tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56297365240849210342024-02-19T03:20:31.163-05:00A Little Slice of HeavenOne Husband, Two Kids, One Snaggle-tooth Dog, and a neverending laundry pile.Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-27993478109265291402011-12-01T22:26:00.001-05:002011-12-01T22:26:20.820-05:005x7 Folded Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2BZt3LVo0YuKA&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/2BZt3LVo0Yk/2BZt3LVo0Yk4s/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1322796353000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Gift Wrapped Christmas Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Customize your <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">Christmas cards</a> this season at Shutterfly.com.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-46288438105311366622011-03-30T13:59:00.002-04:002011-03-30T14:19:17.575-04:00What I needed to hear....This is what my heart needed to hear as I come upon living without my mother on this earth for 1 year on Thursday, March 31 and what would have been her birthday on Sunday, April 3. <div><br /></div><div>Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace, or our tight grip of control. -Crazy Love</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">For the LORD has heard my weeping.<br />The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;<br />the LORD accepts my prayer. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;<br />they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.</span></div><div>-Psalm 6</div><div><br /></div><div>My enemy (stress/sadness) this week will turn back and be put to shame. The Lord has heard my cry, and felt my ache. He has accepted my prayer and will sustain me. He will hide me and cover me cause I know can not do this without Him. </div><div><br /></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-16813021153364532802011-03-08T07:00:00.003-05:002011-03-08T07:00:07.177-05:00Easter Egg Wreath<div style="text-align: center;">I have always wanted one of those cutesy egg wreaths for my front door. However, every time I am at the craft store they are too pricey for my taste. I am also one of those who gets the great idea to make it myself right before the holiday and never get it put together in time for a lengthy display. I am changing my ways this year. However, I did fail with my Valentine Day wreath, and it will be stored until next year :(. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I could not find a great tute for this wreath, so I am offering my so-so tute for ya. I know that it is kinda easy to do, but I always like references. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, gather up some supplies:</div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Round wreath form - I just got the cheapest I could find. I did not like using a grapevine wreath for this, but you could if you want.</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Felt - in varying colors. Again, this is personal preference. I had some scraps to use up so I covered the form in all shades of pink felt. You could also use ribbon for this step.</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Lots of plastic easter eggs. I saw the pastel speckled ones, I really liked those, but couldn't justify the cost. I went to the dollar tree for the ones I used. I think I used almost 40 eggs.</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Hot glue and hot glue gun</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Ribbon - I just used some I had in my stash. This will be to loop around the wreath so it can hang from the door.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, here we go!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdnMEciW_4nqSbh5ea7NlhB6mBfkMpCHNC6hwFXqnkxEctVfzN3iDp17YkeB2klhqJ8M6ia7jdRsvlI7U90Ht0i1TknJVEFV4EtCKxhRFGEwzN_F87kSqSAM2dFe4awMwMLEZwc0jeA-M/s1600/clara+easter+wreath.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuMf23TknYZYkteWvkLDkqHaBobBZNjom6fvg8Ij4bETX5WBeQXj8LPvu_FD7-9j1C3Yaq_TxAPBEW1OKsDfwBb7x8twJfPmWBAv5QrYXcnUu0jx2fj8A62CeY49-SUDLjeHEudeYHJyi/s1600/easter+wreath+step+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuMf23TknYZYkteWvkLDkqHaBobBZNjom6fvg8Ij4bETX5WBeQXj8LPvu_FD7-9j1C3Yaq_TxAPBEW1OKsDfwBb7x8twJfPmWBAv5QrYXcnUu0jx2fj8A62CeY49-SUDLjeHEudeYHJyi/s320/easter+wreath+step+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581433947786714898" /></a>Cover your wreath form in your felt, fabric, or ribbon. This does not have to be all snazzy cause you barely see it since the eggs will cover almost all of it. Only upon close inspection will you see the felt.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXMpv9Ac2Ce5DqOUhm-mUNX0wDySlYU6FcsqHKVChyphenhyphenOaWSh23HJ22E890zZLpDaMgdz8MQWTl8_ejSdzXzJvNCvoefhIERAqYLv_mgSE5_KsM7tWQWSAak6sh3mzuHHxlIH5fvicIMWeL/s1600/easter+wreath+step+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXMpv9Ac2Ce5DqOUhm-mUNX0wDySlYU6FcsqHKVChyphenhyphenOaWSh23HJ22E890zZLpDaMgdz8MQWTl8_ejSdzXzJvNCvoefhIERAqYLv_mgSE5_KsM7tWQWSAak6sh3mzuHHxlIH5fvicIMWeL/s320/easter+wreath+step+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581433691779276610" /></a>Next, start gluing on the eggs. Be sure the eggs don't pop open! My dollar tree eggs held up well to my high temp glue gun. :) I did not do a pattern or place them all in the same position. I just wanted to cover as much of the form as possible. So, in this process my wreath would look lopsided, so I would just adjust by adding more eggs until the whole thing looked uniformly round.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UGox7LgpnLEzGD7S7OLhe-HovQuxFhgXBXCdxFErQTuW86e86beD6T7ygJW7Ai_CqMnc8Q_HNUC7hyKfvNBo2PJBniJQzseNrj50TdK4mS53aJxbY3tUNbx2zp40Sx7DG2aGPNdfajlj/s1600/chick.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UGox7LgpnLEzGD7S7OLhe-HovQuxFhgXBXCdxFErQTuW86e86beD6T7ygJW7Ai_CqMnc8Q_HNUC7hyKfvNBo2PJBniJQzseNrj50TdK4mS53aJxbY3tUNbx2zp40Sx7DG2aGPNdfajlj/s320/chick.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581433312447635650" /></a>How cute is this chick??!! I saw him at the craft store and he had to come home with me. I wasn't sure what to do with him until I started this wreath. Now he has found his home!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaIkrPQcAaHg7UoGCU_VwzMy0wDo1eP68psf6ErWgrTLZjupIcxgE3dxeWnDM2G6iZHcoBAQTtWWRmDvW5oAKWnTnzp1ep9IDVS5qemZvcT3_Y3G6bLQcLnrdgp3h0uRQ3oEYTwUHGojb/s1600/front+door+close.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaIkrPQcAaHg7UoGCU_VwzMy0wDo1eP68psf6ErWgrTLZjupIcxgE3dxeWnDM2G6iZHcoBAQTtWWRmDvW5oAKWnTnzp1ep9IDVS5qemZvcT3_Y3G6bLQcLnrdgp3h0uRQ3oEYTwUHGojb/s320/front+door+close.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581433109753951314" /></a>Here is the finished wreath on the door. I just tied the ribbon in a simple knot at the top and hung it on the door hanger. See the chick? So stinkin' cute!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UXzgJVuYeupDE3J_eAegyCTQjqarba9uD52I1d9E3PRmP1rL213Z2amhN1RDxVnwJXIMaGm4TMcX9u3ef_1HsjT_fN1fIRM6Bd2zNJ9DRKnkr44gj7vlj_MSb0N3s0Rmmunyzn9Qohha/s1600/front+door.jpg"></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UXzgJVuYeupDE3J_eAegyCTQjqarba9uD52I1d9E3PRmP1rL213Z2amhN1RDxVnwJXIMaGm4TMcX9u3ef_1HsjT_fN1fIRM6Bd2zNJ9DRKnkr44gj7vlj_MSb0N3s0Rmmunyzn9Qohha/s1600/front+door.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UXzgJVuYeupDE3J_eAegyCTQjqarba9uD52I1d9E3PRmP1rL213Z2amhN1RDxVnwJXIMaGm4TMcX9u3ef_1HsjT_fN1fIRM6Bd2zNJ9DRKnkr44gj7vlj_MSb0N3s0Rmmunyzn9Qohha/s320/front+door.