tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63192309121118979382024-02-20T20:03:39.337-06:00Hello You BooksAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.comBlogger517125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-25485632890567548012013-02-15T00:48:00.002-06:002013-02-15T10:08:42.996-06:00December Daily 2012 :: Final AlbumI noticed last week that Adoramapix was having a Valentine's Day sale on their 8x8 photo books. I kept thinking it would be nice to finish my December Daily book and send it off to print. Then Sean got sick with a nasty virus. Then it turned into pneumonia. My days slipped away.<br />
<br />
Today, Valentine's Day, I started to work on it again, and then became determined the finish it before midnight. Please tell me I'm not the only one to do things like this?<br />
<br />
I finish it and upload it to Adoramapix. Place it in my cart. Enter the coupon code.<br />
<br />
Not valid.<br />
<br />
Huh?<br />
<br />
So I check back on their Facebook page and find out it's only for 14 page books.<br />
<br />
Ugh.<br />
<br />
So, here it is in all its digital glory for your viewing pleasure. Meanwhile, it will be sitting in my cart until they go on sale. For real.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
I love looking back at photos of Sean. Time flies.<br />
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 425px;">
<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2BaNGTNyzYstI&eid=115">Click here to view this photo book larger</a><div style="margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 425px;">
Shutterfly offers exclusive <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">photobook layouts</a> so you can make your book just the way you want.</div>
<img border="0" height="1" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=photobook&c2=blogger" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: currentColor; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" width="1" /><br /></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-89520272559656630102013-01-09T19:03:00.001-06:002013-01-09T19:03:28.259-06:00A Year in Our Life :: 2012 AlbumI really wish I could be disciplined enough to do <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/">Project Life</a>... but I'm staring at a binder album for 2011 that's about 40% complete. One of these days I'm going to finish it. My dear husband says our one little word for 2013 needs to be "finish"... and I can't argue.<br />
<br />
So when I received a couple of Shutterfly coupons -- one for a free 20-page 8x8 photo book and another for $20 off my order, I decided to take the plunge and use the Project Life templates on Shutterfly to create a 2012 family album. I created this album in about one week, working on it a little bit every day.<br />
<br />
Easy peasy. and I love it.<br />
<br />
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 425px;">
<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2BaNGTNyzYsrQ&eid=118">Click here to view this photo book larger</a><div style="margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 425px;">
You'll love award-winning <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">Shutterfly photo books</a>. Start your own today.</div>
<br /></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-63921692746639473942013-01-01T14:55:00.000-06:002013-01-01T14:57:21.923-06:00Top 12 from 2012My top 12 favorite photos from 2012... can you guess who my favorite subject is?<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="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8334040373/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1757_edited-1 by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1757_edited-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8498/8334040373_ba613d4b26.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean's 4th Birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8334043107/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_2026_edited-1 by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2026_edited-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8334043107_ba72cfc272.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8334058703/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Valentines Day by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="Valentines Day" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8504/8334058703_986b041bfb.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not exactly one photo... but still love this series!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8334043345/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_2135_edited by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2135_edited" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8334043345_7a811fbed4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulips, my favorite flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8335116902/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="HipeliusFamily_2 by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="HipeliusFamily_2" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8335116902_b3524c8402.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Portrait for Adoption Profile</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8334066667/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_2855 by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2855" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8334066667_23eed8c7d8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wisconsin Dells</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8335164808/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_3262 by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3262" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8335164808_3e61448198.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staycation, Downtown Chicago</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8334068293/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_3478 by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8334068293_8caa0af7b2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kohl's Children's Museum</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8335125772/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_4045_edited by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4045_edited" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8335125772_b22c9c6e65.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach at Three Oaks Recreation Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8334068621/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Teddy2_web by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="Teddy2_web" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8334068621_f5ee37f247.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found Teddy!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8334069895/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="42771520395 by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="42771520395" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8492/8334069895_77d6948eb3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disney World... nope, I didn't take this one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55951426@N07/8327085458/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Mesmerized! by amyhip, on Flickr"><img alt="Mesmerized!" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8327085458_ea3380ef34.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning... mesmerized by the nabi tablet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-41588681829374910172012-12-23T13:57:00.001-06:002012-12-23T13:57:22.901-06:00The Many Adventures of Jingle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meet Jingle. He's our elf on the shelf. Santa told us that Jingle is fairly young for an elf, and is still learning to use his magic. This means he got himself into some mischief throughout the month. He has one more night, and then he'll travel back to the North Pole with Santa until next December. Sean will definitely miss him.<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/AVvXsEj17QwGQKfnTJVTSpGoMLMMcFq4aZPEY8WyMIvPsrXi4qdUszzORwaHMgWT1RssjHXYHlOPh-UuVk-HFv2vIbUMY5J-JVuG6HW8e2PWkPcT2QcrtWoKCZTUkSlzenu1xjIw2D01rIKfijo/s1600/1212012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17QwGQKfnTJVTSpGoMLMMcFq4aZPEY8WyMIvPsrXi4qdUszzORwaHMgWT1RssjHXYHlOPh-UuVk-HFv2vIbUMY5J-JVuG6HW8e2PWkPcT2QcrtWoKCZTUkSlzenu1xjIw2D01rIKfijo/s400/1212012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jingle arrives on December 1</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL42-jhr7FG08JvLj3HM1nHPnDPf8PBXWV2kI6W4tHEgXcXW5oSCypWGI_AxOKMPosjChwW7vFuoBUUPM461N5oM4yCzqKFBBcA-ojV7O-LMHjOMFVxo5tNHz3ary10wbbUjp7B0_WvWs/s1600/1222012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL42-jhr7FG08JvLj3HM1nHPnDPf8PBXWV2kI6W4tHEgXcXW5oSCypWGI_AxOKMPosjChwW7vFuoBUUPM461N5oM4yCzqKFBBcA-ojV7O-LMHjOMFVxo5tNHz3ary10wbbUjp7B0_WvWs/s400/1222012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making sugar angels on the countertop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx73DefINJzZ-4HgdselrP0Eyo3iQBt-mWvhlO1i068e5Hot2tN9H4BMfIAaPTARarpPi1C87tcnCr5sDfPnVxJEYWI2q-0q57Il2R0bTHw8gDXf_ot8WlD6ki1NQpp5lbwUp2Ovdt2Uw/s1600/1232012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx73DefINJzZ-4HgdselrP0Eyo3iQBt-mWvhlO1i068e5Hot2tN9H4BMfIAaPTARarpPi1C87tcnCr5sDfPnVxJEYWI2q-0q57Il2R0bTHw8gDXf_ot8WlD6ki1NQpp5lbwUp2Ovdt2Uw/s400/1232012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bet you can't find me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1rWWGMq4-BGJ8WzWHf1tFkeimWYHW7_jSjW3ZIYrEhpl1ezZQ0jTKnqgBrgN0MWjFjPZBFGhTDjEVlVcCBILxB0xjoLHSC-TTxN0RvxzxI1dhdOrBCkJJKBnnhC5XWK8mZbNHMUj1jg/s1600/1242012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1rWWGMq4-BGJ8WzWHf1tFkeimWYHW7_jSjW3ZIYrEhpl1ezZQ0jTKnqgBrgN0MWjFjPZBFGhTDjEVlVcCBILxB0xjoLHSC-TTxN0RvxzxI1dhdOrBCkJJKBnnhC5XWK8mZbNHMUj1jg/s400/1242012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milk should be green!