tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40130439775877339212024-03-13T01:38:39.019-07:00The Tale of Mommy Dragonwelcome to my lairmonicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-74637678752665772792010-09-26T21:01:00.000-07:002010-09-27T14:35:22.547-07:00What's in a Name Giveaway<div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">What a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">beee</span>-u-tee-full weekend.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">it's fall.it's fall. it's fall.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">HOORAY!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">I love the cooler temps and pretty tie-dyes leaves</span><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW2U4qqIpiKKVPyPeitRQ0ZB1GnzRQ14jJKZeJVJN-hKG1GjXkobxK_ftG8lXTOflhZhVsZt2KdmNOfwotBD2H7vXrgxThjadP27DKYLo3klKRMX38pCGjcpML5_kwLB47E_Xg_0KERh5/s1600/Hark!+Is+that+a+fall+leaf!.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521441662777442770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW2U4qqIpiKKVPyPeitRQ0ZB1GnzRQ14jJKZeJVJN-hKG1GjXkobxK_ftG8lXTOflhZhVsZt2KdmNOfwotBD2H7vXrgxThjadP27DKYLo3klKRMX38pCGjcpML5_kwLB47E_Xg_0KERh5/s400/Hark!+Is+that+a+fall+leaf!.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><span style="font-family:courier new;">Today I honored the Sabbath.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">(i.e: I laid around on my booty all day)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I decided NOT to do any housework. not a lick. and it felt</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Goooooood</span>!</span></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">The kids enjoyed being home all day.</span><br /></span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvFHGVxlwZ8EUYLffCEWG-cGgyrOOem7JDhLSqxdEcSICQH7p7Nd75IcImH0deB3zV-mutuKRfOm9iCkT26YdezCNUFIUqpAQtxFXWis7UN_KjKpi3cry4qcnrwojiZD9ruG2S0jm8x8n/s1600/lukeshummingbird.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521441483275782386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvFHGVxlwZ8EUYLffCEWG-cGgyrOOem7JDhLSqxdEcSICQH7p7Nd75IcImH0deB3zV-mutuKRfOm9iCkT26YdezCNUFIUqpAQtxFXWis7UN_KjKpi3cry4qcnrwojiZD9ruG2S0jm8x8n/s400/lukeshummingbird.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;"> They drew on the sidewalk.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Luke made a hummingbird...that looked like...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">a HUMMINGBIRD! I love his brain.<br /><br />They flew a kite.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdLYDfWHWl4HS88hcWKgcnuuYNyxwhV2m6eXO1rRy4CMudWr_cLPNQOhvYzRKgGEuZZzJZl_Gpfxyww8XGqRd5Ml1TQeBNO3Ty-pyRdyuNa1hnsmiygNH1XmVlNuk9QQipXFoyh8DmrRb/s1600/Let's+go+fly+a+kite%3B).jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521440032738385074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdLYDfWHWl4HS88hcWKgcnuuYNyxwhV2m6eXO1rRy4CMudWr_cLPNQOhvYzRKgGEuZZzJZl_Gpfxyww8XGqRd5Ml1TQeBNO3Ty-pyRdyuNa1hnsmiygNH1XmVlNuk9QQipXFoyh8DmrRb/s400/Let's+go+fly+a+kite%3B).jpg" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">The wind was crisp and perfect for a kite flight.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">AND Yesterday....</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3QK207o6XYIILccEcs1MPkVRyAg37fFAgm7V3xNKl3Mar0_WT7FCJQ7q5oTzSLMmNGjEzkUBAEukwla_8NbDuYSZbygt2wcs6SfRswVEb4May_VB3A2WhQBhclHBbD4IMV0KChnf5eU1/s1600/ahab+bowen+in+Uptown+Dallas.jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521439728433628354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3QK207o6XYIILccEcs1MPkVRyAg37fFAgm7V3xNKl3Mar0_WT7FCJQ7q5oTzSLMmNGjEzkUBAEukwla_8NbDuYSZbygt2wcs6SfRswVEb4May_VB3A2WhQBhclHBbD4IMV0KChnf5eU1/s400/ahab+bowen+in+Uptown+Dallas.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">Yesterday, my feller and I loaded up the kids and drove to Uptown Dallas.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scarbos</span> in Uptown Dallas is pretty similar to </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="color:#ffff00;"><span style="color:#000000;">hillbillies</span> </span>in Beverly Hills.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">{seems kinda funny}</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">But the store we went to was pretty <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">ROCKIN</span>'!</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">Cause I met these little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Darlin's</span>!</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">Meet....The New Girls.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">As many of you know, I love to name my cowboy boots.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">I don't know why! Don't bother <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">askin</span>'.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">My first pair are now known as The Double D's, Dolly and Daisy.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">My black pair..Roxy and Kitty.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">But these ladies? I got <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">nothin</span>'.So...</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jzMFxVZKZbIQfmR4kJFWTOq6iPg_sV17M_En0cuEnk1NST-gAACTjOCCNoAlnkD6hDD_vFlk32iA0FVYcHh-ZwrNem7HHv7X7n9bgAht57SYTP8vgl72pBGiLsVEKDwz5x6byOlpHZPW/s1600/The+new+girls+3.jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521439291277456162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jzMFxVZKZbIQfmR4kJFWTOq6iPg_sV17M_En0cuEnk1NST-gAACTjOCCNoAlnkD6hDD_vFlk32iA0FVYcHh-ZwrNem7HHv7X7n9bgAht57SYTP8vgl72pBGiLsVEKDwz5x6byOlpHZPW/s400/The+new+girls+3.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">Help me name the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pinky</span> Ladies.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">A little redneck, a little sassy, kinda <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gaudy</span>, with a splash <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">o'trashy</span>.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">I am looking for a pair of names that are fresh out of the trailer park.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">If I pick your name suggestion, I will give you this weeks Turn it out Tuesday feature,</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">the one of a kind Read and Green Ornament, made of recycled magazines.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">So post your entry in the comments of this page </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">and an e-mail <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">addy</span> where you can be reached. Then post the link to your blog and help me spread the word:) I am hoping to pick a name by Friday night. Happy naming!</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-32354228208283578692010-09-23T20:52:00.000-07:002010-09-23T21:22:01.771-07:00Mommy Dragon, Hitter of Books<div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">t</span>oni<span style="color:#ffcc00;">g</span>h<span style="color:#33cc00;">t</span>: </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">coffee.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">the flickering light of a smelly-good candle. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">a mix of Dave <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mattthews</span>, Gillian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Welch</span>, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feist</span>.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">a homesick for my youth me. studying. remembering.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Something about studying</span>, a fragrant candle, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">DMB</span>. Takes me back to my early 20's and makes me kinda yearn to go back there. Dreams were big!Hopes were many. I mean life isn't so bad! I have a good life. But this little piece of me, says...if only there WERE such a thing as time travel:) I would live in the city...in a well decorated, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eclectic</span> loft apartment. I would cook gourmet meals for my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">bestests</span>. And when I got married, we would visit art museums together and teach our children about culture and music, and shop in exclusive stores, because we would be so rich! </span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismN0IBxMvdZMYx_OkpkFUwskRirhyphenhyphenH4NJwfxVOCB2vaHQ0UbVK201hWlsBHhvC-rKRNNq7rSoyzXoNpBN6GkJjXLpTKA2e-X06FBVmrnOuiP_MetdeK1xQ39h63lNScsQNtrQ0LaiJ3X1/s1600/Book+hitter..jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;">And then...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520323329183426722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismN0IBxMvdZMYx_OkpkFUwskRirhyphenhyphenH4NJwfxVOCB2vaHQ0UbVK201hWlsBHhvC-rKRNNq7rSoyzXoNpBN6GkJjXLpTKA2e-X06FBVmrnOuiP_MetdeK1xQ39h63lNScsQNtrQ0LaiJ3X1/s400/Book+hitter..jpg" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">My daydreaming was interrupted, by this little tiny, boy who just needed to be close to his mommy. Pillow in hand, he climbed onto my bed, and nestled as close as he could. And I realized, I'm already rich. And it's not even a daydream.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">I looked at and kissed his little hand and decided to embrace <em>this</em> time in my life. </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwEGkqUH_5yzkUyssc42kxEnQsQXZEzRFOU6A2CoXvxJKthWV5hibf_nrm56GfcEzJ0oX2pY5ZtXJWW4gsB4htnjbV8WT39kwJUlX2pqjsA3xvMxoYTy6swBM88vKDB3aRKuvtG-vkUYB/s1600/Study+buddy.jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520323202637043762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwEGkqUH_5yzkUyssc42kxEnQsQXZEzRFOU6A2CoXvxJKthWV5hibf_nrm56GfcEzJ0oX2pY5ZtXJWW4gsB4htnjbV8WT39kwJUlX2pqjsA3xvMxoYTy6swBM88vKDB3aRKuvtG-vkUYB/s400/Study+buddy.jpg" /></span></a> </div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-53206254064902661722010-09-22T20:43:00.000-07:002010-09-22T21:01:56.642-07:00job 33:28<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhyphenhyphendu9lQCtqvyqjc3OYOkNqX-Cx61F7P3JtbgHt2bz1n2U1R-gipsL__Io7S7YqxZxtCmA3GdKGmDCZn7tTi0iR8RDH3U0yvubmYVHunx5lyVnHOFHDnAeycmAjPckvN0LD3C3ET0SbAh/s1600/light.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 545px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 483px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519949951868150914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhyphenhyphendu9lQCtqvyqjc3OYOkNqX-Cx61F7P3JtbgHt2bz1n2U1R-gipsL__Io7S7YqxZxtCmA3GdKGmDCZn7tTi0iR8RDH3U0yvubmYVHunx5lyVnHOFHDnAeycmAjPckvN0LD3C3ET0SbAh/s400/light.bmp" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong> <span style="font-family:courier new;">He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will enjoy the light. ~Job 33:28</span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I took this picture on a whim today.</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">After taking the shot, I realized, </span><span style="font-family:courier new;">this </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;">is a picture of what my heart should look like. Despite being surrounded by dark clouds, Jesus and his light should be at the center of my focus. Notice how the area above the sun is clear and without many clouds. When we are closer to His light, we to are able to see and hear Him more clearly. And like the sun, He is consistent. If it's gotten too dark where I am standing, it's because I let myself get to far away. But like a searchlight, He always locates me, and brings me back to Him. Because of His grace and mercy, I can enjoy His light.</span></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-48032308180046820352010-09-21T04:55:00.000-07:002010-09-21T11:00:35.704-07:00Do the Hokey Pokey and on Tuesday, TURN IT OUT!<div align="left"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000000;">[Re<span style="color:#990000;">a</span>d and Gr<span style="color:#006600;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ee</span></span>n]</span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;">Last week I showed you </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;">how I am using toilet paper rolls </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;">to make flowers.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Courier New;">Did you know when you plant cardboard flowers</span><span style="font-family:Courier New;"> they spread all over the place? </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">Oh yeah. Plant a couple and they just start popping up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">everywhere!!</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;">We decided to do a mural of these babies over Brae's desk, window, and onto the wall where her bed sits. </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4l6sKxz84m9dbauEhWm4IWHAKF04gY_aYwNFse6sDVUoNKZVi9Se8J31QUXXhOcZ_kg6Lz_pTuls8vXoFNQVErpgI5_aq5nhG1_nY9gSjpy49GEdBaCm5__TXj6WBIaGT_1cjr7ICLySC/s1600/flower+spread.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519337910677315762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4l6sKxz84m9dbauEhWm4IWHAKF04gY_aYwNFse6sDVUoNKZVi9Se8J31QUXXhOcZ_kg6Lz_pTuls8vXoFNQVErpgI5_aq5nhG1_nY9gSjpy49GEdBaCm5__TXj6WBIaGT_1cjr7ICLySC/s400/flower+spread.bmp" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;"> In the center of each flower is a magazine button.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">I made these by rolling strips of magazine pages. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dOLVIpqyeWfSx6jZkXfH8GWsMccB3Wj125G8gJZESKTm5bR5ygkis6aXBdaRXvyGdyAgUp6WXmBPa1n6GibDctBYt7V5Ne1Itwo5HAcBrPx9T_x9qp1p2BWF5BkEFT2Ysmik97JAHsKi/s1600/magazine+button.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519337536927820418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dOLVIpqyeWfSx6jZkXfH8GWsMccB3Wj125G8gJZESKTm5bR5ygkis6aXBdaRXvyGdyAgUp6WXmBPa1n6GibDctBYt7V5Ne1Itwo5HAcBrPx9T_x9qp1p2BWF5BkEFT2Ysmik97JAHsKi/s400/magazine+button.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;"> To make a magazine button:</span></div><ol><li><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Cut a magazine page into thirds lengthwise. This gives you 3 (somewhat) even strips.</span></div></li><li><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Take a strip and begin folding <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">diagonally</span> at the corner. </span></div></li><li><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Fold until you have a long thin strip or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">quill</span>. </span></div></li><li><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Roll the quill tightly until you have what will look like a snail shell.<br />5. Use a dot of hot glue to hold the end in place. and there you have it. A magazine button.</span></div></li></ol><p align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">My Tuesday creation is what I like to call, </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="color:#990000;">R</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ead</span> and Gr<span style="color:#006600;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ee</span></span>n</strong></span>. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Get it</strong></span>? <span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cheesy</span></em></span>? <span style="font-size:85%;">I know</span>....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">what're</span> ya gonna do?! </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">I took the magazine buttons and glued them to a 75 cent plastic ornament. </span></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb8vCj9LTsAkA2AooQq1hPKNNJraSvkGBUMN9yIYLregSMXhT9RN2KCdri7p4ZXfLT-4W0EFROX5xuvELN5uLL45O1xtJFGqzpSebuNhDRTE-1tOCb9HyxljNlAjJ8oYFlddT8JkC96c_/s1600/ornament.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519335964457390674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb8vCj9LTsAkA2AooQq1hPKNNJraSvkGBUMN9yIYLregSMXhT9RN2KCdri7p4ZXfLT-4W0EFROX5xuvELN5uLL45O1xtJFGqzpSebuNhDRTE-1tOCb9HyxljNlAjJ8oYFlddT8JkC96c_/s400/ornament.bmp" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;"> I am lunch blogging and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">don't</span> have a lot of time to give an illustrated tutorial. I learned how to roll the strips from a book called the Big A** Book of Crafts by Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Montano</span>. The book gives lots of other ideas for recycling things into reclaimed treasures.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;"> <strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#006600;">~C<span style="color:#000000;">h</span></span><span style="color:#000000;">e<span style="color:#990000;">c</span>k</span> i<span style="color:#000099;">t</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ou</span><span style="color:#ff6600;">t</span></span><span style="color:#ff6600;">!~</span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Courier New;color:#ff6600;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;">I would love to see what you are working on. </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">PoSt</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">LiNk</span> to your blog in comments. i would love to follow ya!</span></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Happy</span> <span style="color:#006600;">Tuesday</span>!</strong></span><span style="font-family:courier new;"></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span><br /></div><div align="center"></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-59622624315841474752010-09-19T20:01:00.000-07:002010-09-20T05:50:37.373-07:00The Busy Life of a Little Boy<div align="center"></div><p align="center">It must be tiresome, being a little boy. </p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzJyWAEeNgXbo6SvLJ2H4waNnm-O-jOId2YQgjXiuQqF-rReucmLreQ4WMPC6zcdcdvg7t_SwqClOvBgiDw-PHq1v7uXfMlbzwm5a58pimh4SKmuJCP2H-zMPvbL4KDPyZpRoTZql_AxM/s1600/luke1.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518834589882818610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzJyWAEeNgXbo6SvLJ2H4waNnm-O-jOId2YQgjXiuQqF-rReucmLreQ4WMPC6zcdcdvg7t_SwqClOvBgiDw-PHq1v7uXfMlbzwm5a58pimh4SKmuJCP2H-zMPvbL4KDPyZpRoTZql_AxM/s400/luke1.bmp" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;"> <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">T</span>r<span style="color:#009900;">e</span>ndset<span style="color:#ff0000;">t</span>er</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center">Luke has 3 styles of dress.</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">handsome.cowboy.</span><span style="color:#000000;">awesome.</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV39_vTGx4WrubeJ6pGrZTwZEBWmfMPgnX13Hk-2e9BvoxDSIyumr-N_SEsxH7XmSUIUVZh-EydYqc8Ic4U9HpiYcvBR_3CT4FLCTqCrbIYR_i6wfFp13xIicQgwkumCE98YQC7o-0i_jZ/s1600/luke8.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518834346243093426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV39_vTGx4WrubeJ6pGrZTwZEBWmfMPgnX13Hk-2e9BvoxDSIyumr-N_SEsxH7XmSUIUVZh-EydYqc8Ic4U9HpiYcvBR_3CT4FLCTqCrbIYR_i6wfFp13xIicQgwkumCE98YQC7o-0i_jZ/s400/luke8.bmp" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#990000;">S</span>occ<span style="color:#6600cc;">e</span>r</span> C<span style="color:#339999;">h</span>a<span style="color:#990000;">m</span><span style="color:#000000;">p</span>io<span style="color:#009900;">n</span></strong></span><br /><br />believe it or not, he had a whistle blown on him<br />for throwing his elbow into the other team's players.<br />Timid Luke, the soccer <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">aggressor</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NCB2NB0-tCnyXYxa_dew4czQe5djF8IZ27kLN53OuYLNOkjBowEAjqqHfYh90srp4S-fBzVVbUcuWnkvApavp11pEiWWqTbPa99klGzLibSMm42CIZMQn2acBJWNWMOF8doYBjr2up8-/s1600/luke5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518834061846144034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NCB2NB0-tCnyXYxa_dew4czQe5djF8IZ27kLN53OuYLNOkjBowEAjqqHfYh90srp4S-fBzVVbUcuWnkvApavp11pEiWWqTbPa99klGzLibSMm42CIZMQn2acBJWNWMOF8doYBjr2up8-/s400/luke5.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;"><strong> Fi<span style="color:#ff6600;">x</span>-i<span style="color:#ff0000;">t</span> <span style="color:#000000;">M<span style="color:#003300;">a</span>n</span></strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:180%;"></span></strong><br />Luke loves to watch people fix things.<br />Our t-molding has taken a beating since<br /> he watched his uncles put laminate floor down.<br />Rip trim up,hammer down. repeat.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518833010287122322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCi7eyVpfeGf1K83ZKFZqhdqmB_af6rtiQtwMdlCZYgf9yWGHQ1d-SO57ySoCc2S3yCy5aKEQy24T548Ikd6dEVVlHgY6Kgwfdp_aBEIiaia2PXdsg5-A7ZeXPoES00dh2NLn8A6xq503c/s400/luke2.jpg" /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong> <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#000000;">C<span style="color:#ff0000;">o</span>n<span style="color:#009900;">d</span>em<span style="color:#000099;">n</span>er</span> of E<span style="color:#00cccc;">v</span>il <span style="color:#ff6600;">D</span>oe<span style="color:#000099;">r</span>s</span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong> </strong></span><br />favorite show?Cops. <div>favorite thing to do with friends? Arrest them.</div><div>favorite thing to dress up as... you get it.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5NNgN_wotpZ3B1p3ovzsTQ5_yX9mxoS4JajJPv5bUF0nFudyWnmigp8AjD6ENy-9W5W0cYDlcD3mVFFuXIDPYJMAv892rQTzxn9JoPdgXFND2tiAe3qSehikKuekXIOhuS1CTWyaaXVg/s1600/luke4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518832552177499394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5NNgN_wotpZ3B1p3ovzsTQ5_yX9mxoS4JajJPv5bUF0nFudyWnmigp8AjD6ENy-9W5W0cYDlcD3mVFFuXIDPYJMAv892rQTzxn9JoPdgXFND2tiAe3qSehikKuekXIOhuS1CTWyaaXVg/s400/luke4.jpg" /></a><strong> <span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;">S<span style="color:#6600cc;">t</span>unt <span style="color:#3366ff;">D</span>riv<span style="color:#ff0000;">e</span>r</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div>Luke loves to drive his cars.