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581432939613018354" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Here it is in full view. I am very happy with the way it turned out and it only cost about $7. AND Caleb helped me put on the eggs. So, this little wreath has some precious memories in it's making. For example, to choose which color would go next, Caleb decided he was an egg machine that popped out the next egg. You can only imagine the laughs we got out of that one!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdnMEciW_4nqSbh5ea7NlhB6mBfkMpCHNC6hwFXqnkxEctVfzN3iDp17YkeB2klhqJ8M6ia7jdRsvlI7U90Ht0i1TknJVEFV4EtCKxhRFGEwzN_F87kSqSAM2dFe4awMwMLEZwc0jeA-M/s320/clara+easter+wreath.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581434297724862850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I just wanted to add this in. I made this wreath for someone in our family. I didn't think they would like the one that I made for our door so I did this instead. I was happy with the way this came out too. Happy Easter (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">decorating!</span>)!</span></div></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-68209913593783941802011-03-07T14:47:00.002-05:002011-03-07T15:08:55.283-05:00What I Was Going To Do Today....I was going to clean the house. <div><br /></div><div>I opted instead to take my 3 hours that Caleb is in preschool and visit a widow that goes to our church. She is teaching me to crochet. Even though I know the basics, I sit and enjoy her sweet spirit and patience. She made me rip out my work 3 times! I loved every minute of our conversation. I am going back on Wednesday.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was going to wash the dishes in my sink.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went outside with my 4yr old. I am watching him drive his truck through the yard - backwards, ride his bike in the cul de sac, and chase the dog. He is arguing with me now about wearing shorts, but I won't let him cause it is cloudy and chilly. And now he is listening to the birds in the trees and trying to find their nests.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was going to do the laundry.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, Caleb and I made an Easter Egg Wreath to go on our front door. He handed me just the right egg to be placed in each spot. </div><div><br /></div><div>I chose to leave the chores today cause sometimes it is necessary to savor what you got. Those things that are not expendable, or could be gone in an instant. That sweet widow will not always be on this earth to teach someone to crochet, and my sweet 4yr old will not always be 4. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(71, 68, 62); line-height: 19px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> - Psalm 26:8</span></span></span></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-22884636328015643262011-03-03T10:38:00.002-05:002011-03-03T10:42:43.047-05:00Celebrate the BoyI have boys and I love to craft. Finding cool designs for boys is a little tasking cause sooo much out there is for girls. <div>So I always look forward to "Celebrate the Boy" month on the crafty blogs.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is one of my fav websites to check out: <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/">MADE</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Right now she has this retro duffel bag tute (from Saltwater Kids - another fave website) that would make great gifts for sons, nephews, and in the right colors the girls of the fam too. Have their name embroidered on the side and voila!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I love celebrate the boy! Go BOYS!</div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-91137764355054564292011-02-21T21:35:00.003-05:002011-02-21T21:42:07.831-05:00Monster Tooth Pillow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thelongthread.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/monster-tooth-pillow1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 504px; height: 360px;" src="http://thelongthread.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/monster-tooth-pillow1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I have been looking for a box of some sort for the boys to put their lost teeth, so the tooth fairy could find them easily. Rumor has it our tooth fairy is not very graceful or sly so under the pillow would not be acceptable. <div>I ran across this little gem of a tute at <a href="http://thelongthread.com/">TheLongThread.com</a> and my search was finally over. Cute, easy to make and I love anything monster-y. YAY!</div><div><br /></div><div>I love this time especially on all of the crafty blogs because right now is Celebrate the Boy time. Where all things boy are revealed with tutes. As with all things girly, there is plenty of it and the boy always seem to have a small section. So, having a whole month (I think) dedicated to homemade boy things is awesomely awesome. </div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-72531067403240550682011-02-18T21:10:00.002-05:002011-02-18T21:20:24.349-05:00Indulge meSomeone please have a baby so I can make these:<div><a href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2011/02/baby-onesie-cupcake-tutorial-and-sweet.html">Onsie Cupcake</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Please let me borrow a dress form to make this:</div><div><a href="http://sewlikemymom.com/little-red-infinity-dress-tutorial/">The Best Dress</a></div><div><br /></div><div>A way to get an area rug with the $$$$</div><div><a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2011/02/guest-post-diy-area-rug-by-finding-my.html">Area Rug Tute</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Never do this, it looks gross and I will think you are coo-coo</div><div><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/02/18/mardi-gras-king-cake-recipe/">King Cake</a></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-49345348521741576692011-02-17T17:31:00.003-05:002011-02-17T17:43:48.454-05:00There is Nothing Normal about TodayJust think about everything that must function properly for you to survive. For example, your kidneys. The only people who really think about their kidneys are people whose kidneys don't work correctly.....<div>What about driving down the road at sixty-five miles per hour, only a few feet away from cars going the opposite direction at the same speed? Someone would only have to jerk his or her arm and you would be dead. I don't think its morbid; I think it's reality.</div><div>It's crazy that we think today is just a normal day to do whatever we want with.</div><div>-Francis Chan, from Crazy Love</div><div><br /></div><div>Funny, how we say "it's just a normal day" when a "normal day" is anything but normal. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.<br />Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Psalm 62</span></span></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-11670797725626528262011-01-18T18:01:00.003-05:002011-01-18T18:06:47.151-05:00Happy Birthday Caleb<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxBLZdQpS1NRq3wmC-lbkyL9LyLDzzsgt1MtADzyz6-a9FFmvF83NX2LmwivnjIlnAhh0BxZIzudI2gQtJXZBaZb87lKAR3S6op5v6QahvDTQd0i7RxlAVPm1ZovU_pDHG1vQcnGJBGkD/s1600/IMG_3136.