tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217405482024-03-07T13:21:09.420-08:00EWING SURVIVING QUADRUPLETSAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-29930194606230960332015-08-13T21:05:00.000-07:002015-08-13T21:05:18.946-07:00Backstabbing B**ches and B****ards of BaseballStrong title! I know. I know. I am not usually so blatant, but there is a reason and I will get to it. I won't apologize, but perhaps my post will clarify. Mama bear is protective of her little cub.<br />
<br />
My son has played baseball (well Tball initially) since the age of 3. He has been on a dozen different little league teams. Never had much of an issue with little league. Everyone plays everywhere - it's about fairness and fun. It is not that competitive. Everyone gets a trophy.<br />
<br />
Travel Baseball has been brutal<br />
<br />
Hunter has been playing travel ball since he was 7 years old. It has been a world of kid's baseball that is full of bickering, backstabbing, statements such as "my kid is better than that kid" and "my kid should be playing 3rd base," criticisms about who is sitting the bench, comments about "daddy ball" which is real for some (you know who you are), but not true for all. It's cliquish and so high school at times. People complain about little league politics, but there are definitely politics in travel ball too. Everyone wants to befriend the coach and are afraid of him knowing this, that, or the other thing because it might affect their child's playing. Parents are yelling at umpires (I might have done that once but I am not admitting it). Parents are yelling at other team's parents. I am telling you - a riot could have broken out at one game I was at. Coaches telling kids to go hurt other kids because a player got hurt...vicious at times. Sometimes I wish we had video of it all so we could look at ourselves and say "What the heck?" Isn't this about the kids? It just isn't that flipping serious. What are our kids learning? (If you read yourself in this, something to look at)<br />
<br />
It should be about the kids - they are amazing. I have seen 9 and 10 year olds play like they get a paycheck and then go play with their Happy Meal Toys when the games are over as they eat their hamburger and fries. Such a contrast. They are just little boys (and sometimes girls). They may seem 20 on a ball field, but they aren't. They are learning MORE than baseball here.<br />
<br />
I guess it all isn't negative. I mean, my son has learned so much int he last 2 years that will help him in other areas of his life. He started off being the worst player on his first travel ball team and getting the sought after last batter slot and alternate right fielder position (which he deserved). I have always believed one should work hard for anything in life, so it was amazing to see how hard Hunter worked to get better. Nearly every day, my kid has a glove or a bat in his hands, asking his dad to help him work on some aspect of his game. He is always striving to improve. He has a passion for this game - a love (albeit sometimes it is a love-hate relationship) for baseball. Every day he is thinking baseball. We should all have a passion and a love in life - a reason for being. I have watched this boy improve dramatically in the manner he conducts himself with others - the way he treats people with compassion, the sincere interest if another player is injured or upset, and finally, the other day there was a big smile (EVEN when he got out) and I asked him about it - "I just don't feel like crying anymore." Big smiles from mama.<br />
<br />
I thought about writing a tell all story about the life of my son's short baseball career because that 2 years, particularly the last few months is full of drama. When I tell my friends about all the events of baseball, I am told "this should be a reality show." Ha ha. It really could be. I think we could make some money in this. There is plenty of drama to go around. <br />
<br />
<br />
I have a wonderful little boy with a great big heart. I have seen him be hurt tremendously because of one particular coach for whom I have had such hurt and anger due to his choices/actions. So much I could say here, but I won't. I saw the effects of this hurt with our recent move. I felt it was a good time for a change, so I made a leap and moved my family away. I see all these little boys around the neighborhood and probe my son to make friends because he is definitely NOT SHY! He wasn't interested. He told me he doesn't want to make friends with anyone anymore. UGH! Crushing. Even more anger !!! I am not normally an angry person, but I have been carrying around so much of this anger and it is eating me up.<br />
<br />
In my journey, I found my way to a new church here and it was if the words being spoken were meant to be heard by yours truly. <br />
<br />
Every day I want to connect with God. When communion is celebrated, I am inviting him in. Yet, how is there any room when I am full of this hurt and anger? One of the scriptures that was discussed which affected me and made me realize how I need to forgive all of the past hurts and move beyond it:<br />
<br />
Eph 4:20-5:2<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Brothers and sisters:</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">with which you were sealed for the day of redemption. </span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">must be removed from you, along with all </span><nobr style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a class="pxInta" href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080915.cfm#" id="PXLINK_2_0_1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-width: 0px 0px 1px !important; color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; display: inline !important; font-family: arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1px;">malice</a></nobr><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">. </span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And be kind to one another, compassionate,</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">forgiving one another as God has </span><nobr style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a class="pxInta" href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080915.cfm#" id="PXLINK_5_0_4" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-width: 0px 0px 1px !important; color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; display: inline !important; font-family: arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1px;">forgiven</a></nobr><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> you in Christ.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love,</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
My goal in life is beyond having the best baseball player. My goal is to raise my children to be the best people they can be. Teaching forgiveness means first you must do it. So, I am called to forgive and I am working on it. I want my son to know that when he messes up, God will forgive him too (and of course he knows I always do). I want him to focus on all the good things that he gets from baseball (that hard work ethic, the passion, the good character, the ability to deal with adversity and persevere, the value of the team over the individual which involves personal sacrifice at times) - traits that will carry him far in life, regardless of what he does.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, if have done anything to you, do yourself the favor of forgiving me for yourself and your kids and I will be over here working on my own forgiveness. Writing this has been more of a catharsis than anything. I mean no ill will toward anyone.<br />
<br />
<br />
To all the B**ches and B***ards of Baseball,<br />
See you at the ballfield<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-42909590676853424952015-01-14T20:41:00.000-08:002015-01-14T20:41:20.206-08:00Tradition carries onMy girls spend all their free time at a ball field, watching their brother play ball and it would only seem natural that one of them would find themselves interested in playing ball. Alexandria has expressed her interest in playing ball and begged to join little league. She picked up a glove for the first time in the last week and has been practicing every night with her brother. He has been coaching her and she loves all the attention she gets from him. He had his own tryouts tonight and wasn't watching her game. She was very disappointed in him and expressed this. He looked downtrodden after tryouts and I asked what was wrong with him. He told me, "I am sad because I hurt my sister's feelings by not watching her tryout." Guess we live and learn. Love the relationship/bond they have. Sweet kids. #nevergoingtoletherdownagain #LOYALTY<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is Allie's fielding from the tryouts at the little league tonight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghywoRFWaggzfnpyFcFzwu_hvZgi_9PLyS-S7dttXoEYxPhIoZL-q8qFrflswchfILamBt9VEW-8Aq5Y3zFvMdzN_3QiI1XNo-H8zTs2whdOCh40kP9zFvKrZE3rd_FMIu2RvQug/s1600/allies+tryout.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghywoRFWaggzfnpyFcFzwu_hvZgi_9PLyS-S7dttXoEYxPhIoZL-q8qFrflswchfILamBt9VEW-8Aq5Y3zFvMdzN_3QiI1XNo-H8zTs2whdOCh40kP9zFvKrZE3rd_FMIu2RvQug/s1600/allies+tryout.mp4" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-29843706503399163012014-08-18T16:37:00.001-07:002014-08-18T16:53:12.721-07:00Need your support<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNoG0E05a7sQHZ6mZIQv68pRomz8zG7A-IKNAIRU8sNdSwN37QPLyEKQZU1YZJZTvr2KuR2PbMjTkVzYT-aKpUy2Tx8UBw-wnqFYHFuG-WSEfhE48Mmtewk0aXm7YBluCy68K2Q/s1600/champs+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNoG0E05a7sQHZ6mZIQv68pRomz8zG7A-IKNAIRU8sNdSwN37QPLyEKQZU1YZJZTvr2KuR2PbMjTkVzYT-aKpUy2Tx8UBw-wnqFYHFuG-WSEfhE48Mmtewk0aXm7YBluCy68K2Q/s1600/champs+1.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I know our family has a lot of support out there - my friends, my family, co-workers, and my community. We could really use your help. My son plays on an 8U travel team (about to move up to 9U) that really works hard to develop children on and off the ball field. We have the chance to go to the Cal Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, SC 2015 which would expose them to the elite and continue to inspire them to work hard at their craft. If you celebrate the holidays, this is a wonderful opportunity for a win-win. You can pre-order your holiday wreaths using this site which then gives a portion of the proceeds back to the boys. Imagine your fresh from the nursery wreath coming straight to your door just in time for the holidays: 1 less thing to have on your checklist by taking care of it now! Imagine our kids' faces when they are told they are getting an amazing once in a lifetime experience because you helped us! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
Please consider purchases or <span style="color: yellow;">just donate</span> at the website below! Just copy and paste link in a new browser!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">www.myteamworks.org/south-lake-sluggers-4/6687/fb</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks so much for helping Hunter and all his teammates!<br />
<br />
The Ewing Family (and the South Lake Slugger Family)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-72608043200247463302014-08-18T15:59:00.001-07:002014-08-18T16:02:09.364-07:00First Day of 3rd Grade<br />
<br />
The long awaited day finally came - the first day of school for the 2014/15 school year. The kids have always been in the same class together, but we switched it up this year. All of them wanted their own class and their own teacher until 1 week before school. The girls were terrified. They backtracked and looked at me with trepidation in a manner that conveyed "How will I survive without my sister or my brother?" We met their new teachers on August 14th and each appeared to have a special connection to the teacher they received as if it were predestined. Hunter got "the smart class" as he specifically requested. Gabrielle's teacher was thrilled to have "the one that was in the spelling bee" and asked Gabrielle to be one of her "helpers" with the special needs children that are integrated in her classroom as they need someone to help them that is super smart like Gabby. Alexandria got a teacher who is really good friends with her last year's teacher and she team teaches with another teacher but they have to "switch classes" which made Alexandria really excited to be like the big kids in high school.<br />
<br />
So at the end of day 1 - I have 3 super happy kids who love their own teacher who won't get them mixed up and ask "Which one are you again?" Individuality and own friends. Kids that miss each other when they come home vs. being sick of each other. (On the con side - I am going to have tons more homework and different homework and 5 teachers with whom to keep up. That's going to be a challenge. On birthdays, I might need to raise some funds: 3 classes - 3 cakes - 1 day).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Quotes of the day:<br />
