7146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QUxRsA0nUd9W3eZiHxOxbl7E2RJd7NOKhXe728z29kMfF5iGS8dn0VGJwCjMTiDzLnw5bK79lduaPVbWFCzmgeN3kUvzpaIv-91kuefPvjOwu0c-RF_nPPvVqV6pWZnmbBD4fXDWRQo/s400/IMG_7146.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Look how cute! All ready to "walk"!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVqwbpzguiBs9sxAC_-mF0MEvJ7bKKXt4-Gk_s5Jih73ahh_kKKRykEh_YBCo-mwOM_zrmXS4PxgMdOmUhgb-nvePRSxI7y9cx6qrmMAUw-11rE_3kXmrbLuDmq5opJ3PNahXYWL662U/s1600/IMG_7158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVqwbpzguiBs9sxAC_-mF0MEvJ7bKKXt4-Gk_s5Jih73ahh_kKKRykEh_YBCo-mwOM_zrmXS4PxgMdOmUhgb-nvePRSxI7y9cx6qrmMAUw-11rE_3kXmrbLuDmq5opJ3PNahXYWL662U/s400/IMG_7158.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Receiving an award for "TOP READER" in his class! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, this mama is proud!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And so happy I didn't miss this moment.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9pDenI_mh9ZaD-_q_fx7ado3N46c9dBIR7VbnxoWcZ1j8l3HwE-vn1Ffd4YMNs-5BvHcWV3TojkLw0UNGygVyy32FtbsQbDXI-LPPDuUvcHGNSxFKXnd9xRmBKX59BHEP1pt_-QIJ3Q/s1600/IMG_7169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9pDenI_mh9ZaD-_q_fx7ado3N46c9dBIR7VbnxoWcZ1j8l3HwE-vn1Ffd4YMNs-5BvHcWV3TojkLw0UNGygVyy32FtbsQbDXI-LPPDuUvcHGNSxFKXnd9xRmBKX59BHEP1pt_-QIJ3Q/s400/IMG_7169.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">His little KINDERGARTEN DIPLOMA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you tell I'm enjoying this by now?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtkHd7-IASNl5Nt4AaxP0fvF5ndZCaGAQN_7XZAWlGzloLzJjBz9sHlZkhuvPVIyecJoHsgt9WZMbx-5xxI4uChK5l4XYpJwSgBVu5u7yzLUQxc6Pz166t-pEpf4EoF-miP91iUphmhM/s1600/IMG_7170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtkHd7-IASNl5Nt4AaxP0fvF5ndZCaGAQN_7XZAWlGzloLzJjBz9sHlZkhuvPVIyecJoHsgt9WZMbx-5xxI4uChK5l4XYpJwSgBVu5u7yzLUQxc6Pz166t-pEpf4EoF-miP91iUphmhM/s400/IMG_7170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">His Big Brother got to leave class and attend the graduation too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you ask the Second Grader though, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">he'll tell you the cake and punch party</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">was the best part!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSCue-AeuuLnOiwFJkXGaG_NvsEEySfA7whQ2NwGtd27tAynJKn1ZO6raQS1in4XtjIYttih5A-GLaAHOmWA1rA56wjGt7mkgiHVJqPn0-JHu0QjsbU323Q2WGBoUjvWjo4TuhMXRLDQ/s1600/IMG_7144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSCue-AeuuLnOiwFJkXGaG_NvsEEySfA7whQ2NwGtd27tAynJKn1ZO6raQS1in4XtjIYttih5A-GLaAHOmWA1rA56wjGt7mkgiHVJqPn0-JHu0QjsbU323Q2WGBoUjvWjo4TuhMXRLDQ/s640/IMG_7144.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Little Graduate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I freaking LOVE Kindergarten Graduation!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">I just hope he doesn't grow up </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">to sing loud, crazy songs that stick in your head!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-68871544292721620582012-05-28T19:30:00.000-05:002012-05-28T19:30:53.598-05:00Where Have You Been?<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yeah, I've been neglecting my blog. I've faced some challenges in the last few months that took me away from several of my "favorite things". But, I think I'm recovered and ready to jump back into my life again. :0)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, I decided to share where I've been recently. This really was one of my favorite trips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My husband came home from work one Saturday morning and said, "Let's go to Pensacola!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Stunned, I said something brilliant like, "What? We can't go to Pensacola! The boys have soccer games. And, I have to do laundry!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Wow. When did I get that old? Spur of the moment trips used to be our specialty! Of course that was before we had six kids. Well, really it was before we had Baby Number Five. That kids was a <i>horrible</i> traveler, from the hospital trip home until, well... <i>now.</i> Anyway, after the soccer games were over, and I came to my senses, we packed some bags and took off on our adventure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We like to make getting there as much fun and <i>being</i> there, so we stop along the way. A lot.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpciSDtIUP-yC0i4gyixyUMdTzk5b2tuD0OOjEzEYe48fF9VqlPpynSZ9GeUtfEsAzicUPEATnt2H6dd7svvqZMBJChEubvJ2yuvkjf_8rIy0THL4uULQg8M8DL6pyWMXhZjRohnwn-E8/s1600/IMG_6462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpciSDtIUP-yC0i4gyixyUMdTzk5b2tuD0OOjEzEYe48fF9VqlPpynSZ9GeUtfEsAzicUPEATnt2H6dd7svvqZMBJChEubvJ2yuvkjf_8rIy0THL4uULQg8M8DL6pyWMXhZjRohnwn-E8/s640/IMG_6462.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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This is the amazing Biloxi Lighthouse.</div>
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It was flooded with 21.5 feet of water when Katrina hit in 2005.</div>
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It cost over $400,000.00 to restore it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNifea8lUx9eeLQTDnAOFEE-fcDQvu2zslP6tX8CGq4horzeZCP4vBXZqmyhyphenhyphen_EPy2CtTQ0kw8esGDRHuFXwg6PMDJ5pTNjcRgF81r6P-6GyGi576CduvrFI5JTeDuRtBHmDeL_U246IE/s1600/IMG_6507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNifea8lUx9eeLQTDnAOFEE-fcDQvu2zslP6tX8CGq4horzeZCP4vBXZqmyhyphenhyphen_EPy2CtTQ0kw8esGDRHuFXwg6PMDJ5pTNjcRgF81r6P-6GyGi576CduvrFI5JTeDuRtBHmDeL_U246IE/s640/IMG_6507.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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This was some random shop in Gulf Shores, Alabama!</div>
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I kept seeing sign on the highway depicting a giant sharks mouth</div>
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and I was excited that "we'd found it!"</div>
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Yeah, it wasn't the same shark, but I chose to believe it was. ;0)</div>
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And I spent a small fortune on souvenirs.</div>
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Even though Jay didn't feel great, </div>
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he still managed to have some fun. </div>
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He's part fish, I think.</div>
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On the second day of vacation </div>
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we found an Urgent Care Center and</div>
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took him in. Poor baby had a </div>
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massive outer ear infection. </div>
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Thank Heavens for antibiotics.</div>
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And Children's Advil.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7v-yjNDES1yrkcJ_fI-wFrTNo98rdH8RrNKZJjbR1sTTavhau3WEhcxYoqgENmjHwdVVpFLhU14eeyU-qskBj-8ZeP0y7AUFhVX7CyHc9NjRaGdCpEjIFwu_9RUbyOeWhRHsNcQfPFM/s1600/IMG_6661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7v-yjNDES1yrkcJ_fI-wFrTNo98rdH8RrNKZJjbR1sTTavhau3WEhcxYoqgENmjHwdVVpFLhU14eeyU-qskBj-8ZeP0y7AUFhVX7CyHc9NjRaGdCpEjIFwu_9RUbyOeWhRHsNcQfPFM/s640/IMG_6661.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The electricity was out at the Pensacola Lighthouse.</div>
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That made for a dark and slightly scary ascend to the top.</div>
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Have you ever tried to climb 176 spiral stairs </div>
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with a terrified 7 year old clinging to your leg?</div>
