tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87403964786818038872023-11-16T09:35:33.744-05:00Teddy PawsIt's one of life's irrefutable laws...a house isn't a home without the pitter patter of little doggie paws!jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-63182347541664826432009-07-20T09:09:00.013-04:002010-04-15T17:49:08.755-04:00Girl's Camp 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFs5pLSLFG8jZXSfk9Q76yirMpNM-TlKa45v-BF3EpQr3MbrnlVIJ-ds5lDQnrRSwWlQ6M-CoJTQgqV70m1TqU6cmmScOqVO1IwY3ww0s8IwqKayvaDaG9yBaCgU0Ado64dnrSa_Xrw/s1600/crazycampers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFs5pLSLFG8jZXSfk9Q76yirMpNM-TlKa45v-BF3EpQr3MbrnlVIJ-ds5lDQnrRSwWlQ6M-CoJTQgqV70m1TqU6cmmScOqVO1IwY3ww0s8IwqKayvaDaG9yBaCgU0Ado64dnrSa_Xrw/s200/crazycampers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460462837019820882" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I completely, 100% LOVE Girl's Camp.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />It is my favorite week of the year.<br /><br />No makeup, no hairdryers, no fussing about your looks or your outfit.<br />No TV, no radio, no internet, no distractions.<br />Just nature and adventure and spiritual experiences and fun.<br />And hanging with some of the coolest, funnest girls around.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">This year, our theme was "Rubies" from Proverbs 31:10-31</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">R</span><span style="font-style: italic;">adiantly Righteous</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">U</span><span style="font-style: italic;">nwavering in Virtue</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">B</span><span style="font-style: italic;">rilliant and Beautiful</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Y</span><span style="font-style: italic;">oung Woman</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Our cabin was the "jewelry box."</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f7YschnmTx6mjrPWFxtg6edZ-czR_wMSBjR_pO2JktJNIvchqFTU5Q5Myj09RLqt_L06BZyKiy1JgMe0c0nDc1qpPjOjqHDqjhvPRndFgSPT9yaw5i_QDAHi41222oOnJY_1vWDSow/s1600/066.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f7YschnmTx6mjrPWFxtg6edZ-czR_wMSBjR_pO2JktJNIvchqFTU5Q5Myj09RLqt_L06BZyKiy1JgMe0c0nDc1qpPjOjqHDqjhvPRndFgSPT9yaw5i_QDAHi41222oOnJY_1vWDSow/s400/066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460463487383564242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">And the girls were the gems inside. They all picked gemstone nicknames.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIoeeVRQ8svSXQ4BR3bn_DFWItSCKY6nqOEw1jOial4OSX7qsm_v6FdTYaxJKIvEkIfqhcqt6ISUtUM88GEGGHK4N7cmmq7Z1UFfbKxseqlW5W_KWE1UvJDsh6UGexE_uZfWolbCBcg/s1600/067.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIoeeVRQ8svSXQ4BR3bn_DFWItSCKY6nqOEw1jOial4OSX7qsm_v6FdTYaxJKIvEkIfqhcqt6ISUtUM88GEGGHK4N7cmmq7Z1UFfbKxseqlW5W_KWE1UvJDsh6UGexE_uZfWolbCBcg/s400/067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460463969129965026" border="0" /></a>Our skit was about a fair maiden who went on a quest to find jewels for her crown (representing her various virtues, of course.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCdxRfIstRk_jyT0at3mKk-ekgz3665V1CZ5PyX3AfngquoW_NEHEJEVpUepMBSNr2DaFG6iWHvwH22wzDaojmAmG1xChLmYjVlyk9WQGLmx6kUAJauZVNrEGf0JZJU-U2cm40fU82g/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCdxRfIstRk_jyT0at3mKk-ekgz3665V1CZ5PyX3AfngquoW_NEHEJEVpUepMBSNr2DaFG6iWHvwH22wzDaojmAmG1xChLmYjVlyk9WQGLmx6kUAJauZVNrEGf0JZJU-U2cm40fU82g/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373234634911096114" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rKnkWo4lkicNOljGkf-uGYyto9z2nAh9jQaXH9v0_Ar_iyFUZjm3EaVhFMFUGXXFdi2sNKruMIJpzfFjW-ARTSZZUTSZNRtse_MYNUZqtybZKTxVFc6JDgqqvU3MwT4S_s7x2WYQcg/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rKnkWo4lkicNOljGkf-uGYyto9z2nAh9jQaXH9v0_Ar_iyFUZjm3EaVhFMFUGXXFdi2sNKruMIJpzfFjW-ARTSZZUTSZNRtse_MYNUZqtybZKTxVFc6JDgqqvU3MwT4S_s7x2WYQcg/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373233689626527634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsUwfxHmVZS6BrHyvjqk5W0I-g8yN2KeObdD85b5QLls1JJxNJxXbsZqAt8UUrom5W2z4y_-TRgnuOTXhHOYroL5Qhu1jTkZLdZZkHrGzJ6FbrO7uQ2GQUSEb-69W3MaZFDd6cWNv4Q/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsUwfxHmVZS6BrHyvjqk5W0I-g8yN2KeObdD85b5QLls1JJxNJxXbsZqAt8UUrom5W2z4y_-TRgnuOTXhHOYroL5Qhu1jTkZLdZZkHrGzJ6FbrO7uQ2GQUSEb-69W3MaZFDd6cWNv4Q/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373233375636104306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCth9PCATzrF9jwyI0Rb6-dfKje6wQE-GLDXNsgKCs8emLAnowDHaq5NUx5gRQpm5a_g6x1ac2DDE2EGS2C2Jf6Dt_XBo65U5ko2ZG067sv4BayrEfVM9jEruPYnBEAXfNHwFBzZy8g/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCth9PCATzrF9jwyI0Rb6-dfKje6wQE-GLDXNsgKCs8emLAnowDHaq5NUx5gRQpm5a_g6x1ac2DDE2EGS2C2Jf6Dt_XBo65U5ko2ZG067sv4BayrEfVM9jEruPYnBEAXfNHwFBzZy8g/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373232941712856306" border="0" /></a>Such talented ladies!<br /><br />Hike day was awesome. We hiked for 5 miles through Clifton Gorge. It was <span style="font-style: italic;">gorge</span>ous. (Ha ha! Get it? I'm so funny.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTCzFZQ2c2KdHBp65hcHQJcXoqpRJ_w5SJMfiEEv7fAvUdLNYT-9JnxQmvUo2n15FEvMwbHxVmTTFTBdshWOkIGx_ZD3LQntVHcH5dy9djq7eBCLXqnsz5pQ0szfd_-0f1w3SFh482A/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTCzFZQ2c2KdHBp65hcHQJcXoqpRJ_w5SJMfiEEv7fAvUdLNYT-9JnxQmvUo2n15FEvMwbHxVmTTFTBdshWOkIGx_ZD3LQntVHcH5dy9djq7eBCLXqnsz5pQ0szfd_-0f1w3SFh482A/s400/017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373231138419236578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKyKKNl1HGRm15QavrllwN_5OSNZabqG2SHTJCQqr7h_B16_smcyV3RbS4XuvUeoUbbp-PsqT-riAXKzxqWGWusOBCuK1hwexPp8J1oxZkaRfZvLrrtKIntLIB2EkyAWXGTSG9vOEFw/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKyKKNl1HGRm15QavrllwN_5OSNZabqG2SHTJCQqr7h_B16_smcyV3RbS4XuvUeoUbbp-PsqT-riAXKzxqWGWusOBCuK1hwexPp8J1oxZkaRfZvLrrtKIntLIB2EkyAWXGTSG9vOEFw/s400/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373231541223061138" border="0" /></a>Happy Campers!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY3_oSTsCIegYb98NKG2e4ftjrHyNqflW1VCdpDrvvNx8z5OQiywLZ_nqiigHVtZ3vop6Pv3-giXPWVH_z6eGkS630MNXwWRX4QEKfd518YWTDkq8u8mAeMKpYSuaZj5AKX6XNxWqAw/s1600-h/023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY3_oSTsCIegYb98NKG2e4ftjrHyNqflW1VCdpDrvvNx8z5OQiywLZ_nqiigHVtZ3vop6Pv3-giXPWVH_z6eGkS630MNXwWRX4QEKfd518YWTDkq8u8mAeMKpYSuaZj5AKX6XNxWqAw/s400/023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373230028260711442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mosuIoW0534_sGOR66cN9ooODN5ZSn1QM4X1NpkA8o6YIK6CA40uVzwj7cB921i2BdiW8W0VUzu9VvL6mk2Jd2XCtWIvODIvRETJy-ggFCLK3y7nF3sIvFbvZYXvS7Fsea9O85geIQ/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mosuIoW0534_sGOR66cN9ooODN5ZSn1QM4X1NpkA8o6YIK6CA40uVzwj7cB921i2BdiW8W0VUzu9VvL6mk2Jd2XCtWIvODIvRETJy-ggFCLK3y7nF3sIvFbvZYXvS7Fsea9O85geIQ/s400/026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460465013489859218" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM_Gz9YVph2DbvgZuWYW4ttxY3Ab-yxgN5l0Nvzlcw4K48gDYDU46-DIQC4ydjCkQf00ITru4Z0PUJriVOaOjQ80xjPdzf2aEW474iGai4zS6gMfuL_MpVgVu0fGFsBUoTDeAgWLdeg/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM_Gz9YVph2DbvgZuWYW4ttxY3Ab-yxgN5l0Nvzlcw4K48gDYDU46-DIQC4ydjCkQf00ITru4Z0PUJriVOaOjQ80xjPdzf2aEW474iGai4zS6gMfuL_MpVgVu0fGFsBUoTDeAgWLdeg/s400/024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460464766519854786" border="0" /></a><br />We made <a href="http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,4598-1-3263-1,00.html">hygiene kits</a> for the Church Humanitarian Center to distribute to those in need.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3fYAEb6X317m-AW3cFabDkzgSQyqoAkl5lKFSS8uJNpqK0rg0qGw6iBPUsTHyrxWscejrsly2PCPGgewL_57WKCXhiWrCE1ss-cANhkZ2_YDMrobYRKaxgSb6YykcUnQ8aI3qfy14g/s1600/072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3fYAEb6X317m-AW3cFabDkzgSQyqoAkl5lKFSS8uJNpqK0rg0qGw6iBPUsTHyrxWscejrsly2PCPGgewL_57WKCXhiWrCE1ss-cANhkZ2_YDMrobYRKaxgSb6YykcUnQ8aI3qfy14g/s400/072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460466373597589314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ur9sVqjxKAy2BU0XHjaDSSRPhVFlpFL-bzUCbvcLba4FxqGFOJFuoOV49WuDpGffVTvf-vld_l8rjyFtgYU6Xbm0Xltx5VH-QpH-L8Nd5O-Nr6G7iiiZMZvvHnWmpmzQmirwfMqICw/s1600/075.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ur9sVqjxKAy2BU0XHjaDSSRPhVFlpFL-bzUCbvcLba4FxqGFOJFuoOV49WuDpGffVTvf-vld_l8rjyFtgYU6Xbm0Xltx5VH-QpH-L8Nd5O-Nr6G7iiiZMZvvHnWmpmzQmirwfMqICw/s400/075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460466936269875858" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXHKPhork240oLJ1En-ArVf3COxJaXfMoXlj3xI3Ld0rCPWD9Kz6Xn-LUclp4QtM3ruZknv7SlQzV15ff2BN8yAwPdI0fKkmfPg_DishhOuaBAxwnXu4OI4P_3EpPBSP0qChLnn7t-w/s1600/077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXHKPhork240oLJ1En-ArVf3COxJaXfMoXlj3xI3Ld0rCPWD9Kz6Xn-LUclp4QtM3ruZknv7SlQzV15ff2BN8yAwPdI0fKkmfPg_DishhOuaBAxwnXu4OI4P_3EpPBSP0qChLnn7t-w/s400/077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460467925013910914" border="0" /></a><br />We ate together.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7EIN2kMETQyz5YyWjE5_PhSXxq3ylADdLzDz3f3S4hWL__I-F9XDXsC176lnVbK7maRBXoQ0ukbt4IQ6DlzCi2fJZtv-tXWr_X5jaATGReIayV4GUL9d4ePjvUe93uz5VkuhcErlVA/s1600/079.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7EIN2kMETQyz5YyWjE5_PhSXxq3ylADdLzDz3f3S4hWL__I-F9XDXsC176lnVbK7maRBXoQ0ukbt4IQ6DlzCi2fJZtv-tXWr_X5jaATGReIayV4GUL9d4ePjvUe93uz5VkuhcErlVA/s400/079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460468171946284354" border="0" /></a><br />We made jewelry in the cabin.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qfVDRO5UX5-NRbk0GacFNhCQf31KWxGIMSCO-4mvYzHzIO71nwgNwS7w5B1pN4QTIWpBbe1PVvI7ZQIZYmHJRmDTEizyPuX3DHF18FxMWSTVWz8qq9LSkZCuyT8AnaAvGfhg9pEtNA/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qfVDRO5UX5-NRbk0GacFNhCQf31KWxGIMSCO-4mvYzHzIO71nwgNwS7w5B1pN4QTIWpBbe1PVvI7ZQIZYmHJRmDTEizyPuX3DHF18FxMWSTVWz8qq9LSkZCuyT8AnaAvGfhg9pEtNA/s400/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373231975831714674" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXk4qhwc_e1JKSfMN0fDFaF9b7F0h9bvoOJyzJDvJbke8zlpUni-QNKY-lVyvDUWHxbVkFSLQ1MrUjzovNvR0I9-c_rE6UFzgP6FI9giD7iDC-rmRRvprBWMAqeBF_Ex2Xt3TtG2y9bg/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXk4qhwc_e1JKSfMN0fDFaF9b7F0h9bvoOJyzJDvJbke8zlpUni-QNKY-lVyvDUWHxbVkFSLQ1MrUjzovNvR0I9-c_rE6UFzgP6FI9giD7iDC-rmRRvprBWMAqeBF_Ex2Xt3TtG2y9bg/s400/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373232565999832242" border="0" /></a><br />We danced the funky chicken.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wio-LB_Akam-c81-lHQW32qdk3xrEIf1ywY-r-sGozyohwQEbx87AE80HdtiB5s1lJY3vZ8QCKAlYuF7qn1rtxErAwLTNfkTc0k12FYzkBSgG3L-pHtFsxMkzaT2NIEZQ1Ga4Aomqw/s1600/058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wio-LB_Akam-c81-lHQW32qdk3xrEIf1ywY-r-sGozyohwQEbx87AE80HdtiB5s1lJY3vZ8QCKAlYuF7qn1rtxErAwLTNfkTc0k12FYzkBSgG3L-pHtFsxMkzaT2NIEZQ1Ga4Aomqw/s400/058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460470166165169874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgL1_BG3ejFrvOkQiY0_ZZ6NdQYVzCrqMuzsLTRpFLH3dtTNGOIRL7G2IZCLapgZwgxcnFsqmYC7Rhm23GebCjnJCapGxklGXs-6e04n7Xe23f1Me4uyWzuF1vvqgPZHNL4UIbJjMJg/s1600/055.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgL1_BG3ejFrvOkQiY0_ZZ6NdQYVzCrqMuzsLTRpFLH3dtTNGOIRL7G2IZCLapgZwgxcnFsqmYC7Rhm23GebCjnJCapGxklGXs-6e04n7Xe23f1Me4uyWzuF1vvqgPZHNL4UIbJjMJg/s400/055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460469651566206978" border="0" /></a><br />This is how I know the girls love me.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OZS5coA3zI7zBwPsPyeRthAT0KQHYDu0ZtjTqenNU60_U9ouw1BizrARv4wVG5wZd20dFWY7rhkZtnwWurf36oSXLqmqs-gzCAcRUCSvxUaRY8H79hGElMgVAouWTo6mKH4po5gPLQ/s1600/035.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OZS5coA3zI7zBwPsPyeRthAT0KQHYDu0ZtjTqenNU60_U9ouw1BizrARv4wVG5wZd20dFWY7rhkZtnwWurf36oSXLqmqs-gzCAcRUCSvxUaRY8H79hGElMgVAouWTo6mKH4po5gPLQ/s400/035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460481669591438114" border="0" /></a>(my shoe)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsl-RWcbqQa2TG9P3NDel6feJl9Ug8JnAD4-1WkdLesSqYOriN27rcLeH7PH4XRxJMrVNAwEHHVPihR1GNxRLuaYsvtGY3BTG6grBRRMBWKYFyo-p_eqcdfvCvkgKDl_R0ICtSGhkyrw/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsl-RWcbqQa2TG9P3NDel6feJl9Ug8JnAD4-1WkdLesSqYOriN27rcLeH7PH4XRxJMrVNAwEHHVPihR1GNxRLuaYsvtGY3BTG6grBRRMBWKYFyo-p_eqcdfvCvkgKDl_R0ICtSGhkyrw/s400/036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460482604567240674" border="0" /></a>(my bed)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1C_zxzpGL-VQUrGiOP6fR_3K5F7CjX48aKeIZz5SwQkvj00XfXKIl3w5DiAbDU2pCjvF8MDBi9WpOmsbFwDw4pCav3EU4CVlYfizt3jm-FzwdxZwBDv2kP4isXbgX3YOoHOxBTgVuw/s1600/082.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1C_zxzpGL-VQUrGiOP6fR_3K5F7CjX48aKeIZz5SwQkvj00XfXKIl3w5DiAbDU2pCjvF8MDBi9WpOmsbFwDw4pCav3EU4CVlYfizt3jm-FzwdxZwBDv2kP4isXbgX3YOoHOxBTgVuw/s400/082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460483301134683346" border="0" /></a>(my crazy girls)<br /><br />We played Ninja.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzdi3CKmpartmITgk1UxEPrMC44NyZMoiaeOL_8AC7pu6vOgjzMFbNqrPVjbAqJNF5uZJ7kbPbW61pI-Xnl4B59LQ63IGqDch8HpoL4MPSMfKJhnr5AbdIoccs3ujnKTyyqUifVB6ZQ/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzdi3CKmpartmITgk1UxEPrMC44NyZMoiaeOL_8AC7pu6vOgjzMFbNqrPVjbAqJNF5uZJ7kbPbW61pI-Xnl4B59LQ63IGqDch8HpoL4MPSMfKJhnr5AbdIoccs3ujnKTyyqUifVB6ZQ/s400/013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373224727552839234" border="0" /></a><br />We played Buck Buck.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUsCiUWzApV7WcAAvBveEdV5HqRPw04pKZ9572GgrxwabQ2m8UxEsmIpjmZy1702VMhQ70bpo_uY3gxz1LZ4Q_Di2435erPY2ARPr5DgI6fYsN1fx-2bme82UO3dHKudMdjS79iBDVg/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUsCiUWzApV7WcAAvBveEdV5HqRPw04pKZ9572GgrxwabQ2m8UxEsmIpjmZy1702VMhQ70bpo_uY3gxz1LZ4Q_Di2435erPY2ARPr5DgI6fYsN1fx-2bme82UO3dHKudMdjS79iBDVg/s400/027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373224268459209074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrz6g7Y-qjJUn64LUK4A_uSQn2_o20Wujo4S9DGt1yj6oNDYa2bSqNmJuaIa3SQYxgFGx8UOgu_8XTv531aqMtvUNfcST6UC8zhnLrgJNUI2dae2UshfSLe_SFFRYlmnHmG2ek8i2EQ/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrz6g7Y-qjJUn64LUK4A_uSQn2_o20Wujo4S9DGt1yj6oNDYa2bSqNmJuaIa3SQYxgFGx8UOgu_8XTv531aqMtvUNfcST6UC8zhnLrgJNUI2dae2UshfSLe_SFFRYlmnHmG2ek8i2EQ/s400/028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373223965251579874" border="0" /></a><br />We are the Buck Buck Ninja's and we rule!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzaFdvlHaHydcGUlDapG_48qMS1NJpZZZgXY8LDr-N70pgQLXt0wGkqykC1zXU58ay4obqQxrcIBUpTY4V-4THJUtBl3MKmqpdEGrSxIF_Dj-2B1QuzTTOrwOcDHg8rpTRmbKKa1Mhg/s1600/085.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzaFdvlHaHydcGUlDapG_48qMS1NJpZZZgXY8LDr-N70pgQLXt0wGkqykC1zXU58ay4obqQxrcIBUpTY4V-4THJUtBl3MKmqpdEGrSxIF_Dj-2B1QuzTTOrwOcDHg8rpTRmbKKa1Mhg/s400/085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460484016317322498" border="0" /></a><br />Our last evening together, we had a very special activity. We recreated Lehi's Vision for the girls. They were blindfolded and told to hold to the Iron Rod. There were tempters trying to deceive and angels to support them on either side.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGF08j8BaI/AAAAAAAABYY/_QKLki-X8Rc/s1600-h/093.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGF08j8BaI/AAAAAAAABYY/_QKLki-X8Rc/s400/093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373222975086265762" border="0" /></a><br />I was so proud to watch the girls be so valiant in holding to that rod and not letting go!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGFfa725kI/AAAAAAAABYQ/P-xwEWa-Cj8/s1600-h/092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGFfa725kI/AAAAAAAABYQ/P-xwEWa-Cj8/s400/092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373222605282534978" border="0" /></a><br />At the end of the Iron Rod was the Tree of Life. A beautiful tree with white lights and white envelopes containing letters for each girl from their parents.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGFHgLlKOI/AAAAAAAABYI/a0uP3btt-1Y/s1600-h/097.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGFHgLlKOI/AAAAAAAABYI/a0uP3btt-1Y/s400/097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373222194373798114" border="0" /></a><br />It was a special moment that I hope none of them ever forget.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGEwQQB0SI/AAAAAAAABYA/LTbew1M6Gv4/s1600-h/095.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGEwQQB0SI/AAAAAAAABYA/LTbew1M6Gv4/s400/095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373221794960494882" border="0" /></a>(To learn more about Lehi's Vision, click <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=25e67cf34f40c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1">here</a>.)<br /><br />We ended our evening with a testimony meeting and eating ice cream the the Bishop brought for us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGEIal4IhI/AAAAAAAABXw/bcZP95ev5ks/s1600-h/099.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGEIal4IhI/AAAAAAAABXw/bcZP95ev5ks/s400/099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373221110541722130" border="0" /></a><br />Before we went home, <a href="http://mamalutz.wordpress.com/">Michele</a> and I couldn't resist taking a picture of our "camp feet." I'm so happy she went with me this year - we had a great time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGEbLhNFsI/AAAAAAAABX4/zjECboKt354/s1600-h/100.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGEbLhNFsI/AAAAAAAABX4/zjECboKt354/s400/100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373221432913106626" border="0" /></a><br />LOVE THESE GIRLS!