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSHyiWj3XYslQO3wwW69cBNvhmlOZX06D9l0uboOlts2yvhvd1IzYKNJOeabuu_MwYg8Kr-xHPjCGEIGu-Z14y4NQTQOikFKGa7bvxKj6D3KHxWYdy4lwk7pEirn_YWqMMCVnV4vw3rc/s1600/1262012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSHyiWj3XYslQO3wwW69cBNvhmlOZX06D9l0uboOlts2yvhvd1IzYKNJOeabuu_MwYg8Kr-xHPjCGEIGu-Z14y4NQTQOikFKGa7bvxKj6D3KHxWYdy4lwk7pEirn_YWqMMCVnV4vw3rc/s400/1262012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jingle even joined us on vacation in Disney World... the first night he took a marshmallow bath.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMubvCT1LLSPqMzH9Ax6wWqeTbfPHwfJ9s5gxQUcrF6ITPfkZzLzxsML4-N_76cK4-YQAskfPFmDwWyRQEZOKFjzmQpG0ZCn_2m13DelDDR5jx0ddWbwWc5ILJJAJGlpBTvrWIi-yCbM/s1600/1272012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMubvCT1LLSPqMzH9Ax6wWqeTbfPHwfJ9s5gxQUcrF6ITPfkZzLzxsML4-N_76cK4-YQAskfPFmDwWyRQEZOKFjzmQpG0ZCn_2m13DelDDR5jx0ddWbwWc5ILJJAJGlpBTvrWIi-yCbM/s400/1272012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second night he attempted to order room service</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqqTCLH1oPDWM7V_F2HVtYly2Khcdsug7RKoXCtiEDTTh7jxe3sLj_rcwndFSbyq5J2rxRdMtIuwL5Al7mSQTSVx6nKjQ_SOEG6FFhNK_IcL2c-zlds94W0ErMA8DgBWOYIINiQa8Fcw/s1600/1282012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqqTCLH1oPDWM7V_F2HVtYly2Khcdsug7RKoXCtiEDTTh7jxe3sLj_rcwndFSbyq5J2rxRdMtIuwL5Al7mSQTSVx6nKjQ_SOEG6FFhNK_IcL2c-zlds94W0ErMA8DgBWOYIINiQa8Fcw/s400/1282012.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping in touch with Santa</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYqHwaNcTk9PmZ_YVck3P5UyK7zydUvA1_vo-7xoDa5W5paHMPFg73Qe7HJasLb5-M9IpjrbetIIxaSdWoOx4xJA9Ek_x2msDZLXyDHzGR2k19zBASrSEe1_j2PH9k0JhsRuv8apFPvo/s1600/1292012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYqHwaNcTk9PmZ_YVck3P5UyK7zydUvA1_vo-7xoDa5W5paHMPFg73Qe7HJasLb5-M9IpjrbetIIxaSdWoOx4xJA9Ek_x2msDZLXyDHzGR2k19zBASrSEe1_j2PH9k0JhsRuv8apFPvo/s400/1292012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spa Day</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo7MSWuqinIQ1zeE6qQjQgv-IJGrx4gTIfeNf4P70mJzM3ZoW3n5UVG9rF35lyNkBY-mY_b46F_N80A9AthpraBy4kD8BKT-Sol85H39UhvF4VcYkO4L_QtpEwkN9g7IzPdzGbssYUzM/s1600/12112012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo7MSWuqinIQ1zeE6qQjQgv-IJGrx4gTIfeNf4P70mJzM3ZoW3n5UVG9rF35lyNkBY-mY_b46F_N80A9AthpraBy4kD8BKT-Sol85H39UhvF4VcYkO4L_QtpEwkN9g7IzPdzGbssYUzM/s400/12112012.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging from the lamp!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGR36jXgGeYwmdLoM7fk2TSrPBZtJNAejOP3Eegl-V0XYNV9bQz19zm-NGStitgoyvnjtDyloxIskernjSzu3Y0Mybaeo5PKOshyphenhyphenZDzDND_FuS1YmTEAjGijCuyph_esjL2uwe62m-j4/s1600/12122012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGR36jXgGeYwmdLoM7fk2TSrPBZtJNAejOP3Eegl-V0XYNV9bQz19zm-NGStitgoyvnjtDyloxIskernjSzu3Y0Mybaeo5PKOshyphenhyphenZDzDND_FuS1YmTEAjGijCuyph_esjL2uwe62m-j4/s400/12122012.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jingle is an expert artist</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU3n3rzkloZtI_A3fXNgRGuWyrzds4b_BYw9ficZoGWoGLyuhw9Vlk_-aIvh-AM0ONVVAYfLLJBu2If1eVSiTZGehNexdDK9KtKSpQQmeFyvGTaJ37Cvfk8hpmiT53MK8d_BWZBDDlRU/s1600/12132012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU3n3rzkloZtI_A3fXNgRGuWyrzds4b_BYw9ficZoGWoGLyuhw9Vlk_-aIvh-AM0ONVVAYfLLJBu2If1eVSiTZGehNexdDK9KtKSpQQmeFyvGTaJ37Cvfk8hpmiT53MK8d_BWZBDDlRU/s400/12132012.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He snuck out to see the Osbourne Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWTuoQCDj67P3ezDmp83ilzJFvCQydwqTSOFa0WAcKrYuoZVUGgEhvN2GDGWqvA8sUbvg4xyMkVbJOIPC9OWvP_gaUWQrVSIh0Mw3YV2zkXiN2ZBB-4J665rVwsztYG0A3KxzVoK_SQg/s1600/12142012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWTuoQCDj67P3ezDmp83ilzJFvCQydwqTSOFa0WAcKrYuoZVUGgEhvN2GDGWqvA8sUbvg4xyMkVbJOIPC9OWvP_gaUWQrVSIh0Mw3YV2zkXiN2ZBB-4J665rVwsztYG0A3KxzVoK_SQg/s400/12142012.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirate Mickey & Friends got tired of Jingle's shenanigans</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyj9uAcrvQTLYFB76qKUEsLnh0C-XX55TFNjEuccpUhIlCPdKy8A-huTc3vddm1VRu9UiNR_FpjajAiV4H-QAWzWl5dGNh4fBReUMsDmWPj2fNcDGZa4FlLshVyewb5YcAnYSQ3d9ZHw/s1600/12152012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyj9uAcrvQTLYFB76qKUEsLnh0C-XX55TFNjEuccpUhIlCPdKy8A-huTc3vddm1VRu9UiNR_FpjajAiV4H-QAWzWl5dGNh4fBReUMsDmWPj2fNcDGZa4FlLshVyewb5YcAnYSQ3d9ZHw/s400/12152012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home from Disney safe and sound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhNzSsHjyWO9X7jQMUgR7KZuNMsQwmfAhszBw06mgk4T0zAZHuaJ4F9Hk9rgxrut0q5x8o56hfsngNNbneWnvHrJUC0KN9st7Mah871q3MU3YOjFyjyNkufcsmodO8Ga7JlI3ZUXbqQSLM/s1600/12162012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzSsHjyWO9X7jQMUgR7KZuNMsQwmfAhszBw06mgk4T0zAZHuaJ4F9Hk9rgxrut0q5x8o56hfsngNNbneWnvHrJUC0KN9st7Mah871q3MU3YOjFyjyNkufcsmodO8Ga7JlI3ZUXbqQSLM/s400/12162012.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling adventurous - bungee jumping from the second floor</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhb0cojQHzJiXlr1Eqi5MbAOAPP223dWYk53FcZ2uVAozLzpScWG3E5WcjAv70zizu5Alk1Km0cO4ds5ymxPyg9mQXU_gq-VBHerULMq6-dvlqfYRD8CY4r1dZOij4UcwDtbPo4vHpn0/s1600/12172012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhb0cojQHzJiXlr1Eqi5MbAOAPP223dWYk53FcZ2uVAozLzpScWG3E5WcjAv70zizu5Alk1Km0cO4ds5ymxPyg9mQXU_gq-VBHerULMq6-dvlqfYRD8CY4r1dZOij4UcwDtbPo4vHpn0/s400/12172012.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearly he gets an adrenaline rush from extreme sports - zip lining into the tree</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ItqOfvtkiAkNsbi-7rzHnlFlV8Y1V0pqBD5IEClkli_a-Zf0zbh1V2wS6q2bwZzNwVvpNwDlmAciqqygLnT22gToYNM2CdaaBw0fb0Wb0SN15e8CLiXx61T7OxpC7o_Ts_UwM6qLCUU/s1600/12182012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ItqOfvtkiAkNsbi-7rzHnlFlV8Y1V0pqBD5IEClkli_a-Zf0zbh1V2wS6q2bwZzNwVvpNwDlmAciqqygLnT22gToYNM2CdaaBw0fb0Wb0SN15e8CLiXx61T7OxpC7o_Ts_UwM6qLCUU/s400/12182012.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling out watching his favorite Xmas movies on Netflix</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_j8uKTf1Ccb8kix2yEpkLhr1QRoGFqikgr7ZElDHmSIIT_5fuM0BZrDNle1Uu0k1hrJHcDRBhlXIhAaUCNhk-CrEUm-mKJ5TJd5lm8JO-3JQ0E2pk-UFQ-or3_VDR68bymeTOS7SfcA/s1600/12192012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_j8uKTf1Ccb8kix2yEpkLhr1QRoGFqikgr7ZElDHmSIIT_5fuM0BZrDNle1Uu0k1hrJHcDRBhlXIhAaUCNhk-CrEUm-mKJ5TJd5lm8JO-3JQ0E2pk-UFQ-or3_VDR68bymeTOS7SfcA/s400/12192012.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out sipping some syrup</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ7snLuE5ugQgnatYe_B69phZGROkt4XKlNEkOMJvIcbJeRT4n80UPfvPvYvc_ncYXwhhzQfiwz3y0_vg4AxTGQvLgxtOk9xDPUd5t06UcrLY2CvsncxkWQeJITjkMsWDhdMgQrhutRg/s1600/12202012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ7snLuE5ugQgnatYe_B69phZGROkt4XKlNEkOMJvIcbJeRT4n80UPfvPvYvc_ncYXwhhzQfiwz3y0_vg4AxTGQvLgxtOk9xDPUd5t06UcrLY2CvsncxkWQeJITjkMsWDhdMgQrhutRg/s400/12202012.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mischievous ... switching out the stockings with underwear</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuHEGysqvalMfDZpVLdq1Ia6mjjLlrvHqWykkYv104uxkEqHeOxmE_ycSMV2FzCjyiRpJmfIJG-ys4YdJkZHJ_0jXmIPXQQJHBp8LdH-kQdxfsJM8RSQ_rlCYzR6pq9Ge39moe1F3-VI/s1600/12212012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuHEGysqvalMfDZpVLdq1Ia6mjjLlrvHqWykkYv104uxkEqHeOxmE_ycSMV2FzCjyiRpJmfIJG-ys4YdJkZHJ_0jXmIPXQQJHBp8LdH-kQdxfsJM8RSQ_rlCYzR6pq9Ge39moe1F3-VI/s400/12212012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barricading Sean in his room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEmjmQwnIYYvZAFQpcZJJoId3-1Y6joYxqCeG7Kb0LnMS9IrcRoXSCrBz45BjGso8wnA80YqPrFCSEIKaCuICqvq48pX3i0bCXeynhNXiAzquaybpk8hOMhNSIa4fNTn-nsX0c7uK4AY/s1600/12222012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEmjmQwnIYYvZAFQpcZJJoId3-1Y6joYxqCeG7Kb0LnMS9IrcRoXSCrBz45BjGso8wnA80YqPrFCSEIKaCuICqvq48pX3i0bCXeynhNXiAzquaybpk8hOMhNSIa4fNTn-nsX0c7uK4AY/s400/12222012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remembering the reason for the season! O come let us adore him.</td></tr>
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-12842650109635467272012-12-04T12:43:00.001-06:002012-12-04T12:43:30.579-06:00Day 3 - Memories :: December Daily 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XYS29N0ZwsCKyMb0pk08PoBa9pkyPoJ8cT2cJgCfElTD2F6bOZ9OhIUie9RfJYC1-czVcyDShPvjrktr1UgQa7VqXjwr-n4AwqEd46_odEaTXTkvFKN0ZONtE3l-_C388TsUT_1BIVk/s1600/Pages_3&4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XYS29N0ZwsCKyMb0pk08PoBa9pkyPoJ8cT2cJgCfElTD2F6bOZ9OhIUie9RfJYC1-czVcyDShPvjrktr1UgQa7VqXjwr-n4AwqEd46_odEaTXTkvFKN0ZONtE3l-_C388TsUT_1BIVk/s640/Pages_3&4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Day 3 contains no photo - gasp! It's just that kind of year :-) And I'm waiting for my husband to write up his journaling. Fingers crossed it happens before I send it to print.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-36645533216255215622012-12-02T22:39:00.001-06:002012-12-02T22:40:08.726-06:00Day 2 - Tree :: December Daily 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4GeXtJSlE5Ub2ewO3FxmTDi9eR45iFFM8tK7n8mpd7EZUjO_uQXVGrr6adlbe2L2qmE0vsKxzw4259b-u4nLOB34mBJSr4_kPUFB0JR4re3wouteJ_3H9tOMIFmhO-rPgyQwEzUZyZk/s1600/Page+3+-+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4GeXtJSlE5Ub2ewO3FxmTDi9eR45iFFM8tK7n8mpd7EZUjO_uQXVGrr6adlbe2L2qmE0vsKxzw4259b-u4nLOB34mBJSr4_kPUFB0JR4re3wouteJ_3H9tOMIFmhO-rPgyQwEzUZyZk/s400/Page+3+-+tree.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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Traditionally, our Christmas tree goes up Thanksgiving weekend. And this year was no different. Daddy dragged it in from the garage, checked the lights, and up it went. The next day you and I decorated it with ornaments. We can’t find the ribbon garland, and honestly it probably won’t go up this year with all we have going on this month. <br />