</div><div>Thanks to Pappy he has a few. </div><div>My Pa-In-Law gets broken Power Wheels and repairs them.<br /></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-6WtcdslPQf6LnCvDel9ZxIRC8gmUUZia3JikPszi4uuxfvG2HUpgwWx3e28BcdRFf0bH9pFC6G100ANBPBwpzlNpf2mcr7lOlPrpD3cLcS-i036DI2pb_P59r55Jo4tC-hncY_iYNfW/s1600/luke3.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518832229609439634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-6WtcdslPQf6LnCvDel9ZxIRC8gmUUZia3JikPszi4uuxfvG2HUpgwWx3e28BcdRFf0bH9pFC6G100ANBPBwpzlNpf2mcr7lOlPrpD3cLcS-i036DI2pb_P59r55Jo4tC-hncY_iYNfW/s400/luke3.bmp" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;"><strong> <span style="color:#000000;">B<span style="color:#ff0000;">i</span>g</span> Boy <span style="color:#009900;">F</span>ollow<span style="color:#990000;">e</span>r </strong></span></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div>Luke has no idea he is only 4. </div><div>He loves <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">hangin</span>' with the big boys.</div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518831950529943186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZgABenc4WXVfrUpoXj78ATtQnZOs7Gwh8UUOrLra6EEIK-Ef9_yzTrQoBH01HbNQ4KGjTO8sQ2z9K7FKBJFrYcNA3ZRXqtE_xti1GQy0ApNWmlFP_J64-MWNzuqy4T84k9NMxIKni9K2/s400/kooky+Lukey.jpg" /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="color:#33ff33;">C</span>omedi<span style="color:#cc6600;">a</span>n</span></span></strong></div><div>wild man, kooky <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lukey</span>. </div><div>He keeps us rolling!!</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGA8AprQ4iNtr2-7-qe0r9cBoheQJX82VIZZE-WeNsJOcR0Z_CZsYxtcMR520Wqk_4NnICOPbt8gXoFBwJgBKXvWrj4egmRgwATPZSuLead0diqXBdD2G8DyqOSh8n7fmpVC98Osbk6L8/s1600/luke7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518829605951817282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGA8AprQ4iNtr2-7-qe0r9cBoheQJX82VIZZE-WeNsJOcR0Z_CZsYxtcMR520Wqk_4NnICOPbt8gXoFBwJgBKXvWrj4egmRgwATPZSuLead0diqXBdD2G8DyqOSh8n7fmpVC98Osbk6L8/s400/luke7.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">D</span>rea<span style="color:#009900;">m</span>e<span style="color:#ff0000;">r</span> </strong></span></div><div>Rest my Little One.</div><div></div></div><br /></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-28375131540263902222010-09-13T19:20:00.000-07:002010-09-14T05:01:19.118-07:00<div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;">and NOW...making its Mommy Dragon debut...</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">{drumroll, please}</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#009900;">TU<span style="color:#cc0000;">R</span>N IT <span style="color:#00cccc;">O</span>UT TU<span style="color:#6600cc;">E</span>SDA<span style="color:#ff6600;">Y</span>S!</span></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:180%;color:#009900;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#000000;">in this weekly feature(hopefully), I will turn out the projects I have been working on. I will also post links to really cool tutorials that I <em>WANT</em> to try.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;">Ready? Let's give it a whirl!</span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPRSOV3MVfRghIT1SqEct59axTpdQ8sixQC_nL6jLHBDZvcy4KzAdizBwCvUiEmREcUEavk8J9aP-LoxQ7AqusasExRk3gobobJa2WvldJTPEg3ZqlJyDl_0nZVRvLnbOIjgXCVPWAUCU/s1600/toilet+roll+garland.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 675px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516588554171709202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPRSOV3MVfRghIT1SqEct59axTpdQ8sixQC_nL6jLHBDZvcy4KzAdizBwCvUiEmREcUEavk8J9aP-LoxQ7AqusasExRk3gobobJa2WvldJTPEg3ZqlJyDl_0nZVRvLnbOIjgXCVPWAUCU/s400/toilet+roll+garland.jpg" /></a> I am making a flower garland for Brae's Anthropology style room.<br />The supplies are as follows:</div><ul><li><div align="center">Paper towel or toilet paper rolls</div></li><li><div align="center">Hot glue gun</div></li></ul><p align="center">1. Cut card board tubes into half inch pieces.This should l give you 5 or 6 rings.</p><p align="center">2. Glue pieces point to point. </p><p align="center">3. Once you complete 2 flowers, glue 1 flower to the other. Continue until you have a long garland.</p><p align="center">The flowers individually look great as gift embellishments. I am considering making this into a mobile.</p><div align="center"></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-33956070134739330322010-09-12T20:22:00.000-07:002010-09-14T05:18:53.145-07:00The Dragon Returns; Love in the Air<div align="center">This is a <em><strong>middle</strong> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">schooler</span></em>. <strong><em>Middle</em></strong> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">schoolers</span> are a witty species, known for eye-rolling, and rapid physical maturity. This particular breed cares much about appearance, communicates by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">texting</span>, and demands being treated like an adult. Temperament ranges somewhere between helpful and cooperative to angry and volatile. When a middle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">schooler</span> approaches, proceed with caution. It is typically uncertain WHICH mood the Middle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schooler</span> <em>might</em> be in. Under no circumstances should one attempt to pry cell phone from species' hand unless, that person has undergone thorough training. </div><br /><div align="center">{<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">hee</span>,<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">hee</span>}<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwgSYiGNzXv23HeLHvaZq7c0bSsun1hQOQdmrFtoLfeLel7iHJ2gyIB6FGqq-Xv8v-NZE8l1Qlawx36s-CAOKKQZa-Sh0o1PdVOPDaxrbFwV7IJJNQhiG7TPJlOrxbClbPXBYdo2vkkVJ/s1600/b+1st+day+of+middle+school.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516364352281463698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwgSYiGNzXv23HeLHvaZq7c0bSsun1hQOQdmrFtoLfeLel7iHJ2gyIB6FGqq-Xv8v-NZE8l1Qlawx36s-CAOKKQZa-Sh0o1PdVOPDaxrbFwV7IJJNQhiG7TPJlOrxbClbPXBYdo2vkkVJ/s400/b+1st+day+of+middle+school.jpg" /></a><br />where.does.the.time.GO?!!</div><div align="center">I am baffled. Look at her. </div><br /><div align="center">As tall as me, sharp as a tack, and</div><div align="center">GORGEOUS! I AM a PROUD MAMA! I wasn't too sure how it was all going to go,</div><div align="center">but so far things are going well. Praise GOD!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">In an attempt at earning my Domestic Goddess Badge....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU87Ko4TiFK-QWp8dGEtpSVcuI1F9kzAoEyzWj0eZZYX_B_nG4vTOW10K13tlohqtEKD-gk19PFTlPwTV80f0ntvT3qjNcpBIEqNoj0Of2BxKBXFQrnUWdItj2fHUNa46IjEfvFCXE-Ab0/s1600/chefluke.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516364185835950194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU87Ko4TiFK-QWp8dGEtpSVcuI1F9kzAoEyzWj0eZZYX_B_nG4vTOW10K13tlohqtEKD-gk19PFTlPwTV80f0ntvT3qjNcpBIEqNoj0Of2BxKBXFQrnUWdItj2fHUNa46IjEfvFCXE-Ab0/s400/chefluke.jpg" /></a> Luke and I baked Braelyn a cake for her first day of school. I would like to say, it was a lot of fun baking with the Little Man.</div><br /><div align="center">I would also like to say, that I am never going to make it in the bakery business.</div><div align="center">AND...that my cake looked like it would also work nicely at, say, maybe a </div><div align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">BACHELORETTE</span> PARTY. Or at a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">urologist</span> office party. I would post a picture of the delectable PENCIL CAKE, but I think I am going to just let your imagination take ya there.</div><p align="center">I am definitely no Ace of Cakes, that's for sure! I am so happy that middle school has not YET become the scary nightmare I thought it was going to be.</p><p align="center">I am only a year behind in my blogging efforts but am ready to give it another go.I would like to pretend like NOTHING has happened since I blogged last...but I'd be a <span style="font-size:180%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">BIG FAT LIAR</span>! </p><p align="center">sooo...for blogging purposes...let's just start with what's gone on lately.</p><br /><div align="center">Four score and 7 years ago, I said I DO to this handsome, hardworking, and gosh <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">darn it</span>-- FUNNY <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">bloak</span>. Weird how much we've changed in just 7 years.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0A8bcw1Wr0mz5c1hPuY4nUicRQ-a1jLSM8NjDJCeGu-8JXlxp1y2kjNPwbu3oSxeiaZbBtufo9yGes0GqN00kRw2v2-553squbBexWOdfexGvmt8P8KH5wWrbuqmbtpIaiIXN35hm0EN/s1600/mejaswedding.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516363830094377090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0A8bcw1Wr0mz5c1hPuY4nUicRQ-a1jLSM8NjDJCeGu-8JXlxp1y2kjNPwbu3oSxeiaZbBtufo9yGes0GqN00kRw2v2-553squbBexWOdfexGvmt8P8KH5wWrbuqmbtpIaiIXN35hm0EN/s400/mejaswedding.jpg" /></a> Jason and I decided to kick off the infamous itch in a BIG way!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT1O4wlMZYXq_xBDWyHxRBfDWkpNQwYWC6U8q1DM3MFTBIsGq5yq1deiotS7oqSh5ClpiqyGvpYNnn96F1ng8e_Nu1QHXTUWbO9HxnwjcBTcVFbjg3Dp90zdfYrdRhne3Ec_z9aX6p0js/s1600/hotel.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516239225504621410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT1O4wlMZYXq_xBDWyHxRBfDWkpNQwYWC6U8q1DM3MFTBIsGq5yq1deiotS7oqSh5ClpiqyGvpYNnn96F1ng8e_Nu1QHXTUWbO9HxnwjcBTcVFbjg3Dp90zdfYrdRhne3Ec_z9aX6p0js/s400/hotel.bmp" /></a> We stayed overnight at the Stockyard's Hotel and ate dinner at our favorite <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">restaurant</span>, H3 Ranch. We bid on this package at a benefit that was held on behalf of Jason's co-worker, Ruben Martinez. He lost his life after being shot while delivering beer. He was a husband and daddy with a new baby on the way. Made me appreciate my guy that much more. Got a little teary eyed to think how fast Ruben's wife's Life has changed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CNMC6RPn_0WGwUHh4Qad6eFN20_v-cNKCdD5GzfaBKxAGF_L2bPNaWGLZ-oO-r_NH1gRpS5OrD6TAS_-CXgaqdktZTiu5RWBdc2BlT6SCEukVzuSLjsgCglkkmEj-3OiUxqK_SDGbKiQ/s1600/47470_1370274181115_1359554766_1926852_5649236_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516238843555265362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CNMC6RPn_0WGwUHh4Qad6eFN20_v-cNKCdD5GzfaBKxAGF_L2bPNaWGLZ-oO-r_NH1gRpS5OrD6TAS_-CXgaqdktZTiu5RWBdc2BlT6SCEukVzuSLjsgCglkkmEj-3OiUxqK_SDGbKiQ/s400/47470_1370274181115_1359554766_1926852_5649236_n.jpg" /></a> I love this guy.and wine. and steak.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAju-C1s6mLtIHGb_xqhcZvIpjJEkD2RsPl1F4LlGpFNwRSAGGe0Phyphenhyphen3CJ1WdMTxqg7m1jUVarYNcJd-wuXZS-Iyf7U-ycgavyC1cg0dXeQBP-2v_ePGgto73XTz0Eg3hQRaV1NQPYvRCY/s1600/me+and+jas.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516238036152631554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAju-C1s6mLtIHGb_xqhcZvIpjJEkD2RsPl1F4LlGpFNwRSAGGe0Phyphenhyphen3CJ1WdMTxqg7m1jUVarYNcJd-wuXZS-Iyf7U-ycgavyC1cg0dXeQBP-2v_ePGgto73XTz0Eg3hQRaV1NQPYvRCY/s400/me+and+jas.jpg" /></a><br />I am very thankful for this life! </div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-40493717120825307572009-12-07T13:20:00.000-08:002009-12-07T13:44:48.016-08:00Mommy Dragon in the Cotton Sea<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl7LKRI54e_eUU_J1PiKhG7EXkX-EizvV_FnYD9sU_mTE-M_qTCRHXbMmhGDYNnW2KoMGEtWfPGLCZgUPrw4lOPOoBe5vueDwSUCbGxwHZXHb1a86kTs2okPypHApOl0jH4D-DcjQOcMo/s1600-h/furr's.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 169px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412607485566844498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl7LKRI54e_eUU_J1PiKhG7EXkX-EizvV_FnYD9sU_mTE-M_qTCRHXbMmhGDYNnW2KoMGEtWfPGLCZgUPrw4lOPOoBe5vueDwSUCbGxwHZXHb1a86kTs2okPypHApOl0jH4D-DcjQOcMo/s400/furr's.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">I just returned from a great afternoon treat! On a whim, I called Jason to see if he wanted to meet for lunch. We hadn't met for lunch in a LONG time. I love getting to see him in the middle of the day. He has put in a lot of extra hours in the past weeks so it was a nice change. When it came time to decide on a restaurant, Jas picked Furr's. Home cooking is always a favorite for me. I love Southern food. When we walked in, it was a little nostalgic. </div><div align="center">I remember being little and eating at the very same Furr's, back in it's hay-day. Pushing my tray down the metal railing made me feel so independent. Getting to pick whatever I wanted to eat was so liberating. And there was nothing more exciting than picking from the pretty meringue and whipped cream topped desserts and bowls of crystal jello. And drinking milk out of the little carton with a straw was like the cherry on top.</div><div align="center">Even now that I am grown I couldn't help but feel very young in that place. I glanced across the room to notice an abundance of cotton topped, white headed, whispy-haired ladies and combed over, black socked gents. I looked at the table next to us...old people. Now, it isn't necessarily that this is breaking news or anything. I mean...I know that old people eat at Furr's and Luby's but, WOW! They were everywhere. We sat in a sea of Mee-Maws and Paw-Paws that smelt of baby powder, Aqua-net, and Old Spice. There was something comforting about all of it. </div><div align="center">It was a real treat to see Jas during his workday and pat him on the back for his hard work.</div><div align="center">Luke seemed to enjoy seeing his daddy too. He was extra affectionate. I guess sometimes it's nice doing something different. Call me CRAZY! </div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-73439558759677770662009-12-06T13:46:00.000-08:002009-12-06T14:56:46.531-08:00A Smokin' Thanksgiving Weekend<div align="center">I love Thanksgiving. I remember being a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">litle</span> kid and waking up to the smell of turkey and dressing and the sound of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at my grandparents' house. I am thankful this year for friends and family. This year we jam packed our holiday weekend! Brae spent time with Jocelyn, her step-mom's family for Thanksgiving. Luke and I spent the first day of break with good friends, Jodi and Collin. We spent the day in Fort Worth.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0JVbDZCvS2N52lQQoEq95rbTkfr1WUuSU3UiOmuaPqNZ5o6dYLrWam0_BVIce0SzA8eOEcB8s2KE6Ba4K5KoIi7MSKMlTR0A4FQa_YMtQ5dmfK4flZByFQrrixClamYjSPaSpGk100Ib/s1600-h/train+ride.jpeg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412254067469841858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0JVbDZCvS2N52lQQoEq95rbTkfr1WUuSU3UiOmuaPqNZ5o6dYLrWam0_BVIce0SzA8eOEcB8s2KE6Ba4K5KoIi7MSKMlTR0A4FQa_YMtQ5dmfK4flZByFQrrixClamYjSPaSpGk100Ib/s400/train+ride.jpeg" /></a> Our first stop was the miniature train ride, The Trinity Express. Luke was completely mesmerized. It took us through parts of the area I wasn't even familiar with.</div><div align="center"> I really enjoyed the beautiful scenery. </div><div align="center">After the train ride, we Diego-ed it over to the Ft. Worth Zoo. </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD17QP3EeMkwAch180psRyCuA-bgSXS6E0vOH-MzXgYKM9cHsTC0N9CFzusn0c9NeRBG9xCB4k0mJ9UFCW-dlxBL1ehZiJOUZ6nQvb-j6xfLwAqlHDNa9uEiVJ-tHKhN7gccpxA8juRTlL/s1600-h/zoo+collage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412253832615356674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD17QP3EeMkwAch180psRyCuA-bgSXS6E0vOH-MzXgYKM9cHsTC0N9CFzusn0c9NeRBG9xCB4k0mJ9UFCW-dlxBL1ehZiJOUZ6nQvb-j6xfLwAqlHDNa9uEiVJ-tHKhN7gccpxA8juRTlL/s400/zoo+collage.jpg" /></a> Luke hadn't been to the zoo that he could remember. He had fun exploring with Collin and I , as always, enjoyed spending time with my sweet <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">frien</span> Jo to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Odi</span>. I love that girl!<br /><br />The Next day was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Thanksgivin</span>' as Luke calls it. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law hosted.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCvRrkf_k8nog0zgxjM-LZil3IMVJqHca5ABWqHxeDr_QQLQ3iiUM7cVGNpLz7bmwDql2_JS71TpUXl5iv-EIhiTz0Edlgu84xZRHA4T2rlkY3SuuwFsB32WYTDkhUqySXE2Leszr15Nb/s1600-h/079.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412253548854407586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCvRrkf_k8nog0zgxjM-LZil3IMVJqHca5ABWqHxeDr_QQLQ3iiUM7cVGNpLz7bmwDql2_JS71TpUXl5iv-EIhiTz0Edlgu84xZRHA4T2rlkY3SuuwFsB32WYTDkhUqySXE2Leszr15Nb/s200/079.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;">Turkey for my turkey!<br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvZ-6kCDOKK68drRKdUYnHojxCEXfLvRrrCjXv_H6CDArPm7GE2iXxYhGYm00DcexSV05La_gP9Lbz-VWEI2-bbP2uLSUVTC28ZTA0C324-CrcIt4axoMUMU359t6HqTxo2xYrdsFSG5v/s1600-h/080.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412253432870928210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvZ-6kCDOKK68drRKdUYnHojxCEXfLvRrrCjXv_H6CDArPm7GE2iXxYhGYm00DcexSV05La_gP9Lbz-VWEI2-bbP2uLSUVTC28ZTA0C324-CrcIt4axoMUMU359t6HqTxo2xYrdsFSG5v/s200/080.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Finally, on Friday we headed to Oklahoma for our annual tradition, </div><div>family time at Lake Murray. Here the extended family gets together to enjoy the end of fall and welcome in Christmas.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNNOs4a-BZc5UeB4-EZkIJnJMlMkANqOLCpnE2AVTpdFjxMGRtdWCg572nN_J-XlBJZNyGzKwOXDcoX2fkRqWz-fGDw2T3jTyK1hi3ylsXY3BglESseLaFI2oQwyeyhCy2lXxafU9MZl7/s1600-h/lake+murray.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 184px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412252927834069122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNNOs4a-BZc5UeB4-EZkIJnJMlMkANqOLCpnE2AVTpdFjxMGRtdWCg572nN_J-XlBJZNyGzKwOXDcoX2fkRqWz-fGDw2T3jTyK1hi3ylsXY3BglESseLaFI2oQwyeyhCy2lXxafU9MZl7/s400/lake+murray.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>This has always made it easier for us to share Thanksgiving with all the ones we love. we are able to spend the Holidays with our in-laws and then as a family we meet at Lake Murray and spend the whole weekend together. The kids had a blast burying each other in the leaves. We <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">arrived</span>, got the fire started, drank hot cocoa, listened to Bing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Christmas</span> tunes, and visited. The kids made flame roasted <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">s'mores</span> for everyone. I like my marshmallows burnt. Do you like roasted marshmallows?</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59U3qRg7hCFhE-Hdv5IsyTltYXJ-H3byWU65wRyP20d6gUsogQXu3LcZPwL1c95udI5ICFXg-PuIWbM0na7_aGS_i6Z83EBg7XGnIZh-W0WqT-6GW31GTYHAsa1v6kNMxlgzN4v65w8l0/s1600-h/leafy+kids.jpeg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 136px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412251755827631282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59U3qRg7hCFhE-Hdv5IsyTltYXJ-H3byWU65wRyP20d6gUsogQXu3LcZPwL1c95udI5ICFXg-PuIWbM0na7_aGS_i6Z83EBg7XGnIZh-W0WqT-6GW31GTYHAsa1v6kNMxlgzN4v65w8l0/s400/leafy+kids.jpeg" /></a><br /><br /><br />I attempted the Christmas card picture BUT no bones. This one is cute none the less,I think.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_8JW4Xrfq9PXA9jtX2O1THwRsEkqRYYVZW3vujKWM82Ne9BWPV3BGoM6s1T0aQb0oqQ4eZdWfXbtYl6tyMmNIDTeWY1J6RymsKdeT2xlIOwQ-guAeJ2nQfn8sXE4HZ7r4-bTNEGhN8QW/s1600-h/100.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412251495330960594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_8JW4Xrfq9PXA9jtX2O1THwRsEkqRYYVZW3vujKWM82Ne9BWPV3BGoM6s1T0aQb0oqQ4eZdWfXbtYl6tyMmNIDTeWY1J6RymsKdeT2xlIOwQ-guAeJ2nQfn8sXE4HZ7r4-bTNEGhN8QW/s400/100.JPG" /></a><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jas</span> got to exercise his pyromaniac tendencies keeping a tall strong fire burning the majority of the weekend. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">heh</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">heh</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">heh</span>... FIRE! yeah! yeah!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-X5oSyTiQNcnW7iE_BPQuzzLuquNsVAj-G7LplP1t6vuPEv94fO80fYRy4gyz4qECCdHRMwuhZOtgHK_DY4g9vIhsK7Zv8fkbNPeTNPTIYsJv10YQ81-XGIzOoS4fV4R3hu_gJ-vdwU2x/s1600-h/118.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412251208299385250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-X5oSyTiQNcnW7iE_BPQuzzLuquNsVAj-G7LplP1t6vuPEv94fO80fYRy4gyz4qECCdHRMwuhZOtgHK_DY4g9vIhsK7Zv8fkbNPeTNPTIYsJv10YQ81-XGIzOoS4fV4R3hu_gJ-vdwU2x/s400/118.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pyro</span> tendencies may be genetic as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lukey</span> Luke couldn't seem to get enough of it. I love campfires. They smell <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">sooo</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">goood</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jas</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">roocks</span> the campfires. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mmmm</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmmmm</span>!</div><div>It was a fun year since Luke really understood the Holiday and was able to soak it all in. I love that boy. I am thankful for this life!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaONX6_idz1IFX-doweA8bJUXHzMU4R2kfSSVDwJZAWT3oIIfKTbyYk31MDTGe-sc0kUMoWHxP4zbf1a_9d89EMsO4uF6SU8aMFBcVZWrvArNNHTJtqVTIo2JftRnXZi68V4NdkwjjmviT/s1600-h/117.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412250984861481010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaONX6_idz1IFX-doweA8bJUXHzMU4R2kfSSVDwJZAWT3oIIfKTbyYk31MDTGe-sc0kUMoWHxP4zbf1a_9d89EMsO4uF6SU8aMFBcVZWrvArNNHTJtqVTIo2JftRnXZi68V4NdkwjjmviT/s400/117.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-45041688365731908342009-11-22T21:10:00.000-08:002009-11-22T21:44:57.904-08:00The Amazing Barefoot Musician<div align="center">Rodney <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Branigan</span>...WOW!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIhVcmExvvltAMQNSlKrXBK0tVMnlyFXpWzcen7puJWDqJkwQ4J9q-23w5XiJiAf7QxfwDj775i0Hx6hbmU-1re1Jpk_kYvayzftNr_dKH3lIP5qVWzPvYwCXk_Pid7ffy28e8ift_Fzd/s1600/rodneyBranigan.