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGDX6veuzI/AAAAAAAABXc/7AtfyMqra3Q/s1600-h/086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9LBz8yyePr4/SpGDX6veuzI/AAAAAAAABXc/7AtfyMqra3Q/s400/086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373220277358345010" border="0" /></a><br /></div>jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-54447555381684307842009-07-05T08:36:00.007-04:002009-08-23T13:55:35.840-04:00Happy 4th of July<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeJ-KFDnZ0z8qU7SeuD5rEWq-W-XfzptTsnAo1V8Tg8V-RHpwXC6QU257H4TGZPds-0EDmPqsXyUsuJH44WHitYpSbunQHKPIHV8yH7u4xyfOOkK4_Zo_phvhxj7X5LB3Mt9hcB6ZVJQ/s1600-h/flag+jello.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeJ-KFDnZ0z8qU7SeuD5rEWq-W-XfzptTsnAo1V8Tg8V-RHpwXC6QU257H4TGZPds-0EDmPqsXyUsuJH44WHitYpSbunQHKPIHV8yH7u4xyfOOkK4_Zo_phvhxj7X5LB3Mt9hcB6ZVJQ/s200/flag+jello.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370911142431072770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />We spent July 4th with our good friends, the Daniels family.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />*Here we are (minus Teddy, who stayed home and hid under the couch, like he does every 4th of July. He's not a fan of fireworks.)*<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5S-RE3d52SASxB2OgPHTxmBf1GARba6vzIm0bzDAJ7trwCkm8zShbVeZ3_-TPETpKfaJ0Ke3XaNnCQNgH2xp5VtowRduFvnEsXWo__-snZGWTQgRZsN9UQcXzSKbrEE8iUFyRFAlUr0/s1600-h/IMG_0906.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5S-RE3d52SASxB2OgPHTxmBf1GARba6vzIm0bzDAJ7trwCkm8zShbVeZ3_-TPETpKfaJ0Ke3XaNnCQNgH2xp5VtowRduFvnEsXWo__-snZGWTQgRZsN9UQcXzSKbrEE8iUFyRFAlUr0/s400/IMG_0906.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370913141730873666" border="0" /></a><br />*Brandon and Rebecca*<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPs4OmWSIHdKlPcKaY5KAN_CfVe2eQl9DnawVZ_NdVsPZsuTKHhPB4lkppscDj_xN7lYtGgsdyABj4izymV9F5EljDb9JKU1DZS9BEkBcs8iQdnIeis5_pTY2dG9ZbuMRzchsd7cugXs/s1600-h/IMG_0904.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPs4OmWSIHdKlPcKaY5KAN_CfVe2eQl9DnawVZ_NdVsPZsuTKHhPB4lkppscDj_xN7lYtGgsdyABj4izymV9F5EljDb9JKU1DZS9BEkBcs8iQdnIeis5_pTY2dG9ZbuMRzchsd7cugXs/s400/IMG_0904.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370913429366779346" border="0" /></a><br />*Adam and Amanda*<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzrxJ83d1E81rHlVTbPKH6_mNtOUAhX0xtnUfRbDkXoGSfN8eABWUHtJAuraRHRbm96gzqXnJnsE_Q-Xzmbw334XZdJrr6DU7qyvpRMKyfjVTQM3YAbSKBwRi4VpUQ0fHqxnGQHsj2o0/s1600-h/IMG_0909.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzrxJ83d1E81rHlVTbPKH6_mNtOUAhX0xtnUfRbDkXoGSfN8eABWUHtJAuraRHRbm96gzqXnJnsE_Q-Xzmbw334XZdJrr6DU7qyvpRMKyfjVTQM3YAbSKBwRi4VpUQ0fHqxnGQHsj2o0/s400/IMG_0909.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370913032008879714" border="0" /></a><br />*Melinda and Rebecca*<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi-Cfh18n021o6c9tqF-VhjVHkzipNY21dNI4RJhyWS4iOkQbUrS5hCPqsps_b_HqppeYgCdiJz1OolOrSezb1LVVkV5DiWZrg5Hongk0_b1DQgFUZS-IK9nZg98NTJy3Ynmwl-KgR3U/s1600-h/IMG_0910.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi-Cfh18n021o6c9tqF-VhjVHkzipNY21dNI4RJhyWS4iOkQbUrS5hCPqsps_b_HqppeYgCdiJz1OolOrSezb1LVVkV5DiWZrg5Hongk0_b1DQgFUZS-IK9nZg98NTJy3Ynmwl-KgR3U/s400/IMG_0910.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370912892693373058" border="0" /></a><br />I made an American flag jello salad, like my mom always did for 4th of July, and had to chuckle when I saw something similar on many of my girlfriend's blogs. I guess great minds think alike!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib_juWUHAARCZwfnoTrG9InyqO52GamcXv-qGlRgTf5WlXDvXZaLkjDyZ3sS_VOFOZpety1qaSTh0K4MFptjq27Y-gbVM9WZUausH0_EyKzEDvXPFQCjcyQoqsYFFOaWnDKX3dQTfjZw/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib_juWUHAARCZwfnoTrG9InyqO52GamcXv-qGlRgTf5WlXDvXZaLkjDyZ3sS_VOFOZpety1qaSTh0K4MFptjq27Y-gbVM9WZUausH0_EyKzEDvXPFQCjcyQoqsYFFOaWnDKX3dQTfjZw/s400/010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370911617943402322" border="0" /></a><br />After dinner, we were treated to our own personal fireworks show in the backyard.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2Kc0dynHKfp0JUWzsez8LdkMPMIV2keLPr4-8GZi5OXlqdA_tai8NjkqiT10RYtwOSEYO_sm_rN0gcL6xl0B6U_HKJ0WK9ZXS65i7t6197MhBAAftduwfkz2feRXj8WuaMx-u6Y9k-4/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2Kc0dynHKfp0JUWzsez8LdkMPMIV2keLPr4-8GZi5OXlqdA_tai8NjkqiT10RYtwOSEYO_sm_rN0gcL6xl0B6U_HKJ0WK9ZXS65i7t6197MhBAAftduwfkz2feRXj8WuaMx-u6Y9k-4/s400/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370912303300693938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQt7ymjmuKegEwbtW9GWVDv-T3D8640tL72xgGFj863Qvs59GsbfI3B-NUfALQtV4whQO7eLxDGWelNEJgf5KNc1jjKWzJx7ZjBA-2HrcWV02Mrc-uEOr9BfCQdvwkYbFUGsSc1qiXNs/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQt7ymjmuKegEwbtW9GWVDv-T3D8640tL72xgGFj863Qvs59GsbfI3B-NUfALQtV4whQO7eLxDGWelNEJgf5KNc1jjKWzJx7ZjBA-2HrcWV02Mrc-uEOr9BfCQdvwkYbFUGsSc1qiXNs/s400/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370917845432509586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzt_i5LiAgCkTuaL9zIUDI6D1L_eu6c3EmKfuczZSSKqFxEAh-plVYmOioRJAHMn_ASMYDz9-VGJwue9cOvvamu7_2gpyigKsFnjr8Mcdnhsno36bKL6jp7KnV4FoRLcjeqzMTA_RoYs/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzt_i5LiAgCkTuaL9zIUDI6D1L_eu6c3EmKfuczZSSKqFxEAh-plVYmOioRJAHMn_ASMYDz9-VGJwue9cOvvamu7_2gpyigKsFnjr8Mcdnhsno36bKL6jp7KnV4FoRLcjeqzMTA_RoYs/s400/013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370911928014028562" border="0" /></a><br />***Happy Birthday, America!***<br /></div>jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-30109802733596015262009-06-27T23:03:00.030-04:002009-07-23T00:19:50.898-04:00Trip To Omaha - Part 5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUClEyHPu0sWILPWCxc1mka11FwF1KYHx5AU6QbCVT-k3-VMC1_I3BnWyZ0lZMX-4CyafT5wwNscuRTotBGIQ7xOQhUZAnk9mrVi_kS3zlJIRyIdwTQqGoyCGHmvaqaprFfAfQbnZ-77g/s1600-h/jen+and+monkey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUClEyHPu0sWILPWCxc1mka11FwF1KYHx5AU6QbCVT-k3-VMC1_I3BnWyZ0lZMX-4CyafT5wwNscuRTotBGIQ7xOQhUZAnk9mrVi_kS3zlJIRyIdwTQqGoyCGHmvaqaprFfAfQbnZ-77g/s200/jen+and+monkey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352210444161158674" border="0" /></a><br />Omaha has an <span style="font-style: italic;">amazing</span> zoo.<br /><br />We spent the entire day there with the family, including Josephine's brother Josh, their dad, his wife and their kids who had come to visit. It was such a fun group!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAHxiPy7Mv-EsHuqQxYb2X2HO0nkvQE4bKj0rUkOo7-vDF3eOoRyaDWehU7vln8J-8SDzsiGQENuztNmNyYLadZzkEzSshTx4ft9TREFw1qckVvQ2g1pmDSoAFJ5U2TwQCDwjWIQJch4/s1600-h/Ashley+with+giraffe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAHxiPy7Mv-EsHuqQxYb2X2HO0nkvQE4bKj0rUkOo7-vDF3eOoRyaDWehU7vln8J-8SDzsiGQENuztNmNyYLadZzkEzSshTx4ft9TREFw1qckVvQ2g1pmDSoAFJ5U2TwQCDwjWIQJch4/s400/Ashley+with+giraffe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354439148057024434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmden8mFqDIUmSj86dPZoemYKu2uRXj-NOsi-n35V6RT1YLgC28lRI0DsgPM0YiN68ZSZ2T97oIGxMW4iHqIfWFxnbFKxwcTDcdjTHjCwT23AYadIRfQ7Qa-hbrQl1p75VL2eajGUfRY/s1600-h/tyler+and+giraffe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmden8mFqDIUmSj86dPZoemYKu2uRXj-NOsi-n35V6RT1YLgC28lRI0DsgPM0YiN68ZSZ2T97oIGxMW4iHqIfWFxnbFKxwcTDcdjTHjCwT23AYadIRfQ7Qa-hbrQl1p75VL2eajGUfRY/s400/tyler+and+giraffe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354439330123369106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSusZ5WOlwO5IQTLqz4yzfnrDKYxA5Lhf2Iy4y5lNCVpN9ZoYgXeBuut4kq5t3TQ3e27rt9LWEegTy65L6z14aZOAAbg_nm7hmqbOIPBqR7Kht-TjCvE4ANX0paSTNii6wIpNs9_3zw0Y/s1600-h/IMG_1803.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSusZ5WOlwO5IQTLqz4yzfnrDKYxA5Lhf2Iy4y5lNCVpN9ZoYgXeBuut4kq5t3TQ3e27rt9LWEegTy65L6z14aZOAAbg_nm7hmqbOIPBqR7Kht-TjCvE4ANX0paSTNii6wIpNs9_3zw0Y/s400/IMG_1803.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354439597222493554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecbFW3g2aTSl2HRBdPTtYDkKkBQxJWuuTWcoKfbQrHl4dWkDQOlltV9I9JIgfP2RXOqyxSfbTmdYvedOz0qsj8iEWWcynAZk3hbRrOWgRWDRR5lVIELkiNSUxRXqCteq_gHtDTl-r_tU/s1600-h/Tyler+and+Elephant.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecbFW3g2aTSl2HRBdPTtYDkKkBQxJWuuTWcoKfbQrHl4dWkDQOlltV9I9JIgfP2RXOqyxSfbTmdYvedOz0qsj8iEWWcynAZk3hbRrOWgRWDRR5lVIELkiNSUxRXqCteq_gHtDTl-r_tU/s400/Tyler+and+Elephant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354439815874271490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUpGFfsR3LXZeR6TqddviFFhhY5fpRRzEdUPy-oVP7CEXaioqOTBTCnWYElnp-iyh4HmJu7Op2USjdfiKco-XoEyXs0fQZodcP0CPQUwFHEterzVxAcg-eAfOKerXqaGtRsLQotM3DvQ/s1600-h/josh+and+tyler.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUpGFfsR3LXZeR6TqddviFFhhY5fpRRzEdUPy-oVP7CEXaioqOTBTCnWYElnp-iyh4HmJu7Op2USjdfiKco-XoEyXs0fQZodcP0CPQUwFHEterzVxAcg-eAfOKerXqaGtRsLQotM3DvQ/s400/josh+and+tyler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361496442918981634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ktiIf3f6u3XAkFT6me2b86H-205c9QA3f5piSkksjAEtffls3oTFDeNl4TdHCBQu_onip53vMSGM1JpK0mqWJEJyXBBmlt0G8tMH2x1IRbHsaQ4v99BxdYA5G3G2Q4qvmRi8VfX3BoU/s1600-h/Ashley+at+zoo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ktiIf3f6u3XAkFT6me2b86H-205c9QA3f5piSkksjAEtffls3oTFDeNl4TdHCBQu_onip53vMSGM1JpK0mqWJEJyXBBmlt0G8tMH2x1IRbHsaQ4v99BxdYA5G3G2Q4qvmRi8VfX3BoU/s400/Ashley+at+zoo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361495511842078162" border="0" /></a><br />Josephine's little brother got this big stuffed alligator that he carried around all day.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6t91bKNPTEtsMvlQMcCBOu5RsA6_yjPLR3qRbtZIYKDEl1PElI3sX-Eag1tupJFXXWumH291QCFWJO1UCI8OU6jwoU1lVZbTz6SytSB9vXsf6T5Z2ICHBJMCuJT8Mpg2L-STkNoAeKGU/s1600-h/alligator.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6t91bKNPTEtsMvlQMcCBOu5RsA6_yjPLR3qRbtZIYKDEl1PElI3sX-Eag1tupJFXXWumH291QCFWJO1UCI8OU6jwoU1lVZbTz6SytSB9vXsf6T5Z2ICHBJMCuJT8Mpg2L-STkNoAeKGU/s400/alligator.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361498813828397666" border="0" /></a><br />When we approached the tiger's cage, the tiger was VERY interested in that alligator. She started stalking him with her eyes and pacing back and forth. She even acted like she was ready to pounce at one point. Thank goodness for wire cages, right?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm5MIYBaCeD9Uq5C7yRFCiNkXf3WlfUaG15ivKQE3gaXTD4S1iJQFhpuvrsorE1zZCbVe-vuaMBPkzDHYhr4zxOqJu9Bv8TmJ4Dke8CTTWFp2oU5uGw3aDXSF9ch-M4LqTr9YIVJ2Q4w/s1600-h/ashley+and+tiger.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm5MIYBaCeD9Uq5C7yRFCiNkXf3WlfUaG15ivKQE3gaXTD4S1iJQFhpuvrsorE1zZCbVe-vuaMBPkzDHYhr4zxOqJu9Bv8TmJ4Dke8CTTWFp2oU5uGw3aDXSF9ch-M4LqTr9YIVJ2Q4w/s400/ashley+and+tiger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354439014893173970" border="0" /></a><br />One of the highlights of the day was the butterfly house. You could walk through amid all the butterflies as they fluttered around. One landed on Tyler!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_u79ooNR7RfkHUenHcyvI4gMoN5yms657klbzX5zX1x8mzhn10GvjZbx_RZhGgWfqwybEIu4__A8blxaar31t-vUybwcWwL74mG1jTQjDTIxM61kaUK1NeMRG_osGCxE0HijhzzpJ90/s1600-h/Tyler+and+Butterfly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_u79ooNR7RfkHUenHcyvI4gMoN5yms657klbzX5zX1x8mzhn10GvjZbx_RZhGgWfqwybEIu4__A8blxaar31t-vUybwcWwL74mG1jTQjDTIxM61kaUK1NeMRG_osGCxE0HijhzzpJ90/s400/Tyler+and+Butterfly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354440167184880066" border="0" /></a><br />He thought it was great! He stood there so calmly and examined the butterfly for several minutes until it finally flew away.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GyVF-Ax0t6045dJjKNchPnpW44MdtwAjNqFHdmhHBldg68IDKPVNsGDKlYodPh_0SC12Rxgo5qLhonnOSXj4LPlB5sDmkNbyFzRVpkq3VtfWzNvN2gRm7HCKPG8EWuIBk992Nkt6o38/s1600-h/Tyler+and+Butterfly+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GyVF-Ax0t6045dJjKNchPnpW44MdtwAjNqFHdmhHBldg68IDKPVNsGDKlYodPh_0SC12Rxgo5qLhonnOSXj4LPlB5sDmkNbyFzRVpkq3VtfWzNvN2gRm7HCKPG8EWuIBk992Nkt6o38/s400/Tyler+and+Butterfly+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354440373779981842" border="0" /></a><br />My favorite animals to see are always the primates. At this zoo, many of the monkeys are housed in an indoor rainforest. It is amazing because as you walk through, you feel as if you are interacting with the animals while you are viewing them in quite a natural setting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs59h8P_c9C7NuSAXpAdlcLbaTPKWvDl3G9B9lSqjYZVAj4H27T3c4Ya8ExCRphNIj767z_bRKB_N7RXy8nWgU6EBFuPzD_h6Q9zSXfr12nOkgN8gAB897r5d1zAm95mqjVA7MTWGxhnQ/s1600-h/IMG_1747.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs59h8P_c9C7NuSAXpAdlcLbaTPKWvDl3G9B9lSqjYZVAj4H27T3c4Ya8ExCRphNIj767z_bRKB_N7RXy8nWgU6EBFuPzD_h6Q9zSXfr12nOkgN8gAB897r5d1zAm95mqjVA7MTWGxhnQ/s400/IMG_1747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354442199247154738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWYnowVFtMLke-EP2GKHzNT6frmgUZ8frqNbOgF9PLNtB3aBgJ-5adsq0imjeQKDYdh-ED13k4QVWGSwaAkZEXOLDv3c-FeDOmA-WXsqJZEdvgH9cxfHKncRGYBDOkVflCLMxTfTLGR4/s1600-h/Jen+and+Scott.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWYnowVFtMLke-EP2GKHzNT6frmgUZ8frqNbOgF9PLNtB3aBgJ-5adsq0imjeQKDYdh-ED13k4QVWGSwaAkZEXOLDv3c-FeDOmA-WXsqJZEdvgH9cxfHKncRGYBDOkVflCLMxTfTLGR4/s400/Jen+and+Scott.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354442878027213714" border="0" /></a><br />As we were wandering through, this little golden tamarind was scampering along within arm's reach!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUV4qJIPr_mL37dNgXg97fS9jIIBXrRASvvzLJhQHn5rM-cni2koJm_PJ5VXJzGlsavKFsiAsRXe7vft-nIRMXNTsXb5IU8OyXKs4gvTRSti5SJ2qpPc6e2QHpZ5zgY7NRFxK_lRt-ht0/s1600-h/tyler+and+monkey+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUV4qJIPr_mL37dNgXg97fS9jIIBXrRASvvzLJhQHn5rM-cni2koJm_PJ5VXJzGlsavKFsiAsRXe7vft-nIRMXNTsXb5IU8OyXKs4gvTRSti5SJ2qpPc6e2QHpZ5zgY7NRFxK_lRt-ht0/s400/tyler+and+monkey+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354440972121043650" border="0" /></a><br />Tyler thought it might be fun to grab his tail. Luckily it was just out of his grasp!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQksR5_La00lQuQcMJUmbtrE5mgC0U7LsPJ8FNbflpyMgVGtMeKrMZvy0bUzT0_3CjTFsnOIOsVnrGZi_JpNXo8l_IKkHbfd7Qv3t_T8TnMYlgNuIalSEA97u9zgM69CIVG8y1fMf8Rgw/s1600-h/tyler+and+monkey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQksR5_La00lQuQcMJUmbtrE5mgC0U7LsPJ8FNbflpyMgVGtMeKrMZvy0bUzT0_3CjTFsnOIOsVnrGZi_JpNXo8l_IKkHbfd7Qv3t_T8TnMYlgNuIalSEA97u9zgM69CIVG8y1fMf8Rgw/s400/tyler+and+monkey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354440629138459074" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a really cheesy shot to illustrate just how close I got. I really wanted to touch him, he looked so soft and cuddly. But I didn't want to risk a bite!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUSHYJQZX5idsOSqE4BJzAu1V63kz_imI09G33uD1CAcMrqpQ5YJ-7KLV39uUYEO_F2MsJ7iyB48nQUlu04Hn4j-2h15nP-hDpa7mHoYlHLO_PQoYx3B3zG2t29DLx6IyKQhpoEvRKOo/s1600-h/jen+and+monkey-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUSHYJQZX5idsOSqE4BJzAu1V63kz_imI09G33uD1CAcMrqpQ5YJ-7KLV39uUYEO_F2MsJ7iyB48nQUlu04Hn4j-2h15nP-hDpa7mHoYlHLO_PQoYx3B3zG2t29DLx6IyKQhpoEvRKOo/s400/jen+and+monkey-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354441517098748354" border="0" /></a><br />My mom has been having some problems with her feet and so we all ganged up on her and made her get a wheelchair for the day. My sweet husband chauffeured her around and took care of her all day long. He even gave her a few thrills by pretending he was going to let her roll down a hill! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jxytrwJF1C9cB1Q9qSR72vA3DaSthdmYEEIU9QOp9gNX3ibvMfcpkVtDjlgjbo970r3YWejAXGI_kmecNRXpb4Bk863Os3-c_n0GY1xRO7NnGKmOzS4nXmOC2N8gKlNRRTzSoOZKrPQ/s1600-h/Scott+and+Mom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jxytrwJF1C9cB1Q9qSR72vA3DaSthdmYEEIU9QOp9gNX3ibvMfcpkVtDjlgjbo970r3YWejAXGI_kmecNRXpb4Bk863Os3-c_n0GY1xRO7NnGKmOzS4nXmOC2N8gKlNRRTzSoOZKrPQ/s400/Scott+and+Mom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354443370935835250" border="0" /></a><br />Mom got out to stretch her legs and Ben decided he was tired of pushing the stroller, so he took Mom's seat.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_zpiDGoc_ZMudU8JUn8ihKSiReAzYBvbyoDt84kFyY89jT0s5LfF_s1wqFfuroCHFSJ9sFwYvbd_4IqrtIpncZ-qaaUr9pU8SN_0gp7ubLTChYaECj8gihJQK_L_uKJRU7L-ZyN-R8k/s1600-h/Wheelchair+Train.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_zpiDGoc_ZMudU8JUn8ihKSiReAzYBvbyoDt84kFyY89jT0s5LfF_s1wqFfuroCHFSJ9sFwYvbd_4IqrtIpncZ-qaaUr9pU8SN_0gp7ubLTChYaECj8gihJQK_L_uKJRU7L-ZyN-R8k/s400/Wheelchair+Train.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354443726725161090" border="0" /></a><br />All aboard the wheelchair/stroller train!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES6f-ER90toclUT_s_Irz9PqZMcL1i7dWCbzoGa78Rbql5Nb5SVxufA_cq2IDkjiOHA0Au-MtGPOes-mmOdAg4STwgIGxwdz5srVzMNn0Sp60SyuF_ciMICblc7rkS4KdbZY_C6yR8to/s1600-h/Wheelchair+Train+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES6f-ER90toclUT_s_Irz9PqZMcL1i7dWCbzoGa78Rbql5Nb5SVxufA_cq2IDkjiOHA0Au-MtGPOes-mmOdAg4STwgIGxwdz5srVzMNn0Sp60SyuF_ciMICblc7rkS4KdbZY_C6yR8to/s400/Wheelchair+Train+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354446386734040066" border="0" /></a><br />This made baby Claire giggle.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Bouuqf8zY1rmyaFmEvmDPBas1b20lrX_DvHAt2Pzs57mssdMVF3QTW5JhdtxrY6o-V8Fo9_XJwT4Sb6fOERdEpGTzRs_c0GBD75EoIq0O_x2MhJ3pHJO8bStQH4SeKRDDSh2urp3ZL8/s1600-h/IMG_1762.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Bouuqf8zY1rmyaFmEvmDPBas1b20lrX_DvHAt2Pzs57mssdMVF3QTW5JhdtxrY6o-V8Fo9_XJwT4Sb6fOERdEpGTzRs_c0GBD75EoIq0O_x2MhJ3pHJO8bStQH4SeKRDDSh2urp3ZL8/s400/IMG_1762.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354444753226819986" border="0" /></a><br />We didn't get to take a picture at the zoo with the whole group, but we got one the next morning (everyone minus Josh, who had just woken up, had bedhead and therefore volunteered to be the photographer.