tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57199397961293614072024-03-12T22:00:39.188-07:00The Five Trentsjesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.comBlogger402125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-68635787593101816502020-05-21T09:55:00.000-07:002020-05-21T09:55:12.379-07:00Transferring to Another LocationIf you'd like to follow me to my new location...<br />
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http://figuringoutwhatmatters.blogspot.com<br />
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Lots of new changes, new adventures and a new blog. :)jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-65173675081346475352018-05-17T15:52:00.002-07:002018-05-17T15:52:20.373-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2kUfDPPZi7IjQ-ILOUvVn2aKC9Ae_636I09P-O_oorqb1lhrN6UqYBAqgwuxCmmhIQaeW6SJf0ScBTgnwanZAd38Qgx1g1-IqwDR4xqLsp2CZxCntwqAZmrw4S94LO_dkcAxM7E8biwx/s1600/me+gif+2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2kUfDPPZi7IjQ-ILOUvVn2aKC9Ae_636I09P-O_oorqb1lhrN6UqYBAqgwuxCmmhIQaeW6SJf0ScBTgnwanZAd38Qgx1g1-IqwDR4xqLsp2CZxCntwqAZmrw4S94LO_dkcAxM7E8biwx/s1600/me+gif+2.gif" /></a></div>
A recent picture of me...<br />
Soo many things that have happened in the past 15 months since this has been updated.jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-22554222024971909542017-02-09T09:52:00.003-08:002017-02-09T10:14:39.803-08:00DOGGOS!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWHNzJKS5PwGyPPuMw9QVtHQOpdLw32664hLsZ7NtjkTGN15KTvfmbrtkOG6cGQskSSb03uxDLU1BsXC3y2lW_swA0Ai6lg_85kZF1iyeXO5Xz08eG-eF-PlfZ9-rKiF99MmdKUJYiiUj/s1600/20170111_012349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWHNzJKS5PwGyPPuMw9QVtHQOpdLw32664hLsZ7NtjkTGN15KTvfmbrtkOG6cGQskSSb03uxDLU1BsXC3y2lW_swA0Ai6lg_85kZF1iyeXO5Xz08eG-eF-PlfZ9-rKiF99MmdKUJYiiUj/s200/20170111_012349.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLDpc52fCaNhY7k9g2nvkqFSrA5V486-fPNRpA-66h1Au4IgM01xrZwo0hm-gro2wXZi01kB67TTdD_4IxHGUXVcyiHa2sLsZLSnHTRSGOmJlOcc2gBhFayMjr0ML5hHKSY4J6S-ijZrN/s1600/20170109_170311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLDpc52fCaNhY7k9g2nvkqFSrA5V486-fPNRpA-66h1Au4IgM01xrZwo0hm-gro2wXZi01kB67TTdD_4IxHGUXVcyiHa2sLsZLSnHTRSGOmJlOcc2gBhFayMjr0ML5hHKSY4J6S-ijZrN/s200/20170109_170311.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjvVum0ZFHfHAyP3qlo2baKeQX67u88RgP0D5Ku6lLkd2tUJWoTcu3NSoySRlc_CkGVLenw3I16bo5MBEEqYec6k04bNz1QmvX55DEn9f-GL-RrhlKmJgqbUqA9wO_lMn_rb1bed3lBsw/s1600/20170111_162559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjvVum0ZFHfHAyP3qlo2baKeQX67u88RgP0D5Ku6lLkd2tUJWoTcu3NSoySRlc_CkGVLenw3I16bo5MBEEqYec6k04bNz1QmvX55DEn9f-GL-RrhlKmJgqbUqA9wO_lMn_rb1bed3lBsw/s200/20170111_162559.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIATMo7dFbLIKWvCikvkfMuLigo6GtMRrPzE_ywIS6VLOL03Be2KlDiI08kCoParKkOO1csCHpe6HUKPlQDEhuuUqDn8n-7aXROVuNsD8eaaEE9WW0kYmPUWEFec4rTK5amSVjgmHz4Ms/s1600/20170106_193413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIATMo7dFbLIKWvCikvkfMuLigo6GtMRrPzE_ywIS6VLOL03Be2KlDiI08kCoParKkOO1csCHpe6HUKPlQDEhuuUqDn8n-7aXROVuNsD8eaaEE9WW0kYmPUWEFec4rTK5amSVjgmHz4Ms/s200/20170106_193413.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhpEPB9IMW0D8rf3gIV7bvHUMrvgsLTOIS-abSnKWq9bmJql7Qibf3NTaBdvjMilzejS6uayeU6nlqdOHOMUiKrQm_IJ-wnG6qXKgm2NlH-5oSaHG-t7NxGQQgwGqY41r8KwRm8IEBA0f/s1600/20170116_191211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhpEPB9IMW0D8rf3gIV7bvHUMrvgsLTOIS-abSnKWq9bmJql7Qibf3NTaBdvjMilzejS6uayeU6nlqdOHOMUiKrQm_IJ-wnG6qXKgm2NlH-5oSaHG-t7NxGQQgwGqY41r8KwRm8IEBA0f/s320/20170116_191211.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMk1r28q-1ndcnVuUVkeUWO-l41mWaS86jzIEaEeT0k_VvJu2nsXu9Zd_OIip_dHbyB3zIT3M7YyhMKWyL2siiJj7Q646GMD1ID5ga-Q0OJ1vJe01CEgLtvRrPJO6daWEu3chD_4kB2e6e/s1600/20170109_135913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMk1r28q-1ndcnVuUVkeUWO-l41mWaS86jzIEaEeT0k_VvJu2nsXu9Zd_OIip_dHbyB3zIT3M7YyhMKWyL2siiJj7Q646GMD1ID5ga-Q0OJ1vJe01CEgLtvRrPJO6daWEu3chD_4kB2e6e/s200/20170109_135913.jpg" width="200" /></a>
These are our doggos!!!! Black dog, brown dog, white dog, and Squeaky, otherwise known as Chase (mine - a Plott hound/shepherd/rottie?? mix), Maya (Jillian's Rhodesian ridgeback boxer mix), Oliver (Chloe's deaf Australian Heeler) and Juliet (Nathan's purebred Soviet Shepherd). They are my fur-babies -- and grand-fur-babies. And they are such JOY! They make me crazy and make me smile. I snuggle them, I discipline them, I mediate their fights, I play with them and I teach my kids to be responsible by caring for them. They are blessings in our lives and we are sooo thankful for them. </h3>
jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-28948455766810869422017-01-25T11:39:00.001-08:002017-01-26T07:04:52.878-08:00California Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PChJPlWJHNAr6lk8PXxIRkVn_6KkMWVm-x5btGPtIzdXcMBBVB6pxDTJvrRUatgDFCeAeWpWIR8ulvWSHOHCs7BrKx4y_AksPX3EqKxHAaRxSENFGhHxCau0oS-jbALGYJ0hNrvpkTZM/s1600/20170114_135642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PChJPlWJHNAr6lk8PXxIRkVn_6KkMWVm-x5btGPtIzdXcMBBVB6pxDTJvrRUatgDFCeAeWpWIR8ulvWSHOHCs7BrKx4y_AksPX3EqKxHAaRxSENFGhHxCau0oS-jbALGYJ0hNrvpkTZM/s320/20170114_135642.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kRDrLRjsIxVcILr3-cSR9vpwD2RZsqYpBYdAm8QFo1dlVowuRhf9WHN5zEpPKZMh2aTT0e98MW9VhLbjwNiF9z8pAB7hZKYKvF318fHu6FJxJ8L_d0o8Lqo9vHQ5Bs43gaxeNCQCXKB9/s1600/20170113_151855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kRDrLRjsIxVcILr3-cSR9vpwD2RZsqYpBYdAm8QFo1dlVowuRhf9WHN5zEpPKZMh2aTT0e98MW9VhLbjwNiF9z8pAB7hZKYKvF318fHu6FJxJ8L_d0o8Lqo9vHQ5Bs43gaxeNCQCXKB9/s320/20170113_151855.jpg" width="240" /></a> I drove up to California!! All by myself! Well, on the way up, I had Lowell's mom with me, but I did all the driving. We dropped her off in Stockton and then continued on to Calaveras County.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithxr2iG-mszWL_6JdauOqDl7OVN4KZhCkpWAA24F1UEjsyPkLTJn6hMZhmjzj9myMYolxQON_2hFAIfngdDm18XTTscWNfMDw6veZDw_0RyBsirvvOZ3W1PBfXpfALdy8NEUyDVYT7R1Q/s1600/20170115_110626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithxr2iG-mszWL_6JdauOqDl7OVN4KZhCkpWAA24F1UEjsyPkLTJn6hMZhmjzj9myMYolxQON_2hFAIfngdDm18XTTscWNfMDw6veZDw_0RyBsirvvOZ3W1PBfXpfALdy8NEUyDVYT7R1Q/s320/20170115_110626.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-GgRst-pjLuTtYn6NK443Csu6n-dsEqYCy9fwfN3IZiITCbaa6MGsxCPZ174U6ys_YOpqZPBnpjhqRyiXvQOf6RIerYhBao0MZ1H_fS_LgEToXPkF_RmnWh44gqV3_JlYZtZ2_5bbB8U/s1600/20170114_143304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-GgRst-pjLuTtYn6NK443Csu6n-dsEqYCy9fwfN3IZiITCbaa6MGsxCPZ174U6ys_YOpqZPBnpjhqRyiXvQOf6RIerYhBao0MZ1H_fS_LgEToXPkF_RmnWh44gqV3_JlYZtZ2_5bbB8U/s320/20170114_143304.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
In the 100 hours we were gone from Arizona, I drove
31 of them. I only slept 29 of them!!! The rest of the time was spent
with family. That was the intent of the trip - just family. Mission
accomplished. :)<br />
<br />
Next goal is to take the whole family
back up in May for the 75th anniversary of Miss Calaveras. Looking
forward to spending more than just the weekend that time and possibly
seeing friends!! <br />
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Mamie and me - She's 93 and a half, with Chloe and Wyatt at<br />
<br />
Big Trees in the Snow!! We didn't see the recently fallen drive-thru tree (soooo sad!!!!) but we did see the Stump. There were soo many people there - maybe because of the four day weekend, maybe because of the fallen tree - but it was difficult just finding a parking spot. Mamie spent most of the time in the museum and watching out the window and we weren't prepared to be traipsing around in the snow too much. <br />
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<br />
Uncle Tyke and me<br />
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Chloe and Grammie and me. Love her!!! So, so awesome getting to see and spend time with family who I haven't seen in much too long and for Chloe and Wyatt to meet people they either didn't know or don't remember. As usual, there wasn't enough time - but we are looking forward to May. Chloe really wants to spend time with her sewing machine and Grammie and Nathan wants to go shooting with the boys and Pappy. That is in the works. I'm looking forward to showing them fair too. I hope they will enjoy it, although it is, sadly, a much different experience now than it was when I was a child. I hope they're not disappointed! :) <br />
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Put it on your calendars!! See you at fair 2017!!<br />
<span id="goog_835854454"></span><span id="goog_835854455"></span>jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-35273587984057773192017-01-25T10:55:00.002-08:002017-01-25T10:55:30.785-08:00Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4PaZ6BPEhNUkWkg-0KENk6ExOJ-bz8qLyfuz3v3OxW7XKwUyAKfXp7Ivl_qpooBLB17D-j_7iNmAcFfuI8t8Gg8wrkO6zmHVnGNy-Q0GBu-Sv2Tnhx2B3J0itDnK65nz8rova-IxRCgE/s1600/20161123_094722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4PaZ6BPEhNUkWkg-0KENk6ExOJ-bz8qLyfuz3v3OxW7XKwUyAKfXp7Ivl_qpooBLB17D-j_7iNmAcFfuI8t8Gg8wrkO6zmHVnGNy-Q0GBu-Sv2Tnhx2B3J0itDnK65nz8rova-IxRCgE/s320/20161123_094722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our decorations for the season. My Christmas giraffe -- gotta have at least one, right?!? Most of our decor comes from Goodwill or the dollar store or are hand-me-downs from Mamie, Grandma Elaine or Grandma Who. We've altered them, painted them, and with hours and blood, sweat and time, created our own version of Christmas spirit.<br />
One of my favorite parts of the season is opening the boxes and hearing them ohhh and ahhh and tell stories about how they remember certain ornaments or tchotchkes and the holidays past.<br />
On the other hand, I also love that they are also old enough to help me decide how to decorate and add to our traditions so that we will have memories for years to come!! :) <br />
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One new memory we've added is the dressing and inclusion of our fur-babies!! Chase is the best at cooperating with my clothing whims! :) It is so wonderful to include them in the celebrations because we really do consider them part of the family. And because such, we got them presents this year -- their very own rawhides - complete with festive bows! :)<br />
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Christmas 2016 also came with the addition of two new fur-babies to our family. Jillian adopted Maya, a 10 month old Boxer/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix from the shelter and Nathan got his German Shepherd puppy. We are now complete -- at least for the foreseeable future!!!<br />
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It has been wonderful to see the change in Nathan, however, with the addition of his puppy. He has come to life again and has been smiling and laughing and interacting with everyone. He calls her his "little girl" and she is absolutely devoted to him. She gets excited and kisses him and chews on his toes and he loves every minute of it. He has me bring her to school when I pick him up each day and takes her around to his friends.<br />
She and the other dogs also have bonded - especially she and Maya. They play together so well and Maya gets to indulge her 10 month old puppy whims and Jules gets to play and wrestle and grow. She is growing so fast and we are currently working on potty training - uck.<br />
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Christmas morning the kids opened their other presents. Jillian's dog was one of her gifts and Chloe got a bed set as her major present. Nathan, of course got his puppy. Wyatt got a bike, electronic drum sticks, a ball to bounce on and toys of course. His favorite present was his remote controlled truck. Everyone got new jammies on Christmas eve and, unfortunately, they were unable to go light looking with Coy's family because of the rain. Jillian got a white board and books as well as other things. Nathan got an ornament to make an imprint of Juliet's footprint, some clothes and other things.<br />
The kids then spent the afternoon with their dad with Coy's family and I enjoyed a quiet day to myself and took advantage of the time -- I cleaned up all the Christmas decorations!! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3eafdO9THrEN_OGFqQiz0omStgHO9TffjKfXPnY8-o4nBlsRwmfMVJL9_-Lwsay7nOjPyTf44XqB6QThAgEor9GlGn4X7QksfiT4vc4bRT6-kTa3ehGXyGU56mQUXDMKHP7KGSfT-Inm/s1600/IMG_20161225_171107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3eafdO9THrEN_OGFqQiz0omStgHO9TffjKfXPnY8-o4nBlsRwmfMVJL9_-Lwsay7nOjPyTf44XqB6QThAgEor9GlGn4X7QksfiT4vc4bRT6-kTa3ehGXyGU56mQUXDMKHP7KGSfT-Inm/s320/IMG_20161225_171107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These are my beautiful biggies.. I am so proud of them and the young adults they are becoming. They each have their own struggles and strengths and they make me want to scream some days - but mostly, they make me hold my head high and proudly announce that I am their mother. They are my greatest accomplishment and continue to teach me about life and love. I'm just so blessed to have them in my life.<br />
Of course, Wyatt is a blessing too and I am equally proud of him and excited to be his mother. He is sweet and wonderful and such a gift to have a second experience with motherhood. It has been completely different from the first go-'round, with its own challenges and excitement.<br />
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Christmas in all its glory. Wyatt smiling at his concert; dressed up as a chef making cookies; Jillian at her choir performance; Jillian and I in the Buckeye Christmas parade representing our church; selfie - with a little back-up love; Jillie and I at Verrado for the tree lighting with a little Wyatt love again; Wyatt and Chloe goofing around in the backseat of the car on the way to school before break and Nathan on his way to his friend's holiday party at her church.<br />
So many fun memories for our holidays 2016.<br />
Blessed, as always.<br />
We love you, Jesus.<br />
Happy Birthday!jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-66873171507823939312016-12-28T18:35:00.000-08:002016-12-28T18:35:03.201-08:00Turkey Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8r33FWtAS5Fa5kA1SSV8INyIvBbvhY6C_7fj2HfAQMdhvsLFBjAxhPZlcKRVjwd6I-hKRs_4usZeQjkWhSA83Vlq4hq2W92U6tC8HSmaLnoZ5WIJtf4bQpTRYTF1ejgTUwpfOP_hVDCP/s1600/20161124_101215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8r33FWtAS5Fa5kA1SSV8INyIvBbvhY6C_7fj2HfAQMdhvsLFBjAxhPZlcKRVjwd6I-hKRs_4usZeQjkWhSA83Vlq4hq2W92U6tC8HSmaLnoZ5WIJtf4bQpTRYTF1ejgTUwpfOP_hVDCP/s320/20161124_101215.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxbKIWCqu0bdLqr0esCYpm3aaQAHuhSD6Us6c25ovgoJp26d_DyzZjVe3GBrNCI6ON2lo7V-iwmuVx8M4sbsO5Od29kuLenFXjcehn7tY8R3iYV42qzEjM33ww0pDwE0uzfPGQRr6oin5/s1600/20161124_145300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxbKIWCqu0bdLqr0esCYpm3aaQAHuhSD6Us6c25ovgoJp26d_DyzZjVe3GBrNCI6ON2lo7V-iwmuVx8M4sbsO5Od29kuLenFXjcehn7tY8R3iYV42qzEjM33ww0pDwE0uzfPGQRr6oin5/s320/20161124_145300.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gpFxEgjR4PWQZUk0ufw9GGrjmLh1P4OEOgpoeMT88FHrDo-XAgeAz-gNcePPug0Y72nUAn76Msrts0dhuPgm6qhI-6gAodViKTdsga8eHkutBjm9uTJoPRRY1Ux38U_OuSPjfILlJ-J9/s1600/20161124_154702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gpFxEgjR4PWQZUk0ufw9GGrjmLh1P4OEOgpoeMT88FHrDo-XAgeAz-gNcePPug0Y72nUAn76Msrts0dhuPgm6qhI-6gAodViKTdsga8eHkutBjm9uTJoPRRY1Ux38U_OuSPjfILlJ-J9/s320/20161124_154702.jpg" width="180" /></a>THANKSGIVING 2016! :) My big kids had fun playing with the food after I did most of the prep and cooking. It was actually relaxing to have them upstairs or otherwise occupied while I was enjoying the calm and quiet of the kitchen while I mixed and mashed and created.<br />
