tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9672871185860782722024-03-21T15:44:01.503-07:00A Fist Full of DandilionsMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.comBlogger286125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-77508033880089769412013-09-09T13:55:00.003-07:002013-09-09T14:07:48.997-07:00Evan's First Day of School 2013 Evan was so excited and anxious to start this new adventure in his life. Like any new venue, his anticipation and nerves were high. He was no longer the one waving good bye from the doorway as his older sister made the two block walk to school. He would be joining her. And although I knew he was ready for this right of passage, I was also so nervous for him. He has such a tender loving heart. He doesn't have a mean bone or a bad intention anywhere in his body. He looked so grown up and ready to take on the world. Just like any mountain that our kids climb, I watched him go with equal pride for the maturity that he was handling it, and sadness that yet an other chapter in his life has been closed. Man, I just love this kid. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbM2zh8SmgbpgS_TOFmK_feEZCNEfuKZDOJCmPdvMXWYSPFLKId-IkmfywpXBz1k_ccZR64LsewaqU9FiYBMjUowwB2Oi0g1iMgxSKr3FtL7uGfKeaqnUvzMd6gtEaQXn1cK3KupBg3k/s1600/EvanK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbM2zh8SmgbpgS_TOFmK_feEZCNEfuKZDOJCmPdvMXWYSPFLKId-IkmfywpXBz1k_ccZR64LsewaqU9FiYBMjUowwB2Oi0g1iMgxSKr3FtL7uGfKeaqnUvzMd6gtEaQXn1cK3KupBg3k/s400/EvanK.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_OX0mVmCBn08VlrXjkPHWiqxAm713gEfxrlXLpUTZZgxn4WkOWCPLZUVJJQLEclcKSqbOKpq_NbkHblk33YInB-CPHJ79uy4aUfEUtVbfH9F9FDSq2iOfd8lpLmOPyFG6l_zBvQ93Iw/s1600/evank2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_OX0mVmCBn08VlrXjkPHWiqxAm713gEfxrlXLpUTZZgxn4WkOWCPLZUVJJQLEclcKSqbOKpq_NbkHblk33YInB-CPHJ79uy4aUfEUtVbfH9F9FDSq2iOfd8lpLmOPyFG6l_zBvQ93Iw/s400/evank2.jpg" /></a></div>Our tradional photo shoot by the tree in our front yard.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVUogaqAK7nN5oRxg1HHP3N4SRBItLz7NbCu2-foYjqVvfCkCZrN8J4Hk3GT5HTUbd4PWz3VnbPQS6jM6d956bwB3Y8vjSpWkxfepOyj35Tz08VELcEgyuqiNwxV3fv6ngVYB4NZ9Yd8/s1600/evanfrieds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVUogaqAK7nN5oRxg1HHP3N4SRBItLz7NbCu2-foYjqVvfCkCZrN8J4Hk3GT5HTUbd4PWz3VnbPQS6jM6d956bwB3Y8vjSpWkxfepOyj35Tz08VELcEgyuqiNwxV3fv6ngVYB4NZ9Yd8/s400/evanfrieds.jpg" /></a></div>Evan's best friends at age 5 are Mac and Davis. He was so sad when he found out that Mac was in the other class, but very relived to find out that Davis would be in his same class. Mac, Davis and Evan play Star Wars every recess. Mac is R2D2, while Evan plays Han Solo because Han Solo is a pilot and that is what Evan wants to be when he grow up. I am told that Davis just plays "whatever". And as clear as little 5 years can be, I am happy I got as much information out of Evan as I did. I am not sure what 'whatever" is, but apparently Davis plays it well.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq5shAEBwAyawe2Z-ZOOZp4EEINog_5md21rVieWpZ-n85YSWTKCTM6894nRitu-p089ycg_lEoaJZnMhjpbliTlcdZnL7obKyMEirv07Pzb5W3mCQLSt3XU7hddVGquyFhLTcCbRVpg/s1600/1236680_10151797572178011_158472823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq5shAEBwAyawe2Z-ZOOZp4EEINog_5md21rVieWpZ-n85YSWTKCTM6894nRitu-p089ycg_lEoaJZnMhjpbliTlcdZnL7obKyMEirv07Pzb5W3mCQLSt3XU7hddVGquyFhLTcCbRVpg/s400/1236680_10151797572178011_158472823_n.jpg" /></a></div>Evan is so smart and such a good boy. He always wants to do what is right. I am so excited for all that lays ahead for him in the year to come. All the information he will learn and all the adventures he will have. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC7nEhAfEloWotaDSxMQcm3sSTPqGOc6K0OFORRco9Siv3Nhvlooo80np_mDC3wVAq_8p8dikTM8lzqR07qjOmIjzhbiSrhl5a0tWbNpBXso6-ei0c7gq5ydfgFuDzPJPpBNER435g8U/s1600/evank3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC7nEhAfEloWotaDSxMQcm3sSTPqGOc6K0OFORRco9Siv3Nhvlooo80np_mDC3wVAq_8p8dikTM8lzqR07qjOmIjzhbiSrhl5a0tWbNpBXso6-ei0c7gq5ydfgFuDzPJPpBNER435g8U/s400/evank3.jpg" /></a></div> I love you kid!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-82104070821125392862013-09-05T14:59:00.002-07:002013-09-05T14:59:50.190-07:00Lauren's First Day of SchoolAt H Guy Child Elementary school, the "bigger" grades started school a week before Kindergarten. Lauren is now a big time third grader. I can't believe how big she has gotten. How mature she looks. How fast the time flys, and every other phrase that parents use in astonishment. Phrases that I never really understood until I started marking the passage of time with the growth of my kids. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0yDeGEI8nivDGBBLFPUEZ3yRm7p5Qeor6xOcYBuoo3YVWEnbgb6Fw2c_HORKCZfua2r99tInbAIU0flfFy7NwvMclMSEySRbhC2d1rIaDaBAkc5f8sKQ7eOkf97nDlI6H-EEhH4rYME/s1600/lnt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0yDeGEI8nivDGBBLFPUEZ3yRm7p5Qeor6xOcYBuoo3YVWEnbgb6Fw2c_HORKCZfua2r99tInbAIU0flfFy7NwvMclMSEySRbhC2d1rIaDaBAkc5f8sKQ7eOkf97nDlI6H-EEhH4rYME/s400/lnt3.jpg" /></a></div>
Lauren's teacher is Mrs.Loder.
Lauren's best friends in the 3rd grade:
Shayleigh
Marley
Gracie W
Gracie
Lily
Hayley
Kalley
Megan
Lauren's favorite school subjects:
All of them
especially math
Lauren's lest favorite thing about school:
Nothing!!
I was looking through all her pictures and thought it would be cool to get pictures of her first days of school over the years. It is amazing to see how much she has grown. I have loved being a witness to it. I love my little girl, who is not quit so little anymore.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXKVeFbUD0NBQFrFpvfUyApvwySalFAome8ytTtVYGO2TdMid6tLH-3YFK-tnqdiRGB530BQveob6pXBrHSq-5M686gwwuzxN_f3vfaaTT6rO8mSFL4YwWavwt3hs0thexXxwP47k1_0/s1600/lntfirstgrade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXKVeFbUD0NBQFrFpvfUyApvwySalFAome8ytTtVYGO2TdMid6tLH-3YFK-tnqdiRGB530BQveob6pXBrHSq-5M686gwwuzxN_f3vfaaTT6rO8mSFL4YwWavwt3hs0thexXxwP47k1_0/s400/lntfirstgrade.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBQ8FGlE690orTaj86MxRTQCAyG3CMcYwNttJ4oliVGVKKOptQDxVyTQJa2V6Tlxd4A84PbB3bJBjHvCcWCHRIf3_1k_chkCdsUZIPLQFwrEqF9QRvMgxIXmXw5WJzSzusAW88X8DL9A/s1600/lnt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBQ8FGlE690orTaj86MxRTQCAyG3CMcYwNttJ4oliVGVKKOptQDxVyTQJa2V6Tlxd4A84PbB3bJBjHvCcWCHRIf3_1k_chkCdsUZIPLQFwrEqF9QRvMgxIXmXw5WJzSzusAW88X8DL9A/s400/lnt2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyzVu6hfjOD3udXDErsv25AH_eKWsb71LmJBsFiArgfnzor_Yf3p411yTPq2vtPXnJvV2InzZlidzyN7p5EcXenWmBoqntcVl7SZTFsr3_DDHJKI4lxK8kpUBLYX2e2ETPD7SwA6FzFc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyzVu6hfjOD3udXDErsv25AH_eKWsb71LmJBsFiArgfnzor_Yf3p411yTPq2vtPXnJvV2InzZlidzyN7p5EcXenWmBoqntcVl7SZTFsr3_DDHJKI4lxK8kpUBLYX2e2ETPD7SwA6FzFc/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" /></a></div>
She just keeps getting more and more beautiful to me as the years go by. I love the person she is becoming. I just adore her. Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-5553115371718507582013-09-04T13:44:00.000-07:002013-09-04T13:44:41.545-07:00'Till we meet againI have been terrible at blogging. Terrible! I use to do it religiously, but over the past couple of years, with all the ups and downs we have had, blogging got put on the back burner. I have said it before, so we will see if I actually live up to what I am saying, but I really want to make it a goal to blog once a week. We'll see. There is a lot I could write about. First day of school, Archer joining the clan, all of our adventurers and our misadventures too. But recently, I lost my Grandma. I loved my Grandma so much. She didn't really understand all that was going on between my mom and myself. She loved her daughter (my mom) and she loved me. She was able to compartmentalize the two relationships. She loved me for me and the estrangement between me and my mother played no part in how my Grandma treated me. For the past couple of years or so, my strong independent Grandma was living in an assisted living home. I got the pleasure and the privilege of seeing her often. She was an hour away from us, so we could only make the trip every other week, but I am so glad we put in the effort to go as often as we did. The kids were shy and unsure of who she was when we first started our bimonthly visits, but by the end, she was Grandma Bruun to them. They knew her. And when news of her passing came to our family, my sweet little ones cried when they found out that their Grandma Bruun was now gone. She loved my kids, and my kids loved her. I will miss so much about her. But mostly, I will miss the unconditional love she gave to me. She loved me, flaws and all. Heaven is a little brighter. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rUCYeIJPKoGUq9FV_h0EevzRJb-FqvTaMhMDMeCTU4Uj8wUDjG0B2diJEMQoasqFjvJF-zgM2tMY3Ds4RqJBEty8vStZvtsVo652sDjiiTsoh4rFf_PmagDOP6DCEZMtLGqpVrOMDM0/s1600/378914_10150490691863011_678286638_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rUCYeIJPKoGUq9FV_h0EevzRJb-FqvTaMhMDMeCTU4Uj8wUDjG0B2diJEMQoasqFjvJF-zgM2tMY3Ds4RqJBEty8vStZvtsVo652sDjiiTsoh4rFf_PmagDOP6DCEZMtLGqpVrOMDM0/s400/378914_10150490691863011_678286638_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xvtTckJlUPWMQPDv-KNYvpjGVB03AB7otY4O_0f3U_8zYAuhGj1RZxVgrVbdWgbujhKG3SDwNtff8A3VvJWZmD9E8IG75vri5gYvsjIy0N6RJQI7YqBFFqD6TRd3La9sKaSFLzcllu4/s1600/393817_10150490693423011_754880412_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xvtTckJlUPWMQPDv-KNYvpjGVB03AB7otY4O_0f3U_8zYAuhGj1RZxVgrVbdWgbujhKG3SDwNtff8A3VvJWZmD9E8IG75vri5gYvsjIy0N6RJQI7YqBFFqD6TRd3La9sKaSFLzcllu4/s400/393817_10150490693423011_754880412_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnkjQ40ZLogSFjbLdNHhveVLmrGqEv2F9dLHhMdafIr2IE7l5NhZrAOItv7ZFS90NUOzN66TEwW4QemKQccVEuBEQotniLAti3I2dIrdzGm0xtaOo2i0g0OlR7DYSAcoXrLpkCRjwv8A/s1600/401217_10150490694243011_590544062_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnkjQ40ZLogSFjbLdNHhveVLmrGqEv2F9dLHhMdafIr2IE7l5NhZrAOItv7ZFS90NUOzN66TEwW4QemKQccVEuBEQotniLAti3I2dIrdzGm0xtaOo2i0g0OlR7DYSAcoXrLpkCRjwv8A/s400/401217_10150490694243011_590544062_n.jpg" /></a></div>
These pictures were taken when Reece was just a baby. She loved babies. She loved Chad. She told me once that "Chad sure has changed since you first married him..." I tried to convince her that Chad is the same person now that he was then, maybe a little bit more mature, with a the understanding that 10 years brings. But she was insistent that no, in fact Chad had changed. I just gave it to her. I know it was her way of reconciling what my mom was saying about him with the person that came to visit twice a month with me. But, I did love that my Grandma got to see who Chad really was, and see that indeed I was in love and we were happy and we have this beautiful little family. When I got pregnant with Archer, I noticed that as my belly grew bigger, my Grandma grew weaker. I knew that she didn't have much longer on this earth. We upped our visits. I will forever be so grateful to Chad for supporting me and accompanying me to see my Grandma. It wasn't his Grandma, he didn't have to come along. But he came and even encouraged me to go when I hadn't been in a while. Archer's due date was Aug. 28th. But he was born on Aug 6th instead. I am so grateful for that too. Because it was a week later that my Grandma died. But before she did, she was able to meet Archer.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oSB_FXLwXG6IED0POq_CXLS7_M7khC9SzOL3qFM9nrheVTs_ewWex2hfa23bWO7_s1tZriiPAL5c1gp4ouVSvEH7bA6f-9fu_x6N8_VoFPUU6Mabr94H5ZfWs2NYElJ0w1V-iSlBJNo/s1600/IMG_1098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oSB_FXLwXG6IED0POq_CXLS7_M7khC9SzOL3qFM9nrheVTs_ewWex2hfa23bWO7_s1tZriiPAL5c1gp4ouVSvEH7bA6f-9fu_x6N8_VoFPUU6Mabr94H5ZfWs2NYElJ0w1V-iSlBJNo/s400/IMG_1098.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs6r2pyI404h_Gg3UmJuxx-1V7ProB44nYOInyG4iWmXQPPumAR7LunqhSWahE2IIRL7vZ2Q7LsEiIKhOcSwX3cJO2l4C1oOfYmxhzOxYoH1gQ3ACkHp8X4WjdsIJiJM38diXiRUm1_M/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs6r2pyI404h_Gg3UmJuxx-1V7ProB44nYOInyG4iWmXQPPumAR7LunqhSWahE2IIRL7vZ2Q7LsEiIKhOcSwX3cJO2l4C1oOfYmxhzOxYoH1gQ3ACkHp8X4WjdsIJiJM38diXiRUm1_M/s400/IMG_1097.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKILofohmnmSkEcIvfHnDQs1nXoGOgD7j4I83EN6b2PhhaKXTajyjMo-QFZfCjZXmJRE7zN2jw15wQtKC_uSfokLIVK3aNfI1-7PM8QOCsQ-nxa_xFwphj038rdt38NjFt407F1_G3jhM/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKILofohmnmSkEcIvfHnDQs1nXoGOgD7j4I83EN6b2PhhaKXTajyjMo-QFZfCjZXmJRE7zN2jw15wQtKC_uSfokLIVK3aNfI1-7PM8QOCsQ-nxa_xFwphj038rdt38NjFt407F1_G3jhM/s400/IMG_1106.JPG" /></a></div>
She held Archer for such a long time. She was hot and itchy because she was on morphine drip, but everytime I asked her if she wanted me to take the baby, she said no. Archer just slept in the arms of the women who made me feel so safe so many times growing up. Those arms that held me when I cried, those hands that made me breakfast and lunch, that taught me to crochet and do needle point, that always smelled of Jergens lotion and serenity. Those same arms that held me at a week old, was holding my little one week old. One life was just beginning and one was coming to a close. It was such a tender, beautiful, bittersweet snap shot in time to be a witness to. Her last words to me were "Melissa, I want you to be happy." I am Grandma, I am. "I love you." I love you too Grandma. And that was our last conversation together. I promised her that I would be back, but I didn't get the chance. Two days later, she died. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0gSZbXsgcs0SXSoEKuIfp5K9VWVXZkjNH7R_mYEMleRRo-NTajQ1pI10SyKDEok4tuOK6FMYYRIff9kn8fP1jmYyylx-4HFUIFhBpQyZGRtAtIz-yg4xNq7kBjlP_OgrhM406J7z6QE/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0gSZbXsgcs0SXSoEKuIfp5K9VWVXZkjNH7R_mYEMleRRo-NTajQ1pI10SyKDEok4tuOK6FMYYRIff9kn8fP1jmYyylx-4HFUIFhBpQyZGRtAtIz-yg4xNq7kBjlP_OgrhM406J7z6QE/s640/IMG_1101.JPG" /></a></div>
I am greatful for the peace and knowledge that the gospel brings. To know that my Grandma is still very much a part of my life is such a gift. I am grateful for that last visit with her. The hour that I spent holding her hand. I am feel so blessed and thankful for my family. For Chad, for the love he showed me. For holding my hand and for being my rock during the viewing and funeral, which was hard on so many levels for so many different reasons. But he gave me the strength to get through. And with just a look or a squeeze of my hand, his hand at the small of my back, he was silently telling me that he understood and he was there for me. I am thankful for cousins and Aunts and Uncles. Family I thought I had lost, family that showed me that they have always been there. I am so grateful for the belief I have that there is no end to these relationships that we have here on earth. That family bonds extend beyond death. I love you Grandma, and I will miss you until we met again.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-33007692994541550942012-11-04T11:16:00.002-08:002012-11-04T11:20:39.142-08:00Day TwoDay two: Dude, have you seen my husband? If you had then you would know what I am thankful for today. He has seen my dark side, but the force is strong with us...and he loves me despite the dark side of me. (I have a good side too, I promise). He has unplugged me from the Matrix. And there is no one else on earth I would rather go treasure hunting with while some crazy family of murderers chase us. I just love him, and I am so lucky to be Mrs. Chad Triplett.
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Rain or shine, there is no one I would rather navigate the peaks and valleys with then Chad. Some one once asked me who my "maybe guy" is. I was like, "dude, whats a Maybe Guy?" And they were all, "You know..the guy you think maybe if things were different you might have been with." I was a little astonished that people have maybe guys, I don't. Before I met Chad I was worried that I met "the one" on a bus or at the mall somewhere and I just let him walk out of my life. But once I met Chad, all thoughts of that nature where gone. I have a feeling that if I did screw things up with Chad and he did walk out of my life then, he would have become my maybe guy. But lucky for me I don't have a maybe guy, I have my guy. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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He is such a good dad. Here he is teaching Evan how to change the oil. I once said to him that I would choose him over any one else. I never knew then that that promise would be tried and tested, but it was. And I stayed true to that promise I made him that day, and on the day that we were married. I have lost some, but I have gained so much more. I truly believe that there is nothing that Chad and I can't accomplish together. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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He tries so hard to help me with all that I need. I know that I am not perfect and I am sure that at times I drive him crazy with my girly ways, but he wants me to be happy and trys to meet all my needs. What more could a girl ask for? I am so thankful for my husband. So so grateful. How many girls can say that they get to marry their one true love? This girl can.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(this last picture is just because it makes me laugh, and it reminds me of Chad)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-77422523952128192372012-11-01T15:35:00.002-07:002012-11-01T15:35:52.408-07:00Day One of ThanksgivingI am going to do the whole 30 days of thanksgiving thing this year. So for Day one: I am so thankful for my Dad, who has taught me to be strong and to stand up for what I know is right. And who has taught me the kind of person I want to be by the way he lives his life and loves those who have hurt him. He is basically kind to everyone. I have seen him, help old ladys carry their grocerys out to their cars, pick up hitch hikers, leave the house at three in the morning to give a blessing, fix someones car, swamp cooler, roof without any charge, and just do about anything for anyone who needs any kind of assistance. My dad lived with us when I was pregnant with Evan for about a year. I still have some one come up to me in church to tell me about a time that my dad helped them out in one way or an other. And while he was in my home, not once did he brag about how much he was doing for others. He just quietly went about his business.
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I recently learned of a service he did for me about three years ago. Because it is my dad, and he told me in confidence, I won't write about what he did for me here on my blog. I will say that it made me feel looked after and loved. I am very thankful for my dad. My mom use to tell me all the time "you sound just like your father.." or "your acting just like your dad..." I always took it as a compliment even if it wasn't always meant as one. I hope one day for someone somewhere to tell me "You know what, you remind me of your Dad." That would make my day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is so easy for us to think about all the things that we have lost along the way, it is important for us to every now and then to remember the things that have always been. I have always had my dad. His love and his support, even though he didn't always agree with my choices in life, he always showed me he loved me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am proud that my son Reece Wesley caries his name as his middle name. (although you can't tell it from the picture, so is Reece.) I love my dad, so for Day one: I am thankful for my Dad.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-59158528598620466732012-10-29T07:47:00.002-07:002012-10-29T08:07:04.956-07:00My Family Must be Amish I am a little obsessed with the Amish, for some reason. I haven't always been. This obsession started about 5 years ago. It wasn't until I was watching a show about these Amish kids that were leaving their orders that I kind of had a light bulb moment. I am obsessed with them because I can relate to them. Not the whole trudging in the snow to go to the outhouse, or the "hey, wheres my cell phone? Oh I forgot, I don't have one because I'm Amish" kind of way. But the whole shunning by your family because you make a choice that they don't agree with kind of way, the shunning I can totally relate to.