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvLYWvpZwrE3kupR9EfxlwU3TOMtZizGMC5qaEtrNXXNjtYjL4WkNiQuHwW6mwKHwdKvdrXZpp_5XmtZDm0nvKgo1__g4E8BStKSNkLtdM8YQEt98TRQcauecHYe_rAlYpAaPfinqLuE/s1600-h/big+family.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvLYWvpZwrE3kupR9EfxlwU3TOMtZizGMC5qaEtrNXXNjtYjL4WkNiQuHwW6mwKHwdKvdrXZpp_5XmtZDm0nvKgo1__g4E8BStKSNkLtdM8YQEt98TRQcauecHYe_rAlYpAaPfinqLuE/s400/big+family.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361500826677421490" border="0" /></a><br />It was a wonderful trip and I'm so glad we went!<br /><br />The end!jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-85648573536545101732009-06-26T23:55:00.021-04:002009-07-03T08:23:46.439-04:00Trip To Omaha - Part 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ss9BzicGqQthd-G5MNByZQMftRL0RBYZA1z-O8hBlj49H4Ub3Bgl1PpTFIhsHirh-nFmynUKOiRmVtyKEQ_QOshWqxND0M1IQVi2l4EO9q9NavkMTxq4tY7hgJRS2f7OYZt13ml7h-g/s1600-h/raggedy+ann+salad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ss9BzicGqQthd-G5MNByZQMftRL0RBYZA1z-O8hBlj49H4Ub3Bgl1PpTFIhsHirh-nFmynUKOiRmVtyKEQ_QOshWqxND0M1IQVi2l4EO9q9NavkMTxq4tY7hgJRS2f7OYZt13ml7h-g/s200/raggedy+ann+salad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351854287355008306" border="0" /></a>Some of my favorite memories of my childhood are of all the fun little projects my mom did with us. She made everything special, from birthdays to holiday dinners to summer activities to weekday meals.<br /><br />It is so fun to see her using her creativity and talent to make things special with the grandkids. Grandma makes everything fun!<br /><br />One day she helped Tyler and Ashley make Bunny Salads for lunch.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3-K_FdzsbgnBdmrCR_ekqxv_rp6_T7xlxk3khfPTyYuuvqhQPilhpjEbqp5LzVU8VaeOzKmD_5Xf42Z_I5GWyrtCeqkvESkVqa0PQ4hielpUlGE2a_SlMljA-rP-hpVZEOQepC8XGes/s1600-h/079.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3-K_FdzsbgnBdmrCR_ekqxv_rp6_T7xlxk3khfPTyYuuvqhQPilhpjEbqp5LzVU8VaeOzKmD_5Xf42Z_I5GWyrtCeqkvESkVqa0PQ4hielpUlGE2a_SlMljA-rP-hpVZEOQepC8XGes/s400/079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351855692604337650" border="0" /></a><br />A half of a canned pear makes the body, which sits on a bed of cottage cheese. Raisins are attached with toothpicks for the eyes and a red hot makes the nose. A big marshmallow for a tail and pink ears cut out of paper complete this cute little bunny!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidRWzA66fV_kRDxmSieh9to6U0SvmoDllOCX3i6paRVX4FfxBoBwRccxUAmedinsucAwkXrqiOg1RwKbmMj3_DE7JkaNIDJi3eVk0iwDrfaOIrFa9ynYnAHBwI8nCfNM9sgGrx8bPNps/s1600-h/081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidRWzA66fV_kRDxmSieh9to6U0SvmoDllOCX3i6paRVX4FfxBoBwRccxUAmedinsucAwkXrqiOg1RwKbmMj3_DE7JkaNIDJi3eVk0iwDrfaOIrFa9ynYnAHBwI8nCfNM9sgGrx8bPNps/s400/081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351856511647081346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJRNxPrnR6gp274xHtBLCLf141i3lUqIG_R0NcCxmWcfZd6wUZtHtvxORjteDEOmf-xeIs0qIwLBkesfXnipqHNwq9WqXOVXNBSy_3Z2rNllDJxR8vj-7mGVFuIuavt7AkRWHpdewUgA/s1600-h/080.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJRNxPrnR6gp274xHtBLCLf141i3lUqIG_R0NcCxmWcfZd6wUZtHtvxORjteDEOmf-xeIs0qIwLBkesfXnipqHNwq9WqXOVXNBSy_3Z2rNllDJxR8vj-7mGVFuIuavt7AkRWHpdewUgA/s400/080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351856945955162274" border="0" /></a><br />Raggedy Ann and Andy Salads were another special treat.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoX29V2Cs-qbHwVxO2RAFtjto_8ZmIupXX22CKjIqpfesUt7AZRLEkplI_EwuKc-zcC6ffVrNdztRND9geyfG-OGjaX6JgnaQh9CKXhWk9NFspV8Nxmdb7VpUOPb9QcvxFVx7quYy9H8/s1600-h/IMG_0353.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoX29V2Cs-qbHwVxO2RAFtjto_8ZmIupXX22CKjIqpfesUt7AZRLEkplI_EwuKc-zcC6ffVrNdztRND9geyfG-OGjaX6JgnaQh9CKXhWk9NFspV8Nxmdb7VpUOPb9QcvxFVx7quYy9H8/s400/IMG_0353.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352601574265878530" border="0" /></a><br />A half a canned peach for the face, raisin eyes and a red hot nose and grated cheese for hair. Their outfits are made up of lettuce, celery and string cheese chunks.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikre8uhg_k1nCriXdPTbsVKaSuHacBDB8BTQN4BunQBceKII8ipsRonYYiMSCKDrNKTf-dU0rEJFyOPIDUcI_m_-CUIzhhi3TCxy56qg5Rn15gPMwwleLT26DqmRL7tTN3v8yyTH5vpo/s1600-h/IMG_0356.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikre8uhg_k1nCriXdPTbsVKaSuHacBDB8BTQN4BunQBceKII8ipsRonYYiMSCKDrNKTf-dU0rEJFyOPIDUcI_m_-CUIzhhi3TCxy56qg5Rn15gPMwwleLT26DqmRL7tTN3v8yyTH5vpo/s400/IMG_0356.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352601250051958114" border="0" /></a><br />OK, I get to take credit for this one! After mom saw the <a href="http://teddypaws.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter-celebration.html">cupcakes I made for Easter this year</a>, she thought the kids would enjoy re-creating them.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIJWl8ySD86MTFR-bVVsPDv2R5GO_KXy9r8DGuwhLEZzAYrQisesQztnPUQ6nD_GMA264DbzfRVWZ3uz6hXbTGSp7YB116BMyGNu6rfA7ZmBGruUAsfiB8EscdO8V0QPXbFsePHT8a6k/s1600-h/068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIJWl8ySD86MTFR-bVVsPDv2R5GO_KXy9r8DGuwhLEZzAYrQisesQztnPUQ6nD_GMA264DbzfRVWZ3uz6hXbTGSp7YB116BMyGNu6rfA7ZmBGruUAsfiB8EscdO8V0QPXbFsePHT8a6k/s400/068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351857527803414386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JErQHmIybFtJ42HA-7p9stw0L5HYy0bIoGVYZ9i9KgNzoQp2ctgcUGQew7jUvDV_3xokvzmmKxDDt6ktibfny-wbEW52Jc1qQvPOHAJBAhNF3olQJanQVbT6J8LpGdabsZOu-ZVixV4/s1600-h/069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JErQHmIybFtJ42HA-7p9stw0L5HYy0bIoGVYZ9i9KgNzoQp2ctgcUGQew7jUvDV_3xokvzmmKxDDt6ktibfny-wbEW52Jc1qQvPOHAJBAhNF3olQJanQVbT6J8LpGdabsZOu-ZVixV4/s400/069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352598935826617154" border="0" /></a><br />Such beautiful works of art!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeit7d8olyMM8DVqd5IW1_Sgh2LEt-rR1DQtqer3VU3HBzopOn3fZ9Q3GFtfw0ob-yS16_kIe4SfPis5k99HsxXDZly07nnQEgiMlrKbronJb_mZ05nnvZNhYwScHWiojKHAfUaCOPe_g/s1600-h/070.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeit7d8olyMM8DVqd5IW1_Sgh2LEt-rR1DQtqer3VU3HBzopOn3fZ9Q3GFtfw0ob-yS16_kIe4SfPis5k99HsxXDZly07nnQEgiMlrKbronJb_mZ05nnvZNhYwScHWiojKHAfUaCOPe_g/s400/070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352599371716872450" border="0" /></a><br />They look good enough to eat!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuDf699UTZEJYjbx0opq6trxv-Rv94sWGkenngRn3q1ejOxTTAmN3Tq5hxY-0A1PGTrR6DmGohifZhGB8gPOCMcQxggT0TUprU5fNphYAPgeUgPznVXeP5uwMbPHsPq3s8JJBVUHLDZ8/s1600-h/Kids+N+Cupcakes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuDf699UTZEJYjbx0opq6trxv-Rv94sWGkenngRn3q1ejOxTTAmN3Tq5hxY-0A1PGTrR6DmGohifZhGB8gPOCMcQxggT0TUprU5fNphYAPgeUgPznVXeP5uwMbPHsPq3s8JJBVUHLDZ8/s400/Kids+N+Cupcakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352599775136020354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchIE4mPz-LM1jQ3Omc28n-UcZ_MDrqqc2Y55fuHCsAYZS4Oi73n94eZO-zo6X9AIOr5DAAxkKzNufdyMwn9v4KTXYL7odG-Q9aPPsllnY-DmEd0fJ-beMrUcK-_fLeAKM-4aC_q5Hnho/s1600-h/072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchIE4mPz-LM1jQ3Omc28n-UcZ_MDrqqc2Y55fuHCsAYZS4Oi73n94eZO-zo6X9AIOr5DAAxkKzNufdyMwn9v4KTXYL7odG-Q9aPPsllnY-DmEd0fJ-beMrUcK-_fLeAKM-4aC_q5Hnho/s400/072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352600331575054258" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Creative food wasn't the only fun thing happening. Meet Melody, the singing dog! Melody is brought to life with a paper plate, a jello box, some crayons and a bow.<br /><br />Of course, Aunt Jennifer couldn't resist giving Ashley a hairdo to match!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-b1V1KeB7nbi1WThVy9JDd7iaad8pYtvs7Psn6GUt0UQMhFp6AN9-Jqp-1RyQ2fwGh4Ssd7tlVhvl-ghmL_M7URXQdCmhbTkxfH31anqlmTg8zbsnCalSrFmPT0O-KiUD-3YE41s8Oc/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-b1V1KeB7nbi1WThVy9JDd7iaad8pYtvs7Psn6GUt0UQMhFp6AN9-Jqp-1RyQ2fwGh4Ssd7tlVhvl-ghmL_M7URXQdCmhbTkxfH31anqlmTg8zbsnCalSrFmPT0O-KiUD-3YE41s8Oc/s400/074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352602477258373410" border="0" /></a><br />Later on we stuck a bandaid on her forehead to match Tyler. He had bonked his head good enough that he needed stitches right before we got there and was sporting cool Batman bandaids for a while!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Em-qiKfsu_0ClZq_sSCE05Pu8ZhoBe_K1v9VZW86vVWubgvh5lPR2az4bKTpgRUHLFlSi71cOLfeHBdla8n5Dj84c3Let5KVF7yZaAEjeiFw44hCGHcFl_ayHY4gYDFSqk1xG841xtA/s1600-h/075.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Em-qiKfsu_0ClZq_sSCE05Pu8ZhoBe_K1v9VZW86vVWubgvh5lPR2az4bKTpgRUHLFlSi71cOLfeHBdla8n5Dj84c3Let5KVF7yZaAEjeiFw44hCGHcFl_ayHY4gYDFSqk1xG841xtA/s400/075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352603094388935410" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Melody helped the kids learn some new songs. When they sang nice and pretty she would open her mouth and sing right along with them!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2BpMMq1Q3hXhbbJZYl_c05Rgdhed9sJlkxOrAPr6OQhjk9efDGYHZEnCKKgpWrdC8vrFVb0SsPosagMjK2M6LP8ZzM4y33ds2f6pEorAnVJe3HzLiz1saAs8mnjFI6YHFRELnYl4rzA/s1600-h/077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2BpMMq1Q3hXhbbJZYl_c05Rgdhed9sJlkxOrAPr6OQhjk9efDGYHZEnCKKgpWrdC8vrFVb0SsPosagMjK2M6LP8ZzM4y33ds2f6pEorAnVJe3HzLiz1saAs8mnjFI6YHFRELnYl4rzA/s400/077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352603618236604482" border="0" /></a><br />Do we have a fun mom and grandma or what?<br /><br />To be continued...jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-81907049922170256462009-06-25T22:45:00.005-04:002009-06-29T00:13:15.608-04:00Trip To Omaha - Part 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJmG-viJiXweJfAHuS_NDQPDw-FUnEhpJbmcieqdSJ6bbnraAE-yqu7c3HFr5dA5mUm8LLcEOj1y8OGOInP1CUuDy5jP7Pld1GZyotEybpEBzlYtEfNbs1wSJnXkbWfQ7NhB_HPDrG5Q/s1600-h/087.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJmG-viJiXweJfAHuS_NDQPDw-FUnEhpJbmcieqdSJ6bbnraAE-yqu7c3HFr5dA5mUm8LLcEOj1y8OGOInP1CUuDy5jP7Pld1GZyotEybpEBzlYtEfNbs1wSJnXkbWfQ7NhB_HPDrG5Q/s200/087.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351462261359242386" border="0" /></a>Not far from Ben and Josephine's home is the <a href="http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1837-1-1-1,00.html">Winter Quarters Visitor Center</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Persecuted for their beliefs and driven from their homes, the Latter-day Saints set out from Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1846. They were seeking Zion–a place where they could worship as they pleased. Their destination was Utah's Salt Lake Valley. Thousands of Saints crossed Iowa and encamped on both sides of the Missouri River, including the site of Winter Quarters, where they constructed hundreds of shelters. These temporary towns became safe havens for the Saints–a place to gather strength before resuming the trek west.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrcX6lVH60QNmdsUstXOza5za2jVUWhZvbzHZalrwADxqbpcmVmRxX-nH9UPTiphyphenhyphenccYR1L4ZmtA4THEOevFu0rh4bj3dQVXrmtr6UZr5W0-mhLmKt0IuGKZP2zag0AxaYhSl7egcRj4/s1600-h/085.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrcX6lVH60QNmdsUstXOza5za2jVUWhZvbzHZalrwADxqbpcmVmRxX-nH9UPTiphyphenhyphenccYR1L4ZmtA4THEOevFu0rh4bj3dQVXrmtr6UZr5W0-mhLmKt0IuGKZP2zag0AxaYhSl7egcRj4/s400/085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351456793263543170" border="0" /></a><br />I have ancestor's on my mom's side who were part of the <a href="http://www.mountainsofstone.com/martin_handcart.htm">Martin Handcart Company</a>. They crossed the plains from Iowa to Utah carrying only what they could load into simple handcarts. They suffered unimaginable trials in order to reach a place where they could be free to worship the Lord.<br /><br />It was a special thing to be able to take a picture of some of their posterity next to a handcart like the ones they pulled over the plains. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QF8ywYGwfKo5ZpemZHCtbxHt9NEfWDzjELvsqdUKfQ8mNZXvEty0ukxjoJbXBS1zCYhW2irodfpvC7HLxBpDew_t-d2Cfu_1OxpopHkhxM7aWa9_ucCiiJwIPbUP96BhUWfmx8GzZQ8/s1600-h/089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QF8ywYGwfKo5ZpemZHCtbxHt9NEfWDzjELvsqdUKfQ8mNZXvEty0ukxjoJbXBS1zCYhW2irodfpvC7HLxBpDew_t-d2Cfu_1OxpopHkhxM7aWa9_ucCiiJwIPbUP96BhUWfmx8GzZQ8/s400/089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351456984964828306" border="0" /></a><br />Many of the Latter-Day Saint pioneers died at Winter Quarters. Next to the visitor's center is a cemetery where many of those pioneers are buried. At the center stands this touching statue.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBi8xkfP81a-GAkpEwRrumpeiqzec-uo-VEJs9Rr-Gptxo53opcJ2ncWNm-EvmjsIIt4UXj6cINUeN6uG929A9yiaRnf61I4bkZtvdDyxQbz0SMqXAtErFaPzMTwOiKBabRiY7nBxdAI/s1600-h/091.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBi8xkfP81a-GAkpEwRrumpeiqzec-uo-VEJs9Rr-Gptxo53opcJ2ncWNm-EvmjsIIt4UXj6cINUeN6uG929A9yiaRnf61I4bkZtvdDyxQbz0SMqXAtErFaPzMTwOiKBabRiY7nBxdAI/s400/091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351458487185364786" border="0" /></a><br />I had seen photographs of this statue before, of a mother and father burying their child in a shallow grave in the cold ground. But as I stood beside it, I noticed something I had never seen before - the form of the child, swaddled and laid to rest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3IyFoqco9M1wG6EgfJ5GA9cOkGK-yflncTulVY3Z5ZExu3dF7B6k4ewiBQ2Fw4PMSZGqcXm9klAefDAX5inZc7BpqcidupdfWKEOiX5hU8TPwQFRuJDj_ZTb8Idfcj0SAOmLxioTVmI/s1600-h/093.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3IyFoqco9M1wG6EgfJ5GA9cOkGK-yflncTulVY3Z5ZExu3dF7B6k4ewiBQ2Fw4PMSZGqcXm9klAefDAX5inZc7BpqcidupdfWKEOiX5hU8TPwQFRuJDj_ZTb8Idfcj0SAOmLxioTVmI/s400/093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351459281572438242" border="0" /></a>I couldn't help but weep at the thought of so many who perished and lost loved ones, especially precious children. I am inspired by and grateful for their faith in the Lord that these separations are for a short time until our families will be reunited on the other side.<br /><br />Now, near the site where so many Saints are laid to rest, stands a beautiful Temple of the Lord. A place where families are sealed together and bound for all eternity. (If you'd like to learn more about LDS Temples, click <a href="http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/membership-in-christ-s-church/temples-and-family-history">here</a>.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpajhRt4xnGUrav0bL1q1EXPtX8Q6XTWoMeSz_LklJpXpVsrs_scYeKo-WoxwqANNQnzeeqpwXgXinq4dk2HwJpNo5_jRwIQueNtn7b1SNMN_Dw2qEa2cQf7vNNg1-9K5Wk_tVedtO1qE/s1600-h/winter_quarters_lds_mormon_temple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpajhRt4xnGUrav0bL1q1EXPtX8Q6XTWoMeSz_LklJpXpVsrs_scYeKo-WoxwqANNQnzeeqpwXgXinq4dk2HwJpNo5_jRwIQueNtn7b1SNMN_Dw2qEa2cQf7vNNg1-9K5Wk_tVedtO1qE/s400/winter_quarters_lds_mormon_temple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351461264647432802" border="0" /></a>What a blessing to be able to visit this inspiring and sacred place. I'm awed by the strength and faith of those early members of the church, especially my own ancestors, who withstood such hardships in order to build the kingdom and worship God. This day was one of my favorites of our trip.<br /><br />To be continued...jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-83839888682165562982009-06-24T21:15:00.004-04:002009-06-24T21:18:18.929-04:00Trip To Omaha - Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOt_yxrZXd54bcNezj3exi3iSpD3XYgdM71qGBMgUKgQl2UZ-srPCyB_8dpnFh3oPVVgWEixkgN2JqArB5yBizYOJY2n59XVEZkQeP3IEtbceFKvV-baZx-MJpo4iTSjjrsko3T2UNj8/s1600-h/058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOt_yxrZXd54bcNezj3exi3iSpD3XYgdM71qGBMgUKgQl2UZ-srPCyB_8dpnFh3oPVVgWEixkgN2JqArB5yBizYOJY2n59XVEZkQeP3IEtbceFKvV-baZx-MJpo4iTSjjrsko3T2UNj8/s200/058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351067906059732178" border="0" /></a><br />We found Omaha to be quite pretty, with a lot more rolling hills than I expected and enough trees, green and beauty to keep me happy.<br /><br />We spent one day at the park. My parents, who had been anxiously waiting to spend time with their grandchildren, came prepared with big bubble wands and kites.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8oTdA6ho8eJa2_nimwN4pKlwGmEEUjM0xA-EbJaL222a4GXyqvuS8UXU-D4eT0G-lqCWIDzoDYyjHWvp2QLRbTPm7GFLnaNxqZ-UQptPyk5wajnqoH9qnNfmZR-OvlxrtcHBKZnu2ls/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8oTdA6ho8eJa2_nimwN4pKlwGmEEUjM0xA-EbJaL222a4GXyqvuS8UXU-D4eT0G-lqCWIDzoDYyjHWvp2QLRbTPm7GFLnaNxqZ-UQptPyk5wajnqoH9qnNfmZR-OvlxrtcHBKZnu2ls/s400/039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350705882980252914" border="0" /></a><br />Ashley was the master bubble-blower. Or spinner, rather! These big wands didn't require blowing, just some serious waving. The best technique, of course is to spin in circles!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkAUeiXOL1Us0z-SmdsEuCj3-yMowcLoVtPHT888DsazIop2rCtD_7ULPKGdpHHEnYPvZyn9UDkUy1AYjgp7T2w6lFZbKbT6Y0_C5B6-uaQUIF0a21nisuUpr_ldniSfY4CYFH8xaBtg/s1600-h/041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkAUeiXOL1Us0z-SmdsEuCj3-yMowcLoVtPHT888DsazIop2rCtD_7ULPKGdpHHEnYPvZyn9UDkUy1AYjgp7T2w6lFZbKbT6Y0_C5B6-uaQUIF0a21nisuUpr_ldniSfY4CYFH8xaBtg/s400/041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350706175052295170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRVMk-mD65_Buu9F5rFVKTsoCJVcCvPrRLSfVlfR1YKGKIoIPT1i_1FO9HBxVlwvHSkZ9q1hy0QEqabvmArgZo_r-_wN_Tv0uYepkYW5i7KaSgVVDiZeHoxpP1ajST9tqzePTQHpYmsg/s1600-h/044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRVMk-mD65_Buu9F5rFVKTsoCJVcCvPrRLSfVlfR1YKGKIoIPT1i_1FO9HBxVlwvHSkZ9q1hy0QEqabvmArgZo_r-_wN_Tv0uYepkYW5i7KaSgVVDiZeHoxpP1ajST9tqzePTQHpYmsg/s400/044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350715267771000018" border="0" /></a><br />Tyler loved flying his kite because all that requires is running full-tilt across a field - something he excels at!