tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303636082024-03-05T04:36:22.950-06:00Grateful HeartJamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.comBlogger586125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-28591402723546052942011-06-01T06:58:00.000-05:002011-06-01T06:58:43.817-05:00What does CPR have to do with it?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">My child choked on a piece of candy, and I was the person that gave it to him.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdVtnq_r7eudWd10qfLZLLqxo2cfWhvTzWrCb6CY1PF2aXVxZ1_xoRiv15fylvYlUxr-YzWy_Vs3RL1PeF_qvELBekkXXTT-8juYqw09jizPsdFqe9iwsDDhy3k_bPS4cbgdazw/s1600/IMG_1794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdVtnq_r7eudWd10qfLZLLqxo2cfWhvTzWrCb6CY1PF2aXVxZ1_xoRiv15fylvYlUxr-YzWy_Vs3RL1PeF_qvELBekkXXTT-8juYqw09jizPsdFqe9iwsDDhy3k_bPS4cbgdazw/s320/IMG_1794.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Headlines read, "Peppermint Attempts to Take Down Tough Guy"</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As most of you know, I am a volunteer for the American Heart Association and a HUGE advocate for women's heart health. This month (June), the AHA is taking even more steps to educate adults about "Hands-Only CPR" with a 1 minute video at <em><span style="color: red;">goredforwomen.org</span></em>. I am asking you as my friends, family, fellow bloggers . . . Please take a minute to watch the video. You never know when the life you are going to save is going to be for your own loved one.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I just wanted to briefly share my personal story regarding taking a CPR course about a year ago . . . </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I decided to go for a "refresher" CPR course a little over a year ago, because I was working in the church nursery a lot, and I thought that I should set a good example. Did I think I needed it? No. The baby gates had baby gates at my house. Gary and I were Wardens in the Napolitano baby jail (no danger allowed), and I was sure that I had removed everything out of harms way for my children. Beside that, I had worked with children and in hospitals for years. I would know what to do if I needed to perform CPR or first aid. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><em>70% of Americans do not know how to administer CPR. 80% of cardiac arrests occur at home or work. </em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>I took the CPR/First Aid course on a Saturday morning</em>, and I was anticipating a great afternoon with Wendy, Joey, and Merrin. As I was cooking in the kitchen, it was fun to hear the kids playing together in the back with Wendy and Joey. And then I heard, "Jamie! He's choking!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Brady had been playing with a peppermint in his mouth, and it was quickly sucked down into his windpipe with one of his infamous laughs.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I immediately had Gary call 911 and assessed the situation. He was not talking, coughing, or responding. The peppermint did not come out with some swats to his back. I had to perform the heimlich maneuver, and it took several attempts before the candy was propelled across the room and his airway was freed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Surely we have a loving and merciful God to lead my reluctant heart to a CPR class THAT morning, guide me through the steps of the heimlich maneuver without panic, and to remind me that my children and family are not immune to emergencies just because I take precautions in my home. <em><strong>My child choked on a piece of candy, and I was the person that gave it to him.</strong></em> This was a very humbling experience that I am extremely grateful for.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was not CPR. I did not have to do chest compressions, and I am glad that it did not come to that. We were in a household of adults that were able to respond to the circumstance, and Brady is a healthy, happy boy. I know when all of you look at your loved ones, there is nothing you wouldn't do to prevent harm, protect, or save their lives.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Visit <span style="color: red;"><em>goredforwomen.org</em></span> now. There is a 60 second video that instructs you how to perform "Hands-Only" CPR for adults in the case of a cardiac arrest. Pass the website on to your family and friends. I don't care how busy you are, everyone has one minute to invest in their family and friends.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love you all! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Jamie</span></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-68107360048092746162011-03-14T18:02:00.002-05:002011-03-14T18:35:13.605-05:00Cabbages, Carrots, and Classic Quotes . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SGj-YVIJJ17pMxFR4T54_2ijLbLY_5AsFL8g_DpJMPljq1ug8iFmXSTIwsrZBLX-ExVcf1fRlsFclrx6EBj2rKlJA6UcqDqowYirXfHA5refTiE1xdMGTUBoWx_sHuo3sfZD5g/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SGj-YVIJJ17pMxFR4T54_2ijLbLY_5AsFL8g_DpJMPljq1ug8iFmXSTIwsrZBLX-ExVcf1fRlsFclrx6EBj2rKlJA6UcqDqowYirXfHA5refTiE1xdMGTUBoWx_sHuo3sfZD5g/s320/IMG_0926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>We finally made it back to the St. Patrick's Day Parade this year! It is definitely our favorite parade to attend, and we have such a gracious invitation to a beautiful home of friends that live right on the parade route. Not only has it been a welcoming environment for our family, but they are so generous in the food they have for their guests! I cannot imagine how much preparation takes place before the event, but we are grateful for these opportunities to make memories with family and friends!</em></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Brady and Reese are at the age where they are "prime" targets for many of the coveted parade throws. </em></span><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the first hour of floats, Brady and Reese had accumulated enough stuff to fill our small house.</span> </em></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK1KbOXtbytOrv5eFP0r4ARlNnxC4ndq6Ry0EHW0VFkoNoxuBcUF-ejJSPh936ZCk1RzULs2RzzKzohNaGRTazhYaQz2HgFSk82JALBHRIHIJmdgs3arf4WESGNa456qKFc_-vQ/s1600/IMG_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK1KbOXtbytOrv5eFP0r4ARlNnxC4ndq6Ry0EHW0VFkoNoxuBcUF-ejJSPh936ZCk1RzULs2RzzKzohNaGRTazhYaQz2HgFSk82JALBHRIHIJmdgs3arf4WESGNa456qKFc_-vQ/s320/IMG_0936.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: #38761d;">This is only one of the bags.</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>The first priceless quote of the day came from my observant and vocal son. He has an amazing ability to watch people in these environments, take in and process all the information, and he told Gary, </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96Tp1XRZtzbzbWS5hkkfurCHt1zBdV6IiGB8xA8wxuc8AdkSK3m3KSSVRV5TZKhMSPMfhRUd-cjnVPwH_8GShzQUhc8SwgZGhJAG_x6g8xVCINf2CbfGoL0lMAdWa_aA4uspNmw/s1600/IMG_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96Tp1XRZtzbzbWS5hkkfurCHt1zBdV6IiGB8xA8wxuc8AdkSK3m3KSSVRV5TZKhMSPMfhRUd-cjnVPwH_8GShzQUhc8SwgZGhJAG_x6g8xVCINf2CbfGoL0lMAdWa_aA4uspNmw/s320/IMG_0935.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><em><strong>"These people are crazy." </strong></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>We only had one injury, but I am pretty sure the whole parade heard it. Reese got slammed with some heavy beads on the head and face. I guess that the person throwing the beads at her could not tell that she is about 3 feet tall, less than 30 lbs, and full of drama. She wailed for about 5 minutes while we tried to console her. The other riders on that float felt really bad, so the "gifts" came pouring in. Cabbage anyone?</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXnK7wmFro7VCUKcqVl3tEIC-0HSN6lJEHHDFY02zi9Nsq7SoduFMTgFvWeCrkxcVakvF5aCJjp1VrNfrmMCZzOLClqHygF0nuGC3l5NqJULEWsaZeplkXPEctyPGeAKtzHQo-w/s1600/IMG_0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXnK7wmFro7VCUKcqVl3tEIC-0HSN6lJEHHDFY02zi9Nsq7SoduFMTgFvWeCrkxcVakvF5aCJjp1VrNfrmMCZzOLClqHygF0nuGC3l5NqJULEWsaZeplkXPEctyPGeAKtzHQo-w/s320/IMG_0931.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: #38761d;">She got over it. "THROW ME SUUUUMMMMPIN!"</span></strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>I didn't go to these kinds of parades as a child, so I am just now learning the intensity that they can arouse in those tiny bodies. I noticed that Brady was trying to shove a ball/bat into one of his goody bags, and it was obviously not going to fit. I asked him, "Buddy? Do you want to go put that back by our stuff closer to the house?" He responded by frantically waving his arms up and down and screaming, </em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEitF9e_j0t9epRasN9lqRtChelTqj-tZeXJQwh6ucig_SARxwUigQRRrxoekNvFc52sp1CgF88dOauMWjTrZh1Rz63IvQFSx9YE4d7tc5dMzLWo3VWISQGEKfY2KAh4LQg6iPw/s1600/IMG_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEitF9e_j0t9epRasN9lqRtChelTqj-tZeXJQwh6ucig_SARxwUigQRRrxoekNvFc52sp1CgF88dOauMWjTrZh1Rz63IvQFSx9YE4d7tc5dMzLWo3VWISQGEKfY2KAh4LQg6iPw/s320/IMG_0932.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: #38761d;">"MAMA! I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR ALL THAT!"</span></strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Although I don't appreciate being reprimanded by my children, I couldn't help but laugh. His reality was that if he left that spot for even a second, he might miss an invaluable treasure. I graciously packed away his junk, and we moved on.</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>I wasn't able to take many pictures of our friends and the surrounding parade goers, but here are a few more shots . . .</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4C-_ADrNuj9kOU1eoVSR0onPH2G4WDNSXxQOWR7KKmRA8GAV935P3M_54mvjeMi9-00viGONHDb_fS96N4KUZV2XlRNwhgRMBQbFYCk9dhtnlnwbuuCl83MXe7QJZRsRaCRGHQ/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2BY4uS6yejX0hqWFpuUoBqRxwqmIkSA_OBuqPBPnZDGWbY65XJWe8srqQVx0udH_xzAaaj6gXUbO_O6V0_etElazRHTviDkBccE31HjomkdDqNqQaxpHSVq_qvNjaTOKsM-gmw/s1600/IMG_0938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKB9QNWja6Evpx9Kj0tTa7zENOB70_02s8VNClLyTxTZ9l9bCoVBMWHIHQ9NvR6rrJXJ0w79778CHDVTgttrQ9SrI2Ps2bvBIxTevGhIwrY4SczzyD3KY7vVNlbRdiWnWLTbITA/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKB9QNWja6Evpx9Kj0tTa7zENOB70_02s8VNClLyTxTZ9l9bCoVBMWHIHQ9NvR6rrJXJ0w79778CHDVTgttrQ9SrI2Ps2bvBIxTevGhIwrY4SczzyD3KY7vVNlbRdiWnWLTbITA/s320/IMG_0941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><em>And here is</em> <em>the next toy</em></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><em> I will have to confiscate.</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaju8WybZGqNzYrWWrSKbR6Dp9nl5Y7nEKoz57Hv0-p6dNLg83H1EM0lsAx2UwwBqKgDNwCBvTWmDt2o1OLQerzBy74D6m5rf6IRPWy0Own3QfPxqTfNNclsqM_qnJw8xVh_FVMA/s320/IMG_0939.JPG" width="240" /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><em>Get that nasty thing out of your mouth!