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You should try it. It's a hoot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7r4nrbqD1-gvAdBvmdWau7ewaIRTw9YO51XUgln-qvLq668H0qyA0rrZnN7BDFPQ7WNMvAHGLM-xiCDQwyHb9d3RKT1JCeQC2wAbqH4vQijg-nw2A28TJNK4dJKcDGYVCtBGNGyfRsxE/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7r4nrbqD1-gvAdBvmdWau7ewaIRTw9YO51XUgln-qvLq668H0qyA0rrZnN7BDFPQ7WNMvAHGLM-xiCDQwyHb9d3RKT1JCeQC2wAbqH4vQijg-nw2A28TJNK4dJKcDGYVCtBGNGyfRsxE/s640/IMG_6688.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Love the view from the top!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAeun-Z6b3j6lSffhVl6Ztw3MfKA-tAgcmVp8_U2V2sxHsdCfprOr9dYMPI3rgWBw-dYraqW-TZUCueLPCVfDTz4z4sa_QQQHJ_hcQoPPaS3igmncTn8fxlGwba465lL158U3cltF1x4/s1600/IMG_6764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAeun-Z6b3j6lSffhVl6Ztw3MfKA-tAgcmVp8_U2V2sxHsdCfprOr9dYMPI3rgWBw-dYraqW-TZUCueLPCVfDTz4z4sa_QQQHJ_hcQoPPaS3igmncTn8fxlGwba465lL158U3cltF1x4/s640/IMG_6764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now it's my turn to be terrified!</div>
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Me and water....</div>
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Not exactly BFF's.</div>
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Don't tell my kids. </div>
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They think it's FANTASTIC!</div>
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This punk has no fear. Well, not from the ground.</div>
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Here he's looking down the barrel (is that the right term?)</div>
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of a civil war cannon.</div>
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My Darling Girl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-jM4UGlHrzl-HndYhn32mZEXif95Ob_lOeyWW0nbLUK8cEiaxpYballZK1eb7NqoXRZb6WbYQVaIezPB5UQYl8BsLT9LaSlPWkgrmnMJ4TYA6YWOf5bRseDSA_96ada2I5DOywuNcc8/s1600/IMG_6788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-jM4UGlHrzl-HndYhn32mZEXif95Ob_lOeyWW0nbLUK8cEiaxpYballZK1eb7NqoXRZb6WbYQVaIezPB5UQYl8BsLT9LaSlPWkgrmnMJ4TYA6YWOf5bRseDSA_96ada2I5DOywuNcc8/s640/IMG_6788.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Seven year old Punk.</div>
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I love him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pVc5fo6TKMuJpiQ29JqCckIwsoGNd7uEqohuOzNG3V0uXf7RvyzgFh0JuyXE5QvNyH4rBFXUAoEB7h9HNZ3Nd27-nL5lJWQ2WWwqv49-gbSIZHmyTPtURod_yHo93cIskYka7ahLtYM/s1600/IMG_6799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pVc5fo6TKMuJpiQ29JqCckIwsoGNd7uEqohuOzNG3V0uXf7RvyzgFh0JuyXE5QvNyH4rBFXUAoEB7h9HNZ3Nd27-nL5lJWQ2WWwqv49-gbSIZHmyTPtURod_yHo93cIskYka7ahLtYM/s640/IMG_6799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Waiting for the ferry to go across Mobile Bay.</div>
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Being on a ferry is a weird sensation.</div>
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Especially when you drive your car on, </div>
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and the boat starts moving.</div>
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It's also very windy on a ferry.</div>
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Just try to take a picture without your hair in your face.</div>
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Ain't gonna happen, sister.</div>
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Poor kids. </div>
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I torture them trying to get the perfect shot everywhere we go.</div>
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Jared just wasn't having it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4o9Td4yg92tY3oZ4orJ3dj9gcGinvMOTbdOebJFG3mTcoVrDelOF7BnBw4Vhyphenhyphendw-VV5K26n-JXjJhpwiSxK0JID_ejSjpNRhyyRgVp_l5zHVVjbtb1CAXcPTcl83Hdj0eeGlPjqa5W4/s1600/IMG_6882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4o9Td4yg92tY3oZ4orJ3dj9gcGinvMOTbdOebJFG3mTcoVrDelOF7BnBw4Vhyphenhyphendw-VV5K26n-JXjJhpwiSxK0JID_ejSjpNRhyyRgVp_l5zHVVjbtb1CAXcPTcl83Hdj0eeGlPjqa5W4/s640/IMG_6882.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Jay knows to just cheese it up and get it over with. :0)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzryBBzMQu1QQVqVIyXYR5zx9e8YuTSq_NVkzQ5wKWA-GKEX0Ydw6IXC6yy0G5RrwAPr45zkEtc4ddxIqIuslZmhaqdzqWoqwK19hObCuHdf9lRcPfwhAyY4amlq4rfyCHxW18yluD20/s1600/IMG_6885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzryBBzMQu1QQVqVIyXYR5zx9e8YuTSq_NVkzQ5wKWA-GKEX0Ydw6IXC6yy0G5RrwAPr45zkEtc4ddxIqIuslZmhaqdzqWoqwK19hObCuHdf9lRcPfwhAyY4amlq4rfyCHxW18yluD20/s640/IMG_6885.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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This girl is always a beautiful subject and a willing model.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, there's the trip in pictures. We went to Biloxi, MS; Gulf Shores, AL; and Pensacola, FL. Gulf Shores was our favorite. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where have you been?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-21455879918791220372011-08-01T10:00:00.002-05:002011-08-01T10:00:15.712-05:00Attack of the Killer Tomatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Now THAT is a big tomato.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">If you like tomatoes, these are the best.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Just think BLT!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">If you don't like them, well... you may not enjoy this post! ;0)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOFybfEBzJvaWZEWgVert3-Ne-M-bIw-pP7U-F5aKqTxyVYBjvpNQlbFHBZJniicUIvlNTe3H__XTmPWsFiEBPvarshtVfKZ1uWTGYc9fMkkJADc6IkGVDdy6THje6EAVNaRI4hVdbCs/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOFybfEBzJvaWZEWgVert3-Ne-M-bIw-pP7U-F5aKqTxyVYBjvpNQlbFHBZJniicUIvlNTe3H__XTmPWsFiEBPvarshtVfKZ1uWTGYc9fMkkJADc6IkGVDdy6THje6EAVNaRI4hVdbCs/s320/IMG_4707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love pictures of food!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2IgCUcuacgNj0rVGrkPiP-w-4rzVHY0J03wp_nlwbI84DCgNi7XY9uWxqkXvFkgpgMmeyc5kNagk2v5fJE9gJ4wWmCZlwVOEKRyy5pSoZTcjtKlyrLr_FVmHQLfZ2r4Lt5AMG8yxFTk/s1600/IMG_4716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2IgCUcuacgNj0rVGrkPiP-w-4rzVHY0J03wp_nlwbI84DCgNi7XY9uWxqkXvFkgpgMmeyc5kNagk2v5fJE9gJ4wWmCZlwVOEKRyy5pSoZTcjtKlyrLr_FVmHQLfZ2r4Lt5AMG8yxFTk/s320/IMG_4716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> These aren't all the tomatoes, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but it gives you an idea of what we tackled.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seven boxes, about 160 lbs.</div><div style="text-align: center;">What on Earth did we do with that many tomatoes?</div><div style="text-align: center;">You know, I'm glad you asked!</div><div style="text-align: center;">First up was SALSA!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mkwFUsySDS88uq5vMOUTQZlh88ncwMwMGrkVabb5fovU3o4R3n4fbscdvXTExAMxKUlPr16ubtRWZ4SCDHguIA5gz_CJFldjk1kYDIvkbZGvrv98CBsZAPfidATmtFxY3H7m_fbi_VY/s1600/IMG_4704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mkwFUsySDS88uq5vMOUTQZlh88ncwMwMGrkVabb5fovU3o4R3n4fbscdvXTExAMxKUlPr16ubtRWZ4SCDHguIA5gz_CJFldjk1kYDIvkbZGvrv98CBsZAPfidATmtFxY3H7m_fbi_VY/s320/IMG_4704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> These are blanched and peeled and ready to go!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_owI1mrQTXaBn5EDEeJFcCigPtBKm55-3sr00peD-bt8w3lwJLrPYbrrHDBm41xAqWwzcmQxt34NjZAIAl7ztRk5w5gIF3T_kJYdDTsCt8DbBE01VvskHZqYK3ZqSELf8BM678vKm104/s1600/IMG_4711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_owI1mrQTXaBn5EDEeJFcCigPtBKm55-3sr00peD-bt8w3lwJLrPYbrrHDBm41xAqWwzcmQxt34NjZAIAl7ztRk5w5gIF3T_kJYdDTsCt8DbBE01VvskHZqYK3ZqSELf8BM678vKm104/s320/IMG_4711.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Next, chopped onions.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And peppers, but I don't have a picture of the peppers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Weird.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-lBuf14xB3e21W7NguGYTZtlopBDpWyO5CjsP2vO9XZCzD79zRR5JzTQEjMgeT1rdi0l8HRqszMtU2LHjYEdLoOU-wupHD5QsB2tkd3YuUprRV7vr_H68vQNHNw5lwY_usI8UEESty8/s1600/IMG_4714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-lBuf14xB3e21W7NguGYTZtlopBDpWyO5CjsP2vO9XZCzD79zRR5JzTQEjMgeT1rdi0l8HRqszMtU2LHjYEdLoOU-wupHD5QsB2tkd3YuUprRV7vr_H68vQNHNw5lwY_usI8UEESty8/s320/IMG_4714.