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407162792164879570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIhVcmExvvltAMQNSlKrXBK0tVMnlyFXpWzcen7puJWDqJkwQ4J9q-23w5XiJiAf7QxfwDj775i0Hx6hbmU-1re1Jpk_kYvayzftNr_dKH3lIP5qVWzPvYwCXk_Pid7ffy28e8ift_Fzd/s400/rodneyBranigan.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnK8W_Nb722_AaPrncksgTABpktO6vqxOgvJ4nPpPKMztvhY6FckdKHs8losyHCuRam7e663cogo60FUxu7rXE3QBvcAxKQh1cxZ4Mae92Z1QzRyNtyDdllQqkL7h9O51LEGUlYKOllCUw/s1600/branigan.bmp"></a>Tonight, I made my way out to the Ft. Worth Stockyard's to take in a little show.By little, I mean like a stick of dynamite. I was lucky enough to get to listen to the incredible instrumental and vocal talent of Rodney <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Branigan</span>. This guy! There are really not words. I am surprised he doesn't have his own show in Vegas! Move over Celine Dion! This guy has more talent in his big toe than she does in her whole twiggy frame.<br /><br />I walked in a little late, but when I did, he was playing guitar and his own percussion. He had a tambourine he rocked with his foot as he skillfully picked the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">geeetar</span>. I walked in and as the sign on the wall said, </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I sat down</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I shut-up</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">and I listened</span>. </div><div align="center">And watched, and picked my jaw up off the floor, and held on tight to my seat, and tapped my toe, and nodded my head, and was awe-struck!<br />In addition to his own percussion,he also can play 2 guitars at 1 time.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">I can't even rub my head and pat my tummy.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><p align="center">From the burbs of Amarillo, he now calls London, England home. Home for a Thanksgiving visit, he is doing just a few shows and I am really glad I made this one. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Annnnnnd</span>...</p><p align="center">I got a vintage Hayes <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Carll</span> CD from when he played at Clubhouse in 2004 from my sweet friend Joni, Mama of the Clubhouse shows.I enjoyed having some me time tonight. </p><p align="center">Check him out on youtube, Rodney <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Branigan</span> as he plays 2 guitars. It is called flip trick.</p><p align="center">Again, WOW! Let me know what you think!</p><p align="center"></p>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-55109007333505104042009-11-19T18:41:00.000-08:002009-11-19T19:15:38.111-08:00Mommy Dragon's Little Fella<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWjqIfXhSYYjD0SrqCXFwTq6Vork2HNMlE9WkK81a5SQt_VzewAsTp8FFGT7SKY38PCPmreFIGgdFU6g-iJLvwHxjOBneKXL8F2OGtUds-lpgZ8gIxVWVX0HDAPQcSOdmgSdAaefgjsvB/s1600/014.JPG">Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6</a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406011755138493762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWjqIfXhSYYjD0SrqCXFwTq6Vork2HNMlE9WkK81a5SQt_VzewAsTp8FFGT7SKY38PCPmreFIGgdFU6g-iJLvwHxjOBneKXL8F2OGtUds-lpgZ8gIxVWVX0HDAPQcSOdmgSdAaefgjsvB/s400/014.JPG" border="0" /> He is such a little man!! This guy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">loves</span> to help me and is so into cleaning. If I get close to the sink, he begs to help with dishes. If I am doing laundry, he reaches up for the clothes from the wash and throws them in the dryer for me. The other day, when I was washing dishes he asked if I would get the step-ladder so he could help me. Realizing how I could capitalize on this in the future, I definitely did not hesitate. He stuck with it til they were all gone. <div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8ce3NbePqax670uJaZqG7GEzetLubeSXaNv7peZoIk_SbvpefabcivOuV16Fv0jtEZW18DEgnbQw8IntT7gs5v0YXW5BRmAar-rkXUbrbZQ5GIljh_KqZLpoXo9FgsbmD9ujGbSSA1hi/s1600/015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406011625404776162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8ce3NbePqax670uJaZqG7GEzetLubeSXaNv7peZoIk_SbvpefabcivOuV16Fv0jtEZW18DEgnbQw8IntT7gs5v0YXW5BRmAar-rkXUbrbZQ5GIljh_KqZLpoXo9FgsbmD9ujGbSSA1hi/s400/015.JPG" border="0" /></a> He got a little worried when he looked at his hands and noticed they were all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">raisiny</span>.<br /><span style="font-family:webdings;color:#33ff33;">n n n</span><br />I rewarded his efforts with a little dessert after dinner.</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Turkey in a Blizzard.</span></div><div align="center"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoFWetqxOqGNN5QPL-c9CbaaDNWYMsd1-jZokvZFd6uxUYqRsRz3GYJV_1UjseYBXsJuTPuEiGjtVmE5caFPy9tZmRq7jAg_nNshcB470r-0ryMwQl4O_7wfFRsMCoPNOoRswYy7vWqK5/s1600/024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406011400924756882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoFWetqxOqGNN5QPL-c9CbaaDNWYMsd1-jZokvZFd6uxUYqRsRz3GYJV_1UjseYBXsJuTPuEiGjtVmE5caFPy9tZmRq7jAg_nNshcB470r-0ryMwQl4O_7wfFRsMCoPNOoRswYy7vWqK5/s400/024.JPG" border="0" /></a> To make these, you need:</div><div> 1 chocolate covered donut, </div><div>1 Hershey's kiss, </div><div>1 orange sprinkle </div><div>( I used leftover Halloween ones), </div><div>and 4 candy corn.</div><div><span style="font-family:webdings;color:#33cc00;">n n n</span></div><div>1.) Gently press Hershey's Kiss into the donut near the hole.</div><div>2.) Press each candy corn around the top rim of the donut</div><div>3.) Press orange sprinkle into the pointy top of Kiss.<br /></div><div>I put mine atop a scoop of vanilla ice cream.Voila!! Turkey in a Blizzard </div><div><br /><span style="font-family:webdings;color:#33ff33;">n n n </span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;color:#33ff33;">Introducing:</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Bernadette the Thrift Store Angel</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mTuaU6xbr4xpkBFsJCCO4LKASVD672EHjqAKCLevIOKLMUHbXu-jN8BuqPJMwafsm4bFiJ043v6R-yENy3M-n7447cVd4MqoVfXEuH5v2gLJntBC_yioyo5xuLGVC4s47lYExz9irJDr/s1600/022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406011296133589522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mTuaU6xbr4xpkBFsJCCO4LKASVD672EHjqAKCLevIOKLMUHbXu-jN8BuqPJMwafsm4bFiJ043v6R-yENy3M-n7447cVd4MqoVfXEuH5v2gLJntBC_yioyo5xuLGVC4s47lYExz9irJDr/s400/022.JPG" border="0" /></a> She was all of $1.99 at my favorite Thrift Store! I am sure she brought Merry Christmases to her family, but they apparently moved on to someone new. So now, she will reside happily in my <img class="gl_spell" alt="Check Spelling" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" />living room. I hope to rescue more angels just like her. She is helping to slowly transition my decor into Christmas and quite frankly, I love her.<br /><div><span style="font-family:webdings;color:#33cc00;">n n n</span></div></div></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-18329378245150445232009-11-16T18:25:00.000-08:002010-09-21T11:05:30.672-07:00Aunt Ida, Duchess of Vilonia, Joins her King<div align="center">57 years and 1 month ago, this world was introduced to Ida Mae <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Swaim</span>, a toe-headed delta sweetheart. She was the youngest of 7 children with an amazing spirit. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7cMsAs_nGF6w98iPyrVJdZ4XVzHxX9CFXikYNvrT0vrCJuv40THArCieGKZ-UMZ_2qvfmXCQFLDxmpK6e-B1xtXZyZyWRorEx9BDdzYaDUTX_TBV9KWYri2HV9IlYZ7NZUAXBheiyjqd/s1600/079.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404899493076077394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7cMsAs_nGF6w98iPyrVJdZ4XVzHxX9CFXikYNvrT0vrCJuv40THArCieGKZ-UMZ_2qvfmXCQFLDxmpK6e-B1xtXZyZyWRorEx9BDdzYaDUTX_TBV9KWYri2HV9IlYZ7NZUAXBheiyjqd/s400/079.JPG" border="0" /></a> Known to her mama as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ider</span>, Maw-Maw to her grandkids,<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Aint</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Idie to her nieces and nephews</span>,she left an an Ida shaped hole in our hearts. On her 56<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> birthday she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. 1 year and 1 month later she was laid to rest.</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:webdings;color:#33cc00;">n n n</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Happier Times</span></div><div align="center">I met Aunt Ida just a few days before mine and Jason's wedding. After a little teasing about whether or not I was sure I wanted to be part of the family, Aunt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Idie</span> asked me if I wanted to see the dress she planned to wear for our big day. <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">She left the room and came back minutes later dressed in a 1980's royal blue number that was sure to turn heads</span>, but not in a flattering way. Giving into stereotypes, I assumed what they said about Arkansans was true. Not wanting to seem rude, I politely complimented the blueberry monstrosity. She laughed and fortunately had something more elegant planned. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:webdings;color:#000000;">n n n</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I loved going to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Vilonia</span> in the spring time to pick veggies out of her and Uncle Roberts' garden.</span> Together we picked peppers, squash, cucumbers, and purple hull peas. We would sit around the table, shell peas, and talk the afternoon away. Our efforts were rewarded with a delicious garden fresh vegetable dinner complete with pickled cumbers, fried taters, and sweet tea. </span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:webdings;"></span></div><span style="font-family:webdings;color:#000000;">n n n</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Every time</span> I would visit, Aunt Ida made a point to make sure she and I had special time together, doing my favorite thing, thrift shopping. </span>The kids would ask if they could come and she let them know in no uncertain terms, that they were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">not invited</span>. We always shopped together. In <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">March,</span> she and I hit a few stores in Carlisle. On the car ride there, we talked about the unfortunate turn of events. She shared with me that she was at peace with dying. The only part she hated was the sorrow her family would feel. I let her know that as much as I would miss her, I knew that our time apart would be short. </span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:webdings;color:#33cc00;">n n n</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jOwxhNYrq_0hyphenhyphen15PM8wnpGB_7kS_hi84rB3v5TYRJmZF6zT8EZiTcaZ_Jyg_eu1dTgvW6Ex0SHuATDkJEdweOIqFeO9zhz5_oAWCc6jTDf8A56BwaqhadyKGaVOeC_Y7HFIEDL4ZtAdh/s1600/080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404899358577167090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jOwxhNYrq_0hyphenhyphen15PM8wnpGB_7kS_hi84rB3v5TYRJmZF6zT8EZiTcaZ_Jyg_eu1dTgvW6Ex0SHuATDkJEdweOIqFeO9zhz5_oAWCc6jTDf8A56BwaqhadyKGaVOeC_Y7HFIEDL4ZtAdh/s400/080.JPG" border="0" /></a>Aunt Ida with her family before we knew about the cancer. Christmas, 2006.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInK1viPT_M-qySZtHCIR3WBTx5wyIy4c48uKEFavjtqWu0PyrYnR_GejK-Kpty7_n2RH6At0SRnW3aU_rmYGRIiG0KGAsOPT53fH0gJWh0oS1Murp_cFoJI39sqorWGob9h_qRJkmoHRr/s1600/478.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404897211833007330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInK1viPT_M-qySZtHCIR3WBTx5wyIy4c48uKEFavjtqWu0PyrYnR_GejK-Kpty7_n2RH6At0SRnW3aU_rmYGRIiG0KGAsOPT53fH0gJWh0oS1Murp_cFoJI39sqorWGob9h_qRJkmoHRr/s400/478.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Aint</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Idie</span> and "Luke the Toot" as she called him seen here at Granny-Greats. </div><div align="center">Luke has said on many occasions recently, "I miss <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Aint</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Idie</span>. I don't want her to be in Heffen"<br /><br />I loved this idea. I think it would be a great thing for Brae to do in honor of her daddy. The kids each said a prayer while holding their balloon, letting Maw-Maw know how much they loved her. They sent the balloon to the sky and on to Heaven. </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:webdings;color:#33cc00;">n n n</span><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmF_zJAkCND0IsIuNrlbaqn5XVyAZYPoP2IF5ApjR_8sa4YW8MmrJix0Z_EloxuatSqNZPG3SvIIjIeBts_pA4CLiV8WOSKVlJ0KZn3bB_9N2H46DXVfEk8BTahGOF0X-THhaMTfTM5kO/s1600/004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404895135084132178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmF_zJAkCND0IsIuNrlbaqn5XVyAZYPoP2IF5ApjR_8sa4YW8MmrJix0Z_EloxuatSqNZPG3SvIIjIeBts_pA4CLiV8WOSKVlJ0KZn3bB_9N2H46DXVfEk8BTahGOF0X-THhaMTfTM5kO/s200/004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkK1q_6FCd-_0WdkfjrLyGNC4iYtI8dsmbk2uwE3xOx-5YfXToJMLLNf9qo31baBCXRJnRCnAYTOJVIAFgiwZnnp4BMP13lBNN3Wa8O_wW00sKwYcp2MaVbmGXDhrUoSE5x8NgwYPR2fpP/s1600/006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404894977841214098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkK1q_6FCd-_0WdkfjrLyGNC4iYtI8dsmbk2uwE3xOx-5YfXToJMLLNf9qo31baBCXRJnRCnAYTOJVIAFgiwZnnp4BMP13lBNN3Wa8O_wW00sKwYcp2MaVbmGXDhrUoSE5x8NgwYPR2fpP/s200/006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNLu2_3hUvENZy9LLoDB4Ppjzzx_jiUjv7H-WIlKusg6oDW8JCR77mRAoiJUMTJ9TF2lYaB5T3xDlTchlqA24TMZ_YKVPcZ95agDT5Kx3Hfb3PB5odyrY0L6TRYkqfo4-vyQyI7U6nToW/s1600/007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404894865505678290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNLu2_3hUvENZy9LLoDB4Ppjzzx_jiUjv7H-WIlKusg6oDW8JCR77mRAoiJUMTJ9TF2lYaB5T3xDlTchlqA24TMZ_YKVPcZ95agDT5Kx3Hfb3PB5odyrY0L6TRYkqfo4-vyQyI7U6nToW/s200/007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdZyqA9yg9_tto-iMxnnvNXU-OnMmUwgGC0w8sbWP5GL3nce3_9CSNWdIVHGArdwMbYD7dFNHAMXdyHXXBnMWi7f42Nuo9oHbPB3SKIs6wg_EC8Rzw_O7v1DcawYSLTIyBnwBxhJvAuQE/s1600/008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404894764929586338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdZyqA9yg9_tto-iMxnnvNXU-OnMmUwgGC0w8sbWP5GL3nce3_9CSNWdIVHGArdwMbYD7dFNHAMXdyHXXBnMWi7f42Nuo9oHbPB3SKIs6wg_EC8Rzw_O7v1DcawYSLTIyBnwBxhJvAuQE/s200/008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Our cousins Chad and Misty's new bundle of boy.<br /><br />Welcome little one. We are so glad to meet you and can't wait to share with you the love and memories we have of Aunt Ida.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVoynRNhEjBm-PjLvvk0Gk30JGFNZvYAQ_L2xFCcZ0ywo5ghE9WbhptyOTIDjBQuAu8jr-2beUtuTKKvL1-EFgjSunxjqSc-AjuLEsRpmqqKaIx34QW6-QPYXPBytqLTytf9grXEq-59H/s1600/085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404894606900312770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVoynRNhEjBm-PjLvvk0Gk30JGFNZvYAQ_L2xFCcZ0ywo5ghE9WbhptyOTIDjBQuAu8jr-2beUtuTKKvL1-EFgjSunxjqSc-AjuLEsRpmqqKaIx34QW6-QPYXPBytqLTytf9grXEq-59H/s400/085.JPG" border="0" /></a>The family gathered after the funeral at Grandma's in Hazen. We spent time visiting with one another.<br />Her presence was definitely missed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjh4G303MP5m-u4W-46O3q2Y1COp3_92BOU_VSXM70bIWBjkvg6d2cjBakMRPD1rujoxzOgOFyUKHMvl25rGuCNEhyoX6fgNwWNmp8tuIuNqraH9PO8XbkZdfQCpHQPsyuT52GUAG9jKmk/s1600/051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404894110637629442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjh4G303MP5m-u4W-46O3q2Y1COp3_92BOU_VSXM70bIWBjkvg6d2cjBakMRPD1rujoxzOgOFyUKHMvl25rGuCNEhyoX6fgNwWNmp8tuIuNqraH9PO8XbkZdfQCpHQPsyuT52GUAG9jKmk/s400/051.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:webdings;color:#33cc00;">n n n</span> </p>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-75009002889153175492009-11-08T20:24:00.001-08:002009-11-08T20:36:39.858-08:001 month until Snowball Express! Crunch Time!One year ago, this was me. Twiggy however fit and healthy. I dieted for 2 years and went from 172 lbs. to a scary low 122 lbs. While I have no desire to get "skinny", I would like to get healthy. Limiting sweets and junk food has suddenly become trying. I am setting a goal.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxeq2W7y4F_2m-rd5Q77TlpXxxwwYJNqES3R_mbxo68lIMy9ktwRikfJ4RmGZdXGQdEtGa7YZC73-KsxKh0UAX25WF6cLtUHE6Ezmq_Ly8f5zaxIV9ajiyauJya-QFV2ZYmIeo_KPJPwS/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401956462449752770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxeq2W7y4F_2m-rd5Q77TlpXxxwwYJNqES3R_mbxo68lIMy9ktwRikfJ4RmGZdXGQdEtGa7YZC73-KsxKh0UAX25WF6cLtUHE6Ezmq_Ly8f5zaxIV9ajiyauJya-QFV2ZYmIeo_KPJPwS/s400/001.JPG" border="0" /></a> For the next month I will eat healthy and take my happy hinder to the gym; something I have denied myself for over a month. So for 1 month I plan to make it to the gym 4 times a week and to eat healthy again. Tomorrow is Monday the 9th, a pefect day to get started.monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-79208945723251933312009-11-03T15:25:00.000-08:002009-11-08T20:10:50.210-08:00This Halloween was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">a good</span> one, despite my lack of desire to decorate. I got as far as buying a few window clings at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wal</span></span>-Mart and a couple pumpkins from Sprout. Other than that...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nothin</span></span>'. Fortunately, the lack of spooky ambiance did not prevent my <span style="color:#ffffff;">monkeys</span> from having a great time. This Halloween was jam packed and the kids and I had fun celebrating. Brae was "Sponge Babe" and Luke was "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Spiderman"</span></span> with big muscles. Below, Luke and the kids from his pre-school pose for their action hero poster pic. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Captain</span></span> America in the middle had just instructed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Spiderman</span></span> L<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">uke</span></span>) and Cat woman (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ashlynn</span></span>) to "save <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">da</span></span> wold." I feel safe!How about you???<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVoTvcotJ5rLIikjvqlkSoIwcGLicSKUG7QP1pRZqB6KRScOwmtweSPbH8mvbpBCLxx7CpljkxhhU_c2nZb6WKClO7FYPHhNAC5sH9QcAFPFNqvp9qWQjZLFz5-8Vztc1jS5HixedgCq1/s1600-h/254.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401614548591564930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVoTvcotJ5rLIikjvqlkSoIwcGLicSKUG7QP1pRZqB6KRScOwmtweSPbH8mvbpBCLxx7CpljkxhhU_c2nZb6WKClO7FYPHhNAC5sH9QcAFPFNqvp9qWQjZLFz5-8Vztc1jS5HixedgCq1/s400/254.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The kids were adorable in their costumes and it was nice that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Lukey</span></span>-Luke had little friends to play with this year. The next day, the kids and I went to Brae's Fall Festival at her school. The theme this year was The Great Pumpkin. The decor was great and the festival turned out really good. Brae and Luke took her final elementary fall fest pic. We now have the whole collection since Miss B was in Kinder.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsErnDXGJUWi0cVvmUIFbSmKfprV9D1Gqe-jTR_Gx0xN9D-5pJrpRgSmCJKTZ4c59nNVLkucptxAEt-n4qkeT3xqx2nRQxGgZ9sw52aHca2ouN-bwQAG8xuhIZ6jtQUE3ag52qF9tqaKV/s1600-h/296.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401614341948042178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsErnDXGJUWi0cVvmUIFbSmKfprV9D1Gqe-jTR_Gx0xN9D-5pJrpRgSmCJKTZ4c59nNVLkucptxAEt-n4qkeT3xqx2nRQxGgZ9sw52aHca2ouN-bwQAG8xuhIZ6jtQUE3ag52qF9tqaKV/s400/296.JPG" border="0" /></a> They were such "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Hambones</span></span>." They enjoyed the games and tickets. Brae actually spent most of the time with friends this year. But it was alright. Luke and I got to spend time together. Brae felt very independent and her mom only felt moderately abandoned. <boo-hoo!></div><br /><div align="center"><br />After Fall Festival it was off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">to</span></span> the In-Laws for another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Falloween</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Traditition</span></span>...</div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">CHILI DOGS!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwOMkueE3luv6cstttBr3hg_gMi7sYzu0vDG0EZDt7UddjKZTApQ1VjzqRK-SxAIYEjc71uqGSIKJ_aBeL9xYkzdqiCUvM0Kz7PNXmzjhiU-dI1tWJJFyFGXDdRJpx36jxVWkupVW5ahJ/s1600-h/321.JPG"></div></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401614181618014322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwOMkueE3luv6cstttBr3hg_gMi7sYzu0vDG0EZDt7UddjKZTApQ1VjzqRK-SxAIYEjc71uqGSIKJ_aBeL9xYkzdqiCUvM0Kz7PNXmzjhiU-dI1tWJJFyFGXDdRJpx36jxVWkupVW5ahJ/s400/321.JPG" border="0" /></span>Since Brae was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">itty</span></span> bitty we have gone over to Jason's parents for Chili Dogs on Halloween Night. This year Jessica made homemade chili. It was really good. It is amazing to me that 3 years ago to the day, Brae's daddy deployed back to Iraq. I look at her now and can not believe what an amazing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">young</span></span> woman she has become. This year was the first year I felt like my little baby isn't a little baby anymore. She was pretty much over trick-or-treating. :(<br /><div align="center"><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvvWBlu3lbKCBc7liz2M6d4-mM_i-lpCNqan54Ykl3StWJpdRYCFcXtat5_K0Pt87u49lc0zc95VCpGzDasE4jVK39CtjWLHf3JrNJ8-1fqeKJ6FmuP9hdrlj0fVm4qNIKdNjkWPyruIN/s1600-h/323.JPG"><span style="font-size:180%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401389221408042258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvvWBlu3lbKCBc7liz2M6d4-mM_i-lpCNqan54Ykl3StWJpdRYCFcXtat5_K0Pt87u49lc0zc95VCpGzDasE4jVK39CtjWLHf3JrNJ8-1fqeKJ6FmuP9hdrlj0fVm4qNIKdNjkWPyruIN/s400/323.JPG" border="0" /></span></a>{Sassy Britches <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Squarepants</span></span>}</div><div></div><div>After Halloween at the in-laws, we headed to our next Halloween tradition, trick or treating at Hometown. Hometown is a newer neighborhood that consists of homey old-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">timey</span></span> houses made of siding and painted bright colors. It is a great place. Hometown has a real sense of community about. It is, in essence, like a small town. </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401389021983709794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIltcMOiyhZXVerS63sZ8qTT2tQzvTyrS2OjqRu3qAvFvHDiIIO8ghojiTalQ6bZQtjjKVSSlk6qOdoum7SZMloltByWGTXOJxTISDSUS7FjNmMEtW04cxFaXymx6LyEud2jCFW6nu7Mqn/s400/350.