<br />
Alexandria concluded "My teacher is beautiful and she loves me...I just know it." Gabrielle boasted, "My teacher calls on me and loves all my answers. I think she likes me!" Hunter said "I am really impressed with this smart class." He said that both his teachers are very smart and nice. The conclusion was a resounding "I really like 3rd grade."<br />
<br />
Now what to wear on day 2?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHIoy7pNMXNaOiS7YJujBr-_d9vQ2B85Kh2-wDTArrRjJJEAAKFJWHaAyytHLftjJBNPAyBHfRI8My2cIasUj3DxYHkmV49NoWDWNZ24PmC4ZQaZGR_1dB_AGkXlOXaJi71D4pw/s1600/3rd+grade+1st+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHIoy7pNMXNaOiS7YJujBr-_d9vQ2B85Kh2-wDTArrRjJJEAAKFJWHaAyytHLftjJBNPAyBHfRI8My2cIasUj3DxYHkmV49NoWDWNZ24PmC4ZQaZGR_1dB_AGkXlOXaJi71D4pw/s1600/3rd+grade+1st+day.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-32473347452546572952014-05-07T20:37:00.001-07:002014-05-07T21:35:02.037-07:00Mother's day reflections: 8 is great and has it's own set of tribulations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8 is great </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8 years ago, I brought home 4 babies - 1 at a time over the course of a month and this little guy was first. Weighing 3 pounds and 11 ounces at birth, he was just over 4 pounds when I took him home. I didn't know what I was doing with a baby. It was a new experience. I made so many mistakes with him (and continue to) - I let him sleep through the night the first night home because he didn't wake me to be fed. I was thinking "this is easy." When I saw the pediatrician the next day, he scolded me for not waking Hunter up, "He has to be fed every 3 hours - he doesn't have enough glucagen storage to feed his brain if he isn't fed every 3 hours." I can now be blamed for any mental lapses he might have forever more. "Well my mother didn't make sure I had enough glucose in the brain - that's why I did that." HA HA. Anyhow, Since then, my little boy has always been the light of my life and the source of my stress at times.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfuXw5ETgaIXBk-562UdyONdr4rcnNWAxZTbo9Cvtg_akiLCCUqcVlOCwvuEU5O7wSZPhBK2cvdJa1lJeRj6S_X_FX2EdvcDCmM6ss-bkU4Zf3iuoLjLpC0mxiSvNiCJ6pzLCAw/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfuXw5ETgaIXBk-562UdyONdr4rcnNWAxZTbo9Cvtg_akiLCCUqcVlOCwvuEU5O7wSZPhBK2cvdJa1lJeRj6S_X_FX2EdvcDCmM6ss-bkU4Zf3iuoLjLpC0mxiSvNiCJ6pzLCAw/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>\\<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2txsxEGQzA-ZoTqANAwuj1LMig0M8tAPopbSbw-kHVF2eRKFhuL6PE2RTjc4jGWsKfa0kktiIhYTJ33oEfxBKFocv1QomXyXQ43YmWIopg5iyzuJq6WZMTgzPf3RofVFRMAaLA/s1600/july074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2txsxEGQzA-ZoTqANAwuj1LMig0M8tAPopbSbw-kHVF2eRKFhuL6PE2RTjc4jGWsKfa0kktiIhYTJ33oEfxBKFocv1QomXyXQ43YmWIopg5iyzuJq6WZMTgzPf3RofVFRMAaLA/s1600/july074.jpg" height="320" width="281" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKygfcyzuW6twVPnpevFqprgDKzSyjdJQ2vIs6JST4cX6pHGj2KN8jD6Xf_PDM9QSTOX5NTCI2eDVsosInNyA-Qrt1bOzwfxhkhnYezcROIUwf5cknX-FKFQihUWmL12hztJxag/s1600/Picture+333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKygfcyzuW6twVPnpevFqprgDKzSyjdJQ2vIs6JST4cX6pHGj2KN8jD6Xf_PDM9QSTOX5NTCI2eDVsosInNyA-Qrt1bOzwfxhkhnYezcROIUwf5cknX-FKFQihUWmL12hztJxag/s1600/Picture+333.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I lost his twin Preston, I felt my own sorrow, but I felt sorrow for Hunter as well. I worried about him not having the playmate, partner-in-crime etc that his brother would bring for him. So many nights, I let him sleep with us because he was scared and didn't have someone to sleep with like the girls did. He often reminded me he was lonely and would cry that he missed his brother. I don't know how he could remember Preston at 2 months of age, but I won't defy the twin-twin bond. Dad has been his partner since then and while sometimes I feel a little out of his focus and out of the loop, I am reminded that when he does something great - I am the one that he looks at, smiling, shining - "Look mom, look what I did." He is my heart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZT-lDeLyRvKJczqe1wKP5Z2vXU1a3XeuSecb1D8DpYRPDdQ4dxZHJAWN_ELvJQ7aZgSrzku8Z0bxu1y0ORD-rmuUek84OJj_LxXUv-kqZTsrS1uTsV392MuT4So3fVgT1wRhWaA/s1600/parnter+in+crime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZT-lDeLyRvKJczqe1wKP5Z2vXU1a3XeuSecb1D8DpYRPDdQ4dxZHJAWN_ELvJQ7aZgSrzku8Z0bxu1y0ORD-rmuUek84OJj_LxXUv-kqZTsrS1uTsV392MuT4So3fVgT1wRhWaA/s1600/parnter+in+crime.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
Hunter and his PARTNER IN CRIME above<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hunter is smart as a whip and precocious. He is succeeding in school, making all A's without effort. He haphazardly does his homework and gets it right, while the girls take painstaking efforts to get good grades. His 2nd grade teacher says he is incredibly smart and she has no concerns about his abilities but says "Imagine what he could do if he could only stay on task." I had to tell her - no matter </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
where we go (home, school, baseball), Hunter has difficulty focusing and paying attention. I think ADD is overly diagnosed among boys and truthfully feel this is something he will grow out of. His grandfather did! For what Hunter lacks, he makes up in charm. His teacher has shared several stories of how he is encouraging to her and makes her laugh. She says he tells her everyday - "Ms. Kruse, you are awesome" and occasionally he commends her on a lesson being fabulous, when merited ;) He is a piece of work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCknrHFgnrQiIYJQSyixTvtxiEgUw0rCKFCZwUQZyI5Vklvnfq-OQuoWtcX56Bo1dQdACaRfA3xtKyKUv7-2RjjoR7As-axriDN_LCFTgXsbHQLAFkZNmpNsYdIs6ZlV46rIqeQ/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCknrHFgnrQiIYJQSyixTvtxiEgUw0rCKFCZwUQZyI5Vklvnfq-OQuoWtcX56Bo1dQdACaRfA3xtKyKUv7-2RjjoR7As-axriDN_LCFTgXsbHQLAFkZNmpNsYdIs6ZlV46rIqeQ/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year has brought Hunter a girlfriend. Ha Ha. She was only about 6 feet taller than him. It was short lived (as short as he is) - they danced at the Valentine's Dance and now she has moved on to greener pastures while Hunter remains in love with 1 thing: baseball. I would actually call it a "love-hate" relationship. He has been playing ball since he was about 3 years old. He excelled early on - in Tball, he was one of the kids that could throw and catch (most of the time) and would get the "outs" on the team by running kids down because he didn't trust the other players to catch the ball. As he has gotten older,there are more and more exceptional kids and Hunter has hit a rough patch. He's not the superstar all the time and it's okay!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHm6049jVx24AhYAkoq40Vt8rQSQELCclAwRcfC0u9pc4p1vl58shqq_q2jw0VnghHEFnGYdjRjH8oJD1Zpnwmt0f5s5tpthDoK5uEXuRQOt4rb3iH4NMmw5-SX5jdXa0xslpYA/s1600/bananabaseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHm6049jVx24AhYAkoq40Vt8rQSQELCclAwRcfC0u9pc4p1vl58shqq_q2jw0VnghHEFnGYdjRjH8oJD1Zpnwmt0f5s5tpthDoK5uEXuRQOt4rb3iH4NMmw5-SX5jdXa0xslpYA/s1600/bananabaseball.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsUOsQ_24EWqf8TfO_ngt7mJbkE3Q8SdmjrwtuCUe3J6-Puh3aSrowYz_fCuiAX5ensfO4ACrnnyeGwrWNH4kZF-U92vL3mNTfi4VQPfpALg_qI9arBYBrtTRcbxCQ2CJBh0dJw/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsUOsQ_24EWqf8TfO_ngt7mJbkE3Q8SdmjrwtuCUe3J6-Puh3aSrowYz_fCuiAX5ensfO4ACrnnyeGwrWNH4kZF-U92vL3mNTfi4VQPfpALg_qI9arBYBrtTRcbxCQ2CJBh0dJw/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He takes it so hard when he doesn't get on base. His ability to control his emotions has been a challenge. Adversity isn't something he is good at. (I wonder where he gets it). We have tried so many tactics (reward/punishment, long talks, sitting out of a game/benching him, etc) to try to get him to recognize his attitude is everything. After one game where he threw a tantrum, I was ready to spank him. Instead, I talked to him and remained calm. He stayed out of that game and then I had my dear friend and fellow therapist do some work with him to help. She asked him to draw something he really liked about himself. He drew himself hitting the ball and said, "I love it when I get on base. I especially love it when I get a home run." She asked him to draw something he didn't like about himself and he drew a picture of an umpire calling "strike 3" and the pitcher smiling. He was crying in the picture. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6X8QvYUl_CogJ1FV4aabdCSrQPGcq56E0x-rPe6SsaYaeSQD7G4JqxR_vlnHN5hYHgiV9PkAzHeEtrGbA_cX9wOm393SKlFEJtI69KwYFHXUncIJjCbHtK3UIK_HUEQOBfIk1Yw/s1600/strike+out+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6X8QvYUl_CogJ1FV4aabdCSrQPGcq56E0x-rPe6SsaYaeSQD7G4JqxR_vlnHN5hYHgiV9PkAzHeEtrGbA_cX9wOm393SKlFEJtI69KwYFHXUncIJjCbHtK3UIK_HUEQOBfIk1Yw/s1600/strike+out+2.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
pic above - what it feels like to hit the ball - the pitcher cries</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIJq8059xJU9xBKeuDq8JMeYyUZEYXXssZHctFqJLQx51Ahm50JD0L6X-w2uE8vKef58TTHzqNWJQ5xSVt10E9TmpknH99Oe8Jfuo1YOBhyaEf4KynkOsEV6uMR_IYKYlBTVfpA/s1600/strike+out+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIJq8059xJU9xBKeuDq8JMeYyUZEYXXssZHctFqJLQx51Ahm50JD0L6X-w2uE8vKef58TTHzqNWJQ5xSVt10E9TmpknH99Oe8Jfuo1YOBhyaEf4KynkOsEV6uMR_IYKYlBTVfpA/s1600/strike+out+1.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>\</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
pic above - what it feels like to strike out</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She asked him how it feels to strike out. He thought about it and came up with "guilty." When she shared that with me, I thought - "That's the last emotion I would have thought he would have come up with. Anger, yes. Sad, yes. But, guilty? He feels like he is not only letting himself down, but his team down when he is out - it's all his fault in his mind if they don't win. I wanted to cry and I was so glad I didn't spank him. I love this boy so much - I wish he could get on base every time and yet, that's not baseball. He has to learn to deal with it. My friend shared with him that he had to learn to like the part of himself that strikes out as much as the part of himself that gets on base. She asked him to think about how he could do that. He said - "I just have to try my best." I know he mentally got it. Emotionally is another story. I have thought about quitting baseball altogether but that thought makes him terrified. He says "It's my life. I love it." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRPZhSwCoTorTBz4V1bO3HpSrP0Q9WyOFW0rTX6DH15Wln5JBjjqvLK3uzhSQqW33Zm_zIztGr3yMj9zoDpYzcMbWqh4UnwHamxxcKPKDJ-pzfsollgbbARpurVi6G5a4zUHVVw/s1600/hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRPZhSwCoTorTBz4V1bO3HpSrP0Q9WyOFW0rTX6DH15Wln5JBjjqvLK3uzhSQqW33Zm_zIztGr3yMj9zoDpYzcMbWqh4UnwHamxxcKPKDJ-pzfsollgbbARpurVi6G5a4zUHVVw/s1600/hero.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> And every once in awhile, you put a smile on your coach's face and feel like a hero after-all.</div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How do you teach an 8 year old to manage feelings of failure when most adults have difficulty coping with it. Go to a bar - its full of people having difficulty coping with failure! So, church and biblical teachings have been something I am trying to reinforce with him - play hard, pray hard and how would Jesus want you to act? Something has to work! He will be the kid out there making the sign of the cross, clasping his little hands and saying "Jesus, I know it's just baseball but can you help me put my skills to work here and not cry if I don't get on base?" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMqGez9Gdw09r0_KdEetk02tBHvGoaCS1MMNkgHnNHHriaGBWJXz0hrDL-k5bzLa2g0sI_Z_GTMpenrxYdVmfwdQbWQIi6BU3IsGKqMFuDmx4zKqz3FiFmdj1qGtpVTWmh-CXng/s1600/baseballtrophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMqGez9Gdw09r0_KdEetk02tBHvGoaCS1MMNkgHnNHHriaGBWJXz0hrDL-k5bzLa2g0sI_Z_GTMpenrxYdVmfwdQbWQIi6BU3IsGKqMFuDmx4zKqz3FiFmdj1qGtpVTWmh-CXng/s1600/baseballtrophy.jpg" /></a>Win or lose - He's my "Hit Man" Affectionately termed by his beloved ex-coach and now a family friend Mr. Lapin. Hunter grew on him!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alexandria was my 2nd beautiful baby home 8 + years ago. The oldest and the 2nd biggest at 3 pounds 10 1/2 and almost 5 pounds when she came home! She is now 50 pounds! The big 5-0. Gabrielle was the 3rd born at 3 lb 5 oz and is right at 50 pounds now too. How can I talk about 1 without talking about the other? They are inseparable. Over the years, they have been such a source of joy to me. My girly girls who my husband is so desperately trying to turn into tomboys. They go everywhere with me. Empathy and kindness emanate from them - from their compassion for pets to their compassion for people. This truly makes me proud. If someone is sad, they want to cheer them up. They find the beauty in everyone. There was once a lady who was celebrating her 90th birthday at a restaurant and they made this lady's day by telling her how "pretty" she was. Beauty is everywhere - in their eyes. I have gained so much weight over the last few years with my thyroid disorder and medications to suppress my thyroid, plus being too darn busy to go the gym. It has been difficult for me to be overweight. The girls will cheer me up when they tell me - "Mommy you are beautiful." I love them for their kindness. They are beautiful INSIDE and out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHafsySWxERNbgdNKyCrYTNrXKZ5bDjzWd9Vo_0H_pJEeiegOSbppDYWmMTa7SDIvb5ls46g1EJm7rdB-f2rXHSowIFWTGxqKtuzB7eK8unov0Kbiz4eO2oDZfs79UbizATc1fQ/s1600/DSC_0411%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHafsySWxERNbgdNKyCrYTNrXKZ5bDjzWd9Vo_0H_pJEeiegOSbppDYWmMTa7SDIvb5ls46g1EJm7rdB-f2rXHSowIFWTGxqKtuzB7eK8unov0Kbiz4eO2oDZfs79UbizATc1fQ/s1600/DSC_0411%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3 years old </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMUMldPUO1nToXpmzowLCMB6QuXHPwmTZq_jrtvF9Vqi_rry0UNXNahW2jcrxnaIo3Nfhs96JP_QdpIB2xLGjYrpUyifTAjzDefZnTxXjXEVMcwca2kWtdmHlKR-j9H4dwrbFWg/s1600/princesses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMUMldPUO1nToXpmzowLCMB6QuXHPwmTZq_jrtvF9Vqi_rry0UNXNahW2jcrxnaIo3Nfhs96JP_QdpIB2xLGjYrpUyifTAjzDefZnTxXjXEVMcwca2kWtdmHlKR-j9H4dwrbFWg/s1600/princesses.jpg" height="320" width="312" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And now </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