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I added some cilantro and lemon juice.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a simple water bath process.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In no time we had this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwY8IgeAopziLTSzu13BcXHZy5CfjaDYaUlTxzO2eZAnsZ3J8WJ0t_SmhI_n4jlBc53rk8xb5cc7HKZoNgKaKrU8PdEvasLcuNcc4kr-dpYa9K-EK5WNSY9XnbL4thXLCxjvJhnKbNwY/s1600/IMG_4710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwY8IgeAopziLTSzu13BcXHZy5CfjaDYaUlTxzO2eZAnsZ3J8WJ0t_SmhI_n4jlBc53rk8xb5cc7HKZoNgKaKrU8PdEvasLcuNcc4kr-dpYa9K-EK5WNSY9XnbL4thXLCxjvJhnKbNwY/s320/IMG_4710.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Seriously HOT salsa. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course we made a milder version</div><div style="text-align: center;">and a smooth version because my</div><div style="text-align: center;">punks don't eat chunks!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5F2-k2JdEYnRMi5gJgNuqksB9uEXVGo-JjSS29dDUvqgb-zdEmrwW44YmxjuTkNLZjw__HP5uORmQvLHOnUWXUOmC7ShO-91FW1iqQw0aCzGBOMx2NozIcn2lkZxNFM8jsh8t1tBwvY/s1600/IMG_4709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5F2-k2JdEYnRMi5gJgNuqksB9uEXVGo-JjSS29dDUvqgb-zdEmrwW44YmxjuTkNLZjw__HP5uORmQvLHOnUWXUOmC7ShO-91FW1iqQw0aCzGBOMx2NozIcn2lkZxNFM8jsh8t1tBwvY/s320/IMG_4709.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Mmm, you can't buy mass amounts of tomatoes</div><div style="text-align: center;">and not make mass amounts of spaghetti sauce!</div><div style="text-align: center;">And a fair amount of plain tomatoes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08eOBBTuQEk62mfTmiMzQqS0eevnROVg5gz9hNB7eiiDg0-xw5tWdTPQVtbZouDOGIKtUujAji5Qz8buSMmb3SSKv68tEJ20OV5s0OemQz2LDoWf0YBzg6bKCzdkQRaczvF5uMbmI1XM/s1600/IMG_4725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08eOBBTuQEk62mfTmiMzQqS0eevnROVg5gz9hNB7eiiDg0-xw5tWdTPQVtbZouDOGIKtUujAji5Qz8buSMmb3SSKv68tEJ20OV5s0OemQz2LDoWf0YBzg6bKCzdkQRaczvF5uMbmI1XM/s320/IMG_4725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Here is my counter covered in all the tomato goods!</div><div align="center">The funny little freezer jars in the front are tomato paste</div><div align="center">that I made using this recipe from my friend at Our Best Bites.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/10/oven-roasted-tomatoes/">http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/10/oven-roasted-tomatoes/</a></div>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-75605500135498254842011-07-30T10:00:00.006-05:002012-06-08T09:22:09.157-05:00Like a rocket, baby!<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It may surprise you to read this, but recently, I did something totally crazy! Well, crazy for me anyway. I built a ROCKET STOVE! Sounds cool, doesn't it? It <strong>is</strong> cool, and I'm totally excited about it. I must confess that I didn't do it alone, though. My church women's group (The Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints) along with some very helpful husbands made it all possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The whole point of a rocket stove is to have a way to cook with very little fuel should you find yourself without power and a regular means of cooking. Of course, I had to try it out, and my little punks were right in the middle of it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiWqYMuOydV86BtdtH2btJD_HvcG9P6dmFFkRzUo94IT06dwtEpNsrYb3dRwhLOgeXNf4qYl1yCvB4Bgovdh6oeLzCDTzOQy-EHRSTpY9aEIQcB7bnGif2t8upBeI5JYf-dzRgrm2M8Y/s1600/IMG_4413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiWqYMuOydV86BtdtH2btJD_HvcG9P6dmFFkRzUo94IT06dwtEpNsrYb3dRwhLOgeXNf4qYl1yCvB4Bgovdh6oeLzCDTzOQy-EHRSTpY9aEIQcB7bnGif2t8upBeI5JYf-dzRgrm2M8Y/s320/IMG_4413.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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So here is the rocket stove with the fire going!</div>
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It only takes a few sticks to make a lot of heat.</div>
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Our water is heating up, and we are excited</div>
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to cook up some mac n cheese!</div>
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Let's hear it for boiling water: Ooooh! Ahhhh!</div>
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In goes the macaroni.</div>
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(Or "mac-a-moi-ya" as one of my punks used to call it!</div>
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Then we drained the macaroni and made the cheese sauce.</div>
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I know, the excitement is almost too much!</div>
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Believe it or not, they <strong><em>were</em></strong> very excited</div>
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that we made lunch outside, on our rocket stove. </div>
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Yeah, I'm a cool mom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKBsdy0hIrwHeTp0tCtr4MkzKPLbrmzmmFnwT7MOxGX387TbGHcVzOyRv1m5Wu_QXDkahHdPqetqhdARz3UhBxvOUlH2Oa2wxN7CryK-1COpuZeWGuA3QbaO3m-46_lpKxbnZQelPL6I/s1600/IMG_4432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKBsdy0hIrwHeTp0tCtr4MkzKPLbrmzmmFnwT7MOxGX387TbGHcVzOyRv1m5Wu_QXDkahHdPqetqhdARz3UhBxvOUlH2Oa2wxN7CryK-1COpuZeWGuA3QbaO3m-46_lpKxbnZQelPL6I/s320/IMG_4432.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Say "cheese!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUjd7aCzAYLpcMBx92WP15wpdAztg9ApLy_FxzLJlzbwDjQA2Xr1E8KUFscX3AMks9ENzjaoFgiP7zDQF8JxHOqQMl8lZLb2bDBkcgvdzfkMeDpqB2axVRrksToqK5bkEOM4WekPycWU/s1600/IMG_4434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUjd7aCzAYLpcMBx92WP15wpdAztg9ApLy_FxzLJlzbwDjQA2Xr1E8KUFscX3AMks9ENzjaoFgiP7zDQF8JxHOqQMl8lZLb2bDBkcgvdzfkMeDpqB2axVRrksToqK5bkEOM4WekPycWU/s320/IMG_4434.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Or just take a big ol' bite!</div>
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Atleast I know we can live on mac n cheese if necessary!</div>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-12601388936852018172011-07-29T15:39:00.001-05:002012-06-08T09:22:09.151-05:00Blueberries!<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While blueberry season has come and gone in the South, maybe it's not so for you. I completely enjoyed picking and "putting up" blueberries this year. Much more so than last year. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana;">Last year, we went every other day to a little (and I mean LITTLE by comparison... you'll see what I mean in a minute) patch of bushes that belonged to a friend of a friend and picked for 10 or 15 minutes. Our rewards were a cup or two, if we were lucky, of berries at a time. I am not complaining. Just telling it like it is. :0)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana;">This year some sweet friends gave us about 3 gallons that we didn't even have to pick! Then another friend said I could come on a certain day and pick all I'd like! (This is where the story gets interesting!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana;">So my little boys and I headed out eagerly to pick some blueberries. We were excited. It was early, but not as early as it should have been. I got lost on the way to my friend's house. (Yes, some of you are laughing, others just rolling your eyes. What can I say? It's what I do.) So, when we finally started picking it was about 9:00 and just shy of MELTING temperature outside. It was over cast, which in the West would mean cool. In the South it just means more sweaty. Anyway, back to the picking of the blueberries. My little boys started picking enthusiastically and worked like busy little bees for an entire 10 minutes! Then they were hot and it was all over. They went to play with their little friend who lives there and I was on my own. Now, these people, the owners of this blue berry patch, are quite serious about their blue berries. I say this because it took me 3 hours to pick all the berries. AND, that was only one patch on their property! I can only dream of one day living in the same place long enough to own fruit bearing plants!