tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12533915787269763692024-03-05T08:36:05.996-08:00blessings a2zthe everyday little things. our scrapbook.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.comBlogger807125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-54286563599874003942016-10-18T13:35:00.000-07:002016-10-18T13:38:59.172-07:00Down Syndrome Awareness month Q&ASo, over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsabellazoey/" target="_blank">instagram </a> we're doing some fun and different stuff for the month of October - which happens to be Down Syndrome Awareness month!<br />
<br />
One of the things we're doing is a Q&A. I asked for questions and now I'm answering them! Today's answer got too long for Instagram - and rather than cut it down I decided to just go ahead and blog my full answer.<br />
<br />
Here goes.<br />
<br />
Q: "What is the biggest misconception about Down syndrome, in your opinion?"<br />
<br />
What first comes to mind is the idea that all people with Down syndrome require a lot of extra support. When Zoey was denied the right to attend enrichment classes it hit me hard! These people knew only that she has Down syndrome, they didn't ask any questions, they simply said "we aren't equipped for Down syndrome"! So for us, not being "equipped" is like saying: we can't keep a close eye on your daughter, help her here and there with fine motor skills, be patient when she wants to observe rather than join in, or take the time to listen closely to distinguish what she's saying to us. I don't know about you, but when I think of places that provide classes for children I feel like those are all things that should be a given! Any child could require the same "extra" help as mine, but because of a diagnosis my child was denied - and that needs to stop!<br />
•••<br />
I think the biggest misconception is the idea that people with Down syndrome are somehow incapable (in any way, shape, or form). People with Down syndrome are accomplishing BIG things! But ya know what, it's not even about that. It's about assuming competence and giving people a chance to show you who they are (not what they can or can't do)! <br />
•••<br />
Finally ... I fear that there is a misconception that people with Down syndrome must accomplish big things to be seen as equals in this fast paced society we live in. Those of us parenting children with Down syndrome are doing so at a pretty incredible time! We are seeing people with Down syndrome accomplish great things, it's exciting and it absolutely gives us a lot of hope! but, after how far we've progressed in the last fifty or so years, I'd hate to see the scales begin to tip a different direction - to a new level of "comparison". I've actually had people write to me regarding this and it breaks my heart! Our kids are amazing guys, AMAZING! ... it's not about reading or doing math equations, it's not about knowing all the dance moves or hitting a home run, it's not about awards or fame - they're amazing because they are exactly who they were meant to be!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-72504475113343650592016-01-01T00:13:00.002-08:002016-01-01T00:22:07.809-08:00Happy New Year!2016.<br />
<br />
It's 2016, officially.<br />
<br />
I've decided to have a theme song this year, it's a song I've been singing for months. The more I heard it & sang it, the more I found my own meaning within it.<br />
<br />
I came to realize that Zoey is my "fight song".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMM1Uk6iveiyVhsCjqa_vGYxoLe0oCQEEgmaIL5ejm17NDcLPoSfWUBmnC7hkLyNIV6RUTv74uOSUZh8hZuFGp-pAfP91tM_89eoYsegN1OynyjavL7-CjS1x4re2I0dw45Q5NdA-3ieV/s1600/IMG_4887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMM1Uk6iveiyVhsCjqa_vGYxoLe0oCQEEgmaIL5ejm17NDcLPoSfWUBmnC7hkLyNIV6RUTv74uOSUZh8hZuFGp-pAfP91tM_89eoYsegN1OynyjavL7-CjS1x4re2I0dw45Q5NdA-3ieV/s640/IMG_4887.JPG" width="562" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Many people don't understand and I get it. I have four children. Three beautiful and amazing humans came into my life before Zoey. Three little heart throbs called me mama and depended on me before Zoey did. Annicka, Jericho, & Liam are very much loved. I treasure each of my children, please don't ever doubt that. That said, life <i>is</i> different with Zoey.<br />
<br />
If life is an ocean, Zoey is my "small boat ... making big waves". Because of this little girl, my life -our lives- are forever changed. She set "into motion" a life none of us could have ever dreamed. She is that "single word" that can "make a heart open". I've seen this happen. People who have only just met Zoey have been overcome with emotion, in tears ... not tears of sadness or of pity, but tears of love because there's just that something about her that goes straight to your heart.<br />
<br />
She's just a little girl, but she is my "one match" allowing me, us, to "make an explosion".<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXfq6FMnvVwf3QWM3Or2WYaGnQJ_HEz8ZT-SIq7F-0-_zEhRRPECW1C3rO0s-nXcawGCyl-vY_7V_mV_DOSc9jLUYFWglmyl5abRpjeqSGxeJU5Q3i2d2BbMuRS1D4WxORDOYK9WaFQ__/s1600/at+the+beach+and+critters+Annicka+brought+home+%252822%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXfq6FMnvVwf3QWM3Or2WYaGnQJ_HEz8ZT-SIq7F-0-_zEhRRPECW1C3rO0s-nXcawGCyl-vY_7V_mV_DOSc9jLUYFWglmyl5abRpjeqSGxeJU5Q3i2d2BbMuRS1D4WxORDOYK9WaFQ__/s640/at+the+beach+and+critters+Annicka+brought+home+%252822%2529.jpg" width="626" /></a></div>
<br />
Explosions of love and adoration - toward her, toward others, and also from her. She adores us in ways that can't be explained. She can be a stinker and she's not afraid to be sassy to us, but if we tell her she's hurt our feelings you can bet you're gonna see her face fall, get an I'm so sorry, and receive a big hug! Explosions of pride. We are proud to have Zoey and proud to raise awareness of Down Syndrome. Explosions of thought. A million thoughts a day run through my mind. Sometimes I write here on this blog, sometimes I take photos or make videos, sometimes I wonder what more could I do in the down syndrome community - so many thoughts. Explosions of fear and then calm. Explosions of worry and then peace. Explosions of happiness, laughter, learning, growing, progress, milestones, skills, appointments, development, friends, and the purest joy I've ever known.<br />
<br />
Over the years, there have been many "things I didn't say" and those things are absolutely "wrecking balls inside my brain". I'm ready to "scream them loud". As for the things I've been saying for all these years, feeling so unheard, well I'm going to keep saying those things ... "can you hear my voice this time?"!<br />
<br />
Zoey is my fight song.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElkYvjL4uQZ4V2BIZM9c8-a9VB5bW4_uToXFqGDwgLtAk3xItUmDhwRfCfL0ocnA9iFO-rjAmEkijacNwobbfXtdlyfctuqMzQplKA-RXqc1GD5WjmFOWsygDIx-fZ9aa3T6MvTYJmjyn/s1600/IMG_5858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElkYvjL4uQZ4V2BIZM9c8-a9VB5bW4_uToXFqGDwgLtAk3xItUmDhwRfCfL0ocnA9iFO-rjAmEkijacNwobbfXtdlyfctuqMzQplKA-RXqc1GD5WjmFOWsygDIx-fZ9aa3T6MvTYJmjyn/s640/IMG_5858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She makes me constantly want to be better. To "take back my life" and not let it be full of things that aren't important. To "prove I'm alright" by showing everyone that she is such a blessing. Not once has she ever been a burden. "My power's turned on" because of her and for her. I can't just let others tell me how things should be for her, I am her mother and I have to know that I have the power to say no. I have the power to stand up for what is right. <i>Always</i>. "I'll be strong" because she needs me to be and because I am teaching her to be. I have to make the choice to stand strong for what I believe, even when "nobody else believes". Some people think I'm a pushover, I've even come to believe this ... others think they've seen all the fight I have, but "I've still got a lot of fight left in me".<br />
<br />
So here's to you, 2016. A new year. New goals. New hopes. New dreams. <br />
<br />
It shall be a year of strength. A year of new thinking. A year of standing up and standing strong. The year of my fight song. <br />
<br />
*lyrics quoted from "Fight Song", by Rachel Platten.* <br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
</center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-11269132653777869192015-12-01T08:30:00.001-08:002015-12-01T08:40:31.869-08:00Embrace ItHappy December!
<br />
<br />
By now, most of us who celebrate a holiday this season have begun the traditions of decorating! We got started this past weekend! So this morning as I sat here, admiring our tree, the words "embrace it" came to mind!<br />
<br />
I've already lost track of how many posts across social media I've read in the past week regarding the decorating of a Christmas tree, but the message each time seemed to be: it must be perfect. There was also a common theme of children helping and parents "fixing" later.<br />
<br />
We decorated our tree as a family. There was a certain teenager who, for whatever reason of the moment, refused to join in; but apart from that it was a family activity! It was a time of fun & togetherness - with a mama requested group hug at the conclusion!<br />
<br />
So, this morning as I sat quietly and gave it a good overview, I noticed things. Our ornaments must get lonely easily, because they seem to be in <strike>clumps</strike> groups! Some of them don't seem to know which way to face. There's quite a few that are way down on the lowest branches, dangling into the blank under tree space. Ninety-nine percent of the ornaments are on the "front" of the tree. We've yet to put anything on top of the tree and, oh look, a random ornament (bought as a toy because it looks like Angelina ballerina) seems to be catching a nap on a branch under the twinkling lights.<br />
<br />
Do you think my tree looks "perfect"? Would it make it into a magazine? Or be featured on a blog or Instagram page? Nope. I know it wouldn't, but I say it <i>is</i> perfect. <br />
<br />
It's perfect because it was done in love - with all the excitement and anticipation of this most special season. What joy my children had, after begging me and continually asking if it was yet "time to do the tree?"! It's also perfect because it's a memory. There may come a time where I stand in front of a Christmas tree alone, recalling memories with each ornament hung. I can imagine myself wishing my children were still small, helping me make what many might call, a messy tree!<br />
<br />
So I will continue as I have for a few years now. I will not "fix" our Christmas tree. I will embrace it for all that it is and all it represents.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1253391578726976369" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3PK7dt7RgT1pJ3L3jIy1WiEX6r5fzoClv3SVLvDX9ib8oXCKcB9FSDDV7bsvjIMcr9cgbdgodIpj_F-BZidcpNnDrpEemPCRq9fP5CBbKcXQR5P6SFdmQCN12LbMvEwRiOTl5P52aKGJ/s1600/IMG_4646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3PK7dt7RgT1pJ3L3jIy1WiEX6r5fzoClv3SVLvDX9ib8oXCKcB9FSDDV7bsvjIMcr9cgbdgodIpj_F-BZidcpNnDrpEemPCRq9fP5CBbKcXQR5P6SFdmQCN12LbMvEwRiOTl5P52aKGJ/s640/IMG_4646.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xDSF-zA_Ew4" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-42269527547793382392015-11-25T12:15:00.001-08:002015-11-25T12:15:18.565-08:00Thanksgiving.Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
As we approach this holiday each year, we make the effort to pay attention to all we have to be thankful for! There have been years where I joined in with doing daily Facebook posts, sharing something I'm thankful for. Some years I've even copied that over to the blog. As we know this blog has been seriously neglected for years now ... I really do want to get back to blogging, but I just never seem to find the time! <br />
<br />
I'll be honest, lately I find myself a little less ... shall we say, content?! On the one hand, this year has brought me so many people ... on the other hand, I feel so lonely sometimes. So in all these thoughts of feeling a little left out and way too far away from family and close friends ... I decided to stop it.<br />
<br />
STOP. <br />
<br />
Stop the whining. Stop the moping. Stop the pity party.<br />
<br />
<i>just. stop.</i><br />
<br />
... and, as my five year old says, open my eyes!<br />
<br />
Open my eyes and not only recognize but acknowledge at least a few of the endless blessings I have to be thankful for. So that brings me here, to share. I have a feeling this post might get a little long and it may end being a bit of a wrap up of our year ... and that's just fine with me!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwU6SBdjhtIhJfoa4_hT43tBFCq0D6vFR3PlXkT_cNmjX_QDDxYHCMwC8wNqn7A1ElvLlBXuLuSDb2X7hB2fsX4BatyO18yUO4EZuXE54vWRceA3dFqlMMKFuOxgwngJqde8htE3NICii/s1600/IMG_4249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwU6SBdjhtIhJfoa4_hT43tBFCq0D6vFR3PlXkT_cNmjX_QDDxYHCMwC8wNqn7A1ElvLlBXuLuSDb2X7hB2fsX4BatyO18yUO4EZuXE54vWRceA3dFqlMMKFuOxgwngJqde8htE3NICii/s640/IMG_4249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(all photos from our Thanksgiving "shoot"! felt food from Nene's Numnums!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am thankful to have my husband home to enjoy this holiday season with us. Last year he was gone and missed all of it. It's not easy adjusting to him being gone, then adjusting to him being back - we all have our challenges with that ... but this year, he is home!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Along those same lines, I am always thankful for my husband's hard work & dedication to provide for us. His job may take him away from us at times, but he has a job. We have health insurance. We have dental insurance. These are things that deserve thankfulness! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEharpJ8207Xg9KNwjEyceoSy-tVPdAdoALvm-x39Epn_VsFvnPA_GCTkKJ_hTXevuQXUZK6-gpnZmiy-TrT1LAiL3I_-B-tJxLhTsyjTJdBXt0Z2fYT5zQwp-5NcZD7hmRgx_ZOf2x9HMgV/s1600/IMG_4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharpJ8207Xg9KNwjEyceoSy-tVPdAdoALvm-x39Epn_VsFvnPA_GCTkKJ_hTXevuQXUZK6-gpnZmiy-TrT1LAiL3I_-B-tJxLhTsyjTJdBXt0Z2fYT5zQwp-5NcZD7hmRgx_ZOf2x9HMgV/s640/IMG_4252.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I am abundantly thankful to have four healthy children! We've had a few moments this year where we didn't know if health might be an issue ... but each time we received reassurance from a specialist or test results that were all normal. This is not something I ever take for granted. I pray for many parents & children that are fighting big fights. I also know of many families who have seen their way through the darkest days of illness ... coming through as warriors, some with their sweet ones still by their side and some with their sweet ones gaining angel wings. I know that health is a priceless gift.<br />
<br />
