tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85222394947660824962024-03-19T05:49:00.675-07:00blend until smoothtwo adults, three energetic children, blended to a yummy consistency of love and laughterUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-87783876414422344132013-11-25T06:58:00.002-08:002013-11-25T06:58:28.050-08:00our level of 'finished'<div style="text-align: center;">
Nate and I are quite the team of beginning a project. </div>
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Having lived in our house now, exactly a year, we have come A Long Long Way!</div>
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Yet, to actually 'official' finish a job takes A Long Long Time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxLhFVpGpjFi1SD_bAgxPE9K3XvN7scMbiqQkYPzwV834NEbdr84YCkpQOJ8aG2tL4W6eO5e4h3HFeQ55KQzDrAzwpSvUhwSCN4JoiXrVVjqu_tqtyUtg6qEviG-zST3_zrYbOgowLLuM/s1600/flooring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxLhFVpGpjFi1SD_bAgxPE9K3XvN7scMbiqQkYPzwV834NEbdr84YCkpQOJ8aG2tL4W6eO5e4h3HFeQ55KQzDrAzwpSvUhwSCN4JoiXrVVjqu_tqtyUtg6qEviG-zST3_zrYbOgowLLuM/s320/flooring.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Exhibit A. The office.<br />
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One year ago there were burgundy curtain toppers to match the Lighthouse Border. Along with this truly touch of class, came indoor/outdoor carpet. <br />
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Exhibit B. The timeline.<br />
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July: Remove carpet to live with exposed plywood flooring<br />
September: Remove border to see two different paint colors<br />
October: Wipe down the walls in anticipation of painting (a month later)<br />
November: Paint the room gray and add cork flooring<br />
December, cross our fingers: finish molding and trim work<br />
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Looks finished until you look closer! blue painters tape for trim, transition strips, molding, curtains, aargh<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYF0ickt_pJeY_eSXJbTehcNO_LYn5iCZMtmn6YSufnE56GWhvjTLoCpzgsxnkBR8EC4YkEN_yrQUjC7nIu9jjTd4s1yA1HOCKNjYe6najRcD2s6q7tOkuM7Ef2CTdrMEq58qjW1VTyOs/s1600/finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYF0ickt_pJeY_eSXJbTehcNO_LYn5iCZMtmn6YSufnE56GWhvjTLoCpzgsxnkBR8EC4YkEN_yrQUjC7nIu9jjTd4s1yA1HOCKNjYe6najRcD2s6q7tOkuM7Ef2CTdrMEq58qjW1VTyOs/s320/finished.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-90503910399220980902013-11-18T05:46:00.000-08:002013-11-18T05:47:09.974-08:00Jingle Bells - 2009<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx4TEXp5CqHChkz0JwcnK6Kn1OZwus6nyU_pBA2MaJ0X_p7O0Mc-ddn3YXQ30qXrIvqWCCn1eX7sKEsUFMvNw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-21556279772499588402013-11-16T16:32:00.000-08:002013-11-16T16:32:09.437-08:00to follow or not to follow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning I realized how easy it was to 'not follow' someone on Facebook.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWVUpvYkUq-PK_02eM9VBjeDYdIxzLx1z1XiJJONFRv-dv4yhtBBbJT-uthKsSLw6ly7c1w0uu2znIbjaloun8BWWLMEwQMn9_lVDYzUtysk6XLWrSmJATf0NaF4eGSnZmqWaFT_IyHjR/s1600/c+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWVUpvYkUq-PK_02eM9VBjeDYdIxzLx1z1XiJJONFRv-dv4yhtBBbJT-uthKsSLw6ly7c1w0uu2znIbjaloun8BWWLMEwQMn9_lVDYzUtysk6XLWrSmJATf0NaF4eGSnZmqWaFT_IyHjR/s320/c+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, I may use that procedure to 'not follow' more than I originally intended. </div>
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I truly want to hear what is going on in my friends and families lives - </div>
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yet I don't want to hear all of the negative drama. </div>
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Making of list of what I love to view and share on Facebook...</div>
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-pictures of kids in Halloween costumes</div>
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-birthday candles and well wishes</div>
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-a health difficulty</div>
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-a slightly inappropriate <em>ecard</em></div>
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-football scores from the Friday night game</div>
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-a celebratory announcement</div>
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-a book or movie review</div>
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-a funny video of a kitten and dog playing<br />
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Sorry - but Facebook isn't the best venue to solicit more chaos and drama from me. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-64977118638804014282013-11-15T08:14:00.001-08:002013-11-15T08:14:22.874-08:00solid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjiWizUCdfRu4tYwZ6mZ76k4yNOOoISfreLkEV-he7Haj0UWYCAjKIdJQEU1qBm5wrefJezL57zCHugSpQxoV07y0b_-1SMM799Wgb47cS9YoUhx8-lQaup4E5RzMYdazoBM790cdo0Cz/s1600/wattpow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjiWizUCdfRu4tYwZ6mZ76k4yNOOoISfreLkEV-he7Haj0UWYCAjKIdJQEU1qBm5wrefJezL57zCHugSpQxoV07y0b_-1SMM799Wgb47cS9YoUhx8-lQaup4E5RzMYdazoBM790cdo0Cz/s320/wattpow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The hospital near our house is building a new cancer center. </div>
