tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17023905185977008692024-02-18T23:47:49.781-05:00Powell PowerEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.comBlogger525125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-46326715181625857502013-12-08T15:40:00.000-05:002013-12-08T15:43:03.015-05:00Ice Skating Fun!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For Thanksgiving this year, we went over to my parents' in Jackson, MS. My brother and SIL just moved over there with their two adorable boys in September, so it was really exciting to be there to celebrate their first holiday in their new city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it was cold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not talking chilly, I'm talking bone-chilling cold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So cold the lake near my parents house froze and we were all able to ice skate on it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok, kidding. I think it would be another ice age before Jackson would actually get that cold! (But, seriously, it was near freezing and to me that is beyond cold!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Baptist hospital near their house had set up an ice rink and sledding doohicky. We decided to try our hand at ice skating despite the fact that our only other skating experience had been an epic fail trying to teach them to roller skate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mom, SIL, and I took the little kids over there to check it out while the guys (including Jack who I'm pretty sure now thinks of himself as one of the guys) were golfing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish I had a picture of the incline. It was steep!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After some sledding, we decided to try some skating.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jBSH2kZB-9ZWXW6z0_DfBSo9NI3rLhSBSgABRJk4Jex2z65pv_YyK8i3GQh4kdLe_ErBtoWEIMYs4GI4acsQXC7TooiyDlpsnX4p6AyzQnKewtXAtSbgGXnyFoENwxTgpRw79a7nyH11/s1600/2013-11-29+12.35.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jBSH2kZB-9ZWXW6z0_DfBSo9NI3rLhSBSgABRJk4Jex2z65pv_YyK8i3GQh4kdLe_ErBtoWEIMYs4GI4acsQXC7TooiyDlpsnX4p6AyzQnKewtXAtSbgGXnyFoENwxTgpRw79a7nyH11/s320/2013-11-29+12.35.04.jpg" width="240" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9QkvBUWRdonSByWWPnyk7FHxE2Hd6wdycDZgMlotpnnLG_2OWVLEWTOVZRXDHFbbdXLEFcoglCTo2K4SBjNrRmkkkYeLL2JBnXSgpzNFin6rZC4iSHjOCLjUjTHpZ4zYf4i6YrYjU-_4/s1600/2013-11-29+12.42.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9QkvBUWRdonSByWWPnyk7FHxE2Hd6wdycDZgMlotpnnLG_2OWVLEWTOVZRXDHFbbdXLEFcoglCTo2K4SBjNrRmkkkYeLL2JBnXSgpzNFin6rZC4iSHjOCLjUjTHpZ4zYf4i6YrYjU-_4/s320/2013-11-29+12.42.30.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was somewhat challenging at times but a lot of fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So fun that we even went back over there later that evening so the boys could join us too!</span></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-55200234268822209982013-10-23T07:30:00.000-04:002013-10-23T07:30:04.756-04:00Fire safety and stranger danger!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jack's class visited the Fire Safety Village yesterday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aside from being educational for the whole family (yes, we now have a sound fire escape plan) it provided loads of entertainment as Jack recounted the day's events that evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, Jack demonstrated the Heimlich maneuver. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He did save Dad from chocking, however, if his hands had been about 2 inches lower, I think there would have been a whole other set of issues.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmnMx2MyEU8egKSmxAvlS-qsXpDWt1AOPnHV-O7dpKFudFpmltL9HVwF4-lTK4WqXu0buL1qPGgc_2kJjSZajvTMsEShM-Nkv7051Vj2bC4nZ2M575vuVxquot2Db8E5qOen9gtPA1P2E/s1600/Photo+Oct+22,+8+09+27+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmnMx2MyEU8egKSmxAvlS-qsXpDWt1AOPnHV-O7dpKFudFpmltL9HVwF4-lTK4WqXu0buL1qPGgc_2kJjSZajvTMsEShM-Nkv7051Vj2bC4nZ2M575vuVxquot2Db8E5qOen9gtPA1P2E/s640/Photo+Oct+22,+8+09+27+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also practiced stop, drop, and roll. It's safe to say my children have rolling around on the ground down pat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then there's stranger danger. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(I understand this is a serious subject, and we have taken steps to ensure our children are aware of what do to around strangers. However, sometimes what they say is just downright funny.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First Jack informed us what he would do if a stranger grabbed his arm; he would pull away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alex asked him if he would say anything while he was pulling away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Yes," Jack replied, "I would say [and he makes grunting sounds like he's trying to pull away from someone]."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Anything else?" asks Alex.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oh yeah," says Jack, "I probably just say 'NO STRANGER NO STRANGER!'"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On to the next scenario.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: Jack, what would happen if a stranger offered you candy to help him find something in the grocery store or something? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jack: I would yell NO, STRANGER!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the clincher...brought to you by Melody.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jack, again, demonstrating how to pull away from a stranger and how to a kick a stranger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alex says, "Ok, guys, if a stranger is pulling at you and you have to kick him, kick him right here."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(I'm sure you can guess where he pointed...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melody looks at him and says, "So, basically, you want us to kick strangers in the nuts?"</span><br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-86535759868561658762013-10-10T11:32:00.000-04:002013-10-10T11:33:36.660-04:00What I Learned From Disney On Ice...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last night, Melody and I went to Disney On Ice. Just like the last time we went, it was magical!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And full of life lessons. Below are four important things I took away from my Disney experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1. It is totally ok and normal to scream with excitement when you see a princess. Melody and I both did. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">And I may have gotten a little teary too.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZLh-98jFpCdF2pa1fRlgVfq32UHZkv8COOzBpcHoj687yPFwFXvWcJIE6NeewJJto3rIojt__3ABNJV9nH9i2vjONmEJ9uglxJ620FBCRgP5joVymGTzhDtbASjvcPL4foKKZwOk9GHq/s1600/2013-10-09+20.08.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZLh-98jFpCdF2pa1fRlgVfq32UHZkv8COOzBpcHoj687yPFwFXvWcJIE6NeewJJto3rIojt__3ABNJV9nH9i2vjONmEJ9uglxJ620FBCRgP5joVymGTzhDtbASjvcPL4foKKZwOk9GHq/s640/2013-10-09+20.08.10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. I want Jasmine's body. Seriously, this chick is solid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(You can't really see from the pictures, and she's upside down anyway, but believe me, I could see every single ab muscle.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eUOI5_K7HJGxf8cLVLTd7SV_R7KPpdimjz1kxmZHWTsWEmfEGwCav0zytOA-XBlzybAjWgSpa6eJDzmyKuJU-FrDD0ZrdIvv0CGLhwNnNkxNEqVQvjFdLrdxN2Q_lG2aOze-ItlUPpqs/s1600/2013-10-09+19.35.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eUOI5_K7HJGxf8cLVLTd7SV_R7KPpdimjz1kxmZHWTsWEmfEGwCav0zytOA-XBlzybAjWgSpa6eJDzmyKuJU-FrDD0ZrdIvv0CGLhwNnNkxNEqVQvjFdLrdxN2Q_lG2aOze-ItlUPpqs/s640/2013-10-09+19.35.42.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. I want my life to be just like a Disney movie. I already have my crown and everything. See?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. I already have my Prince Charming. (Yes, I know I'm totally being cheesy here!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Picture from Father's Day, 2010)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I better go and do some sit-ups!</span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-2472826213409055422013-10-04T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-04T07:00:14.272-04:00Touchdown!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My boys love Upward Flag Football. This is Jack's 3rd year playing and Charlie's 1st. It's a great organization that teaches Christ-like sportsmanship <em>and </em>still keeps score (which I think is an important part of teaching sportsmanship)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Anyway, Jack has really developed a love of this game and plays hard and tough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;">*Disclaimer: the pics aren't great. It was at night and I had to zoom in pretty far and they were taken with my iphone and not an actual camera.*</span></div>