School has been challenging! 1st grade was horrifying - the expectations for 1st graders is so much different than when I was growing up and it just keeps getting more difficult. Last year, we had pretty much "mommy boot camp" every night to try to get them where they need to be. Over the summers, we go to an expensive reading program offered through Valencia to try to improve reading ability. This year, my girls have excelled. They still have to work very hard and sometimes we still have bootcamp. This last couple of weeks, they have had a unit on money and it is KILLING ME! They don't grasp it. Still, their grade are A/B and each of them have had all A's honor roll once! Exciting progress. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_jOiJqtvkRLbjcV9qnNh6KNvHxVN-yCGzfAOzog6wZ3vpqbrkh6tBs3X12KZ67HS3yNtmaAIzeMP0FD_J3qIcVBzf5tPZZyctGrbShXUMHRae95X56zLmSLHLoFR9OtNzqINmw/s1600/gabbys+grades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_jOiJqtvkRLbjcV9qnNh6KNvHxVN-yCGzfAOzog6wZ3vpqbrkh6tBs3X12KZ67HS3yNtmaAIzeMP0FD_J3qIcVBzf5tPZZyctGrbShXUMHRae95X56zLmSLHLoFR9OtNzqINmw/s1600/gabbys+grades.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsbx08sMFEl_OFXVvvmzeBBb446bgYqxGZhXI5wSHXlCElsIwE-vjK8f7YRg6OaIbWVAm9WBY2oETYAxDxcwHgWyFRVz1BcSWc-VvceoPeskMP5064WircFfmf1GA-e4qv1-y4A/s1600/hunters+grades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsbx08sMFEl_OFXVvvmzeBBb446bgYqxGZhXI5wSHXlCElsIwE-vjK8f7YRg6OaIbWVAm9WBY2oETYAxDxcwHgWyFRVz1BcSWc-VvceoPeskMP5064WircFfmf1GA-e4qv1-y4A/s1600/hunters+grades.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pic above - Gabby's grades on the left; Allie's on the right</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Their love is dance - We have been with CAD (Clermont Academy of Dance) for the last 3 years. This is one amazing dance school. Their competition team wins 1st place in something at Nationals every year. This school's older girls spend all their hours at the studio after school so guess what - there is no time for all the bad things that teenagers can be tempted by. I am hoping Alexandria and Gabrielle continue to work on their dance and dedicate themselves in this area so that the teenage years won't be so terrible! We have an upcoming recital in June and I can't wait to see their latest routine. It always makes me smile.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i1.ytimg.com/vi/cF_6W0jw-w8/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/cF_6W0jw-w8?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/cF_6W0jw-w8?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
Their first time dancing in public - at their "aunties" 60th birthday<br />
<br />
AT CAD!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN5inJAnWDMG4d8KPWlZ3vheomRrYs1TflBa4qg4Ens2HsaSlrzfauDkxePFyrhUsVT0I0okmD9hcygWF1G0JhEaH6NLmencZoGTzWl0y8cwyYlHAuT0WMrm_uZ7kVsMaMfwn3Q/s1600/dance+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN5inJAnWDMG4d8KPWlZ3vheomRrYs1TflBa4qg4Ens2HsaSlrzfauDkxePFyrhUsVT0I0okmD9hcygWF1G0JhEaH6NLmencZoGTzWl0y8cwyYlHAuT0WMrm_uZ7kVsMaMfwn3Q/s1600/dance+2.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a>YEAR 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYEqRq-mgXaLn9Iw-uqfYPY1Cn3dupZLykF3S1ZN7ALEYlP_mhGNUt-OdO6yTjb5Lf9WSt-o2rdMAky-vyqyMlE3XmZ5yv_xOhpWqj0_lO16s4qmMoA43PSvRIQeR-_vOg_cjMQ/s1600/dance+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYEqRq-mgXaLn9Iw-uqfYPY1Cn3dupZLykF3S1ZN7ALEYlP_mhGNUt-OdO6yTjb5Lf9WSt-o2rdMAky-vyqyMlE3XmZ5yv_xOhpWqj0_lO16s4qmMoA43PSvRIQeR-_vOg_cjMQ/s1600/dance+4.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsiKP4P4Lu8hwhsMM-CrcSXHxW5sdzRQyljEpOBw1i0TM7srk2Ew4yRY_s3rRco546U76YP-A1DbxXXOuklCU9fFyYUBvJ8GJwnm9m4G3ZSWva3u0yiYan4FzSu4wmQOYdPA4og/s1600/dance+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsiKP4P4Lu8hwhsMM-CrcSXHxW5sdzRQyljEpOBw1i0TM7srk2Ew4yRY_s3rRco546U76YP-A1DbxXXOuklCU9fFyYUBvJ8GJwnm9m4G3ZSWva3u0yiYan4FzSu4wmQOYdPA4og/s1600/dance+5.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kD9dqpAAWcsizp03hU96eeiyC2p4X9-nfDo9Ua8C-LyHgQQycw25nQfcwUzbz2RR-HytWcZkQsVr4HtEhDtCOQO_ur8alKCcecyNE1xDsrXomenZfxARwfLjpRMFeko1OiqZ7Q/s1600/dance+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kD9dqpAAWcsizp03hU96eeiyC2p4X9-nfDo9Ua8C-LyHgQQycw25nQfcwUzbz2RR-HytWcZkQsVr4HtEhDtCOQO_ur8alKCcecyNE1xDsrXomenZfxARwfLjpRMFeko1OiqZ7Q/s1600/dance+3.jpg" height="320" width="312" /></a>YEAR 2</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And no matter what, these girls keep me laughing with all their antics.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ15SJj0oMojPREcfqkBXL6UnAEHGHjUxZiPrLpPUm2mmGkRG3wJgFDUcVkhyphenhyphenpcPlSu7HeDGJ0-X8_bRchoVFfObzIM9wyKINbYel509be9noH4FdJkLGUyXZg37AGyOsIg1UEA/s1600/funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ15SJj0oMojPREcfqkBXL6UnAEHGHjUxZiPrLpPUm2mmGkRG3wJgFDUcVkhyphenhyphenpcPlSu7HeDGJ0-X8_bRchoVFfObzIM9wyKINbYel509be9noH4FdJkLGUyXZg37AGyOsIg1UEA/s1600/funny.jpg" height="285" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From the beginnings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcdNX_Lacvz34CpjtWB-iAtXd2tsu4qBXAgZ1JWnJNYkMx5S2n5_PbHjTO-Q5PqjyMN9pRj161-2Wo6xJJfsKu5GVArv-AGQF75BDJ66hhhy7qubI8s5X-c0_iO3EskyoRydj2g/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcdNX_Lacvz34CpjtWB-iAtXd2tsu4qBXAgZ1JWnJNYkMx5S2n5_PbHjTO-Q5PqjyMN9pRj161-2Wo6xJJfsKu5GVArv-AGQF75BDJ66hhhy7qubI8s5X-c0_iO3EskyoRydj2g/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Orlando Sentinel Mother's Day addition - front page 5/14/06<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVU0xHIqKHhyVLR-CCnMWZZ1YszjDDfthGu-dvCfi0LPo1YzmvpWkIpNLN-HdgUdzKisHyg7qsc_yntf2b0JYriE0gPJttGbmrM2Ojjj3lD-xA3xDWZdsPyAQrBLx4bUSRaJucQ/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVU0xHIqKHhyVLR-CCnMWZZ1YszjDDfthGu-dvCfi0LPo1YzmvpWkIpNLN-HdgUdzKisHyg7qsc_yntf2b0JYriE0gPJttGbmrM2Ojjj3lD-xA3xDWZdsPyAQrBLx4bUSRaJucQ/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
All of us -<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1usTJT_890GU-Iz3M2iINWBDopy4EA3ONFvO47loG_B-dIQHOiP8az7f5-TpkpKDc9G82ZO0BdgOo4FhTjfSgY0H5GwISq8k6-F9IQI2Q4AnUMV_ymznoJqSvmqXU-nX2tl1-6w/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1usTJT_890GU-Iz3M2iINWBDopy4EA3ONFvO47loG_B-dIQHOiP8az7f5-TpkpKDc9G82ZO0BdgOo4FhTjfSgY0H5GwISq8k6-F9IQI2Q4AnUMV_ymznoJqSvmqXU-nX2tl1-6w/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until now and the journey of the next year - of 8</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZ_74adGvc6uwOl2gxt2Y0jKbtdVIM_wa-R50eiaFWrHQDC5fwY9_UK0wRDOkMJqc8_1kjC9yJ2DhXINY7rxVADAWw1GEplCCe_itvBo9CsaEo4IgoFOSZbMSssHr8oOgiXp0rw/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZ_74adGvc6uwOl2gxt2Y0jKbtdVIM_wa-R50eiaFWrHQDC5fwY9_UK0wRDOkMJqc8_1kjC9yJ2DhXINY7rxVADAWw1GEplCCe_itvBo9CsaEo4IgoFOSZbMSssHr8oOgiXp0rw/s1600/beach.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I am blessed to be a mother to these beautiful, healthy, smart, and talented 8 year children who are imperfectly perfect (like their parents) and that shall sustain me through the trials and tribulations of boo-boos and broken hearts, baseball and dance mishaps/politics, and boot camp like sessions of homework. I am so grateful that I am their mother and I will try to reflect on that this Mother's Day with my miss-shapened mug for my hot drink or whatever other craft they give me for that day that's messed up but they tried real hard because they love me - Love someone hard enough and all the imperfections are made perfect.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i> elisa </i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-16297546675080617782013-12-18T21:01:00.004-08:002013-12-18T21:01:39.403-08:00Christmas 2013 There are 7 days left to Christmas and I find myself in a familiar place - trying to catch up to Christmas. Being a busy mom who works long hours makes it hard to be prepared.<br />
<br />
There is the tree to put up which is traditionally done the weekend after Thanksgiving. Mine went up Monday night and at the expense of doing work I brought home (as usual).<br />
<br />
Shopping to do for family: Nope I am still not done. I look at my "haul" and say "It's not enough. It's not equal. Not enough of something. Back out to buy more is in the plans.<br />
<br />
Charity to give to: Yep, I have bought some toys and they sit in my closet - still not donated.<br />
<br />
Cookies: Dough in refrigerator - Not done! Will it ever happen?<br />
<br />
Gingerbread house - Never will happen<br />
<br />
Christmas dinner planned and purchased: I have it more or less planned but not purchased. What am I waiting for?<br />
<br />
Christmas cards? I had a planned photography session after I had the photographer help with planning the outfits. They have not yet arrived. Session rescheduled for after the new year. So, I took pictures in front of my tree (TONIGHT) and ordered them at Walgreens. They are going to be picked up tomorrow and mailed God knows when. When have I been to a post office?<br />
<br />
Packages for out of town: Not mailed<br />
<br />
Thank you cards to send off for gifts received: Not even purchased<br />
<br />
Holiday lights/decorations outside: Didn't happen this year.<br />
<br />
Visiting lights to enjoy with the kids: Hmmm.... sounds like a thought<br />
<br />
Christmas Parade: Skipped because I was too tired and my back hurt<br />
<br />
Visiting the mall Santa/Santa letters: OMG I need to do this soon!<br />
<br />
Advent calendars and elves on the shelves? Lovely tradition Martha Stewart mothers, but it probably won't happen in the next 10 years.<br />
<br />
Any presents wrapped? Not one!<br />
<br />
Class room party preparation and teacher gifts? I did it tonight (the night before as usual procrastinators do). Wrapping various candies in cellophane, ensuring each child gets one with a card from my trio... it's not as pretty or elaborate as some parents will make and I am glad I will be too busy working to see the Martha Stewart creations to make me feel I failed in yet, one more area. Gift card for teacher - check along with a regifted mug full of Ghiradelli chocolate. Yep, I am that person.<br />
<br />
I am sure I am forgetting about 1000 other details<br />
<br />
I will be up till 5 am on Christmas eve/morning, doing last minute shopping, trying to clean the house, prepare things for the next day, wrap presents, do the Santa cookies and milk, etc. <br />
<br />
<br />
I find myself so frustrated that there isn't more time to prepare, but then I knew this day was coming 365 days ago. It happens the same time every year, so why am I not more prepared? Why doesn't it even feel like Christmas? I found myself today, giving a lecture to a group of clients about the holiday being this amalgamation of 1000 different ideas on the meaning of Christmas. We are sold these ideas and we buy them willingly and when the holiday doesn't measure up to that ideal in our heads, we are unhappy.<br />
<br />
We need lots of presents under the tree. Everyone is supposed to be holly and jolly. There are supposed to be snow and snowmen, sleigh rides and sleds (impossible for us Floridians), hot cocoa by the fire, surrounded by a big family, opening presents and having holiday ham, turkey, and "figgy pudding" (whatever that is). Santa and reindeer, elves, carols, mangers, the nativity scene, Christmas trees, holiday wreaths, watching "It's a Wonderful Life," or whatever holiday movie.<br />
<br />
