tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76046469962603137912023-11-16T07:35:34.651-06:00Time for Mocha......time to think, learn, teach, be grateful...Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.comBlogger383125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-327402068060231932014-06-29T23:17:00.003-05:002014-06-29T23:17:31.143-05:00When there are never any "no's"It's been a very long time since I have posted. Life has been busy and I have not been very inspired.<br />
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We are now in a time of significant transition and there is much to decide, to process and to work through.<br />
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We brought home our little one from China yesterday. <br />
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In spite of all the preparation we did, it seems that maybe you are never <b><i>really</i></b> ready.<br />
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Our little one comes from a "hard place". Abandoned. Multiple care givers. Lived in 2 different facilities. Trips to the doctor. Crying and no one coming. Hungry and not being full. Scared and not being comforted. Needing to learn and not being taught. <br />
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He also comes from a place of never really learning the word "no". When your world is so small, so scheduled, so limited...there's no place to ever be told "yes". But, then there are not many opportunities to be told "no" either. <br />
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So, he leaves the facility and goes into a flashy world full of food, stores, toys...and people. Two of those people have been assigned as his parents. (And he has no idea what a parent is or does.) And those assigned people started saying "no" to some of these amazing things before his eyes. And "no" is a hard word when you rarely have heard it and it seems that everything before you is so good.<br />
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As I've have struggled through these first days with our new little one, I have often thought of God as a Father. How often He loved me when I was behaving like an angry child. Walking with me as I have kicked, fought and raged about not getting my way. He loves me through my frustration and inability to understand His plan...the times He has said "no".<br />
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Perhaps I am not unlike my new son; not really grasping what a loving Father is to understand when it seems He is saying "no". <br />
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As I watched our young one rage, lash out and spit...I had a brief hint of what it must be for our heavenly Father to stand by and watch his children turn their backs and refuse to be loved.<br />
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To choose to love in the face of rejection is profoundly painful as a parent. It doesn't come with the warm feelings welling up from the heart. It comes from a conscious choice to put aside your anger and to do the right thing. <br />
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It is the hardest thing I have ever done. Yet, God gave the ultimate sacrifice for me when I was unlovely and difficult. How deeply humbling this is. Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-85968483050531682732013-01-01T21:38:00.000-06:002013-01-01T21:38:01.824-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2013</span></div>
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Today was a wonderful day.</div>
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...a tall peppermint mocha from $tarbucks...</div>
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...a wonderful walk at the nature center with my 2 kids...we walked through the woods, climbed over fallen trees and ran with abandon down a snow-blown hill...</div>
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...football...</div>
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<i>...except the part where the Badgers lost the Rose Bowl...</i></div>
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...cheese fondue with bread and apples...</div>
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...a fantastic husband who loves me like crazy.</div>
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My word for 2013:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Grace</span></div>
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My Bible passage: Nehemiah 6:2-4. </div>
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...be intentional...stay the course...do not be discouraged or distracted...</div>
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Good-bye 2012.<br />
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You were a hard year... </div>
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Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-88166274662133415672012-12-31T21:16:00.000-06:002012-12-31T21:16:31.999-06:00Turning Over a New Leaf....<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Bedtime at our home can sometimes be long, drawn out event. It frequently involves many reminders to put away laundry, clean, up, floss, brush, etc, etc, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I recently had a wonderful, refreshing chat with a very wise mom. She has always been a source of encouragement, experience and wisdom. She suggested a list might help my little buddies remember what they need to do each night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My little dude was very concerned about the list. His response to the ideas was, "But, Mama...I can't read everything yet." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I went to a modified list--with pictographs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tonight, 12-31-12 was our first night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It went well. Little Dude took the "No Mess" part very seriously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What a blessing it is to have such wonderful friends. </span>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-68437352415600407162012-12-31T20:57:00.001-06:002012-12-31T20:57:47.053-06:00First snow...<div style="text-align: center;">
These are our snowmen. </div>
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They are vegan. </div>
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Brussel sprout eyes<br />
Carrot noses<br />
Sweet red peppers for lips<br />
Come to think of it, that is more vegetables than some people eat in a year...<br />
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That is not a leopard or a cheetah next to the snowman...that's Kate.Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-77586887593350840092012-05-20T22:08:00.002-05:002012-05-20T22:08:55.727-05:00morning at the lake...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was a beautiful, warm day and we seized the opportunity to head down to the Lake. We had a wonderful breakfast at one of our favorite coffee houses and then walked over to the beach and marina.</span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">K & S really wanted to go into the water...until they realized how cold big Lakes are in spring.</span><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A girl has to have her shades...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">jumping the "waves"...<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We loved the warm breeze and time together as a family. Maybe summer really is around the corner...</span></div>
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</div>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-2130028524161372982012-04-30T15:30:00.000-05:002012-04-30T19:59:24.209-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pascal Aristotle </div>
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May 15, 1998 - April 29, 2012</div>
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He brought our family great joy, companionship and love. We will miss seeing him in the window, playing with his glitter balls, chasing any thing that resembles string, purring so loud it can be as heard across the room and cuddling on the couch. </div>
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He was the first pet our children had and we will miss him deeply. </div>
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Today we are sad.</div>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-37935082685234131942012-04-29T21:37:00.000-05:002012-04-29T21:37:29.948-05:00Mutiny?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prepare to be intimidated...