I had decided that I wasn't really going to write about my family any more, but something happened on Facebook that completely changed my mind. I feel helpless when it comes to my family. I have tried to help them understand my decision and why I made it. I wanted them, not unreasonably, to make an effort because I am their daughter/sister and they "love" me. But in the end, and after years of trying, I have given up. I don't know what my Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins believe about Chad and I, and really I don't care. All I know is that they have reached out to me and tried to close the gap more then my own mother, and they really haven't done a whole lot. I have come to understand that as far as my mom is concerned, the spirit is only working when it is confirming a decision that she already thinks is right. Any other decision and the person isn't worthy to receive Revelation or confirmation of their choice. She actually told me on the way home from seeing my bishop, after he told my mom to but out and let Chad and I work on things without her interference, that she believed my bishop wasn't worthy to be a bishop. (but that is neither here or there, I just want you to understand what I have been trying to work with for the past 7 years)
A couple of weeks ago, I couldn't get onto my sister Natalie's Facebook account any more. We had a little argument about something that really isn't relevant, the point is the next day, I couldn't get onto her Facebook any more. But since that is just typical of my family, I skipped it. But then here is the convo I had with my sister Brittny on Facebook yesterday, keep in mind that my family are masters at the whole passive aggressive thing:
Brittny: My sweet sister Natalie is going through a rough time with her divorce. Please support my sister by praying for her or give her the love & support she needs. Our own family members r turning on her. She is a great person. I think she's a wonderful sister, daughter & mother. She doesn't deserve the mistreatment. She's the most Christ-like person I know. I love her so much! (I know that this is a wagging finger in my direction for the argument that Natalie and I had, I wasn't born yesterday)
Me: that's sad that family is turning against her. I completely know how that feels. Very much so. She is Chad and my prayers. Our whole family, my husband included are praying for her and her girls. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. (I can do passive aggressive too)
Heather (a friend of the familly's): Adding my prayers
Me:...and can you tell her I love her? I would do it myself, but for some reason I can't get on her fb wall anymore...? Thanks, and love you too :)
Brittny:Thanks Heather! You & Mark has always been there for me, mom, Natalie & Zack! I luv u!! (notice the lack of me or my dad's names, and the pointed ignoring of my comments all together)
My Mom: I love my sweet Natalie and it is so hard to watch what she is going through. She is trying so hard to do what God would have her do. I also appreciate her brother Zack, who has been a constant in her life and her sister Brittny. Thanx Britt for your prayers for your little sis! (again, no mention of me at all..my comments, or any acknowledgment that I even exists in the family)
Me: I understand why Natalie would feel the way she does, especially if her family isn't supporting her. I prayed about a decision long ago and did what the spirit told me to do, and I too lost family support because of that decision. When you do what you know is right, even when the whole world, and family is telling you otherwise, then you find the strength you need and Heavenly Father compensates for your loss. And no matter how hard we pray that things would be different, we all have our agency and you can't change other's choices. Natalie has a loving family that are rallying around her during a difficult time. I wish I had had that 7 years ago and I wish I had it now. I think Natalie is lucky that she has her family there for her, I would love to have my family rallying around me. So many times in the past years that I have wished for just that very thing.
Brittny: (skipping over me again like I wasn't even commenting at all)I would do anything 4 my baby sis! I know she's doing the right thing by going through this divorce. She is the most Christlike person I know. I wish I had the spiritual strength that she has. Natalie will find a husband as wonderful & worthy as mine. I look up 2 my baby sister! I love her so much!!
Me:(taking the more direct rout) She is lucky to have everyone in her corner, I'm curious, who is this person in the family who isn't supporting her?
Brittny: (again, Melissa who? Do you see anyone named Melissa commenting? Nope neither do I) Ur welcome mom! I'm always glad 2 b there 4 Natalie, Karabear & Katiebug!! Drew & I love u all very much!!
So at this point, I am tired of the whole 7 years of shunning going on. How can yo fix things if your family pretends you don't exists, unless it is to their benefit to cry on someones shoulder about the "daughter that doesn't talk to them" or the "sister who they never see" But when I actually try to talk to them or make them see, I get literally shunned. So, what am I to do but carry on with my life and love the family I do have? I still want to tell them how I feel though. I have this crazy idea that one day they will go "ohhh...ok. So you did pray about your decision and you got your answer. I get it now! You are happy! Well that's great, come on over for a bbq and we can meet your boys that we have never seen and we can see how big and beautiful your daughter has gotten." But that is just fantasy. It'll never happen. But I did want to let them know that I am here, I do feel, and basically..I'm here(which I know I already said but it's a big deal. It hurts to be shunned)
Me: Brittny, whose not supporting Natalie, and what is this mistreatment your talking about? I would like to know since, I too know how she feels, so I am in a unique position to empathize with her. Unless, all y'alls just keep pretending like I don't exist, then how can I be there for my sister who I also love very much.
10 min later...
Me again: And off the subject, but still on point, while I got y'all more or less here, even though you pretend I am not commenting..I see all of you supporting Natalie and discussing how god like everyone is. What about me? I'm still here, I still have feelings and I'm still part of this family. Why hasn't any one mentioned my name or offered me support in my hard times? Here in an open forum, reading over the comments with an outpouring of support, no one would know there is another sister. My name is Melissa and I welcome your encouragement the same as you have given Natalie. I was at the same crossroads as Natalie was, but the spirit pointed me in a different direction. Just because you don't agree with it doesn't make it less right. I am strong because I followed what I know to be right and lost all of you. At least Natalie has her family support, and she has mine if she would let me be there. What Natalie is going through brings me back 7 years, and this is the first time that I get to say anything to you guys. Why are you there for Natalie but you turned your back on me? When I said I need you, I lost you. It hurts. It hurt then, it hurts now. I am so glad that Natalie doesn't have to go through this, follow the spirit, and have to learn to live her life without her family there.
Yeah, I know. It's a rant, but can you blame me? I just don't want anyone to feel all alone like I do a lot of the time. Call your mom's and your sister's. When you laugh with them, take a moment to appreciate how lucky you are. I think I am strong though. It is easy to do what you know is right when everyone is backing you up, but when you do something you know is right that other ostracized you for, then you really have to know it is right and just do it. Imagine all the things that you depend on your sisters and mothers for, now imagine that they are gone and you have no one to depend on but yourself. I don't regret my decision, I only regret the reaction of others. But they do have their agency, all I can do is live my life. I haven't given up on reconciliation a long time ago. I get met with much of the same as that Facebook conversation. So I am up a creek on that one. Chad gave me a blessing a little while ago about this and he said that it is no longer my burden to carry. I am working on dropping the load, but it is easier said then done. I love them, but I got to let them go. They let me go a long time ago. It's time I did the same.
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-31536803695516555542012-10-09T18:18:00.002-07:002012-10-09T18:38:35.942-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Sunday, we drove up the canyon to look at all the fall colors. I love this time of year. It really is my favorite. I love the smell of the drying leaves in the air, the crispness you feel when you take a breath. I love how the tips of your ears turn as red as the leaves on the trees, but a hoodie is all you need to feel warm. I love fall evening walks, and I love to sit on the deck with a good book to read while my kids run around and enjoy the cooling weather too. I wish I could streatch fall out to cover more of the calender then just a couple of weeks.
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While we were on the drive, we pulled over and took some pictures with Chad's new super cool phone that he loves and has affectionaltly named Ed-209, Eddie for short. When I got in the car and looked at the pictures, I just was so struck by how wonderful our family is. I mean, how lucky can I get? I have an amazing husband, who has seen my stains and shadows, and still loves me. And these three beautiful kids are ours, not by accident or regrete, but by love. They embody love themselves. It shines from their eyes, rings in their laughter, and melts my heart. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Of course, everytime I think of where we are now, I can't help but think back at where we have been. I stood, what felt like alone, at a very important crossroads. I was being pulled one way by my family and an other way by my heart. I am so thankful for a wise Bishop who saw our need and found the right words, spoken like thunder, driping with honey, to heal and help us. Because of one decision I had made, I stand, not alone on my road. It is full of the laughter of my children and the soft wispers of encouragement from my husband. But I lost my family, my mom, my sisters and my brother. I countiue to pray that they will one day come to an understanding, but untill that day, I am building what I lost, and eternal family. Starting with an eternal marrige.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Elder Dallin H Oaks said in the April 2007 General Confrence:
Under the law of the Lord, a marriage, like a human life, is a precious, living thing. If our bodies are sick, we seek to heal them. We do not give up. While there is any prospect of life, we seek healing again and again. The same should be true of our marriages, and if we seek Him, the Lord will help us and heal us.
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(Chad and I goofing around..the second picture is my laughing and Chad, trying hard not to. I love these pictures even though they are blurry because it just sums up Chad and I. We are just goofing off, laughing at and loving each other)
President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “Two individuals approaching the marriage altar must realize that to attain the happy marriage which they hope for they must know that marriage … means sacrifice, sharing, and even a reduction of some personal liberties. It means long, hard economizing. It means children who bring with them financial burdens, service burdens, care and worry burdens; but also it means the deepest and sweetest emotions of all.”
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(Ok, so those pictures have nothing to do with my post, but COME ON!! Look at the guy. He is hot, and he is taken..I love him)
Chad and I have been through alot together and it seems like as the years pass, much faster then either of us would like, our bond that was forged in California, refined and tested in the early years of our marraige, just keeps getting stronger with age. He is my mortor. And I would hope that I am his as well.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"The kind of marriage required for exaltation—eternal in duration and godlike in quality—does not contemplate divorce. " (and, in reality, it was really my mom who was pulling for divorce for us, like a master puppeteer.. long story..very complicated) Of course, I understand that there are situations where divorce is the way to go. But for me and my house, I am so grateful that we found it in each other to say, hey..this isn't over. Even knowing about the lose of my mother and siblligs, I would go back and make the same choices. Standing in that golden light umoung the changing colors of the trees, watching my family laugh and play is all the evidence I need.
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(I know I already have this picture posted, but it's worth a second look.) Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-57250212427829525832012-09-18T12:26:00.000-07:002012-09-18T12:26:03.794-07:00Morning Walk
Mornings are crazy with little ones in the house. It's an up at 6, running around getting breakfast, finding homework backpacks and shoes. It's a "your going to be late" "don't forget your lunch" kind of rush that starts over every day. Once Lauren is off to school, then it's a empty the dishwasher, re-load the laundry, feed Reece breakfast, "don't touch that", "don't throw food", "be soft with the animals", kind of day. With the hussle and bussle of just taking care of kids, we (or, maybe just I) get overwhelmed with the doing of parenting and not so much of the feeling of it. I worry so much about being a good mom and making sure all of the functions of motherhood are done properly, then sometimes I forget to look at these little people and just love the moment. I feel bad that I am not doing crafts with the kids everyday, or I am not going on some new adventure with them. I want to build memories and I worry that I am not. But it's not the going and the doing that the kids really want. It's time. Your time. It's when I turn off the T.V when Lauren starts talking about her day. Or when I walk away from the computer when Evan asks me to read to him. It's taking the time in the middle of vaccuming the house to hold Reece on my lap and singing "The Ittsy Bittys Spider." It's looking at my kids in the eyes when they are talking to me, and letting them control the flow of the conversation.
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Evan wanted to go on a walk today. I didn't, I'm not going to lie about that one. I was tired and a little cranky. A good book while the kids watched the Disney Channel sounded so much better to me then pushing a double stroller around the neighborhood. But, boy did Buddy want to go. So I did, and I am glad I did. Reece was so enthusiastic about the smallest things, a bird, a bug, a plane flying over head, a little paper wind mill in someones yard. And Evan was so cute, ever encouraging his baby brother's delights.
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That was enough to turn around my mood, but then a sweet little old lady was also on a walk. She had a name tag from the Legacy house in Ogden that identified her as Audry. She stopped to talk to the boys a minute. She pointed out their beautiful blue eyes and their sweet smiles. She got all emotional and told me to please take time to appreciate the little things because before long the kids will be grown. I don't know who she was, I have never met her before, but I couldn't stop thinking about her words. When we got home, Evan Reece and I played with cars and wrestled on the ground. I guess I just wanted to pass on Audry's advice. If you find yourself too busy making dinner or cleaning the house, if you're to wrapped up in the mechanics of motherhood, just stop and enjoy your little ones. For far to soon, your little ones will be to big to sit on the floor with you and play cars.
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So, thanks Audry, where ever you are. I listened.
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-21731693192883924262012-09-15T19:38:00.000-07:002012-09-15T19:38:19.401-07:00To Grandmother's House We Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1Y6TjSN9mc5bsGHBtLQbyIBeH8KjE6TVpnwvVN_SrFjDQ_vvRj2NCgNl-LiBbvmH6vJMjsCGNCpskWfpw6AqyDnpsSEF0157QgKw9JYWjtIbNI071VfkRDyLBfO1S7MmFFasUyQpWq4/s1600/b7049dbcff9d11e1b7ea22000a1d0321_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1Y6TjSN9mc5bsGHBtLQbyIBeH8KjE6TVpnwvVN_SrFjDQ_vvRj2NCgNl-LiBbvmH6vJMjsCGNCpskWfpw6AqyDnpsSEF0157QgKw9JYWjtIbNI071VfkRDyLBfO1S7MmFFasUyQpWq4/s400/b7049dbcff9d11e1b7ea22000a1d0321_7.jpg" /></a></div>
My Grandma B is living at Legacy right near the Jordan River Temple. I love my Grandma. She has always been there for me. There isn't a memory of my childhood that doesn't involve this strong classy lady. She is full of life, opinions, and love. She will tell you like it is while she is throwing her arms around you. I am pretty sure that she invented the phrase "A spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down" and Disney just borrowed it from her. Because that is what she is, a spoon full of sugar and a little bit of medicine to go along with it. I spent so many weekends in her little back bedroom at the end of the hall. I watched many episodes of Star Trek on my Grandpa's lap while Grandma was making dinner in the kitchen. I learned how to play solitar on her formica kitchen table. She played "house" and "school" with me. Many masterpieces by Melissa were created on her couch upholstered in big brown flowers. She has always been a lighthouse to me. I can't imagine a day when she won't be there shining her light for me. And I feel so lucky that she has been able to meet my three kids.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2U-1BVL3EyfvMqrAGb8oHDwVtefoJirz6Zfo09LlT4k4SvEbpLcWKCSJPCuPe5NitlKubzH-o_UL5E7kJ3Dn4E4iwNyEbTEBy12unCnnjGCkm-N5a0kkRyWx4edTyunJ0fh-CxJo6AU/s1600/03989fa8ff9d11e1ac5222000a1e9dcf_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2U-1BVL3EyfvMqrAGb8oHDwVtefoJirz6Zfo09LlT4k4SvEbpLcWKCSJPCuPe5NitlKubzH-o_UL5E7kJ3Dn4E4iwNyEbTEBy12unCnnjGCkm-N5a0kkRyWx4edTyunJ0fh-CxJo6AU/s400/03989fa8ff9d11e1ac5222000a1e9dcf_7.jpg" /></a></div>
Reece was all huggy today. He kept garbing Evan and wrapping his little baby arms around him. And because he is an equal opportunity hugger, Lauren also go some too.
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Here some picture from an earlier visit. We try and visit her once a month. I wish we could do more.
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She has decided that she likes Chad. She has heard some bad things about him because my mom is her daughter. She believes that Chad has sure changed over the 9 years that we have been married. No amount of me trying to convince her that he is the same Chad that I married will make her budge on that fact. But I give it to her. I figure it is the only way that she can believe in her daughter (my mom) and still think that Chad is a great guy. I'm good with that. I just love that she loves Chad now.
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It was a long day for my Reece's Pieces. I had to get this shot of him. I love sleeping baby pictures. I feel lucky to still have my G-Ma around. She is like a Timex watch...she is strong and dependable. I hope some of that strength also runs through my blood.
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-91292909864775657582012-09-12T20:28:00.000-07:002012-09-12T20:28:53.928-07:00Evan's the big 0-5!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkL7QqJmdk722RkZeqM11iGDOeYWvJcZcmXXV582cv-NpXKrJg_WlWlb_ksJ6oci0F74IqvS-P4bDUOBKFZSEDbOx31QTl29YQFcbL68jspxmIq2NAMQN46huTy3vRvnizmBkMWZTJYY/s1600/305064_10151151860733011_281390332_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkL7QqJmdk722RkZeqM11iGDOeYWvJcZcmXXV582cv-NpXKrJg_WlWlb_ksJ6oci0F74IqvS-P4bDUOBKFZSEDbOx31QTl29YQFcbL68jspxmIq2NAMQN46huTy3vRvnizmBkMWZTJYY/s400/305064_10151151860733011_281390332_n.jpg" /></a></div>
Evan turned the epic age of 5 today. Not gonna lie, sometimes I wondered if he would make it. This kid has a talent for tripping, dropping, or exploring into anything remotely dangerous. He has defiantly kept me on my toes. For instance, when about 6 months ago, he wanted to test the electricity in our socket in the upstairs bathroom...with a pair of tweezers!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have utter the phrase with eyes facing Heaven and hands shaking in totally surender "I am never going to have anything nice!! EVER!!"...possibly three times a day thanks to my little tornado. But given all of the spilled drinks and broken glass that are in his wake, he has the biggest heart of any kid I have ever met. He is a lover of nature and anyone who resides in the animal kingdom.
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He has an amazing belly laugh and smiling Irish eyes. You can't listen to the glint of his laughter and ignore it. It begs to be laughed with, no matter the joke. He is full of love and laughter. He has such a tender soul and a giving heart. I have never had to teach him to share. He was born just knowing how. He is the first to cuddle with you if your crying and if he found out that he hurt your feelings, he crys right along with you. He is very generous with his possessions and his love. He is a giver in the truest form of the word. And our house is a better place because his voice is part of it's soundtrack.
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We went to Applebee's, just like we do every year, to celebrate. I just love him!!
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Some of Evan's Favorite things at the age of 5 are:
I Pads,
Spiderman,
Batman,
Ironman,
Cereal,
Green Ice Cream,
Parks,
Buzz Lightyear,
The Beach,
The Mountains,
Cows and Dogs
Cats,
Bunnies,
Even Lions,
Comic Books,
Vampire Diarys,
The Bouncy House,
and Laughing.
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Some of Evan's Dislikes at the age of 5:
I only don't like one thing, I don't like hot stuff.
Oh yeah, and mean people,
you know, like Bad guys.
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Man I sure do love this kid. I don't need nice things when I got such a nice kid.
Happy Birthday Bud!
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And this picture has nothing to do with Evan's birthday except that it was taken at Applebee's on his birthday. I was trying to get a picture of me and Reece when Reece saw himself in the camera. I just love his reaction to him. He is the funniest baby that he knows. I love my life, seriously could it get any better?
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-57318699563177912402012-09-07T10:55:00.000-07:002012-09-07T16:46:05.435-07:00My new Goal...More blogging!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just realized that it has been 7 months...SEVEN...since I last blogged. There is good reason for the lapse. A lot was going on. I was working and adjusting to a new little guy in our house, and the real reason...I just got a little lazy. But the other night, Lauren pulled out our blog book that I made a couple years ago. Our one and only blog book. I was looking at the pictures and pages and reading all of my mommy mussings and it made me think. There is no record for our family for these past months, and only sporadic record keeping for the past couple of years. I miss my kids being so young and they grow so fast. It's like I blink and Lauren is all ready to cool for me and Evan has learned how to talk back. Reece is growing like a weed and he is into everything.
