tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43308468025535985482024-02-06T20:03:14.584-06:00The T.I.E.S. That BindLove for family is the tie that bindsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger439125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-40118632262609179282014-02-01T15:38:00.001-06:002014-02-01T15:38:31.058-06:00Grief<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa0Gtcv7A15lJUlASEBLFfyd9M89U8FhkqQSKkkaLPxyDwp2cASvZKF0a_HZXV8i_yl42dYZjHy8I-NTgaK-PrnISZ5v0qrY_QMnMF8bx0Ms3wgVnU3r6-y9wym0RJIFRJanJPHUx5X4T/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa0Gtcv7A15lJUlASEBLFfyd9M89U8FhkqQSKkkaLPxyDwp2cASvZKF0a_HZXV8i_yl42dYZjHy8I-NTgaK-PrnISZ5v0qrY_QMnMF8bx0Ms3wgVnU3r6-y9wym0RJIFRJanJPHUx5X4T/s1600/photo+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
I lost my dear brother, Lamonte, three weeks ago to a massive heart attack at
the age of 38 years old. I am finally at a point where I have
somewhat accepted it. Or either I just realized there is nothing I can do to
change the fact that he is gone. The funny thing about death is that we all
know that everything that is living must die, but that doesn't make the pain
any easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never felt sorrow
like this before and I have never hurt like this before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an emotional pain that hurts
physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really feel at times like
I am trying to breathe under water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
suffocating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel as though I have
been changed on the inside, never to return to the carefree person I was
before. I have had to find a new way of existing. Lamonte is always on my mind
or not far from it. Through this journey I have learned several things about
grief that I would like to share:<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Everyone grieves differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some get angry, others withdraw, others are
expressive in their grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no
cookie cutter way to handle it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grief
handles you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Grief makes people uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like they think that grief is contagious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had friends who have totally ignored
my pain and continue on as though nothing ever happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is okay because honestly this pain is
not happening to them. I’m sure others just don’t want to say anything to set
me off into a crying frenzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth of
the matter is that it’s awkward any way you look at it. It’s awkward to me to
not mention my grief as much as it’s awkward to you to mention my grief and
witness my pained expression and tears. Plus, it feels good to know that you
are acknowledging a significant part of who I am right now. And on top of all of that, ignoring it is pointless because I think about everything like a record stuck on replay. I think about us growing up. The laughter and even the fights. I think about our last conversation. Reread our last texts. I think about where I was when my dad called me with the news. I think about how he looked lying in the casket. I think about how my mom looked touching him for the last time at the funeral home. I think about it all. His wife, his kids. Everything...constantly.</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I often wonder if people really want the truth when
they ask how I’m doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is not
pretty and it will make you uncomfortable and/or sad so don’t ask unless you really want
to know. I have however, come up with a generic response for those who I know
can’t handle the truth and who are just asking to be polite. At least they are kind enough to ask.</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I’ve become a great actress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can fake it like you wouldn’t believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you look at me you won’t see a despondent
Shanita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody likes a Debbie Downer
after all. I've learned how to look the part. I laugh at jokes, I even make jokes. I listen during meetings. I smile when appropriate.</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->People say the darndest things to people who are
grieving. I’d like to think these comments are coming from a good place. But I
have wanted to roll my eyes at a few people. "You should get on some anti-depressants." "At least he died quickly." or my personal favorite "Was he on drugs?" are just a couple of the off the cuff comments I've had to endure. The only words I am able to take comfort in are scriptures. Scriptures...not clichés. "The Lord works in mysterious ways" is not a scripture. "Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 is a scripture. One helps, the other is just annoying.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The world is just a little bit scarier. Almost like I've been living in a nice little bubble free from the injustices of this life only for that bubble to pop and leave me exposed to all the not so good stuff. I want my bubble back!</div>
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I know that the pain will ease and that life must go on. People have been losing loved ones for years. I'm not the first nor will I be the last. But right now my heart hurts as I struggle to find my new normal. <br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Custom%20Designs/signaturecopy-1-1.png" style="border: 0pt currentColor;" /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-32397815447614530242013-07-06T06:04:00.000-05:002013-07-06T06:05:51.973-05:00Nightmares<p>I woke up at 3:20 from a very disturbing dream.  I dreamt that I was walking bedside Trayvon Martin laughing and having a good time sharing a bag of skittles when we both look back and see that Zimmerman fellow with a gun running toward us.  We both take off running and then Trayvon was shot and stumbled to the ground.  I was screaming and attempting CPR and then a group of people run to us and I woke up!  </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTLdH4S8_hH8wLakd5KYrD7Ub2PZPm7Q1N6mJvOwMMuRTSxVBoDRA" /></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Trayvon Martin</font></strong></p> <p>I woke up sweating with my heart racing and a heavy feeling in my chest, and this was just a dream.  I can’t imagine what the parents of Trayvon Martin had to go through and are still going through with the trial in full swing.  It hurts my heart. It angers me. It scares me.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo5S3_dN9VSh96leO4eN_GdaStxCtqCn5oMzeA2eTfMKXQZfoGe75-nlNebNcuz1i541FwG9V1fdLn5JlaNapOIjHN4qIW1aeaFAiY4XAwNn3gktWWd5Z26iHm1bcjDzFDD6tI2CMzXTM/s1600-h/IMG_5379%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5379" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBApHevH1_Bl9mAJill1PcTI7GUlkwj2h9xAP0GzWbV02G84JUiwF0n4twrptqHu3BWUASTdF4NwdodqR8VN7uN93JRFKxFVKhyphenhyphen8ikDISj6UGhTP1mwWRoC1KvRD_oZwmRlNTlMtURHqRz/?imgmax=800" width="229" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Evan and his hoodie</font></strong></p> <p>Do I believe that Zimmerman set out to kill Trayvon?  No.  But I do believe that Trayvon was killed because of the color of his skin.  Let’s face it.  Zimmerman probably would not have been so suspicious of a Caucasian teenager walking in his neighborhood in the rain with a hoodie.  And even on the off chance that he was suspicious of a Caucasian teen, he would not have been so <em>fearful</em> that he would have brought out a gun and killed him. </p> <p>I think about my beautiful little boys and I hate that they will more than likely have to deal with being feared, judged and disliked just because of the color of their skin.  I mean, it’s happened already.  We’ve already had to deal with the little white girl in Evan’s class who said she doesn’t play with black people.  To that my poor confused little Evan says <br />‘but mommy, I’m caramel…not black”.  I fear that I’m doing them a disservice by placing them in a school where both of them are the only blacks in their class in a school where black faces are few and far between.  They are just now starting to notice the difference and are actually OK with it but what do I do if this changes?  When the kids are older and meaner and they feel more and more isolated.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqIsqEhFcflULUnfXIPJ_SVzv7_XLtgsYPsN7E1ua9wHAsGQwe1V9RXI6ZHICyf6Pm0lAZ0IHWavntHatLajRenG50k02PFFEH9zB8QeQHhkqwaTypa_KaDCwHC13K_82Fw54XrWT8Dw9/s1600-h/IMG_5386%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5386" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIMgExX74m37SixtTVazvyv2GrqKBEWL-_bLMEvgD588wkrx5zQNbtOR2GePqQe6mwyFFQjoX5TzEhac6pqNA-navcOm95G381-a-oQZQOdLO54C1eXx0lLBjG3kJHLrLN-yDdycR790T/?imgmax=800" width="229" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Evan and his hoodie….again</font></strong></p> <p>I am not playing the race card because I think that racism flows both ways.  I’m stating reality.  It’s all around us.  Flat out prejudice.  Racial Profiling. It’s not just happening to other people.  It’s happening in our own backyard.  From the most rural of southern towns to most liberal of northern cities.  I won’t even mention what’s going on with Paula Deen because that’s a whole ‘nutha post entirely.  </p> <p>I pray for justice for the Trayvon Martin family even though justice won’t bring their son back.  I pray for my <strike>babies</strike> sons.  I will not be overcome by fear for their lives because I know that they are covered by the blood of Christ and He will keep them protected.  He will keep them secure. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-60140153499034509462013-06-01T00:30:00.000-05:002013-06-04T22:39:59.705-05:00Random Acts of Kindness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, I am officially another year older and closer to death! Let's face it, 36 is an uneventful age, so to celebrate my 36th birthday I decided to implement 36 Random Acts of Kindness in order to kind of spice things up a bit. The idea was presented to me by my pal <a href="http://bergmansbruisers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Greta</a> who I happen to share a birthday with. She has a way of <strike>sucking me into things</strike> encouraging me to do neat things.<br />
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I will admit that my list was pretty extensive and ambitious so I was not able to complete all 36 acts of kindness in the two week time frame that I allotted myself but I will share with you what I <i>was</i> able to do.<br />
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<b>1. Give money to a homeless guy.</b><br />
Well, I didn't see any homeless people during my two week mission. And I refused to do like Greta suggested and go to where homeless people hang out. I'm just not that dedicated. So, instead I donated money to the <a href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Fill-the-Boot-Under-Way-in-Fort-Worth-Friday-149253355.html" target="_blank">Fill The Boot</a> initiative to help our local firemen support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.<br />
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<b>2. Bake a red velvet cake for my husband.</b><br />