Here they are, playing with the giblets from the turkey. Nathan and Chloe were extremely scientific about the whole exploration and very curious; Jillian, however, was near retching and extremely grossed out by the whole prospect and wouldn't have anything to do with it.<br />
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Nathan also carved the turkey for me once it was cooked but was grouchy about trying to following the suggested protocol and ended up just whacking away at it. :) The turkey turned out really good - and so did the rest of dinner.<br />
We had green bean casserole, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, stuffing both from in the bird and cooked separately, and both pumpkin and apple pie.<br />
This is our traditional feast -- we have ham for Christmas. :) I was fairly impressed with myself, being able to handle the prep and cooking by myself. On the other hand, I did have a little help and I was only cooking for the 5 of us. Maybe next year I'll be ready to upgrade to a larger crowd. :)<br />
When it came time to eat, we were going to prepare plates for our neighbors, Butch and Char, but they said they'd already eaten and were appreciative, but wanted us to keep our food. We also boxed up leftovers for Lowell and had plenty for ourselves. <br />
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We spent time talking about what we were thankful for and just relaxing. The day was very laid back and informal - not traditional or what I could consider a "big deal" which was both a blessing and somewhat of a disappointment. I guess it would be best described as a non-event. Sometimes I miss the days of the huge family gatherings that were part of my childhood and wonder if my children are missing out because their experiences don't mirror my own. On the other hand, the day was full of smiles, was free of stress and there were no blowouts or fights. Peace... That was nice. <br />
So much to be thankful for and so very blessed. #Gratefuljesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-298670163738284402016-12-17T21:03:00.003-08:002016-12-17T21:08:25.901-08:00Days and Moments of 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cEWV7KAY4g62ThBNbugSFtH5D4IuaJ-TDk7tDFcRK1DdZ1WnNSmd92L_w5co2flEX7AKubp88OQ59HuW5uzii-PCt7kpBG2hfv5I_URRD6nsZ6UWfhB7VujBzULnonSd8dw_CLzwQry2/s1600/20160710_173534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cEWV7KAY4g62ThBNbugSFtH5D4IuaJ-TDk7tDFcRK1DdZ1WnNSmd92L_w5co2flEX7AKubp88OQ59HuW5uzii-PCt7kpBG2hfv5I_URRD6nsZ6UWfhB7VujBzULnonSd8dw_CLzwQry2/s320/20160710_173534.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The many faces of my babies who I love so very much.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Nathan and his bike, riding and learning and gaining more and more independence. And graduating from 8th grade and moving into high school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Chloe getting Oliver - Smoggy, her deaf Austrialian Cattle Dog; taking many selfies and running in the 5K Bubble Run with her sister and I.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jillian perfecting selfies, working on her identity as a middle schooler; taking a trip to AstroCamp; enjoying 4th of July and generally growing into a beautiful young woman.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And Wyatt, the many, many faces of Wyatt. His expressions as so adorable. His eyebrows are amazing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3j8UniCctQmPxACPDEPje-UIRiyxW9THDlTHMXJvuVr1kI6y-GwZQfuybZAEsTOM52E1pgqnseE5p5lQMdLHJPa70fPT4MUlZbyzWcMiCK4Nfb5RTIisGcnptHlp_49I9yCCxRBcIOKZ/s1600/IMG_20160508_123904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3j8UniCctQmPxACPDEPje-UIRiyxW9THDlTHMXJvuVr1kI6y-GwZQfuybZAEsTOM52E1pgqnseE5p5lQMdLHJPa70fPT4MUlZbyzWcMiCK4Nfb5RTIisGcnptHlp_49I9yCCxRBcIOKZ/s320/IMG_20160508_123904.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Enjoying SnapChat filters -- especially the dog! These two girls make me smile every day. They've made me cry a couple times too, but usually because I'm just so proud of them!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">People ALWAYS tell us we look alike, and I take it as a wonderful compliment. My girls are beautiful -- inside and out. This year has been one where they've been provided many opportunities to show their compassion, patience and empathy. They've been awesome and made me proud. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXnzh_8x-m97WKLOj5dEFiuysoxn4IjSadLyAGZlM2c12fgpA32vrssZLV90y3Juty96KYQ5eVe-rJxBrHebTt6oXwLL2qbY9wkOvD58ckshA4uTtDdjKX194xXy93IAJL0yyC-CxKX92/s1600/IMG_20160508_130108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXnzh_8x-m97WKLOj5dEFiuysoxn4IjSadLyAGZlM2c12fgpA32vrssZLV90y3Juty96KYQ5eVe-rJxBrHebTt6oXwLL2qbY9wkOvD58ckshA4uTtDdjKX194xXy93IAJL0yyC-CxKX92/s320/IMG_20160508_130108.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Speaking of looking alike - this year was the 5th anniversary of the passing of my mom. I took that opportunity to mash up a picture of the two of us at fairly similar ages -- I was 35 and she was 40. <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">She was only 46 when she died.
Next year I'll be 36.....</span></span> There was a lot of positive feedback from this picture - from the people who knew her, and that made me happy. I wonder what could have been, even now. I no longer wonder what she would think about me, however. I'm beginning to define myself without the approval of others, finally. Maybe letting go of this portion of my relationship with her will allow me peace. And to be more joyful about the times we did have together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwdHpvOC3d87VDzTwji4dq7kZWj_b6X7k2XGpqphysQeZMd2sjgv8A1Bd8J4CynFewDCQzH-YPKtCk6pvHWgmrjw4BeoYZEjpSIRzVmzQA56mbxapGZLIq0w89BxEaJzE_WIrDmL4rjME/s1600/IMG_20160820_220622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwdHpvOC3d87VDzTwji4dq7kZWj_b6X7k2XGpqphysQeZMd2sjgv8A1Bd8J4CynFewDCQzH-YPKtCk6pvHWgmrjw4BeoYZEjpSIRzVmzQA56mbxapGZLIq0w89BxEaJzE_WIrDmL4rjME/s320/IMG_20160820_220622.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpxGusPQv9uATqgIDcSemYylz-wn8Qc0BCkPXxINz6bkNHPTGIWrIqFo_DZkpphOLWSGpN2rug9Uq9IDnCBA2Tnk92NozP-6OpqddjgPzJAXtgLhWhY_V3z2Fac3wVdiDKR_iXdhB4Rsh/s1600/IMG_20161115_124128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpxGusPQv9uATqgIDcSemYylz-wn8Qc0BCkPXxINz6bkNHPTGIWrIqFo_DZkpphOLWSGpN2rug9Uq9IDnCBA2Tnk92NozP-6OpqddjgPzJAXtgLhWhY_V3z2Fac3wVdiDKR_iXdhB4Rsh/s320/IMG_20161115_124128.jpg" width="320" /></a>More look alikes... :) I am so in love with this giraffe filter and I am heart broken that they don't have it very often!!! I wish I could buy it and use it every day. I still have quite the obsession with giraffes and my bedroom is covered in them. I have posters of them on my wall and stuffed animals and tchotckes and statues of them all over my room. It is my little giraffe sanctuary. When the kids' friends see it, they often make comments about it, but my kids just laugh and say "That's my mom". It makes me smile that they love me just the crazy way I am and support me in front of their friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They really are special kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Back to Wyatt... This little ham and his crazy faces! He is loved by his teacher, by his friends, by our friends, and by people in public. He can have an absolutely, insanely strong-willed attitude and can drive me completely up the wall some days!! But then other times, he can be the sweetest, most loving child, and the funniest little performer on the planet! He loves to sing with very specific taste in music. His favorites aren't very age appropriate -- he tends toward AC/DC, Nickelback, GreenDay and others of the same genre. He loves to play the air guitar and is asking for a drumset for Christmas. Heaven help us! :)</span>jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-8148230035827188272015-08-22T09:49:00.002-07:002015-08-22T09:49:31.108-07:00The Epilepsy Saga I spent a week at Mayo hospital in Scottsdale at the beginning of this month doing an epilepsy study. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FOzA7JYJiO4J76jgI3pXbjb2O9NP9rMzRHpwHbOCqOJSe2nf7UDlNwSK-ByK4k_Eukhhmj821zmCQuWxO8KRnSAGpbXE686Fm6tDjFpZ3FFDQBnTvzfxy2bPmqMMSqrQW9ZO-8ricJcS/s1600/20150803_095405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FOzA7JYJiO4J76jgI3pXbjb2O9NP9rMzRHpwHbOCqOJSe2nf7UDlNwSK-ByK4k_Eukhhmj821zmCQuWxO8KRnSAGpbXE686Fm6tDjFpZ3FFDQBnTvzfxy2bPmqMMSqrQW9ZO-8ricJcS/s320/20150803_095405.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tech made me smile</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5aws-xndZDFs7gUFrQZhtV-mIBP318QuHKzGxKj4PqdIxKuFDjNK8Y4DJWS5LIfkeRw9L4N5JqmlFHfVXzpseeJ-gcS6SW75GwVzX-1qDndvH6OVzKDoFmxkIRJNwlykAPpBUZxj_hFF/s1600/20150806_135758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5aws-xndZDFs7gUFrQZhtV-mIBP318QuHKzGxKj4PqdIxKuFDjNK8Y4DJWS5LIfkeRw9L4N5JqmlFHfVXzpseeJ-gcS6SW75GwVzX-1qDndvH6OVzKDoFmxkIRJNwlykAPpBUZxj_hFF/s320/20150806_135758.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jillian had Lowell bring over pictures from<br />
home so I would be more comfortable.<br />
And they brought me cards and flowers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1GhpMHKk7wiHUg6M4Bkt6seacS7QWTOdTE8XKXPyZhiRgv_9caLqC30YcMbKsesOukYgGdNNVJ44dd19X-6vzYDShMW-peTvls-EmDJP17I2OEfA6xrjO4672rQL6SPXHxGl6QgeV9UN/s1600/20150806_095609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1GhpMHKk7wiHUg6M4Bkt6seacS7QWTOdTE8XKXPyZhiRgv_9caLqC30YcMbKsesOukYgGdNNVJ44dd19X-6vzYDShMW-peTvls-EmDJP17I2OEfA6xrjO4672rQL6SPXHxGl6QgeV9UN/s320/20150806_095609.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my baby girl!</td></tr>
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They hooked me up to 32 sensors on my head and more on my chest, had me monitored 24/7, made me wear a seat belt in bed and tried to stimulate a seizure. I went off my medication a couple days before going in the hospital and haven't taken any more since. They attempted to re-create the shower while I was there as well as sleep-depriving me and using the flashing lights and hyperventilation. Nothing was successful. They even sent me home on Friday to wear the contraption at home to see if I could have a seizure in the comfort of my home. <br />
Sunday morning I went back to the hospital to have everything removed. Sunday afternoon, I had a seizure. The positive, at least, was that Lowell and Chloe video taped my seizure and that it didn't happen while I was in the shower so at least I'm fully clothed. The negative, of course, being that it wasn't captured on the EEG. They are going to re-do the test in a couple months. I'm praying that life will be less stressful at that point so that I might be able to actually have a seizure while monitored in the hospital. <br />
While there, they also had me meet with a forensic psychologist to test my memory issues and had me do a tilt-table study to look at my heart and blood-pressure. The goal of the tilt-table test was to have me on the table for at least 40 minutes, then given me medication and then put me back on there for about another 20 minutes. I only lasted 22 minutes total before my pulse dropped to 30 and I passed out. Not a seizure, but a "cardiac event". This is being reviewed by the cardiologist. <br />
The memory test was 4 hours of asking me questions, telling me stories and showing me pictures and then trying to get me to recall details. It was exhausting and I still haven't gotten the results of either test. :(<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTs-X2rSOhxNrFeFCI38nkOitjGBhpyUmSGYWyC6P9A77hosf5L_9kppodpuUZAQZuz-p4BRHUX-HvGxGmjvfo2BuTTnwIv5aVcWcEBiNW-C6_DhuAJk5Sym_Qozx3NsQE4_fPOiEigCN0/s1600/20150808_130631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTs-X2rSOhxNrFeFCI38nkOitjGBhpyUmSGYWyC6P9A77hosf5L_9kppodpuUZAQZuz-p4BRHUX-HvGxGmjvfo2BuTTnwIv5aVcWcEBiNW-C6_DhuAJk5Sym_Qozx3NsQE4_fPOiEigCN0/s320/20150808_130631.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lowell made a little cap for Chloe to mimic my own 'do</td></tr>
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I'm so thankful for having good insurance coverage and being able to even do the test. The bills I just got in the mail indicated that my hospital stay was about $12,000 a day. Currently, I'm praying for some sort of resolution and answers so that we can get my seizures under control and get my memory back! I know my seizures are scary for my family but the most frustrating part for me is the problems with my memory. It affects my job, my family, my feelings of confidence and even my stress level. Just prayers that the whole thing that be resolved miraculously but thankful for God's provisions in the meantime. <br />