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana;">So, hot, sticky and tired and happy as heck to have about 3 gallons of blue berries, I gathered my little helpers against their wills and headed home. I poured out all the berries onto towels to allow them to sweeten before I put them up.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana;">A couple of days later, I made blueberry syrup. (I have a fabulous recipe for blueberry crisp, but that's another post!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana;">Start by blending 2 quarts blueberries.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnpXlCuvC5hL7LCWKkQMc5PX9-eIJVW92hrlTNUKxQY0CQJQjohEEljTva0SGHxmOoz-td2JxaLSpTluL8Driqu6oeRJh7QEK0z1w5zqJR8RpSC1m-F5rjbD-0VNDC0H0wXIxUaovhGE/s1600/IMG_4667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnpXlCuvC5hL7LCWKkQMc5PX9-eIJVW92hrlTNUKxQY0CQJQjohEEljTva0SGHxmOoz-td2JxaLSpTluL8Driqu6oeRJh7QEK0z1w5zqJR8RpSC1m-F5rjbD-0VNDC0H0wXIxUaovhGE/s320/IMG_4667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Aren't they pretty?!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKS0HNcW5HJreYy2UvevRHJv5-4Ypk8AlXP0es83xs6I0an2DBkVT0oE0tsBxUFDGg7qRNJB1_8Zt48rGgEujbrT0X6ziUZyam8Mfnk2teZgc6tG06fZVXisxldbwWE3XP3ucXUTqa_tc/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKS0HNcW5HJreYy2UvevRHJv5-4Ypk8AlXP0es83xs6I0an2DBkVT0oE0tsBxUFDGg7qRNJB1_8Zt48rGgEujbrT0X6ziUZyam8Mfnk2teZgc6tG06fZVXisxldbwWE3XP3ucXUTqa_tc/s320/IMG_4668.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Here they are ready for the blender ride.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_JuagB0k_bQVfqTsbgK96IqESjOutoNEkPA4sICY21rsYBX8LEs4eR3dVlCN97kmD_hmTTdfM7D7pXVVwhxFkymaWdFEof8IV1Lg_fBJNI9Go72T-2JR0ELc5xCo-O3NQ8RC93WkOfI/s1600/IMG_4669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_JuagB0k_bQVfqTsbgK96IqESjOutoNEkPA4sICY21rsYBX8LEs4eR3dVlCN97kmD_hmTTdfM7D7pXVVwhxFkymaWdFEof8IV1Lg_fBJNI9Go72T-2JR0ELc5xCo-O3NQ8RC93WkOfI/s320/IMG_4669.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"> I love how they are half blended and half not!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpFpiZrK8GlLHR60ReKDIag6rwL0uPEFJUYG1ve7yZivpfYSc3eAu1KS4GQwVuAZoHki3wMeBtbKE4yYvUGgaHXUYziU9C28EPDdgxN2PvwxSia3GIEHqykK6euzpo0U1GTMrmoEuwhc/s1600/IMG_4670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpFpiZrK8GlLHR60ReKDIag6rwL0uPEFJUYG1ve7yZivpfYSc3eAu1KS4GQwVuAZoHki3wMeBtbKE4yYvUGgaHXUYziU9C28EPDdgxN2PvwxSia3GIEHqykK6euzpo0U1GTMrmoEuwhc/s320/IMG_4670.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Almost finished. This whole process took less than 30 seconds.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Good thing my camera is FAST!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr1NKbQauL9dOsNcXBvXSrPta_R_y7zJpNGq4RdfWU04tRk1_x0ZNbaxo8ogvz_sIj99lFzzt6CHMS7XuGm6FTwRzI4rHqFSuH1z0zFy6b2GminNNHdblJUkc-kJLCxVQ74aUdQ2YRRc/s1600/IMG_4671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr1NKbQauL9dOsNcXBvXSrPta_R_y7zJpNGq4RdfWU04tRk1_x0ZNbaxo8ogvz_sIj99lFzzt6CHMS7XuGm6FTwRzI4rHqFSuH1z0zFy6b2GminNNHdblJUkc-kJLCxVQ74aUdQ2YRRc/s320/IMG_4671.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">All blended and ready for step two!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIaNsjevSn8VJdVR2xai74DATJcPG2wJGbGL-oyLtrYkj9ewdLUWvDL9HnroLcPlDh09fn4fbKxiE2ApjYUwSwHSRvszHIuxlyuEgkvCdHPnkHKHOMdo_XTVwJwKF8NtfFCN159aUYgU/s1600/IMG_4673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIaNsjevSn8VJdVR2xai74DATJcPG2wJGbGL-oyLtrYkj9ewdLUWvDL9HnroLcPlDh09fn4fbKxiE2ApjYUwSwHSRvszHIuxlyuEgkvCdHPnkHKHOMdo_XTVwJwKF8NtfFCN159aUYgU/s320/IMG_4673.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Combine blueberries with 2 cups water and lemon peel in sauce pot. Simmer 5 minutes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCaUe6ADQ123fK1ctcUqhwHGW2bwlm4LYLEDlJu_ibMk297C_uPXc1T8rRvn2MWYYca8im7NHtVTUsv_3I9i_gGJCp58OG0srl4_gleRtjEmo04COz2a4wagWXdHP-i-ngWLvhwH7aTI/s1600/IMG_4676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCaUe6ADQ123fK1ctcUqhwHGW2bwlm4LYLEDlJu_ibMk297C_uPXc1T8rRvn2MWYYca8im7NHtVTUsv_3I9i_gGJCp58OG0srl4_gleRtjEmo04COz2a4wagWXdHP-i-ngWLvhwH7aTI/s320/IMG_4676.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Oh, I love it all simmer-y!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"> Now, "they" tell you to strain this liquid through cheese cloth. I didn't. Not just because I am a rebel, but because I like how it looks with the bits of blueberry peel. I think it's pretty and adds texture. Whatever. Do what you want. ;0)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzbZTZKj7b9nNt0JczmDAPJhRL7yMiYWbG1qGKc8ChrVq7yBh4R1QN5wxeLFyPXS4t6X9s_08t8x-T1wm-Us9or3Y4zg0u7otZvfF6twlLo7ohxnBAdbVXLsuHe60B3JbEA4trJO2r-A/s1600/IMG_4677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzbZTZKj7b9nNt0JczmDAPJhRL7yMiYWbG1qGKc8ChrVq7yBh4R1QN5wxeLFyPXS4t6X9s_08t8x-T1wm-Us9or3Y4zg0u7otZvfF6twlLo7ohxnBAdbVXLsuHe60B3JbEA4trJO2r-A/s320/IMG_4677.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Don't forget to get your jars ready. Wash them, with the lids and rings. Fill them with boiling hot water (I just put them in the clean sink) and let them set. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKmVTT23GJpedKw0jzu1p3BEsZdAG14LDRfnFiQDnePZBep7xtqsC5XgevFhM829r5P3XY8sS59O_MBlxwMgiZB_zP3t5XGWak4KxCrBaC4vUjbLBaDuuXHWwiCV-9xeYpZ5xWdwFrDc/s1600/IMG_4680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKmVTT23GJpedKw0jzu1p3BEsZdAG14LDRfnFiQDnePZBep7xtqsC5XgevFhM829r5P3XY8sS59O_MBlxwMgiZB_zP3t5XGWak4KxCrBaC4vUjbLBaDuuXHWwiCV-9xeYpZ5xWdwFrDc/s320/IMG_4680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Boil the lids for at least 2 minutes to soften the rubber</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFonjg9R9WFjYmtp6K-d1VakiHgsDtVYDW0M-d3fxhAKL2_H8tznRF6MGn3KMG7kiOKP5YODwH7pj4xtljmRG944eFrCQ8_VpkvwD5V22685R6LBhz2HNHyEgI0yd5GgFTLOVb-PaAcY/s1600/IMG_4678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFonjg9R9WFjYmtp6K-d1VakiHgsDtVYDW0M-d3fxhAKL2_H8tznRF6MGn3KMG7kiOKP5YODwH7pj4xtljmRG944eFrCQ8_VpkvwD5V22685R6LBhz2HNHyEgI0yd5GgFTLOVb-PaAcY/s320/IMG_4678.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Then you combine 4 cups sugar and 4 cups of H2O in another pan and boil to 260 degrees.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscqtlcxHynAXq6Hc3HOB8UYgKmhapD9W-88rQgmqFwFUYgim6lQqk1OY8iYXfuRxPXhB6UpC1MkBS2tYmQpA5ripwAVmDHASeIeVHxw0LwBcfWa6p-FkUjRXucXT-rfprublj75vbhxI/s1600/IMG_4681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscqtlcxHynAXq6Hc3HOB8UYgKmhapD9W-88rQgmqFwFUYgim6lQqk1OY8iYXfuRxPXhB6UpC1MkBS2tYmQpA5ripwAVmDHASeIeVHxw0LwBcfWa6p-FkUjRXucXT-rfprublj75vbhxI/s320/IMG_4681.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Add the blueberry juice to sugar syrup. Boil 1 minute. Stir in 2 TBS lemon juice. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">NOTE: Be careful. This hot, bubbly mixture is crazy </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">and unpredictable! It will splatter you and anything</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">else it wants. Seriously, I have blue spots on my ceiling. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Just sayin'.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSVVVQfLJH-wRkZ5ja8rStaqokF_loI-aJl5sDPVvq5iG4hjigRuDEbwWes2EjZvbosbHUTpDV_IkklV1UGYNTKojwF6yuzsBm8nlFohWofMMabiSk2DhHImN9bO6RRFOgDdbVMiiMmM/s1600/IMG_4682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSVVVQfLJH-wRkZ5ja8rStaqokF_loI-aJl5sDPVvq5iG4hjigRuDEbwWes2EjZvbosbHUTpDV_IkklV1UGYNTKojwF6yuzsBm8nlFohWofMMabiSk2DhHImN9bO6RRFOgDdbVMiiMmM/s320/IMG_4682.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Here is my water bath canner. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">My water is getting hot so it won't take so long</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">to get to a boil once I add the jars of syrup.