Ok, it is a known fact that I don't cook, so instead of baking a red velvet cake for my husband, I decided to buy one from <a href="http://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/" target="_blank">Nothing Bundt Cakes</a>. Same difference. The end result is that he got to enjoy the fruits of my <strike>labor</strike> pocketbook.<br />
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<b>3. Place money on vending machine</b><br />
I work in a hospital surrounded by sick patients and worried, stressed, hungry family members. I can't take away the stress and worry but I can fill their tummies so I placed an envelope with dollar bills on the vending machine with a note for someone to enjoy a snack on me. <br />
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<b>4. Stop everything and listen when my children are talking to me.</b><br />
I have developed a severe case of mental block when it comes to my children and their constant chattering. I can only hear "mommy" "mommy" "mommy" so much before I shut down. Well, I made a point to try and listen when my boys are talking. I mean full on drop what I'm doing and make eye contact kind of listening. I'm sure they appreciated my undivided attention and I felt like a good mom for putting them first if even for 20 seconds.<br />
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<b>5. Have boys write a letter to a friend.</b><br />
So I kind of cheated on this one. The rules of etiquette dictate that you should send someone a thank you note when they have done something nice for you. So I had Ian write a thank you note to his friend Gavin for inviting him to the movies. So I killed two birds with one stone. I'm resourceful like that.<br />
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<b>6. Leave a large tip for my waiter.</b><br />
What starving college student wouldn't appreciate a fat tip! Now we didn't get crazy. We just left $10 more than we normally would have left. But every little bit counts in my book.<br />
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<b>7. Give gift card to mail carrier.</b><br />
This was easy. I just placed a Starbucks gift card in our mail box with "For Our Mail Carrier" on it. Viola! done! Our mail man did ring our doorbell the next day to say thanks for the gift card. That was a little awkward but whatever!<br />
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<b>8. Hug someone.</b><br />
Speaking of awkward...I don't like for people to invade my personal space so I avoid invading other's personal space as well. So hugging someone that is not an immediate member of my family or a really close friend was a bit outside of my comfort zone. So I hugged Alex, one of my coworkers at work. I did ask permission first and I did explain the reason why I wanted to give her a hug which I'm sure defeats the whole purpose but that's as good as it gets.<br />
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<b>9. Encourage someone who is down.</b><br />
Let's face it, we all have bad days and sometimes we just need someone to acknowledge our bad days and encourage us to hang in there. I was able to encourage someone who is having a rough go of it. Mainly because I felt her pain and I truly wanted at that moment to do anything in my power to take that pain away from her, but all I had were a few kind words and hopefully it was enough for her to push on through to face another day and have hope that it will all get better soon.<br />
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<b>10. Donate clothes to Goodwill.</b><br />
This was easy. My boys outgrow clothes like crazy. It's a bit ridiculous. Fortunately, there's a Goodwill clothing drop box near my house so I bagged up a sack full of our clothes and blessed others in need.<br />
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<b>11. Donate box tops to boy's school.</b><br />
Many different brands of food donate a portion of their sales to<a href="http://www.boxtops4education.com/" target="_blank"> Box Tops For Education</a>. Our school has raised lots of money to do many wonderful things for the school with money raised from donated box tops. It's easy to do and quite frankly very wasteful to not do. It's like throwing away free money!<br />
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<b>12. Clean Break Room at Work</b><br />
Pretty self explanatory. Sometimes we have to scarf down our food in 10 minutes in order to hurry back to patient care so cleaning up behind ourselves has to wait. I have a smidge of OCD so I didn't mind tidying up at all. I just hope my fellow coworkers know not to make it a habit!<br />
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<b>13. Donate a song on the radio to my husband.</b><br />
I had to stay on hold for an annoying two minutes but I was able to place my request in with the radio station to play <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUdnCM90mOs" target="_blank">Still </a>by Tamia for my husband. I'm not sure if they ever played it because I had to get out of the car but surely they wouldn't lie to me...right?!<br />
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<b>14. Cook every day for 7 days</b><br />
Umm....yeah....I only made it to three days and I tapped out on this one. How do people do it? Where do they find the time? After making one meal that nobody even touched, I WAS DONE! Back to every man for himself!<br />
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<b>15. Go on date with husband.</b><br />
My husband and I are sometimes like two ships passing in the night. With our work schedules, church schedules and kid schedules, we rarely have a moment to ourselves. Well, my in laws came to visit and we put them to work as soon as they made it through the door! They pulled into the driveway and we left to enjoy a Benefit dinner called <a href="http://www.dfw.com/2013/05/08/791924/tim-love-to-hold-annual-burgers.html" target="_blank">Burgers For Babies</a>. The food was amazing and it was for a good cause. We got to dress up and have adult conversation and even valet park our car. It's the little things! It was a nice night out!<br />
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<b>16.Let fellow driver merge in front of me on highway.</b><br />
As my in-laws pointed out, Texans are aggressive drivers. I didn't really notice this until they pointed it out. But it is indeed true. I decided to simmer down one day and let someone merge in front of me in the line at <a href="http://www.braums.com/ice-cream/" target="_blank">Braums</a>. You may not think this is a big deal but NOBODY GETS IN THE WAY OF ME AND MY BANANA SPLITS! This certain driver made an illegal dash for the drive through by zipping through the parking lot, but instead of speeding up to claim my rightful place in line, I allowed him to go ahead and get in front of me. Go ahead and say it....I am one nice lady!<br />
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<b>17. Speak to everyone that you pass in the hallway.</b><br />
We all know that speaking is common courtesy. But after speaking to about 10 people in the space of 20 yards....I was over it. Some people spoke in return. Some people smiled back. And some people down right ignored me. How rude! It did become a little redundant after a while so I crawled back into my little shell and kept my eyes straight ahead and avoided eye contact at all costs!<br />
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<b>18. Genuinely compliment someone</b><br />
This was easy. A lady at church has a Louis Vuitton bag to die for. So I <strike>drooled over it</strike> complimented her on her amazing bag and I meant it from the bottom of my jealous little heart!<br />
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<b>19. No electronics for one day</b><br />
EPIC FAILURE! Who can go a day without electronics? You feel totally isolated. Alone with your thoughts, out of touch with the world. It lasted about 2 hours. Not worth the stress!<br />
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<b>20. Call parents to say I Love You!</b><br />
This was a bit weird because my family is not big on displays of affection whether physical or spoken and I didn't want to just call and say "I Love You" and hang up so I tried to segue into it which stressed me out because the whole time I was like.... do I say it now? how bout now? wait, what about now? I just ended up getting off of the phone and quickly threw in an "I love you guys" and hung up. Yes, I totally realize that I am a bit weird and emotionally stunted. The first step is admitting that you have a problem right?!<br />
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<b>21. Donate money to a worthy cause</b><br />
I love Groupon. If you don't know about Groupon I suggest you familiarize yourself with it ASAP. Well, Groupon had an option to donate to the <a href="http://www.jajf.org/" target="_blank">Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation</a>. This foundation provides opportunities for children of terminally ill cancer patients to experience family memories to last them a lifetime. What a way to give back and all it took was two clicks.<br />
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<strong>22. Teacher Gift</strong><br />
I really wanted to do something nice for the boy's teachers. Let's face it...they deserve it! They instill knowledge into my children's sometimes scattered little brains and they have to put up with them 5 days a week for 7 hours a day!! Well, we wrote a little note and attached a <a href="http://www.panerabread.com/?ref=/menu/cafe/index.php" target="_blank">Panera Bread</a> menu telling them to go crazy and circle anything they wanted on the menu and it would be delivered to them for lunch. I mean...who doesn't like food! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Acts of kindness List & Excuses in Red</div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Buy someone's food behind me in the drive-thru <span style="color: red;">*kept forgetting</span></li>
<li>Come into work early for someone <span style="color: red;">*husband never made it home early enough</span></li>
<li>Babysit for a stressed mom <span style="color: red;">*couldn't find time in schedule</span></li>
<li>Send flowers to a friend <span style="color: red;">*couldn't decide which friend and I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings if they didn't get picked</span></li>
<li>Facebook post thanking my friends for being my friend <span style="color: red;">*too cheesy</span></li>
<li>Take boys to bus stop <span style="color: red;">*kept hitting snooze button</span></li>
<li>Take a friend to dinner <span style="color: red;">*I tried but they ended up paying for my dinner for my birthday</span></li>
<li>Massage husbands feet <span style="color: red;">*I hate other peoples feet</span></li>
<li>Iron husband clothes <span style="color: red;">*I hate ironing</span></li>
<li>Put away husbands laundry <span style="color: red;">*I hate laundry</span></li>
<li>Say only positive things today <span style="color: red;">*I tried but failed</span></li>
<li>Donate old cell phones <span style="color: red;">*couldn't find them</span></li>
<li>Donate blood <span style="color: red;">*donation center was too far away</span></li>
<li>Send someone a small gift anonymous <span style="color: red;">*too much trouble to decide what gift and who I'd send it to</span></li>
<li>Register as a disaster relief volunteer <span style="color: red;">*way too involved and really...if a disaster happened I want to be with my family</span></li>