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/AVvXsEhgxBLZdQpS1NRq3wmC-lbkyL9LyLDzzsgt1MtADzyz6-a9FFmvF83NX2LmwivnjIlnAhh0BxZIzudI2gQtJXZBaZb87lKAR3S6op5v6QahvDTQd0i7RxlAVPm1ZovU_pDHG1vQcnGJBGkD/s320/IMG_3136.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563665851529511538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I can't believe that he is 4. I wish time would slow down. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's to you little man! I hope to celebrate many many more blessed days with you!</div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-64879954648003440222011-01-14T13:05:00.002-05:002011-01-14T13:14:18.772-05:00Things We Can't Control1. We can't control when we have to sneeze. It particularly stinks when you have a sneeze come upon you while applying mascara. The damage it renders is enough to make me almost say a bad word!<div><br /></div><div>2. We can't control when little kids have to go potty. More specifically, when they tell you they need to go potty AND the volume at which they tell you. I love it when they tell me at the top of their lungs in Wal-Mart that they need to go poo poo and then proceed to yell "It's coming out!" - also at the top of their lungs - all the way to the restroom door. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. We can't control customer service telephone ppl who give you the run around. Thanks for the customer service. That was an hour and a half of my life I will never get back!</div><div><br /></div><div>4. That is all</div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-10171378143120274792011-01-12T13:59:00.002-05:002011-01-12T14:09:43.966-05:00Moving with easeI decided I would be crazy and jump on a bandwagon. I convinced myself that it was good to hop on board, after all, I saw my husband take a ride on this wagon and he was fine. I have been on the wagon for three days, and let me just say.............<div><br /></div><div>WHAT WAS I THINKING???!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>This wagon I jumped on, it would be the one and only P90X wagon. I have finished day three. However, I thought I would be a tough gal and add on 30min-1hr/day of cardio on top of it. Let me just say there is not one muscle that moves/twitches/relaxes without me feeling it!</div><div><br /></div><div>My abs told me today they had had enough. While in the middle of Ab Ripper they go completely numb. Yes, numb. I could not feel my midsection. I guess the pain was to unbearable that my brain blocked all the nerves and said "NO MORE! YOU CRAZY PERSON!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Although I feel as though someone has been beating me with a mallet while I sleep, I will not give up. After 90 days I will have Jillian Michael's arms and J. Lo's booty. I will be victorious.</div><div><br /></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-62492356723708090592011-01-07T17:33:00.003-05:002011-01-08T12:47:43.671-05:00Recommendations1. Ever since I read my friend's post about folding and organizing sheets, my bed sheet changing has never been the same! I highly recommend that when a sheet set is folded, slide the set into one of the matching pillow cases and your linen closet will thank you and your mind will thank you when you don't have to tear the closet apart to find the missing matching pillowcase. To read her post for clearer instructions click <a href="http://born-blonde.blogspot.com/2010/01/neat-linens.html">HERE</a>. This is a life improving tip, trust me.<div><br /></div><div>2. Macadamia Nut Oil Treatment for your hair. Oh my word!!! I could write a book about this stuff. I LOVE it! My stylist used another product like this (Moroccan Oil) on my hair and the smell was way too much for me. Then my hubby's cousin, Sarah, from <a href="http://www.hairthursday.com/">Hair Thursday</a> actually did a video on these oil treatments and mentioned the Macadamia Oil and how it did not smell as strong. You can see the vid <a href="http://www.hairthursday.com/archives/3282">HERE</a> if you like. So, I researched it a little, got some reviews, checked pricing, etc. After one application my hair was like silk. I was a little girl again who wanted to just suck her thumb and twirl her hair! I use heat on my hair almost everyday, plus the use of a flat iron, and I get my hair colored (by the way I had red highlights put in and this has not affected my color at all, and we all know how sensitive red can be!). All that can do some damage no matter how careful you are. This oil, is the bomb. I have seen dramatic improvements in my hair and love it. Now, it is a little on the pricey side. $36 for a 4oz bottle. Ouch, I know! However, I can justify the cost when it takes me like a year to use the bottle! A little goes a long way, trust me. I love the smell, so I added a little (ok a lot) extra to my hair and my hair was as limp as a wet dishcloth (however, not at all greasy). Use just the right amount (about dime size for my middle of my back length hair) and it is just right. If you have short hair, well this could be a lifetime supply for $36 (the price is the same no matter where you look). Worth it, right? I thought so. Go to Ulta now and get some. PS - if you have long hair u will love this - using this oil cuts your drying time in half. Well, maybe not in half, but it does help get it done faster! </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Ever been to Alaska? No? Book your trip now and if possible could you spare some airmiles for me? Thanks.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. That is all</div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-15104022473291409512010-12-23T12:48:00.003-05:002010-12-23T13:05:58.240-05:00Merry Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFAvoh_-YDzfRKkCQKoQs8i7Rm1UbsEe-vRloOouYdHIEclorBOw13ryobMwoCD3YWeEbEW6ye5VCV6YJQIJ1NidqwgWM905UP0RDtRhtxf9I9UDUas7VW1DpiF58Q3J5ApbPaDbcwonC/s1600/photo-5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFAvoh_-YDzfRKkCQKoQs8i7Rm1UbsEe-vRloOouYdHIEclorBOw13ryobMwoCD3YWeEbEW6ye5VCV6YJQIJ1NidqwgWM905UP0RDtRhtxf9I9UDUas7VW1DpiF58Q3J5ApbPaDbcwonC/s320/photo-5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553938664992887186" /></a><br />Merry Christmas everybody.........<div><br /></div><div>sit back and think about how merry we all should be.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a wonderful husband and children...</div><div>Friends who are traveling to pick up long-awaited children <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>and add them to their family</div><div>Friends who are in process of adding children to their <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>families</div><div>Family who are gathering together who are all healthy</div><div>A home that stands against the Oklahoma winds</div><div>Friends gathering together with new little ones in their <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>families</div><div>A great church to worship our God</div><div>An extended family who always thinks of us no matter <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>where we are in the world</div><div>Friends who I may not have seen in a while but think of enough of me to send me a card at Christmas</div><div>Today I don't have the Alaska snow, but I have overcast skies :)</div><div>My doggy gets to lay by the fire</div><div>This list could go on and on</div><div><br /></div><div>We all have the greatest gift of all......Jesus Christ.