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The building is replacing the long forgotten empty parking lot that once housed our beloved Watt Powell Park. That baseball field was one of the first things that I remember our family doing together, that involved 'tickets and planning and such.' Mom worked for Blue Cross at the time, so we would get free tickets to many of the games each year. Dad would take us and he would watch the game more seriously than the game ever intended. </div>
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The organ player who rallied us with live cheers. </div>
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The trains amazed us with its whistle of warning.</div>
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The traffic of MacCorkle Ave had us running to the back of the stands.</div>
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But now we welcome a new cancer center in that same spot. Something of hope and encouragement. </div>
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One of the supporting beams for the center was available for public signatures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeCqozlfiSqKZIONfZf83YT1iCJ_YGCAb1SRv7Ex16A-0l5LvBb0luOmWqFofua4-jH0uMC5ghyHZ1FqGEyEo3v3JT1mhW_KOxXkq_CVzvejfnpNHv3Kj-N6Kh_Xuv8Uw011od3D95iLL/s1600/pict.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeCqozlfiSqKZIONfZf83YT1iCJ_YGCAb1SRv7Ex16A-0l5LvBb0luOmWqFofua4-jH0uMC5ghyHZ1FqGEyEo3v3JT1mhW_KOxXkq_CVzvejfnpNHv3Kj-N6Kh_Xuv8Uw011od3D95iLL/s320/pict.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am happy to have this memories of Watt Powell and the future of the Cancer Center.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-68609450877607815872013-11-14T09:18:00.002-08:002013-11-14T09:18:28.017-08:00ahhhh welcome back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD2z7RAee34qFq9tpfqYsW9NgktPHq0vtQiagYPWbP1UxeQrjbN1O_rRumjlD3E_6GJlZseVEKRCpx3A1lS3wBCd-FKmaQf99A6f9-O39WejlzZs01oV_cxTFLzjeg8SELrjD2KU0F7uD/s1600/beech+fork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD2z7RAee34qFq9tpfqYsW9NgktPHq0vtQiagYPWbP1UxeQrjbN1O_rRumjlD3E_6GJlZseVEKRCpx3A1lS3wBCd-FKmaQf99A6f9-O39WejlzZs01oV_cxTFLzjeg8SELrjD2KU0F7uD/s320/beech+fork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have missed you sweet blog. </div>
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Your kind and forgiving blank white screen would call to me, yet I stayed away. </div>
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I promise to keep in touch better. Pinky Swear!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-23901368158673393352013-05-21T06:55:00.003-07:002013-05-21T06:57:42.988-07:00dining room phase 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank goodness for simple.</div>
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Some may think that tan and white and white is boring -</div>
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I think it is serene, clean and a back drop for our life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8HTGIvDhtwGw9TcMxlQHk8jIt_YKyZejsY8RGEqlxsvJIYhYby6GDRY_n40nJ7PSQ8568PHbSXvTJUujkLw40DcuA-ba-EPVzfX1Ifyr-WFkXpQQo7GkQBo_xjSgH8Gfx2Ho6WBHXKB7/s1600/diningroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8HTGIvDhtwGw9TcMxlQHk8jIt_YKyZejsY8RGEqlxsvJIYhYby6GDRY_n40nJ7PSQ8568PHbSXvTJUujkLw40DcuA-ba-EPVzfX1Ifyr-WFkXpQQo7GkQBo_xjSgH8Gfx2Ho6WBHXKB7/s320/diningroom.JPG" width="239" ya="true" /></a></div>
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<em>before shot - if the wallpaper doesn't scare you away...</em></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8522239494766082496#editor/target=post;postID=9191553308619285469;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=9;src=postname" target="_blank">http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8522239494766082496#editor/target=post;postID=9191553308619285469;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=9;src=postname</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyPAmQvDB9yMzghe0QNHT7sVYHF6k8Y0YQFAUWflcSn7E_4acCW4EbwR8_UxUnGnr9rkY9kvMLw-w1iavkeqhNtyqfFLQrnKNNMkXPJqry_CCYsZCdzO7hS82ry_TH0rTXiApov7PNN2m/s1600/dining2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyPAmQvDB9yMzghe0QNHT7sVYHF6k8Y0YQFAUWflcSn7E_4acCW4EbwR8_UxUnGnr9rkY9kvMLw-w1iavkeqhNtyqfFLQrnKNNMkXPJqry_CCYsZCdzO7hS82ry_TH0rTXiApov7PNN2m/s320/dining2.JPG" width="239" ya="true" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-46059257053770461682013-05-14T05:20:00.002-07:002013-05-14T05:20:30.229-07:00a passing prayer<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">At least once a day, rain or shine, - Ripley and I head out to breath the fresh air for me and to burn some crazy puppy energy for her. While the pleasant homes, manicured gardens and other walkers are all so enjoyable to walk past, we opt for a diversion on the last 4 blocks toward home.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpBSEZegG4P-H3JX62PWr9rwBcN_NtqFeBKGNYmjzjRqpeoClndG7XzqMw1danxKG-i39_gJkVlHdQ3m42aBe8Tu4orA-YKn5ED2c7Vd22W64YfQNVWHry9mmNyYtZy6mYuLgcZANR6Mx/s1600/ripley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" pua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpBSEZegG4P-H3JX62PWr9rwBcN_NtqFeBKGNYmjzjRqpeoClndG7XzqMw1danxKG-i39_gJkVlHdQ3m42aBe8Tu4orA-YKn5ED2c7Vd22W64YfQNVWHry9mmNyYtZy6mYuLgcZANR6Mx/s320/ripley.