<li>Bring cookies to work <span style="color: red;">*kept forgetting</span></li>
<li>Take boys to Chuck E Cheese <span style="color: red;">*schedules were too busy for Terrance and I and I refuse to take them all by myself</span></li>
</ul>
So overall, this random acts of kindness adventure made me realize that maybe I'm not all that kind. Some of the acts where easy but if I really had to go outside my comfort zone then they didn't get done. I will admit that the acts I did get done made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Maybe I will try again next year and give myself a little more time to complete the mission or maybe I'll get the whole family involved. Something to look forward to about turning 37!<br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Custom%20Designs/signaturecopy-1-1.png" style="border: 0pt currentColor;" /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-40500448347405858502012-10-23T01:20:00.001-05:002012-10-23T01:22:09.022-05:00Laundry Love<p>I was preparing to do laundry while talking on the phone  the other day blissfully unaware of my surroundings.  I had just removed an armful of laundry from the washer when I opened the dryer door to this:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWXCydqzFc4rBduK7-DLJelp52DpjO3ZObzzL0cB_PEVwzoALMQtt_W4RfGjFpZRgSw9_ij7zAj53vcj5EX02LixAnaxWDMD5Oo9P0N8GeNI_4aqCVrFUZd-pr3J-ZZBSrZwi60P2aZqG/s1600-h/IMG_6111%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6111" border="0" alt="IMG_6111" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D59GkvmeUhs/UIY3GO2LzFI/AAAAAAAABzw/iMMjLHIyy2s/IMG_6111_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="360" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qxxwzw6JeOA/UIY3Hah0KMI/AAAAAAAABz4/s9QlFfi6cXo/s1600-h/IMG_6112%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6112" border="0" alt="IMG_6112" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5LSlkknnMuI/UIY3IERUnGI/AAAAAAAAB0A/CKVIrqyXk90/IMG_6112_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="360" /></a></p> <p>After I stopped screaming….and picked up the pile of wet clothes that I dropped….and slowed my pulse down to somewhat normal, I realized that this little fella is pretty cute, huh?!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-14525730644303446862012-10-19T23:57:00.001-05:002012-10-19T23:57:15.319-05:00A mom and her boys<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUFQEclL_B70DcnDVEqmk6tfpbJEWstwLunE8NScdjqmKvgiObFan83ivK6hDhKWrU5uAAKo0TCw1YaEkgocnYlVXv__Apd4jyajDKDt7uz3jiN8aO_X37PJpXvr-u8lEMSm2RkB_nXJN/s640/blogger-image--1357880517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUFQEclL_B70DcnDVEqmk6tfpbJEWstwLunE8NScdjqmKvgiObFan83ivK6hDhKWrU5uAAKo0TCw1YaEkgocnYlVXv__Apd4jyajDKDt7uz3jiN8aO_X37PJpXvr-u8lEMSm2RkB_nXJN/s640/blogger-image--1357880517.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-80338682556325601002012-10-09T09:04:00.001-05:002012-10-09T09:07:22.095-05:00A Boy & His Best Friend<p align="left">Ian is very reserved, a bit of an introvert.  It takes a while for him to open up to people. It took me a while to accept this fact.   I had to work hard for Ian’s affection when he was smaller and I’ll be honest…I thought the kid just didn’t like me.  I wasn’t used to convincing people that I am worthy of their affection.  I’m Shanita for goodness sake!  My firstborn was the total opposite. Freely giving his time and attention and endearments to any Joe Blow within a 12 inch radius. But with Ian, there are very few individuals worthy of his affection.  The good news is that once you’re in…you’re in.  Here’s a picture of Ian and his brotha from anutha motha, Gavin.  Ian loves this kid.  He wishes that he was his brother (his words not mine). Here they are holding hands on the way to a friendly game of kickball. A boy and his best friend.  Enjoy!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPBTDg1pcDb-kD3Ba33Ph5umTVa0Mcn8neWJYRYG0nQhiYckVHtD59TC5r3woyvFKYSxc_TJ-Rx5tEDRW-jWt95CXhUlIPnclwigjv67QB8taAZBbdLhfoOhCwvAh4GB_WD4HpUkm31RL/s1600-h/IMG_5941%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5941" border="0" alt="IMG_5941" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VpRbtMDLreQ/UHQu4NBtAWI/AAAAAAAABy0/-JjCZTSetVw/IMG_5941_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="421" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_CjyfUjgqxc/UHQu5rgdwgI/AAAAAAAABy4/DFU5fKDaSF4/s1600-h/IMG_5943%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5943" border="0" alt="IMG_5943" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jy0YdaOU1aA/UHQu6GRifMI/AAAAAAAABy8/-DA95wma03w/IMG_5943_thumb%25255B19%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="421" /></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-79821766735388539772012-08-27T20:28:00.001-05:002012-08-27T20:28:54.248-05:00First Day of School 2012-2013<p>Well, I thought I’d be emotional.  I thought there would be tears. After all, both of my babies are now in school.  Next step…graduation… then college… then marriage… then grandkids!! I digress.  I’m happy to note that there was not one tear shed by anyone in the Lofton family.  I was a little nervous for my shy, reserved Ian but he was perfectly fine.  All that worrying for naught. Of course I have to post pictures for the world to see:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jIbO6578QMw/UDwep9ZWCeI/AAAAAAAABwY/zJx7gQGQICc/s1600-h/044%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="044" border="0" alt="044" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H1eD4EfvXlc/UDweqxmMlHI/AAAAAAAABwg/sR9Axov-YKg/044_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="284" /></a></p> <p align="center">Here we are at Meet The Teacher Night…Ian is getting acquainted with his new ‘desk’</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rlGgYGkLYsrE1S2DIyKl9C6AIiWw_Rw1wZ4KpQqa44gdBHpoxLupNIORInSDt9ByYB8hWDAmzBAO-sPS1qee3GiGX0C1uNYKpynOE8QMPf6GTgTAhvpx3yOxzKxYiud_QXqjQR_9ImyJ/s1600-h/046%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="046" border="0" alt="046" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3YgxJWTZUS0/UDwetMC1rRI/AAAAAAAABww/CweZKFvzWU8/046_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="284" /></a></p> <p align="center">I laid the boys outfits and backpacks out the night before…we didn’t want any surprises</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OyvqQPQDP48/UDweuPO2BRI/AAAAAAAABw4/z22rg6WYz2Y/s1600-h/048%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="048" border="0" alt="048" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-41bTCHf4Fd4/UDweu_TgSXI/AAAAAAAABxA/iLgBbVhDhQo/048_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="284" /></a></p> <p align="center">Evan looks like he has gas…just jokin’…isn’t he cute!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mMhD2oU12RA/UDwev5QFj2I/AAAAAAAABxI/0VTXTw605uk/s1600-h/051%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="051" border="0" alt="051" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hZrnevI6CD4/UDwewYxM-iI/AAAAAAAABxQ/RL48vpizrtM/051_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="284" /></a></p> <p align="center">Ian really didn’t want to participate in the photo session but at least I got a smile.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlkTFBBSgh_08e4jmsiw6ySJEm5cZYWHDycZHxO3gWw-WUJYFRIyDcp9s3w2mwFn6INx3JwZN2SxnJ_dtYMorT1CBM81pKr0EZbzJvy50eSX_gc-HRbp8k4rbJsJJf2dDAvVCYQfCQZcl/s1600-h/055%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="055" border="0" alt="055" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DifJYNGzAf0/UDwexhJ7n9I/AAAAAAAABxg/i9HntU1uLrQ/055_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="284" /></a></p> <p align="center">And off we go!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7kqOiEvAIu0/UDweyiIpVqI/AAAAAAAABxo/GnJGfk0gigg/s1600-h/063%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="063" border="0" alt="063" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EGP55n6t42tL5ptHGh3ojBletsdj6lAgbZResdRjanE4YAlbAgbQocegwTzQLXjb_IQIvxm44pRi7VaLIpaDYjNxCTxcZaAzfDOPxsxIa74QnWNYJ-8DMV0ruqwEe-Ke-e-oHT_Nztk_/?imgmax=800" width="377" height="284" /></a></p> <p align="center">In front of Ian’s classroom</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KmDue93qE8Q/UDwe0hayiOI/AAAAAAAABx4/1cJOdDMBsrA/s1600-h/064%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="064" border="0" alt="064" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvHlLB0fH38U6OHv9vdLYHMol5VcvO0L0EMq65WmF7t8DOtYmOtQFknmpC2qa2eUgs_q3urcvx-sQrd6mJooNb3XiCM21WdYdZcZNN6dx5MWQwj05J93wXNVlepBU0GpeCZgeml8oWKuo/?imgmax=800" width="377" height="284" /></a></p> <p align="center">Ian went straight to his new ‘desk’ like he’s done it a million times before.  </p> <p align="left">All in all, it was a great first day of school.  Ian got a certificate for singing a solo in music class (he loves to perform despite his shy personality).  And he even mastered the lunch line with ease.  There aren’t any pictures of Evan at school because he left Ian and I and wanted to go to his room alone.  By the time I made it to his classroom he was already deep in his math problems so I left him to it. Okay, actually his teacher stopped me at the door with my camera in hand and politely told me that Evan had already started his day (in other words…go home mommy and let your boy be a big kid) I was kind of bummed that I didn’t get a picture but education is more important than a photo shoot…right!?</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-67353687983679373892012-07-04T04:31:00.001-05:002012-07-04T04:35:11.712-05:00Wee Bit Wednesday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.myleighashley.com/"><img ;="" src="http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt244/leighbenner/weebitsbutton-2.png" width="350px" /></a></center><br />
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{one} what's your guilty pleasure tv show?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">I have unfortunately had to give up television all together because of school and work. I haven't sat down to watch an actual tv show in ages</span><br />
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{two} ear piercings on men: yes or no?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Umm...depends on the age, profession, overall build of the guy, sexual orientation, yada yada yada</span><br />
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{three} do you have dish or comcast?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">direct TV </span><br />
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{four} what's your favorite current fashion trend?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Ok...I'm still on leggings and tunics (so comfortable!) </span><br />
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{five} if you could learn to do anything, money not being an issue, what would it be?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">how to be a chef!</span><br />
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{six} red or white wine?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">White (Moscato)...if I had my druthers!</span><br />
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{seven} what type of food is your favorite (ex. italian, mexican, etc.)<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Soul Food! Reminds me of grandma. But Italian comes pretty darn close.</span><br />