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See? Check him out trying to psych out the other team here! The other guy couldn't even maintain eye contact! Ha!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z3dBJGeYMdcfmm68oq3AyhDPjqGIeYK5Kpf3P0QeVNqpS1utgHyepD73W_brM5LReHJboEbewIWBPn81n_PvO6Yhon3BkDV5dyMy6G3SnDnczkTx9ERBABGmmPCjUgIrPbIXzkCSUVQy/s1600/2013-09-27+19.14.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z3dBJGeYMdcfmm68oq3AyhDPjqGIeYK5Kpf3P0QeVNqpS1utgHyepD73W_brM5LReHJboEbewIWBPn81n_PvO6Yhon3BkDV5dyMy6G3SnDnczkTx9ERBABGmmPCjUgIrPbIXzkCSUVQy/s640/2013-09-27+19.14.37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Defense is generally Jack's favorite position to play. He is an awesome flag-puller.</div>
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But he has skill on offense too. Last Friday night, he had his first touchdown of the season. He caught the ball, fought hard against three opponents to make in into the end zone, and then scored!!</div>
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During the fall months, I shout "touchdown" pretty often...but this was the best time I've said it so far this year!! </div>
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After the game was over, Alex and I walked over to where the team was gathered to de-brief and Jack ran up to me, threw his arms around me and said, "I got a touchdown!" </div>
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Talk about melting a mama's heart.</div>
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I hope he still does that when he's 16!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Just kidding, Dad. I know you rolled your eyes when you read that!)</span></div>
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Way to go, Jack!!!</div>
</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-25545630433690731312013-10-03T09:37:00.000-04:002013-10-03T09:37:12.592-04:005<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A week ago today, one of my very favorite little boys turned 5! </span></div>
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It's hard to believe this was 5 whole years ago. It seems like it was just yesterday! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(It's also still hard to believe he was 8lbs 11oz at 37 weeks, but that's another story!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW33-osPx7DelrklJdXMzdrzQd9zm5EPOMw1tMwilogEqzLFWLy6y75YWSbxDGAslFubPTxSwmPns7wq6cUOLq6RGClk6lQzIWtnrxFowqRqLERK4eXpzTnq-HoHQ92SaOyOMCf-B6Qh5H/s1600/Picture+082crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW33-osPx7DelrklJdXMzdrzQd9zm5EPOMw1tMwilogEqzLFWLy6y75YWSbxDGAslFubPTxSwmPns7wq6cUOLq6RGClk6lQzIWtnrxFowqRqLERK4eXpzTnq-HoHQ92SaOyOMCf-B6Qh5H/s640/Picture+082crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We started the birthday celebration with a special treat at preschool. He was so excited to wear the birthday crown and listen to Ms Dale tell a special story about him!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been planning his birthday for the past three months...ever since his big brother had a birthday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I have to admit, I'm actually glad it's finally over. I was getting tired of all the "Mom, for my birthday, can I..." comments!</span></div>
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Anyway, he <em>finally</em> decided on a soccer themed party. We made plans and sent out invitations. And then he promptly changed his mind to a football themed party.</div>
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In the end, we stuck with the soccer theme but added some football fun in there too.</div>
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We were blessed with a beautiful fall day...perfect for a party at the park!</div>
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We tossed the football around some.</div>
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Jack led the kids in some soccer drills.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClDTHM0htSp11Syr_e7YqU2hGlEL-UF_ApkjSZQ0e3YgcTdq-0ZGQWinxQW7tH4gQJnUu7uUzvRROlx1YDeArm-FW7r9XLh_XisPKzpxEadtsL1G83m5xadIZ1wXr2ATxVp-8DR9pWrpG/s1600/2013-09-29+16.01.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClDTHM0htSp11Syr_e7YqU2hGlEL-UF_ApkjSZQ0e3YgcTdq-0ZGQWinxQW7tH4gQJnUu7uUzvRROlx1YDeArm-FW7r9XLh_XisPKzpxEadtsL1G83m5xadIZ1wXr2ATxVp-8DR9pWrpG/s640/2013-09-29+16.01.57.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We opened presents <span style="font-size: xx-small;">("Awesome! Superhero legos!" was the comment here)</span></div>
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and had cupcakes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOo4dgE3bdzk3smz9y3oV0uMeqbheMoOYSDy6L_iXUrC3uT-Uln3bvDL4KO7HHS5ofG9yDs6SMg0uGPH97Pji_G1Oqvxf5t7KVLo3I6ysV9o-QZWcbpYz8SuTob7OHlXKf88tBSHqaVgJr/s1600/130929+Charlie+about+to+blow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOo4dgE3bdzk3smz9y3oV0uMeqbheMoOYSDy6L_iXUrC3uT-Uln3bvDL4KO7HHS5ofG9yDs6SMg0uGPH97Pji_G1Oqvxf5t7KVLo3I6ysV9o-QZWcbpYz8SuTob7OHlXKf88tBSHqaVgJr/s640/130929+Charlie+about+to+blow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What could be a better birthday?! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Here's the whole crew...minus a few little siblings who weren't keen on the idea of a picture.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpK5iVJTtnfoeYKv8_YqNYxO6iVWkhvWV9o9DxAz1swdUOuYBhAUyiFijfxWCiKTwpeID0uqMbOeTM7f2Wsyz8ajWEaxWLtTxVTLZlHeSjw_ds2uJvEV7kjnIbzYMwmQe4NS5EgENcE3V/s1600/2013-09-29+16.26.26-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpK5iVJTtnfoeYKv8_YqNYxO6iVWkhvWV9o9DxAz1swdUOuYBhAUyiFijfxWCiKTwpeID0uqMbOeTM7f2Wsyz8ajWEaxWLtTxVTLZlHeSjw_ds2uJvEV7kjnIbzYMwmQe4NS5EgENcE3V/s640/2013-09-29+16.26.26-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and we topped it off with dinner at Waffle House. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not the place I would have picked, but it wasn't my birthday.</span></div>
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After all this excitement, I'm glad we are birthday free until January!</div>
</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-255000111227497882013-09-30T18:58:00.000-04:002013-09-30T18:58:11.264-04:00A correction, an update, and a birthday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First the correction: I got a call from my dad the other day. He called to comment on my recent post about our food issues. He wanted to let me know that it was <em>him</em> and <em>not </em>my mom who thought of the list idea. So, I now stand corrected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">However, unlike my mom or dad, I had the foresight to write the list down. So, unlike my brothers and I, my children cannot claim different items on their list depending on what is being offered at meal times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This leads me into my update: I had told my children that every three months we would update our list. So, we updated yesterday. Here are their new lists. As you can see, Charlie finally realized I was not going to force him to drink sweet tea and added actual food items on to his list.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBhPEwrr1iebqMkioeEkPUzxjoZIW-yYZ_OoqNJXa-YyOK17H3RJ30tj-mFQGLJGHHwV_7WbRb2m8Fm2Fde51tMVYr2m1naczXVvtyfnoqgOUwkVhDOEheXXeDftbM9-K-sh-BscHoB0R/s1600/2013-09-29+21.15.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBhPEwrr1iebqMkioeEkPUzxjoZIW-yYZ_OoqNJXa-YyOK17H3RJ30tj-mFQGLJGHHwV_7WbRb2m8Fm2Fde51tMVYr2m1naczXVvtyfnoqgOUwkVhDOEheXXeDftbM9-K-sh-BscHoB0R/s640/2013-09-29+21.15.52.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I also think it's totally bizarre that he does not like French Fries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And, finally, we had a birthday in the family! Last Thursday, this handsome guy...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwun5S4xq9-AR7VDLT7wn0Mf2CsgWYaHLT3DGZ9JKvTkozlVYxfe7hr4vybl-ZzkbFFnRC-RaCHtBHelLapEHbnwvImRUyHFH-9-yA2Sn8TV6wJ49yweTVz13c8EZoLg2otFcGLHXlRCm/s1600/2013-09-29+16.27.