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">We leave the river view and head past the hospital. There we encounter too many cars, piles of cigarette butts, stinky city buses, and overflowing trash cans. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">However, this route gives us an opportunty to send love to the patients who are worried, the nurses who are overworked, the doctors expertise and the family mmbers that are frequently just waiting for good news. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">People smile, just seeing Ripley - maybe that smile ease the worry lines. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">I feel incapable of praying right now - but Ripley and I do send love and energy into the hospital everyday. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-50836382988287581482013-03-21T11:21:00.001-07:002013-03-21T11:21:10.585-07:00circling the wagon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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/AVvXsEhvxiNWRLSPc9j76_Xxcb-qSweXuKVaH8ujtuG_iWp7uOGqPyivyzMLsuy7ES2lTS2AsD1iSrhlR0oprRhfF7K6msw3EjlYIDPaW9U15eJsazXFMYrZJQehcezpAU2gfweMSvRqZiESt7YE/s1600/IMG_2533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxiNWRLSPc9j76_Xxcb-qSweXuKVaH8ujtuG_iWp7uOGqPyivyzMLsuy7ES2lTS2AsD1iSrhlR0oprRhfF7K6msw3EjlYIDPaW9U15eJsazXFMYrZJQehcezpAU2gfweMSvRqZiESt7YE/s320/IMG_2533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are times when I feel social and inclusive of more people and more experiences. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But there are other times when I simply want to just stay as close to home and family & close friends as I can. I am in the 'Circle the Wagon' stage, wanting all of the protection and attention focused inward. I can't always place what sparks the change, I do know when it envelopes me like a hibernating animal. Thick from the winter storage and slow to care for basic obligations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I long to only fill my time with the routine and mundane. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dishes, writing, napping, walking and reading.</div><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-18547892283188397282013-03-18T08:43:00.000-07:002013-03-18T08:43:07.168-07:00annoying<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX31FY0w3Oabp0SC5oG1hqE7C2db-FuinF476VWzi6cPneM2FrktIgi9lQ1aKHX5ZCYAt499Bcr2b13r-zCwh8SumFvljJPlmvnp2M4IwIlwcWmEb_grFNuqJJoLpsyqbNRtpsRUzbZtU/s1600/from+camera+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX31FY0w3Oabp0SC5oG1hqE7C2db-FuinF476VWzi6cPneM2FrktIgi9lQ1aKHX5ZCYAt499Bcr2b13r-zCwh8SumFvljJPlmvnp2M4IwIlwcWmEb_grFNuqJJoLpsyqbNRtpsRUzbZtU/s320/from+camera+013.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Jake loves to shred paper.</div>
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He looks anywhere around the house for papers that we can part with.</div>
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Last week, Nate and I were working on the printer, so to test the printer, I typed in the word</div>
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'annoying.' </div>
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Jake found this paper, brought it into the kitchen where we were all sitting, and wondered what the paper was for.</div>
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Elizabeth did not miss the chance to say that was word was written to describe him.</div>
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We then all started writing other funny words to describe Jake - it was hilarious. </div>
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annoying</div>
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silly</div>
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stinky</div>
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dirty shirt</div>
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goofy</div>
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short</div>
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He then giggled off to shed the list. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-25605052566625807712013-03-14T05:54:00.000-07:002013-03-14T05:54:10.357-07:00she didnt get that from us....Elizabeth is at the age, 14.8 years old, that she is making many of her own decisions, withi boundaries of course.<br />
With this new turn of freedom, she is more mature and centered then I have ever been.<br />
Oh, she is still silly and fun and fearless, but beginning to make decisons that clearly demonstrate her prinicples and inner strength. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgily8hePZIESmIWbLqZ6CSdWRZdsqAGb82DvYN3YM_IYsBNRGKO_uqtzpMzULrGgNLNv-F96X-yUbUa0bX9nPBuvZvFGmbXbd81BaQkA6kICcQQTOHlKkP4uPg0ACzB-0cBnB6kmmFf2nG/s1600/e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgily8hePZIESmIWbLqZ6CSdWRZdsqAGb82DvYN3YM_IYsBNRGKO_uqtzpMzULrGgNLNv-F96X-yUbUa0bX9nPBuvZvFGmbXbd81BaQkA6kICcQQTOHlKkP4uPg0ACzB-0cBnB6kmmFf2nG/s320/e.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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She has recently started dating and this has opened up a whole new conversation. With boys that like her, she holds all the cards. She decides when they see each other, when they hold hands during the school day,and when it is time for the break up.<br />