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; ">This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23164" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">19</sup> Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.<p> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23165" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">20</sup> But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23166" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">21</sup> She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”</p><p> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23167" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">22</sup> All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23168" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">23</sup> “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).</p><p> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23169" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">24</sup> When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23170" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">25</sup> But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.</p><div>Merry Christmas!</div><p></p></span></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-51831084561011130242010-11-15T14:49:00.002-05:002010-11-15T14:59:55.367-05:00Carb-o-liciousI got a breadmaker!! I got a breadmaker!! Woo hoo!!<div><br /></div><div>Yes, some of you are thinking "who the heck cares that she got a breadmaker". I will still make bread for you! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>My hands have thanked me for not kneading, not one push on the dough, the 5 loaves of bread I have made since Friday! </div><div>I have always been a true fan of bread. Oh how much more I love it warm out of the breadmaker with no work from me except throwing everything in a pan and pressing a button!</div><div><br /></div><div>So far we have made 2 loaves of cinnamon bread. These loaves were my attempt to replicate Great Harvest's Cinnamon Chip bread. While my version did not exactly look like their round loaf of heavenly goodness, it tasted the same, and that is all that matters to me. I am not too picky about presentation; except when it comes to making the bread for giving. Which leads me to explain 2 more loaves of bread. The first version of cranberry white chocolate did not turn out heavenly, the second did. Or so I heard. I gave it away. It looked great coming out of the pan, and it took a lot of mental and physical discipline to keep my serrated knife in the drawer and walk away.</div><div>The fifth loaf was jalapeno cheese bread we ate with chili we made on Friday night. Yummy!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, I have made you suffer enough. I will stifle my over the top excitement of a kitchen appliance. So, act surprised if you are gifted with a loaf of bread! :) After all, I am a southern girl and that's what we like to do - cook good food for those we love!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-58114890290487681392010-11-08T15:00:00.002-05:002010-11-08T15:10:26.560-05:00God's Provision<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I LOVE Caleb's preschool, Altus Christian Academy. He is thriving there. The staff is great. His teacher, Ms. Kristy, is precious and wonderful. I wish I could send both of our boys to ACA, but the price is a little too much for our wallets right now. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The school is in the process of expanding and about to move into a new building for the next school year. So, they have been having a lot of events for fund raising and awareness for the community and the parents. Well, in the November newsletter the principal, Mrs. Darby, put in the story of how it became possible. I just had to share. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Baskerville"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"It was recently brought to my attention that there are several parents in our school who don’t know the wonderful story of God’s provision and affirmation this past summer. It is a story I LOVE to tell, and I still get chill bumps each time. Around the first week of May, the board of directors signed the contract to purchase the facility at 1220 N. Grady. They knew it would take significant funds to renovate the building, so I contacted a development consultant who had helped Christ Academy in Wichita Falls raise funds to construct a new school building. During the conversation, the consultant told me we would likely need at least one donor to give $100,000. I laughed to myself, thinking that was impossible in a small town, and finished the conversation. Three hours later one of the teachers came to my office and said there was a gentleman who wanted to visit with me. He told me that he had a very strong conviction that God had been leading him to support Christian education, and he thought that meant he needed to start a Christian school in Altus. He didn’t even know ACA existed. He visited with some of the staff at Lawton Christian School who told him there was already a Christian school in Altus. He drove back to Altus, to ACA, and asked what we needed. I normally would have said we needed bugs cleaned from the light fixtures, or boards nailed back down on the porch, but the Holy Spirit took over and instead I told him we needed funding for a new facility. He asked if $100,000 would help. I was speechless. God truly does provide, and often in dramatic fashion. I have to remind myself that I serve the same God who created the universe, parted the Red Sea, asked a man to build a boat in the middle of nowhere, healed the blind/lame/leprous, and resurrected our Savior from the dead. He is a God of incredible miracles and is more than powerful enough to provide the funds we need to renovate our building. It is His work, and He will accomplish His purposes. I pray this story will encourage and embolden you the way it did me. There is something very special happening at ACA, and it is all because of God and for His glory."</span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Baskerville"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Baskerville"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Is that not amazing and wonderful?! I feel so blessed that Caleb gets to be a part of this school, even if it is for just a short time. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Baskerville"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Baskerville"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 20.0px 'American Typewriter'; color: #003748"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">“GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD. HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER” </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 20.0px 'American Typewriter'; color: #003748"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">1 CHRONICLES 16:34</span></span></p></span><p></p></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-69465690675659551812010-10-29T09:32:00.010-04:002010-10-31T18:08:46.530-04:00CompletionI love when things are completed. Here are our Halloween weekend happenings and finally the end of some projects and parties.<br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaLWF6aWDmIC1Mv7mAWp3Lg0OfAMKnh5djCeMjTtdPVOd28NUVhyphenhyphen-ZXSKKj6h1AKE53knNHj9rfcbXx9srZnSR8bQmBHNUVtR0ROheUkmjuTt49Bl54R08BC_YUNeB0gx9Ks23rTyHNJH/s1600/IMG_2801.