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jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-61133187856581820232015-08-22T09:27:00.000-07:002015-08-22T09:27:17.765-07:00Such A Ladies Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAZBK3ikaj9cO-l0D7DuYFWkh6c7ZhxRTojPzvUztzc6fobOE_1CnL2TEhzUah6qiHwNCZzR1VplijMXfZOnyBav_0nehutc-3mBz8oINHr-wcmUB4MwD8RKyHjvXfz1xJD2Ctx1f7tjt/s1600/20150727_190712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAZBK3ikaj9cO-l0D7DuYFWkh6c7ZhxRTojPzvUztzc6fobOE_1CnL2TEhzUah6qiHwNCZzR1VplijMXfZOnyBav_0nehutc-3mBz8oINHr-wcmUB4MwD8RKyHjvXfz1xJD2Ctx1f7tjt/s320/20150727_190712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30oi7UBGzGZ2VJgYMrDuXt076awh2pESQNjYWrGngzgTJssyieQIYb94OONYySzgbUfCLdHnHDc3LalEjcq0RVV19f9sEt87k1cJKXB3M-nmpQCla5c5QuIzAReD3I9Q_0Oc7PmtXdk5G/s1600/20150727_190814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30oi7UBGzGZ2VJgYMrDuXt076awh2pESQNjYWrGngzgTJssyieQIYb94OONYySzgbUfCLdHnHDc3LalEjcq0RVV19f9sEt87k1cJKXB3M-nmpQCla5c5QuIzAReD3I9Q_0Oc7PmtXdk5G/s320/20150727_190814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBonCczcxgMwm-x_J_3O6x7iXM9mF1lC_rNVahr6ZQI9caIPgxCR2NXsn2x7q6rLIDfu87XeyzD8-9zJGKUi50s0jAr_jx6DS5uQlxiLsM1Fd0swcxUz5FnYtkvJ0ucEFBF9B-_bz_gg1W/s1600/20150727_190829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBonCczcxgMwm-x_J_3O6x7iXM9mF1lC_rNVahr6ZQI9caIPgxCR2NXsn2x7q6rLIDfu87XeyzD8-9zJGKUi50s0jAr_jx6DS5uQlxiLsM1Fd0swcxUz5FnYtkvJ0ucEFBF9B-_bz_gg1W/s320/20150727_190829.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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For some reason, Wyatt got really excited about painting toenails the other day and it expanded into a full on paint fest. Destiny and Kaytlyn lived with us for about a week while their family was moving and so they benefitted from the artistry of the littlest Trent as well. He was adamant about color choices and didn't let people choose their own (except mom. :) ) So adorable!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_utc7xKD_0RXweWTJ-2UHyWUKEziN3UqR52_ZxOfv6lq345AVEYTxwIhj323wJm2JLtTHaRC2mwhCipUMinI1I5CXaKmSAy0vXJ30g_AUBIWo4SHP-ER3tY8LoWQ7rCsW_JifmklHD1uU/s1600/20150727_192041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_utc7xKD_0RXweWTJ-2UHyWUKEziN3UqR52_ZxOfv6lq345AVEYTxwIhj323wJm2JLtTHaRC2mwhCipUMinI1I5CXaKmSAy0vXJ30g_AUBIWo4SHP-ER3tY8LoWQ7rCsW_JifmklHD1uU/s320/20150727_192041.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-66166326313875399532015-08-22T08:58:00.003-07:002015-08-22T09:53:07.771-07:00Recent Happenings<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZIesEAW4OnuZdVVrqkGpgkGSmCoX-cP9IhkggplPNZkDzTX6tnoTTsouV69kDNzK0wQ-OaSxzUlXc_l_B8MjNq1OBpOaNZDKRw8CGryi5RlWTRkdX0L9RF5DN1KROlk-V6NiAFrImjx7/s1600/20150612_110001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZIesEAW4OnuZdVVrqkGpgkGSmCoX-cP9IhkggplPNZkDzTX6tnoTTsouV69kDNzK0wQ-OaSxzUlXc_l_B8MjNq1OBpOaNZDKRw8CGryi5RlWTRkdX0L9RF5DN1KROlk-V6NiAFrImjx7/s320/20150612_110001.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chloe - 12 years old</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-D0zWPkcL5OCZilB_0rLaYLbLITO8HREU5ImnBX7HVMyx0hDdelyBTGZA99zN04tqy3dNpshR_iC0jX9qHgI2BSIIUPQrZD78YXx24hPCYFfZWRzKaOcCeVd22mVcZxkraTpXfA30Oyv/s1600/20150612_105903-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-D0zWPkcL5OCZilB_0rLaYLbLITO8HREU5ImnBX7HVMyx0hDdelyBTGZA99zN04tqy3dNpshR_iC0jX9qHgI2BSIIUPQrZD78YXx24hPCYFfZWRzKaOcCeVd22mVcZxkraTpXfA30Oyv/s320/20150612_105903-1.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jillian - 10 years old</td></tr>
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My Babies! Picture day 2015<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJLOpuQXk5HIfiT_F2HWqnJBFXCSokgvaLpWwKmnhNr7oRMN4tKtvwasK-04IRIWGS42wcjh7C8wHBzw244WZSnIezqE58yvR6DgqoX1eFo3ciOIdpL9vLpPX7evznR8_ivpw9AIOQRMq/s1600/20150612_105829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJLOpuQXk5HIfiT_F2HWqnJBFXCSokgvaLpWwKmnhNr7oRMN4tKtvwasK-04IRIWGS42wcjh7C8wHBzw244WZSnIezqE58yvR6DgqoX1eFo3ciOIdpL9vLpPX7evznR8_ivpw9AIOQRMq/s320/20150612_105829.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan - 13 years old</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSnYML97T_fxLSY-aa022iJ8FXz93hovILgaxUeLYYLDFXSjD6XcvTEr5CaAnnJYs5pYZy2l93ZTfImhX2MtpkuoOz2nt3pPFtavn04Ugd1JAuLW8M5i5trEUXb-eJhGIKEv6L4C2Lph4/s1600/20150703_194142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSnYML97T_fxLSY-aa022iJ8FXz93hovILgaxUeLYYLDFXSjD6XcvTEr5CaAnnJYs5pYZy2l93ZTfImhX2MtpkuoOz2nt3pPFtavn04Ugd1JAuLW8M5i5trEUXb-eJhGIKEv6L4C2Lph4/s320/20150703_194142.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken 4th of July</td></tr>
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Fourth of July was spent celebrating with Coy and his family as well as at our traditional place at Youngker here in Buckeye. <br />
On the 3rd, we went to Lake Pleasant and swam and then watched the fireworks over the water. Jordan came too so that was a lot of fun this year! Then for the 4th, we stayed home and rested most of the day and then went over just before the fireworks. We found a secluded spot and basically got a front row seat all by ourselves. I love 4th of July so much and love spending time with our little family!<br />
Our photo day this spring was at a school in Palm Valley, at the park with the water and outside Target, lol. I love taking pictures with my beautiful family and my babies! :) So blessed to have these little humans in my life!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvNh7wFjdv8EntA8AWvB3gIeXOsgBdzOOtBB3Vzdz-g9u4q6m42C_K_fhqRb3TiYVeICYFQltUjcp1ky2OaVEZPO1oLkmaTdqHOzPDs2gyVKPBVVaEB2sXht1HEXyNTGfLAVW_Wa-pQV7/s1600/20150612_113410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvNh7wFjdv8EntA8AWvB3gIeXOsgBdzOOtBB3Vzdz-g9u4q6m42C_K_fhqRb3TiYVeICYFQltUjcp1ky2OaVEZPO1oLkmaTdqHOzPDs2gyVKPBVVaEB2sXht1HEXyNTGfLAVW_Wa-pQV7/s320/20150612_113410.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyatt - 4 years old</td></tr>
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Hard to believe its already almost the end of August and we'll be doing fall pictures soon. My kids are growing so fast - time is flying. I was recently reminded of the quote that says the days are long but the years are short - a lot of truth in that. Monday the kids will be starting school again and we'll be back into the rapid fire days of school, work, daycare, practices, homework, dinner and sleep. Soon it'll be Halloween, then Thanksgiving and then Christmas. And, before I know it, it'll be 2016. Mind boggling. <br />
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<br />jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-36702448087717026182015-05-16T10:31:00.004-07:002015-05-16T10:31:39.683-07:00Recent Events<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoMcagh3umAhq1ibPzcjRGPoYLceP3xKcrEvmo6yMvP3368DMvk8n6GGMI2Wdw46N3_h-W90QjRYL2yxkzjXi3Kwgz2-iHgDdEFRBOc233pVrc_EjpWhBRF6RGjvuhUxLmlGdo_Y0ba1d/s1600/20150404_183911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoMcagh3umAhq1ibPzcjRGPoYLceP3xKcrEvmo6yMvP3368DMvk8n6GGMI2Wdw46N3_h-W90QjRYL2yxkzjXi3Kwgz2-iHgDdEFRBOc233pVrc_EjpWhBRF6RGjvuhUxLmlGdo_Y0ba1d/s320/20150404_183911.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chloe Climbing a Tree</td></tr>
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We went camping Easter Weekend in northern Arizona. The weather was beautiful and mild and we enjoyed a hike to the little lake as well as an Easter egg hunt on Sunday morning. Chloe and I were the resident beauticians, braiding everyone's hair and, like usual, Wyatt was the resident comedian. One of the other families who went brought craft supplies so the kids could make wind chimes. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQoJBNvVEGDMLuVPHZXxQ_qJeS6sSP_TOi2RYXG9YKGJ-39ks148P3133w4YQcK2IRG1DAPmafrwx7cQqJMvBgaOfW8Bbh1tWWNDr_kQMszFD4ySMv1MC8s3HZvwOYkYRGeYhGWu3y5xI/s1600/20150405_142539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQoJBNvVEGDMLuVPHZXxQ_qJeS6sSP_TOi2RYXG9YKGJ-39ks148P3133w4YQcK2IRG1DAPmafrwx7cQqJMvBgaOfW8Bbh1tWWNDr_kQMszFD4ySMv1MC8s3HZvwOYkYRGeYhGWu3y5xI/s320/20150405_142539.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At lookout point on the drive home</td></tr>
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On the way home, we took the scenic route and discovered an awesome lookout point where we could see a lot of the valley. If the day were more clear, we probably could've seen the whole expanse. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUWXIwAAJj1-m7GJ6kW9RusgSXmDeOTbqakK99cB-vRI6wl7Ywgfe4fuPISHAY_MRPwUW4dV0u0804Ipfj35AR5biDNOnC_RsRgt7zdOSOApYd8w-alISbLA3zxQGQp5mN2OJPbVheii4/s1600/20150409_111946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUWXIwAAJj1-m7GJ6kW9RusgSXmDeOTbqakK99cB-vRI6wl7Ywgfe4fuPISHAY_MRPwUW4dV0u0804Ipfj35AR5biDNOnC_RsRgt7zdOSOApYd8w-alISbLA3zxQGQp5mN2OJPbVheii4/s320/20150409_111946.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zipper!</td></tr>
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Jillian and her band class went to the Maricopa County Fair to preform and got to spend the rest of the day at the fair riding the rides. I was also fortunate enough to chaperone this same field trip for Nathan and Chloe. Jillian was, by far, the most brave of the biggies. She eagerly jumped into line for the most exciting, adrenaline pumping rides including my personal favorite - the Zipper. Because of other students wanting to ride and needing at least two kids per car, she actually went on it 3 times in a row because there wasn't anyone else willing to go. She had a blast. Because the band preformed on the first day of the fair and at 11 in the morning, the midway was almost empty and there were virtually no lines for the rides. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pv9yzZ0zSCG58_tmc_pK_lfhsDUlNG2eGGbnBbdJ2mxp5DXXE-ul7NShIKCsztpOgeeXM9G1ozjYJ5UwxHLp5ZFqU24l656kkZ3i1SXXir51xQphCokfmd423SEiNBG-2c3RKPTynT0U/s1600/20150412_184438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pv9yzZ0zSCG58_tmc_pK_lfhsDUlNG2eGGbnBbdJ2mxp5DXXE-ul7NShIKCsztpOgeeXM9G1ozjYJ5UwxHLp5ZFqU24l656kkZ3i1SXXir51xQphCokfmd423SEiNBG-2c3RKPTynT0U/s320/20150412_184438.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkkUjYCykVtmu3kZ76vHjxW73D-pyoTY7iU7p9l7mJaxx0dFYlEhpjxC2WyBqiDyAzUCjDeZ7NeJmG2zdi59MuEdFRtZtdMV16Z8CnfOqR6ervrvSTfS4JjTejlJ3ZtACw9gNk4VswJTX/s1600/20150412_184523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkkUjYCykVtmu3kZ76vHjxW73D-pyoTY7iU7p9l7mJaxx0dFYlEhpjxC2WyBqiDyAzUCjDeZ7NeJmG2zdi59MuEdFRtZtdMV16Z8CnfOqR6ervrvSTfS4JjTejlJ3ZtACw9gNk4VswJTX/s320/20150412_184523.jpg" width="180" /></a>This is Wyatt on his Jeep. In the background is Jordan's bike and Grandpa's truck. They had come to visit on a Sunday afternoon. On this day, Wyatt and Nathan were driving around together - Nathan on his little dirt bike. Jordan even rode the little dirt bike around with Wyatt. He loves it so much. The girls ride around the back yard with him on their bikes too. He's a lucky little boy. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETdThW5Pt4-P1MvmS9_-4hd3XRzZH_T3Rr4cRTgKxkG2gCBKqc9FjWVeEa3ezfZCyiOO6yUgS5hXRBzYoQpfFOYkgDHXvZKxA8pZi4GQfjXXKBrDhn5gSEmlkXXj_pbwBaYRnim3U7WCg/s1600/20150418_101725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETdThW5Pt4-P1MvmS9_-4hd3XRzZH_T3Rr4cRTgKxkG2gCBKqc9FjWVeEa3ezfZCyiOO6yUgS5hXRBzYoQpfFOYkgDHXvZKxA8pZi4GQfjXXKBrDhn5gSEmlkXXj_pbwBaYRnim3U7WCg/s320/20150418_101725.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jillian on the bull</td></tr>
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For Jillian's birthday we took two of her friends and the other kids to JumpStreet, a local trampoline park. Coy's family met us there. The kids jumped and rode the mechanical bull, climbed the walking sticks, played dodgeball, jumped into the foam pit, played basketball and had a great time for two hours. Then they were "starving" so we headed over to Coy's house where we intended to have a bar-b-que, but changed to having pizza instead in the interest of time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsfzNWlAFW8oLMQ0ZuyzcaSjUgve7N3hUkBcHFWvX8Oxk8cawdthdeLu1eSW4AfwbGarHBreYKXHjblTb9BywS0NBGt-aFJT9B1v5IRS946IX5peDVIwBc5QnPTN3cnZmFs2GoGg8GhmD/s1600/20150418_110551_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsfzNWlAFW8oLMQ0ZuyzcaSjUgve7N3hUkBcHFWvX8Oxk8cawdthdeLu1eSW4AfwbGarHBreYKXHjblTb9BywS0NBGt-aFJT9B1v5IRS946IX5peDVIwBc5QnPTN3cnZmFs2GoGg8GhmD/s320/20150418_110551_001.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gwen, Jillian and Isabel</td></tr>
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Nathan recently had a birthday too, but opted out of a party this year. We made him a little cake and sang to him here but he wants to get a present instead of a party. Seems that being a teenager is too old for a birthday party. Seems impossible for me to have a teenager! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQcaGNJxlwujE3PKOVafKAAX_kvf4wjC3_-G2dHfFpx4CyhHVNPCI9Qv2-EpF9C59Aac5qs-l4kesqErecEux2rFj75u0rg4MJt-M2QlFJaV-eokhIqXKBqtXGwFQCsVq52FMrkxwb9Ii/s1600/20150418_111347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQcaGNJxlwujE3PKOVafKAAX_kvf4wjC3_-G2dHfFpx4CyhHVNPCI9Qv2-EpF9C59Aac5qs-l4kesqErecEux2rFj75u0rg4MJt-M2QlFJaV-eokhIqXKBqtXGwFQCsVq52FMrkxwb9Ii/s320/20150418_111347.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren and Wyatt in the bouncy house</td></tr>
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Chloe's birthday is coming up soon too. She'll be 12. She is deciding between having her room redone and going to JumpStreet too. She wants Grandpa to build her a shelf, wants to paint one wall pink and some other little decorations. <br />
And then, Lowell and I have our 15 year anniversary in June, right after Wyatt turns 4. Time is flying. I don't know how we're going to celebrate our anniversary... Maybe just a stay-cation :)<br />
I'm sure Wyatt will want a party - especially to hang out with his friend Lauren, pictured here with him. And his other friends Layton and London -- Chloe's best friend's little sisters. More info and pictures to come. :) <br />
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jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-26200257132704074012015-04-30T09:41:00.001-07:002015-04-30T12:49:58.126-07:00Jillian at the 2015 TOPA Talent Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So proud of this girl!!!!! Jillian chose to participate in the talent show again this year and, again, wanted to sing. She is so passionate about singing and music. The song she chose also has a message she is passionate about. It is by Dove Cameron and called "What A Girl Is". The song sends the message that all girls are perfect just as they are and don't need to conform to someone else's idea of beauty. <br />
Here are some of the lyrics: <br />
"On a scale of 1-10, I am perfect like I am.<br />
And the stupid magazines want me to change my everything.<br />
It don't even matter, they're not taking my power.<br />
I'm so over all these voices around, they've said enough its my turn, lets get loud!<br />
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I'll show you what a girl is, cause all of me is perfect.<br />
Who cares about the dress size, its all about what's inside.<br />
I'll stand up now, and won't back down. <br />
We're breaking through the surface, to show you what a girl is."<br />
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She didn't get to sing the whole song because of the two minute time limit given to each act, but she did a great job!! jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-64518093934890253332015-04-12T18:41:00.003-07:002015-04-12T18:41:46.898-07:00Lucky GirlThis was part of my journal entry for Christmas Eve: <br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today is Christmas eve, 2014. It's actually very close to
Christmas day as its about 11:40 at night. Christmas day will be Thursday –
Monday night I had surgery on my ankle. That set of circumstances leads me to a
hospital bed in my living room surrounded by a knee scooter, bottles of pills,
and assorted items to keep me occupied while I'm on bed rest for at least a
week. Christmas definitely doesn't look "normal" this year but, with
the small exception of a few moments this afternoon when I learned I wouldn't
be able to stand the pain of the ankle brace that would allow me to attend
Christmas Eve services at our church, I've been upbeat and so very thankful. On
TV right now is Christmas music and the image of a fireplace decked out in Christmas
finery. I smell coffee coming from the kitchen because Dad and Lowell are in
the garage having another marathon session of pool. I can hear them laughing.