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Where did she get this confidence? Nate and I both agree that we were usually not the decision makers in the relationships. In high school we were just happy to have someone that liked us. So this confidence that she exhibits is beyond our comprehension. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMMHHoP8xptZ3dd04Az8jyyCX5NlG5lMFWR7iYp05pFpB6EH2iImXRugBRcJQPxnsPm6p1GnwhWva3jQcJDhBwG0zkyqN7sdqXOu-qUEqWW2ipLSo8aViBbKE_5tLP1p1xYzmiJWm5vwR/s1600/e2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMMHHoP8xptZ3dd04Az8jyyCX5NlG5lMFWR7iYp05pFpB6EH2iImXRugBRcJQPxnsPm6p1GnwhWva3jQcJDhBwG0zkyqN7sdqXOu-qUEqWW2ipLSo8aViBbKE_5tLP1p1xYzmiJWm5vwR/s320/e2.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Elizbeth is now currently courting a new fella. Nate and I anxiously ask.... are you guys dating or are you making plans to see one another over the weekend.... Her answer is, "I don't really know him well enough to committ to seeing him over the wekend."</div>
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Who is this cute, confident little bundle of hormones? </div>
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She didn't get that relationship confidence from us. </div>
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I am constantly learning from her and wondering how differently my life would have been if I had deemed myself worthy of waiting until it all was my decsion and my comfort level.</div>
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I hope Jake and Chance see Elizabeth's example and learn from that.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-2857237088390645092013-03-11T08:05:00.001-07:002013-03-11T08:05:03.473-07:00it's all about balance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJifrUHWeln7jDKerF6ZnHL6YiDHHsdQ20mlFM4cVlf1pMkoIvWeT-SqqC57o3QSxda7gQrmV-H_SU7dR93fGoZu3BqlbfUwPdk8Do2cZTxa1c1YoyeaXGTqzWGBMIhtCqJsjTg_oqk-Rw/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJifrUHWeln7jDKerF6ZnHL6YiDHHsdQ20mlFM4cVlf1pMkoIvWeT-SqqC57o3QSxda7gQrmV-H_SU7dR93fGoZu3BqlbfUwPdk8Do2cZTxa1c1YoyeaXGTqzWGBMIhtCqJsjTg_oqk-Rw/s320/IMG_1234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It seems so hard sometimes to figure out the perfect balance of my life. Often I am so lop-sided toward my work, that Nate and Elizabeth begin to show the signs of negative.... whiny, needy, and only comforted by quality time together. </div>
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Or often I focus too much our family and friendships and my writing suffers. Even with 24 set hours per day, I feel like I am always stretched too thinly and long for more time. </div>
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As a child I wished only for the day to pass and for me to get to become an adult. Time was slower and my needs were tangible. The longing for my own bottle of 'pop', my own room so that didn't have to see my brother or sister, or my own jeans that matched the rest of my friends.</div>
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A few days ago, while driving the boys to their school, the song"Wish I had a Wish right now." I asked Jake what would he wish for, and he only wished to be picked up at school right at the dismissal bell, to be a 'Walker.' </div>
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So instead of wishing for the unattainable - to have more minutes in my day - I am going to wish for more serenity in my choices for those minutes. When I start to lean to heavily on one side of my life (career, house, friends, family, etc) - I will aim to move back toward the middle to achieve a balance. A happy middle is my wish. </div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu71kPgGohQ">Wish Right Now</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-38933150691232790352013-03-08T07:37:00.002-08:002013-03-08T07:37:57.576-08:00answers after twenty yearsTuesday morning, 6:30 am, dressed and ready to take Elizabeth to school, I slipped on our icy deck steps and fell down straight onto my back. One particularly sharp step did quite a number on my lower back. I stood up immediately - angry at myself for not holding onto the rail, for skipping down stairs in the dark,and now, 4 days later, of losing valuable days to suffering in bed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6G0WFDyNFgh4jk5xb2aZeNhC6XVTSeEepGblhuKxQWH4a0gdnv8FwQaTIW5s5FHAF4h5_haldPQS_sesi5mdVNWmupdKgP_ndELYkhzageqFqn35Ili0i4XzYTtOSiYekLF_5DfEc0cB/s1600/summer+clinical+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6G0WFDyNFgh4jk5xb2aZeNhC6XVTSeEepGblhuKxQWH4a0gdnv8FwQaTIW5s5FHAF4h5_haldPQS_sesi5mdVNWmupdKgP_ndELYkhzageqFqn35Ili0i4XzYTtOSiYekLF_5DfEc0cB/s320/summer+clinical+055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cannot imagine living with back pain for years. Dad was injured when he was in his late twenties. So for thirty years, he survived numerous surgeries, prescriptions, therapy and a fair dose of self medication to keep the pain at bay. </div>