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><div>Hometown would be an ideal place to raise a family. "People are dying to get in."</div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Next Stop</span> ...Nannie's House!</span></div><div></div><div>The kids were greeted at the door by Nannie, Uncle Steve, and Aunt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Jerra</span></span>. </div><div>This year Brae decided rather than going around and collecting candy, that this year, she would help Nannie hand out candy. </div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIkV_2tr7v9Cnm5WA9mPghFIgrlq4gIDJNoT-CP4m-Cc3FwVOS6_T8aYMLxSYBpT6tCgrUIvuF6la0K2PGjqapYgEHRvTSsOchZ5b-zLxs_hL23GQImi_iVt4NWKiWGJof9X_218Yje8M/s1600-h/332.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401388841040126370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIkV_2tr7v9Cnm5WA9mPghFIgrlq4gIDJNoT-CP4m-Cc3FwVOS6_T8aYMLxSYBpT6tCgrUIvuF6la0K2PGjqapYgEHRvTSsOchZ5b-zLxs_hL23GQImi_iVt4NWKiWGJof9X_218Yje8M/s400/332.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc6600;"> There is no candy as sweet as family!!</span></span><span style="color:#cc6600;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Hometown is known for its elaborate holiday decorations. There are several set-ups like the one below for pictures of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">chitlins</span></span>. We ran into Brae's principal at one of our first houses. She was coincidentally visiting her parents. We took this pic at her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">parents'</span></span> house. Small world.</span></div></div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBq2XrH9tjJC0p3SplNPqR0iihaiWAfnCHOP2hgCk1RFjuu_vhLYqEVWsrYRKnGeknTxMG-CcOTOSP_xv-YwOnjpKiX4BHAvojz3lUzJrBHowI8gKL44tlsy2TdcxPP65Rg0Wc4aCVRf_/s1600-h/338.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401388409136655810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBq2XrH9tjJC0p3SplNPqR0iihaiWAfnCHOP2hgCk1RFjuu_vhLYqEVWsrYRKnGeknTxMG-CcOTOSP_xv-YwOnjpKiX4BHAvojz3lUzJrBHowI8gKL44tlsy2TdcxPP65Rg0Wc4aCVRf_/s400/338.JPG" border="0" /></a>{ Hometown is always decorated to the max! }<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlcxfmSR_9qcLG2V0X8uvW-5cJGp0AxI8-oYogrs7xTDxbwKOtkTsgDsM0xKdoCU00THWbDSG0_eUmxcUU2K8bOnUA1kFgZIchzimyC-27XxTieZBo3joJ6UAYjultVuw9zXHLXQseW30/s1600-h/336.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401387885962869282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlcxfmSR_9qcLG2V0X8uvW-5cJGp0AxI8-oYogrs7xTDxbwKOtkTsgDsM0xKdoCU00THWbDSG0_eUmxcUU2K8bOnUA1kFgZIchzimyC-27XxTieZBo3joJ6UAYjultVuw9zXHLXQseW30/s400/336.JPG" border="0" /></a>{ Meet Lucille.}</div><div>Every year the neighbors decorate a broomstick and put her out front. Brae ran down and met us really quick to get her annual Lucille pic.</div><div></div><div></div><div>WARNING! The following is not for the faint hearted....</div><div></div><div>Before continuing, make sure you are sitting down. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff0000;"><scroll></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:0;">Have you ever seen such a thing????</span></div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HEBDahUUOQnbMV22Q1npEtbrwWzC4wZ_eAKRVLzBWUy4LwUu5ucXaq8d4CiIrZrdTRnETjJt10QJL5IsF0xxzT5s1YugkxInZaT0lHuxLE7d1rgh5aNIXv_Q_yQzSznYWtUVwVTSkbax/s1600-h/336.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8ctunBHA-rHs0cowt9TI3hwtcDkLnwZnArpzlmx2Rp4Qd08nwFvjquxST-PPeERFtdIhF5cQjAYgaE3S5z-BDoSwx0-M6P8M7cWORym616ym9SgWAf90v2_wmS8Smg0VC0HlLtNlsd-7/s1600-h/348.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400025679031747250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8ctunBHA-rHs0cowt9TI3hwtcDkLnwZnArpzlmx2Rp4Qd08nwFvjquxST-PPeERFtdIhF5cQjAYgaE3S5z-BDoSwx0-M6P8M7cWORym616ym9SgWAf90v2_wmS8Smg0VC0HlLtNlsd-7/s400/348.JPG" border="0" /></a> I found this to be the very most unique <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Halloween</span></span> gimmick EVER! We walked up and there, gleaming like the North Star, was a lovely home decorated very elaborately with Holiday Cheer! </div><div>We <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">attempted</span></span> to walk up to the front porch only to find that there was line down to the street corner to get candy. </div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2ERg8iwKSAqTCem8LPNn0bSulmhV3_FgF6rvC8Hhl6J8YnByAhbDV55xcc1X94N9dFbt_WIPAxkcAO0Pl75oD2F7dmpKCaDuo4OAm3KevJFbXVCgcUEK047u8Gj0jd44F3_DbbFjJ5VG/s1600-h/340.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400025204609352674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2ERg8iwKSAqTCem8LPNn0bSulmhV3_FgF6rvC8Hhl6J8YnByAhbDV55xcc1X94N9dFbt_WIPAxkcAO0Pl75oD2F7dmpKCaDuo4OAm3KevJFbXVCgcUEK047u8Gj0jd44F3_DbbFjJ5VG/s400/340.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />When we finally made it to the front porch, we were greeted by a large present who doled out candy canes and wished each child a Merry Halloween. We continued up the steps to find </div><div>St. Nick himself along with Mrs. Claus and a cute little elf, posing for pictures.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8j4NX3VpSiR4dolnAbk-2YzZT-fq8m8ZlIBLF-xGkbWXDJAgM3O21Avo8TSLKXVzHsRxjVfpTYREcJV-1qSKpl0lZrRtUiAGvQstIAu9rn7NO6bSOyQKcvlLHoc7SSD7zGBkCaOjHFNDu/s1600-h/347.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400024347427959042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8j4NX3VpSiR4dolnAbk-2YzZT-fq8m8ZlIBLF-xGkbWXDJAgM3O21Avo8TSLKXVzHsRxjVfpTYREcJV-1qSKpl0lZrRtUiAGvQstIAu9rn7NO6bSOyQKcvlLHoc7SSD7zGBkCaOjHFNDu/s400/347.JPG" border="0" /></a> Luke was a little freaked out by Santa. I mean do ya blame him? I was confused too!!</div><div>It was a really cool idea. Luke really enjoyed seeing Santa, who told him he would see him soon.</div><div>I can not wait for Christmas! It truly was a Merry Halloween!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-79142919566001953192009-10-26T18:55:00.000-07:002009-11-02T20:23:00.839-08:00Brae speaks at Skyball viiI had to post this as I had NO pictures of Brae speaking. Only a video. Thanks to Missy Hedad who was so sweet to send me this picture. More info on this event below for your viewing pleasure.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe99M2yEr52WuX2YNxYeQxd1Bpny8FBWjtebji0s-m7g5VKTFgoJoaNVD2g1QVCI4xnoRtFYWn2uqhTR579F6XqpvS7uOzpKikc6njQPdTVU05iEkovr6CAA9vua3iMi6qENkDPvtUgT3/s1600-h/brae+speaking.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398397635176640034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe99M2yEr52WuX2YNxYeQxd1Bpny8FBWjtebji0s-m7g5VKTFgoJoaNVD2g1QVCI4xnoRtFYWn2uqhTR579F6XqpvS7uOzpKikc6njQPdTVU05iEkovr6CAA9vua3iMi6qENkDPvtUgT3/s400/brae+speaking.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>How fortunate are we that Braelyn got ANOTHER speaking oppurtunity? Mike Hogg let us know about a month or 2 ago that the Snowball Express would like for Braelyn to represent them at Skyball, a fundraising Gala that raises money for Military Initiatives. It was AWESOME! On Friday, Braelyn and I got gussied up, with much fuss over what to wear,LOL! They had sort of a Skyball pre-party for all the volunteers of both Snowball and Skyball. It was an AMAZING party.There were awesome bands, great food, and even Tony Orlando was there. Steve Amerson, America's Tenor performed a couple beautiful numbers as well! I also got a chance to meet lots of new faces.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJoV-FRnI6RslX6pci3tyVNrum-pt-6IU1X6PgD7kcpDMBN0_nOsDxpphEPEUlP9ksitIkQCVlSGwc1Xy5heqfnwP9HL4e8PtyJBfzFuulGrFd8Npn-S3zbdH19fT8gCJjHhsEPY-pWmV/s1600-h/040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397864964174219586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 199px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJoV-FRnI6RslX6pci3tyVNrum-pt-6IU1X6PgD7kcpDMBN0_nOsDxpphEPEUlP9ksitIkQCVlSGwc1Xy5heqfnwP9HL4e8PtyJBfzFuulGrFd8Npn-S3zbdH19fT8gCJjHhsEPY-pWmV/s400/040.JPG" border="0" /></a>{ Steve Amerson takes the stage. His voice is like butta. That's why, when you GOOGLE America's tenor, his name is the one you find! }<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakpOQti1X5B31Gp4hppsYZPUGIhRw7zBItXavMDwmuD2VF_lRzBvjY6y5SOsfktr0EIz9ODYnQE19jsmxqO6Eczgc_wbU8EswCTbUth9D72piozJP3z3Uq3g_Bvl39zGmmeJFcxKtnfrm/s1600-h/045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397864796912895394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakpOQti1X5B31Gp4hppsYZPUGIhRw7zBItXavMDwmuD2VF_lRzBvjY6y5SOsfktr0EIz9ODYnQE19jsmxqO6Eczgc_wbU8EswCTbUth9D72piozJP3z3Uq3g_Bvl39zGmmeJFcxKtnfrm/s400/045.JPG" border="0" /></a> {While at the party there were times we felt like little bitty fish in a massive ocean, as we knew only a couple people there. BUT THEN... Braelyn found Natalie and Savannah a mom and daughter whom she met at Disneyland 2 years ago, who are also Snowball Families. }<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGpMhyphenhyphen4tcGAVzekdfhMogbv3gmt_yOJN2QszvhQfLme9iv913N2EeU973vnKFV_ELv5RsldtHrIMSOBsjk31dRZbZ1HxK19TrNmvxAXqjlKnpcdJ0HlSC3SL5U44V0JIbIeTTd8wu10tH/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397864590653314290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGpMhyphenhyphen4tcGAVzekdfhMogbv3gmt_yOJN2QszvhQfLme9iv913N2EeU973vnKFV_ELv5RsldtHrIMSOBsjk31dRZbZ1HxK19TrNmvxAXqjlKnpcdJ0HlSC3SL5U44V0JIbIeTTd8wu10tH/s400/047.JPG" border="0" /></a>{I have to be honest. This is my first encounter with someone who has faced the brutality of war} It hits you for a second and then you have to remind yourself...}</div><br /><div>THIS IS WHAT FREEDOM LOOKS LIKE. This is what freedom costs. Legs. Somebody's legs.</div><br /><div>How lucky were we to get out of our "EVERYTHING IS FINE" shells and get a picture with reality?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOZh63MjpIk6pHdw3LHKBCGGbP_bMMI9keOuCdxnbfAMjbNt1RE7I5TidXIS5PS_HE-CIuWZBL8FuV7nbDWaaDLQyBMIZoBvifmBM8e-s47YFad1Kr9l_hl2U_xd_5dyrZiv_PL9hPcYw/s1600-h/049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397864437387258898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOZh63MjpIk6pHdw3LHKBCGGbP_bMMI9keOuCdxnbfAMjbNt1RE7I5TidXIS5PS_HE-CIuWZBL8FuV7nbDWaaDLQyBMIZoBvifmBM8e-s47YFad1Kr9l_hl2U_xd_5dyrZiv_PL9hPcYw/s400/049.JPG" border="0" /></a>{ Me, B, and Mr. Tie-A-Yellow-Ribbon-Round-The-Old-Oak-Tree. }</div><br /><br /><div>Tony Orlando was so sweet. He does a lot for soldiers. He went to Iraq and performed for the soldiers as well as helped the children of Iraq get school supplies and new shoes. Awesome!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0W7CG_B5B7VVNKb_fv9Vh3WAXNC-_49NX5OF4qM2JeH3hLLlTCp38ccCUI8qErpFU39XJcLy5IB0uNwrQLCmDHJ4BMKxhfxlork2mLpiTl1KwEyI4mPwB_aefu-oTw2WX8F6x8_Otm9f/s1600-h/051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397856698988531202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0W7CG_B5B7VVNKb_fv9Vh3WAXNC-_49NX5OF4qM2JeH3hLLlTCp38ccCUI8qErpFU39XJcLy5IB0uNwrQLCmDHJ4BMKxhfxlork2mLpiTl1KwEyI4mPwB_aefu-oTw2WX8F6x8_Otm9f/s400/051.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Couldn't pass up another hero photo oppurtunity. </div><br /><div>While I waited in line for a drink, </div><br /><div>I overheard these guys swappping stories about recent deployments.<br /></div><br /><div>__________________________________</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Brae and I called it a night around 10:30, </div><br /><div>so she could get plenty of rest before her speech the next day. </div><div>The next morning Luke and I decided to surprise Daddy and Sissy with breakfast. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7IIs36F5T9lQtQ0GiM20qxzO5SnXDhpB51vWGI_FSpCUL-RXwzra7p3BF2WngYNOnGa_CpbY2IlxzQYyItSLk0PbT2A0dTU8gHj4HX97UIVfVQHf4-vQJH2tmdxlO92zzUSdTXnQPp5J/s1600-h/057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397856342822493362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7IIs36F5T9lQtQ0GiM20qxzO5SnXDhpB51vWGI_FSpCUL-RXwzra7p3BF2WngYNOnGa_CpbY2IlxzQYyItSLk0PbT2A0dTU8gHj4HX97UIVfVQHf4-vQJH2tmdxlO92zzUSdTXnQPp5J/s200/057.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WvkRdw8lkaArf3b463lFuYbG0L0i3kbsYcyd5BpCTk8Gx7qrDQBMvgK4cLhO4pjt5VSoFinWKWhFxhNkwXbDusb_c6OfNBjyOxiHo10xUPW9sxlzLW7Ng5KFwM_2Jr7npRX4hM86SnXC/s1600-h/059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397856119027570978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WvkRdw8lkaArf3b463lFuYbG0L0i3kbsYcyd5BpCTk8Gx7qrDQBMvgK4cLhO4pjt5VSoFinWKWhFxhNkwXbDusb_c6OfNBjyOxiHo10xUPW9sxlzLW7Ng5KFwM_2Jr7npRX4hM86SnXC/s200/059.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qpPRALR_y2Kbg2AVCi562Wp54jfHs-AXReVvjz2z80rVfKripuZ03MsyiIuW-DcpoKaa5uPsFStu-Te1vAQ4Fb2xqhTezzZxIeupVOsUTq9zj_RijrFjzW-XwmXlFkM4Uz2QmiaPi_E1/s1600-h/064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397855956579431602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qpPRALR_y2Kbg2AVCi562Wp54jfHs-AXReVvjz2z80rVfKripuZ03MsyiIuW-DcpoKaa5uPsFStu-Te1vAQ4Fb2xqhTezzZxIeupVOsUTq9zj_RijrFjzW-XwmXlFkM4Uz2QmiaPi_E1/s200/064.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsL0OMId9NtczP3IG5HxGE6ml96gM8iR1AF2rJUP5fZ8Yzb-wgMzecSzG8iCK1OQGTEmczacM6vIbr0Yy34fy7cTu0uGWpLaX2kAf2mWzcbAXmLhzFMdzDYurogWiT9cV3r2-o1KOd5rR/s1600-h/060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397855677474460194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsL0OMId9NtczP3IG5HxGE6ml96gM8iR1AF2rJUP5fZ8Yzb-wgMzecSzG8iCK1OQGTEmczacM6vIbr0Yy34fy7cTu0uGWpLaX2kAf2mWzcbAXmLhzFMdzDYurogWiT9cV3r2-o1KOd5rR/s200/060.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, so Daddy and Sissy did end up helping with breakfast.Helps if you wake up early when you wanna surprise people. We had fun. Jas is a breakfast master. We also had pumpkin pancakes but I forgot to get a picture of them before they were inhaled! It was all very yummy. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>After breakfast, Brae and I got cleaned up and headed to rehearsal. She got an oppurtunity to check out the place she would be speaking at. We hitched a ride on a cart from our car to bay 4 at the hanger. When we rolled in, we were floored! Table after table were decorated beautifully!The hanger doors were open letting in a slice of the beautiful day we were having on each side of the room. Brae's word was WOW. As soon as we located Jim Palmershine, Brae hopped on stage and began reading through her notes on the podium.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuZmzsSiqsfuYCpHOWfSET2QiOCQenKac96Znd1hAFwla6ftRqIbOhzwxvdA2oCTOzVPvvQNEe4C1h09idYTN0lMP75IYBWQJSvQYfN-nUqkOUczjxBKHrZ84wC_40Km-ISlgkWHKkdwQ/s1600-h/067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397855226342575730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuZmzsSiqsfuYCpHOWfSET2QiOCQenKac96Znd1hAFwla6ftRqIbOhzwxvdA2oCTOzVPvvQNEe4C1h09idYTN0lMP75IYBWQJSvQYfN-nUqkOUczjxBKHrZ84wC_40Km-ISlgkWHKkdwQ/s400/067.JPG" border="0" /></a>{ Here the stage manager told her to speak loud into the mic.}<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBhmzmyJUdYoPCvopOiYLWcmwVEmGp2hzD0Y_ohBjBQrY_nGLMEJmxBWlAVC7N36KH-VNrSB4PB5LvEwdfUWhoTFPx_33pRne23h6916KOlm8u-xzFXhIdSf_m9S21wmjzVN28YUdj3zJ/s1600-h/068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397115364759102290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBhmzmyJUdYoPCvopOiYLWcmwVEmGp2hzD0Y_ohBjBQrY_nGLMEJmxBWlAVC7N36KH-VNrSB4PB5LvEwdfUWhoTFPx_33pRne23h6916KOlm8u-xzFXhIdSf_m9S21wmjzVN28YUdj3zJ/s400/068.JPG" border="0" /></a> Captain Steve Blankenship, also in charge of Skyball, gave Brae a very special pep talk. He showed Brae pictures of his grown girls telling her how proud he is of each of them. He said each of them are very special inside and out. As he proceeded to go through the pictures, I was reminded that Brian will never be able to go through his pictures and do the same. Brian will never get to say, "Look world. This is my daughter. I am so proud of her. She is a doctor. She is a mother. She and her husband do this or that. "</div><br /><div>Captain Blankenship told Brae she too was a special girl inside and out.To rely on the Lord for strength and let him say what He needs to say through her. Her experience is unique and could provide healing for so many in a similar situation. I appreciated him so much! We had been praying that the Lord WOULD speak through her, so it was nice that he was praying the same thing.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlTwzCJfaEDdIcH3Rqn7NT_EafxIoRqpZQyv6XfCBJCBYoZjkMzFYdlr0Q4tz3XWy7_vqaVppA2ZI64Kc3j_bXaSMaeAtuvrRscK-lZqXsw6KCYlcr89-F0P1CgJvXdaszW-L9M8XhYLu/s1600-h/070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397114930565210706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlTwzCJfaEDdIcH3Rqn7NT_EafxIoRqpZQyv6XfCBJCBYoZjkMzFYdlr0Q4tz3XWy7_vqaVppA2ZI64Kc3j_bXaSMaeAtuvrRscK-lZqXsw6KCYlcr89-F0P1CgJvXdaszW-L9M8XhYLu/s400/070.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the view from the podium. Pretty cool, huh?<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WrnoiOWSPi92WSvkmTG5QLIiwceY0EFUPGKwWsLF63jKD4_39pKU8_jv7G-LHKE6_m96IJiGgWRuCewQQ-gD2iZYHA1H8YBbbnYlpDLM76-S05YLYtAnD7VgU1HoE0ne5HhgnT8cRZHd/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397114079600940466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WrnoiOWSPi92WSvkmTG5QLIiwceY0EFUPGKwWsLF63jKD4_39pKU8_jv7G-LHKE6_m96IJiGgWRuCewQQ-gD2iZYHA1H8YBbbnYlpDLM76-S05YLYtAnD7VgU1HoE0ne5HhgnT8cRZHd/s200/074.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JOfHmZMLcmNsDwfWCISqyO04_TnZNQzCpEBxqRwMy5gOlZbSaKQZYErhlMq1JGDtXPTXd0Mw5vpNfTpKlWyKesrJ043YQq5f9BDlz6jq7ySolWLgXbXfRHuuzNpgHbS3g44eew5DiI_V/s1600-h/073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397114284184536098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JOfHmZMLcmNsDwfWCISqyO04_TnZNQzCpEBxqRwMy5gOlZbSaKQZYErhlMq1JGDtXPTXd0Mw5vpNfTpKlWyKesrJ043YQq5f9BDlz6jq7ySolWLgXbXfRHuuzNpgHbS3g44eew5DiI_V/s200/073.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QjPJJZ5YJfYrrj2wbJIg78iv-xMQ2h2TDru-U_G7Emv_QkatF9RT8vBqsFBeP0BGyzHT4YrPbaJzoO-ne9LjBVVSfIjxzBNGl3-FbdZ2EzgzedcrgicT_3OBISiMM-3TLoVtbg82NWVs/s1600-h/075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397113903499467794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QjPJJZ5YJfYrrj2wbJIg78iv-xMQ2h2TDru-U_G7Emv_QkatF9RT8vBqsFBeP0BGyzHT4YrPbaJzoO-ne9LjBVVSfIjxzBNGl3-FbdZ2EzgzedcrgicT_3OBISiMM-3TLoVtbg82NWVs/s200/075.JPG" border="0" /></a> {300 tables, 3000 chairs}<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSHGXkc48xfqoKzimBXAnIMATVOP3rQrGVPU2dNQS6C51EIEWBvVak__LA80Xv09kyQ1tPhg2HAJDsOMlFXhc3reM5CGnqWa22fJdgSO5_yhv3AaBoVik3RdLqOiaUAcvg3KeK9uaYJFv/s1600-h/077.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397112878816785938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSHGXkc48xfqoKzimBXAnIMATVOP3rQrGVPU2dNQS6C51EIEWBvVak__LA80Xv09kyQ1tPhg2HAJDsOMlFXhc3reM5CGnqWa22fJdgSO5_yhv3AaBoVik3RdLqOiaUAcvg3KeK9uaYJFv/s400/077.JPG" border="0" /></a> {What? Me? Nervous? Maybe a little. Maybe a lot.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>After rehearsal, we decided on a manicure.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEC-Tb1Swu-DiLQxaI55AiuNnXXvvZ_F2QqQO_1jnY2JDZqpRrzUM9g6w1VIRFINfONa5B2bm2FCqJK9fQ5j4MWxOvHoCsYvz5t8dHFwPajMSY6OoEEwYLnKaposPBGsROJWoyqodQZxbY/s1600-h/081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397111868985147858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEC-Tb1Swu-DiLQxaI55AiuNnXXvvZ_F2QqQO_1jnY2JDZqpRrzUM9g6w1VIRFINfONa5B2bm2FCqJK9fQ5j4MWxOvHoCsYvz5t8dHFwPajMSY6OoEEwYLnKaposPBGsROJWoyqodQZxbY/s400/081.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz92GtlJZulnKBmy2yQm6EBaSOo0OVQmCJihP-lJJhVEI9vjcpylFZmQU1TNzIvMgkr-jGo6jng2TBoK4NPUJrq7CUljRh_uwieu07HLbPtblHAWLymKj0TMZWmEawc5S_Tku_NnCQyzir/s1600-h/086.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397111422507733362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz92GtlJZulnKBmy2yQm6EBaSOo0OVQmCJihP-lJJhVEI9vjcpylFZmQU1TNzIvMgkr-jGo6jng2TBoK4NPUJrq7CUljRh_uwieu07HLbPtblHAWLymKj0TMZWmEawc5S_Tku_NnCQyzir/s400/086.JPG" border="0" /></a>{Pretty Flowers}<br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">On to the Big Show!</span><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PA-B9eAkl7ydSacRzw3HYjfx2K5CaV-45cG7ns0KO5dEyKbq1nDzypI4nUqtsGKzKE5yF4sQ2G5GuSaACGttESyGrTkDyDLwP2W27GMx7YKjuqP7TsUlW2I7d5VusQZkSXZYE-qx91eh/s1600-h/088.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397111088498129042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PA-B9eAkl7ydSacRzw3HYjfx2K5CaV-45cG7ns0KO5dEyKbq1nDzypI4nUqtsGKzKE5yF4sQ2G5GuSaACGttESyGrTkDyDLwP2W27GMx7YKjuqP7TsUlW2I7d5VusQZkSXZYE-qx91eh/s320/088.JPG" border="0" /></a> They rolled out the red carpet for the guests. We were greeted by friendly American Airlines employees who were volunteering their time to make this event SUPERB!</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8bEKHwSQH2c2GTXQgSp8Xko18zHgQLzC0tVFT5rDJolo9cNS07O4_IpKNqQY6h7esU-cD69bW9fiVTGUACu5lDIWY_rRibvyoRA3higV2HSaXZY8zSYuOMPRjhc1NHpOFq_KPj8IZHm1/s1600-h/091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397110669348555010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8bEKHwSQH2c2GTXQgSp8Xko18zHgQLzC0tVFT5rDJolo9cNS07O4_IpKNqQY6h7esU-cD69bW9fiVTGUACu5lDIWY_rRibvyoRA3higV2HSaXZY8zSYuOMPRjhc1NHpOFq_KPj8IZHm1/s200/091.JPG" border="0" /></a>Braelyn with Micki and Bob Sander. Also, in the Cowboy Hats, a hero and his bride.</div><br /><div>As we got seated, we were told they would be parking a plane in the hanger so we all needed to clear the building.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJDj1UHmghiCrHowbjz2AfsBchCspxXuapbXnKbxjAfLnglkWnAV-hJolWAswpN3ZTZIrkeU70sUKxsRmAp0wq62mwJ-3lIcSRNGBr41kpjnOgti5-idze_dpxPCzzSHyngm8xtdHyEgG/s1600-h/094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397110128774987746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJDj1UHmghiCrHowbjz2AfsBchCspxXuapbXnKbxjAfLnglkWnAV-hJolWAswpN3ZTZIrkeU70sUKxsRmAp0wq62mwJ-3lIcSRNGBr41kpjnOgti5-idze_dpxPCzzSHyngm8xtdHyEgG/s200/094.JPG" border="0" /></a> We stepped out to a lovely clear evening complete with beautiful sunset amidst historical planes and current American Airlines jets.