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My life is chaotic and so full of life and every turn, but one day these little midgets will be grown and gone and hopefully trying to rein in the chaos at their own homes with their own nuggets running the show. So while I have these wonderful years with my little ones, I think it is important to make sure all of there comings and goings, their triumphs and defeats, there goodness and their curiosity should be recorded. So, having said that, I am setting a new goal. I am going to blog at least once a week. I need to capture these amazing days so I can keep them close to my heart and never forget. Sometimes, between the dirty diapers and the screaming kids, I forget how precious these days are. But every now and then, I get a messy sticky kiss on the cheek, or a fist full of dandelions to remind me just how amazing these little people are and how privileged I am to be their mommy.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmK0MAIn7pq7oMEnYHKIUWuS8nFKVnP3NkE_h2BwZetm6Bl7R35CeaqCYZn33kZE_fS_qmiCjM2XeNeSvTAM6rXMZnAyWt4sK2rhuGad-1WqCz3V8o2nfysS5YVzpDyB9On8Or0ijRZg/s1600/575179_10150917543178011_122054702_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmK0MAIn7pq7oMEnYHKIUWuS8nFKVnP3NkE_h2BwZetm6Bl7R35CeaqCYZn33kZE_fS_qmiCjM2XeNeSvTAM6rXMZnAyWt4sK2rhuGad-1WqCz3V8o2nfysS5YVzpDyB9On8Or0ijRZg/s400/575179_10150917543178011_122054702_n.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-19527316886545872882012-01-29T18:39:00.001-08:002012-02-02T10:33:42.390-08:00Build a Bear<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI43EWpR8z2o8oJQaZ1h0gRrXLeIBOFk2UY-ojkAglOFVbioJrZH5TrY8SILFqaAxeRlg3eireWuWrRWIaDYGRYf8mCeRTJjr2cX-jKx0g-nlY4z84EWoBBFQXs8DG-VWQm2I5INIdRoM/s1600/DSC_5229.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI43EWpR8z2o8oJQaZ1h0gRrXLeIBOFk2UY-ojkAglOFVbioJrZH5TrY8SILFqaAxeRlg3eireWuWrRWIaDYGRYf8mCeRTJjr2cX-jKx0g-nlY4z84EWoBBFQXs8DG-VWQm2I5INIdRoM/s400/DSC_5229.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703250188910305826" /></a><br />Lauren and Evan's Mimi from California sent them a build-a-bear gift card for Christmas. We took them recently to get theirs. And can I just say, what a racket!! Seriously they are making bank there. Why didn't I ever think of that! The line full of little children with their eyes bright with anticipation of the event in making their new best friend. Seriously!! If I had thought of that brilliant and lucrative idea, I could be feeding my fire place with $20's! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyMfeDpbkKlvYB5QNi6xOPKCU66b4RPFeC1vELrGqU0DxMRGthmQBHFZB2DjYPbj-e76GOhNFZ-mPLihHd0DAr2Bh3sukSIS8ZEEzs8YFTcx6Ovq77C_7oh76zrgnnrq_7fg9YBLzyW0/s1600/DSC_5140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyMfeDpbkKlvYB5QNi6xOPKCU66b4RPFeC1vELrGqU0DxMRGthmQBHFZB2DjYPbj-e76GOhNFZ-mPLihHd0DAr2Bh3sukSIS8ZEEzs8YFTcx6Ovq77C_7oh76zrgnnrq_7fg9YBLzyW0/s400/DSC_5140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704592448060814514" /></a><br />Lauren picked out a pink cat. She saw it and committed right away to "shiney glitter kitty" (that's the name she gave it)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWVDWU05civq1NMd8fWuTtNYXs-Py4rENorJvO6O0VPGDDJzU0sYmB_AEhr-KNAZxf8-alc9fWOEdd4OH6GDeI4opY7Gxv4CzK1Bz0v8jgFIEqkKZJGJB4ytyqQzbbnfBN6mGU8yTI7E/s1600/DSC_5139.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWVDWU05civq1NMd8fWuTtNYXs-Py4rENorJvO6O0VPGDDJzU0sYmB_AEhr-KNAZxf8-alc9fWOEdd4OH6GDeI4opY7Gxv4CzK1Bz0v8jgFIEqkKZJGJB4ytyqQzbbnfBN6mGU8yTI7E/s400/DSC_5139.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704593181762763650" /></a><br />Evan choose a black bear who he quickly named "Galaxar". He makes me laugh!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZj178a64MBCpxmWL4meZHeuDkKNKuxQQIFlZOsx8CZqfq-NLxEkilVGHHr3WiJiERrH5Eq1KV-D7Ka8zhSRo51cBBS-ngI08sODwpoHQmdo26W3mx-9fgg5wHpVY4tmyi6R4t_8-USI/s1600/DSC_5149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZj178a64MBCpxmWL4meZHeuDkKNKuxQQIFlZOsx8CZqfq-NLxEkilVGHHr3WiJiERrH5Eq1KV-D7Ka8zhSRo51cBBS-ngI08sODwpoHQmdo26W3mx-9fgg5wHpVY4tmyi6R4t_8-USI/s400/DSC_5149.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704593755125356322" /></a><br />Waiting in line. Yes, we had to wait in a line for 15 min! Like I said, they are making some money! Lauren cracks me up in this picture. She is a funny girl.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvsewZhf5OIO-PBTUicQZA8GrKZcYSVg9SNzWpupibueDIc10ETrfX1umYBIWw7n5tRMeq_d4W8HmLyRCXMkq2PMDZ4R_1FYWUqW1jCfnlLI_-EEOZrYv9i7xeCZm0zVXPYBIu6PXECg/s1600/DSC_5143.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvsewZhf5OIO-PBTUicQZA8GrKZcYSVg9SNzWpupibueDIc10ETrfX1umYBIWw7n5tRMeq_d4W8HmLyRCXMkq2PMDZ4R_1FYWUqW1jCfnlLI_-EEOZrYv9i7xeCZm0zVXPYBIu6PXECg/s400/DSC_5143.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704594788441295170" /></a><br /><br />Man this kid is so cute! I am so in love with him.<br />Lauren stuffed her cat first.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZKUAoTLZDjKPQmnxM0mKX73A72fzf7A5wQdOuhmCf9ZJbmHzXbKg53vwTgLCrvPMXKu-lDnSQPytWD8F6GdKQUDxQQbi79wTATOXOp3KdwSUHtv3dlmwYEISMpKckazzoNnk7ng8r2c/s1600/DSC_5160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZKUAoTLZDjKPQmnxM0mKX73A72fzf7A5wQdOuhmCf9ZJbmHzXbKg53vwTgLCrvPMXKu-lDnSQPytWD8F6GdKQUDxQQbi79wTATOXOp3KdwSUHtv3dlmwYEISMpKckazzoNnk7ng8r2c/s400/DSC_5160.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704595851722286706" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpV-wuzc9thfgMHF03e-jfFrVFfWbImISDF50A8615r5nEwknszqn91O5okaD303EysOcyriajJHTLyhYsY1SCtNG1yLjcDVR81w63nTCaE1tzyjst5f4sl9OFekN7vKkiwoMl6KIXN1o/s1600/DSC_5181.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpV-wuzc9thfgMHF03e-jfFrVFfWbImISDF50A8615r5nEwknszqn91O5okaD303EysOcyriajJHTLyhYsY1SCtNG1yLjcDVR81w63nTCaE1tzyjst5f4sl9OFekN7vKkiwoMl6KIXN1o/s400/DSC_5181.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704595829956083746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgDtEOv4tPAIymPeXyZBNQMoXCFugxGx9WtISod2hU-wVztemgz0pStT8AR6eUp0zvAtM9_WEbzNVsbOeaYIU8VCuE-rKXOZCXPQ24eN2ryt0hgKYFE1J40zeeU64CjR3XHLvUgQfs8E/s1600/DSC_5157.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgDtEOv4tPAIymPeXyZBNQMoXCFugxGx9WtISod2hU-wVztemgz0pStT8AR6eUp0zvAtM9_WEbzNVsbOeaYIU8VCuE-rKXOZCXPQ24eN2ryt0hgKYFE1J40zeeU64CjR3XHLvUgQfs8E/s400/DSC_5157.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704595858692549938" /></a><br />Evan's turn to stuff Galaxar.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4Sgu2UIcO9s_qBYHwdnq09KDyxqqc0zQW_eOHm5ciCoF_iKfNuSfOYAu-wWpcVNY5Nc7wzWycoo4in-5vghZiCzuFWSD1dPIqHytM3kqSax1Gr_rgT0s4xtS3jWm_HC7qtn_i9o3cp4/s1600/DSC_5170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4Sgu2UIcO9s_qBYHwdnq09KDyxqqc0zQW_eOHm5ciCoF_iKfNuSfOYAu-wWpcVNY5Nc7wzWycoo4in-5vghZiCzuFWSD1dPIqHytM3kqSax1Gr_rgT0s4xtS3jWm_HC7qtn_i9o3cp4/s400/DSC_5170.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704597181818247522" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-t4pHaPeKWHmTNFXbqwRwkd4DMx7kaePBh0rySxy1Q_se_efYPBqM_tT0MDIdEOfqAqAvMiO6H1GsLpk-iVBBsCsFbcuD1p5KB0Ia5MZbuLytrZCLUo4hTYSd1bHylAvFIk05dBTkZkY/s1600/DSC_5169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-t4pHaPeKWHmTNFXbqwRwkd4DMx7kaePBh0rySxy1Q_se_efYPBqM_tT0MDIdEOfqAqAvMiO6H1GsLpk-iVBBsCsFbcuD1p5KB0Ia5MZbuLytrZCLUo4hTYSd1bHylAvFIk05dBTkZkY/s400/DSC_5169.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704597176642180642" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_coDAbSOa9-2q92lGN8KOAKqgJmrYHkkEnMz7Kxr4EIqEWHzPKuE-jtaqnxYzKqlGfZkH2qTKGnX3_csTrhlTfBS8CdQdqJIxyZysFrZoSO11p2Oa1jtBGpXJWPLVal1ah2GmPC9tBZc/s1600/DSC_5174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_coDAbSOa9-2q92lGN8KOAKqgJmrYHkkEnMz7Kxr4EIqEWHzPKuE-jtaqnxYzKqlGfZkH2qTKGnX3_csTrhlTfBS8CdQdqJIxyZysFrZoSO11p2Oa1jtBGpXJWPLVal1ah2GmPC9tBZc/s400/DSC_5174.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704597192404409890" /></a><br />While we were there, they put more stuffing in the machine, and they let Lauren and Evan fill it. They LOVED it. I think that that might have been their favorite part of the whole experience.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64WZ449K9s4aLBWnSY4kXBpsadCRQ6P-pBCtdSGqvFyzLq5SUIcVhk9_ZGRMZGj56Pp2bsI9I25eL46zRkTKdQSWz-LNmsRhD43vRd48An92W3ZIiR3at9fr6NEpAB7bIDIRY9OyLbdI/s1600/DSC_5198.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64WZ449K9s4aLBWnSY4kXBpsadCRQ6P-pBCtdSGqvFyzLq5SUIcVhk9_ZGRMZGj56Pp2bsI9I25eL46zRkTKdQSWz-LNmsRhD43vRd48An92W3ZIiR3at9fr6NEpAB7bIDIRY9OyLbdI/s400/DSC_5198.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704600373175561954" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVy5YOHrM9CKzDr8Dc1F5NHUd4A7bMzWAVp4bGXe1evwN_BRHkD_1QGVvMZ6s57gFGpIVv-LeL4QF4zahyphenhyphenfWR89Ne9xTIBRN7hFNjQS-OmZ-0ozJFx73FBaMP7ydeR1kA-e29GlSdPjg/s1600/DSC_5195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVy5YOHrM9CKzDr8Dc1F5NHUd4A7bMzWAVp4bGXe1evwN_BRHkD_1QGVvMZ6s57gFGpIVv-LeL4QF4zahyphenhyphenfWR89Ne9xTIBRN7hFNjQS-OmZ-0ozJFx73FBaMP7ydeR1kA-e29GlSdPjg/s400/DSC_5195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704600364258683314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA0hh6FZTXqDV7LyHq48uLKlP8fFxvhJMwGQRwbzNxB2au8f1f1QDipJr42HPq3cy8lJSLHtm-i2M5flKBuKQhjnzxqX9h5zouosiISPyBO49jc6fDgZIe_JEeXnixl4XEY1VCzIBv3Q/s1600/DSC_5194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA0hh6FZTXqDV7LyHq48uLKlP8fFxvhJMwGQRwbzNxB2au8f1f1QDipJr42HPq3cy8lJSLHtm-i2M5flKBuKQhjnzxqX9h5zouosiISPyBO49jc6fDgZIe_JEeXnixl4XEY1VCzIBv3Q/s400/DSC_5194.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704600355261686994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUcuoTsz-kNpu5wNyROUXwwiZIxwJXKhGUuWprLxNeh8BC0Y-qnrLzRKWvneMe7sUkr9f2rVzywBgLheQIl99POPgglW73kejJmEBxkNJKIX3Emel5HI0PCBj07fvVVqJLQZ0F-mwqQI/s1600/DSC_5193.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUcuoTsz-kNpu5wNyROUXwwiZIxwJXKhGUuWprLxNeh8BC0Y-qnrLzRKWvneMe7sUkr9f2rVzywBgLheQIl99POPgglW73kejJmEBxkNJKIX3Emel5HI0PCBj07fvVVqJLQZ0F-mwqQI/s400/DSC_5193.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704600345937455506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwkGp4OaZS26QVA1_CCjW_QJyhR745S-4Qf5fYjMotqa6NDXL0atzXIXXik5dLwbqJeKM9Jo5SNt7z3wEATUiZpYlVJho6UI49Jnj8jsBARX_0_k7AGP_K_jOA0W0U3s8P72RiwtTF6s/s1600/DSC_5205.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwkGp4OaZS26QVA1_CCjW_QJyhR745S-4Qf5fYjMotqa6NDXL0atzXIXXik5dLwbqJeKM9Jo5SNt7z3wEATUiZpYlVJho6UI49Jnj8jsBARX_0_k7AGP_K_jOA0W0U3s8P72RiwtTF6s/s400/DSC_5205.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704600382045088290" /></a><br />Time to give their new bears a bath.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FBWknRpaBggycrloZEvy_zDsetaC-DxEDraPJeooOpC8EicZ6uc_FvWLkq8eanRjtQvYOQsCSFnY_vrCvZhrtTrvs7q0R4_LR_RZXOAx-OssjYI_55fWsY5L4IrPZP0y-mxYGoYbBS8/s1600/DSC_5211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FBWknRpaBggycrloZEvy_zDsetaC-DxEDraPJeooOpC8EicZ6uc_FvWLkq8eanRjtQvYOQsCSFnY_vrCvZhrtTrvs7q0R4_LR_RZXOAx-OssjYI_55fWsY5L4IrPZP0y-mxYGoYbBS8/s400/DSC_5211.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704606749465299506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKYM8HusQ4DIYcWyuB8c96pUhUtFu_0OnHrfrGT_Ed6wNbzG2AcdintOIkOl8lCdvp1xU8sFLpT4ArK6izUWBGLKKzlLBg3qwtE4CFtjAPxkKbTNlOUzag0yCYSv2-yIEHZ6URX9xuFw/s1600/DSC_5207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKYM8HusQ4DIYcWyuB8c96pUhUtFu_0OnHrfrGT_Ed6wNbzG2AcdintOIkOl8lCdvp1xU8sFLpT4ArK6izUWBGLKKzlLBg3qwtE4CFtjAPxkKbTNlOUzag0yCYSv2-yIEHZ6URX9xuFw/s400/DSC_5207.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704606734927535922" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQR6Fn27QzjxXiG_7Pxa_59igLntUEiqxw_L0Hx4ZIL1N0WyciCiQkOnXhSgHXSMwjJG-4YJs0g-BEQhObr7mlzMR93Snvteh0TqWJwo4OdQ8hGpvwb41gUhwZV6CEYJauF1IUeKNkDs/s1600/DSC_5208.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQR6Fn27QzjxXiG_7Pxa_59igLntUEiqxw_L0Hx4ZIL1N0WyciCiQkOnXhSgHXSMwjJG-4YJs0g-BEQhObr7mlzMR93Snvteh0TqWJwo4OdQ8hGpvwb41gUhwZV6CEYJauF1IUeKNkDs/s400/DSC_5208.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704606728467989570" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU8Q2lkJW0ZX6rfrKKGIsSQBcJDQ_Yd1arF1GlpofvruF5KoBUWrr0tucdPu6vHwH61ZCkNC7C9clQ-7E94GbKrpjz_3CmNwvHJogfOK5RI-6QER376fYhjymJipC62zZyTPFPGkWOcE/s1600/DSC_5216.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU8Q2lkJW0ZX6rfrKKGIsSQBcJDQ_Yd1arF1GlpofvruF5KoBUWrr0tucdPu6vHwH61ZCkNC7C9clQ-7E94GbKrpjz_3CmNwvHJogfOK5RI-6QER376fYhjymJipC62zZyTPFPGkWOcE/s400/DSC_5216.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704606790330446226" /></a><br />Thanks Mimi!! They have slept with and carried around their new bears ever since. They had so much fun!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Dpie_oApAQSSy_PQekXK_KL-OEoS3HaU-7WeCRljlSWViO-HLLpCALKozcJD1KvaVFQO5kabVbjbGhNN8A5EBlOkCgKL-jl7ZBLT_6Vg4RgSwoKJRbkp58xeafrKxw5-YwKNStTIsXw/s1600/DSC_5223.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Dpie_oApAQSSy_PQekXK_KL-OEoS3HaU-7WeCRljlSWViO-HLLpCALKozcJD1KvaVFQO5kabVbjbGhNN8A5EBlOkCgKL-jl7ZBLT_6Vg4RgSwoKJRbkp58xeafrKxw5-YwKNStTIsXw/s400/DSC_5223.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704607650288851186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfOaVAY1AK_k8BA_0IKeoeVr6CkfG4sBxxxvsLyiZADzUVC36FnWcQe9c8QG18Ju2oGzwooKRZ9OGn3I0VGbSHTVre3I_Wia1IduKOSbjAS66Xic3XycnGT0br2MhwUY5JFGLGKNvZWY/s1600/DSC_5225.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfOaVAY1AK_k8BA_0IKeoeVr6CkfG4sBxxxvsLyiZADzUVC36FnWcQe9c8QG18Ju2oGzwooKRZ9OGn3I0VGbSHTVre3I_Wia1IduKOSbjAS66Xic3XycnGT0br2MhwUY5JFGLGKNvZWY/s400/DSC_5225.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704608065535606850" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-74804513416995557862012-01-26T17:01:00.000-08:002012-01-27T13:57:25.071-08:00Lauren turns 7<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qZHGeHGkVpjXDT0Pb4DgzRpRkJxo6ckccEeeTet6S1F9CMDzjBYfC5_JPRW3IgYZqnygkk9joPe8eemkTUhyphenhyphen00IwmIUjy2V4n6xVBe_uH8iE3NdlOluGTjqbvcUHLWsLxMwzQ5-sNhs/s1600/DSC_5030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qZHGeHGkVpjXDT0Pb4DgzRpRkJxo6ckccEeeTet6S1F9CMDzjBYfC5_JPRW3IgYZqnygkk9joPe8eemkTUhyphenhyphen00IwmIUjy2V4n6xVBe_uH8iE3NdlOluGTjqbvcUHLWsLxMwzQ5-sNhs/s400/DSC_5030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702111335321140322" /></a><br />I wanted to make Lauren's birthday as special as she is. On December 29th, she turned the whooping age of 7. And as I do every year on my kids birthday, I want to write down my thoughts and feelings for her.<br /><br />Dear Lauren,<br /> The 7 years that you have been in my life have been the most amazing, frustrating, wonderful, stressful, roller coaster ride of my life. You have made me grow as a person like nothing else in this world can. I have known what it is to want an other's comfort above my own. I wish nothing more then for you to have all that life has to offer you. I want your smile to continue to light up rooms as it does now. I want you to never loose that scene of wonder for the world around you that you exhibits on a daily basis. I hope you always want to question the world around you and continue to thirst for knowledge. I want you to drink in the marrow of life and never get your fill. You amaze me. You are such a caring person, a natural nurturer. Both of your brothers light up when you speak to them. I still remember your little hand in mine, your princess dress falling below your feet, and your million wat smile. I can't believe how fast time is flying and all I want is to hold onto you, on to this time in your life, and I want to watch you grow into the person I know you are going to become. I can see her now, she is you, all the wonderful things you are today. And she is you, all the things that you will add and grow and mature into. I love you and I am so proud to be here on this journey with you. You are so loved, more then words can express.<br /><br />Love Mom<br /><br />For Lauren's birthday, all she wanted was feathers in her hair :). So we went early in the morning and got her some. She loves them and has let me know that she wants more.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-JXqWpMkRWMtH0U6Sxa0qvrTuves_f7jiSQKMFlzjl4Laj_Ql1-88unmfSiGQaBFh3aw0VdBUdvE0Uwfuok7tLR83f38jsvCuhzYbxKiQwRsUWaHJwY69Y53uyH9w22YJxbDwrFj0ws/s1600/DSC_5025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-JXqWpMkRWMtH0U6Sxa0qvrTuves_f7jiSQKMFlzjl4Laj_Ql1-88unmfSiGQaBFh3aw0VdBUdvE0Uwfuok7tLR83f38jsvCuhzYbxKiQwRsUWaHJwY69Y53uyH9w22YJxbDwrFj0ws/s400/DSC_5025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702114941645999106" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfHarlQggiTLY8Mn8DcOL1S5Z1J5OxMFVd91MrRz-bxWS3bSKU3OWU84fV7d9Ub-_aGaUFjL5ZtCoigWvLj4OvoMlvDV1AkoKBihkt4a-kxADBqb3aUIykKDWh62jeaGTmmyDVZ_ly_s/s1600/DSC_5024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfHarlQggiTLY8Mn8DcOL1S5Z1J5OxMFVd91MrRz-bxWS3bSKU3OWU84fV7d9Ub-_aGaUFjL5ZtCoigWvLj4OvoMlvDV1AkoKBihkt4a-kxADBqb3aUIykKDWh62jeaGTmmyDVZ_ly_s/s400/DSC_5024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702114937196075122" /></a><br />She has been asking for a long time now to come to my work to eat. So on her birthday, we went to McGrath's for her birthday lunch. She had Fish and Chips and loved it when they sang Happy Birthday to her.