Chloe is asleep on the floor next to me because Grandpa is supposed to be
sleeping<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in her bed. Checkers
occasionally meows from the bathroom; we're letting her stay inside overnights
right now because she's so old and her foot is broken. There's a cat on the TV
fireside video – a little orange one. :)</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-vklxcfJpbyJmSafgKjebhvq_xaPpzCaOvwIoyiZintUW0WFM-kV98wXi9yISyL2VOqRzamsJnjzv4pwJLiaPXhvAUxi1QrZuVZHSke0Jn2K5xDtJd6hDFLbbmp4ACk9AFrr3hUg-lpi/s1600/20150328_222948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-vklxcfJpbyJmSafgKjebhvq_xaPpzCaOvwIoyiZintUW0WFM-kV98wXi9yISyL2VOqRzamsJnjzv4pwJLiaPXhvAUxi1QrZuVZHSke0Jn2K5xDtJd6hDFLbbmp4ACk9AFrr3hUg-lpi/s1600/20150328_222948.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lowell bought me the knee scooter. He said he was going to
WalGreens but, in fact, he went to Goodwill and then, after coming up empty
handed, got on Craigslist and found one in Tartesso. He was proud of himself
because he called the person on his own and set up the time to go and get it –
all by himself. If you know Lowell, that’s a big deal because he doesn't like
that type of thing. He said he even stayed and talked to the guy for about 30
minutes because "he was lonely". Such a caring guy I have! He really
is wonderful. He bought me a treadmill, my scooter and an Arizona Cardinal's
sweatshirt for Christmas. But more than that, he put in the effort to go and
get the scooter, he's been watching the games with me and Dad, he's taking care
of me and helping me get around in the house, he's had the kids come and spend
time with me, encouraging them to do a skit for me and then having Nathan come
and play cards with me when I was upset about not being able to go to church.
He's so thoughtful. He loves me. </span></div>
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I just wanted to post this to show what I wonderful husband I have. There are many other details or stories like this I could include but this is a good example of how caring and generous he is. I love him and I'm so lucky to have him.jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-63186298151749040182015-04-12T18:38:00.001-07:002015-04-12T18:38:24.224-07:00This Year So Far<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4dS6DrdlCfPHwcc4PG5DSzuqZHvGeL4cjBvJIs9_iprU0svGGIZRPKRqiilYouc_kejTOo53L8lxqH766H1RgKiVuWE3scLuzwHQQp-xCJDVkj47ZIm1DZQ6o1oA_22wDPeE0VetYcXO/s1600/20150302_100201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4dS6DrdlCfPHwcc4PG5DSzuqZHvGeL4cjBvJIs9_iprU0svGGIZRPKRqiilYouc_kejTOo53L8lxqH766H1RgKiVuWE3scLuzwHQQp-xCJDVkj47ZIm1DZQ6o1oA_22wDPeE0VetYcXO/s1600/20150302_100201.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGO78ReEhyphenhyphentz16z1OAHarLwoQkb6quhPX29tpL52b6wwZVioH83sYTofkf0TUtKUjWR9_mozVIJZjAzAO-Y7F9axsPqalnlHUnjnrGJHz0MQ8i9Gs9enSWJcTznrQuzSA9DuarZTePiST1/s1600/20150314_204512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGO78ReEhyphenhyphentz16z1OAHarLwoQkb6quhPX29tpL52b6wwZVioH83sYTofkf0TUtKUjWR9_mozVIJZjAzAO-Y7F9axsPqalnlHUnjnrGJHz0MQ8i9Gs9enSWJcTznrQuzSA9DuarZTePiST1/s1600/20150314_204512.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a> Recent life has included many varied experiences including sending my oldest off to the other side of the country, spending days working with a physical therapist to improve my ankle, a birthday, a day at the park, family day at the mall and many other moments of both joy and sadness. <br />
The picture here on the left is of Wyatt playing at physical therapy. He became quite a little superstar there and was always welcomed by name. He got familiar with all the equipment and "helped" me do my exercises for 6 weeks until I completed my therapy. I'm not back to normal yet but I'm on my way!<br />
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Above right is the night we said goodbye to Nathan when he left for his DC trip. It was stressful to let him board that bus for places unknown for 6 days but I was so thrilled he was blessed with the opportunity to go. He had a great time!<br />
Here are Jillian and I at the mall on our mommy/daughter day. She's holding a sign that describes her and she picked one for me too. :) We had lots of fun together. <br />
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Jillian turned 10 on March 15th. Chloe and I made her cake and totally scored with a HelloKitty cake pan that was accidently returned to Walmart's store instead of online. She loved it!<br />
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Wyatt loves his trains. One morning, while the biggies were at school, Wyatt and I got out a lot of his train pieces, most that came from Christmas, and built a huge train track. We had lots of fun playing together and just lounging around. He has such a great imagination; I just love listening to what his little mind creates and how his little brain works. He is such a joy and I feel so blessed to be able to spend time with him! <br />
In addition to trains, he's recently begun expressing his love for music by dancing to his favorite songs. We've gotten a couple of his dance sessions on film and I adore them! I can't wait to use them against him when he gets older! :) <br />
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Because they had Friday off school and their mom had to work, there was a day my surrogate daughters came over to spend time with us. We went to Goodwill and then to the local golf course to feed the ducks where we discovered ducks that were afraid of people. So, now that Wyatt was intent on feeding ducks, we loaded up and went to Friendship Park in Goodyear to find ducks were knew were friendly. Armed with a cheap loaf of bread and 6 children between the ages of 16 and 3, we set off. The girls are great and I love spending time with them. I've also taken them to the playground right near our house where they played on the equipment, dug in the sand at the volleyball courts and played football. <br />
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Upcoming events include Jillian's field trip to the Grand Canyon; Nathan, Chloe and Wyatt's birthdays; school getting out; my job moving locations; Lowell having a couple days off; another camping trip; lots and lots of swimming and more general chaos. Next week the kids have standardized testing, this year called AZMerit. At least it means no homework this week. Right this minute, Wyatt and Nathan are riding around the back yard - Wyatt on his Jeep and Nathan on his dirt bike. They both look so happy! Looks like lots of good times ahead! <br />
jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-27788199915645811432015-02-26T10:35:00.001-08:002015-02-26T10:36:54.525-08:00Thanksgiving, Even More LateIt seems unbelievable that its been so long since I've posted. And, additionally, this is my 395th post. It hasn't been consistent, but I'm so thankful that I've recorded our life (intermittently) over the past few years! I just spent some time reading over some past entries and I'm so thankful that I took the time to record those memories; to memorialize those moments. Whether its genetic or due to my epilepsy, I have a very hard time remembering things and there are so many precious things to remember as a mother. Here I have a record of some of those priceless comments, the frustrating days, the beautiful pictures and the hilarious antics of my little family.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1NJn7YOrwwznF0-c0S68n1vf1i2ipylLKS4X38kO_uSbpbCnYYgER1RptEOmE3IS5TDPDo9RFcpp4cerjCqEuBJujbhCtibh8kELpaQWANW1fwE_5gaCnEEgcP_0gWcGHE9dbZf9SIwv/s1600/20141126_192314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1NJn7YOrwwznF0-c0S68n1vf1i2ipylLKS4X38kO_uSbpbCnYYgER1RptEOmE3IS5TDPDo9RFcpp4cerjCqEuBJujbhCtibh8kELpaQWANW1fwE_5gaCnEEgcP_0gWcGHE9dbZf9SIwv/s1600/20141126_192314.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUue7K3o0KG398NFRgQ1xdPzt5bSpTrt_YVWl7IqpA0GYvufWVzIWRbXo4PUML3jP1SSrZ79eFEeqpPt0ECb8POMi5-BFLHDjOd8nx1W1Ds4P6qxEcTxyRR3pDM_R3H19MIFLvmX694G8Q/s1600/20141101_095947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUue7K3o0KG398NFRgQ1xdPzt5bSpTrt_YVWl7IqpA0GYvufWVzIWRbXo4PUML3jP1SSrZ79eFEeqpPt0ECb8POMi5-BFLHDjOd8nx1W1Ds4P6qxEcTxyRR3pDM_R3H19MIFLvmX694G8Q/s1600/20141101_095947.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a>We recently celebrated Thanksgiving and there were so many things to be Thankful for. The day was peaceful and wonderful. It was just the six of us and Dad and not stressful in the slightest. We prepped food the night before and then Lowell helped me cook the main dishes Thursday. We managed to watch all three football games, played some board games, made lists of the things we are thankful for and had a genuinely good day. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-WNqFAdwGO0c621UUhCHN3-REGZ6jT8w9-uFfGKnGJjT_E8mUNiS6Cm_92D9j6ObzAzZnH8OHg_72OK6CWZ52NofWzeBq9QWjwzDPgKY1BeSQC-4CqNDv6Qn65OHP_J31S5EVCP511BS/s1600/20141027_165714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-WNqFAdwGO0c621UUhCHN3-REGZ6jT8w9-uFfGKnGJjT_E8mUNiS6Cm_92D9j6ObzAzZnH8OHg_72OK6CWZ52NofWzeBq9QWjwzDPgKY1BeSQC-4CqNDv6Qn65OHP_J31S5EVCP511BS/s1600/20141027_165714.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68Itquic1Us5kZBMWCRw1HLI5Bf7Qsd-VvTkOw4xAlRKCANvZI4fx3N0xTo0nape-Vs-CeWsXzUak_sVk_p5Dyq1rVNRLzu4jyHSMR3Xvxxo6SxIWSUhJ0oOoCoEriNQX8qoS1UkTNzQz/s1600/20141009_064510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68Itquic1Us5kZBMWCRw1HLI5Bf7Qsd-VvTkOw4xAlRKCANvZI4fx3N0xTo0nape-Vs-CeWsXzUak_sVk_p5Dyq1rVNRLzu4jyHSMR3Xvxxo6SxIWSUhJ0oOoCoEriNQX8qoS1UkTNzQz/s1600/20141009_064510.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a>We were also bombarded with household issues recently. We have had on-going issues with our pool pump and the water softener system but then experience the death of one of our toilets, our garbage disposal and our hot water heater. All in a period of about 3 weeks. We're still working on the water softener and the pool pump because they were lowest on the priority list but we've since taken care of the other three - one due to a little help from our church for which I'm incredibly grateful! You never really know how much you appreciate hot water until you live awhile without it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7W-E37V37vp3os88StCNtPXtq18_Iju20xYqGReQcCtfKI5IyJmwjp67lsMuFyS276iBjJfqCZ5aZSivGt_AKeFEVF2fJnxFIXzH_hYvh_F4h401aHRU_-tHKUpwTm15SKh-a5wyk6U_/s1600/20141125_190230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7W-E37V37vp3os88StCNtPXtq18_Iju20xYqGReQcCtfKI5IyJmwjp67lsMuFyS276iBjJfqCZ5aZSivGt_AKeFEVF2fJnxFIXzH_hYvh_F4h401aHRU_-tHKUpwTm15SKh-a5wyk6U_/s1600/20141125_190230.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a>Personally, I experienced a recent triumph. I passed my LAC test!!! I haven't gotten the official letter in the mail yet, allowing me to change my title to "Rani Trent, LAC" but all the I need to do is done. Now I'm working toward professional, independent licensure that comes after accumulating 1800 client hours. If I had taken the test immediately after graduation like I should've, I would be at around 1600 hours presently. C'est la vie. Live and learn, right? I'm focusing on the positive - and the truth is, its a big accomplishment and I'm proud of myself.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzncccDeOCqc0RseFGAdlPlMsoCsZFAYH6jC5ZK2YJXnf0GPH3q80gy7AMuTxQ5jz3j_Iu9yDXoVwns557nW7RbOLJvVDVFh8_vw7DbsRUof8cf7TrlEYYceblFjmNPcns8OYand-9FE5v/s1600/20141031_161759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzncccDeOCqc0RseFGAdlPlMsoCsZFAYH6jC5ZK2YJXnf0GPH3q80gy7AMuTxQ5jz3j_Iu9yDXoVwns557nW7RbOLJvVDVFh8_vw7DbsRUof8cf7TrlEYYceblFjmNPcns8OYand-9FE5v/s1600/20141031_161759.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I have to say, however, that it wouldn't have been possible without the support of my family. My kiddos put up with me being gone evenings to classes and locking myself in my room or running away to Wifi to work on school work and also ended up coming to every class with me for a semester when we only had one car. The kids have been so helpful with chores and watching Wyatt so I could study.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBTje2nWiIBAg06icc-Noibvzgi1Yy5oVKdFEPHM4mI4qtWBuPdaTFr658g-nmnddSy-_Gu-_fKoa-uzb6jhcfBChCfLe7RRwCnPmdLAYU07pyTnwuPeCKbvc8KuZO3RTcs5lRaiB7YBn/s1600/20141113_173345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBTje2nWiIBAg06icc-Noibvzgi1Yy5oVKdFEPHM4mI4qtWBuPdaTFr658g-nmnddSy-_Gu-_fKoa-uzb6jhcfBChCfLe7RRwCnPmdLAYU07pyTnwuPeCKbvc8KuZO3RTcs5lRaiB7YBn/s1600/20141113_173345.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Minotaurs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My husband has worked hard to make up for the financial strain and has picked up the slack around the house too. He's cooked dinners, cleaned floors, done laundry and even wiped a few noses and at least one dirty bottom to allow me to go to school, study for my test, and now work at a job a love which keeps me away evenings. I don't know what I would do without him but I know I wouldn't be the woman I am today without the blessing of him in my life. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFHp0x-wwmGMZJaj_ID6sUyEeTUA6N37NV0ZJFoDSduZeoJCCmiBHA1bol4OJTYQMdITvPBHpBJVTCBQXloShQfFLvf9nGEzPwZLFdL6WGp1sviQaruSrnTUUHL5h68W7-rr7TTiYax-j/s1600/20141015_104848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFHp0x-wwmGMZJaj_ID6sUyEeTUA6N37NV0ZJFoDSduZeoJCCmiBHA1bol4OJTYQMdITvPBHpBJVTCBQXloShQfFLvf9nGEzPwZLFdL6WGp1sviQaruSrnTUUHL5h68W7-rr7TTiYax-j/s1600/20141015_104848.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rani Trent, LAC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With my license, I'm able to continue in my current position helping victims of crime, focusing mainly on those who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault or child sex abuse. Both my education and my life experiences have combined to put me in this place where I am equipped to reach out and empathize with people who are hurting. There are days I question God about why He placed me in this field, working with these people, in a job that can be so heart-wrenching. And then there are days when I get to see healing, where I am present for the moments where people are finally freed from years of guilt and shame. I honestly believe I have been created for this job, for this calling, and that all that I have experienced has been for the purpose of helping others. I'm so blessed to have a family that supports me and allows me to do this. <br />
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<br />jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-89549751947838325342015-02-26T10:12:00.000-08:002015-02-26T10:44:20.113-08:00Christmas, a Little Late<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQ773xxN1TM8GNXCcP3_qNO6ieUk0IK9yF2klu4OOF5YWG-hsc3X2cyNoEaXnjZff67FxpqRBDHZ1W0q6PNvU5KYtXNzzHtFWE1Zw8b9Uxt4Sxx5H-VyHw4gkyzyayB9QpHGOUDvMOUuZ/s1600/20141128_120853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQ773xxN1TM8GNXCcP3_qNO6ieUk0IK9yF2klu4OOF5YWG-hsc3X2cyNoEaXnjZff67FxpqRBDHZ1W0q6PNvU5KYtXNzzHtFWE1Zw8b9Uxt4Sxx5H-VyHw4gkyzyayB9QpHGOUDvMOUuZ/s1600/20141128_120853.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRur14tQPHMzRXKjmvcMLctAjDU9lHVHSdZQRB_Yofgd4_qjEsczOdhOjWIyOPZTccRnxK98wpCxo9dwWZNvcZlDrD9_T6ecuqcYw2FSyrxI2i-03gY6j-UffvCMdut4pJFyWCwRr5l26L/s1600/20141128_114521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRur14tQPHMzRXKjmvcMLctAjDU9lHVHSdZQRB_Yofgd4_qjEsczOdhOjWIyOPZTccRnxK98wpCxo9dwWZNvcZlDrD9_T6ecuqcYw2FSyrxI2i-03gY6j-UffvCMdut4pJFyWCwRr5l26L/s1600/20141128_114521.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today is December 8th. I'm a stay at home mom on Mondays.
