tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61768319543937282962024-03-05T02:47:22.551-05:00Moments RememberedMomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-46608066769783280582023-12-31T22:19:00.004-05:002023-12-31T22:19:33.255-05:00Nanny's Sweet Tea<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Growing up we spent a lot of time at Nanny's house. She lived about five minutes down the road from our house and she LOVED to see us. Nanny welcomed us in for just several minutes or overnight. No matter the length of time we had to visit she was glad to see us. Without fail within minutes of entering her home we would be in the kitchen getting a glass of iced tea and several cookies. Back then no one else made tea like Nanny's it was one of a kind. It was special. So much love and time was spent to assure that anytime someone stopped in they could have a glass (or two of tea). As Nanny's age increased and her health started to fail my sisters and I watched and studied carefully how she made some of our favorite things including tea. We measured and remeasured with the unique measuring tools she used. Nanny passed away several years ago but today we have her recipes and we love making them and remembering her legacy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nanny's Sweet Tea</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">3 Family sz <a href="https://amzn.to/48ztEmv">Luzianne tea bags</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">4 <a href="https://amzn.to/48ztEmv">Boston Mint tea bags</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">5 1/2 T <a href="https://amzn.to/48iiId2">Lemonade mix</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">1 cup sugar</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">1 gal water</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pour 1 gal of water into large pot. Add tea bags and heat. Turn off stove and remove tea bags from water just before boiling. Add lemonade mix and sugar. Stir. Cool and refrigerate. ENJOY!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYEv8NOeU-RGqBIrHOc3CSU4kRXrwJBXbETVFYtEk68YXSJBsVixxFhxTUyJ4S9Pwd_hNodbnjowrwpXvIBlsR-wxAWbHoRTQe5vUF2ouj8gs9grC4C-Wm4ft3QyRwsdOIFzCMqEuzEUlpxaGKPPF6ygqV2MhbpFYofFBrb_CiSp4eKRih8Mh5ehmXW8/s2837/PXL_20231230_191856120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="2837" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYEv8NOeU-RGqBIrHOc3CSU4kRXrwJBXbETVFYtEk68YXSJBsVixxFhxTUyJ4S9Pwd_hNodbnjowrwpXvIBlsR-wxAWbHoRTQe5vUF2ouj8gs9grC4C-Wm4ft3QyRwsdOIFzCMqEuzEUlpxaGKPPF6ygqV2MhbpFYofFBrb_CiSp4eKRih8Mh5ehmXW8/w221-h177/PXL_20231230_191856120.jpg" width="221" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN1WiuWz9NcrlgUwaO8GG1CEaTWLS01e2bfSPZcUqYQDEDpb0VAHZuZaGWjfX21-q_OepIyyet0AFn_NW2pP50Fzzb9dN4dKdFryf6ORo79H8WnFd47rrXxWX_kkXhVCdU65tjV2f4WAAAJEbHOlFM2p28QaUXMEobY1N6UqIc6jE5xSlpEtonnZlIAI/s4032/PXL_20231230_192947675.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN1WiuWz9NcrlgUwaO8GG1CEaTWLS01e2bfSPZcUqYQDEDpb0VAHZuZaGWjfX21-q_OepIyyet0AFn_NW2pP50Fzzb9dN4dKdFryf6ORo79H8WnFd47rrXxWX_kkXhVCdU65tjV2f4WAAAJEbHOlFM2p28QaUXMEobY1N6UqIc6jE5xSlpEtonnZlIAI/s320/PXL_20231230_192947675.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-65099538714538874562022-06-07T22:39:00.001-04:002022-06-07T22:39:14.917-04:00Best Friends <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0-LVyoYprL20rLONFb8U8fBmHRuPUhqQPpg8mXZgj1axdIfPZ2ZKYxtqMJ4xy8Kx1t2URNkPC60LVoUa_vkjZxdLJ9Z5Fk1vfYb6ThyoBEVMNxa9bKRbH3e23d6_LUSQyGUpDJ1mHXCTh5U_NAa3-JU6eBwbLEaZFYh6-uzG-OqdSfU9PFJmWqXE/s4032/PXL_20220506_180838076.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0-LVyoYprL20rLONFb8U8fBmHRuPUhqQPpg8mXZgj1axdIfPZ2ZKYxtqMJ4xy8Kx1t2URNkPC60LVoUa_vkjZxdLJ9Z5Fk1vfYb6ThyoBEVMNxa9bKRbH3e23d6_LUSQyGUpDJ1mHXCTh5U_NAa3-JU6eBwbLEaZFYh6-uzG-OqdSfU9PFJmWqXE/s320/PXL_20220506_180838076.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> The last week leading up to the end of the school year, I was an emotional mess. Truth be told I'm still not 100% yet. </p><p>Goodbyes are cruel. </p><p>In the fall, when I started back to work full-time for the first time in 13 years I never thought I would feel this way at the end of the year. My students became a piece of my heart. One student, in particular, became a favorite of mine mid-year. It's my understanding that her home life isn't the best, and at school her behaviors can be extreme. So when I heard her use negative self-talk I started repeating positive truths to her, "you are beautiful," "you are a good friend," "you are smart." I also started to pray for her on my way to school. I think it was in January she started telling me that she loved me. Sometimes, she would just randomly announce it from across the classroom. When she was upset I would just speak to her a quieter tone and a lot of the times she calmed down. The students in my classroom have an autistic diagnosis. Most of them do not have "friends." My favorite student though, loves swinging with the other girl in the classroom. She talks about her non-stop. She wants to know her location at all times. The other girl in the classroom makes her laugh with a laugh that can only be described as pure joy. They are "best friends."</p><p>The other student is moving on next year. I will miss her greatly! The last day of school my tears were not for the loss of that student but rather for the loss of that friendship. Oh how great a loss.</p><p>_________________________</p><p>What is the best friend?</p><p>How rare and wonderful that unexpected moment when somebody comes into your life and completely changes it. When conversation flows so easily. When all you want to do is share life with them. When you find that special friend who encourages you and builds you up. Someone who shares your values and gets your humor. Someone who feels like sunshine. Don't let them go. </p><p>Best friends are rare.</p><p><br /></p><p>(The above picture is if the "minions" another one of my students created)</p>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-6900158773550646532015-10-06T22:00:00.003-04:002015-10-06T22:00:52.676-04:00My Emilia and Why I love her!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Yesterday morning, the meltdown was about how I tied her shoes. I calmly tried three times to tie her shoe before insisting she wear boots to the bus stop. Her argument still doesnt make sense to me, but apparently Eric and I tie her shoes wrong and she HATES the way her laces hang off the side of her shoe. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today, The meltdown was about her hair. First she wanted "Elsa hair" so I did the side ponytail with a braid that I always do while she watched in the bathroom mirror, but when I was done she yelled, screamed and ripped out the hair band correcting me. "No! I want Anna hair!!" And she pulled her hair into two pig tails and added "Like Madeleine's" So I gave her "Anna hair" and after she saw it in the mirror she also tore that out because she didnt like a bulge in her hair where the braid started. Ultimately, she wore her hair down. The multiple hair styles caused us to slightly be running late for the bus stop but we made it in time and after waving goodbye to Madeleine we started the journey to church to take Ainsley to preschool. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just over half way into our 30 minute trip the van was peaceful with the exception of Ainsley who was singing praise songs at the top of her lungs from the back seat. Emilia must have been deep in thought when she politely asked me, "What is Nanny's name?" "Well her parents named her Hazel, but we called her Nanny," I answered. Worried that it wasnt the answer she was looking for, I waited for her to yell at me, but instead she continued to sit quietly. "Were you thinking about her Emilia?" I asked. "No," she replied, "I just wanted to know her name so I can ask Jesus where she lives when I get to Heaven"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And that's why I love her!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My little girl lives life with such passion and love that often times I think when things are not just as she has dreamed her big heart cant handle it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">She's My Emilia! Full or heart with the attitude to sometimes go with it and no matter how dramatic the outbursts become I will continue to love her for everything she is!</span><br />
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MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-1386230302212829882015-03-02T17:15:00.000-05:002015-03-02T17:15:12.993-05:00My Father's Daughter<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Last night at 11pm, I found myself watching out my bedroom window for an hour as the police knocked on our neighbors door and ultimately entered her house after she failed to respond. Apparently she was talking to a family member on the phone when she suddenly stopped talking. When she no longer answered her phone they became concerned and called the police. Shortly after the officers broke in and entered her home the ambulance showed up but thankfully she ended up walking out to the stretcher on her own. She said she was feeling better but seemed disoriented. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I watched and waited, I remembered back to my teenage years when I turned on the kitchen light at my grandparents house and found Pappy watching the neighbors out of his kitchen door. He quickly told me to turn out the light so they wouldn't see him. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And then there is my father, his son, who has recently learned how to use Lancaster Communications website and who has been known to follow an emergency vehicle or two. During all of the excitement it occurred to me that this is why Eric was able to fall asleep while I stood watch, I am my fathers daughter, this type of behavior has been inbreed in me :/ </span></span><br />
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<br />MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-51868037692129541622014-04-17T21:32:00.003-04:002014-04-17T21:33:30.743-04:00A tribute to an amazing woman<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tonight, we gathered as a family to celebrate my grandma's 99th birthday. I would lie if I did not say the day was bittersweet. A week and a half ago we were called in to be with her and told she was dying. Our family gathered around her, held her hand and prayed as she struggled for hours to breathe. Miraculously, her heart kicked into gear and she made a comeback. By the next morning she was up eating and walking the halls of Willow Valley. But Nanny is actively dying. She has begun seeing loved ones who have already passed, as if they are waiting to greet her in Heaven. At times she does not know who we are and shes sleeping most of the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My poor family has seen me crying a lot. I have explained to Madeleine that Nanny is dying. That soon she will be going to Heaven. I have tried to explain that while I am happy and excited for Nanny, I am crying because I love Nanny and that I am just going to miss her.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I am going to miss her a lot!!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so thankful for the time I have had with Nanny. When my much older cousins graduated from high school, Nanny and Pappy gave my parents our graduation money because they never thought they'd see us graduate. Instead Nanny saw my high school graduation, wedding, college graduation and birth of 3 children. I am so thankful for the Tuesday lunches I had with her during college. Truth is I planned my college schedule around those lunches. I am thankful for the chance to spend lunches again with her last year and the wonderful oppertunity to really study how she cooks. As a result I've learned how to make pea pot pie and potato soup like Nanny. I am thankful that I got to watch her rock my babies to sleep. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She loved to rock my babies, especially Emilia.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am thankful for the time recently to just sit with her and soak in her presence. I just hold her hand and soak her in because I know my time with her is limited. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think of Nanny when I cook. Especially when doing simple things like peeling potatoes, dicing celery and smelling spring onions. I think of her when I hear morning doves cooing, because without fail I remember a pair of the cooing outside my window at her house during childhood sleepovers. I think of her while watching the Phillies, her favorite team. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think of her and will remember her with love. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-28267462173586192432014-03-28T22:13:00.001-04:002014-03-28T22:13:44.855-04:00The things childhood is made of<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For awhile now Ainsley has been hiding in various corners of my house. I might be sorting laundry in my room and she just slips over to her room and positions herself between her wall and dresser. Once I found her in my closet, quietly calling out my name every few seconds. And then the other day just before we were getting ready to leave Madeleine opened the door in the dining room that leads out into the garage and let Ainsley escape out there. I saw her enter the garage but when I walked over to find her she was hidden so well I couldn't see her. I had to start calling out her name before she finally emerged from beside the ladder. She's AMAZING! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Needless to say Madeleine and Emilia have also caught on to the fun of hiding from me. This morning after some begging I decided to stop what I was doing and play hide-and-go-seek. We all took turns hiding for close to an hour. It was so much fun! Most of the time I was the one finding the girls, occasionally I helped the girls hide from each other and then finally I hid twice. My final hiding place stumped the girls. I could hear them looking all over for me, until finally Emilia and Madeleine begged me to come out. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Then this afternoon when Madeleine got home we headed outside for some much needed playground fun and fresh air! We played outside together until Daddy came home. Then I headed inside to prepare one of Emilia's favorite meals "pea pie" aka pea pot pie.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Today was filled with the girls childhood is made of</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ainsley trying out her new tricycle. Her legs still need to grow a bit.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This little girl LOVES sliding!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Madeleine found a group of friends to hang around with</span></div>
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MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-62926681251072686572014-02-16T21:45:00.000-05:002014-02-16T21:45:25.982-05:00Today...<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...Ainsley discovered chai tea. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are some simple pleasures I like to keep just for me. In the fall and winter months, Chai is one of them. Many nights after I give the girls their baths I will make a cup and sip it quietly in the kitchen. There is just something so wonderful and comforting about it. Its like a little hug. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, because she's cute</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I let Ainsley enjoy a few sips with me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My favorite mug for chai tea. I find it extra comforting!</span></div>
MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-35823444036057309062014-02-13T22:32:00.001-05:002014-02-13T22:32:35.923-05:00When life hands you snow.. make snow men!<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have lost track of the number of snow days we've had this winter. When it snowed on my birthday, in December, I was excited! I loved having a snow day with the girls! I loved making a snowman with Emilia and I loved having our impromptu snow ball fight when Eric got home from work. After a winter of snow storms the excitement quickly wears off though, especially for someone who prefers flip flops to snow boots. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I woke up this morning and saw the freshly falling snow I decided to pull it together and make the most of yet another snow day. Knowing Eric would most likely stay through at work to work a total of 16 hours, I bundled up the girls so they could play in the snow with Angus(our dog), while I shoveled the driveway, sidewalks and Eric's parking space. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The oldest two girls LOVE the snow! They could play in it all day! Ainsley, who is 18 months has not yet developed a love for the snow. She prefers to walk where I have shoveled or be carried. Its because of this that when Eric is at work we have to have our snow fun in mini sessions. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MwvLG0mqX-4xmIAWLPPVor8yjDrmmN1YLR-qWOJQBnx8VuCVRPWp7P0gKTKuyNmcapbp8eDOLUF3i41KHZOkNTjskfpuIfHHzZ7q0SC6sL-j5rAfPcshCEA2soZZ1QWDawKSPg3NUqY/s1600/DSC_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MwvLG0mqX-4xmIAWLPPVor8yjDrmmN1YLR-qWOJQBnx8VuCVRPWp7P0gKTKuyNmcapbp8eDOLUF3i41KHZOkNTjskfpuIfHHzZ7q0SC6sL-j5rAfPcshCEA2soZZ1QWDawKSPg3NUqY/s1600/DSC_0500.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometime after I got the call from Eric confirming he would be working overtime and before dinner, I got the brilliant idea to complete another pintrest idea I had pinned a while ago. I should have recorded the girls responses. Emilia, giggled like crazy when she saw the snow man pancake and Madeleine praised me saying, "You are the best mommy ever! I am so lucky to have you!" And there it was.... I made the best of a day that I would have preferred be filled with sunshine and warm weather and it resulted in snow filled memories of playing in the snow and eating snowman pancakes for dinner. </span><br />
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<br />MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-35119083304955841842014-02-12T15:11:00.000-05:002014-02-12T15:11:12.056-05:00DYNAMITE! A fun way to practice sight words<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year Madeleine started Kindergarten and while at first I worried about her readiness, she has blossomed! </span><div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The thing that I am most excited about is reading. Before having children, I worked for several years as a TSS and so often I saw that students who struggled with reading struggled all around academically. There will always be reading in social studies, science and math. In order to solve math problems you have to be able to read and understand the question. Too many of the students I saw just couldn't grasp what they were reading and in some cases couldn't read at all. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since about October, Madeleine has been working on sight words. We started with 5 words and now at best guess we have over 40 words we practice on a daily basis. Madeleine is also bringing home books every night, which we also read. While watching her learn is exciting, flashing the same sight words in her face night after night can get boring.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Flash cards I made with Madeline's sight words</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So thanks to pintrest I was able to find a fun little game called "Dynamite" which I put together to spice things up a bit. Madeleine, like most children, LOVES games! She is very competitive and therefore LOVES playing "Dynamite" for a chance to beat me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Its very simple. I wrote some of her newer sight words on Popsicle sticks and wrote the word "Dynamite" on two of the sticks. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I placed the sticks in the "pencil holder" Madeleine made at Rawlinsville Camp Meeting.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To play the game Madeleine and I take turns drawing sticks. If you say the word correctly you get to keep the stick. However, when you pull the "Dynamite" stick. BOOM! You have to place all your stick back in and start over. The winner with the most sticks at the end WINS!!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVgjuxvwPw9Ae0AxdbXRTT2RJGMGV238e6lX8E6dBnIL4S8Uw4nzzOs0O-HoRl4PFGb46IUMDaYrquzZnMkar9IokIWePfgwV9TuW9YsJn86iMX0Bx5p-w5rpzVhHJ95yPJKSjMigFMw/s1600/DSC_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVgjuxvwPw9Ae0AxdbXRTT2RJGMGV238e6lX8E6dBnIL4S8Uw4nzzOs0O-HoRl4PFGb46IUMDaYrquzZnMkar9IokIWePfgwV9TuW9YsJn86iMX0Bx5p-w5rpzVhHJ95yPJKSjMigFMw/s1600/DSC_0492.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me know if you try it with your kids! OR if you have any other fun ways to practice sight words or reading :)</span></div>
MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-17502331939865251172014-01-22T23:01:00.001-05:002014-01-22T23:01:23.141-05:00Redeeming Love<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did it! I read a book. Sadly, its probably the first one I finished since I read "Marley & Me" when Madeleine was a baby. Upon hearing that one of my goals for the new year was to read more, my sister and best friend from high school were quick to recommend " Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. It took me just over a week to read the 468 page novel. It was an easy read and I found myself making time throughout the day to read it even forgoing my attempts to complete the next level of Candy Crush.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">my sisters and I at the Hershey Spa, book in hand!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Redeeming Love was a love story about unconditional love that I have only seen lived out a couple of times in my life. Its rare but its real! Set in California during the Gold Rush the author tells the story of a prostitute and the man who loved her. It parallels Christ love for us. I highly recommend this book!</span> </span></div>
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MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-85702249185684620292014-01-02T22:15:00.000-05:002014-01-02T22:15:13.903-05:00bath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1.2.14</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cP6GsdPkEXzU6yvPSqgPGc3ah56Llw3elsGypOee94kM4Drf9K1JjlGuAIA0Fmx7fNQ9XuK80Wix_GR247ywMsi50Q44jzxHFMabFz0m_OuX7FFcJjyO1wpQXhLr2o_Yg-Wu9sG7OGA/s1600/aDSC_0441aphsplender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cP6GsdPkEXzU6yvPSqgPGc3ah56Llw3elsGypOee94kM4Drf9K1JjlGuAIA0Fmx7fNQ9XuK80Wix_GR247ywMsi50Q44jzxHFMabFz0m_OuX7FFcJjyO1wpQXhLr2o_Yg-Wu9sG7OGA/s320/aDSC_0441aphsplender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-255121522400937882014-01-01T23:09:00.000-05:002014-01-01T23:09:01.151-05:00New Year's Resolutions<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year like every year I have set some goals for myself. This year I have considered I want out of life, what I need, and what I am missing. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">My 2014 Resolutions are:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">- to write </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">- to read </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">- to run 750 or more miles this year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">- to utilize the U.S. Postal System more</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">- to take one picture a day</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">In the past few months, but especially the past few weeks I've done a lot of thinking about my life. I found myself reading back through old journal entries and discovered that while I was a teenager I did ALOT of writing and since then I've devoted little time to it. For the most part, I have journaled about my girls from pregnancy through childhood. I've recorded precious memories and dates of those precious "firsts." But I rarely write about me. About my feelings. I've always enjoyed writing. Always found it therapeutic. I need to write more. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">With writing, goes reading. I have a couple of hours every day where I have time for just me. Often times this time is spent on facebook and watching TV. While both are great escapes, neither are productive. This year I will spend more time reading. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Also in the 2014, I will make more time for me. I love running! When I run I am happier and healthier. Currently, I find it hard to get in a running routine. Even when training for a big race, I struggle with finding all the time I need to get in my long runs. This year, I am going to focus on total miles rather than completing one large race. My goal this year is to log 750 miles.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">In 2014, I am going to send more mail. I LOVE getting mail! I am always hoping for fun things to arrive in the mail for me, so this year I am going to give others what I love getting... mail!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Finally, I am going to take a picture a day. It might be something wonderful like jumping in the waves at the beach or it might be as simple as Ainsley waiting by the front door for Eric to come home. Whatever it may be, I am going to capture daily moments.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Please join me this year as I work on my resolutions! Follow me, support me, encourage me and join me along the way!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Here are the pictures from my first day of 2014</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emilia showing me her muscles!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emilia showing she has no fear!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Madeleine almost reaching the top!</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year!!!</span></div>