</em> </span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZsGoSLO7UTvLHNnEmPzcoJBMRCrWrc8-qXXcbAVIojZVHT2lyeNBvgDtaQrTCCAly0oeHPJBe5WqEhQDz7MjQhhyZC-Vu0BdVsTH_a6yUWDgWli1tdNjh46KhMtExYzzKV5H1A/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #38761d;"></span></a><span style="color: #38761d; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXDGdeVE76etMYzW12R5f6uqbXaVVxemIdTR6Svtdx7t8eryk8rzFuYEvNQ93lc52ykA4TZy8elg5GUTeK6J7C2cNbvz9A_ocqGn0DSu7oyJOWpbuSfKZ-1S_Q0gdBQF-IYX0GQ/s320/IMG_0937.JPG" width="320" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLlR0MFIx-Fv0cdbiMerJk27VezN0sxAlmpYikw_LnK70I9xI7_uv7R5U1Sy1WYRU4gpGm3z-MhSAi-Ap0vozmaa8PLsnOpk0GQATzcFNRSf4C6cHgVWlxcBCrVntWtoDPVVZ-A/s1600/IMG_0940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLlR0MFIx-Fv0cdbiMerJk27VezN0sxAlmpYikw_LnK70I9xI7_uv7R5U1Sy1WYRU4gpGm3z-MhSAi-Ap0vozmaa8PLsnOpk0GQATzcFNRSf4C6cHgVWlxcBCrVntWtoDPVVZ-A/s320/IMG_0940.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;">Reese retires for the day.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNJGykl9jQOFgxaFoV5NRJNrwNC16u5tEkDFMKrGQKgoHbM9ZrHkD-kXlylIa7s-xbPAY_x_Z5-FBE141SvM83Ghyzh6l8qxW6ewEiiCxUfWgZqp1-d-jRnWjMRs78PFTcGvQzg/s1600/IMG_0938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNJGykl9jQOFgxaFoV5NRJNrwNC16u5tEkDFMKrGQKgoHbM9ZrHkD-kXlylIa7s-xbPAY_x_Z5-FBE141SvM83Ghyzh6l8qxW6ewEiiCxUfWgZqp1-d-jRnWjMRs78PFTcGvQzg/s320/IMG_0938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;">Gary and Vince</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jSl7W34H58vp_NTKogc7J6yIKPbq8IQD9Yoxt4_3pdulrUmvt5wuJEQelcsa25Pz7LVyuQDhKusMXzQPnP76Jlbry8xdc3hGw_hXOT4p-Sux7bOWCoFBGiTrOkXEpMOzbRynvw/s1600/IMG_0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jSl7W34H58vp_NTKogc7J6yIKPbq8IQD9Yoxt4_3pdulrUmvt5wuJEQelcsa25Pz7LVyuQDhKusMXzQPnP76Jlbry8xdc3hGw_hXOT4p-Sux7bOWCoFBGiTrOkXEpMOzbRynvw/s320/IMG_0930.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Brady just plugged his ears when it got too loud. When his "catching" hands weren't available anymore, that is when he decided it was ok to leave.</em></span></div><br />
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</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-39191229406935184192011-03-07T08:16:00.001-06:002011-03-07T08:25:49.905-06:00Middendorf's vs. Metairie Parades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3m_GHIhpZmr-WOMubV-kZcwg1SClNH28hzliO5dtrdF1zcXf1eOSuustV7hbb4wffSFHoiZGSAzG4X8cnjMKK1ZqaPSe9CrH6pTlcCuyPMbpPrpH1PtgDjrjNFYe02kAeIXz6Q/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3m_GHIhpZmr-WOMubV-kZcwg1SClNH28hzliO5dtrdF1zcXf1eOSuustV7hbb4wffSFHoiZGSAzG4X8cnjMKK1ZqaPSe9CrH6pTlcCuyPMbpPrpH1PtgDjrjNFYe02kAeIXz6Q/s640/IMG_0896.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>~Joy~</em></strong></span></div><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ahhhhhhhhh . . . The first Sunday in a long time that we could actually choose to do <em>nothing.</em> We usually don't choose that valid option, but it was very nice to know that the prospect of laziness existed.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather was a little chilly in the morning as we packed up to go to the early service. We noticed clouds, rain drops, and as the kids say, "It was a little ominous." - <em>They got that from <strong>Martha Speaks</strong>. I had to look it up.</em></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gary and I decided that it may be time to actually start taking them out to eat in public . . . at a restaurant . . . one that doesn't have filthy play areas and frazzled parents. We chose to go to Middendorf's, which is about a 30 minute drive from our home. We packed up their distractions, snacks, and crossed our fingers. What would it be like to eat a meal <em>in public</em> with two well-behaved children? We can't even manage to do it in our own home on most evenings, so what possessed us to think we could do it now?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As soon as we got there, I noticed we were at an advantage:</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. It was already loud in there.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. We were at a corner table, and Brady could technically be "trapped" in by Gary's chair.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. We found some things they would eat on the menu.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gluttony prevailed. Gary and I had gumbo, Italian oysters, and he ate a fried catfish plate (their specialty), and I had a lot of broiled salmon. Reese effortlessly tackled 1/2 lb. of shrimp, french fries, and ate all the shrimp out of our gumbo. It was a little harder for Brady to focus on food, but he did eat a few french fries and sipped on some pink lemonade. We escaped the building without tears, blood, screams, or ugly looks. Victory was ours! It had nothing to do with me and Gary and our parenting "expertise." God just blessed us with enough grace to accept the age-appropriate things they did that was a little embarrassing and delighted us with sweet gestures like hugging the waitress when we left. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was all pleasant and worth the drive, but the real fun started outside. It was like a mini beach on the lake! There was a lot of sand, buckets, a hammock, precious beach decor, a dock . . . The sun came out, and we just enjoyed flipping each other over in the hammock and watching the kids immerse themselves in sand. I felt a little bad for the other kids watching whose parents didn't want their car filled with sand. It was worth every grain (that I still have not cleaned out yet)!</span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;">Middendorf's was definitely the right choice for us!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFOIblpHDSez4_dzhgZC3wT970hp_KK6lDJI0KMCYMQ1VpoywaxyKaKz-6NP1AgmPzArwtQvII_tLZQCFLyXHqennYEHDRBtSFkkXn88xKKn3jR34G5cnXZoMK169kisI9TinNQ/s1600/IMG_0892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFOIblpHDSez4_dzhgZC3wT970hp_KK6lDJI0KMCYMQ1VpoywaxyKaKz-6NP1AgmPzArwtQvII_tLZQCFLyXHqennYEHDRBtSFkkXn88xKKn3jR34G5cnXZoMK169kisI9TinNQ/s320/IMG_0892.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Discovery</strong></span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6IipC16KQKPHorksUG0v7Mzi0W1iRZ7msII8WBj-DlliCu6bZInYx9q9rI23msGTc1UCFss6Ody_QzU0tSQe1gQ1Kxq8_LsvpmN7jTVQOkw87vu7DtUbxgD3CXGeaIGWKArTaQ/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6IipC16KQKPHorksUG0v7Mzi0W1iRZ7msII8WBj-DlliCu6bZInYx9q9rI23msGTc1UCFss6Ody_QzU0tSQe1gQ1Kxq8_LsvpmN7jTVQOkw87vu7DtUbxgD3CXGeaIGWKArTaQ/s320/IMG_0894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>The View</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTIvdN2bZ4Rfv_1Q9aAEGy-CKCPnYuYQT8-2GeNPFXl8ll7yrPWJGYelX5RR6fmmpe0XwuZSb5K7sAAnyf9Ttg4ffhDnOctgg5DlX4Xf_3iwFXO9eKM0twd1exwaqIPeiNKWpbw/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTIvdN2bZ4Rfv_1Q9aAEGy-CKCPnYuYQT8-2GeNPFXl8ll7yrPWJGYelX5RR6fmmpe0XwuZSb5K7sAAnyf9Ttg4ffhDnOctgg5DlX4Xf_3iwFXO9eKM0twd1exwaqIPeiNKWpbw/s320/IMG_0897.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzlLYizR3opWCOKGk4CipbL3RcW4S_A3Qz9GVSWJQKNV5ls-KfLQ9GAriAGl33re7z-VN8DZLmcZxqj_006hGjkXCxrAghf_ngmXy7UlaCY-4nqNbsYQrpH9TKEOa1oAZY8HpmQ/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzlLYizR3opWCOKGk4CipbL3RcW4S_A3Qz9GVSWJQKNV5ls-KfLQ9GAriAGl33re7z-VN8DZLmcZxqj_006hGjkXCxrAghf_ngmXy7UlaCY-4nqNbsYQrpH9TKEOa1oAZY8HpmQ/s320/IMG_0911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtMefm1BNIAlzyJmQzH56QCxd9LON5DjwUnmN-iw9alPvIWL0vtyUN-pVgI1gxIDBn8qf8-kjls1_Bhr0Nf_tfuq95qrFw4QTlJqtf6IL8TrgHZQOamBndwBHT1rdIp-bca-1sQ/s1600/IMG_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtMefm1BNIAlzyJmQzH56QCxd9LON5DjwUnmN-iw9alPvIWL0vtyUN-pVgI1gxIDBn8qf8-kjls1_Bhr0Nf_tfuq95qrFw4QTlJqtf6IL8TrgHZQOamBndwBHT1rdIp-bca-1sQ/s320/IMG_0900.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTv6p97RWIfMkwWvK6FR-gvVxeFlS7H7QFBV5MGfq6c903kFFQBf5LzOVRpsZPqYPB3Yoc7_epgP035WcURoTMRoakP0Lj8SQ1yYzLt_N_C091BMhvu-VSWn9ldmGvIhNxy-Bw_g/s1600/IMG_0902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTv6p97RWIfMkwWvK6FR-gvVxeFlS7H7QFBV5MGfq6c903kFFQBf5LzOVRpsZPqYPB3Yoc7_epgP035WcURoTMRoakP0Lj8SQ1yYzLt_N_C091BMhvu-VSWn9ldmGvIhNxy-Bw_g/s320/IMG_0902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYa__N5xbw_dZZ70p_eS0PznIkzTVrWmy-6aj59iXLNzhY3f0mMeBSs2Ha_EmfXmyBI5AeRhSOkxxFUY3riJDMxpXEF14wMh0XAZeLHIkjFSRR1w2xY41s-N0dkFokT7nbZEcKoA/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYa__N5xbw_dZZ70p_eS0PznIkzTVrWmy-6aj59iXLNzhY3f0mMeBSs2Ha_EmfXmyBI5AeRhSOkxxFUY3riJDMxpXEF14wMh0XAZeLHIkjFSRR1w2xY41s-N0dkFokT7nbZEcKoA/s320/IMG_0907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Peace</em></strong></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2ymwkn3NgWQlxzumG7rPI_reLnjOho5qeEVolASm-oH82S-2Vev4ZWQFYkqJgQ_G8pU_j360qI0MnTpzXqaBBaxqSx732UZXdDxI7MxFHkR76MCTo2Id6GcrOsmz38sW4xayew/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2ymwkn3NgWQlxzumG7rPI_reLnjOho5qeEVolASm-oH82S-2Vev4ZWQFYkqJgQ_G8pU_j360qI0MnTpzXqaBBaxqSx732UZXdDxI7MxFHkR76MCTo2Id6GcrOsmz38sW4xayew/s200/IMG_0910.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <em><strong><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trust </span></strong></em> </div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-46782480588657865982011-01-25T08:28:00.000-06:002011-01-25T08:28:37.433-06:00Tears at the ZooThe zoo is usually just a place that Brady, Reese, and I spend time together during the week if we don't have school, play group, church, or any other errands to run. We have been spoiled by having the zoo/aquarium membership, so it is very cheap entertainment. However, it is a special day when Daddy gets to join us. We show him all of our favorite spots, Brady and Reese squeal on me that we usually indulge in ice cream or a snow ball, and we introduce him to some of our favorite goats in the petting zoo. <br />
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Many of the goats have become particularly fond of Reese. She must be some sort of "goat whisperer."<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brady . . . well, the sign says it all . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JVcKfe_080ei_KudznpuiVlgXSwzilU8Ft2_blPkpYT7Aquvg76IJxsk9Cv7uJLsSB6RgLWnBdFe_s7nZg2mh2AuUNZ5lQlpwUsPQwRtKeBLV7uvqKeXh6_ku_o3FHxnSZRMng/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JVcKfe_080ei_KudznpuiVlgXSwzilU8Ft2_blPkpYT7Aquvg76IJxsk9Cv7uJLsSB6RgLWnBdFe_s7nZg2mh2AuUNZ5lQlpwUsPQwRtKeBLV7uvqKeXh6_ku_o3FHxnSZRMng/s320/IMG_0501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then, there is the infamous Monkey Hill. In the summertime, it is filled with half naked children splashing around on dangerous rocks in water that has to be predominately urine. (shudder) They love it. I try to avoid it by distracting them, but they are too old for that now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the winter, it is a climbing spot. Brady immediately tackled the "spider web" design, and Reese cautiously sized it up from the bottom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxc0rlpmJbgy3qlLIwp8tl8lx29i_7xvadR9TX2us_wSZEGU2TS_pCuL6S8dCKsdJITqnF0La8QDv2HAKNnwkPiubqCg4C-uJpvdRzU_Yl-ks4wCL_-11o366uKT2SAl4mc_-aw/s1600/IMG_0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxc0rlpmJbgy3qlLIwp8tl8lx29i_7xvadR9TX2us_wSZEGU2TS_pCuL6S8dCKsdJITqnF0La8QDv2HAKNnwkPiubqCg4C-uJpvdRzU_Yl-ks4wCL_-11o366uKT2SAl4mc_-aw/s320/IMG_0517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIUExAAJpUa76wdAqwlWBqMCvyWQuVJcHBfWp7tzC5slVQgQZSUj_At-FlLYnozbbiw19MFgJlXZIVtvAijzQ5YUr67aQd6D4JwClEIt0bPEAjJxdiHzlBLE5gcYW44n4OLnbAw/s1600/IMG_0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIUExAAJpUa76wdAqwlWBqMCvyWQuVJcHBfWp7tzC5slVQgQZSUj_At-FlLYnozbbiw19MFgJlXZIVtvAijzQ5YUr67aQd6D4JwClEIt0bPEAjJxdiHzlBLE5gcYW44n4OLnbAw/s320/IMG_0511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After quite a bit of coaxing, she slowly joined her brother up the ropes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It didn't take long for me to hear a terrible cry from the top. I guess she realized that she was going to have to get back down by herself, and she sounded terrified. Panic filled my heart, because it was going to be difficult to navigate through all of those children to get to her before she had a complete meltdown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spotted Brady. I asked him to hurry up and check on Reese, and he didn't hesitate. He had a worried, but calm look on his face. I was hoping that my voice didn't scare him to death, but he is familiar with his sister's timid personality. In less than a minute, he was walking her down the ropes, hand-in-hand, until she could get to me. When I lifted her off, she clung to me tightely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIjL3k3GmSVObpH3TJGd4Sfx2MAgB6jvwAcfrSjRXNL1jAqNER0Pz8Cwv41_YW3MyzCWGpRe9Gio3oNce4p1ICt0FEIsZ1U12rTpS8-rzOfwRBSQmU5oY7UlFd3tWiBFC__WsCg/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIjL3k3GmSVObpH3TJGd4Sfx2MAgB6jvwAcfrSjRXNL1jAqNER0Pz8Cwv41_YW3MyzCWGpRe9Gio3oNce4p1ICt0FEIsZ1U12rTpS8-rzOfwRBSQmU5oY7UlFd3tWiBFC__WsCg/s320/IMG_0514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tears were pouring down my face, but not because I was worried about her safety. The way Brady helped her down the ropes and comforted her in his own way was touching. He has never been known for his super-sensitive personality or tender nature. Seeing him respond that way made me so proud and grateful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe we are doing something right as parents. When I have days that I feel like I have been the worst parent in the world, I think I will just try to remember that we are helping cultivate a relationship between the two of them that is not dependent on us. What a relief.</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-27006643250059723242010-12-30T14:09:00.000-06:002010-12-30T14:09:00.675-06:00Angels?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuRSAsX0Gp0e4UZ1a1E9WhCfrjtUlGFnHx8VvoQ0pE1rN6-pSmPcM0KrSiCh47A0UezMys7ZF7Y9DBa8BKmjMMQ6m-Jd948Ygmhzhb93XjkSP7Syf2YkT_GjEX-l_wgE3FDdDxQ/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuRSAsX0Gp0e4UZ1a1E9WhCfrjtUlGFnHx8VvoQ0pE1rN6-pSmPcM0KrSiCh47A0UezMys7ZF7Y9DBa8BKmjMMQ6m-Jd948Ygmhzhb93XjkSP7Syf2YkT_GjEX-l_wgE3FDdDxQ/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsfHp9FC5X40iS0AUPLvJIAu-LtToVvghtXzXTSM-a3OXhj7JSpX28In_DvFPBiAVy6i_cdzvBF9AyoMUBeA70UKZ6JBWUZCv3toGI_CJg3RUN0Qka1vNNdq_YDXAQX-iAN-K2Q/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsfHp9FC5X40iS0AUPLvJIAu-LtToVvghtXzXTSM-a3OXhj7JSpX28In_DvFPBiAVy6i_cdzvBF9AyoMUBeA70UKZ6JBWUZCv3toGI_CJg3RUN0Qka1vNNdq_YDXAQX-iAN-K2Q/s320/IMG_0335.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yEzqvEFPkTlqyUFD_Ux64n96ErAgRQ4ziqwF1yVyJnZYVw92hY7_Y9vq1isp1PJEZN2uxJ6a_yBn5togBWn3z2nm7v1dPYT6efvbUk6ozjfr7XJZZ68i5HZbHzoXQ50uBxuGPw/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yEzqvEFPkTlqyUFD_Ux64n96ErAgRQ4ziqwF1yVyJnZYVw92hY7_Y9vq1isp1PJEZN2uxJ6a_yBn5togBWn3z2nm7v1dPYT6efvbUk6ozjfr7XJZZ68i5HZbHzoXQ50uBxuGPw/s320/IMG_0340.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The kids lasted about 5 minutes (or less) as angels in our church's live nativity scene. We couldn't find the white angel costumes, so we draped them with whatever material was left! In their defense, they did do Las Posadas prior to the event, so we were all cold and tired. It was a great experience!Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-37589384324113109932010-12-30T12:29:00.000-06:002010-12-30T12:29:51.400-06:00Play Group Christmas Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJjJZAXVZiAf8HWvn5wXouHM4-GGvKnASwLfyYxv60ftci8igTvGoKzY3vCivIkIH_ofF2T17a4EcCUwvaz-5mS0_OvYSRbOgPNnh81sWBgHD6aDxnvQV38O4rw9gCFlDq0DDPg/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJjJZAXVZiAf8HWvn5wXouHM4-GGvKnASwLfyYxv60ftci8igTvGoKzY3vCivIkIH_ofF2T17a4EcCUwvaz-5mS0_OvYSRbOgPNnh81sWBgHD6aDxnvQV38O4rw9gCFlDq0DDPg/s320/IMG_0324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmTY-7qj8qilRLQ_2yQd5sU3jMgTlDFEIEK5q_SNFLHRqve6JwHrqPIoQWSIvJLN3McNeJAI3ttniTGmMTCf2TjhiF1UApIEPvZNwoTJzkACc12yzLJe2cBOKXLl7CA-pcruTlQ/s1600/IMG_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmTY-7qj8qilRLQ_2yQd5sU3jMgTlDFEIEK5q_SNFLHRqve6JwHrqPIoQWSIvJLN3McNeJAI3ttniTGmMTCf2TjhiF1UApIEPvZNwoTJzkACc12yzLJe2cBOKXLl7CA-pcruTlQ/s320/IMG_0328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnjko69sPfexEfDrHKokoVVep2n6E_p5Qxxbh4i1OnAvBdInsk1Ul-JYbi1IdHCv5B1dEtBalA2HGgOh622-uS-WUnQrHst8CDjkSAfAbp3pUzOeoxOIJzvkRW-qIc7s9Ky_2_g/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnjko69sPfexEfDrHKokoVVep2n6E_p5Qxxbh4i1OnAvBdInsk1Ul-JYbi1IdHCv5B1dEtBalA2HGgOh622-uS-WUnQrHst8CDjkSAfAbp3pUzOeoxOIJzvkRW-qIc7s9Ky_2_g/s320/IMG_0329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Daddy joined us at playgroup. I think he went for the party. Too bad the little sandwiches had mayo! More for us!Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-30690262793966889962010-12-03T13:29:00.000-06:002010-12-03T13:29:27.940-06:00Moments By Lene<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhu5j0qHglI9nwEd_SpRMCODaD1sycC3g3n3ZQqw6GdlOZKEo2i_PxnFLQlmzbA1Iabc-waL2sRRKwnRWgX2nqcUEZHR665bwd0bjNc_GmhUoohNQ4Ie-viH2jtWVW0pbJnIPqA/s1600/brady+and+present.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhu5j0qHglI9nwEd_SpRMCODaD1sycC3g3n3ZQqw6GdlOZKEo2i_PxnFLQlmzbA1Iabc-waL2sRRKwnRWgX2nqcUEZHR665bwd0bjNc_GmhUoohNQ4Ie-viH2jtWVW0pbJnIPqA/s320/brady+and+present.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We have that fake smile down!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R013PlYCMKat7XiPs_KyHOHAQhFBGiJEGEZej7D7YNlOG50dSpqeh4bxonq-PclqXk8MZ3iFIxwop_yibTowfjXPUbkPrNH5XHyZjiUPK_vc0MxH22qktet4zm2uBa0DRwoP6w/s1600/brady+secret+santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R013PlYCMKat7XiPs_KyHOHAQhFBGiJEGEZej7D7YNlOG50dSpqeh4bxonq-PclqXk8MZ3iFIxwop_yibTowfjXPUbkPrNH5XHyZjiUPK_vc0MxH22qktet4zm2uBa0DRwoP6w/s320/brady+secret+santa.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggplfHQbWhjKzHsQHaqb6JnuAmxTqLYSAlZfqC2yuRDGtQyrqLnW86AqNqXVWwjRvp0q-ZJniX-Ampv6dgC-IwyVZ_WuaPFUi0m4N-3Ona6uM7GTy-EG3rCulT83lVoTVgeiIz3A/s1600/brady+trying+to+kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggplfHQbWhjKzHsQHaqb6JnuAmxTqLYSAlZfqC2yuRDGtQyrqLnW86AqNqXVWwjRvp0q-ZJniX-Ampv6dgC-IwyVZ_WuaPFUi0m4N-3Ona6uM7GTy-EG3rCulT83lVoTVgeiIz3A/s320/brady+trying+to+kiss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Brady! Don't kiss me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QpvO5Nj2sYkKVD3o8w4nRgjSPkXoJVnJVYXsPEPS-Ovc5OTqzLAXb1_38h1p45H6w1Znh6AhyWBSzDwE3sFJGbXJsF22UIgpnKhU6Z4n-hClCmjM-ebgl5HeCM6_G9U484CinQ/s1600/cute+on+bench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QpvO5Nj2sYkKVD3o8w4nRgjSPkXoJVnJVYXsPEPS-Ovc5OTqzLAXb1_38h1p45H6w1Znh6AhyWBSzDwE3sFJGbXJsF22UIgpnKhU6Z4n-hClCmjM-ebgl5HeCM6_G9U484CinQ/s320/cute+on+bench.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjt4v2Hl4Doaso5LsbEGnXDXFwLNNmQkCtsgaPh4ur169iHkpUIezYxkWTVA-amF0MQeXrAct5gzZP3C6NB6PZrAiE9it6nHgkdacHjSHHfd1WWD98DHMKWTyg2XQnwUyJPtFiA/s1600/popping+out+of+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjt4v2Hl4Doaso5LsbEGnXDXFwLNNmQkCtsgaPh4ur169iHkpUIezYxkWTVA-amF0MQeXrAct5gzZP3C6NB6PZrAiE9it6nHgkdacHjSHHfd1WWD98DHMKWTyg2XQnwUyJPtFiA/s320/popping+out+of+box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My little surprises!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAsVMT-X0T7naVzkrhRZZyksBj1nwPfUPKjKsiMUpry0aQMZkKrareoLql5FMFQ0Lm50QwU66fmYGbdSGcb7VqKL861FeKYVSPBtACbujBJ9MtOP3MYIwl0bJipabFm03VsAapA/s1600/reese+and+present.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAsVMT-X0T7naVzkrhRZZyksBj1nwPfUPKjKsiMUpry0aQMZkKrareoLql5FMFQ0Lm50QwU66fmYGbdSGcb7VqKL861FeKYVSPBtACbujBJ9MtOP3MYIwl0bJipabFm03VsAapA/s320/reese+and+present.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4KdmEiZkOM70ocEEieAdpicSd_aqbnNPmZghd70pcW8U4p6FrD8gPTWaeD1l414TSHomXVAu66cFhoOa8fRnWcZ_rGakc723MwCmjhYibR4FOwxhVsksAI3YIaUfKaTmvk60RQ/s1600/Reese+checkin+out+santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4KdmEiZkOM70ocEEieAdpicSd_aqbnNPmZghd70pcW8U4p6FrD8gPTWaeD1l414TSHomXVAu66cFhoOa8fRnWcZ_rGakc723MwCmjhYibR4FOwxhVsksAI3YIaUfKaTmvk60RQ/s320/Reese+checkin+out+santa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> What's up, Santa?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvmuzSOGsqtN8T8lCtXHdRc2nxWsFzDFIgSZwVwnZDGPlnMdQQ9IrGwhcFDvHlQBkwjwkMWmua70kk7FoQPop0_Funw20TKg2h_50NjYkGcKis1M_o3SNuBy13hFg0hb7v-z9LA/s1600/chocolate+chip+smiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvmuzSOGsqtN8T8lCtXHdRc2nxWsFzDFIgSZwVwnZDGPlnMdQQ9IrGwhcFDvHlQBkwjwkMWmua70kk7FoQPop0_Funw20TKg2h_50NjYkGcKis1M_o3SNuBy13hFg0hb7v-z9LA/s320/chocolate+chip+smiles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Notice the brown teeth . . . They snacked on some chocolate chip cookies during the "photo shoot break." I promise we do make them brush their teeth!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If anyone is looking for a photographer, Charlene is phenomenal! My kids are hard to photograph, because they will refuse to smile, cooperate, sit next to each other, etc. She is so patient, and we always love the photos!</div><div align="center"></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-33214609961583745072010-11-30T08:44:00.001-06:002010-11-30T08:45:48.050-06:00Thanksgiving at the Pumilia HouseWe had Thanksgiving with Granny, Papa C, and that crew last week. The kids had a great time playing, and they cannot get enough of those uncles! Of course, neither Darrin nor Joey were in a position to take the "preschool lovin," because Brady and Reese get pretty excited about playing with them, but they were good sports!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkTVFzYsfgE57R9XCJcX99zFsXO7XoXctj9XJkOeZp8lBmK5Mv6H-JeTKmog6naKbTD2kGRatD_h1AE_X-xP8ATN2K-dBinSXAMaRshW5Ll-I2HNSxyHtbHsx4__b2hUOnhzH8Q/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkTVFzYsfgE57R9XCJcX99zFsXO7XoXctj9XJkOeZp8lBmK5Mv6H-JeTKmog6naKbTD2kGRatD_h1AE_X-xP8ATN2K-dBinSXAMaRshW5Ll-I2HNSxyHtbHsx4__b2hUOnhzH8Q/s320/IMG_0136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jaUo5MWZEQEv6Hh0Fi4RPypJ7JfrYUQfKvsyrtZwowIZ-kh5MEooHTgqy3pRNBqlurQIRI-O1mBvVnVR2FMkWUOkifGBIg2QxHkL2PDqH04znIEgAiYfOCNbWtOzwTthXeNC4w/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jaUo5MWZEQEv6Hh0Fi4RPypJ7JfrYUQfKvsyrtZwowIZ-kh5MEooHTgqy3pRNBqlurQIRI-O1mBvVnVR2FMkWUOkifGBIg2QxHkL2PDqH04znIEgAiYfOCNbWtOzwTthXeNC4w/s320/IMG_0137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Granny and Papa C were also looking good ~ and let's not forget Pepe!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzB582dOLoGvQq6MXI3vnIvSkHiRypwFxm8LOGt6FetCxXjvwAjNvcF2Idi9UM7NAjIfiqnJDW93Q6rr26pgAKGpK-q7RVIbdrt3BZRe0P1ahFFFuGQSRfWBSO69HooliSsta4A/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzB582dOLoGvQq6MXI3vnIvSkHiRypwFxm8LOGt6FetCxXjvwAjNvcF2Idi9UM7NAjIfiqnJDW93Q6rr26pgAKGpK-q7RVIbdrt3BZRe0P1ahFFFuGQSRfWBSO69HooliSsta4A/s320/IMG_0150.