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Here are two very scary warriors...</div>
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Do not mess with her...she leaps great heights with her foam sword....</div>
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He defies gravity and has a mighty swing...</div>
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Armed with his *iPhone* and a foam ax, the king would successfully defend his kingdom from the blond serf</div>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-88440119897823683892012-04-15T21:54:00.000-05:002012-04-15T21:54:32.154-05:00Flex-Strength-Skills n Drills<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to get the leotard with your gym's name on the front and your name on the back, you have to work hard.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your coach tells you, "It's your responsibility to do your training at home and bring your skills folder back every Saturday to show it."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you forget your work chart, you worry your coach will be mad (she wasn't). Then you don't forget it the next week...because it's your responsibility. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Flexibility:</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">right split x 1 minute</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">left split x 1 minute</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">middle split x 1 minute</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">rainbow bridge x 1 minute</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pike stretch for 30 sec x 2</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">shoulder stretch x 1 minute</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pancake x 1 minute </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">backbend down & up x 1 minute</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">forward lift kicks x 10</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">side lift kicks x 10</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">back arabesque kicks x 10</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Strength:</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">handstand hold at the wall x 1 minute</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">handstand pushups</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pike hold on floor </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">straddle hold on floor </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">tuck hold on floor </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">triangle pushups </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">triceps dip </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 footed squats </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">right leg squats</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">left leg squats </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">V-ups </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">crunches </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">scissors in hollow hold </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">superman holds </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">lock holds on toe </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">press handstands</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Skills/Drills</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">handstands with flat backs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">practice scales with chest up</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">practice running on toes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">practice splint jumps</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then you learn how to do harder and trickier stuff. But, you don't try it at home until your coach says you can do the harder, trickier stuff outside of the gym. You listen to your coach cause she wants you to be safe and you respect her...ALOT.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You do all this stuff </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">because you want the leo with your name on the back.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you get that leo, you will have earned it! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-21600643655787754132012-03-25T20:29:00.000-05:002012-03-25T20:29:30.966-05:00life...last week I...<br />
<br />
...comforted a patient in the trauma bay at the hospital...I asked if the patient was scared...they replied..."no, it's in the good Lord's hands..."<br />
<br />
...rounded on that very patient the next day in the ICU...the patient started telling me cute little jokes...<br />
<br />
...whacked my shin on the fluoroscopic machine in the O.R....almost got a fracture while trying to help treat one...<br />
<br />
...hugged a patient who told me about being married to the spouse they lost after 56 years...cancer sucks...<br />
<br />
...was reminded that people don't just have physical pain...<br />
<br />
...learned to sit on the edge of a patient's bed and listen...<br />
<br />
I will learn more this week. <br />
<br />
I hope I don't hit my tibia on the x-ray machine again...Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-62561741937027519922012-03-10T16:00:00.000-06:002012-03-10T16:00:01.237-06:00bye bye toothFinally...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCGlHc_2EpUKU4rQUXvyGDs1v6yekw5VYJMwYFqVqnVX4kyX1MejNmM4UyIXLZ8Ow0ke_nyLJ9sGbYHLK8KUfkUqe7RdytkudMMRU3O6ITkE1ntveBG6A0F0ZUzJPLLHqgNP9-R0Np9w/s1600/IMG_8367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCGlHc_2EpUKU4rQUXvyGDs1v6yekw5VYJMwYFqVqnVX4kyX1MejNmM4UyIXLZ8Ow0ke_nyLJ9sGbYHLK8KUfkUqe7RdytkudMMRU3O6ITkE1ntveBG6A0F0ZUzJPLLHqgNP9-R0Np9w/s400/IMG_8367.JPG" /></a></div>...it came out...<br />
Zai jian, tooth.Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-71629528594312975852012-03-06T22:03:00.000-06:002012-03-06T22:03:00.303-06:00Celebrate!Last Sunday was Little Gymnast's last gymnastics meet at her current level. Her cheering section included her parents, brother, Grandma S and one of her teachers from preschool & 4K. She said having a teacher there made her nervous. (the rest of us were chopped liver, I guess...)<br />
<br />
It was her best meet to date...she scored 1st in all events and in the all-around competition. <br />
<br />