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MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-822633027365583222013-12-26T22:30:00.000-05:002013-12-26T22:30:49.499-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Don’t go far off</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Don’t go far off, not even for a day, because –<br />because — I don’t know how to say it: a day is long<br /> and I will be waiting for you, as in an empty station<br /> when the trains are parked off somewhere else, asleep.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Don’t leave me, even for an hour, because<br /> then the little drops of anguish will all run together,<br /> the smoke that roams looking for a home will drift<br /> into me, choking my lost heart.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Oh, may your silhouette never dissolve on the beach;<br /> may your eyelids never flutter into the empty distance.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Don’t leave me for a second, my dearest,</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">because in that moment you’ll have gone so far<br /> I’ll wander mazily over all the earth, asking,<br /> Will you come back? Will you leave me here, dying?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Pablo Neruda</span>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-71141592385375646702013-12-10T22:35:00.000-05:002013-12-10T22:35:00.637-05:00Thirty-two<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Today, I turned 32 and had one of the best birthday's I can remember. While I do not like snow, I LOVE snow days! I was so thankful to be able to sleep in today thanks to the snow and canceled schools. It was so nice to not have to drive the girls around and plan my day around school starting and ending times. Our morning started with pancakes. The girls had chocolate chip :) Shortly after breakfast, I got a call from my dad and 98 year old grandma who sang, "Happy Birthday." Priceless! A sort time later, I received another wonderful "Happy Birthday" call from my forever and ever best friend, who failed to sing but still made me smile. Shortly before lunch, the girls and I made chocolate chip cookies. Yummy!! After lunch, I got Ainsley ready for her nap and then bundled up Madeleine and Emilia to head outside into the snow. It didn't take me long to figure out we had the best snow for making a snowman. Emilia was so excited to help make her first snowman. She sat in the snow with me and packed it into a three sphere like shapes. Madeleine chose to play/chase Angus instead of helping us until most of the work was done. I think Madeleine's favorite part was decorating or dressing our snowman. </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eric also got home from work as our snowman was just about done. After some pictures of our completed snowman, I started a snow ball fight with the girls. Eric quickly jumped in and before long we were all covered in snow. SO MUCH FUN! We came inside when the girls started to get cold. I got an awesome birthday card from my dear friend, Jolene. Next, Madeleine chose a stack of Christmas books and we sat on the couch and read through them followed by family cuddle time on the couch. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">I am so blessed! I have a great family! I love my husband and girls so much! So thankful that I got to spend my birthday with them making memories.</span>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-39665943372780674522013-10-17T20:57:00.003-04:002013-10-17T20:57:57.129-04:00reading and a new friend<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since almost the first day of school, Madeleine has had a new friend that she met on the bus. He actually lives a few doors down from us. Finally this week, he followed through on his bus promises and came over to play after school. Madeleine could not be more thrilled and Emilia also seems to get a long with him. Now I am finding myself in a new position. We do not know his family very well and while I am sure they are a loving family, I do not believe they have some of the same values we have. Madeleine has told us that her and her new friend sing on the bus and he does not know the song "Jesus loves me" but does know "wheels on the bus." Then today as we walked home from the bus stop, He realized he lost a paper on the bus and said "holy shit!" Yea... I was not a fan. So we are setting some ground rules. The friend can play at our house or with the girls outside but Madeleine is not allowed to go to his house. In the mean time I will continue to figure this whole thing out. I am hoping that our family can have a positive influence on her friend while keeping Madeleine from being negatively influenced.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Madeleine has also started reading :) I am so excited for her. At kindergarten orientation Madeleine's teacher said that in October she'd start sending home reading homework to the students who are ready. Tonight Madeleine got her first book "My Backpack" I loved sitting with her as she read the book tonight. So proud of her!!</span>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-78874171999504890792013-10-13T23:24:00.002-04:002013-10-13T23:24:52.278-04:00settling <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the spring during my senior year of high school I had to take one final requirement, a world history class. I remember picking one that I thought would be easy so I could just complete the requirement and move on towards graduation. About a week into the class the teacher pulled me aside and told me that the class was really beneath me and recommended I switch to the upper level class. I politely declined his suggestion and proceeded to finish the semester earning some of the highest grades in the class. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In college, I remember skipping A LOT of classes, showing up in sweats, sleeping during lectures and MAYBE opening a total of 2 books (only to complete assignments). And yet I graduated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Looking back on my life I can't really think of a time I've given 100%. I can't think of a time I have truly challenged myself. I've always done what I needed to do and some cases settled for less than my best. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I wouldn't say that I haven't been passionate about some things I just lack ambition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">With Madeleine starting school this year I have really noticed her love for learning. In some ways she can be a perfectionist. And she's really smart. This week Madeleine was showing my dad one of her newest skills the other day and he made the comment to her that her mommy was really smart but never applied herself. His hope for her was that she applied herself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This week I have done a lot of re-evaluating what I want in life. What I value. What I love. I am done with being less than all of me. I am done not putting effort into life/relationships. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-10897722555855122192013-05-21T22:42:00.001-04:002013-05-21T22:43:00.317-04:00sweat<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #444444;"><u>Workout</u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Warm up 4.0 for one min incline 2</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Sprint 9.0 for 30 seconds incline 2</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Rest 4.0 for 30 secondsincline2</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Repeat for 6 sets</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Sprint 9.0 for 30 seconds </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Rest 4.0 for 30 seconds</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Repeat for 4 sets</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">15 burpees</span></span>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-65724689824091968272013-05-20T22:50:00.002-04:002013-05-20T22:51:33.233-04:00Its a BEAUTIFUL Day!!!<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It should not come as a surprise to most people that I LOVE summer!!! I cant get enough of the warm, sometimes humid weather. And today I finally feel like I got to experience some of it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Monday's are Lily days, so the girls and I headed down to my parents this morning to hang out with Lily. Ainsley and Lily took turns napping while Madeleine and Emilia blew bubbles and rode bikes in my parents driveway. When Killian came home we ate dinner (Taco Mac-n-cheese) on the deck, before heading to Silver Mine for a quick walk and Pine View Dairy for ice cream. It was just an all around BEAUTIFUL day. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">The girls and I finally got home just after 8pm. I bathed all 3 of them, gave the oldest two a quick snack and then it was off to bed. It took Madeleine less that 5 minutes to fall asleep, a new record!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">I felt like I had accomplished so much today, while nothing was crossed off my "to do" list that after Emilia fell asleep I got in a quick work out.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #444444;"><u>Workout</u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Sprint 9.0 for 45 seconds</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Rest 4.0 for 45 seconds</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Repeat for 6 sets</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">4.0 at a 4 incline increasing incline by 2 every minute until reaching 10</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">ran 6.0 for 2 mins</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sprint 9.0 for 30 seconds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Rest 4.0 for 30 seconds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Repeat for 4 sets</span><br />
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15 Jump-up Burpees<br />
DONE!!!<br />
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</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Seriously it was a BEAUTIFUL day!!!!</span>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-25846282767864287702013-02-16T21:22:00.000-05:002013-02-16T21:22:51.901-05:00A Conversation with Emilia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FKHu4lV36mx1fHnqqHJ95GRVayKbiYqbMX9uZsRTWMz0mxXkzPgeiWEysAt3-WcQESEwaNpUcNAZEW2atdEMXlSiHBS6a1c9WEilVmzoC5XaEbBu9q5oWDnKEVoI1Q7NXWAH3GtI6V8/s1600/DSC_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FKHu4lV36mx1fHnqqHJ95GRVayKbiYqbMX9uZsRTWMz0mxXkzPgeiWEysAt3-WcQESEwaNpUcNAZEW2atdEMXlSiHBS6a1c9WEilVmzoC5XaEbBu9q5oWDnKEVoI1Q7NXWAH3GtI6V8/s320/DSC_0424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last night Madeleine had a sleep over with Aunt Erin and Killian. So I got to have some more quality time with Emilia. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">I love Emilia. She is a many things: middle child, spicy firecracker, opinionated but more than anything she is affectionate and very sensitive. At times Emilia can be trying but she's so darn cute. I love her to pieces!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">I decided to take the time last night to have some un-interrupted conversation with her. We just talked about things she like doing, like going to the beach and playing in the sand. We talked about her family and who loves her. And then I decided to ask her questions such as "what is your favorite color?" I thought I'd share some of her answers with you</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Me: Emilia, what is your favorite color?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Emilia: Blue</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Me: Emilia, how much do I love you?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Emilia: So much!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Me: Emilia, who do you love?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Emilia: Mommy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Me: who else?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Emilia: Daddy, Madeleine, Ainsley, Angus, Mum- mum, Kelly, Erin, Killian</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Me: Emilia, who is your best friend?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Emilia: Dustin</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Me: What to you want to be when you grow up?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Emilia: A cow!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Me: Emilia, what comes out of cows</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Emilia: Poop</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Me:(laughing) whatelse</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Emilia: umm pee</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Me: Emilia does milk come out of cows?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">Emilia: no</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">LOVE HER!!!!</span>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-57998989597206386632013-02-12T14:33:00.001-05:002013-02-12T14:33:11.200-05:00Pretzels, Hoveround and Laundry<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today the girls and I went out to run some errands. I had a return to make at Target, Madeleine needed Valentines for her preschool class and she's also been asking for a hand santitizer holder for her backpack, so off we went.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First stop, Target... My girls love the store with the red balls. The past two times we've gotten the largest cart there. Its the one with two seats that face the actual cart. (see picture below. Note these are not my kids)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="200" id="ihover-img" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4896886361293992&pid=15.1" width="150" /> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anyway the thing is massive but it manages to keep them, for the most part, in one place. Target was a success. My return was done quickly, There was minimal whining about wanting sparkly dresses and all things Dora rocks. And Madeleine and Emilia both scored Hello Kitty lipgloss.