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{eight} hp or mac?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">HP. Can't seem to get on the mac train. I have no complaints with HP and it's super user friendly especially when it comes to writing papers for school. I do own an iPad and an iPhone and I love them both. </span><br />
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{nine} what color is your bedroom?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Light greenish grayish something or other</span><br />
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{ten} what's your favorite form of exercise?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">I'm sure lifting the remote does not count as exercise....so I'll pick the elliptical for cardio or a bit of circuit training to mix it up also weight lifting because of the overall affect.</span><br />
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There you have it folks!<br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img align="left" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Custom%20Designs/signaturecopy-1-1.png" style="border-bottom: 0pt; border-left: 0pt; border-right: 0pt; border-top: 0pt;" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-29061443319668138122012-07-01T07:02:00.003-05:002012-07-01T07:03:32.495-05:00The Tooth Fairy Strikes Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3OwGWPRfis131FpXOvA8nINbJ_wLya6Jixq6fzBg7r7ThOjO4-UmtyTMtvtsO6hRol5T0Q5DBlCQE46ZCUc3LY2MMIqCCwf-8dQopmUFwj5JRY4wyZTfpGCYNBjjw2cgUetDJk6XvV_e/s1600/IMG_5678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3OwGWPRfis131FpXOvA8nINbJ_wLya6Jixq6fzBg7r7ThOjO4-UmtyTMtvtsO6hRol5T0Q5DBlCQE46ZCUc3LY2MMIqCCwf-8dQopmUFwj5JRY4wyZTfpGCYNBjjw2cgUetDJk6XvV_e/s200/IMG_5678.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after the piano recital</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2eTS1sGqbeEWoO6BJozk_zwIo6omEOlKeDa66tJm39U0mttz2my11USFNr321HdyK1fFBgUHsswZwG1wqASezCmsk8wmhObqps7cP5GGWC9_VgFpygW4P9DnepzDxgJOtaeUx22jSeIJ/s1600/IMG_5676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2eTS1sGqbeEWoO6BJozk_zwIo6omEOlKeDa66tJm39U0mttz2my11USFNr321HdyK1fFBgUHsswZwG1wqASezCmsk8wmhObqps7cP5GGWC9_VgFpygW4P9DnepzDxgJOtaeUx22jSeIJ/s200/IMG_5676.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye Bye toothy!</td></tr>
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Well, the tooth fairy has struck again. Evan lost a tooth on his own without any surgical intervention and was rewarded for his heroic efforts by none other than the tooth fairy herself...aka...mommy! Click<a href="http://theties.blogspot.com/2011/11/bye-bye-shark-boy.html" target="_blank"> here</a> to see our first tooth fairy fiasco.<br />
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I have been wiggling that loose tooth all week to no avail and during his piano recital I noticed that he was pushing it all the way forward with his tongue. I told him to open wide and I pulled twice and it was out! I know it wasn't the best timing in the world but I honestly didn't think the doggone tooth would actually come out. After all, I've been twisting and turning and pulling on it all week! Terrance just shook his head and the nice lady behind us gave us one kleenex to wrap the tooth in and one kleenex to catch the blood drooling down Evan's chin. Priceless!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifENIAeDADC-_XdTsq13DsAFzEObh06BwvCL9p4JTPLxBPwx5mN3btA1be3w0SbKUgj2c_XTY27dZoVii6ijlplNwseN31jbG6tkmTFBd-hEiIK8KxHG_10SCEowxBhIn37pCCv8gM7Ipw/s1600/IMG_5684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifENIAeDADC-_XdTsq13DsAFzEObh06BwvCL9p4JTPLxBPwx5mN3btA1be3w0SbKUgj2c_XTY27dZoVii6ijlplNwseN31jbG6tkmTFBd-hEiIK8KxHG_10SCEowxBhIn37pCCv8gM7Ipw/s320/IMG_5684.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I assembled a certificate, a couple of bucks, a toothbrush and a receipt from the tooth fairy....overkill!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitN18Ab4zN84Gm-rnF6EzX6kKtDYF23ypbg4V_CXIJBhLjJAg4F6Nw2nN_E_O0q-9cwgAHKNNgHnF3yl-lJw4Lpe1Qf_ff8Nai95Sx5Qn04UH0NeYDQ6Jo1y4hQim2QFstk7ipm9gO1ilZ/s1600/IMG_5689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitN18Ab4zN84Gm-rnF6EzX6kKtDYF23ypbg4V_CXIJBhLjJAg4F6Nw2nN_E_O0q-9cwgAHKNNgHnF3yl-lJw4Lpe1Qf_ff8Nai95Sx5Qn04UH0NeYDQ6Jo1y4hQim2QFstk7ipm9gO1ilZ/s200/IMG_5689.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">closeup of certificate</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvur2r5G5-hGuJoUitQd2Cq4lHGnsGLuENDOCshGsJA392Z-KFDiUsU2DyLm91_hlD6LSFEBre81cMTdRgWx_1yLmlt0VTHbAMbzHxjysxMm-L9Y49hNOiI01UahMyNyQcYbVCzCE5lwB/s1600/IMG_5688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvur2r5G5-hGuJoUitQd2Cq4lHGnsGLuENDOCshGsJA392Z-KFDiUsU2DyLm91_hlD6LSFEBre81cMTdRgWx_1yLmlt0VTHbAMbzHxjysxMm-L9Y49hNOiI01UahMyNyQcYbVCzCE5lwB/s200/IMG_5688.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">closeup of cash, reciept and toothbrush</td></tr>
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I worked very hard trying to masquerade as a fairy which is odd for me because I have an issue with all things make believe. But at the last minute I decided to celebrate the cause. I will have the conversation later about how the tooth fairy really isn't real, just something parents made up to help kids feel better about being buck toothed! Anything to help him through this ugly phase is fine by me at this point. Plus, I was so happy that nature took it's course without me having to fork over my hard earned cash to have more teeth removed by the dentist which is what we thought was going to happen... again!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn91UjlyNAOi7u-mu95GOZtZi7v1sIiZWcEF2reJUnZ9V9iIT7G2eZWE48OJ8m_7v1RY0S8p9z9xgCiB9Y0A9L0rDPoEt2DFbGIWxoGCzcJoj4l3E93ASKmsI0sG4APCoiy8GMMP3xlqAq/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn91UjlyNAOi7u-mu95GOZtZi7v1sIiZWcEF2reJUnZ9V9iIT7G2eZWE48OJ8m_7v1RY0S8p9z9xgCiB9Y0A9L0rDPoEt2DFbGIWxoGCzcJoj4l3E93ASKmsI0sG4APCoiy8GMMP3xlqAq/s320/IMG_5682.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't he look like a walrus?!<br />
Notice the tooth growing in behind the top one and the fact that the teeth that were pulled by the dentist a few months ago (for the same reason) still haven't pushed themselves forward</td></tr>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-44859147679975425752012-06-30T13:45:00.001-05:002012-07-01T07:36:56.152-05:00Evan's 1st Piano Recital<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-dQrZcaXJIpaty5rz_ezU8Sto-BPr_Estd5Cm_pmWspqUa3G0j65QWSCPaT0q6X8fIv1OiZ1PUx7Nva8BM8w7WXH4sG7ey7breHLxKuh00zE940hOaMS9VPEvY3Uoi5XjNAVsWGojCxW/s640/blogger-image-1331752469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-dQrZcaXJIpaty5rz_ezU8Sto-BPr_Estd5Cm_pmWspqUa3G0j65QWSCPaT0q6X8fIv1OiZ1PUx7Nva8BM8w7WXH4sG7ey7breHLxKuh00zE940hOaMS9VPEvY3Uoi5XjNAVsWGojCxW/s320/blogger-image-1331752469.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our practice area...where the magic begins!</td></tr>
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In an attempt to turn Evan into a more well rounded individual instead of a kid who only cares about video games and television, I enrolled him in piano lessons. He has only been taking lessons since April of this year but he's made great progress. Lets just say that I haven't been impressed when listening to him practice but just when I think he's not getting it (or he doesn't care)...he surprises us! Well, today was his first piano recital and....he nailed it! I am one proud mama!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizybqt6lLKm_QF2e2IvpjmFB5dZhpSbY6sMCnhLUbrNEHuCzUANFfrYuDY3ntC3UE4oTQg6wz8F0BB3t4q9nP_N91-RHMbuE1If9VHe5bzDV14Xi95-9E3Tw43S8WqUCL_I1696VzUoHHg/s640/blogger-image-1008077007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizybqt6lLKm_QF2e2IvpjmFB5dZhpSbY6sMCnhLUbrNEHuCzUANFfrYuDY3ntC3UE4oTQg6wz8F0BB3t4q9nP_N91-RHMbuE1If9VHe5bzDV14Xi95-9E3Tw43S8WqUCL_I1696VzUoHHg/s320/blogger-image-1008077007.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a feel for the piano before the recital</td></tr>
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We got a little distracted when I saw him wiggling his loose tooth with his tongue before the program started. I politely gave it a yank and it came right out seconds before the first performer was announced. He had a look of shock especially when he saw the blood on the Kleenex. Terrance took him to the water fountain to rinse down the blood remnants with a little H2O and he was good to go! Gross huh?!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye toothy! (yes that crooked monstrosity right in the middle needs to go to!)</td></tr>
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I can't wait until he's playing more advanced pieces. I was in awe of some of the other student's playing ability. One day Evan....one day! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WC3k72V8CZcu_qJyAklVw3Olo2mrB0hQXB6aYqkSYhavXalSEBVAoZGR1-j8lC3vle4aGR2khQzAnnpHCMLQFH7h7-1J3c79PVuQH3vjwCVqrBzkkLOD-VUg7FAALpdtNqdkSAyvsmkn/s640/blogger-image-1034574318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WC3k72V8CZcu_qJyAklVw3Olo2mrB0hQXB6aYqkSYhavXalSEBVAoZGR1-j8lC3vle4aGR2khQzAnnpHCMLQFH7h7-1J3c79PVuQH3vjwCVqrBzkkLOD-VUg7FAALpdtNqdkSAyvsmkn/s320/blogger-image-1034574318.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practice book. Where all the learning takes place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzMiDDJhqezRxQoPHjbZSXSkUGpGhpbTeZ6eH1IKvtUIUHW30DHKRkNPPAO44vxnvkrsfeDL4h2e5CLbZAYdTR1I9cfQxsT2swj4Jr7gTUnKUWEk3dEO-sjabjDRq3MgvCbO0UFjyWZiN/s640/blogger-image--1623974751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzMiDDJhqezRxQoPHjbZSXSkUGpGhpbTeZ6eH1IKvtUIUHW30DHKRkNPPAO44vxnvkrsfeDL4h2e5CLbZAYdTR1I9cfQxsT2swj4Jr7gTUnKUWEk3dEO-sjabjDRq3MgvCbO0UFjyWZiN/s320/blogger-image--1623974751.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't really see it but Evan is the third performer on program. He's all set to play Yankee Doodle!<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-66124804138082226232012-06-25T00:31:00.001-05:002012-06-25T01:31:46.979-05:00Money! Money! Money!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The other day I decided to cash in all of our coins so I emptied all of our piggy banks and headed to Coinstar to turn our coins into cash!<br />
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After 15 minutes of pouring pennies, nickels and dimes into the machine and enduring all the stares from the people in the check out line at the grocery store, we ended up with $183.36! Watch out now! We are living high on the hog! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjP77uLZIYhyjPTyfv_CDzn-fOKE_fa1WVoaSMLiZ5K8XdC5ImCxlgZ32GxBwY_pb028BY6jDF6u2JmdbXUvaCkCLlxvV-SjoGTBG8Hcl9WvDi8crOg1TCD09SuNa1eBAUrG8EP_L90uj/s640/blogger-image-776322023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjP77uLZIYhyjPTyfv_CDzn-fOKE_fa1WVoaSMLiZ5K8XdC5ImCxlgZ32GxBwY_pb028BY6jDF6u2JmdbXUvaCkCLlxvV-SjoGTBG8Hcl9WvDi8crOg1TCD09SuNa1eBAUrG8EP_L90uj/s320/blogger-image-776322023.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I decided to take the boys to open up their first savings account. They were really bored throughout the whole process and they didn't understand why we were giving their money to a nice little white lady to keep for us instead of heading to Toys r Us to spend our newfound riches on video games. Perhaps I should have done more education...ya think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBKVQHMmMne7W6Ge5ZkbToHP2JfiDq9T1ovzHM6F4xSnpE9Ed7yyo1kRLTfCq3Ut0CbNbPUIlqwsYk17xHhMrgIL3uXdjWy2isW4QUUj9u43ZjRwOLkQAlNYZF-MPFh-blAEmMHGH2bz_/s640/blogger-image--865125649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBKVQHMmMne7W6Ge5ZkbToHP2JfiDq9T1ovzHM6F4xSnpE9Ed7yyo1kRLTfCq3Ut0CbNbPUIlqwsYk17xHhMrgIL3uXdjWy2isW4QUUj9u43ZjRwOLkQAlNYZF-MPFh-blAEmMHGH2bz_/s320/blogger-image--865125649.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-43020529327996287682012-05-28T16:21:00.009-05:002012-07-03T18:34:31.977-05:00Goodbye Pre-K<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofIspfKuJ5EmiXGGN7nAsYKdFkqZgBWFySytVhpE2FXX_mA7C8kpR2qiRS6Ocj5VZGxcJSbyyldTy8RkJwOIHw0IxdNjpoF1m0JQICtPWGq0PUArsMym0Nl467baK5eaLm_nDz0plMaYI/s640/blogger-image-1764484602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofIspfKuJ5EmiXGGN7nAsYKdFkqZgBWFySytVhpE2FXX_mA7C8kpR2qiRS6Ocj5VZGxcJSbyyldTy8RkJwOIHw0IxdNjpoF1m0JQICtPWGq0PUArsMym0Nl467baK5eaLm_nDz0plMaYI/s320/blogger-image-1764484602.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian & Piper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLAL-syJQg73BHRV0QfLtAGAUlnw3GKONFpop4CYJeRqN_fLtpytPl0xrNaobm-9sw5K0JgwyJeL2sV9DSjib1bg5T06t25SYsQUY1md4emCp_ALAwBoxUe6m6Y9CoURjQx1vZChmVyZ2/s640/blogger-image-1919449193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLAL-syJQg73BHRV0QfLtAGAUlnw3GKONFpop4CYJeRqN_fLtpytPl0xrNaobm-9sw5K0JgwyJeL2sV9DSjib1bg5T06t25SYsQUY1md4emCp_ALAwBoxUe6m6Y9CoURjQx1vZChmVyZ2/s320/blogger-image-1919449193.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian & Libby</td></tr>