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Marcella, Cameron, and Darrin</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEUltu-bSC-TqeU5uizBs7I9W1eNBy_oEPoi4bjro_VgkD91MNzlIK-XHELp36iGvOWfqkHG_21HH5lp8f5jjS73effBrxwhv7KDpXS0svmzElOe_OMvogctiY3iX9pGj_wucFA/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEUltu-bSC-TqeU5uizBs7I9W1eNBy_oEPoi4bjro_VgkD91MNzlIK-XHELp36iGvOWfqkHG_21HH5lp8f5jjS73effBrxwhv7KDpXS0svmzElOe_OMvogctiY3iX9pGj_wucFA/s320/IMG_0140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wendy, Joey, and Merrin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea2XkU3h5p6SvftAE08URqkGPyDHigc-b7qa4ggXTjc9isewFAr3LX4LRz7CvDL7wOrWMNMxCIu-5RES4vGUcnjFlnpSMZ83I0546ILMBjTWj4QUn2O7EhHfv0uB_mFp8uuMKog/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea2XkU3h5p6SvftAE08URqkGPyDHigc-b7qa4ggXTjc9isewFAr3LX4LRz7CvDL7wOrWMNMxCIu-5RES4vGUcnjFlnpSMZ83I0546ILMBjTWj4QUn2O7EhHfv0uB_mFp8uuMKog/s320/IMG_0138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More Family Pics</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbiPrFbMaJiRBTTQSBZ-UCxu-4XeETLfAMaauEJhkffkudn-3i8yEoBuZrEUojhQIErUklOuNVpmlJYsfVD4pLPkeG51fdQZb-7gRgqd07nUUXQYu252eOiMq2i_9WTYJI-Q8dw/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbiPrFbMaJiRBTTQSBZ-UCxu-4XeETLfAMaauEJhkffkudn-3i8yEoBuZrEUojhQIErUklOuNVpmlJYsfVD4pLPkeG51fdQZb-7gRgqd07nUUXQYu252eOiMq2i_9WTYJI-Q8dw/s320/IMG_0152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-92165444125371625162010-11-30T08:18:00.000-06:002010-11-30T08:18:48.624-06:00Shaving Cream . . . AgainI love them in shaving cream. I must be the biggest fool on the block, because it gets everywhere, but it is still cheap fun! I am not sure how the other Moms feel about me letting their kids join in, but I guess they will let me know!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqzcTgi12F7KcpMF9NKUq_wjFLnrf0Ui3V7c4wlFY3dWBkywyG7LklwtnJc-gVuXpW8YO8eDG2hxvAXvNIg1MAGZBH5qVjTdWY6WZguN3KUQF8jCMTmxGVgI1G-eOq5p9lHQIHw/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqzcTgi12F7KcpMF9NKUq_wjFLnrf0Ui3V7c4wlFY3dWBkywyG7LklwtnJc-gVuXpW8YO8eDG2hxvAXvNIg1MAGZBH5qVjTdWY6WZguN3KUQF8jCMTmxGVgI1G-eOq5p9lHQIHw/s320/IMG_0124.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-79711960746069140872010-11-30T08:05:00.000-06:002010-11-30T08:05:15.789-06:00Baby Merrin VisitsWell, she isn't a baby anymore, but she is to Brady and Reese. Merrin stayed with us for the day, and they had such a wonderful time! She is certainly very grown up, and wants to do everything by "self!" I am so proud to be her Aunt. The kids just danced and played with endless energy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4GLPP-yJ77LKLTppewIYf4nSMbZGueitsS7q2iEsREqaN2PhcopqzcMR50EMqcRGnoVEgAv2BO9Esx4HklJN1AyQ0SVAIY7ENB3XmogJEYDYmXOScE5SGMa0_qqfI80cM9IzPA/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4GLPP-yJ77LKLTppewIYf4nSMbZGueitsS7q2iEsREqaN2PhcopqzcMR50EMqcRGnoVEgAv2BO9Esx4HklJN1AyQ0SVAIY7ENB3XmogJEYDYmXOScE5SGMa0_qqfI80cM9IzPA/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-30219808315770354692010-11-11T14:27:00.001-06:002010-11-11T14:29:53.399-06:00In Eternity We Will Not Need Our Earthly Bodies<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>“The Gospel of life is to be celebrated above all in daily living, which should be filled with self-giving love for others. Over and above such outstanding moments, there is an everyday heroism, made up of gestures of sharing, big or small, which build up an authentic culture of life. A particularly praiseworthy example of such gestures is the donation of organs, performed in an ethically acceptable manner, with a view to offering a chance of health and even of life itself to the sick who sometimes have no other hope.”</em></span> <br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Pope John Paul </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">II</span></em> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufaiyy2aR69FG9hRv7trHWKC-sE3Fej3Qzc_F1dl_y46BpTMg5r6INCz7MEXFEM4tfoQkmHNvliOvbNBoB-G_KL8jb9s5ECmmaEeoLTTN0N85nG1DLoTs4SGrzVJ7IhZ_StwL8Q/s1600/STA_3343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufaiyy2aR69FG9hRv7trHWKC-sE3Fej3Qzc_F1dl_y46BpTMg5r6INCz7MEXFEM4tfoQkmHNvliOvbNBoB-G_KL8jb9s5ECmmaEeoLTTN0N85nG1DLoTs4SGrzVJ7IhZ_StwL8Q/s320/STA_3343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em> </span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is National Donor Sabbath Month (among about 50 others), but as you know, this one is particularly special to me. I still do not know anything about my donor except that he was 19 years old and lived in Texas. He and his family certainly showed <em>"self-giving love" </em>when they chose to donate his organs. </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you a donor? If not, what are you waiting for? Since this is my blog, I guess it can be my soap box, too! :) There are a lot of myths that are out there that stop people from registering to be a donor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The sole focus that doctors and medical staff have when treating a patient in critical care is their survival. They will not withdraw treatment prematurely or minimize their efforts if they know you are a organ donor. There are laws about the kinds of tests that must been administered and procedures that must be followed in order to declare a person legally dead and potentially eligible to donate their organs. The doctor caring for you has nothing to do with organ donation. You can actually list the circumstances in which you would be willing to be a donor. It is important to do this, so your family does not have to make this difficult decision under tragic circumstances.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
Most major religions either agree with organ donation and encourage it, or they leave the choice up to the individual. I wrote an article on Examiner.com listing some of the philosophies and official statements regarding organ donation. <br />
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<a href="http://www.examiner.com/special-needs-parents-in-new-orleans/religion-is-seldom-a-hindrance-organ-donation">http://www.examiner.com/special-needs-parents-in-new-orleans/religion-is-seldom-a-hindrance-organ-donation</a><br />
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It will not prevent an open-casket funeral, if that is what you and your family desire. As for me, cremate me (My second public declaration just in this blog!). Mom, I know you don’t want to talk about this, but I really don’t want everyone hanging out and looking at my dead body. I will be celebrating in Heaven, but if anyone would like to look at me, I will provide a photo (of my choice) for your viewing pleasure.</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>"Former things will pass away, all things will be made new."</em></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much love to you all~Thank you for allowing me to share my passions and for joining me in this journey!</span><br />
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-31019426864132130962010-10-30T09:14:00.001-05:002010-10-30T09:28:05.724-05:00Rogue Artist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgO2RjhEtuBFy2ypIoOtvLuliL4o3nU6ROh8hf5Lab4_W5GPbm4-Uai9szRPEKDCIpfHnbbj8HTvrrn8c78graluZWffxSfsm2XvQYOQ1njwljydDxCZsFNle_LN2cVzgGG1JMA/s1600/STA_3300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgO2RjhEtuBFy2ypIoOtvLuliL4o3nU6ROh8hf5Lab4_W5GPbm4-Uai9szRPEKDCIpfHnbbj8HTvrrn8c78graluZWffxSfsm2XvQYOQ1njwljydDxCZsFNle_LN2cVzgGG1JMA/s320/STA_3300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Apparently, the chalk board wall was "too dirty" for Brady's artwork, so he moved Reese's bed to work on his newest piece. I guess this artwork is going to be a part of our home for awhile. It is titled, "Itty Bitty."</span> </strong></span></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-81926970408177738662010-10-21T11:42:00.001-05:002010-10-21T11:44:22.794-05:00Alice in Transplantland<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaUTJjRWnwzJY3FyHJOAbTJVArKs_hzCZHSczdc0QIW6zgxFu6X55Sn3GJs5zfW40ixFg8uS8l2q4d3-k6rhNvbuCykCNMlUF5fMklFLkerqM7WzdoLiR6uwfJULt4VdSkRMsYQ/s1600/ToniBethJamQuilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaUTJjRWnwzJY3FyHJOAbTJVArKs_hzCZHSczdc0QIW6zgxFu6X55Sn3GJs5zfW40ixFg8uS8l2q4d3-k6rhNvbuCykCNMlUF5fMklFLkerqM7WzdoLiR6uwfJULt4VdSkRMsYQ/s1600/ToniBethJamQuilt.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Toni, Bethany, and I standing by the donor quilt. </em></div><div align="center"><em>We all received transplants in 2009.</em></div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30K1Z6kMSnuFS4xleTM97ACOZzNnu6kdKgthwcHHavcNSLx39k2OCdGjpxRU_WPnotDV7JnvpweMDtyZPjC2RXw76ramYPp9a047rfQprIez_2qCDyVDnVTNQZxg1O_zMT8dXZQ/s1600/bethtonijam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30K1Z6kMSnuFS4xleTM97ACOZzNnu6kdKgthwcHHavcNSLx39k2OCdGjpxRU_WPnotDV7JnvpweMDtyZPjC2RXw76ramYPp9a047rfQprIez_2qCDyVDnVTNQZxg1O_zMT8dXZQ/s1600/bethtonijam.jpg" /></a></div>That was the theme for the 3rd Annual Ladies Heart Transplant Luncheon that I attended Tuesday with my lovely mother-in-law, Margie. If you remember the story, it is a very confusing land, contradictory, just when you think you know exactly what to expect - POOF! Everything is different. Dr. Mandras did a fabulous job of weaving parts of the transplant experience in with the story of Alice in Wonderland: diagnosis, hospitalization, the surgery, the discharge. It was pretty amazing, because life as a transplant patient has many parallels with that wacked out movie! I never really liked it, and Dr. Ventura admitted that it was too scary and unpredictable for him- Just like waiting for a heart.<br />
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Our tables had little boxes at each seat, and they were specifically for transplant patients. The first item I pulled out was hand sanitizer. Carrying that around is like pretending you have your own little sword to battle against germs. I would say that it is one of the reasons I have stayed out of the hospital, but it doesn't work miracles. I am really enjoying the stomach bug my kids passed on this week. At least it isn't a hospital bed! It definitely could be worse.<br />
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<em><strong>'I believe in you hand sanitizer! I just want to ask that you please stop taking the skin off of my hands, and we will continue our battle against the nasty germs my children generously share.'</strong></em><br />
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You couldn't have a transplant survival kit without sunscreen! Even though the packet we were given would last me one day (and only cover my face), it is a reminder that we are all more likely to develop some type of cancer due to our immune systems (especially skin cancer).<br />
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I am very proud that I now own a pen from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. Many of the ladies in that room would not still be alive if there were not dedicated, sensitive professionals from LOPA that go and speak to families about donating a loved one's organs. Do I want to have that job? No. Did I need someone to have that job for me to live? Absolutely. My specific thanks is to TOSA for finding my heart in Texas ~<br />
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Don't forget the tattoos! Stay tuned for the Napolitano family display of LOPA tattoo for the month of November ~ National Organ Donation Month ~ I know you will help me in my informal campaign of encouraging people to sign those donation cards!<br />