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Thinking back over Dad's last few years before his death, maybe the pain explains all the things that I struggled with. Was Dad distant because of his back pain? Did he only half heartedly listen to my storie because of his pain? Did Dad settle for a partner that didn't make him happy because of his pain? </div>
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I have a deeper respect for Dad... and the pain that made him who he was.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-18473316303558282562013-03-04T13:13:00.003-08:002013-03-04T13:13:22.160-08:00amelia the amazing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is the infamous "Amelia Earheart" </div>
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flying without a plane!</div>
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Elizabeth's accent is perhaps the most interesting - since Amelia was from Kansas. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-67685242042540235732013-03-04T10:55:00.003-08:002013-03-04T10:56:50.393-08:00how to lose a glove<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_km9k7UZC_KFx6XvrF1OeahUT04q-Nf_uvvG3j6QaaMFQmv1SMikAffJ4N-8B4JN-yPykBbMhAFq9L4NzYobgj2aYqmqhb690USukC7Ugb8q7ZfrkVw2JpfVEaXJUl5VULcCvxMG4-_z/s1600/ripley5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_km9k7UZC_KFx6XvrF1OeahUT04q-Nf_uvvG3j6QaaMFQmv1SMikAffJ4N-8B4JN-yPykBbMhAFq9L4NzYobgj2aYqmqhb690USukC7Ugb8q7ZfrkVw2JpfVEaXJUl5VULcCvxMG4-_z/s320/ripley5.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-91915533086192854692013-03-02T04:54:00.000-08:002013-03-02T04:54:50.275-08:00Dining Room - under construction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh3MIhlu9A-ZB-X5ULGmVlb-4uZnzGBOxizO8SHYR1YSDDmggZmvoc9erPRZlqDE4AR1yJ_bHwQIMQKzOx2K7qXT0Af_wHGw9sCQQ_hmMlYhXC1AEDpk4qBZaEPc0FnmNyE5w-RmP0fU9/s1600/dining+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh3MIhlu9A-ZB-X5ULGmVlb-4uZnzGBOxizO8SHYR1YSDDmggZmvoc9erPRZlqDE4AR1yJ_bHwQIMQKzOx2K7qXT0Af_wHGw9sCQQ_hmMlYhXC1AEDpk4qBZaEPc0FnmNyE5w-RmP0fU9/s320/dining+room.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
F I N A L L Y<br />
I cannot live with this carpet for one. more. day.<br />
<br />
We were not supposed to rip up the carpet until summe - but Nate and I were so blah last night (weather, colds, nothing on tv, etc) - that we needed to do something. Gladly, our finest form of fun is home remodeling. Well, 2nd form of fun. <br />
<br />
So, we dug in. The carpet & pad only took about 15 minutes to remove, another 2 hours for the staples and nail strips and now for the clean up.<br />
In between nail strip sections, we played 4 games of UNO with the kids, 3 levels of Sniper on XBox, 2 bags of popcorn, and 1 podcasts to drown out the noise.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">COMPLETED:</span><br />
carpet & pad removed <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">STILL TO DO:</span><br />
clean up floor<br />
remove wall paper<br />
hang curtains<br />
take down hideous wall paper<br />
paint above chair rail<br />
paint below chair rail<br />
floors refinished<br />
new light fixture<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">EXCITING:</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">living everyday with my best friend and kids in our forever house</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-25088030839912061932013-03-01T05:38:00.001-08:002013-03-01T05:38:47.611-08:00get off the xbox!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"Get off the xbox!" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hear Nate exclaim up the stairs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The boys had been on the new Batman xbox game for about an hour.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Within a couple of minutes, Chance, Jake & Ripley come bounding down the stairs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fun (non electronic time) started with playdoh and then quickly moved to a puzzle that Nana had gotten Jake for Christmas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What a gift - to share the evening chatting and laughing, instead of just the sounds from Batman and his rivals. Its not that time playing electronics is bad, its just that some time not playing electronics is very good. </div>
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-17131583190358353222013-02-28T06:53:00.000-08:002013-02-28T06:58:32.330-08:00grocery thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlfx7k5V6x5G1iJkg0UsgyLUzRkSril8iXEQ339nPocuS0nJxAVceYpfIOVv6-186_NSfF3xvY30Gje6aaDdTh1RMcba-52ZJITKM4ec627fCyi7N8IhnSj1ePI95fHyCviKzchYcY6TG/s1600/oranges.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlfx7k5V6x5G1iJkg0UsgyLUzRkSril8iXEQ339nPocuS0nJxAVceYpfIOVv6-186_NSfF3xvY30Gje6aaDdTh1RMcba-52ZJITKM4ec627fCyi7N8IhnSj1ePI95fHyCviKzchYcY6TG/s320/oranges.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While in Krogers this morning (with reusable bags and coupon binder mind you)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made a startling observation of my shopping habits....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I buy healthier food items when I go shopping in the morning.</div>
<br />