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNC-Fq7q06z0hn-a4PWv_g3vAgxF_Y9JRJp3OBiXytHD9QIboqdMDK2iwFEzJXJzF9foOFiydc5WgCWLgnNZYpqwcIsVOP0Uf6LusS01xj2r2i6mg0qkeoM6NWxzdupYs3mIyb415TOnc/s1600/DSC_5067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNC-Fq7q06z0hn-a4PWv_g3vAgxF_Y9JRJp3OBiXytHD9QIboqdMDK2iwFEzJXJzF9foOFiydc5WgCWLgnNZYpqwcIsVOP0Uf6LusS01xj2r2i6mg0qkeoM6NWxzdupYs3mIyb415TOnc/s400/DSC_5067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702116577581337586" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-JyVklQowGfoiq3rSHkivDh4wVQTnVbg663YvcFZWY77ZDgFzUAx9I_Y6kW0BsPbXpAUZgEh3_PohdJDs0WVaPaujT6sXd41SESR6yzJU5Fpqal5g9z8vNh2nF2aJhMTPFxCOtsTe1o/s1600/DSC_5041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-JyVklQowGfoiq3rSHkivDh4wVQTnVbg663YvcFZWY77ZDgFzUAx9I_Y6kW0BsPbXpAUZgEh3_PohdJDs0WVaPaujT6sXd41SESR6yzJU5Fpqal5g9z8vNh2nF2aJhMTPFxCOtsTe1o/s400/DSC_5041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702117016506871794" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqxUq0FSptphIDjcYkXTxpoduQ27V82ZZio18Oah35oTPAdgmMyDlJJzb5Gu32yjqzYCaH6MwpSw7JCRNuANl4JkBw1qk1EQiCu6V7q7cx4Zqghv-2zgbt9onXq2MdPBeneuBWnS7EV8/s1600/DSC_5037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqxUq0FSptphIDjcYkXTxpoduQ27V82ZZio18Oah35oTPAdgmMyDlJJzb5Gu32yjqzYCaH6MwpSw7JCRNuANl4JkBw1qk1EQiCu6V7q7cx4Zqghv-2zgbt9onXq2MdPBeneuBWnS7EV8/s400/DSC_5037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702117398855768690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNd5L2yf5mu5ihrYBqrE2TmDZO_l8DjDlcdJNG5UN0SpmuocggKdHC31JMvlnpSdzFn9-M5hj2UlokmTq5l4SDaeWSfrEuXzXB1CUyj9LTVEsniealKa6VpPo01gFK5Pjfp1NQWszFfxY/s1600/DSC_5044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNd5L2yf5mu5ihrYBqrE2TmDZO_l8DjDlcdJNG5UN0SpmuocggKdHC31JMvlnpSdzFn9-M5hj2UlokmTq5l4SDaeWSfrEuXzXB1CUyj9LTVEsniealKa6VpPo01gFK5Pjfp1NQWszFfxY/s400/DSC_5044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702117646316364098" /></a><br />She is showing off the ring that Evan got her for her birthday. I love how close they are. They are each other's best friend. I feel lucky to have kids that love to be in each other's company.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuu5HiqsoWVpEUBfLLCGm25wRtkY-Y4h5-BzYMQgNkUE6Jeu6zZ0qo7aQOETufo8x-ZY8ICw-RUv0khM0HjBzNtH33weCLVKi6Iyo-aGCufLgYDuQNsdLIJh-wqQXbwc02GxcLiqEerT0/s1600/DSC_5046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuu5HiqsoWVpEUBfLLCGm25wRtkY-Y4h5-BzYMQgNkUE6Jeu6zZ0qo7aQOETufo8x-ZY8ICw-RUv0khM0HjBzNtH33weCLVKi6Iyo-aGCufLgYDuQNsdLIJh-wqQXbwc02GxcLiqEerT0/s400/DSC_5046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702118168576381394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEJfW0ngODz6t3fady8_BDQnb6YQRwGj2kN_0y-kfWt05kWQ16LblhvYq3yGYAJQqVptk0UOKcKObJhJNhhzgRWMhDNDB3iELlyZvzfMXksJuuqpGb3dbz2Q-4cOelGH0VQI7WYfsmu4/s1600/DSC_5048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEJfW0ngODz6t3fady8_BDQnb6YQRwGj2kN_0y-kfWt05kWQ16LblhvYq3yGYAJQqVptk0UOKcKObJhJNhhzgRWMhDNDB3iELlyZvzfMXksJuuqpGb3dbz2Q-4cOelGH0VQI7WYfsmu4/s400/DSC_5048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702118177423943058" /></a><br />She is so pretty, she can even pull of a giant fish on her head and still look so chic.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKrNJlzhOSUemNsnIU8n3iiLOI73vilchGOhJLsOy6O8ho5a80Pz_Ffqen1v2Bq_nB_s-EcsZdHRRJoUsZEszsuXQkgZdoQpc_FFR1Ke281CKO4q2QnCAMUwdcWCNOgTZT_EzYB4q9iM/s1600/DSC_5050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKrNJlzhOSUemNsnIU8n3iiLOI73vilchGOhJLsOy6O8ho5a80Pz_Ffqen1v2Bq_nB_s-EcsZdHRRJoUsZEszsuXQkgZdoQpc_FFR1Ke281CKO4q2QnCAMUwdcWCNOgTZT_EzYB4q9iM/s400/DSC_5050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702119765899751842" /></a><br />She also got a pair of her very first high heel shoes, which, I might add, has rarely left her feet since. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOpm-8eRAXKUBMBQFx9x9ECyb2v3oIdhjc-2pJT0l2iF_MfpNYC_I7dyMaBue36zw8IknMCWQeELYFXFE_pJJ8UIXPIahE89BF1hm8mdVWs6zWoRRGozskQ1jqnN8sEU9t71YdWO2R8o/s1600/DSC_5058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOpm-8eRAXKUBMBQFx9x9ECyb2v3oIdhjc-2pJT0l2iF_MfpNYC_I7dyMaBue36zw8IknMCWQeELYFXFE_pJJ8UIXPIahE89BF1hm8mdVWs6zWoRRGozskQ1jqnN8sEU9t71YdWO2R8o/s400/DSC_5058.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702120549836823218" /></a><br />While we were there, I had the cooks get a lobster out of the tank so that Lauren and Evan could touch it. I didn't think Evan would, but he surprised me and did.<br />Later on that day, we all went to Applebee's with Chad's mom for an other birthday dinner. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fu75Vn-TDrBlsZpQX3lfKQrEbYSeEiV1IrjEyQ43XHOBZS1zPaXocZzDeAup9L9v6VNqKPNFMAL9UKJYMDlxuV2RB65bZ6o6uWDneYSLrSktKPRanyeNLcYIwvW6-t_H9hovWhFUoss/s1600/DSC_5095.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fu75Vn-TDrBlsZpQX3lfKQrEbYSeEiV1IrjEyQ43XHOBZS1zPaXocZzDeAup9L9v6VNqKPNFMAL9UKJYMDlxuV2RB65bZ6o6uWDneYSLrSktKPRanyeNLcYIwvW6-t_H9hovWhFUoss/s400/DSC_5095.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702121442951415618" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1PChOLVArLw9NeITawURKzZqMMhwlhZxVvi-MpAPL9CE2AHWC-AevwCnNWydO3EVFa0s0os4c4MXNNXHFGpAe_TynXAxaZoOVrsERYYq9SOp8fk4lV8cEGU5ntVrYBOLDUrQ3O0Vtx0/s1600/DSC_5092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1PChOLVArLw9NeITawURKzZqMMhwlhZxVvi-MpAPL9CE2AHWC-AevwCnNWydO3EVFa0s0os4c4MXNNXHFGpAe_TynXAxaZoOVrsERYYq9SOp8fk4lV8cEGU5ntVrYBOLDUrQ3O0Vtx0/s400/DSC_5092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702121668741952994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9E30TcJCMdpNu4jizoQGzYfQXrknTY0l154gdP3392ew6W1Kx_zHT3aVJ4GAJxTVhi0Fv8rfPJDRxlTSUD3JWQ8eT9HA3Xg2tnWD41fqV8x6BnVBTUGWOIDt3SNTUIuHQt-TdwZLFnhY/s1600/DSC_5098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9E30TcJCMdpNu4jizoQGzYfQXrknTY0l154gdP3392ew6W1Kx_zHT3aVJ4GAJxTVhi0Fv8rfPJDRxlTSUD3JWQ8eT9HA3Xg2tnWD41fqV8x6BnVBTUGWOIDt3SNTUIuHQt-TdwZLFnhY/s400/DSC_5098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702121921335415906" /></a> <br />Lauren loves to be the center of everything. And so, of course, she loved it when they sang to her at Applebee's too.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmvbdFO6ZjQKRPX7Kh3kllgMmpddRLnhAX4AB1lZb2PWBXndnsu6nO21lKynFRKnAdqfTeZMYsfNlLgPfbEMel04iX2VLJHvns6_BhinGT_N7nZZEOsLkDsLHQoKHHOs4q9PUMUR_fEQ/s1600/DSC_5100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmvbdFO6ZjQKRPX7Kh3kllgMmpddRLnhAX4AB1lZb2PWBXndnsu6nO21lKynFRKnAdqfTeZMYsfNlLgPfbEMel04iX2VLJHvns6_BhinGT_N7nZZEOsLkDsLHQoKHHOs4q9PUMUR_fEQ/s400/DSC_5100.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702122322348041874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNA6E0iknzkHwMj1h4qs00RESUdz3TBMMFXSjZIocdxkK25YRTKtg-P8SZq4yN9YAOUBv9LY_ij2B1eVYlUl_qRQ3iCGJPEQJxwkw-0Ye20cOQkSI2DkCBryMxeDMo9h9GZpNFzVcRa3w/s1600/DSC_5101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNA6E0iknzkHwMj1h4qs00RESUdz3TBMMFXSjZIocdxkK25YRTKtg-P8SZq4yN9YAOUBv9LY_ij2B1eVYlUl_qRQ3iCGJPEQJxwkw-0Ye20cOQkSI2DkCBryMxeDMo9h9GZpNFzVcRa3w/s400/DSC_5101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702122537462192818" /></a><br />Some of Lauren's likes at 7 years old are:<br /><br />Zebra print and bright pink<br />Make-up<br />Jewelry<br />School<br />Science <br />Art<br />Junie B.Jones Books<br />Evan and Reece<br />Tangled<br />Tootsie Rolls and Cotton Candy Ice Cream<br />Root Beer and Chocolate milk<br />Kittens<br />Grandparents<br />Playing with her best fiend Marley<br />Her Treehouse<br />Vampire Diarys<br /><br />Her dislikes at the age of 7:<br /><br />fights<br />tomatos and eggs<br />time out<br />reading "10 hour words"<br />the cold<br />toy cars<br />getting her hair combed<br />the taste of Reece's food<br />the color orange<br />glass<br />rasin bran cereal<br />Bananas<br />mornings<br /><br />Happy Birthday Baby Girl!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-24261446526210158472012-01-07T10:02:00.000-08:002012-01-22T10:23:58.501-08:00Christmas 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OzRNFhv0tGJAIBEOg4KwaARRR2Olq4Rk0jEeyAtq7XTkEQZKwaIgGR3T3T3j6nxKgRv62hjI25FiCPSs-cpsTwfBTGFixhcKUpcfXbF1xDiD7pQBTEzmBlGT6j3Y3VChIr61TgXKT3o/s1600/DSC_4890.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OzRNFhv0tGJAIBEOg4KwaARRR2Olq4Rk0jEeyAtq7XTkEQZKwaIgGR3T3T3j6nxKgRv62hjI25FiCPSs-cpsTwfBTGFixhcKUpcfXbF1xDiD7pQBTEzmBlGT6j3Y3VChIr61TgXKT3o/s400/DSC_4890.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700507741114377458" /></a><br />It has been a minute since I visited the blogging world. I do want to get back in it. A little less facebook and a little more blogging, since blogging really is a good way to keep a record of what is going on in our family and lives. This Christmas, we were again blessed with anonymous strangers who generously gave to our kids what we couldn't. Chad has been laid off from Hill Air Force Base now since just a month before Reece was born. (Thanks Obama for all of your government set backs..we sure love all of your change). And with things the way they are, it has been difficult to find a job. (again, thank you Obama, for your great recovery plan. I really do feel the difference in our economy since you became commander and chief). And this Christmas, we had three little ones instead of two, although Reece slept through it all. Christmas was fun. It was relaxing this year. We did all our family partys before Christmas, so we didn't have anywhere to go. We opened gifts and let the kids play with their now acquisitions all day long. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ18_HYHVdAP4Ti3xoL9OVosDQWIQMmI1NXkg3pXyj9Dh6dyDCpRA9bLCRgjvRD5xf1c9p6I0TWwnJTL-DnlIuTXkXioSCpMpkOZD8yiYYz_bQK2Dr6hkTqTIPhMNb9VhL5gauNtcOUpk/s1600/DSC_4895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ18_HYHVdAP4Ti3xoL9OVosDQWIQMmI1NXkg3pXyj9Dh6dyDCpRA9bLCRgjvRD5xf1c9p6I0TWwnJTL-DnlIuTXkXioSCpMpkOZD8yiYYz_bQK2Dr6hkTqTIPhMNb9VhL5gauNtcOUpk/s400/DSC_4895.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700510383970677506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtZTsHM810onI-KZw5CLpyVCc16nRiyBAdYel6mv-hlVStGPnhJVvaUs982H_s-OrGyuprBfCkxcdqXOHXBl-K_CpijpBqmUQxEdDXA5k0lra8BTtwMcMK10YfCEjn5fzmvJVArogei8/s1600/DSC_4894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtZTsHM810onI-KZw5CLpyVCc16nRiyBAdYel6mv-hlVStGPnhJVvaUs982H_s-OrGyuprBfCkxcdqXOHXBl-K_CpijpBqmUQxEdDXA5k0lra8BTtwMcMK10YfCEjn5fzmvJVArogei8/s400/DSC_4894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700510376317483650" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhyphenhyphenOlzCcj4TqiwZBERX5NIzhbqRS2UqFoyd9SkqAQiHTqD9iXBIwg1RNrmSH3V7ZqGEmpxBlW_trFpQRvlWSGKenw73Yx7pI60FY6FhdfLp0Z6zGBByPsXAmLBOvV-GfFv36meY5nfKU/s1600/DSC_4896.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhyphenhyphenOlzCcj4TqiwZBERX5NIzhbqRS2UqFoyd9SkqAQiHTqD9iXBIwg1RNrmSH3V7ZqGEmpxBlW_trFpQRvlWSGKenw73Yx7pI60FY6FhdfLp0Z6zGBByPsXAmLBOvV-GfFv36meY5nfKU/s400/DSC_4896.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700510399639451810" /></a><br />These pictures remind me of that part in a Christmas Story on Christmas morning. I could almost hear the narrator saying "We plunged into the cornucopia quivering with desire and the ecstasy of unbridled avarice." Every year I try and control the chaos, but I soon give up. The call of gifts under the tree is to strong, I just have to let them plunge in a destroy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE36-scS23LbR973R6zo1y36OFlVCAGb2hwn5_PkmFELP7mf0cN-c6dsPe4M5dpmA_MfMzAb6AiSNptZv1_gEFS8TmwTr_xDYFDeIBV_VhcK1bsu1d0BsjOG7eBzb1HSjiPLeWYNYNP2Y/s1600/DSC_4938.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE36-scS23LbR973R6zo1y36OFlVCAGb2hwn5_PkmFELP7mf0cN-c6dsPe4M5dpmA_MfMzAb6AiSNptZv1_gEFS8TmwTr_xDYFDeIBV_VhcK1bsu1d0BsjOG7eBzb1HSjiPLeWYNYNP2Y/s400/DSC_4938.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700514407304013346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRIlfXW7lSh3J6ndnrOtOqsPcTIAEsfYImLy_cYsCG-uK4DVhIvqTYt8JXjnUye2QxTLd8h6tqjUQOFKZYBZzcKofZuIdsYE8HJSIZUFkuaM8eqifOWGMU0Zz0_qvtwdihp_mZGWjynQ/s1600/DSC_4921.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRIlfXW7lSh3J6ndnrOtOqsPcTIAEsfYImLy_cYsCG-uK4DVhIvqTYt8JXjnUye2QxTLd8h6tqjUQOFKZYBZzcKofZuIdsYE8HJSIZUFkuaM8eqifOWGMU0Zz0_qvtwdihp_mZGWjynQ/s400/DSC_4921.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700514392216026466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtsEy3WRsU9Fx-48jSPrtvLEaMUW4nze8aEm8c_Ad1JV45PCa_-iQmV9MJeBeBi6bnACm__1KgBdf2Xh5nmNf7tXZXdl6EmHgkophqLFLlm_RzRBRt-p2Ly_T2YJUeZiBL6sM20Iby9Y/s1600/DSC_4907.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtsEy3WRsU9Fx-48jSPrtvLEaMUW4nze8aEm8c_Ad1JV45PCa_-iQmV9MJeBeBi6bnACm__1KgBdf2Xh5nmNf7tXZXdl6EmHgkophqLFLlm_RzRBRt-p2Ly_T2YJUeZiBL6sM20Iby9Y/s400/DSC_4907.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700514387733951314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB52VGdw8YFPmQFkKEs3YKllwmFh3MGs7I12bNmTqPsNod1qvOC6MFr1Ka7uWgNXsZ_EP4sPo7knWrIOiWNRebyPcGwjODbGwN2DQN2X9ONWuBOHtDVgE1yWiQULxv7KPpU65uLiuOSSM/s1600/DSC_4947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB52VGdw8YFPmQFkKEs3YKllwmFh3MGs7I12bNmTqPsNod1qvOC6MFr1Ka7uWgNXsZ_EP4sPo7knWrIOiWNRebyPcGwjODbGwN2DQN2X9ONWuBOHtDVgE1yWiQULxv7KPpU65uLiuOSSM/s400/DSC_4947.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700514419144767762" /></a><br />This is what our living room looked like after the onslaught. It took hours to clean up their Christmas joy. Just when I thought I had it all clean, I would turn around and find something else that they had gotten out to play with. Cleaning up when you have kids is like shoveling the driveway during a blizzard!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3Sq0JxVmFi8kn22pGoAfB6NPLAUAsIYrY600d7gPryGxdtjeTl1OjyfOhzwmCGAiv0jUqn581INonkQeWxQhO5NZ170zNPRIWfau5b-HJr2fig4Oz-ip_Rf1kZV_lVO15OrEuaavlYU/s1600/DSC_4951.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3Sq0JxVmFi8kn22pGoAfB6NPLAUAsIYrY600d7gPryGxdtjeTl1OjyfOhzwmCGAiv0jUqn581INonkQeWxQhO5NZ170zNPRIWfau5b-HJr2fig4Oz-ip_Rf1kZV_lVO15OrEuaavlYU/s400/DSC_4951.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700518584494498738" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4D5NFMsoq3RPiE_Z2cmZSI82CMRPDxyNz-faCKsRpvsSsmhIbvDPDRPy2ph0HNPfKqT440yaF9npS_rlAjpTDmN-mWNiSy0rH6MUgnpK2mjIGm1R7K_6QfTaELIz5m5eQgM_u5AFkxA/s1600/DSC_4950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4D5NFMsoq3RPiE_Z2cmZSI82CMRPDxyNz-faCKsRpvsSsmhIbvDPDRPy2ph0HNPfKqT440yaF9npS_rlAjpTDmN-mWNiSy0rH6MUgnpK2mjIGm1R7K_6QfTaELIz5m5eQgM_u5AFkxA/s400/DSC_4950.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700518579920210178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih57Rdh262KlGDwD5ue0nJX6HIsGIcBw7cVx7Tl7TTDo7m6jfJ8SbXChSjGn_vrjrEw2dTlXghJLat4ZPxVtOpwY5WrgLc1RegI4wb0V5KdgTwPVAap79yF4khtlnfhdbM9tDgaLvwPlM/s1600/DSC_4952.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih57Rdh262KlGDwD5ue0nJX6HIsGIcBw7cVx7Tl7TTDo7m6jfJ8SbXChSjGn_vrjrEw2dTlXghJLat4ZPxVtOpwY5WrgLc1RegI4wb0V5KdgTwPVAap79yF4khtlnfhdbM9tDgaLvwPlM/s400/DSC_4952.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700518593666636514" /></a><br />While we were opening up gifts, our kitten, Fat Louie, had a front row seat. She climbed into the Christmas tree and took a nap on the branches. She has been climbing in the tree ever since we had it out. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4oXJWxCmFx6TjEdeWfIumIVvPMemTjMOaVt3WlXRosQRcHQeeDCwJV5qXidhgp2gaOaVZNdliYiAlSdCauAtRpoNIxc-aFZ8IZ5tlRkgJyc0xB_ojy1NB1FX__htDbEA6yDV1B7gh0g/s1600/DSC_4661.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4oXJWxCmFx6TjEdeWfIumIVvPMemTjMOaVt3WlXRosQRcHQeeDCwJV5qXidhgp2gaOaVZNdliYiAlSdCauAtRpoNIxc-aFZ8IZ5tlRkgJyc0xB_ojy1NB1FX__htDbEA6yDV1B7gh0g/s400/DSC_4661.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700520264186010306" /></a><br />Lauren and Evan had a great Christmas this year. They spent the rest of the day playing with all their gifts. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiTNFXQsouZX-3da6YHPymFmr3ri87-esXR7_TUYyJaQvhWj3Aj33oqc0XgC__R1QNYgRiPrIVzliSfb34oAsnQ-IDgPLUs2-kEyQPhojL4umQ6zcduvCYk6W4XdK4a8_4Z2qyoPjRYA/s1600/DSC_4981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiTNFXQsouZX-3da6YHPymFmr3ri87-esXR7_TUYyJaQvhWj3Aj33oqc0XgC__R1QNYgRiPrIVzliSfb34oAsnQ-IDgPLUs2-kEyQPhojL4umQ6zcduvCYk6W4XdK4a8_4Z2qyoPjRYA/s400/DSC_4981.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700523352804514498" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFS8RszK4eYiVWMhsq4LhhEzE0h23T_F2_EH6RZuQx0j8-ufUAu7785tsg09F4ZIJvPrkm5nSfMY62tXhrt6lRr54rddjY0kBBp5QjFUozjQEZL5enxpua4CEfSEtE6W4envnPFDNXNk/s1600/DSC_4977.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFS8RszK4eYiVWMhsq4LhhEzE0h23T_F2_EH6RZuQx0j8-ufUAu7785tsg09F4ZIJvPrkm5nSfMY62tXhrt6lRr54rddjY0kBBp5QjFUozjQEZL5enxpua4CEfSEtE6W4envnPFDNXNk/s400/DSC_4977.