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwun5S4xq9-AR7VDLT7wn0Mf2CsgWYaHLT3DGZ9JKvTkozlVYxfe7hr4vybl-ZzkbFFnRC-RaCHtBHelLapEHbnwvImRUyHFH-9-yA2Sn8TV6wJ49yweTVz13c8EZoLg2otFcGLHXlRCm/s640/2013-09-29+16.27.52.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">turned 5!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wqdtp65ZFXTiM9Qv8TRGRxiGHm5mTtOt5LYyiPPo5-MHJz4I_v_GDDlkJ8fOTCTM_OPmaYkAhJzbUN-vvYvAwbqJcqOi1OOGhHkLP9tjI2O8ewy7pieGTxL29aSL2IZ9-qyAVrhsTyCM/s1600/2013-09-26+09.26.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wqdtp65ZFXTiM9Qv8TRGRxiGHm5mTtOt5LYyiPPo5-MHJz4I_v_GDDlkJ8fOTCTM_OPmaYkAhJzbUN-vvYvAwbqJcqOi1OOGhHkLP9tjI2O8ewy7pieGTxL29aSL2IZ9-qyAVrhsTyCM/s640/2013-09-26+09.26.35.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A birthday party post will come soon, with lots and lots of pictures, but for now, this is all you get.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's Monday, yo.</span></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-11338674066950308552013-09-19T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-19T07:00:02.108-04:00supper time battles<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is there a mom on the planet that hasn't experienced the supper time battles?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Y'all know what I'm talking about. It's when you put anything that's not a chicken nugget, bagel bite, or waffle on their plate and they whine about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few months ago, I pretty much reached my breaking point on this. I was over the whining. I was over the bribing them to try food. I was over just letting them not eat and then having to throw food away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In one of my brief and rare moments of clarity, I remembered a trick my mom used with my brothers, who were also picky eaters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't you love those moments when you realize your mom really does have all the answers!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I sat down and let each child pick three foods they didn't like and I would never make them eat. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RTVPlqfp0Habfql-d28994o8U9iu0R7ebv2c4rK38-i4Y55bLM9VxA1_oXOudh5gVnzY27IX7luYQDEncFgG3al3cQxZkkYDYBNAn8e2jG_6oOxZCYb6gYe0JEJ2ZeSXYb6i5BEGYnTE/s1600/2013-09-16+20.28.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RTVPlqfp0Habfql-d28994o8U9iu0R7ebv2c4rK38-i4Y55bLM9VxA1_oXOudh5gVnzY27IX7luYQDEncFgG3al3cQxZkkYDYBNAn8e2jG_6oOxZCYb6gYe0JEJ2ZeSXYb6i5BEGYnTE/s640/2013-09-16+20.28.21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's interesting to see their lists. Jack wrote his own; shepherd's pie, chicken divan, and microwave tacos. There went two of my staples. And I guess I'll have to stop being lazy and actually cook the quesadillas on the stove from now on. Melody picked all fruit. I think she was having an off day. And Charlie just generally likes to eat <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Clearly he gets that from me)</span> and had to resort to beverages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Let me tell you...this has worked like a charm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I started kind of slow. For the first week or two, I would always pair something new or previously disliked/rejected with a staple I knew they would eat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">At the beginning, there was a little whining and I would just say (sometimes more than once), "I'm sorry, but that's not on your list."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;">Yes, this took patience and, even more importantly, consistency.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Guess what eventually happened?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">They stopped whining and now they just eat it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yep. Just like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Disclaimer: If it's a new food or something I knew they won't be crazy about, I will only put 2-4 bites on their plate. This way it isn't overwhelming to them to have to eat a whole plateful of something.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Also, I let them update their lists every few months. After all, their taste change and food choices change. I'm not going to be serving up blackberries in the dead of winter, so it's silly for Melody to have something on her list that's not available anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Have you experienced supper time battles in your house?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What have you found that works?</span></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-73797431872905331002013-09-16T20:08:00.001-04:002013-09-16T20:19:53.163-04:00Best Day Ever!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the fall, our weekends are pretty busy. Between birthday parties, gymnastics, the boys' flag football games, SEC football games, etc, it seems we are always on the go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend, we had a semi-reprieve from all the busyness. No birthday parties on Saturday and Melody's gymnastics was cancelled due to a meet being held at the gym. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, the only big event on our calendar was the boys' regularly scheduled football games combined with their team photos being taken. Since Melody and I had no real part in that we decided to treat ourselves to a little girl time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We road tripped it to Auburn for the day for some mommy/daughter bonding (which means we had a great time shopping at the cute stores in Auburn) and some <strong><span style="color: orange;">A</span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">U</span><span style="color: orange;">B</span><span style="color: blue;">U</span><span style="color: orange;">R</span><span style="color: blue;">N</span></strong> football!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melody is, by far, my favorite shopping partner. She always tells me I look great and encourages me to buy whatever I like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">After lunch at an Auburn favorite, Momma G's, w</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">e joined up with friends for some fun tailgating. And what is tailgating without some tree climbing?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We meet up with friends for Tiger Walk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we went to the game. I had no idea Melody was so into football. She was captivated by the game. And her popcorn, chips, cotton candy, and strawberry frozen lemonade. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Don't judge. I only got her the popcorn. She just so cute, all the people we were with just wanted to treat her to all kinds of things!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But, seriously. She watched the whole game. Asked questioned. Cheered like crazy. When we left, and before she crashed in the car, she proclaimed this the</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #4bacc6; font-family: "Curlz MT"; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent5;">Best Day Ever!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I think that about sums it up.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-18271702210218774162013-09-02T09:19:00.000-04:002013-09-02T09:22:05.382-04:00The Last First...<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Day of Preschool!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Last Tuesday morning, after dropping Jack and Melody off at school, Charlie and I headed out for a special treat...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPRdjQhk95MbEsAYknS3dhN78bkX9Oav_bd8FkyG8s46phsCwtng44FjMPmMy0gB284OL8Z-kwXGV9d5Qh6JLpX3ptHcxy2IRSVmRFsQ08T34rfpHyVJ9-X8LHXMufyCbkVJiiYt3Gbi1/s1600/2013-08-27+08.10.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPRdjQhk95MbEsAYknS3dhN78bkX9Oav_bd8FkyG8s46phsCwtng44FjMPmMy0gB284OL8Z-kwXGV9d5Qh6JLpX3ptHcxy2IRSVmRFsQ08T34rfpHyVJ9-X8LHXMufyCbkVJiiYt3Gbi1/s640/2013-08-27+08.10.53.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What's the occasion?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was his last first-day-of-preschool!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqbujHVqiVuIZTB0nSPoAz47ldL2239WUqmDzwj23YiNLpSg8L-8QEtYOh1JBuweAPIMBzCltycbI-r1MEFvHbnD_1VHKp8snSZztJCZw3DBLK9hXeidSwJzYfqfCdqltcHEfdsYCyeRK/s1600/2013-08-27+07.33.