I am thankful for friends and community. I've talked before about the honor we've had to meet some incredible people this year. I may have "fought" moving here (you can't truly fight it, so denial is a better word I suppose) but now I wish I never had to leave. There is an incredible down syndrome community in the area and I have been able to join in more this year, that makes my heart <i>SO</i> happy! Zoey has some little buddies, too, and that is an answer to this mama's prayers! Whether face to face or via social media, knowing and sharing with others who "get it" is an incredible thing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1EsGyjE0gUUClsRAUCw5hbAKRCwJ9BUOll98rR-VX3ebxg0S8hYvMSpp99Qgo4OKDgiPkbutbp7rCQ-_8r3CzOTA1DTUboQ4W39ibvnmLooeQLcbP_T3Dc5dOoT_2x6wYp_GthXLY9jY/s1600/IMG_4253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1EsGyjE0gUUClsRAUCw5hbAKRCwJ9BUOll98rR-VX3ebxg0S8hYvMSpp99Qgo4OKDgiPkbutbp7rCQ-_8r3CzOTA1DTUboQ4W39ibvnmLooeQLcbP_T3Dc5dOoT_2x6wYp_GthXLY9jY/s640/IMG_4253.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am thankful for family that have been able to visit us! This summer all our travel plans came to a halt when the hubby had to have surgery. The thought of not seeing his family was hard, but then they came to us and it was so good!!! I am also thankful that my parents are able to travel and see us a few times a year - and this year my mom & I got to go on a trip of a lifetime! How incredible to travel to Australia and see family for only my second time ...and meet brand new family (more on that in a second), too!!! Family is precious. I wish we weren't so far from our family, but I am thankful for the times we do get to spend together.<br />
<br />
As for the new family, how grateful I am to have met my aunt. The sister my mom never knew she had. I got to be witness to a side of adoption I never dreamed I'd be a part of and my mom "got" the sister she always dreamed of. It was a treasure to meet Dawn and her husband, daughter in law, and granddaughter! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8pARb6ZojAee4H6oQUg9QMrJJzL4Q9E6Vi5vmGRQNM7JQr9HBF986LLpNOHRg5LE2pXZiMNpm3at7RrapYo0dH5IXq2o2kXtEMcQrzPDLPAAEuBYS8SZpBRrh90HNkLo_PSNAzAh894s/s1600/IMG_4254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8pARb6ZojAee4H6oQUg9QMrJJzL4Q9E6Vi5vmGRQNM7JQr9HBF986LLpNOHRg5LE2pXZiMNpm3at7RrapYo0dH5IXq2o2kXtEMcQrzPDLPAAEuBYS8SZpBRrh90HNkLo_PSNAzAh894s/s640/IMG_4254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
and finally, I will wrap it all up with being thankful for life.<br />
<br />
every day I wake up, I breathe in a new day, I hug my children & say "I love you" & kiss their cheeks! I wish I always remembered to stop and take in the abundance to be grateful for. I wish I never complained or felt sorry for myself. I am a work in progress and I am eternally thankful for the Lord who knows my heart ... His grace <i>is</i> sufficient for me. So, I will always get up and brush off the dust and say: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am thankful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1jFLZZJLzj19FvDov-eV16kwB-WykVHkhtF83B1WY9pwvSev1JHm1W3lACKdkSmu6i_v3OomSOYiIwlL0Sti3veDNgplJ9N1zvRSd-BYNUqBrAYbUq6L0VcsUBp9WOecl7p1XKy0ksyg/s1600/IMG_4256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1jFLZZJLzj19FvDov-eV16kwB-WykVHkhtF83B1WY9pwvSev1JHm1W3lACKdkSmu6i_v3OomSOYiIwlL0Sti3veDNgplJ9N1zvRSd-BYNUqBrAYbUq6L0VcsUBp9WOecl7p1XKy0ksyg/s640/IMG_4256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
now, let's feast!!!</div>
<br />
<br />
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-64175989444343937912015-06-13T02:36:00.003-07:002015-11-25T11:24:46.814-08:00down syndrome is a beautiful thing ...<div style="text-align: center;">
so, you can read how this all started in the description of the video! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but, I had to share it over here on the blog ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am just so blown away by all the support and people willing to be a part of my little idea!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J4s2Tw-LEP8" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-81506308822421574302015-05-28T19:08:00.001-07:002015-05-28T19:08:20.442-07:00walk for wishes ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDDbAf67yeBmhTRfyEM_ZJ8vGeoCGwCvN3T57iCFnoITrg8nct5l2LQZ7FFA5BYpKVEq-gCO6NP5mVVoRAUPBQKNRt8EBIfwDf-ZjI9k9LI_DhX9Wijfgs51Fe6qBhaEpr9OaEZAJigAe/s1600/join+cocos+crew+-+heart+and+arrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDDbAf67yeBmhTRfyEM_ZJ8vGeoCGwCvN3T57iCFnoITrg8nct5l2LQZ7FFA5BYpKVEq-gCO6NP5mVVoRAUPBQKNRt8EBIfwDf-ZjI9k9LI_DhX9Wijfgs51Fe6qBhaEpr9OaEZAJigAe/s640/join+cocos+crew+-+heart+and+arrows.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this is Coco, an amazing little girl who battled and BEAT cancer!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she was able to be the recipient of a very special wish and now she wants to give back!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we're in, are you??? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ZoeyGrace has joined Coco's Crew for a Twilight Walk for Wishes in Sacramento</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and we are thrilled to be a part of this! if you can't join us in person, please consider donating ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we have set a goal of $100 - can you help us reach that? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
visit this page to donate:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sacwalkforwishes.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1128994&lis=1&kntae1128994=4071D5CB077143FCA97B01656AF952BA&supId=423653473&emaillogid=" target="_blank">Zoey Grace's donation page!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />here's some information from the page:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Join me as in support Make-A-Wish Northeastern California and Northern
Nevada as we "Walk for Wishes"! What a better way to spend a Saturday
evening than to walk with friends, family and co-workers to benefit some
very courageous children in our community.<br />
<br />
This event benefits the local chapter of Make-A-Wish to help grant
wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions in the 37
counties the Foundation serves. Your participation will bring Hope,
Strength and Joy to children enduring the burdens that a
life-threatening medical condition brings. <br />
<br />
A wish brings joy, laughter and a reason to keep fighting a very grown up battle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-82856041394363061192015-05-25T12:40:00.000-07:002015-05-25T12:40:27.153-07:00happy Memorial Day ... <div style="text-align: center;">
today we reflect on the many men and women who have given everything for our right to freedom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thank you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN-Y2nIljL6S8AyIcw8QUd7JIWYhp-YsdMm9b7OCOwbXxYcSvDlmzU-zXAmAlrYID3GJj5HFJG3QrfjGt5CCnM0VwCJnz7lHV3FDNXJUsSbVnWdsLnVrNgNnq4Wt0vLOJ-u4RCMNLnnoA/s1600/5-25-15+memorial+day+%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN-Y2nIljL6S8AyIcw8QUd7JIWYhp-YsdMm9b7OCOwbXxYcSvDlmzU-zXAmAlrYID3GJj5HFJG3QrfjGt5CCnM0VwCJnz7lHV3FDNXJUsSbVnWdsLnVrNgNnq4Wt0vLOJ-u4RCMNLnnoA/s640/5-25-15+memorial+day+%252814%2529.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are so blessed to have the freedoms we do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
proud to be an American!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAuqOlFgv9iXSUaNTboGAs0Q7o6B5Sd8o6VYGbDfPb0ITo7evQkEIPyWZRCoGYhRTOBe2XrYP9MHkvUh-_rURHutj60cKG8XcsghIGN0iiH2XqLUP6i6NkBuov8w0SZN9YY7aLdz2QEBU/s1600/5-25-15+memorial+day+%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAuqOlFgv9iXSUaNTboGAs0Q7o6B5Sd8o6VYGbDfPb0ITo7evQkEIPyWZRCoGYhRTOBe2XrYP9MHkvUh-_rURHutj60cKG8XcsghIGN0iiH2XqLUP6i6NkBuov8w0SZN9YY7aLdz2QEBU/s640/5-25-15+memorial+day+%252816%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExJtStGjRSzhwWzq4g0FU_C5sDurWZm0aQyYOKXWTECTpraJkTgBmxg1bhhCMmtyaEeYkrIFii01nPkNlijW58pz_c5gGDgf9Oy2ouDNzEhUUzzOEeJ2e8K7W9rwJfV3uTr_BKO9rqiT-/s1600/5-25-15+memorial+day+%252824%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExJtStGjRSzhwWzq4g0FU_C5sDurWZm0aQyYOKXWTECTpraJkTgBmxg1bhhCMmtyaEeYkrIFii01nPkNlijW58pz_c5gGDgf9Oy2ouDNzEhUUzzOEeJ2e8K7W9rwJfV3uTr_BKO9rqiT-/s640/5-25-15+memorial+day+%252824%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-54059300201784124092015-05-25T01:46:00.001-07:002015-05-25T01:55:56.239-07:00shining her light ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnWNgRE5ELIUiHbzKGuEcDwSP-p62P3ep8cDr0lmWmcibQPszF_GxTEqkKLfmC1NeoCVePaFo44KuDlQvBwghFoIqH6cpETpReX2tVzqHDrhN_xr_oqAzj46wMTt1WbKJApj9lYdN7gVD/s1600/IMG_6015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnWNgRE5ELIUiHbzKGuEcDwSP-p62P3ep8cDr0lmWmcibQPszF_GxTEqkKLfmC1NeoCVePaFo44KuDlQvBwghFoIqH6cpETpReX2tVzqHDrhN_xr_oqAzj46wMTt1WbKJApj9lYdN7gVD/s400/IMG_6015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
friday afternoon made me smile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
well, it wasn't friday afternoon that made me smile ... it was Zoey on friday afternoon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I promised (over on instagram) to share the whole story, so here it is ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zoey had an appointment friday afternoon to have an ultrasound of a bump on her back.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no real biggie, she seems to have a lot of appointments for one thing or another,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and we're in an appointment heavy "season" right now!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so we got there quite early and had time to just sit and wait ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but, that's not really Zoey's style - unless I bring the stroller along, which I didn't</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because I'm trying to work on her independence from the stroller.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
anyways (this might get really long) ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she had her Anna doll and was pretty content to play with that and dance around with her </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
doll and "lie down" (as she says) on a bench that she insisted was a bed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there was a young woman there who seemed quite entertained by Zoey's playing and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dancing and I thought that was pretty sweet!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after a while, a mom with two little girls came in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zoey was in the middle of the waiting room just spinning around with Anna ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was clear right away that this mom was probably having a rough day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these two little girls were just sort of standing there,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and that's when it happened ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Zoey reached out and took the little girl's hand</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she then put Anna's (the doll) hand into the little girls hand and formed a circle with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the three of them: Zoey, the doll, and the little girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
round and round they went, "dancing" with Anna ... it was so sweet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
soon the other little girl joined in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as the mom sat down, she looked at me across the room and smiled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mean, a whole hearted smile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>my heart skipped a beat</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my little girl was shining her light and bringing smiles to the faces of adults</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who a few minutes before looked annoyed, upset, and just plain bored!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this playing went on for a good fifteen minutes,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until the lady was called back and the little girls left.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was precious, watching my sweet Zoey interact with these two little girls ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was surprising and funny, watching my fiesty daughter be quite bossy - and even more surprising</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to watch the little girls just follow her lead and do everything she said! haha!!!<br />
before it was our turn to go back, the young woman said to me "she just made my day" -<br />
finding Zoey quite adorable!!<br />
we had our appointment and Zoey did great! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we ended up leaving at the same time as the mom & girls - and all the little girls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
were saying goodbye to each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and that was it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>but that wasn't it.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you see, I've been having some inner struggles lately.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been feeling down because I don't understand why my daughter can't </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
be accepted the way I feel she should be. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel frustrated reading about how other children with down syndrome</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are in "gen ed" classrooms and have "full inclusion" ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but the district we're in wants to put Zoey off in a "special day class" where she'll</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
spend nearly all of her time only with other children who have "special needs".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
why?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><i><b>why don't they see what I see?</b></i></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my daughter ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
knows shapes: circle, square, rectangle, triangle, heart, oval, star, diamond, octagon ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
knows colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, purple, gray, black, brown, white, silver, gold ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
knows her name: she can recognize it, she can tell you how to spell it, and she can write it ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she can also identify a few other random letters and numbers ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
her speech has improved leaps & bounds over the past year ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she has made amazing progress with potty training ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she has made progress with several gross motor skills ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she has made progress with several fine motor skills ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she loves to draw and color ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she loves to learn and seems to pick up on things quickly ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she loves to play with other children ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know she's not where a "typical" five year old going into kindergarten would be ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but that leaves me questioning - does that mean those other children are?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is she behind, even within the realm of her "special needs"?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the past two weeks have kinda blown me away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mentioned in my previous post that some of our favorite instagram-ers (that's a word, I say so)<br />