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Ian is officially done with early education. His Pre-K days are now over and it's on to kindergarten in three short months. For those who don't know the whole story, Ian had a rough school year when he was 3. Let's just say many trips to the principals office that resulted in us removing him from school altogether! But this past year at University Christian Church Weekday School has been amazing. I don't know if it's the fact that it is a new school or if he's just a bit more mature (or as mature as you can be when you're 4) or if his current teachers are just top notch. Whatever the reason is, Ian has thrived at UCC WDS, and we are so proud of him and thankful to his two teachers who have helped him grow! Mrs. Stroud & Ms. Tribble<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHr4DM6bcuhsdcs0S4qNH-mA0ZmscQODAIv0o5wjeM36YcyU3h66Gf7POBNUBTcq8JkXcrcBheKG8pq3qWTtgX-2ZTzkMdgvF9c7WqLhCHjSA7-6S2rb1n9WhCmCy7EIKgaxLbqeHXZFp6/s640/blogger-image--301416693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHr4DM6bcuhsdcs0S4qNH-mA0ZmscQODAIv0o5wjeM36YcyU3h66Gf7POBNUBTcq8JkXcrcBheKG8pq3qWTtgX-2ZTzkMdgvF9c7WqLhCHjSA7-6S2rb1n9WhCmCy7EIKgaxLbqeHXZFp6/s320/blogger-image--301416693.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian & Mrs. Stroud</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3XaJYkiyNEiqJtmMvBerDhQNEJTpt-zvtXQ5OJH9tLjoHvf9EFaJd4iNWwUU4SpdIPkG5_2SafhRiNHcm_uBu70dUeN5DTNGKW4p0RQDnCivLVGeNXVVJB9r0yh_uUQ0UOkxrNPhMPIz/s640/blogger-image--2113871415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3XaJYkiyNEiqJtmMvBerDhQNEJTpt-zvtXQ5OJH9tLjoHvf9EFaJd4iNWwUU4SpdIPkG5_2SafhRiNHcm_uBu70dUeN5DTNGKW4p0RQDnCivLVGeNXVVJB9r0yh_uUQ0UOkxrNPhMPIz/s320/blogger-image--2113871415.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian & Ms. Tribble</td></tr>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-7173356141954593712012-03-12T19:34:00.000-05:002012-03-12T19:34:10.780-05:00Petsmart Visit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Evan's 1st grade class recently visited Petsmart to select new guppies and fish pond accessories for their refurbished classroom habitat (which is an in ground aquarium in their classroom). They have spent a lot of time preparing for the arrival of their class fish family. They had a marine expert (I forgot her exact title....Dr. Something or other) come out and talk to them about the types of fish that would do well in their environment and she tested the water over several weeks to decide the perfect time to introduce the fish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOm1mXEkxknTDL1gNrCDf-YfXex7zlJBv4lZj0NsIlTCL-Kx-jRiI6wWGMpPk7r69InwjdkwCB3K-ijKlOof38-VkHsKqG4niJ-3wy5K-MEwRZf6GvUPfFhO9FFuh7PeYEY1EcO-SHpBE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOm1mXEkxknTDL1gNrCDf-YfXex7zlJBv4lZj0NsIlTCL-Kx-jRiI6wWGMpPk7r69InwjdkwCB3K-ijKlOof38-VkHsKqG4niJ-3wy5K-MEwRZf6GvUPfFhO9FFuh7PeYEY1EcO-SHpBE/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the kids getting ready to pick out their new Classroom 11 friends. It was a really nice turn out of kids for an unusually cold Saturday morning for an optional school event. They really enjoy one another and Ms. Angela does a good job of making learning fun and applicable to life. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWtBs2wMizawxxon6l50l-tOg4a5Cmv4VFAhQuyrdAf3nBBlj8eby0Ty-ITRSeJMBehluKGZSXxaHVHwrrP8ZMH48wMz5gtSfyBrWehyphenhyphendHoIhcDrkHzfHJCXmWqPca6UKn7T9ZpONTik_/s1600/evan4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWtBs2wMizawxxon6l50l-tOg4a5Cmv4VFAhQuyrdAf3nBBlj8eby0Ty-ITRSeJMBehluKGZSXxaHVHwrrP8ZMH48wMz5gtSfyBrWehyphenhyphendHoIhcDrkHzfHJCXmWqPca6UKn7T9ZpONTik_/s320/evan4" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they adorable? Yes, Noah is dressed in his Harry Potter cape in front. and Evan is posing with Sophia...his kindergarten crush. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepYhL1ebTUlGMjeK2W0tdM0amAWfYT0eYJdV2dDllVf_ikx-uuN3nQunCy9srNTH_f9zybFe1w3Sd3ATh6VdPdAiI1YeFSYhCeMkmZ0m_BjXusBgIPB_nXY6EuzAvcQARY5HEw8Vq9T6j/s1600/Evan1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepYhL1ebTUlGMjeK2W0tdM0amAWfYT0eYJdV2dDllVf_ikx-uuN3nQunCy9srNTH_f9zybFe1w3Sd3ATh6VdPdAiI1YeFSYhCeMkmZ0m_BjXusBgIPB_nXY6EuzAvcQARY5HEw8Vq9T6j/s400/Evan1.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Angela truly made this a great learning experience. She made them earn all the money themselves, made them responsible for counting the money, deciding how much to spend and on what, she even let them take turns holding the money! The nice cashier in the background was patient as they tried to figure out how much money they needed for their purchase. </td></tr>
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I really love this school. It is an Applied Learning Center which basically means that they learn by applying classroom learning to real life situations. They are allowed to lead each other and themselves to learn about all subjects and how to apply what they've learned to real life. It is a school that's perfect for those who like to think outside the box. They have tons of parent resources as well as parent involvement. Did I mention that I love this school!?<br />
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<b></b><img align="left" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Custom%20Designs/signature-18.png" style="border: 0pt currentColor;" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-71761542220862553462012-02-25T16:11:00.002-06:002012-02-28T10:41:28.811-06:00For Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I guess Evan is trying to tell me something. I found this message written on the etch-a-sketch...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhLD_w2IWJstoh_1srKr2zqa9OnzZxqQVgnpLIY1ntvfD3U3ecMGnYFl4w0YE7oozn1VxmervSpPMV9zLuvzg4dM3pvyGHyQBglj1byJE9qJvDa_I3WdrqnEHwNfqJRE0ioWxYlUMygER/s640/blogger-image-1527778193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhLD_w2IWJstoh_1srKr2zqa9OnzZxqQVgnpLIY1ntvfD3U3ecMGnYFl4w0YE7oozn1VxmervSpPMV9zLuvzg4dM3pvyGHyQBglj1byJE9qJvDa_I3WdrqnEHwNfqJRE0ioWxYlUMygER/s400/blogger-image-1527778193.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-54517215088822075212012-02-15T09:51:00.002-06:002012-02-15T22:12:15.919-06:00New Addition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have a new addition to the Lofton family. Ladies and gentlemen please join me in welcoming <b>HAMMIE</b> <i>(a.k.a. Midnight Bucket)</i> to our home. This tiny little hamster is the cutest thing you ever did see. I don't know if I've mentioned that I married a citified boy who has never owned a pet in his life so when he came home and saw Hammy, this is how the conversation went:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Terrance:</b> "Why do we have a rat by our fireplace, and what are we supposed to do with him?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Shanita:</b> "Terrance, it's not a rat... it's a hamster and it's a pet so you play with him like any other pet."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Terrance</b>: "I'm not touching that thing. It looks like <a href="http://theties.blogspot.com/2010/11/squirrel-update.html" target="_blank">the rat we caught in the attic</a> minus the long tail."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Shanita</b>: "It may be a part of the rodent family but IT IS NOT A RAT!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Terrance</b>: "I'm still not touching it."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Shanita</b>: "Good grief city boy!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zwWL5z3Rvh53SBTB8v07XIt6wZ_gHKVOn2SfKFSqqeSvFFwPPSLZcMebzRbGLL0UehWCwLOdfA3k16C2j6nJU4c8fwwGRHu_MiXmkJtHywzEvNFn4dlJ3ZWIorhwdI2omtI3WuXNUg5_/s1600/P1040464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zwWL5z3Rvh53SBTB8v07XIt6wZ_gHKVOn2SfKFSqqeSvFFwPPSLZcMebzRbGLL0UehWCwLOdfA3k16C2j6nJU4c8fwwGRHu_MiXmkJtHywzEvNFn4dlJ3ZWIorhwdI2omtI3WuXNUg5_/s400/P1040464.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Please don't ask about the name. Midnight Bucket was his given name but the Loftons kept messing the name up and calling him Midnight Madness and Midnight Moon so Evan renamed him Hammy...I know, creative right! Isn't he cute?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSfAcEGCxEV8j8oIX9fk70tCKdbqU5TqWJmgVvq_gJoSahWOwk004h9q-fb5Gz01EaFn3AOjLXv5b-dBZyB0vIWwXnYDEdeC8EzrjGU3VzCCQ2lAv1rfG38j1DC9F8XZdGWDfM0eMLzuF/s1600/P1040463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSfAcEGCxEV8j8oIX9fk70tCKdbqU5TqWJmgVvq_gJoSahWOwk004h9q-fb5Gz01EaFn3AOjLXv5b-dBZyB0vIWwXnYDEdeC8EzrjGU3VzCCQ2lAv1rfG38j1DC9F8XZdGWDfM0eMLzuF/s400/P1040463.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My only complaint with Hammy is that he has his days and nights a bit mixed up. He sleeps all day and is awake all night running on his ferris wheel thingy and it is a bit annoying when you're trying to sleep. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13Ktw1SFL6kXYO9yyy_WZQR3_gBFFJRm1d47PDgAcOG-MI5TpxvVwI5sWqJdzz0Hpt4npa0A4lTOSaZ3UEIaDJ7ka17eN7iNqgFL2GqF-cqDXwd1FkF1r2Gv1AjTiSNNv6kcxMbPYMDd9/s1600/P1040462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13Ktw1SFL6kXYO9yyy_WZQR3_gBFFJRm1d47PDgAcOG-MI5TpxvVwI5sWqJdzz0Hpt4npa0A4lTOSaZ3UEIaDJ7ka17eN7iNqgFL2GqF-cqDXwd1FkF1r2Gv1AjTiSNNv6kcxMbPYMDd9/s400/P1040462.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan and Ian like to play with Hammy (unlike their dad) They are a bit rough but at least Hammy gets some kind of attention</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I was a little concerned at first that Hammy would not last long in our home. Evan has fed him skittles and filled his cage with treats. Ian put him in his exercise ball and started shaking him up like a soda can. Evan picked Hammy up and dropped him from three feet in the air when he scratched his hand with his nails and then placed his Nintendo DSi by his cage with the music playing (full blast) so he would wake up and play with him. Get my point... my boys are a bit rough. But I think they are finally getting used to having him around so maybe there's hope for Hammy!<br />