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru0QxUqvOJwHDrOl2VDm2QhXJpWcZu7B2LM_rG9Kg-gpxV9tPP5qYRjSIdm1lAoCFGjqSoAZHKUYsU-HYAlCO9dnicQ4rNUX0ljdSMMzZcGH0_TEV1UACohEWiLaO8BeC2L1y9KF9RWI/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru0QxUqvOJwHDrOl2VDm2QhXJpWcZu7B2LM_rG9Kg-gpxV9tPP5qYRjSIdm1lAoCFGjqSoAZHKUYsU-HYAlCO9dnicQ4rNUX0ljdSMMzZcGH0_TEV1UACohEWiLaO8BeC2L1y9KF9RWI/s400/038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351066794532459922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxI1aG4_QM3PWSLmDVaA7bi_IW5B9yfkZR5MX9jv4ooJpLcObNRZ_F7is7Z9z7cqBIbB-4a3XDTJzRDn-cKnjyDVu_wQNen1Ang6wFiWkJ9O4mmmg5QGrQeH2seQqeOpRIkH3K3gpHrT4/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxI1aG4_QM3PWSLmDVaA7bi_IW5B9yfkZR5MX9jv4ooJpLcObNRZ_F7is7Z9z7cqBIbB-4a3XDTJzRDn-cKnjyDVu_wQNen1Ang6wFiWkJ9O4mmmg5QGrQeH2seQqeOpRIkH3K3gpHrT4/s400/035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350708583741728498" border="0" /></a><br />This was the first time mom and dad got to meet their new granddaughter, Claire. They couldn't get enough of her!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUi8R6nj7s3a9-zQqRU5atOxR3wWxVE_hHHfgboatxTmxdvkWNe653Dbui8ms5zP8j_dPRcYhxn_aNvVKcp0KCzQplCoCFjOcsSkNHEShK_4JGEz1OKDPhrTMXrsAvgWeR1JgvXjfP2zY/s1600-h/052-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUi8R6nj7s3a9-zQqRU5atOxR3wWxVE_hHHfgboatxTmxdvkWNe653Dbui8ms5zP8j_dPRcYhxn_aNvVKcp0KCzQplCoCFjOcsSkNHEShK_4JGEz1OKDPhrTMXrsAvgWeR1JgvXjfP2zY/s400/052-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350711634666167218" border="0" /></a><br />Who could resist such a cute munchkin?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jMo31XLCjJKGs_kJlNaXspDqHhOZAPlS9WU0rLf9SCvcDQf8i8UvAnR7lDHsy481yv-zl4H1fqxgJqeI-LP642CAfBgJ0XK4V7lILgaFV2n9r6EbmzrM4CWWkiWhMBmM8MyQc5Xlu_4/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jMo31XLCjJKGs_kJlNaXspDqHhOZAPlS9WU0rLf9SCvcDQf8i8UvAnR7lDHsy481yv-zl4H1fqxgJqeI-LP642CAfBgJ0XK4V7lILgaFV2n9r6EbmzrM4CWWkiWhMBmM8MyQc5Xlu_4/s400/047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350712766748895602" border="0" /></a><br />We took a little hike through the woods and Tyler kept stopping to pick wildflowers and show them to me. Melt my heart!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan95cfJPUReG8YSdyIiwgMywoULNZHN6aArDtkl1hqx0JCs3NsVvR59dtxUvC7Sv5AQ9S1eMAw4Iz6yeUHJql138Cq9yk-dEG-o8hb5AluHKwbkDDA0RKFiUhqdnO-I1Sh0wJZgekjaw/s1600-h/054.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan95cfJPUReG8YSdyIiwgMywoULNZHN6aArDtkl1hqx0JCs3NsVvR59dtxUvC7Sv5AQ9S1eMAw4Iz6yeUHJql138Cq9yk-dEG-o8hb5AluHKwbkDDA0RKFiUhqdnO-I1Sh0wJZgekjaw/s400/054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350714120319557170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPekVAdjw3UiNnl9Ij3NFK7gEmPMF8dcv1aR5C9CXXwO_cXxUwlsTJFl9-1us1dxbwWOoe4ScuH5FBySOpUtQkZdkRk8rjDVS1qqmPMjfIZrFkgKB2Mca1UMBu_QxAWxEbbxkinEBaQ4/s1600-h/057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPekVAdjw3UiNnl9Ij3NFK7gEmPMF8dcv1aR5C9CXXwO_cXxUwlsTJFl9-1us1dxbwWOoe4ScuH5FBySOpUtQkZdkRk8rjDVS1qqmPMjfIZrFkgKB2Mca1UMBu_QxAWxEbbxkinEBaQ4/s400/057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350719176618086082" border="0" /></a><br />Ashley collected quite a bunch as well.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0pDhvz83eHljAZUxnmo0rnAQRQAK3uPynuOkopcFyOvK-_yMQNu6dMr0BkbgjU-gquw65eREKxcA8nbh8mKUk2bLcxHlvonjqkN_Z2-REUE5FZAs1BhduT4E5QVnD3lx8utciu7dpFc/s1600-h/060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0pDhvz83eHljAZUxnmo0rnAQRQAK3uPynuOkopcFyOvK-_yMQNu6dMr0BkbgjU-gquw65eREKxcA8nbh8mKUk2bLcxHlvonjqkN_Z2-REUE5FZAs1BhduT4E5QVnD3lx8utciu7dpFc/s400/060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350716001103703010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74OtV5D0xB-UrgO71bkDMSgy4ZMypbZ2SGwaJlF2J_c4gL1Dtn9MtymEIvQ0Ad64GrW3LhIq9_a-5iDDC_-4KcsVYLUxBMGScKJ9uoh-eJuswGwb6cOHx9JkTkTEW3WnKEdTGJ0-s95k/s1600-h/059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74OtV5D0xB-UrgO71bkDMSgy4ZMypbZ2SGwaJlF2J_c4gL1Dtn9MtymEIvQ0Ad64GrW3LhIq9_a-5iDDC_-4KcsVYLUxBMGScKJ9uoh-eJuswGwb6cOHx9JkTkTEW3WnKEdTGJ0-s95k/s400/059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350722075592433746" border="0" /></a><br />Grandma didn't come on the hike, so the kids decided to present her with the bouquets of blossoms they found.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeb_GgZvwSBjw6YM76JXoE6ILBftH7KfWQQFXpT7YN-guVxr1f2F0EMBx_bNoc3miCbxQ-WJYEg0GlQNec3FeeJ7r91DxIyObIRN4dGGZ5S-Cmrj61YvD4iVV-LL7lFoB5NABsJ7mqzo/s1600-h/063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeb_GgZvwSBjw6YM76JXoE6ILBftH7KfWQQFXpT7YN-guVxr1f2F0EMBx_bNoc3miCbxQ-WJYEg0GlQNec3FeeJ7r91DxIyObIRN4dGGZ5S-Cmrj61YvD4iVV-LL7lFoB5NABsJ7mqzo/s400/063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350717739434697522" border="0" /></a><br />Being with family is beautiful.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHLbb8BBUfc4pBxUSKMqLix8_ok-tb-S3OABEhHWFtANHL-tIIsW2kZJ0PdmfJp8H_j3Q9jl3gCb_7tEJ5eCF8GxFk-uG0Rs7I6fo07XP5VoeJbP5dOEbXppDUqM1b8_D4d6RIBmp3Ms/s1600-h/065.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHLbb8BBUfc4pBxUSKMqLix8_ok-tb-S3OABEhHWFtANHL-tIIsW2kZJ0PdmfJp8H_j3Q9jl3gCb_7tEJ5eCF8GxFk-uG0Rs7I6fo07XP5VoeJbP5dOEbXppDUqM1b8_D4d6RIBmp3Ms/s400/065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350718504159628706" border="0" /></a><br />To be continued...jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-89213077279491655832009-06-23T01:43:00.006-04:002009-06-23T02:03:12.967-04:00Trip To Omaha - Part 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GKJ5u6UuAVcufQNphP6extZTvhPFkOb6-X-yTKv5AqS9T2yiGIif39nyYeLI1XhuWGcjpH_pw3Oy9lT4BZtLbD2tW8GmeMCZR7-YrsLD73a12SOrWu3OnGuNXrxhLEtCo7m-EXJkNmI/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GKJ5u6UuAVcufQNphP6extZTvhPFkOb6-X-yTKv5AqS9T2yiGIif39nyYeLI1XhuWGcjpH_pw3Oy9lT4BZtLbD2tW8GmeMCZR7-YrsLD73a12SOrWu3OnGuNXrxhLEtCo7m-EXJkNmI/s200/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350394846028880242" border="0" /></a><br />Recently we took a family vacation to Omaha, Nebraska.<br /><br />Yes. Nebraska.<br /><br />When Ben and Josephine <a href="http://teddypaws.blogspot.com/2008/10/welcome-baby-claire.html">announced last year</a> that they were moving there, our reaction was as follows:<br /><br />"Omaha. ......................Seriously?"<br /><br />So when my mom and dad asked us if we wanted to hop in their van and join them as they drove through Ohio on their way to visit, it wasn't so much the thought of vacationing in <span style="font-style: italic;">Nebraska</span> that tempted us as much as the thought of getting to vacation with <span style="font-style: italic;">family</span>.<br /><br />Well, we had a <span style="font-style: italic;">wonderful</span> visit, plus a little surprise: Omaha is NICE! We absolutely were impressed.<br /><br />We roadtripped for 2 days to get there. I love road trips! We talked and laughed (and some of us slept) and found some fantastic little restaurants and fun things to see along the way.<br /><br />On the second day, we stopped at Adam-Ondi-Ahman. (An LDS church history site.) It was beautiful and we really enjoyed the peaceful, natural setting and the beautiful spirit that was there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKuV_M0wkwG9fG96Rto21Fij7HtbfKXVApyGWL8e1hmHdB3NCyURPCtbDBQui3RQMfqmb7CBVVcK72swCS6QlcAb9XhZFiJacTyZdCgREE7drK0e7RnvMA14FcoZ-aQgH4CbCzf_LBKQ/s1600-h/032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKuV_M0wkwG9fG96Rto21Fij7HtbfKXVApyGWL8e1hmHdB3NCyURPCtbDBQui3RQMfqmb7CBVVcK72swCS6QlcAb9XhZFiJacTyZdCgREE7drK0e7RnvMA14FcoZ-aQgH4CbCzf_LBKQ/s400/032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348882349654009602" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkhqZzrfk9AS4f6Oybt-StsQNcZ2GJz8TG5ZvfG1uENUZOzu_oDEyUNMmoCVI1axFfYJ49x30uiC3_cBpEFZGsu5zHb8iX71xQLiLuC5BXez0NzCI7oMq3Mi7irVkmsifePgygX1w-dQ/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkhqZzrfk9AS4f6Oybt-StsQNcZ2GJz8TG5ZvfG1uENUZOzu_oDEyUNMmoCVI1axFfYJ49x30uiC3_cBpEFZGsu5zHb8iX71xQLiLuC5BXez0NzCI7oMq3Mi7irVkmsifePgygX1w-dQ/s400/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348883153002535074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6aXPxNmQlkf2QbWwP-fr6RXdYaX9UhS40WpuFAVvwYd7NLSfaRansgm_9hsn4q0UYc1EpI1Jnx7s2kwcHVq35yyJi0mG6X8Cp8VMmLC8arY8Ak0JKVIW8iOvwmnkG-V35wf1TYsW7dU/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6aXPxNmQlkf2QbWwP-fr6RXdYaX9UhS40WpuFAVvwYd7NLSfaRansgm_9hsn4q0UYc1EpI1Jnx7s2kwcHVq35yyJi0mG6X8Cp8VMmLC8arY8Ak0JKVIW8iOvwmnkG-V35wf1TYsW7dU/s400/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349611549439721266" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXSnVyoZkqgh6qoxmc3HP4HstoVjqWGZCClK1ets4Tr4aTMJ0VZRLEGLnqtefrIm_EXxKJhYWnnxKeyj7bCAMkTRBZ-EIC0vqV8ltMWrH_NOquCmmTvaxd3JYtd9brI6ai4AHKUPonl4/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXSnVyoZkqgh6qoxmc3HP4HstoVjqWGZCClK1ets4Tr4aTMJ0VZRLEGLnqtefrIm_EXxKJhYWnnxKeyj7bCAMkTRBZ-EIC0vqV8ltMWrH_NOquCmmTvaxd3JYtd9brI6ai4AHKUPonl4/s400/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348886114980759618" border="0" /></a><br />It felt really good to be able to get out of the car and walk around and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD_lnWHWzKwwvqhNhKz_Um6SymTYD0UPshXwxVxVd9VS_JII34j4FaCOe4LPiYAceg_ww4euIKq7IO2DWEQaeoOMfMo8fWrpQZ4k4JrUKlf5c6eljKnbw425OmdttvRTcsjP3EdS_HAo/s1600-h/019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD_lnWHWzKwwvqhNhKz_Um6SymTYD0UPshXwxVxVd9VS_JII34j4FaCOe4LPiYAceg_ww4euIKq7IO2DWEQaeoOMfMo8fWrpQZ4k4JrUKlf5c6eljKnbw425OmdttvRTcsjP3EdS_HAo/s400/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348885292504723682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvxzk6-avNrl8lyVNvI8D9NjrG5GvZlcmNCNvhX-YDNDl4Bm2rCSH-HgYUhzvAFGXtIpAu-G9fQgLUWxH5hyphenhypheny5e35_r3s_1MKJjhZPWjZKc0Pxq7COfNwYscaNfZxdYG39xS5XSvf8vE/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvxzk6-avNrl8lyVNvI8D9NjrG5GvZlcmNCNvhX-YDNDl4Bm2rCSH-HgYUhzvAFGXtIpAu-G9fQgLUWxH5hyphenhypheny5e35_r3s_1MKJjhZPWjZKc0Pxq7COfNwYscaNfZxdYG39xS5XSvf8vE/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349611026406723458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYYyguwitjIQ4ltk-6jqc_Fk71e7hvR37lXM9UCKaxQ3SSC66a9_dHaJugIOFz1DUcbhdmjccAv7612l_Qjigccy42zJD7VMd4EJhPSqtVhh4ldWakQ9PDfyISneMV3N7-0jl33wbL50/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYYyguwitjIQ4ltk-6jqc_Fk71e7hvR37lXM9UCKaxQ3SSC66a9_dHaJugIOFz1DUcbhdmjccAv7612l_Qjigccy42zJD7VMd4EJhPSqtVhh4ldWakQ9PDfyISneMV3N7-0jl33wbL50/s400/017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349612038873601170" border="0" /></a><br />We found some helicopter leaves.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOpQzzOt8AMnVwoACRbx4YfOankF0MGqfmb9-nBAXBycaNF1H4jAh5XzjUXQL73YmxAm1nCUH6JxDVsFXjbBkQR2464f-kVvHHB6MHUOy84NCMFnsuaB2Z2YqAXgyGtybaI6bx158MhU/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOpQzzOt8AMnVwoACRbx4YfOankF0MGqfmb9-nBAXBycaNF1H4jAh5XzjUXQL73YmxAm1nCUH6JxDVsFXjbBkQR2464f-kVvHHB6MHUOy84NCMFnsuaB2Z2YqAXgyGtybaI6bx158MhU/s400/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349609191315312690" border="0" /></a><br />They were too green still to flutter nicely though, they just kind of dropped to the ground instead of spinning and rotating in the breeze. So we had come up with an alternative way to play with them.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cUegIZT3KbMN3zjYQS0FwCqXLhOZbzJ8yQLOsggSO6-cpy5uE7sTJIVCl4P6Z0jnRHecrsYLvwf3b_GGNcAsLWKX4XWQqnfO3s2jo5nW8BUjDNHY6ox3oJuUbENqowTXgnQyvkJFivA/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cUegIZT3KbMN3zjYQS0FwCqXLhOZbzJ8yQLOsggSO6-cpy5uE7sTJIVCl4P6Z0jnRHecrsYLvwf3b_GGNcAsLWKX4XWQqnfO3s2jo5nW8BUjDNHY6ox3oJuUbENqowTXgnQyvkJFivA/s400/013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348883778807289938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaoePD_4JH3DZFx3eXrgK2FZ5F3d1LiDmgkgmFnvWnK5dmmeQCh3pCLX0DYmvgmptEmy9RXmNe4jmxh2gAsZ5cfP6i2G0X-GiwGBxs0wr62HFCoHUdQtk2cDLjlrJkwGuwOOBG87DNAg/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaoePD_4JH3DZFx3eXrgK2FZ5F3d1LiDmgkgmFnvWnK5dmmeQCh3pCLX0DYmvgmptEmy9RXmNe4jmxh2gAsZ5cfP6i2G0X-GiwGBxs0wr62HFCoHUdQtk2cDLjlrJkwGuwOOBG87DNAg/s400/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348884321127555458" border="0" /></a>Scott looks better in a mustache than I do.<br /><br />To be continued...jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-34051933291271184762009-06-01T08:54:00.003-04:002009-06-18T23:31:01.055-04:00It's here!The first trailer for New Moon!<br /><br /><a href="http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=58186608">THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON trailer</a><br /><object width="425" height="360"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=58186608,t=1,mt=video"><embed src="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=58186608,t=1,mt=video" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="360"></embed></object><br /><br />November cannot get here fast enough.jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-84732170308120115182009-04-13T21:02:00.019-04:002009-04-14T19:43:45.927-04:00Easter Celebration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJlJ6VMT3lzTotxoiLi7Lo8ygZRDJpdtsE1Ep7yvYJIu0FCySd7mMz2UAc08SaEKxcgoKXiGhlKfr-DKlM_cGvav0-GwYmMcjPgKXW2mc4Igc_7Nhg4BW2vhzF5Ji6naNJiiNg3sehgc/s1600-h/025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJlJ6VMT3lzTotxoiLi7Lo8ygZRDJpdtsE1Ep7yvYJIu0FCySd7mMz2UAc08SaEKxcgoKXiGhlKfr-DKlM_cGvav0-GwYmMcjPgKXW2mc4Igc_7Nhg4BW2vhzF5Ji6naNJiiNg3sehgc/s200/025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324347854309568370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We had another wonderful Easter celebration this year!<br /><br /><br />While Scott was working his magic in the kitchen, I was in charge of setting the table...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjalHhQ45lerzYTus_cU1zNTDV1gmurXE4c3BHM6-zahxtgvXZFEToAWLJSTsdkIzqOEsKp5QVuOjvCObKCLbjbWXNISdP9-WgWAcE8mfmHzjLdfb57tC5xfeodW8KSxwL1MOiKNeTH4/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjalHhQ45lerzYTus_cU1zNTDV1gmurXE4c3BHM6-zahxtgvXZFEToAWLJSTsdkIzqOEsKp5QVuOjvCObKCLbjbWXNISdP9-WgWAcE8mfmHzjLdfb57tC5xfeodW8KSxwL1MOiKNeTH4/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324348514017342130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnJvDlyLHGHWpssRJlTHnU8Cus23L40YYiCBHBBDuFO5cCGd5Vg0jL41ykqlkTzWR1cZHqqrFu8tSUfRBr6A5YfiTFIlI2IUKxsHGmfH3gOrdo8o3WlLlQPWRBaOd5prp-RxdG37fJ1c/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnJvDlyLHGHWpssRJlTHnU8Cus23L40YYiCBHBBDuFO5cCGd5Vg0jL41ykqlkTzWR1cZHqqrFu8tSUfRBr6A5YfiTFIlI2IUKxsHGmfH3gOrdo8o3WlLlQPWRBaOd5prp-RxdG37fJ1c/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324349268272806498" border="0" /></a><br />Some of the daffodils from the front yard made a lovely bouquet for the table.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XDKadXIrn922JdC1xuB08A-3Rk2Hu9bFjTZoMS_RVz9k_da5psSvkJMlYNgKW67YKRq52DtQQCyDEp2c_pdpq1mfOWwmcWm6Q0lZePfYizUUCEzKbzNx8mL8HZIvSFxW_5sx3eDsxlo/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XDKadXIrn922JdC1xuB08A-3Rk2Hu9bFjTZoMS_RVz9k_da5psSvkJMlYNgKW67YKRq52DtQQCyDEp2c_pdpq1mfOWwmcWm6Q0lZePfYizUUCEzKbzNx8mL8HZIvSFxW_5sx3eDsxlo/s400/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324349699387125506" border="0" /></a><br />Dan and Melinda came over and shared in our feast. It was absolutely delicious, as always! And the best part was spending time together and all the fun conversation we always have. We love them so much and are grateful to have them as our "extended family."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk3zhyPQewz9USEuHMsPKXXcyrwNU8W5-Hl3qC4Pj3QncE-uyyvCvKxuWpkgBRGy0SBBveC42_3wPDPUP0V1UaGyITOqqLLEBWX6f50Ztb5tcuAdcJpAsmzO2i97yztAompzaS12pK_U/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk3zhyPQewz9USEuHMsPKXXcyrwNU8W5-Hl3qC4Pj3QncE-uyyvCvKxuWpkgBRGy0SBBveC42_3wPDPUP0V1UaGyITOqqLLEBWX6f50Ztb5tcuAdcJpAsmzO2i97yztAompzaS12pK_U/s400/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324350029962018546" border="0" /></a><br />Scott and I had a lot of fun being creative together this year - with decorating our springtime flower cupcakes for dessert...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FD-u42SZy7VCJKkUpgTAQq3Gyf8NNc599GiWk8gMRNpxkt4rZH3npWSzIEXD6QIF7FipNHiquQgK08SQSnlaeJdPNdJN-R1JrNFgSUKzNHsdXgtsdAD2W4u1AwJ4xkrYJkVcUN3M144/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FD-u42SZy7VCJKkUpgTAQq3Gyf8NNc599GiWk8gMRNpxkt4rZH3npWSzIEXD6QIF7FipNHiquQgK08SQSnlaeJdPNdJN-R1JrNFgSUKzNHsdXgtsdAD2W4u1AwJ4xkrYJkVcUN3M144/s400/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324656433106857938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-y8F4fcKqhgsY5xjMp3J9FZ67-Xu8he1_7wbMcDkbWZxu-QGw5vt-1dKExIqwbwGD5BpgvAGkk840ATI_F1vwd0G_riEz1vrr9WvjBocK4agtmXNf6iB7rD60saoF0E8xlGrWLTqD7ro/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-y8F4fcKqhgsY5xjMp3J9FZ67-Xu8he1_7wbMcDkbWZxu-QGw5vt-1dKExIqwbwGD5BpgvAGkk840ATI_F1vwd0G_riEz1vrr9WvjBocK4agtmXNf6iB7rD60saoF0E8xlGrWLTqD7ro/s400/010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324352172888334658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypD66yUixFJAs8GPW8-rimVIwEwnkLAENum1rjHKC-J2aLY6f5TWeBc_6sVwqCrVez6J3ntMa3EDwJD2UyLZK8wqBMgokMjlWAOMl14Dmo8kgkw3XyLDnyTdk2txXryXYhjDmIU-F7eI/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypD66yUixFJAs8GPW8-rimVIwEwnkLAENum1rjHKC-J2aLY6f5TWeBc_6sVwqCrVez6J3ntMa3EDwJD2UyLZK8wqBMgokMjlWAOMl14Dmo8kgkw3XyLDnyTdk2txXryXYhjDmIU-F7eI/s400/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324352654304091218" border="0" /></a><br />...and dying eggs - one of my favorite traditions from my childhood.