live right here in our area - and, yes, for whatever reason that is awesome to me!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I went and saw "Where Hope Grows" and was amongst a room of mamas and families</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that all love someone with down syndrome - that was amazing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and afterward I got to finally meet some of these ladies I have only known online ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and after chatting with the lady that introduced me to this group,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
combined with reading I've done and observations I've made,<br />
<i>and then this day and what I witnessed - which truly touched my heart as a mama ... </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've come to the conclusion that no, Zoey is not any sort of exception.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our kids are no different than other kids.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they're each going along at their own pace.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they're each finding their wings ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they ALL deserve to fly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>they were ALL meant to fly. </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRV3erRRPfK80yKC0xrCTxUdltZoU9hzvtGLdj65ZzrGRflWfoZcelFW603BKRula5CbuR8wKmwUOWpfT9yZ4U3jHeP-dEQE_5skJpDdizwIciPzshNp9izWuCFcSgG3tFDeRUYgWWmAN/s1600/IMG_6016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRV3erRRPfK80yKC0xrCTxUdltZoU9hzvtGLdj65ZzrGRflWfoZcelFW603BKRula5CbuR8wKmwUOWpfT9yZ4U3jHeP-dEQE_5skJpDdizwIciPzshNp9izWuCFcSgG3tFDeRUYgWWmAN/s400/IMG_6016.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
there's a lot of changes occurring at our house in the upcoming months ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
one of those being that Zoey will be coming home for kindergarten next year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I pray that I can give her everything that she needs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I pray God gives me the strength and wisdom to seek out what is</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
best for her education and to do everything I possibly can to help her on that path!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I pray wisdom for the people at the charter school we go through</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and that they also will provide everything they should for Zoey's education and needs! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I pray that God will provide us with friends to spend some time with!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(my best friend is about to move and so are our neighbors - leaving my boys without any close friends)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I pray that my children attending public school will be safe and will learn and thrive! </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I pray.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I pray that the limits that some people put on children like Zoey will one day vanish.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I pray that she will be accepted, just as she is. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I pray that everyone will see her and those like her for the amazing people they are!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I pray that</i>.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">and I thank God, every day, for blessing us with Zoey Grace!!!</span></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/AVvXsEjjJhki9cxwDQhld2LPlR7r8_HVOZG8-ModtSbiqb7NZOYzbin9ar5DQOufvs3KWjG7g9Zo7p8hC-wwzNF0IEbsbck1Ghj6VX7dEtYMQQEaWWkrsyT1-KNcuIOnghEUIQZ5BXNJ-LoPnMEw/s1600/IMG_5869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJhki9cxwDQhld2LPlR7r8_HVOZG8-ModtSbiqb7NZOYzbin9ar5DQOufvs3KWjG7g9Zo7p8hC-wwzNF0IEbsbck1Ghj6VX7dEtYMQQEaWWkrsyT1-KNcuIOnghEUIQZ5BXNJ-LoPnMEw/s400/IMG_5869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-32497832386211679072015-05-20T11:42:00.003-07:002015-05-25T01:51:52.226-07:00chromosomally enhanced ...do we have to talk about how I've totally failed this blog? about how I keep promising it -and my kids reading this in the future- that I'll get back to it? about how it really is our family "scrapbook" and I'm gonna have all these years of photos and stories missing? about how instagram has taken over, and the find of chatbooks did not help the blog's case? no? oh good!!!<br />
<br />
let's talk about Zoey Grace then, shall we?<br />
<br />
the IG world started opening up for me about two months ago! I realized that shops (for me, this means kids clothing & accessories) have IG pages to promote all their adorable stuff, I realized that there are shops out there that design absolutely amazing stuff for kids rocking their extra 21st chromosome, I realized I need a second income because I love buying all that cute stuff for Zoey Grace! ha! <br />
<br />
anyways, here she is in one of our most favorite shirts! it's from Littlest Warrior Apparel and we love it!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0mwoXqGRJWIQZYTM9EoiiXz05urOgqw81fQ7HsgwUv0KVLthEci0DjB3St_T7xT8lA2zZqbYn6DvyD6aRgaZpF2NkpkFbjbf_184qpyRRMuZREU_OzGmFDTd2nj9jg3JQB6dBGTocNSY/s1600/5-20-15+chromosomally+enhanced+from+littlest+warrior+apparel+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0mwoXqGRJWIQZYTM9EoiiXz05urOgqw81fQ7HsgwUv0KVLthEci0DjB3St_T7xT8lA2zZqbYn6DvyD6aRgaZpF2NkpkFbjbf_184qpyRRMuZREU_OzGmFDTd2nj9jg3JQB6dBGTocNSY/s640/5-20-15+chromosomally+enhanced+from+littlest+warrior+apparel+%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Y5VVTP7MtfvJR-ULlAtl62Ec_KRMDDt_AQUSV2FU5OBY-i1NH7sqeLghd9QmSA2rUEHNlz7YYY4r4zJp8PaJHrchgDyhsHVEb_StjtoL9bsp5qNibZwMKJzqeT9IVX45QI0u4v06yX5q/s1600/5-20-15+chromosomally+enhanced+from+littlest+warrior+apparel+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Y5VVTP7MtfvJR-ULlAtl62Ec_KRMDDt_AQUSV2FU5OBY-i1NH7sqeLghd9QmSA2rUEHNlz7YYY4r4zJp8PaJHrchgDyhsHVEb_StjtoL9bsp5qNibZwMKJzqeT9IVX45QI0u4v06yX5q/s640/5-20-15+chromosomally+enhanced+from+littlest+warrior+apparel+%252811%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
ya know what else I have been finding on IG?
this year has opened my eyes wider than ever to </center>
<center>
the growing population of kids and adults with down syndrome on IG!!! I have been amazed to find </center>
<center>
out that I have been following some people that live right here in our area - that really blew</center>
<center>
my mind! I also have found that many, many of the folks I follow on IG who have littles blessed with that extra chromosome have adopted those precious blessings - I love that!!!</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
so here's to all the rockin kids, the rockin parents, and IG ...</center>
<center>
I mean the blog, haha!</center>
<center>
o<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="233" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-57321552968498376342014-12-31T16:54:00.000-08:002014-12-31T16:58:49.522-08:00it's New Year's Eve ...<div style="text-align: center;">
well here it is, 2014 is (literally) nearly over! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the year is nearly over and yet I still have quite a few photos that haven't made it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
onto the blog yet ... oh well, I don't think 46 posts (that's for the whole year, I might add that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in 2011 I had 317 posts, that year was my all time high as far as this blog goes)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
merits me having a book printed this year ... so if I could schedule in time for me to blog</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and manage to catch up in 2015 - I'd still have all my 2014 photos within one book!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what a year it has been.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
another year of saying "see ya later" to my hubby ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the past few months have been spent as temporary single mother status!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
never easy, but having him away has given me the opportunity</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to try to achieve some things that seem more a challenge when he's home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(for example, the house is quite torn apart currently - as I go through boxes, bags, baskets, etc. in another attempt to get this place all organized ... my theory is the same as always, if everything had a place it wouldn't be such a disaster all the time ... we'll see how true that ends up being ... if, that is, I actually do make it through this slow process to the side of actual organization! I've managed to that only once before in my married life - and that was three kids and far less stuff ago! we shall see!) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">it's also given me time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">time that I need to spend in prayer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">time that I need to study the word of God.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">time to spend with my children.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">time to learn more about myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have this goal to really give a lot of effort toward working on, what I like to address as,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">character issues. whether within myself or within my children - there are</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">absolute things that I am trying to eliminate (ie: name calling, fighting, angry outbursts, etc.).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">so far I don't feel I've made much head way ...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">BUT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I believe the Lord can change me, first and foremost ...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">and in turn, my hope is that I will be a positive role model for the children</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">and they will also incur some positive changes in behavior.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I know<i> I</i> can't do it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I also know that God can!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I believe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have faith.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I also have this goal to get all of this years "good camera" pics up on this darn blog!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">whether that means there is little to no editing or not, I am getting </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">more and more determined to get back to blogging!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">so, shall we begin -and end- with Christmas morning?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">here it is ... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKD4ybZGYZH4glGgQOqbuwYBhmBRupFEYS006lvBZMXAf6CwX8smru5yAgSCWm1jZlfKkCZUtwu253uPk3xpErID8nTkgMVufHqR0G41bcOaPLAU213m-naIN31jPMX-bXid20ehPPFayo/s1600/12-24-14+presents+under+the+tree+-+all+ready+for+morning+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKD4ybZGYZH4glGgQOqbuwYBhmBRupFEYS006lvBZMXAf6CwX8smru5yAgSCWm1jZlfKkCZUtwu253uPk3xpErID8nTkgMVufHqR0G41bcOaPLAU213m-naIN31jPMX-bXid20ehPPFayo/s1600/12-24-14+presents+under+the+tree+-+all+ready+for+morning+(1).jpg" height="558" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this was Christmas Eve ... I love a good "Santa's been here" pic!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRZwI2m0u5bieWPWkzrzLZ4J3z2wvfVVaAXG0ozja3iZe7R9IxI_ZZQkOI0OpGmqz4OjgrNoFw1sQPxLXUJoeaO6NLdLo-p7QvSXCr4urBUpVpGWKcZhNrbuMtvz-J9oV9Yn5uqggseIv/s1600/12-24-14+presents+under+the+tree+-+all+ready+for+morning+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRZwI2m0u5bieWPWkzrzLZ4J3z2wvfVVaAXG0ozja3iZe7R9IxI_ZZQkOI0OpGmqz4OjgrNoFw1sQPxLXUJoeaO6NLdLo-p7QvSXCr4urBUpVpGWKcZhNrbuMtvz-J9oV9Yn5uqggseIv/s1600/12-24-14+presents+under+the+tree+-+all+ready+for+morning+(3).jpg" height="518" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this year "I" decided to really scale back ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did the "three gifts" idea: a want, a need, and something to read!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in addition to that, each child got a "Santa" gift</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(which actually I ended up just putting a $30 limit on Santa - this worked well so that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I could give Zoey the "big" gift for her and also the boys their "big" joint gift ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it all still added up to right at $30 per child!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in addition to those four gifts, I assigned each child a sibling to buy for ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this way instead of a bunch of dollar store junk (which is how you have to do it when you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have four kids all buying for each other) each child got another nice gift!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it also was meant to help foster some attention and care for siblings who tend to squawk!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, right there each child got five nice gifts - or more if it was a multiple</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
piece/item type of gift!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bring in the grandparents, aunt, uncle, & cousins - and my kids were beyond spoiled!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgOXsT0AjI_1wXDg1EPHroZTVEn7W3PfTI1e5idouytp8eR9Agk-xEEmgcp0gmpK0qXSrVtA0dy6yTAVVHWE8KOswiAtjD4MgWOqrUwDtRfznMjW7QIGo6lyC4G_HDcsOrNeWTbq-mKFi/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgOXsT0AjI_1wXDg1EPHroZTVEn7W3PfTI1e5idouytp8eR9Agk-xEEmgcp0gmpK0qXSrVtA0dy6yTAVVHWE8KOswiAtjD4MgWOqrUwDtRfznMjW7QIGo6lyC4G_HDcsOrNeWTbq-mKFi/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(1).jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
opening her Santa gift!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2BUH2LOWDgN7EfOQlIPy4gRn3s7ONZEI8-7Stnz_WpwLZTpijN9dQEkT5y2x8Z4hkLdnNufvFlewzGpPI1G4VzMEN6ucfrFIxp6BP3pYZZhpqFhtYASuEq2DCglYhFl-tiMz3Ueq4z2Z/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2BUH2LOWDgN7EfOQlIPy4gRn3s7ONZEI8-7Stnz_WpwLZTpijN9dQEkT5y2x8Z4hkLdnNufvFlewzGpPI1G4VzMEN6ucfrFIxp6BP3pYZZhpqFhtYASuEq2DCglYhFl-tiMz3Ueq4z2Z/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(3).jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_aBYnru37VEIlASS6qZpbKonDDeKfDnXQSDxudD_tIFW1KATfyboGnqKLmWMTIqv7r-mPPdUnxmjAIhMEG_kkKrTJWtbIKk4fadJXasRdjpMN3avjuafU46LxqZeBEJFP9_OFfU5KCf7/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_aBYnru37VEIlASS6qZpbKonDDeKfDnXQSDxudD_tIFW1KATfyboGnqKLmWMTIqv7r-mPPdUnxmjAIhMEG_kkKrTJWtbIKk4fadJXasRdjpMN3avjuafU46LxqZeBEJFP9_OFfU5KCf7/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(4).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkujmVrT-qB6p0lWx3AqNE1TpOkyDwbEAhWDtRconDbPNtT1DvZtjtr8bfxpvhbHP-zIfgWDPGIhb_6xTa1mOrtmn24p0AILQJCqvcxr7N1dl4KUrgSgY8_1yGNHjYdYcojezUDznasPUI/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkujmVrT-qB6p0lWx3AqNE1TpOkyDwbEAhWDtRconDbPNtT1DvZtjtr8bfxpvhbHP-zIfgWDPGIhb_6xTa1mOrtmn24p0AILQJCqvcxr7N1dl4KUrgSgY8_1yGNHjYdYcojezUDznasPUI/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(6).jpg" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