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My favorite trinket was a pin with 2 silver hearts entwined, with a royal blue bow tied around it. The inscription on the card is, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>"You can change your life by changing your heart." </em>Reese randomly asked me yesterday, "Mommy, where is your old heart?" I didn't really know how to answer that, because I don't even know what they physically did with it. She seemed to be happy with, "I am happy with my new heart, because it helps me love God and my family and friends even more."</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCv21sYpLbSJlKL-HCC4OzWXZO28ATdDd7CMs-JdNpuSIHTY6Mg0oyR40STmH0IbD07QKf6edv1MZ7aukhkXp502TX25kvUnPh2vtxsVs8P0rNKySFZYKRiaWTJVw7KyLMg14sFQ/s200/Donor+Quilt.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBMm7s4K3mblSRSGz_JgfPKorXV-4g2S9QFczjFuyUSjUtcnC1y-T1xLNAr5dmvT19nPXJOM1yUwRnY_6mp9zvkEN52TX01U_QNpmp6kOjIlofrZHRjuRWbHSArcYW6UM6JfhvA/s1600/STC_3203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBMm7s4K3mblSRSGz_JgfPKorXV-4g2S9QFczjFuyUSjUtcnC1y-T1xLNAr5dmvT19nPXJOM1yUwRnY_6mp9zvkEN52TX01U_QNpmp6kOjIlofrZHRjuRWbHSArcYW6UM6JfhvA/s200/STC_3203.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInTZJipFSFIqRN3fyxgKkFwQ1WwQlSN1FN6e9ge3oPvEx-tBBNSG3r2n2w22tNtIkAGKSc12zNB96BkI_FvLnSuEnl43x3y1BPH3sUMY6OCrkadI0q_6K6fECFszPJz5yikJqnw/s1600/STB_3202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInTZJipFSFIqRN3fyxgKkFwQ1WwQlSN1FN6e9ge3oPvEx-tBBNSG3r2n2w22tNtIkAGKSc12zNB96BkI_FvLnSuEnl43x3y1BPH3sUMY6OCrkadI0q_6K6fECFszPJz5yikJqnw/s200/STB_3202.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTcmfOCms_0I-PpVE8RCqMTbTpqXswpTspQrCHEJ_fwK-KO89dhQKU3ebMV6gxuCGvghkZzl13WLkPDZXA2ilAj5MPjyFcTVW8EQe-duGe80nxZsbNXnSbdLI7-HYba_ENqDhUw/s1600/STA_3212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTcmfOCms_0I-PpVE8RCqMTbTpqXswpTspQrCHEJ_fwK-KO89dhQKU3ebMV6gxuCGvghkZzl13WLkPDZXA2ilAj5MPjyFcTVW8EQe-duGe80nxZsbNXnSbdLI7-HYba_ENqDhUw/s320/STA_3212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meggin helped advocate for me in regards to financial roadblocks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">before being placed on the transplant list. The initial rule was that</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">you had to pay $10,000 upfront to even get on the list.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Case Manager Raylene. I have never had anyone follow-up with </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">me better than Raylene. She is truly the reason my hospitalizations</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">have been limited since discharge. Amazing woman!</div><br />
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</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-27122062225281395942010-10-12T14:38:00.000-05:002010-10-12T14:38:36.125-05:00HabakkukThis morning, I was guided to read a simple verse out of the book of Habakkuk (I do a daily Bible Study called <em>For the Write Reasons</em>), and realized, <em>"Uh, oh."</em> I didn't even recognize the name Habukkuk. I have a long way to go. I realized I was going to have to read the whole book. After glancing to see what was in store, I saw that it was only 3 pages. Yes! <br />
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Those were 3 pages that really spoke to my heart. However, it wasn't in the way my Bible Study specifically intended. I was provided with a great reminder that the righteous do not always appear to have the immediate upper hand, even though they are faithful to a loving God.<br />
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I love it that Habakkuk's name means <em>embrace</em>. He was described as a man that had a very tender heart for the Lord. but he actually questioned God . . . twice.<br />
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<em>"Why? Why, Lord, do we have to suffer affliction while the ungodly prosper?"</em> <br />
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My response to hardship has been no different in certain circumstances. Am I not faithful in looking to God's Word? Do I not intentionally seek His guidance and will, and proclaim that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and that he died for our sins? Why do I suffer time and again with hardship and heartache when so much of the world prospers through greed, violence, hate, and deceipt?<br />
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The Lord answers (and my simple interpretation does not do it justice) ~ <br />
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He says . . . The ungodly may seem to have the upper hand, but they are never satisfied. Their greed and arrogance causes them to never feel rest. Those that continue to have faith will be victorious through the Lord, even though we may have to wait.<br />
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My immediate reaction is "ugh." I have to wait for it? Habakkuk concludes with praise and a song. Will I do the same thing?<br />
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We all know pain and hardship, and sometimes my cry of misunderstanding is not about <em>who</em> is causing the affliction, but <em>what</em>. What a lesson I learned today. I don't sit and delight in the fact that "they will get theirs," (even though that would be a very human thing to do), I delight in the fact that I am His and my only response can be one of faithfulness and trust.<br />
<br />
I like that Habukkuk guy. (No disrespect - he was a prophet :))<br />
<br />
Have a good day! Please feel free to enlighten me if I am not getting it. I feel this is what I was meant to learn <em>today.</em>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-7937142278411134262010-10-06T16:26:00.001-05:002010-10-06T16:33:54.841-05:00Goodbyes<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcynCp0uYV9WRX_fxoKP3RK50mQSYRdMPa-BQ1_JwB6tkJy1cAwOunJzGEFsbbPRUqMZlDMc4poxtKKcOC5PbUmmTeFEWbwUIcCrPwJyOAmsc9lU97aQ1ZD70whqlUzOwNWpKD4w/s1600/Christmas+2007-081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcynCp0uYV9WRX_fxoKP3RK50mQSYRdMPa-BQ1_JwB6tkJy1cAwOunJzGEFsbbPRUqMZlDMc4poxtKKcOC5PbUmmTeFEWbwUIcCrPwJyOAmsc9lU97aQ1ZD70whqlUzOwNWpKD4w/s320/Christmas+2007-081.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Larry and Clint (Christmas 2007)</strong></div><br />
<div align="left">If you didn't know my Uncle Larry, than you probably missed out on inheriting a really awesome nickname. He had nicknames for just about everybody . . . Justoleum Linoleum (Justin), Lesso (Lesley), BR 549 (Betsy), Chadwick (Chad), CD (Crystal), and so many more. It was hard for all of us to say goodbye yesterday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6W1cD7wJDEifU5K2irH7YjbsKsFV9kGGXCIYjodMkFH6d_u67dxHqUD-LzRpBe-9DkuTQ9zWrR3EJ4gXBqq-bWUAF9ip7b7FgD0JK_WM9tJT0MjkoaTXimqRGE1J1aZ8bPtj7A/s1600/Gma+and+her+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6W1cD7wJDEifU5K2irH7YjbsKsFV9kGGXCIYjodMkFH6d_u67dxHqUD-LzRpBe-9DkuTQ9zWrR3EJ4gXBqq-bWUAF9ip7b7FgD0JK_WM9tJT0MjkoaTXimqRGE1J1aZ8bPtj7A/s320/Gma+and+her+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grandma and Her Kids (Dad, Claude, Kim, Randy, Tod)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This post would never end if I mentioned all of my fond memories of Larry, and I might not have ever tried chewing tobacco if I never met Larry. That's right . . . chew. I was so enamored by his smile, stories, and kind heart and I wanted to try that mysterious black wad that he would stick in his cheek. After my endless harassment, he said, "Here ya go, Jamos." I vomited shortly thereafter, and decided that I would leave the chew to him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We spent so many memorable holidays with both sides of my family. Were we loud? Well, have you ever met me? Magnify that times 25! It was especially rambunctious during our annual game of "white elephant." That game could last a lifetime,especially if there was a coveted prize in the mix. Fortunately, there are a few people in the family that aren't as hard-headed as Larry and I, and they would settle for a less desirable gift. Someone had to stop madness (but there were a few of us that were ruthless). One year he tried on and modeled a pair of boxers over his jeans. The boxers were definitely not his style, but the humor was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In honor of Larry, I would like to give Brady and Reese nicknames that would make him proud! Let me know your suggestions. I can't settle for anything less than hilarious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QL8znAPQ0l3agEs0bYyaNc_lSAWpdaHKeRFvcRJy3mKppSOSLWAgHwXn2fZ0KQ7Q9poZyB0WC_YGB-JkBKIULMsiLqJ6RvAjU6SeHjK1SEn4RRm6Xm-X0rlGjRgmVKTrUQ5bMA/s1600/fam+sitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QL8znAPQ0l3agEs0bYyaNc_lSAWpdaHKeRFvcRJy3mKppSOSLWAgHwXn2fZ0KQ7Q9poZyB0WC_YGB-JkBKIULMsiLqJ6RvAjU6SeHjK1SEn4RRm6Xm-X0rlGjRgmVKTrUQ5bMA/s200/fam+sitting.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Justin, Mom, Me, Lesley, Dad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I pray that Randy, Clint, Cody, and Casey will feel God's presence and peace. Larry was married to my beautiful Aunt Randy for over 40 years, raised two wonderful sons, and has always been a part of his nieces and nephews' lives. Our hearts are heavy, but his reward in Heaven is surely great.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jamos</div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCn1XL5HPZAsqqFTG4BlqbCQPuQrvTUSoD1EC3_ofPNt7pLVlzdAhmTmnEW7xOBgRv6pzcJ8S4SdJ_1HGYjFhXS3GJ9fFZdeTytOn_IHGXYlU-sk01w-GMPjycFZvtn8b0lyuJQ/s1600/Cody+Clint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCn1XL5HPZAsqqFTG4BlqbCQPuQrvTUSoD1EC3_ofPNt7pLVlzdAhmTmnEW7xOBgRv6pzcJ8S4SdJ_1HGYjFhXS3GJ9fFZdeTytOn_IHGXYlU-sk01w-GMPjycFZvtn8b0lyuJQ/s200/Cody+Clint.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Cody and Clint </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneH3HZX66NArj7-Lb_CbOhUu-GzlBSFVVyGiqwDOBhhynRfnLs_7XQMSA5_CTYZftC5sQTq5cQKfo7x6v5ReqflNLMnd8EEvezVIjEzuRGVJ0Sq3EVZKnlvhHrboxh_sJGCmFGg/s1600/some+of+grandkids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneH3HZX66NArj7-Lb_CbOhUu-GzlBSFVVyGiqwDOBhhynRfnLs_7XQMSA5_CTYZftC5sQTq5cQKfo7x6v5ReqflNLMnd8EEvezVIjEzuRGVJ0Sq3EVZKnlvhHrboxh_sJGCmFGg/s200/some+of+grandkids.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Some of the grandkids </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUO0lfrVY5qtbJgo0cQksxEUraqtNTCR9kZxKrULlgu7RQY-ngbTmonJhlBD6ZVgOtxh3PIL9K60hdUyy1PFdeFk5GQyrF0W8b0M3G8pdOZ_aRmyvp-34NcRPqZ5qpOU7kD80gA/s1600/dad+Tod+Claude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUO0lfrVY5qtbJgo0cQksxEUraqtNTCR9kZxKrULlgu7RQY-ngbTmonJhlBD6ZVgOtxh3PIL9K60hdUyy1PFdeFk5GQyrF0W8b0M3G8pdOZ_aRmyvp-34NcRPqZ5qpOU7kD80gA/s200/dad+Tod+Claude.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Brothers-Dad,Tod,Claude</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4CAqNU3H0R9WGQgZVUufe7FtzfEGGv2EMdd6ENEDSFQkwfsXrgYwaUWi_ygpz9dF-k_CaN5CwcBsZIPG_2eph6ZGRLt5ldTUdXgCb49L3i1J4yj8mw8WAD3WVWf4qhmdRvwN_g/s1600/Claude+and+fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4CAqNU3H0R9WGQgZVUufe7FtzfEGGv2EMdd6ENEDSFQkwfsXrgYwaUWi_ygpz9dF-k_CaN5CwcBsZIPG_2eph6ZGRLt5ldTUdXgCb49L3i1J4yj8mw8WAD3WVWf4qhmdRvwN_g/s200/Claude+and+fam.