She has worked so hard this season and learned alot. She grew with a coach with high expectations, strict discipline and a strong work ethic. <br />
<br />
There were days when she never thought she would learn a new skill, but she never gave up...she practiced both in the gym and at home...<br />
<br />
She sat in the stands and cheered, encouraged and celebrated her teammates when her turn to perform was over...<br />
<br />
She watched the "big girls" (higher level gymnasts) and admired them...following them around some days like a little puppy...<br />
<br />
She did more sit-ups, planks, stretches, frog leaps, v-ups, splits, push-ups, pull-ups, and drills than we can count...<br />
<br />
She is blessed with physical talent that has nothing to do with us...but we are so blessed to watch her develop her talents...<br />
<br />
So, what better way to celebrate your wins with your Dad and a can of whipped cream!? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVz3vvEYeH4z6GTBOl3vTQAxRQUdoxKWDbFuwWZaD4mevAjiTPfbDfCpBKyUbPxof7D9joE0p7sBJDkXTdrCpvtuQrsCa3yFn-3C4oV57N64Ym6kSWPu1LKxrakFdkd_VgXq7EvlIEC4/s1600/IMG_8357b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVz3vvEYeH4z6GTBOl3vTQAxRQUdoxKWDbFuwWZaD4mevAjiTPfbDfCpBKyUbPxof7D9joE0p7sBJDkXTdrCpvtuQrsCa3yFn-3C4oV57N64Ym6kSWPu1LKxrakFdkd_VgXq7EvlIEC4/s400/IMG_8357b.jpg" /></a></div>Who needs hot chocolate as a vehicle for your whipped cream when your Dad just shoots it right in?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxIZSBnhyphenhyphenIQ6N4U_ZOQooW5StraImV-AJ_PdkW3X19B9jTi0-Muaep9QyxojZLy2aOiQbDF7KsQtqWgjRtQO5Wo8XsuCVPn2I60RXCsdzjH11RQdKku-41Io3PhIU3C_FX5LyScM_6Ow/s1600/IMG_8359b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxIZSBnhyphenhyphenIQ6N4U_ZOQooW5StraImV-AJ_PdkW3X19B9jTi0-Muaep9QyxojZLy2aOiQbDF7KsQtqWgjRtQO5Wo8XsuCVPn2I60RXCsdzjH11RQdKku-41Io3PhIU3C_FX5LyScM_6Ow/s400/IMG_8359b.jpg" /></a></div>She's begging for just a little more...can you say no to that look?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSxNKBCxJQtbys6Wkv3YwnE0vv7E_Y-NYlSL6RHXA_xlOAmXiA5T7YbEw4B0q3Jh0f5Glm85kf-kNs_0WDiFHahhZadXO_f0TVpqI-qdfCCgfr4rPYpXO2_nCsQDerfGLUpiW8wqJ2mk/s1600/IMG_8360b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="301" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSxNKBCxJQtbys6Wkv3YwnE0vv7E_Y-NYlSL6RHXA_xlOAmXiA5T7YbEw4B0q3Jh0f5Glm85kf-kNs_0WDiFHahhZadXO_f0TVpqI-qdfCCgfr4rPYpXO2_nCsQDerfGLUpiW8wqJ2mk/s400/IMG_8360b.jpg" /></a></div>Her Dad could not say no...he folded like origami...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqww0Lz4I8miMczW9ugIGjveIkPIYTW8Ym6w_DjSUJpb2iJcNBsbqdJgWleB8_58C2uhvVIbWem5oGS26XBhrZwI7eFeSyMOgYU1BPDT4S-fRQg93cbzyMXsQvDVTm5LCAO4hivZCi2I/s1600/IMG_8363a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqww0Lz4I8miMczW9ugIGjveIkPIYTW8Ym6w_DjSUJpb2iJcNBsbqdJgWleB8_58C2uhvVIbWem5oGS26XBhrZwI7eFeSyMOgYU1BPDT4S-fRQg93cbzyMXsQvDVTm5LCAO4hivZCi2I/s400/IMG_8363a.jpg" /></a></div>Congratulations, Peanut! You worked hard and we are so proud of you!Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-25299618665849859812012-01-29T21:00:00.000-06:002012-01-29T21:00:28.611-06:00First Travel MeetLast weekend we traveled as a family to Little Gymnast's first "away" meet. We decided it would be fun to spend a weekend together in Indianapolis a few weeks prior to the Superbowl.<br />
<br />
Much to Little Dude's delight, our 17th floor hotel room overlooked Lucas Oil Field. He pronounced it, "The best room ever!" He also suggested that we ought to just live in that hotel room <b><i><b>forever</b></i></b>! Who wouldn't want a great view, a pool,an amazing workout room and a maid everyday? I think he is on to something...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuau8kTWSfNu40oZ7eNh027Pp6Zbf1YwkU7nCgJQzYvuDXDCH4MoaI_xyCsmq6dtZbezv_CxV2vHe71b7-C-GQ0pwZttdHVcSil-mBUF1plQBLovDWLdtZvrVhyphenhyphenwJU8RQmsm2BcTCE0g/s1600/IMG_8278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuau8kTWSfNu40oZ7eNh027Pp6Zbf1YwkU7nCgJQzYvuDXDCH4MoaI_xyCsmq6dtZbezv_CxV2vHe71b7-C-GQ0pwZttdHVcSil-mBUF1plQBLovDWLdtZvrVhyphenhyphenwJU8RQmsm2BcTCE0g/s400/IMG_8278.jpg" /></a></div>Runner Boy and Little Dude settled right in. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodzoJ51eoeiNBPoMe_szHfMpGLUUJxiOfZsntm8nroV6pDaONQ9TL5K23mEgMbwGkYe7gBOtgLzeYBquXiU2h5aLOYl3XAlo8NKorchyYuDgwL67rHH4FmrboyHtkdyuKw1y9EDSvoTQ/s1600/IMG_8279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodzoJ51eoeiNBPoMe_szHfMpGLUUJxiOfZsntm8nroV6pDaONQ9TL5K23mEgMbwGkYe7gBOtgLzeYBquXiU2h5aLOYl3XAlo8NKorchyYuDgwL67rHH4FmrboyHtkdyuKw1y9EDSvoTQ/s400/IMG_8279.jpg" /></a></div>Runner Boy decided to photo bomb our picture...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce-vh0xLQrCBHM1syvC1OL1JIV0YyOr2wTvY7BnRkwF1e6hZwJ7uAAsp2yW1aPJHKA6wqg7FtPeGFiNIWgmfMSih8cwlqXxp_ii_6czGEh3f5xY7XJbhhil-6sFcqMGx7SlNNoDVOlXY/s1600/IMG_8280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce-vh0xLQrCBHM1syvC1OL1JIV0YyOr2wTvY7BnRkwF1e6hZwJ7uAAsp2yW1aPJHKA6wqg7FtPeGFiNIWgmfMSih8cwlqXxp_ii_6czGEh3f5xY7XJbhhil-6sFcqMGx7SlNNoDVOlXY/s400/IMG_8280.jpg" /></a></div>We were at a gymnastics meet when a track meet broke out...she's got quite a kick at the end of a sprint. Clearly she needed to work out some energy after we arrived in Indy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i75tU_Qt48LyqKOo9pBxp-bO2iDIYT-DDh1TMdJuE1C41EI8QpBQnkF-fvTzckpAiuZk43qjK03j8AUn6FxlKcWPHJTPdTOsE_eCWY7wdrfYC20yBKCUFdF73nAm8p4SG6Y07WlJV-k/s1600/IMG_8286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i75tU_Qt48LyqKOo9pBxp-bO2iDIYT-DDh1TMdJuE1C41EI8QpBQnkF-fvTzckpAiuZk43qjK03j8AUn6FxlKcWPHJTPdTOsE_eCWY7wdrfYC20yBKCUFdF73nAm8p4SG6Y07WlJV-k/s400/IMG_8286.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfCewVfg9y_nONovwzazmbvZ4EMWZIZ_bdpFkDwNG2MOxfPI1M_3Apwl6Bz6L8u3WUj_L5LcG_iNEAGX3aKJv_sK18dWzaq7ha83WXTHZjbSI4TZSNohF_uR3VnoWEqPJWAuAt047D9o/s1600/IMG_8288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfCewVfg9y_nONovwzazmbvZ4EMWZIZ_bdpFkDwNG2MOxfPI1M_3Apwl6Bz6L8u3WUj_L5LcG_iNEAGX3aKJv_sK18dWzaq7ha83WXTHZjbSI4TZSNohF_uR3VnoWEqPJWAuAt047D9o/s400/IMG_8288.JPG" /></a></div>We had time to explore the hotel, downtown and a lovely church before competition...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieufD_DuDMxFaoD_UrGg3oBo0now-VM1k8hGj5k1JvjHrv2sj8XG5pDyJoaLV7KI-fGCqz0ngQFT92Oq0nlwtWo3HD4daQIsped70a3gOYcmUcK93s-9s9SatB_DxPCanNJoxIBXPXPrg/s1600/IMG_8296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieufD_DuDMxFaoD_UrGg3oBo0now-VM1k8hGj5k1JvjHrv2sj8XG5pDyJoaLV7KI-fGCqz0ngQFT92Oq0nlwtWo3HD4daQIsped70a3gOYcmUcK93s-9s9SatB_DxPCanNJoxIBXPXPrg/s400/IMG_8296.