Have we forgot this is a religious holiday? If we simply were to think of it as the birthday for Jesus, would we still have this inordinate amount of pressure to get things done or to go into debt fulfilling the dreams of our children? If it's really about our relationship with Christ, then it isn't about being surrounded by your large family and it's okay if you don't have family support during this time. So then what the heck are we doing to ourselves? <br />
<br />
I think in order to manage my stress and my guilt I have to go back to the whole premise of the day and keep perspective. So what if I don't get a gingerbread house built, the cookies made, or the perfect photo sent out to my loved ones? This is a day about Jesus - Thank you God for sending your child into the world, that he could be our light and show us how to live and how to die. Thank you for loving us that much to give us an in flesh experience of you. May we love each other with the love you give to us.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone else out there is having a stress-free 7 day countdown. <br />
<br />
In case you don't get the holiday photo till spring... here's a preview.<span id="goog_697440811"></span><span id="goog_697440812"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDir3Gm-F7d8uKZA-Ax2BsGzI8-C-7_sX03uRrBJ8Rs7om6Oa0UBTxbHAXvGSKYWSbvsBTvAdN1ORCZoU03NF3qqnZPNkihTcDlL9su_0eJKDzYTDeACcwjEs_gB4_V1nE6L1IIg/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDir3Gm-F7d8uKZA-Ax2BsGzI8-C-7_sX03uRrBJ8Rs7om6Oa0UBTxbHAXvGSKYWSbvsBTvAdN1ORCZoU03NF3qqnZPNkihTcDlL9su_0eJKDzYTDeACcwjEs_gB4_V1nE6L1IIg/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" width="221" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_531844068"></span><span id="goog_531844069"></span><br />
<br />
Yours Truly,<br />
<br />
Elisa<br />
<br />
XOXOAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-48662530962703097422013-02-12T20:09:00.002-08:002013-02-12T20:09:49.372-08:00Losing my Grandma - 2012/Dec<i><span style="font-family: Times-Italic;"><div align="LEFT">
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
Just before Christmas, my grandmother passed away. She was such an integral part of my existence. It is so difficult to think of life without her. I feel a void which I am reminded of on a near daily basis. She loved my babies so so very much and they knew it. There is nothing and I mean nothing, that she wouldn't do for those she loved. She was so proud of me and told me that regularly, but I am not sure that I ever told her that I was proud of her. She lived a tough life, but she stood strong and did what she needed to do to provide for her family. She did a good job. I am proud of you Grandma and I miss you. I know you loved me and I only hope you knew how much I love you. Holidays will never be the same without your cooking and griping about someone swiping the crudite or not getting to the table soon enough, etc. Lots of laughs there.</div>
<div align="LEFT">
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
The following is a poem written and published by our dear friend BC Manion who is a writer for various newspapers. This was published in the Daily Sun (Tampa) just after grandma's passing. I think it is beautful and sums things up.</div>
<div align="LEFT">
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
For Lisa Goggans</div>
</span><br /></i><span style="font-family: Times-Italic;"></span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><div align="LEFT">
You came into my life as an answer to prayer</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and have been a blessing to me ever since.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Your light has gone out, and this world of ours</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
has lost a unique.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1Y0Prt0X7lvq9Rfqu-7uTgK5zndqEZ8R8QSDmbIj68l6ci_Vsj_-yq9K9srczgnbR0kYJ7-W2sdJb0qw3ApwNFS3AqPNhWOUv3tuQN2E5qwKgsATzudtHdn0f0QD_4aJ6dqOnw/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1Y0Prt0X7lvq9Rfqu-7uTgK5zndqEZ8R8QSDmbIj68l6ci_Vsj_-yq9K9srczgnbR0kYJ7-W2sdJb0qw3ApwNFS3AqPNhWOUv3tuQN2E5qwKgsATzudtHdn0f0QD_4aJ6dqOnw/s320/IMG_0921.JPG" width="240" /></a>You left your mark</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
As a sister and daughter</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
a wife and a mother</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
a grandmother and great-grandmother</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and, as a sister-in-law, mother-in-law, aunt,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
colleague, neighbor and friend.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Our hearts expanded because of your love.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Our days were brightened because of your wit.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Our minds were sharpened by your great insights.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
And our lives are better because we had you.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Rest in peace, dear friend.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Our world is forever altered by your death.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
But nothing will ever erase</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the imprint you left on our lives.</div>
<br />
—B.C. Manion</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-10397120317921348382013-02-12T19:49:00.001-08:002013-02-12T19:49:07.552-08:00Christmas 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdDj_tkE__Q9gBNgqKyBsN4NKxQQgSaXglNoAJpduZ1xKBbbMy19BX0o5UNc6o_7XdXGqmBwrHGpNsbwATNCpU2ZLODZhyphenhyphenyvthr0gmmNj9T1qyuhG_pTggPk9lJ8lcX3SXTp38w/s1600/IMG_4402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdDj_tkE__Q9gBNgqKyBsN4NKxQQgSaXglNoAJpduZ1xKBbbMy19BX0o5UNc6o_7XdXGqmBwrHGpNsbwATNCpU2ZLODZhyphenhyphenyvthr0gmmNj9T1qyuhG_pTggPk9lJ8lcX3SXTp38w/s320/IMG_4402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Posing in front of the Tree on Christmas Eve</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznV7bwhZ7GLm9iZVdzosu1YKhyVmoIf6uf3bMoMnCLlFA2T-J0Us_nZDQxgCbCPKehRJu2AFGTq-15F0WVnXxPw1nKTv-vnqPtWGuV_xG4LXH0tGlkUuXmzz_30NuZesNqDRcSg/s1600/IMG_4403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznV7bwhZ7GLm9iZVdzosu1YKhyVmoIf6uf3bMoMnCLlFA2T-J0Us_nZDQxgCbCPKehRJu2AFGTq-15F0WVnXxPw1nKTv-vnqPtWGuV_xG4LXH0tGlkUuXmzz_30NuZesNqDRcSg/s320/IMG_4403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Big Ham Hunter</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhoOP0c_udnUhrl-A7vin44RXj9bMq94FoV0rz3aHezTzmcO5ZTFFBqaFKVb0n3WDme2V3fiVUcE-FqqteDqpHoSNDtMKwQG1Cwr7Gy92-3O9O9FA-pYIYCt4ac0RWTpW1EMAZA/s1600/IMG_4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhoOP0c_udnUhrl-A7vin44RXj9bMq94FoV0rz3aHezTzmcO5ZTFFBqaFKVb0n3WDme2V3fiVUcE-FqqteDqpHoSNDtMKwQG1Cwr7Gy92-3O9O9FA-pYIYCt4ac0RWTpW1EMAZA/s320/IMG_4418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Playing Just Dance before bed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PMSWfQ6vU0VFYJaZIvZul84Dyu9Yy-ID9DBZVtNdV3SNPcs0o21h_goa-iUra61NzXXQS18i04nwwEuLHrFmKUw0NUR95ksRaweHR-ShC0Nof_40dvHq9_gOUjTtxfPHACU3bw/s1600/IMG_4421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PMSWfQ6vU0VFYJaZIvZul84Dyu9Yy-ID9DBZVtNdV3SNPcs0o21h_goa-iUra61NzXXQS18i04nwwEuLHrFmKUw0NUR95ksRaweHR-ShC0Nof_40dvHq9_gOUjTtxfPHACU3bw/s320/IMG_4421.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cookies for Santa<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYubZx5nZlDI5LtZQqI3P_SjPtt4Hanf8gtZr1bl0X6CAiUdCSMpe8cq4qlGyOn8Iai5p2vzWtkzuwJyrvPNwwz6YYXWWhuYVk7jNXWI7jViGwOS89xA8EyAC-u_yrVW5XpsHBGA/s1600/IMG_4422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYubZx5nZlDI5LtZQqI3P_SjPtt4Hanf8gtZr1bl0X6CAiUdCSMpe8cq4qlGyOn8Iai5p2vzWtkzuwJyrvPNwwz6YYXWWhuYVk7jNXWI7jViGwOS89xA8EyAC-u_yrVW5XpsHBGA/s320/IMG_4422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Took Forever for this Boy to Sleep</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia_6ls_ffk9doLt80heGst77_0z3LHcSTqLkMgPBvWfA8RM_9L3VUk3DDR7K9ZHfhCasa-yOaS4o6mez9kZ-q171GYijx7wlqrNjicpoHf7NYF22ks5NvmCQ-tIIiYoRzweCbUg/s1600/IMG_4424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia_6ls_ffk9doLt80heGst77_0z3LHcSTqLkMgPBvWfA8RM_9L3VUk3DDR7K9ZHfhCasa-yOaS4o6mez9kZ-q171GYijx7wlqrNjicpoHf7NYF22ks5NvmCQ-tIIiYoRzweCbUg/s320/IMG_4424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The haul from just Santa above</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4ib3HeLV3HaLq4DYvwBlQ5OKgddzZgsluaceSGFP-qQsvZVVaFNSBLay_YbSSYfNNsvs7P27GQfWenvnM0a1VFcjxhiQTNwWTrcQKRPoE-Dw50w0gJ8IImnnFZSPEvVsiy1czw/s1600/IMG_4435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4ib3HeLV3HaLq4DYvwBlQ5OKgddzZgsluaceSGFP-qQsvZVVaFNSBLay_YbSSYfNNsvs7P27GQfWenvnM0a1VFcjxhiQTNwWTrcQKRPoE-Dw50w0gJ8IImnnFZSPEvVsiy1czw/s320/IMG_4435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas Day</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JbM1aQ3kQ3G1Ltk_UgLxknALdRSKtyRn27XBCUsws1pcHrtX2QMwUo5bSnrypDAjcjmmu9U_XBxbWdS3JbfnNFIB81nU46K0bhifpeS3VFL6YIKIbQaiOBQ22pSHh0YtC-SUig/s1600/IMG_4443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JbM1aQ3kQ3G1Ltk_UgLxknALdRSKtyRn27XBCUsws1pcHrtX2QMwUo5bSnrypDAjcjmmu9U_XBxbWdS3JbfnNFIB81nU46K0bhifpeS3VFL6YIKIbQaiOBQ22pSHh0YtC-SUig/s320/IMG_4443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gabby - happy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BK69U1-AjC_8tMKwRKNCN46YwiUpwND-mieNuc_rtWzN_-4ZX6Zx5SZgTKGRsssgK14qejuv-Ucj1CDm3_2Fmox1Ma8uHgeyMUS16a4HmRO3kSawkQoA5B662BMDdTFGAYTKuQ/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BK69U1-AjC_8tMKwRKNCN46YwiUpwND-mieNuc_rtWzN_-4ZX6Zx5SZgTKGRsssgK14qejuv-Ucj1CDm3_2Fmox1Ma8uHgeyMUS16a4HmRO3kSawkQoA5B662BMDdTFGAYTKuQ/s320/IMG_4445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ripping open presents</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZDpF_LtCuh0Vq_-_hxm_R3pS2ZlVY7sbAk7i0PK7JxKZpHc5_akvZ71ARFj2TJaKiwN_3FJUy1gZ1TjLgxfd5c9Eelhrud6gJDGkTieg9Y1PcSazFo5L7VA7DzIN5s24frNRmQ/s1600/IMG_4462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZDpF_LtCuh0Vq_-_hxm_R3pS2ZlVY7sbAk7i0PK7JxKZpHc5_akvZ71ARFj2TJaKiwN_3FJUy1gZ1TjLgxfd5c9Eelhrud6gJDGkTieg9Y1PcSazFo5L7VA7DzIN5s24frNRmQ/s320/IMG_4462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A dollhouse</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cQRLnfKIXq5EbuwJSr-B5NyfEjyf35EOVTXU8M38Tf4CgHn1BPtXauCKK4-4ZJCPBdN87Ja2o-VADit-bacSBTYiY4aRdDo7ysrK37KemjOsBlPUHH3rycpyr2cLk_tH1o0tvQ/s1600/IMG_4480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cQRLnfKIXq5EbuwJSr-B5NyfEjyf35EOVTXU8M38Tf4CgHn1BPtXauCKK4-4ZJCPBdN87Ja2o-VADit-bacSBTYiY4aRdDo7ysrK37KemjOsBlPUHH3rycpyr2cLk_tH1o0tvQ/s320/IMG_4480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Guess Allie wanted that DS XL from Grandma and Grandpa - look at her sad face</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jJUELm0btnnOzjd3jFdnmfZ3szDQItjdsVjdy-OuwWhqcY6QvOPNtorFPIea5sRYyTsz52YAD2oc9jLkzOgqvQH26KDsU23TTDh33-xJhE_ZOq-CujihWO6Hc63nBbfYG97gBw/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jJUELm0btnnOzjd3jFdnmfZ3szDQItjdsVjdy-OuwWhqcY6QvOPNtorFPIea5sRYyTsz52YAD2oc9jLkzOgqvQH26KDsU23TTDh33-xJhE_ZOq-CujihWO6Hc63nBbfYG97gBw/s320/IMG_4471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy again - Puppy for Allie</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMTnws9KGvVT3Sv1ZhYhoQD52c4nxwEd8G6nTwwDNiJ0YMylfcFcez25A68bn3VvvgshdztPWWBkcHtTRYyZ-wzo4daIzitfvA-3OqxamCpuZwTT2GGVNoMogWhlLD_vECgCvwA/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMTnws9KGvVT3Sv1ZhYhoQD52c4nxwEd8G6nTwwDNiJ0YMylfcFcez25A68bn3VvvgshdztPWWBkcHtTRYyZ-wzo4daIzitfvA-3OqxamCpuZwTT2GGVNoMogWhlLD_vECgCvwA/s320/IMG_4472.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gabs and her doggie</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FZWjzUPqVi6WSvxixpJQuploABN9jW0Nxg7defaYrHY-UI1nQetSsjYkB0hrpRz486EffNoNHVSAI1Xg-29kXD7bEU4fTzc0AtstUFNC92Zjjj-XInP0a0B5s8fE-u9i5OSGZA/s1600/IMG_4484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FZWjzUPqVi6WSvxixpJQuploABN9jW0Nxg7defaYrHY-UI1nQetSsjYkB0hrpRz486EffNoNHVSAI1Xg-29kXD7bEU4fTzc0AtstUFNC92Zjjj-XInP0a0B5s8fE-u9i5OSGZA/s320/IMG_4484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you grandma and grandpa</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeOOAvYVG0EzDTt4nH87Ux1fQjiNjGxibrAy5XKpbG0hXSk67mzwK2ANGPdtXKrtEJqBa3Szd4VqIYJ1t4t4pZeX6expWAtLCByrK-w0fprvQybxJEcEg1FZVLaO-ALngljcKmw/s1600/IMG_4483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeOOAvYVG0EzDTt4nH87Ux1fQjiNjGxibrAy5XKpbG0hXSk67mzwK2ANGPdtXKrtEJqBa3Szd4VqIYJ1t4t4pZeX6expWAtLCByrK-w0fprvQybxJEcEg1FZVLaO-ALngljcKmw/s320/IMG_4483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas Dinner</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BqrVrvNoK9aiU-auDmGjx5jOfk7BX6Ww7VDQB3W9hRHMg9LHCGrth4JAqhXC7m0ghE3MJoLn_9TaxlDO-OWfJsILrYyHaTDkKjCXPcBhHFz3nStD45skNSracfpEVUTFUDZAdQ/s1600/IMG_4490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BqrVrvNoK9aiU-auDmGjx5jOfk7BX6Ww7VDQB3W9hRHMg9LHCGrth4JAqhXC7m0ghE3MJoLn_9TaxlDO-OWfJsILrYyHaTDkKjCXPcBhHFz3nStD45skNSracfpEVUTFUDZAdQ/s320/IMG_4490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_348598393"></span><span id="goog_348598394"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-40328365348183958072011-10-01T15:45:00.000-07:002011-10-01T15:46:54.313-07:00Cute prayer<OBJECT id=BLOG_video-3a914907c9282113 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="3a914907c9282113"></OBJECT><br /><br /><br />We were early for Ballet/Tap today, so we paused to reflect and as I was listening to the girls talk about God, I had to grab the cell and video it. Too cute.