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Neither Daddy or I grew up with live trees, so we’re content -- and honestly happy -- with the artificial tree. Our tree right now is huge, standing ten feet tall. It definitely makes a statement! And the multi-colored twinkle lights are magic. We decorate the tree with ornaments from when Daddy & I were kids, and ones you have made, and others we have bought on vacation. Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-7377659996701918482012-12-02T22:20:00.002-06:002012-12-02T22:20:40.473-06:00Day 1 Cheer :: December Daily 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Yep, it's that time of year again! I know it's been forever since I've blogged, but I made a deliberate attempt to simplify and knock things off my "to do" list. I also ramped up my networking efforts for our adoption. Please continue to spread the news that <a href="http://www.jeffandamyadopt.com/">we are hoping to adopt</a>, and keep us in your prayers. <br />
<br />
Now I'm back with the December Daily album. This year I'm going SUPER simple. I'm using Ali Edwards' <a href="http://helloyoubooks.blogspot.com/2012/05/31-things.html">31 Things</a> as my inspiration, and have selected thirty-one words that I will write about -- either documenting something from that particular day, something that is on my mind, or telling a story or memories from the past such as when Jeff and I were kids at Christmastime.<br />
<br />
As you'll read on this page, we are soon leaving for a Disney World vacation so I will be journaling and snapping photos while we're gone but probably not designing pages. That will have to wait until I'm home. Meanwhile I'm sure I'll be posting blogging about our trip and posting photos. Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-75585261904637476562012-06-17T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-17T10:00:06.220-05:0031 Things :: Story 26 - Desire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLT3A6posTmjpCATjx4Inn_kWlMZsm8hpFXA9_ZkpzWYV0f6xvzS3jXmDaFTPfkdg32GU6IF0ufjKmgBmwC79hobFn5pWaCftMmI3DFA8Z1ZuxqRDaANdhNYGvuZFJoUJ_SwRMj8tTaM/s1600/Pages52&53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLT3A6posTmjpCATjx4Inn_kWlMZsm8hpFXA9_ZkpzWYV0f6xvzS3jXmDaFTPfkdg32GU6IF0ufjKmgBmwC79hobFn5pWaCftMmI3DFA8Z1ZuxqRDaANdhNYGvuZFJoUJ_SwRMj8tTaM/s640/Pages52&53.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
the fifth grade I had to write an essay about the year 2000. At the tender age
of 10, I dreamed of what I would be doing twenty years in the future. I
remember writing that I would be married and have five boys. I always dreamed I
would have lots of kids.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I met Jeff in the year 2000, and we talked about
having kids in the same breath as marriage. We both dreamed of our family
together. We tried to conceive for five years before we got pregnant with Sean.
My body and mind endured numerous pokes, prods, and tests. We tried innumerable
intrauterine inseminations, and were successful only once. It ended in
miscarriage. We then tried IVF a bunch of times as well as several frozen
embryo transfers finally getting pregnant with Sean. Even then the pregnancy
was not easy with bleeding throughout the first trimester, and he delivered
five weeks early having to stay in the NICU for ten days. But he was perfect.
Our dream of being parents had finally come true. Thank you, Lord!</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We thought we had it all figured out, and assumed
any future attempts to conceive would be a snap. But we were wrong. Four more
frozen embryo attempts, all failed. A miraculous conception on our own ended as
ectopic. We continue to learn about letting go of the control. You’re only the
master of your own destiny for so long. If you really want to fly you need to
let go and have faith.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">fter I found out that our last failed IVF
attempt was not a success, Sean found me crying and asked “what’s wrong momma?”
I told him I was sad, and he asked why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I said, “because God hasn’t blessed us with a baby brother or sister for
you yet.” He shrugged his shoulders and said,“It’s ok momma. Don’t worry. He’s
working on it.” And that, my friends, was the answer. God’s plan is infinitely
better than anything we can control.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are now very excited about growing our family
through domestic adoption. After much prayer we believe this is where God is
leading us. We’re working with a local agency, and are officially home study
approved and licensed to adopt. Sean talks about his baby brother or sister
constantly. He desires a baby almost as much we do. Last weekend he climbed
into our bed early one morning. Jeff and I were still half asleep and we heard
him say, “God, can you bring me a baby brother or sister faster?” I told Jeff
later that day that we better get a lawyer lined up quick because God takes
children’s prayers seriously!</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I want Sean to be the big brother he’s praying
to be. I look forward to sleepless nights because I know they are but a few
short months, and bring with them endless days of joy. I dream about and pray
constantly for our next child’s birth mother, that the Lord brings her peace
and joy. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our deepest desire of growing our family through
adoption is completely out of our control. We have no idea who will enter our
lives or when that will happen (if at all). Normally we would be a nervous
wreck, but we’re not. We have faith. And we have Sean who reminds us that God
is working on it. That’s about as good as it gets.</span>
</span><br />
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-65332086230010463792012-06-16T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-16T10:00:05.444-05:0031 Things :: Story 25 - Outside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLaz93mSUt5obIeJUM1E4FqMyIUAHTmcA8Gq2uz_p_ZdPrZpf2KkbEMFsC0n5A-FpJpo3emjHScEOHXA0TZFce-MBQ_HppI0uXcDIpdlNkCLy5xDtwnMpuxPCGbIXRyAJvyXOctK-cDI/s1600/Pages50&51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLaz93mSUt5obIeJUM1E4FqMyIUAHTmcA8Gq2uz_p_ZdPrZpf2KkbEMFsC0n5A-FpJpo3emjHScEOHXA0TZFce-MBQ_HppI0uXcDIpdlNkCLy5xDtwnMpuxPCGbIXRyAJvyXOctK-cDI/s640/Pages50&51.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I like being outside. Notice I didn’t say “love” because I’m
just as much a homebody. I love me a cozy blanket snuggled on the couch. I love
my air conditioning. I love sleeping late huddled under my covers. I love my
computer. Aaack! Did I just say that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">But I do like being outside. I remember playing ghost in the
graveyard when I was a kid, and running through the sprinkler, pretending to
play gas station with the water hose, and splashing around in the pool. Many of
my fondest childhood memories were spent outdoors. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember fishing with my dad on our summer vacations. One
time we got caught in a rainstorm, and he had a hard time getting the motor
started. My sister and I huddled under his raincoat and worried we would sink
before getting back to shore. We did finally reach shore and my dad made<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Hipelius" datetime="2012-06-12T23:33"><span style="color: teal;"> </span></ins></span>us
all hot bouillon soup in coffee mugs as we wrapped ourselves in towels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I got older, my parents owned a summer home in the
Northwoods of Wisconsin. It’s an amazing place where suddenly you feel as if
you’ve been lifted into a different world. Fewer cars, rolling hills, tall pine
trees, eagles soaring, loons calling, lakes as smooth as glass, endless starry
nights. Amazing. If you don’t believe in God, you will after being here. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeff and I enjoy biking and hiking but haven’t done either I
think since Sean was born. I’m not sure if it’s because we’re too busy, but
something tells me it’s probably because we’re too lazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have an incredible park down the street
from our house with plenty of wooded & open plain trails. I used to walk
there all the time before Sean was born. Now that he’s old enough to walk with
us I think we’ll add it to our summer bucket list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have a great yard, but let’s be honest I don’t enjoy
doing yardwork. I enjoy the fruits of the labor but, heck, I hate the labor.