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNCsVxnf2YFqBFN5UpWkjvgJ-PJJTQgkOQFNGjaJhmzsSMf2qgvJ_4m1tQHwRoglGN9J8P0xn9_oiN8w0zDRkju318zTLBEV606XVL8HjISe2pMYQUZcFv4CySsBzxcbZskC83cN9V949/s1600-h/096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397109800554512034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNCsVxnf2YFqBFN5UpWkjvgJ-PJJTQgkOQFNGjaJhmzsSMf2qgvJ_4m1tQHwRoglGN9J8P0xn9_oiN8w0zDRkju318zTLBEV606XVL8HjISe2pMYQUZcFv4CySsBzxcbZskC83cN9V949/s200/096.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>{Julie Hanley and Brae stop for a pic}</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We all mingled and soaked in the beauty and splendor that was in the air. This in itself was enough to send me home fufilled.<br /></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWl9SWRmCBb8rvJjGTJmZfmUwz9yDsQPML8zEngGC_5dKoNjMHpVc9pDGEFaf8IJMXiVS91ofRGObqkfYDSmkr7ZrfBb2GvXDGAqCoaDIp8Cmi1UN5XRnkoWH8coRXiN1OU01eeHsE1jm/s1600-h/101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397108599905322866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWl9SWRmCBb8rvJjGTJmZfmUwz9yDsQPML8zEngGC_5dKoNjMHpVc9pDGEFaf8IJMXiVS91ofRGObqkfYDSmkr7ZrfBb2GvXDGAqCoaDIp8Cmi1UN5XRnkoWH8coRXiN1OU01eeHsE1jm/s200/101.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjcXmpxPihm8HtoAOOyIv-0QG9trvs9eaJVeqye_UwVJLzM4hzR6s7jZvY0zra4F6RqvBVF-U-thiq3LoPinaxginjUnLJEmAgtZ5ecOdieqDGDAya5gk9aiFufcHj_7jaeBu8SMpa_Wz/s1600-h/102.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397108024663977378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjcXmpxPihm8HtoAOOyIv-0QG9trvs9eaJVeqye_UwVJLzM4hzR6s7jZvY0zra4F6RqvBVF-U-thiq3LoPinaxginjUnLJEmAgtZ5ecOdieqDGDAya5gk9aiFufcHj_7jaeBu8SMpa_Wz/s200/102.JPG" border="0" /></a> {Taking turns posing with the old AA plane.}<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsl1ElhPXCL3_EM2BCl1vZN1bTJ7WHY4hTYPYSMXS4uMCb3Q9UEY2XRBtMLm4oaAFsB4PxL2M6JE-z91qP8dE4YhSTuahe7F3PT6pfzFlMEcDPASldBaiTYK4x3ua1roliCpdZOwUCsbW/s1600-h/103.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397107366985416658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsl1ElhPXCL3_EM2BCl1vZN1bTJ7WHY4hTYPYSMXS4uMCb3Q9UEY2XRBtMLm4oaAFsB4PxL2M6JE-z91qP8dE4YhSTuahe7F3PT6pfzFlMEcDPASldBaiTYK4x3ua1roliCpdZOwUCsbW/s400/103.JPG" border="0" /></a> {Jim Palmershine leading in the plane in a penguin suit<his>! LOVE IT!}<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbf7kCKOkN1aVTA-POyyN3P0odNSuEl54BxKXA3ItztvsuYsxlTLBQe-2lhd81fDOCUcPXZOdw9IF5JkN03EXF0a_Y4v_PdmxlcBp3fRpAubRY4g_dtzFEnUUqitfrpEk0kjWgDvc7mS8/s1600-h/106.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397106002555922274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbf7kCKOkN1aVTA-POyyN3P0odNSuEl54BxKXA3ItztvsuYsxlTLBQe-2lhd81fDOCUcPXZOdw9IF5JkN03EXF0a_Y4v_PdmxlcBp3fRpAubRY4g_dtzFEnUUqitfrpEk0kjWgDvc7mS8/s400/106.JPG" border="0" /></a>{ Brae got to meet John Ratzenberger, Cliff the Postman, from Cheers}<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfU4b7XeF14Smxz81RMKUlx5MLQcS4tBY6hVVAVBQUgAV3CbPZTPA5BhyphenhyphenXqODdg75NGR5Bm8PIHqZ9_uztR21-NzJfSaqozoYHqUVxuPTdBV9goupmOK6X1mMzFBCXTm2T9bBdbjfZkufT/s1600-h/107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397105233940330402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfU4b7XeF14Smxz81RMKUlx5MLQcS4tBY6hVVAVBQUgAV3CbPZTPA5BhyphenhyphenXqODdg75NGR5Bm8PIHqZ9_uztR21-NzJfSaqozoYHqUVxuPTdBV9goupmOK6X1mMzFBCXTm2T9bBdbjfZkufT/s320/107.JPG" border="0" /></a> Julie posing with the band, whose music added just the right amount of glamour and dazzle to the wait outside.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">The moment we have all been waiting for....<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><insert></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP-Lg6sSje8c-h4AsnY64yJUaNCPei0lN3abJ0qXgzUK1tdpIffgQt3gXH18IlDNIOaVV8LqAkot8w0BF9VUywIOtwHLmdNdAcEWIkMdEH-2s8if2jbXn-3moxWCB3jIdtCcckJ_MLC-F/s1600-h/114.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397099576865613186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP-Lg6sSje8c-h4AsnY64yJUaNCPei0lN3abJ0qXgzUK1tdpIffgQt3gXH18IlDNIOaVV8LqAkot8w0BF9VUywIOtwHLmdNdAcEWIkMdEH-2s8if2jbXn-3moxWCB3jIdtCcckJ_MLC-F/s320/114.JPG" border="0" /></a> Gary Senise and Tony Orlando (who is not Geraldo Rivera.)<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCubEswBe-Q9BwxfAwu6QZVDpL9pgITFEPZB1qv7qLIRRIrznLdRRbIE-BcX9_wk7FV2mf8MiXtFbqv85ZyQNydI0ac-CSKdIf4GWMC4E0O2wR42gOpyyqKT0ymbc7ipdu4MJDN6pqat5x/s1600-h/158.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397098242055750434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCubEswBe-Q9BwxfAwu6QZVDpL9pgITFEPZB1qv7qLIRRIrznLdRRbIE-BcX9_wk7FV2mf8MiXtFbqv85ZyQNydI0ac-CSKdIf4GWMC4E0O2wR42gOpyyqKT0ymbc7ipdu4MJDN6pqat5x/s320/158.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of the cool things about Snowball are the volunteers. Shirley Evatt, a flight attendant for American met Braelyn and Jocelyn on their first trip to Disney and remembered Brae!! As soon as Brae sat down this lovely lady followed us with her eyes back to our seats and gave Brae a HUGE hug!! She is one reason why Snowball Express makes a difference in children's lives. She made Braelyn feel soo valued, that I heard about her as soon as Brae got off the plane.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAB5jdhlMxhBylURO7BWVzkRuDm9NA0TdN9b8rL-iyDilfDc9-OTO3iHteGnf31TCoAPtTXNXvebhUpBOeN1dfNulBnGqEbjGwV1BG7t9KChhRkdmF_qWGjc0Y2LKo_XAq6sOh6nlQ488v/s1600-h/160.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397095455573363778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAB5jdhlMxhBylURO7BWVzkRuDm9NA0TdN9b8rL-iyDilfDc9-OTO3iHteGnf31TCoAPtTXNXvebhUpBOeN1dfNulBnGqEbjGwV1BG7t9KChhRkdmF_qWGjc0Y2LKo_XAq6sOh6nlQ488v/s400/160.JPG" border="0" /></a> Gary Senise. What more can I say. Most may not realize but that name symbolizes so much patriotism. He and Tony Orlando greeted every soldier after he got off the plane with a handshake. He has started OIC, Operation International Children. They collect school supplies and needs for children in Iraq and abroad. He also founded the Lt. Dan Band, a patriotic Band that has played at both of the Snowball Events Brae has attended. Soldiers can rest knowing that someone is always routing for them.<br /><br /><div><u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTU0-h-FFpzmvzWOSlT4AP2HsR3WBxLC5AJNfaOQThaNl_teposYyzpEAa6_rxIAqAFp7FX-FK8OISsqdOJPisAJIXBv8wMLWofkeLDqyQVUusadi-EYqzL7SLTqFxSAMsLG5y5c10k7W/s1600-h/165.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397095210436969954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTU0-h-FFpzmvzWOSlT4AP2HsR3WBxLC5AJNfaOQThaNl_teposYyzpEAa6_rxIAqAFp7FX-FK8OISsqdOJPisAJIXBv8wMLWofkeLDqyQVUusadi-EYqzL7SLTqFxSAMsLG5y5c10k7W/s400/165.JPG" border="0" /></a> {Brae and I with a member of the Historic Plane Museum.}<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexuH7phqv9am1JfTMGYUg_Npsdl7yJpGaFS7avl85MkUINo_3LsQXYQn8vtmWoiaumn8V2JhYQ_brNH4N6ORTyP_dIIga9PKjcd9W3yBuhTc5fxgVEVJ6R9xlL4nqre1llCfZVxUudsWX/s1600-h/167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397094805773967138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexuH7phqv9am1JfTMGYUg_Npsdl7yJpGaFS7avl85MkUINo_3LsQXYQn8vtmWoiaumn8V2JhYQ_brNH4N6ORTyP_dIIga9PKjcd9W3yBuhTc5fxgVEVJ6R9xlL4nqre1llCfZVxUudsWX/s400/167.JPG" border="0" /></a> {Buck Kern, one of the first people I met at the Dallas City Hall Press Conference, recieved an award for his help with the Snowball Express.}<br /><br /><br /><div><u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIGlLRFN6jOtRhgaA_TselgEMOUR1hSgxOqGGVouNhRXvGk2XnWwc8GyvCXjFTN-UMxgdcVW5SIv0G4PfYKiXYtWXmgk4L9VaYZEohEEuaEkUSGfsP_CAMRchf0CzfBNy4ctZ7Re1cQgR/s1600-h/168.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397094550188376002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIGlLRFN6jOtRhgaA_TselgEMOUR1hSgxOqGGVouNhRXvGk2XnWwc8GyvCXjFTN-UMxgdcVW5SIv0G4PfYKiXYtWXmgk4L9VaYZEohEEuaEkUSGfsP_CAMRchf0CzfBNy4ctZ7Re1cQgR/s400/168.JPG" border="0" /></a>{Bob and Micki Sander also won an award for their help with this fantastic organization. She introduced Brae at Dallas City Hall.}<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2bLAwR61BF7FukA90mggTrQDYTIYXwlH8twtvgsorpV8ambLSL75zAAzqNNTVt0v6RIcz42rQxbAULBrPYBdKyC0DRT5421aMdxDufJDPMS2dEEqEu9B_vx8YiATfZPAidtGAZSOm9EH/s1600-h/175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397094097975739490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2bLAwR61BF7FukA90mggTrQDYTIYXwlH8twtvgsorpV8ambLSL75zAAzqNNTVt0v6RIcz42rQxbAULBrPYBdKyC0DRT5421aMdxDufJDPMS2dEEqEu9B_vx8YiATfZPAidtGAZSOm9EH/s400/175.JPG" border="0" /></a> Braelyn and Santa. This Santa will be greeting kids at the airport as he has for years.}<br /><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>{Brae and Mike Hogg, who was so sweet to give Braelyn this INCREDIBLE oppurtunity.}</div><br /><div>{WE LOVE YA MIKE!}</div><br /><div>All in all it was a GLORIOUS Evening. A wonderful way to celebrate the eve of Brae's Daddy's 37th Birthday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy10ezDEHRlJk-B-WRN_-ziHH3zQ5x9YnNsq-QZF6rQMi0PzgL3JTRBCZnbRDOaTnnE7wwnIqzHjdMYRpevnrHIW6NbGjWQUXMALWJUXyOrw36rjtRx0bD1RfGzafPPSDoan4F55T9ilZ_/s1600-h/183.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397093340157886818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy10ezDEHRlJk-B-WRN_-ziHH3zQ5x9YnNsq-QZF6rQMi0PzgL3JTRBCZnbRDOaTnnE7wwnIqzHjdMYRpevnrHIW6NbGjWQUXMALWJUXyOrw36rjtRx0bD1RfGzafPPSDoan4F55T9ilZ_/s400/183.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-91643991726870797002009-10-13T20:31:00.000-07:002009-11-02T07:18:41.889-08:00Thai Dragon Tea Party<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_A2vWgqg1R7_pBlfs5zkrnSwjt8Pcs51rQESfukrgILnFe-WZGDaVT3hQHk1BUDNd2wOgtNtk1ZEqdKWRk3x9wjRKcSDHLngcYKLOIXd4OCt5FgetrfamfR2O8VGRdIZNvp8MscBXpPMW/s1600-h/194.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399361033135114162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_A2vWgqg1R7_pBlfs5zkrnSwjt8Pcs51rQESfukrgILnFe-WZGDaVT3hQHk1BUDNd2wOgtNtk1ZEqdKWRk3x9wjRKcSDHLngcYKLOIXd4OCt5FgetrfamfR2O8VGRdIZNvp8MscBXpPMW/s400/194.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">I first tried Thai Tea when dating Brian, Braelyn's Daddy. It was like nothing I had ever tasted. Thai Tea is ginger-sweet, tongue-staining carrot orange, and insanely addictive. When Brian passed Jocelyn (Brian's widow and Braelyn's step-mom) and I wanted a way to honor him in a way that Brae could carry on for the rest of her life,no matter what stage. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ9GhLbeu_ZuCG4P1B-1VrWL3Ef8RbpZyyZEBOTMBLRzC8PYJ-oBx6jP27Q-qnW1xuwX34RxHfqxrNOV1Cs6OiV5xCH8fEWtctF-2zSD04rVcgqtVCw1wLUdOou0QECrX9WTU-nXoC6JD/s1600-h/193.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399353301902178914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ9GhLbeu_ZuCG4P1B-1VrWL3Ef8RbpZyyZEBOTMBLRzC8PYJ-oBx6jP27Q-qnW1xuwX34RxHfqxrNOV1Cs6OiV5xCH8fEWtctF-2zSD04rVcgqtVCw1wLUdOou0QECrX9WTU-nXoC6JD/s400/193.JPG" border="0" /></a>So, on October 25th, his birthday, and Decmeber 18th, the anniversary of his death, Braelyn and I head to Thai Chili to celebrate him with a glass of Thai Tea. This year, we took Luke as he is learning that Brae's Daddy Brian is in Heaven with Jesus.This is still quite confusing for a 3 year old, but he is starting to understand.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJ47sIygGg9D5uUbrxBH3bvHWfo6xgCXq5BvWvAf3bDQjqHzZu9kJvjHAVI0MzB0Vd8GXhsQ_vsiJYhY03-J37tdq9xw1qfW_NDkxhLghwLCL0vqjGtRKcAfBWVgV9VkNZtZiYKJrQS9J/s1600-h/208.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399353156744468482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJ47sIygGg9D5uUbrxBH3bvHWfo6xgCXq5BvWvAf3bDQjqHzZu9kJvjHAVI0MzB0Vd8GXhsQ_vsiJYhY03-J37tdq9xw1qfW_NDkxhLghwLCL0vqjGtRKcAfBWVgV9VkNZtZiYKJrQS9J/s400/208.JPG" border="0" /></a> Because there were 3 of us, we sat at a table for 4. The 4th chair was lonesome. Luke kept saying, " We have to wait for Brian."<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5isS74GZ9XpuYSey_r2I0EWNQomQrXX907GlvDUwwAEaUxkkOa1bX5gK9wf0RzBwGYAOeOM0QE4cgKUCEp26bpvZkJe6krG7oB2fQm6lv32pIhlnLwIsxriJHI3_8GKmrHmrEJcRLH1t/s1600-h/201.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399352797438589090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5isS74GZ9XpuYSey_r2I0EWNQomQrXX907GlvDUwwAEaUxkkOa1bX5gK9wf0RzBwGYAOeOM0QE4cgKUCEp26bpvZkJe6krG7oB2fQm6lv32pIhlnLwIsxriJHI3_8GKmrHmrEJcRLH1t/s400/201.JPG" border="0" /></a> Brae was so big to explain to her brother, that her daddy was there, because he is in our hearts. We just couldn't see him. It was good to listen to her.It gave me piece of mind to know that she learning to accept her loss a little more.<br /><div><div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">To Brian!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja97Qj1R_53omrQLA-Cke_0PC1UJdzU1bj_xvFoF-q7Y9dGKXe4oxpihWiR1KLb_h0zV7wG1N3iMyhT_YeGl-MiCScGaQRV9QYMdk0B1g5N1UnAfrBDUP_EKvtBBud1ORB3Wes2giYf-Vu/s1600-h/200.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399352247643570658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja97Qj1R_53omrQLA-Cke_0PC1UJdzU1bj_xvFoF-q7Y9dGKXe4oxpihWiR1KLb_h0zV7wG1N3iMyhT_YeGl-MiCScGaQRV9QYMdk0B1g5N1UnAfrBDUP_EKvtBBud1ORB3Wes2giYf-Vu/s320/200.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJvxiIqzQoXZpXid209X26eceQPvZAjyu89xsQcPZ8CFW7FMGy99l7BbDsq2D_rwF5JbLZogb02htUokwFQRiddoI_PHyqp33edZ0A1OYbp1b0xfDO09GHPVDoyZQgIPNLaICX0ks9Ple/s1600-h/199.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399352088577755026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJvxiIqzQoXZpXid209X26eceQPvZAjyu89xsQcPZ8CFW7FMGy99l7BbDsq2D_rwF5JbLZogb02htUokwFQRiddoI_PHyqp33edZ0A1OYbp1b0xfDO09GHPVDoyZQgIPNLaICX0ks9Ple/s320/199.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>"Brian is missing his birffday."<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROs0foS7ursZPr6UCOXzqlED2YuFWCsYIY_x7XyJMEFnfRYK9TDVs17h_uSEoyPkFeatCLyLajLFEHVdVPqu0FW-z6H2f0squFZ26yE1dbrsFkrPEbCGjMBctqTX1hJlz_eme3h1kpS3I/s1600-h/196.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399351841607204098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROs0foS7ursZPr6UCOXzqlED2YuFWCsYIY_x7XyJMEFnfRYK9TDVs17h_uSEoyPkFeatCLyLajLFEHVdVPqu0FW-z6H2f0squFZ26yE1dbrsFkrPEbCGjMBctqTX1hJlz_eme3h1kpS3I/s320/196.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>And for Dessert....</div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">FRIED ICECREAM!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Together, the kids and I sang Happy Birthday </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">and each had a bite of the flaming treat.<br /></div></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIAXpbSRsBqIvoluTV4-vn5U6czZyVoEnuss-ydnKIKS2T5gHtZ8b6jA1cCUBVMACNbvk6eBJTO_XU2oB4aTZ3nPog4codtB1EZN8sF2K2Al0Jp6h2UA_iPZ4xvYtTcdIe6e-vrUMGXm7/s1600-h/209.JPG"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399351319122362370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIAXpbSRsBqIvoluTV4-vn5U6czZyVoEnuss-ydnKIKS2T5gHtZ8b6jA1cCUBVMACNbvk6eBJTO_XU2oB4aTZ3nPog4codtB1EZN8sF2K2Al0Jp6h2UA_iPZ4xvYtTcdIe6e-vrUMGXm7/s200/209.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw4mYn0p23rnIEpfw1kG19cR7sbmMiZQUJ_iWDiA2fFW9UtTHGBXvFWukThlc9x85eqS5mMBhyF8UWcMxhpErIbseFoxdM9DWNKnki2O9FvWgDWEhMt8_bbZBo5-UaUTbl7m1ZViYHKlJ/s1600-h/212.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399351174349643730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw4mYn0p23rnIEpfw1kG19cR7sbmMiZQUJ_iWDiA2fFW9UtTHGBXvFWukThlc9x85eqS5mMBhyF8UWcMxhpErIbseFoxdM9DWNKnki2O9FvWgDWEhMt8_bbZBo5-UaUTbl7m1ZViYHKlJ/s200/212.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu23TCYKL1UF31geaYE0dsl7Uwg1J3BxtqRJGbVm-K0rTwVi1ZeW2F2HYMZvcHKmcXpJoc-Ec0r1eZN2l_z8uUZUCB_tIuNVw72SRRGjqOOmM8H75P-XomzRwlfq0n5VNKjaJk1ziJcSAZ/s1600-h/218.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399350947668987842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu23TCYKL1UF31geaYE0dsl7Uwg1J3BxtqRJGbVm-K0rTwVi1ZeW2F2HYMZvcHKmcXpJoc-Ec0r1eZN2l_z8uUZUCB_tIuNVw72SRRGjqOOmM8H75P-XomzRwlfq0n5VNKjaJk1ziJcSAZ/s320/218.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br />Brian was always a Joke-ster. In Brae's room she has a picture of her daddy doing this pose in front of a similar picture at Bangkok City. WE thought we would do the same as a new annual tradition. We miss him, but I know in God's time it is but a few minutes before Braelyn will be re-united with her daddy. God promised! He keeps his promises.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-28812599590087448122009-10-06T19:25:00.000-07:002009-10-06T21:24:11.680-07:00Summer Lovin' Chapter 2: San Antonio<div align="center">The weekend after our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fantabulous</span> family reunion, we packed up and headed to the Hill Country aka My Happy Place. Jason and I count San Antonio as one of our top 3 places we love to visit. We had a really awesome time there! </div><div align="center">We were going southbound, 35! </div><div align="center">We were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">headin</span>' down the road!</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwo621k0aA_WwxrCQ1dgbaFnDmgI1vXg9bBh02BeB1IDtCfa1z9PLxhdKWZp4Q01KhX5wAL8ZOmMDjpJn4QZLVg0VsmWDBq1QBVIml2mbPmO5UEebhMYKP7fmCzZYBit31WUzqysjpgUr/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389697090496871250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwo621k0aA_WwxrCQ1dgbaFnDmgI1vXg9bBh02BeB1IDtCfa1z9PLxhdKWZp4Q01KhX5wAL8ZOmMDjpJn4QZLVg0VsmWDBq1QBVIml2mbPmO5UEebhMYKP7fmCzZYBit31WUzqysjpgUr/s400/004.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jasonian</span> is the man!! I am so grateful he was driving. I am not a fan.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rOzDUs3cqfOH0pjMfNq7s8amJj4yKOdB17caZi_uZAV1hLSm6UpgS72PDMOQjfiF_isYGgW45iTYm8qRtyvs5V7OikDfCrw2tnqCL_apcKZ3jG8R_PsOnCx-C_lUP4-iqQiARMfDy-za/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389696722746075106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rOzDUs3cqfOH0pjMfNq7s8amJj4yKOdB17caZi_uZAV1hLSm6UpgS72PDMOQjfiF_isYGgW45iTYm8qRtyvs5V7OikDfCrw2tnqCL_apcKZ3jG8R_PsOnCx-C_lUP4-iqQiARMfDy-za/s400/003.JPG" border="0" /></a> Luke was really good on the car ride.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiER1RR4SJmawuvJlM7t3p83XgEX9fnuhLA9WMYoIcafe-L0N20u-79ltvlSnwjmcjI38cf2z8Py4QaVZlG00JfEJrxCb6FwskrLgDhuY8H6iGZAdTQhBV_qzY5Bkgj7PB8OFnTrnFqhEY6/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389696260675618434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiER1RR4SJmawuvJlM7t3p83XgEX9fnuhLA9WMYoIcafe-L0N20u-79ltvlSnwjmcjI38cf2z8Py4QaVZlG00JfEJrxCb6FwskrLgDhuY8H6iGZAdTQhBV_qzY5Bkgj7PB8OFnTrnFqhEY6/s400/002.JPG" border="0" /></a>Brae and the Nintendo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DS</span> that kept her happy and busy!<br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6HAyn_4ss_zgs9gMwCvJn1O-n3ep4trfQ_LfvMPH238hZwGsIyHI6bWrnAC_QzXOWXtssFr-jfloJzlGldk9McxZa92EeUa4UvddM6yc4UUdjMnOIxEFs8SmNvuWaDm9Mn7D7C10atVC/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389692575701793826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6HAyn_4ss_zgs9gMwCvJn1O-n3ep4trfQ_LfvMPH238hZwGsIyHI6bWrnAC_QzXOWXtssFr-jfloJzlGldk9McxZa92EeUa4UvddM6yc4UUdjMnOIxEFs8SmNvuWaDm9Mn7D7C10atVC/s200/012.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUvlcMINextpvDbx2mQny-5xnX8GhVrlR2wPw6A0dDV6c8BS8xBS4o2y_KRSxX1bieKZRAyffyvTQYkJZcnE1D_IruJq2r1GiASPyhzdmFeWeIv85CyL6FhxwNUvRP5M-KiRtgagdDWY-/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389693614975552914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUvlcMINextpvDbx2mQny-5xnX8GhVrlR2wPw6A0dDV6c8BS8xBS4o2y_KRSxX1bieKZRAyffyvTQYkJZcnE1D_IruJq2r1GiASPyhzdmFeWeIv85CyL6FhxwNUvRP5M-KiRtgagdDWY-/s200/011.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_32qV8hiHkxL2MiyymTrcCFK-y2mkl5FQhH34mqQA6eRNACB07idBOYEvCSYTkxYBSjOkE_-dVEwEGQprANPDq4SYQquoE1ksDN2OTytAyW4bKJkvvKCmf4pUUnolZkRqOD17uAuKElg/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389694543908962114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_32qV8hiHkxL2MiyymTrcCFK-y2mkl5FQhH34mqQA6eRNACB07idBOYEvCSYTkxYBSjOkE_-dVEwEGQprANPDq4SYQquoE1ksDN2OTytAyW4bKJkvvKCmf4pUUnolZkRqOD17uAuKElg/s200/006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6Vpr28xcRKrIyUMadBWcmbJvRwLapW3VY4TwxqDSFOPt9mOVzcolpR-uteeEfnf1d9ncLUHYvdAbHTeQRbmvJgCUOuJU-BUOnZu7CSPkByAbsoWhAWVTOT4Y0riShwQJcacGq4vVuWjI/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389691255037814866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6Vpr28xcRKrIyUMadBWcmbJvRwLapW3VY4TwxqDSFOPt9mOVzcolpR-uteeEfnf1d9ncLUHYvdAbHTeQRbmvJgCUOuJU-BUOnZu7CSPkByAbsoWhAWVTOT4Y0riShwQJcacGq4vVuWjI/s400/020.JPG" border="0" /></a> Before heading to the hotel we stopped off in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gruene</span>.</div><div>Her the kids each got a treat.</div><div>Ice cream,</div><div>MESSY-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LICIOUS</span>!!!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp14-yME9qiUL4LIJBEaCobIp8gnSgj_vsER2_5EwlAsZiNgSCMdtuw_bxIJlLY-oJTn9sy1dh7F3B1g23qnSIi_bTxFdXLNEC_GQh3EccTPqqhLJYSXflUTb_4kDhreF3C8WRaabW6ig/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389689894373443026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp14-yME9qiUL4LIJBEaCobIp8gnSgj_vsER2_5EwlAsZiNgSCMdtuw_bxIJlLY-oJTn9sy1dh7F3B1g23qnSIi_bTxFdXLNEC_GQh3EccTPqqhLJYSXflUTb_4kDhreF3C8WRaabW6ig/s400/035.JPG" border="0" /></a>After the babies finished up the frozen yummy-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ness</span>,</div><div>We headed to the Gristmill where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Jas</span> and I grabbed a tasty treat!</div><div>Sangria for Mommy Dragon a Frosty cold Budweiser for Daddy!<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoS3qBtMHd91C94JFmVlgL9QTN8xtn8RqmpTLpeeBVDlomvmBZ5k6X4ixM95-4LsTCxoFdZkTenmN9bEo-9PkKlAtEAcge8LNVwoYs3ZS1UB2FM8IY6Wyoh9CBktpKHvIi_gtNn1CrBog/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389689322444691330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoS3qBtMHd91C94JFmVlgL9QTN8xtn8RqmpTLpeeBVDlomvmBZ5k6X4ixM95-4LsTCxoFdZkTenmN9bEo-9PkKlAtEAcge8LNVwoYs3ZS1UB2FM8IY6Wyoh9CBktpKHvIi_gtNn1CrBog/s400/037.JPG" border="0" /></a>After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Gruene</span>, we carried on to our hotel in San Antonio. </div><div>Here big man Luke, is carrying in his own bag.He insisted!