Anytime before the hustle of traffic and emails - I am hopeful and full of energy. I imagine that the grocery store food is there, simply for me to enjoy. I linger in the produce area just enough time to touch as many oranges and celery stalks that it takes to make the restocking employee feel uncomfortable. The organic section calls my name to tempt me to buy fun snacks for the kid that are still healthy. In the day, right before I have to work or take care of other responsibilities, the cereal aisle reminds me of the amazing amount of choices that I have. The time spent in the baking lane allures me with walnuts and flour and tubs of prepared icing. <br />
<br />
Maybe pre8am shopping isnt for everyone, but I see a startling difference in my post 6 pm shopping trips. For those late shopping trips - There is longing for comfort food to soothe away the stress of a dissertation obligation, cheese to satisfy the palate of richness, and chips to encourage my appetite for a beer. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
As for me - I will choose the time when the birds are singing - inviting me into Krogers so that cashier #42 Tom is ok with coupons, reusable bags and the water that I still need to pay for that is half gone.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-59751370694136039192013-02-27T07:53:00.002-08:002013-02-27T07:53:23.158-08:00If you get into trouble....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0JTRntCbKGjeJVCNlJjMJ8zbapnyEAJthAlqLtwOWQ-yW8eLcsQUidkZiAuCEbNv_0Hgi3lWV5zO6U8LDsMHLIWTCsw7QAaUA2x9o9BwlBHjN3bCSiNdMEZ3-wmpaZjEZ2pUN7uQEfo-/s1600/list.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0JTRntCbKGjeJVCNlJjMJ8zbapnyEAJthAlqLtwOWQ-yW8eLcsQUidkZiAuCEbNv_0Hgi3lWV5zO6U8LDsMHLIWTCsw7QAaUA2x9o9BwlBHjN3bCSiNdMEZ3-wmpaZjEZ2pUN7uQEfo-/s320/list.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
If you get into trouble at the Allenger/Epling household -</div>
<div align="center">
you will always first loose your phone privileges.</div>
<div align="center">
You will then loose all electronics and trips to the mall.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But our speciality is a chore list that must be completed. </div>
<div align="center">
This chore list is 2/3 punitive and 1/3 kinda funny.</div>
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</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-48278514679049321062013-02-26T09:18:00.000-08:002013-02-26T09:18:00.285-08:00Waiting for the sun to return<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGF-lbCtVQVWzh2wxMgSoZKkgwSC7fXpXgAEAXXVajVWnJg3_GaljqltbYssI8drBfvJ6YSXjQxSg71KwrVpXN_Ou6qFujRSGd-qECybyrJmTXTyQ8MNhsOnE-r9y5wcUTz-oteezF4_5V/s1600/IMG00568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGF-lbCtVQVWzh2wxMgSoZKkgwSC7fXpXgAEAXXVajVWnJg3_GaljqltbYssI8drBfvJ6YSXjQxSg71KwrVpXN_Ou6qFujRSGd-qECybyrJmTXTyQ8MNhsOnE-r9y5wcUTz-oteezF4_5V/s320/IMG00568.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another day, at home working to finish chapter 2 -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am wondering where the sun has escaped to. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did it travel south to honor to retirees?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did it travel to the north to celebrate with the polar bears?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well - I am making a personal invitation right now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear Sun, I have missed you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I understand that I have frequently taken you for granted, and even fussed at the heat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I take it all back - I will only be appreciative. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I promise if only you will return soon. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am the house with the Yellow Ribbon tied around the front tree.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with love and optimism,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mindy</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-5152319259497149882012-08-20T05:40:00.003-07:002012-08-20T05:40:44.890-07:00I've poured out my bucket list this summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7LVbDscIC2rDm5yZYU1MPW3fjZAHu5i0jYrE_Dtx2rJIbzXobGQ2At-L3mcsKY2qLa7RIaNlelsEbmcp9mo-d3Z_LQWutwDFVy9ruQHPy9D9rtgRPpClp53S-P3jfdtZQLrjYQjruHAp/s1600/bucket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7LVbDscIC2rDm5yZYU1MPW3fjZAHu5i0jYrE_Dtx2rJIbzXobGQ2At-L3mcsKY2qLa7RIaNlelsEbmcp9mo-d3Z_LQWutwDFVy9ruQHPy9D9rtgRPpClp53S-P3jfdtZQLrjYQjruHAp/s1600/bucket.jpg" /></a></div>
I had to either pour out my bucket list or simply allow it to run over.<br />
The things that I have checked off this summer are somewhat humbling and somewhat ridiculous.<br />
<br />
- remodeled a kitchen (with the help of wes and louie<br />
- vacationed without kids (perfect sandy beaches with just the hubs)<br />
- ate musssels in white wine sause (just because julie from california did)<br />
- started running (working toward my first 5K soon)<br />
- completed chapter 2, twice (only to be back to revising it)<br />
- danced the salsa with elizabeth (everyday)<br />
- brought a dog into our family (named ripley and already has my heart)<br />