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700523345435746338" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMTlfBkBYRGJkTYSFigEjiL289stNEwhjV1fHrkh7nFZGZWDcxnMszG4zAGga7HZ5qgFO8DdYIWAZ6L06rQ0K_9hmH-__i2U61drWAfV9OpX771pN4UZOi5Y76sp2e_prxa2olBjnV5A/s1600/DSC_4971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMTlfBkBYRGJkTYSFigEjiL289stNEwhjV1fHrkh7nFZGZWDcxnMszG4zAGga7HZ5qgFO8DdYIWAZ6L06rQ0K_9hmH-__i2U61drWAfV9OpX771pN4UZOi5Y76sp2e_prxa2olBjnV5A/s400/DSC_4971.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700523363835336466" /></a><br /> I hope everyone out there had a nice Christmas too, and I hope that the new year brings lots of joy and opportunity to our family and yours as well.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-62578843134073522532011-09-06T10:04:00.000-07:002011-09-12T21:00:49.043-07:00Arizona 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i4poORnzL1gitVAbLtJoo91jZjZdSOE2gVqZu-vF33eP0s3Dh-9gpW-MaTDbEExTlmY9s6xvbs4WLSolWunSFfqClr4uAZ6az_tHrSM3Zj9X7dhHzNZsbxN28AtZxHVN5k4pPjkoqGo/s1600/DSC_3473.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i4poORnzL1gitVAbLtJoo91jZjZdSOE2gVqZu-vF33eP0s3Dh-9gpW-MaTDbEExTlmY9s6xvbs4WLSolWunSFfqClr4uAZ6az_tHrSM3Zj9X7dhHzNZsbxN28AtZxHVN5k4pPjkoqGo/s400/DSC_3473.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649296875236169186" /></a><br />We recently got the opportunity to go to Arizona for a mini vacation. It was so nice to get away for a little while. We really didn't do much. If haven't heard, Arizona is stupid hot. It was way to hot to do much. All my energy leaked out of me with all the sweat. Crazy stupid hot!! How do people move and live in Arizona?!? Crazy! Anyway, we didn't go to Arizona for the weather. We went there to visit Chad's dad who was doing a convention there that week. Mimi and Pop Pop hadn't had the chance to meet Reece, and besides, we just love any excuse we can come up with to be able to see them again.<br /><br /> So off to Arizona we went. As with the last trip to Arizona, the best part of the drive out there and back. One of these days, we are going to have to camp somewhere along that stretch of high way. It really is awesome. We also got the chance to visit the Hover Dam. Unfortunately, we didn't get any pictures of that.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcrbNbq-zmwaVtyOkzKw-Q6IY1uE2jioNabfBJ2ne23WEBNlP1oQEVzV7-NyA3y0ab6D-wt2n4wJFPQq9ZBkiFXsQpai5VJXBG-SFOGlrr1UVEAG5BxDWzuAfzaRuFUlSZpYWWkEu8Lo/s1600/DSC_3475.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcrbNbq-zmwaVtyOkzKw-Q6IY1uE2jioNabfBJ2ne23WEBNlP1oQEVzV7-NyA3y0ab6D-wt2n4wJFPQq9ZBkiFXsQpai5VJXBG-SFOGlrr1UVEAG5BxDWzuAfzaRuFUlSZpYWWkEu8Lo/s400/DSC_3475.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649303977655552482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmZ6ZitIMi2xemM7P3MYrs7flB38MtLAhHhJn5Zut76WIPg2PPAMhgDOHMzkHd4-ggynMOBwhr_whz4Pp-Pn4xTKTHqsE2YuwEWpazKhOAD81jPJn5_Nx2C-wi7v6sjZCW54HwjXJ1kY/s1600/DSC_3478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmZ6ZitIMi2xemM7P3MYrs7flB38MtLAhHhJn5Zut76WIPg2PPAMhgDOHMzkHd4-ggynMOBwhr_whz4Pp-Pn4xTKTHqsE2YuwEWpazKhOAD81jPJn5_Nx2C-wi7v6sjZCW54HwjXJ1kY/s400/DSC_3478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649305560948363762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrFoue0EsP2PpY3wrZh6368QcCyouCDkpYNQ84PjjWQy9YSm5IpNuVqpyUBqsr8FClA4f7bqW_xm6khA63tHNJOytNA2QZy8W2_eNSzUcZpBLQuAfCKttV8c46CFCxbl766OMHD_OfsU/s1600/DSC_3495.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrFoue0EsP2PpY3wrZh6368QcCyouCDkpYNQ84PjjWQy9YSm5IpNuVqpyUBqsr8FClA4f7bqW_xm6khA63tHNJOytNA2QZy8W2_eNSzUcZpBLQuAfCKttV8c46CFCxbl766OMHD_OfsU/s400/DSC_3495.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650011623043066994" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Hm_4wZrNDjOIWAPEo8uxhyphenhyphen3fNzynRc6A1YusrWt8xxSBNQkOi1a-lvVE3llenX9bjlj9WIz_lLOIZYC2EoZoru53Y9r9PHMh_3RQnjtOmBSg3H_qtGtXjb-_jQ2-32QPaZizcFF6rcw/s1600/DSC_3508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Hm_4wZrNDjOIWAPEo8uxhyphenhyphen3fNzynRc6A1YusrWt8xxSBNQkOi1a-lvVE3llenX9bjlj9WIz_lLOIZYC2EoZoru53Y9r9PHMh_3RQnjtOmBSg3H_qtGtXjb-_jQ2-32QPaZizcFF6rcw/s400/DSC_3508.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650014312840852914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtUFiw23fmHg8ZZOJ74NI6m26Gs33tszKvHAHxDYkhmpP1WGedzKLopsUzDMzkazwJzS7Asp9RjU6lQqneE088A60H-2hIswl1mYe_jDh2htnjBhWjI7e-T22M0P8tTNHGBd134Of85s/s1600/2011-07-16+13.46.27.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtUFiw23fmHg8ZZOJ74NI6m26Gs33tszKvHAHxDYkhmpP1WGedzKLopsUzDMzkazwJzS7Asp9RjU6lQqneE088A60H-2hIswl1mYe_jDh2htnjBhWjI7e-T22M0P8tTNHGBd134Of85s/s400/2011-07-16+13.46.27.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651688063993267618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw84hvBFU6CW-Bgab1y10Vrd5VObt3beWJo-w2LZQp6Jb_SsfLH5IZ-3NmqrvQ2hlRLn7bi9q7LgbL2vCzrWIk_HhlayZSyE7hkFazYX9-vBSSZtTM9tsseNZ6jFU1GmG6adQZqiDuFY/s1600/2011-07-16+14.21.54.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw84hvBFU6CW-Bgab1y10Vrd5VObt3beWJo-w2LZQp6Jb_SsfLH5IZ-3NmqrvQ2hlRLn7bi9q7LgbL2vCzrWIk_HhlayZSyE7hkFazYX9-vBSSZtTM9tsseNZ6jFU1GmG6adQZqiDuFY/s400/2011-07-16+14.21.54.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651688442406782466" /></a><br />You can see how hot it was there in Lauren and Evan's faces. I am sure that if we visited Arizona in October or December, we might just love it. But in July, it is just to hot. We did get a chance to visit with Doug and Debbie, which was kind of the whole point of going out there in the first place. We are grateful to them. Without them, we would have never gone to Purto Rico, Catalina, Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Antonio, and so many other places, including Arizona. We love them. They were working while we were there, so we didn't get to spend the whole time with them, but we were able to go swimming with them one night and eat dinner with them an other.<br /><br />Pop Pop meeting Reece for the first time. It was love at first sight.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8IbJL1haGw4McJRdyp7TmyMn8pjIHW1ZSnPJXuJ7EPjjkcq9NXw4_qvhkQqxCvMFPRvq3q9WhR_a5sCZXM2HvBG1jlAQHbQ5q5jLZj-drbE-zrfr3FSKsriW-QVH1xYJUxo3c5g0e_k/s1600/2011-07-15+21.16.34.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8IbJL1haGw4McJRdyp7TmyMn8pjIHW1ZSnPJXuJ7EPjjkcq9NXw4_qvhkQqxCvMFPRvq3q9WhR_a5sCZXM2HvBG1jlAQHbQ5q5jLZj-drbE-zrfr3FSKsriW-QVH1xYJUxo3c5g0e_k/s400/2011-07-15+21.16.34.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651686554317452994" /></a><br />In the end, whether your in super hot Arizona or some other place, it is always nice to get away from the real world, to take a pause on all your troubles and stresses, and just be. And no matter where I am at, as long as I have my family around me, then I am in Heaven.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfcp46fmFF37W25NuwHRkHyFxDDi7xHnKNIdosMz25bNElhxNUCaevy35ROXjSqIEW7Enz5wlTE3XLBJf2Q-M0lEGTPZhJIPljco8nUkf3khPTGZuzF8pvmnfqjITIQunsPjgkADYLeA/s1600/2011-07-15+21.12.40.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfcp46fmFF37W25NuwHRkHyFxDDi7xHnKNIdosMz25bNElhxNUCaevy35ROXjSqIEW7Enz5wlTE3XLBJf2Q-M0lEGTPZhJIPljco8nUkf3khPTGZuzF8pvmnfqjITIQunsPjgkADYLeA/s400/2011-07-15+21.12.40.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651688793040609890" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-90503168123703173102011-09-06T08:20:00.000-07:002011-09-06T09:49:43.756-07:00Lauren's First day of First Grade<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP0xUnTtUXDIW3qWdnxbKU3th8CmLUcGVyzL6S2CTFLfyLQ2ZAyg1iyv18683UTxgP_jmQeYhB8EVZeZ3zVdFCH0KmTJrUEfAID8b5vGWUq5omjPUbt5FT3jkSLMA9N4uW6y2ArBcLRc/s1600/DSC_3713.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP0xUnTtUXDIW3qWdnxbKU3th8CmLUcGVyzL6S2CTFLfyLQ2ZAyg1iyv18683UTxgP_jmQeYhB8EVZeZ3zVdFCH0KmTJrUEfAID8b5vGWUq5omjPUbt5FT3jkSLMA9N4uW6y2ArBcLRc/s400/DSC_3713.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649268365972143586" /></a><br />It happened once again. Where did the summer go? Where did my little girl go? I couldn't help but think just how mature Lauren is looking lately. I thought that this year, I wouldn't get all emotional because it is something that I have already been through last year. But I totally got all misty eyed watching her walk in all confident and excited. She is getting so big and I am completely in awe of her on a daily basis. I love my little girl who is rapidly becoming not so little anymore.<br /><br />Here is Lauren looking oh so chic in her "Back to School" outfit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1O_w8pgWYnOGV6qQEZHM3xZCdFiz9p3ZMEfvLJPbSx-aa21XwFu1vICdFFD6e9-rIuKixAjDn2ho6LPUTIAycue-06hbxLRaeG4FYwzBv1HSabcRH2d9y3pgHQrdo6WWT8ihI0BiFCw/s1600/DSC_3715.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1O_w8pgWYnOGV6qQEZHM3xZCdFiz9p3ZMEfvLJPbSx-aa21XwFu1vICdFFD6e9-rIuKixAjDn2ho6LPUTIAycue-06hbxLRaeG4FYwzBv1HSabcRH2d9y3pgHQrdo6WWT8ihI0BiFCw/s400/DSC_3715.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649269267538451586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjfSpOBaaRxncY_gagtiIKVu1pGs-Doe8bxm9-HjD9sDV_I50BjrhDWV_BwJInLqPzLt0N5Pyinq57bKlFajzruFyOFglrz0Jb1BCAfiLc8X2YzlI1NnTaLJ4H_9s1XP-NluWA4Q-hW8/s1600/DSC_3717.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjfSpOBaaRxncY_gagtiIKVu1pGs-Doe8bxm9-HjD9sDV_I50BjrhDWV_BwJInLqPzLt0N5Pyinq57bKlFajzruFyOFglrz0Jb1BCAfiLc8X2YzlI1NnTaLJ4H_9s1XP-NluWA4Q-hW8/s400/DSC_3717.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649273261733488450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjos4uy7fKXu8mBjKN_ml0afQlGLqjGPW0qcoqZ_XqNOCBcLrIvWbTCfde1B4y1yCgdlk-S7hG8IvXPthwm2v7sNAP6nHXaPpn_vWkUyq7crgHBNDEcpsZ8to95UISCIS-hM3FxpiprlfU/s1600/DSC_3716.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjos4uy7fKXu8mBjKN_ml0afQlGLqjGPW0qcoqZ_XqNOCBcLrIvWbTCfde1B4y1yCgdlk-S7hG8IvXPthwm2v7sNAP6nHXaPpn_vWkUyq7crgHBNDEcpsZ8to95UISCIS-hM3FxpiprlfU/s400/DSC_3716.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649273262354548290" /></a><br /><br />I feel so lucky that we live in walking distance from Lauren's school. I am not sure how I would handle putting Lauren on a bus and watching that bus drive away every morning. This is a much better arrangement for me, anyway. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRIqTA7EDjDcz1PAWkI5ZKYtVh0LgRK8Izwp-1_R-m5pWWELHq2wqhU9CjSoFp4ZKup8BPNLVGCv0waS5_0fk131ZdeopLSINhJ4sfTBhKmDzgFhyu-pZ_LqymPkMwuPF_vRJ6ghqnQs/s1600/DSC_3719.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRIqTA7EDjDcz1PAWkI5ZKYtVh0LgRK8Izwp-1_R-m5pWWELHq2wqhU9CjSoFp4ZKup8BPNLVGCv0waS5_0fk131ZdeopLSINhJ4sfTBhKmDzgFhyu-pZ_LqymPkMwuPF_vRJ6ghqnQs/s400/DSC_3719.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649275908019862770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPo45U-BFLqvizffzLn4hlUe15LiJZncQOdA_woFyYiZMExndUpe6wLFfV7qAZqG3kqafHegxxBbhcq2YpJJKXhUBZK_6LhTXpT7zSkG5C-ClwADXYJh0e2UATtwQimrGXFG-k5O9x4o0/s1600/DSC_3718.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPo45U-BFLqvizffzLn4hlUe15LiJZncQOdA_woFyYiZMExndUpe6wLFfV7qAZqG3kqafHegxxBbhcq2YpJJKXhUBZK_6LhTXpT7zSkG5C-ClwADXYJh0e2UATtwQimrGXFG-k5O9x4o0/s400/DSC_3718.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649275901108163138" /></a> <br /><br />Lauren in front of her school. She won't let me do her hair anymore. She is all about the head band. I might get to talk her into letting me do her hair once in a while, and I think she lets me because she loves me, not because she wants her hair done all fancy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78MgLwz57vCWLx8FVvlRFp8-SOI7bBMvkJps_TiOPB_mqShyX-cHITpyh-iX1Aehe0W0MSguGw6ETOHEMM6vl2gF52E4rGidVzrfpzKu7n4qDro5Bg3_FDA3ZM-NHpXHowc_-Jxn5-Xs/s1600/DSC_3720.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78MgLwz57vCWLx8FVvlRFp8-SOI7bBMvkJps_TiOPB_mqShyX-cHITpyh-iX1Aehe0W0MSguGw6ETOHEMM6vl2gF52E4rGidVzrfpzKu7n4qDro5Bg3_FDA3ZM-NHpXHowc_-Jxn5-Xs/s400/DSC_3720.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649277859321650818" /></a><br /><br />Lining up with her class. This year, all her friends ended up in other classes. I am not worried though. Lauren has never had any trouble making friends. And it doesn't seem to bother her either. She loves school. Loves it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrpikTt5M0SZLGE4kUZHghD-ae7xccWlI9QZzrE9OfLnu7drjhrIHc7ZEjrHsI9nwH-DhrfLsie6ml0oZRpgnDuHfOz9b1iD5cznynHbccFOG1dtSFwl7jpO8PWtHcLSJfxs6rJPe5Zw/s1600/DSC_3724.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrpikTt5M0SZLGE4kUZHghD-ae7xccWlI9QZzrE9OfLnu7drjhrIHc7ZEjrHsI9nwH-DhrfLsie6ml0oZRpgnDuHfOz9b1iD5cznynHbccFOG1dtSFwl7jpO8PWtHcLSJfxs6rJPe5Zw/s400/DSC_3724.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649281980152329986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTaPRkCG1B5t478aYPSetfDuGpJ8YfIgqxyX2SKYX4Fwy4D2bzNKUOyjvFvnSSVAXpVHTB_1vIAlLJQ-ruDOWtCibhTWaei5lcASj6CjuFPddj3-vXHUirUK0uQ7D4vX4SXi3mLqlI04/s1600/DSC_3722.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTaPRkCG1B5t478aYPSetfDuGpJ8YfIgqxyX2SKYX4Fwy4D2bzNKUOyjvFvnSSVAXpVHTB_1vIAlLJQ-ruDOWtCibhTWaei5lcASj6CjuFPddj3-vXHUirUK0uQ7D4vX4SXi3mLqlI04/s400/DSC_3722.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649281977242172978" /></a><br /><br />I feel so blessed to be able to be a witness of Lauren's life. To watch her navigated all the peaks and valleys of childhood is such a gift to me. I am filled to the brim with bittersweet wonder and I can't help but remember a night not so long ago when I tucked in a two year old version of this amazing little girl of mine. That two year old incantation adamantly declared that she would always love and wear princess dresses everywhere. Now her collection of princess dresses hang in a dark corner of her closet. Every now and then, I catch glimpses of that same two year old princess. She has never left, she has just added layers of personality on top of previous layers. I hope she always hangs on to that little girl princess and I hope she never stops adding layers of beauty on top of layers of beauty to build the young women she will one day become. I love you my little Lauren, and I am so proud of all you are becoming.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGmcXzexpjgmFvKndkD5KPKPzq5VMh6PfDd16ya1wTfGaeBaa9VZXidFydH0nj1JF1Zhc17gkZUUxUeN0Dd9rZHNIZQ6s5UX6ZrYpwzKvlKJDzuBMqQCyHFXUiKwuIDSnxs-9RSQKJ58/s1600/DSC_3723.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGmcXzexpjgmFvKndkD5KPKPzq5VMh6PfDd16ya1wTfGaeBaa9VZXidFydH0nj1JF1Zhc17gkZUUxUeN0Dd9rZHNIZQ6s5UX6ZrYpwzKvlKJDzuBMqQCyHFXUiKwuIDSnxs-9RSQKJ58/s400/DSC_3723.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649285160897598114" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-61129035506639450252011-07-21T11:03:00.000-07:002011-07-21T11:21:03.530-07:00In the leafy Tree topsIf you are wondering what our kids have been doing all summer long, you need not look any further then the North/East corner of our back yard. When we first moved into our house, it was just the two of us, no kids. But one of the reasons we loved the house so much is that we could totally picture raising a family inside of these walls. One of the very first things Chad wanted to do was build a tree house in one of the big trees that we have. Eight years and three kids later, he did it. And the kids love it. They spend as much time as they can up in that tree house. I have urgent care on speed dial, I am just waiting for one of both of them to come tumbling out and breaking their arms. But over protective mother's fears aside, it has been such a fun thing for them to have this summer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-ET_9lUYg6o76oLdek9mSu-S7vhaFlmytYBqUESuzLZzWlgKXreHig9RaE57C_fxRkyCmm-XgEoX_p8mwwd13ywcPAFeMKsb56kgW2gCBLCKQ3_LuQOJQPWSogbAQX_hCYKhMAIlffw/s1600/DSC_3353.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-ET_9lUYg6o76oLdek9mSu-S7vhaFlmytYBqUESuzLZzWlgKXreHig9RaE57C_fxRkyCmm-XgEoX_p8mwwd13ywcPAFeMKsb56kgW2gCBLCKQ3_LuQOJQPWSogbAQX_hCYKhMAIlffw/s400/DSC_3353.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631870107632931970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-GMuMZG_1ZmUQiZZ_MMCFaOs9jpl2P9fODMZVyYnRw5W6ShbfDvMrr7XBLannQtl6KFj-lMq6iW6Jejk90XhDbjnJv-J7TDOo764bMmV-EtdhRrrk8Wu3qwOI7phiKChOpY5FzuA6YM/s1600/DSC_3361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-GMuMZG_1ZmUQiZZ_MMCFaOs9jpl2P9fODMZVyYnRw5W6ShbfDvMrr7XBLannQtl6KFj-lMq6iW6Jejk90XhDbjnJv-J7TDOo764bMmV-EtdhRrrk8Wu3qwOI7phiKChOpY5FzuA6YM/s400/DSC_3361.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631870424458615106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6hiel4xVOlX7NXTU6zmYv3N3Xn0E9emmiDyDSpyUIJBlMF03cxu9H_QPLW0B8GtnplQ4xLffvj9MioDzIyK2HmP7kiCfO1AKlE16_AxZxsxvvrejf5X2ybjdd1ktmjM71jU-9bdiq-s/s1600/DSC_3363.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6hiel4xVOlX7NXTU6zmYv3N3Xn0E9emmiDyDSpyUIJBlMF03cxu9H_QPLW0B8GtnplQ4xLffvj9MioDzIyK2HmP7kiCfO1AKlE16_AxZxsxvvrejf5X2ybjdd1ktmjM71jU-9bdiq-s/s400/DSC_3363.