despite the face, he was quite excited about his Minecraft tee shirt!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNzYOj9vE8JUCHXSMeDo9JtHPYOn6p3_4J5XMMLtQXnSePETqHp0GlDXZSDXPL5UTRTF0QjNkhTcAMf2P6kT3qnE8ZNCPoSeXT138_rRAAQJWIsW4vIcj3rFHzG9Eo0o6hEEL6nbq3MFi/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNzYOj9vE8JUCHXSMeDo9JtHPYOn6p3_4J5XMMLtQXnSePETqHp0GlDXZSDXPL5UTRTF0QjNkhTcAMf2P6kT3qnE8ZNCPoSeXT138_rRAAQJWIsW4vIcj3rFHzG9Eo0o6hEEL6nbq3MFi/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(10).jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so many presents!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HI8NvVL4rCqsn1LF_plXM_Ho3lX_nSudOmKNnwwwf_XTs1-wBSuOKvmIPSXxJRclUZ4ak3AOpXmFOPtgc65-catCiy1Qvu_8wVKSWTXmCUKIAIr_7STe2Tr8lQpTQQ421wE6wawN-AfP/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(12).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HI8NvVL4rCqsn1LF_plXM_Ho3lX_nSudOmKNnwwwf_XTs1-wBSuOKvmIPSXxJRclUZ4ak3AOpXmFOPtgc65-catCiy1Qvu_8wVKSWTXmCUKIAIr_7STe2Tr8lQpTQQ421wE6wawN-AfP/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(12).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he loves Christmas morning!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3BIOU6_j67mstGCtwWUXR36ZToKREt0GHQiLqcCYjRKFDgX_EI1ArjjJgTUMuQMS5GYX43VyDyrVX-68ruDxHP9jgCZuTNZE5Jsqne_YRnTrUVhveoDNUGquFdGczO2oXcI1KXfjElaQ/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(13).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3BIOU6_j67mstGCtwWUXR36ZToKREt0GHQiLqcCYjRKFDgX_EI1ArjjJgTUMuQMS5GYX43VyDyrVX-68ruDxHP9jgCZuTNZE5Jsqne_YRnTrUVhveoDNUGquFdGczO2oXcI1KXfjElaQ/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(13).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we forgot about the stockings, usually it's tradition to open those first!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so we did them sort of in the middle, but toward the end of the gift opening!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(notice in the background I have mugs out, ready for hot cocoa - and I had cinnamon rolls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the oven ... after all the unwrapping and fun they were excited for a fun breakfast!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOcGNeYggOQRR8kRuAoF6FA9L2xDuYNod_V-r9eEGG5H1yoLujJQ59Jv_y3bpNGLIGzRIjTuYZVq0bW3z-1XAJGcuG4YV-h6hX58cKKENSsnVBWuGrv0aUdJ3JkE23Yq6fizpWb5FJ6T7/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(17).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOcGNeYggOQRR8kRuAoF6FA9L2xDuYNod_V-r9eEGG5H1yoLujJQ59Jv_y3bpNGLIGzRIjTuYZVq0bW3z-1XAJGcuG4YV-h6hX58cKKENSsnVBWuGrv0aUdJ3JkE23Yq6fizpWb5FJ6T7/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(17).jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zoey, trying out her tricycle from Nana!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are going to really be working on learning to pedal!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xpOAG9kxgyecJ54IJ54wXLHAu0MHcAWgvvnaJkkdnTtl5YHX5sbQisa084PL5qPw63ZvcMS0GTD_b9jYx4etxxg4WQUxbUIQL_CCYrsPDgYvv1tWOn5eQLjq83P4W6J348-4gHlVYHym/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(19).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xpOAG9kxgyecJ54IJ54wXLHAu0MHcAWgvvnaJkkdnTtl5YHX5sbQisa084PL5qPw63ZvcMS0GTD_b9jYx4etxxg4WQUxbUIQL_CCYrsPDgYvv1tWOn5eQLjq83P4W6J348-4gHlVYHym/s1600/12-25-14+Christmas+morning+(19).jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can you believe it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't take 1.1 million pics of Christmas morning!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was a little hectic, I'll be honest, with daddy on skype - I had to prop</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
up my phone when the battery got real low and I had to plug it in!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at one point I was holding my phone, trying to video tape, <i>and</i> trying to take photos!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really just wanted to enjoy it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to watch my children's faces light up with each gift ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to see their surprise and delight ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to look at their newest priced possession ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so that's what I tried to do!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2015 holds much for us, I am sure of it!!!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-74619346710086215832014-12-20T21:30:00.002-08:002014-12-20T21:30:56.458-08:00Christmas littles ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraFlJ1nJEh0A5zX5S6Gp01ExwO_OamPJax5zHZxzJWYnz1Manj-bRV_tgFnRlFyYUYWLosvhMcd2POws1KlEoKKBOVM97SuBNzXbQp1LHJXyerXss2isQkz1XXzLGjbm4fnX3_qElvUW-/s1600/12-20-14+my+babies+-+ready+for+church+-+and+they+had+to+play+photographer+too+(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraFlJ1nJEh0A5zX5S6Gp01ExwO_OamPJax5zHZxzJWYnz1Manj-bRV_tgFnRlFyYUYWLosvhMcd2POws1KlEoKKBOVM97SuBNzXbQp1LHJXyerXss2isQkz1XXzLGjbm4fnX3_qElvUW-/s1600/12-20-14+my+babies+-+ready+for+church+-+and+they+had+to+play+photographer+too+(9).jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
be still my heart (I know, I say that a lot - I can't think of a better way to describe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the feeling I get when viewing certain photographs of my sweet little ones) look at these two!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to title this post "Christmas babies" ... but given that the "baby"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
is nearly five, I decided to go ahead and give them my second favorite title of "littles"!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
did I mention Zoey Grace is nearly five?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
did I mention how crazy that is?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
did I mention that I miss having a baby?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
sigh.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
anyway, I caught a couple photos of these little ones of mine before church tonight ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
looking all cute and fancy (pretty nice dress Zoey has there, huh - $4.50 at Once Upon A Child)!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and this one, this photo, when I saw it - awwwwwwww ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the sweetness of little sister adoringly smiling at big brother, it is just too much!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and big brother, looking even more like his daddy now that he has</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a big boy hair cut (we went and got that fixed this week at the barber shop, fyi) with</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that grin - he is definitely daddy's little clone!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEiSdfmjW8R0uD36ihygeThF0dV7KAap1kJKXqabMsNCE4CXyrjf5cPxiFVETXSYcgOtnsoFWJhYyeOFP0hB86at0HYPN1gZ5R8YNTk7HQ3d6wxQdtyMe0EIdTWe5vMUaFMYZMFqff0GXa7B/s1600/12-20-14+my+babies+-+ready+for+church+-+and+they+had+to+play+photographer+too+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdfmjW8R0uD36ihygeThF0dV7KAap1kJKXqabMsNCE4CXyrjf5cPxiFVETXSYcgOtnsoFWJhYyeOFP0hB86at0HYPN1gZ5R8YNTk7HQ3d6wxQdtyMe0EIdTWe5vMUaFMYZMFqff0GXa7B/s1600/12-20-14+my+babies+-+ready+for+church+-+and+they+had+to+play+photographer+too+(3).jpg" height="640" width="334" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
haha! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can't really tell Zoey to say "cheese" ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or we get all sorts of variation of faces such as this!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and look at that impish grin on the boy - my my!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*after I typed that, I decided I really should look up the exact definition of impish</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
before posting: </div>
<div class="xpdxpnd vk_gy" data-mh="-1">
<span><b>impish</b></span></div>
<div class="xpdxpnd vk_gy" data-mh="-1">
<span><i>adjective</i><b> </b></span></div>
<br />
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<span>inclined to do slightly naughty things for fun; mischievous.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<span> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<span>yep, that about covers that sweet, baby faced, boy!!!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<span> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<span> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<span> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNzDirZllTbvDMgRmMNATckRzzVjzGUgDF8sU69BoZzBRlpdS18bAXjOiR7lC_nQ2LPGy4qx5KkYr5s89rI7VgdIF-voHlEhIwhmoaBsPPpL6cAoXrdiw4Iph_EaCt0bNoCx6hyyCgIN6/s1600/12-20-14++2my+babies+-+ready+for+church+-+and+they+had+to+play+photographer+too+(16).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNzDirZllTbvDMgRmMNATckRzzVjzGUgDF8sU69BoZzBRlpdS18bAXjOiR7lC_nQ2LPGy4qx5KkYr5s89rI7VgdIF-voHlEhIwhmoaBsPPpL6cAoXrdiw4Iph_EaCt0bNoCx6hyyCgIN6/s1600/12-20-14++2my+babies+-+ready+for+church+-+and+they+had+to+play+photographer+too+(16).jpg" height="640" width="436" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
everyone with me now, awwwwwwwwwww!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFx-jA2T8V6mWtZVExoWedoXB4bXpg_leEIyss8VJBhJj-xfHGl73ZgkIWAx43cfnmDmTmy8DJSJVWNAyDaCDNr3PW_IJ4R30tSWXt_Z_PD6ifc-eH1fhK5XiV563YqPGdtJYXbdyl7FG/s1600/12-20-14+2my+babies+-+ready+for+church+-+and+they+had+to+play+photographer+too+(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFx-jA2T8V6mWtZVExoWedoXB4bXpg_leEIyss8VJBhJj-xfHGl73ZgkIWAx43cfnmDmTmy8DJSJVWNAyDaCDNr3PW_IJ4R30tSWXt_Z_PD6ifc-eH1fhK5XiV563YqPGdtJYXbdyl7FG/s1600/12-20-14+2my+babies+-+ready+for+church+-+and+they+had+to+play+photographer+too+(9).jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and because it's still sooo stinkin adorable, we'll revisit this one with a different photo effect!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are trying to make the most of these days ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ok, I am trying to make the most of these days!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's Christmas break now!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
time to clean house and enjoy each others company, I say!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Merry Christmas season to all!!!</div>
<br />
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-10888521602574491022014-12-12T20:37:00.000-08:002014-12-12T20:37:06.995-08:00transformations ...<div style="text-align: center;">
so last week, I took my shaggy haired boys in for haircuts!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a real love/hate relationships with hair cuts ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love how refreshing it is to see my beautiful sons' faces and eyes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I sort of end up missing their shaggy locks, too!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
here's Jericho - before:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaUK43V9-0DNfoc6iH1eLQxgy9KZr8YAQg2ti3hZOS7NSGMX4QNLp8HqgrDgJIcmAlxj1wX3gR88fmLl4etfFg6YYGsZfZBo6aivjpOFh1wPO6QqcoeHWFNHwX-5CSS1Srv2ogFMpLbQo/s1600/IMG_4371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaUK43V9-0DNfoc6iH1eLQxgy9KZr8YAQg2ti3hZOS7NSGMX4QNLp8HqgrDgJIcmAlxj1wX3gR88fmLl4etfFg6YYGsZfZBo6aivjpOFh1wPO6QqcoeHWFNHwX-5CSS1Srv2ogFMpLbQo/s1600/IMG_4371.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and Jericho - after:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZi4z-MUOyPZyY6PJQBSDu9mAABNrhIe4VQfr7LaGkAi4tEgYdx-X-elSzDrwXNh6JrKDivn_hlS_wjZBNbwwCQhtGghUnmpHdWmfhCtpqRe7mK1fapNgfULacB6hjkhq9mgbhKcEuw1k/s1600/IMG_4391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZi4z-MUOyPZyY6PJQBSDu9mAABNrhIe4VQfr7LaGkAi4tEgYdx-X-elSzDrwXNh6JrKDivn_hlS_wjZBNbwwCQhtGghUnmpHdWmfhCtpqRe7mK1fapNgfULacB6hjkhq9mgbhKcEuw1k/s1600/IMG_4391.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really like how it looks when it's styled, when it's just washed and dries-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and he doesn't want to stop long enough for me to style it - it's just ok!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what a smile, what a boy!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and here's Liam - before: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnh9gHtFUg5QTDTs7whXed01c5igC9jBpUG2ydffxUj4UDlcxhfWBKJGpl9OiyJRMnE_dthXIM_RaKC4qb-_RxJnRG8YbZ7QrvgDG5HGSi20LpNLreLMUQAbVXy63Z57HULj8RAgJApyE/s1600/IMG_4369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnh9gHtFUg5QTDTs7whXed01c5igC9jBpUG2ydffxUj4UDlcxhfWBKJGpl9OiyJRMnE_dthXIM_RaKC4qb-_RxJnRG8YbZ7QrvgDG5HGSi20LpNLreLMUQAbVXy63Z57HULj8RAgJApyE/s1600/IMG_4369.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and Liam - after:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY2VyJp90W_CooSWX-2f7Q1cjqKZBuDl-_aHAKIZGjjKcChOohvT24N9fEzFXNKDQOgJfYKwKvvzYw6usuSj3oj8y1alS_gW3Fe3sM02-3mTwwo7trlA96fFgVfyZuNR5oxZ9GAe89PIc/s1600/IMG_4386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY2VyJp90W_CooSWX-2f7Q1cjqKZBuDl-_aHAKIZGjjKcChOohvT24N9fEzFXNKDQOgJfYKwKvvzYw6usuSj3oj8y1alS_gW3Fe3sM02-3mTwwo7trlA96fFgVfyZuNR5oxZ9GAe89PIc/s1600/IMG_4386.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what a silly face - that boy is just like his daddy!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, yes, I finally did it - finally had the courage to get him an actually "short"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
haircut! I thought it looked adorable all slicked to the side ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
however, the lady cut it so that it HAS to be like that - or it's all long</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on one side and short on the other ... hmmm!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so I'm gonna have to have that all fixed!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he is perfectly happy with it, I'm sad a little bit about it - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I think only because daddy didn't like it,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so now I feel bad!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
oh well, can't put it back now ... and he is nearly 7, after all ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he needs to look like a little boy!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(but I do miss that long hair, it's always been his look, so </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I totally understand what daddy is saying)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he's so funny!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksrUvmNsW22qNH5B9WnFnNCM0QAs8BSbNI-WwOQ-LpR7vCqr9qckiGs62cebsKA4rcyrotNTYhmOh4GifAFrs6X8_PyNABXm7rRZtegeT9rlWpBXT79CimNHb6zAX8bzzk4Ti0dnToAGN/s1600/IMG_4387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksrUvmNsW22qNH5B9WnFnNCM0QAs8BSbNI-WwOQ-LpR7vCqr9qckiGs62cebsKA4rcyrotNTYhmOh4GifAFrs6X8_PyNABXm7rRZtegeT9rlWpBXT79CimNHb6zAX8bzzk4Ti0dnToAGN/s1600/IMG_4387.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in other news, I think I finally finished up the Christmas shopping!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(aside from "teacher" gifts, it's weird that there's still so many -</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">even though I'm homeschooling two kids - but they have their enrichment</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">classes teachers and their ES, so that's five right there! then Zoey</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">has her lead teacher and "helper" and speech therapist,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">as well as two bus drivers! I'm not even doing anything for</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Annicka's teachers and I still have 10 "teacher" gifts - lol) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not gonna lie - the last two days were a bit stressful with all my looking</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