- wrote letters to afganistan on a daily (actually not daily, maybe weekly) basis<br />
- fell in love with an espresso martini<br />
- listened to jake emerge as a reader (that simply makes me smile)<br />
- fix a wing on a lego airplane (chance said that I did it completely wrong, but the wing lasted)<br />
- danced with rod stewart (actually with missy, carol and chaela, but we were in the same field)<br />
- watched elizabeth put together a front porch swing (I thank her each time I hear it squeak)<br />
- started playing tennis again (with the wall at St. Albans high school)<br />
- grew enough tomato plants to be able to pick at least one tomato each day<br />
- did not teach a summer class which was high on the bucket list <br />
- broke an iphone (front and back)<br />
- welcomed home my best friend from a deployment<br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-4574329528283929332012-07-18T09:12:00.000-07:002012-07-18T09:12:12.365-07:00the many faces of E<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Elizabeth is fourteen going on twenty one - </div>
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she watches mature thememed television shows such as Dexter and House Wives of OC</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Elizabeth is fourteen going on sixteen -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she loves to drive the car around the block at every opportunity</div>
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Elizabeth is fourteen going on eight -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she loves being silly with the boys to make them laugh</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elizabeth is fourteen going on thirty three -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she made twenty two patrictic pens to give out when Nate came home</div>
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<br /></div>
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Elizabeth is fourteen going on seventeen -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she helps out with the sunday school children</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elizabeth is fourteen and going on twenty two -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she can put makeup on and look like a Kardashian</div>
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<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elizabeth is fourteen and going on fifteen -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she will try any sport with enthusiasm</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elizabeth is fourteen and going on sixty-three -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she can relax and enjoy the moment</div>
<br />
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She is fourteen and absolutely amazing!</div>
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I could not be more proud of the wonderful person that she is at every age.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-34036340617392158122012-07-17T09:36:00.003-07:002012-07-17T09:36:23.540-07:00134 days later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGvc7oAQ-hUcUAK-kcaYXx1RFAvu05O1TpuYmQukoGdLp8LRqxIq5IizIdHuqFGgqYlse8KsJrfEq_reqVMRxRqBG81TclPrrTr7FV8mzBLdRAFx37zA0rjVXtDVICNkbDPgHK0WkjHCW/s1600/IMG_0105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGvc7oAQ-hUcUAK-kcaYXx1RFAvu05O1TpuYmQukoGdLp8LRqxIq5IizIdHuqFGgqYlse8KsJrfEq_reqVMRxRqBG81TclPrrTr7FV8mzBLdRAFx37zA0rjVXtDVICNkbDPgHK0WkjHCW/s320/IMG_0105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My world suddenly came back into focus. </div>
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From a blur that my new daily dose of zoloft couldn't combat.</div>
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From a blur that an extra glass of wine in the evening couldn't push away.</div>
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From a blur that my kids sweetness couldnt warm up.</div>
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From a blur that time with friends couldn't laugh away.</div>
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I needed Nate.</div>
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Out of the haze of sadness, walked Nate back into our lives. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-67726620694933251382012-05-23T14:06:00.004-07:002012-05-23T14:11:23.214-07:00what was I thinking?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGhLyoN3jZOTP6irnV7HomBb5CFvdSAFslR5p-_LN3DxrYEgajcopA1zgM5AGTxJcqv-GfrsToNMEb3A8xoPM7GYmwITcxMsbTwlnzQQBZ5l3jacC6BnHuM6Vhhl2Xlxas2VD6YjR4iNm/s1600/paper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGhLyoN3jZOTP6irnV7HomBb5CFvdSAFslR5p-_LN3DxrYEgajcopA1zgM5AGTxJcqv-GfrsToNMEb3A8xoPM7GYmwITcxMsbTwlnzQQBZ5l3jacC6BnHuM6Vhhl2Xlxas2VD6YjR4iNm/s320/paper.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
All of my life I have felt quite capable. I knew that with some preparation and hard work, I could accomplish most things that I set sights upon. I don't know how that 'can do' attitude was curated and refined, yet I have rarely been at a loss of how to get something done. </div>