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpWyVSRg7lRZPpuk9t0dZ-kUByd_OJusRvL1LwOZ8EuPuylh8lgNwCSf_Le2Q4hz2btouUNzndKVhguxyjqHT2qTFfOgXurzKhXxwUCNPFNMoQD_Q2jV6LcYAf1-PybBsR-cVU1uiiC4/s1600/IMG_4683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpWyVSRg7lRZPpuk9t0dZ-kUByd_OJusRvL1LwOZ8EuPuylh8lgNwCSf_Le2Q4hz2btouUNzndKVhguxyjqHT2qTFfOgXurzKhXxwUCNPFNMoQD_Q2jV6LcYAf1-PybBsR-cVU1uiiC4/s320/IMG_4683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Now, carefully ladle the HOT syrup into your jars.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzk4yuqYTipsOOrS37cCB4ZMkU2q7lcLKczmm77R08fweW4ypQCVjedRI0BpLsyv2eWZH7epNtKuWvK9VYQaKEUhvzdaCHeTE3XXwjnMqfLqtTQmajFg0lIK8Iovyo4bIC0ZZCVTCW18/s1600/IMG_4685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzk4yuqYTipsOOrS37cCB4ZMkU2q7lcLKczmm77R08fweW4ypQCVjedRI0BpLsyv2eWZH7epNtKuWvK9VYQaKEUhvzdaCHeTE3XXwjnMqfLqtTQmajFg0lIK8Iovyo4bIC0ZZCVTCW18/s320/IMG_4685.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Wipe the rims with a damp cloth and put on the lids and rings. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">CAREFULLY!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">All of this stuff is HOT!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Place the jars on the rack in your water bath canner.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Cover completely with water, plus an inch or two.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Process 10 minutes. This means start your time once </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">the water has begun to boil.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Here they are all finished.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Aren't they pretty? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Now, wait for that satisfying *PING*</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">and you know they are sealed!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Now, I will post the actual recipe for you without</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">my helpful (or sarcastic, you decide) comments.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Blueberry Syrup</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">2 quarts blueberries</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"> 6 cups water, divided</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"> 1 TBS grated lemon peel</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"> 3 cups sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"> 2 TBS lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Crush blue berries. Combine blueberries, 2 cups water and lemon peel in a medium saucepot. Simmer 5 minutes. Strain through a damp jelly bag or several layers of cheesecloth. Combine sugar and 4 cups of water in a medium saucepot; boil to 260 degrees (adjust for altitude). Add blueberry juice to sugar syrup. Boil 1 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Ladle hot syrup into hot jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Adjust two-piece caps. Process 10 minutes in a boiling water canner. Yield: about 3 pints.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">*Recipe from Ball Blue Book of Canning. You really should go buy one. </span><br />
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</div>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-53555911030498553532011-04-03T20:52:00.001-05:002012-05-28T17:25:37.708-05:00Off to see the Wizard!As I've said before Jay is in love with the Wizard of Oz. It just so happened I took him with me to do some errands this week and he saw a billboard with the Wizard of Oz on it. Turns out one of the local High Schools was doing a production this weekend. Of course we <em>had</em> to go! Tickets were cheap, my husband was off, and there happened to be a kid movie that he and my other punk could go to. It was meant to be!<br />
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Here is how our day started. At 5:45 am, no less.<br />
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Jay: Mommy today is the Wizard of Oz!<br />
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Me: Yes, I know!<br />
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Jay: Is it almost morning?<br />
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Me: Yes, almost! (Kind of chuckling to myself because to him it's not "morning" until it's light outside. So why the heck can't he <em>sleep</em> until <em>morning</em>?)<br />
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Jay: (In a panicy voice) What if we miss the play?!<br />
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Me: We won't. We'll go after dinner. (TWELEVE HOURS from now. Heaven help me through this day!)<br />
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And at 6:30 am<br />
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Jay: Mommy, is it starting yet?<br />
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Me: (Already wishing I had surprised him rather than let him know we were going, but once he saw the billboard it was all over!) Honey, I've got this. We will be there on time, please don't make me crazy all day.<br />
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And surprisingly, he didn't. We did talk about being excited <em>many </em>times throughout the day, and I loved that. But, he didn't keep asking the "is it time yet" question. Thank goodness!<br />
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So finally it was time. <br />
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Can you tell he's just a <strong>teensy</strong> bit excited? Gotta love the big grin! We went inside, and there was already a line starting to form. 10 minutes later it was out the door! We stood in line for about 20 more minutes. I think those were the longest moments of his little life! I asked him if he was nervous. He said yes. I asked him why. He said he was worried about that witch!<br />
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Here he is just before we walked into the auditorium. He loved the little tin man. I may have to make one of those for him!<br />
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As soon as we sat down he grabbed my hand. His excitement and nerves were getting to him. Now we had another 15-20 minute wait before the show began. Could time go any slower? <br />
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Some friends showed up and sat next to us. She was kind enough to take our picture. He is just giddy!<br />
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Finally his wait was over. The show began, and it was incredible! I've never seen such an amazing high school play. Not a bit cheesy, fabulous back drops, props and costumes. He's completely convinced it's all real. Even though he still had my hand in a death grip, he LOVED every minute!<br />
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He did not let go of my hand until intermission! Yes, it was a hot, sweaty mess. The special effects were amazing. The witch, Glenda and the flying monkeys all actually flew. "The Oz Man" was larger than life, and according to Jay, the scariest part! (And he was worried about the witch, heh, heh!)<br />
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At the end, and I think this may have just been the very best part of the evening, he got to MEET all the characters!<br />
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Now, if you know my Jay, you will understand what a HUGE deal this is. One, because he LOVES the Wizard of Oz more than anything else. And two, because he is very shy and reserved. He HATES Chuck E. Cheese, and all other characters. But, he mustered up the courage to meet his idols! I was so excited for him!<br />
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Tin man</div>
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Dorothy. His very most favorite. And she was so sweet to him! I just wanted to hug her for making my baby happy.<br />
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Seriously, THE most amazing lion I've ever seen!</div>
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The scarecrow could not have been better. The play had people dressed up as crows walking around singing on stage. So fun!<br />