online and figuring out just what to get! it's super fun that the kids'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
grandparents and aunt and uncle send me money to do some shopping ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but they didn't have hardly anything on their wish lists,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so I had to really get creative in deciding on gifts!</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
in the end, though, I stuck to my plan and did the "three gifts" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from us (mom & dad): a want, a need, and something to read! <br /><br />then a "Santa" gift!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(which was set by a per child budget - so for the boys it's an individual gift as well as a shared gift) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a sibling gift </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(this year I assigned each child a sibling to buy for, so everyone still has cool stuff and not just dollar store junk) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then all sorts of goodies from Grandma, Nana & Grandaddy, Auntie Layla,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Uncle Kris, and cousins Dominic, Katie, and Willow!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I may have decided to pull way back this year,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but they are certainly still plenty spoiled by family!!! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, that's the update for us ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope & pray everyone is having a wonderful Christmas season ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
making lots of memories and spending time with loved ones!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-27929986178240201272014-12-06T12:28:00.003-08:002014-12-06T12:28:44.315-08:00it's that time of year!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKULWLPgUvGSXMkQMFPYVxePvGpd3QJIRc2hwNKISfhTxoSbc3iQNl0X5OcXN-PUu5TPwSYX5CqRZyOAj4TriTe1pWng3amRVFxnvHT9nbYhuTeTCDQ6r1MCGrQ8S21x83NxuVD7VpdIJ/s1600/12-3-14+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKULWLPgUvGSXMkQMFPYVxePvGpd3QJIRc2hwNKISfhTxoSbc3iQNl0X5OcXN-PUu5TPwSYX5CqRZyOAj4TriTe1pWng3amRVFxnvHT9nbYhuTeTCDQ6r1MCGrQ8S21x83NxuVD7VpdIJ/s1600/12-3-14+(3).jpg" height="640" width="436" /></a></div>
<br />
Buddy the elf has arrived and the kids are finding that fun (mostly Liam, Jericho enjoys being a part of "helping") ... he's doing things a bit different this year! if you're interested, check out this blog - that's what we're going off of <a href="http://www.crayonmarksandtigerstripes.com/">http://www.crayonmarksandtigerstripes.com/</a>!!!<br />
<br />
the tree is up and so are lights and inflatables in the front yard! that's as far as we've gotten so far!!<br />
<br />
the other day Zoey happily posed for these pics ... I think the "new" camera (as in, the expensive nice one that she has probably forgotten about - therefore, it's new to her) was acceptable in her eyes, since she's so used to my phone being the camera - lol!!!<br />
<br />
and boy is she growing - looking at these pics makes me realize just how big she is getting! I can't believe she's nearly five! it makes me sad. it also makes me miss having a baby or little one around here ... she keeps me plenty busy, as do all of the children, but honestly I've got some baby fever in a big way! hahaha!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAPaawql_mOLp7lfGL_Q83k0iDBW-_1bDvv9_Imna5B33WhDcNLYFZpZ4Flt_Om69O8qATRia9a_1YRaiJ51qN0aQ8NYEJAHcNcR4PaBUYsJgCyhWT5ayu5Uhm3PDu73AAlu2zFr7LdAp/s1600/12-3-14+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAPaawql_mOLp7lfGL_Q83k0iDBW-_1bDvv9_Imna5B33WhDcNLYFZpZ4Flt_Om69O8qATRia9a_1YRaiJ51qN0aQ8NYEJAHcNcR4PaBUYsJgCyhWT5ayu5Uhm3PDu73AAlu2zFr7LdAp/s1600/12-3-14+(4).jpg" height="640" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />
anyway, I keep the hope that I will get better about blogging again ... at the current time I just rely on the fact that I still have preserved memories via instagram!!! it's not the same, though! <br />
<br />
more pics to come soon, we've done some fun stuff for the season!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0Nz8F7IJ-gYAKqDLZN6G384Y6Ejfkv1jvGYaDYRHhKSZRxln9H5c3LewGR2nlmnks8lIJ5h7-HUM1tAcGfzO0U9g_dkGlMAcG0Be-hdkd3Si_eF_4C6NzSSG9zms4yIrVydMOn7v6CuJ/s1600/12-3-14+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0Nz8F7IJ-gYAKqDLZN6G384Y6Ejfkv1jvGYaDYRHhKSZRxln9H5c3LewGR2nlmnks8lIJ5h7-HUM1tAcGfzO0U9g_dkGlMAcG0Be-hdkd3Si_eF_4C6NzSSG9zms4yIrVydMOn7v6CuJ/s1600/12-3-14+(5).jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-60279765452944283462014-11-24T16:54:00.000-08:002014-11-24T16:54:28.648-08:00for daddy ... because I can't seem to fit blogging into my schedule ... but I know daddy really wants to see an update! this one's for you, husband!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RsRQ4Aj_eRy2_uLRrZYyHG5CNnTlG7HLXrJyFeY3YXoJFl4zfC_GcpO-6xgw8YSFS5_yGxav-3PuujYIBllDmH38TIhztilW1pVYdsAmV6SyDCIrJxzNi41zZoDxnv2wPTShEKyU-R3n/s1600/IMG_4197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RsRQ4Aj_eRy2_uLRrZYyHG5CNnTlG7HLXrJyFeY3YXoJFl4zfC_GcpO-6xgw8YSFS5_yGxav-3PuujYIBllDmH38TIhztilW1pVYdsAmV6SyDCIrJxzNi41zZoDxnv2wPTShEKyU-R3n/s1600/IMG_4197.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Annicka on her 14th birthday!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6B6fB6u27nwSpaI-N9piDOjhryVJRKXBsgs1HkiUoJZsKTy0Z03J8mIucHsrSGbJqaa53nBCuC_Uejer4tKvxn5t-Kt7NJKVpmRlyHmD0o2m4uhD7wYk_EQSlYo45wiplLm3HFW9twduN/s1600/IMG_4011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6B6fB6u27nwSpaI-N9piDOjhryVJRKXBsgs1HkiUoJZsKTy0Z03J8mIucHsrSGbJqaa53nBCuC_Uejer4tKvxn5t-Kt7NJKVpmRlyHmD0o2m4uhD7wYk_EQSlYo45wiplLm3HFW9twduN/s1600/IMG_4011.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jericho a week or two ago, very proud to be building drawers with me!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Liam started with us, but fizzled out and watched Frozen while we finished up)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0foRdwld4HGcip5_-z8bnu3qF0LF5RIRRA1RjI2P319-RNOZQtXVaVCbawAlTk8Z5Jv1MAJ_yI6nxe3Wk0DchoQ1WU4l4iCtDFN0ttYzaABYjUO4t6XYDra5efCnI79lOdHlDDz5ZI02p/s1600/IMG_4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0foRdwld4HGcip5_-z8bnu3qF0LF5RIRRA1RjI2P319-RNOZQtXVaVCbawAlTk8Z5Jv1MAJ_yI6nxe3Wk0DchoQ1WU4l4iCtDFN0ttYzaABYjUO4t6XYDra5efCnI79lOdHlDDz5ZI02p/s1600/IMG_4225.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Liam with his newest stuffie, Olaf, as well as "Elephanty" - an older fave!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
side note: this kid is so much like his big sister! he is obsessed with stuffies, as he calls them!!</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/AVvXsEiZ_m9k_bgDgzBpsJWoE5XkwdYzaqt5hSVubAItjVGZB1KSLMNnkSPohnabfebAMcWFyYmmBPGV1iTuwiu4CltESZZb2TJA6nYluHqRWnKk2ln0FpdgnVL8EpQ5hKc33P9CSoSJ79RbHV9X/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_m9k_bgDgzBpsJWoE5XkwdYzaqt5hSVubAItjVGZB1KSLMNnkSPohnabfebAMcWFyYmmBPGV1iTuwiu4CltESZZb2TJA6nYluHqRWnKk2ln0FpdgnVL8EpQ5hKc33P9CSoSJ79RbHV9X/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and there's our Zoey - be still my heart look at that beautiful face!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this was today - she was making it snow in the garage (with a cotton ball)!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
she misses her daddy greatly, I think she said "I want my daddy" daily this past week ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
sometimes several times in a day ... now that is hard! poor baby!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we are doing well, however!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we have our ups and downs. a certain child is prone to giving me a run for my money -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but I am hanging in, and doing a lot of praying! right now I have a huge focus on</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the Lord and what he wants for our lives ... and how we can put Him back in the center</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
of all we do! it's a challenge, for sure! but, the Lord is faithful and full of grace!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so there's the update for any and all, but especially for daddy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
hope you enjoy the pics!</div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-60220217006219320362014-11-07T12:12:00.002-08:002014-11-07T12:12:30.419-08:00Liam quote!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
it's been forever,blah blah blah!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I don't even have any pics to share! but I had to keep this one for the books!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we went to Hobby Lobby and Liam didn't want to get out of the van - he does this. I don't know why he does this. it's annoying. it's aggravating. sometimes it takes every bit of anything </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in me to keep from getting angry. often I fail at that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
anyway, he's fussing and isn't budging.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jericho says to him "if they have a quarter machine, I'll buy you something"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Liam, with a smile, replies <b>"well played"</b> as he starts getting out of his seat and getting his shoes on!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that, my friends, is my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they keep me smiling, even when I try not to!!!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-15264027297353467492014-08-18T12:27:00.004-07:002014-08-18T12:27:47.190-07:00guess what day it is?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mOZIdzBUQnM5KF9I7SkV_GtyGxIn_nn7bnLnzsS4KW6hYU2Tchj7g2X17M0nXHcmH6Yk7O_kUIWrOOkZW3a9l58H1nqQhPoKzVYhVozg-2FJ12T2Zcv_ev9huJ2Ynzwqrsj585Zu1W3z/s1600/8-18-14+first+day+of+HOME+school+(24).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mOZIdzBUQnM5KF9I7SkV_GtyGxIn_nn7bnLnzsS4KW6hYU2Tchj7g2X17M0nXHcmH6Yk7O_kUIWrOOkZW3a9l58H1nqQhPoKzVYhVozg-2FJ12T2Zcv_ev9huJ2Ynzwqrsj585Zu1W3z/s1600/8-18-14+first+day+of+HOME+school+(24).jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it's the first day of (home) school ... and this pic <i>cracks me up</i>!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so, today our adventure has begun ... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
despite the fact that we are still waiting on a lot of our curriculum, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we've managed to accomplish a decent amount this morning!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we definitely need to have a few conversations of expectation and "rules" ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but I'd say the boys are doing quite well, overall, today!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
let the year continue ... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-53769415355215055112014-07-29T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-29T14:11:17.591-07:00keeping my word ...<div style="text-align: center;">
the title sort of says it all! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and yet, it tells one nothing!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
well, here it is:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annicka has decided to return to public school!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yes, this is the girl who has told me for two years that she was "never going back to school"!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
funny how things can change - and knock the socks off of mamas!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and as much as I was looking forward to having my three oldest home with me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and for that matter Zoey in the mornings before preschool - and as much as I was excited</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to have less schedules trying to mesh up ... I always told Annicka that the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
school thing was her decision! she is the one that begged to homeschool ... and I was</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thrilled to have her home! and now, she is the one saying she wants to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
go back, and so she shall. I really can't blame her either - I told her I wanted her to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
start thinking about returning for high school (honestly, at this point, all the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
demands of homeschooling through high school just sort of terrify me) and she said she'd</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rather go back this year, so she'll at least know people for high school.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good call.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I agree.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
but I'm gonna miss her!!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXJSwGxLjB3hO9tgEc2GtYkAXv1WnrRswPVgp-WA4P9ff3LZSgMLFfAswwWyYv1Pfd-fX5khqeI4KCdhvyJp3d_S0uqtf-sYCtx-eK7uskGFrp8t3lqDUFC_or83FJQ-5rE268dfZ4OiG/s1600/7-1+through+7-15-14+Oregon+trip+(285).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXJSwGxLjB3hO9tgEc2GtYkAXv1WnrRswPVgp-WA4P9ff3LZSgMLFfAswwWyYv1Pfd-fX5khqeI4KCdhvyJp3d_S0uqtf-sYCtx-eK7uskGFrp8t3lqDUFC_or83FJQ-5rE268dfZ4OiG/s1600/7-1+through+7-15-14+Oregon+trip+(285).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzNn7bVREiA3mpxxL2BTHqsdusoJX18KZiyHGS55XCRIZK2hUv6Jq1KTS00YSkdGwwlcag0XPPXB8UZbaBTdGHbwMC5FNO3DESUSWA0u2BWnhLloXDLo3vPvWBOsgBMXaNg94TfkKB59C/s1600/7-1+through+7-15-14+Oregon+trip+(286).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzNn7bVREiA3mpxxL2BTHqsdusoJX18KZiyHGS55XCRIZK2hUv6Jq1KTS00YSkdGwwlcag0XPPXB8UZbaBTdGHbwMC5FNO3DESUSWA0u2BWnhLloXDLo3vPvWBOsgBMXaNg94TfkKB59C/s1600/7-1+through+7-15-14+Oregon+trip+(286).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these photos are from our Oregon trip! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but they were taken in Washington - lol - at my friend's house!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(as you can see, my friend was also snapping a pic)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had my friend fix up Annicka's hair for the photo shoot we were doing,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love it when I can see her beautiful face - usually her hair is hanging all over it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, now it's looking like it will be me and the boys!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zoey will be with us in the mornings and then go to preschool!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's sure to be a busy year!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in order to ever get all these (literally hundreds) of photos to the blog I may have</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to do as I've done here and just plop them on - with zero editing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not sure I can quite stand that ... but with everything there is to do these days,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the blog may get pretty quiet! we shall see!!</div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-88550314490041114822014-07-18T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-20T16:40:22.965-07:00home, sweet, home ...we are home! we had such a great time on our Oregon trip! it was amazing to get to see my parents, my friends, and a couple family members too!!! on my drive home I really reminisced over the good times and laughs I shared while there! it is truly bittersweet to be home ... I sort of got in a groove at my parents house and now I had to re-adjust and figure out what life at home looks like now! after all, we've been home a mere four days since summer break truly began ... and there's so much change in store with keeping three of them home this coming school year! I am overwhelmed with all I need to do, perhaps that's also why I didn't particularly want to return - lol! anyway, our travels were awesome (funnily enough, our timing was nearly exact both going and coming home - basically 9:10am to 6:50pm ... on the way there we stopped for picnic lunch & potty, gas, and one "emergency" potty - on the side of the freeway, haha; on the way home we got gas then ate at a McDonalds across the street - and that was our ONLY stop!! yah - my kids must be amazing!!!) and our time was precious! I have over 800 pics between my camera and my phone (many of which were shared on instagram/facebook) ... so now the blogging begins ... well, we hope - haha - we'll see!<br />