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-64520098845610863692011-09-30T15:41:00.000-07:002011-09-30T16:58:34.879-07:00Dancing :) Tball!The girls are now in a dance academy 2 days a week - taking Wee Hop, Ballet, and Tap. They look forward to going every Friday night and Saturday morning. Hunter is our baseball star and he has practice 2 days a week and then games 1 day a week. Can you say BUSY?????? We will be posting pics/videos of Hunter's Tball soon. Here are some videos of the dancing :)Here the girls are practicing their new routine and not quite getting it yet. Heck that is hard for even adults! Allie is in pink skirt in the front row and Gabby is in pink skirt in the back row.<br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-47ed8fac6e7fa3c3 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="47ed8fac6e7fa3c3"></OBJECT>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-44469256321680310952011-07-04T14:26:00.000-07:002011-07-04T14:33:38.497-07:004th of July<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-HcKpYIKdDcXBY24ipYdAzQNOkOEQ4nrT2XwXOvwrjLIC7qzy7U1BYLxqzJRebmpAf-P6RhY9cdWmKLAFcX2lk7RX2awShTX-m6FPNF_qyd5HOaXcdiJ4yhdUU2HapaiMlY8Rg/s1600/4thofjuly1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-HcKpYIKdDcXBY24ipYdAzQNOkOEQ4nrT2XwXOvwrjLIC7qzy7U1BYLxqzJRebmpAf-P6RhY9cdWmKLAFcX2lk7RX2awShTX-m6FPNF_qyd5HOaXcdiJ4yhdUU2HapaiMlY8Rg/s320/4thofjuly1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625613372573528194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z2GX8B0qilO8kYLE-pO_-ITK4vZn7AhyphenhyphenhGrSStMb6wRP0UOLAA6ZHZFsaSyA6TtZ3eCgDBbIFs2rm1dRqPOXt3vrjfYmz-wVBuh0qT6XsDCeQ_7mvdv7kNA1lO5DFRhsCzmTww/s1600/4thofjuly2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z2GX8B0qilO8kYLE-pO_-ITK4vZn7AhyphenhyphenhGrSStMb6wRP0UOLAA6ZHZFsaSyA6TtZ3eCgDBbIFs2rm1dRqPOXt3vrjfYmz-wVBuh0qT6XsDCeQ_7mvdv7kNA1lO5DFRhsCzmTww/s320/4thofjuly2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625613367517776242" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2lJGh-2yLpQKHEnYZpcNKhiVcsp2t5-EDRanh8bGfWD8JYayqJFlOE5I9pW6LjtWaIo_-IFOuB5gJMgTclE8lOc7hRBHKZTcXhVLOkb4GHA6LkXF3m3BqHciYBWHcBaOOt1ksw/s1600/4thofjuly3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2lJGh-2yLpQKHEnYZpcNKhiVcsp2t5-EDRanh8bGfWD8JYayqJFlOE5I9pW6LjtWaIo_-IFOuB5gJMgTclE8lOc7hRBHKZTcXhVLOkb4GHA6LkXF3m3BqHciYBWHcBaOOt1ksw/s320/4thofjuly3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625612564130745746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZtQlf5QDo2sd4Ek1xuFj5NXkNicjFbzarrKhdTQeDz6t1MMiNqeHqn3sTpnxW5lbH3kCikcJ63Wea5Rw8xBWURgdqPqlFCN8zwXpqyCo8hf35QfNWJ2zwHPvLdT_4wAMgXbv1A/s1600/4thofjuly4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZtQlf5QDo2sd4Ek1xuFj5NXkNicjFbzarrKhdTQeDz6t1MMiNqeHqn3sTpnxW5lbH3kCikcJ63Wea5Rw8xBWURgdqPqlFCN8zwXpqyCo8hf35QfNWJ2zwHPvLdT_4wAMgXbv1A/s320/4thofjuly4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625612555882257426" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7FZUGRrSw4AlXeU7LVBjPVnsdf4E87Zlhxwyxx9FJWgqwzsX-YyIcOwU_SSZdv0_ZW1IOTDmjFSjRXae_i9OzX48IaHDCgq0PmXsZk1nuZpzikWmSI4QEM7cVAiTn5khFc2x2g/s1600/4thofjuly5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7FZUGRrSw4AlXeU7LVBjPVnsdf4E87Zlhxwyxx9FJWgqwzsX-YyIcOwU_SSZdv0_ZW1IOTDmjFSjRXae_i9OzX48IaHDCgq0PmXsZk1nuZpzikWmSI4QEM7cVAiTn5khFc2x2g/s320/4thofjuly5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625612552284982498" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnY7coBiNuMI7GsQfB_BmbjsRsGdHzaN3p4RoK-q18hlVN5keicdmSl7e1Cj__QBMY8P2Ak43ggDg4gmTiJPLnyu8CPu5IZrii0tiwF2y_p8F2x-DLFOTDJ49rd6CQx2pSifgBA/s1600/4thofjuly6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnY7coBiNuMI7GsQfB_BmbjsRsGdHzaN3p4RoK-q18hlVN5keicdmSl7e1Cj__QBMY8P2Ak43ggDg4gmTiJPLnyu8CPu5IZrii0tiwF2y_p8F2x-DLFOTDJ49rd6CQx2pSifgBA/s320/4thofjuly6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625612544683484098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGIjSnaVNoqLdA01xdznzZ4woPLC4ca2Gl21HY73JvZPuV9JCMWSg5HV2iHXPF7RShWe6zuMveKnex5NUFH7kpD56A9F6XDsDZ2d06T1VzGTr7eKJFbhGRQd3SZhq0D2GTsjFPA/s1600/4thofjuly7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGIjSnaVNoqLdA01xdznzZ4woPLC4ca2Gl21HY73JvZPuV9JCMWSg5HV2iHXPF7RShWe6zuMveKnex5NUFH7kpD56A9F6XDsDZ2d06T1VzGTr7eKJFbhGRQd3SZhq0D2GTsjFPA/s320/4thofjuly7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625612539092301938" /></a><br />Well for the 4th of July, we went out to Groveland's Downtown Park where they had a lot of vendors, music, games, etc. and the kids had a lot of fun, but it is too hot out there to wait until 9:00pm for the fireworks, so we came home for a break from the heat and plan to grill some hotdogs/hamburgers and then hit the fireworks at 9:00pm. The kids are excited about fireworks. It brings out the best in them. Here's a few pics we got while we were out in the heat.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-33579029942047916512011-06-26T20:29:00.000-07:002011-06-26T20:35:06.777-07:00Summer 2011Being in Florida, accidental drownings are one of the top reasons for children's deaths 5 and under and learning to swim has been a priority, but the kids have been reticent to learning from us and swim lessons aren't cheap. Over time, we have taken every opportunity to teach basic kicking and paddling skills. Last summer, the girls were swimming enough to make it to the edge of the pool, but Hunter was only content in his floaties. This summer, we started taking them to the pool frequently and at one of their friend's parties, they saw most of their friends swimming on their own -without floaties. I think that was the motivation they needed to really try. Finally, after many screaming fits, mostly by us parents, the kids started to trust us to teach them to swim and they are swimming like fish. I am soooo excited!!! Allie and Gabby can swim from one side of the pool to the other, above water. Hunter on the other hand, likes to swim with his face underwater. He too got on the bandwagon. It has been the best (and hardest) thing we have taught them to date, but when you sit back and see their talent, you can't help but smile with pride. We did it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-72551994389303305372011-06-23T21:01:00.001-07:002011-06-24T03:51:48.398-07:00Birthday 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SCjMs3nYcSLpXakOvoi5wBSvBuF-2hRK6QLptK5nFhjS8y6EYyli63dSSkzKvnQ7N_7_sNe3hyphenhyphenU0O5wSrmCOGZRqRvjLqVKeRRtMafz73sv2KOjhI-d6GQxnZKd4WR0p3hVFow/s1600/IMG_3137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SCjMs3nYcSLpXakOvoi5wBSvBuF-2hRK6QLptK5nFhjS8y6EYyli63dSSkzKvnQ7N_7_sNe3hyphenhyphenU0O5wSrmCOGZRqRvjLqVKeRRtMafz73sv2KOjhI-d6GQxnZKd4WR0p3hVFow/s320/IMG_3137.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621735209876566178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6If6B6HXXbkEXpq-YtWpgQF7rAigoHSM7xfEEHu7T44LEJuychYqoOLI_lf163qCRvVQrCHarh0-vQquYSGfVYDGr4m7CgFiBYbcgUhaoc8Acfb1-UBPjLNuiAU_niTWp2Qk1Q/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6If6B6HXXbkEXpq-YtWpgQF7rAigoHSM7xfEEHu7T44LEJuychYqoOLI_lf163qCRvVQrCHarh0-vQquYSGfVYDGr4m7CgFiBYbcgUhaoc8Acfb1-UBPjLNuiAU_niTWp2Qk1Q/s320/IMG_3115.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621735201531163490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuU4YndX0Yqr2PLTO_UHS5637DjE2RgWyi0QefH3LZrdGEK-yHbzNyBu0n0JrLY343v6_rhA2i4NoWgAzPinA53muOeEIxCv6DHKoWBLZ-nryo5nFqtfpcGxrLPXADPbYcZYNIA/s1600/IMG_3095.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuU4YndX0Yqr2PLTO_UHS5637DjE2RgWyi0QefH3LZrdGEK-yHbzNyBu0n0JrLY343v6_rhA2i4NoWgAzPinA53muOeEIxCv6DHKoWBLZ-nryo5nFqtfpcGxrLPXADPbYcZYNIA/s320/IMG_3095.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621735199635742690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTST-Bt2sJNrZZSuwhyphenhyphent4uFHXj8f7UrHLMYLcBghzWINMvE1ZIYcF5PE3KQwOz2H2AqUjsNAAhkmv4JGxfvmB5UW81VsijrFM4xy8wRWMFwKNDT09CwgcCqmuGH8j1ZmMk2nrNeg/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTST-Bt2sJNrZZSuwhyphenhyphent4uFHXj8f7UrHLMYLcBghzWINMvE1ZIYcF5PE3KQwOz2H2AqUjsNAAhkmv4JGxfvmB5UW81VsijrFM4xy8wRWMFwKNDT09CwgcCqmuGH8j1ZmMk2nrNeg/s320/IMG_3080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621735192231257010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O7iX5Ekahk3EMSK_SjlP8AIOvGUb_jjrsc6TyGPxe0du0FWw3KUYq7e4uAWuL7pMk_RXOcJWDHXW8hPUt3_ZzO3KZNw2usFfLiqGX2vOSoHDX9CpbbkdufCHKZO_tHfs4qU4Yg/s1600/IMG_3084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O7iX5Ekahk3EMSK_SjlP8AIOvGUb_jjrsc6TyGPxe0du0FWw3KUYq7e4uAWuL7pMk_RXOcJWDHXW8hPUt3_ZzO3KZNw2usFfLiqGX2vOSoHDX9CpbbkdufCHKZO_tHfs4qU4Yg/s320/IMG_3084.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621735187614705874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHyO7qgxSw2Xmvh9ckr4fTi67OHeG13UVuS59DTbPrXDLC8Y1CKLg3Ti4fbGPOQLszIyIIE9BKGaAvjHa7QHhDa3vSd1kZKPpgLpoe4CpjCP8YNB5jHxy030Jp9dELwLxVQkUQA/s1600/IMG_3076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHyO7qgxSw2Xmvh9ckr4fTi67OHeG13UVuS59DTbPrXDLC8Y1CKLg3Ti4fbGPOQLszIyIIE9BKGaAvjHa7QHhDa3vSd1kZKPpgLpoe4CpjCP8YNB5jHxy030Jp9dELwLxVQkUQA/s320/IMG_3076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621732937931278386" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQcug0haNxPOnd4O5HUFs3mTVCobl1BFxWoC6rDclCBk_EhOLWVanGvHu7YK5MFq15M7KA0Zvk1RylYjCTTASjKz64WCwHOjuGbUna8Bj5vZs1HV2TfsiMBHP01WB0ryHQmE9wg/s1600/IMG_3073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQcug0haNxPOnd4O5HUFs3mTVCobl1BFxWoC6rDclCBk_EhOLWVanGvHu7YK5MFq15M7KA0Zvk1RylYjCTTASjKz64WCwHOjuGbUna8Bj5vZs1HV2TfsiMBHP01WB0ryHQmE9wg/s320/IMG_3073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621732931759418114" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfGhErUO-GiumV5J2XxHNG7SSZp0HBQOlpyQ3mQygSpEycmdQXR9Y4LL8SqzcOS5X3lM8UrlRoN-Q2xeBJ7dazcYYCYpY1AfsAxHKBxMXp8NSvzZZLm2gVieLCiUCveAHi1cWGA/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfGhErUO-GiumV5J2XxHNG7SSZp0HBQOlpyQ3mQygSpEycmdQXR9Y4LL8SqzcOS5X3lM8UrlRoN-Q2xeBJ7dazcYYCYpY1AfsAxHKBxMXp8NSvzZZLm2gVieLCiUCveAHi1cWGA/s320/IMG_3069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621732924449466706" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbQY5g4HD9slikt41tYQ5SBNeOHqoZt944Y9XLSSP5WBP2hJvojdLnf1ZOsjWVV_Kxxvph3xmCxuwq4FFtn-d9wgf-oS1saMP4vaUPEK2nF4wQ7uuTKAu6kouaE3pw0xXvOqkpQ/s1600/IMG_3035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbQY5g4HD9slikt41tYQ5SBNeOHqoZt944Y9XLSSP5WBP2hJvojdLnf1ZOsjWVV_Kxxvph3xmCxuwq4FFtn-d9wgf-oS1saMP4vaUPEK2nF4wQ7uuTKAu6kouaE3pw0xXvOqkpQ/s320/IMG_3035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621732919089090098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzZkjih65tUp9WcxtRP0D-uQI592SlOAmR6OzSIcKm-XR026ULFAXFC65cpPz7h-qShVCItedruq6HESUGRzddPbeg5ZRcsJ6MhR75b1p98MfmrK-JJ-Cc4gFabU-Iom4r2lRxw/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzZkjih65tUp9WcxtRP0D-uQI592SlOAmR6OzSIcKm-XR026ULFAXFC65cpPz7h-qShVCItedruq6HESUGRzddPbeg5ZRcsJ6MhR75b1p98MfmrK-JJ-Cc4gFabU-Iom4r2lRxw/s320/IMG_3034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621732915226292626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-5NYhVk7TaeWrmER18JFZXG_-W4gntNQcGJjQXywfuvSvlCXaFtHv8plY-Ca4y-q6hXYYzmdGTERICltT_4XHM22h91DT3PuOiQRg6cdHWwuQRz6uUZXxsCYOXFsmiNDVfNJMw/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-5NYhVk7TaeWrmER18JFZXG_-W4gntNQcGJjQXywfuvSvlCXaFtHv8plY-Ca4y-q6hXYYzmdGTERICltT_4XHM22h91DT3PuOiQRg6cdHWwuQRz6uUZXxsCYOXFsmiNDVfNJMw/s320/IMG_3049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621727436501286466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQSnJ0e7bQu3teYDOOoZiSeHVZmurNjPQwPwTpCyfDwdJyCSI0olf-31QeQzlLdkSrIra9hIPsuD4rIm0zX4UN1skIPu-RupVErIcHqUUi1kWIU1a64oXNVEleywNgGZqW-uPbA/s1600/IMG_3060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQSnJ0e7bQu3teYDOOoZiSeHVZmurNjPQwPwTpCyfDwdJyCSI0olf-31QeQzlLdkSrIra9hIPsuD4rIm0zX4UN1skIPu-RupVErIcHqUUi1kWIU1a64oXNVEleywNgGZqW-uPbA/s320/IMG_3060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621727428863364482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X2Mxs9WzDxjvy7jeQ3Kz3mSUBz2OItDMcieL6FH5v2MwTKNqaHsRXD00H-_ttphREZqcHSQBVtF9jhMAhj0BRqg7OWQWHP1HZNvoJb07DwBxiGcYXL-vViAW3i4CxNb0aO21Zg/s1600/IMG_3031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X2Mxs9WzDxjvy7jeQ3Kz3mSUBz2OItDMcieL6FH5v2MwTKNqaHsRXD00H-_ttphREZqcHSQBVtF9jhMAhj0BRqg7OWQWHP1HZNvoJb07DwBxiGcYXL-vViAW3i4CxNb0aO21Zg/s320/IMG_3031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621727420937654706" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi207Y_1sic9LaWp5MuarKLZ55bZ90yX2t6-3NRNkOgE_7-zr7-kyZ-qihOIv4Gswuvvmue0UicfNZUwhUApeEOIqgkZQgtsGcwLrOd2SYL6TVLlEGRtDhUMb8Vi05w-Znp8QmEQQ/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi207Y_1sic9LaWp5MuarKLZ55bZ90yX2t6-3NRNkOgE_7-zr7-kyZ-qihOIv4Gswuvvmue0UicfNZUwhUApeEOIqgkZQgtsGcwLrOd2SYL6TVLlEGRtDhUMb8Vi05w-Znp8QmEQQ/s320/IMG_3032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