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqbujHVqiVuIZTB0nSPoAz47ldL2239WUqmDzwj23YiNLpSg8L-8QEtYOh1JBuweAPIMBzCltycbI-r1MEFvHbnD_1VHKp8snSZztJCZw3DBLK9hXeidSwJzYfqfCdqltcHEfdsYCyeRK/s640/2013-08-27+07.33.37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Charlie is following in his sister and brother's footsteps and is a Zebra this year with our very favorite teachers, Ms. Catherine and Ms. Dale.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He is super excited!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Additionally, since his name begins with a letter near the top of the alphabet, he was also the leader on the third day of school. The leader is not <i>merely</i> the line leader, but also says the date, holds the flag while the pledge is recited, and does the weather. The highlight of one's leader day is the toy. The leader is allowed to bring a toy from home, show it to his/her classmates and then answer three questions about the toy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You can only image how Charlie felt on Thursday!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihKuRllonMAnkCoP7IaZbPO4Kaik8uCyHHrM3pOM1iVYpfsEl9myhckx3mai8Ks9YLT8wyn79biLiwdMcCundi0oeFkozvQ2YEr6ZmgH3eK7A1KBf7kjKisooKS83G4PxazBkLnLYB2s7/s1600/2013-08-27+07.32.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihKuRllonMAnkCoP7IaZbPO4Kaik8uCyHHrM3pOM1iVYpfsEl9myhckx3mai8Ks9YLT8wyn79biLiwdMcCundi0oeFkozvQ2YEr6ZmgH3eK7A1KBf7kjKisooKS83G4PxazBkLnLYB2s7/s640/2013-08-27+07.32.53.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Ok, he was way more excited than that! I just think this picture is hilarious. He only allows me to take one picture before he gets annoyed and this is his "I'm too cool to have my mom take my picture" look.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yep! His last year of preschool is off to a great start.</span></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-56513864233828515402013-08-28T13:25:00.004-04:002013-08-28T13:28:31.890-04:00Handprints<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you read my blog you are probably well aware that I </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a) have chronic baby fever </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">b) am working feverishly to find a way to stop time so my children will stop growing up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday, I was driving the two bigs to school and then headed to preschool to drop of this little angel for his last first-day-of-preschool.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ6ZvHCvA98CxEx4hqhi8pgpf0PeCyka29NWiiX-jCAoUwn1UXc-tMWK4_c9vMfTjJqpZ2cCSCCtcX2HsZiwjd0Qk7VAz9kvczyXrvDXDmO96XMaIb_FwWTSIl5VHwhGjIY2No_xGyb28/s1600/2013-08-27+07.33.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ6ZvHCvA98CxEx4hqhi8pgpf0PeCyka29NWiiX-jCAoUwn1UXc-tMWK4_c9vMfTjJqpZ2cCSCCtcX2HsZiwjd0Qk7VAz9kvczyXrvDXDmO96XMaIb_FwWTSIl5VHwhGjIY2No_xGyb28/s640/2013-08-27+07.33.37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Yes, of course I cried! Charlie, on the other hand, popped right out of the car and hopped off to school without so much as a backwards glance.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we were driving, I saw this on the car. Can you see it?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJix8chAQHlK4PSrjoYxBo8ZrEos-ZAfYnF17DlfS8r4jPsj7m29mf9UL7v3BqnH7eM4CvaqwdiStUF61IEdOiMUlcSpRd4GQLo7qvVBd21euINZBJbfk_wGWLrWvwant-sEJGO4TCfAth/s1600/2013-08-27+07.52.56-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJix8chAQHlK4PSrjoYxBo8ZrEos-ZAfYnF17DlfS8r4jPsj7m29mf9UL7v3BqnH7eM4CvaqwdiStUF61IEdOiMUlcSpRd4GQLo7qvVBd21euINZBJbfk_wGWLrWvwant-sEJGO4TCfAth/s640/2013-08-27+07.52.56-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I looked and noticed that they were everywhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I said, "I see handprints on the windshield. Has someone been climbing on my car?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Crickets*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, a tiny voice from the back. Melody, who just can't not say anything, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Yes. Charlie and I were. Sometimes we just like to sit on your car."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't really know how to respond and then that sweet little poem about handprints popped into my mind. You know the one. The one that always makes you cry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes you get discouraged because I am so small, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And always leave my fingerprints on furniture and walls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But everyday I'm growing, I'll be grown up someday, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And all these tiny handprints will simply fade away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here's a final handprint just so you can recall, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exactly how my fingers looked when I was very small.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course I got teary then and Charlie said, "Well, we might not have done it if we knew it would make you cry!"</span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-9824906318338984832013-08-25T08:00:00.000-04:002013-08-25T08:00:01.088-04:0012 Years...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ago, I said "I do" to this wonderful man. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBlAABfNbfCbscmK4lldxC66Mh5mF__Y0ptEpb1QExcJ5fUwqxK-APbMxrd8XPyBQNUt7R6nSkiWU60Eq3BN6975zWXFoeWXOOlZGuu0Vd4uJAvIfhyphenhyphenfVdG_C84MTp8YNVkHcVgpGjQPj/s1600/22_535659252471_5029_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBlAABfNbfCbscmK4lldxC66Mh5mF__Y0ptEpb1QExcJ5fUwqxK-APbMxrd8XPyBQNUt7R6nSkiWU60Eq3BN6975zWXFoeWXOOlZGuu0Vd4uJAvIfhyphenhyphenfVdG_C84MTp8YNVkHcVgpGjQPj/s640/22_535659252471_5029_n.jpg" width="618" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That was such an amazing, special day and it's only gotten better.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzNdjpR0FyFPnAr3bcu2Xqz4Xjf1OO1-1h3Jm0lA1rKa4Cq2fM8lxBLmLi07w7osQxWB-bHp_DQe74XmjBjHuCkWLqaDlGRmvgKCLMxZ68Ynm635vuEIBhP-JA4OO6KSwV4sU9v2NYNrg/s1600/22_535659242491_3433_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzNdjpR0FyFPnAr3bcu2Xqz4Xjf1OO1-1h3Jm0lA1rKa4Cq2fM8lxBLmLi07w7osQxWB-bHp_DQe74XmjBjHuCkWLqaDlGRmvgKCLMxZ68Ynm635vuEIBhP-JA4OO6KSwV4sU9v2NYNrg/s640/22_535659242491_3433_n.jpg" width="458" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In honor of our twelfth anniversary <s>and because my husband commented to me that he doesn't think he gets enough face time on the blog</s> I'm going to write 12 things I love about him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In no particular order...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. He makes me laugh. Usually with sarcasm. (Don't roll your eyes, you know sarcasm is funny too!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. He puts up with my annoying habits. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">*I'm not admitting to any annoying habits here, but if I had some, I'm pretty sure he would tolerate them graciously.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. He loves action packed superhero moves too. But, he will watch the sappy movies with me when I ask him (yes, that means he has seen Twilight).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. He tells me I'm beautiful all the time. Even when I know that there's no way I'm looking good at the moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. He's an Auburn fan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. He's gorgeous. I would put a picture of him here shirtless, laying out on the beach, but I don't want all y'all to get too jealous. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. He loves God, his family, and his friends. And in that order.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. He honest. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sometimes too honest.</span> Whatever he says and what ever he does, I can count on him to do it with integrity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. When he takes me out on a date, he always treats me as though I'm the girl he's been dying to go out with and is so happy to finally be out with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. He's a hard worker. Sometimes I complain that he works too hard but, in actuality, he's very committed to doing the best he can, he has a strong work ethic, and goes above and beyond always.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. He's always calm, cool, and collected. There are moments I wish he would just panic right along with me, but when it comes down to it, I know that I can always count on him to be the rational one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. He works hard at our marriage. I have to admit, he works harder than me. He is almost always the better person and in that way, encourages me to be a better person. I know he will always strive to put our marriage first and that his commitment to me and our relationship is unwavering.