I've been doing the things that moms do – wiping noses, picking up toys, making
lunches, giving snugs, rubbing feeties, laughing at silly boys, enduring
endless cartoons and being unbelievably blessed… And then those things that are
specific to the holidays – decorating the house, hanging ornaments on garland,
finding ways to add more festivity and twinkle lights to the house, thinking
about the upcoming party, listening to Christmas music and trying to keep a
myriad of secrets and contain my excitement. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqEFPa6ov2Se7ZfOQAbU6zFjOzEwD-tGFRyFU9Ggbr4aW6of2ZmkiIj90ekroXpg3L0VYEHq7t29-Ug8cY3YHRfLL-z9QSmQk4Edexy8-g8PgDFzTvi-GARfPYGExj6im9qfZgDa11dRo/s1600/20141208_094439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqEFPa6ov2Se7ZfOQAbU6zFjOzEwD-tGFRyFU9Ggbr4aW6of2ZmkiIj90ekroXpg3L0VYEHq7t29-Ug8cY3YHRfLL-z9QSmQk4Edexy8-g8PgDFzTvi-GARfPYGExj6im9qfZgDa11dRo/s1600/20141208_094439.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zeF7G4k_nt1wLnwTB56JU67H04hwi29myOAQCz_lfbRFDvRGnNf5bA1EzXiSzY0DwUPiUJv486v9TPv_Q_2i1QNkCWKIsXZf-T2_HRllGkp1yxddytqneF9dVgWNjG2X_UOHbcuqXk56/s1600/20141128_120906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zeF7G4k_nt1wLnwTB56JU67H04hwi29myOAQCz_lfbRFDvRGnNf5bA1EzXiSzY0DwUPiUJv486v9TPv_Q_2i1QNkCWKIsXZf-T2_HRllGkp1yxddytqneF9dVgWNjG2X_UOHbcuqXk56/s1600/20141128_120906.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christmas in Phoenix is much
different from my holiday experiences as a child. This first week of December
is mild, about 10 degrees warmer than normal for the area, and I am walking
around in my signature tiara-Santa hat combo, a tank top and yoga pants with
both the front and back doors open enjoying the breeze. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sitting on the couch, I can revel in the lights on the tree,
the wreath on the door, the garland and ornaments hanging on the hutch…. I can
see the snowflakes hanging from the ceiling and remember my kids working with
my dad to hang them. I see the stars, the little dolls, the statues… And the
stories behind each of them. There are new decorations from the dollar store,
for endless Goodwill trips, the decorated pictures Chloe and I worked on
together, the wreaths we re-made from their thrift store glory… </span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVemHxL3xDKxFnyhEvGqApdzYWsGEtW9DA2MQud10Y_yhlPz8n8YzuUeon2emDwxxRRjQenOGbCltJOaVulDzBu9gWuvv6mH2fwzXZ0g8LmA7iBMmtNXzcUW962PjvvYp9iY_nG8H70sH/s1600/20141210_064313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVemHxL3xDKxFnyhEvGqApdzYWsGEtW9DA2MQud10Y_yhlPz8n8YzuUeon2emDwxxRRjQenOGbCltJOaVulDzBu9gWuvv6mH2fwzXZ0g8LmA7iBMmtNXzcUW962PjvvYp9iY_nG8H70sH/s1600/20141210_064313.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The items themselves are not precious. Most are worth only
pennies but they evoke such feelings of family, of togetherness and memories.
These are the things I love about this time of year, whether it be a white Christmas or flip-flop worthy. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love celebrating the birth of our Savior and am excited to teach the kiddos that the spirit of Christmas exists in the hearts of those who love Him, not in the endless to-do lists or presents or twinkle lights. Christ came as a gift. My family is a gift. For both, I am thankful. </span></div>
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<br />jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-52733581718652147132014-10-06T09:49:00.003-07:002014-10-06T09:57:59.207-07:00Recent Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr1TGK8yqL4DH_ldh8ATZHWQ9sZi4mc37clhhHuR2UfLt5TRumk1CDlENoYm0MzQRY2l1ORAaSiovap7RsUqUD1j6eWJojkjRf1YQ1Y0rIrt6HQlzFwawsTX2d5QRPD3vRL7Eobn-0Fh7/s1600/20140904_184727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr1TGK8yqL4DH_ldh8ATZHWQ9sZi4mc37clhhHuR2UfLt5TRumk1CDlENoYm0MzQRY2l1ORAaSiovap7RsUqUD1j6eWJojkjRf1YQ1Y0rIrt6HQlzFwawsTX2d5QRPD3vRL7Eobn-0Fh7/s1600/20140904_184727.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Because things have been difficult lately, I think its important to remember just how blessed we are. Perspective is so important but it seems to be the first thing to go in the midst of struggle and stress. I don't know if its true of other people, but I know I tend to get "stuck" in my head. The loudest noise comes from inside my head - my worries, thoughts, fears and neverending to-do lists... It also becomes so that I can only see the things that are weighing heavy on my heart and mind. I lose sight of those things that make the struggles and the trials worthwhile.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6pmUwn7D41CBI5CiNC8qKiNWGuw7-8pOjaFQKrKnWpj2ztgXfNIScbZJPdycABdgGBBTqbYI_Bck_rvfO6H8kJ185JGiTboyIXqkkCDftrkme-OmWI1pbn6KWSQ0fqfU3AHGMY2ikL5C/s1600/20140906_092403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6pmUwn7D41CBI5CiNC8qKiNWGuw7-8pOjaFQKrKnWpj2ztgXfNIScbZJPdycABdgGBBTqbYI_Bck_rvfO6H8kJ185JGiTboyIXqkkCDftrkme-OmWI1pbn6KWSQ0fqfU3AHGMY2ikL5C/s1600/20140906_092403.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>This seems especially true when I am not taking care of myself. Not reaching out to my friends and family. Not eating well or sleeping right. Not taking the time to decompress from tough days at work or spend time in the Word, or do the things I enjoy. And I haven't been doing these things lately. I've been feeling overwhelmed and tired. This situation breeds feelings of failure because I'm never at my best when I'm burnt out. Its a nasty cycle that, from my conversations with other moms, is not unique to me. <br />
This is an example of one of the struggles we're in the middle of right now. While playing at the park recently, I fell down and sprained my ankle. I currently have a walking boot on my right foot and should have it for another couple weeks. I'm also scheduled to being physical therapy this week and then will be working with the doctor to determine if I actually severed my ligament and will need surgery to repair it or not. If there is no surgery warranted, I should graduate to wearing a regular shoe with a brace after a couple of weeks. I'll be in the brace situation for about 3 months. Its been painful and discouraging but, again, I'm thankful for our insurance, for the care of my doctor and for the ability to use the walking boot instead of the crutches I had to use for the first week. Those were incredibly painful because of my back injury. Oh, and if you noticed this is my driving foot -- extra points for you! I'm driving with my left foot while keeping my boot wedged to the side. Its definitely a challenge. It was amazing to realize how much brain power it requires to drive with your left foot when you're so used to it being second nature with the right! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvAZF7Ad4FetGTmG128IEnngCd0H_zn25J-Ade1zuXwkbmEErTbSCHVhXqv88uTVt2MrXsWpedTOHiASwgXQ_udoNRzQYhaWngEwKNnSwYuIKPKB25uYDtxDmkDF8ZrTbRMeBPIvOVoV4/s1600/20140927_161059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvAZF7Ad4FetGTmG128IEnngCd0H_zn25J-Ade1zuXwkbmEErTbSCHVhXqv88uTVt2MrXsWpedTOHiASwgXQ_udoNRzQYhaWngEwKNnSwYuIKPKB25uYDtxDmkDF8ZrTbRMeBPIvOVoV4/s1600/20140927_161059.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Another source of excitement and stress in our lives recently has been the weather. We've experienced two very large storm systems in the past couple of weeks that have flooded parts of the valley, impeded traffic, caused power outages and, what has affected us most directly, overtime for Lowell as he has managed the pump houses on the freeways. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJik-1i38U0JA2j0tfMV-NivtsJIo3bcRFKozxJ4681aI5Y3bVyM3AAFu7lbxG0kWiCnpEl81YSh30VcxVGOZ9QfB2Cx9X6dByftsYROXe32_Xil9WvRsCOaQuszXJlE3c8-wgtryGjuA/s1600/20140908_061147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJik-1i38U0JA2j0tfMV-NivtsJIo3bcRFKozxJ4681aI5Y3bVyM3AAFu7lbxG0kWiCnpEl81YSh30VcxVGOZ9QfB2Cx9X6dByftsYROXe32_Xil9WvRsCOaQuszXJlE3c8-wgtryGjuA/s1600/20140908_061147.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>He had to switch his schedule to nights for a week or so in order to maintain the freeway system. This led to changes in our schedule, picking up the kids, dropping them off, my work schedule and his sleep schedule. The first storm was so strong, and so unexpected that part of the major freeways in the valley flooded. According to Lowell, there ended up being between 6 and 8 feet of standing water where there should have been a major freeway artery. It ended up that the pumps that are in place specifically to move water off these low-lying areas were not functioning. ADOT got quite a black eye due to this snafu and so, instead of having pump house employees be in charge of them during the storm, they assigned mechanics to watch them instead. This is how Lowell ended up with this duty.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpjOY_9LgQMc3YBwEZmShUDi_2ZK8a5TkZOb7j0dqOIXXPmAcuDYg3Hhyphenhyphenw_34aD4-gvLlpGYu5qvm_uMLY87SHBYb7W-nFS4doQN3-aWkfS6VsxoUr8cAyV1o-JmJOp9tY76DrHULgzNI/s1600/20140908_060715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpjOY_9LgQMc3YBwEZmShUDi_2ZK8a5TkZOb7j0dqOIXXPmAcuDYg3Hhyphenhyphenw_34aD4-gvLlpGYu5qvm_uMLY87SHBYb7W-nFS4doQN3-aWkfS6VsxoUr8cAyV1o-JmJOp9tY76DrHULgzNI/s1600/20140908_060715.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a> The late season monsoons also led to a very entertaining mud fight in our front yard, followed by a hose shower for Chloe, Jillian and Wyatt. <br />
This was water flowing through the wash on the east side of our property. While the girls and Wyatt played in the mud, Nathan got out his AirSoft gun and pretended to be a sniper in the bushes. He didn't shoot at them, of course, but enjoyed firing into the moving water. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf01NZL5qtiVBvaHdJVACPyDfLAtn2C_ikFzZqc8xFKQITZG1ZIIXekkPwYQw4puBWXCMqOLxR9FeIHvDXnr-02McQQzjhu5cszUurvX6dLaa0AeNeKEKmLDuNDTqwsu0p2Tu2MIFmOK1K/s1600/20140926_104301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf01NZL5qtiVBvaHdJVACPyDfLAtn2C_ikFzZqc8xFKQITZG1ZIIXekkPwYQw4puBWXCMqOLxR9FeIHvDXnr-02McQQzjhu5cszUurvX6dLaa0AeNeKEKmLDuNDTqwsu0p2Tu2MIFmOK1K/s1600/20140926_104301.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDnD1GtyN9RWyiCja24Y4CUKTfnrJydeIFD_aU5BTTBLgckDygb88D_76kgCbTNnIt9_e-tqk_EI5YdDrSgBIqSiwl6e4Ng0B7useIH0mRy8HFiGjT6lQU5AQFP6JeBb7fHKvvuz1DJOL/s1600/20140926_103344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDnD1GtyN9RWyiCja24Y4CUKTfnrJydeIFD_aU5BTTBLgckDygb88D_76kgCbTNnIt9_e-tqk_EI5YdDrSgBIqSiwl6e4Ng0B7useIH0mRy8HFiGjT6lQU5AQFP6JeBb7fHKvvuz1DJOL/s1600/20140926_103344.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Another fun experience lately was a morning spent at Goodwill. The kids and I were looking for some shirts for Wyatt as he has grown out of almost all his clothes recently when we happened upon the Halloween costumes. It was great to play around with the kids, to see their creativity and to laugh with each other. I also love teaching them about bargain hunting and the value of things. They've recently been given the opportunity to earn extra money around the house with extra chores. The kids have quite a few chores they're expected to do just as a part of helping the family and they don't earn an allowance for their participation in these chores - they're just expected contributions. We rotate chores regularly so they can learn new skills and so they don't get completely sick of one thing also, but I like that they now have the chance to earn their own money. As of right now, Jillian doesn't really have any interest in money (other than what she gets from the Tooth Fairy) while Nathan is constantly asking for money, but not too motivated to earn it at this point. <br />
I love watching my kids grown and learn, change and mature. They're so special!jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-45478076279997559642014-10-06T08:46:00.003-07:002014-10-06T10:01:38.058-07:00Wyatt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWQnPQaRh5RmKowAxnWYiEn_yH7HXgzPEuxfMGFZa2Ukxje70F8rd9w8jMTZDOAvcmPtR16xFngTrXv7ZrzUgXHVGqHwW0ZDVn3e3P0ep9OTbIHhyphenhyphen2jCDT1GIvfFnQ_mz_XCAeG10TcdN/s1600/2014-07-21+14.04.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWQnPQaRh5RmKowAxnWYiEn_yH7HXgzPEuxfMGFZa2Ukxje70F8rd9w8jMTZDOAvcmPtR16xFngTrXv7ZrzUgXHVGqHwW0ZDVn3e3P0ep9OTbIHhyphenhyphen2jCDT1GIvfFnQ_mz_XCAeG10TcdN/s1600/2014-07-21+14.04.34.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uW_uamkLxGIXk4tkPwJpuzM0dtfY9ICMWZyQRqhQN1HGy8_EFLF3XMiHpt88KiozwM8kSZt_oTrmQVZ0K5o5U6Qw_Kv29FmjD3Q44vj_u8EWCzWeW-WjJl8tLFatRQoP_BFoOOgsGIeq/s1600/20140825_185801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uW_uamkLxGIXk4tkPwJpuzM0dtfY9ICMWZyQRqhQN1HGy8_EFLF3XMiHpt88KiozwM8kSZt_oTrmQVZ0K5o5U6Qw_Kv29FmjD3Q44vj_u8EWCzWeW-WjJl8tLFatRQoP_BFoOOgsGIeq/s1600/20140825_185801.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a> These are just some moments with our littlest blessing over the past couple of weeks. He's been fascinated with minions, or "bee-do's" as he calls them, for quite awhile now. He loves his bee-do jammies and his bee-do pillow that his daddy got him. <br />