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An "Oz Girl". I know he looks less than thrilled, but you've got to remember how nervous he was!</div>
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Toto! That's his self assigned character when he's playing Wizard of Oz! He was so impressed he's a real dog!<br />
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And finally Glenda. So kind and took her time visiting with him. Amazing.</div>
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Material things in this life fade. But memories are forever. Someday he won't love Wizard of Oz like he does now. My dad always told me to enjoy life and make memories NOW. I am so thankful that I could make my little boy's dream come true. He will always remember the time we went to the see the Wizard of Oz. I hope he also remembers that I love him and love being with him. <br />
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Wizard of Oz tickets: $20.<br />
Making special memories with my baby: PRICELESS!<br />
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</div>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-20118848990278517052011-03-31T13:23:00.003-05:002012-06-08T09:22:09.154-05:00"O" is for Octopus!This week is "O" week. We have been learning about the ocean and the octopus. After making some octopus critters to hang on my already overly decorated fridge, and reading stories about the ocean, I decided to try something special for lunch. It was an idea I found online and thought was too great not to try! I'd like to share it with you!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Boiled Octopus!</span><br />
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Yes, I know! My boys were a little freaked out too. But, just like I told them, TRUST ME!<br />
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Here goes. Step by step. Are you ready?<br />
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Start with regular hot dogs. The bun-length ones would be great too!<br />
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Slice through the hot dog, leaving an inch or so at the top. Then rotate the hot dog 1/4 turn and repeat. You will now have four sections. Cut each section one more time so you have 8 legs.<br />
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Your octopi (that sounds so weird! Why can't we just say "octopuses"? Who makes these rules, anyway?) are now ready to be boiled.<br />
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Drop them in the boiling water. Don't worry, they won't feel a thing!<br />
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The legs begin to curl up as they cook. Honestly, I don't know how long I cooked them for. I was making mac n cheese at the same time, so you get the idea.<br />
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TA-DA! Boiled octopus, and if your kids are like mine, they will LOVE it! I wish I had that green ketchup (do they still make that?) for them to dip it in because it would have looked like algae.<br />
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Brave octopus eating boy.<br />
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And look, here's another one! Of course, it helps to always have chocolate milk to wash your octopus down with!<br />
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Their dinner conversation was almost as entertaining for me as the octopus was for them!<br />
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Jared: I don't know if I'd eat REAL octopus.<br />
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Me: Shawna has eaten it. She liked it.<br />
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Jay: I ate alligator before!<br />
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Jared: What did it taste like?<br />
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Jay: (pause)... ALLIGATOR!<br />
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Jared just gave him a look.<br />
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A few minutes later:<br />
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Jay: They're gooder with ketchup!<br />
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Jared: You mean BETTER!<br />
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Jay: NO... GOODER!<br />
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What can I say? I always have a reason to smile!<br />
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<br /></div>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-87284723723547890852011-03-27T21:58:00.000-05:002011-03-27T21:58:59.734-05:00Splinters In My Forehead<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As you may or may not have noticed, I changed my address on my blog. I did this for two reasons. One, I saw that someone else had my previous address as a twitter address. I wanted to avoid confusion. Second, I wanted something unique. As it turns out, there is a pretty funny story leading up to the title/address of my blog.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia;">So, about a year ago, my little boy wanted to take a bath in my jetted tub. No problem, I knew that would keep him busy and happy for at least half an hour, so I hooked him up, bubbles and all. You would not believe the amount of bubbles jets create! Well, look at the picture, you'll see.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia;">I was walking out of the bathroom, and evidently wasn't paying much attention to where I was going and KICKED the wall next to the tub. OH MY GOSH! I thought I was going to pass out, it hurt so bad! I hopped to my bed and examined my foot. My poor pinky toe was totally crooked. It bruised and swelled almost immediately. Really, I wanted to cry. I could not put ANY weight on it whatsoever without shrieking. Of course the fact that I had to drive my husband's STICK SHIFT car to go pick up my daughter from school in less than an hour, and it was my clutch foot that was injured, made me want to pass out for sure! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia;">Anyway, since I lived to tell about it, I'll shorten the story and just say: NO, I didn't go to the doctor, because I'm STUPID. I know my toe and the foot bone below said toe were broken. My foot was black and blue for WEEKS, every other step was painful, and people at church were stunned to see me NOT wearing heels. Seriously, my ego in flats was almost as pained as my toe.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia;">Anyway, back to the point. A couple of days later, I needed a few things from the store. (I drove my automatic transmission truck, in case you were wondering.) I sent my daughter in with my list and money and waited in the truck... I didn't do anymore walking than a mother of six ABSOLUTELY has to do. ha ha. So, I sat when I could. Well, I just happened to pull down the vanity mirror on the visor to check my hair and reapply my lip stick. What? I had no book, I was bored. I noticed that my eyebrows were out of control. Again. (Jared had climbed up in the front seat next to me to play with everything he wasn't supposed to touch.) I pulled out my tweezers and began pruning my eyebrows. Jared, bless his heart, had such a look of concern on his face. He touched my arm and said, "You okay? You got splinters in your forehead?" I could not help but burst out laughing! He began laughing too, though he didn't know why. Poor baby probably thought I'd lost my mind. I didn't even know what to say or how to explain. I just laughed. And hugged him for being concerned. So, the moral of this story is: They are watching even when you don't think you are doing anything for them TO be watching!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia;">And NO, I'm not gonna post pictures of my eyebrows. Aren't you lucky?</span>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-66736208273217107222011-03-26T11:24:00.000-05:002011-07-30T20:37:00.279-05:00Wendy Dewitt -- Food Storage Seminar, Part 1 of 9. "Top 10 Reasons"<iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HhGaTlwYs-s?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Here it is! There are 9 parts. Take a few minutes and watch!Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-27324873954589299642011-03-26T11:09:00.001-05:002011-07-30T20:37:00.279-05:00It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark......but today I see the clouds forming.<br />