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631871017966474274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8UiilaVbzbGwm5Vbzx6UTO7ReFH_Z9P6xce-AvUopjNv5aOgZewElw53GayoOGimYdIOtPJBmSWvs1IbYPCfMpZX_w2tasxzgQ35D3VV4FsmPuNfKP-YWhe1YaIXovWnXK1z0BCvevw/s1600/DSC_3357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8UiilaVbzbGwm5Vbzx6UTO7ReFH_Z9P6xce-AvUopjNv5aOgZewElw53GayoOGimYdIOtPJBmSWvs1IbYPCfMpZX_w2tasxzgQ35D3VV4FsmPuNfKP-YWhe1YaIXovWnXK1z0BCvevw/s400/DSC_3357.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631870760688297282" /></a><br />Who knows, I might be writing a blog soon about the inept custmer service skills held by the urgent care workers while taking my kid in to get a cast put on. Or not. But either way, Lauren and Evan have their head in the clouds this summer, courtesy of a home made tree house.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-60040561980365448662011-07-02T10:12:00.000-07:002011-07-02T23:36:17.130-07:00Grandpa Sphar's BarnChad moved into his Grandpa's house when he was just a baby. He grew up on his Grandpa's farm. When he was in high school, he moved back into his Grandpa's house and lived there while he went to school. He has very fond memories of that place. Chad and I were married for a little over 6 months when his Grandpa died of bone cancer and the family had to sell his Grandpa's house and land. Every now and then, we would drive by that house just to see it. Chad loved that house. <br /><br />Last week we were just relaxing in front of the TV when we got a phone call from Chad's brother Ryan. He asked Chad to guess where he was sitting. It turns out that Ryan was sitting on a swing hanging from the rafters of Grandpa Sphar's barn. The house is for sell and it is empty. Ryan and Chad's mom were driving by and when they saw the house was empty, they decided to take a walk around the property and go see the barn. So we packed up the kids and drove on over to see it too. Chad and Ryan had to spend an hour walking around. Almost every thought was prefaced with "Remember when..." <br /><br />The next day, we went back there and took some pictures of that old barn, the house, and all those memories. If we had the money, we would buy that place that was so filled with good times and evoked such a feeling of peace for Chad and all his brothers and sisters.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiI76pAlMCAYzwEd_x2q7th-dK1hj8inS1euINnalOsqKtIkI38N5Kih-VA4q6Lu_NtmL2uNjcdjDzwmUMJ-ZAjSSVqv7QzMgq0o3xLyOSToTHMRHUZ3Fvxw9WADGFyoDtt7jOvITAXM/s1600/DSC_3139.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiI76pAlMCAYzwEd_x2q7th-dK1hj8inS1euINnalOsqKtIkI38N5Kih-VA4q6Lu_NtmL2uNjcdjDzwmUMJ-ZAjSSVqv7QzMgq0o3xLyOSToTHMRHUZ3Fvxw9WADGFyoDtt7jOvITAXM/s400/DSC_3139.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624806303122962194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_IH8u2OHiM77O4_pLeyFlbI8-IzcX4Y30wQDmK6ZdPPAwTbqGozygmKG4jzc9K8v-fme7cY29liK6IdaPqsYHzTlXJxAuYsyL_iKa8WFapwMuRP8_Ontyzn5AWp2ZwH9oUFS9vyJiy4/s1600/DSC_3159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_IH8u2OHiM77O4_pLeyFlbI8-IzcX4Y30wQDmK6ZdPPAwTbqGozygmKG4jzc9K8v-fme7cY29liK6IdaPqsYHzTlXJxAuYsyL_iKa8WFapwMuRP8_Ontyzn5AWp2ZwH9oUFS9vyJiy4/s400/DSC_3159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624807035155400306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0Lg5dtWo3Se841EDTlbIOAXtFqQlq_A6MBctv3QrO0JQHENHxT8cf6BJiuxO8SObSQ0lh7qgyI0nBFBftL18batFeQmpQGgCVQvUUId94Iud3X-rwwxDjmj5baap9eRJ5TYilJIYizQ/s1600/DSC_3180.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0Lg5dtWo3Se841EDTlbIOAXtFqQlq_A6MBctv3QrO0JQHENHxT8cf6BJiuxO8SObSQ0lh7qgyI0nBFBftL18batFeQmpQGgCVQvUUId94Iud3X-rwwxDjmj5baap9eRJ5TYilJIYizQ/s400/DSC_3180.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624807833697553026" /></a><br />Here is Lauren and Evan sitting on that swing hanging in the barn. Chad swung on that swing when he was a little boy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKlfSpDyB2E3ZC5L0lKvX28_WJp_iO0H4R_4Ra17NqhyphenhyphenCWA6LMjtHLfobmvtKfK1m7uh-xKARo_NP4-wjnYNjiwK_oPylnQYdStrHBaytMclv1O8sFRTKz-YBYhQ_GS2tg1urAvEi9Pc/s1600/DSC_3187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKlfSpDyB2E3ZC5L0lKvX28_WJp_iO0H4R_4Ra17NqhyphenhyphenCWA6LMjtHLfobmvtKfK1m7uh-xKARo_NP4-wjnYNjiwK_oPylnQYdStrHBaytMclv1O8sFRTKz-YBYhQ_GS2tg1urAvEi9Pc/s400/DSC_3187.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624812044195959682" /></a><br />Giggling inside the barn.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2ZOJuasDPaIavnFK9JIbFYoks8LpvvdpUr2qt9eZ6eOuNgtV0b4eNkp2G8XI1nqxznfahN_ZXOkoK_STAo1N8yGh_j9yEXZXz9bh1tI4rPALEUdulXHXUyQI3jeu8YrAfv_3_0f6N4w/s1600/DSC_3210.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2ZOJuasDPaIavnFK9JIbFYoks8LpvvdpUr2qt9eZ6eOuNgtV0b4eNkp2G8XI1nqxznfahN_ZXOkoK_STAo1N8yGh_j9yEXZXz9bh1tI4rPALEUdulXHXUyQI3jeu8YrAfv_3_0f6N4w/s400/DSC_3210.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624812383753263730" /></a><br />All three of my little gifts. Poor Reece looks so uncomfortable...but he survived.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQrowh2sTz1DzVQkHpmhqhxrkzlsGxY7CdcsPlSbUhRRql2PgdUpSyZnhrjN9wXs4NqRL33JF9mmzGWop9H4aHNFflVAr8H1_7Tnl5OhnuteRoeBaMDAqh7OTNEyayr3OfUSH40QadvE/s1600/DSC_3220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQrowh2sTz1DzVQkHpmhqhxrkzlsGxY7CdcsPlSbUhRRql2PgdUpSyZnhrjN9wXs4NqRL33JF9mmzGWop9H4aHNFflVAr8H1_7Tnl5OhnuteRoeBaMDAqh7OTNEyayr3OfUSH40QadvE/s400/DSC_3220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624813053335314146" /></a><br />I still am amazed that I have THREE little ones. I still feel like I am 21, and you shouldn't have a 6 year old when your just 21. I am still just figuring out this whole mommy gig. The game keeps changing on me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibyoFBOTqoApRwkAi53EriCHqfPhGxVv4CNJIu6hVnDDhQ4JcsNh2hn_64nzrjgKOfofHNpFzQ9oEHcsZC-XMjftmxVF9dorcv5RIY7jEJpRTO6DUgbxQFRUFxmIHGJPqjORg8yaGCR8/s1600/DSC_3243.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibyoFBOTqoApRwkAi53EriCHqfPhGxVv4CNJIu6hVnDDhQ4JcsNh2hn_64nzrjgKOfofHNpFzQ9oEHcsZC-XMjftmxVF9dorcv5RIY7jEJpRTO6DUgbxQFRUFxmIHGJPqjORg8yaGCR8/s400/DSC_3243.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624815020243308130" /></a><br />I love my cute family. They are my greatest accomplishment and my biggest joy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPLniaUOsIQHWQylD8Mfi5hcSoqsJBQJ4Z-IW7UoPuP9XE8v7JmpACvZ3JIdHr3aDGvj6StrdtFOsiYbce5H8XK3WscUb-YHSDhGbpUUPXMW72WbLvAeu6ZnSkAx7YoUDclOg9lEbNE8/s1600/DSC_3244.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPLniaUOsIQHWQylD8Mfi5hcSoqsJBQJ4Z-IW7UoPuP9XE8v7JmpACvZ3JIdHr3aDGvj6StrdtFOsiYbce5H8XK3WscUb-YHSDhGbpUUPXMW72WbLvAeu6ZnSkAx7YoUDclOg9lEbNE8/s400/DSC_3244.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624815567137257554" /></a><br />Me and Reece's Pieces. He is such a sweet sweet baby. He completely belongs in our family.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uZ_uaY2XD8NT2Di2iSI0Z49_mizm0JC6jIJ2R11YMLNzot3VLIAG3H5vtYdnXUadNiZJL35EfM43znCQNw5PK5SFNTkScnswnEzgSwz0mToMkysPGU-g4GNjt6lUdefXWadeaC9V3mg/s1600/DSC_3246.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uZ_uaY2XD8NT2Di2iSI0Z49_mizm0JC6jIJ2R11YMLNzot3VLIAG3H5vtYdnXUadNiZJL35EfM43znCQNw5PK5SFNTkScnswnEzgSwz0mToMkysPGU-g4GNjt6lUdefXWadeaC9V3mg/s400/DSC_3246.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624816159468705858" /></a><br />Lauren hanging out on a fence post. There are moments in the day where I look at her and think she is just so pretty. I am sure all moms feel that way about their babies. But Lauren's real beauty comes from with in. She has an amazingly big and thoughtful heart. I would like to take credit for it, but she just came to us that way. It is really us who are the lucky ones to be able to parent such sweet kids.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6mOVTmQQ4lK2BYNdlUP54DXUhB-oS6bNWITZ1-fhnDjUhGogczKFzMJ4_uZlUBUBFD0ILyTCBVP0ZhCIYIwMNSoKL72hWMO-raz0PV0xIHFxchNVitD7PyRXqho0H2h8Z878TE07a5Q/s1600/DSC_3276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6mOVTmQQ4lK2BYNdlUP54DXUhB-oS6bNWITZ1-fhnDjUhGogczKFzMJ4_uZlUBUBFD0ILyTCBVP0ZhCIYIwMNSoKL72hWMO-raz0PV0xIHFxchNVitD7PyRXqho0H2h8Z878TE07a5Q/s400/DSC_3276.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624817367778893442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYkHrwcuTfMjw_v9PgN-eseF0TEynDmSaFP0WA5MCujjCskwqqKJFuHstew426clhWSDS7xeJbHaUW1VBy4xtqlaRd5eMdU46n9rGCwcx_DTbCk1qTOuGuUdr7x9pQQ0mDGrhfjci20c/s1600/DSC_3275.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYkHrwcuTfMjw_v9PgN-eseF0TEynDmSaFP0WA5MCujjCskwqqKJFuHstew426clhWSDS7xeJbHaUW1VBy4xtqlaRd5eMdU46n9rGCwcx_DTbCk1qTOuGuUdr7x9pQQ0mDGrhfjci20c/s400/DSC_3275.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624817364310194546" /></a><br />Me and the boys. I love their tender hearts. Who knew boys would be so soft and sensitive. They are so cuddly and lovable. I really treasure my little guys. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29Apx2GiOudExd_dhN_e7ExgsrH2f_Rges1Pi9GHGSiLTnNjK-sAhdMAJ_uujxKdy8UE_KtApo4mAu1sCIQMFnnm4i6AwtPHcoAg1RgMIZUWEIDaddqhcbUwu2vIK7qz3j-HrG6yH4Y8/s1600/DSC_3290.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29Apx2GiOudExd_dhN_e7ExgsrH2f_Rges1Pi9GHGSiLTnNjK-sAhdMAJ_uujxKdy8UE_KtApo4mAu1sCIQMFnnm4i6AwtPHcoAg1RgMIZUWEIDaddqhcbUwu2vIK7qz3j-HrG6yH4Y8/s400/DSC_3290.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624818608246216450" /></a><br />I love my family. We are standing in front of the back door to the barn. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDwPCcgyhW716RdrG_oaAmjcF_mGuEiKpLvT1fLtEeOA3gEsulwMfawWdf6lzrCtngA8DO5oT833KTc1aP6k_8a_WRdESAvcMp1k_p8PqdTmylw2rt3dlLlE8IMXee8nh-HRrMoDt7-A/s1600/DSC_3312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDwPCcgyhW716RdrG_oaAmjcF_mGuEiKpLvT1fLtEeOA3gEsulwMfawWdf6lzrCtngA8DO5oT833KTc1aP6k_8a_WRdESAvcMp1k_p8PqdTmylw2rt3dlLlE8IMXee8nh-HRrMoDt7-A/s400/DSC_3312.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624819203470176402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWmYBvGmPi1_TVLF30nmBkvaK8YShm8CARtUNRn0BUJm23yEARzmxPv0C7FkxDoA44c9RC7gRetVEpgSEpy_YhTnkiKvD2t65gW6zW6NIQzOmv-xUZeNjslEsbaWWJCZBJYDFNSV3Lsk/s1600/DSC_3330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWmYBvGmPi1_TVLF30nmBkvaK8YShm8CARtUNRn0BUJm23yEARzmxPv0C7FkxDoA44c9RC7gRetVEpgSEpy_YhTnkiKvD2t65gW6zW6NIQzOmv-xUZeNjslEsbaWWJCZBJYDFNSV3Lsk/s400/DSC_3330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624820440592437058" /></a><br />Evan is standing in front of a tree that Chad's Grandpa planted when he first moved into the house. The same Grandpa that we named Evan after. And just like that tree, the generations that started with Grandpa Sphar has grown big healthy and strong. <br /><br />It was fun to go back to a place that means so much to Chad. I am so glad that we got the opportunity to take some pictures and walk around. We might not ever get the chance again.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-37355463130379989252011-06-26T11:22:00.000-07:002011-06-27T10:38:27.071-07:00Every morning I wake up with the weight of the world swimming inside my chest. My arms and legs feel heavy and my stomach is under attack by a swarm of butterflies. The day that lays before me seems like a long hard road, and the thought of starting it is overwhelming. I feel shame and guilt as well because I have what everyone wants. I have a loving husband and three beautiful children who are happy and healthy. I thought that this time around, the nasty postpartum depression that always comes on the heels of having babies had past me by. But it was just a little late in coming. I know that I should be happy and spend my time drinking in the joy of my little newborn baby boy, but the heaviness that I am living with pulls me under sometimes. It really is hard for me because I am always such a happy positive person. I seriously can see the bright side in any given situation, and I have had some difficult times. And as difficult as this situation is, it is no different. I can still find one little bight spot, Reece. I would do it all again and a thousand times more just to hold that little guy in my arms. There is a reason that I have such a large age gap in between each of my kids, I don't like feeling this fog around me. I don't like feeling like I am walking through mud all day long. The one thing that saves me is my babies. It took me a long time to realize the first time that what I was experiencing and feeling was postpartum depression because I was (and am) so in love with the new life I held in my arms. Their little crys would always bring me back to this world. In fact it was for that reason alone that it took me until Lauren was 6 months old before I figured out what was wrong with me and to seek help. My wonderful doctor had told me that you didn't need to exhibit all the symptoms to have it, just the majority. I am telling my story because I hope that maybe it could help someone else. There is a surprisingly high percentage of moms who experience PPD. I am now taking some pills which I like to call my "happy pills" to help battle this ugly thing that has come into my life once again. The good news is, I know within a matter of months, I will be my happy optimistic self again. I have good days (like today) and I have bad days (like yesterday) and soon, one day, my good days will out number the bad like any other normal person out there. And that is when I will know that I am back. I hate to sound like some sort of public service announcement, but if you have ever felt these kinds of feeling after having a baby, don't wait to get help. Just talk to someone. It really does make life easier if you just attack this unwelcome invader so you are able to enjoy your children. There really is no shame in it, as shameful as you might feel. My kids deserve a happy mom, and that is something that I will fight for to give them. Because not only do they deserve a happy mom, but I deserve to be happy. And I will be again. I know it.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-41576290905277979492011-06-21T16:13:00.000-07:002011-06-22T10:24:18.141-07:00Better Late then neverWith me back at work and now a whopping THREE children to take care of, I am just a little behind on posting. So I am just going to pick a place to start and go from there.<br /><br />A little over a week after Reece was born, my cute sister in law had her little boy, Lucas Dean Nicolay. He is just the cutest thing and looks just like a perfect blend of Kari and James. A lot was happening right around that time. My brother in law Ryan was just a couple of weeks from being deployed to Afghanistan and my other brother in law Billy, was visiting from Las Vegas. It is a rare occasion when all 6 of the siblings are in one place at one time. So even though little Lucas was only a week old and our little Reece was two weeks, we got together and celebrated the new babies, and Billy being in town, and to have a big farewell to Ryan. (which btw, he got news that he didn't have to go after all. which disappointed him but made the rest of the family super happy!!) Here's some pictures from that get together.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoQAOI4ulGY5aZa2h74-W3JSSmE2jLnYPBD6U3ZhHXjjrNOBhp_fVeoyjXwQHGVF02uoE0u3eU9rXyD0KdvTNdwmoKYtoX5-oqAJcNhgv3taUQC1B29UaSL2DJvdiT59PsBydRYN0AXju/s1600/MASTER.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoQAOI4ulGY5aZa2h74-W3JSSmE2jLnYPBD6U3ZhHXjjrNOBhp_fVeoyjXwQHGVF02uoE0u3eU9rXyD0KdvTNdwmoKYtoX5-oqAJcNhgv3taUQC1B29UaSL2DJvdiT59PsBydRYN0AXju/s400/MASTER.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620822201084785426" /></a><br />All the cousins, (except for D.J)<br />Kade, Sammie holding Reece, Jayden, Lauren, Rylee holding Lucas and Ella, Carson, Lincoln, and Evan. So many little boys!! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvqbOky0mk24e7NNQjnpm9g3bBYaubSXxqrNAQHZMFpKc8amig2cQA_iBQ-CmrXASCk4b4UfwJXxK41OXPCuIm4nw4NfH8mXJ3qb4NdZlrZm47FTT_BrhyphenhyphenYYEFYFYMOd9Cu28nW_BeWSe/s1600/DSC_2976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvqbOky0mk24e7NNQjnpm9g3bBYaubSXxqrNAQHZMFpKc8amig2cQA_iBQ-CmrXASCk4b4UfwJXxK41OXPCuIm4nw4NfH8mXJ3qb4NdZlrZm47FTT_BrhyphenhyphenYYEFYFYMOd9Cu28nW_BeWSe/s400/DSC_2976.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620827101026816306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_lSh9hCURu7g9Hzla6p52fCOzE5Zl7fSDtYvd1raY8ufn5z7c5DGoeZ5KxtesLtdkIYbGMlwJGCMHdishCB2LPfePDPI9eyF_FGo965plQjeqr6PxSNUpSo0aEHvreb3aDRwO6LeYJTf/s1600/DSC_2979.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_lSh9hCURu7g9Hzla6p52fCOzE5Zl7fSDtYvd1raY8ufn5z7c5DGoeZ5KxtesLtdkIYbGMlwJGCMHdishCB2LPfePDPI9eyF_FGo965plQjeqr6PxSNUpSo0aEHvreb3aDRwO6LeYJTf/s400/DSC_2979.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620827263742572978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQaX0-NX5dUsCNpCOB21Fgqy3KJKFy4j3UVUtnPD21imbkJhBmcAGVQm2OlWLd36ggXJoCv7Q5SJjQSFQO_Ea2p8hjW50rHj2B58F6Wkd0f3kcIRHAmhM3N84jDYg1CgiynBe-i7IPyvU/s1600/DSC_2982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQaX0-NX5dUsCNpCOB21Fgqy3KJKFy4j3UVUtnPD21imbkJhBmcAGVQm2OlWLd36ggXJoCv7Q5SJjQSFQO_Ea2p8hjW50rHj2B58F6Wkd0f3kcIRHAmhM3N84jDYg1CgiynBe-i7IPyvU/s400/DSC_2982.