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy anniversary, babe! The past 12 years have been wonderful and, from what I hear, the best is still yet to come!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXEAO6YrtMTkF8fsZd2mHCE07EgIIxIpntF0ViLBIp4p-TP6Z3dqzycwXrYd8RQYVpScP-FD0q0hTWYmPgR6Y6viHuj_IuOqWoIlJVWblOTd6OQiSGqR4NeCeVC04Jd-Z6GfsnXemMVxN/s1600/22_535659337301_3655_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXEAO6YrtMTkF8fsZd2mHCE07EgIIxIpntF0ViLBIp4p-TP6Z3dqzycwXrYd8RQYVpScP-FD0q0hTWYmPgR6Y6viHuj_IuOqWoIlJVWblOTd6OQiSGqR4NeCeVC04Jd-Z6GfsnXemMVxN/s640/22_535659337301_3655_n.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-60182864110734020962013-08-23T07:30:00.000-04:002013-08-23T07:30:01.932-04:00Cousin love!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right before school started, we took a trip over Jackson to visit my parents. My brother and SIL were also in town so Ben could take the Mississippi bar. Since they currently live in Denver, we are always excited to see them any chance we get, but this time we were doubly excited because...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also got to meet sweet baby Hayes!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We don't get to see our CO cousins enough (and cannot wait for them to move to MS so we can see them much more often!) so when we do we are sure to smoother them with all kinds of love and affection</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Charlie had fun getting to be the "big kid" for a change.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtyl5TFIKQOBYEBDtSkCTIgmdMbssKgmlNC0QGh42xNMgAj1SISs6BJTpYoJwRQGYixuj2HF770BxWRnMllM4SZmFe8nl2QJHenTT8vG1cDg4qa386Q71Zp9vmHepqLu_rRJ5KO3MksKt/s1600/2013-07-28+10.42.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtyl5TFIKQOBYEBDtSkCTIgmdMbssKgmlNC0QGh42xNMgAj1SISs6BJTpYoJwRQGYixuj2HF770BxWRnMllM4SZmFe8nl2QJHenTT8vG1cDg4qa386Q71Zp9vmHepqLu_rRJ5KO3MksKt/s640/2013-07-28+10.42.32.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melody had fun practicing her babysitting skills</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Il3M_atf5krKXdX4AGXycKz0VCQfdjCxxqLHf1k0v16TeV2n5QiRGzrajnxSwajcM3gA1lJ6PnFES9EfeFyPSzm1QdEQ5kcR1ZAT9PZYUl1GG4Pi9MAMVZEVq3wJ1LlH02yAlUCH1ExX/s1600/2013-07-29+10.25.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Il3M_atf5krKXdX4AGXycKz0VCQfdjCxxqLHf1k0v16TeV2n5QiRGzrajnxSwajcM3gA1lJ6PnFES9EfeFyPSzm1QdEQ5kcR1ZAT9PZYUl1GG4Pi9MAMVZEVq3wJ1LlH02yAlUCH1ExX/s640/2013-07-29+10.25.15.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried to get as much of a baby fix as possible.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv31tP4rIAhBaYYwW8JlW-BK5NVQ4sSQ_ohH8-SjBlinZboMX5X7JuwOKfErHnXsGXqnKwlxS8zY6ktXxprMpm9ckJw7XgqIA9UowidHAElq4rHgeDpvbC294L_aizTwliq7IPp_fJSY2G/s1600/2013-07-29+19.57.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv31tP4rIAhBaYYwW8JlW-BK5NVQ4sSQ_ohH8-SjBlinZboMX5X7JuwOKfErHnXsGXqnKwlxS8zY6ktXxprMpm9ckJw7XgqIA9UowidHAElq4rHgeDpvbC294L_aizTwliq7IPp_fJSY2G/s640/2013-07-29+19.57.30.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After all, who can resist a precious baby smile like this!?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tqYoeZInFNJw-ly96G566m_lwy0kgRjufa0sHyL8h-ZEd8i3MJI75H9c1zJ0I42cooEO9hRsM6bYfXNWqPoMwX7GltOPaftECc1FAoAGMUM8kzp_3516xBFAJ4iqq1xCRNfjIrQCTeMt/s1600/2013-07-31+09.10.10-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tqYoeZInFNJw-ly96G566m_lwy0kgRjufa0sHyL8h-ZEd8i3MJI75H9c1zJ0I42cooEO9hRsM6bYfXNWqPoMwX7GltOPaftECc1FAoAGMUM8kzp_3516xBFAJ4iqq1xCRNfjIrQCTeMt/s640/2013-07-31+09.10.10-2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jack realized how fun it was to boss around a 2yo who will do whatever he's told. What could be a better activity for a firstborn, type A child!?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4lS3n6ha4o9STeAb4vCbCEYqROcd6Ea_ZoVGu6uFCmzxKr_tWQQJZh8CjtsIdbtWg7fUw8dJHpvXpjm_eFV7R3VfV7GdS6kmyHJwaGO1ARdONBpSBkkIjjp7cXunEK8FHK7iHpJTYCCl/s1600/2013-08-01+12.00.56-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4lS3n6ha4o9STeAb4vCbCEYqROcd6Ea_ZoVGu6uFCmzxKr_tWQQJZh8CjtsIdbtWg7fUw8dJHpvXpjm_eFV7R3VfV7GdS6kmyHJwaGO1ARdONBpSBkkIjjp7cXunEK8FHK7iHpJTYCCl/s640/2013-08-01+12.00.56-2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we tried to get a group shot. Well, we got a group shot. We tried to get a good one! Tried being the key word here...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTM1tpaTW5TpCqybGXdLq8DXCNJnH7VsiOr5vyM1niF4XZSFzejHl0QxySAwt75ODdoDdoS6znlyPAZ82D6l9IpazkRIvzyg2-ZkTt15BjmLTdQpGl0USLBp4O4X1MTcCyNr41sD7YAsM/s1600/2013-07-31+17.57.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTM1tpaTW5TpCqybGXdLq8DXCNJnH7VsiOr5vyM1niF4XZSFzejHl0QxySAwt75ODdoDdoS6znlyPAZ82D6l9IpazkRIvzyg2-ZkTt15BjmLTdQpGl0USLBp4O4X1MTcCyNr41sD7YAsM/s640/2013-07-31+17.57.41.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a few more weeks and our CO cousins will be living in the south permanently!</span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-73423143619684310542013-08-21T07:30:00.000-04:002013-08-21T07:30:01.715-04:00And we're off...Starting another school year!<br />
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Although we started this race last week. I'm just behind. I know, I know. Although if you read my post <a href="http://courtneydefeo.com/striving-to-be-supermom/" target="_blank">here</a>, you'll know that timeliness is not really a priority for me anymore. <s>As if it ever was.</s> <br />
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This year, Jack is in 4th grade. He was very excited to get Mrs. Campbell as his teacher. Aside from just being a wonderful teacher who truly loves her students, she also has a no homework policy. Yes, this is one thrilled 4th grader and one thrilled Mommy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfZ2mFKqQuvINbJz6MCnVeeAk7z1rPYs8pK-V9qnFEjO84kOz_tem4CdcP8qE_-vUeGISM9VsxXcuRG27G_nYd1UxrVlB8ErGY0yUFGvaMTkk_FkG0r74icEDhNMd43aVaYfuFQ1sfv40/s1600/2013-08-09+12.16.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfZ2mFKqQuvINbJz6MCnVeeAk7z1rPYs8pK-V9qnFEjO84kOz_tem4CdcP8qE_-vUeGISM9VsxXcuRG27G_nYd1UxrVlB8ErGY0yUFGvaMTkk_FkG0r74icEDhNMd43aVaYfuFQ1sfv40/s640/2013-08-09+12.16.14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Melody is off to 1st grade. She has a new teacher this year, Ms Benefield, She's super excited that her friends, Jordyn and Anji, are in her class. She also told me she can't wait to take her first math test. I know, I don't know how she's related to me either.<br />
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And, last but not least, this cutie gets to hang with me for another few weeks. Pre-K starts next Tuesday. He's very excited about being a Zebra with the teachers we love love love, Ms Dale and Ms. Catherine. I'm pretty sure I'm going to cry on my last baby's last first day of preschool. But until then, Charlie and I will be packing in the fun these last few days of summer break!<br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-54163807838166429652013-08-19T09:38:00.005-04:002013-08-19T09:40:26.034-04:00I promise...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have not abandoned my blog again! I have a list of stuff to post and will be doing that this week. In the meantime,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://courtneydefeo.com/striving-to-be-supermom/" target="_blank">I'm blogging over here today</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Go check it out...</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-6637581114352748052013-08-06T08:26:00.001-04:002013-08-06T08:26:34.541-04:00Calling all ladies...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are many things I look forward to at the beginning of each school year, but for the past four years, near the top of my list has been BSF. </span><a href="https://www.bsfinternational.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BSF is short for Bible Study Fellowship</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me just go ahead and tell you that BSF rocks. If you have ever wanted to be in a Bible Study but didn't really know where to start, look no further. And don't worry if you don't live in Atlanta. They are international. You can pretty much find a BSF anywhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BSF is a group of women (although now they have men's groups as well) that come together weekly to fellowship together and study a book or section of the Bible in depth. And when I say in depth, I mean <em>in depth</em>. Last year, we studied Genesis. Yes, an entire school year devoted to one single book of the Bible. See what I mean by in depth?