We've only recently stopped swimming and the kids are convinced that we still could - there have been a couple days right around 100 degrees recently. By the end of this summer, Wyatt has gotten to where he could swim a little without his life jacket. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu6mWm8zAxOsWQGYyUzEMFuouHStMpV2-oIgvGA3wKtOAnZq1MXriwjdC8IVv8ANij9qP_i4xkjzGP9rWDiMa-gAHGD3mD3XuZN0te54HrqXfDAor3Zf-p1yGWVV0QdwrorWnObZYQo4a/s1600/20140831_191909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu6mWm8zAxOsWQGYyUzEMFuouHStMpV2-oIgvGA3wKtOAnZq1MXriwjdC8IVv8ANij9qP_i4xkjzGP9rWDiMa-gAHGD3mD3XuZN0te54HrqXfDAor3Zf-p1yGWVV0QdwrorWnObZYQo4a/s1600/20140831_191909.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>Lowell loves to swim and was great teaching him. I definitely have fish for children - they all love the water. The pool has been such a blessing, even though it has proven to be a little bit high maintenance because of the age of the pool pump and some other issues we've uncovered.<br />
Looking forward to next year's pool parties and warm summer months but definitely excited about some fall weather around here. Its been a long time since I've worn all those cool weather clothes in my closet!! :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinObeXxcy9jGclz2COoXKxdPYuXiLb883fPZiIXttf9PbgE3xMne8DdUKo6dpbUJ8q9Cou7-8dTwq_CrtJhbhfcZ9aemqls3ZM-CObURkY1QRd0MmrJjGSKEemyoqQYdzqYvNvFtRbqfX8/s1600/20140825_151845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinObeXxcy9jGclz2COoXKxdPYuXiLb883fPZiIXttf9PbgE3xMne8DdUKo6dpbUJ8q9Cou7-8dTwq_CrtJhbhfcZ9aemqls3ZM-CObURkY1QRd0MmrJjGSKEemyoqQYdzqYvNvFtRbqfX8/s1600/20140825_151845.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahD0XODcR59M7jbjT5axjcVupsMnIoQdFp4E_S13YZO6zPA_MsSAeNUhyphenhyphenXc5e7tQ-KVEQ1SDNgN5BQfcC43nOUUfEJ4frK2Qn24Bx1p_oRnk9f6oZ5fcuxC-Yrpx6Q6VAcvSdMYWTw8V9/s1600/20140904_192704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahD0XODcR59M7jbjT5axjcVupsMnIoQdFp4E_S13YZO6zPA_MsSAeNUhyphenhyphenXc5e7tQ-KVEQ1SDNgN5BQfcC43nOUUfEJ4frK2Qn24Bx1p_oRnk9f6oZ5fcuxC-Yrpx6Q6VAcvSdMYWTw8V9/s1600/20140904_192704.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Thankfully, Wyatt still takes naps everyday and although he tries to convince me that he's not tired most days, he's really pretty good about laying down and sleeping. At least when he's at our house. When he's at the babysitters it's kind of hit and miss. And then there are the days where he just plays and plays until he collapses. These are usually days when he doesn't sleep at the babysitter's and then comes home exhausted. These are days when we get cute pictures like this. :) He's really good at bedtime too. The big kids take turns reading him a story in his little bed and then he either reads to himself or goes right to sleep. Such a good little man!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfdGdV36Y-BLQRpP0w4l0jIr4gBGpH3CueXSeVQIQrsM6NcBYMzH9yjDOOA7zGKMV9IgqAZxkcXooi0Ft0atudzQ5HpkWpj-m-o50qjHgBq9cJFFoXUlW7LHPFNJHzz6wqy0xm_aLqvtl/s1600/20140902_073845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfdGdV36Y-BLQRpP0w4l0jIr4gBGpH3CueXSeVQIQrsM6NcBYMzH9yjDOOA7zGKMV9IgqAZxkcXooi0Ft0atudzQ5HpkWpj-m-o50qjHgBq9cJFFoXUlW7LHPFNJHzz6wqy0xm_aLqvtl/s1600/20140902_073845.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
Lowell and I are both left-handed but all three biggies are right handed. I think we may have finally gotten another south-paw in our family! Wyatt likes to do his "homework" when the biggies are doing theirs and he likes to draw little pictures whether with chalk on the garage floor or with markers and colored pencils on paper. He also loves puzzles and he's really good at them!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMslLGUJCx9B3Da6-BK-2XFuGB9hi1tfj9bTiIMUeVQ9OxopdQa8S-ZQR0uzshb-aPrYwQYGJvFHkxxqOZ-in9pbUYI5E-DySdB55xRlbLZxomcduasP5mfnEol_F655g1DjSBKFOuHSZ/s1600/20140920_142026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMslLGUJCx9B3Da6-BK-2XFuGB9hi1tfj9bTiIMUeVQ9OxopdQa8S-ZQR0uzshb-aPrYwQYGJvFHkxxqOZ-in9pbUYI5E-DySdB55xRlbLZxomcduasP5mfnEol_F655g1DjSBKFOuHSZ/s1600/20140920_142026.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibU3enmaDtX1tQIV39hD5gn2O3p1VRQVD-yXtZsC9bib7EH7ozUBXZ2movbBOiTki0Hy0ucCh_vmVrVlXmVDdgHZn04U2Wy7hVZfAVXDlKl5S7knMKm2SqRyuPydS-A2XMSTDxpYP5zwuH/s1600/20140919_083459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibU3enmaDtX1tQIV39hD5gn2O3p1VRQVD-yXtZsC9bib7EH7ozUBXZ2movbBOiTki0Hy0ucCh_vmVrVlXmVDdgHZn04U2Wy7hVZfAVXDlKl5S7knMKm2SqRyuPydS-A2XMSTDxpYP5zwuH/s1600/20140919_083459.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="180" /></a>Another favorite activity, of course, is going to the park. Like with swimming, Wyatt has no fear. He likes to swing "way high" and absolutely loves to push the merry-go-round. That's right, push it. He will ride it when he gets tired running around in circles but he loves to be able to push other kids. I think of it as a toddler hamster wheel because he gets so much exercise doing it! :) It wears him out! <br />
He's such a beautiful blessing to our family and getting bigger every day! He's so looking forward to starting school and I know it will be here before I know it. Just a fun fact, by the way -- in two years, when he starts kindergarten, Jillian will start junior high and Nathan will be a freshman in high school! High school, jr. high and kindergarten. Wow. :) <br />
<img height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibU3enmaDtX1tQIV39hD5gn2O3p1VRQVD-yXtZsC9bib7EH7ozUBXZ2movbBOiTki0Hy0ucCh_vmVrVlXmVDdgHZn04U2Wy7hVZfAVXDlKl5S7knMKm2SqRyuPydS-A2XMSTDxpYP5zwuH/s1600/20140919_083459.jpg" style="left: 564px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1090px;" width="54" />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdABBV2yhANgimOja_f17v2YodGJFd4MPo65OlNB7XS2kpcqBEOTKTfRBWxJzKG9UtJz7IXf7fIhXozbfNFCrm3dutv-BzkKZJVfCAsrQl_mX30gZZ6TwRp4bRiBP8Vg732RENIcInBbU/s1600/20140818_073924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdABBV2yhANgimOja_f17v2YodGJFd4MPo65OlNB7XS2kpcqBEOTKTfRBWxJzKG9UtJz7IXf7fIhXozbfNFCrm3dutv-BzkKZJVfCAsrQl_mX30gZZ6TwRp4bRiBP8Vg732RENIcInBbU/s1600/20140818_073924.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of school - 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First day of school 2014. While it seems today has been a long time coming, I think I could've waited a little longer. At least for the growth this day is symbolic of. Beginning today, I have two kids in junior high -- two, yes two of them. And now Wyatt will be going back into some sort of childcare situation for three days a week so I can continue to work. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chloe 6th grade, Nathan 7th grade</td></tr>
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It also means I am only weeks away from taking my counseling licensure test (that I should have taken two years ago, but who's counting?) and we are getting closer and closer to Christmas and the start of a new year.<br />
As always, we're busy. Nathan wanted to do cross country but they decided to only open it up to high schoolers this year. Chloe is also taking some time off of gymnastics. She's been very conscious of how beginning both junior high and an honor's program are going to take a lot of her time. Since we've drilled into the kids that school comes first, she's decided to go a few weeks and see what the workload is like and then we can decide. Meanwhile, both of them have enrolled in NJHS - National Junior Honor's Society - a service group that is only for students with good grades. And one that looks great on college applications. (I can't believe I'm already thinking about college for these guys!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jillian in her 4th grade classroom</td></tr>
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Jillian decided to do choir again because she loves to sing so much. She also gets to play an instrument this year so now we'll have a saxophone and a violin in the house. Nathan decided to take a year away from the trombone to do art this year. I'm blessed to have children who are multi-talented but it makes choosing electives tricky! :) We'll see what next year holds. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful girl!</td></tr>
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Chloe is interested in trying out for cheerleading as an alternative to gymnastics if we can't make that work and Nathan wants to do track in the spring. <br />
Nathan's field trip this year is to Washington DC while Chloe will be going to AstroCamp and Jillian to the Grand Canyon. I'm excited because parents are allowed to chaperone to the Grand Canyon and I've never been. If I'm able to go, we'll be camping for 3 days in May. :) Nathan will be going to the Capital in March and Chloe's trip to AstroCamp is in November, I think. I feel so blessed that our kids get to attend a school that gives them these fantastic opportunities to experience their world. <br />
I'm not completely in love with a 7th grade Nathan being on the other side of the country for 5 days but I went to DC in 8th grade... Its just that I felt so much older than he is!!! :) He's going to be working at different venues to earn money for his trip and I'm glad that he'll have ownership in the trip because he's worked to pay for it. <br />
Looking forward to a great year with these kiddos!!jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-48515772439358219012014-08-11T09:28:00.000-07:002014-08-11T09:28:00.362-07:00Camping Weekend 2014<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfycRFeZE-_JRH5FnCA6wVca9Uy8TCpkHu-i4y0f8Oy7NKac4lzuUY-vp5j_sC3pLwtarQPEwwVb3Zw4hjJS4P5Fl44Aeyuf-trv-QZ0VI2w4p1FZBXDSrDcjZcDt7u98KiqvYqmWAFtOc/s1600/20140802_102547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfycRFeZE-_JRH5FnCA6wVca9Uy8TCpkHu-i4y0f8Oy7NKac4lzuUY-vp5j_sC3pLwtarQPEwwVb3Zw4hjJS4P5Fl44Aeyuf-trv-QZ0VI2w4p1FZBXDSrDcjZcDt7u98KiqvYqmWAFtOc/s1600/20140802_102547.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmjbPaNIjgjvON9-WVOrywtEbTbB4aesdtrqK9WQrbcN7pTDOJx6C7Wa1wk9ck5EVymJV-JmdHDiDOzqQI-uJjErhMgUL0-SXyx0koMJvB_Vpit9TnG_DLmg4unpr3w2WX4idNQYKakm7/s1600/20140802_093849.jpg" height="180" width="320" /> Payson, AZ<br />
First Weekend in August<br />
We went camping with some friends of Lowell - there were about 30 people total. It was nice to get out of the heat and to see some nature! The kids remarked on how nice it was to see some green and also to climb on rocks, smell the trees and to look for animals. We saw elk tracks and scat and hawks, squirrels and free range cows. We were told there are bald eagles that fly around the lake, but we didn't see any. <br />
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Nathan loved climbing on the rocks and exploring and made some new friends. They caught crawdads, played army, and were just "boys" for the weekend. Also, Lowell bought himself a knife for the trip and then ended up giving it to Nathan. Its a really nice Gerber knife with a flint and sharpener included. Its a "survivor" knife and Nathan absolutely loved it! The boys whittled sticks and practiced making fire. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIWB3AUrjG-yrliAvpo5bTSvH0hsaPkqUW2EqwO4hgHG2LOlZvZG2NCgMWpRtrblfCEHK4Qyiab4A8iv3pnRhGQq6DwNtMMreLDbNheYW880STj2L8KzcL_ltjjNAJU_J8KVFE0cJd_55/s1600/20140802_121313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>At the lake, the water was pretty cold and there wasn't a very good place to swim. Lowell jumped in just to enjoy the cool while Chloe, Jillian and Wyatt threw rocks in the water and Nathan caught crawdads. <br />
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It rained quite a bit on our trip but our group was very well prepared. While it rained, we played cards and games or read books. The kids ran around and played or hunted for firewood or the perfect s'more stick. One of the other families has a 3 year old little girl who Wyatt played with but he was the entertainment for the whole group. Everyone talked about how cute he is and how silly. Actually, they commented on how good our children are, period. How good they are with each other and how well behaved they are. That makes a mom's heart proud. :) Love them so much. <br />
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jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-14060151844839552332014-07-06T20:38:00.000-07:002014-07-06T20:40:08.757-07:00Independence Day<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finale at Youngker High School</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my babies</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankful for our independence</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love of my ife</td></tr>
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As is our tradition, we spent our 4th of July at the neighborhood family fun day at the high school down the street. The kids played red light/green light in the field, ran around, did gymnastics and played with each other. Nathan saw his girlfriend and got teased about it for the rest of the night and we sang along with the local band. They were actually pretty good! :) <br />
The day before the 4th we had a huge monsoon storm and there were threats on Friday as well but the night turned out beautiful and mild. Wyatt loved the fireworks this year and clapped after each one. The evening was relaxing and fun -- a perfect celebration of our freedom and a reminder of how lucky we are to be Americans. jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-72198975602302128642014-06-20T19:55:00.001-07:002014-06-20T19:55:46.092-07:00Its Been AwhileTo update everyone on our lives from September until now seems a little daunting but I'm going to try to at least hit the highlights. Here goes:<br />