<br /><br />My family had a little custom where each of us would decorate an egg for each member of the family. We would write the person's name on it with the wax crayon and decorate it in a way we thought they would like. I made one for Scott (can you tell which one?) but I forgot to tell him about the tradition, so he didn't do one with my name on it. :(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscum0t1aPnJsULqc6ptTXHqhdLpehT2J4h1yvUtsBnSXWN0yL8LQsjrJYoaNcFMPRqGwlh00GC7kyFVNtNnaBybQ4LVfHpStvHIDeYlbnQkL-LrznxMCTnOqHdKafySODfQDyPwS-UdQ/s1600-h/029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscum0t1aPnJsULqc6ptTXHqhdLpehT2J4h1yvUtsBnSXWN0yL8LQsjrJYoaNcFMPRqGwlh00GC7kyFVNtNnaBybQ4LVfHpStvHIDeYlbnQkL-LrznxMCTnOqHdKafySODfQDyPwS-UdQ/s400/029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324353362213015250" border="0" /></a><br />But I picked out my favorite egg that he decorated and we decided that one could be "mine." :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrTskL5oVx_U0CugwzqJ8O2lBraBuXJC0aipkSxi8iUv56z7m4TvQv9Ioo0oSgfW_8x65FfHZaodVk0FsjCX2HCluLVo8BqXbSSiJIuJug0F8zIz61-jV3AGm_Jh9iJ2am4MMDa2o3sk/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrTskL5oVx_U0CugwzqJ8O2lBraBuXJC0aipkSxi8iUv56z7m4TvQv9Ioo0oSgfW_8x65FfHZaodVk0FsjCX2HCluLVo8BqXbSSiJIuJug0F8zIz61-jV3AGm_Jh9iJ2am4MMDa2o3sk/s400/035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324381023451556242" border="0" /></a><br />Isn't it gorgeous? My cute husband is so talented!<br /><br />I think it's so perfect that Easter is in the springtime. What better time of year to remember the gift of the resurrection and the atonement, when we are surrounded by the beauty of spring flowers, newborn animals and budding leaves. Everything feels fresh and new. What beautiful blessings the Savior gives us.<br /><br />Hope you had a beautiful, colorful Easter!jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-39799362176292191322009-04-01T21:00:00.027-04:002009-06-18T23:31:01.056-04:00Signs of Life<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVmnBTPwGZIsbnF9FalUigOTpP8oU-YAZPXKcMitEdpDPiQtMMfbYtFIwarg4QblliPhuara-vml9wVtczt_s5rgCVsyfto_ww4N1fbK-X6MFJ4DHc_eFG56L01oAEhW_-jV6XvwnN7s/s1600-h/061.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVmnBTPwGZIsbnF9FalUigOTpP8oU-YAZPXKcMitEdpDPiQtMMfbYtFIwarg4QblliPhuara-vml9wVtczt_s5rgCVsyfto_ww4N1fbK-X6MFJ4DHc_eFG56L01oAEhW_-jV6XvwnN7s/s200/061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320260257057080610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I love this time of year!<br /><br />Signs of life are all around...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Newborn lambs are wobbling about at <a href="http://www.metroparks.org/Parks/CarriageHill/Home.aspx">Carriage Hill</a>...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1m5vkX2XlDnz3CjuW29Vllkx1mkcPGozJFwAxQjLVcMWxr8K_vr4_LNprbjIYzl8tITheSn_kXxj5CdLYUYYewmkvF6hVibnS07bLEGkCVqis0ljUOvMUFmKV94RZYGAIQDUe1q2g3k/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1m5vkX2XlDnz3CjuW29Vllkx1mkcPGozJFwAxQjLVcMWxr8K_vr4_LNprbjIYzl8tITheSn_kXxj5CdLYUYYewmkvF6hVibnS07bLEGkCVqis0ljUOvMUFmKV94RZYGAIQDUe1q2g3k/s400/039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319893679164590242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6-svxFaSOTfZzyyCDX0BE5xqcJMxC5GcnFim20qMCCxOysYcwUE1Y6U2WRazhhOyMxeQ6crj34gdcca1BV10rQJ-nLy4TWgOguRdIysQSOITHrYAGIv1qwSnldgFSe0zmmnHWXia4uk/s1600-h/046.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6-svxFaSOTfZzyyCDX0BE5xqcJMxC5GcnFim20qMCCxOysYcwUE1Y6U2WRazhhOyMxeQ6crj34gdcca1BV10rQJ-nLy4TWgOguRdIysQSOITHrYAGIv1qwSnldgFSe0zmmnHWXia4uk/s400/046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319893944804258770" border="0" /></a>So pure and sweet...aren't they precious?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrXd7baCwzx6hVuip0lu9rG34wXsSwVo9RBLhcOaBBbKWERLGG5CRt4beRFEE5VhU2AgqD_rYFnV2cG7icGiT86a47CBzj3KtShQwm317nd60dOgc19_SES55P4K3uWu0I-n-q_bF2-s/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrXd7baCwzx6hVuip0lu9rG34wXsSwVo9RBLhcOaBBbKWERLGG5CRt4beRFEE5VhU2AgqD_rYFnV2cG7icGiT86a47CBzj3KtShQwm317nd60dOgc19_SES55P4K3uWu0I-n-q_bF2-s/s400/047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319894255185755458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIJANO3yGlYxo2QkBcHeCv8EsL-0jv8AThxpX5_SOqAA1NnKw6gvTCvR5-PhqzVPGMdsUUH21gpapQc17VRm7SLVPi721xPQz6BOOeppMmrQaRbAq_Nc6diRWAuIsmi4F2kzvJiSoO-8/s1600-h/048.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIJANO3yGlYxo2QkBcHeCv8EsL-0jv8AThxpX5_SOqAA1NnKw6gvTCvR5-PhqzVPGMdsUUH21gpapQc17VRm7SLVPi721xPQz6BOOeppMmrQaRbAq_Nc6diRWAuIsmi4F2kzvJiSoO-8/s400/048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319894466158086770" border="0" /></a><br />Wildflowers are blossoming at the base of a tree...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc6KyH6nOwxm-VIUwQtIn3Jkbmy4XC_BNK-kqnXJDCkta_Z1ShFN63qTFL6SvgYBKRSr6Q37vtPt4En1kYIpkquBeHUgtwHpECVssWMpmMWb_wAt2-qu2P4InEwohGlVYdeuBnfNoBIw/s1600-h/049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc6KyH6nOwxm-VIUwQtIn3Jkbmy4XC_BNK-kqnXJDCkta_Z1ShFN63qTFL6SvgYBKRSr6Q37vtPt4En1kYIpkquBeHUgtwHpECVssWMpmMWb_wAt2-qu2P4InEwohGlVYdeuBnfNoBIw/s400/049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319933355113456818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWD1VPn9sgUzEaRm8792ipRj-T11eEHP2TmRMV5AcBGoyMj9PU4XPwTpqcqHeUI3RaXm4J2Fb52_8PjjnpyN8R4tqwb6gGvcIurdaDFuVNrkLJEIY57rw80RotohNJ_k3eLGXX-q0kXI/s1600-h/050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWD1VPn9sgUzEaRm8792ipRj-T11eEHP2TmRMV5AcBGoyMj9PU4XPwTpqcqHeUI3RaXm4J2Fb52_8PjjnpyN8R4tqwb6gGvcIurdaDFuVNrkLJEIY57rw80RotohNJ_k3eLGXX-q0kXI/s400/050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319933625331342242" border="0" /></a><br />The magnolia trees are blooming gloriously...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0F33RznDKvV5_U0We1n44iXtz44jHcQp2M3XBSqC4089E-CDEdZb6N2POHjKfU1jUAb7UZ7x7ZZjXh25t1hchrC1KzjZfyBMtwlYYyCapurj7RHNH8MqFwpLRHbKbNntDACXu4O88AE/s1600-h/052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0F33RznDKvV5_U0We1n44iXtz44jHcQp2M3XBSqC4089E-CDEdZb6N2POHjKfU1jUAb7UZ7x7ZZjXh25t1hchrC1KzjZfyBMtwlYYyCapurj7RHNH8MqFwpLRHbKbNntDACXu4O88AE/s400/052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319934115282397442" border="0" /></a><br />Buds and baby leaves begin to adorn the trees and bushes...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCYdXG9j4xtQpi1UFhrWWGnjSuiDBuWsSuiUfWB1msCFf1caBMFmptYzSljT2ePiJKFZ7PqPBRw30SfM2XoC3UjagIq1BVJ7-kzw3fhhXa1qIJFVlJh8871hJnr-2XubAEXnornvAj4s/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCYdXG9j4xtQpi1UFhrWWGnjSuiDBuWsSuiUfWB1msCFf1caBMFmptYzSljT2ePiJKFZ7PqPBRw30SfM2XoC3UjagIq1BVJ7-kzw3fhhXa1qIJFVlJh8871hJnr-2XubAEXnornvAj4s/s400/074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319935352298288642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7aoX9UTfLW1zaEDsUt84RMFHByUIvB-yi2YSWbBzjT6UKOkV98jOa0LOsteRzsYs7vQs0NoWLaxcvfaEFt59R6syYT1MLD4KY5JwFdmNl1mI2kbxy-COF7S1nmS48SBBQKbLapUNC2o/s1600-h/076.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7aoX9UTfLW1zaEDsUt84RMFHByUIvB-yi2YSWbBzjT6UKOkV98jOa0LOsteRzsYs7vQs0NoWLaxcvfaEFt59R6syYT1MLD4KY5JwFdmNl1mI2kbxy-COF7S1nmS48SBBQKbLapUNC2o/s400/076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320253953681505026" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNTUAc2BeSqSmxvfV-KdnjI8VwEO4E4ac6qaUUCf2xArJHcl436BkpnMGOk2S8w5Y3c8atkSkKIjPqTdqiysl4rCzxOX3S1VUhMtsz6KvIlJet-AE6VL874z1kS_961u5fbF3HYLfFSY/s1600-h/055.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNTUAc2BeSqSmxvfV-KdnjI8VwEO4E4ac6qaUUCf2xArJHcl436BkpnMGOk2S8w5Y3c8atkSkKIjPqTdqiysl4rCzxOX3S1VUhMtsz6KvIlJet-AE6VL874z1kS_961u5fbF3HYLfFSY/s400/055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319934540576018050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF6B2a3KQIGPD8kEUtUFHUqaFGH8_0pO-u6eoJW3gakxbCVwEOQbpLKzoRvJ-QhFUNZMNVqZXqhGh6KC-Rhciz9s3nAKUGNveJC-VHjUVuybjyc2WW-TrAQxl9S40AVFLkCoYklPcd2g/s1600-h/056.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF6B2a3KQIGPD8kEUtUFHUqaFGH8_0pO-u6eoJW3gakxbCVwEOQbpLKzoRvJ-QhFUNZMNVqZXqhGh6KC-Rhciz9s3nAKUGNveJC-VHjUVuybjyc2WW-TrAQxl9S40AVFLkCoYklPcd2g/s400/056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319934950222057890" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXzmOr7QyuNfMZB7SEzO0au1KpO-tQIQfGqVct7Kgtj3aWEyZ5_K_WfX32pEwb0AqvWsgMpuX_kFGrSR5EZof-QOsEcp9p5yw0b0r1i1l0ro5Q6KhCLvaWUouq1GP_BZSr5JQZaE2uK8/s1600-h/066.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXzmOr7QyuNfMZB7SEzO0au1KpO-tQIQfGqVct7Kgtj3aWEyZ5_K_WfX32pEwb0AqvWsgMpuX_kFGrSR5EZof-QOsEcp9p5yw0b0r1i1l0ro5Q6KhCLvaWUouq1GP_BZSr5JQZaE2uK8/s400/066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320254670289333554" border="0" /></a><br />Daffodils are spreading sunshine in my front yard...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqK3Jsi5h8nYx8Cl1FKV-JOHwF-2fFx9eKAgXjVE0Jq-ufUK2GSd0ZqeSad0_606DnimvFOTujiCKRebaSNsOidKtFpV_v4SoHrpaaoyqRNNo5TzA2EYDPxk0jf0hd9SUkujfEUKlfaU/s1600-h/062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqK3Jsi5h8nYx8Cl1FKV-JOHwF-2fFx9eKAgXjVE0Jq-ufUK2GSd0ZqeSad0_606DnimvFOTujiCKRebaSNsOidKtFpV_v4SoHrpaaoyqRNNo5TzA2EYDPxk0jf0hd9SUkujfEUKlfaU/s400/062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319936149776198354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJmlT43YXo3NuJhUqI_9XRFG7V0drxM2viqOdFhMepI0CRHi1cuS50dqO2aRt1bhX8p6M_aRyB4e2A1ZAbmy-RA6m0CWIY2mQ3sZTmScSIqnltvorgZ2_F17-NOs25h6EI5mZknYHSG0/s1600-h/057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJmlT43YXo3NuJhUqI_9XRFG7V0drxM2viqOdFhMepI0CRHi1cuS50dqO2aRt1bhX8p6M_aRyB4e2A1ZAbmy-RA6m0CWIY2mQ3sZTmScSIqnltvorgZ2_F17-NOs25h6EI5mZknYHSG0/s400/057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320251420975075186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtazqJSS8PViTwuKz1hmRG8gm7qI4-59w74gDh2vn8YWxd-068jLWsZwKlDgdDisqxHUxTpcomVBWw8K5-rcnYXMR9l-sj8uFIfK46U-O8sCCqhbKBJKAMzGN7KTpubXapNe48Tl2NmN0/s1600-h/059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtazqJSS8PViTwuKz1hmRG8gm7qI4-59w74gDh2vn8YWxd-068jLWsZwKlDgdDisqxHUxTpcomVBWw8K5-rcnYXMR9l-sj8uFIfK46U-O8sCCqhbKBJKAMzGN7KTpubXapNe48Tl2NmN0/s400/059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320251974579732962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLl2swNfK_GMtS92PCACTezzqOr2zeCj105lUi-s7RSVW0osnqEp_S09ev3woQx7iVFrHY34J2xqdjFcyfkqshfzzpKxYN4hoV1AO5GRV-cgWR2dr_uETL4FK1Q90KPB9ReINIFDhVzw/s1600-h/068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLl2swNfK_GMtS92PCACTezzqOr2zeCj105lUi-s7RSVW0osnqEp_S09ev3woQx7iVFrHY34J2xqdjFcyfkqshfzzpKxYN4hoV1AO5GRV-cgWR2dr_uETL4FK1Q90KPB9ReINIFDhVzw/s400/068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320252606114999826" border="0" /></a><br />And I am happy!<br /></div>jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-87743887075988073512009-03-28T09:44:00.006-04:002009-03-28T10:55:29.604-04:00Yummy Lemonade<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMm4Gw_jOUErf0qAcQ2dKszHFhvwudJ34WH4vMDBakjIOrNk-JE1t4vU4B1_GSQLmjpCLKr0B2zAsta4UtxRiwIEyCMNIixEhpDnFxXAY2S6tK_OfV112giRs7eeewF78brG8dm-EIec/s1600-h/lemonadeaward-thumb.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMm4Gw_jOUErf0qAcQ2dKszHFhvwudJ34WH4vMDBakjIOrNk-JE1t4vU4B1_GSQLmjpCLKr0B2zAsta4UtxRiwIEyCMNIixEhpDnFxXAY2S6tK_OfV112giRs7eeewF78brG8dm-EIec/s400/lemonadeaward-thumb.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318234779949565970" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pearlsofgreatprice.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/lemonade-award/">Nancy</a> nominated me for the Lemonade Award. I feel so special! And thirsty!<br /><br />Now I get to pick some friends to nominate who's blogs I find refreshing and delicious...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://mamalutz.wordpress.com/">Michele</a> is one of my good friends who first encouraged me to start my own blog. Her humorous take on all the crazy things that happen when you have 5 of the cutest kids ever is refreshing and sweet. It's also awesome that her kids' blog nicknames are inspired by Star Trek!<br /><br /><a href="http://crouchfamilysmiles.blogspot.com/">Sarah C</a> is one of the sweetest, most positive people I know, and her blog reflects that. She is always doing fun things with her adorable family and has the most infectious smile. Her blog is all privatey, but if you're lucky, she might invite you to see it!<br /><br /><a href="http://crunchypandabear.blogspot.com/">Megan</a> is the cutest little prego mommy-to be and she's also saving the world by using cloth diapers, raising chickens in her backyard and planting a square-foot-garden. She and her husband, Brian, are really into "backyard sustainability." And I just love watching her little belly grow!<br /><br /><a href="http://whatiwore2day.blogspot.com/">Kasmira</a> at What I Wore Today has an awesome blog that I check daily. She's a down-to-earth, real girl who loves fashion and inspiring others. She has inspired me to be more creative with my own wardrobe and have fun with clothes. She rocks!<br /><br /><a href="http://mabelshouse.blogspot.com/">Liz</a> at Mabel's House is a kindred spirit. She loves her little dog Mabel as much as I love Teddy. She has a passion for beautifying her home and worries about those little fine lines that (she thinks) are starting to pop up. She is a great example of creativity, humor and faith. Her <a href="http://mabelshouse.blogspot.com/2009/03/remembering-her.html">recent post</a> on her feelings after losing a dear friend touched my heart. She's just an awesome girl.<br /><br />Now I'm off to make a pitcher of ice-cold lemonade....YUM!jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-70045998763386502182009-03-12T18:21:00.008-04:002009-03-12T22:21:17.171-04:00Ode To Spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr2gsQbmC_OuN7I2VV7sFkV12-qpYHHiYIGsa8cr6fSI_RLv3dbkYTI9dUevAzFOe1jB9vLghhZTN5180US-4LRUxcJhh584UvLZhtF28gH0W7wibbQ6gXq0re39AjIhhpioV-0xBmsE/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr2gsQbmC_OuN7I2VV7sFkV12-qpYHHiYIGsa8cr6fSI_RLv3dbkYTI9dUevAzFOe1jB9vLghhZTN5180US-4LRUxcJhh584UvLZhtF28gH0W7wibbQ6gXq0re39AjIhhpioV-0xBmsE/s200/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312489103211709570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The first breath of sunny spring air,<br />Makes me want to chop off all my hair.<br />My neck, covered all winter long<br />Sings a joyous liberation song<br />Upon feeling a warm, balmy breeze.<br /><br />But if the temp falls again, I might freeze.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8Vki5pk-tRqrpS8xcZkEqRj7wpI-C3rrkQYXthucxRbEHDnWg6RlvwQ4qV6i1q2AWMe-wf5UVqHwwUm0XHKnN6Nkb4_T_ib_mmH3-swtINTVBK6YCWLJYXsbVxMe-YfLK1Z1fohOpVQ/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8Vki5pk-tRqrpS8xcZkEqRj7wpI-C3rrkQYXthucxRbEHDnWg6RlvwQ4qV6i1q2AWMe-wf5UVqHwwUm0XHKnN6Nkb4_T_ib_mmH3-swtINTVBK6YCWLJYXsbVxMe-YfLK1Z1fohOpVQ/s400/037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312431569569370002" border="0" /></a>jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-90410731616003841352009-02-21T23:27:00.020-05:002009-02-24T00:01:35.243-05:00Still Wildlife<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP27chk6x6gseaXF2ZWybnx8BEMEte6tLKXbhHPOnhtjdiMCIJ1w9vFJ_eAZ0YK_42gtKxC76E5gikjVinuL8Syd2ip-sBneFcdoSRMaeELaQN9yHxZ6EXB0dyhL5QqEhxzlN-YVbglIg/s1600-h/wheeling_edited.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP27chk6x6gseaXF2ZWybnx8BEMEte6tLKXbhHPOnhtjdiMCIJ1w9vFJ_eAZ0YK_42gtKxC76E5gikjVinuL8Syd2ip-sBneFcdoSRMaeELaQN9yHxZ6EXB0dyhL5QqEhxzlN-YVbglIg/s200/wheeling_edited.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306142992924961618" border="0" /></a><br />Last week we had a business trip... We drove from Ohio to Johnstown, PA. Along the way, we stopped to stretch our legs at <a href="http://www.cabelas.com/">Cabela's</a> in Wheeling, WV. If you've never been, it's a huge outdoor outfitter store that is filled with camping, hunting and outdoor gear...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo9uoVAcNttMHTDBT6ud-WZCIkuE4uiuORi5oc70lSx44-idnxwDOBFwLx90IEDO6sRm5mnP-sHutuLCfrPLyJ8R8v7pdEb92Fa7HXS07HguONb0b15ehLBLwFfJuw-b7vqQY5SFHC4s/s1600-h/cabelas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo9uoVAcNttMHTDBT6ud-WZCIkuE4uiuORi5oc70lSx44-idnxwDOBFwLx90IEDO6sRm5mnP-sHutuLCfrPLyJ8R8v7pdEb92Fa7HXS07HguONb0b15ehLBLwFfJuw-b7vqQY5SFHC4s/s400/cabelas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306143930038013250" border="0" /></a><br />And lots and lots of taxidermied animals.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjcF5V_JM5NztBWOEeFya5nyNTS4LWlnKPA1SEynGw7hBDGr_Ynf5rykzz3SBw7w3cyGEodASfUXwf1fZWk7GtWiOfcSktTw6a0JKudRmB00IZFqsyo0EFofJhDgTSqSteYq54Bfq5ZE/s1600-h/taxidermy+mountain.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjcF5V_JM5NztBWOEeFya5nyNTS4LWlnKPA1SEynGw7hBDGr_Ynf5rykzz3SBw7w3cyGEodASfUXwf1fZWk7GtWiOfcSktTw6a0JKudRmB00IZFqsyo0EFofJhDgTSqSteYq54Bfq5ZE/s400/taxidermy+mountain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306202769374522930" border="0" /></a><br />It's kinda like visiting the zoo. Except that none of the animals move. Which is a little sad. But also a very interesting experience because you have the opportunity to really appreciate the beauty of these magnificent animals up close. Way closer than you would get in real life. Way closer than I'm sure you would <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to get in real life!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPsDHRuyKcPfBy2FQmIdWNLqDajGU__HFmUlpdN-e5h_0tG8aXSyaWp3F5qUs5wEQGktK2QseLIiQivoX53_mqKomZbpCVGBjEABentaNTklBnsPcUxfnWfYZZC-A5DpKrbUKTzI9n5A/s1600-h/Safari_edited.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPsDHRuyKcPfBy2FQmIdWNLqDajGU__HFmUlpdN-e5h_0tG8aXSyaWp3F5qUs5wEQGktK2QseLIiQivoX53_mqKomZbpCVGBjEABentaNTklBnsPcUxfnWfYZZC-A5DpKrbUKTzI9n5A/s400/Safari_edited.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306202045945840946" border="0" /></a><br />We actually spotted quite a few familiar-looking faces...