We’ve been lucky to have a great spring with plenty of sunny, cool days. I
spent one day in the yard weeding and haven’t been out since. I really need to
make a commitment to plant some annuals, and spend some time on the deck
reading. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet, my blanket and the couch are calling my name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-67453822709350217202012-06-15T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-15T10:00:09.590-05:0031 Things :: Story 24 - Relationship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8ETP3ncU_s4KLBBYLuuPFP1yZU_O1kczLeMR1sFt_2jhALqMS8cQGuz3SH3ueXuINrF2TckzKlmdzXt_z6aGwppAMe4WAtkR7cdSj2_ajTekMJZOd2k_gGxgTyn5JSQ9NTJa5D5ukhE/s1600/Pages48&49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8ETP3ncU_s4KLBBYLuuPFP1yZU_O1kczLeMR1sFt_2jhALqMS8cQGuz3SH3ueXuINrF2TckzKlmdzXt_z6aGwppAMe4WAtkR7cdSj2_ajTekMJZOd2k_gGxgTyn5JSQ9NTJa5D5ukhE/s640/Pages48&49.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m a daughter. I’m a sister. I’m a friend. I’m a neighbor.
I’m a wife. I’m a mother. I’m a child of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
I have many relationships in my life. On the one hand I’m
blessed. Oh so blessed to have all of these people to love and support me. But
on the other hand, it is a lot of work to love and nurture all of these
relationships. All of these people mean SO MUCH to me, and it can get
overwhelming at times to think about whether I’m doing everything I can to
serve them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My mom was my first best friend. I was and still am her
baby, and a spoiled brat because of it. Navigating our changing relationship as
we grow older is tricky. After my dad passed away, she’s been working through
grief and trying to find herself again. It’s been rough. Roles are reversing,
and she seeks my advice and friendship often. I sometimes have a hard time
balancing being her baby and being her friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
My siblings and I have a great relationship. We love and
respect each other, and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and adjust
accordingly. Growing up I didn’t have a close relationship with my sister, Kari,
who is six years older than me. She was my big sister, and we were far enough
apart in age to never have similar interests. That’s all changed now, and we’re
very close friends. It makes me happy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Friendships are important to me, and I’ve always surrounded
myself with close friends. My best friend from when I was a kid, my best friend
from high school, and my best friends from college. Most live in the area, but
I don’t see them nearly enough. I really struggle with this because there
doesn’t seem to be enough time to nurture these friendships. We get together
for special occasions and holidays, but otherwise too much time passes without
really connecting. A big part of me wishes this was a priority for me because I
miss the friendships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
But I’m now married with a child and own a home in a
suburban neighborhood. I count myself lucky to have such awesome neighbors. A
few of which I call my friends. Part of me wishes I could nurture these
relationships and find closer friends, but something is holding me back. I’m
blaming it on time but I’m not sure if this is the real reason or not.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Without a doubt my best friend today is my husband, Jeff. I
can share anything with him without judgment, and he’s gotten to be a pretty
good listener and doesn’t always try to “fix” things for me. He is my rock, my
strength, and my comfort. We can use more alone time in this busy world. But we
often find ourselves many nights laying next to one another in the dark talking
until the wee hours of the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
I won’t hide the fact that I love being a mom. Sean is the
most amazing kid ever. I know we prayed a long time for him, and clearly God
was working his magic. It’s the hardest relationship for me to manage and
nurture. But man, it’s worth it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about my
relationship with God. It’s one I think about and work towards every day. This
wasn’t always the case, and some days still I fail miserably. But I’m working
on it. I talk to Him throughout my day, and pray that my heart and my eyes are
open to listen to His reply. I figure if I can get this relationship right, all
the others will fall into place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-75988028256096704622012-06-14T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-14T10:00:06.102-05:0031 Things :: Story 23 - Write<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRssudEHe4tBp-62EpRC8TiBvVFHUyosOGRWtwbv5Otj8r97YW2-9mpNBvJGcJglpA0i-sh05fv5VvRsWOiTX3jDXrgiAXpcNrihIvvzsDPhIGEBE8he6Bg6IwgFmp9AszuU4wIxCoPM/s1600/Pages46&47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRssudEHe4tBp-62EpRC8TiBvVFHUyosOGRWtwbv5Otj8r97YW2-9mpNBvJGcJglpA0i-sh05fv5VvRsWOiTX3jDXrgiAXpcNrihIvvzsDPhIGEBE8he6Bg6IwgFmp9AszuU4wIxCoPM/s640/Pages46&47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My friend Monica and I started writing a novel when we were
about fourteen years old. I would write a chapter, then she would write a
chapter, and then we’d talk about it into the wee hours of the night on the
phone. It was a boy meets girl, girl falls in love with boy young adult novel.
We were convinced we would be the youngest published authors ever. I have no
idea what ever happened with that novel. But I knew I loved to write. I always
have. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember taking English Comp freshman year in college, and
waiting until the last possible moment to write an assignment. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My friend Ed was in my small group where we shared what we
had written, and he looked at me with wide eyes asking, “You just wrote that
this morning?” Writing has always come easily to me, and I really enjoy it. So
much so that I minored in Creative Writing in college.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">With that said, I’ve always struggled with keeping a
journal. Even as a child I asked for a diary but only filled about one-quarter
of it. When I studied overseas I did a decent job of keeping a journal and I’m
so glad that I did so I can look back and read about all of the gory (and
wonderful!) details my memory has since forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since I’ve started digital scrapbooking I’ve gotten back to
journaling, but that’s only in the layouts and albums I create. I started
blogging a few years ago but I’m not consistent or diligent about that either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the past year I have been keeping a prayer journal that
I write in once a week when I go to Eucharistic Adoration. It’s the first time
I’ve been consistent with writing, and I love the fact that I’m able to pour
out my heart in both thanks and petition to the Lord. It’s time for me to work
through all that I’m thinking and feeling – and not just with myself but with
Jesus. Some weeks I’ll even work on a detailed schedule for my week during
Adoration and work it though with God. I can’t think of a better way to spend
my time writing. And I’m so thankful that He called me back to this art form
that I love.<o:p></o:p></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-72350460102799221632012-06-13T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-13T10:00:06.983-05:0031 Things :: Story 22 - Spot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNoX5iI8tNwF6tKbOvovV2ago4rgtK5V8gmoM99Cp3YTgfJrEqXNp52gtClUljouuL11CwbwHsbP5HmUAoswbXqnTMr43YncHbX7NBzTd-y8KVBSXhYRV792FPWrrKgCjCGvovGrfSRg/s1600/Pages44&45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNoX5iI8tNwF6tKbOvovV2ago4rgtK5V8gmoM99Cp3YTgfJrEqXNp52gtClUljouuL11CwbwHsbP5HmUAoswbXqnTMr43YncHbX7NBzTd-y8KVBSXhYRV792FPWrrKgCjCGvovGrfSRg/s640/Pages44&45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My
favorite spot is…</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In my husband’s arms… where I feel the most safe
and loved. He has big, strong arms and the way he holds me I just know that </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">he adores and loves me without limit.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Snuggling with my son… where my heart swells
with joy. I knew I would love being a mom, but this is an amazing feeling.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In my bed, reading a good book… where my worries
melt away. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I love to snuggle under the covers and feel
their weight comforting me.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On my computer... where I lose myself in
creativity. I’m not talking about work here, but designing, scrapbooking, photo
editing, writing. I’m not just creating art but memories, and that makes me happy.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At Walt Disney World… where I can be a kid again
and again. When they say “welcome home” at check-in I get choked up. I love tha
characters, the amazing attractions, and the attention to detail. We
honeymooned here and Jeff and I talked endlessly aboutbringng our kids someday.