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaLWF6aWDmIC1Mv7mAWp3Lg0OfAMKnh5djCeMjTtdPVOd28NUVhyphenhyphen-ZXSKKj6h1AKE53knNHj9rfcbXx9srZnSR8bQmBHNUVtR0ROheUkmjuTt49Bl54R08BC_YUNeB0gx9Ks23rTyHNJH/s320/IMG_2801.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534326374212314722" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaLWF6aWDmIC1Mv7mAWp3Lg0OfAMKnh5djCeMjTtdPVOd28NUVhyphenhyphen-ZXSKKj6h1AKE53knNHj9rfcbXx9srZnSR8bQmBHNUVtR0ROheUkmjuTt49Bl54R08BC_YUNeB0gx9Ks23rTyHNJH/s1600/IMG_2801.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span><br />Remember those paper mache balloons I made? Well, here they are completed and serving their purpose nicely as Power Ranger helmets. The boys loved these costumes! I loved making them cause it reminded me of when mom made my costumes as a little girl. I hope the boys have that nostalgia when they are older.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEinaygM2CGjq2bRVJ7dDXm741-GAEeGQ9ofWjW-7GUDA39mpfl_laoM1MakRhMqyHGnqdCmYQ0Z-k_i6SJgvLs8TWTzXvFUEhwBudSW0ZoLRqTgLjg7GIePUliF6Bpr9uXtClRp7xpnbxG7/s320/IMG_2808.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534327573157503234" /><div><br /></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I made these, cake pops, for Noah's birthday treat for his class. I got the idea from Bakerella. Google it. She is awesome. And while my dipping skills are not in the same class as hers, alas they will eat the same. She was in TX signing her book. I was so close to going, but got distracted by.........</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiKDVSQBCofKpolDfHQDMnJbdHzZ_7U0BopvEBkxnZoUxivWEox_dgUqZATj1HI1NbY0_dgAOKn56s_Oa2tVUDHwnCr3V7_LsJtt-ZP0GdkU3y62PsGOQJ0A6gdIS8ZKu2DyIrV39G3lTAd/s320/IMG_2839.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534328512806739298" /><div><br /></div><div>This. This is Kevin's office. He came home and said there was a competition to decorate the different offices for the kid's halloween party. Ok, put up whatever and have a candy bowl. Then he says, if his office wins he gets a day off pass. AN ENTIRE DAY OFF!! I immediately put Caleb in the car and we were off to the craft store. We built the pirate ship, complete with Pumpkin Head Pirate, stringy cob webs, treasure chest of booty and squishy rats. Let's hope he wins!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACxdSJMO_l_6kGPfjl64HT3TB5Op438-u2rRdXoFMmtARtpvkHW0-wXLu2uqc2_DhiXNDOFlg20U9pJAurZwOqBLg0mOLBn6xJkbEGkleYl3kXJce2X8NS_k5IX3xzvoOOJQ6xDy_d_5V/s320/IMG_2848.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534331261889088226" /><br /><div><br /></div><div>We decided that it was time to invest in the future of the NBA. Noah shot 6/6 with no assists and had 6 rebounds. He is in LOVE!!! Happy Birthday to Noah!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div>To go along with the bastketball theme I made Noah a basketball cake. Or this is my interpretation of a basketball. Noah knew what is was and that is all that mattered!</div><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/AVvXsEhvzAv0DBQpOPxs01NHu_1nsB9og_BIKzlhMOmD-GEcosolD-WxED4FsTf3MZj-JTIme7CSFACH5kL23mgkLoDofCpwGqe_TNA9pFdlIMszFHmDYxYeNmZiYZq1M_h1OrWKT24b9f8ORGv9/s320/IMG_2849.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534332036063746194" /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlGVdHR0jpMichtYvzq-EutIWjAWLPZoeulZd6Yvrua31dGTTKKXdpZQ6vAg9U9DTY7LxFJ2ECHEaszgzn5jI9KL_-38rrlx1iPD4MMvNjNGLHbThnrU-shLjyI4aevVfl7Bw4Y_sgFzw/s320/IMG_2851.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534333186656971138" /><div>Noah had his birthday party at the bowling alley. It was so much fun! Who knew they gave you a pin for all of your friends to sign?! It was so cool and is proudly displayed in his bedroom. He had lots of friends from school and soccer come out to bowl and share in his happy day! He even had a very special visitor, Mrs. Madl his kindergarten teacher came by for a few mintues! It was such a highlight! Everyone had a great time. Who knew bowling alley parties could be so fun?!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After all the birthday festivities we were off to our church for fall festival. The boys got to trick or treat, play games, and top off all the birthday cake with halloween cupcakes, sugar cookies, and 2 pieces of trick or treat candy loot! Let's just say I am thankful for the weekend, and am so glad it is over! :)</div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-3926844553547951562010-10-29T06:00:00.000-04:002010-10-29T06:00:09.482-04:006 Years Ago<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72waJXRRz7wO87LGFmlNHoYfmcYGkDRshxrk_SizuiYVkFCgdTJxUd3pxMF_MTd_zJG2j0VhbGqj7ruOPsgy2SoAfNmMp4ZZFn_MWX5NLEAMt43F_uilJCxmVxCJ70Ooa9lCuh6T7MrP_/s1600/IMG_2773.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72waJXRRz7wO87LGFmlNHoYfmcYGkDRshxrk_SizuiYVkFCgdTJxUd3pxMF_MTd_zJG2j0VhbGqj7ruOPsgy2SoAfNmMp4ZZFn_MWX5NLEAMt43F_uilJCxmVxCJ70Ooa9lCuh6T7MrP_/s320/IMG_2773.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533288592755871266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">6 years ago Kevin and I were blessed with this sweet boy. Thank you God! Happy Birthday to my boy!</div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-34071148801995712502010-10-16T17:45:00.011-04:002010-10-16T18:52:53.978-04:00Knee DeepWowsa! The fall time has stirred up the Jackson hive and we have been busy bees. <div><br /></div><div>For starters; Here are Noah's latest sayings at soccer:</div><div>"I am Awesome! Seriously, I am the best player on this team!" This comes after scoring 13, yes 13, goals in one game. One of his coaches was quite pleased and finds Noah's comments funny. I am not sure how I am feeling about that.</div><div>"That tall girl was no match for me" Finally he gets some competition (this girl was g-o-o-d) and blows it off.</div><div>Needless to say we have had to have some talks about modesty, bragging, and hurting other's feelings. I kinda feel bad for Noah. He is an almost 6yr old with 3 soccer seasons under his belt, however, all of his team mates are 4yrs or young 5's that are playing for the first time. On the other hand, this situation sets itself up nicely for us to teach him a lot of good moral lessons AND for him to learn more self-control. Today, he expressed both, until the end of the game when he made the comment about the tall girl. Come spring he will be done with soccer and we will try his hand at basketball.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZETwJ38U6BFfar1fhKgDug3VEpT3dczKk36_rVvfbE19H8PXP3Yp5Snn4ZQq6kL6GLhOXKtas0lN1xl0k1Y1_wK9tGETc-trYPB4YNaFrtZ9PQ-tSUs1yRWsFY8wk1bsURW13s8riVwLM/s320/IMG_2742.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528778970775319922" /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66GINg_q7gi1rKtbbwO1NL5S6mUdw3Ptl3mYtKyv0e0PPjB-TN73qhMwQ5Dfa7UFhuf4p5tzQQfFrTpv40z7ivJHFxKrnrwS5l-irDeY8VpjufFNi9AqJCODVE-BNNbP2Usq3wiUNNXCV/s320/IMG_2744.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528779689067850642" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am knee deep in halloween costume sewing and crafting. The boys chose to be power rangers (Noah orange, Caleb red). So far things have been coming together easily. The main parts of the costume are easy enough; shirts and pants in the colors requested. I made shoe covers that will make their everyday shoes looks like white boots. Today, however, I am trying to make the helmets. Oh my. Let's hope I did not spend two hours paper mache-ing balloons for nothing. Here is the progress so far (see pic). I ran out of the nice store-bought mache pulp from the craft store. So, Caleb's mold is made from newspaper strips dipped in a combo of water and mod podge. Let's hope that works too.