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But before you start to panic, don't. You don't need to understand Hebrew to study this way. You don't even have to know anything at all about the Bible. The leaders are fabulous and well trained and can explain complex ideas in a way that a preschooler can understand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And speaking of preschoolers, if you have one them you will love BSF even more. Their children's program is fabulous. They will hear the Gospel, learn hymns, and experience God's love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are in the Smyrna area, BSF starts on September 11 this year and I would love to see you there. It has been a fabulous place to build friendships and deepen my faith. If you aren't in this area, check out their website to find a class. Classes generally follow the local school calendars.</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-17581826095948428302013-08-04T18:52:00.000-04:002013-08-04T18:52:19.774-04:00One Fish...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">two fish</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">red fish</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">blue fish</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whew! We had certainly had an exciting month!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Last week, while on vacation at Resort Mitchell, Uncle Andy took the kids catfish fishing. We also got to visit with Aunt Bekah, Uncle Ben, cousin Holden, and meet new baby cousin Hayes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And that's just the tip of the iceberg of a very busy month!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have quite a bit to catch up on. Not to mention that school starts in a week and I have yet to buy a singe supply.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Am I the only one that thinks summer vacation should be extended another month!?</span></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-63044617170577547822013-07-09T08:49:00.001-04:002013-07-09T08:49:44.228-04:00Climbing the walls!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summer has been super busy around here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So busy, I haven't even had time to blog. (Yes, I am using that as an excuse!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We just returned home for a mere 56 hours or so before heading out again and my kids are already climbing the <s>walls</s> counters!</span></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-74257984937166668342013-06-28T09:59:00.000-04:002013-06-28T09:59:16.335-04:00Beach!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those who know me IRL should know by now that the beach is my absolute favorite place on earth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One day I will live at the beach and never leave!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Until then...we just visit as often as we can.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A few weeks ago, we started off summer right with a trip to Cape San Blas, FL.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Great friends, empty beach, lots of fun in the sun...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What more could I need!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ready for fun on our first day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pictures of three of my favorite people</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Matching hats!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beautiful sunrises over the bay</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Morning runs on the beach with dolphins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making an octopus sandcastle</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehQ4p5i670yWTG-fwPgAnCNrbSYI3Ld_v-oA8G-I6wgmO0kKZmgsYEgJ4buqurR9SUSAMGP9kOm3kXaFAxstfP4YkWmaXjg6lFvJeE6pZfwmNsXIsy2nrIkBHsvFW6oF6vbMxkeawa83b/s1600/2013-06-13+09.55.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehQ4p5i670yWTG-fwPgAnCNrbSYI3Ld_v-oA8G-I6wgmO0kKZmgsYEgJ4buqurR9SUSAMGP9kOm3kXaFAxstfP4YkWmaXjg6lFvJeE6pZfwmNsXIsy2nrIkBHsvFW6oF6vbMxkeawa83b/s640/2013-06-13+09.55.11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then a crab sandcastle</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumuNuJI4HI9BE6RjxtjoKad07bdYZG0zrkATvNdJzOCphPS_3TRIuzFCICfzyjSimUpDYjXakNqg3ylGONOzUDn-AK3pN9ijffkDQvNLQRQdfqeFgTjmQwjmesk81tLiVWeqrzmUU8PWt/s1600/2013-06-13+12.34.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumuNuJI4HI9BE6RjxtjoKad07bdYZG0zrkATvNdJzOCphPS_3TRIuzFCICfzyjSimUpDYjXakNqg3ylGONOzUDn-AK3pN9ijffkDQvNLQRQdfqeFgTjmQwjmesk81tLiVWeqrzmUU8PWt/s640/2013-06-13+12.34.05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Catching crabs for real</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9xlUT1k-ni70T1rU5IYCtKwZWOwT_0nQabXZYyi-wctuMI-b9qysntLYvtkQVTWIhsLsVjQ5fSCS4YVxH9FUxJ1pbD1PX8_9HdWmx-ZBdL8ZSw6uR5vHoVy9YJ2c-L1JR4AWZhM_xDTU/s1600/2013-06-13+21.03.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9xlUT1k-ni70T1rU5IYCtKwZWOwT_0nQabXZYyi-wctuMI-b9qysntLYvtkQVTWIhsLsVjQ5fSCS4YVxH9FUxJ1pbD1PX8_9HdWmx-ZBdL8ZSw6uR5vHoVy9YJ2c-L1JR4AWZhM_xDTU/s640/2013-06-13+21.03.39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The littlest one wanted to make a turtle with his dad</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKctRafuVMbYwRZaX5iIgiypEcvACfsANPeJKCvvN2XedGsKMYYea5VmemDm-YwUfQy3Ff02XqR7RzJJSZLoWIs5Ixp7hVhkakIbB_yqgBylwlUX_3AVGV7QNldLQNguhgJTHOrooBHxkP/s1600/2013-06-14+10.59.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKctRafuVMbYwRZaX5iIgiypEcvACfsANPeJKCvvN2XedGsKMYYea5VmemDm-YwUfQy3Ff02XqR7RzJJSZLoWIs5Ixp7hVhkakIbB_yqgBylwlUX_3AVGV7QNldLQNguhgJTHOrooBHxkP/s640/2013-06-14+10.59.09.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And what is a childhood trip to the beach without the experience of being buried in the sand?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1_dUFtgzD7_IWbYWK5KmnUjVe-Vctv3kFgNPvk8Tehs0IuQQcbbBcBk3d4t0pw4HRxrYcr-cp20d5i1YsUMFbkDjKe8xDiZakaFoBk8biMU43BwUiqNpR5FO1wANwa2j6mwtbynTreer/s1600/2013-06-14+17.05.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1_dUFtgzD7_IWbYWK5KmnUjVe-Vctv3kFgNPvk8Tehs0IuQQcbbBcBk3d4t0pw4HRxrYcr-cp20d5i1YsUMFbkDjKe8xDiZakaFoBk8biMU43BwUiqNpR5FO1wANwa2j6mwtbynTreer/s640/2013-06-14+17.05.20.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-78625346255107369612013-06-06T22:00:00.000-04:002013-06-06T22:05:16.294-04:00And the Mom of the Year Award goes to...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ME!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1st place for loosing my child at Six Flags.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't be jealous. With a little work and dedication this may happen for you too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's my story:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, my crew met Aunt Mimi and cousins Lorelai and Troy for a fun-filled Six Flags day.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCLgluBVFzlJMvDJt4s4fmMrQL9ZZ4agf5gg2_nl2bjSDmm-SsBu8nTkJR_VfSlCmvGopqFEz_IaI3lyRT_2nyWnFw6_dUzhUMHat56IfaYoW7pHEeVoD4okGDeUSs31X82F6FoX_ju1a/s1600/2013-06-06+10.40.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCLgluBVFzlJMvDJt4s4fmMrQL9ZZ4agf5gg2_nl2bjSDmm-SsBu8nTkJR_VfSlCmvGopqFEz_IaI3lyRT_2nyWnFw6_dUzhUMHat56IfaYoW7pHEeVoD4okGDeUSs31X82F6FoX_ju1a/s640/2013-06-06+10.40.15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a fabulous day, absolutely <em>no</em> lines, cool weather (shocking for June) and it was overcast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, barring a little whining and skinned knees from Charlie, nothing could go wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until the last ride of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Mindbender.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melody and Troy were just tall enough to ride it. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Charlie was tall enough too, but being our resident 'fraidy cat, he opted to hang with Aunt Mimi.)</span> They were so excited...their first upside down coaster! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We got up to the front, and I realized that two small children, two bigger children, and me, posed a coaster seating logistics challenge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was decided that I would go with Melody and Troy would ride either with Jack or Lorelai.