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img align="left" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Custom%20Designs/signature-18.png" style="border: 0pt none;" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-68345503168755856142012-02-07T18:25:00.000-06:002012-02-07T18:25:22.094-06:00I love you this much<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Words so sweet that you can't be angry that your son called you fat!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz6IAfOgzTlYsJiv7JEqLQzwIP4BsG5PfHNYSRtnf65Atd9ni6PBDJXcijiatvJbgJ5kfdXCjcjiWjQxy8LOSl8Yg8utbFB3kaqLL30l6yhf5vMJhUGlvUv1etjUedWYURVFnu64DW5Z_/s1600/P1040453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz6IAfOgzTlYsJiv7JEqLQzwIP4BsG5PfHNYSRtnf65Atd9ni6PBDJXcijiatvJbgJ5kfdXCjcjiWjQxy8LOSl8Yg8utbFB3kaqLL30l6yhf5vMJhUGlvUv1etjUedWYURVFnu64DW5Z_/s400/P1040453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mommy, my legs are this big.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2wUJd3U7X9BVYRmvM_QZtsxRVrt0Wz40bENIaUCzYI4RdhT2H8BNEJWXC1mjIOVRjp7OaeyUsfKlUzdVAajomYb-A4cNEvLh0NNnhZp3qu6PYjY-QY-Gz7XBpmtdK24BxDpqDam1vbz2/s1600/P1040452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2wUJd3U7X9BVYRmvM_QZtsxRVrt0Wz40bENIaUCzYI4RdhT2H8BNEJWXC1mjIOVRjp7OaeyUsfKlUzdVAajomYb-A4cNEvLh0NNnhZp3qu6PYjY-QY-Gz7XBpmtdK24BxDpqDam1vbz2/s400/P1040452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And your legs are <i>this </i>big!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WHj8KVWU1dkyoH8hq_f3svYcGmuyo1uL9fF7Zs0LnceXVZsjr3vTZ-9PLpJ6Wxz8S5L3dwZeMmEBXZZQID8fWppbGDQq31yF_SUC46AgVAnJf697AtxgSU6GTbX0Rn7EXeaHaYDO_u0S/s1600/P1040451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WHj8KVWU1dkyoH8hq_f3svYcGmuyo1uL9fF7Zs0LnceXVZsjr3vTZ-9PLpJ6Wxz8S5L3dwZeMmEBXZZQID8fWppbGDQq31yF_SUC46AgVAnJf697AtxgSU6GTbX0Rn7EXeaHaYDO_u0S/s400/P1040451.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">But I love you <b>THIS</b> much!!</div><br />
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This boy has a lot to learn about girls! <br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img align="left" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Custom%20Designs/signature-18.png" style="border: 0pt none;" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-76488897268605351682012-01-07T18:49:00.001-06:002012-01-08T22:37:01.101-06:00Broken LegsA conversation with Evan who was staring into space while riding in the car:<br />
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Me: "What are you thinking about Evan?"<br />
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Evan: "I was thinking about if I was in a tornado and broke both of my legs and ended up in a wheelchair. Then you'd have to carry me up the stairs and put me to bed cuz I couldn't walk."<br />
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Me: .... Looking at Terrance with a "seriously" look on my face. <br />
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Terrance: "It's ok sweetheart...he's normal."<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIyPo9_Osb4AAwGK-PAeESzMfG2JgxhEcaTzMIX8NWvQRNco9yV1HgT6sD-7lvDOgpCU_qb0rftl1TaPtoAP5cVu1UkP7bpzpEanJ8idWK8TareAyM9ZpT4Zcq5zij_YLFD-6o872A-bx/s640/blogger-image-1686679574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIyPo9_Osb4AAwGK-PAeESzMfG2JgxhEcaTzMIX8NWvQRNco9yV1HgT6sD-7lvDOgpCU_qb0rftl1TaPtoAP5cVu1UkP7bpzpEanJ8idWK8TareAyM9ZpT4Zcq5zij_YLFD-6o872A-bx/s640/blogger-image-1686679574.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-48422512779368898752012-01-05T15:16:00.002-06:002012-01-05T15:29:15.329-06:00You talk too much<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A conversation with Ian in the pick up line waiting for Evan:<br />
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Ian: "Mommy why are we waiting in line? I want to get <i>out</i> and wait on Evan."<br />
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Me: "I don't feel like socializing."<br />
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Ian: "What is socializing?"<br />
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Me: "Talking to other people."<br />
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Ian: "But mommy...you <i>always</i> talk a lot!"<br />
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Me: "touché!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_WFzpsld2jllKtJEUBdIBEq9AHHxV-xCcYbMh1w0cB03j8NATPpRKrs5sEMFkaC83ycrWZLGMU3Lxdm85qtJetmO7xXq_MFC5ehdVbOaqPStvp4JjfDz3s7ZoNhygMSbp35EzpmX6OgI/s640/blogger-image--506858251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_WFzpsld2jllKtJEUBdIBEq9AHHxV-xCcYbMh1w0cB03j8NATPpRKrs5sEMFkaC83ycrWZLGMU3Lxdm85qtJetmO7xXq_MFC5ehdVbOaqPStvp4JjfDz3s7ZoNhygMSbp35EzpmX6OgI/s400/blogger-image--506858251.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-49734681857111458162012-01-02T04:45:00.001-06:002012-01-02T04:45:42.082-06:00Happy New Year<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGNOFEcotrkwlqqSS-VQtlWZL6UwSOD-JJg3Tm7gSIXD_gjPXGav7JU5APsf71LX8ZpvzgxNWXHuzd8awOf2fxVg14Kq4X61zPMepJ7Y0NrRNrYowk6ui2OWPQPO_jGnSES5HtjHct0IJ/s640/blogger-image--1176821096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGNOFEcotrkwlqqSS-VQtlWZL6UwSOD-JJg3Tm7gSIXD_gjPXGav7JU5APsf71LX8ZpvzgxNWXHuzd8awOf2fxVg14Kq4X61zPMepJ7Y0NrRNrYowk6ui2OWPQPO_jGnSES5HtjHct0IJ/s640/blogger-image--1176821096.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-55543954817153085422011-12-22T12:07:00.000-06:002011-12-22T12:07:01.105-06:00Date Night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Terrance and I hardly ever go on dates. One reason is because I am usually working every weekend and Terrance gets home a bit too late during the week for us to really make that happen. The other obvious reason is because we have <strike>stragglers</strike> children and no family around to <strike>dump them off on</strike> help watch them. We joined a babysitting service but each time we use them we are guaranteed to pay them $60.00 which is a bit steep just for us to go have dinner. It gets kind of pricey to pay for childcare, dinner, and entertainment on a regular basis. I know we shouldn't put a price tag on the importance of bonding with your spouse but that old adage <i>'money doesn't grow on trees</i>' rings true! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well the other day our friend Karla helped us out and agreed to watch the boys for a couple of hours while we attended a church banquet. It was nice getting dressed up to enjoy a nice dinner complete with singing, door prizes and a message from none other than Terrance himself. I love my kids to bits but it is amazing how refreshing it is to have an evening away from them, if only for a few hours at a time, to enjoy some togetherness as a couple. Ahhhh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r552d8jnSq3GyOfmMfaas83ZHuKaQe9dhGX7WBgbZ5gsgv1qOQv-NiKTHDQKFrIIc7O9zvWRPBXrd2nypTThE1MXeHq5FTf8GOB72363C9VZtWHDfh1-NJNSDn1BHnAc5C9qsp3LIpDY/s1600/P1040293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r552d8jnSq3GyOfmMfaas83ZHuKaQe9dhGX7WBgbZ5gsgv1qOQv-NiKTHDQKFrIIc7O9zvWRPBXrd2nypTThE1MXeHq5FTf8GOB72363C9VZtWHDfh1-NJNSDn1BHnAc5C9qsp3LIpDY/s400/P1040293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Couples Ministry Christmas Banquet</div><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img align="left" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Custom%20Designs/signature-18.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0pt; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0pt; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0pt; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0pt;" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-11520052774767100592011-12-21T08:48:00.000-06:002011-12-21T08:48:10.519-06:00Semi Homemade Gifts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have been channeling my inner Martha Stewart this past week. I've decided that I am a big fan of homemade gifts. Don't get me wrong any gift is a good gift but it really says something when someone goes out of their way to make you something with their own hands.<br />
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Well, I'm not quite to a point where I can make homemade gifts but I was able to assemble <i>pseudo homemade</i> teacher gifts and get well soon gifts for the boys' teachers and for a friend who is convalescing after a major surgery with complications. I will admit that it would have been much easier to pick out a bunch of gift cards, but I was determined to make these gifts special. I have not one artistic bone in my body but it felt good to think outside the box for a gift that would be useful and also put a smile on the recipients faces. So I present to you my out of the box gifts.... Smores Gift Packs!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnYznFJDOyMOjRjVC720c_xByjJJpmcKJLVvR2e66kNZTPO4Pt09e-5XrYoCxMIosRhujfJTQ9_IcY0qTXfxBE92hRtFpxfRs_N_xogwYVG_3C4uxoomT-Pgw7_A4PECRK7iIU5B6xY7M/s1600/Picnik+collage3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnYznFJDOyMOjRjVC720c_xByjJJpmcKJLVvR2e66kNZTPO4Pt09e-5XrYoCxMIosRhujfJTQ9_IcY0qTXfxBE92hRtFpxfRs_N_xogwYVG_3C4uxoomT-Pgw7_A4PECRK7iIU5B6xY7M/s640/Picnik+collage3" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">These little gift packs come complete with graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars (duh!) all wrapped in a pretty little bow! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqytbqac7ju7CyLQAa2BU2aNBxdPf2A8o9DebEI4-T4vOgAMG25mPtaV-uLHapgkYdvV9z8w2juejFwbc9M3_N2nkf3sY9ey04DM8ZdDzfi4YARmaqd3GLGpFALYGnpRjYv4Lsw3nKh23w/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqytbqac7ju7CyLQAa2BU2aNBxdPf2A8o9DebEI4-T4vOgAMG25mPtaV-uLHapgkYdvV9z8w2juejFwbc9M3_N2nkf3sY9ey04DM8ZdDzfi4YARmaqd3GLGpFALYGnpRjYv4Lsw3nKh23w/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We even made homemade cards and envelopes for all the recipients. My favorite part was having the boys tell me what they love about each of their teachers. I even wrote a special message for my friend to try and put a smile on her face.</span></div><br />
It feels good to do something special for the people you are grateful for in life! <br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img align="left" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Custom%20Designs/signature-18.png" style="border: 0pt none;" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-46981936732747949302011-12-21T00:06:00.000-06:002011-12-21T00:06:42.891-06:00Out of the mouths of babes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClUG5JP-XmByTDBCPv0mxvnTwsak5SMGavuvC9atmeP4BwZ-Ko9M2NnX7EhNK6sSdj0diURPrRK_Mo7Zlan9L6US_ea_zqAqCNJveV41nyOI9WjZGSMRpzvY7SJcvMK9birMwv5K4av6z/s1600/P1040327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClUG5JP-XmByTDBCPv0mxvnTwsak5SMGavuvC9atmeP4BwZ-Ko9M2NnX7EhNK6sSdj0diURPrRK_Mo7Zlan9L6US_ea_zqAqCNJveV41nyOI9WjZGSMRpzvY7SJcvMK9birMwv5K4av6z/s400/P1040327.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Okay, a <a href="http://bergmansbruisers.blogspot.com/2011/12/interview-with-almost-6-year-old.html">friend of mine</a> did a question and answer session with her 6yr old and I thought the answers were hilarious. I decided to <strike>steal</strike> copy her idea and ask my boys the same questions just to see if I could get a glimpse into their minds. Some of the questions confused Ian a little bit...but hey, he's four!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBGqXLxPfPNeFE4ssBbb50h7SvXCPPwt6iGHj9AJVLVZr4VQxtawrXQ_4s0APhGQGJJG1U8muTPBBUb4MMt8z3u6HT4sSiPhn1TWGmRr37aYB-3mFnmMHDxJqA0rqvDQupePkVE-RD3D4/s1600/P1040216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBGqXLxPfPNeFE4ssBbb50h7SvXCPPwt6iGHj9AJVLVZr4VQxtawrXQ_4s0APhGQGJJG1U8muTPBBUb4MMt8z3u6HT4sSiPhn1TWGmRr37aYB-3mFnmMHDxJqA0rqvDQupePkVE-RD3D4/s320/P1040216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Ian</b>:<br />