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sjWX2iiSpF5sq239fpFOLSOxDq6isDU4JhwQnRjCoWgg1tU963TRihhm5TlOV2qjsrJrj7hFAEBdksPyCApofbrF3Ciql_tSpa5v2hBu71Tr3lTmgW1-RrrCgkG40s0qY4a59WNRRqZB/s320/IMG_2735.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528778429048405170" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The boys wanted to play in the leaves falling in the yard. I raked them up and it took all of about 3 seconds to blow all the leaves back out in the yard. It was cute. Nice way to spend 5 minutes of this nice fall weather.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQZKJxFfsYAZza6EBUuEfPfxYN9xghXnKGBeqeev0AySKCxqSUNWOVoQ87XUySvxaAHFRty8h6M3wpHUeQ_o-TsbYAYXOODDZOiY-6Ayk6cN8JdemFySgLP3hqrnzytkBpEaM_ZrFabdk/s320/IMG_2731.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528777576503669682" /><div>Caleb's school had their fall party on Friday. It was cute. The class sang songs, and we saw some of their normal day, and then they were loaded up on sugar (cupcakes, M&M's, gummies) and add in a little carbs (pretzels, cheese crackers) and then released to their mommies to take home. </div>YAY! So, on Friday Caleb's lunch consisted of those items listed above and half of a banana. The banana was all I could get him to eat when we got home. AND who wants fruit when you just ate a plethora of yummy junk! He got some goody bags and the pic is some of the things he got to bring home! FUNNY GUY!<div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjGl2kdJ65s1G0TfZY0MoSQcsV3W6lBgTYQx0wVaVucoSmFBFnb7KbQwFpmE6AmHE4nP18u-mLYcxLfzbx0x_q7z0Ze3IvoSVT6deNi3AbC4Se-lZRMacFE7LDz345kJZbW9GXz2NkJJ3/s320/IMG_2743.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528776899620844914" /><div>I have been thinking ahead to Christmas and Teacher Appreciation gifts (plus I really wanted to make these), and picked up the goodies to make these drink coasters.</div><div>I have seen this tutorial and wanted to give it a try. Some turned out great. I think the simpler stamps worked best. Others, the stamp didn't sit just right or the ink is lighter in some spots. Oh well, it wouldn't be homemade if it was perfect and identical. I love them anyway and believe their recipients will too. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also made some little pocket tissue holders. Sorry, no pic. I was able to make 7 of those little easy gifts in little less than 1.5 hours. If I can do it that quickly, an experienced sewer could prob do it in like 45 min. </div><div><br /></div><div>Upcoming projects that will be finished before the end of November (I like giving myself deadlines - I find I accomp</div><div>lish more with this pressure):</div><div>Canvas painting of my kids hands - saw this online too and have to do it. </div><div>Tote bag that I bought material for a VERY long time ago. (plus I am on fabric buying restriction until my stash diminishes substantially.)</div><div>Knit a poncho (which I bought yarn for so long ago {big surprise} and found a finally trendy cute pattern)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok I better stop. </div><div><br /></div><div>The boys ran The Spirit of Survival Super Hero Kids Marathon. I can't bel</div><div>ieve how great they did! The way this works is that the kids are given a log sheet and are supposed to complete 25 miles before the race day. It took us about 3.5 weeks to do this. We would walk/run 1-2miles at a time and have a rest day after a stretch of back to back walk/run days. It was slow going at first, but once the boys got it down, by the end we were running most of our 2 miles. The day of the race every kid participating comes together and runs the last 1.2 miles together all in support of cancer research. We got out there and the boys were so excited. They didn't realize how many kids were going to be there.</div><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/AVvXsEhR-LEyVF6kvn_zwQiBvDBSTJldY6ny1UCzDuo49j4djjzSoyboM_Warc0SCaIC4i9Ss1GpDZZEtNfUx8ozXw03JwiJ_tvdyCt5-TuLezHsvplLFDpQJ61CKEje5NwTzMYuKXfzQIG9BJU2/s320/IMG_2764.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528776096572886482" /> Noah got so excited, that he took off and ran the entire 1.2 miles. He only stopped at the aid station half way through. It was amazing. At the last .25 miles to go, I left him and sprinted to the finish so I could get a picture of him coming across the finish line. No sooner had I crossed the finish line, turned around and dropped to one knee and focused my camera, I saw him coming. Unbelievable! He told me he just decided to run and try to stay as close to me as possible. Literally my mouth was on the ground! Caleb soon came across to the announcers shouting "Folks that there is possibly the fastest 3yr old we have ever seen!". They both received medals from Superman. After all, this was a Super Hero marathon. The world had just witnessed Super Orange Man and Super Red Man (requested names by my 2 super heroes) complete their first marathon.<div><br /></div><div>We have fall break, trip to Tennessee to a Titan's game, halloween, Noah's Birthday, Noah's fall festival, all within the next two weeks. Here to keeping our lives full and busy! It's a wonderful life!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-52423161568146984092010-10-04T15:14:00.007-04:002010-10-05T09:13:37.698-04:00A Little Family Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXHNOIxFLFfz-i34aP8qQ3wjg6ub6fXZOX9-uC0sBpLhoxz2RCNqJH9LszVXtqQtJbAC36avEnNHjobrwoIdg92tp3ZxHPlA7J7Jl7YW37h51TKptx0B5VwKyAtWs0azkqJajd9czyUKz/s1600/IMG_2696.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXHNOIxFLFfz-i34aP8qQ3wjg6ub6fXZOX9-uC0sBpLhoxz2RCNqJH9LszVXtqQtJbAC36avEnNHjobrwoIdg92tp3ZxHPlA7J7Jl7YW37h51TKptx0B5VwKyAtWs0azkqJajd9czyUKz/s320/IMG_2696.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524274167619911922" /></a><br /><br /><div>A couple of weekends ago I got to go to California for one of my good friend's wedding. I got to see some of my besties from Alaska, which was awesome. I love seeing my gals and being able to travel and celebrate with my friends. Living in the lower 48 does have some perks! Here is Lori, Krista, and me at our table. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I must say<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYUAas_VFzgQDYK77Txo2a_apfEd2OAdTV2FImLPMZqvb6Z6-gd5hdOCIEoxGlwuPvbE86ffDXif2yvJraffXrbMJEvK_hXtL4XXfK3Arx2l1l4FW5mdvhTE9imr6PX4C4tFY11Ru_Io4/s320/IMG_2707.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524549170473917938" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /> that I am liking living closer to family. This past weekend we were able to drive down to Abilene for Kevin's cousin's wedding. (It is wedding crazy around here!) It was great seeing our boys getting to play with and know better their cousins too. It was a little difficult to get all the kiddos together in one picture when they were all dressed up, but nonetheless we got a picture with 3 of them together!