<br />
just so I don't leave ya with nothing ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytIVGxxYykeIdlE0FvXpRTnvUg0giBcwS_pjnI-86vv4qa5HG6Wl8pfRttK7ehlHdiG36Kfff33myNQlDROdqg7c4jZVnEgjazh8PhB_FvNwJ6U9Urcy2AlUCu9BJjashsxSLsJe2-_wo/s1600/cropped+-+urbane+and+dark+edges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytIVGxxYykeIdlE0FvXpRTnvUg0giBcwS_pjnI-86vv4qa5HG6Wl8pfRttK7ehlHdiG36Kfff33myNQlDROdqg7c4jZVnEgjazh8PhB_FvNwJ6U9Urcy2AlUCu9BJjashsxSLsJe2-_wo/s1600/cropped+-+urbane+and+dark+edges.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so here it is! this is the one that will be going on my wall!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I attempted a photo shoot -again- while at my friend's house ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she was an awesome helper and got my kids to smile!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was still somewhat chaotic - her sprinklers kept coming on randomly ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the kids would scream and get up, running off -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then we'd have to get them all re-situated, it was sort of comical though</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and we all got many laughs from that!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the end, perhaps it's really more an issue of my own photography skills ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but for now it is what it is and this is a pretty good pic!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good enough for now, anyway ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and good enough as a current photo of all four of my kids for my living room!!! </div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-59819741116688076112014-06-30T07:00:00.000-07:002014-06-30T07:00:06.096-07:00here for a second (basically) ...<div style="text-align: center;">
so yes, we're home from our trip!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLiz5Sg2QKppdPX9IyVvzk-nQxamM4TozI__Wl0ol-GbzhKdzhbS1prb5iIVQnJLUXBnd9VReIP3nHUGrWjth4l29OneeKWWSQuBtwVJgQLX2G3iEfZ31hL634wZ5Nxg9SoMqvZsCszh8/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLiz5Sg2QKppdPX9IyVvzk-nQxamM4TozI__Wl0ol-GbzhKdzhbS1prb5iIVQnJLUXBnd9VReIP3nHUGrWjth4l29OneeKWWSQuBtwVJgQLX2G3iEfZ31hL634wZ5Nxg9SoMqvZsCszh8/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(5).JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we left around 6pm on monday, the 9th (Zoey's last day of school) ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we stopped for dinner and then hit the road!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_u1eR_oAMSTIBUX6FjVEajlp-G6NwpKANIT_Yl_P1qDF-AHCG1NCrxvyZpaTMzetiaSuPz4226U_NCp_oDhsjfDUzEimz8AcacoYGho6ImPh0qcev1ClWF7WBaOnPwFkg0ERHmEoXXZj/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(131).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_u1eR_oAMSTIBUX6FjVEajlp-G6NwpKANIT_Yl_P1qDF-AHCG1NCrxvyZpaTMzetiaSuPz4226U_NCp_oDhsjfDUzEimz8AcacoYGho6ImPh0qcev1ClWF7WBaOnPwFkg0ERHmEoXXZj/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(131).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflnX0YIeQxSBv8JeVlwA9mQ6ykb_fUuFrITpXVin9VPqd_Mn3yBEDTiETeTPkBWoL22k_hDuD-Gp-QPD-gF5O0g0Fi4SXYYmkBCl0UBzQw92wCKyWpbbEg6NRLMANQdOKcsu7RT8pS8Zz/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(741).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflnX0YIeQxSBv8JeVlwA9mQ6ykb_fUuFrITpXVin9VPqd_Mn3yBEDTiETeTPkBWoL22k_hDuD-Gp-QPD-gF5O0g0Fi4SXYYmkBCl0UBzQw92wCKyWpbbEg6NRLMANQdOKcsu7RT8pS8Zz/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(741).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we saw lots of family!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtK4ens50AgZafKAKcpSFkHX-nkre1hiP0KcSasg3vK-c2_vUknFK9B8lOFtoKDNWeQdwxHF5QeT7Ks84vGTrj7EPPA0He4jQ8MsV4VTecA5wd1sHjVgOnFemI6GPY213UEtZErZFE7UDA/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(190).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtK4ens50AgZafKAKcpSFkHX-nkre1hiP0KcSasg3vK-c2_vUknFK9B8lOFtoKDNWeQdwxHF5QeT7Ks84vGTrj7EPPA0He4jQ8MsV4VTecA5wd1sHjVgOnFemI6GPY213UEtZErZFE7UDA/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(190).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Mgn5X4lKCzWyK0CHBqCxrXObPWD_jISsEB4Z8lgPetYVLzHP-upUt73ZrvJYak6ZjF4I2uOA-3oS47jGNaS7yn_ZWMDOh1G1mEVSOQT2Tnp6xlGWjvoBQkLloxPLl5grfNgS2jHWt3BI/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(191).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Mgn5X4lKCzWyK0CHBqCxrXObPWD_jISsEB4Z8lgPetYVLzHP-upUt73ZrvJYak6ZjF4I2uOA-3oS47jGNaS7yn_ZWMDOh1G1mEVSOQT2Tnp6xlGWjvoBQkLloxPLl5grfNgS2jHWt3BI/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(191).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we saw lots of animals at the zoo, the aquarium, and grandma's house -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zoey loved all the dogs and cats there!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBPfiSgysqWo5qtQbQVGlXgHxSJQZ8mP86INxblYGbgD9-GQ1j5pXnsKthZtm98VDktP5x-yp2kiRZn0IJpl14p4TpDYOVUEqi6gTB-8cXZqE6dohGo5_Lc4T_eejHQ3iEYyjg2j1uWSI/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(215).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBPfiSgysqWo5qtQbQVGlXgHxSJQZ8mP86INxblYGbgD9-GQ1j5pXnsKthZtm98VDktP5x-yp2kiRZn0IJpl14p4TpDYOVUEqi6gTB-8cXZqE6dohGo5_Lc4T_eejHQ3iEYyjg2j1uWSI/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(215).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16CDw2PLuJFW-DZxWZ-Esf8lbq_SVQNQJveIEoS00xsQCbfBpdQJT0Zc63rLvxwxnTpnz9DATQtOdQgtJ2P75Jezy9kuFVoj0tLsggixN77CC3Rg9W0rZnUjK1UWG59KF3lCRoh_0EJds/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(537).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16CDw2PLuJFW-DZxWZ-Esf8lbq_SVQNQJveIEoS00xsQCbfBpdQJT0Zc63rLvxwxnTpnz9DATQtOdQgtJ2P75Jezy9kuFVoj0tLsggixN77CC3Rg9W0rZnUjK1UWG59KF3lCRoh_0EJds/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(537).JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
there was swimming ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0em1iWBs9crdmsAwhY_3CAov-u6irOSnrIsQuJqGYspmRGAtJgJ7vSFUzJ-trjinfTGo6ygD8IYfnH9dBZxz0Bb2uyDzSj_jCsAYZm8gaY6I0PEftIl7FWc2RWGItwRxJxE8_AW1LMIot/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(455).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0em1iWBs9crdmsAwhY_3CAov-u6irOSnrIsQuJqGYspmRGAtJgJ7vSFUzJ-trjinfTGo6ygD8IYfnH9dBZxz0Bb2uyDzSj_jCsAYZm8gaY6I0PEftIl7FWc2RWGItwRxJxE8_AW1LMIot/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(455).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
playing ... </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJuSM0I9KnANDsF-I5YJ0mGzQ3oGa7c0vPx4jM-b6_XKXQ7G-6By1945n4IifmZ4am8pq1dTz5L2JQVFtuyIcyZ46BS2KG6oYvr8YunAwU2qFCXsAaMeEoqoSHPEp-bA3buEdvz2lHVPn/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(614).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJuSM0I9KnANDsF-I5YJ0mGzQ3oGa7c0vPx4jM-b6_XKXQ7G-6By1945n4IifmZ4am8pq1dTz5L2JQVFtuyIcyZ46BS2KG6oYvr8YunAwU2qFCXsAaMeEoqoSHPEp-bA3buEdvz2lHVPn/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(614).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
hanging out at the house ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPF7PAfRLuNw1u2lvK1EMEGtbWlfioI-BtCOrodwtIugRHjbAmcixxHkIyWSQd-NfN8FrCccYj9oT1C-19PSrXg6J_tRvMynfQlOkwS0EyK903W6X_oSTvUvt8fWC8UogXMsVbe4KgCnUf/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(685).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPF7PAfRLuNw1u2lvK1EMEGtbWlfioI-BtCOrodwtIugRHjbAmcixxHkIyWSQd-NfN8FrCccYj9oT1C-19PSrXg6J_tRvMynfQlOkwS0EyK903W6X_oSTvUvt8fWC8UogXMsVbe4KgCnUf/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(685).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
visiting ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IoyxMWgJQ8rVg3Cxq6TY1z9urNoQsKAY365mG9fyvU3sHXgFpXZoekIaTELl_OTG9wHBEIHjcrKZOjwnEzkXkrxPvNoiCeXfESiIsESm4EJ25bM2kcA8Fwhl10NQNTuNcPv7eLjoJTgY/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(705).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IoyxMWgJQ8rVg3Cxq6TY1z9urNoQsKAY365mG9fyvU3sHXgFpXZoekIaTELl_OTG9wHBEIHjcrKZOjwnEzkXkrxPvNoiCeXfESiIsESm4EJ25bM2kcA8Fwhl10NQNTuNcPv7eLjoJTgY/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(705).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
food, fun, family ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one last sunset ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSSQQ7UhGJ0JToGTfKVgNkV2Wcng8N_BrCCzkGdZnCV1yjC5mtRBdKMy8k4GGyl_wEpU7WebH9KVsZpdscWNf3AASLTpONGj9VOFcqpKgwW1vJsKHu19Oj-6jxCN2hQQB9osKu3o2xH3N/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(743).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSSQQ7UhGJ0JToGTfKVgNkV2Wcng8N_BrCCzkGdZnCV1yjC5mtRBdKMy8k4GGyl_wEpU7WebH9KVsZpdscWNf3AASLTpONGj9VOFcqpKgwW1vJsKHu19Oj-6jxCN2hQQB9osKu3o2xH3N/s1600/2014+June+10-27+albuquerque+trip+and+visiting+friends+on+the+way+home+(743).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then we were back on the road, headed home!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we were away from home for 17 days!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we spent a total of 46 hours "on the road" (including stops).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we got two kids through being sick,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a teenager through a mope fest while out to lunch,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our big group through the zoo <i>and</i> the aquarium/botanical gardens,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the hubby got to shop games stores with his brother,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got to have a shopping day with my sis in law (it's tradition),</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
many quick runs to walmart,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
lots of yummy food,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tons of fun, smiles, and laughter, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
over 1500 photos taken,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
video of cousins playing together and enjoying each other,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and on the way home we stopped to see friends!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was a great trip!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we're home now, but the kids and I are about to hit the road again -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oregon bound!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, the blog will continue to be quiet ...</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="233" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-2783812847204147332014-06-06T12:00:00.000-07:002014-06-06T12:10:14.321-07:00official photo time ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRXcHki-XqTKB2rS_2l5d1GlKVE0VIkL3wnFxB5siq6fbZBdeOuQzTfBMMr0d6IQ_kD_DuguYM82129csF4_RhQT75byPj6icGBRzqtimCsu1PzE8DmCAO_p4w9oGC_IL8YxnVgbI-XEI/s1600/down+side+of+home+pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRXcHki-XqTKB2rS_2l5d1GlKVE0VIkL3wnFxB5siq6fbZBdeOuQzTfBMMr0d6IQ_kD_DuguYM82129csF4_RhQT75byPj6icGBRzqtimCsu1PzE8DmCAO_p4w9oGC_IL8YxnVgbI-XEI/s1600/down+side+of+home+pics.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have about 75 photos like this, which I now have to choose </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from for a photo on my living room wall!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we all remember back when I got my nice camera ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and how I vowed to do my own pics to make it worth the price ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
well, here we are five years later!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the kids have grown - both in stature and in their loathing of being the subjects of photos.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>sigh</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
how did <i>I</i> manage to do this?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
me, the wanna-be photographer! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
me, the mom who sees the beautiful family portraits online and gushes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and gets excited for the possibilities of poses and places to do pics with her own little brood!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have, indeed, stuck to my vow ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we have not stepped foot in a studio since 2008 (before the camera)!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and, I have lots of adorable pics from my little photo shoots -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mostly of the very young and individual, but even a few of all four have managed to thrill me!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this hasn't happened for a few years now, though.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and days like today - when I end up coming home with four cranky kids,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wishing I could throw my own little tantrum - these are the days I seriously question my vow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess I get what I get and I won't throw a fit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the photos meant for the wall may never get there ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the random ones that amaze me will!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for today, I share the <i>reality</i> of "picture day" in our family ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I'll wonder how many of those "perfect" pics online have grumbling kids</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and immensely frustrated parent photographers behind them! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-30630283248527681952014-06-05T14:00:00.000-07:002014-06-05T14:14:05.912-07:00FYI ...put this together today!!