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6DAAsiJsLp3espN2eoFVG47iHbq1OWDRL9oDbtC85hV_CUZDGpr92rfL5y6HE63Mxq5LQfCmiQVGAOESUlfQU54L_6pNqyo2e-ZI0spd6_alDr0ftCK4BluaJRsDDGjlzJtSJX1wvrTu/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389688759573999170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6DAAsiJsLp3espN2eoFVG47iHbq1OWDRL9oDbtC85hV_CUZDGpr92rfL5y6HE63Mxq5LQfCmiQVGAOESUlfQU54L_6pNqyo2e-ZI0spd6_alDr0ftCK4BluaJRsDDGjlzJtSJX1wvrTu/s400/039.JPG" border="0" /></a>Daddy and Luke take on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Riverwalk</span> for dinner. It was a pretty busy day!We ate at Landry's. It was deliciousness.</div><div></div><div>The next day we headed to The Alamo.<br />Me and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">fam</span> tried a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Chamoy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Snow cone</span>...<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXho7y13pc0mSbvH2kxbegAy0ody3HnRz6x-iuKDM2SZDHsPWBRVqM5HuYDhu9ta86OrbfdU4Es5M9w5uJNuMlNTajuQ7ZTAVKg5LF5cs381tRX0ijlrvZaS6XBEcSTxLFd-XE6wlZ87Y/s1600-h/059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389687313943383314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXho7y13pc0mSbvH2kxbegAy0ody3HnRz6x-iuKDM2SZDHsPWBRVqM5HuYDhu9ta86OrbfdU4Es5M9w5uJNuMlNTajuQ7ZTAVKg5LF5cs381tRX0ijlrvZaS6XBEcSTxLFd-XE6wlZ87Y/s400/059.JPG" border="0" /></a>Quite frankly, I am totally unsure how anyone can eat that!</div><div>It is sour, spicy, and definitely an acquired taste I have yet to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">acuire</span>.</div><div>In 1 word...</div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">BLEK</span>!<br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWTPQGIYLpquWDIUzICPgKSTgeQ5NeXRwiZUJeeeDipnNV0l-7WGncQOsYRvs4elFfSLuC6k0pVUDDUvCr9viijlnKQNUOAPTQwF8bDGz0vFmy732w0oBiOwWgm3Sg4f99BDU1MkNdH6J/s1600-h/061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389686701514019634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWTPQGIYLpquWDIUzICPgKSTgeQ5NeXRwiZUJeeeDipnNV0l-7WGncQOsYRvs4elFfSLuC6k0pVUDDUvCr9viijlnKQNUOAPTQwF8bDGz0vFmy732w0oBiOwWgm3Sg4f99BDU1MkNdH6J/s400/061.JPG" border="0" /></a>The family posing in front of The Alamo!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyulwLyvPFWxLqGR6cafwYuX1VfltP16UmGdx2tYVfHiVY6JmElo-QrYauozQFTQMAZsJEaEyG5BfjLRY39DRchpGP3wClvRyWeJ2PufwmxLoQeHtcIvjMyOwM-bxwIcRIWq2_tmn22vEe/s1600-h/065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389685993910736866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyulwLyvPFWxLqGR6cafwYuX1VfltP16UmGdx2tYVfHiVY6JmElo-QrYauozQFTQMAZsJEaEyG5BfjLRY39DRchpGP3wClvRyWeJ2PufwmxLoQeHtcIvjMyOwM-bxwIcRIWq2_tmn22vEe/s200/065.JPG" border="0" /></a>While exploring the grounds, Luke said,</div><div>"I LOVE this JUNGLE!"<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaSwtvDCuNsj1eN6Yy-COTxfVeXp9WEFPmMw-NRawWCL9_a6qE8rT_opGbdPNSW7LAMIH8KiSe1n0bhAEHMLxNIXF6fBUoReRj2CqNhGq-9Dpq8eCslk5UEg3YVQikS0dfGAwM-Duz3Av/s1600-h/065.JPG"></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaczQAiMy2Vnmh34Wl89vl8yAW-J7MuUKyk472m_eqAGAo-OIrHaTsNpkHxceRFxiihUMt9pW0pxvATHXwGjgDQg8ZshIDyrBVDiF6TwMbrbYiwZTQBeLhqvIITcyrnxtflFM-ci6BR6wL/s1600-h/066.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389684822192591122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaczQAiMy2Vnmh34Wl89vl8yAW-J7MuUKyk472m_eqAGAo-OIrHaTsNpkHxceRFxiihUMt9pW0pxvATHXwGjgDQg8ZshIDyrBVDiF6TwMbrbYiwZTQBeLhqvIITcyrnxtflFM-ci6BR6wL/s200/066.JPG" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Jas</span> thought it would be fun to get Luke a souvenir penny.</div><div>"You broke my money!" Luke said.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNhUF5lg8D_F3guYNx12cHlLqcYo2EElizwxakaFllzP88QBmqIh95xumYJaY4nJFXziJLIe4A-LCeQc5PhYZQMNwD1iouOfV1fY60vGOuWnfv8CO6MpIJFt51gHSAJcnUIY9pEfg69YV/s1600-h/067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389684249269784882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNhUF5lg8D_F3guYNx12cHlLqcYo2EElizwxakaFllzP88QBmqIh95xumYJaY4nJFXziJLIe4A-LCeQc5PhYZQMNwD1iouOfV1fY60vGOuWnfv8CO6MpIJFt51gHSAJcnUIY9pEfg69YV/s400/067.JPG" border="0" /></a>This tree was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">amaaaazing</span>! Wish I could remember how old it was. </div><div>Either way, it was pretty old.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3MAW6YzyLp7OzJQ88AK0TSjk8dlDPDJlVb3oJs-K-a4JhK2BgcawEo8a5U-5p9i77-4gAN8S0_L0ODRQ45UhkDCjPV0wKg7y94V7WbDJIwk3yFoOI4NlCMAwV72KorGFFpjlI4ucGL8Z/s1600-h/071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389682825667602306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3MAW6YzyLp7OzJQ88AK0TSjk8dlDPDJlVb3oJs-K-a4JhK2BgcawEo8a5U-5p9i77-4gAN8S0_L0ODRQ45UhkDCjPV0wKg7y94V7WbDJIwk3yFoOI4NlCMAwV72KorGFFpjlI4ucGL8Z/s400/071.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhJcKxYZUywhNtG9tFSm6EFcjOUq9fopxIK4HDiUouyKaaGBMHZdK2ltHBaYMEEW1LzX6AYdc3raXSrNbiqyPxyFOTZczDXzrRyiddGPDcvpRDbqsOARkumVItIAu1iM81PXQH2oNCYvr/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389682333115442354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhJcKxYZUywhNtG9tFSm6EFcjOUq9fopxIK4HDiUouyKaaGBMHZdK2ltHBaYMEEW1LzX6AYdc3raXSrNbiqyPxyFOTZczDXzrRyiddGPDcvpRDbqsOARkumVItIAu1iM81PXQH2oNCYvr/s400/074.JPG" border="0" /></a> Hey Pee-Wee, there isn't an attic, but I think I found the basement.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm950R-hI3RmMAwmXSI8elUMgZeTbJHBfxncLrAE_CJWbyrlVy570R3wSzaFn_RkOpNVoqrd3fypJBnEzqO0XG-CpN1ecl3I4Nwgn52qSbWRFmiEta42moB3AdF2Qyg3SZRsRuz21ifcWy/s1600-h/082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389680908517808354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm950R-hI3RmMAwmXSI8elUMgZeTbJHBfxncLrAE_CJWbyrlVy570R3wSzaFn_RkOpNVoqrd3fypJBnEzqO0XG-CpN1ecl3I4Nwgn52qSbWRFmiEta42moB3AdF2Qyg3SZRsRuz21ifcWy/s400/082.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a GINORMOUS glass sculpture. It reminds me of candy. </div><div>Amazing to stand close too!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLQquxFvzdTVAq3phPMflo03bQKYuQi9BX_eotv8kZnicLdLaZQsH0sVX-PtK4i1tggVbKBbZvhNwVuRZiC4omRWI5m7q8FkXc1cAmwuF6G1KFsVwp61eW_dOALgtXOPRNk1ow91fGlnx/s1600-h/084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389680432161646386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLQquxFvzdTVAq3phPMflo03bQKYuQi9BX_eotv8kZnicLdLaZQsH0sVX-PtK4i1tggVbKBbZvhNwVuRZiC4omRWI5m7q8FkXc1cAmwuF6G1KFsVwp61eW_dOALgtXOPRNk1ow91fGlnx/s400/084.JPG" border="0" /></a>Jason tried the local flavor. Turns out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Anheuser</span> Busch distributes Alamo Beer. </div><div>Jason works for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Anheuser</span> Bush.<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQykeS6rlKEZi3MPdSRV7r99KAHkPNm6SbKfsGvaSNRnwJ8CQd3hU_hV2sNUPbQFX-GNK3IUTE5S8VW0YZPzX3DFSUOVlOsdn2-0OHchC1p0OOvDZUVwUVsj75GN1tC7eb5R0e3vH_EoCs/s1600-h/087.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389679520764946610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQykeS6rlKEZi3MPdSRV7r99KAHkPNm6SbKfsGvaSNRnwJ8CQd3hU_hV2sNUPbQFX-GNK3IUTE5S8VW0YZPzX3DFSUOVlOsdn2-0OHchC1p0OOvDZUVwUVsj75GN1tC7eb5R0e3vH_EoCs/s400/087.JPG" border="0" /></a> Brae helped us get back to our car by way of her trusty map and back pack.</div><div>Just call her Dora the Explorer!</div><div>I am beat more on this trip tomorrow....</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-37528382226215392462009-10-03T21:23:00.000-07:002009-10-06T09:42:26.486-07:00Farewell 20's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgE2EEnlKY89q0W0WBoVK3o9UkaA3ZweVMZFAxweUf_V1InH21rrau19UYGqg1-BP9DtUnYGgqZP2Rik28k8Ge2OPGBPPmqD24H2K8j5i9HRC0hy08PShQY6sVAEQNXjSETy_B2IdrZFk/s1600-h/009.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dviiOy6zZIZ_knS5tMR-U-GvtDpf0QkbusrIrLOFuI11b_9yGrjcsjpOinVpfJUzUw_VYy9oZ_qXLxZq_cpgKYIAG-TKu4gzUnvscJu92DMpn_BwL5_wNQFYnD5Y_03pd-Srubf8kIft/s1600-h/010.JPG"></a><span style="color:#cc66cc;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-GeE1o55_P2Co2GrPju4YdMb7VBFbAgbikfOv1v0FXfWUuSsfhJJ9-jCFw1Lm6_0as9TJ56SVDsaLDExmz6JZEuCXQhcEBEcqMum1U7a0NRPtxtKbQ_omBElobSUH54PQ5nqPOcGNIUs/s1600-h/011.JPG"></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">On Saturday I bid farewell to my 20's</span> on a girl trip to Canton. I left for Canton a little girl and came back a woman! It was my first time. I had always heard about how great it was, but had no idea! It was....INCREDIBLE! I have found my Disneyland. My Aunt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jerra</span>, cousins Cara, Cassie, and Amanda, my sweet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Braelyn</span>, and myself, piled into my aunt's SUV and headed East to this well known monthly market.<br /></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfKAnhE3x3JKXTiThe7OKHQhzHp3HeEb-gy6RKqzlaTKl39pAwItOwLZQK4r4J7wncB1T6NxvToXN0LF_OUaIo82o1DNj9wo2lAQ0SFaTdhFlAA7Ela68ZQFpQtuW46qiY9BiCcxRxpSh/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388942703118403842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfKAnhE3x3JKXTiThe7OKHQhzHp3HeEb-gy6RKqzlaTKl39pAwItOwLZQK4r4J7wncB1T6NxvToXN0LF_OUaIo82o1DNj9wo2lAQ0SFaTdhFlAA7Ela68ZQFpQtuW46qiY9BiCcxRxpSh/s400/015.JPG" border="0" /></a>I was pretty excited on the car ride there.</div><div align="center">AND WHEN WE ARRIVED...<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysKRqvxRrLF8uLU6lh6Y6kb2_33ntH8Tmd8EmZfn9zGbIl-4CQcVuLc0Vb1-z7mcPowBYGZwUu3gbYRK5i4qP7iV0UZrHGiXL1XCt1oPOaKhyphenhyphen7Q0yfrzs3Y_c1kYF_sVKuvu5V3fscPQl/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388942177776433442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysKRqvxRrLF8uLU6lh6Y6kb2_33ntH8Tmd8EmZfn9zGbIl-4CQcVuLc0Vb1-z7mcPowBYGZwUu3gbYRK5i4qP7iV0UZrHGiXL1XCt1oPOaKhyphenhyphen7Q0yfrzs3Y_c1kYF_sVKuvu5V3fscPQl/s400/016.JPG" border="0" /></a> It was settled. I died and went to <span style="font-size:130%;color:#33ccff;">Heaven. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div align="center">The very first booth I saw was this one. A tent lined with vintage boots, totally color coordinated,welcomed me like St. Pete at the Pearly Gates! If there is not a Canton in Heaven...</div><div align="center">I might be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">disappointed</span>.</div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">Fire on the mountains! Run Boys, RUN!</span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MpjBsGWYMBcezuFZ5_9U4rkvKEFo2KmYn0FmGHLRiEhh1yPbXAZ9O3lDKrEDegSWnYxuswpln8ql4dwmxF2loDPV-YDlv-aGlxqmr4QR9s-E3NELzvd2Twj-2mYCkAaXhPLvlfUJR6jH/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388816649251079890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 381px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MpjBsGWYMBcezuFZ5_9U4rkvKEFo2KmYn0FmGHLRiEhh1yPbXAZ9O3lDKrEDegSWnYxuswpln8ql4dwmxF2loDPV-YDlv-aGlxqmr4QR9s-E3NELzvd2Twj-2mYCkAaXhPLvlfUJR6jH/s400/022.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I had an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">opportunity</span> to refresh my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fiddlin</span>' skills at this booth. I could only stroke a g note. The other strings were to loose and I did not want to break it. Good times! Yeah, um, I played in 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> grade. It's been a while! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">LOL</span>! 20 years to be exact-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ish</span>.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEgpAUVqHN3aU7GKsRL1AGPv6iCAXaDiJkHhXnEME6p9FIyK1aF_ldkdwnKQ_ttk8bpu-GuLV1k8I1sGseGhYXt638p1oz2ajU9EGFhrGySl56dgC8NnuDOw-jdsyB3MPsIRiV5aBoQTw/s1600-h/023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388815987670640642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEgpAUVqHN3aU7GKsRL1AGPv6iCAXaDiJkHhXnEME6p9FIyK1aF_ldkdwnKQ_ttk8bpu-GuLV1k8I1sGseGhYXt638p1oz2ajU9EGFhrGySl56dgC8NnuDOw-jdsyB3MPsIRiV5aBoQTw/s400/023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />You know how they say it is the thought that counts? Well. I thought of Jessie when I saw these. She recently made a sock monkey for an organization that helps children. </div><div align="center">I thought these little guys looked so cute waiting to be adopted. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388601098724283762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXC3cE6ySS8RoJ6x-cA8meK0Td36De5KjZ6ZRz2SRofoBU2l_yd4wWzmS63UVzjSu4knf68oZ_m6Z7p25ZkCtLh3A9fL1cShq9jckk4KoVLPlZnXfaTLZ4DsLvZOrJC3W7iqazOZwiPgC9/s320/026.JPG" border="0" /><br />Here, we <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">girly</span> girls stopped for a sit, a coke, and a smile. The food was pretty yummy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Thought the girls would appreciate this one...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie55aG4GvrHOFLr5B2m86ggunRaSkTfzR4kUswZXnxP5QYAfsCzxXDciF-g_hhmvpTGXHp67oDSLxbCLoCGMm2h88k70gNweuC7n2PKcJ4jMdINg4nj1eg9EhtNh6tt4cxxTue7WjthdpV/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388600904512983762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie55aG4GvrHOFLr5B2m86ggunRaSkTfzR4kUswZXnxP5QYAfsCzxXDciF-g_hhmvpTGXHp67oDSLxbCLoCGMm2h88k70gNweuC7n2PKcJ4jMdINg4nj1eg9EhtNh6tt4cxxTue7WjthdpV/s320/027.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>When I am QUEEN, every store will be required to have a chair and sign just like this. A fine will be issued to non-compliant husbands that will be given to the wife for more shopping, thus, granting her another hour and a couple hundred bucks to find the perfect pair of shoes.</div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;">Pretty Puppies....</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrtS2tZjGxi2sr3_OqwdeIjGN8TuyATZflNkl6HE3SDKqdZ0ifp00uro4MEbydq8_mc0C7Xp4Sca5xGbPXKhWKSuoJIbBBen6w6yY7LTZDZ5Hz-gRIaJIjZuZcZLXBry_y5AHJoE-bSpp/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388600648038075506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrtS2tZjGxi2sr3_OqwdeIjGN8TuyATZflNkl6HE3SDKqdZ0ifp00uro4MEbydq8_mc0C7Xp4Sca5xGbPXKhWKSuoJIbBBen6w6yY7LTZDZ5Hz-gRIaJIjZuZcZLXBry_y5AHJoE-bSpp/s320/028.JPG" border="0" /></a> Pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tragic</span> really!!</div><div></div><div>The funny thing about Canton is, there is an insane amount of sparkle, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">razzle</span> dazzle, zebra print, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">hot pink</span>, homemade, big bowed pretties. You leave essentially hosed down in glitter, and gaudiness. Even the puppies are dressed up. I saw a lady pushing her precious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">poochies</span> in this super cute little stroller and I stopped her to ask for a picture<span style="font-size:180%;">. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;">This is where the story takes a dreadful turn.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><div>The leash is tied to the roof of the stroller. The puppies were being coaxed by the owner to look up at the camera. Good. The puppy got confused and thought sh e was telling her to come.And then, she...</div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">JUMPED!</span></div><div>The pretty blonde puff of a poochy hung from the roof dangling at the neck.</div><div>Bad.</div><div>Not to mention, EMBARRASING!!<br /><br />Speaking of things that are funny, we ran into Brae's 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">nd</span> grade teacher who was camping in Canton. She said is was her 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">nd</span> time to ever go camping. Brae and I always run into Mrs. Burns. We often see her out in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Southlake</span>, my other, more local favorite place to shop.</div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuwjQC7Db-hcejHPcdDshbHbgxA8utqiyHIJzSNF18xaIKJn8COMtGc7Oz0BX3IXFjG-eJZgWV_umnYQPuVURNYzWiZ9xG41-4uALrox6BdNTbGxKeFnlIHEvk-Mg7MVnAc3PeMC2QVjH/s1600-h/033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388600347705771522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuwjQC7Db-hcejHPcdDshbHbgxA8utqiyHIJzSNF18xaIKJn8COMtGc7Oz0BX3IXFjG-eJZgWV_umnYQPuVURNYzWiZ9xG41-4uALrox6BdNTbGxKeFnlIHEvk-Mg7MVnAc3PeMC2QVjH/s400/033.JPG" border="0" /></a> Brae was thrilled to get to see her!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6VuZanB5XHhMpD8-Im2ix4G_4J8Pdl9A3pJUm1fHDUJCPhYbHFBXUaZjOHAXcciJp5tLWHZHlZNMnBGtdTAYUFD9PdJmS7oOMqpgsNaGM-mIkmVjnYjwnVuzudPrds1cEArsBHvTtvFN/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388600078216519250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6VuZanB5XHhMpD8-Im2ix4G_4J8Pdl9A3pJUm1fHDUJCPhYbHFBXUaZjOHAXcciJp5tLWHZHlZNMnBGtdTAYUFD9PdJmS7oOMqpgsNaGM-mIkmVjnYjwnVuzudPrds1cEArsBHvTtvFN/s400/035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love this place. I will always remember this trip! </div><div>I FOUND MY COWBOY BOOTS! We were heading back to the car and I saw this ridiculously adorable streamline trailer. It was so precious!!Totally re-done inside in hot pink and lime <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Green</span> and leopard, I had to go in. And then, I met them. They said to me, "Are you my mother?" I said, are you a size 8? They said, "MOMMY!" It was probably the happiest day of my life!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eNo4FfUMBgi_519Bf9F6pWZjinGn-itontXZ-rxuNLB-v5q1ybqqPS0YasTzn5RtBVLigv-8awVR2PR7js0T8Uda4IdH-xKHqwCWCS8Ts-EkBDbwyDNiM2uEDQTbPNOs83CGpZaoRKga/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388599628327809730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eNo4FfUMBgi_519Bf9F6pWZjinGn-itontXZ-rxuNLB-v5q1ybqqPS0YasTzn5RtBVLigv-8awVR2PR7js0T8Uda4IdH-xKHqwCWCS8Ts-EkBDbwyDNiM2uEDQTbPNOs83CGpZaoRKga/s400/039.JPG" border="0" /></a> Meet <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;">DOLLY AND DAISY...</span></div><div>Here they are. I am considering sending out birth/adoption announcements......<br />They are leather from top to bottom, look worn out, but are brand new. I am in love! </div><div></div><div>After Canton, I got an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">opportunity</span> to wear Dolly and Daisy out to dinner.My brother-in-law and I share a birthday so we went out to On the Border to celebrate his birthday.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQvaJN1xhAqBRjoALshp6Yb8F5TxliFCwrXu49ehmcYxv163x5IWC_ZlLmWqLqQm0Pe3PhNHqJDBtD04yA_HzkfdveQwplkGVXYHTn-rayF_BZCa2To_yeheqOtPFIvm8bPiQ3aM5_cqp/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388599407702263714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQvaJN1xhAqBRjoALshp6Yb8F5TxliFCwrXu49ehmcYxv163x5IWC_ZlLmWqLqQm0Pe3PhNHqJDBtD04yA_HzkfdveQwplkGVXYHTn-rayF_BZCa2To_yeheqOtPFIvm8bPiQ3aM5_cqp/s400/043.JPG" border="0" /></a> Luke and Hayden, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Grammy's</span> boys!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp_9hVu2oJWzXbI8rY8xwaB-j2mrnaKgf0K00OySrjSaNvjNJNRhoqjkGpRVXSjBeBHvz9oG1dRmMeOFywMFUZtTKG-sYkKe9emNnxiLo9y2Hx3mOL32JBJhnNapSk2Q-B3xcyLSNwc-I/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388597268734030834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp_9hVu2oJWzXbI8rY8xwaB-j2mrnaKgf0K00OySrjSaNvjNJNRhoqjkGpRVXSjBeBHvz9oG1dRmMeOFywMFUZtTKG-sYkKe9emNnxiLo9y2Hx3mOL32JBJhnNapSk2Q-B3xcyLSNwc-I/s400/047.JPG" border="0" /></a> I took a pic of this plate because I thought it would be fun to try on matte board with the magazine cut outs. Just a thought!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7v6lFjf1z-vnZqSAZub4WLeD7N1cxDo0eSmxtTSJChH9hi-f5OmPVc8OPvctV4o_x4rj8QtvN_XxBHvp5vouzzwbWkc2ax3GzrcegFLC9oCO0BuEyK7Mn3RlM2nidUmm-lPGYkEnDu08/s1600-h/052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388596882575190066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7v6lFjf1z-vnZqSAZub4WLeD7N1cxDo0eSmxtTSJChH9hi-f5OmPVc8OPvctV4o_x4rj8QtvN_XxBHvp5vouzzwbWkc2ax3GzrcegFLC9oCO0BuEyK7Mn3RlM2nidUmm-lPGYkEnDu08/s400/052.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Hopefully</span> my 30's won't be a blur.......<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p></p></div></div></div></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-2725338901323610202009-09-28T15:55:00.000-07:002009-09-28T20:38:53.173-07:00A Baby for Joni<div align="center">A few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">weeks</span> ago, a F<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">acebook</span> friend of mine began posting that something she has always wanted to do was finally going to happen. Soon after that, she began posting that she was going to be getting her new baby very soon. Visions of a young Chinese or Ethiopian baby started fluttering through my mind. "My new baby is coming Friday, she'd say. " I can't wait for the new baby to be here." she'd say. I started getting nervous for her. Did she have the nursery ready? Was she still going to get to be the free spirited gypsy she appeared to be? I mean...what? Was she gonna just carry her little Baby Zahara around in a papoose? Finally Friday came and for those few, like myself who had no idea what she was thinking, we anticipated what this baby was going to look like.</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWMaVaPpyEps63-83KIbcGd7mI8wDJqzXBy2DwgC_uEsY5P-kPhZY0FrdlTF67CH-OEXam23in7ipNH0WgyEDtIFaCuHqGqJkRN2ZPmGxr_NTRfs-EHwhJ-gl-lsIcArtSbNfHgiclkQV/s1600-h/7734_1230434674738_1045245573_734006_840126_a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386720943078328226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 135px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWMaVaPpyEps63-83KIbcGd7mI8wDJqzXBy2DwgC_uEsY5P-kPhZY0FrdlTF67CH-OEXam23in7ipNH0WgyEDtIFaCuHqGqJkRN2ZPmGxr_NTRfs-EHwhJ-gl-lsIcArtSbNfHgiclkQV/s400/7734_1230434674738_1045245573_734006_840126_a.jpg" border="0" /></a>Well, here she is. Nicknamed Chickie, this is the dream baby she always wanted.</div><div align="center">So, like I would do for any of my friends, I thought I would make her a Card of Congratulations. I had fun making this. Here is the play by play.<br /></div><div align="center">Using card stock, I free handed the basic shapes needed to make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">VW</span> Bug. I used the pic above from her Face book page to see what the key details were.