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<img height="378" id="il_fi" src="http://www.alarmingnews.com/archives/Noah%27s%20Ark.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="450" /><br />
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We, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have been counseled for 80 years to have food storage. We can't rely on the government or church or anyone else to "save" us in an emergency. We need to be prepared to take care of ourselves and our families. I hate the thought of not being able to provide for the needs of my children.<br />
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Recently, I was able to attend a seminar by Wendy Dewitt. Her system for planning, organizing and implementing a one year food supply is awesome! She has videos of her seminar on YouTube, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to put up the link. Just type in her name and I'm sure you'll find her. :0)<br />
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She also has a website where you can read all about her system. You can email her and she will send you (FREE!) 2 booklets with detailed information on how her system works. I'll type the address in case my link doesn't work like I think it will and you can copy and paste it if you want to. <a href="http://everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/">http://everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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I am so excited to organize my storage and be prepared for whatever emergencies life my inflict upon my family. Go check it out! Hurry up!Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-29691362301149969912010-12-05T18:48:00.005-06:002011-03-29T08:28:07.077-05:00I Spy with my Little Eye...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">WARNING: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The pictures you see below may be disturbing to some. Especially my mother. She would think I should be embarrassed. And, she's probably right about that. But, it's my reality. Now, my entire house does not look like this. THAT alone would make me go insane (if my SIX wonderful children haven't already, and I can still claim to be sane at the moment.) But, my office does spiral out of control frequently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's kinda funny to me that I have such a wide variety of weirdness in my office. Who has soooo many things that belong so many other places taking up precious desk/floor space? So, I thought it would be fun to play a little game of "I Spy." My little ones love the game, (although they CHEAT!) and it keeps them from killing each other in the car. Sometimes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So, have a good look at the photo, if you can stand it, and then see if you can find all the odd things I'm going to list for you. And feel free to call me a slob if it makes you feel better about yourself. ;0) I don't mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Mardi Gras Beads that I can't seem to find a home for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Pantyhose I purchased in the wrong style.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A very late birthday present for my mother (I bet you're "lost" on that one. heh, heh!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A Bed, Bath and Beyond flier containing an ad for a cotton candy maker that my 4 year old has asked me to by for his birthday at <em>least</em> 7 times. (His birthday is not until spring) I'm going to throw it away at once!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Several file folder games that have been sitting there, unfinished for 6 months. Maybe even longer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A small notebook that needs to be taken to my truck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A xyron sticker maker</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A Creative Memories Album that is full of pictures from 2006, but is still not all titled and journaled.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A couple of boxes of Bob Books.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A cup from Sea World with my name on it, that my Dad found at a yard sale. This is only weird to me because I don't have a common first name, and have actually been to Sea World.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A cricut cartridge, including the keypad, box, and booklet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Jump Start First Grade Math computer game that I bought last century.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">*Bible Crazy Eights card game.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">*A broken candy cane reindeer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">*The Children's Songbook</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">**I'm sorry that you can't see the vampire teeth and play-doh cans behind my computer.</span><br />
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<br />
PART TWO:<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now this one is the other side of my office. I guess if you are brave enough to look at my desk, you can handle this...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjsPgz7iEGLErAKzdMnCbWmqA6XJbif0gcF6JTaeL8yxzIYbf_36NU8j8XvoFFipsQ2Wyjpd1-0wSj16KeD2QvNYJKeJp80uf_fia6Fg7PEulvadLZi-6jW-j_wEBkCqDJvjD4I4wt8A/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjsPgz7iEGLErAKzdMnCbWmqA6XJbif0gcF6JTaeL8yxzIYbf_36NU8j8XvoFFipsQ2Wyjpd1-0wSj16KeD2QvNYJKeJp80uf_fia6Fg7PEulvadLZi-6jW-j_wEBkCqDJvjD4I4wt8A/s640/IMG_3070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I spy...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A dry erase writing book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*An over flowing trash can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Two baby dolls for my sweet little nieces.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A baby afghan for the new sister of above nieces who was born in October. Yeah, I have a post office phobia. Not really, but it would sound like a valid excuse if it were true. Wouldn't it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Pink, girly wrapping paper for said gifts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Various over due library books.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Several wounded stuffed animals waiting for much needed surgeries.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A box of file folders for making file folder games which I procrastinate finishing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*More scrap booking paper than I will use. Ever. Mostly because I no longer like half of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*A family home evening board that needs names of my newest children added to it. They are now 4 and 6. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*"Happy Phonics" games which we actually do use in our home school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now, I have to go clean my office. I bet you feel better about your day already, don't you? ;0)</span><br />