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jack decided he wanted to only go with Lorelai and that he would sit this ride out and go with her the next time around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Except the next time around, the littles wanted to go again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But not together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I tried to have Jack go with either Melody or Troy but no go. Apparently, Lorelai is is favorite cousin and no one else would do.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eZEVjGQVuhIQ64ihGUiH2vIpfS13gD-_U_EOEKVPnW6e17_nGMxXmkfG-rFRXeI7w1B-sFrL0oG-xNajrJEwXVE0vXwDGKOj7MIyXCtrL5whUqF_C2iXpA_KgttdXzTbYPgFtQpaCueY/s1600/2013-06-06+14.08.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eZEVjGQVuhIQ64ihGUiH2vIpfS13gD-_U_EOEKVPnW6e17_nGMxXmkfG-rFRXeI7w1B-sFrL0oG-xNajrJEwXVE0vXwDGKOj7MIyXCtrL5whUqF_C2iXpA_KgttdXzTbYPgFtQpaCueY/s640/2013-06-06+14.08.23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He stomped angrily towards the exit to go wait with Aunt Mimi and Charles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the ride was over, we walked to the exit where Aunt Mimi and Charlie were waiting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Without Jack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We looked all over the place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, Aunt Mimi sent me along the walk of shame to the Lost Parents booth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I walked (ok <em>ran</em>) over there, trying to keep the rising panic at bay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And there he was.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apparently, he had come out of the ride and somehow he and Aunt Mimi missed each other. He just continued walking up the hill and out of Gotham City and finally sat down on a bench to rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where a lady in a "dress with swirls" on it walked up. She asked him if he was here with his mom, to which my son responded, "Yeah, she's on the Mindbender and I have an aunt around here somewhere."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Thanks for throwing me under the bus there, honey. I'm sure that lovely lady thinks I just dump my kids in Six Flags and go gallivanting off)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She then took him over the the Lost Parents booth. Where I found him about 10 minutes later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We went back to the Mindbender where he finally got that ride with Lorelai.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then we had a discussion about <em>staying at the exit</em> until the other people you are with finish the ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The excitement never ends!</span></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-32151283740236342932013-06-05T20:17:00.000-04:002013-06-05T20:17:20.289-04:00Only 363 Days...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">until I have a double-digit kid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do I know this?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because, yesterday, this guy turned NINE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RF1l-wRSmflxcnSUwm9TQJfRhxhT7wzmpW43YM_rvkPppcVYu2tVtou_EL7u36cHG00eHy8KDdo9zoOxslo3Cij4MXsfzPtdNE1pl3WVErFDgmMLOAXWJeO6RGmoadxg2fcAJTQ_VxPp/s1600/120929+Jack+at+restaurant+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RF1l-wRSmflxcnSUwm9TQJfRhxhT7wzmpW43YM_rvkPppcVYu2tVtou_EL7u36cHG00eHy8KDdo9zoOxslo3Cij4MXsfzPtdNE1pl3WVErFDgmMLOAXWJeO6RGmoadxg2fcAJTQ_VxPp/s640/120929+Jack+at+restaurant+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Happy Birthday to my sweet Jack </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">who is so smart</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">so loving</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">so curious</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">so silly</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">and so perfect for our family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Lord knew what He was doing when he blessed us with this little guy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">nine years ago!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Doesn't he look like a little Buddha?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I think he was mediating and trying to recover after the horrendous labor and delivery we had to suffer though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnYXHvhsbT1tIV66VeesLkdK_kXqDGVbpE1qPMKNIbWC8nED7dyYDglIuc5sAjF7-d4BgY_vk_MpLDaGKB2WaaLTINKt5Cn1QhhqhgvxegflNIY7m0G3SoIXIMkCNHPk1lkdMLg0ZPkL3/s1600/060504JackBuddha2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnYXHvhsbT1tIV66VeesLkdK_kXqDGVbpE1qPMKNIbWC8nED7dyYDglIuc5sAjF7-d4BgY_vk_MpLDaGKB2WaaLTINKt5Cn1QhhqhgvxegflNIY7m0G3SoIXIMkCNHPk1lkdMLg0ZPkL3/s640/060504JackBuddha2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">John Marc Powell</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">06.04.04</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">9lbs 4oz</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">21 1/4 inches</span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-41184640486675088362013-05-31T21:32:00.002-04:002013-05-31T21:35:28.021-04:00And it's FINALLY here...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">SUMMER VACATION</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> that is!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The last few weeks have been pretty crazy around here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Aside from beginning my own summer semester</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We had a preschool party for this guy</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8MpIvVzmvL3Q2SsWqxsRhSCvlLxoI1cteKpohpqRk9ZkEVWRK3kAWXrhweha-ItzNm1SbzVHW8zPSoVo9fmsj6Vbp6o3lVXHe8YQh4Dd9x_HMtN2cMFyrKVhHZd9P3GPoHZz-XyHKhrX/s1600/2013-05-17+11.55.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8MpIvVzmvL3Q2SsWqxsRhSCvlLxoI1cteKpohpqRk9ZkEVWRK3kAWXrhweha-ItzNm1SbzVHW8zPSoVo9fmsj6Vbp6o3lVXHe8YQh4Dd9x_HMtN2cMFyrKVhHZd9P3GPoHZz-XyHKhrX/s640/2013-05-17+11.55.38.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">It was hard to say goodbye to Mr. Mark and Ms. Erin. Thank goodness we see them at church every Sunday!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A kindergarten graduation for this princess</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMiUU7ePi3ki20mPVWNx58jxBrUaBwe4CbS5tJTMMqqNW31ukEGhpGqcH_638iqo_CmqRyqrwrtf1-iZ34KN3Pgbs9zOiqk0hSL4c22Bx29I46yb_FePUPRYBR294MMlSxsOG0Dn9A36U/s1600/2013-05-29+14.37.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMiUU7ePi3ki20mPVWNx58jxBrUaBwe4CbS5tJTMMqqNW31ukEGhpGqcH_638iqo_CmqRyqrwrtf1-iZ34KN3Pgbs9zOiqk0hSL4c22Bx29I46yb_FePUPRYBR294MMlSxsOG0Dn9A36U/s640/2013-05-29+14.37.01.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;">Melody with her adorable bestie, Morgan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And an end of the year party for the almost-9-year-old dude</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49MC1yKfJqBpErhhZcoEbsJU6_A5XbUQ4k_qa2O7u8eRQARkYcP3NYawFQM3YEjUlIHYCjN1IcEXVVy0ZccmctEebW4rb8-NldV-CjOf_Iw3VB7ZrdelYBgVYoa00tLvg8fTCWqcHR6kJ/s1600/3rdgradeboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49MC1yKfJqBpErhhZcoEbsJU6_A5XbUQ4k_qa2O7u8eRQARkYcP3NYawFQM3YEjUlIHYCjN1IcEXVVy0ZccmctEebW4rb8-NldV-CjOf_Iw3VB7ZrdelYBgVYoa00tLvg8fTCWqcHR6kJ/s640/3rdgradeboys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Please make sure to notice and judge me for the too short shirt and missing belt. Whatever. I'm making those school clothes fit. And as for the belt, well, it was lost somtime in mid-March and I have a one belt per year rule. Doesn't everybody?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And field day where Jack and Melody participated in the carinval acitivies and field competitions while Charlie and I ran the sno-cone station.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ok, I ran the sno-cone station. Charlie just ate the sno-cones and sweet talked his way into line jumping on the inflatable slide. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Really, though, does that come as a surprise to anybody?</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4kpg8NK8vJLHwNrl3kqi5ZYmFQf7A127FwvgAY55iEzY4mc30myAMR7kTAvC10nP4P5xSUk0nFtj1xVxCAxQ-vS0J8p9wgB-s1OplkDV3KjrqV_4jZ6ZyuonmM9nKKt-XDw0iVfKmGPH/s1600/FieldDayCollege.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4kpg8NK8vJLHwNrl3kqi5ZYmFQf7A127FwvgAY55iEzY4mc30myAMR7kTAvC10nP4P5xSUk0nFtj1xVxCAxQ-vS0J8p9wgB-s1OplkDV3KjrqV_4jZ6ZyuonmM9nKKt-XDw0iVfKmGPH/s640/FieldDayCollege.