The first time we took Sean, he was up on Jeff’s shoulders pointing and smiling
at Mickey Mouse I knew my dreams were coming true.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sitting on my deck in the summer… where I feel
relaxed and alive. I love the feeling of the sun prickling my skin (with
sunscreen on, of course). My whole body heats up and the tension releases.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In my kitchen during a party… where I laugh
until it hurts. Surrounded by friends and family who know me better than I know
myself, and yet still love me.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cuddling on the couch, watching a movie… where
the stress of the day leaves me. </span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At my church during adoration... where the
silence and peace comforts me.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Behind a camera… where I can capture the beauty
& love & laughter I’m experiencing. </span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wherever my family is… there is no place like
home. This is my favorite spot.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-73491349714141450622012-06-12T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-12T10:00:05.304-05:0031 Things :: Story 21 - Think<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR2dloyZSvTfjpsNUu76ddkD7t3c9fJlH7Fdw1Dq8bdf6ynflK_E_AH2iIwuxck6_Adjx0aXJkRqBzt7JgVi3zdGNk3Rmcfg9v_pPxxq7HVZ3V8Xp09x29sCdcqRiDtWdZQuNc6AX5Xg/s1600/Pages42&43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR2dloyZSvTfjpsNUu76ddkD7t3c9fJlH7Fdw1Dq8bdf6ynflK_E_AH2iIwuxck6_Adjx0aXJkRqBzt7JgVi3zdGNk3Rmcfg9v_pPxxq7HVZ3V8Xp09x29sCdcqRiDtWdZQuNc6AX5Xg/s640/Pages42&43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been thinking a lot about my dad lately. This upcoming
Father’s Day will be my tenth Father’s Day without him since he died July 30,
2001. Somehow I thought it would get easier but it doesn’t. Yes, we now get to
celebrate Jeff being a father and I love being with my in-laws and celebrating
with them. But at the end of the day I wish my dad was here. I miss him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite being forty-two years old, I wish my dad was here to
give me a hug. He was a man of few words, but his hugs said I love you like
nothing else. I want to be his little girl again. Recently we watched old
family videos, and I heard his voice behind the camera. And my heart skipped a beat.
His voice. Oh, how I miss it. A smile spread across my face, and then the tears
rolled down my face. He loved taking videos, and perhaps his soul knew we would
need these videos someday to hear his voice and to see what he saw.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really wish he was here to know Sean. He would get such a
kick out of him, I just know it. And I want to see the sparkle in my Dad’s eye
that tells me he’s proud of me for raising such an amazing little boy. Sean
asks about his Grandpa Gren a lot, and I’m more than happy to share stories.
One day Sean was talking about something that was broken and he said, “I bet
Grandpa Gren could fix this couldn’t he? He could fix anything. “ Tears sprang
forth and I smiled, “He sure could, buddy. Anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The weekend of his accident, Jeff and I were with my parents
at their summer home. I was there when the sheriff came to the house. I was
with my mom at the hospital when she told the doctor, “please don’t go to
extreme measures to keep him alive.” I was able to hold his hand one last time.
I count myself blessed and lucky to have spent his last weekend with him
fishing, eating ice cream, and going to the casino. All things he loved.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet I don’t think I said “I love you dad” that weekend. And
I’d give anything to be able to tell him that one more time. A few weeks ago we
were cleaning and organizing in the basement and I found my name scribbled in
my dad’s writing on an envelope. Inside he had written, “Amy, I love you. Dad”
I don’t remember when he’d given this to me, and I couldn’t help but think he
continues to reach out to me in tangible ways. Reminding me of his love...
especially on Father’s Day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-34098315228791376682012-06-11T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-11T10:00:08.037-05:0031 Things :: Story 20 - Carry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0E_HbZtGm7D0RBWaoQMTLzm-OAuU5EhyphenhyphenM1MRFhYX402UvZhtH4mz8NazQcxiHW0LuiT-ALODUZ_webFo1MzE7kSpeyJS0KnDkxF4M4c500Nqek7wJ4juTeCKlPoTp4JLDTSAUw2ysqA/s1600/Pages40&41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0E_HbZtGm7D0RBWaoQMTLzm-OAuU5EhyphenhyphenM1MRFhYX402UvZhtH4mz8NazQcxiHW0LuiT-ALODUZ_webFo1MzE7kSpeyJS0KnDkxF4M4c500Nqek7wJ4juTeCKlPoTp4JLDTSAUw2ysqA/s640/Pages40&41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love bags. Doesn’t matter what kind… big or small, cheap
or expensive, leather or cotton, tote or handbag. I have them all, and consider
it my duty to find the perfect bag for the occasion. What occasion you ask?
Doesn’t matter, and I’ll make one up if I have to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Currently I’m a Vera Bradley fan. For years I was drawn to
them in specialty stores. Their vibrant colors, and fun patterns were appealing
to me. Something about their quirky preppiness spoke to my soul. But I never
felt like I could live up to it. I'm not sure what it was -- did I feel they
were for the upper-crust? mature women? Did I think people would look at me
funny for carrying a bold flowered or paisley bag? I'm not sure. All I know is
I never bought one. But the frugalista in me flipped when I received a $20 off
$20 or more for my birthday few years ago. And lucky me, we have an outlet
store here in Chicagoland. They are the perfect weight, perfect handle lengths,
very roomy, and lots of slip pockets to organize everything. And the color and
pattern. Yummy. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I currently have two totes – a red paisley print for
fall/winter and a pink & green flower print for spring/summer. I also have
two cross body bags that are the perfect size when traveling and/or shopping
when you need your hands free. They are my go to bags for Disney World touring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My other favorite handbag is Tignanello when it comes to
leather. I love their styles, and have three of their bags. Admittedly I
haven’t used them lately since I’m loving the lightweight and roomy Vera
Bradley bags.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love my wallet – it’s a black quilted Vera Bradely
zippered clutch – love how it closes up nice and tidy. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Inside my purse you would find my cell phone, sunglasses, a
few pens, Softlips lip balm, lip liner, lip gloss, Purell hand sanitizer,
Boogie Wipes (remember 4 year old with allergies), video camera, and all sorts
of receipts, old grocery lists, coupons, coloring books & a Ziploc full of
crayons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Right now I’m using a mickey mouse tote to carry exercise
gear to the YMCA. In it you would find my heart rate monitor, lock, headphones,
running shoes, headband, and water bottle. I throw my Kindle Fire in as we’re
heading out the door.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have a gazillion reusable shopping totes that I always
seem to forget when I go to the grocery store. Please tell me I’m not the only
one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m currently pining for a LILL Studio bag – the Lexie cross
body. But the frugalista in me can’t bear to spend $165 on a bag that I don’t
really need. Yet it’s calling my name! I must find an occasion to buy it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-27345698745965930392012-06-10T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-10T10:00:07.715-05:0031 Things :: Story 19 - Listen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekX-VSfgqb8IX7oTJMrNSmjHuwyP7QnWD0gTsyb1s_graYKstzpACnJLWJDa696NbXsvDImOZXt7IM8HQtfZh0BW8ufldw-hSOvTD4CFMzq6uIibQ6deBN37uMZyNz_2iR_hpPRZ1C50/s1600/Pages38&39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekX-VSfgqb8IX7oTJMrNSmjHuwyP7QnWD0gTsyb1s_graYKstzpACnJLWJDa696NbXsvDImOZXt7IM8HQtfZh0BW8ufldw-hSOvTD4CFMzq6uIibQ6deBN37uMZyNz_2iR_hpPRZ1C50/s640/Pages38&39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s
Thursday morning. I listen to two little boys whisper quietly. Sean had his
first sleepover with his friend Drake. They were both excited, and from the
sounds of their conspiratorial whispers the fun will continue today. Summer has
arrived.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to my alarm buzz noisily in my ear, and
I quickly remember I have office hours I need to log into on the computer.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to little feet scampering down the
stairs, and their voices rise in volume once they realize I’m awake.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to birds chirping a little too gaily as
I water the flowers on the front porch. I’m so not a morning person.</span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to the pancakes bubble and two little
boys asking if they can help. I can’t resist, and let them stir the already
well mixed batter. Who cares if the pancakes are tough.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to Alvin & the Chipmunks:
Chipwrecked in the background. The boys are now watching it for the second time
since yesterday.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to Sean whine about going potty before
we leave. I roll my eyes and take a deep breath while I lead him to the
bathroom not saying a word.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to 105.5 on the radio while we drive to
the children’s museum. It’s an hour’s drive and I’m looking forward to
listening to music. I have to change the channel a few times because I begin to
question the lyrics of some of the songs.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to not enough music. When I do it’s
usually like this in the car or on my Kindle Fire while exercising at the Y.