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xpGYwaANhFI_mOEoOn6eKjuX-BGsquyAattgI_UkIEQecDBNuZ0DZ3JqEsNfKHuE3G3YFBCv6NRK7TKd0Gs7ZNyqZ-igVpFTytQNmdPn6QV6HPnlkQMCMR4zQq-nflP8guO6C9d923zZ/s1600/jeopardy+-+my+version+6-5-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xpGYwaANhFI_mOEoOn6eKjuX-BGsquyAattgI_UkIEQecDBNuZ0DZ3JqEsNfKHuE3G3YFBCv6NRK7TKd0Gs7ZNyqZ-igVpFTytQNmdPn6QV6HPnlkQMCMR4zQq-nflP8guO6C9d923zZ/s1600/jeopardy+-+my+version+6-5-14.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">what is "I'm going to home school"</td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought of this idea earlier while driving ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was one of those ideas I just had to follow through with!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hey, I feel clever, let me have my moment! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that's right - call me <i>crazy, ridiculous, insane</i>, whatever ya like ... but we're gonna try this again!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the boys are coming home next year to be educated along with Annicka - I'm praying that the difference between K12 and a local charter will make it doable this time around!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for the time being, Zoey will continue to attend a special day preschool class - and they're</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
opening one up much closer to where we live, which I'm very excited about!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-39824515333051468312014-06-02T07:00:00.000-07:002014-06-02T07:55:15.465-07:00little pool fun, part 1so you remember the story of me buying the pool, but not being able to inflate it - so using Zoey's tiny pool! there are so many pics, I've decided to break it into at least two posts!!! here we go ...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxJIti5tLAS9J4Xk28e-jZuGjywL-1SQexgKa6m9Ru_xZGSE_yv9_vrkNY5X4w1iHhXR4HrlcqC3qt_wR_xQMs2FoZDl2acxfdI3Gvlf1AhqIKOp4YShyphenhyphen4nS7yu-bay5kb58lgbDeFvHx/s1600/pool+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxJIti5tLAS9J4Xk28e-jZuGjywL-1SQexgKa6m9Ru_xZGSE_yv9_vrkNY5X4w1iHhXR4HrlcqC3qt_wR_xQMs2FoZDl2acxfdI3Gvlf1AhqIKOp4YShyphenhyphen4nS7yu-bay5kb58lgbDeFvHx/s1600/pool+day+1.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> what a good big sister, blowing it up for them!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlKE2VRj2VuBWBP_tTFuQPXh52mxc-paHS7u3eRK9V3itJlFAcyhuqLGqs6dTU2s8UnjQpjz5rrwHIQyB2_X3HoW73wwnWTM3qQNhaPKSu2cD2hbWMjV_ywz3M1Q1dp0UD7zUzDl37LY1/s1600/pool+day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlKE2VRj2VuBWBP_tTFuQPXh52mxc-paHS7u3eRK9V3itJlFAcyhuqLGqs6dTU2s8UnjQpjz5rrwHIQyB2_X3HoW73wwnWTM3qQNhaPKSu2cD2hbWMjV_ywz3M1Q1dp0UD7zUzDl37LY1/s1600/pool+day+2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">everyone is so excited!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbVuwufGN-tdEVztoQkCaWPhkAjXofdgpOUpIW3NZA-LUrj2RK3Rd55aubOOsuFIy4V7HS578BDWcObpxRI3Az-2pnBZCthyphenhyphenHR98vzENEAXrmZJDdlYBh5K2nQeSI83GjY75vsZC8rdXv/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(26).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbVuwufGN-tdEVztoQkCaWPhkAjXofdgpOUpIW3NZA-LUrj2RK3Rd55aubOOsuFIy4V7HS578BDWcObpxRI3Az-2pnBZCthyphenhyphenHR98vzENEAXrmZJDdlYBh5K2nQeSI83GjY75vsZC8rdXv/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(26).jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbSjBCzvSYVYXZHkGhm59901iB6Ua_kGgIZsWA-SKN6zUHzK9hz2hHxTPpDn6INSqYUEdlX234Qer1U0TGlG2Fipc2peT7Us4-Of-Z3WLXPQaRruVHX6hZa9rAEOmRjHAgWRR4i0gqzDv/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(28).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbSjBCzvSYVYXZHkGhm59901iB6Ua_kGgIZsWA-SKN6zUHzK9hz2hHxTPpDn6INSqYUEdlX234Qer1U0TGlG2Fipc2peT7Us4-Of-Z3WLXPQaRruVHX6hZa9rAEOmRjHAgWRR4i0gqzDv/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(28).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all four can fit! haha!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5dI4sBZxcyTNnarLIFwK2O-NZOzF3BAe0m6CSdvCd_zYCMG3e7Ueqj3spXvqjtJf45OwXURrVGpzDrf1IDwozWFeO_uE5JbUcej0RcGwLRNP_53cQHpEwAx0t0l0xKpQISxOCxJSsZ3R/s1600/zoey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5dI4sBZxcyTNnarLIFwK2O-NZOzF3BAe0m6CSdvCd_zYCMG3e7Ueqj3spXvqjtJf45OwXURrVGpzDrf1IDwozWFeO_uE5JbUcej0RcGwLRNP_53cQHpEwAx0t0l0xKpQISxOCxJSsZ3R/s1600/zoey.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">having some fun with the hose!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHW7ZsvhJ1IQw8goxD574MQ_GrsJt8DTBPWPpmF4bH1i3O9rrgmzcP77AL1ympbmRnksut7a0qyz_ZsaOKUDJQwgDVnSYgXokDGLLRuCaJxySWmlMjC2Bl023aVSHIR4bpGUXyJMlFpPN/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(42).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHW7ZsvhJ1IQw8goxD574MQ_GrsJt8DTBPWPpmF4bH1i3O9rrgmzcP77AL1ympbmRnksut7a0qyz_ZsaOKUDJQwgDVnSYgXokDGLLRuCaJxySWmlMjC2Bl023aVSHIR4bpGUXyJMlFpPN/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(42).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she loves it!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbVHkLXnybwmNOWpYT5cYyPi2iVUuPqAi-YJ0IIA_WM1DQXX3jmugMbACAF0ZX2ndOVC_XlgUQkbocR_M7J-te0K8pW_7gG-0FlMEXvitAfIj7LPgV8P87TYQsUpxiNWnmifZzE7r5XaF/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(43).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbVHkLXnybwmNOWpYT5cYyPi2iVUuPqAi-YJ0IIA_WM1DQXX3jmugMbACAF0ZX2ndOVC_XlgUQkbocR_M7J-te0K8pW_7gG-0FlMEXvitAfIj7LPgV8P87TYQsUpxiNWnmifZzE7r5XaF/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(43).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the water war has begun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xjsOPDO_vezuRrShkrzkbyCExfr_Rtk6THwnYFCI0x5CzRD6-Plw8pFac2jBfiEK8oEPlKYLfSWBG9rjNevsmSldAlJcXSc1H8cQVpQUY2FDVU0yhTYjI3MUPIelbWqGb-3FSE41-vPE/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(48).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xjsOPDO_vezuRrShkrzkbyCExfr_Rtk6THwnYFCI0x5CzRD6-Plw8pFac2jBfiEK8oEPlKYLfSWBG9rjNevsmSldAlJcXSc1H8cQVpQUY2FDVU0yhTYjI3MUPIelbWqGb-3FSE41-vPE/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(48).jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jericho has fled, Liam's got the girls ... I love this pic - all those smiles!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7D0gnG-JeAzPhmFMXEsp5u5bH4EUVnFI-_IcIwumZs0ggyI97LfqxSsAvbn9WP9OzFzB0d6z7X2MJH2bPTdpET1DVL6RWZEePd9qdgt87IuW_CgP7_R5PfueyFaQpM6_DU3jqFY9hOw2W/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(51).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7D0gnG-JeAzPhmFMXEsp5u5bH4EUVnFI-_IcIwumZs0ggyI97LfqxSsAvbn9WP9OzFzB0d6z7X2MJH2bPTdpET1DVL6RWZEePd9qdgt87IuW_CgP7_R5PfueyFaQpM6_DU3jqFY9hOw2W/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(51).jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the girls fight back ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG1rIVQ1kQcgt4ZWOJndI06hlXCmoqYcRrADl3EO48p7Yz2QBivxiXnZJH0y0rncvGEbFSyDBi6BlxibLZoLUUJh31uU1L5mD2Uu99xkIsyizn_yUsmUmnxXuZyWBQDcO6MDL-tZ2LyiA/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(63).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG1rIVQ1kQcgt4ZWOJndI06hlXCmoqYcRrADl3EO48p7Yz2QBivxiXnZJH0y0rncvGEbFSyDBi6BlxibLZoLUUJh31uU1L5mD2Uu99xkIsyizn_yUsmUmnxXuZyWBQDcO6MDL-tZ2LyiA/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(63).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">splash!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv6RtFLc3lu6l2_pVLV_9b-EpIBEKlxK7q4rKfz8aXx9xSk0WLcN7Z1AY4uxzIwQxdKzWiNrblkjtJKAIJOVBfghBh2an_3WSI8rXXEUbCzJaIE8k770AmdlL4WmwKDWKuUsrv5Jh4miT/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(64).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv6RtFLc3lu6l2_pVLV_9b-EpIBEKlxK7q4rKfz8aXx9xSk0WLcN7Z1AY4uxzIwQxdKzWiNrblkjtJKAIJOVBfghBh2an_3WSI8rXXEUbCzJaIE8k770AmdlL4WmwKDWKuUsrv5Jh4miT/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(64).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoey is having a blast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjDz4dfKdphC6PLW4hlMnSBTDSH3bgYbpt8WELjX2vqfJAUIhAuwdYflMVmhSYzutJJUE8KwMv9Pu1Xq4IhV9_leLUniOl_KoNSNmgbYVOEROPp8pxfX54rLrWeGjJ6Vm1bCVo2Vzskxt/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(97).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjDz4dfKdphC6PLW4hlMnSBTDSH3bgYbpt8WELjX2vqfJAUIhAuwdYflMVmhSYzutJJUE8KwMv9Pu1Xq4IhV9_leLUniOl_KoNSNmgbYVOEROPp8pxfX54rLrWeGjJ6Vm1bCVo2Vzskxt/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(97).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">telling mama something - I think peace has been declared!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqdeNR7KS_0_H58xOb3BoHn5Bug_RJx05bQVPW6AnsUZrnvI6j9B090_P_hDtrYuGyVqHJCQGlyQFlHlX9egtzzdlbunmBTuRCGcz79AxMyVO-I5ABz_kDGbiMR4emCOdhLqDqhKNGlcv/s1600/sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqdeNR7KS_0_H58xOb3BoHn5Bug_RJx05bQVPW6AnsUZrnvI6j9B090_P_hDtrYuGyVqHJCQGlyQFlHlX9egtzzdlbunmBTuRCGcz79AxMyVO-I5ABz_kDGbiMR4emCOdhLqDqhKNGlcv/s1600/sisters.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my girls! CHEESE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53JWaF_vPIQi-D2TVxpe0SFS39Oe6FOf2YOBUyu8SDb52BlbExBW4-3wJA8kbheUkg_e3nA-JCPljnMxCsyGmdr40H55hfgqn4mv8-Eew3s0NS9TAKNiANnqUJtRqxpy8qzLOp-s3_HtE/s1600/swinging+liam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53JWaF_vPIQi-D2TVxpe0SFS39Oe6FOf2YOBUyu8SDb52BlbExBW4-3wJA8kbheUkg_e3nA-JCPljnMxCsyGmdr40H55hfgqn4mv8-Eew3s0NS9TAKNiANnqUJtRqxpy8qzLOp-s3_HtE/s1600/swinging+liam.jpg" height="326" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">look at that sweet face boy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQJtTs0iWew9FA-psPSHjqA4_9jEOboY4UHKx_ab-ATMroGQe3__KfxJSS3HdwGX4MRRBocioK6sWf2vryawANJEl3CmGUkLl_dyEQBw6Dt-pHWGYSwAaUScZl0R-_wrvx_w7Vy9edt_s/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(102).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQJtTs0iWew9FA-psPSHjqA4_9jEOboY4UHKx_ab-ATMroGQe3__KfxJSS3HdwGX4MRRBocioK6sWf2vryawANJEl3CmGUkLl_dyEQBw6Dt-pHWGYSwAaUScZl0R-_wrvx_w7Vy9edt_s/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(102).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">big sissy found much joy in splashing Zoey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQPprY_cpI0mxaKhSChnRCanecXZI2pwHewsPAp92w_IfI91xIySg1WTAM9RGv_EljVkhllS7BpEml-O0-kKBQUr8LbpJn2U69aaMfIEcserqCFOxTHhpH_77lfbOAKZYqz-SibHz8aXk/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(103).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQPprY_cpI0mxaKhSChnRCanecXZI2pwHewsPAp92w_IfI91xIySg1WTAM9RGv_EljVkhllS7BpEml-O0-kKBQUr8LbpJn2U69aaMfIEcserqCFOxTHhpH_77lfbOAKZYqz-SibHz8aXk/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(103).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">good thing Zoey didn't mind!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN9Sv1glCOgarBp5tAiVgtrWKtCwsXiYrMLejnCr4czHX3xyqnRpxjXEZUKzoGhGEmDUrKBXH4ixsX5DPPu950V7eivKH3DtkGe48iwaw6vM-pJBZwINfba4aQbxAOBwkPEiDmRs6HnOE/s1600/getting+a+good+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN9Sv1glCOgarBp5tAiVgtrWKtCwsXiYrMLejnCr4czHX3xyqnRpxjXEZUKzoGhGEmDUrKBXH4ixsX5DPPu950V7eivKH3DtkGe48iwaw6vM-pJBZwINfba4aQbxAOBwkPEiDmRs6HnOE/s1600/getting+a+good+one.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and how many pics does it take to get an "ok" one? well ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
so there is part 1, more pics to come soon!!<br />
<br />
p.s. it's June and school is nearly done - yahoooooo!!!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-28220646536856214452014-05-27T08:00:00.002-07:002014-05-27T08:02:28.451-07:00sad news from the tadpole tank ...it is with sadness I post this today ...<br />