<br /><br />We saw the polar bear from Lost.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJW0-zDp6W5VYlEYDhH215HreHwiiybVf_vSa_ff6awUSM4BfHla9SC0Eq6z-i3r6kAa0Vvp3MkJOmNpTXgxScFGDFziclNRS2A5zNgOVjE0wN5XjNecfKCsxuIYf64Nf10OSb6LXiaA/s1600-h/Polar+Bear.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJW0-zDp6W5VYlEYDhH215HreHwiiybVf_vSa_ff6awUSM4BfHla9SC0Eq6z-i3r6kAa0Vvp3MkJOmNpTXgxScFGDFziclNRS2A5zNgOVjE0wN5XjNecfKCsxuIYf64Nf10OSb6LXiaA/s400/Polar+Bear.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306093519996101746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Ahhhhh!!! Scary! Look how huge it is! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD1RYLoSy5I">Save me, Sawyer!</a></span><br /><br />We saw Mr. Beaver from The Chronicles of Narnia. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMPpz7fPHE2654C-6vKEq54TipiZ9pYwGFtVBfYJ6TPe5S-ei_NVMIRx8ohO7VnJH07Ni7YQBiSP4cKg4oMkJt2tPnNIC3F7Qxygk4sOoBzfZqkzFg6nXVxaat3HfzhwlfHK8TMzBZac/s1600-h/Beaver.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMPpz7fPHE2654C-6vKEq54TipiZ9pYwGFtVBfYJ6TPe5S-ei_NVMIRx8ohO7VnJH07Ni7YQBiSP4cKg4oMkJt2tPnNIC3F7Qxygk4sOoBzfZqkzFg6nXVxaat3HfzhwlfHK8TMzBZac/s400/Beaver.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306093730115776482" border="0" /></a><br />We saw Jacob from the Twilight series! (Unfortunately, Edward was nowhere to be found.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5sYOLoSyHtNxupFLob4Ka75S-C1-6a8JZghSSFqyikA3ZWPka_0kxl6eaibN4TEmirDF0tehxiuUd4SusM0r7MSiv3kHrVcpS7W003iO5wc-VAh1IuMOP40GFN3jyYMN2hejFut5Mdc/s1600-h/Jacob.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5sYOLoSyHtNxupFLob4Ka75S-C1-6a8JZghSSFqyikA3ZWPka_0kxl6eaibN4TEmirDF0tehxiuUd4SusM0r7MSiv3kHrVcpS7W003iO5wc-VAh1IuMOP40GFN3jyYMN2hejFut5Mdc/s400/Jacob.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306093954055246754" border="0" /></a><br />We saw Bullwinkle. Scott made a rare photo appearance because he couldn't resist saying <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7mmrF-4rUE">"Hey, Rocky! Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat!"</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksa9Az2Izis5CdeAqxDWgzGQ6Ih8Q4gG3nYhxiCj6f6n8XCcJdsxASRMYLilVAtXUX4eC-nAzyUg90GkjurZFKU0g0o7nE1ewpwqx9RqleT3tah_Hq7C3CQZ4GiVfF7hdpIfc7AssSUg/s1600-h/Rocky+and+Bullwinkle.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksa9Az2Izis5CdeAqxDWgzGQ6Ih8Q4gG3nYhxiCj6f6n8XCcJdsxASRMYLilVAtXUX4eC-nAzyUg90GkjurZFKU0g0o7nE1ewpwqx9RqleT3tah_Hq7C3CQZ4GiVfF7hdpIfc7AssSUg/s400/Rocky+and+Bullwinkle.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306094749774120546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Yes, the rabbit is emerging from an orange hunting cap. Cabela's doesn't really carry formal wear such as top hats, and Scott left his at home.)</span><br /><br />We saw Horton...I'm not sure that he's hearing much of anything these days though, much less a Who. But he is gorgeous and massive and it's amazing to stand next to him.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TaIosIVOFY0jvCNkBSfEM_qQ3qAkImeEzHNPVgPXbySqphpNXMhb64dRJ_F2wPMPk0jLcPFt_qF3908ANcVz3-A2rAvOzrfAzdfw37KmDacYAsHtz3AORBDVBwWPuZZDmg8TXULg-As/s1600-h/Elephant.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TaIosIVOFY0jvCNkBSfEM_qQ3qAkImeEzHNPVgPXbySqphpNXMhb64dRJ_F2wPMPk0jLcPFt_qF3908ANcVz3-A2rAvOzrfAzdfw37KmDacYAsHtz3AORBDVBwWPuZZDmg8TXULg-As/s400/Elephant.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306097528212495010" border="0" /></a><br />We saw Sabor (from Tarzan.) Wouldn't want to meet <span style="font-style: italic;">her</span> in a dark alley. But you've got to admit, she's got style!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kXqaSAYKRPZca5Pu1XXBa-sT-Az4WDioKo950mOSxvgHB28nguRMMzms0Po1cwIwYKTRWuylgx9FmELmHTfbWHVR5lTOrKtPqFMy9CWMZ_DZEIDzVC6ct7veaoAESsNv5g3Ys3eQzt4/s1600-h/Leopard.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kXqaSAYKRPZca5Pu1XXBa-sT-Az4WDioKo950mOSxvgHB28nguRMMzms0Po1cwIwYKTRWuylgx9FmELmHTfbWHVR5lTOrKtPqFMy9CWMZ_DZEIDzVC6ct7veaoAESsNv5g3Ys3eQzt4/s400/Leopard.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306098957890964450" border="0" /></a><br />And we saw <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0b9iWiIvQA&feature=PlayList&p=2827B8212ADB82D7&index=2">Bambi</a>. Lots of Bambi's.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5kcsQSvVZUfe3wNG2ly0gNUbfjyr-CVLbMMgYmTGssXE2mE-FV1nQXbdMVWyYRFwypIXoA06OMEAsT3bcmnuiRGyLYCxObJTCujmZa9tkxWWDljkn4cdHLkqC3-plBqDHR8BiTqFo30/s1600-h/Jen+Deer.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5kcsQSvVZUfe3wNG2ly0gNUbfjyr-CVLbMMgYmTGssXE2mE-FV1nQXbdMVWyYRFwypIXoA06OMEAsT3bcmnuiRGyLYCxObJTCujmZa9tkxWWDljkn4cdHLkqC3-plBqDHR8BiTqFo30/s400/Jen+Deer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306118644487991346" border="0" /></a><br />Also................ they had a shooting gallery!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5u6clfbVKW_sNsGUtpAiy9tZPiAFtDeGL1sCpnCzzy7x0R7_u8Yvj62nY7hPekMRxjA2c3s71N19T2tPFUguhB6orK8cum1mYfYh0O8Ry1lHaM8vd-69MdIkjUnqQ9RY-jDgnKxJiBTY/s1600-h/Shooting.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5u6clfbVKW_sNsGUtpAiy9tZPiAFtDeGL1sCpnCzzy7x0R7_u8Yvj62nY7hPekMRxjA2c3s71N19T2tPFUguhB6orK8cum1mYfYh0O8Ry1lHaM8vd-69MdIkjUnqQ9RY-jDgnKxJiBTY/s400/Shooting.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306120544014503298" border="0" /></a>OK, I know I'm totally exposing my inner hick here, but I do enjoy shooting a rifle. I got a taste for it in college out west and I'm actually a pretty good shot. I am very proud of the fact that I beat Scott at the shooting gallery!! (In his defense, we're not sure his gun was working properly. Riiiiight.)<br /><br />So, the next time you get an itch to inspect a polar bear up close or to shoot at tin cans that whistle and spin when you hit them, I recommend Cabela's!jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-24861713329145421162009-02-20T18:48:00.009-05:002009-02-23T15:23:30.967-05:00Handmade Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR32Eteu0Zz4fUBVpWEISXZsG3xyt7yk4BUWIsDo71OpiKZjoblpqKdlgz3s7buqeh7mE9s49yKxavVZtL5p7sAparyNm9zRKFqqdUm8nUPlxqn6DakNJ2dZ6M10jn98bXCH-sGfUJczI/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR32Eteu0Zz4fUBVpWEISXZsG3xyt7yk4BUWIsDo71OpiKZjoblpqKdlgz3s7buqeh7mE9s49yKxavVZtL5p7sAparyNm9zRKFqqdUm8nUPlxqn6DakNJ2dZ6M10jn98bXCH-sGfUJczI/s200/022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305033564525822274" border="0" /></a>Scott and I decided this year to start a new tradition of having a handmade theme for our Valentine's Day gifts to each other.<br /><br />We were in Maryland over Valentine's week. Scott went to some of my favorite local shops there and made this beautiful gift basket for me!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkANHGuYcjuUE5fU7Qp66DzryunYZsI7oPZ7eiYkrNTwIWUX-lgyGjWUAnURyfM-j7BPkwKIKv5kVx1Cyvwuss-NM7xmE7iUcp-Ojy6k1g-2iTcSJrNINE1bkxWuHcV-Hkco2KMyamls/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkANHGuYcjuUE5fU7Qp66DzryunYZsI7oPZ7eiYkrNTwIWUX-lgyGjWUAnURyfM-j7BPkwKIKv5kVx1Cyvwuss-NM7xmE7iUcp-Ojy6k1g-2iTcSJrNINE1bkxWuHcV-Hkco2KMyamls/s400/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305034013884782450" border="0" /></a><br />It included a gorgeous dark red, long-stemmed rose, sparkling apple cider and other goodies from<a href="http://www.mccutcheons.com/index.php"> McCutcheon's</a>, a box of hand-selected chocolates from <a href="http://www.olympiacandy.net/">Olympia Candy Kitchen</a> (all dark chocolate and no nuts - just what I like!), and a selection of gemstone focus beads from <a href="http://www.potomacbeads.com/">Potomac Bead Company</a> for my jewelry-making projects! He picked them all out himself - aren't they gorgeous? I can't wait to play with them!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxpP4GbltHMxymqG7cQzVUBXDtVJQ0OmmTsgKBA8mScSbw_tDeRQSNJLNx0dEGOFhnLqIWxN0GvAnZ8pBLpVGss8PBJ3wY77dkA-QN5iZiutzlGzbIoGI0euocf8WudKkcCDoAJBHKfs/s1600-h/008+%283%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxpP4GbltHMxymqG7cQzVUBXDtVJQ0OmmTsgKBA8mScSbw_tDeRQSNJLNx0dEGOFhnLqIWxN0GvAnZ8pBLpVGss8PBJ3wY77dkA-QN5iZiutzlGzbIoGI0euocf8WudKkcCDoAJBHKfs/s400/008+%283%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305034309241937986" border="0" /></a>I loved everything, and was so impressed with the time and effort he put into thinking about what I would like, hand-selecting everything, and arranging it all so cute in a little basket. He really knows how to make things special.<br /><br />His gift from me was these little covered soaps that I made.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18zaig-3NuUfEZDqT2yzoM-Q7II80L-qDiWvS5YmLObwQxXjbM82QKRVM3m9vs3o38gcRyTVSCgCfj_TNMcOc0cGNPc6BQlahAz-FhTdE-QMojOzixyNjNAOvue_CbJ6rmWIyGkI8_jg/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18zaig-3NuUfEZDqT2yzoM-Q7II80L-qDiWvS5YmLObwQxXjbM82QKRVM3m9vs3o38gcRyTVSCgCfj_TNMcOc0cGNPc6BQlahAz-FhTdE-QMojOzixyNjNAOvue_CbJ6rmWIyGkI8_jg/s400/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305056957411581570" border="0" /></a><br />Those big, manly hands of his have a hard time holding on to slippery bars of soap in the shower, so I thought washcloth covers would help make the soap bars non-slip and sudsy. He says he loves them. I had fun making them for him.<br /><br />I'm so grateful to be married to my sweet, wonderful Valentine!jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-10919453999286957432009-02-06T14:44:00.006-05:002009-02-23T15:23:23.516-05:00Getting Better With Age?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk6odhmocTACCja5eanQS1iH8DFXE-5sd1gpMI9wba-a5ZHxQcipRBG8q-r3f9l41ZFsXHnDui-d5W9emq6MCS9sADLr_oi2_UeirX_ziBIbueTgTQXGUlEZhWTB8dnw06StjTXfG06Q/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk6odhmocTACCja5eanQS1iH8DFXE-5sd1gpMI9wba-a5ZHxQcipRBG8q-r3f9l41ZFsXHnDui-d5W9emq6MCS9sADLr_oi2_UeirX_ziBIbueTgTQXGUlEZhWTB8dnw06StjTXfG06Q/s200/027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300079584133470258" border="0" /></a>I went to the Optometrist this week. For the past few months, I've been having problems with wearing both my contacts and my glasses. I figured either my eyesight was getting worse or I had some serious, rare eye infection that was going to rob me of my sight slowly and painfully.<br /><br />Imagine my surprise when the good doctor not only told me that my eyes looked perfectly healthy but that...<br /><br />my eyesight had gotten BETTER!!<br /><br />I guess it really is possible to improve with age.<br /><br />I'll be honest. I really don't like this getting older thing, but in this case I'll take it! My improved prescription allowed me to order glasses without having to pay the big bucks for thinner lenses, so I took advantage of the store's 2-fer deal and got two new pairs...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYZWcju3x738axMl8LzZcNP-_eSdAps3xc53t1rJq4UZKKWNCiUBuTt4TN7aYNAT91fkFTdEhKvNfAw23ktAT79-aAjdZmAEg3qgOB1eXrJDwOo1sW4xmzSxOFrghNOUGHK8FhgUzG4Y/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYZWcju3x738axMl8LzZcNP-_eSdAps3xc53t1rJq4UZKKWNCiUBuTt4TN7aYNAT91fkFTdEhKvNfAw23ktAT79-aAjdZmAEg3qgOB1eXrJDwOo1sW4xmzSxOFrghNOUGHK8FhgUzG4Y/s400/034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300080314762165586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDzTnq2iq9UJsOoZ4SqPFk5q87xzMq4RmIfTR4n_0-pHpUaUgL6D85N41-AonyFtsuiB0_MaCgrwiSkV1eSp5J-LxXVEopsSwBgObMkO6DTqzsEukJJRaV9tmoxyJOip0gzYz2-HiH38/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDzTnq2iq9UJsOoZ4SqPFk5q87xzMq4RmIfTR4n_0-pHpUaUgL6D85N41-AonyFtsuiB0_MaCgrwiSkV1eSp5J-LxXVEopsSwBgObMkO6DTqzsEukJJRaV9tmoxyJOip0gzYz2-HiH38/s400/022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300080018232357570" border="0" /></a>I've not worn glasses in public in years because I've never thought I looked good in them. I think I got teased about being four-eyes in middle school too much and it scarred me. (Along with being called <span style="font-style: italic;">mouse</span> because of my small stature and <span style="font-style: italic;">beaver</span> because of my buck teeth. Oh, and my future husband teasing me about having a uni-brow. Yeah, middle school was not my favorite time. Maybe getting older <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> a good thing!) <br /><br />Anyway, I'm actually kinda diggin' my new glasses a little.<br /><br />What do you think? Four-eyes or Fabulous?jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-8740638601862968032009-01-22T18:29:00.009-05:002009-01-26T00:04:43.502-05:00A Small Accomplishment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSBowryjGpGf0ExU7Crv_3-Fa-dUzZRHlo2MXkMw44nt8eIKocHaOWFm8eXwLK46uuJxZXAO8YWbnsiLETgr4S33lHbO4Q9xik9ToJQS8Z_8SA6KlWWWMfqxXaoaS3Xy5XWPNfHKAacw/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSBowryjGpGf0ExU7Crv_3-Fa-dUzZRHlo2MXkMw44nt8eIKocHaOWFm8eXwLK46uuJxZXAO8YWbnsiLETgr4S33lHbO4Q9xik9ToJQS8Z_8SA6KlWWWMfqxXaoaS3Xy5XWPNfHKAacw/s200/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294265349161239730" border="0" /></a>I've basically been doing nothing but clinging to my couch since Saturday morning.<br /><br />I got one of those colds that isn't just an annoying distraction, but rather a debilitating, knock-you-on-your-butt, can't breathe, can't sleep, can't move, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headachey, nose-is-raw-from-blowing-every-2-minutes, tormenting affliction.<br /><br />Not to complain. I've got a sweet husband who has been bringing me cough drops and hot herbal tea, cooking spicy food for me (to help clear everything out...plus it's about the only thing I can taste), running to the store for tissues with lotion and generally waiting on me hand and foot. And a sweet doggie who snuggles and keeps me company.<br /><br />So being sick isn't ALL bad. ;)<br /><br />In between blowing my nose incessantly, slathering on menthol ointment, pounding what feels like 14 gallons of fluids a day and watching WAY too much TV, I needed to find something to distract me and make me feel as though there is some merit to my snotty existence.<br /><br />I decided to pull out some of the <a href="http://teddypaws.blogspot.com/2008/12/very-merry-christmas.html">beads that Scott bought me for Christmas</a> and try to get the creative juices flowing along with the mucus juices. (Sorry for that mental image there, but I couldn't resist - hee hee!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTpt9V8htY-z4vJ6Wwgni6UeO3oUtWCMiN0oq582Dmzed07wtGXOlgIXklLB8OK8bwR7atupejaye34xN3MVrlUhp8qdEjZuavtmliaMoK66jYN1AtcwFaN6iD6qgpHZByOxwKdfIJIU/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTpt9V8htY-z4vJ6Wwgni6UeO3oUtWCMiN0oq582Dmzed07wtGXOlgIXklLB8OK8bwR7atupejaye34xN3MVrlUhp8qdEjZuavtmliaMoK66jYN1AtcwFaN6iD6qgpHZByOxwKdfIJIU/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294267960852913458" border="0" /></a>I combined these pink crazy agate beads with saltwater pearls and silver etched accent beads and pendant.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKLQUjbTmGw5hKBqTTCOrAZX9jiIGCTl7qVXVrkF-Y7qCJh0DeLtc_u1iQgkYT15wbDoZHKrUbVjVDALvF6Uzkeo4JVJIsNHlGKX7dVGP_P49XdWWhtZfb6knx5GL8DMovIbSIAViwaw/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKLQUjbTmGw5hKBqTTCOrAZX9jiIGCTl7qVXVrkF-Y7qCJh0DeLtc_u1iQgkYT15wbDoZHKrUbVjVDALvF6Uzkeo4JVJIsNHlGKX7dVGP_P49XdWWhtZfb6knx5GL8DMovIbSIAViwaw/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294268446887494114" border="0" /></a>There were enough beads to make a matching bracelet...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCYIFDxLDu4khpL7w70kix9tRANDnJild9NKnm-Un7gRcQoPQDQlcowhLUqqJzHR6rZOMt27snU_-pa6-KCNlNDW30-y7-e-Rq3EQfH5pwmWPwLPi-Qp1pzfzDYInaqm73x3yWz0Y2IU/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCYIFDxLDu4khpL7w70kix9tRANDnJild9NKnm-Un7gRcQoPQDQlcowhLUqqJzHR6rZOMt27snU_-pa6-KCNlNDW30-y7-e-Rq3EQfH5pwmWPwLPi-Qp1pzfzDYInaqm73x3yWz0Y2IU/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294268752022479970" border="0" /></a><br />and earrings.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsHFgDjZTfwXK-3YJrv6poOfKYSWOVLfEUrQiNarCVjUqquVeh6YXAEk1gHukKZQuUuJjkhdwPUnHk5mwRhSATDYuTRBveUchDRZcm1a4055Azklm_0yx6sA_il3F3tGUtoGJW99SZqM/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsHFgDjZTfwXK-3YJrv6poOfKYSWOVLfEUrQiNarCVjUqquVeh6YXAEk1gHukKZQuUuJjkhdwPUnHk5mwRhSATDYuTRBveUchDRZcm1a4055Azklm_0yx6sA_il3F3tGUtoGJW99SZqM/s400/016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294269038856134594" border="0" /></a>I really love how they turned out. Now I just need to get feeling better so I can get out of the house and wear my little accomplishment!jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-281026354441859212009-01-08T21:16:00.005-05:002009-01-26T00:12:18.894-05:00Just Call Me BessieI wish I had four stomachs.<br /><br />'Cause this is what Scott made me for dinner:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFD-sQEV2p74GA40GExTZWPBaxQIObvjherR1gzezj1DERlrLAg1pFOmgNygGgh_gjoC_asRD27K5Hbeh9TNbMr0bMCXR1P4tRXhcbcogOzbvG4eTJ5lIgSJg0WAi53WdUe23L3w4Ioc/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFD-sQEV2p74GA40GExTZWPBaxQIObvjherR1gzezj1DERlrLAg1pFOmgNygGgh_gjoC_asRD27K5Hbeh9TNbMr0bMCXR1P4tRXhcbcogOzbvG4eTJ5lIgSJg0WAi53WdUe23L3w4Ioc/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289112708413970354" border="0" /></a>Homemade macaroni and cheese. Comfort food. Creamy, cheesy deliciousness.<br /><br />(He says his secret is a touch of nutmeg and mustard.)<br /><br />This will all be gone by tomorrow. I'll find room.