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620827606377400802" /></a><br />Sammie and Rylee holding Lucas and Reece. (Lucas is in the stripes while our little Reeces Pieces is in the green). Little newborn babies are just the sweetest and they bring out the tenderness in just about everyone who holds them.<br /><br />We had dinner and entertainment while we were there. Kade sang to us in a twang reminiscent of Johny Cash. He sang us songs of Thomas the Train. It was so cute!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlUEQdnlECpQ3gql64WqNyY7-_hgf5_Lxqi2pOJTJefh10M3uMrXegTcipJrl5DIcuqC635SIxaO6gHrOf68C1Yu96Oi8KmhYTvPXA_Nqu94xcg6cGnOSh3vqo6XhdgCl4jB60eCu1V7l/s1600/DSC_3021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlUEQdnlECpQ3gql64WqNyY7-_hgf5_Lxqi2pOJTJefh10M3uMrXegTcipJrl5DIcuqC635SIxaO6gHrOf68C1Yu96Oi8KmhYTvPXA_Nqu94xcg6cGnOSh3vqo6XhdgCl4jB60eCu1V7l/s400/DSC_3021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620828539034326978" /></a><br /><br />Accepting his applause:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34KSn5ZI9-vw8rf9gGxGMvAvYsqUTKz7GYbSYl97umMvxf2i2rUZFg3ffI1XwDVUFBLasxItMLFIpjXq-Shms_tAXUc2HXVirjcuBwLCft_IRHxJ37gF66V_NXyRxDW1tt_DsHUACBVYC/s1600/DSC_3028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34KSn5ZI9-vw8rf9gGxGMvAvYsqUTKz7GYbSYl97umMvxf2i2rUZFg3ffI1XwDVUFBLasxItMLFIpjXq-Shms_tAXUc2HXVirjcuBwLCft_IRHxJ37gF66V_NXyRxDW1tt_DsHUACBVYC/s400/DSC_3028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620829045056508402" /></a><br /><br />It was just fun to hang out with family. I love Chad's family and all the love that they have and share generously.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFZjesEZOr1iwPGBaEqdHYUc93qb_6f8HGkZjxehRL_owgfd2rJlAfwDlXkr1_EmsG8fdWbxuCYHMdqpj9fm90ajNC5GcXc-s-n029jFv2yldYa6tHHyGwyqLDP_YhOBXcptGK0CEiutt/s1600/DSC_3055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFZjesEZOr1iwPGBaEqdHYUc93qb_6f8HGkZjxehRL_owgfd2rJlAfwDlXkr1_EmsG8fdWbxuCYHMdqpj9fm90ajNC5GcXc-s-n029jFv2yldYa6tHHyGwyqLDP_YhOBXcptGK0CEiutt/s400/DSC_3055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620829659663374210" /></a><br />Grandma Nancy playing with Evan and Ella.<br /><br />Don't mess with Jayden when he hasn't had his nap! He'll bust a cap on you! (from his cap gun :) )<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWHGrVwIvluoGLcPiLQqA468cfeZF00ftWCSePTqomg27pvF_HMoB0KFPx27CwJAAMfC8kaP0lHLIYJSS3mCgvmrGFyI539wWq9DVfUD1hM8xA-RwtqqUCy0SgnwQL1B3ORKNgiLeOK1S/s1600/DSC_3018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWHGrVwIvluoGLcPiLQqA468cfeZF00ftWCSePTqomg27pvF_HMoB0KFPx27CwJAAMfC8kaP0lHLIYJSS3mCgvmrGFyI539wWq9DVfUD1hM8xA-RwtqqUCy0SgnwQL1B3ORKNgiLeOK1S/s400/DSC_3018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620830882326202642" /></a><br />No, really. All Chad said was "Hi Jayden." I swear I heard Jayden reply "Are you talkin' ta me?" <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvw5j2DY_7n3v05sYun5Guhdk6wIhwSSFLgsev8FFFd66l-qSvJi63aLfnZZkqMynSsefahttDXzXSUjxFYJ9FIxxIQ7JcvB0sbJa3Oz-ylygPbY6QP6rj3hGmj047kWv7y0i89bjBphE/s1600/DSC_3019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvw5j2DY_7n3v05sYun5Guhdk6wIhwSSFLgsev8FFFd66l-qSvJi63aLfnZZkqMynSsefahttDXzXSUjxFYJ9FIxxIQ7JcvB0sbJa3Oz-ylygPbY6QP6rj3hGmj047kWv7y0i89bjBphE/s400/DSC_3019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620831361765258770" /></a><br />"I don't see anyone else here..." We love Jayden!! He sure is a cute kid.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQMxK9T10fsuTR59jIpIV_mkmuYfBazK09is73Q4VO6OtmPHIoDo-7_i_AJ5BqJZQeNUkUookYlgQgH1HQ7mwn3IOWT7l2WeHi8ggWvv8f4BbDELP9u4_7-q67gls0bjeUWI7yTAHl49Q/s1600/DSC_2991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQMxK9T10fsuTR59jIpIV_mkmuYfBazK09is73Q4VO6OtmPHIoDo-7_i_AJ5BqJZQeNUkUookYlgQgH1HQ7mwn3IOWT7l2WeHi8ggWvv8f4BbDELP9u4_7-q67gls0bjeUWI7yTAHl49Q/s400/DSC_2991.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621088735131590482" /></a><br />Our cute little Reeces pieces is so cute! I can't get enough of him! He makes the cutest facial expressions. I love this kid! And I love it when he stretches!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyeDNHfHMgRUogLYbepmQxhF8Crq5qK6dPBf0tmImGi2qmRibePkHQWxhGixvQcxOsy01UDLt_o2JTFfdZrYzb5lB77ACYwB0NDLzjhcaPayI4ZoOkgpdAxb0B7DDKEij1j_z1DvBIxMe/s1600/DSC_2995.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyeDNHfHMgRUogLYbepmQxhF8Crq5qK6dPBf0tmImGi2qmRibePkHQWxhGixvQcxOsy01UDLt_o2JTFfdZrYzb5lB77ACYwB0NDLzjhcaPayI4ZoOkgpdAxb0B7DDKEij1j_z1DvBIxMe/s400/DSC_2995.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621089365256039458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuiMi_2DHfDyBLKu8JAy5Ug9sTxy6QGS0V4Hw-6vRG0r_3ceu9o9-NFhXFPPOOavb5xJHnS5W6G7rThb-I6JZAQA7hlzJoPEHPx-Bse5XOrRjWXb48KU_RmgC3kyznmo-eOxVwRG24CIN/s1600/DSC_2997.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuiMi_2DHfDyBLKu8JAy5Ug9sTxy6QGS0V4Hw-6vRG0r_3ceu9o9-NFhXFPPOOavb5xJHnS5W6G7rThb-I6JZAQA7hlzJoPEHPx-Bse5XOrRjWXb48KU_RmgC3kyznmo-eOxVwRG24CIN/s400/DSC_2997.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621089880877697298" /></a><br /><br />It was cute to watch all the little ones play. I remember when Chad and I first got married, there was only Sam, Rylee and DJ. And they were 6,4, and 2. Now there is a house full of children, mostly little boys, whenever we get together. Lots of noise and chaos. I love it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3rGP3nNN_2fK6leq9wllr2hqkrz2urRhQ5p10k0FRUm1VtDP9qHNyHZ3SIVcyq4wNDNHssllzHCWqnShSflrQUoFDNBsSSlfxMcXGVeeWnEwYIvgsVirKMT3ZgVnX9gWbt63IDIjAJD-/s1600/DSC_3087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3rGP3nNN_2fK6leq9wllr2hqkrz2urRhQ5p10k0FRUm1VtDP9qHNyHZ3SIVcyq4wNDNHssllzHCWqnShSflrQUoFDNBsSSlfxMcXGVeeWnEwYIvgsVirKMT3ZgVnX9gWbt63IDIjAJD-/s400/DSC_3087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621090202710479442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouvBfLiGDrTz1tIrZjLXtEJ9VJ5ZuNtZ0EADHdWT0-9bCpPHULQSNiPLprPwqmlizcwP1mEmE_vtObcnks7gEDjYDOlqkfYPV9frLYGt1cf7Rh7_0BtKswkg7i7udUIQy3hyphenhyphenwTaecz_Zt/s1600/DSC_3063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouvBfLiGDrTz1tIrZjLXtEJ9VJ5ZuNtZ0EADHdWT0-9bCpPHULQSNiPLprPwqmlizcwP1mEmE_vtObcnks7gEDjYDOlqkfYPV9frLYGt1cf7Rh7_0BtKswkg7i7udUIQy3hyphenhyphenwTaecz_Zt/s400/DSC_3063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621091018881703922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YEaPLxUlawj7GgWrajX9LZMCZyckssGk85LozgCdJMrCGmHnUzLjAQ1E3fNMIn_KX1omfaM7KO90ugLXDja2LWLokm7Mngpz5cXEsLKs4AAiI1IzGO3lM1Im09JnuZre9SuETSqBdwUl/s1600/DSC_3090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YEaPLxUlawj7GgWrajX9LZMCZyckssGk85LozgCdJMrCGmHnUzLjAQ1E3fNMIn_KX1omfaM7KO90ugLXDja2LWLokm7Mngpz5cXEsLKs4AAiI1IzGO3lM1Im09JnuZre9SuETSqBdwUl/s400/DSC_3090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621091284108828050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoTeW8rjVbeOSTZTDn0Y3qjIomte5P-SZHTQ4PtUxrv95gW6tzelKGp3dneo-D8iOXbbmpBbKL2-NYZju1zXmLK8YbVp3dJDQyEDwWNY_WIcIzQCYBNTX1-FM8j2K5DhI7HBzjpbN65lP/s1600/DSC_2977.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoTeW8rjVbeOSTZTDn0Y3qjIomte5P-SZHTQ4PtUxrv95gW6tzelKGp3dneo-D8iOXbbmpBbKL2-NYZju1zXmLK8YbVp3dJDQyEDwWNY_WIcIzQCYBNTX1-FM8j2K5DhI7HBzjpbN65lP/s400/DSC_2977.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621091653344284882" /></a><br /><br />And even though we love any excuss to get together with our family, we really are so happy that the main reason..Ryan deploying to Afghanistan...no longer exists. We love Ryan and we want him to be safe. Even if he is disappointed, we are all relieved. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvPhPtD9dH3UGUH6SM55IvfwrnDywE2r7TPyARB3MrMgF71-C8IX8Cp9Kch-TFmUMxF1SOZSTzOtVhxGYSueFuRyFVIWu0eKK4Zb1QRm5FbiEwhz5IzJIqTztFdwiQevZ5w7b_l5ePU9_/s1600/DSC_2966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvPhPtD9dH3UGUH6SM55IvfwrnDywE2r7TPyARB3MrMgF71-C8IX8Cp9Kch-TFmUMxF1SOZSTzOtVhxGYSueFuRyFVIWu0eKK4Zb1QRm5FbiEwhz5IzJIqTztFdwiQevZ5w7b_l5ePU9_/s400/DSC_2966.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621092495439357506" /></a> <br /><br />It was so fun to see the newest little cousins side by side. Reece was born on May 11th and Lucas was born on May 20th. I love that I got to share this whole pregnancy experience with Kari. She is such a special person with so much capacity to love. She has always shown me that love and kindness. She is such a cute little mommy to her little guys, Lincoln and Lucas. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzT5pKKqNVF-6Mz1zQGYNaXWMEAe9t8XSweV964TKHVPqj0kEow2X34QUaxnMmiQjwZX8XB85Yk-d8owBqperHxTkKMpj8av77ZmK23Q72LSfcXC4OAjtOdIQd7fmCQ0_YFr4QeWaUnBq/s1600/DSC_3074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzT5pKKqNVF-6Mz1zQGYNaXWMEAe9t8XSweV964TKHVPqj0kEow2X34QUaxnMmiQjwZX8XB85Yk-d8owBqperHxTkKMpj8av77ZmK23Q72LSfcXC4OAjtOdIQd7fmCQ0_YFr4QeWaUnBq/s400/DSC_3074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621093649790498434" /></a> <br />(just keep in mind when looking at this picture, I just had a baby..I am working on getting all tight and toned again..I will get there!! This was taken just weeks after Reece was born, so...that is my excuse.)<br />We thought it would be fun to take a picture with Traci and her little girl Ella who is 9 months old. It is crazy just how much bigger Ella is, and yet, they are so close in age.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoysVJeGWb5tHC8du1jp7fK3t6ZfRcTYSiSfayqod4VX6RSl5Uba2PZrN8bsUI9mvKqNZtKF3abaLGJDOtxZJbHpZB4ueu1_rEdb_GLUpGUOQa3uqG-CK_KvVEp4ylWB7NP8kzhwU2gby4/s1600/DSC_3076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoysVJeGWb5tHC8du1jp7fK3t6ZfRcTYSiSfayqod4VX6RSl5Uba2PZrN8bsUI9mvKqNZtKF3abaLGJDOtxZJbHpZB4ueu1_rEdb_GLUpGUOQa3uqG-CK_KvVEp4ylWB7NP8kzhwU2gby4/s400/DSC_3076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621095230430005554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZuQ3TS9-0V_2hY1-eVQttYEnVaShKV-ICYN0KVnZlGBMocKfxpni3kBPUKXV93XQ9SJuiDjUd_ZjRee75Q5-IwlRqQOVCsgufOCmaipa7fRJFrArQNH7R0Jbl-GjnCGORbpPaUsMUml1/s1600/DSC_3081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZuQ3TS9-0V_2hY1-eVQttYEnVaShKV-ICYN0KVnZlGBMocKfxpni3kBPUKXV93XQ9SJuiDjUd_ZjRee75Q5-IwlRqQOVCsgufOCmaipa7fRJFrArQNH7R0Jbl-GjnCGORbpPaUsMUml1/s400/DSC_3081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621095532803856386" /></a><br />It'll be fun to see these little ones grow. And we all know that these little babies grow so fast!! Reece already looks like a different little baby then he did just 2 weeks ago. And I know that as I am watching my little kiddos grow, I am going to have a whole village of a family out there watching and cheering us on as well.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-59603864683398038982011-06-04T11:52:00.000-07:002011-06-04T12:01:16.126-07:00Just one more reason I love being a mom..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfK7iB7QfRuX7HduPMfH4FtTAHPEPu2tUvXXtv35yyjq9CYcLsdHF3e6UmHbFqCopk4V2Qr1qbH_aryBc48upCFCR7ryzShHP0EztU-ojAvb5Qq28Z_6vS8BHKb0X3IOalOrSitWj8Eta/s1600/DSC_3105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfK7iB7QfRuX7HduPMfH4FtTAHPEPu2tUvXXtv35yyjq9CYcLsdHF3e6UmHbFqCopk4V2Qr1qbH_aryBc48upCFCR7ryzShHP0EztU-ojAvb5Qq28Z_6vS8BHKb0X3IOalOrSitWj8Eta/s400/DSC_3105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614440568798922130" /></a><br />I was playing around on the computer when I heard two little monsters, walking slowly down the stairs, giggling all the way down. "Mommy look." They both tried to say in between spasms of laughter. When I turned around, Lauren had on my church boots and Evan had on my work shoes (they look like ugly men shoes). "We are a mom and a dad..." which for some reason made then laugh more. They are so funny. I wish I could laugh for 10 minutes straight simply by changing my shoes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdZuynBCmyPUSMi76xhHuszwk7iIVjjTRnj1yW-CCAlshcMU4Sf32yISt6tnRkRGjpVbZZ9tJiXJfKa9VUak-Ct_nv8EfxR1mM7ZCExX2ROuufGTxqF8nd9bDPPHZO-bkK2da2e_O6kKO/s1600/DSC_3106.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdZuynBCmyPUSMi76xhHuszwk7iIVjjTRnj1yW-CCAlshcMU4Sf32yISt6tnRkRGjpVbZZ9tJiXJfKa9VUak-Ct_nv8EfxR1mM7ZCExX2ROuufGTxqF8nd9bDPPHZO-bkK2da2e_O6kKO/s400/DSC_3106.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614440940682868114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvRF37Q0HdetbAbAupyYgcbwDwJTcl-bIlKuuNqbbegTBcksX7tmAi9VVJtlMQWdhGKBAHMNA7OqGzNnlgkP13UVFbKQOec4ykQzTpSB1xFs2ed5-lzSGKVRRG5xm7kZk_YkL5C2lyG8V/s1600/DSC_3107.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvRF37Q0HdetbAbAupyYgcbwDwJTcl-bIlKuuNqbbegTBcksX7tmAi9VVJtlMQWdhGKBAHMNA7OqGzNnlgkP13UVFbKQOec4ykQzTpSB1xFs2ed5-lzSGKVRRG5xm7kZk_YkL5C2lyG8V/s400/DSC_3107.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614441151516785218" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-15329111807906714322011-05-31T10:28:00.000-07:002011-05-31T11:26:10.180-07:00Reece is STD free..in case you were wondering.I love having a little man around!! He really is the sweetest little guy. I forgot just how tired you get getting up every 2-3 hours at night time. I forgot just how busy little newborns keep you even though all they do is eat, sleep, and poo. And I also forgot how many hours you "waste" just watching them dream. And how good they smell, or how cute their little grunts and squeaks are. <br /><br /> About a week after Reece was born, I started to notice all of this gunk leaking out of his eyes. I thought at first that it was a clogged tear duct, but then the gunky stuff was making his eyes all crusty and it was a yellowish color. So then I thought that he must have gotten some kind of infection from either Lauren or Evan since they just love to maul him with kissed every chance they get. So I made a Dr's appointment for him and took him in. Our family doc was out of town, so I just made an appointment with some random doctor in the office. <br /><br /> He took all of Reece's measurements and his weight, checked all his vital signs, and did all of the well baby check up things that they do. Then he turned to me and said, "This is where the conversation gets awkward." I, smiled and just inquired about what he could mean. Then he goes into this monologue about how usually when they see an eye infection with a baby this young, it is from an STD. Gonorrhea or Chlamydia. And the only way a baby can get that is through the mother. "Dude," says I, "I would be totally surprised if that was the reason. He couldn't have gotten an infection from my 6 year old or my 3 year old?" Very unlikely, he informed me. Yeah, just as unlikely as me having an STD that I pasted on to my baby. Chad has been my one and only. He then asks me a series of questions that go along the lines of this "Does your husband travel on business? Is he often in meetings late? ect.." I stopped him and said "Chad would see a girl, think she is hot, but then think about the work involved in an affair and skip it. He is to lazy to cheat. (love you Chad)" After about a half hour of trying to convince him that his diagnosis is totally off base, I finally agreed to let him test Reece for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. He then wanted me to give Reece a series of aggressive shots to treat the STDs, which I would not stand for at all. No way. If it turned out that he did, by some crazy coincidence, have an STD, then yes, poke my child. But until then, I am not putting toxic chemicals into my one week old for no reason at all. I know that the doctor was thinking that I was some poor naive desperate housewife who had a lying cheating husband and I was to blinded by trust to see it. But I know my Chad. So I went home, thinking about what a waste of a perfectly good hour that was. Orange County Choppers was having a marathon on TV. That would have helped Reece and his leaking eye a whole lot better then that visit to the doctors office. <br /><br /> A week later, I still hadn't heard back from the doctors office and I had an appointment to get Reece circumcised, with our wonderful, normal, family doctor. When I told him about Reece's leaking eye, he asked me if the doctor had given Reece eye drops. "Nope, he tested him for STDs." When I said that our doctor rolled his eyes, (which I love!!) checked Reece's chart, assured me the tests came back negative (surprise!), and then checked his eyes for me. Turns out, he did just have clogged tear duct, it was just super clogged. As of today, there is no more gunk crusting up is eye, and no more talk of STDs for my little kiddos.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-77506325221495679082011-05-23T13:04:00.000-07:002011-05-23T13:07:45.869-07:00What a difference a day makes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7K_guLuRXhyphenhypheniA-F1BhBBLEPtKdCTw0r6ImxGMYxCrr2jngQZ2w0hyP1N6L3fptdc86UBi4PbDUfXQBQrWH2mLOdtFwj34uzGAxkvARIESnoJFeUQZH0vqb2UoJR_BisLGJDZ_uCA6a_H/s1600/Reece+1+day+apart.