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Lisa,Andrew,Claude,Becca,Betsy </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivogG53BmsmY_SSeaiv3cpjwfKLWjbHta9JZ4xdwXMwktHJoL2XUvkM8QtX0GNezTe6fujXFNFhMQF6hdZFBpaQSTnDyd9PmYDExNVem5dgqGLfmHn1ycZGYEXV1fGPy8jT5Yevg/s1600/Cody+Casey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivogG53BmsmY_SSeaiv3cpjwfKLWjbHta9JZ4xdwXMwktHJoL2XUvkM8QtX0GNezTe6fujXFNFhMQF6hdZFBpaQSTnDyd9PmYDExNVem5dgqGLfmHn1ycZGYEXV1fGPy8jT5Yevg/s200/Cody+Casey.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Congratulations </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Cody and Casey!~ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Baby Pullin on the way!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVM5voZRpSjFtduXbYrcdyvmOtn2RKWq1ZzrGyRHeo7trdiqylLHGkFgni2OvCeILmh2kGncpzJYkQ2MqzAZhbkLKJ5FMtjPHzz_JLFS3rq6oo4vffJE1YyBOVOO24E-EdZtr5iA/s1600/Crystal+Chad+Kim+Gma+Tod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVM5voZRpSjFtduXbYrcdyvmOtn2RKWq1ZzrGyRHeo7trdiqylLHGkFgni2OvCeILmh2kGncpzJYkQ2MqzAZhbkLKJ5FMtjPHzz_JLFS3rq6oo4vffJE1YyBOVOO24E-EdZtr5iA/s200/Crystal+Chad+Kim+Gma+Tod.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crystal,Chad,Kim,Grandma,Tod</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqnepFpDD2wcymgZgsXTuOEuyCT85gSdBGtT43zguWaCB0VCNfwSFjNufN0fWn1tvGcsCJIHPBRySdEMQe213dsKb1MM8hk2e0LBJ8FFByBd6PlB7ANgzYo3GwP75EolfDIFGIA/s1600/laughing+fam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqnepFpDD2wcymgZgsXTuOEuyCT85gSdBGtT43zguWaCB0VCNfwSFjNufN0fWn1tvGcsCJIHPBRySdEMQe213dsKb1MM8hk2e0LBJ8FFByBd6PlB7ANgzYo3GwP75EolfDIFGIA/s200/laughing+fam.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Me,Grandma,Chad,Tod,Crystal,Mom </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlplaANj3hz6T_IE45fSFddj2yrz0Qp2hz-zDeTMrnpBDFZaJWrJpORbPl_aNqIy85YxdY1NMpQPcp1_T7N6FCMcxkjsPm294M_FdmbXIdrOWZnSYczw_NpCZGra4bTAf-Oa8yNw/s1600/Randy+Johnny+Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlplaANj3hz6T_IE45fSFddj2yrz0Qp2hz-zDeTMrnpBDFZaJWrJpORbPl_aNqIy85YxdY1NMpQPcp1_T7N6FCMcxkjsPm294M_FdmbXIdrOWZnSYczw_NpCZGra4bTAf-Oa8yNw/s200/Randy+Johnny+Dad.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Randy,Johnny,Dad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-J8GazfaRIi4wD_N8uEneFGfSHkEE4PqXI7PKibrXI6UdFUN3Hm-91EZrMiyz9ApvESYp0WvPUN4wvl07B4hbXH8iiHdA8ziMFcVFpMqPzL-iRk-2vQV3P0K5Ne0MwHa9I4MnA/s1600/Crystal+Kim+Chad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-J8GazfaRIi4wD_N8uEneFGfSHkEE4PqXI7PKibrXI6UdFUN3Hm-91EZrMiyz9ApvESYp0WvPUN4wvl07B4hbXH8iiHdA8ziMFcVFpMqPzL-iRk-2vQV3P0K5Ne0MwHa9I4MnA/s200/Crystal+Kim+Chad.jpg" width="117" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Crystal,Kim,Chad</div><div align="center">Congrats Chad and Beth!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm3ZTUdvf1luBv4b4G4kPFY7xULWG3Eerim80y1q8B_cvekcn1G53qjASuvbqPkPmeJNqSmppFfMFPZvDXr5osM0lU-X_Bhq5kMNW5-k-ZsmtIjx7G4LF5RxoR6sIIp2EOthgyQ/s1600/Sibs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm3ZTUdvf1luBv4b4G4kPFY7xULWG3Eerim80y1q8B_cvekcn1G53qjASuvbqPkPmeJNqSmppFfMFPZvDXr5osM0lU-X_Bhq5kMNW5-k-ZsmtIjx7G4LF5RxoR6sIIp2EOthgyQ/s200/Sibs+2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take 20! Mom finally got that picture taken!</div><br />
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</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-71812465447454469642010-09-27T18:44:00.000-05:002010-09-27T18:44:24.389-05:00Raising Alligator Wranglers ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYB7qk6xvgwKMZZJnCACt2CutEfnxgtQhAj5YntjsldGP6lIMxe_U5-yX7wfUezNGyLocWaHnGvOV3B2QRjAZQbrKqkVQaci35Gx2L3MVQutVIkCOEOkpgLJk0z5MUDZ2sT0JFQ/s1600/IMG_2890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYB7qk6xvgwKMZZJnCACt2CutEfnxgtQhAj5YntjsldGP6lIMxe_U5-yX7wfUezNGyLocWaHnGvOV3B2QRjAZQbrKqkVQaci35Gx2L3MVQutVIkCOEOkpgLJk0z5MUDZ2sT0JFQ/s320/IMG_2890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSsmOllxlw81PK2xPC4ZbfD3SD_SX8uZu04vW1zgsVCdiZoR6A6DQ6zTlQNqhnpBPtTSPd2bB_pAfLrTNyfgekY3-nmBCPB0XqtxSqGf6xpIFnquhnsAXEoJTM8jLhowODLxyVw/s1600/IMG_2882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSsmOllxlw81PK2xPC4ZbfD3SD_SX8uZu04vW1zgsVCdiZoR6A6DQ6zTlQNqhnpBPtTSPd2bB_pAfLrTNyfgekY3-nmBCPB0XqtxSqGf6xpIFnquhnsAXEoJTM8jLhowODLxyVw/s320/IMG_2882.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsDfz0FZ5G8TKV0fklyHq21mKR36-z-cR5xYJpDLYmqspdAx-DdQhBGL_vxOZqVAiStH3onDrGtakjA9agKdrlj-c2PAicPPBuvmOLlHaULgQ-7qRQD7SZgW4kldx327N7axGvQ/s1600/IMG_2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsDfz0FZ5G8TKV0fklyHq21mKR36-z-cR5xYJpDLYmqspdAx-DdQhBGL_vxOZqVAiStH3onDrGtakjA9agKdrlj-c2PAicPPBuvmOLlHaULgQ-7qRQD7SZgW4kldx327N7axGvQ/s320/IMG_2881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even alligators have their own festivals here. The kids called it a party, but Gary and I called it a serious assault to our wallet. It has been a long time since I have been to a carnival-type setting with 2 young children, and now I know why. Here is how our $70+ (in 1 1/2 hrs) went to use at the Alligator Festival:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$24 for the kids to ride (Reese didn't even seem to get a thrill out of them, but we might have gotten our money's worth out of Brady)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdpKbkGjZcAGq_JewKeix9nNH-lU421b4LSijH-hp3s4YBoMhyRVdOpCCe66NhrMRsy78SwLKXNEkDhIeb_Seq6P8L_b9wvLf8r4g2Hs9bZYk9_Zxo37PFogELMkZvf4WnPMv2w/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdpKbkGjZcAGq_JewKeix9nNH-lU421b4LSijH-hp3s4YBoMhyRVdOpCCe66NhrMRsy78SwLKXNEkDhIeb_Seq6P8L_b9wvLf8r4g2Hs9bZYk9_Zxo37PFogELMkZvf4WnPMv2w/s320/IMG_2869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7Kgpbw9_WDQkp-iAxhCAObK9fFUDFCJeMf3w2dkENZ0nNJPQhGJGBbodRc2iZXBZ0brgf8LjGhcCjPQJsB_Jo5rhUvwYn6AHxvKfWqzqMBrcknPPb7j7vmpuwoSuodtvIgNxPQ/s1600/IMG_2893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7Kgpbw9_WDQkp-iAxhCAObK9fFUDFCJeMf3w2dkENZ0nNJPQhGJGBbodRc2iZXBZ0brgf8LjGhcCjPQJsB_Jo5rhUvwYn6AHxvKfWqzqMBrcknPPb7j7vmpuwoSuodtvIgNxPQ/s1600/IMG_2893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7Kgpbw9_WDQkp-iAxhCAObK9fFUDFCJeMf3w2dkENZ0nNJPQhGJGBbodRc2iZXBZ0brgf8LjGhcCjPQJsB_Jo5rhUvwYn6AHxvKfWqzqMBrcknPPb7j7vmpuwoSuodtvIgNxPQ/s320/IMG_2893.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$20 for an alligator po-boy, alligator and crawfish fettucine (it was NOT good), a soft drink, and a beer</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>Undisclosed amount</strong></em> on trying to win prizes that were more appealing than what we ended up with:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pJETgG3ZMxeRRibvnbiABwh2uevv7GSDvdZg0nhx3EzfP29hN22jMWpx1tuN-7vnCNaLFAF2Is7p2g-CLvUp4mjbTIKE89150szExjj0ji64dEYIvDyzNUlycC1WEtxI1pc_Bw/s1600/IMG_3011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pJETgG3ZMxeRRibvnbiABwh2uevv7GSDvdZg0nhx3EzfP29hN22jMWpx1tuN-7vnCNaLFAF2Is7p2g-CLvUp4mjbTIKE89150szExjj0ji64dEYIvDyzNUlycC1WEtxI1pc_Bw/s320/IMG_3011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most hideous Superman doll of all time</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJV_bT9XoEBoDIuDcAoz2Y0d-yvZ2YH_VK9u8QNgCUJ0SrTB0YAHWSStDksjWQQyBx_snMVoVs2q0lPqfKHOT5o2t7xcmcTHRpbIu8XyjVKwdmJCha6WggBmHexaKUnTIaLiD_Ag/s1600/IMG_2879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJV_bT9XoEBoDIuDcAoz2Y0d-yvZ2YH_VK9u8QNgCUJ0SrTB0YAHWSStDksjWQQyBx_snMVoVs2q0lPqfKHOT5o2t7xcmcTHRpbIu8XyjVKwdmJCha6WggBmHexaKUnTIaLiD_Ag/s320/IMG_2879.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Reese-sized blow-up princess bat (notice the tear-streaked cheeks)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$4 for Cotton Candy, which was the only thing that got us out the gates and toward the car. Imagine 2 adults enticing puppies with doggie treats for 1/2 mile.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$6 to play with baby alligators ~ Best $6 I've spent in a long time :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-59027936474160564402010-09-24T11:44:00.002-05:002010-09-24T11:45:39.861-05:00"Mommy, Are You Going to Heaven or the Doctor?"<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>Children have a profound way of getting straight to the point. Toddlers aren’t capable of the abstract concepts of Heaven and death, but it was apparent that my children understood there was a difference between living and dying when they caught me walking out the door. </em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>Their little eyes were intently waiting for an answer that would satisfy the concern behind the question. The fact that the question and anticipated response kept their undivided attention meant that they were going to wait for the response. </em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>It took a few seconds, along with deep breaths, to turn around and face them. “Well, Mommy is going to the doctor right now. Some day we will all go to Heaven, but God decides when it is that time. Mommy thinks that she is going to be staying with you guys for awhile.” </em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>Are we ever ready as parents to answer the questions our children ask? Below are a few of the things Gary and I have done to help Brady and Reese understand a very complicated issue.</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>1.Get the facts about your diagnosis and prognosis. Make sure that you know how to convey the information on a developmentally appropriate level. For example, “Mommy is taking medicine to help her heart work right.” Young children do not need to know the name, specific function, side effects, or misleading information. </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>2. How are you instilling hope? Are your children keenly aware that you are always miserable, or do they predominately see your good moments, even if the storm seems relentless? </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>3. Make sure that they understand your health is not the result of anything they have done or not done. Children tend to take on responsibility that should not fall on their shoulders. </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>4. Build memories. Regardless of any circumstance or the ultimate outcome, have you left your children with a legacy of love? Do they know Jesus? Can they see God's love, mercy, and grace in good times and bad? Every day is a learning experience for all of us. Strive to help them see, feel, and know our Heavenly Father.</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #b45f06;">I would LOVE to hear your responses to some of the dreaded questions children pose . . . Birds and the bees . . . Does she have a baby in there? . . . How do I get a new mommy? . . . First discovery that boys and girls are different . . . </span></em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><em>Happy Friday!</em> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em></em><span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_lSAlKY32LAxm1NOUb6rDhJmJ8otzcPh1VPGH7gpaGvE6xi65y9G6RJIhTAUvhiT1gHkDqwNKtpz29_xQxe-mxtn0MMBxjEMDtMGg9E4hHlm-Rk0TFbwjaP9Qhm8CF1evTcSlw/s1600/IMG_2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_lSAlKY32LAxm1NOUb6rDhJmJ8otzcPh1VPGH7gpaGvE6xi65y9G6RJIhTAUvhiT1gHkDqwNKtpz29_xQxe-mxtn0MMBxjEMDtMGg9E4hHlm-Rk0TFbwjaP9Qhm8CF1evTcSlw/s320/IMG_2851.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">When I took this picture, Reese was singing: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><em><strong>I may never march in the infantry</strong></em> </span></div><em><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;"></span></strong></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">Ride in the cavalry</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">Shoot the artillery</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">I may never fly o'er the enemy</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">But I'm in the Lord's army!</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">Yes Sir!</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