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yeah, that's a lot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A lot of FUN!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And now we've made our summer lists</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO2HE5Y_vrN_fh_nU5EozGoB5FzoXjLG3M70tPseUaseXO-RNIClb4-ckCqYUU6AQ7ZLEX_Mar164ay-ky5UuPP9-dWK-a_x17cfEPzc-_aZwWaczcuAjwsJe9Iv2gqBHTvM4rBQy98fQ/s1600/2013-05-22+17.11.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO2HE5Y_vrN_fh_nU5EozGoB5FzoXjLG3M70tPseUaseXO-RNIClb4-ckCqYUU6AQ7ZLEX_Mar164ay-ky5UuPP9-dWK-a_x17cfEPzc-_aZwWaczcuAjwsJe9Iv2gqBHTvM4rBQy98fQ/s640/2013-05-22+17.11.44.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">and already kicked off summer with our annual pizza pool party. This year, I've got THREE <s>totally independent</s> very-enthusiastic-and-brave-but-one-not-yet-independent swimmers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My last little fish is almost there.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcf5JExVL3vUAXdFlMizGWnCiDIozABJnuKRe8OhH7xstnSzuLvh81AlAeU9bBT8JuuDFwlcQ3bFXz9kJuIwqSk_eoSPPR8QeqrHg11Gbqm2OpZN269_MAJ3ne9sq93KwYQ7HM8pSo8vF/s1600/2013-05-31+16.09.14-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcf5JExVL3vUAXdFlMizGWnCiDIozABJnuKRe8OhH7xstnSzuLvh81AlAeU9bBT8JuuDFwlcQ3bFXz9kJuIwqSk_eoSPPR8QeqrHg11Gbqm2OpZN269_MAJ3ne9sq93KwYQ7HM8pSo8vF/s640/2013-05-31+16.09.14-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What you didn't see was him loosing his grip on the kickboard, trying desperately to get back on and starting to panic which prompted me to take a flying leap into the pool to pull him back out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Right at that moment, one of my girlfriends, missing Charlie's mishap but seeing my swimming skills, walked up and said, "Wow, Em, I had no idea you were so eager to start swimming!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hey, might as well kick off summer with a little excitement!</span></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-16584948978583736072013-05-20T11:33:00.000-04:002013-05-20T11:33:05.687-04:00Come visit me...over at my friend <a href="http://courtneydefeo.com/my-son-is-being-bullied/" target="_blank">Courtney's site</a> today! She's the founder of <a href="http://courtneydefeo.com/" target="_blank">Lil Light O' Mine</a> and Light 'Em Up! Even if you don't travel over to her site to see what I have to say, you should just go to check out what she has to say! I guarentee you'll love her as much as I do.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-69048181815206750212013-05-06T14:30:00.000-04:002013-05-06T14:30:30.761-04:00Up to the same ol' tricks...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you've been a reader of my blog for a while now <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(you know, back when I actually used to blog on a regular basis),</span> you know that Melody is my dare-devil. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She loves a challenge and has come up with some crazy ideas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">like </span><a href="http://5powellsinatlanta.blogspot.com/2009/01/baby-or-big-girl.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and </span><a href="http://5powellsinatlanta.blogspot.com/2010/08/psf-and-daring.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and </span><a href="http://5powellsinatlanta.blogspot.com/2009/03/maybe-i-should-post-speed-limit-sign.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and my personal favorite, </span><a href="http://5powellsinatlanta.blogspot.com/2009/04/psf-antics-of-two-year-old.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And here is her latest </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfmNdeUQImRR0oa8NrTbShdgXsKeaX9R8KG36ZDjcQLVSbXaf4-sVQxBpR8qt4M9gwRr-a0qKQuLoylpHQtQJKcrt2AKpSz8LY-Nr61bwxTIoxqyuJjc7g-KRBqwPp7oL09LTF6DSpn_B/s1600/2013-04-12+10.25.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfmNdeUQImRR0oa8NrTbShdgXsKeaX9R8KG36ZDjcQLVSbXaf4-sVQxBpR8qt4M9gwRr-a0qKQuLoylpHQtQJKcrt2AKpSz8LY-Nr61bwxTIoxqyuJjc7g-KRBqwPp7oL09LTF6DSpn_B/s640/2013-04-12+10.25.35.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbIvpSvMfjZY2teTGL2avce7LCFG8qEDvsSPv1z0kHRLDZmstfa2vsYbas9-AcivXy6wChWpKkTKYhy_uW-MWeD6jwrXZCdyn0BuhRiYM4azpLW_b32ETXwmjArlu42ZBPgxwcKv-ctf0/s1600/21283_10101323727082181_1294141703_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbIvpSvMfjZY2teTGL2avce7LCFG8qEDvsSPv1z0kHRLDZmstfa2vsYbas9-AcivXy6wChWpKkTKYhy_uW-MWeD6jwrXZCdyn0BuhRiYM4azpLW_b32ETXwmjArlu42ZBPgxwcKv-ctf0/s640/21283_10101323727082181_1294141703_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The pictures don't even really do this justice. I have no idea how she does it, but she can shimmy all the way up to the very top in about 3 second flat. And then just hang out there for a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Freaks. Me. Out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And that's my little Melody-the-monkey!</span></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-11282262674375181402013-04-19T17:14:00.000-04:002013-04-19T17:14:48.023-04:00Spring break!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing like a little fun at Resort Mitchell during Spring break. Which I, incidentially, called Summer vacation the. entire. time. Apparently I am ready for summer fun!</span></div>
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Lost of outside fun time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENWnybww8y_waSwTFA231rHt3oUuKuoWkPYomqI1tLU-_j967f4sdvh33NK3rEn29jwojvM4K5EgOSobXtvfZo_0-QmyPchoRHMbKp588G__JYs6cN_QMIEEP5TbrLRkoUUNT3EkOthCA/s1600/2013-04-09+10.53.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENWnybww8y_waSwTFA231rHt3oUuKuoWkPYomqI1tLU-_j967f4sdvh33NK3rEn29jwojvM4K5EgOSobXtvfZo_0-QmyPchoRHMbKp588G__JYs6cN_QMIEEP5TbrLRkoUUNT3EkOthCA/s640/2013-04-09+10.53.40.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Along with a little gardening</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FpfxE4fMwLU5S00JsqY5j5oLMlZtfSZZOCxQgT0LJurHoaHgxVL2GXR9zNCK3t8rJtuxkxgHus_DdVJQP-AiQ00BxsX9X7c7V4jLbktjgbX-d4Wzw5E0E5Cc9haI-zweMczjeZb27XLb/s1600/2013-04-09+16.58.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FpfxE4fMwLU5S00JsqY5j5oLMlZtfSZZOCxQgT0LJurHoaHgxVL2GXR9zNCK3t8rJtuxkxgHus_DdVJQP-AiQ00BxsX9X7c7V4jLbktjgbX-d4Wzw5E0E5Cc9haI-zweMczjeZb27XLb/s640/2013-04-09+16.58.45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And we topped it all off with the first jumping wall jump of the season!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsF8AgZaI4XXdFo4SRTxMHHUSygvSJcj3LWcKF_WbPPNrHfGCRpIcHvsPT5OJAhiLcFS3KW6_P7aoG9gkdaS-FNZ6XNEmrlq67-Y2oT0iyCCNmRc5_Qj17_zhmFZQ3FOCR5YKtcjLqyR6d/s1600/2013-04-09+16.59.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsF8AgZaI4XXdFo4SRTxMHHUSygvSJcj3LWcKF_WbPPNrHfGCRpIcHvsPT5OJAhiLcFS3KW6_P7aoG9gkdaS-FNZ6XNEmrlq67-Y2oT0iyCCNmRc5_Qj17_zhmFZQ3FOCR5YKtcjLqyR6d/s640/2013-04-09+16.59.56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Summer, hurry up and get here!</div>
</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065195610270532889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1702390518597700869.post-17474328917161394342013-04-14T19:47:00.000-04:002013-04-14T19:47:20.860-04:00A camping we will go, a camping we will go...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, not <em>me</em>, of course, but the boys did!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alex, Jack, and Charlie headed down to Dothan, Alabama for an action packed three days with two other dads and their boys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was tent sleeping</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">gun shootin'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weenie dog roastin'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">S'more makin'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fishin'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and fish fryin'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sounds like the perfect weekend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Well, not to <em>me</em>, of course! Melody and I enjoyed some time together doing much more lady-like activies such as pedicures and sleepovers.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Since it was up to Alex to take pictures, I hardly have any.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here's Charlie with a fish he caught all. by. himself. He is quite proud of the fisherman he has turned out to be.</span><br />
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