Black Eyed Peas… Coldplay… Jack Johnson… Owl City. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to Pink sing Don’t Let Me Get Me and
actually hear the lyrics this time. “I’m my own worst enemy.” Ain’t that the
truth? I listen to God inside my head tell me to focus on the road… and to love
myself. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to hammers & saws (real ones!)
inside the museum, and wonder why the heck they allow small children to use
these things. I wince as I actually cut my own finger. “Let’s go boys, let’s go
see what else they have here.”</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen as Sean tells Drake, “I’d like a ticket
for the 7 o’clock train”. They’re both dressed up as if they’re going to work,
and both serious as all get out. I chuckle and feel my headache start to
release. I ask Sean what he’s doing, “I’m going to work, Mommy” he replies as
he gets on the pretend train. I ask him what his job is, “I work on the pirate
ship.” Of course! all pirates go to work on the train with a blazer and
briefcase. How silly of me.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to Jeff say “Love you” as we part from
lunch. It was nice being able to see him during the day.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I listen to the Black Eyed Peas sing I’ve Gotta
Feeling and I turn it up on the way home. I look in the rearview mirror and see
two little boys singing and dancing in their seats. Yep, I’ve gotta feeling
that everything’s going to be all right.</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-19921360910999106242012-06-09T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-09T10:00:00.790-05:0031 Things :: Story 18 - Shoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeDbqL5J9TB3yK7wxaq4RO-Z7pqic52a7XEFGb4X-yg1L4GPj5nUeORx1Hp3lgD9dEJKGy3B4L77q1L1mxqEl_pBJd8SNLb1fw9VkdWHF_HZ5DtswD0jOX1g5xpTrKS_AvI5YP7opNTc/s1600/Pages36&37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeDbqL5J9TB3yK7wxaq4RO-Z7pqic52a7XEFGb4X-yg1L4GPj5nUeORx1Hp3lgD9dEJKGy3B4L77q1L1mxqEl_pBJd8SNLb1fw9VkdWHF_HZ5DtswD0jOX1g5xpTrKS_AvI5YP7opNTc/s640/Pages36&37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
love my Crocs. Yes, they’re ugly. Yes, they look stupid. But man, they’re
comfortable. And easy. And they don’t stink. I remember when they started to
become trendy, and I would stare at people wearing bright red, clown looking
Crocs with a furrowed brow. I thought, “I don’t care how comfortable those
things are, I’m never going to wear them.” And here I am today, a Croc lover.
Eating my words.</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I do love me shoes. But they must be comfy. I
think I’ve owned maybe five pairs of heels in my life, and only one black pair
of short heels are in my closet right now. I’ve always been a big, tall girl
and felt very conscious of that fact when I was a teenager and young adult. I
always felt that heels made me look like a giant. And man, they hurt. Being a
giant with painful feet has never made me feel beautiful.</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Surprisingly my feet are not big for being five
feet ten inches tall. </span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In fact, they are relatively short and fat. My
mom calls them my Fred Flintstone feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My personal trainer shakes her head and wonders how I don’t topple over.
I wear a nine wide. Technically I could fit in an eight and a half extra wide
width, but it’s hard to find cute shoes in that size. Nine wide will do, thank
you.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Shoes are scattered all around the house. I try
to contain them in closets and baskets in the mud room and the back door. But
they tend to land wherever my weary feet decide to shed them. This means I’m
often found searching frantically all over the house for whatever shoes I’m
wanting to wear at the time.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have a mish-mash of all sorts of casual shoes.
Lots of flip flops, toeless sandals, a couple pairs of running shoes, a few
pairs of Crocs, hiking boots I never wear, one pair of short black heels,
several leather slip-ons in black and brown, and snow boots...</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Crocs of course.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-53902263572692140852012-06-08T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-10T20:15:40.282-05:0031 Things :: Story 17 - Technology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIA0eL0Ft4h72Celbuw70hWpDYPT12hOFR7luk-lsvW8AXj97hix2DafCHkjMK-FUY3RTQYD1t8k3AH8Xcw5KA6Gnuu_Fp7Jp_fvfedhqH1Q4Z4iyVyNQLG81UCfql7bk94HxCSg-nmc/s1600/Pages34&35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIA0eL0Ft4h72Celbuw70hWpDYPT12hOFR7luk-lsvW8AXj97hix2DafCHkjMK-FUY3RTQYD1t8k3AH8Xcw5KA6Gnuu_Fp7Jp_fvfedhqH1Q4Z4iyVyNQLG81UCfql7bk94HxCSg-nmc/s640/Pages34&35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’m
a gadget girl. I love new technology, and my heart flutters when something new
hits the stores. Our family is techno geeky here at home.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have a Dell laptop.</span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jeff has a work laptop.</span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sean has a Lenovo laptop Uncle Johnny gave him.</span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have a Kindle Fire tablet computer that
everyone fights over.</span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have an HP desktop computer.</span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have an old HP desktop computer upstairs.</span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have several external hard drives.</span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The TV is linked into the hard drives.</span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have a Wii gaming system, and a PS2 gaming
system.</span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Everything is connected via wireless router.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I have a blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm on Facebook.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm on LinkedIn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm on Pinterest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I email daily.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
I work from home, and my job is 100% online. My
students connect with me via email, instant message, and live chat lectures.
I’ve never met my boss or anyone else for that matter face-to-face. I’ve talked
to just a few people on the phone over the past nine years. This is in stark
contrast to when I went to college with a typewriter, and we needed a RAM disk
to start the computers in the Mac lab. And the internet was just becoming a
reality, and email didn’t exist. My first job out of college I had my own
computer but it was DOS-based. We didn’t even have voice mail.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’m also a realist, and really don’t like
spending a lot of money on something I don’t think will add value to my life.
Jeff and I both have “dumb phones” that are simply for phone calls. We don’t
have internet or text on our cell phones. Oh, don’t get me wrong – my inner
gadget girl would LOVE a smart phone, but my inner realist says I don’t need to
spend the money on a monthly data plan. And I worry about being so connected
that we no longer connect in a real and substantive way. I don’t want my
relationships to be just status updates, tweets and texts. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>again I met Jeff online twelve years ago, well before it was trendy. We
courted each other via email before we ever met. The most important
relationship in my life started with email. Then we got married. You can’t get
any more connected than that.</span> </span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-23798399507529589202012-06-07T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-07T10:00:02.588-05:0031 Things :: Story 16 - Uniform<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCFKt8teOfqEkZkb1oEPk5A62NDx3yEvFNNXz36EAiBjSlqkywEOD7UBfbV51WLpktYwjbFWqBFHy76pOs57oye0E8NiylqWgjgIRsuXSz3o1bJtAoC56XexHf6EqOFa9n8N-6-0s2rg/s1600/Pages32&33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCFKt8teOfqEkZkb1oEPk5A62NDx3yEvFNNXz36EAiBjSlqkywEOD7UBfbV51WLpktYwjbFWqBFHy76pOs57oye0E8NiylqWgjgIRsuXSz3o1bJtAoC56XexHf6EqOFa9n8N-6-0s2rg/s640/Pages32&33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There’s
this awesome TV commercial for Tide Sport laundry detergent. A woman is sitting
with a friend at an outdoor café, telling us about why she loves to use the
laundry detergent, “I use Tide Sport because it helps to get odors out of
athletic clothes. I mean I wear my yoga pants for everything – hiking, biking,
yoga, pilates.” Her friend stops her with a questioning look. She rolls her
eyes, “OK, I wear yoga pants because I’m too lazy for real pants.” </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hilarious. That’s so me.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Being a work at home mom I don’t have to get
dressed up every day. Some days I might even stay in my PJs although I do start
to feel a little grungy in the afternoon, and find myself taking a shower and
getting dressed. My daily uniform is my black yoga pants from Lands End. Love
them. I have two long length pants, and four capri length pants. All black
except one pair of capris is dark brown. Most days I have the intention of
working out at the YMCA, so I have a valid excuse to wear said yoga pants… yet
lately I seem to find equally valid excuses NOT to exercise. Ugh.</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If I’m not wearing yoga pants I’m usually
wearing jeans. And they must have some sort of stretch to them. I have one pair
that doesn’t and I curse them every time – my chub prefers a little breathing
room, thank you. My tops are varied but almost always cotton fabric as I lean
more towards comfort than anything else. I have a few blousy polyester type
tops too that I like for parties. I like to wear jewel colors – blues, pinks,
greens – and find I’m drawn to patterned tops but solids are a favorite as
well. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now that spring has arrived and summer is around
the corner I’m excited to pull out my capris and short sleeved tops. And since
I’ve lost about 20 pounds my wardrobe has expanded to include my “skinny”
clothes. You know those pants and tops you outgrew because your waistline
somehow expanded from eating those Girl Scout cookies, but you swear you’re
going to lose the weight and fit in them again. Yep, everyone does it. Except
this time it paid off and I can wear them again. Woohoo.</span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yet I still find myself often staring blankly in
my closet when I need to look presentable (aka, not wear yoga pants). I’m
completely bored with my wardrobe. I have no real style to call my own unless
you call casual lazy a style. I rarely have the desire to buy new clothes
because I’m not thrilled with my size. I’ve made a deal with my husband that if