1. How would you describe yourself?<i> <span style="color: blue;">I don't know</span>.</i>(OK, that was a tough one)<br />
2. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? <i><span style="color: blue;">A lion because I like lions.</span></i>(what a manly animal!)<br />
3. What would be the ideal allowance? And how would you use it? <i><span style="color: blue;">A lot of money and I would keep it in a safe place</span></i>.(hmmm)<br />
4. What's the grossest thing you can think of? <span style="color: blue;"><i>Watermelon because it's sticky feeling</i></span>.(he loves watermelon so I'm not sure why it's so gross now)<br />
5. What do you want to be when you grow up? <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">A cop so I can get people in trouble. </span>(wow)<br />
6. What do you think makes a person good-looking? <i><span style="color: blue;">Makeup and soft, long hair</span></i>.(I guess I'm not good looking)<br />
7. What makes you happy? <span style="color: blue;"><i>Video games and pasta</i></span>. (we have a small video game addiction)<br />
8. What's your favorite thing to do with friends? <span style="color: blue;"><i>Play video games.</i></span> (see...told ya!)<br />
9. Do you want to have kids when you grow up? <i><span style="color: blue;">Yes...three. Two girls named Sweetie and Deanna and one boy named Knuckles.</span></i> (where does he get this stuff)<br />
10.Name two things we should do as a family. <span style="color: blue;"><i>Play together and have a date. </i></span>(what do you know about dates?)<br />
11. What's the nicest thing you've done for someone? <span style="color: blue;"><i>Give them a present like Santa gives presents.</i></span>(really?)<br />
12. What's one thing you would like to tell your parents? <span style="color: blue;"><i>Happy Birthday</i></span>. (okaaayy)<br />
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<b>Evan</b><br />
1. How would you describe yourself? <i style="color: blue;">A boy with short hair and brown eyes. </i>(that pretty much sums it up)<br />
2. If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why? <i style="color: blue;">A monkey because he has a funny looking tail. </i>(wasn't expecting that)<br />
3. What would be the ideal allowance? And how would you use it? <i style="color: blue;">50 cents so I can buy me a video game and a Nintendo 3DS. </i>(let's rethink that)<br />
4. What's the grossest thing you can think of? <i style="color: blue;">Spiders because they bite and are poisonous. </i>(this is true)<br />
5. What do you want to be when you grow up? <i style="color: blue;">A firefighter because I want to help people be protected from fires. </i>(that's pretty much what firefighters do)<br />
6. What do you think makes a person good-looking? <i style="color: blue;">Straight, long hair and earrings with a dress.(</i>Ok, what's with the long hair business?)<br />
7. What<i style="color: blue;"> </i>makes you happy? <i style="color: blue;">Video games that have Mario & Luigi (</i>Told you we have a video game obsession)<br />
8. What's your favorite thing to do with friends? <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Play hop scotch. </span>(really?)<br />
9. Do you want to have kids when you grow up? <i style="color: blue;">Yes, Two girls named Peach & Daisy and two boys named Mario & Luigi.</i>(These are all names of characters on video games...told ya we have issues)<br />
10. Name two things we should do on the weekend as a family? <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Open our gifts on Christmas Eve and have a slumber party. </span>(Sounds like fun, maybe we'll try it)<br />
11. What's the nicest thing you've done for someone? <i style="color: blue;">Help them feel better by playing with them when nobody else would. </i>(atta boy!)<br />
12. What's one thing you would like to tell your parents? <i style="color: blue;">Mommy, you look pretty and daddy, you look handsome.</i> (Awwww)<br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Custom%20Designs/signature-18.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0pt; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0pt; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0pt; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0pt;" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-85435374636143506862011-12-06T15:46:00.002-06:002011-12-06T17:18:03.152-06:00Black Eye<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A couple of boys laughing, yelling and having fun while sliding down a slide resulted in this...<br />
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<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/06/2326.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/06/s_2326.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br />
All of a sudden, I hear screaming and see tears rolling down Evan's cheeks. Apparently he and Ian crashed heads at the bottom of the slide. Kinda looks like he has on eye shadow doesn't it!? <br />
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<i>(The top left picture was how it looked immediately after contact and the other three are from the next morning.)</i><br />
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With Love,<br />
Shanita</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-53611011313134336152011-11-30T20:40:00.001-06:002011-11-30T20:40:57.556-06:00My Christmas List<p>I know that the five or so of you who read my blog could care less about what I want for Christmas but since this is my platform…I’m gonna tell you anyway.  That’s the beauty of having your own blog.  Of course I’ve been compiling this list for quite some time.  It’s not really a Christmas list per say.  Think of it more as a list of things I need and/or want that just happen to be posted on this blog around Christmas time.  There.  That sounds better.  So sit back and enjoy </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004J3V90Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER" target="_blank">Canon EOS Rebel t3i Camera</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tFdD0ruvhgo/TtbpAhlvKgI/AAAAAAAABjQ/6L_Ojdi2_Yc/s1600-h/canon%252520rebel%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="canon rebel" border="0" alt="canon rebel" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8YedpS0A87eg_8_Zu9hlhnEzzA6cY03j9I8DNuOwvTChOSXdcQWpT-ZIR4uMY-uxN-8HrXaPEsG6HjmGJVUGijfg-dKoRpjctmK3ZnjtJWGFfxIPu3Sfooia_tK2Gw9YqvdF-MpqZSCs/?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a></p> <p>Let’s face it, most people don’t read the words on my blog… they just look at the pictures.  You know what they say….a picture is worth a thousand words!  Anyway, I usually only take pictures with my iPhone and the quality of those pictures is shady at best.  For special occasions I may whip out my 12 megapixel Lumix camera but it still doesn’t take the best of pictures so I want an awesome camera.  And this is it. Many of the blogs I stalk speak very highly of this camera so I thought I should have one of my very own!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CWHZP4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_8?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER" target="_blank">Apple MacBook Air Laptop</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gaAFNE5OMMc/TtbpCHPWOaI/AAAAAAAABjg/NgBv9OGSW5I/s1600-h/macbook%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="macbook" border="0" alt="macbook" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYySFmn4O5mrg-npibbmef8odry8p-D8qYv8h4M3F1ro_pE1Pq5zjrUZevi0_yPuZSmoSGzILiGvihNMzVykT7rb4FxaYk21_TlIKiQDWSyZaH0ubJiLbTXpR1mMGq8RQ0lW1ntUcB74_R/?imgmax=800" width="340" height="340" /></a></p> <p>I am convinced that the computer industry is a racket!  I need a new laptop at least every two years.  System crash, technology updates, you run out of storage, or your laptop b v screen falls off because your kid drops it on the ground….repeatedly.  So since I am a bit in love with Apple products at the moment, I only think it’s fitting to upgrade to this new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CWHZP4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_8?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER" target="_blank">Apple MacBook Air Laptop.</a>  I could go on about all the cool features but I’m sure you don’t care, just know that I want it….BAD!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DV4234/ref=ox_sc_act_title_9?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER" target="_blank">Eye Fi Connect Wireless Memory Card</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2_vTPZCnmUQ/TtbpD5c2iAI/AAAAAAAABjw/zgmbEHB-Z7k/s1600-h/61aYcDjt1UL._AA1020_%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="61aYcDjt1UL._AA1020_" border="0" alt="61aYcDjt1UL._AA1020_" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGblkDCKcR0ghLvaM2abHD8kztL_LDdkKzeoqdSvbdViy-B0EzUM1y9yxIeDlr7L-X7Fg4sLYq5FHJCo25MNq1wDcZP5cdSjxWfcHlh85-QRChCKhYWbmuqr_h3UGbCltCthbIw8uerlzv/?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a></p> <p>This has been on my Christmas List for the past two years and I haven’t gotten it!  That is unfortunate because this memory card is AWESOME!  It wirelessly downloads your pictures from your camera to your computer or smart phone or even your tablet and places them in organized, dated folders without having to even remove the memory card from your camera.   Can you say AMAZING!  I recently loss a memory card with a year of pictures on it including Evan’s 7th birthday pictures and I was bummed.  With this bad boy, all you have to do is be in close proximity to your computer, push a button and your pictures are there!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OQ9FGU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?ie=UTF8&m=A3FDU7GWT0KC6J" target="_blank">Front Load Washer & Dryer</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RJbdzS72wfg/TtbpE7rI0cI/AAAAAAAABkA/29Fhsa0tgRk/s1600-h/51Gcgk3yVqL._SS500_%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="51Gcgk3yVqL._SS500_" border="0" alt="51Gcgk3yVqL._SS500_" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F3XP8enxuOA/TtbpFMYqB7I/AAAAAAAABkI/3aVzZoCNRsw/51Gcgk3yVqL._SS500__thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a></p> <p>We’ve owned our current washer and dryer for 10+ years and it’s time to say goodbye.  The dryer still works fine but the washer won’t spin unless it’s manipulated by using your finger to hold down the spin thingy or by strategically placing a paper clip in there to hold it down on it’s own.  It’s frustrating to say the least.  I would really be OK with just buying a new washer but you can’t have this fancy  red front load washing machine with a white top load dryer as it’s companion.  Have a little class!!  I can negotiate on the brand a bit.  But I do like bells and whistles so it still has to do cool stuff!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451555946/ref=ox_sc_act_title_10?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER" target="_blank">Secrets To A Healthy Metabolism by Maria Emmerich</a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3a7L3MJF3aWPThb-1qu8jpoYnt0vSBjQOWxvZKPxlNIaSYzw3IBQqjrPsFzWT6sHbNSzqzjMBYDNUE79ysi6BV_Z0CG_sGkQBXHtr2q12nyGGQ28foUEYFdcuY9xspGHVb7qv6m6Ljbe/s1600-h/41DdpmjKE5L._SS500_%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="41DdpmjKE5L._SS500_" border="0" alt="41DdpmjKE5L._SS500_" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yu5G82TLUiI/TtbpGNDy5zI/AAAAAAAABkY/eET38MWYuBI/41DdpmjKE5L._SS500__thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a></p> <p>Let’s face it, I’m not getting any younger and my metabolism is starting to slow down to a snails pace and my hips are living proof.  