<div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, at this wedding I saw the cutest wedding favor EVER! They were giving out little tiny jars of homemade plum jelly. They had a little set up with a table with a board that said the couple was "plum" tickled their guests could attend. How cute is that? Love it, something homemade (which will win me every time), and usable, and a great play on words. I was in love! I am banking that one for use in the very very very far off future (my boys!!). </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and I guess my flintstone feet were just too much for my cute silver strappy shoes that matched oh so perfectly to my dress, for they broke. A break that was so bad nothing could hold it together for me to fake it for the rest of the reception. I was so saddened and yes, like any southern girl, I took them off and went barefoot. However, I stayed off the dance floor since it was covered in cute heels of cute little 20-somethings. Until, Noah wanted to dance and I really tried talking him out of it, until the last 30 seconds of this one song. Thank goodness the place was packed and my hubby came out for moral support, even if he didn't realize that that is why I thought he was there! And, it was one less thing for me to remember to pack to bring home. </div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkAYoBIK55NdzdiwPSJKVMEANu7C7FQXALSsAeLpejBhrRNYf9ZflRQc7GK3XJD9ohTQLk-FhtnKdkd2yP6uwRBSycFCvvYypWd1XBnH_XSPHbD2On_-P3PtSBQWDOgggEvLarYyKjvQq/s320/IMG_0493.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524274892858014754" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I just had to post this, cause who doesn't know that Bama is like the best college team in the nation?! Roll Tide!</div><div>And just look at the pride of my son holding that flag! A true Bama Man in the making!</div><div><br /></div></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-78470188438976326292010-09-27T22:33:00.005-04:002010-09-27T23:09:31.343-04:00Back in the saddle<div style="text-align: center;">We are slowly getting settled into our home. We still have boxes left to unpack, boxes that need to move out, that have been packed with things that we have outgrown, or just don't need anymore, and still things are not neat and tidy. However, it has only been a little over a month, so I will cut us a little bit of slack.</div><div>I have hurt my lower back somehow. I think this is a previous injury I keep aggravating off and on. So, it just comes back worse than the time before. This has slowed down the straightening process of our home. However, sitting on my ice pack every couple of hours has given me some time to catch up on some things like digital scrapbooking and sewing. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am most excited about a project I have been wanting to complete since last halloween. I found this little slice of craftiness so close to halloween last year, I did not have time to complete it. It has been in the back of my mind off and on for the last year. I finally have all my sewing things unpacked so I spent a couple of hours getting this out of the way before October. </div><div>First I need to note that this is not my original idea. I got the inspiration <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2009/10/magic-halloween-bag_20.html">here</a>. I am so excited about these "magic halloween bags". My bags are not as elaborate as Blue Cricket's, however just as functional. I think these little bags are so wonderful, because I can get rid of the leftover candy, easily. The deal at our house goes, you get to pick out 7 pieces. One piece a day for a week. Then the rest usually gets vaccuum sealed and I recycle the candy for halloween the following year. Cheap, yes I know. But at $8/bag of candy. I would rather my $8 stay in my pocket.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMgZWZ3cxbIQJMfxQ5sn2WBC3gEwxSqylqEfHy219nSX0ikQmPs_YZkMHSXCJdRYwdQ0I66pHdRSzqlQ5IZTrKeSEirn9OhqGE_69zvFtWSUwyRVAnUk2dDQzT5dDxjDf_7FrgoFePvSI/s320/IMG_0506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521794221635470386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY921uH1ey2LHch2RoYgWHHRRiT6-Tt36WVQW2rpfIngv5vh23dMgMwfvEuOXiKvuLWMmPkfJvQEfMEmLyzBhP4wBkp_1Afd2fX5MzByc0XMxtsH4V12oayi-YqGiXP_wB-I5Vy-Y9_45/s320/IMG_0507.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521794743619458130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div> I had a little left over material so I also whipped up a little table decor. I did not want a full runner for halloween, so this little rectangle works out nicely. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9FkYFsjIzHtCd43qfgR4o3E7dSO4zBsBuryMk7tPC_slKLzcN6_uYo2KTPsXjRSZwDNvNd3c9skYOomyV8TLoCH06hq9mUCa9BnUypM2JiX52rLdjbelZhPqHzrkER5i-oBqv8g4kMQ5/s320/IMG_0508.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521795128339455186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I am getting in the fall spirit which has not happened in 3 years. The past 3 years, my fall included snow fall. :) Not complaining, though, cause I miss that snow, as facebook friends report it hitting the mountains already!</div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-38115993063810478202010-09-21T11:04:00.002-04:002010-09-21T11:29:26.569-04:00Time<div>My thoughts for this morning and the past few mornings........</div><div><br /></div>So, today I unpacked box 1. Box 1 of just a few that are in a stack in a small corner of my garage. This small corner holds all that is physically left of my mother. Her presence was so big in my life and yet all there is now for me to see and touch is a small corner of things in my garage. I go through these treasures thinking of what she may have said to me while I try to find a special spot for each one. In just a little over a week she will have been absent from my life for 6 months. Time, how is just slips away.<div><br /></div><div>Then I get to thinking about how I don't have much time left with my two blessings that day by day get more independent. Needing me less and less. Every night I think I am so blessed and overwhelmingly in love with two little boys. Each kiss that is, as of now welcomed, will soon be replaced with "aww mom" and "can you give a me a kiss before school, not at school?" How I wish each minute was just 2 seconds longer, so I could have just a little bit more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Each day I read my Bible and read how the Apostles teach to hurry. Time is ending. Do it now. Learn now, love now. Then I think about a lesson I heard in church that said one incredible deception most of us believe, is that we have time. We can do it tomorrow, we can wait until we are ready. The time is not right yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do we have tomorrow, Friday, next week, next year ? Who can answer that question? Yep, no one. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope God can fill me with more than enough love, wisdom, and peace that my time will be fulfilled in Him and anything extra is a blessing to someone in my life. </div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-76941816947883577482010-08-17T09:37:00.006-04:002010-08-17T09:58:30.822-04:00Picture Updates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaEzcTrnGKpMbFyLMFTAmQtSbhmVSc01-_FtdrhYZvubdJzBYvnJMr71HJa8nxHEAn5wxgljeC08D4PR2HsJx6H_A2X3LNhvZ5TLyRv8FO1dsjzouwPLr1L3WRmuBNAUCtJZwtDt1trXw/s1600/IMG_2636.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/AVvXsEhHaEzcTrnGKpMbFyLMFTAmQtSbhmVSc01-_FtdrhYZvubdJzBYvnJMr71HJa8nxHEAn5wxgljeC08D4PR2HsJx6H_A2X3LNhvZ5TLyRv8FO1dsjzouwPLr1L3WRmuBNAUCtJZwtDt1trXw/s320/IMG_2636.