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBqpGc-92IpjReuhZPIH979YMHX5QQ7F_Pr3DqclmGFEsWt_ziT55pjuE3SWILXRs6vQrIpoGNqsBlaY9jDpRgxQxw81mbRMQQcBNEMJh1hfQvsnaozOAobXMM4DEqFlhdg4sDBvksMU/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBqpGc-92IpjReuhZPIH979YMHX5QQ7F_Pr3DqclmGFEsWt_ziT55pjuE3SWILXRs6vQrIpoGNqsBlaY9jDpRgxQxw81mbRMQQcBNEMJh1hfQvsnaozOAobXMM4DEqFlhdg4sDBvksMU/s400/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289113777349805490" border="0" /></a>jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-19408315107382657672009-01-04T15:25:00.014-05:002009-01-26T00:12:45.562-05:00Helping the Economy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1nmHRchPCoyWEE8kttlvPMnAr5uIzwmjgmCEa6rZA-kb4PMIWLLmH7lpFfXD8Xcp1CpVGv2vsRXFZ6lYlqaCbfucnaGGdasLwOf4PreBWzGm-AWZZsKdpc4yOvq-4AwQ22H0O7Kc8zA/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1nmHRchPCoyWEE8kttlvPMnAr5uIzwmjgmCEa6rZA-kb4PMIWLLmH7lpFfXD8Xcp1CpVGv2vsRXFZ6lYlqaCbfucnaGGdasLwOf4PreBWzGm-AWZZsKdpc4yOvq-4AwQ22H0O7Kc8zA/s200/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287645894986487890" border="0" /></a>My girlfriend <a href="http://www.xanga.com/Momof5_stillalive">Angela</a> and I met in Columbus this weekend for our Annual Shopping Trip. So we could, ya know, help the economy. ;) And take advantage of all the after-Christmas clearance sales. And have girl time where we get to shop to our heart's content, eat at restaurants our husbands don't like, and talk and talk and talk.<br /><br />Ang is the QUEEN of Priceline and got us a 4 Star hotel room for 37 bucks! It was beautiful - it had french doors leading into the bedroom...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkLzrrpvmwFTpbY_l-UOxPWrzqV6paoBHQtRyFD_k8wbbjprLpiMxtwmONiYMgDSM9HuBwzW4YExoghp1Tt7VTfz9PxdEj4D8ySTU04iHCLu3ioaaGHQ0hM1A_FFtX4Eq0dlWzN3A19g/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkLzrrpvmwFTpbY_l-UOxPWrzqV6paoBHQtRyFD_k8wbbjprLpiMxtwmONiYMgDSM9HuBwzW4YExoghp1Tt7VTfz9PxdEj4D8ySTU04iHCLu3ioaaGHQ0hM1A_FFtX4Eq0dlWzN3A19g/s400/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287543434254962706" border="0" /></a>...and flat screen TV's in the living area and bedroom.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-4_jcddTrlr_UmVYskO_-gyLHNxizZM3-NLxi6ndP1p6cKNp2tfDe8w8Qr191jEfPNxCh9r8OrCfTzmvrT5PDgmmGMrOo0I7SljZ7kw8W-iVBam7hoxqR2mR53w2A0wXquhKsZYWgmI/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-4_jcddTrlr_UmVYskO_-gyLHNxizZM3-NLxi6ndP1p6cKNp2tfDe8w8Qr191jEfPNxCh9r8OrCfTzmvrT5PDgmmGMrOo0I7SljZ7kw8W-iVBam7hoxqR2mR53w2A0wXquhKsZYWgmI/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287543867681241922" border="0" /></a>We felt so fancy!<br /><br />After checking in, we had lunch and then headed to Mall #1 where we shopped for about 8 hours.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17FMfcZItavFY1n6i5sDqbaSFXeRKm4bC_raEUIjGw4ZHZ1J1Llob2vT54neAJv9FFJM7Xcrtm3v-pdGdqJ3s-CI1vp3eO1jlJJQU1FRWv1j8sDbY9i_uIi4n3-9zeYZuhyphenhyphenNkKAa0UqA/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17FMfcZItavFY1n6i5sDqbaSFXeRKm4bC_raEUIjGw4ZHZ1J1Llob2vT54neAJv9FFJM7Xcrtm3v-pdGdqJ3s-CI1vp3eO1jlJJQU1FRWv1j8sDbY9i_uIi4n3-9zeYZuhyphenhyphenNkKAa0UqA/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287544884645092066" border="0" /></a>Back to the hotel with all of our goodies!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUcxaolWGrsqXvySXYnGY5k4ExL_VHhhcYpbiell_JgiEDkoxteIYI0RMj35mdfQjx9I_AMThr-qiHzj5mRvSbbtFFQeIyjWB6_flfaveg2EJQiP-0pPhZ92AEJMpCUH7cvq1xSZUcr4/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUcxaolWGrsqXvySXYnGY5k4ExL_VHhhcYpbiell_JgiEDkoxteIYI0RMj35mdfQjx9I_AMThr-qiHzj5mRvSbbtFFQeIyjWB6_flfaveg2EJQiP-0pPhZ92AEJMpCUH7cvq1xSZUcr4/s400/010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287545535215799618" border="0" /></a>We were seriously pooped. We ate our traditional Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup in Bread Bowls. (Only they were out of bread bowls by the time we got there so we improvised and used their sourdough rolls.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOdraq0KH5svIH1C_2lzYvEqqQEDi0HgiQNsHeDlL3UyvSdYTKMDtnbqtasNY5JmVFNYkQsqCyTFIQyRRBUKxTsrFtO_oQ2ruk9RKUGKluStnI7-VeXPwm4YhVjHO5J80O1XFyTUQEf8/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOdraq0KH5svIH1C_2lzYvEqqQEDi0HgiQNsHeDlL3UyvSdYTKMDtnbqtasNY5JmVFNYkQsqCyTFIQyRRBUKxTsrFtO_oQ2ruk9RKUGKluStnI7-VeXPwm4YhVjHO5J80O1XFyTUQEf8/s400/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287546238540314642" border="0" /></a>What's better than warm, creamy soup with crusty bread after a long day of shopping?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3utMxrSLyW9kEPLhAseMNiTktCTwTuMe_FxjppRUwaVFqUbBOswtIVeZi8h0oVhMDjmzw78uCz2MY3AHq2ndv2Fk15Ldc00IVDe1L4duempsjb78K0YJ0-UvUEGkFbxMXGSuHdUveaA/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3utMxrSLyW9kEPLhAseMNiTktCTwTuMe_FxjppRUwaVFqUbBOswtIVeZi8h0oVhMDjmzw78uCz2MY3AHq2ndv2Fk15Ldc00IVDe1L4duempsjb78K0YJ0-UvUEGkFbxMXGSuHdUveaA/s400/016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287546620356601954" border="0" /></a>I'll tell you what - sticking your feet in a hot tub. Neither of us had brought our bathing suits, so we just headed down to the pool area in our jammies, rolled them up and stuck our feet in! We did get one or two interesting looks, but it was totally worth it.<br /><br />After a night of recuperating, we set out the next day for Mall #2.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SeiZxoDwefOO585VgmrHeB0cVaqLczEOL9DfdvCE6AJZTbYcz0-ZR4iGzqZOFftBqJXMRa5YNjQnESFW5JFT0N9WrLdhuvQAwJXkGTh6O7DGW8Nx07vICrJgWTfEwOXgQ2k2t1Rg-aU/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SeiZxoDwefOO585VgmrHeB0cVaqLczEOL9DfdvCE6AJZTbYcz0-ZR4iGzqZOFftBqJXMRa5YNjQnESFW5JFT0N9WrLdhuvQAwJXkGTh6O7DGW8Nx07vICrJgWTfEwOXgQ2k2t1Rg-aU/s400/022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287547270246069986" border="0" /></a>We both got some great buys and had a wonderful time together.<br /><br />I'm so grateful for having such an amazing, fun friend in Angela, for serious clearance deals, and for our husbands who are so sweet to encourage us to do this.<br /><br />Can't wait for next time!jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-30558939046344554022008-12-30T23:29:00.015-05:002009-01-26T00:02:44.336-05:00A Very Teddy Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDw2cpPeSLAX3ml9IJCYbDw7C5pqXcyW0JxvrW5n0_NwaZ6n5aGrK-9HEDRS_Lq8VF5VJAroXJrsswcYA-Rk7L24hlOAR_KYCSULIy8nADuCYnOKtmhNNXcpzxNVwpjJePmogS_4M1ZNy7/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDw2cpPeSLAX3ml9IJCYbDw7C5pqXcyW0JxvrW5n0_NwaZ6n5aGrK-9HEDRS_Lq8VF5VJAroXJrsswcYA-Rk7L24hlOAR_KYCSULIy8nADuCYnOKtmhNNXcpzxNVwpjJePmogS_4M1ZNy7/s200/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285811969865075362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Teddy here...<br /><br />I had a great time this year and just wanted to share my favorite things about Christmas.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Teddy's Favorite Things are...</span><br /><br />1. This <span style="font-weight: bold;">T-shirt</span> that my Grandma got me.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwb88m8HCi72EAR3h8N9U8QnOu98BcVt4cKfGh8pBcXcEVEpkC_RUepNW4YRnefwv95wG0lTliaxLJrgOIaMtwZwwfrgcATjTCyWAgITTka_F63ghyphenhyphenKQSJnW9bSs-oOc0Qrr0-qqBw74/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwb88m8HCi72EAR3h8N9U8QnOu98BcVt4cKfGh8pBcXcEVEpkC_RUepNW4YRnefwv95wG0lTliaxLJrgOIaMtwZwwfrgcATjTCyWAgITTka_F63ghyphenhyphenKQSJnW9bSs-oOc0Qrr0-qqBw74/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286100362603054290" border="0" /></a>I know, I know. I'm completely adorable.<br /><br />2. Hanging with my <span style="font-weight: bold;">cousins</span> who all love me and dote on me. Here is a picture of me with Christina. She put a bow around my neck. I am so manly that I totally rock it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBef7USMaqecqOPFHmS_sW1zspjDiMz-v4sN0CBfmsAEHE7l7Qh7vkbG3zsRPao07Wk8v5l396lpueu9wJEbuT_AoqbYxsurQHeJtXoQ1Z20mU0QIqUi7WyR3HMBiQO8nMQExKECwlLPN5/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBef7USMaqecqOPFHmS_sW1zspjDiMz-v4sN0CBfmsAEHE7l7Qh7vkbG3zsRPao07Wk8v5l396lpueu9wJEbuT_AoqbYxsurQHeJtXoQ1Z20mU0QIqUi7WyR3HMBiQO8nMQExKECwlLPN5/s400/074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285808586567259058" border="0" /></a>3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Turkey giblets and heart.</span> It's tradition - every year Grandma cooks up the giblets and heart and shares them with me. Mom thinks it's gross, but she obviously doesn't have the advanced taste buds that we do.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI4Gql_mpabROruS-vc8_L0oHoOZK1y869IbhMkZBxnHS4nhKv0aYCz-q1DJfzk3mjn_0LiPzKgCll9B1Dv6kq23A0TH_fSuQ0RcSO1IAbrJu9JJxdPrEpqRefaJaW0ccH-qHiXSEa9hp/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI4Gql_mpabROruS-vc8_L0oHoOZK1y869IbhMkZBxnHS4nhKv0aYCz-q1DJfzk3mjn_0LiPzKgCll9B1Dv6kq23A0TH_fSuQ0RcSO1IAbrJu9JJxdPrEpqRefaJaW0ccH-qHiXSEa9hp/s400/027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285826484089340610" border="0" /></a><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Presents</span> under the tree for me! This year I got homemade peanut butter doggie cookies from a special family friend. Yum. She knows what dogs like!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47gpD_DSDrhzSixUy9sK5RupCr8ZcpqhKcU1RmKxkxGSNoS8dFu833uh5XEolswSoTFccg4O4c2YajeKW3uADv2KbdAQdoLYba9dytjU0Hqfg4P6tbQbnHQ9OSZ3lVZX6iTgCwlvV1iCT/s1600-h/094.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47gpD_DSDrhzSixUy9sK5RupCr8ZcpqhKcU1RmKxkxGSNoS8dFu833uh5XEolswSoTFccg4O4c2YajeKW3uADv2KbdAQdoLYba9dytjU0Hqfg4P6tbQbnHQ9OSZ3lVZX6iTgCwlvV1iCT/s400/094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285828292873981074" border="0" /></a>5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Being spoiled.</span> I usually don't get too much table food, but around the holidays everyone seems to enjoy sneaking me little bits of turkey, ham, pumpkin pie or whatever under the table as a little treat.<br /><br />Hope you all had a good Christmas and got lots of treats!teddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01518925545991198982noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-52512173122451509162008-12-29T22:56:00.040-05:002009-01-26T00:03:13.989-05:00A Very Merry Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYpW_DQCnVPZPfx35uKTCK6agBafSSD6h4LNHVfHcDHmNbP3AMTLfcD7BWs9THfp0CS47jzdilbHOHjTI5ylKVGSbYOmJAF6YV8_sSMtT3PGI2Et21F7JVxRPfuzIuJQCIKmq1RvroWw/s1600-h/025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYpW_DQCnVPZPfx35uKTCK6agBafSSD6h4LNHVfHcDHmNbP3AMTLfcD7BWs9THfp0CS47jzdilbHOHjTI5ylKVGSbYOmJAF6YV8_sSMtT3PGI2Et21F7JVxRPfuzIuJQCIKmq1RvroWw/s200/025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286215426303219602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />We had a beautiful, wonderful, fun-filled Christmas!<br /><br /><br />This year we got not only one, but two Christmas dinners.<br /><br /><br />Feast #1:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEC0_GLf_S9QO99R-9h7cXMAO3OdwVTG_i9Nw1ehyphenhyphenjHzQo4RJ_yVvkubOTCFkukziHm3Ni2gElYFLCcRwKgHBc_DAGPeAIgLN_br3fU2fxaqArqgNT1lgpao973s8AgXjoxwewGZRFmM/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEC0_GLf_S9QO99R-9h7cXMAO3OdwVTG_i9Nw1ehyphenhyphenjHzQo4RJ_yVvkubOTCFkukziHm3Ni2gElYFLCcRwKgHBc_DAGPeAIgLN_br3fU2fxaqArqgNT1lgpao973s8AgXjoxwewGZRFmM/s400/038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286114448574424434" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Feast #2:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_8h8GCFsvEwOXa0aI-NS7gEoYUOBFYN6XbYQe9ZHy9ea7XXEFPhnc3XK-s3hgSoJg7zBaAR5F00yGZWLku4C8uySGmHm2hY43Ss0i1tyMwZjxLGABVU3Q0lq-xGhWp2sr0EiOGfKCCQ/s1600-h/052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_8h8GCFsvEwOXa0aI-NS7gEoYUOBFYN6XbYQe9ZHy9ea7XXEFPhnc3XK-s3hgSoJg7zBaAR5F00yGZWLku4C8uySGmHm2hY43Ss0i1tyMwZjxLGABVU3Q0lq-xGhWp2sr0EiOGfKCCQ/s400/052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286116147585589618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">You know, when I took these pictures, I thought it would be fun to document all the great food we had...but now looking at them I just feel like a little piggy to see how much I ate. Ah well, it was delicious.</span><br /></div><br />On the 23rd, we ate at my mom and dad's house with the Sister Missionaries. Mom wanted to make an early traditional Christmas Eve dinner so that we would have leftovers for the holiday.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3tBVYBDVBsdHHi-VYtoDJ-5dqK9an3M2S1iQhcDq9zRifIsCyJFqn20h9Q5e0DqZznMkSEWRx_0TpMUbHtR0r_-FWAkxTQOH_3jMFC4y_KYlG28uBtE1RW7HTyFLrmZeo0E_4cgWYv8/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3tBVYBDVBsdHHi-VYtoDJ-5dqK9an3M2S1iQhcDq9zRifIsCyJFqn20h9Q5e0DqZznMkSEWRx_0TpMUbHtR0r_-FWAkxTQOH_3jMFC4y_KYlG28uBtE1RW7HTyFLrmZeo0E_4cgWYv8/s400/037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286192025225083586" border="0" /></a><br />And on Christmas Eve, we all migrated to <a href="http://mikeandstephanieandkids.blogspot.com/">Stephanie</a>'s house for a wonderful and bounteous buffet...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujNDgEYahy9-oVW5D5c5G1A8kX-Blxya6RTzBkqmHzy5uY0Bk-nEhvE4z_rPR6KWlGZ4hgHmmQTsjWD6vdlBnfDxFRMlxZBJm2UOsRnwpqKcPNsEwq2XjmlMMZ6Dv54H9DJCzFJDmhUQ/s1600-h/045.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujNDgEYahy9-oVW5D5c5G1A8kX-Blxya6RTzBkqmHzy5uY0Bk-nEhvE4z_rPR6KWlGZ4hgHmmQTsjWD6vdlBnfDxFRMlxZBJm2UOsRnwpqKcPNsEwq2XjmlMMZ6Dv54H9DJCzFJDmhUQ/s400/045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286106157762499810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqV5pZFvyxbJyH3Qk6J3Zh9x-wUm71VjzkosCOWwY7GTSsufKnQD_15N1q9HT81nXZfxhJwYM3TwumHxGgDWl3sUq6W5t7geDKhyphenhyphenxOm-EgGeLTh9_APNFqL6-FO4DQKWCyPpiRnTuwXqw/s1600-h/046.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqV5pZFvyxbJyH3Qk6J3Zh9x-wUm71VjzkosCOWwY7GTSsufKnQD_15N1q9HT81nXZfxhJwYM3TwumHxGgDWl3sUq6W5t7geDKhyphenhyphenxOm-EgGeLTh9_APNFqL6-FO4DQKWCyPpiRnTuwXqw/s400/046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286106421091553474" border="0" /></a><br />After eating tons of delicious food, we played a fun game in which we all got tags hung around our necks with the name of a character from a Christmas movie. After we figured out who we were by asking each other questions, we split into teams and played movie quote trivia.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZshzdqsKQFmc3vfCTmEtyNxTrOMU6kqcngkHDPAnjYhLmY3hCcxB_LdceIGLa_GU6lkUVoh1QtWqnAXpCLuEKvyC1V-3d3143SNlhOZQD_ewBA9aVurL6F6q8DK6nrOWRmm7mTeohnc/s1600-h/055.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZshzdqsKQFmc3vfCTmEtyNxTrOMU6kqcngkHDPAnjYhLmY3hCcxB_LdceIGLa_GU6lkUVoh1QtWqnAXpCLuEKvyC1V-3d3143SNlhOZQD_ewBA9aVurL6F6q8DK6nrOWRmm7mTeohnc/s400/055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286194421670945922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7hRqbENlSyVpzg5pTj9D2WLcNvHGpG9nGJWuxwPEbt2O0_cXjUSfdjNg5Bf8rVOm92Gh5PFYBzH53Rk_1xtfECYQUdGQ0QB0Sti7PzGGLdGN9jywYBYiQvDQXB90B2Bc41p1LQhMYSg/s1600-h/056.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7hRqbENlSyVpzg5pTj9D2WLcNvHGpG9nGJWuxwPEbt2O0_cXjUSfdjNg5Bf8rVOm92Gh5PFYBzH53Rk_1xtfECYQUdGQ0QB0Sti7PzGGLdGN9jywYBYiQvDQXB90B2Bc41p1LQhMYSg/s400/056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286120188766356178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUVd7e28wxkXRFSrRgVuLuj4DzgusWFbX_udUzVLYP8Xect_zTAhghvAmmYknlRuBHFLFI70-UJNQS1VivJCTcpCDc7CyONpASPlct9F5Q2Lu_Jyrab0Ze56z85-MCgxECRlJRZSLe4Y/s1600-h/057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUVd7e28wxkXRFSrRgVuLuj4DzgusWFbX_udUzVLYP8Xect_zTAhghvAmmYknlRuBHFLFI70-UJNQS1VivJCTcpCDc7CyONpASPlct9F5Q2Lu_Jyrab0Ze56z85-MCgxECRlJRZSLe4Y/s400/057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286120732114638098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0Zqv6WV2UpXWJ8aiaIdO6iXlDYdSnhSk_nVuk_geEw0lfLJdbHTEC5woZzNXZZnhmDbh9lCELXEykrCGS75Vbl3n-xLQkOn7Bg_fQKz4MPzyCOxBOWpjHrF1_F1whKihUj9gjE0oTV0/s1600-h/059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0Zqv6WV2UpXWJ8aiaIdO6iXlDYdSnhSk_nVuk_geEw0lfLJdbHTEC5woZzNXZZnhmDbh9lCELXEykrCGS75Vbl3n-xLQkOn7Bg_fQKz4MPzyCOxBOWpjHrF1_F1whKihUj9gjE0oTV0/s400/059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286201469768021410" border="0" /></a><br />Then we had the traditional grab bag gift exchange. And I got.....SOCKS!!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJg980v5weOUtqsLw5bRa-Xc6V9c3XGLImxTa25kq8kTpEvxkBYLy5nMvrPtmD3VkBzz7Xa39WUWBuZFyX-TeJ5lHeH8EAjQV6JpZIa5dySDBWXm0rQ7W9U-46i2mzfv9ZC0ClUn_jas4/s1600-h/077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJg980v5weOUtqsLw5bRa-Xc6V9c3XGLImxTa25kq8kTpEvxkBYLy5nMvrPtmD3VkBzz7Xa39WUWBuZFyX-TeJ5lHeH8EAjQV6JpZIa5dySDBWXm0rQ7W9U-46i2mzfv9ZC0ClUn_jas4/s400/077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286123050412645890" border="0" /></a>The kids all got lots of fun things...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_iodVEmcNZWTSLXh9RBB4lLZ6Z-gJGIl0Qi24kYPnMlArqCPOK_yaBziuwUt9EuwWTUfFyRSgcPwXg3iZs5uTQCkctMJTPl-CEvN-WIrhWumuOllC02wFWUt59enCkTLvKb1SExZsk8/s1600-h/063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_iodVEmcNZWTSLXh9RBB4lLZ6Z-gJGIl0Qi24kYPnMlArqCPOK_yaBziuwUt9EuwWTUfFyRSgcPwXg3iZs5uTQCkctMJTPl-CEvN-WIrhWumuOllC02wFWUt59enCkTLvKb1SExZsk8/s400/063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286124034247929698" border="0" /></a>But Brianna got the best prize - a delicious-looking box of candy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRguE3bGA-3JuegevNenEuUx6Kdxz32CCxQmbrniWZBMBSMhOPl3ii9rlSHFAiwCO_PaiVPAnwfTMeLxdSKStBQHHDDTj-AIih0l7Hn5ngijRvE_vGDUZq2T2ccVHaicdPPnzUoS5jsg8/s1600-h/073.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRguE3bGA-3JuegevNenEuUx6Kdxz32CCxQmbrniWZBMBSMhOPl3ii9rlSHFAiwCO_PaiVPAnwfTMeLxdSKStBQHHDDTj-AIih0l7Hn5ngijRvE_vGDUZq2T2ccVHaicdPPnzUoS5jsg8/s400/073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286124656051954290" border="0" /></a><br />Here's Aunt Jennifer with 3 of the coolest nieces ever.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S-j2f3DWrC-BDRlVbMBjsNhnOJxWPDIJHBtfaHgjITFdYQk-iNYJXFniqhoOOzxnDPNdM9QO2aPc-5e29pwkw7jbgEb17C1wTi5DmbeUNfWnxbKBqCIk3vMn349X24L6l27EjKbMIe8/s1600-h/078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S-j2f3DWrC-BDRlVbMBjsNhnOJxWPDIJHBtfaHgjITFdYQk-iNYJXFniqhoOOzxnDPNdM9QO2aPc-5e29pwkw7jbgEb17C1wTi5DmbeUNfWnxbKBqCIk3vMn349X24L6l27EjKbMIe8/s400/078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286126338584481250" border="0" /></a>And Uncle Scott with 5 cool nephews.