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our next stop was Park City. Madeleine was excited to chose a sparkly anti-bacterial gel holder for her backpack at Bath & Body Works. She was equally excited that I allowed her to "pay the payer." From there we walked to the center and decided to get Auntie Anne's prezels in place of a fasnacht for the day. While eating our pretzels I saw one of the most AMAZING sites!!! An elderly gentleman helped his wife into her Hoveround which was then pulled by his Hoveround via a hitch. I complemented him on such an amazing piece of machinery and he told me he made it himself when the battery of her Hoveround started to die. Genius!! Seriously hes on to something!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After Park City we headed home and I put the oldest two upstairs for naps. As I am typing this, however, I can hear whispering indicating my little cherubs are not making good choices. So Ainsley and I are going to do some yelling followed by several loads of laundry. </span></span></div>
MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-59686160283357071172013-01-08T21:00:00.003-05:002013-01-08T21:15:05.658-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5avjZ9kZXuzJ3sov_c5ClnJK0n2zMm1u_jhHO3qr_vTCGM16bHxGO7wmqxmOCsa5JuMJYGH3OhCMoWm_QokLdplOzS11kti2Rdl6bc6RMoP2BEquTEYg-qOlGHESOyRUhI-Wa7AVeHYU/s1600/DSC_1150fixscreamvel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5avjZ9kZXuzJ3sov_c5ClnJK0n2zMm1u_jhHO3qr_vTCGM16bHxGO7wmqxmOCsa5JuMJYGH3OhCMoWm_QokLdplOzS11kti2Rdl6bc6RMoP2BEquTEYg-qOlGHESOyRUhI-Wa7AVeHYU/s320/DSC_1150fixscreamvel.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Miss E</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">I love this little girls smile and personality!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">She's going to make a great big sister in the new year!!!</span><br />
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<span style="float: right; width: 70%;"><code><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img alt="Photo Challenge Submission" src="http://www.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg" title="I Heart Faces Photo Challenge Submission" /></a></code></span></div>
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MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-19747094197122608642012-12-06T22:27:00.000-05:002012-12-10T22:10:14.021-05:00Bucket List for my 30's<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today I am 31, so scary! In the past couple of weeks I have been brainstorming a list of things I want to do in my 30's.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. Tour an out of state winery</span></span> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">2. Go to a concert (I am thinking Andrea Bocelli, Neal Young or The Police)</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">3. Run a marathon</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">4. Move into the Penn Manor School District</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">5. Get a passport</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">6. Use it! Travel to Italy or Spain</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">7. Take my family to Disney World</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">8. Go zip-lining</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">9. Eat Lobster in Maine</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">10. Go whale watching</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">11. Rock climb real rocks </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">12. Celebrate my 10 year wedding anniversary on a cruise ship</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">13. Write a children's book</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">14. Learn to speak Spanish</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">15. Go on a missions trip</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">16. Read Through the Bible</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">17. Have another baby</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">18. Go to the Grand Canyon</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">19. Complete my family and Eric's family genealogy</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">20. Crochet a hat</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">21. Go to the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Day Parade</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">22. New Year's Eve in Times Square</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> <br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">23. See a Broadway musical </span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">24. Complete a race with a 9 minute mile or better</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">25. Be shot in the air at the beach in that slingshot ball thing</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">26. Be a part of a flash mob</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">27. Hear Handel's messiah preformed in a famous Cathedral ie. The National Cathedral</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">28. Swim somewhere in a waterfall</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">29. Hot air balloon ride</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">30. Have an awesome 40th birthday party!!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;">If you are interested in completing any of these things with me PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know. Its always fun to have at least one other friend with you :)</span>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-75819463123898186382012-11-10T08:25:00.000-05:002012-11-10T08:25:06.293-05:00<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In
just a few months I will be 31, so scary! In the past couple of weeks I
have been brainstorming a list of things I want to do in my 30's. The
list is not complete because I either lack ambition or creativity so I