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Until this dissertation... the greatest challenge of my life lays before me in a stack of 57 pages that is littered with revisions, notes, suggestions, demands, and "I would never write that again if I were you" comments. I submitted chapter 1. chapter 2. chapter 3. to my chair last week. Today I got back a new stack of revisions, notes, suggestions, demands, and "I would never write that again if I were you" comments. </div>
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But I will finish this. Even if I die trying - dramatic I know - but the feeling is genuine. </div>
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A quote that I love from Eleanor Roosevelt expresses it best when she says that we must do the one thing that we think we are not capable of. Or something like that. It is also the new motto for Weight Watchers, so either I can lose some weight or write this paper.</div>
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Oh, I will finish and publish this paper if only to be called Dr. for a day!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522239494766082496.post-13348045020029793782012-05-22T08:17:00.001-07:002012-05-22T08:17:07.275-07:00bliss<div style="text-align: center;">
This week E and I have been talking about our summer plans.</div>
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We want to enjoy the summer and continue moving ahead on some projects that we have started.</div>
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So, we (I) decided that we needed a word for the summer.</div>
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Like our own mantra or word to symbolize our ideal.</div>
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I called lots of 'mom' words that she quickly vetoed. </div>
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Until I said 'joy' and she said 'too christmasy' and proceeded to look up synonyms on her iphone for the word joy.</div>
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The word 'bliss' popped up and we know right away -</div>
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We now have a summer word. </div>
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Feels good - blissful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjqRx53TvjNcGiv5jNqBFr_8X6o3krcUNdfDvm2FOhp6szIw3qSFP-hB0md_NVMX0SLD8maALRfQlniVhP8De-Kvd424H5GA7Y0hlZ-hb8ZEheda72QBcx_8-pKoMZNPrWmV-6M4HnWVj/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjqRx53TvjNcGiv5jNqBFr_8X6o3krcUNdfDvm2FOhp6szIw3qSFP-hB0md_NVMX0SLD8maALRfQlniVhP8De-Kvd424H5GA7Y0hlZ-hb8ZEheda72QBcx_8-pKoMZNPrWmV-6M4HnWVj/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsnvNkDAq-uFYX3fGr3kOZ_-77KaXLlBVqXteYIrm8eSl4Jy036Eom6gYqOy242mLc4AI0IF3FsY33mo-njmtjb99dQXRcFtV8CYiYkcL4nx46I5BhqAniguscU14dHJFE_mmcW44rW9b/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsnvNkDAq-uFYX3fGr3kOZ_-77KaXLlBVqXteYIrm8eSl4Jy036Eom6gYqOy242mLc4AI0IF3FsY33mo-njmtjb99dQXRcFtV8CYiYkcL4nx46I5BhqAniguscU14dHJFE_mmcW44rW9b/s320/Picture1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The love that continues to grow each day between step-dad and step-daughter is a source of constant fascination and celebration. There is something so inherently deep between them that I cannot help to thank God every day for bringing Nate into her life. </div>
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He shows that he loves her by simply choosing to be a friend and parent day in and day out. The good days and the bad, he is there - dependable as a rock. </div>
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It is not always rainbows and roses at our house. Instead there is a lot of real life that consist of:</div>
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"Who left their shoes in front of the door again?"</div>
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"It's someone's job to empty this dishwasher."</div>
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"Jake is only 5, give him a break."</div>
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"You can't bring down two weeks of dirty clothes then expect it all clean in an hour."</div>
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"Stop aggravating the cats!"</div>
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"Are your chores (homework, catbox, dishes, etc) done?"</div>
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But many days it is all rainbows and roses. Our real life often does consist of:</div>
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dancing in the kitchen</div>
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making jokes just to make one another laugh</div>
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working together to get a hard job done</div>
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drawing together at the kitchen table</div>
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after school pick ups and drop offs</div>
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patience in explaining difficult topics</div>
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saying positive things to each other with a genuine heart</div>
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I am quite lucky to have it all - the fussing and the fun!!</div>
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