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkuzbmFpNrEpYo6fikc8SNqGGKOlbHk3j2Wmwu28n-bEX4S3TM7AmByePMV43AQP0M1VFYF-OGXDdanIH85A6RQSRSnQ5qdpFEnQrdHC4F7iYIKc2gGw4kMQizdM_XK_G1Nyd3c4duYc/s1600/IMG_8298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkuzbmFpNrEpYo6fikc8SNqGGKOlbHk3j2Wmwu28n-bEX4S3TM7AmByePMV43AQP0M1VFYF-OGXDdanIH85A6RQSRSnQ5qdpFEnQrdHC4F7iYIKc2gGw4kMQizdM_XK_G1Nyd3c4duYc/s400/IMG_8298.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYsoK4drqpHtbSt2w9ewWfHDKBtJ7k0PravditBrmMXFrcxplg6sxYOL4PrDnP9zlR2gsfzYrWVY1Yzr3Ld3XrO-R5PaYmqOgmoAIaPzl21jmNsEwN7Ql5-MVuLUGwB7eSl5FUlgwvio/s1600/IMG_8306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYsoK4drqpHtbSt2w9ewWfHDKBtJ7k0PravditBrmMXFrcxplg6sxYOL4PrDnP9zlR2gsfzYrWVY1Yzr3Ld3XrO-R5PaYmqOgmoAIaPzl21jmNsEwN7Ql5-MVuLUGwB7eSl5FUlgwvio/s400/IMG_8306.jpg" /></a></div>It's important to nourish yourself properly prior to competition. So she perched on a stool overlooking the $tarbuck's barista waiting for her chocolate milk.<br />
<br />
With so many gymnasts at the meet, we had great opportunities to watch different levels compete, cheer on her teammates and meet new friends. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnghIwjcBvp_edYEStFIjEhWbLaa984A8OuTcU7W-7NDWuUSFnPj9imna0EbuxfdvQaFhu86aho36uXpAZma8sIG7x4ogrGWoCXUSWLA95FMgm3OoZi3Wg1vsESYL_dhEmRbc8ECzdi2Y/s1600/IMG_8313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnghIwjcBvp_edYEStFIjEhWbLaa984A8OuTcU7W-7NDWuUSFnPj9imna0EbuxfdvQaFhu86aho36uXpAZma8sIG7x4ogrGWoCXUSWLA95FMgm3OoZi3Wg1vsESYL_dhEmRbc8ECzdi2Y/s400/IMG_8313.jpg" /></a></div>Little Gymnast was so excited to see her beloved Aunt & Uncle there, too. <br />
<br />
Every time she goes out to compete, we ask her to do two things:<br />
1) do your best<br />
2) have fun<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq7wkTArnVsqjEn7vU-rMoiH3dLvBK7HBvHN-hIsUfb9vRWFDTACDFrB9ngjmpE-x-XxB__I41LIFadLR8ujtOg6oWyCbYphuPopWeW7g5JFFPLNQMS7_ZSAJh6G-4F5A02DBeRP8Ljw/s1600/IMG_8338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq7wkTArnVsqjEn7vU-rMoiH3dLvBK7HBvHN-hIsUfb9vRWFDTACDFrB9ngjmpE-x-XxB__I41LIFadLR8ujtOg6oWyCbYphuPopWeW7g5JFFPLNQMS7_ZSAJh6G-4F5A02DBeRP8Ljw/s400/IMG_8338.jpg" /></a></div>She did both of those things in Indy. We are proud of your effort, your medals and your sportsmanship!<br />
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Little Dude, you are now part of the fraternity of brothers who have endured such competition! <br />
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Your sister will have to attend your activities with grace...she owes you one! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU9IRlomCSIEROa9k00smVOr3xRQY08qo-xeQCVgWx8Ob3f_MAfvLo3r0Krt19VaJj0nQJMgjTBV2PQz07PU8IPGv-VuwCy5IpRQNkhZKZb1z48dBdqYcaHROghhcqk9L6HlgnHdpda0/s1600/IMG_8293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU9IRlomCSIEROa9k00smVOr3xRQY08qo-xeQCVgWx8Ob3f_MAfvLo3r0Krt19VaJj0nQJMgjTBV2PQz07PU8IPGv-VuwCy5IpRQNkhZKZb1z48dBdqYcaHROghhcqk9L6HlgnHdpda0/s400/IMG_8293.JPG" /></a></div>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-62282539238696279132012-01-03T21:07:00.000-06:002012-01-03T21:07:15.803-06:00monster<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It appears the green-eyed monster has moved in. He reared his ugly head briefly this morning and then showed up tonight.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little Dude had his room painted and his bed was lofted over the Christmas break. This morning Older sister said, "Daddy, I am mad. Little Dude has a better bed than me...now Neighbor Pal will like his bed the BEST!" </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After reading our Bible story up in the loft tonight, Older Sister climbed down from the loft and said over her shoulder....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Have a good time in the FUN bed that I DON'T have!...I mean...I am really grateful for the bed I have...but I wish I had his...but I am thankful..." (Note tug of good and evil in this sentence...)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Monster roars softly...</span>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-49097212197843103062012-01-02T22:09:00.000-06:002012-01-02T22:09:36.541-06:00As we begin 2012...it is time to take a moment or two to look back on 2011...<br />
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January 2011...the Packers won the Super Bowl and Bucky...did not fare so well at the Rose Bowl...come to think of it...Bucky didn't do so well in 2012 at the Rose Bowl either...<br />
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February...a Valentine Princess...<br />
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March...2011 was a bad year to be a crocus<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7aQwVzbjOnLuyGbsUeI75wwAAw4tHqhOM3_w_pkp3dRRHof5La0ea9IqelvbO4-ZgrsAA34c8BS-mTCm_CXJmcoocveH7xf0GUO_xZmCOytTqBJJw0Y8Bk21sQR0y04VD7aaEvqwF9g/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7aQwVzbjOnLuyGbsUeI75wwAAw4tHqhOM3_w_pkp3dRRHof5La0ea9IqelvbO4-ZgrsAA34c8BS-mTCm_CXJmcoocveH7xf0GUO_xZmCOytTqBJJw0Y8Bk21sQR0y04VD7aaEvqwF9g/s400/IMG_6698.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
April...blowing bubbles on Easter...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2I64CIcfVn2iLXSCnbummMrDSnyVFEBU9NDUSHz2WTC42sNq7RH0PyuqDH7U4JLpL5Igk1Idsr1s7J8Ct3Uy0XQzSRyksK4USuaCN0YPcg9qh8A7InsIpmpl8PFXdWBRlNWTl_NaP84/s1600/IMG_6805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2I64CIcfVn2iLXSCnbummMrDSnyVFEBU9NDUSHz2WTC42sNq7RH0PyuqDH7U4JLpL5Igk1Idsr1s7J8Ct3Uy0XQzSRyksK4USuaCN0YPcg9qh8A7InsIpmpl8PFXdWBRlNWTl_NaP84/s400/IMG_6805.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>...always wear "eye black" while coloring eggs...you never know when a football game will break out...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplfDrKYR8v3lZotaUd8kc7ry5o0FnVoXFe4y1SOBsafKH_5z3fu6pQDzdeLetU-kOIqBmVyYYnB2YyHm6O1aaqUjFoLQGoBN_mqSUqdTIjnDFFBJROh-mf16Dojs8mUmStqS370yTizM/s1600/IMG_6789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplfDrKYR8v3lZotaUd8kc7ry5o0FnVoXFe4y1SOBsafKH_5z3fu6pQDzdeLetU-kOIqBmVyYYnB2YyHm6O1aaqUjFoLQGoBN_mqSUqdTIjnDFFBJROh-mf16Dojs8mUmStqS370yTizM/s400/IMG_6789.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>May...hockey?! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_tpIABkSY9iKhT57P2T4lX_UmM-IQrjsFcQcMTlDEkK4rH08r3XGtNgOfew3FpIwAI5oTmXWZutNIwp3p1TTL_fBW4PdS_MkBZSZmHQY140z1aSs6DEihnHuSt0nU24Mog5wDRTOoXI/s1600/IMG_7065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_tpIABkSY9iKhT57P2T4lX_UmM-IQrjsFcQcMTlDEkK4rH08r3XGtNgOfew3FpIwAI5oTmXWZutNIwp3p1TTL_fBW4PdS_MkBZSZmHQY140z1aSs6DEihnHuSt0nU24Mog5wDRTOoXI/s400/IMG_7065.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>June 2011...training for the Tour de Tundra starts young...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5lCG6s4WfFk2oj4u5omRqC8zuVLOgcPxLNXmuRSWqFoCuS067LXm6ien9pSUJGHrnBoCKna78lndibvufqZp4tSUSQsM4XgSOR65p4IVPhkVGt1OZmidnNDRzk0dGq-baIiV_N_c0Lg/s1600/IMG_7086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5lCG6s4WfFk2oj4u5omRqC8zuVLOgcPxLNXmuRSWqFoCuS067LXm6ien9pSUJGHrnBoCKna78lndibvufqZp4tSUSQsM4XgSOR65p4IVPhkVGt1OZmidnNDRzk0dGq-baIiV_N_c0Lg/s400/IMG_7086.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>July...the birthday boy celebrates with a cowboy party...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJHMpafNvlSE_MhpIXa0iPFcExivdP7hywH4vYQ4kXcWjetN_br2s_T9YwkCYNlA7CU1_uZcuPe_OHnotABmC4upJzGjsXEycMWp2f5fvKznmkct1Gtaro8kcV02CHosVNgU7ccVj028/s1600/IMG_7593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJHMpafNvlSE_MhpIXa0iPFcExivdP7hywH4vYQ4kXcWjetN_br2s_T9YwkCYNlA7CU1_uZcuPe_OHnotABmC4upJzGjsXEycMWp2f5fvKznmkct1Gtaro8kcV02CHosVNgU7ccVj028/s400/IMG_7593.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>August...summer comes to an end and school is on the horizon...little dude is thrilled...<br />
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September...celebrating her birthday with a family night...<br />
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October...a cute kitty gets to trick or treat with *Charles Woodson*!<br />
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We celebrated Turkey Day with our family and K got to go down the slide with her littlest cousin...<br />
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December 2011...after watching HGTV, they decorated their own gingerbread houses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2ALBTgZAa7Jy6BnF0j70jmTPQZwbhQopKKoEt3KKWRXOI57dAEG3CO8U-8d7kT1enfIhwzWZ4j1IwHK0o7cyBMji4fm4Hj85NrjssMdM53lugxydy4WgkKVtr8RVXY24FwbcKze_ur0/s1600/IMG_8221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2ALBTgZAa7Jy6BnF0j70jmTPQZwbhQopKKoEt3KKWRXOI57dAEG3CO8U-8d7kT1enfIhwzWZ4j1IwHK0o7cyBMji4fm4Hj85NrjssMdM53lugxydy4WgkKVtr8RVXY24FwbcKze_ur0/s320/IMG_8221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So thankful for the blessings of 2011...grateful to God...shaped by the challenges of the year past.<br />
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On to 2012...Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-84393046531390324602012-01-02T20:55:00.000-06:002012-01-02T20:55:51.387-06:00Gotcha Day!There are few days in our lives that can be as special as the arrival of a child. Regardless of the way a child joins a family, it is an amazing, life-changing experience. Little Gymnast joined our family in December of 2005. One thing that I particularly cherish about that day is that we were able to share it with three other families. We all had precious girls placed in our arms that day. We shared the joy, wiped tears from little eyes, tried to get their little lips to turn to a smile, and took many pictures. Each of us started a journey to a little girl from a different place and we all ended the paper chase that day.<br />
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We have a tradition of Runner Boy taking a photo with our little girl on the anniversary of that Day...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGIhyphenhyphen70cEdoSCySMhMRiaxbEaR1Q7CbIov3sXfmW-ITKydeXhCJN0Xptqp55p8wqoZ3fJ8d1Nh_F2ZjKuHV-nuk7fpxn98DL5Pi6P__nFeB6rgS5tjPWVNIkpUkQXDJJ4F9ocEjNbhcs/s1600/DSCN0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGIhyphenhyphen70cEdoSCySMhMRiaxbEaR1Q7CbIov3sXfmW-ITKydeXhCJN0Xptqp55p8wqoZ3fJ8d1Nh_F2ZjKuHV-nuk7fpxn98DL5Pi6P__nFeB6rgS5tjPWVNIkpUkQXDJJ4F9ocEjNbhcs/s400/DSCN0240.JPG" /></a></div>Gotcha Day 2006 and 2007 photos appear to be an a file that I have temporarily misplaced...oops:<br />
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So imagine pictures of cute guy and little kid here....I gotta find that file.<br />
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Gotcha Day 2008...it was snowing that day...<br />
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Gotcha Day 2009...in our new house...<br />
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Gotcha Day 2010...<br />
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Gotcha Day 2011...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDInrlvkb56Retdl1o0mDMbutJE6nqXLzWUEuSQDqTY2lx-_RXzGb09Z0g_j1En4Dmn6tr4agATPa6SxX6LorMwgHceJswz-H32kDhwlsb215dhsOM5ebtDA9Oglb7DOR64R65z32NIU/s1600/IMG_8209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDInrlvkb56Retdl1o0mDMbutJE6nqXLzWUEuSQDqTY2lx-_RXzGb09Z0g_j1En4Dmn6tr4agATPa6SxX6LorMwgHceJswz-H32kDhwlsb215dhsOM5ebtDA9Oglb7DOR64R65z32NIU/s400/IMG_8209.JPG" /></a></div><br />
As she grows older, her thoughts about her history will evolve. May she come to a deep understanding of the depth of our love and of her heavenly Father. <br />
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Gotcha Day is a day to celebrate her adoption into our family and the gift that she is to our family.Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-64171145218865931052011-10-22T21:51:00.000-05:002011-10-22T21:51:05.580-05:00pre occupied<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Dear Occupy Wall Street People,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I have been thinking about some different things that you could occupy...besides private parks and protests around the country. I'll start with simple ideas and then try to take suggestions to the next level.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1) A job. These are rewarding activities that <b><u>pay</u></b> you. Apparently there is a shortage of these, so if you don't find one, try starting a business. Occupy the end of a dog leash, lawnmower, snow plow (snow is coming soon), or just think up your own idea. Steve Jobs started one and it worked out well for him. Don't give up if the first one fails either. Also, you can have more than one business if necessary. If it freaks you out to work for a large corporation, stick with something small. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2) A volunteer position. Take that energy used to protest and actively make the world a better place. If you put that protest sign down and picked up a paint brush, gathered donations or sat with a family in a trauma center, then you would be making an immediate difference in the world around you. Food pantries, hospitals, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, rescue missions, humane societies~they are all looking for help. You would feel better about yourself, too. Maybe then you wouldn't be so angry about your life...you would realize some people have it worse than you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">3) The library. Start reading. It's been said you'll be the same person in 5 years except for the people you know and the books you read. Read the country's founding fathers, classic Greek literature or something about really successful people who started from nothing or a biography or two. Libraries are free, too. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">4) A shower. Some of you need to clean up. It's hard to respect people who don't appreciate the cleaning power shampoo. Don't worry, people won't mistake you for a successful banker if you are clean.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">5) A music class. Clearly you drummers were not members of any quality marching band nor were you the top of your percussion section in school.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">6) Etiquette class. When you take over other individual private property, leave a mess behind you, shout at people, disrupt people's daily lives, you are perceived as rude. If you can't afford a class (because you don't have #1), then go to #3. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">7) Go on a retreat...by yourself. Ask yourself the following question: do I want to be remembered because I sat down and occupied or because I got up and did something that actively changed the lives of those in need around me?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-2734653893210398782011-10-01T20:39:00.000-05:002011-10-01T20:39:49.967-05:00Meet Prep...Leotard, warm up pants, team jersey, hair scrunchy, comb, bobby pins, hair bands, water bottle, organic chocolate milk, apple, cheesy crackers, hair spray...<br />
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...and nerves of steel...<br />
<br />
...and guts...<br />
<br />
...and little cute smiles...<br />
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ready, set, go Team go!!!Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-63690271234985935122011-09-18T22:55:00.001-05:002011-09-18T22:58:16.457-05:00you are seven<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiY4jWtzG_DSUXforPMmQQ-LiYo78NwO_idg02i3FNMKm_M2EBpAxWc-A2ZazLGfO3U3RXJt0wJ1klCX6XVbjpwpfF_gyS0cTGhTJqgR5XkVIsT04xNYuq_ibiCVAm8UL_QcxHsPjCEJ0/s1600/100_1850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiY4jWtzG_DSUXforPMmQQ-LiYo78NwO_idg02i3FNMKm_M2EBpAxWc-A2ZazLGfO3U3RXJt0wJ1klCX6XVbjpwpfF_gyS0cTGhTJqgR5XkVIsT04xNYuq_ibiCVAm8UL_QcxHsPjCEJ0/s400/100_1850.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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i can't believe it. seven. weren't you just 15 months old? you had a toothy grin, chapped round cheeks and a wispy comb over. i was overwhelmed by the miracle of becoming your mother. i am overjoyed to be your mother. <br />
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favorites of being seven:<br />
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color: red<br />
thing to do on a birthday: open presents<br />
thing to do most days: hide in the fort you made in the closet to read & play<br />
sports: gymnastics and ice skating<br />
foods: croutons and jiao zi (dumplings)<br />
place to travel: go to China<br />
animals: hamsters, bunnies, dogs<br />
princess: Sleeping Beauty<br />
holiday: Christmas<br />
song: "Savior He Can Move the Mountains...He is Mighty to Save"<br />
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you have:<br />
lost 3 teeth and had one extracted<br />
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you want to be:<br />
a doctor<br />
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you want:<br />
4 kids<br />
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you think:<br />
everything should end with a round-off, back handspring...including sentences and meals<br />
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</div>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-43894230332066037222011-08-29T22:46:00.000-05:002011-08-29T22:46:58.733-05:00Project Thankful Day 15I am thankful for her. She is my baby girl. She starts 1st grade tomorrow.<br />
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How bittersweet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWusfna2qoZ44Vbrn8AU30hVurc8GUwjfvBYCLCMTm6LedFLTg54OctMQ4ZImgLAkKAjRaWndxoB__mlj-p5GGyzZDZl4AmIGcyLJL_330hcFfJmlbdanXyfliZlXB3O3cX-XxQVlxZTE/s1600/IMG_7533b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWusfna2qoZ44Vbrn8AU30hVurc8GUwjfvBYCLCMTm6LedFLTg54OctMQ4ZImgLAkKAjRaWndxoB__mlj-p5GGyzZDZl4AmIGcyLJL_330hcFfJmlbdanXyfliZlXB3O3cX-XxQVlxZTE/s400/IMG_7533b.jpg" /></a></div><br />
She was a delightful toddler. She is wonderful, enthusiastic and sensitive. Time goes by so fast...Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-87527197466443448192011-08-20T16:29:00.000-05:002011-08-20T16:29:20.788-05:00Project Thankful Day 14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidXkvAKJ7miJidUXnf5l_ZxIUoWx9kGc-F71UkE0ZCs7rZQd4pM1F5JOZ-wE_mSDsJJEiNVpSEqQc5BZNi7Br6S7VFOlFoWM3y7tAU9Q6Jbv8hRm0hGjdgDKUZtyvhNstwSOZvmAxc-o/s1600/IMG_7792f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidXkvAKJ7miJidUXnf5l_ZxIUoWx9kGc-F71UkE0ZCs7rZQd4pM1F5JOZ-wE_mSDsJJEiNVpSEqQc5BZNi7Br6S7VFOlFoWM3y7tAU9Q6Jbv8hRm0hGjdgDKUZtyvhNstwSOZvmAxc-o/s320/IMG_7792f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, I am thankful for my garden. So fun to see things start as seeds and mature into amazing flowers...</span><br />