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506377067439362338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Noah, the day before school at "Meet The Teacher"</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlRAb_U5p39jdklM9jfSYKcpHP_WRfHwo5QSDK0e6BAMMSv6ye-pXpUKyh0ovCi5MOEzHDV7mWxpqItSVoFvF59_LwaHayG3IfJ2qgj4VRXNLezY0YLoQr0HgjnWRM_OKk_Aku0iVA9Bg/s1600/IMG_2599.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/AVvXsEghlRAb_U5p39jdklM9jfSYKcpHP_WRfHwo5QSDK0e6BAMMSv6ye-pXpUKyh0ovCi5MOEzHDV7mWxpqItSVoFvF59_LwaHayG3IfJ2qgj4VRXNLezY0YLoQr0HgjnWRM_OKk_Aku0iVA9Bg/s320/IMG_2599.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506376097744791586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Caleb and Noah in front of an erupting Old Faithful</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QVEQ7y415MjYHcgUGrkptWfaLECq5GxZdsp1SnrqClQgfSGp2KnrvuS9DEd2hTCPjwsh0RRjgj__tznXiDShq_0hOHUWDhfz26mEniJuccspsJiFJWq5G1GXHijO7tJf_lpYuOmx4zOK/s1600/IMG_2423.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/AVvXsEg6QVEQ7y415MjYHcgUGrkptWfaLECq5GxZdsp1SnrqClQgfSGp2KnrvuS9DEd2hTCPjwsh0RRjgj__tznXiDShq_0hOHUWDhfz26mEniJuccspsJiFJWq5G1GXHijO7tJf_lpYuOmx4zOK/s320/IMG_2423.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506375372486923954" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Fam at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZr5mOSgy_Sr0Y_MWBQ9iNErRt-ag3XdrmHijoZ3_EonJoC8YvEgzcRCt5hR956AgP6dw06kfYhtf-MoN0jgksHyK1JxD4gIO-RTZY0mIRsAGwdABWcdimWJJ3-J1VCvVtdCiWUDu8els/s1600/IMG_2355.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/AVvXsEgUZr5mOSgy_Sr0Y_MWBQ9iNErRt-ag3XdrmHijoZ3_EonJoC8YvEgzcRCt5hR956AgP6dw06kfYhtf-MoN0jgksHyK1JxD4gIO-RTZY0mIRsAGwdABWcdimWJJ3-J1VCvVtdCiWUDu8els/s320/IMG_2355.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506374402498462706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our awesome boys!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlWvrlEz0MF9p4dSTtoHu3BtapEiaOltrgyV29niPLVefcp8Ha3aFCwpjIsP0aMa64TEQasaRoIGmS_SLa8JfLHA2cLsdupC20tHTXPVk-4n1zWd-BIdYeYmiKVT9h-Gp-3yZ0pebY40m/s1600/IMG_2323.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/AVvXsEhNlWvrlEz0MF9p4dSTtoHu3BtapEiaOltrgyV29niPLVefcp8Ha3aFCwpjIsP0aMa64TEQasaRoIGmS_SLa8JfLHA2cLsdupC20tHTXPVk-4n1zWd-BIdYeYmiKVT9h-Gp-3yZ0pebY40m/s320/IMG_2323.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506373487912989282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The boys and Olley at Destruction Bay, Yukon</div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-5348217347139103232010-08-13T10:48:00.002-04:002010-08-13T11:15:33.957-04:00Might as well get it out thereSo several people have asked and expressed their interest in hearing some of our adventures from our recent trip: driving the Alaskan Highway from Anchorage Alaska all the way to Altus Oklahoma. <div>So, before my husband gets the chance to pick on his wife, I am going to get it out there first. My husband has loved to tell this story to those we have already spoken to. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, we were on our way to Yellowstone Nat'l Park. It was a long day of driving through Montana and we were hoping there would still be a campground open in Yellowstone, cause we have been camping our whole trip down from AK. When we arrive all of the campgrounds were full. This, however, was fine with me since there was the escaped convict and his woman on the loose in the park. Yes, I know it is a big park and my chances were probably slim of running into them. However, it would be just my luck that we picked the campground they were in and low and behold I have no story to tell cause I would be DEAD! Thank you Lord for full campgrounds. Anyway, we track back up the road from Yellowstone about 15 miles and find a little campground that will work for the night. The wind is howling and the rain is blowing sideways (kind of reminded me of Homer, AK). We get the tent pitched. Go scavenging for wood..no luck there, all we found were twigs. We collected lots and lots of twigs for our fire that lasted 15 min, thank you very much wind. I go pay for the website and there is a large board beside the pay slot that tells you about the campground and anything going on in the immediate area. So, there is the normal info about bears being in the area - this was nothing new all the campgrounds we camped had and have bears in the immediate area - and rattlesnakes were in the area. I walk around a little bit and deem we are snake free and all is well. Kids are in their sleeping bags all cuddled up, Kevin and I enjoy the last 30 seconds of our wimpy fire and we hit our sleeping bags around 9:30 - it had been a long day and we had another before us, we didn't realize yet how long the next day would actually be. The wind was fierce, flapping our tent and shaking it all night long. I was well into my sleep when at my head I hear "sniff sniff, long breath out, sniff, sniff, sniff" then something walking in the grass around the tent. OH CRAP! I smack Kevin and tell him to get up and get the bear spray. Mind you, it is pitch black. We have not been in darkness since the winter in Alaska. I could not see a thing! I grab the kids and pull them to the center of the tent and we listen. and listen. Then, I hear people talking. Uh, there is possibly a bear out there and people are talking? What time is it, only 11:30? Then I hear it. The people are calling up their dog. Yes, there was a rottweiler camping next to us, and my bear turned out to be a dog. Go ahead, get your laugh. </div><div>I was so freaked out after that I could barely sleep (no pun intended!). And you know what happens when you wake up from a good sleep. You have to go pee. I was NOT getting up and walking to the bathroom. No way, and neither was Kevin! So, I was on high alert all night, not getting back into a good sleep. The wind picked up and kept us up even more. Morning came too quickly and we had to breakdown and hit the road. We were exhausted. The coffee we found tasted like dirt. I had toothpicks propping up my eyelids all day. It took us forever to get through Yellowstone and Old Faithful didn't help our time issue any. Our day ended up being 15 hours in the car to make it from the North entrance of Yellowstone to Colorado Springs. </div><div><br /></div><div>There it is. It's out......</div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-70207996174595418822010-07-20T00:45:00.002-04:002010-07-20T00:47:24.082-04:00PatientSo, I am limited on internet.<div><br /></div><div>I have emails and messages to send a reply. I am not ignoring you. Promise.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am gonna be out of pocket until mid Aug. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pray we do not smell like food to bears while we are camping through Canada and the Northern US. </div><div><br /></div><div>xo</div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629736524084921034.post-33426017169395236762010-07-09T12:06:00.002-04:002010-07-09T12:10:39.892-04:00Blurry StreakLife is a blurry streak......<div><br /></div><div>We have been:</div><div><br /></div><div>Camping</div><div>Having Family Visits</div><div>scheduling movers</div><div>preparing for movers</div><div>having sick children</div><div>nursing a stress fracture</div><div>getting N ready for Kindergarten 4300 miles away from his school..</div><div>losing important items all around our house</div><div>finishing craft projects</div><div>I don't want to leave AK</div><div><br /></div>Mary Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042714847843728041noreply@blogger.com1