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxodC_RAJ6y9FWqOuXcmIp3EtIptBHePVuhyphenhyphenm8Sx53Sq2P4cgNXp1XY3MTGPw5Z0Bw4q8iAyBghEZ6a48MCebUNuBVfG1RTWdNgd_LsPYMKYlFqA7yP6JZfeBdyNxZ170LlRgf4aul0w/s1600-h/082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxodC_RAJ6y9FWqOuXcmIp3EtIptBHePVuhyphenhyphenm8Sx53Sq2P4cgNXp1XY3MTGPw5Z0Bw4q8iAyBghEZ6a48MCebUNuBVfG1RTWdNgd_LsPYMKYlFqA7yP6JZfeBdyNxZ170LlRgf4aul0w/s400/082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286204368724355586" border="0" /></a><br />Christmas morning dawned with plenty of gifts under the tree.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiAfNpa80ACeTPzyFvlRs8IJosJ6zA3SSl2my7WrgwOVWDPEevjsr3aR53vGqrA_KhpcApiBfSB06eERgH6RUiQP_3D3n33hhOQFXpJLM6bcS7RNlzXHG4lE5bVxzaD8ueKoVd4iHX7k/s1600-h/089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiAfNpa80ACeTPzyFvlRs8IJosJ6zA3SSl2my7WrgwOVWDPEevjsr3aR53vGqrA_KhpcApiBfSB06eERgH6RUiQP_3D3n33hhOQFXpJLM6bcS7RNlzXHG4lE5bVxzaD8ueKoVd4iHX7k/s400/089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286128337889219346" border="0" /></a>Despite planning on having a simpler Christmas and less gifts this year, we were very blessed with lots of wonderful new things. (If you look closely, you can see that I got LOTS of new socks - yay!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgBVc23nXHBVbFKG9R7SJnXLbPt7Y9l39t0EyFkci8U0IzRUdTGMZ7j77hLPVGWMMh2HrAEUdoVB63RTTzIoIKlw6yIxQKf2-cYmEYQs2corfJZxijWwVCaZzQKeUc5DK0TCiRZMtJNk/s1600-h/108.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgBVc23nXHBVbFKG9R7SJnXLbPt7Y9l39t0EyFkci8U0IzRUdTGMZ7j77hLPVGWMMh2HrAEUdoVB63RTTzIoIKlw6yIxQKf2-cYmEYQs2corfJZxijWwVCaZzQKeUc5DK0TCiRZMtJNk/s400/108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286131658350811810" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">I have SO many Favorite Things about Christmas, but here are just a few...<br /><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">1. The fact that our families love food.</span> It's an important part of our traditions, and one of the ways we show love.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. My husband's thoughtfulness. </span> As one of my gifts, Scott took me on a little date to the quaint downtown where my parents live. We went to a local bead store and he patiently shopped and looked with me and waited while I selected some awesome beads to make myself some jewelry with. It was a perfect gift because not only did I get the beading supplies, but I got to spend time with him, too.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Traditions.</span> I love all those little things that we do every year that make the season special.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Pie crust cookies.</span> A bonus of making your own pie crust.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNnSbhdgEbZCYvDTf_vsZl1aO5_Hgy4dMJmM1CL_Pkg4fxSwx_IqW87kv8DmjI2aMrRxeQCvPld6TwbTkJSDNx7gIT0YpVD1fU0oVYHkNoePDtphe64_wWm-v7kpJ4HtqMIM8KTlASHI/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNnSbhdgEbZCYvDTf_vsZl1aO5_Hgy4dMJmM1CL_Pkg4fxSwx_IqW87kv8DmjI2aMrRxeQCvPld6TwbTkJSDNx7gIT0YpVD1fU0oVYHkNoePDtphe64_wWm-v7kpJ4HtqMIM8KTlASHI/s400/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286140285920555634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Watching cheesy Christmas movies on TV.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Being in Maryland.</span> Really, it is THE most beautiful place. I love the rolling hills, the rocky outcroppings, the green (even in winter), the trees, the purple mountains...it's gorgeous and it's home and I miss it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Becoming part of history.</span> One day we got to hang out with Michael and Stephanie and their family in their basement they're finishing and watch them put up drywall. Michael is putting a time caspule in the wall and we get to have our picture put in there. We even got to write out initals on the wall - SK+JK!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Watching my mom and my husband cook together.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Talking about the gospel with my Dad while we did the dishes together.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvB4YGo8O15zFDwZhZfU6lU44JzQvVinkua6s11a-zrrZOJNkA13WcMwmH_17N60K85Wlq8Dl3dKk72ExRTCDyl6HVy1dKzdE37_LxGhyphenhyphenIQ0XJ4jC-8nG19VZvlZXArVSxzO7OxiP_yU/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvB4YGo8O15zFDwZhZfU6lU44JzQvVinkua6s11a-zrrZOJNkA13WcMwmH_17N60K85Wlq8Dl3dKk72ExRTCDyl6HVy1dKzdE37_LxGhyphenhyphenIQ0XJ4jC-8nG19VZvlZXArVSxzO7OxiP_yU/s400/017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286209283807066850" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">10. Spending time with family.</span> My most favorite part of Christmas.jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-79611168864464711472008-12-25T22:03:00.003-05:002009-01-26T00:16:32.601-05:00Merry Christmas!We're just having such fun with our families right now that I have left off my daily blogging for December. I'll update soon with lots of Favorite Things to share, but for now, I am just <span style="font-weight: bold;">enjoying the experiences!</span><br /><br />We watched this wonderful video last night as part of our Christmas Eve. It's a beautiful depiction that celebrates not only the Savior's birth, but His life and teachings, His great sacrifice for us, and His resurrection. <span style="font-weight: bold;">He lives!</span> I am so thankful for His love for me and for this time of year to pause and reflect on the wonder of His birth.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oteno81QzzQ&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oteno81QzzQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />I hope your Christmas was full of wonder, excitement, joy, warmth , love of family and friends, and the peace that comes from feeling the love of our Savior. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Merry Christmas!</span>jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-27478927313149028012008-12-22T23:19:00.003-05:002008-12-23T10:29:37.001-05:00Having Too Much Fun To Blog...<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays!</span>jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-32418386857295492582008-12-21T23:41:00.004-05:002009-01-26T00:07:34.407-05:00Home For The HolidaysWell, after a quick 7 hour drive, we are Home For The Holidays! (It was quick to me - I slept some...poor Scott, it's really not fair.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Today's Favorite Things are...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Pulling up to Mom and Dad's house.</span> Even Teddy was excited - he popped his little head up to watch out the window as we came down the street. And when we let him out of the car he ran straight to the front door and started pawing to get in! He loves his Grandma and Grandpa.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. It feels like Christmas!</span> The Christmas tree, the nativity set, the greeting cards displayed from friends and family, special holiday decorations I've seen my whole life, being with family... I got a rush of Christmas cheer as soon as we arrived and have been buzzing with it all day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Yummy treats.</span> Remember <a href="http://teddypaws.blogspot.com/2008/12/simple-christmas.html">the other day</a> I said I was trying to "be good?" Yeah, that's <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> out the window.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Laughing.</span> We always laugh a lot when we get together. Both of my parents have very fun senses of humor, and combined with Scott and his hilarity, it makes for lots of giggling. I love it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. The guest room.</span> We call this room "the cave." It is in the middle of the house and has no windows. You can go into this room at any time of the day and fall dead asleep. We always leave here well rested! <br /><br />And I'm headed to the cave right now... good night!jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-17735545066723265982008-12-21T00:22:00.003-05:002009-01-26T00:07:34.408-05:00PreparationsToday was spent in preparations. Preparing others for their holiday by making them gorgeous, and preparing myself for our trip! I had hair appointments all day and then spent the evening packing. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Today's Favorite Things are...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. My awesome friends who come and let me do their hair.</span> I have the best "clients." They're all my girlfriends, and we always have a great time chatting while we beautify!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. How sweet my little fur-ball smells after being groomed.</span> Teddy got gorgeous today, too. I gave him a little makeover - we clipped his nails, brushed his fur and trimmed up some of his stray ends. He looks fabulous! And he smells so good. He really never gets stinky (thank goodness) and I always think he smells sweet, but his mango-scented grooming spray smells especially yummy!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. My packing checklist.</span> Last year we went home in November for Thanksgiving, in December for Christmas, and in January, unfortunately, for a funeral. Each time I forgot something. Grrrr. So I sat down and wrote out a packing checklist of everything that I need. I keep a copy of it in my suitcase and it makes getting ready so much easier. Now the hardest part of packing is trying to figure out which clothes to take. Or maybe just which clothes to leave home, since I always take entirely too much. One of the benefits of driving - I fill that car right up!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Self-Rising Crust Pizza.</span> Cheaper than delivery and faster too, since it only takes about 20 minutes to bake. Doesn't taste <span style="font-style: italic;">quite</span> as good, but it'll do when you've had a busy day and you <span style="font-weight: bold;">need</span> pizza for dinner.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. We're going home for Christmas tomorrow! </span>Yay!!!!jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740396478681803887.post-89415580737386134822008-12-19T22:55:00.010-05:002009-01-26T00:07:34.408-05:00A Simple Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA-pA7wtXzfLWLr67Ek2dszr54I7CAmt6g3Lc8JXhBegnDOUx16h0j_49BxQUEknNPyyhbvSjUrMNJXQ3TzmpYM8syVJzGzG8dCI_KX7CkE3lf9CVZpeOyQA6aroMAJ-As2kfesgK8dI/s1600-h/gifts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA-pA7wtXzfLWLr67Ek2dszr54I7CAmt6g3Lc8JXhBegnDOUx16h0j_49BxQUEknNPyyhbvSjUrMNJXQ3TzmpYM8syVJzGzG8dCI_KX7CkE3lf9CVZpeOyQA6aroMAJ-As2kfesgK8dI/s200/gifts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281755845978838850" border="0" /></a>We did all our Christmas shopping today. Yes, I said <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span>. In one day. And it was fun, relaxed and successful!<br /><br />We decided to have a very simple Christmas this year. I didn't decorate the house. I didn't bake. Our families decided to skip the sibling gifts this year, so our shopping list was a lot shorter. We aren't getting a ton for each other.<br /><br />Before you start to feel sorry for us, let me explain...<br /><br />We are going home to Maryland this year (yay!!!), so we didn't feel the need to decorate. We figured we'd just go enjoy my mom's tree and everything, since: 1. All our decorations are in a storage unit on the other end of town and 2. this isn't our house and I just wasn't feeling the same motivation to deck the halls as I normally do.<br /><br />I didn't bake because: 1. I am trying to be good. 2. Scott is trying to be good. 3. we'll have plenty of yummy treats in Maryland to ruin all our plans of trying to be good!<br /><br />We're keeping the gifts smaller this year because: 1. I didn't want anything. (<a href="http://teddypaws.blogspot.com/2008/12/socksand-other-simple-things.html">Remember</a>, that's why I'm blogging about all my favorite things this month) 2. Scott never wants anything. Seriously. This man could live in a cabin in Alaska with nothing more than the shirt on his back and a pocketknife and be happy. (In fact, he has informed me more than once that were we not married, that is what he would be doing.)<br /><br />I know every year won't be this simple. I don't <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> every year to be this simple. Especially when we have children, I want to do all the decorations, baking, trimmings, traditions and <span style="font-style: italic;">stuff</span>.<br /><br />But for this year, a simple Christmas just felt right to us.<br /><br />It has been so blessedly peaceful.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Today's Favorite Things are...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Chivalry.</span> I'm lucky to have husband who drops me off at the door before parking the car so that I don't get my hair wet in the drizzling rain. Because, you know, I might melt! He also always gets the door for me and is just generally a gentleman.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. The mall at Christmastime.</span> I just love the hustle and bustle. It reminds me of the song, "Silver Bells."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCwZ9gj8RhfgxlZEaes5Nhx0a6go5LQ4EjI3yEaIyBjj7nVlnb10LvYH-kizKKKrfXRRIC-pJGHMjHSk7zueOPxqLFc0SD40nh2thiIqGYxfc0TuzaTcpR75yqpADkUbgE58YZSCj-xM/s1600-h/silverbells.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCwZ9gj8RhfgxlZEaes5Nhx0a6go5LQ4EjI3yEaIyBjj7nVlnb10LvYH-kizKKKrfXRRIC-pJGHMjHSk7zueOPxqLFc0SD40nh2thiIqGYxfc0TuzaTcpR75yqpADkUbgE58YZSCj-xM/s320/silverbells.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281756548533371554" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> Silver bells, silver bells<br />It's Christmas time in the city<br />Ring-a-ling, hear them ring<br />Soon it will be Christmas day<br /><br />City sidewalks, busy sidewalks<br />Dressed in holiday style<br />In the air there's a feeling of Christmas<br />Children laughing, people passing</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Meeting smile after smile<br />And on every street corner you'll hear<br /><br />Silver bells, silver bells<br />It's Christmas time in the city<br />Ring-a-ling, hear them ring<br />Soon it will be Christmas day<br /><br />Strings of streetlights, even stoplights<br />Blink a bright red and green</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">As the shoppers rush home with their treasures<br />Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch<br />This is Santa's big scene<br />And above all this bustle you'll hear<br /><br />Silver bells, silver bells<br />It's Christmas time in the city<br />Ring-a-ling, hear them ring<br />Soon it will be Christmas day</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I could appreciate it even more this year because <span style="font-style: italic;">we </span>were not<span style="font-style: italic;"></span> hustling and bustling. We walked around leisurely, listening to the Christmas music, admiring the decorations and watching all the families and people buying gifts for their loved ones.<br /></div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. When things ring up at the register even cheaper than you thought they would be.</span> Today our purchases rang up $7 less than what the tags said. When Scott asked the cashier about it she said that everything was an extra 20% off or something. Score!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. "Merry Christmas!"</span> I love to hear people wish each other a Merry Christmas. I'm not offended if someone says "Happy Holidays", but it warms my heart to hear people acknowledge the true meaning of the season, even if they're doing so subconsciously, and even if it's while we're all out participating in the commercial aspect of it all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB6u7SIBKTPD5zo7hg-l5LLbtvNHtomWweQ7kom5gpSfvJAq5yAvKGz5UEIWF4oFiVbBeEpkLi4t4Zyml2g6YZXGTrZKs6xNXsp1jX-j-niFF4JZeWs2__xBT5ZqUP2ERJ67ozMFfInI/s1600-h/Merry-Christmas.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB6u7SIBKTPD5zo7hg-l5LLbtvNHtomWweQ7kom5gpSfvJAq5yAvKGz5UEIWF4oFiVbBeEpkLi4t4Zyml2g6YZXGTrZKs6xNXsp1jX-j-niFF4JZeWs2__xBT5ZqUP2ERJ67ozMFfInI/s320/Merry-Christmas.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281737603998142514" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">5. A simple Christmas.</span> Not only are we not stressed out and rushed this year, but I feel like we have been able to spend more time thinking of our Savior and the wonderful gift of His birth... which is why we give gifts at this time of year in the first place- to remember His gifts to us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw505uGPR7XuAUuXO5eZaexzVcUKkylkzJbdvWQlvkG2mXxqBQkwsjfcus-ZCJRNHOh8IlNEFJaMWe-NsJZiBzwOVLcujPrO-NWXxGd8ZgrLZ6ujz3VnKZk3wckIfvVIl48vhLRS8iSKc/s1600-h/nativity.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw505uGPR7XuAUuXO5eZaexzVcUKkylkzJbdvWQlvkG2mXxqBQkwsjfcus-ZCJRNHOh8IlNEFJaMWe-NsJZiBzwOVLcujPrO-NWXxGd8ZgrLZ6ujz3VnKZk3wckIfvVIl48vhLRS8iSKc/s320/nativity.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281749037690511394" border="0" /></a>Here's hoping that your Christmas - whether lavish or simple - is just what you need this year, and that you are able to feel our Savior's love during this season.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas!<br /></div>jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410466813092344539noreply@blogger.com2