</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Mb64nKV4SXh5gr_YqzpIjiARK7T8wo01KmwGyIO9XtId8Ks716LxuVOsyDt56aghdrsW_AueUqETdC1NOQGCs06ELLXShmhHoGRFBaYxWS85Spqx32jg_gOspohaNh_gn-8zDYtaFgOt/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386718491943283330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Mb64nKV4SXh5gr_YqzpIjiARK7T8wo01KmwGyIO9XtId8Ks716LxuVOsyDt56aghdrsW_AueUqETdC1NOQGCs06ELLXShmhHoGRFBaYxWS85Spqx32jg_gOspohaNh_gn-8zDYtaFgOt/s320/021.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLst6ybjg_d0SMuElDVMTEqvONLmgTRRF4N0HMOkXtlJFDj6SEjWW86SJvn4jI5XbmEn3ItOxCnnPn3601q7_deW9AXVZVoUwxUJrKMd2ITUdPhnuiIkHG3ylopyMAt_90I6enbeP0_Hu/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386717454835532194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLst6ybjg_d0SMuElDVMTEqvONLmgTRRF4N0HMOkXtlJFDj6SEjWW86SJvn4jI5XbmEn3ItOxCnnPn3601q7_deW9AXVZVoUwxUJrKMd2ITUdPhnuiIkHG3ylopyMAt_90I6enbeP0_Hu/s320/022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">Next, I flipped through mags to find colors and such that would help with the pic. I found this washer and dryer set. The red and metal would suit me just fine.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4syWtgXwFqFgRkHYYcL7lI4hsCuHByx5cbFWxmzEAPL3d3q8cObvu1cTZrrg6x0yNHVbt-QGy5h_O6VfOCUVgm5LzeTVH7JifmwvRtczho30hujBstN_rRaX80jeDBiRJOlmlL0j8PUks/s1600-h/023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386717304662228674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4syWtgXwFqFgRkHYYcL7lI4hsCuHByx5cbFWxmzEAPL3d3q8cObvu1cTZrrg6x0yNHVbt-QGy5h_O6VfOCUVgm5LzeTVH7JifmwvRtczho30hujBstN_rRaX80jeDBiRJOlmlL0j8PUks/s320/023.JPG" border="0" /></a> I found the dove from the 3 Days of Peace Woodstock poster.</div><div align="center">I cut it out and needed to find a place to put it.</div><div align="center">So, after a fun naming contest on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Facebook</span>, I decided to add the new baby girl's name.</div><div align="center">My name suggestion didn't win, but the winning name is cute and original.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqiaDl5-Ptd2G12oylplP11aOqElFf3f6NIVuh4ZrTL3XOoMJy2t4gy0iXLCDppcVggYOhl4QbAdZuiaT3BYjTRava07OTApyk68dBz6zWxhhy6JsDsJrZl8a7aUZoCz3IG6_k-baEQ8P/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386717088199240946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqiaDl5-Ptd2G12oylplP11aOqElFf3f6NIVuh4ZrTL3XOoMJy2t4gy0iXLCDppcVggYOhl4QbAdZuiaT3BYjTRava07OTApyk68dBz6zWxhhy6JsDsJrZl8a7aUZoCz3IG6_k-baEQ8P/s320/027.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mn3U_FMjKoSp0Nb6HN4NFDkrCvX8lRVqpwk9oZnqF0oxMAi_3TWQEu1BlL8em1pt89rE51dd6kKS0Gekb4v-ilWZaBGFsXS-te7bhp1hmYEAPOFW9wZhpxRjvFiv0fi6i0gH7fa5mF7D/s1600-h/030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386716463872944418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 410px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 503px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mn3U_FMjKoSp0Nb6HN4NFDkrCvX8lRVqpwk9oZnqF0oxMAi_3TWQEu1BlL8em1pt89rE51dd6kKS0Gekb4v-ilWZaBGFsXS-te7bhp1hmYEAPOFW9wZhpxRjvFiv0fi6i0gH7fa5mF7D/s400/030.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><p align="center">Here is the finished product. I hope she enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it. </p>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-25866718019612370362009-09-28T15:08:00.001-07:002009-09-28T15:51:27.040-07:00Luke's Very First Rangers Game, ever!!<div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">On Sunday, September 27, Luke attended his very first </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Rangers Game, compliments of </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">the Ballpark and the Snowball Express.</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib31Y3p0QpsjEYx7oWk6couaAWCWZWiSpqj2vPLaciRPbiQzqL_gzKPNYTpN9h6Sm6Md7Zhd4vqOioDoe5UX-7GzOCtZFHANg8wuJPT0vPj6LdqXI2-myS-4aLfKyz_7nJEUJAlFWnJYQ/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386648576085192514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib31Y3p0QpsjEYx7oWk6couaAWCWZWiSpqj2vPLaciRPbiQzqL_gzKPNYTpN9h6Sm6Md7Zhd4vqOioDoe5UX-7GzOCtZFHANg8wuJPT0vPj6LdqXI2-myS-4aLfKyz_7nJEUJAlFWnJYQ/s320/002.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><p align="center">Luke catching a ride on the Daddy Express.<br /></p><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLSWr6eZ2PrnzXdS_WYLFPQ48oXMBmKEf-FojS8HKSLdGhStEcf_sLRVSxikC8mB-Ay4cd-2bVfLZS_XoVHoaMx1h9hRctEj7Qp80CkzNvVkgvAEoAzV4LAwQqbAHRioxWWq02V5CICi5/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386648493524290738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLSWr6eZ2PrnzXdS_WYLFPQ48oXMBmKEf-FojS8HKSLdGhStEcf_sLRVSxikC8mB-Ay4cd-2bVfLZS_XoVHoaMx1h9hRctEj7Qp80CkzNvVkgvAEoAzV4LAwQqbAHRioxWWq02V5CICi5/s320/006.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Luke attentively watching the game. After the third inning, he said, "That was fun!! I ready to go home now."</span><br /><br /><br /></span></span></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzQY6uluU_5yaaUtjDmTetJTGvjAVVjW3_5NLrAGTnePqREGJPM4Z6WDAvqiC67RNbdO_601qNlNj2_AO3EjxqSmWNgvvdtQgwCqYqxI90fU0qeC-kVL2cR-n5dcR268-hZbimz0yOEVD/s1600-h/004.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386648364754271282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzQY6uluU_5yaaUtjDmTetJTGvjAVVjW3_5NLrAGTnePqREGJPM4Z6WDAvqiC67RNbdO_601qNlNj2_AO3EjxqSmWNgvvdtQgwCqYqxI90fU0qeC-kVL2cR-n5dcR268-hZbimz0yOEVD/s320/004.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><br /></span>Snowball Express recieved 100 tickets and opened the event up to friends and family of fallen soldiers. Braelyn brought her 2 besties, Julianne and Braiden. Braiden and Brae have been good friends since kindergarten.Julianne has been a bestes buddy since 1st grade. These 3 get along remakably well! Loooove it!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lE1Z0A7fFbnXsYpa2qn37DOc42GxccOnBgnr7l6KwFyv4rOS41VaSciW5CpP_F7ptHsY9K7TAdlX4YiD43J3mwoehYF_5VruBNFp20U1w7akxq756-q1OFYqgtjZy3eLIgoJyu0Xb0OV/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386647814907046994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lE1Z0A7fFbnXsYpa2qn37DOc42GxccOnBgnr7l6KwFyv4rOS41VaSciW5CpP_F7ptHsY9K7TAdlX4YiD43J3mwoehYF_5VruBNFp20U1w7akxq756-q1OFYqgtjZy3eLIgoJyu0Xb0OV/s320/005.JPG" border="0" /></a>Los Terificos Tres looking big and independent sitting all by themselves. As you can see, Jason and I were sitting VERY far away.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbSsuw0jy0O2WSSTLKX2ka1fAeJNFHHV6hPdVDUx0oXUx9hjIafVcSjb4MssG3gqqSxZT3Dg7AR48QuZIQ_yOjo2j7GANjVhI6CxekdX2PZMxbEcdhy1vKjgKIeaU45bWMcqUexhinwrY/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386646778785792946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbSsuw0jy0O2WSSTLKX2ka1fAeJNFHHV6hPdVDUx0oXUx9hjIafVcSjb4MssG3gqqSxZT3Dg7AR48QuZIQ_yOjo2j7GANjVhI6CxekdX2PZMxbEcdhy1vKjgKIeaU45bWMcqUexhinwrY/s400/008.JPG" border="0" /></a> Because it was <span style="font-size:180%;">FAN APPRECIATION DAY</span> <said></div><div>our section won salsa bowls. It pays to be a family of four. We got a complete set.Yay!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlEOSK4hyphenhyphen72YEUoSqvl-kirM_nfYsGl8KqDHuM3VyOLHwsHX9suYLAqmuUDHCkJnxpaq_1sUpnWLcrqM_ruDGwai4kYnHAvJfld2w3DsrNZjdx2abTe2jpExlu7hsVgNwVKEzXHmYWBQG/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386645046419960274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlEOSK4hyphenhyphen72YEUoSqvl-kirM_nfYsGl8KqDHuM3VyOLHwsHX9suYLAqmuUDHCkJnxpaq_1sUpnWLcrqM_ruDGwai4kYnHAvJfld2w3DsrNZjdx2abTe2jpExlu7hsVgNwVKEzXHmYWBQG/s200/013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjd7TwIdPKwXFFRNbAFe4P3eDZGIgs9epKr03CPLslJ8STCCk2LZAb-0byvaOr4W5by_Je4e5z7wrNYb0tB8fvwVK996Wazi08cBMBmQR7KV75e1TT-IjgEpN0asOJWPCbSeVPDmUHro-/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386644690379277330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjd7TwIdPKwXFFRNbAFe4P3eDZGIgs9epKr03CPLslJ8STCCk2LZAb-0byvaOr4W5by_Je4e5z7wrNYb0tB8fvwVK996Wazi08cBMBmQR7KV75e1TT-IjgEpN0asOJWPCbSeVPDmUHro-/s200/014.JPG" border="0" /></a>Mr. and Mrs. Scarborough von Cheesydorx<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxtzmmey6OLIr5LQYUYeVz51Lhs94aEcRWbLyDSNVkWGhxED9F5EYe9t1oJ8JA2u6B-quFsaPRA1zJYX5WXRznpW61KHrDOz-hzeXu7lz5k2Yv15F_xyWHTnk0UkrVkD2tqRIdPrNyIPw/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386644213828113810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxtzmmey6OLIr5LQYUYeVz51Lhs94aEcRWbLyDSNVkWGhxED9F5EYe9t1oJ8JA2u6B-quFsaPRA1zJYX5WXRznpW61KHrDOz-hzeXu7lz5k2Yv15F_xyWHTnk0UkrVkD2tqRIdPrNyIPw/s400/016.JPG" border="0" /></a>This may have been cuter had I not cut poor Julianne off!<br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx3FvRYupUE_9gJ43lULGItmYijnwhOp_btvUD1jl4tMnk89FEx52ZZOSX4tLPxUq26YCwIXt3NibT84tEEYg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p align="center">He even won the dot race!</p><p align="center">We all had a great time!</p><br /><p align="center">Luke really enjoyed his first baseball game! </p></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-49942399511636385962009-09-26T09:05:00.001-07:002009-09-29T11:10:06.124-07:00Brae's Public Speaking Debut in Dallas<div align="center">On Thursday, September 24, my daughter made me the proudest mommy in the whole world! </div><div align="center">First, a recap. </div><div align="center">December 18, 2006, I received news that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Braelyn's</span> Daddy, my ex and friend, was killed in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Taji</span>, Iraq. He was commander of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and had gone on a special mission. When he couldn't see ahead of him, he decided to stop and go back. Unfortunately, where he stopped, was at the foot of an 18 ft. cliff. The Bradley came crashing to the ground after flipping upside down into 4 feet of water. Ultimately, Brian drowned as a result of being trapped. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Braelyn</span> was only 7 years old and in the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> grade when this occurred, exactly 1 week before Christmas. Her Daddy was her world. They had their own special words for things, they had traditions, and above all, they were a perfect pair. </div><div align="center">One year later, Jocelyn, Brian's widow, learned of an organization called, The Snowball Express. Snowball gets the support of many corporations, the main one being American Airlines. Together, these companies and organizations work together to send children and their surviving parent or guardian on an all expense paid trip. The families get a chance to meet other widows and children who are experiencing the same things. Brae has gone to Disneyland 2 times with her step-mom and this incredible group. </div><div align="center">This year, Brae and I went to the Colonial in Ft. Worth where we met the coordinator of this program, Micheal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hogg</span>. Micheal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hogg</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Braelyn</span>, and I have been friends ever since. Mike called and let me know that at a press conference in Dallas, they were to announce that the city would be hosting Snowball this year. There, Brae got the opportunity to speak on behalf of all children of fallen soldiers, about what Snowball Express means to her. She did an AMAZING job! I am so proud.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ3wyZjem3pNiDvtXzsd2hj1t1Mknxn3oINECtItbWBMScgBFIqVqJ7H2K9te8QHz7zLGUd_VAooMYMpK1xjWOPN9ZybeROp4oY_Oow2La4a8kNscVd0k_iSOz8KkiXXUZbYQY_Lt2QLv/s1600-h/113.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385818053206856402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ3wyZjem3pNiDvtXzsd2hj1t1Mknxn3oINECtItbWBMScgBFIqVqJ7H2K9te8QHz7zLGUd_VAooMYMpK1xjWOPN9ZybeROp4oY_Oow2La4a8kNscVd0k_iSOz8KkiXXUZbYQY_Lt2QLv/s200/113.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGc__qF1MAu6ot1IVAQJSfsjqyyx9UYFRrH1KuTcZZ_M9ehPvPTMqW6n3lIHtEv995zfXOLW72OGmKtMbBpzwXeLmHCKD3GCuT5QVuNvWhl4kPtsQeAe_X6qLwMfZo1VieHgngIGWs-H1/s1600-h/114.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385817696295572274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGc__qF1MAu6ot1IVAQJSfsjqyyx9UYFRrH1KuTcZZ_M9ehPvPTMqW6n3lIHtEv995zfXOLW72OGmKtMbBpzwXeLmHCKD3GCuT5QVuNvWhl4kPtsQeAe_X6qLwMfZo1VieHgngIGWs-H1/s200/114.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrSZYNay3YFK7dMfIHu0uozlrqgtdgz_igCE90Ry0mTJOtWWvb8_cTV_T6nQ4RSxQrtgg8Z28xuCekaoE1dsmCH9mAPogyTcCuC5VOxhEMB2KmVlJjudza9JlolMTkgTngjXe-6rRBknC/s1600-h/115.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385817246790544370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrSZYNay3YFK7dMfIHu0uozlrqgtdgz_igCE90Ry0mTJOtWWvb8_cTV_T6nQ4RSxQrtgg8Z28xuCekaoE1dsmCH9mAPogyTcCuC5VOxhEMB2KmVlJjudza9JlolMTkgTngjXe-6rRBknC/s200/115.JPG" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Braelyn</span> practicing in the bathroom mirror, before speaking to a room full of executives, Mayor of Dallas,Tom <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Leppert</span>, and several others who make The Snowball Express possible. A few celebs were there too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS93DBBTw_iX3Uub1KqeTzn42QSLiVdvefrs9BPhSZPLzi9eaCGxdUXcXptJ_LKCjUVKKapqqjwfNMLd0o2UcxC7LwH7akc062bKkf317WKhUwTpVAnwkdXaSsWmixbEUJYQHj1bP6bj8U/s1600-h/116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385816562588524082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS93DBBTw_iX3Uub1KqeTzn42QSLiVdvefrs9BPhSZPLzi9eaCGxdUXcXptJ_LKCjUVKKapqqjwfNMLd0o2UcxC7LwH7akc062bKkf317WKhUwTpVAnwkdXaSsWmixbEUJYQHj1bP6bj8U/s320/116.JPG" border="0" /></a>My sweet girl and I in front of the gorgeous view in the Flag Room at Dallas City Hall.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-fp_NJDBxpg6YdysWB6vsDLtl-ky9ppBEHBZEHs3RBSCCoaWu0Z96VMGe10CjkHytZC5NEBOb-Dy7aGsVj5eW3T3bOqUmre8clsbNmt32uslbdqo6S8QGl2IA3VtF9Vy1t68g04pujVU/s1600-h/123.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385815611079224018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-fp_NJDBxpg6YdysWB6vsDLtl-ky9ppBEHBZEHs3RBSCCoaWu0Z96VMGe10CjkHytZC5NEBOb-Dy7aGsVj5eW3T3bOqUmre8clsbNmt32uslbdqo6S8QGl2IA3VtF9Vy1t68g04pujVU/s320/123.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Braelyn</span> meets the Coordinator of Taps.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOTcRc5XmaZTrWy5bYeODAGIdZFvqJmLz420aWnp3E_SFLROHUpAlJO0aJXmAcgDhVdYW6QIvdeZtzAH9jtQFs0buZQ2dNGHlQiKrIdHHDo8I4aPASg_rov9bd8ksMcS_beCNaX5Cub7-/s1600-h/124.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385815378445506370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOTcRc5XmaZTrWy5bYeODAGIdZFvqJmLz420aWnp3E_SFLROHUpAlJO0aJXmAcgDhVdYW6QIvdeZtzAH9jtQFs0buZQ2dNGHlQiKrIdHHDo8I4aPASg_rov9bd8ksMcS_beCNaX5Cub7-/s320/124.JPG" border="0" /></a>It was exciting for Brae to get to speak to different news cameras. Unfortunately, the same day we were at downtown Dallas, a terrorist decided he was going to bomb a building downtown, bumping the coverage the Snowball Express deserved. Figures. But at least the FBI was on it and there was no terrorist attack while we were there. SCARY.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBoZjiWhJesYgY3IU3NryFd_bnpDX42IAL3ApCfBLGB5CwxVR9Wj-YKm-tkhrzRtLtSXGEHEosryQ2iv6qgfy_WsDhyphenhyphenGOCuiOgOSe1pTkyzP3XQa4rLurGC0K9bSRIVoW32LW3OpV7P2J/s1600-h/125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385815204027983154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBoZjiWhJesYgY3IU3NryFd_bnpDX42IAL3ApCfBLGB5CwxVR9Wj-YKm-tkhrzRtLtSXGEHEosryQ2iv6qgfy_WsDhyphenhyphenGOCuiOgOSe1pTkyzP3XQa4rLurGC0K9bSRIVoW32LW3OpV7P2J/s320/125.JPG" border="0" /></a>Prior to meeting Brian, Brae's daddy, I dated a boy name Tom. Ironically, his Mom handles the Hotel end of Snowball Express. 10 years later, we come back full circle. God puts people in our lives and we don't know why, BUT here we are. Both totally SHOCKED, but glad to meet again under these happy circumstances. Julie and I got to catch up on a stroll through Dallas. I will share more about that shortly.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zUnO7w9-IFcoRgELY-OiThGJD1VSL9CfbhWDTvH8HfKQjsebJDxCY1VXwaVJr2Ze1ZHksSiYTHcQNdFDzTLbXOvDEle5kDKfPLHQViT3q0P3Mw1prTiE4fK5omDHrwCBj8Fd2-gW6BMu/s1600-h/127.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385815082326202242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zUnO7w9-IFcoRgELY-OiThGJD1VSL9CfbhWDTvH8HfKQjsebJDxCY1VXwaVJr2Ze1ZHksSiYTHcQNdFDzTLbXOvDEle5kDKfPLHQViT3q0P3Mw1prTiE4fK5omDHrwCBj8Fd2-gW6BMu/s320/127.JPG" border="0" /></a>Also in attendance was Aaron Norris, who is a filmmaker. Aaron Norris lost his brother in Vietnam and flew home with his brother's remains, bringing him home for his burial. I admire him and wonder if I would be able to do the same.Yes, he is also Chuck Norris' brother. During <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Braelyn's</span> speech she mentioned that not far from City Hall, she and her Daddy used to go rock hopping and that he used to put her on all the Longhorns. He would sit her up top and like a little monkey, she would hang upside down. So after the speech Brae led Julie and I through downtown to the very spot where they used to play together.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby-JiXnzHOgDBq3LH2dB9AT7dnSwsZ2RP3oOHE1cFkif3OVleYgKtUaDzYQwWOqsJElBSXAh_t5niSDDxZtPrd7qN9drG_5onesuFlIa2suWt6SrZ5-VWOc25RJ0sPVUdX2mPDE-rBvTG/s1600-h/128.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385814698096923250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby-JiXnzHOgDBq3LH2dB9AT7dnSwsZ2RP3oOHE1cFkif3OVleYgKtUaDzYQwWOqsJElBSXAh_t5niSDDxZtPrd7qN9drG_5onesuFlIa2suWt6SrZ5-VWOc25RJ0sPVUdX2mPDE-rBvTG/s200/128.JPG" border="0" /></a>After the press event, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Braelyn</span>, Julie (Tom's mom) and I went for a literal stroll down Memory Lane. It takes a lot of trust being led by a 10 year old through the streets of downtown and through a cemetery, but like her Daddy, she knew where she was going.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU8MUsY__35RLWHZ4ESParyyUvElo8FigLG7enkqD42N1qSy6K8RuM7Hp9SvYi7wIP23rjY-QE3HoIneKu1w9t9I7bC25MKZk7b_2TcdDFuk_bNWk3_5mYB9RljwiP0Hzpm1nmqdDwUC3/s1600-h/129.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385814562850289314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU8MUsY__35RLWHZ4ESParyyUvElo8FigLG7enkqD42N1qSy6K8RuM7Hp9SvYi7wIP23rjY-QE3HoIneKu1w9t9I7bC25MKZk7b_2TcdDFuk_bNWk3_5mYB9RljwiP0Hzpm1nmqdDwUC3/s200/129.JPG" border="0" /></a>So Brae pranced down the trail like a free little pony warning Julie and I to watch out for rats. "RATS?!!" we exclaimed. "Just kidding." she assured us. Brae said, "Mom, don't freak out. I know what I am doing. I turned the corner to find Brae "rock hopping" cross a water fall. i couldn't tell her not to because she was already almost to the other side. So , I let her and she made it back dry.It was funny, because in my mind, I thought, "BRIAN! You let her do what?!!" She was like 3 and 4 when they started going there.Yes. She was also 3 when she started hopping across the waterfall too! No wonder, I never knew about this.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTZ5PZahcOHsubMTcLj_hG8kBZDIRUdklp7jD4oNifSfstTX31tQkCm_LyvE8BNrqfbMAfKBjBY4tvkS9jobigy7YplOaTJKxFmIoDbpR1D4yw32kmKXawK8Dd-_vEgzqCEnG8a8F0yr1/s1600-h/131.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385814407914136418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTZ5PZahcOHsubMTcLj_hG8kBZDIRUdklp7jD4oNifSfstTX31tQkCm_LyvE8BNrqfbMAfKBjBY4tvkS9jobigy7YplOaTJKxFmIoDbpR1D4yw32kmKXawK8Dd-_vEgzqCEnG8a8F0yr1/s200/131.JPG" border="0" /></a>Brae catches a ride on a stampeding longhorn.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukyBXCBUGQ9k3GDNe07EbZfCrP0APuV6CppnwsqNGINDXYHL4imhKiAfEc9UVFVBG5Uci-q3mA8M5MYzR9PDBEU8MXa0-4_3yMVFc8kaT6am9RJhYDJuOJrn16CYblhySjUFEtaA64m40/s1600-h/133.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385814249161990658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukyBXCBUGQ9k3GDNe07EbZfCrP0APuV6CppnwsqNGINDXYHL4imhKiAfEc9UVFVBG5Uci-q3mA8M5MYzR9PDBEU8MXa0-4_3yMVFc8kaT6am9RJhYDJuOJrn16CYblhySjUFEtaA64m40/s200/133.JPG" border="0" /></a>What a special memory. I am so excited we will get to spend so much time in Dallas during Snowball. I think Brian would be pleased. <div>At the end of this very memorable day, Brae and I celebrated in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Southlake</span> with some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Starbuck's</span> and girl time. It was a great way to end a special day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkA5p9eCnIinDNdjz02Wnj_SKbBwZeUyK7ZlfBljJHQxGJtoG_5ex2_1WdMf8wteaH0CsmxNcsh2ijZgPc8HIghIYY1tsTvdGJ-kUX8qFIUMUvtBCYfhwEssyfAM8Zj4rE6x50c8IOttQh/s1600-h/135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385808403696653618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkA5p9eCnIinDNdjz02Wnj_SKbBwZeUyK7ZlfBljJHQxGJtoG_5ex2_1WdMf8wteaH0CsmxNcsh2ijZgPc8HIghIYY1tsTvdGJ-kUX8qFIUMUvtBCYfhwEssyfAM8Zj4rE6x50c8IOttQh/s400/135.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-55580284474054184452009-09-24T18:06:00.000-07:002009-09-26T08:57:29.971-07:00Dragon Date Night<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKW8qMMOQppEdvHIlqdrEMvD-4XDA2oBZIfL48P0R8DuYLAVfZKYDnjaO1rrcozaZRsTHXShhpT8OUgmh-rFkV79uUXCDS9UMvU-AuH0IXUGQlTgJ5Sa4RhU7fnZf26CTfRFYjsYC0dSX/s1600-h/042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385790363149941170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKW8qMMOQppEdvHIlqdrEMvD-4XDA2oBZIfL48P0R8DuYLAVfZKYDnjaO1rrcozaZRsTHXShhpT8OUgmh-rFkV79uUXCDS9UMvU-AuH0IXUGQlTgJ5Sa4RhU7fnZf26CTfRFYjsYC0dSX/s400/042.JPG" border="0" /></a> For those of you who follow me on Facebook, it is no secret that I am a fan of Hayes Carll. </div><div align="center">For those who are not Facebook Frequent Flyers...I am undeniaby, shamelessly obsessed with this man's music. I was first introduced to the soundtrack of my life about 3 years ago when I heard, Down the Road Tonight. Hayes' voice is seasoned, like a man who has seen a lot, been through it all, and lived to tell about it. With its Rockabilly appeal and references to my other favorite state Arkansas, I was hooked.<br />I have happily been a groupie ever since! </div><div align="center">Did I mention he is a ridiculously nice performer? He is very entertaining!</div><div align="center">and cute. Did I type that? Wait. What? I don't know how that got there. Weird.