While blog stalking, I came across a blog called <a href="http://thislunchrox.com/" target="_blank">This Lunch Rox</a>.  It’s all about healthy lunches for your kids, but the author of the blog mentioned how this book changed her life.  Her words…not mine.  She claimed that the book helped her realize (in simple terms) how the choices you make in your food affect a lot more than your waist line.  Of course I know all of this but she claims that the author breaks it down in words that even a dummy would understand.  Not that I’m a dummy or anything but my eyes do glaze over when reading medical jargon.  I bet you’re wondering how I survived nursing school huh?!  Let’s just say I survived by the grace of God and leave it at that!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Voyager-Bluetooth-Headset-Packaging/dp/B001DETCUG/ref=sr_1_3?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1322697927&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Bluetooth Headset</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZwRcHfUSE5I/TtbpGsxudxI/AAAAAAAABkg/n_FvYATsjug/s1600-h/51cPkJJTZiL._SL500_AA300_%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="51cPkJJTZiL._SL500_AA300_" border="0" alt="51cPkJJTZiL._SL500_AA300_" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EBfhtrAN4n0/TtbpHIX9AiI/AAAAAAAABko/dlExLhXJwSM/51cPkJJTZiL._SL500_AA300__thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a></p> <p>It’s 2011.  I should not have to take my hands off the wheel to answer my cell phone.  It’s just not a wise thing to do!  That being said… I need a wireless headset to make that happen.  Once again, I’m not picky about the brand.  This Plantronics Voyager headset looks cool and it’s affordable thus it’s on my list.</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rachael-Ray-Anodized-Nonstick-10-Piece/dp/B000HTW7NW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1322698434&sr=8-7" target="_blank">Rachel Ray Cookware</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mFzI9wc8jos/TtbpHXqUoOI/AAAAAAAABkw/ENXyV6-1QPM/s1600-h/41Czzu3lNOL._SS500_%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="41Czzu3lNOL._SS500_" border="0" alt="41Czzu3lNOL._SS500_" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJguucEbARIu1qOKTYoUMZGzgixa5vDp-Oe58gTvO1LTZZRrYaCtJZBUwx-cezO766-F4jGkgIkgm5AmpVZ7evUIZ-Q2spCryMD24vz4FLAXyP0dRWHG9IJaVgUo9HzldMoqZ58HSMTFU2/?imgmax=800" width="340" height="340" /></a></p> <p>When the Teflon non stick coating peels off of your skillet and lands in your eggs….it’s time for new cookware!</p> <p><a href="http://daireds.com/spa-pangea" target="_blank">Daired’s Spa Package</a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm_CY_Pnv2RiCkE5zh51nCczW0fprGxQxL09KA0GS-LLlrXYt4MVMg8gebLdiK_THJQI9IE9yEtLAKOMG5QBjNrM8qkVJgXzJpbIFPBDibw2X51o3S-RUJtmSSzZnK0pHjiIfdM6uaH8-/s1600-h/images%252520%2525285%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="images (5)" border="0" alt="images (5)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Dpa2Xlj9-5LMff27B2JYZ-LzV7JXOlT9Vdmf3w50WzFo1toTHBmflg2F4TUjGb0u70ZrdkCiwJM1ABWoiGvqJnC7KubTxAEJCEhhqHxwFKHpOvMC9KraF6fJPAQ28d94rd-jCn9JkTS5/?imgmax=800" width="340" height="251" /></a></p> <p>I’m surrounded by all things boy all day everyday and sometimes I just want to feel pretty plus I get stressed  out like 90% of the U.S. Population.  A day at the spa would cure me of my stress and lack of prettiness.  </p> <p><a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/shop/shop.tmpl?cm_mmc=Google-_-ENG_ENG%7cMAC%7cTM%7cExact%7cPC-_-TM%7cX%7cX%7cX%7cX%7cHP%7cOK-_-mac%20makeup" target="_blank">MAC makeup gift certificate</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mxFQ6O7RSZo/TtbpJVVGBoI/AAAAAAAABlQ/Xqi6sAVNVMs/s1600-h/mac-cosmetics-logo%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="mac-cosmetics-logo" border="0" alt="mac-cosmetics-logo" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q2XZm-OnOcU/TtbpJ1tHNtI/AAAAAAAABlU/2-xbpoIml6g/mac-cosmetics-logo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Going with the general theme that I don’t feel pretty…I need new cosmetics.  I currently have lip gloss, mascara and eye liner,  and a compact of old crusty eye shadow that should have been trashed years ago.  It’s time to add some color to my life.  Live life on the edge!  </p> <p><font color="#4f81bd">A New Wardrobe</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YBke_KMivDI/TtbpKo3LXJI/AAAAAAAABlg/4uRgiAPB5S0/s1600-h/images%252520%2525286%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="images (6)" border="0" alt="images (6)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ptJkd-jzHjY/TtbpK_xaNMI/AAAAAAAABlo/NDgkwiXY9jc/images%252520%2525286%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="191" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-19qGJdW8gv8/TtbpLvljOmI/AAAAAAAABlw/7POlNW3W-Y4/s1600-h/dpan792l%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="dpan792l" border="0" alt="dpan792l" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0stP3-d5fC0/TtbpML-Z3iI/AAAAAAAABl4/pot6bwu9q1k/dpan792l_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="379" /></a></p> <p>Yes, I’m still on the whole “I don’t feel pretty” theme.  My closet is a mix of a bunch of stuff I bought on sale at one time or another.  No real defined style and definitely no high end pieces.  I’m all for a bargain but some stuff should be a splurge like a good pair of jeans, shoes, a little black dress, etc.  (The last little black dress I owned was purchased for me by my Mother In Law for my college graduation….11 years ago!}  Not to mention the fact that I have no accessories other than a couple pair of every day earrings and necklaces.  It’s time to step it up!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/SentrySafe-H2300-Fire-Safe-Waterproof-Silver/dp/B000LJOX94/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322699652&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Fire & Water Proof Safe</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m8SdFBK6I9A/TtbpNSt4UBI/AAAAAAAABmA/B-5aUt7IAkk/s1600-h/91z7iRZnXQL._AA1500_%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="91z7iRZnXQL._AA1500_" border="0" alt="91z7iRZnXQL._AA1500_" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r6r2p2PneDM/TtbpN6Mw-iI/AAAAAAAABmI/uaBusCEF12U/91z7iRZnXQL._AA1500__thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="340" /></a></p> <p>What if our house caught on fire and we loss all things important to us that would be difficult and/or impossible to replace.  This safe would hold passports, birth certificates, wills, and a thumb drive filled with important files and pictures and such.  Now that’s forward thinking!</p> <p>Well, there you have it folks.  A list of all the things I want and/or need this holiday season.  Receiving these items would make me very happy! *Hint*Hint*</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330846802553598548.post-19442477119815950392011-11-25T04:06:00.003-06:002011-11-25T17:53:28.676-06:00Happy ThanksgivingI have so much to be thankful for. God has blessed me in so many ways and my heart is so full! I'm in a good place and I'm enjoying it! I just wanted to share some of our turkey day happenings with you all! <br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/25/241.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/25/s_241.jpg' border='0' width='310' height='414' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Ok. Please let the record show that I am not in any way responsible for this pose! Seriously, a hand on the hip! Come on! All I said was <i>"Evan, smile!"</i> and this is what I got! This is after his Thanksgiving play at school. He was so proud of his turkey hat. <br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/25/242.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/25/s_242.jpg' border='0' width='310' height='381' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Ian will not be outdone! I love the hat that he made in school. It says <b>"Ian The Turkey!"</b> How appropriate! Look at the two turkey legs jutting off of the side.... LOL!<br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/25/244.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/25/s_244.jpg' border='0' width='310' height='414' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
My boys are soooo thankful for eachother! Yep, I raised 'em right. Please ignore the bear hug grip that Ian has on Evan. He's even gritting his teeth, he's squeezing so hard. <br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/25/246.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/25/s_246.jpg' border='0' width='310' height='414' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
This is Evan's turkey that he made in class. Each turkey feather lists something that he's thankful for. His list includes: <b>Food & Water, Compassion, My Talent, Shelter & Love. Yep, that's my boy!</b><br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/25/247.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/25/s_247.jpg' border='0' width='381' height='284' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
I know this picture is hard to see but it's Ian's list of things that he's thankful for. It says: <b>"Ian is thankful for Mom, Dad, and for the summer because he gets to go to his grandmas house!</b> Sorry Evan, but you didn't make the cut! I'm sure it was just an oversight on Ian's part. It has nothing to do with how you hog the Wii or try and steal waffles off of his plate in the mornings. <br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/25/248.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/25/s_248.jpg' border='0' width='310' height='414' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
And I'd like to present you with our Thanksgiving spread prepared by Terrance with only a little help from Honey Baked Ham. Our menu: ham, green bean bundles, homemade rolls, Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, corn bread dressing & yams. For dessert: pumpkin pie & peach cobbler. We also had deviled eggs and a green salad that we were too stuffed to touch. It was way too much food for our family of four! I had to work Thanksgiving night so I was allowed to sit and relax while dinner was prepared. Ok, Ok, I'll admit that I probably would have relaxed even if I didn't have to work. I did spend a lot of time cleaning up after Terrance and the boys.... That has to count for something! <br />
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Unfortunately, I did have to say farewell to a good friend who up and shipped herself and her family to South Carolina. <i>(I'm not bitter...not at all)</i> I've known that this day was coming for some months but I'm still surprised at how bummed I was that they left. We all know that I am not an emotional person but there were some tears shed and i felt a little blue! Even Terrance was in on the hug/tear fest. Of course he was also the voice of reason as he stated, <b>"She's just moving...and now we have another vacation destination."</b> Men! Of course I know that but can I just grieve for a minute...geez!<br />
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With Love,<br />
ShanitaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1