I lose 100 pounds I’m spending $5000 on a new wardrobe.</span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Meanwhile my yoga pants fit me just fine.<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-58913607302525277472012-06-06T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-06T10:00:09.377-05:0031 Things :: Story 15 - 9:15am<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20f35h6B6juo5p_41mu10a8lHUXI7BBOqYnQmmgx38j5kGf47VE3MDG7-YNIC_5Rfy-cVZPn3P01YJ7b67wakaWRkrPZBWyfHkwQlKOWDn296QYq1cn0-gUM2pRYAEyf_LiL1Q-jW9Wk/s1600/Pages30&31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20f35h6B6juo5p_41mu10a8lHUXI7BBOqYnQmmgx38j5kGf47VE3MDG7-YNIC_5Rfy-cVZPn3P01YJ7b67wakaWRkrPZBWyfHkwQlKOWDn296QYq1cn0-gUM2pRYAEyf_LiL1Q-jW9Wk/s640/Pages30&31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s Sunday morning. I’m still in bed. I certainly didn’t
plan to sleep late but I’m secretly relishing the fact that it’s quiet and I’m
alone to stretch out in bed. My head aches a dull pain reminding me I stayed up
too late reading a new book. Oh yes, and Sean woke up at 1:30am crying that his
toe hurt badly (oh so badly, mommy!). He hurt his baby toe playing on the
trampoline next door during Emily’s graduation party last night. Nothing says a
good party like a sprained toe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The ceiling fan is humming overhead, and I tuck the covers
under my chin and snuggle in for a little longer.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m wearing my blue Lands End PJs. I changed the sheets a
few days ago and they still feel fresh. I silently thank Jeff for buying the
600 thread count sheets that I thought were a waste of money. Heaven knows I’m
not going to admit it to him, but I love the indulgent, soft feel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hear Jeff cuddling with Sean in his room. They’re talking
about his toe. I’d love to sneak down there to see them and maybe snap a photo,
but I know the magic would be lost. These two need the time to connect on their
own.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel the gnawing, grumbling of my tummy. I want to eat
breakfast, and I remember we have a few donuts leftover from Country Donuts
from yesterday. So much for getting back to eating healthy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I check my email on my Kindle Fire, and I’m excited to hear
from my friend Kelly. She & her family moved to Iowa last year. I miss her.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m about to check on my Facebook, but Sean & Jeff climb
into bed with me. Ah, I love these boys. I roll over to put my Kindle down on
the nightstand and my headache pounds in my sinuses, reminding me I need to
take some Advil before tackling the day. But first, a smile & hug from my
little man. Now that’s some good medicine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-18028653952897256602012-06-05T12:00:00.000-05:002012-06-05T12:00:04.368-05:0031 Things :: Story 14 - View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2cIrXqVYxtadqtQzZjzA1r3YIXI_kh4nEpGabT4KuDXKfWIk2O0lFODOU7X-_PuWZZGQoZRbYkYYTDchyphenhyphenLQDAa4tvDjYNk1WyFMYwtzyfa2Q1Ien4AvjGrhQcdxKpFAMV399Ie_hTnw/s1600/Pages28&29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2cIrXqVYxtadqtQzZjzA1r3YIXI_kh4nEpGabT4KuDXKfWIk2O0lFODOU7X-_PuWZZGQoZRbYkYYTDchyphenhyphenLQDAa4tvDjYNk1WyFMYwtzyfa2Q1Ien4AvjGrhQcdxKpFAMV399Ie_hTnw/s640/Pages28&29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
view from here is peaceful. It’s Saturday night. I’m at Eucharistic Adoration
in our church, St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. I come here every
Saturday from 9:30-10:30 to spend an hour with Jesus<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who is present in the most holy Eucharist.
The church is silent except for the hum of the ceiling fans.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I see Jesus ensconced in a beautiful golden
monstrance on the altar. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The lights above shine directly on it making it
glitter. It’s so bright I can barely even see the Blessed Sacrament exposed
within it. I believe this is a glimpse of what heaven will be like when I see
Jesus there – rock your world dazzling!</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I see the altar surrounded by spring flowers and
greenery. It’s definitely a time for new growth, and I’m inspired.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I see Mary to the right of the altar (not
literally, but I do believe her spirit is there) adoring Jesus as well. She
often looks at me briefly with sadness or joy depending on my prayers and
meditations. Today she is content and focused on her Son. As am I.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I see a women crying during her meditation and I
wonder if they are tears of sadness or joy. I pray it’s the latter, and
comforted to know God is listening and caring for her the same He is for me.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I see a man reading his Bible and I wonder if
his mind wanders sometimes like mine does when reading Scripture. I pray he
hears God’s message tonight.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I see prayer candles lit behind the altar in the
chapel area. I am humbled to think of all the prayers offered. This week
especially. We traveled to downtown Chicago two times this week to visit the
aquarium and planetarium. Both days I was acutely aware of so many different
types of people… my heart was so happy! God loves each and every one. I may
find someone odd or different or creepy even. But not God. He loves everyone no
matter what. How cool is that?</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I see the stained glass windows and marvel at
their beauty. I imagine this must be how God see us. Each a unique color and
shape, beautiful on its own. But together – OH MY! – what perfection and beauty
and meaning. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I see all of my prayers written in my prayer
journal. Prayers of thanks, prayers of petition and prayers seeking answers and
truths to the worries of my days.</span>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The view from here is peaceful. Thank you,
Jesus.</span>
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-39241821795230835522012-06-04T13:26:00.000-05:002012-06-04T13:26:00.185-05:0031 Things :: Story 13 - Chores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhsdFMxkHsOMY13cPEF1XBM_Jmjqrt_1EVDOVaoOsiChx3ZjN2afSUVYlwvnfA2caB_5qYj1UDObN_UuXLctMvY7cb9D9rlLjGXWpbtFDOFBxzR8wmG2nHwT2E0sNsEHdMp_0tWso6aQ/s1600/Pages26&27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhsdFMxkHsOMY13cPEF1XBM_Jmjqrt_1EVDOVaoOsiChx3ZjN2afSUVYlwvnfA2caB_5qYj1UDObN_UuXLctMvY7cb9D9rlLjGXWpbtFDOFBxzR8wmG2nHwT2E0sNsEHdMp_0tWso6aQ/s640/Pages26&27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I struggle with household chores big time. I like things
neat, clean and orderly, and I crave organization and simplicity. But I’m a
messy person at heart and unfortunately so is Jeff so we often live in chaotic
mess. Our only saving grace is we have Maggie our cleaning lady come once a
month to do the deep cleaning. Therefore we are forced to clean up for the
cleaning lady, which always makes me chuckle (and groan at the same time).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was a kid my mom affectionately called me her Messy
#2 (my brother, Mike, was Messy #1), and I was regularly called home from my
friend’s house because I didn’t make my bed. My room was always a nightmare.
However when I moved out on my own into my condo, I was proud to say my place
was generally well kept. My mom taught us well about cleaning & keeping
house, and we each had daily chores in the summertime.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now I’d like to blame our general sense of busyness that keeps
us from having an organized home. Sean and his inordinate amount of toys makes
it one hundred times harder to keep up. Being a work at home mom has its perks,
but it also means that Sean keeps himself busy all day while I’m working and
isn’t very keen about putting things away when he’s done. Right now Sean knows
he needs to have all of his toys picked up and put away by dinnertime. If not,
Mommy picks everything up and it gets put in the basement where he’ll have to
earn them back by doing extra chores. A lot of toys are in the basement, but
he’s doing much better.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our kitchen is the worst, particularly the island. We come
in from the garage, and drop whatever’s in our hands on the island and that’s
where it sits. Dishes can also be a nightmare, piling up in the sink. Right now
it’s my job to empty the dishwasher and put everything away. It’s Jeff’s job to
load. If one of us forgets, everything piles up literally and the kitchen is an
absolute mess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I tried Flylady.net (an online cleaning coach) which is a
success for about two weeks at which time I felt like my mom was calling me
home from my friend’s house. I just didn’t want to do the work. And still
don’t.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Part of me says screw it, the mess doesn’t define me. Yet
when the house is clean and organized I breathe easier – literally – so I know it
would be a really good thing if I could get into a regular habit with chores. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s one of my goals for 2012, but I have yet
to work on it. Have I mentioned I’m a procrastinator?<o:p></o:p></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-28981449797247569152012-06-03T13:19:00.000-05:002012-06-03T13:19:00.261-05:0031 things :: Story 12 - Watch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRViFulJPg-hbFnbHIBUOVFR3ILkgrOUq3pNHR54HROh7nOklvDIqXO73v6gJNI3sZ8NRogvJAi4FjRj4D9lyCzZWe9IVC7U-P2X2-gl8JdrcGPzG8T0BDV61IZZJtVUnCpmB_dV0UOhA/s1600/Pages24&25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRViFulJPg-hbFnbHIBUOVFR3ILkgrOUq3pNHR54HROh7nOklvDIqXO73v6gJNI3sZ8NRogvJAi4FjRj4D9lyCzZWe9IVC7U-P2X2-gl8JdrcGPzG8T0BDV61IZZJtVUnCpmB_dV0UOhA/s640/Pages24&25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s funny how as your life changes, so do your TV watching
habits. Then again I should know this teaching marketing & advertising –
life cycle stages can have a huge impact on buying behavior -- but it still
amazes me when I stop and think of how it applies to me. Before Sean was born,
I would watch a lot of TV and knew where to find all of my favorite channels on
the digital cable lineup. TLC, HGTV, Food Network, VH-1, Discovery, etc. And my
favorite TV shows were Grey’s Anatomy, LOST, Trading Spaces. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now Channel 11 is the only one I need to find. PBS Kids
featuring Curious George, Dr. Suess, Dinosaur Train, Sesame Street. You get the
idea.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Years ago we dropped the big cable package tired of spending
so much money for a gazillion channels we don’t have any interest in ever
watching. Jeff installed a Window Media Extender, and learned how to rip our
DVD movies to the computer that we could access and watch on our TV. We can
also record TV shows through the extender, and we will watch our favorite shows
when we can. Right now my favorites are Parenthood (a comedy-drama about three
generations of the Braverman family) and Glee (a musical comedy-drama about a
high school glee club). Admittedly often these shows will rack up in my queue,
and I go through spurts of watching several at a time. At this time in my life
I’m not really interested in watching TV regularly. I find I would rather
unwind and relax by reading or doing something creative. We have thousands of
movies on our extender, and this is our go to form of entertainment. We watch
movies regularly, much more often than TV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Netflix is also a big part of our family’s watching habits.