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October: Halloween, of course. The three younger kids dressed up and went trick-or-treating and even tried out a neighborhood haunted house. Pumpkinology was a day at school in Jillian's class where the subjects were focused on pumpkins. Science and math, reading stories about pumpkins and, of course, gutting them to prepare them for metamorphosis into jack-o-lanters. I was thrilled to be able to spend the day with her. Unfortunately, October was also when Jillian broke 3 bones in her foot by falling off the balance beam. Chloe was blessed by a 5th grade field trip to Catalina. If you watched GMA during October, you may have seen the story on the giant oar fish that washed up on the beach -- she was there and got to see it as well as all the media coverage. Pretty cool! :) <br />
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November: Nathan's turn for an awesome field trip. His class went to Astro Camp outside Palm Springs and had a great time.Chloe and I went to state gymnastics meet to get a feel for competition since she'll soon be Level 3 and asked to be part of the competitive team. She wanted to see what it was like and was encouraged by what she saw. Of course, November ends with Thanksgiving and we spent this year's in our OWN HOME. :) It was quiet and nice. And we continued our tradition of decorating the house for Christmas. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chloe and her friend Maranda playing the violin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmG1xqk9mdQdCIag8DQ056WW31x5gywkQtFO5ExJC7V3XUNeCx3OBo9uXKVHNuonUQiW4oGuiu6iZ0lDsHGq1wiEORgN5uDxF1BMBdbdV2aiLy8O5Pg5X1y3kUYGs4EZHmsb5Grun4kbUE/s1600/20131221_110818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmG1xqk9mdQdCIag8DQ056WW31x5gywkQtFO5ExJC7V3XUNeCx3OBo9uXKVHNuonUQiW4oGuiu6iZ0lDsHGq1wiEORgN5uDxF1BMBdbdV2aiLy8O5Pg5X1y3kUYGs4EZHmsb5Grun4kbUE/s1600/20131221_110818.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids with Santa at SWFAC</td></tr>
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December: Christmas, of course and all the things that go along with it: the Buckeye Christmas parade and the kids' concerts. New this year was the Winter Wonderland at the advocacy center where I work - SWFAC. It was a program put on for the children who were victims who came through the center this year. The kids came and volunteered with me; Nathan helped with the cake walk, Chloe worked in the card making room and Jillian helped with making the gingerbread houses. December ended with Lowell's birthday and New Years. Both were days we took full advantage of having my dad here as a willing babysitter and went out together. <br />
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January: January was a big month. First was my birthday and we spent the whole day together at the zoo where we had a lot of fun and I got pooped on by a bird. Then, on the 13th I learned I was losing my job. The non-profit I have worked for had decided to close our program and that we would all be out of work by the end of June. I spent most of the last two weeks of the month in shock.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jillian and her choir teacher</td></tr>
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February: And then spent the first weeks of February taking care of a custody case for some kids I'd been seeing. I went to court and testified on their behalf; first time I've done that and it was terrifying but it felt great to know I could help. Jillian had a shopping day at school to learn about sales and I was able to help her man her finger-nail painting station. They were given monopoly money to shop with, sold their products, and then calculated their profit and loss statements. <br />
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March: The 15th was Jillian's birthday and since she wanted a pool party, we just had a small family gathering and postponed her actual party until the weather warms up. We also did a Community clean-up that Wyatt still talks about it. We went up to an area previously used for an informal shooting range and picked up trash. The whole family went, even Grandpa and we all had a good time. Spring break happened in March and was pretty uneventful but the talent show was a big adventure. Chloe and Jillian both participated in the event - Chloe doing an original gymnastics routine with her friend and Jillian singing a solo as well as performing with Show Choir. They both did a great job and worked on overcoming their stage fright. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdWNtTr6qWEZcTNruKgGj2vGx5OnIOFrWjLxKQ6v8S2f9GENzRDncUamomqNqlZGP_rKUxFt5aiQYdmBNYdhYcB0R-xzNCuMCpAjS9ZFUJEHt06gVNnQAOs5phJQye2vczQBBZzq8PSMw/s1600/20140422_101617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdWNtTr6qWEZcTNruKgGj2vGx5OnIOFrWjLxKQ6v8S2f9GENzRDncUamomqNqlZGP_rKUxFt5aiQYdmBNYdhYcB0R-xzNCuMCpAjS9ZFUJEHt06gVNnQAOs5phJQye2vczQBBZzq8PSMw/s1600/20140422_101617.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordan in the hospital. Day 1</td></tr>
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April: April was a very eventful month, especially for Chloe. I chaperoned her field trip to ASU where we went to the planetarium and space exhibit; she was promoted to level 3 in gymnastics and invited to be part of the competitive team, and her cat, Max, had to have surgery due to an infected bite by what was probably another cat. I was also incredibly busy in April. I found a new job with a company called Crisis Preparation and Recovery (CPR) and had my last day at my Glendale location. I started working part time with A New Leaf until the final location closes at the end of June and part time for CPR at the site in Glendale. Easter was a fun family day where we spent time at church and our tradition of hiding eggs here at the house but the most memorable event of April was Jordan's accident. Jordan was driving his motorcycle up one of our roads and a truck turned in front of him. He didn't have time to stop and was thrown over the bed of the truck. He had surgery on his right arm and was in a drug induced coma for a short period of time. All told, he broke his scapula, nose, wrist, and sternum; had a compound fracture on his right arm where they inserted a rod and pins, and a deep gash on his right knee. He currently has had his cast removed and is going to begin physical therapy. The prognosis is that he may have permanently lost the ability to completely rotate his hand - palm up - palm down, but that it shouldn't significantly affect his quality of life. Otherwise, they believe he should be fine. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGu0paWaPy1MXYgJdH9IuE-JYBaTKFox3FoKgZf6Vx3zOI3qwCh-BS3IuUMJRQwhxw2EeVXcsa5L1nMV7Z_De27m5RYwieossw1VfrofyJae25spw9rnxFPxYW06y4KNc5PHpjs_rrgZz/s1600/20140528_144719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGu0paWaPy1MXYgJdH9IuE-JYBaTKFox3FoKgZf6Vx3zOI3qwCh-BS3IuUMJRQwhxw2EeVXcsa5L1nMV7Z_De27m5RYwieossw1VfrofyJae25spw9rnxFPxYW06y4KNc5PHpjs_rrgZz/s1600/20140528_144719.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chloe with her 5th grade award</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkHSRew3kI545_aDpDdIldjfetOEylgVuJeL7Kf7_sTiUSph9EOoC6EvQ57j_UmGZNIrYIPUXMUas_UTrUwEBM87NDg4aIGicTBe_fpkZuYefYjli7COa2hr3eC6FrFxUfZ4f4PznHpHt/s1600/20140504_194903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkHSRew3kI545_aDpDdIldjfetOEylgVuJeL7Kf7_sTiUSph9EOoC6EvQ57j_UmGZNIrYIPUXMUas_UTrUwEBM87NDg4aIGicTBe_fpkZuYefYjli7COa2hr3eC6FrFxUfZ4f4PznHpHt/s1600/20140504_194903.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan with his camo birthday cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsFhSdfPR-iW5LbwfPreL3XhfF0gfKL2xGFtAuFVLOtweRa_cyVFublaH6mFCcqs6mm-Tw-k7qV10coWKn4zSKAcbS7k4njRtRnM9szx2gPHg8L0HdYEoqdMs9g2BusDOJZ00fYaMzINk/s1600/20140528_103344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsFhSdfPR-iW5LbwfPreL3XhfF0gfKL2xGFtAuFVLOtweRa_cyVFublaH6mFCcqs6mm-Tw-k7qV10coWKn4zSKAcbS7k4njRtRnM9szx2gPHg8L0HdYEoqdMs9g2BusDOJZ00fYaMzINk/s1600/20140528_103344.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jillian with her teacher</td></tr>
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May: Because of the end of school and holidays mainly, May was another extremely busy month. Nathan's birthday was celebrated just with the family because he is also going to celebrate his birthday by going paintballing over the summer. Chloe's birthday was here at home and small because she is going to take some friends to Jump Street. Mother's day was special because the kiddos made me some gifts and I got a card. Events celebrating the end of the school year included the kid's awards ceremonies, concerts, Jillian's Multiplication MathFacts Bee (in which she placed 7th) and Chloe's Amazing Race Day. We also learned both Chloe and Nathan were accepted into the honor's program. Unfortunately, May was also when I learned my friend, Lorraine has bladder cancer. She had surgery last week to remove the tumor and the prognosis is very good; at this point, they don't even think she'll need chemo. Prayers for her are appreciated!<br />
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June: As for June, on the 9th Jillian had her tonsils removed and has been recovering ever since. She's anxiously awaiting the day she can eat regular food and sing and swim. We've got a check-up with the doctor on the 25th to get her clean bill of health. Wyatt had his 3rd birthday on the 6th and we had a bar-b-que and swim party with some friends. Since Chloe had such success making Nathan's camo cake that she decided to make a "Bee-do" cake for Wyatt. (Bee-do is what Wyatt calls the minions on Despicable Me). It was adorable and Wyatt loved it. Father's day, our anniversary and Jordan's 21st birthday were all on the same day this year so we had more cake - Chloe made one for Jordan too - and a quiet evening at home. Lowell and I went to the hot springs and out to dinner to celebrate later in the week. <br />
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This is by no means an exhaustive narrative of our past 9 months but it basically gets everyone caught up on our lives thus far. :) Thanks for taking the time to catch up with us! Hopefully I'll be better at keeping this thing up to date from now on. jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-40624636925621823742013-09-26T10:27:00.000-07:002013-09-26T10:27:13.544-07:00Hollywood Weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWC0w59OIceCIRnBZhpIRj79ubynutrLdNqLiwJ2X41nixjv71TAp61KaemvnYjNRWeqTZR8iv44xYQ-2vvTnq5OugWOaeblcsuKbaLpHq3dMJn45cUDcwa35C4moMlqTB_kcn979TD979/s1600/20130830_095849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWC0w59OIceCIRnBZhpIRj79ubynutrLdNqLiwJ2X41nixjv71TAp61KaemvnYjNRWeqTZR8iv44xYQ-2vvTnq5OugWOaeblcsuKbaLpHq3dMJn45cUDcwa35C4moMlqTB_kcn979TD979/s200/20130830_095849.jpg" width="150" /></a>We went to the beach!!!! All courtesy of a trip I had to take for work, the Trent clan got to experience the majesty of the ocean for the first time in 10 years. The last time I was able to run through the sand or stand in the waves was when Nathan was just a little younger than Wyatt is now. Lowell and I took Moron (Auntie RaRa) to the ocean for her birthday. Obviously then, none of my children have ever been to the beach. Until now!!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD88w9dlkx2XSWwccrumqcMZUorvRcxDLPx1gyiVijPXbE9bzTlV8ZdwIyQGKFPuKs84qZzQnluM__nE6VkLfKQyfkS_GNoWG6N1SsOaTKwZ6z_3Xr641-fj572HnUWxs91C4oUTTyhz8/s1600/20130830_100034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD88w9dlkx2XSWwccrumqcMZUorvRcxDLPx1gyiVijPXbE9bzTlV8ZdwIyQGKFPuKs84qZzQnluM__nE6VkLfKQyfkS_GNoWG6N1SsOaTKwZ6z_3Xr641-fj572HnUWxs91C4oUTTyhz8/s320/20130830_100034.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS3OpXDtb_qR7dwdSZGlTcqp6beaxmIrBUFucwxxVSeD2RzlKf7bspmLEK2Y99xIS2B1Eh4F0UT_HIBdkl_QRFnwrpfkX7JZOXIs7msnDa9Av4ntjtIkwfecvuTPOG3-jFmytSxj6vN40/s1600/20130830_093050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS3OpXDtb_qR7dwdSZGlTcqp6beaxmIrBUFucwxxVSeD2RzlKf7bspmLEK2Y99xIS2B1Eh4F0UT_HIBdkl_QRFnwrpfkX7JZOXIs7msnDa9Av4ntjtIkwfecvuTPOG3-jFmytSxj6vN40/s320/20130830_093050.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOiThDp81urkIqyamYJ6-OBcf3lgYi-JC_KQ8RkqIsww8E7_yj7f__KBpE1jhRrperRERhAJ16B38nk5rDg5gt9Vh9DRvR6sNlwBV_NxM8S5mwVSeJOWFNXrvmUgbEH2W6RFZEySJU3_1/s1600/20130830_093513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOiThDp81urkIqyamYJ6-OBcf3lgYi-JC_KQ8RkqIsww8E7_yj7f__KBpE1jhRrperRERhAJ16B38nk5rDg5gt9Vh9DRvR6sNlwBV_NxM8S5mwVSeJOWFNXrvmUgbEH2W6RFZEySJU3_1/s320/20130830_093513.jpg" width="240" /></a>Tuesday I flew to LA with two of my co-workers, Nancy and Mike. Mike's wife Lorraine also traveled with us. We were sent to Holly-wood to attend the annual National Sexual Assault Prevention Convention, The convention was Wednesday, Thursday and half of Friday so I spent Wednesday and Thursday going to workshops and hanging out with my co-workers. Then, Lowell and the kiddos arrived at the hotel on Thursday night. They were pooped from driving all day but I was so excited to see them! And they were thrilled to be staying in a "fancy" hotel. :) <br />