still welcome suggestions anyone may have. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. Tour an out of state winery</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. Go to a concert (I am thinking Andrea Bocelli, Neal Young or The Police)</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. Run a marathon</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4. Move into the Penn Manor School District</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5. Get a passport</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6. Use it! Travel to Italy or Spain</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7. Take my family to Disney World</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">8. Go zip-lining</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">9. Eat Lobster in Maine</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">10. Go whale watching</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">11. Rock climb real rocks </span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">12. Celebrate my 10 year wedding anniversary on a cruise ship</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">13. Write a children's book</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">14. Learn to speak Spanish</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">15. Go on a missions trip</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">16. Read Through the Bible</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">17. Have another baby</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">18. Go to the Grand Canyon</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">19. Complete my family and Eric's family genealogy</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">20. Crochet a hat</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">21. Go to the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Day Parade</span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">22. New Year's Eve in Times Square</span></span>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">23. See a Broadway musical </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">24. Complete a race with a 9 minute mile or better</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">25. Be shot in the air at the beach in that slingshot ball thing</span></span>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-22306486346276052202012-10-07T23:11:00.002-04:002012-10-07T23:12:19.264-04:0030 Things I want to do in my 30's<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In just a few months I will be 31, so scary! In the past couple of weeks I have been brainstorming a list of things I want to do in my 30's. The list is not complete because I either lack ambition or creativity so I still welcome suggestions anyone may have. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. Tour an out of state winery</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. Go to a concert (I am thinking Andrea Bocelli, Neal Young or The Police)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. Run a marathon</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4. Move into the Penn Manor School District</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5. Get a passport</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6. Use it! Travel to Italy or Spain</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7. Take my family to Disney World</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">8. Go zip-lining</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">9. Eat Lobster in Maine</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">10. Go whale watching</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">11. Rock climb real rocks </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">12. Celebrate my 10 year wedding anniversary on a cruise ship</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">13. Write a children's book</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">14. Learn to speak Spanish</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">15. Go on a missions trip</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">16. Read Through the Bible</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">17. Have another baby</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">18. Go to the Grand Canyon</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">19. Complete my family and Eric's family genealogy</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">20. Crochet a hat</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">21. Go to the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Day Parade</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">22. New Year's Eve in Times Square</span></span>MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176831954393728296.post-23379196109339352462012-09-12T21:50:00.003-04:002012-09-12T21:50:32.934-04:00What we've been up to lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After the birth of Ainsley we spent most of the month of August on vacation. After vacation I said I was going to start potty training Emilia so the day after labor day the fun began. Emilia caught on quickly. She is a very smart girl but loves doing things her way so I was not surprised she picked it up quickly while insisting she "do it myself." </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Friday after we started potty training my sister and I decided to take the kids to a local orchard to pick some fruit. Towards the end of our time there Emilia announced to me that she had to pee. Being the awesome mother I am I calmly explained to her that there were no potties in the orchard but that she could pee in the field. She was thrilled. I took off her pants and showed her how to squat. Much to my amazement my little girl peed and then pooped right there in the field. I have never been so proud and horrified.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now well into week two of potty training Emilia has caught on that every time she goes to the potty she gets a Hershey kiss and therefore she has decided she will pee every other minute or so. Love her!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On Monday, Madeleine started preschool again. Its hard to believe that my baby girl is 4. She has really grown up so much in the past year. I can not wait to see how she grows this year.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In my spare time I have been checking things off my never ending "to do list" Most recently I made Ainsley her taggie blanket and two other blankets. They are nothing special but she is so I tried my best. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Eric has also been busy. He doesn't stop. There always seems to be gardening, car stuff and then there is the cuddling. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">We are busy but we are blessed!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span> MomentsRememberedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05377058917668600057noreply@blogger.com0