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7K_guLuRXhyphenhypheniA-F1BhBBLEPtKdCTw0r6ImxGMYxCrr2jngQZ2w0hyP1N6L3fptdc86UBi4PbDUfXQBQrWH2mLOdtFwj34uzGAxkvARIESnoJFeUQZH0vqb2UoJR_BisLGJDZ_uCA6a_H/s400/Reece+1+day+apart.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610005015838812898" /></a><br />The Ultrasound picture was taken on Tuesday May 10th, the other picture was taken Wed May 11th. How cool is that? Just taken one day apart. Oh and, funny story..Chad brought Evan to the hospital while Lauren was at school to meet his little brother. On the way there Evan said "Daddy, you can call him Reece. I want to call him Beans." So Evan calls him Beans.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-25890611239585602592011-05-23T09:56:00.000-07:002011-05-23T10:26:13.468-07:001 and a half weeks old, and still the most adorable little man aroundAre we just in love with Reece? Heck yes we are! He is such a clam little guy. I was worried beyond belief while I was pregnant with him. I have two little beautys that are angels comparatively speaking. I know that not every child is born the way a mother hopes. I think because I do have an older sister with special needs that I know that the odds are not always stacked up in your favor when you carry an other life inside of you. But then Reece was laid on my chest for the first time. His arms and legs flying in circles as he protested the eviction of his nice warm little cocoon. My heart melted right away. He is here and healthy. I didn't screw up. He is safe and sound. I love my little man. Chad, Lauren and Evan seem to echo my sentiments. I am not sure that there is an other little baby boy alive who isn't more loved on and plaster with kisses then our little Reece is. We sure love that guy.<br /><br />Here is just a collection of pictures from his first week at home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc4440iYTJaIv42xXfxG-hpHTZHAT1CpmcB8jNvVKR34iTc0sTLtBvf-OyeM_NXTp3YfLUM36wanvjo1_zUSXbZU2vQJnvdHoyqtAbqqRoPRtX_UvKsaxwKAwXdDeEW2I2pfOaz_WlHRE/s1600/DSC_2868.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc4440iYTJaIv42xXfxG-hpHTZHAT1CpmcB8jNvVKR34iTc0sTLtBvf-OyeM_NXTp3YfLUM36wanvjo1_zUSXbZU2vQJnvdHoyqtAbqqRoPRtX_UvKsaxwKAwXdDeEW2I2pfOaz_WlHRE/s400/DSC_2868.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609963326924795058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsIxdz_Fs7OEJLgXcYvDLUP58MMl70rKbkTMHb0eYzTp5ErL4ZXz-sHYVRi1J9FmL0PzbOm-O_PkvkR2Z5Ny4o-7dIQVXmdz1NCPPh2usm76Rbuck259rt4S7reUu4MHWs9G6xdAtDVuC/s1600/DSC_2878.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsIxdz_Fs7OEJLgXcYvDLUP58MMl70rKbkTMHb0eYzTp5ErL4ZXz-sHYVRi1J9FmL0PzbOm-O_PkvkR2Z5Ny4o-7dIQVXmdz1NCPPh2usm76Rbuck259rt4S7reUu4MHWs9G6xdAtDVuC/s400/DSC_2878.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609958812302492690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X68gIZbhCW47zvnj5I4SLezEObrEeA2eSU7TOiS9EXYW8syoqXLq6KJ2BgJOP1BVX0wjq_5AFOf1e5DTTNUS99YMNgaHbI0cHnPVKzGsHQ_qaPJi5R8X4rDpBnrqKyatqxppF1bgrt7u/s1600/DSC_2898.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X68gIZbhCW47zvnj5I4SLezEObrEeA2eSU7TOiS9EXYW8syoqXLq6KJ2BgJOP1BVX0wjq_5AFOf1e5DTTNUS99YMNgaHbI0cHnPVKzGsHQ_qaPJi5R8X4rDpBnrqKyatqxppF1bgrt7u/s400/DSC_2898.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609959479325485282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pVwhOKZQleQxFOTSRrEXcZQ-SQ672lC9XbAWEIko-05uQ5Uo0oCug1oAur8U1HFDWS2wzQSBF_odkc-XPYxH-OWfR3hrUVV9W1l5V7KH9BubZwjPvsa_DhZ9ziZmCGQtXBZiZ7NHo1zS/s1600/DSC_2907.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pVwhOKZQleQxFOTSRrEXcZQ-SQ672lC9XbAWEIko-05uQ5Uo0oCug1oAur8U1HFDWS2wzQSBF_odkc-XPYxH-OWfR3hrUVV9W1l5V7KH9BubZwjPvsa_DhZ9ziZmCGQtXBZiZ7NHo1zS/s400/DSC_2907.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609959706663419506" /></a><br />It is so cute when he stretches!! He loves to stretch like this. It cracks us up every time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lwdl27UwkocyDV4TKqYD2-7GUWkxi6JtE7pQtX40aNQ6rcHgZI-016Y6lWszpgpglsURgQlgER3I0wNfbU4hVH2nFvVAO5cPN3jYVnCCxon-RT6piJjBWhEFr7NMAyGl86MXhSV0iUBy/s1600/DSC_2910.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lwdl27UwkocyDV4TKqYD2-7GUWkxi6JtE7pQtX40aNQ6rcHgZI-016Y6lWszpgpglsURgQlgER3I0wNfbU4hVH2nFvVAO5cPN3jYVnCCxon-RT6piJjBWhEFr7NMAyGl86MXhSV0iUBy/s400/DSC_2910.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609959924790176674" /></a><br />His first bath at home. He loved it. He just about fell asleep right there in the water.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj8pDOeQKUTEkIfcEfXVfXjxKu27YB-2RPTwbq9AQRJbobW_drBLN6kQjTPKN5f2csj_K9Df-NWV1gu9XUNBy-CWihSAhHmOlxmPW5mDGiJofUa-3z7KtNDp_TdYG6zvkmGmx0Gza4EZM/s1600/DSC_2941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj8pDOeQKUTEkIfcEfXVfXjxKu27YB-2RPTwbq9AQRJbobW_drBLN6kQjTPKN5f2csj_K9Df-NWV1gu9XUNBy-CWihSAhHmOlxmPW5mDGiJofUa-3z7KtNDp_TdYG6zvkmGmx0Gza4EZM/s400/DSC_2941.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609960465617938498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfRzjwME8VpZ_3g26T0A3bbtmyz_SKY1ZLm_thTMHe7ad7MZGTr-C3ROxEBcQjnxdwB5SLFvIuzMGfiFM6i8i9GRhyphenhyphenP7JtRqLC-L_SpQNSRpRbYRbefQvWPeB_PzDTQJ8hHcWBTiYKC0F/s1600/DSC_2942.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfRzjwME8VpZ_3g26T0A3bbtmyz_SKY1ZLm_thTMHe7ad7MZGTr-C3ROxEBcQjnxdwB5SLFvIuzMGfiFM6i8i9GRhyphenhyphenP7JtRqLC-L_SpQNSRpRbYRbefQvWPeB_PzDTQJ8hHcWBTiYKC0F/s400/DSC_2942.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609960461257205218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUsnhiFB-7nr59HYAC31fSXk50fgqs4ObHJiSkc13E5ID2fet93vsuON-uTNAfzpUV7HsxesSoCl4CMrV87YXibsBTl_rt9RByPRUI7N9aJSRgbco6xa8nUv2eMjLHv1SxENfertnnJu4/s1600/DSC_2938.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUsnhiFB-7nr59HYAC31fSXk50fgqs4ObHJiSkc13E5ID2fet93vsuON-uTNAfzpUV7HsxesSoCl4CMrV87YXibsBTl_rt9RByPRUI7N9aJSRgbco6xa8nUv2eMjLHv1SxENfertnnJu4/s400/DSC_2938.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609960453369516914" /></a><br />I think that because this isn't my first rodeo, I totally know just how fast they grow. Before I know it Reece is going to be walking into school on HIS first day of kindergarten, Evan will be a decan, and Lauren will be to busy talking into her cell phone notice much of anything else. So while I have them all young and sweet, I am just going to enjoy them. I haven't read a book in so long, and I no longer have the luxury of just sitting and watching a whole program on T.V. My bed is always filled with one or all of the kids stealing my blankets and using my pillow. The windows are smudged 10 minutes after I clean them and I am never caught up on laundry. And I am enjoying and savoring every single second of it!! I love my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967287118586078272.post-22592215397865619962011-05-21T19:52:00.000-07:002011-05-21T20:34:55.789-07:00Catching up..I have been wanting to blog for awhile. It seems like it is all feast of famine when it comes to blogging with me. I either have nothing going on and therefore, nothing of note to blog about; or my life is so busy that I have no time to blog. It has been one of those weeks.<br /><br />The day before Reece was born, Lauren had a field trip to the Tree House Museum. I so was not in the mood to go. I was contracting, my back and ribs hurt, and I was so tired. But I did realize that I have only a few years left where Lauren will even want me to show up at her school. Soon she will be soooo embarrassed by her mom who still wears converse. So I pulled it together and went, and I am glad I did. I love my little girl and it was fun to see her interact with all her cute little friends.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_9FWX3QBf67ScV7fl717LBVcLUfzGAnL5qfyOomafTKLnqXTqcT3CVKlsV3AMZs1ottP3lT25QsENejYtUjzUwVasYb5jOd11rqmHIFPllV5BlQVssu-gSkPvvbqKvvd6JGAaLytqQbq/s1600/DSC_2723.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_9FWX3QBf67ScV7fl717LBVcLUfzGAnL5qfyOomafTKLnqXTqcT3CVKlsV3AMZs1ottP3lT25QsENejYtUjzUwVasYb5jOd11rqmHIFPllV5BlQVssu-gSkPvvbqKvvd6JGAaLytqQbq/s400/DSC_2723.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609369565311015282" /></a><br />Here she is with her friends Marley and Mikey.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBIL7hviIGUKx5QEMCke9ElxUvkxMjuNM3_onpWVKchHQOWc-GWCS2Lz4jNH6C36tTAj7naZf01rAuAPUjVyAe5olR8LzdS60Z0x39rDGG5smCwAiMGPw6dWn64DNqECbS_LsPSeyygue/s1600/DSC_2725.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBIL7hviIGUKx5QEMCke9ElxUvkxMjuNM3_onpWVKchHQOWc-GWCS2Lz4jNH6C36tTAj7naZf01rAuAPUjVyAe5olR8LzdS60Z0x39rDGG5smCwAiMGPw6dWn64DNqECbS_LsPSeyygue/s400/DSC_2725.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609369931563574898" /></a> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMFYHFLY9nUJcjZAnhdBcq42GEExC0idQs6-xcXBmDRNOrsztv5Uw8VucyX5veZz-on89LIEd7iZPGZVhT_7NAXTMscs7SGa0G556JJkTKUmapQ1O34PtAL8jYvW_YDoh_lm_Khx0kUVx/s1600/DSC_2751.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMFYHFLY9nUJcjZAnhdBcq42GEExC0idQs6-xcXBmDRNOrsztv5Uw8VucyX5veZz-on89LIEd7iZPGZVhT_7NAXTMscs7SGa0G556JJkTKUmapQ1O34PtAL8jYvW_YDoh_lm_Khx0kUVx/s400/DSC_2751.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609370198282005906" /></a><br />They play so cute together!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcFkkeV9Yoc8GaEUC9iq09c_oPMBAvz4h76U_xjvk9u3Ih3u63ZMifBWq6otE0Amsnkp14gGV1jsDjBkeA7AydSgJXCoKmG-lc6RwaEt0FxaYYUqXLHHug-LWCf5MnCts58hOqXJt3hWJ/s1600/DSC_2756.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcFkkeV9Yoc8GaEUC9iq09c_oPMBAvz4h76U_xjvk9u3Ih3u63ZMifBWq6otE0Amsnkp14gGV1jsDjBkeA7AydSgJXCoKmG-lc6RwaEt0FxaYYUqXLHHug-LWCf5MnCts58hOqXJt3hWJ/s400/DSC_2756.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609370622832745330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7mITmg2sagIYpQ4MaIxT6saxH3WNHOFlEheLpymQu-JaM6ro6j_vukF_BirzUeKYJrCLrzONQzwchvrp6MwcdhEiqgrlRLUDWG6uywhlDJFCqj7FIazwOldkPxPq2b4mzbFkqytWwKQ3/s1600/DSC_2757.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7mITmg2sagIYpQ4MaIxT6saxH3WNHOFlEheLpymQu-JaM6ro6j_vukF_BirzUeKYJrCLrzONQzwchvrp6MwcdhEiqgrlRLUDWG6uywhlDJFCqj7FIazwOldkPxPq2b4mzbFkqytWwKQ3/s400/DSC_2757.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609370616123148242" /></a><br />Evan put this whole puzzle together without any help. I was so impressed! Way to go Buddy.<br /><br />The day after Reece was born, Lauren had her performance of Alice in Wonderland. She played a Dandelion. I missed it, which was a bummer. I so wanted to see it. I was still in the hospital with my newest little guy. Chad said she did amazing. She knew all her lines and said them like a pro. She remembered all her cues. I wish it was on a different day. At the end, they gave her a mini Oscar with their names on it and I made sure Chad got Laruen some flowers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWcbftwbg-UIO55mQtSOgiw4FUti1ffGNblYpB8XKEnbc69Ab7urLSvT-jn4_1bpgTkq6KWb8-N5SmU4wuvE8oRi2Zxm7g5c0gHX7U_YnJeraRUTICgBd7H77K3JK2ec7RBiy1fmBoHKT/s1600/laurenred.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWcbftwbg-UIO55mQtSOgiw4FUti1ffGNblYpB8XKEnbc69Ab7urLSvT-jn4_1bpgTkq6KWb8-N5SmU4wuvE8oRi2Zxm7g5c0gHX7U_YnJeraRUTICgBd7H77K3JK2ec7RBiy1fmBoHKT/s400/laurenred.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609372185079767346" /></a> <br /><br />Yesterday, Lauren's Kindergarten class did a little end of the year performance. Evan and I made it while Chad stayed home with Reece. She was so stinkin' cute up there!! I love watching her little mile stones and accomplishments. I want her to just have as much fun out of life as she can. Suck it up like marrow from a bone. She deserves all that life can give her. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirht0ABsBcLoWPwdSwI_VpUMyiZVNo9v-1uB353kyiXWm77FqJF5cNbzLAm4ZWJQ_16-_TxB6YtwWXeP-2olCfkKaVA-vUzTiayP6TqX5V27pyB1iqTKQserR6RKR5lHgQqoHiSRLsRwXE/s1600/DSC_2916.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirht0ABsBcLoWPwdSwI_VpUMyiZVNo9v-1uB353kyiXWm77FqJF5cNbzLAm4ZWJQ_16-_TxB6YtwWXeP-2olCfkKaVA-vUzTiayP6TqX5V27pyB1iqTKQserR6RKR5lHgQqoHiSRLsRwXE/s400/DSC_2916.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609373789383751826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6qiEMTPaef5WngFHA_Q3VDW818cMocdrNVGOfhENSBgtSaQ1nbQX1nPmtZ0QRtMaK7hD-oItg8x63Pqkm17ms3HEzIKEP3nqWIeQnZBPk2NODhZ_mTgyTJKA_siR4MNQURloBA3FD2-t/s1600/DSC_2924.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6qiEMTPaef5WngFHA_Q3VDW818cMocdrNVGOfhENSBgtSaQ1nbQX1nPmtZ0QRtMaK7hD-oItg8x63Pqkm17ms3HEzIKEP3nqWIeQnZBPk2NODhZ_mTgyTJKA_siR4MNQURloBA3FD2-t/s400/DSC_2924.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609374117422177682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdgjT4r4AnIn8vquE7bTzuFONcfvELW0fqso2fqjkTOtYVcCHpDhkt2b5F5xctHlyKDIurdn9u26OzD9ZkYanwcjbNAhZHJDD2V7gzY9TgERV04NtHfMQzg7jOmJYpocvxO2XMIXpQOB7/s1600/DSC_2929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdgjT4r4AnIn8vquE7bTzuFONcfvELW0fqso2fqjkTOtYVcCHpDhkt2b5F5xctHlyKDIurdn9u26OzD9ZkYanwcjbNAhZHJDD2V7gzY9TgERV04NtHfMQzg7jOmJYpocvxO2XMIXpQOB7/s400/DSC_2929.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609374469161392066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaWXzs9glpMWL3hV7qhPss9yZFm9qSlBpttgGjo-OlqBn63QCk1kS2_ebq8XKDIQ99Qlmq_UbdOgBu1BpEbf9iNWxvhUxWCjpEUIm2rQ6_cV_mI70co5rEuuwlQvPs-yhtgDULfWK9O0j/s1600/DSC_2934.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaWXzs9glpMWL3hV7qhPss9yZFm9qSlBpttgGjo-OlqBn63QCk1kS2_ebq8XKDIQ99Qlmq_UbdOgBu1BpEbf9iNWxvhUxWCjpEUIm2rQ6_cV_mI70co5rEuuwlQvPs-yhtgDULfWK9O0j/s400/DSC_2934.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609374907646136082" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday, Chad build a tool box with Evan. Evan loves tools and love to build. He is so proud of his tool box and carries it around everywhere.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguWFArqdmfuEYoBrZrrSACinB1pzjLNpkcMQPPo08waqS8QNL8T9tHHUagpBmObvBfOjo9MkY9m4nC-eLoffRa0RBYHpdKG63sy4ekfgzt3iZrAS34Ys7ppLtICHAS-Pkn8Ih37is6kj-/s1600/DSC_2945.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguWFArqdmfuEYoBrZrrSACinB1pzjLNpkcMQPPo08waqS8QNL8T9tHHUagpBmObvBfOjo9MkY9m4nC-eLoffRa0RBYHpdKG63sy4ekfgzt3iZrAS34Ys7ppLtICHAS-Pkn8Ih37is6kj-/s400/DSC_2945.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609375714010191522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCXtdzNnqK9FCucmOmTfbCglVwbpAESBIgibjoanZoAnc67VAvpd6FyK7BsYHGqehi1zQyWmZYdoD9oCGPEr8CtRkbIKqDImvMDhjBGh5_HdFRVe9Fgbv9EMk3eFyB-iB8HG3PpXYXw1n/s1600/DSC_2946.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCXtdzNnqK9FCucmOmTfbCglVwbpAESBIgibjoanZoAnc67VAvpd6FyK7BsYHGqehi1zQyWmZYdoD9oCGPEr8CtRkbIKqDImvMDhjBGh5_HdFRVe9Fgbv9EMk3eFyB-iB8HG3PpXYXw1n/s400/DSC_2946.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609375975214683106" /></a><br />When he was done, I wanted to take a picture of him with his tool box, but he wanted Lauren in the picture with him. It was way cute.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50AYm0xbrAJvB73XKgUmZwTbKQneDubVBMyN3g8L28rxI5Il7-E1giwWRklIke76yL9mvUDuOlxVZZBpRJAOBK-ZlJCWxJKpFO_QBJsMCeBvci-kw03QIaBg2lsPV-xDXsNHPyJ204RxZ/s1600/DSC_2963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50AYm0xbrAJvB73XKgUmZwTbKQneDubVBMyN3g8L28rxI5Il7-E1giwWRklIke76yL9mvUDuOlxVZZBpRJAOBK-ZlJCWxJKpFO_QBJsMCeBvci-kw03QIaBg2lsPV-xDXsNHPyJ204RxZ/s400/DSC_2963.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609376451219542258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuR3TjuAeujJlr1G2K_SV8AUmlD9jMsh6hTGbzDd29A4lzMp4gfUW7steTt9NwzZ2RON1nOiSyuBioQfNbsWaycUFSZDm-B3JGblwIIn2H1r-tIqpmD2kKWLLQPdi22pN7rZyFVNYoJ1Q/s1600/DSC_2960.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuR3TjuAeujJlr1G2K_SV8AUmlD9jMsh6hTGbzDd29A4lzMp4gfUW7steTt9NwzZ2RON1nOiSyuBioQfNbsWaycUFSZDm-B3JGblwIIn2H1r-tIqpmD2kKWLLQPdi22pN7rZyFVNYoJ1Q/s400/DSC_2960.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609376697991749154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKxwPmz6d1DuW-pdqrjw8u7ZZw1dCvQgdEe0_S9TFELEWegrQT5oPNdmzibmBCn8A8mwspEph8WdZcg_0U9MRwicfA7XGM07laTnkof8F4HQBT7WokcTc8XgCH_DgrEqWXLm4nk5aKsbK/s1600/DSC_2954.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 364px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKxwPmz6d1DuW-pdqrjw8u7ZZw1dCvQgdEe0_S9TFELEWegrQT5oPNdmzibmBCn8A8mwspEph8WdZcg_0U9MRwicfA7XGM07laTnkof8F4HQBT7WokcTc8XgCH_DgrEqWXLm4nk5aKsbK/s400/DSC_2954.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609376917974264274" /></a><br />I need to remember that when they do have their moments when they argue, I am still a lucky mom. They really do love and care for each other. They have each other's back. Their relationship is rare and I really hope that they keep this kind of closeness through out their lives. And that in a nut shell is what has been going on in our lives. I love my kids and I am so grateful that I get to be their mom.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601362751590409145noreply@blogger.com0