They are an online company that offers a flat rate DVD rental by mail and also
video streaming over digital devices. We can stream videos over our Wii gaming
system, and it’s so easy that Sean knows how to navigate to a ton of kids
shows. This is how he found and fell in love with super heroes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can also watch streaming videos on my Kindle Fire (both
through Netflix & Amazon), and I’ve gone through phases where I’d rather
watch movies or TV shows on my Kindle rather than read. A few months ago I was
obsessed with watching the Showtime series, The Tudors (a historical fiction TV
series about King Henry VIII).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the summertime, my guilty pleasure is watching Big
Brother which is a reality TV series where a group of people live together
isolated from the outside world. Don’t judge me (LOL).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve also been going to the movies lately both as a family
and just Jeff & I. We all love the experience of the big screen, popcorn,
and getting immersed in the story. The last few movies we’ve seen include the
Muppets, the Lorax, the Vow and Hunger Games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sean’s TV Favs: Curious George, Avengers, Spiderman<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeff’s TV Favs: Person of Interest, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amy’s TV Favs: Parenthood, Glee, Big Brother<o:p></o:p></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-47191920311082896062012-06-02T22:22:00.000-05:002012-06-02T22:22:00.313-05:0031 Things :: Story 11 - Nourish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMgolVUl88fiuQxuH-ICLPaJwhJlFN3syvFQ_PH_2LySWY7ca9neXF8coJvUooIa3GUWsMc9XfQNe2BZNi9cXLC-wRkB6uMoOa5w3Tlwcb-QNs-jEW0DMMrwhUAS41NC6wnu-yhPA4zQ/s1600/Pages22&23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMgolVUl88fiuQxuH-ICLPaJwhJlFN3syvFQ_PH_2LySWY7ca9neXF8coJvUooIa3GUWsMc9XfQNe2BZNi9cXLC-wRkB6uMoOa5w3Tlwcb-QNs-jEW0DMMrwhUAS41NC6wnu-yhPA4zQ/s640/Pages22&23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m an emotional eater. The thought of food never even
entered my mind when I heard the word “nourish”, because I don’t equate food
with nourishing my body. Well, my head does but not my heart. My heart wants
chocolate around the middle of the day to soothe my stress. My heart wants
PB&J for lunch with Doritos because that’s what I had every day for lunch
when I was a kid, and it makes me feel good. My heart wants Oreos & milk
after I finish grading finals as a reward for a job well done. My days are constant
battle thinking about food and internal debates and negotiations with myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the beginning of this year I made the decision to start a
31 day no sugar, no carb, no dairy diet plan in order to help me curb my sugar
addiction. And I did AWESOME! Honestly, it was the grace of God that I found it
so easy. For the first time ever I had changed my diet drastically with the
intent of losing weight but also to change my lifestyle… and I didn’t want to
gnaw off my left arm! I lost 8 pounds in the first week, and 20 pounds by week
6. Woohoo. I was on a roll and felt I finally found something that could work
for me. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then unexpectedly we got pregnant, and just as quickly we
found out it wasn’t viable. It was ectopic, and we miscarried. I was able to
hold myself together for the most part, and stuck to the new diet. Until I
started to cramp & bleed, and the emotional floodgates opened wide. My
comfort foods were back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been slowly trying to get back to what I was doing – no
sugar, no carbs – but it’s been hard, and I can’t pinpoint why. I pray for the
strength and wisdom and grace to learn that food is for nourishing my body, not
my heart.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Breakfast:</em> Scrambled eggs and sausage or a protein smoothie.
A banana is usually in the mix. If the blender isn’t clean, and we are out of
eggs, I resort to cereal or toast but it’s not often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Lunch:</em> Leftovers from dinner the night before <or>
Salad – romaine lettuce, celery, green pepper, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">cucumber, avocado, and turkey or
chicken topped with either homemade mayo or store bought Italian dressing
<or> PB&J with Doritos if it’s “one of those kinds of days”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Dinner:</em> I try to stick to a protein dish plus a
veggie. It all depends on the day, and what we have in the house. Chicken,
beef, or pork are pretty standard fare. We rarely eat fish unless it’s tuna
salad. Unfortunately takeout sneaks into our diet more than I would like.</span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319230912111897938.post-39207466765363971132012-06-01T22:21:00.000-05:002012-06-01T22:21:00.358-05:0031 Things :: Story 10 - Evening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-8JGWUb4g6V7AVTSiXy6rSr5zYZKDPOYbejcsw_VLbDCoHb1RAbzBiw3kW_NJr8HpSeS5lqMWwYuSC1_X_rDClxr0dH4McI8aiI-EMTE7SKJetOGO4R75YXfOw50JKYdX5Z3SsRpXkM/s1600/Pages20&21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-8JGWUb4g6V7AVTSiXy6rSr5zYZKDPOYbejcsw_VLbDCoHb1RAbzBiw3kW_NJr8HpSeS5lqMWwYuSC1_X_rDClxr0dH4McI8aiI-EMTE7SKJetOGO4R75YXfOw50JKYdX5Z3SsRpXkM/s640/Pages20&21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5:00pm<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>::<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start cooking dinner. But more than likely
I’m looking to see what/if I had planned, and if I remembered to take the meat
out of the freezer. Probably not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">5:10pm<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>::<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call Jeff to see what time he will be home
from work. Ideally he’s left already, and should be home by 6:30pm. But more
than likely, he doesn’t answer his phone because he’s in a meeting.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5:30pm :: Sean has started to pick up his toys without being
asked. Oh, who am I kidding? He’s whining and crying about having to pick up
his toys, and I’m giving him the choice to leave them for me to pick up but
then they get put into the basement. He cries more. I grit my teeth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">5:45pm :: Ideally dinner is in the oven cooking. But
honestly right about now is when Jeff calls me back to say he’ll be home by
7pm. Worst case scenario I forgot to take meat out of the freezer, and we
debate where to get takeout.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6:00pm :: Sean still whining about picking up his toys<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">7:00pm ::<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Say grace.
Eat dinner. Talk about our day. It’s one of my favorite times. I can unwind and
enjoy talking with the two people I love the most in the whole world.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7:30pm :: At the beginning of the week, I go back to work
and Jeff spends time with Sean and puts him to bed. At the end of the week,
that’s my duty. Bedtime is unfortunately not at a regular time. It can be as
early as 7:30 if Sean is particularly cranky and tired. Or it can be as late as
9pm if he took an unexpected nap. The good news is once he goes to bed, he
stays in bed. We’re lucky not to have to deal with bedtime battles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bedtime routine ::<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Potty, wash hands, brush teeth, bedtime story or two, prayers (Our
Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be + daily thanks/praise and petitions),<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>goodnight kisses, turn on musical lullabies,
“Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.” Sean replies, “Good
night, sleep tight, don’t let the Tyrannosaurus bite.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8:00pm ::<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By now I
usually feel exhausted and want to go to bed, but I always have something I
want to do which usually equates to “me” time. Catching up on emails &
facebook, watching a TV show I recorded, downloading and editing photos,
digital scrapbooking, etc. Whatever it is I get energized by it, and my
exhaustion fades away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">10:25pm :: I tell myself only a little bit more of {insert
whatever I’m working on}…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m giving
myself until 11:00pm, and then I’m calling it a day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">11:15pm<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>::<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I convince myself I’m not even tired, and
that midnight is more reasonable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Midnight :: I drag my butt into bed, and start reading to
calm my mind. I tell myself I’m only going to read until 12:15pm… but we know
how that goes!<o:p></o:p></span><br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04438878748866831391noreply@blogger.com0