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</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-28286423786142097942010-09-13T19:57:00.001-05:002010-09-13T20:01:47.508-05:00In Sickness and In Health<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not sure there are a lot of people that give real thought to this statement during their wedding vows. I don't know. I know what it meant to me, and when I heard the Pastor saying those words during my wedding, the tears I had held back became a non-stop river.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I understood sickness. I lived with heart disease my entire life, but did Gary understand what this meant for him? Did he understand the lifetime promise of medical bills, hospitalizations, barriers of building a family, and that there was no guarantee that we would have a long life together? (Of course, no one has that guarantee, but I knew what heart failure entaled) He took his thumb, and wiped away those tears. That was my confirmation that he understood <em>"in sickness and in health."</em> And he has proven it time and time again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bring this up, because I had a potential encounter with an emergency room on Friday afternoon, and I realized again just how complicated every aspect of my health is after the transplant. A migraine with nausea and vomiting might not just mean discomfort and pain, but also the inability of my body to absorb my medications, abnormal labs, potential rejection . . . I could go on and on, but I will say this. I was alone with the kids, and the second I started vomiting (in-between breaks), I called Gary to come home. He was on his way home immediately. I could see the concern on his face, but he knew that I needed to take some medication and be still. With that in mind, he entertained two 3-year olds all evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't think either of us are too surprised about anything regarding my health anymore, but I do know this . . . it takes a lot of courage to accept the responsibility of "in sickness and in health" and follow through on that promise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you, Gary</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9Pd3js8zaIQlKS5YsZSUyxnozfiVvXXndGlgb68Ufce3xK4utvTdjp5s_T23hUwoziKh4TV7WOXQCj7BdBQwjUGGkxZUbrDl3-irHVn_84_XzhPbSLnyd7de89RZ4u7whXQ64A/s1600/Gary+and+I+retrieval.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9Pd3js8zaIQlKS5YsZSUyxnozfiVvXXndGlgb68Ufce3xK4utvTdjp5s_T23hUwoziKh4TV7WOXQCj7BdBQwjUGGkxZUbrDl3-irHVn_84_XzhPbSLnyd7de89RZ4u7whXQ64A/s320/Gary+and+I+retrieval.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>April 2006</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the way, I am fine. My labs came back normal today, and we are waiting on the final lab results to confirm their is no rejection. I am confident of this - If God can place Gary in my life on an airplane, He can most certainly bless me with the patience, perserverance, and strength I need regardless of the results.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Monday!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-12388873173389559902010-09-08T16:13:00.000-05:002010-09-08T16:13:22.501-05:00Out with the old, and on with the poo . . .<span style="color: #444444;">When will the word “poo poo” not prevail in conversations with my children? Seriously. Please feel free to offer some worldly advice, because years of education and experience working with children are not cutting it. <em>(I could make some sort of crude reference to “cutting” something, but I will refrain.)</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Gone are the days of the cute sayings, sentence confusion, and mispronounced words. What happened to, “Who somebody lookin’ at me?” or “Ooooooo my gooooooodness!” Sweet innocence replaced by an obsession with our bowel movements. If I want to get a sure-fire laugh out of them, all I have to do is incorporate some kind of potty humor, and they are reduced to giggles. Not that I ever do that.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOoOPM1EK0oFo4tTtxNPJI_lJu8LfpaUlGAZW7LLatAeOKqeRwi-lNg_5czCbCRpJJ0tMGuJQ5kdsvgluAEyQDQd4UuHiA0satITnUB7lvtGPpQmowP9x3uaoh0_O2fY8wXCubw/s1600/IMG_2812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOoOPM1EK0oFo4tTtxNPJI_lJu8LfpaUlGAZW7LLatAeOKqeRwi-lNg_5czCbCRpJJ0tMGuJQ5kdsvgluAEyQDQd4UuHiA0satITnUB7lvtGPpQmowP9x3uaoh0_O2fY8wXCubw/s320/IMG_2812.JPG" /></a></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">As I spoke with Lesley this morning, I discovered that my niece has already transitioned in and out of this stage by the age of 6, so I guess there is hope. However, I didn’t feel quite so hopeful as I pulled in the carpool line to drop them off for their first day of Children’s Day Out. Will I get a note from the teacher? Will they get in time out for calling another child a Poo Poo Head? What if another mother hears of their overuse of the word poop and tell their kids they can’t play with them anymore?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><em>“Hey. Stay away from those Napolitano twins. They have potty mouths.”</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">If I am being perfectly honest, I am quite positive that it is all my fault. I will confess that I actually find some of the ways they incorporate this into conversation amusing. The problem is that I laughed once. That is all it takes. One little snicker, and you are sentence to a non-stop barrage of the word. Now that they know it makes me mad, they like to slip it in quietly, when I am not expecting it:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><em>“Dear God, thank you for Momma, Daddy, kitty cats, and poo poo . . . “</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Well, they are still my babies, and they are obviously budding geniuses. I would love to hear some of the unwelcome phrases, sayings, or words from your little angels. Humor me . . . but don’t squeeze in the word poop!</span><br />
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</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-79896289316745956872010-09-07T08:12:00.001-05:002010-09-07T13:54:10.531-05:00Dear Donor,<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am the recipient of your heart. I don’t really know how to start this letter, because thank you seems so terribly inadequate for the life you have given back to me. I want to know everything about you, but all I know right now is that at some point in your life, you let it be known that you wanted to save lives that you didn’t even know. All I can do is tell you about me, warts and all, and hope that someday I can know more of you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I always wonder . . . Would you have liked me? Did we have anything in common? Were you a late-night eater? I can’t seem to get enough food after 8:00 p.m., and I have often wondered if it is the steroids talking, or maybe you enjoyed a good late night snack every now and then! That is one of the questions that everyone asks me, “Is there anything different, you know, about you? Do you think that you have a different personality now that you have someone else’s heart?” Pretty silly, isn’t it? I am pretty much the same ole me with a much more powerful ticker, and a sense of purpose and commitment to glorifying God. I know that by doing this, it would also honor you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes I wonder if it is possible that we crossed paths in the past. This is just one of the ways my mind lingers in different directions. It amazes me that God has such an intricate plan for each of our lives, and we could not possibly put together such a purposeful plan.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am humbled by the reality of my life continuing due to the loss of yours. What would you want me to do with my life or accomplish that would honor your legacy? Sometimes I feel a little lost, and I try to imagine what you were like, who you loved, how you lived. I know that everyone is human, but I have envisioned you as a hero. You are my hero.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My little girl, Reese, has curly red hair, long blond eyelashes, beautiful blue eyes, and a petite figure. She may be tiny, but she is mighty! Weighing in at only 3 lbs 10 ounces, she came in this world a fighter. She also has a softer side. When she looks into your eyes, you can tell how much she loves you. Sometimes she will solidify that feeling with a flick of her tongue. That has proven to be her signature sign of affection. She has quirky squeaks and a strong sensitivity to physical discomfort. I have been told that she looks exactly like me, but I don’t think that I possess the kind of sweet, vulnerable beauty that she has in her heart.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brady is quite possibly one of the most mischievous children one could meet. He is fast, incredibly strong for his size, and lights up a room with his laugh! He seems to enjoy teasing his sister, much to her dismay. He likes to grab her beloved “baby” bear, run down the hall, stuff it behind the bed, and come out of the room like he has no idea why she is screaming. On the days he feels bold, and there are many, he simply replies with an evil cartoon voice, “You’ll never find her now! Ha Ha Ha!” He is also very bright. He can take apart and put back together just about anything, unfortunately many of my possessions have fallen victim to his ingenuity, but in the scheme of things, I am just glad he is such a happy little boy. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If it sounds like my children are exact opposites, you should meet my husband. In comparison to my personality and background, one might wonder what we would have to talk about! He is very thorough and plans for almost every purchase, trip, weekend, to the point of exhaustion (my exhaustion). I am impulsive, which can often lead to unwise decisions, but he is pretty patient with my decisive and assertive nature. I could walk into any room, and talk to anyone. Come to think about it, that is probably how I trapped him into dating me. I probably talked so much that one minute he was a single bachelor, and the next he was married with 2 children, as well as dealing with all the baggage that comes with someone on borrowed time with a bad heart. I love him, and I want you to know that he will help me take care of this precious gift that I have received from you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess I will leave the details for the rest of my writing. I have been surrounded by a network of amazing people and unbelievable circumstances. Thank you for the gift of life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your heart always amazes me, and I hope it is ok with you that I have accepted it as my own . . . for now.