621727413215836914" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHcOXh_aJIfwX6hcL-RlpS_xoRmKG8TjYFUNy4EEkZ0JUhgx5qMhrdMghVNWtrQx2RCYrnTVLbqA8rs5J-ghGg1FhtnD_GjzKICPcXlSv160Pmfph0PLFiEvk2Yx7Y2WaFD1vcw/s1600/IMG_3030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHcOXh_aJIfwX6hcL-RlpS_xoRmKG8TjYFUNy4EEkZ0JUhgx5qMhrdMghVNWtrQx2RCYrnTVLbqA8rs5J-ghGg1FhtnD_GjzKICPcXlSv160Pmfph0PLFiEvk2Yx7Y2WaFD1vcw/s320/IMG_3030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621727412245969266" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzd26_wv9g4zsLfAW0NGYUJiUmvAilj5JUYvdG2oYWD_A7WRGnRBVHTqbov-hR_MBf27plCHlIojAK-SP8kmbrX2GIN3_E-pZ3UQbobhyxX5jOFGEEjbafIOu_fXqBPZws9qEFA/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzd26_wv9g4zsLfAW0NGYUJiUmvAilj5JUYvdG2oYWD_A7WRGnRBVHTqbov-hR_MBf27plCHlIojAK-SP8kmbrX2GIN3_E-pZ3UQbobhyxX5jOFGEEjbafIOu_fXqBPZws9qEFA/s320/IMG_3029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621720210212380578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JqMZZpNPqjGp2PRmmx7stccnK7G44yTxHkg_qsJppwC8FDaq47Wh8MD9jNe6vPr-QjNmCIMCzQ7UBGt4acc0hfXeiCLFn9ZL51WmTknoQPQGc0Tx2fjHoaz-_l1nwWofSRutAw/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JqMZZpNPqjGp2PRmmx7stccnK7G44yTxHkg_qsJppwC8FDaq47Wh8MD9jNe6vPr-QjNmCIMCzQ7UBGt4acc0hfXeiCLFn9ZL51WmTknoQPQGc0Tx2fjHoaz-_l1nwWofSRutAw/s320/IMG_3028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621720202312400754" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0Wx6oSGjtuIdNCRCOVLGS9ZYeE4qpOPx1bwjX_XoZy4aWOzH1TL9soyIqiGFz9PKsNh3xnIPpJCONkTK4Fx5fod8y7jpZ6zwgdmL-s1AaENX-oPR6YL5F6gb7wP1jlY6Pewmgw/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0Wx6oSGjtuIdNCRCOVLGS9ZYeE4qpOPx1bwjX_XoZy4aWOzH1TL9soyIqiGFz9PKsNh3xnIPpJCONkTK4Fx5fod8y7jpZ6zwgdmL-s1AaENX-oPR6YL5F6gb7wP1jlY6Pewmgw/s320/IMG_3027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621720196178467810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHW-JLznbll_0igimoU4n4Yy7sELQRsqz9D3XGMJ6f_GDb3GmD0_ZHdQRmIifWOApI_SNz9kc9eYbQyrc9nUJqL06U6Ly7VQjm6IPGIdkb1pXw8uW8YpXPF4_U67VNMnng5UTvw/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHW-JLznbll_0igimoU4n4Yy7sELQRsqz9D3XGMJ6f_GDb3GmD0_ZHdQRmIifWOApI_SNz9kc9eYbQyrc9nUJqL06U6Ly7VQjm6IPGIdkb1pXw8uW8YpXPF4_U67VNMnng5UTvw/s320/IMG_3025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621720186120577090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRbaI3zmVqB5BPKPjodTnitvMfASWbuezNbPu3ALwjRaHer1k1tD5Ho24NpmseTjo6mxJOOsvaLOLes1QesFNE7xZYWrcPuA0zwALyZlXG9MyScQNyPExcIyjXWPXzvXOvXIjbA/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRbaI3zmVqB5BPKPjodTnitvMfASWbuezNbPu3ALwjRaHer1k1tD5Ho24NpmseTjo6mxJOOsvaLOLes1QesFNE7xZYWrcPuA0zwALyZlXG9MyScQNyPExcIyjXWPXzvXOvXIjbA/s320/IMG_3026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621720177485010098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWG5JpPrvsmnVhkgx4BY2D_NgfFEUCt9dDY1Rr0TrbBJZYyRGd5CCSmDl0Xr_Ce3ZcaPL6JfKOZX810jrTMK32xMYp6onCDb_YEdryLmAIE_GTO8GEb_KMexflRuNWhW3etF97VQ/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWG5JpPrvsmnVhkgx4BY2D_NgfFEUCt9dDY1Rr0TrbBJZYyRGd5CCSmDl0Xr_Ce3ZcaPL6JfKOZX810jrTMK32xMYp6onCDb_YEdryLmAIE_GTO8GEb_KMexflRuNWhW3etF97VQ/s320/IMG_3024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621633245280759218" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloNFmWId-hx7Of6nGdH6nH3vf2EQxxl2y3BjcrSNhm9sPln6Y8cuGDm5pgOUJtGO88a3k5esjuBs07mTip7bB6ybX0KVMM8Jl6luvUV_95x5z1StXkcIfQv0L93QRC_vaUOh9gQ/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloNFmWId-hx7Of6nGdH6nH3vf2EQxxl2y3BjcrSNhm9sPln6Y8cuGDm5pgOUJtGO88a3k5esjuBs07mTip7bB6ybX0KVMM8Jl6luvUV_95x5z1StXkcIfQv0L93QRC_vaUOh9gQ/s320/IMG_3005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621633234960431666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KgAf8LRf1xAqtBTw9m7hY2F9H90V6tKvac9ePF0B_tE3dxXoCjflKYPpHTMPkd2CTuAIfK-XbLe3INWq8aahDJmhF5N2y1JB8zLxdfSiD__GdakytW1VClE9CkYpnIvNw43few/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KgAf8LRf1xAqtBTw9m7hY2F9H90V6tKvac9ePF0B_tE3dxXoCjflKYPpHTMPkd2CTuAIfK-XbLe3INWq8aahDJmhF5N2y1JB8zLxdfSiD__GdakytW1VClE9CkYpnIvNw43few/s320/IMG_3010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621633226801739090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3ZAGFdM_tWnZMBcbVhkPuS8biGCdcsnP3JNjTfkLBzt-vuBL1sJd0mQDKgg_lomRPSR_DDcbTxkMfD96BRfWiyNOO_1ghFFQ4eGIhXKY2KwhGem-nIST5DVAHqJ_uMRb7CgQWw/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3ZAGFdM_tWnZMBcbVhkPuS8biGCdcsnP3JNjTfkLBzt-vuBL1sJd0mQDKgg_lomRPSR_DDcbTxkMfD96BRfWiyNOO_1ghFFQ4eGIhXKY2KwhGem-nIST5DVAHqJ_uMRb7CgQWw/s320/Copy+of+IMG_3005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621633222478886674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFePIzWztS-vgTW1vWlk9x1UDtkrcs7xx1hlDHl53FsTl3SD0zMMIjWuERMpMZL6SjhimnbVHFnhem20t-tTufTlObFldVIgEKYyDpiwKG6xCzw5MrwpGTf_udXowQKZEryaTmA/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFePIzWztS-vgTW1vWlk9x1UDtkrcs7xx1hlDHl53FsTl3SD0zMMIjWuERMpMZL6SjhimnbVHFnhem20t-tTufTlObFldVIgEKYyDpiwKG6xCzw5MrwpGTf_udXowQKZEryaTmA/s320/Copy+of+IMG_3004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621633218553993954" /></a><br />The kids had their 5th Birthday this year at Birthday World in April (yes their birthday is still April 3). We invited several of their friends from school, but only a few could make it unfortunately - their birthday just happens to coincide with Spring Break. They had a blast with their friends, their brother Dylan, grandmother, cousin, and Auntie. Here are a few pics from the Birthday Party. They didn't notice that so many couldn't come, telling me "Mommy, that was the best birthday ever."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-22593946626136746892011-03-16T19:42:00.000-07:002011-03-16T20:33:20.396-07:00The effect of lossJust needed to get something off my chest...<br /><br />Every day of my life, painful twinges and reminders of my loss are a reality. I don't need much prompting. A song, a picture, or in moments of silence, in prayer, HE comes to mind. It comes to mind everytime people ask "Are they triplets?" or some well meaning person calls them "TRIPLETS." It's a constant reminder - he is missing. He did exist. I don't talk about it. It is way too painful. I did lots of talking about it early on and then I couldn't anymore. I went through shock and denial. I went through anger (at God, at me) and I went through depression or what I think of as agony. I went through all Kubler-Ross's stages of grief. I know as a therapist, there are some things you don't get over and this is one of them. It is certainly more bearable day by day and it isn't an unceasing pain. I live and I feel happy (yes, of course at times I feel guilty for feeling happy too and then you feel guilt for feeling guilt because you have 3 beautiful, healthy children and you should feel blessed and I do). It's that magenta feeling that is described by Sallie Field in the movie "Steel Magnolias." <br /><br /><br />When I made it through the dark days of uncertainty and felt assured by God through the many prayers that my babies would be a reality, I felt freed of anxiety. My babies had made it. I felt we were "home free." What new mom thinks their child will die? We just don't. When it happens, the protective bubble is removed. You become AWARE. Suddenly, I was aware that my kids could die, that I could die, that we all die. It isn't like lightning not striking twice in the same place. It can happen again. I could lose another child and it scares the bejeebers out of me. <br /><br />Thoughts of death and dying came to the forefront after the trauma of loss. I would wonder when I was driving down the road how could people just go about all this insignificant life stuff with the realization that they are going to die and yes, it could be today. Of course, they couldn't. I wondered more about all the philisophical questions that I thought were answered through my Philosophy 101 class in undergraduate. You know the questions: "What is the meaning of life?" "What are the proofs of God's existence?" etc. and I started second guessing and questioning my beliefs.<br /><br />I would and still do have nightmares and daymares. I refer to them as daymares but they are intrusive thoughts/anxieties about bad things that can happen. A friend of mine, who is a doctor, told me about a friend losing his 2 year old child because he choked on a hot dog. He told me that the child could have been saved if they had known how to trach the child, but of course not being doctors or paramedics, they didn't know how to do this and the paramedics took 8 minutes to get there. It was too late. He gave me an overview of where the hole is placed, but I wasn't sure I had the right spot. I asked my nephew who is a paramedic about the trach procedure so I would know. He looked at me like I had completely lost it. I explained the story and it still didn't seem to register with him that I want to know HOW just in case. Humor me here! I already experienced the metaphorical lightning striking. <br /><br />So I don't know how to trach. I do know CPR and the heimlich, but I don't want to be in that position again. I try not to give them chokeable foods or if I give them foods such as hotdogs, I painstakingly cut their hotdogs into 1/4 slices to ensure that they couldn't lodge in their throat. I still do the same with small fruits and they are almost 5 years old. I have seen them choke and I go into panic mode. Of course, they have always coughed and cried. Thank you God! <br /><br />Another intrusive fearful thought is drowning. I fear them drowning. I don't want them at any house with a pool when I am not there. They don't know how to swim yet, but we have worked with them. I need them to know how to swim. They WILL learn how this year. I don't mean to offend anyone that has a pool and is willing to watch my children. Their aunt is a wonderful trustworthy caretaker who loves my kids, but it happens every day to wonderful, caring parents who have pools.<br /><br />We have a little canal that only has water/alligators too when it rains. That's another fear. If they are asleep and I am leaving them at home with their dad, the security alarm has to be on. He needs to hear them if they get up and walk out of the house.<br /><br />I have daymares of them being in an auto accident. I try to be as careful as I can when I am driving, but one fear is deer jumping out. We live in a wooded community and in the boonies where there are a lot of deer. The highway is lined with forest and that is a possibility. I cannot stand it when my husband drives 60-70 mph on the highway, especially at twilight or night, as who knows what is going to jump in front of you. One of his friends is a paramedic and told me a story about a scene of an accident that he went to that involved hitting animals. The baby didn't make it is the short version. It stays in my mind. <br /><br /><br />Stories of how children get backed over come into mind too. I remember a news story about a woman in Sebring/Avon Park who had her family over for Christmas and as her sister went to leave, she didn't see the 1 year old child in the drive way. It's unimaginable. How can the mother ever forgive her sister? How can the sister/aunt bear the pain of being the responsible party for the loss of that child? They will be forever damaged.<br /><br />I have realized that what I experience is NORMAL for the context of my experience. I am not ill. I am a mother who lost a child and now has a new reality, one that encompasses the possibility that it could happen again. My intrusive thoughts are my anxiety about this and need to CONTROL for every possible negative outcome. Yes, it borders on OCD, but given the context of working with victims of trauma and doing critical incident stress debriefing, I realize this is part of life after trauma. Of course, I can't control for everything. I do believe the only one that can protect my children is ultimately God and I beg him for this every day without fail. I ask him to protect my children from "injury, accident, illness, and death." I pray he lets me live long enough to see them grow up. I know they need their mother. I hope they know every day I am here and beyond that I LOVE THEM with everything I am and have to give and I will go to no end to protect them and give them the best I can in life. They deserve it. They mean everything to me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-71028992789594553792011-03-02T20:06:00.000-08:002011-03-02T20:06:47.706-08:00video-2011-03-01-22-07-07<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PeaQhke3Yiw?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-5425050287505128392011-03-02T20:05:00.000-08:002011-03-02T20:05:19.408-08:00video-2011-03-01-22-08-17.3gp<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QNydV0w92hU?