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<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="background-color: #ea9999; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Update: I DID actually clean this mess up. Mom would be proud! But, sadly, it was not picture perfect by the time I got around to getting my camera out to take pictures of it. So, you'll just have to take my word for it... I really am NOT a slob. Usually.</span></strong>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-24549276796369941032010-11-18T10:42:00.002-06:002010-11-20T08:10:24.406-06:00The Wizzin Uh Boz<span style="color: blue;">... or the Wizard of Oz, as it is more commonly known, is my 4 year old's FAVORITE movie in the whole, wide world! It's funny to me that he can watch it over and over and over, and never grow tired of it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Last year at Halloween he saw a woman dressed in a Dorothy costume walking around Walmart. He BEGGED me to take him to say "hi" to her. Of course I made Shawna do it instead! He was THRILLED! She was so sweet and talked to him and even let him pet Toto, who happened to be stuffed. He asked me why Toto wasn't real. I told him that She couldn't bring the real Toto into Walmart, so she left him home and brought the stuffed one instead. He believed it. ;0)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">This year at Halloween, he wanted to be Toto. Yeah, how the heck does a mom make a Toto costume? I had no clue, so I didn't. But, I am thinking about it, and maybe next year our entire family will dress up as Wizard of Oz characters. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">He has already assigned everyone their character anyway. He is Toto. Stephanie is Dorothy and Shawna is Glinda the Good Witch of the North. (Which is really funny since we live in the South, and people tell her that she has an accent and sounds like she's from the North.) Keith is the scarecrow, Kevin is a flying monkey (go figure!) and his Daddy is "The Oz Man." I,however, am unassigned. I have often wondered about this. He NEVER mentions me when he's talking about "who is who" in the movie. I thought maybe I was the Wicked Witch of the West and he just doesn't want to tell me. Sometimes you have to be the Wicked Witch when you are a mom. Sad, but true. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Well, I have been purchasing Wizard of Oz figures for him for Christmas. You know, the McDonald's toys that came out a couple of years ago. I know, it seems weird, but you have no idea how happy he will be to open those all up on Christmas morning. He had a couple of the toys, but our dog pretty much destroyed them, and Jay was devastated. Anyway, I received the Wicked Witch of the EAST the other day, and it hit me! That's me! That's my character! She has the best SHOES!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://0.tqn.com/d/collectdolls/1/0/d/h/1/WixOzWitchEast.jpg" target="_blank" title="View Full-Size"><img alt="Wicked Witch of the East From Madame Alexander 2007 McDonald's Happy Meal Dolls" class="photo" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/collectdolls/1/7/d/h/1/WixOzWitchEast.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<img height="432" id="il_fi" src="http://acimg.auctivacommerce.com/imgdata/0/1/2/6/4/7/webimg/1221952.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="288" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Yep, I'm pretty sure that's me. ;0)</span>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-43130802706400270182010-08-18T17:34:00.000-05:002011-07-30T20:37:45.649-05:00Brotherly Love 2Sweet brothers cuddled together to take a nap. Can it get any sweeter?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdypFpPCQ6RE7_SBzR00cdcUuvJ-oPtM0vOHwfnvlVVWyv6Ighox3QqPM2IsaNymTnBEuFv4SyMQJZJSHwEcfsYYYWw8eflVlgTLwuZadZ4HlxHVWSg5-R0q6TcawhDgIHtzLv7g6fXXA/s1600/Brotherly+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdypFpPCQ6RE7_SBzR00cdcUuvJ-oPtM0vOHwfnvlVVWyv6Ighox3QqPM2IsaNymTnBEuFv4SyMQJZJSHwEcfsYYYWw8eflVlgTLwuZadZ4HlxHVWSg5-R0q6TcawhDgIHtzLv7g6fXXA/s400/Brotherly+Love.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-13433880239557472822010-08-17T08:05:00.001-05:002011-07-30T20:37:45.649-05:00Young LoveWell, that's what this picture reminds me of. Pure, innocent. We were spending the weekend with my friend at her cabin so my little boy could go to "boys camp." (His teenage sisters had just gotten home from Church Girls Camp and he felt totally robbed!) My friend's little boy and my two boys played great together and just had a wonderful time. But, this sweet baby totally stole my 3 year old's heart.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSk94gepltcJl-LG1oq47wrlD1DuOtXMB7ZB9O-y3Qno6cVxEUIA2aCmX4-CSgVDVwq3mJgZBbAUFw0BILTWyXaBrEP9aOn2hbNvjELTJKjLnXf4HeRDZ3r4kLya_eq-ON3LyMcFK_WK0/s1600/Young+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSk94gepltcJl-LG1oq47wrlD1DuOtXMB7ZB9O-y3Qno6cVxEUIA2aCmX4-CSgVDVwq3mJgZBbAUFw0BILTWyXaBrEP9aOn2hbNvjELTJKjLnXf4HeRDZ3r4kLya_eq-ON3LyMcFK_WK0/s400/Young+Love.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-5330685981441988022010-08-16T11:16:00.002-05:002011-07-30T20:37:45.649-05:00Photography challenge<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I like to read The Pioneer Woman's website. She posted a new photography challenge this morning entitled "Love". So, here is my submission for today. Well, actually, I only sent in the "after" but thought I'd post the "before" along with it. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjQhSyC5OmrjgjwnbhxQeabNIt-XYDDe-hsesd_wtbpGUJHIGQa_YaxRbYSb4NvTCrpUdPYuslmDqPbHKAsW05pMf5_RRRIcLk0UQXhSA809BNubEPSPCgNKJjN4LkgSK6pTz4ytTLeA/s1600/100_4885+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjQhSyC5OmrjgjwnbhxQeabNIt-XYDDe-hsesd_wtbpGUJHIGQa_YaxRbYSb4NvTCrpUdPYuslmDqPbHKAsW05pMf5_RRRIcLk0UQXhSA809BNubEPSPCgNKJjN4LkgSK6pTz4ytTLeA/s400/100_4885+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">My amazing husband helped me "remove" the people in the background, and now it's AWESOME!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtfiFIhix4OwQwWlTzhChBfyx1MFPlqA4rgSV2UHWsyVAmWYdQIjtGYTJUu6OY_kf4E8KE9VazJaLyh3IYWb4LlJCZgZ_bCTIcs590RWs-IC1mNp91eyv_R0DAEs5FTgDb8GpHELe5VU/s1600/Kevin+and+Jay+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtfiFIhix4OwQwWlTzhChBfyx1MFPlqA4rgSV2UHWsyVAmWYdQIjtGYTJUu6OY_kf4E8KE9VazJaLyh3IYWb4LlJCZgZ_bCTIcs590RWs-IC1mNp91eyv_R0DAEs5FTgDb8GpHELe5VU/s400/Kevin+and+Jay+5.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-76811384231865605442010-08-13T12:48:00.001-05:002011-07-30T20:37:45.649-05:00Photo editing<blockquote></blockquote><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBe9c9DadnDWgHBzx4eBMb0ub9zuUsQM7Mh0OYpS2jrrJMeWw0Zmfh_rGQbmMDs6FaraPx4EmwUtSEVCtCMT5C2-jPBgAE7GD8g5wo2XbC4zgsI3MM8V7bMpEZ1PM_y4MRgLS995-2kA/s1600/100_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBe9c9DadnDWgHBzx4eBMb0ub9zuUsQM7Mh0OYpS2jrrJMeWw0Zmfh_rGQbmMDs6FaraPx4EmwUtSEVCtCMT5C2-jPBgAE7GD8g5wo2XbC4zgsI3MM8V7bMpEZ1PM_y4MRgLS995-2kA/s320/100_0784.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is before any adjustments </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKD9ImZhfGPExoWbGLp4lu_2pwwsgDQiSiGiH6oI2V45DYoMbuu9_SleSJzbtMMBi7cKvyA5ikrvcbxR_vWJkP1rz_uFupng7fFxlI8z0DpNy2T_ZVlCukz5us2DNT06Wls4cRSTMjn8/s1600/100_0784+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKD9ImZhfGPExoWbGLp4lu_2pwwsgDQiSiGiH6oI2V45DYoMbuu9_SleSJzbtMMBi7cKvyA5ikrvcbxR_vWJkP1rz_uFupng7fFxlI8z0DpNy2T_ZVlCukz5us2DNT06Wls4cRSTMjn8/s320/100_0784+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>This is after.</div><div>I am not sure which one I like better.</div>What do you think?<br />
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</tbody></table>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1088073305536251724.post-39384707915725707592010-05-27T11:35:00.002-05:002010-08-13T12:08:56.080-05:00Living ScripturesHello BLOG land! I really don't know what I am doing here. But, here I am nonetheless!<br />
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I want to share a info about great DVD's that my kids and I have loved for years! We bought them on VHS about 20 years ago, and absolutely wore them out. Now, we are buying them on DVD for my younger kids to enjoy. Anyway, they are called Living Scriptures. They are animated scripture stories, and I can't tell you how fabulous I think they are. My kids KNOW the scriptures stories largely because of these videos. Here is a link to their web site. Seriously, check them out. You will LOVE them! www.livingscriptures.comDanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525990300327803523noreply@blogger.com0