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</span>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-37786582300721359622011-08-19T21:28:00.000-05:002011-08-19T21:28:37.351-05:00Project Thankful Day 13Today I am thankful for Fridays...after work we sat down to enjoy a little preseason football...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabi1qJY-LLSI-iHf8nWLYPt-WEk2ih-GwhNTdmFJr9-mTCAgya13eWj93Kpd5RGndemiKH3IRabipX57rEY643jWUM1v5gP2zatFr4IdM_lcIhR-78pbQvyCPXeK-u5zntn4c0TQCthE/s1600/IMG_7817s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabi1qJY-LLSI-iHf8nWLYPt-WEk2ih-GwhNTdmFJr9-mTCAgya13eWj93Kpd5RGndemiKH3IRabipX57rEY643jWUM1v5gP2zatFr4IdM_lcIhR-78pbQvyCPXeK-u5zntn4c0TQCthE/s400/IMG_7817s.jpg" /></a></div>Little Dude was all about watching the Packers. They could use him on the left side of the offensive line right now...<br />
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Sissy, on the other hand, was determined to conquer her back walkover tonight. She practiced and practiced and practiced...<br />
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Much to her delight, she got it! <br />
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Now on to the front walk over...<br />
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Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-50913943788465496282011-07-27T21:54:00.000-05:002011-07-27T21:54:03.168-05:00Project Thankful Day 12Today I am thankful for our family. We have been able to see several members of Runner Boy's side of the family this summer. Our kids have loved the chance to see everyone and spend time together.<br />
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This is a handmade tea set that Kate received from Auntie R. She is in love with it and has been playing with it and guarding it with her life.<br />
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Would you like a slice of lemon with your tea?<br />
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Uncle K made this for Sam. Sam is very proud to be one of the only 5 year olds in the country with a handmade airplane from his uncle. (I secretly think his uncle is nurturing a love of airplane in his young nephew.) Sam's new plane has been flying all over the house and even "landed" at the neighbor's for awhile.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmjs-szpykBp9rH643ephcn1uw03Eh3L8d9__ejKmRM-PasgtLBLj_-DRF9qU2GHJ3fDlV_I2nJt_X2UHetltY06poVQYi9CGgLpiuQcans3-cesKnl-G5z6i0QtKvy-h8lNBqPIi2Dk/s1600/IMG_7586a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmjs-szpykBp9rH643ephcn1uw03Eh3L8d9__ejKmRM-PasgtLBLj_-DRF9qU2GHJ3fDlV_I2nJt_X2UHetltY06poVQYi9CGgLpiuQcans3-cesKnl-G5z6i0QtKvy-h8lNBqPIi2Dk/s400/IMG_7586a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Auntie R and Uncle K are 2 very gifted, talented, creative, encouraging people. I love having them visit because I am always encouraged and energized to work on our home and be creative after being around them.<br />
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Kate cried for along time when she realized their visit was coming to an end. She is now planning on using Skype, FB, texting, phone calls, e-mails and letters to keep in touch with her Aunt...Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-54880500533853844022011-07-19T22:12:00.000-05:002011-07-19T22:12:50.000-05:00Project Thankful Day 11<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I am thankful for beautiful, wide-open spaces. I love these rustic, beautiful, old ranches.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Westcliffe, Colorado.</span>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-61778985894838560632011-07-17T22:35:00.000-05:002011-07-17T22:35:12.901-05:00Project Thankful Day 10Today I am thankful for my first white water rafting adventure...and that I survived it!<br />
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First, there was Julie, our guide. I like Julie. She's strong. She's got guts, too.<br />
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There were 7 of us to start with. <br />
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<b>Please note</b>...no husband or children were involved in this adventure. The husband does not find this type of thing thrilling. The children were not allowed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BoIvW-UO9J83EqMJunilS1hAWmVK8bv0vZCotgQvTN9xzzPG6nxIvoLGgmUGYXEOG02ZY5VJmxrB9vqIJrFktYkJYzbHMmErANUjZ5rextrWUAUqAciZEOAWQbG8TgzLNnJ6bcD9sVQ/s1600/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BoIvW-UO9J83EqMJunilS1hAWmVK8bv0vZCotgQvTN9xzzPG6nxIvoLGgmUGYXEOG02ZY5VJmxrB9vqIJrFktYkJYzbHMmErANUjZ5rextrWUAUqAciZEOAWQbG8TgzLNnJ6bcD9sVQ/s320/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_02.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Julie told us what to do. Her goal was to keep us in the raft. That was our goal, too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7b1fQysKwky5okl3VmV13DByeNrpldVT42dwLMakDWNrq8TdrH7c3yOg9Cj2Ovx_JkUGMEKBJiCWAKnEc7ChhmPqFHeqGZ76ZaVYKOM3MoCzMSLR2iErAx0lUVOW7YIUBahQd9uCj2A/s1600/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7b1fQysKwky5okl3VmV13DByeNrpldVT42dwLMakDWNrq8TdrH7c3yOg9Cj2Ovx_JkUGMEKBJiCWAKnEc7ChhmPqFHeqGZ76ZaVYKOM3MoCzMSLR2iErAx0lUVOW7YIUBahQd9uCj2A/s320/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_05.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>These rapids were amazing and heart stopping...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgw6k1nt5hQLy8J7Qof-prRCsvui-Pfo61mWy6NDw2TH0lEWvDmfmKUMRVAYbl21OIlmkWdtnAwPe5ryo7glvWirzdTU806WbnFDuIBcoF8Fe0PCYAySMpkHu8VnabwZOGipxoCqVn3Ko/s1600/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgw6k1nt5hQLy8J7Qof-prRCsvui-Pfo61mWy6NDw2TH0lEWvDmfmKUMRVAYbl21OIlmkWdtnAwPe5ryo7glvWirzdTU806WbnFDuIBcoF8Fe0PCYAySMpkHu8VnabwZOGipxoCqVn3Ko/s320/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_06.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I am not sure I have ever had so much fun...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVxrdwnA6jO0-lVJc2RQ3xFrHTFQnW2we5Sf0L40edG3KpMQwKRzsJqQRVXleTAKKc5-ovJzkGAuUlYx4yf-3tyhbAWe431jbFFe-yQLo0f8eu3pjkAu85adz8a1jZ4QG0RiFEpX3pds/s1600/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVxrdwnA6jO0-lVJc2RQ3xFrHTFQnW2we5Sf0L40edG3KpMQwKRzsJqQRVXleTAKKc5-ovJzkGAuUlYx4yf-3tyhbAWe431jbFFe-yQLo0f8eu3pjkAu85adz8a1jZ4QG0RiFEpX3pds/s320/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_07.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is our raft heading into the "Three Rocks" rapid...