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-14927667582726691342011-01-26T20:25:00.000-08:002011-01-26T20:59:26.463-08:00Funny things kids saySo tonight, the kids and I were going home from school and a common theme of discussion is "monsters." They were asking me if I liked monsters - do I like werewolves, etc. to which all the responses were no and that there are no monsters. We live near the woods and they get scared and think monsters are in the woods. I told them they didn't have to be scared because God protects us. Hunter asks, "Mommy, does God fight the monsters with guns?" I said, "No... he just keeps us safe." So we finally make it home, and they are scrambling to get in the house fast - scared of the dark woods. I said they needed to help me clean out the car and of course they are no help. The girls run in the house and Hunter stays behind a minute to clarify, "Mommy, God protects us?" and I say "yes." He responds, "well God will help you clean out the car" and he runs inside. The things kids come up with to get out of working!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-10791937398259316222011-01-04T19:20:00.000-08:002011-01-04T20:12:56.315-08:00Christmas 2010Christmas 2010 was a small quiet Christmas, but carried much more excitement as the kids are now 4 years old and have some concept about PRESENTS and the magic of Santa Claus. We enjoyed a beautiful midnight mass and then got a bit of sleep before opening presents the next morning. Grandma and Grandpa of course spoiled the kids with lots of presents while Mom (me) bored them with new clothes. I felt blessed to have my mom here with me for 2 days. I don't get enough time with her. Unfortunately, my dad (grandpa) couldn't be here as he is still in Afghanistan working. I feel blessed that I still have my mother, father, and grandmother alive to enjoy my children. They amaze me every day and I feel very fortunate to have my beautiful babies, though the absence of Preston is noticed every day of my life. While I don't fully understand why God took him from me, I am just so thankful for these 3 miracles and am more mindful of God's presence this time of year. <br /><br />Here are some pictures of Alexandria, Gabrielle, and Hunter from the holiday.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzlqdkRcBAABQ82054uBJ-ufgR0pQsz6lsxITkYcxG66_vrj06E6wKIz2T_ZxBb3IZPB7z8uk6fO4LFNYblir3_z713rWDX5h1N4iG045hQuju7Vf8a2TLP6QbNeoK53HZ9Q93A/s1600/IMG_2842.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzlqdkRcBAABQ82054uBJ-ufgR0pQsz6lsxITkYcxG66_vrj06E6wKIz2T_ZxBb3IZPB7z8uk6fO4LFNYblir3_z713rWDX5h1N4iG045hQuju7Vf8a2TLP6QbNeoK53HZ9Q93A/s320/IMG_2842.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558547770429797394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnPlXBHIxGYGXBHvjZi_tbdF2QkL8K1hgTn4AdHZq9CwM9HFqy2c8zyZwPMvzGRZyLRRJnnb-oYnY_bVh8jrriojpQ1nrMeQqM8PCtPdj6A4cQ1tEIbsKG_WD4vws9-L2kqYz_w/s1600/IMG_2841.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnPlXBHIxGYGXBHvjZi_tbdF2QkL8K1hgTn4AdHZq9CwM9HFqy2c8zyZwPMvzGRZyLRRJnnb-oYnY_bVh8jrriojpQ1nrMeQqM8PCtPdj6A4cQ1tEIbsKG_WD4vws9-L2kqYz_w/s320/IMG_2841.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558547766683575842" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBlhgi3_uxNPXOVM8hMj1_wLueqJERWVJUjPXNIv3nHAE1anqQbOJmHcxVswdrCR5ryoV7bYNjymx-yM6_VPEo4IEIYuzr3Wa6i8W68Dk_bhiYcYOv7argzV5JueniPG54hgeOg/s1600/IMG_2837.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBlhgi3_uxNPXOVM8hMj1_wLueqJERWVJUjPXNIv3nHAE1anqQbOJmHcxVswdrCR5ryoV7bYNjymx-yM6_VPEo4IEIYuzr3Wa6i8W68Dk_bhiYcYOv7argzV5JueniPG54hgeOg/s320/IMG_2837.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558547187225098466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq2aAAxcZNtlE35mqMbvo6gfb73HjfuOa7eeEozNY13D6EfYwnBCMhk0LI9Hu72kjDcYUG4fkFs1j8M8tbB9-uOenhzxx1XlgsVzk_Fhb8T8GJSD3IZcK96VygP-y-VIGncmPMA/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq2aAAxcZNtlE35mqMbvo6gfb73HjfuOa7eeEozNY13D6EfYwnBCMhk0LI9Hu72kjDcYUG4fkFs1j8M8tbB9-uOenhzxx1XlgsVzk_Fhb8T8GJSD3IZcK96VygP-y-VIGncmPMA/s320/IMG_2833.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558547185210549858" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RolXpL01aZVMjHe7GLxypsj3Rd9U3o0-2DDLQyR9PARhfcSmSBwxPVAVepCtzxaBUNIxTL6yYujMKrwd3FHOAcgRtI1kwvCz0an2x9XITp4opWtUgDMOpJoXUwV5Fsd4ryGudA/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RolXpL01aZVMjHe7GLxypsj3Rd9U3o0-2DDLQyR9PARhfcSmSBwxPVAVepCtzxaBUNIxTL6yYujMKrwd3FHOAcgRtI1kwvCz0an2x9XITp4opWtUgDMOpJoXUwV5Fsd4ryGudA/s320/IMG_2832.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558546418836270754" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX9ISX-EAA_EL-N0FI4tMxqb_K4DFW09RkpYz__wTP2Cn7IFMZWLYGGGVf8DkVPpkyuIxryOoa_miZ3dwbKQJ2YyRbXKi5U_2fO3-dbBHMAYq-w2EVROnKR3WlZaBss35KIWLvQ/s1600/IMG_2820.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX9ISX-EAA_EL-N0FI4tMxqb_K4DFW09RkpYz__wTP2Cn7IFMZWLYGGGVf8DkVPpkyuIxryOoa_miZ3dwbKQJ2YyRbXKi5U_2fO3-dbBHMAYq-w2EVROnKR3WlZaBss35KIWLvQ/s320/IMG_2820.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558540171932194082" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJqkTuu4gtgoLPzy4HLRyKBX4K1AefpPfgBR3-ZkW-Eh091aR2MX2q-OtNvthpsRYn9o2jLrPEefUztC95ys2qJ-l8TRhC_71VjC6U7m3Rs74e1L2loSLx0QkCYTmcxInPvU3yw/s1600/IMG_2813.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJqkTuu4gtgoLPzy4HLRyKBX4K1AefpPfgBR3-ZkW-Eh091aR2MX2q-OtNvthpsRYn9o2jLrPEefUztC95ys2qJ-l8TRhC_71VjC6U7m3Rs74e1L2loSLx0QkCYTmcxInPvU3yw/s320/IMG_2813.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558540170853617874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FxWrGu9ARjeeCMFX5z4t8gTxFKRBy2uiHdws9WASb3ETmLmXIDb6ZW2Ijbx7k4eOvDgMXeC77aJCZ7TzxOUf9mVt5FhyphenhyphenudPmd-ItYeYodlUboNgffR6oyl6vNO5KkZOK7yFv4A/s1600/IMG_2816.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FxWrGu9ARjeeCMFX5z4t8gTxFKRBy2uiHdws9WASb3ETmLmXIDb6ZW2Ijbx7k4eOvDgMXeC77aJCZ7TzxOUf9mVt5FhyphenhyphenudPmd-ItYeYodlUboNgffR6oyl6vNO5KkZOK7yFv4A/s320/IMG_2816.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558540163780299122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4PQGwmGbK5O_qFKI7HCfoZWNCAb33HB0VV3Uz01Os8aF-iTpm9y1QMa3eZax93J7Sabk0Y_yYwJDO4FyjxfTcXXYxw2mUInOZzJUNS-K-7XY4cQ8qsAnw0LpW255Co60pvvlww/s1600/IMG_2824.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4PQGwmGbK5O_qFKI7HCfoZWNCAb33HB0VV3Uz01Os8aF-iTpm9y1QMa3eZax93J7Sabk0Y_yYwJDO4FyjxfTcXXYxw2mUInOZzJUNS-K-7XY4cQ8qsAnw0LpW255Co60pvvlww/s320/IMG_2824.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558540161270431986" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ec4LYz6u4TlC0f7SbxBBAxeM2rIb3wcEZWg5Csd4TsD8rOHWDr1jyDfNlHy3v68J27fLWngAgop77GDLdkH3gVJ62qXJ9p-_zANisQdwOZCs1pRnOIsrL3hyphenhyphenG4rZR-XwkkIHlw/s1600/IMG_2825.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ec4LYz6u4TlC0f7SbxBBAxeM2rIb3wcEZWg5Csd4TsD8rOHWDr1jyDfNlHy3v68J27fLWngAgop77GDLdkH3gVJ62qXJ9p-_zANisQdwOZCs1pRnOIsrL3hyphenhyphenG4rZR-XwkkIHlw/s320/IMG_2825.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558539144502747778" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-68818342124452491612010-10-03T16:43:00.000-07:002010-10-03T17:20:03.872-07:00Time to Get HealthyAs I become more aware of the lack of nutrition in the average American diet, and probably even less in the Ewing Household diet, I realized a need to make a change. In the 80's I was inspired by the JUICEMAN and started juicing. Yes, I was the most healthy I had been at that time, but hello... it's hard to keep up with:<br />1) when most social outings revolve around yummy food<br />2) you have to pass by so many fast food restaurants and hear them calling your name<br />3) lugging a big juicer and pounds of fruit/veggies to juice at lunch time is hard<br />4) and CLEAN UP is an absolute pain in the butt.<br /><br />So, despite the downside, here are the benefits:<br /><br />increasing energy<br />decreasing weight<br />improving digestive health<br />boosting immunity<br />preventing illnesses such as cancer, diverticulitis, heart disease....<br /><br /><br />We can never eat all the fruits and vegetables that comes from a few glasses of juice a day, nor can we get 100 percent of the value of any of those fruits and veggies. Bottled juice? Pasteurization, high fructose sugar, and lack of enzymes which is one of the main points of juicing are lost. Cooking the food strips the food of the vitamins and phytochemicals which are one of the main points of eating the fruits/veggies. So, we are juicing here in Ewingville. The girls really don't like the juice because we have had them accustomed to bottled juice. It definitely takes some adjustment. However, we are the parents and if that's what's available, we figure they will get used to it and join the program!<br /><br />I know that to totally embrace this lifestyle, we have to give up meat (all animal products) and we aren't quite ready for it yet, but maybe eventually. I am trying to remember it is eat to live not live to eat.<br /><br />At the start of this process, I am feeling fatigued all the time - yes, I work and have 3 children, but still!!! It's not normal to feel 80 in your 30's. I have Graves Disease and subsequent to the medications - Methimazole and a betablocker, I am up 57pounds and disgusted with what I see in the mirror. I am afraid that if this weight gain continues, I will not be able to exercise, develop further illnesses like diabetes (since both my mother and father have that) as well as hypertension, etc. <br /><br />My husband is healthy and 10 years my senior; he obviously must be fit to climb a 7 story tower with 50 pound gear, drag a 160 pound body, do charged hose drags, and do hammersleds all under 6 mintues. However, he is feeling the effects of age and wants more energy too. We aren't spring chickens. So, we do this for Allie, Gabby, and Hunter. We will let you know how it works out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-22745878824323649982010-08-14T14:23:00.000-07:002010-08-14T16:18:23.866-07:00My Little Ballerinas!<OBJECT id=BLOG_video-bc0fc7a204e936e2 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="bc0fc7a204e936e2"></OBJECT>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-50891277894047594662010-08-14T14:14:00.000-07:002010-08-14T14:23:30.932-07:00Summer 10The kids have been home with daddy all summer enjoying "quality time." :) (He's so happy they are going to school soon)! They have been to the beach twice and to the pool several times. We have been working on getting them swimming. In the beginning, Gabby wouldn't even leave the steps with floaties on, but she was the first to take off her floaties and show some real bravery and leading the way for her sister. Both are swimming at least from the steps a few feet and then able to return to the edge. It is so exciting. We had a blast! We also had a couple horse riding lessons, but swimming really took priority, living in Florida.<br /><br />Now, it is time to start Prek-4. They are so excited about starting school. We took them shopping for back to school stuff and it was like they were on a sugar high, running and showing us different outfits that they thought were "so cute!" or that they "love." Grandma got them a few outfits too, so I am pretty sure they are set for awhile! They have been looking forward to getting their shots! I know? Wierd, huh? I thought these kids were definitely abnormal until we went for their shots today. Allie practically dragged me back to see the nurse to get her shot. Hunter was up first and the girls wanted to watch. When they saw him cry, they immediately started screaming and crying so hard, you would have thought they were the ones getting the needle. Needless to say, they were running, hollering. We pretty much had to hogtie them to get their shots. Poor babies! At least I know they are normal now. <br /><br />School starts Monday! It's going to be a huge adjustment, getting up at 5:30 to leave by 6:30 as school is over an hour away! I hope it is a year of great learning and great fun that will help them succeed in kindergarten. Wish us luck!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-88363373043517027482010-07-19T20:24:00.000-07:002010-07-19T20:24:48.686-07:00video-2010-07-17-12-39-53<object style="background-image:url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/v9ELRvlPnsk/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/v9ELRvlPnsk&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/v9ELRvlPnsk&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-72963531099395108892010-06-17T20:44:00.001-07:002010-06-17T20:55:24.652-07:00Gabby saying prayersHere is a link to Gabby saying her prayers - every night it varies who she blesses in her prayers. Allie is the one in the background with the oddest blessing :) Leave comments on youtube please :) love to hear what you think<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Vtp3kLI3ucAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-43360451972699577452010-04-13T20:23:00.000-07:002010-04-25T07:08:41.612-07:004th birthday April 3, 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefbgJ6QoMDtvIIToKsTI2vKHLr2nMwtsUqLq060Ma743jccXgguAnjA9fS7CveThImH3Fa0F6LwHu6z_tbApJm1dNyx0ET617q-KgWRxW_KpsZHtnJuTWc5Z-6vx3V0KSV_khcg/s1600/IMG_1561.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefbgJ6QoMDtvIIToKsTI2vKHLr2nMwtsUqLq060Ma743jccXgguAnjA9fS7CveThImH3Fa0F6LwHu6z_tbApJm1dNyx0ET617q-KgWRxW_KpsZHtnJuTWc5Z-6vx3V0KSV_khcg/s320/IMG_1561.