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love,</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jamie</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-49866407638232740822010-08-17T17:32:00.000-05:002010-08-17T17:50:40.755-05:00Shaving Cream<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0_AMaNdHtmtFjmwefOYPDT31BvwGZXXaesbwWM-Wjg41kxMGhGvEYEKQFEoTujAqNVkny3B0YTCwCFR_MrzRekv63NGFzh821YG3B7kKVnKEl-sqIYzZ3ZgFTTBue7QUnXQwzQ/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0_AMaNdHtmtFjmwefOYPDT31BvwGZXXaesbwWM-Wjg41kxMGhGvEYEKQFEoTujAqNVkny3B0YTCwCFR_MrzRekv63NGFzh821YG3B7kKVnKEl-sqIYzZ3ZgFTTBue7QUnXQwzQ/s320/IMG_2723.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506514417633392978" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCHRJzKiXOfs6KeAKbQ4Xzvirdbynld1qRkYvvWAjA75AxJLAY3JJL0A6FekaGSRRUHhnHrBPtWhTrUuNVlLOYD5U7BWpfCcIy_-87OOtVuMLU0E9oNGMnECuAkssBhBKZs8u8Q/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCHRJzKiXOfs6KeAKbQ4Xzvirdbynld1qRkYvvWAjA75AxJLAY3JJL0A6FekaGSRRUHhnHrBPtWhTrUuNVlLOYD5U7BWpfCcIy_-87OOtVuMLU0E9oNGMnECuAkssBhBKZs8u8Q/s320/IMG_2722.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506514415973743570" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3spG5sz9tWl4JACwAxSCbvG0TGStrh-puzwjKpJYKz02nfbENGjHcUlif83_8ZmOiFX8wZdh613AA4FwnrafXai9Kp1z6i-aSp66DY7yiGxUJ8Ap8MYZPMZ9BWpNnxbIzBZ4HPw/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3spG5sz9tWl4JACwAxSCbvG0TGStrh-puzwjKpJYKz02nfbENGjHcUlif83_8ZmOiFX8wZdh613AA4FwnrafXai9Kp1z6i-aSp66DY7yiGxUJ8Ap8MYZPMZ9BWpNnxbIzBZ4HPw/s320/IMG_2718.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506514409609470898" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRnBlri1d7-k_PHQVjUSXvaOsWELlG3nAJm_-NtuH3ZedsNoFlkdu69Z15Wa9kBB32UTzMyWIvXWzqgfHohaP_3w2km17irisdWZuXhqG5VnxLpqeEk6Oc3CdE65Aoq2olr2OiA/s1600/IMG_2725.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRnBlri1d7-k_PHQVjUSXvaOsWELlG3nAJm_-NtuH3ZedsNoFlkdu69Z15Wa9kBB32UTzMyWIvXWzqgfHohaP_3w2km17irisdWZuXhqG5VnxLpqeEk6Oc3CdE65Aoq2olr2OiA/s320/IMG_2725.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506513323043949762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs5Ce38TvSglhx-jRqfYGJysrZKNXaJF2utAPVI2bQwifAgcUxWUOK3VWFLwxcfvQc8iXNa3wHBly2CIpppGLyM1XmMXHOhq7z3FYAL4tnUkff26ApuE9j5N6ptwJuKDds1yv4g/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs5Ce38TvSglhx-jRqfYGJysrZKNXaJF2utAPVI2bQwifAgcUxWUOK3VWFLwxcfvQc8iXNa3wHBly2CIpppGLyM1XmMXHOhq7z3FYAL4tnUkff26ApuE9j5N6ptwJuKDds1yv4g/s320/IMG_2730.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506513309301129458" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseadqhP7tT1tzmW2hSEAZK626yPj3A6ElDpCbrAL-4NTsecgw90kIV56WTf-8VFbrbx3BKRK1U1KEH0cwTry0brj6lxfXDUvljPK7XFnwQeIDhiKRjDSeC5vfFMEFKrgD2KFuqw/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseadqhP7tT1tzmW2hSEAZK626yPj3A6ElDpCbrAL-4NTsecgw90kIV56WTf-8VFbrbx3BKRK1U1KEH0cwTry0brj6lxfXDUvljPK7XFnwQeIDhiKRjDSeC5vfFMEFKrgD2KFuqw/s320/IMG_2719.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506513307440222642" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhoUTDBQOE0UAzQTcswFiVzcIw57WfGb9z09i7p-KVNnrHsWSpww8uXhBKB0L1tsgogxIVaPF1YBSN-vjHuRGKxQx6tBipogYV4uT05gRTazfutoCyPhvimICQxgrfX38KwFBEQ/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhoUTDBQOE0UAzQTcswFiVzcIw57WfGb9z09i7p-KVNnrHsWSpww8uXhBKB0L1tsgogxIVaPF1YBSN-vjHuRGKxQx6tBipogYV4uT05gRTazfutoCyPhvimICQxgrfX38KwFBEQ/s320/IMG_2716.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506513296437416930" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAohSBSGQyVF-Uw_4z7XvSeI8-EKqsZm9w8gqzkF9RzPfo2_1P7mqZc-qVcrCUgnmZ61iNHrWmsVkMoUNb8DhYaRUEF6J4JM503bJ4DQNqWUIoPv4_QefQ4GPqmizKJ8EQVTRxg/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAohSBSGQyVF-Uw_4z7XvSeI8-EKqsZm9w8gqzkF9RzPfo2_1P7mqZc-qVcrCUgnmZ61iNHrWmsVkMoUNb8DhYaRUEF6J4JM503bJ4DQNqWUIoPv4_QefQ4GPqmizKJ8EQVTRxg/s320/IMG_2715.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506513292436118914" /></a><br />Sometimes all it takes is shaving cream to smile . . . <br /><br />Reese chose to "paint" on her swimsuit.Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-44807926455115990772010-08-14T19:20:00.001-05:002010-08-14T19:31:49.919-05:00Wanna Shout To The World!!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvLO3mEkpC1Plqg-MQ7XfuFLjKIYNkUyVJTi3zuhP9q4uFcF5T6ssMpRUyfBb1-HvciKftxptvyav7yf4G1eTIIe6gB9wC6xn-DBjxT4wubkmStSC_Rik7VVGKUhRyJTwzvCcXg/s1600/IMG_2710.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvLO3mEkpC1Plqg-MQ7XfuFLjKIYNkUyVJTi3zuhP9q4uFcF5T6ssMpRUyfBb1-HvciKftxptvyav7yf4G1eTIIe6gB9wC6xn-DBjxT4wubkmStSC_Rik7VVGKUhRyJTwzvCcXg/s320/IMG_2710.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505427790158986162" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCZx_cK85UrNjTHX9faN7-LFHzV7Kw9og1_zeV0h7X0GmsrcOsdHwSv6ftUGqM_fsfXozp2Tgk5nhTm6N6np_XTBKcHnV3etbQ-XB3yQ4-8HGLchmyfG8yFzyfEXGkLAImlT3EQ/s1600/IMG_2709.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCZx_cK85UrNjTHX9faN7-LFHzV7Kw9og1_zeV0h7X0GmsrcOsdHwSv6ftUGqM_fsfXozp2Tgk5nhTm6N6np_XTBKcHnV3etbQ-XB3yQ4-8HGLchmyfG8yFzyfEXGkLAImlT3EQ/s320/IMG_2709.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505427785202843746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpPI1qrlxXaIxDPXYAmlZ128CGIa046U4nNvFb032YyrgGqOSkPg63eS8OmbjHsSKoMYw8mWoYn3PachvT1EKRcONiEi8WKkwyhjEDD2amR7rrtJQCPtlDA0lHzXwCCH3PdXfqQ/s1600/IMG_2708.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpPI1qrlxXaIxDPXYAmlZ128CGIa046U4nNvFb032YyrgGqOSkPg63eS8OmbjHsSKoMYw8mWoYn3PachvT1EKRcONiEi8WKkwyhjEDD2amR7rrtJQCPtlDA0lHzXwCCH3PdXfqQ/s320/IMG_2708.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505427779084942242" /></a><br />Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am feeling so grateful for my heart today! It isn't like I don't feel grateful every day, but today is euphoric! Experiences that I thought I may never have - it is very hard to keep from being overwhelmed.<br /><br />Today was quite possibly one of the most special that I have had specifically with Reese during our girls trip out of the house. We went and ran a few errands together. She got her first bottle of nail polish (unfortunately she chose a package with hot pink, lime green, and blue). If you see her and think her oxygen is low - remember the polish. We sat right down in the middle of the mall and painted them.<br /><br />She also got her ears pierced! She was so brave, excited, a little disappointed that it hurt more than she thought it would, but only fussed- no tears. She chose a smoothie to help her feel better, and we decided that her ears sparkled like the stars in the sky. She looks so proud, and I can barely keep from staring at one of my little miracles. She probably thinks I have gone mad, but she hasn't asked for her personal space yet. I'll just keep staring at them and soaking it in as long as they will let me.<br /><br />Life is good.Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-54403458850682161222010-08-14T19:16:00.000-05:002010-08-14T19:20:11.738-05:00Dress up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSm9vJNyazpsR1t4xd2Lz4Y6Tlgn0VYefjYcdOGjCzMj_JNlQ8tOhPAiZfpKMQ5kZgws8Apw7jy8x5oQ1kWD7geGx2cj9oSCOumZ_8aLDpiNPslQyRkZnYi2BxhHNAzBcxkS0Zg/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSm9vJNyazpsR1t4xd2Lz4Y6Tlgn0VYefjYcdOGjCzMj_JNlQ8tOhPAiZfpKMQ5kZgws8Apw7jy8x5oQ1kWD7geGx2cj9oSCOumZ_8aLDpiNPslQyRkZnYi2BxhHNAzBcxkS0Zg/s320/IMG_2703.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505424394011695586" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDADe-sQLAYyEkskKaLRKyPeXlJPmKJQbeYweYuz7sYXn0Vk_dOEJLPyJn4olfMps_KHiiu2Pzcw1nUoe79i0DxBWEKFpwLiAqBZpQvteUj95MSR6332AOL28mrPZ58yJjwAjpog/s1600/IMG_2701.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDADe-sQLAYyEkskKaLRKyPeXlJPmKJQbeYweYuz7sYXn0Vk_dOEJLPyJn4olfMps_KHiiu2Pzcw1nUoe79i0DxBWEKFpwLiAqBZpQvteUj95MSR6332AOL28mrPZ58yJjwAjpog/s320/IMG_2701.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505424391031580226" /></a><br /><br />They play Sleeping Beauty, kiss each other, wake up . . . The Mean Giant . . . Flappin' horse and her dog friend (Reese flappin' horse, Brady dog) - They are very creative children. I can't believe some of the things they come up with!Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-73719298423001457362010-08-14T19:11:00.000-05:002010-08-14T19:16:48.771-05:00Welcome Home, Itty Bitty Kitty!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho38fnT-BPyQroNrClCbyKMAqZ_vhU9mQEiBNYwzv58lSAEyxbyZ7j44wmqfY2NSxBjI-Tqv8F8R_RgDz2UTr1KGHxSQSlMArAdxEZJZXC9RWboTMQBebVkUjUX5rmWIqihfS6MQ/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho38fnT-BPyQroNrClCbyKMAqZ_vhU9mQEiBNYwzv58lSAEyxbyZ7j44wmqfY2NSxBjI-Tqv8F8R_RgDz2UTr1KGHxSQSlMArAdxEZJZXC9RWboTMQBebVkUjUX5rmWIqihfS6MQ/s320/IMG_2698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505423925709040130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LrIQuNEDVxf0TyPh9GGB25KUAnkXOAXTn1-ECadoeQAnRD9n0orhpW4YarBNLwy2eM-GajVgsMfcC3XLeWBOCQ7IV-50eljwlt1-tEPEQ8ZAxDdeAPt68axjrEHih02IkEtnXg/s1600/IMG_2692.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LrIQuNEDVxf0TyPh9GGB25KUAnkXOAXTn1-ECadoeQAnRD9n0orhpW4YarBNLwy2eM-GajVgsMfcC3XLeWBOCQ7IV-50eljwlt1-tEPEQ8ZAxDdeAPt68axjrEHih02IkEtnXg/s320/IMG_2692.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505423924340544514" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0k1VhUNIrq4D8OPyRHKPe0NA32yoddHMdKFj1mbxE_Q5Ktaso11ncLp4gnbUAWFXNORdn9_qd7m8W1TL3RWY_jtR77zLPCsgXggoUQMdnB3rFu36nS8gOZJ4bmZBxUjcjCKCQg/s1600/IMG_2689.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0k1VhUNIrq4D8OPyRHKPe0NA32yoddHMdKFj1mbxE_Q5Ktaso11ncLp4gnbUAWFXNORdn9_qd7m8W1TL3RWY_jtR77zLPCsgXggoUQMdnB3rFu36nS8gOZJ4bmZBxUjcjCKCQg/s320/IMG_2689.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505423910878240018" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TTT7u3nNnk2sA5i_6xugwJuMm_7NjbNivowg_5GVyPxfbfQkscnX_jn3bCotCL8f5Zo2fs7bmXbukd97iJop2jwu1RT4eRwVPAfeaXYGMHIIe-Hm_TZxJtUIBKIMvy3EbflJsw/s1600/IMG_2688.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TTT7u3nNnk2sA5i_6xugwJuMm_7NjbNivowg_5GVyPxfbfQkscnX_jn3bCotCL8f5Zo2fs7bmXbukd97iJop2jwu1RT4eRwVPAfeaXYGMHIIe-Hm_TZxJtUIBKIMvy3EbflJsw/s320/IMG_2688.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505423891305594306" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8HmsmnDy3XYvVu5YMQ5no7_ud3Qi5JdclswhxgUhF7xJQAirJwDF8HyIkbNnIX3vskMjAKIWDjPC7P8rahk3DrLBs3cdNnSGzBFbUdJfdUHrAe0h7Ycc-lf8cqiWRF4k3LX_oA/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8HmsmnDy3XYvVu5YMQ5no7_ud3Qi5JdclswhxgUhF7xJQAirJwDF8HyIkbNnIX3vskMjAKIWDjPC7P8rahk3DrLBs3cdNnSGzBFbUdJfdUHrAe0h7Ycc-lf8cqiWRF4k3LX_oA/s320/IMG_2684.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505423889744657154" /></a><br />Like I needed another ball of energy in the house . . . <br /><br />She is very sweet and very loved. She fooled us the first day by being very chill and cuddly. I think we will keep her!Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30363608.post-23936541886679312212010-08-14T19:08:00.000-05:002010-08-14T19:11:08.761-05:00Brady Rocks!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLQgTtFNsE6oF9t9r2s6vymbtJsJvdf-HF6B3oDM1NqWSFBKLdwPBPkeX1xw8y5YLLCxAPb60UzCzcQFSoeHtPY9H-54QtHQvaKvgrAmVS03WwEju0wFvxDTs_JQK44qG-Lw2GA/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLQgTtFNsE6oF9t9r2s6vymbtJsJvdf-HF6B3oDM1NqWSFBKLdwPBPkeX1xw8y5YLLCxAPb60UzCzcQFSoeHtPY9H-54QtHQvaKvgrAmVS03WwEju0wFvxDTs_JQK44qG-Lw2GA/s320/IMG_2675.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505422277205184258" /></a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849782027675603005noreply@blogger.com1