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCNuKePKT-ZPR2EGypYuBOMR-IupfhKlSg5ATJMrZHCqOMEC4p-TI8mek9I-ahuCpPNvdKGPmaGNGDj1bXOXwdlPpqsIFzp34PPUGZp-liq7GjvTNRPXoKYM5FDg5tKjqh708j4ujaw0/s1600/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCNuKePKT-ZPR2EGypYuBOMR-IupfhKlSg5ATJMrZHCqOMEC4p-TI8mek9I-ahuCpPNvdKGPmaGNGDj1bXOXwdlPpqsIFzp34PPUGZp-liq7GjvTNRPXoKYM5FDg5tKjqh708j4ujaw0/s320/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_09.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>About this time it became evident that we were not all going to stay in the raft. We failed to obtain our goal. If you look close, you will see random oars in the rapids. There were people attached to them~the people were no longer in the raft.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABCN42-MSg9dnDc7wwi0yZMkRGEbVqtlIkaFLDahTU-IfupF_nJNTofJgr6QshZkkhV_wEiUusnHXepXG0xMjKwV8aq3Z-LtVR7VsjJApE4i6fAcGtzJsh2F7pFXrlFxJq1MpAGua7A8/s1600/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABCN42-MSg9dnDc7wwi0yZMkRGEbVqtlIkaFLDahTU-IfupF_nJNTofJgr6QshZkkhV_wEiUusnHXepXG0xMjKwV8aq3Z-LtVR7VsjJApE4i6fAcGtzJsh2F7pFXrlFxJq1MpAGua7A8/s320/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is Julie and I clinging to the raft (she was my best friend at this point). Shortly after this picture was taken, Julie was also dislodged from the raft. What a lonely feeling to be the only soul clinging to a raft. This is when the prayers began going heaven-ward. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC3Vt4rhyhTvQ30K2IgXwqq4L1JT4Ahzt2NA2lbXpRtTiw3Uc3a31Zkcplgo8u0H_u07MVYtBezNCZ7Izf8CAn0-X9ZkDxBzQqC3xnFDRlN2p31K-1gjENM3UVmVYCxzWeo7s3X_v3KE/s1600/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC3Vt4rhyhTvQ30K2IgXwqq4L1JT4Ahzt2NA2lbXpRtTiw3Uc3a31Zkcplgo8u0H_u07MVYtBezNCZ7Izf8CAn0-X9ZkDxBzQqC3xnFDRlN2p31K-1gjENM3UVmVYCxzWeo7s3X_v3KE/s320/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Alas, we were all reunited on the bank of the Arkansas River...2 swam to shore...5 were picked up by other rafts.<br />
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We retooled our team, I got a splash jacket to keep warmer...and we headed back out again for another 7 miles of fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfPqHz7nBt1qxfl4kyHg-VmupOGp2lpmykjPVXe2U5xxAt3_PW3xMfdtzvQDI_WK0pTvtQb4e3sqeRm7oQzrldJPR8RcUIhxd2IvvfJgmPHwxR3nfBZVno8E8Tjcth4xkH5sPi70TaGc/s1600/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfPqHz7nBt1qxfl4kyHg-VmupOGp2lpmykjPVXe2U5xxAt3_PW3xMfdtzvQDI_WK0pTvtQb4e3sqeRm7oQzrldJPR8RcUIhxd2IvvfJgmPHwxR3nfBZVno8E8Tjcth4xkH5sPi70TaGc/s320/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Fun...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZG8ZJbctt7AmxG7ZHSeEC-fXPb9SgAZFWDHl8rdwWexlZeQKTJbJW4uuCDG1-NelGbiqz3fnruu3laJTOpqYZSwltWaMIKkWONUm-P97ErmQpf0Fh4gE8iquWqqqkAjhC0qjpMzwVvto/s1600/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZG8ZJbctt7AmxG7ZHSeEC-fXPb9SgAZFWDHl8rdwWexlZeQKTJbJW4uuCDG1-NelGbiqz3fnruu3laJTOpqYZSwltWaMIKkWONUm-P97ErmQpf0Fh4gE8iquWqqqkAjhC0qjpMzwVvto/s320/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_21.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Fast...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6_gtgUTrRwT8jgZ_zUsdGVM6Cwy8hwVMYTThPaLGoD4QgiIjLEGJIW7RRvQ_pZj_zyn49UuqO7gbO1LYo2OhG7tad4leIsrskLB4EyHaRkcRn2V2DST_HZAqzObLz-Onpg0PBYtH254/s1600/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6_gtgUTrRwT8jgZ_zUsdGVM6Cwy8hwVMYTThPaLGoD4QgiIjLEGJIW7RRvQ_pZj_zyn49UuqO7gbO1LYo2OhG7tad4leIsrskLB4EyHaRkcRn2V2DST_HZAqzObLz-Onpg0PBYtH254/s320/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_30.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Wet...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Xdb2mq48bQJYaaUFrYzleJMX21a-_oEoPtCpSqeMwauIghzUphjIw0QoWbfnifeNGRnrIxRyf9LSBr0Ij7sySrj-HJ9hfyhgVjRGT1vzikkJIpmsfh5kGHAGw3R60hP-UzZcX7zFcoY/s1600/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Xdb2mq48bQJYaaUFrYzleJMX21a-_oEoPtCpSqeMwauIghzUphjIw0QoWbfnifeNGRnrIxRyf9LSBr0Ij7sySrj-HJ9hfyhgVjRGT1vzikkJIpmsfh5kGHAGw3R60hP-UzZcX7zFcoY/s320/7-5-11+PMRG+Julie_33.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Great memories...new friends...Arkansas River Tours...Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604646996260313791.post-67201341018489330362011-06-22T16:58:00.000-05:002011-06-22T16:58:44.513-05:00Project Thankful Day 9today I am thankful for <u><b>dreams</b></u>.<br />
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when you're a kid, it's easy to dream. <br />
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my little dude wants to be like *Andy Schleck*. he was second in the tour de france last year. he is an amazing biking machine, especially in the mountains.<br />
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in little dude's mind, he really thinks his dreams can be attained. <br />
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i still have dreams, too. i find it easier to give up on mine, however. there are many reasons to give up on dreams, many of them are legitimate. unfortunately, i think i think i give up too easily. <br />
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little dude still believes he has options. to be a bike racer, football player, hockey goalie, race car driver or to be just like his daddy. <br />
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sometimes i forget there are options...different ways to fulfill dreams that seem elusive. while the realization of those dreams may not be exactly as I had pictured in my mind, they may be better, richer, or deeper. <br />
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options. creativity. resources. <br />
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my kids don't give up easily when they want something. they go at it from many angles, ask for help, persist, hammer away...<br />
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so that some day...<br />
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this...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">may be one of these...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXauhGS-2giS6kSObqsZ-EKvM81cwAV4d4KfnumbflnMEYpdWzZQ4ahvjbxSkhOV3rV9g7h6zBac_aM8tL9Pv2ld7sSevDb_6gcy_PJmLqd_5kTNlpIH66B2PLTAfjBNttBebih1slF0/s1600/IMG_7118cz2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXauhGS-2giS6kSObqsZ-EKvM81cwAV4d4KfnumbflnMEYpdWzZQ4ahvjbxSkhOV3rV9g7h6zBac_aM8tL9Pv2ld7sSevDb_6gcy_PJmLqd_5kTNlpIH66B2PLTAfjBNttBebih1slF0/s400/IMG_7118cz2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jennifer Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10034340876030779307noreply@blogger.com1