</div><div align="center">Jason and I lived a little and headed to 8.0 in Ft. Worth's Sundance Square to hear Hayes at the summer concert music series, Wednesday. </div><div align="center">It was such a great night for sitting on the patio and listening to live Texas Country music.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5cOQHWUZswKTH4iBoM-dI0ngFwb3sHT4To68m2ZI_7JLvE6yKk1nRIkwd7cicJzkIUERq5x_7-y7kCEo8bPe_bx527OhEOP0KVfQvXjXfrgkAsNbzoPd7DCeDTdR4KZH11IgH1nINK61/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385789384774996626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5cOQHWUZswKTH4iBoM-dI0ngFwb3sHT4To68m2ZI_7JLvE6yKk1nRIkwd7cicJzkIUERq5x_7-y7kCEo8bPe_bx527OhEOP0KVfQvXjXfrgkAsNbzoPd7DCeDTdR4KZH11IgH1nINK61/s400/047.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here the drummer, Kenny, and bass guitarist John Michael, prep for the show.</div><div align="center">I met Kenny's brother, Wayne backstage at Billy Bob's and visited with him some at this show.</div><div align="center">John Michael used to play for Jack Ingram. He was a member of the Beat Up Ford Band. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQu_pi-hOj8haX_1t69KMa2JychNUqaWAal-I9qGHdXfq26CZmLM4ySuqy-s4IhptuY7EmsVzvHGjfNmikxll6aPONSqybO1GfQCWGIZhyphenhyphen3eigiPt_xb103zk9PmxXk_2ynmaHn0xCQkfe/s1600-h/057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385788907149895650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQu_pi-hOj8haX_1t69KMa2JychNUqaWAal-I9qGHdXfq26CZmLM4ySuqy-s4IhptuY7EmsVzvHGjfNmikxll6aPONSqybO1GfQCWGIZhyphenhyphen3eigiPt_xb103zk9PmxXk_2ynmaHn0xCQkfe/s400/057.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Ricky Ray Jackson. He and John Michael also have a side project they do together. A band called the Happen-Ins. They currently play in Austin at The Scoot. Once they get an album done, they plan to scoot on over to DFDub. Ricky Ray also plays the steel guitar.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofGE0zL8u462ArG3DyEN0dtsOd3bJj6NBNWpIOMKCkcTCLo8gU_2ZXv2PAGUdgK8RjjHwcYInBH1q6ZVRELLq6zi37UJOR6k2-ePEIi_CqnpVTz7w1T0EEOyoWEouutMthQeiQ5HDhvc6/s1600-h/082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385788716100150946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofGE0zL8u462ArG3DyEN0dtsOd3bJj6NBNWpIOMKCkcTCLo8gU_2ZXv2PAGUdgK8RjjHwcYInBH1q6ZVRELLq6zi37UJOR6k2-ePEIi_CqnpVTz7w1T0EEOyoWEouutMthQeiQ5HDhvc6/s400/082.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is Scott Davis. Scott, from what I have been able to piece together, travels abroad with Hayes. He also has a side project with Kenny and Ricky Ray. They play locally, every other Sunday at The Moon in Ft. Worth. This band does covers of old country songs. I would love to check them out except they play at 10:30 on Sunday nights. I would probably lose my Mom of the Year Award if I went to that show. On a school night?! I requested a matinee show....<br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOl62Q9RTWlco1wgeOmon79-46vNXGiovi7dah4rkWc-8SKiPEale1Gc6dCPeC_lRdglmYPdSeGFW4fQiTK-ab21bdtN6srdSNJj1m5CJd566fYx3c9QxojcXacgjJcu_A1LVMJasDY5RN/s1600-h/062.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385787921654971346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOl62Q9RTWlco1wgeOmon79-46vNXGiovi7dah4rkWc-8SKiPEale1Gc6dCPeC_lRdglmYPdSeGFW4fQiTK-ab21bdtN6srdSNJj1m5CJd566fYx3c9QxojcXacgjJcu_A1LVMJasDY5RN/s400/062.JPG" border="0" /></a> John Michael is mentioned 3 times, because he is my favorite to watch on stage. He is soooo laid back. I am pretty sure he was born in the wrong era. He is the real deal; a hippy if there ever was one.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYUKcHEZU1ouUrLAYcjUja7_2z555AEXORY3NY5i6Hpqwc2H3HsOKF0dptSZHqFVsxkld9eltuGL-uOAKljxAR1yxNtiihptlJGCO7QMdMhAHRoHhurREZ90A-UMD4_s7x6_H-9l_XKD3/s1600-h/092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385787252426927778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYUKcHEZU1ouUrLAYcjUja7_2z555AEXORY3NY5i6Hpqwc2H3HsOKF0dptSZHqFVsxkld9eltuGL-uOAKljxAR1yxNtiihptlJGCO7QMdMhAHRoHhurREZ90A-UMD4_s7x6_H-9l_XKD3/s400/092.JPG" border="0" /></a> I looove this pic. My flash was off and I was pretty sure there was something wrong with my camera, but I kept snapping. I am pleased. I wonder if it would print just like this. I was excited because Hayes played the song, Chickens. We hadn't heard him play it live. He wrote this one with Ray Wylie Hubbard.This was our third time seeing him perform live, since May. We plan to hear him in October at Dan's Silverleaf and then at Billy Bob's again in January. yay!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVk1Erm_ga42A086M5tsvwGQxrSEKk-KlRn3wqJkldYqxM_H8hHL88Jx2hGbWy-FZ4Ck6F-KvuIu3nVwid36p9x8yJOXgsdk1GNwUmenWqrcPs0c_Yln4QkfFss1HqmyplBA7H6IYlcf5/s1600-h/095.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385205968604969922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVk1Erm_ga42A086M5tsvwGQxrSEKk-KlRn3wqJkldYqxM_H8hHL88Jx2hGbWy-FZ4Ck6F-KvuIu3nVwid36p9x8yJOXgsdk1GNwUmenWqrcPs0c_Yln4QkfFss1HqmyplBA7H6IYlcf5/s400/095.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div><br /></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-71088562254624853262009-09-20T13:51:00.000-07:002009-09-20T15:19:39.373-07:00Farnham Femme Fun and Feast<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy96FV45GIebzcTW3rTM-wsllvyj5bC02HSvyDFkUhH33s1z89T89e35zmQVxEPCsJ3q76TzrgzE9psDHbwu2IVJuI7rIkoPx1Bqrrn6yP13GQN1iaqNhWVTLodOuUUdCjjakTeBr2oTxx/s1600-h/044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383675218603412018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy96FV45GIebzcTW3rTM-wsllvyj5bC02HSvyDFkUhH33s1z89T89e35zmQVxEPCsJ3q76TzrgzE9psDHbwu2IVJuI7rIkoPx1Bqrrn6yP13GQN1iaqNhWVTLodOuUUdCjjakTeBr2oTxx/s400/044.JPG" border="0" /></a> Luke and I had a great morning Friday, enjoying time with girlfriends. Ever wonder what the world looks like from a 3 year old's perspective? Luke snapped this pic of Tracy, Janey, and Heather.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKFYiF41wc6x6qh5ZRkb82Pn9XUaZmy-Rl-gbNbTBdlQzfiztlsCa4UdpimLea5saa5L8-VWq3LhD6RWaDGpFkoV-1L1Nn4HuiE4-Bv14tigJhQEubiWji-okBkHnn9cA48WLu0SK3G2S/s1600-h/057.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Q2PhsKutJlNon6Ys0cdkxfSslbF5ZaZcly9UvP66CxCiH0MFFGPXnBNVxFPX05p7SW8NWPlFJx8NZH3Ry0e31IdqEH2Agyzm1gB3G6rDABnAw7XYeoV2AfJKD3JWJ16PFaORvhYTBLIZ/s1600-h/041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383656822605427714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Q2PhsKutJlNon6Ys0cdkxfSslbF5ZaZcly9UvP66CxCiH0MFFGPXnBNVxFPX05p7SW8NWPlFJx8NZH3Ry0e31IdqEH2Agyzm1gB3G6rDABnAw7XYeoV2AfJKD3JWJ16PFaORvhYTBLIZ/s400/041.JPG" border="0" /></a> Every month or so during the school year, my "peeps" and I gather for some girl time at our friend, Janey's. It's a much welcomed change to the everyday of motherhood, work, home-schooling, PTA Mom-ing , and housework that fills our everyday. Janey makes it her business to feed us til we're stuffed. All of us bring over a tasty treat of some sort.Pot stickers and Ambrosia Fruit Salad are usually a staple brought by Laura. Heather is known for her salsa and sheet cake. Tonya wowed us with her fresh canned green beans and Tracy is our drink girl. This leaves me. I appparently am the wild card. I tend to bring the item that most are afraid to try and sometimes don't. I decided this time should be no different.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6NZ30OHwO6PTltn_53SraVaGu90lYBy7HEi_Kqu_qIQqbYZdYwjpID9ywa3A097Xmqlm0Hh3z5E_2zbZjkmq969BlNWdgcCSiX72wEULxpNhjGl45s5I8hKppclxTbk6gfR4E3tbX0Pc/s1600-h/046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383656621847454370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6NZ30OHwO6PTltn_53SraVaGu90lYBy7HEi_Kqu_qIQqbYZdYwjpID9ywa3A097Xmqlm0Hh3z5E_2zbZjkmq969BlNWdgcCSiX72wEULxpNhjGl45s5I8hKppclxTbk6gfR4E3tbX0Pc/s400/046.JPG" border="0" /></a> I introduced my sweet friends to sweet bread. In spanish it is called pan de dulce. I personally love it and HIGHLY recommend you try it at least 1 time. I brought the standards. Empanadas de manzana y calabaza, maranos, and conchas.Empanadas are like fried pies by their shape and filling but are baked. Empanadas de Manzana are filled with an apple pie filling. Empanadas de Calabaza are filled with sweetened pumpkin filling.Conchas are also called Turtle Shells. Concha, meaning shell, for the non-spanish speakers, are bread like pastries that are semi-sweet.The Maranos or pig shaped cookies are cookies made with molasses. I threatened that if everyone didn't try some my days of bringing anything were over.I'm just a little spoiled. It went over well. I didn't see anybody spit into their napkin, so that was good.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipftanLjSoSH7vynExZJaW4RW1kJcIOjnIVvsLM4wCtSigAclmjxOTMG9HbhfiqyJ6wv52_82b5rAVoFAFogFyeHPffUnnxcX1tzkIwb-6pqsE6k9mvGaZWSb0IQhnN0s0iCsIsErafYvV/s1600-h/051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383656505269085490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipftanLjSoSH7vynExZJaW4RW1kJcIOjnIVvsLM4wCtSigAclmjxOTMG9HbhfiqyJ6wv52_82b5rAVoFAFogFyeHPffUnnxcX1tzkIwb-6pqsE6k9mvGaZWSb0IQhnN0s0iCsIsErafYvV/s400/051.JPG" border="0" /></a> In our group we have 4 October birthdays.Last year Janey got us all crowns.This year, she splurged. We all are now the proud owners of bjillion carat diamond rings. She pulled an Oprah and used our rings as napkin holders. She couldn't fool us!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsdQaE_PpRNG7mnJfXF-oZFiOY-TUU-NCf4840pcdSpEJec3vWaTezv9MGJQ9joShxTXf5h6buKLTWlb2ScE371n_ta4swyKJmb-VRLGNIA2YxXnP9wJkNj2HgqgJd6dINQwCcvbRCtiy/s1600-h/054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383656367937494402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsdQaE_PpRNG7mnJfXF-oZFiOY-TUU-NCf4840pcdSpEJec3vWaTezv9MGJQ9joShxTXf5h6buKLTWlb2ScE371n_ta4swyKJmb-VRLGNIA2YxXnP9wJkNj2HgqgJd6dINQwCcvbRCtiy/s400/054.JPG" border="0" /></a> After Janey's delish chicken and rice meal and the infamous force fed cultural experience, we all threw in our dollar for a fun and fiercely competitive game of Keeno.For those unfamiliar, Keeno is a bingo type game where instead of numbers, you are looking for the suit called. We all bring a gift in a brown paper sack, stapled shut. It was so much fun. I had a good card, but nowhere near as good as Tonya and Heather. I won 1 time. Tonya won 100 times and Heather won 130 times. Not really but may as well have. They were on <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">FIRE!</span></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWeBO_KruC1UtdCBLPvfFGOgxnGkolO7iGRsLqINXH6eYFmIqbCeMCMQZizhjSWchltaFBrH42SVWaAqsQljUjoz8UPyNZlPseZ8wKf0Zad9eciXxJHzLHRflBkPtFKCqqeFFUTicnDMb/s1600-h/058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383656217722349746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWeBO_KruC1UtdCBLPvfFGOgxnGkolO7iGRsLqINXH6eYFmIqbCeMCMQZizhjSWchltaFBrH42SVWaAqsQljUjoz8UPyNZlPseZ8wKf0Zad9eciXxJHzLHRflBkPtFKCqqeFFUTicnDMb/s400/058.JPG" border="0" /></a> Heather or Heifer as Lukey-Luke calls her, won this cute little Monster Candy Jar.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBSEJb481DVyt00Ht9Qh4blgwwf_H8jvYzVRhZ4faEHcd3ChYL9gdPEQkkY_dfXBcdAcky8PEJU9aaZc6ppXb4yIyl2mB4AZvEI16eTnnkGE0TnhcahzVE-w_M8cST7tSeomnnUf4IW_Z/s1600-h/056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383656074292599266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBSEJb481DVyt00Ht9Qh4blgwwf_H8jvYzVRhZ4faEHcd3ChYL9gdPEQkkY_dfXBcdAcky8PEJU9aaZc6ppXb4yIyl2mB4AZvEI16eTnnkGE0TnhcahzVE-w_M8cST7tSeomnnUf4IW_Z/s400/056.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Me, trying to rub some good luck off the BIG WINNERS!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92-HIGvrQfQQoS2hVJ9Wqz25LVhUt_wrYc9KV84dbDXa3Du77Ftib9TH0VTpV59L1Svlfy1MYka1ns1T1IZyuWrpVX2nVgxuTt8Xm0r60Me7pZymXwjX2UP5GDbn_q1IFYMl2j6B2sH9O/s1600-h/059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383655916185214850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92-HIGvrQfQQoS2hVJ9Wqz25LVhUt_wrYc9KV84dbDXa3Du77Ftib9TH0VTpV59L1Svlfy1MYka1ns1T1IZyuWrpVX2nVgxuTt8Xm0r60Me7pZymXwjX2UP5GDbn_q1IFYMl2j6B2sH9O/s400/059.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, afte much praying, wishing, positive thinking, and CURSING (just kiddin'), Tracy called KEENO!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JejSqx5056XhzczyWqhr_qNSTmz-nCg60SLX2t6t-ZvhK_gPyHn2ZBJCfOkSj2xJaszzdpiS76oMPi39pHAxSRiJgphVSHQQy5hYLhcB9m0mPK6schALJT0HL9aamIEd_aL5rfX7ZbYY/s1600-h/060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383655772933841778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JejSqx5056XhzczyWqhr_qNSTmz-nCg60SLX2t6t-ZvhK_gPyHn2ZBJCfOkSj2xJaszzdpiS76oMPi39pHAxSRiJgphVSHQQy5hYLhcB9m0mPK6schALJT0HL9aamIEd_aL5rfX7ZbYY/s400/060.JPG" border="0" /></a> Alas, Janey had Keeno 2 times. The moral of this story is </div><br /><br /><div>ya gotta keep your head in the game,<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4DWbjFoE57vktQoGBimXHH4bbao6FSg2OWp-U5qzsU3jxPeBxJZoSkpoqeKD02ZvxdbbLdIQnYKt6MP6N3tHzXOattrmjvMXFmIsZz4Pa9Ox8nRj2fIhkUBs-Aannel2fOHY7zseBP2l/s1600-h/068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383655555204002114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4DWbjFoE57vktQoGBimXHH4bbao6FSg2OWp-U5qzsU3jxPeBxJZoSkpoqeKD02ZvxdbbLdIQnYKt6MP6N3tHzXOattrmjvMXFmIsZz4Pa9Ox8nRj2fIhkUBs-Aannel2fOHY7zseBP2l/s400/068.JPG" border="0" /></a>Luke LOVES going to Janey's house. He gets to play with his cars, eat candy, is adored by some of the sweetest most kind hearted women, and watch his favorite movies.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Pb_SJxxAAT4hVcM2GUELmJoRbepGn61nI3q0x29qpxy0XbHc-scGBYFS2Y14Bnjn7DEO74MpoE8RwUjE0GkZm90o2IVDFHjY0XPI1CrD56jwEknBq1l-v8m33INwSVUizuAz0S4K8VJQ/s1600-h/061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383655408475679746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Pb_SJxxAAT4hVcM2GUELmJoRbepGn61nI3q0x29qpxy0XbHc-scGBYFS2Y14Bnjn7DEO74MpoE8RwUjE0GkZm90o2IVDFHjY0XPI1CrD56jwEknBq1l-v8m33INwSVUizuAz0S4K8VJQ/s400/061.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I love girl time. I always leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-15237187343783748712009-09-14T20:03:00.000-07:002009-09-15T16:51:11.350-07:00Dimestore Dragon, A Balloon Wish, and a Rooster<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xWWWznDpXtmlOHqSJikPzUyo0mp1zFiM-OkaqJuoQ1VQjm9taWs9MXg8lmiWs5xzBP595VLvD8pZYTmhVUXIveifOBR4u18JVBALkmwXW4GVXwxDiGqzxpvcYS_YERirgr9j5ptOaif4/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381532044300793954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xWWWznDpXtmlOHqSJikPzUyo0mp1zFiM-OkaqJuoQ1VQjm9taWs9MXg8lmiWs5xzBP595VLvD8pZYTmhVUXIveifOBR4u18JVBALkmwXW4GVXwxDiGqzxpvcYS_YERirgr9j5ptOaif4/s400/012.JPG" border="0" /></a> met my mom for breakfast Friday at a favorite taqueria of ours.after breakfast we went next door to a mercado where we found Mexican Bingo.In looking at the card I thought a rooster (altogether now, El Gallo) might be a forgiving first attempt. </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRcPl2oqvTfTHo1CRPppXt5ByWbCh8pjNQVMafBJQNygQydkLRpcuihZuTdh9UwF5f_6HQ0d5jJzTlXvZrvcsr4HXDOYTgL_9M1yHm6vVd6I3G4mSDJOz8td5mMpBF5rbgRvnP-fjIP_m/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381531886901040146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRcPl2oqvTfTHo1CRPppXt5ByWbCh8pjNQVMafBJQNygQydkLRpcuihZuTdh9UwF5f_6HQ0d5jJzTlXvZrvcsr4HXDOYTgL_9M1yHm6vVd6I3G4mSDJOz8td5mMpBF5rbgRvnP-fjIP_m/s320/014.JPG" border="0" /></a> i am all about free-hand cutting, mostly because I can not draw worth a lick. As you can see, my rooster looks a bit like a child's thanksgiving turkey.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpMKsrayD3Ar7Hp_gSvBx7kqAbDO1gj8YzF1wDO4EKz1xUGjR2lVOoN02nJ6T52RkwTF8GQTcyovyfYKqBovLUfxDzQQCOzs9Zu9dMTaJiO_VLiyLqNF5VpTXtL8QDRh4WTr2ljmJnvEO/s1600-h/029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381531501856566786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpMKsrayD3Ar7Hp_gSvBx7kqAbDO1gj8YzF1wDO4EKz1xUGjR2lVOoN02nJ6T52RkwTF8GQTcyovyfYKqBovLUfxDzQQCOzs9Zu9dMTaJiO_VLiyLqNF5VpTXtL8QDRh4WTr2ljmJnvEO/s400/029.JPG" border="0" /></a> this is my finished product. Its a little cartoonish.I enjoyed playing around with the different textures and colors.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGArrcleN_f_dxxA2bTDV1Z0YAQ9pAvZAx5jgc7xSKqiYnzUiwTNHYi2EQol6UR572bWGtY0eNX5NQZBTDIplzamINOwpHVu9SBHS8CW_gRI_ja5yzvkaf-MZdTxO4tQ5v8B4rLtX0lkSf/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381531280803191362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGArrcleN_f_dxxA2bTDV1Z0YAQ9pAvZAx5jgc7xSKqiYnzUiwTNHYi2EQol6UR572bWGtY0eNX5NQZBTDIplzamINOwpHVu9SBHS8CW_gRI_ja5yzvkaf-MZdTxO4tQ5v8B4rLtX0lkSf/s400/034.JPG" border="0" /></a> Feeling inspired, Luke and I went to our neighborhood thrift store to see what was new there. I found this 1970's beauty and for giggles tried it on.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin101ai4HayZWcKYxCFpqdJ9WmDFB_mTnstPaUYWm6N4c4o26l_nvEViui49s7xdvd_aHqEykjmFmG_Q9LQh0IAos0NwLDBsF1BxzZFRqWsf7J-SKzspxODWdKhwnn1YPy8eMFcO_LYZna/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381531138535037522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin101ai4HayZWcKYxCFpqdJ9WmDFB_mTnstPaUYWm6N4c4o26l_nvEViui49s7xdvd_aHqEykjmFmG_Q9LQh0IAos0NwLDBsF1BxzZFRqWsf7J-SKzspxODWdKhwnn1YPy8eMFcO_LYZna/s400/037.JPG" border="0" /></a> I loved the color and the material.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAUxX2RhBGjWrUKzGBQPSbGHbbqGln-b9TCFNZC9Od6mqnFRTZ19t_tgjoH-olH2L5psykRjF4Q3sK_aNKAmLD5krgJ47BIcH-t-dKAVmM97GqCZYFq1wJaiLhwXUjlflOZdDlgg0Ex5i/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381530953162036370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAUxX2RhBGjWrUKzGBQPSbGHbbqGln-b9TCFNZC9Od6mqnFRTZ19t_tgjoH-olH2L5psykRjF4Q3sK_aNKAmLD5krgJ47BIcH-t-dKAVmM97GqCZYFq1wJaiLhwXUjlflOZdDlgg0Ex5i/s400/035.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>I look like I am trying to woo Big Bird.</div><div>Luke this pic.</div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHtjT_R0Q14CkCsfHWUMOdrN1eh1jJYigWoZvnCfHEZxy_I74NbOQtMv1nxzOA9dL3Kg-lzWgkhueXm7kLAIv9p2raSuRcSMCby9t9RmC2hn7MawARHCv_xLt5cG19IhtWCNNhQrp343j/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381530652346277474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHtjT_R0Q14CkCsfHWUMOdrN1eh1jJYigWoZvnCfHEZxy_I74NbOQtMv1nxzOA9dL3Kg-lzWgkhueXm7kLAIv9p2raSuRcSMCby9t9RmC2hn7MawARHCv_xLt5cG19IhtWCNNhQrp343j/s200/038.JPG" border="0" /></a> Luke and I have a few little traditions. If he can behave the whole time we are in the store, he gets a balloon. And when we leave the store he makes a wish. Today, he wished for chocolate.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyLOI00DZHeSkY4ArKqqFYkPaiyJQLag36zNnqwtvIPVoFuEzCkrOXuvEqwZ-5IFTzMZqW8Gzfd2oeSi_3N2n-YRoniZxREsBQPcqHEJHDg8aAK3LlEUJfNHRLCdfguTUfUctEL4WXhrI/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381530510759956626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyLOI00DZHeSkY4ArKqqFYkPaiyJQLag36zNnqwtvIPVoFuEzCkrOXuvEqwZ-5IFTzMZqW8Gzfd2oeSi_3N2n-YRoniZxREsBQPcqHEJHDg8aAK3LlEUJfNHRLCdfguTUfUctEL4WXhrI/s200/039.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After he makes a wish. he lets the baloon go, so it will come true.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdI3mJIA4rkhvh0dsc6BrppScxz02n5PRQwA6KcVrsQhBjUzBRsww6G0PCVe8EmevWEMM7O3-E4w0-0UeUU58oYdSKi-mtbuR1eXYF4ldhlLJSWZ1hsZRACmA0d6sgxFAK1pGuH30BUGR/s1600-h/041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381530226416056738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdI3mJIA4rkhvh0dsc6BrppScxz02n5PRQwA6KcVrsQhBjUzBRsww6G0PCVe8EmevWEMM7O3-E4w0-0UeUU58oYdSKi-mtbuR1eXYF4ldhlLJSWZ1hsZRACmA0d6sgxFAK1pGuH30BUGR/s200/041.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Going</span>, Going,<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDUL9IVW4t4TlP9fDGQdJpyO4qDmGQFTu7JaHYOEcXoMFOWiMXmVM5b0EmPdGS4sEd-Hcrl7wBnk4E7nEQWWIJhPFqB6kWEVNYvDNlzAS3FT5yskpsmkHo5eT4XcYnE2jcxpXR2oH-gAZ/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381530061875229026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDUL9IVW4t4TlP9fDGQdJpyO4qDmGQFTu7JaHYOEcXoMFOWiMXmVM5b0EmPdGS4sEd-Hcrl7wBnk4E7nEQWWIJhPFqB6kWEVNYvDNlzAS3FT5yskpsmkHo5eT4XcYnE2jcxpXR2oH-gAZ/s200/043.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">GONE !</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Have a great day all!</span></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013043977587733921.post-51948596287035745142009-09-13T13:47:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:00:44.186-07:00I Wanna Be Megan Coyle<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1MJJq2IyJE8l6QdLsRRiQB_GOPRCoA7-9Em3CUnWLn5GG7Bzs7iXyJTnuBAtKA8OG0YsrkCfzESZEPyTW3-rQgWEyst-S0aQlZ6sBwSP9WfQAPu-Es_u3xWdQtckGF8BmWlUJ7vUn28J/s1600-h/megan-coyles-artwork.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381056888952559538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1MJJq2IyJE8l6QdLsRRiQB_GOPRCoA7-9Em3CUnWLn5GG7Bzs7iXyJTnuBAtKA8OG0YsrkCfzESZEPyTW3-rQgWEyst-S0aQlZ6sBwSP9WfQAPu-Es_u3xWdQtckGF8BmWlUJ7vUn28J/s400/megan-coyles-artwork.jpg" border="0" /></a> Look closely. See that? That is the incredible artwork of Megan Coyle. Megan Coyle is a collage artist, who uses strips of paper from magazines to create these highly detailed art pieces. I have always been a big fan of collage art and remember thinking once how cool it would be to try this. Well dream no more. I want to give this a whirl. I plan to start off very easy, with basic shapes to create simple pictures. I am thinking a little bird might be a good place to jump off or maybe even an owl. I can't wait to get started.</div><div align="center">Look up </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mcoyle.com/">www.mcoyle.com</a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">for more info on this talented artist. </div><div align="center">She is also on facebook and from time to time posts pics of works in progress.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi8SHkfnRl3Umjnary8oQqKO4elDZgeNB5M3km-kuFN2SkSkrV5bI6hJv6Ai2nwe82Lkeqi6zXurEZ7D4w53iv2StyCh4WIqB0bNzojNFtor6vpnmGrTHrh_Ygqre3q1IiFN-nVROy72E/s1600-h/megan-coyles-artwork.jpg"></a></p><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi8SHkfnRl3Umjnary8oQqKO4elDZgeNB5M3km-kuFN2SkSkrV5bI6hJv6Ai2nwe82Lkeqi6zXurEZ7D4w53iv2StyCh4WIqB0bNzojNFtor6vpnmGrTHrh_Ygqre3q1IiFN-nVROy72E/s1600-h/megan-coyles-artwork.jpg"></a></div>monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600612826144699604noreply@blogger.com3