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464069214798953042" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The kids turned 4 on April 3rd and it's hard to believe that 4 years have passed by since the first moment I got to hold them in my arms. I struggled with ideas of what to do for their birthday. I wanted it to be special, but wasn't having too many ideas. They wanted to have their friends from school over. Hunter wanted a Batman cake and the girls wanted a Princess cake and they wanted their friends to sing the happy birthday song to them. Well,unfortunately, their birthdays fell the day before Easter, during Spring Break when many of the families are out of town. Additionally, our home is 40 miles from the school AND 7/11 kids in the class have April birthdays. So, having friends over was vetoed by mom. The teacher accomodated a special day for them March 30th, before spring break. I brought a cake and the kids did get to have "happy birthday" sung to them by their friends :) <br /><br />We focused on making them have 2 very nicely decorated rooms. I say WE, but my husband did all the work - I just shopped and selected things while he painted 2 rooms! The girls have an updated flower room with some neutral paint. We plan to add some things later, but funds were already tapped out. We gave Hunter a baseball room. They really love their new rooms.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yA56XskyKisJLuuWYbsXTu2iAwXVO3I3p7_yAovPXj-YmUr5hQANzFBuYo8JjPOEZNMhpWZMXfR8kI0r6IOUIcUxhRybTeasRN1lqEVQ9KsHKGnF1bZhgeukj6F5nDe1D5i1rQ/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yA56XskyKisJLuuWYbsXTu2iAwXVO3I3p7_yAovPXj-YmUr5hQANzFBuYo8JjPOEZNMhpWZMXfR8kI0r6IOUIcUxhRybTeasRN1lqEVQ9KsHKGnF1bZhgeukj6F5nDe1D5i1rQ/s320/IMG_1447.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464064394342351618" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQOxsnKRBW21N-qpYUTFHKVCqG8URxvbW35RKX5JCiCBVvlIveqsA-c4eY-Z915cxArFrLjToqay8uFHi2gJFArMP0Hgl3iYgrTFpIWyoJ92Cu-NceSypY4ispoxVbcrov9Qz4w/s1600/IMG_1451.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQOxsnKRBW21N-qpYUTFHKVCqG8URxvbW35RKX5JCiCBVvlIveqsA-c4eY-Z915cxArFrLjToqay8uFHi2gJFArMP0Hgl3iYgrTFpIWyoJ92Cu-NceSypY4ispoxVbcrov9Qz4w/s320/IMG_1451.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464066590483754082" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-ey-dvQ3R7lQefVbr4UdEC6uxcBMlV06wmEkLmVXMEIOWlgGOGt55bK3PMrzNJ6CzYFeiVv0YofFwhT8cv8T41NSdywYtmHXkPGvso7bffdCsk9PnXPlTpGPIaTvjnp9KWZhCQ/s1600/IMG_1448.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-ey-dvQ3R7lQefVbr4UdEC6uxcBMlV06wmEkLmVXMEIOWlgGOGt55bK3PMrzNJ6CzYFeiVv0YofFwhT8cv8T41NSdywYtmHXkPGvso7bffdCsk9PnXPlTpGPIaTvjnp9KWZhCQ/s320/IMG_1448.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464065559119755282" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5x-6jQYNUDSXaLw_6aOftd87QvV1zWgMN0R7Zp8tk-tRfcZMWVQFGqKxg-RxFxNaWY3aRoKCWX1saD4csoiz56vJaDxfxmLsyMpSPWalrUEJ38OfV3i53oti_aOfg0IhIzDoDg/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5x-6jQYNUDSXaLw_6aOftd87QvV1zWgMN0R7Zp8tk-tRfcZMWVQFGqKxg-RxFxNaWY3aRoKCWX1saD4csoiz56vJaDxfxmLsyMpSPWalrUEJ38OfV3i53oti_aOfg0IhIzDoDg/s320/IMG_1453.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464071433025829842" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I still struggled with ideas of how to spend THEIR DAY. I ended up taking them and the 2 older kids to the horse stables for riding. While we were there, they got to hold bunnies, baby chicks, and baby goats. They absolutely fell in love and didn't want to leave. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7utNBt2E2Jked8f-43JNnwJBut2G-HRRfB6_Dw3bm9jwfcsHqOxhNiIpE1IvSF84CUWbRKQ0-u2Nw9X6li7JZKw1N2VMaOHwDqAfih_4s8Qg6abkZOAGmYgXjRM-W7wcwoN5IA/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7utNBt2E2Jked8f-43JNnwJBut2G-HRRfB6_Dw3bm9jwfcsHqOxhNiIpE1IvSF84CUWbRKQ0-u2Nw9X6li7JZKw1N2VMaOHwDqAfih_4s8Qg6abkZOAGmYgXjRM-W7wcwoN5IA/s320/IMG_1387.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464046312329170322" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi932a1SHZpwMeFWfNmEufKdtr-6HUOD8qzhYj9rBfFxhaEipuZBeHLo1z3hixebUBCVkwGVwED-IcQc7eyT4S_iYXC1zvK3fntxvL62vzRN2X7d75pQuUK_-_LGWZjtVYBN18sBQ/s1600/IMG_1414.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi932a1SHZpwMeFWfNmEufKdtr-6HUOD8qzhYj9rBfFxhaEipuZBeHLo1z3hixebUBCVkwGVwED-IcQc7eyT4S_iYXC1zvK3fntxvL62vzRN2X7d75pQuUK_-_LGWZjtVYBN18sBQ/s320/IMG_1414.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464046301656414898" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfDbliSuQYfDpPHcZJ0jlfBkkR2bifYUEUU7hexEb8vAOhl_Au3Cbt1T3hUQu5qd2iB7fiAAsV4cY2Tk-rbB8jM4Z49BvT_mJ8lS_FgRScYgmFqzH73YfYYtle-HGJRwcoRyWeg/s1600/IMG_1416.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfDbliSuQYfDpPHcZJ0jlfBkkR2bifYUEUU7hexEb8vAOhl_Au3Cbt1T3hUQu5qd2iB7fiAAsV4cY2Tk-rbB8jM4Z49BvT_mJ8lS_FgRScYgmFqzH73YfYYtle-HGJRwcoRyWeg/s320/IMG_1416.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459840358042522946" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgZbKaoEq39X0XP85-fx2xOkzakSTBR4y0qFmVFO9n_2mUY6R_5fiXVtVd2Xx2cKeBJbC-JlD7SzjWkMdAJ05F0ds3Jpt_EGpfAUOvIr4zgOApk73bxc8KPE0TKFCPmuXCxsaxQ/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgZbKaoEq39X0XP85-fx2xOkzakSTBR4y0qFmVFO9n_2mUY6R_5fiXVtVd2Xx2cKeBJbC-JlD7SzjWkMdAJ05F0ds3Jpt_EGpfAUOvIr4zgOApk73bxc8KPE0TKFCPmuXCxsaxQ/s320/IMG_1415.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459840343538010210" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gO6I1uIZsmCXcHCbcBE9uLjN7i4JLqCimsg90LJe7Q0WJYp6_GyCC6opy0rKtlW0FVcktep5TSWZyZ64wn8cfeswaS8z1w6CACSv4l1MeaafwgSUWbLg1Rng4FvZelDwgEz9ag/s1600/IMG_1400.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gO6I1uIZsmCXcHCbcBE9uLjN7i4JLqCimsg90LJe7Q0WJYp6_GyCC6opy0rKtlW0FVcktep5TSWZyZ64wn8cfeswaS8z1w6CACSv4l1MeaafwgSUWbLg1Rng4FvZelDwgEz9ag/s320/IMG_1400.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459840338907832194" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6w6gdRfZ054GL2ULd_91ilfGZDXcG8y_FZFZDXXawMEn_B_YKom4wlksF0OzqImsf0FMc6gBxW8CrZidWUlKM8hQdFwzgYEYow7UaT-hGfeg2Yg9HnfEl-d5vd94uu85WVbfEJQ/s1600/IMG_1397.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6w6gdRfZ054GL2ULd_91ilfGZDXcG8y_FZFZDXXawMEn_B_YKom4wlksF0OzqImsf0FMc6gBxW8CrZidWUlKM8hQdFwzgYEYow7UaT-hGfeg2Yg9HnfEl-d5vd94uu85WVbfEJQ/s320/IMG_1397.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459840326122929570" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The day pursued on with the CAKES - yes batman AND princess cake. We still have cake left over!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9LqQe9-SclmwcPVRosE2XepQUDzbP9gcG21-CzGgYDxRvVxLX1Rcz0thwejc0CPpHj5JEoaFzN27GGFWfB7oJdJm_IuD-12iiej0iVupln89i_DAUpYKUXuIezLodSrZ5IRmVw/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9LqQe9-SclmwcPVRosE2XepQUDzbP9gcG21-CzGgYDxRvVxLX1Rcz0thwejc0CPpHj5JEoaFzN27GGFWfB7oJdJm_IuD-12iiej0iVupln89i_DAUpYKUXuIezLodSrZ5IRmVw/s320/IMG_1543.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464046326298773570" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqOkc5NuqhswTGGLVBbthQ-im5jxdDfmCSZxEiGOTRAcGM9Yqag_DoV-zilrECAdQG_rWUGQIUzQk8CiiBQxNaeFaGjH9unisrNNscax6p6ydqVK_Mz0lxgZdmJhrzWK-wZp4wQ/s1600/IMG_1540.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqOkc5NuqhswTGGLVBbthQ-im5jxdDfmCSZxEiGOTRAcGM9Yqag_DoV-zilrECAdQG_rWUGQIUzQk8CiiBQxNaeFaGjH9unisrNNscax6p6ydqVK_Mz0lxgZdmJhrzWK-wZp4wQ/s320/IMG_1540.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464046321170127762" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> We also played in the backyard and they swam in their kiddie pool. Of course, the best part was the special people that got to be a part of their day - their older brother and sister, mom and dad, and GRANDMA!! Just when I was questioning, did I do enough???, Hunter came up and gave me a hug and said "Thank you mommy. It's the best birthday EBER (ever)!" So sweet and made me feel fulfilled. I worried for nothing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21740548.post-52684415613637244092010-03-23T23:13:00.000-07:002010-03-23T23:45:52.833-07:00Spring 2010 UpdateWow! I haven't been very faithful in keeping up with this blog. The fact that the kids are turning four (Wow!) in about 2 weeks reminds me that I need to post an update. We have just been extremely busy. I am working 4 days a week as a contract provider for a community mental health agency and that alone is draining. I haven't had anymore than 4 day weekend for a vacation and I tell you, I am about ready for one. Only problem is that since I am not an employee, I don't get paid when I don't work. My husband is about through with the fire academy and hopefully will be employed again soon! It will be great being a 2 income family again! In our case, we need 3 or 4 incomes, so he better get extra jobs :D<br /><br />The kids are amazing: my little joys. Alexandria, Gabrielle, and Hunter are all weighing about the same - 32 pounds, give or take a few ounces. They are on the small side still, especially the girls because they are a bit taller. They are in 18 month pants, but can wear 2T or sometimes 3T dresses. I never noticed how tiny they really were until they started school. The other kids just seem so much bigger than my kids. <br /><br />Alexandria is my little drama queen. She is just definitely dramatic. All these expressionate faces and reactions all the time. It's just so funny. She bosses her sister and brother around, mommying them so she has earned the nickname "little mommy." However, she is the sensitive one and cries reactively, especially when her sister tells her that she doesn't like her. <br /><br />Gabrielle is just as sweet as she can be, smart, and full of mischief. If there is a ring leader when it comes to trouble, it's Gabby. She likes to tease her siblings and will take things away from them just for the joy of being chased in a game of keepaway. She is definitely just a mommy's girl. She tells me this all the time. She wants to go everywhere with mommy, particularly shopping. The kid finds things just to buy, whether she needs/wants them or not. She is all diva, fighting with me over what she will wear, has to have more and more shoes (Emelda Marcos watch out), and loves to have her fingernails painted, but has no patience to wait until they dry.<br /><br />Hunter loves his Batman and when I say he is my little baby, he gets mad and corrects me "I'm no baby. I'm Batman Hunter or if I am lucky, he will say his full name "HUNTER NEW-ing". His grandmother bought him a pair of jammies that had a cape attached and he loves to wear this. I thought I would die when he went outside, wearing swimming goggles and his cape to ride his bike. I wondered where I could hide if someone came along and saw us. Hunter apparently has a girlfriend at school -a girl named Zoe who "mothers" Hunter per the teacher. She moves her chair to sit next to him and tries to spoon feed him his lunch. He insists he only loves Pedro because girls are yucky. Pedro, a boy in his class, is apparently his "best friend." Today he told me Pedro doesn't love him because he follows Pedro too much. He keeps track of Pedro's fave snack, informing me at the store that the ritz and cheese cracker packs are "Pedro's favorite." Hunter is definitely all boy and all boy things. I should feel privileged when he tells me he loves me or graces me with a hug. He definitely favors his daddy (another manifestation of this all boy orientation). He is amazing with sports and has been advanced in his motor abilities for well over a year now. My husband says that hand-eye coordination like his at this young age is really quite a rarity. Fortunately, at 4 years of age, Hunter can join things like t-ball and soccer so he will finally get his chance to play! He's been talking about it for over a year. For his birthday, he wants a baseball room. That's what he will get. <br /><br />All 3 of them started at private Catholic school on February 1st. They are doing extremely well and the people there are wonderful. I have never seen such kind and loving people. I love to hear and see the new things my kids are learning. They have really shocked me by repeating prayers they have practiced at school on the way home. It's just so sweet to hear! The way they are growing spiritually, emotionally, and socially seems more prominent than academically (although I am sure they are). They have been able to say their ABC's, count to 20, and know most of their shapes since they were 2. They can draw a circle and are getting much better with their coloring. I am awaiting the outcome on speech assessment they are undergoing this week. The bottom line is they are loving school and I know they are in the best place possible for them when I leave them in the mornings at the school. So, that's been a blessing. <br /><br />Well, I hope to post some more recent pictures soon - hopefully some birthday pics. I am still trying to figure out what to do because their birthday falls not only during spring break, but on the day before Easter. I think they will just be celebrating with mom and dad this year. We will figure out something.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12885983410706579945noreply@blogger.com2