on March 9 we discovered all the little eggs our african dwarf frogs laid - as of May 24 we had lost them all.<br />
<br />
we were doing so well, I was so proud to see them growing and especially to see one become my itsy bitsy frog!! I took this pic last week ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMbX3YQ0ScUVorWtlYvQ5BKBXwiypq8e5pfE8qbU6SGaBCLxaCyjc6fTUSiKwEf-huaAxXlacST5pH7favhkEdqpiS-KOYqsVo03EXu-oJxI85JpGJD3QB7wgKvwTrtatBupAnFqOahAH/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMbX3YQ0ScUVorWtlYvQ5BKBXwiypq8e5pfE8qbU6SGaBCLxaCyjc6fTUSiKwEf-huaAxXlacST5pH7favhkEdqpiS-KOYqsVo03EXu-oJxI85JpGJD3QB7wgKvwTrtatBupAnFqOahAH/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
on Friday (May 23) I found that nearly all our tadpoles were dead - it was so weird and I still don't know what happened? I had changed their water (a few days prior), but this was nothing I hadn't done before (usually one or two would die after a water change). I had found the light out one day, but quickly got a new one on them. There were weird bugs in their water (my friend calls them rice bugs) - I found bugs in their water ever morning, they were likely attracted to the light. So any one of those three things may have had something to do with it?? anyway, there were only four left ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgva5EA7VnSj5LuUIyAfm0bdaYIT0FXf1X7Ud6EBih3MURuOIkiDCI3MvtBLYfFx9O2V_nD49jX5kczlUxZnZokgamNKbzh1cN4vb3o18K4KrbcoK2MSEnDZD3wGMfKdxLr7_1-G0AL-afw/s1600/IMG_1140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgva5EA7VnSj5LuUIyAfm0bdaYIT0FXf1X7Ud6EBih3MURuOIkiDCI3MvtBLYfFx9O2V_nD49jX5kczlUxZnZokgamNKbzh1cN4vb3o18K4KrbcoK2MSEnDZD3wGMfKdxLr7_1-G0AL-afw/s1600/IMG_1140.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(that's four, there's a reflection)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I took this pic Friday night, by then we were down to just these two!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid8yDLTeqyvU6rTGnlWQ60yzqyogjDrLLZORSG4mipR-08HL6tPSsMSQQuQOVt0Qv5gnBJH7OB9jk4q9z2k_gQH6REhu-eADW1Udw2t5DGyGFiEQCp6mQRTVOQMsLVvtvALOUZnFyt-Kt/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid8yDLTeqyvU6rTGnlWQ60yzqyogjDrLLZORSG4mipR-08HL6tPSsMSQQuQOVt0Qv5gnBJH7OB9jk4q9z2k_gQH6REhu-eADW1Udw2t5DGyGFiEQCp6mQRTVOQMsLVvtvALOUZnFyt-Kt/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
I was at my friend's house all day Saturday, doing a yard sale! When I came home that night, I found my last two little guys had gone belly up!! so sad. it was a fun adventure and I just feel a bit bad and hope it wasn't something I did or could have prevented! rip little tadpoles!<br />
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="146" width="400" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-74778560028265804382014-05-21T07:00:00.000-07:002014-05-21T07:00:02.638-07:00on a stormy night ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalKT_ofq2lYkoOZz-guMUecavt62D3TWUqLTcZWeOPe4__yM0nM9OYz3jbQOUL0qJMqKYhQ33x-WygStei6gM24YFACTQQeMwLqb-hNxLe9rmw3VEGpLzS3odr_bOxVaA5wu2LRRNUbyQ/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalKT_ofq2lYkoOZz-guMUecavt62D3TWUqLTcZWeOPe4__yM0nM9OYz3jbQOUL0qJMqKYhQ33x-WygStei6gM24YFACTQQeMwLqb-hNxLe9rmw3VEGpLzS3odr_bOxVaA5wu2LRRNUbyQ/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(7).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the kids begged me to let them play outside.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no, I'm serious.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a storm was coming on suddenly and I think a few drops had even fallen from the sky.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but they sort of insisted and I figured, eh - why not?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6GgaJfpjz7SyFbHJMp0eCi_bGWuFpTgQwWfPdf8S8o13IiN8kYaY643_xgSVQF6FvDJWsU6uiZNZEqtEnZD5Yn8qbfHbvkM1A339bM60F4iXRYhOxHatAtgQqAkQpjEc6_ABiHiWSEzg/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(9).JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6GgaJfpjz7SyFbHJMp0eCi_bGWuFpTgQwWfPdf8S8o13IiN8kYaY643_xgSVQF6FvDJWsU6uiZNZEqtEnZD5Yn8qbfHbvkM1A339bM60F4iXRYhOxHatAtgQqAkQpjEc6_ABiHiWSEzg/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(9).JPG.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so they ran around like little hooligans!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chasing each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
screaching.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
laughing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDFlf2JIp3tFVDtNV6gKi5I63NOco8_fb2PqNdwNWH40cKFmy6bAZs70lypwNqDthKGyufEYgDB7xZOobwbFf0v6iAILzrCg2U5_rrCFD584S_Wmh6FqhFjXAU8C0Mx_CxxQCPNU0rvky/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDFlf2JIp3tFVDtNV6gKi5I63NOco8_fb2PqNdwNWH40cKFmy6bAZs70lypwNqDthKGyufEYgDB7xZOobwbFf0v6iAILzrCg2U5_rrCFD584S_Wmh6FqhFjXAU8C0Mx_CxxQCPNU0rvky/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(10).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zoey was doing her own thing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I sat her here for a time out?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbpPOXaAS2wN6nQmgX1XUuTFf0l6sAZ0EPEeFygjj1y_DT3YuhK463ZrMoF2QG5Gluh2GTNCFoLzwSk1kZN97dXAHuGSskB3L4hhGyJuP_eKBVRm4CILodQf6U-uvKhFSEUXp6VkmJL0i/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(12).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbpPOXaAS2wN6nQmgX1XUuTFf0l6sAZ0EPEeFygjj1y_DT3YuhK463ZrMoF2QG5Gluh2GTNCFoLzwSk1kZN97dXAHuGSskB3L4hhGyJuP_eKBVRm4CILodQf6U-uvKhFSEUXp6VkmJL0i/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(12).jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
goodness look at those allergy shiners!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptkroyLzeuiSnAjgtdbM5pMfrcN1deQI0z-t9IrordFz9A7fky89R133JRuvdQledcCdFOcnrYl2wXL1gvCtnIlsl9yJfpB69MOWWPsadRnOCbdhBWlLKZ20MuMeUj_tW7tzAy9DcLwZe/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(14).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptkroyLzeuiSnAjgtdbM5pMfrcN1deQI0z-t9IrordFz9A7fky89R133JRuvdQledcCdFOcnrYl2wXL1gvCtnIlsl9yJfpB69MOWWPsadRnOCbdhBWlLKZ20MuMeUj_tW7tzAy9DcLwZe/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(14).jpg" height="554" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMOPZGgQziYPmg4aeBz0LYAgOYLoSBpDDdS3iN1n8YmRCkzTycAfnojzpKjc30BU4h9CH9GB6zebQ04u4h-jKoWpa6ywzcoNnXbnviOCHRzKvQMGe0LPvmKNWj0KVe3HgbjZi5Oh2V84y/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(19).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMOPZGgQziYPmg4aeBz0LYAgOYLoSBpDDdS3iN1n8YmRCkzTycAfnojzpKjc30BU4h9CH9GB6zebQ04u4h-jKoWpa6ywzcoNnXbnviOCHRzKvQMGe0LPvmKNWj0KVe3HgbjZi5Oh2V84y/s1600/5-5-14the+storm+that+came+out+of+nowhere+(19).jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I took many photos of the sky!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at first, just because it looked so cool ... but just after going outside I thought </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of something - an idea struck me! so I really starting snapping pics! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9h1-B6RUZhIoIHSzkU7m6SQG0UzPxvX2exDX738czMl2OJo86XFX8B1V_lDxRZb9QSJm1aiFMoWEaIY7M1qLigQCXhnbzePNjRhpQEHEanvju0emKGorpoCJOlCfSL_4ZIHLNXu_ZCM3f/s1600/stormy+night+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9h1-B6RUZhIoIHSzkU7m6SQG0UzPxvX2exDX738czMl2OJo86XFX8B1V_lDxRZb9QSJm1aiFMoWEaIY7M1qLigQCXhnbzePNjRhpQEHEanvju0emKGorpoCJOlCfSL_4ZIHLNXu_ZCM3f/s1600/stormy+night+1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQf8dMABIt3aUwQZy4oVI2a-6e3yFuk1aUf1rKJfuZY1r5hlfmklV5w0-wDqehan9Fr0Dw8vdFTJRp73pChvyIc2QgP8jIjQ8CwHL-7jrxG6cSoYXXPIFIJSpNiFDN0EJ9fd-Q_QQSopJ/s1600/stormy+night+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQf8dMABIt3aUwQZy4oVI2a-6e3yFuk1aUf1rKJfuZY1r5hlfmklV5w0-wDqehan9Fr0Dw8vdFTJRp73pChvyIc2QgP8jIjQ8CwHL-7jrxG6cSoYXXPIFIJSpNiFDN0EJ9fd-Q_QQSopJ/s1600/stormy+night+2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
what was the idea?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
well, I've been working on Zoey's room - </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
one of my projects was going to be a painting saying </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"you make me happy when skies are gray"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(to go with the "you are my sunshine" painting I was also working on)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
anyway, I though a nice photo art piece might be cool - </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so I went with it and aimed to get a good pic of the gray skies!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
here's what I came up with for her wall: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8XnP953uZTT6ouUgsioy2UxjUe3G463Cfk1WAMO5SJqEwzc0P9D1LDwp_ug6K5xjmylKoyjUeNrnLylFJxh5zdjMsKV9RsC2M2QLIQyK2JdP-hp9tXRhLQ7qx-7VpY3pYgqQDcho7LLz/s1600/you+make+me+happy+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8XnP953uZTT6ouUgsioy2UxjUe3G463Cfk1WAMO5SJqEwzc0P9D1LDwp_ug6K5xjmylKoyjUeNrnLylFJxh5zdjMsKV9RsC2M2QLIQyK2JdP-hp9tXRhLQ7qx-7VpY3pYgqQDcho7LLz/s1600/you+make+me+happy+3.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/lilangelpoodle/signature2.jpg" height="232" width="640" /></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253391578726976369.post-67912701551734716882014-05-20T20:00:00.000-07:002014-05-20T20:21:25.097-07:00sneak peek ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QYe4QlNDziqRdrThX_KtgLZ-TWeRq8sZAG5yJzvFvCjorsujaEemoYjY2ZBiEFcTIFQO7jLdujegTgyfQCGu44af8S0jwEfESj91webA3J_CHXEeLPbH1pIlaqbvkQRwqx4KZrV5Rcuj/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(74).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QYe4QlNDziqRdrThX_KtgLZ-TWeRq8sZAG5yJzvFvCjorsujaEemoYjY2ZBiEFcTIFQO7jLdujegTgyfQCGu44af8S0jwEfESj91webA3J_CHXEeLPbH1pIlaqbvkQRwqx4KZrV5Rcuj/s1600/5-16-14+plan+B+after+the+pump+got+broke+-+use+Zoeys+little+pool+(74).jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my four blessings!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, last week I found a little pool on sale - by little I mean bigger than a baby pool</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(like the one pictured) but still small! I was so excited, as we've had some hot weather - so</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I went ahead and bought it! later that afternoon the kids wanted to test it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
out ... but before we even began to pump it up, the pump got broken - accidentally!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
soooo ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zoey's little "baby pool" was our back up!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got lots of pics!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this outdoor play & water makes great opportunities for photos! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, this is just a sneak peek - more to come soon!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWno43nN0a0TKO991_1ilQZDNv3kveQ_Og98OUTj8gFy3Q5z7XxEGbhjTghpURtm6tDYiVEO-v4lf3f-p3ycbiKBi8oipCUuiW_Eh9fRKsO3iGNHlf-N9qw6XdepKrWTP7tjl056zelfZO/s1600/signature+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWno43nN0a0TKO991_1ilQZDNv3kveQ_Og98OUTj8gFy3Q5z7XxEGbhjTghpURtm6tDYiVEO-v4lf3f-p3ycbiKBi8oipCUuiW_Eh9fRKsO3iGNHlf-N9qw6XdepKrWTP7tjl056zelfZO/s1600/signature+2.jpg" height="146" width="400" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05460032268568632532noreply@blogger.com0