The sleeping arrangements were tight: Lowell took the bed right next to the air conditioner with Nathan next to him; the girls and I took the other bed and Tubbs got his own place on the floor made out of comforters and his blankets. Surprisingly we all slept well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGCcBNCWlLAfaaY1ZXEqYgbAEUhkU0O1pDDxnETbLKbEAnlcocq2D9OP8D67GGrDb7eP2-j9eOVqf2oIL1hA9xUqXWEFItol8-lGnWnSPkTE5jsLiu8ntlIWAXHGfwgQBUiYn7L463MGw/s1600/20130829_204555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGCcBNCWlLAfaaY1ZXEqYgbAEUhkU0O1pDDxnETbLKbEAnlcocq2D9OP8D67GGrDb7eP2-j9eOVqf2oIL1hA9xUqXWEFItol8-lGnWnSPkTE5jsLiu8ntlIWAXHGfwgQBUiYn7L463MGw/s200/20130829_204555.jpg" width="200" /></a>Our hotel was just down the hill from Universal Studios and CityWalk so we spent Thursday evening walking around and sight-seeing. We explored a fancy candy store, say movie artifacts and drank smoothies. We even found a restaurant and bowling alley named "Jillians". :) </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgag584SFIOFl_SKcnkZbVsGhva1L5Gon8olFanXfzDSntzHQmH0z8fa2_RlBMJem2Y_Ub3ShWo5pc9n9deGmrunrbapqpu078po8jYrjEv7qh4Xd0__Qz-lZESlgrqcg-B_WeVIREVniV_/s1600/20130829_194229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgag584SFIOFl_SKcnkZbVsGhva1L5Gon8olFanXfzDSntzHQmH0z8fa2_RlBMJem2Y_Ub3ShWo5pc9n9deGmrunrbapqpu078po8jYrjEv7qh4Xd0__Qz-lZESlgrqcg-B_WeVIREVniV_/s320/20130829_194229.jpg" width="240" /></a>Friday morning we drove over to the hotel for my last workshop, walked around the Chinese Theater and put our hands in some of the star's handprints, admired some of the Stars on the Walk of Fame and watched some street performers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64EPsAIR7lpyJrb71EiWzCCrZ2Nik8ZQvg-jT3UmBCOFQT0DJENYDoI1P06bCJ6D4fAuWHa0lVV7Fm7xK2K9to8mmTJPs4YMY7w96UCMXS1fH1iT0JH5ZvveEIJS1IuRmZ7NagwvWvTX7/s1600/20130830_094208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64EPsAIR7lpyJrb71EiWzCCrZ2Nik8ZQvg-jT3UmBCOFQT0DJENYDoI1P06bCJ6D4fAuWHa0lVV7Fm7xK2K9to8mmTJPs4YMY7w96UCMXS1fH1iT0JH5ZvveEIJS1IuRmZ7NagwvWvTX7/s200/20130830_094208.jpg" width="200" /></a>And then headed for Santa Monica! The weather was beautiful and calm and the drive over was easy. We parked right on the beach and started the trek to the water. There was a lovely sail boat out on the horizon and the kids kept calling it a pirate ship! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV07mNb7rM7oYSQZ70CvfCiiYjw2IA3doaHKbY_V2PHXXAnL5_oBN6Ltg4krMwBGW2572cQbnr2aZHnW0iUieC7BlkB2rEk6dGKg00lyxc0eDR7zTw1iv3Q0BvTWa__CtyGNwMX1Jn8tXa/s1600/20130830_133520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV07mNb7rM7oYSQZ70CvfCiiYjw2IA3doaHKbY_V2PHXXAnL5_oBN6Ltg4krMwBGW2572cQbnr2aZHnW0iUieC7BlkB2rEk6dGKg00lyxc0eDR7zTw1iv3Q0BvTWa__CtyGNwMX1Jn8tXa/s200/20130830_133520.jpg" width="142" /></a>Wyatt wasn't at all thrilled with how warm the sand was, and honestly, it was burning the spaces between my toes too! So, Lowell and I ended up carrying him most of the way to the shore. We threw down the blanket Lowell had packed and I took the bigger kids to the water. The Biggies dove right in. They waded out into the waves, they "surfed" the waves coming in, they tried to swim, I taught them to dig for sand crabs and they looked for sea shells. <br />
Wyatt was a very different story. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuc2bcERok2gOzeFRg5V-QoRY4FOUYN1Q-TfTxPYF6ABfRisyvNuGRTCembqA0MN7C9s58XFSEzJw34k3s_wAjRb96Lmrm0Mkg6JbCs1jldHMrRt3_M23lUs-YOGrkABTBdZe1lzO7LCrl/s1600/20130830_133507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuc2bcERok2gOzeFRg5V-QoRY4FOUYN1Q-TfTxPYF6ABfRisyvNuGRTCembqA0MN7C9s58XFSEzJw34k3s_wAjRb96Lmrm0Mkg6JbCs1jldHMrRt3_M23lUs-YOGrkABTBdZe1lzO7LCrl/s200/20130830_133507.jpg" width="150" /></a>He wanted nothing to do with the water. He wanted nothing to do with the sand. He wasn't interested in building sand castles and would not even put his feet on the ground anywhere near the water. What he did want to do was watch the sea gulls, the other children, the boats and the helicopters that were patrolling the beach. So, bless his heart, Lowell stayed on the blanket with Wyatt the entire time we were at the beach and watched the rest of us frolick in the water. <br />
The traffic going out of town was not nearly as accommodating as the drive to the beach. (Everything about LA is about leaving it, right?) So, we rumbled along in traffic with about half a million other people who were leaving LA for the Labor Day weekend. Our original plan was to hit Cabazon on the way home Friday and just get into Buckeye late that night. With the traffic delay however, it turned out that we needed to get a hotel room in California and then hit the dinosaurs Saturday morning. We stayed at a little hole in the wall motel and listened to a rain storm that evening. It was peaceful and relaxing. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BTqixe4iNqLSslzu5LlayobkXoVXJAWuvgcAhtb51KsYHNOAMJaT0Iux_0geqCY18lgNa-RjIq1Tbj5JW0rtTdQiT3Jn8Fwi4T3bdP79sadpGa2NoyzBNHQEatyzSNtCp3ofAAh7njZ0/s1600/20130831_092224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BTqixe4iNqLSslzu5LlayobkXoVXJAWuvgcAhtb51KsYHNOAMJaT0Iux_0geqCY18lgNa-RjIq1Tbj5JW0rtTdQiT3Jn8Fwi4T3bdP79sadpGa2NoyzBNHQEatyzSNtCp3ofAAh7njZ0/s320/20130831_092224.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice how small they look under his belly<br />
and in his toes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKgMpPudkchY_EwLT-hKSbLrighcc8ttueZu4LWi9TsKQ6XcbwRh54X-RVgn1mXseMOpA0OIHpD_Z5p_UHBFgUMF30n95PQGwN5bFa_EifXYrfLqZzG0Wb5VZVTwsa3ZBNf8mPHtKbQYG/s1600/20130831_093002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKgMpPudkchY_EwLT-hKSbLrighcc8ttueZu4LWi9TsKQ6XcbwRh54X-RVgn1mXseMOpA0OIHpD_Z5p_UHBFgUMF30n95PQGwN5bFa_EifXYrfLqZzG0Wb5VZVTwsa3ZBNf8mPHtKbQYG/s320/20130831_093002.jpg" width="240" /></a>Saturday morning, true to his word, Lowell took the kids to explore the dinosaurs at Cabazon. For those of you not familiar with California tourist attractions, there is a large Tyrannosaurus Rex and a brontosaurs-like dinosaur on the side of the highway between two fast food places. It is nearly the middle of nowhere, but makes for a nice rest stop. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkkRl9QrKKf0v2_yZeL39ZCiTczd3HToByLattmNJZ6O9OEywtRaX6YILR-C5Aw7rJLQl-mkR8P9JTMN9b739LZvtCPjbXWwGCk429_CQW-mNw53hnaOXNtcjSDuECM0TNbN0I6Me95jt/s1600/20130831_094535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkkRl9QrKKf0v2_yZeL39ZCiTczd3HToByLattmNJZ6O9OEywtRaX6YILR-C5Aw7rJLQl-mkR8P9JTMN9b739LZvtCPjbXWwGCk429_CQW-mNw53hnaOXNtcjSDuECM0TNbN0I6Me95jt/s320/20130831_094535.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H-cKfGfmNn7n0Cjr0cZJsQQhZ4iFUiB92dDnXxBxXjciFYwcoRrZSRAlPZlcfLu4giASUEjdPGthjBwQWSSW5u6Prc_7xvtImUKK_2CYtiUvp7Nno18fqCIkuxgLW2xxQjwzbY1d0E1X/s1600/20130831_100657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H-cKfGfmNn7n0Cjr0cZJsQQhZ4iFUiB92dDnXxBxXjciFYwcoRrZSRAlPZlcfLu4giASUEjdPGthjBwQWSSW5u6Prc_7xvtImUKK_2CYtiUvp7Nno18fqCIkuxgLW2xxQjwzbY1d0E1X/s200/20130831_100657.jpg" width="150" /></a>One feature of the dinosaur place is being able to climb up into the TRex and look out into the distance. You can also go inside the brontosaurus where the gift shop is located. Behind the statues, there is a separate area filled with many more dinosaurs, a rock panning area, another gift shop and a couple mechanical dinosaurs the smaller children can ride on. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIBsFo_SA2g9vwtPzLUomEJJXnBt_XSWPXeST9ok7W6i2GBRBMRPgenCHBOAJlUAqOWybKSx8B4vX5WE9Ch9JsUdIeGTkhfj62fxn1tfcZfCHQQJxNqHRLSv5nI9w_fPoICvTc80__WPb/s1600/20130831_100538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIBsFo_SA2g9vwtPzLUomEJJXnBt_XSWPXeST9ok7W6i2GBRBMRPgenCHBOAJlUAqOWybKSx8B4vX5WE9Ch9JsUdIeGTkhfj62fxn1tfcZfCHQQJxNqHRLSv5nI9w_fPoICvTc80__WPb/s200/20130831_100538.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRYPtryKGNG4DqsaQF05IPWSVTIb60Ho_Rs9tQfjbLot0dW0dtCnD8-CFW2oTOKFpwMV9Cl3qG8I79MfPXKcMZ0ixhsK7uwweQn8YUjC_FoHK4hbn1t-fT96jOuHXOhtH8UJyIan5JMjt/s1600/20130831_100923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRYPtryKGNG4DqsaQF05IPWSVTIb60Ho_Rs9tQfjbLot0dW0dtCnD8-CFW2oTOKFpwMV9Cl3qG8I79MfPXKcMZ0ixhsK7uwweQn8YUjC_FoHK4hbn1t-fT96jOuHXOhtH8UJyIan5JMjt/s200/20130831_100923.jpg" width="150" /></a>We all panned for rocks, Lowell took the kids up in the TRex and we walked the nature trails around looking at what it would have been like to see dinosaurs in the "wild". There was also an area filled with sand for the kids to dig for "bones" like archeologists. If they found a rock, they got a small toy from the gift shop. (Chloe found about 6!) <br />
These last few pictures are the kids posing next to their "favorite" dinosaurs. I couldn't even begin to name them, but I think my kiddos are adorable! :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTGgTuzGujK6J2CDkxVFsNh39xGcYhG0cHCquOie7KVTeBEEkRF7ZR6CcB5K3q_9dNN2PHPbSlPAWtaLg-TAnwdcQ4bQ12Vv-E0YMb5mFnSrQYQoZ294hxAKCLkOe7wecJamxuLJuypxG/s1600/20130831_100718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTGgTuzGujK6J2CDkxVFsNh39xGcYhG0cHCquOie7KVTeBEEkRF7ZR6CcB5K3q_9dNN2PHPbSlPAWtaLg-TAnwdcQ4bQ12Vv-E0YMb5mFnSrQYQoZ294hxAKCLkOe7wecJamxuLJuypxG/s200/20130831_100718.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQ-3Bemdug2D5kc_d3E-g_Vxfl1HY6gzwYsVslwdeqcRcCDGp5WQBQgmzzF7nLYv7bd4BrgwRVjqbdu2hxfYwND5OxlKFouNt938w_fcU1CxPDOV_84XLcI0CIUGTmLhqzP5K-WkRMUQA/s1600/20130831_114209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQ-3Bemdug2D5kc_d3E-g_Vxfl1HY6gzwYsVslwdeqcRcCDGp5WQBQgmzzF7nLYv7bd4BrgwRVjqbdu2hxfYwND5OxlKFouNt938w_fcU1CxPDOV_84XLcI0CIUGTmLhqzP5K-WkRMUQA/s320/20130831_114209.jpg" width="240" /></a>Kind of cheesy, but fun. :) <br />
<br />
As if that wasn't enough to squeeze into a weekend, on the way home we decided to drive around Palm Springs. We drove around and looked at the homes and neighborhoods and then stopped at a park. <br />
I'm used to heat - Buckeye is hot. But Palm Springs was MISERABLE! And it was only about 102 degrees! It was so humid that it was oppressive. The kids were happy to run around, but everyone got tired of the stickiness pretty quickly and then we were back in the van. We drove up to see the aerial tram that takes people to top of the Jacinto mountains -- about 8500 feet at its peak. We would have loved to take that trip, but we hadn't budgeted for that expense for this trip -- next time for sure!<br />
Such a blessing to spend this time with my family. Love these guys!!!<br />
jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-54966278806541903072013-07-09T15:28:00.006-07:002013-07-09T15:28:49.251-07:00Adventures in the Trent Household From the past few months:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakFNGfexZ3izNj8QnT7l6d-IXwFlyKDgP3fapk6X-nAwNWZ0jhRmJefULxt1qi-iv_2MTeSx7NQANIUykb7lMWfhEBKC2NWud0cA2dzBJ25rENQ0y_0tOrLVAs6e_WKBk85Z157vR3egB/s1600/20130601_154423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakFNGfexZ3izNj8QnT7l6d-IXwFlyKDgP3fapk6X-nAwNWZ0jhRmJefULxt1qi-iv_2MTeSx7NQANIUykb7lMWfhEBKC2NWud0cA2dzBJ25rENQ0y_0tOrLVAs6e_WKBk85Z157vR3egB/s200/20130601_154423.jpg" width="168" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-w8NFrBIkaiYHgOqdZ7rAink09oTao0lufB3Y-i1I16CcJqLJNGInCUxIeDbjsMfM-Bhl6baWVN2-OmHR-NYJeKr8hd1WW6Ro_joJfureQPXo11QIVuYSBl3m_rwxnKQqUckvgw92fip/s1600/20130531_171515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-w8NFrBIkaiYHgOqdZ7rAink09oTao0lufB3Y-i1I16CcJqLJNGInCUxIeDbjsMfM-Bhl6baWVN2-OmHR-NYJeKr8hd1WW6Ro_joJfureQPXo11QIVuYSBl3m_rwxnKQqUckvgw92fip/s200/20130531_171515.jpg" width="200" /></a>Jillian was involved in a dance program at the local community center. At the end of the 8 week class, there was a big performance from all the classes in our area. She did a great job and even had a solo part in her dance -- she cartwheeled across the stage! We loved watching her and presenting her with a little bouquet of roses afterward. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgdu-rEFmhvHKsFBnLhoZd4lHuHVVDWyiNoZpzz-gY2lC79H2GFsg2nkCLGuN01-fmnn4SSyHiXGWXWOLCbAApJ89R9Z5ZHRad5LGtCxvkSfIH1_VjAjtZr9M2HUuxajlRfw7R8WVxiKJ/s1600/IMG_20130526_082746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgdu-rEFmhvHKsFBnLhoZd4lHuHVVDWyiNoZpzz-gY2lC79H2GFsg2nkCLGuN01-fmnn4SSyHiXGWXWOLCbAApJ89R9Z5ZHRad5LGtCxvkSfIH1_VjAjtZr9M2HUuxajlRfw7R8WVxiKJ/s200/IMG_20130526_082746.jpg" width="150" /></a>The newest member of our family. Echo came home with us unexpectedly after a trip to the mall. My dad decided he wanted a pet to keep him company. She is lovable and completely devoted to him, following him wherever he goes. She loves to fetch and play tug of war and chase the cats. That last part we're still working on... I can't tell you how many times I've had to get a cat out of a tree since Echo came to live with us, lol. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyuYWmZK58owts8V6uz-KIAzXxbBMdEsGVf51QQOFQKjJ8yniUoAkal8D6E1g7jsuPlc6R6soRZNHWbTpxYbZlib1JRLc5Zlm1cKjNGC1Hqb1g6jAvdfK741Ng-W5DRU8j4jaG5bWR0TH/s1600/20130606_174314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyuYWmZK58owts8V6uz-KIAzXxbBMdEsGVf51QQOFQKjJ8yniUoAkal8D6E1g7jsuPlc6R6soRZNHWbTpxYbZlib1JRLc5Zlm1cKjNGC1Hqb1g6jAvdfK741Ng-W5DRU8j4jaG5bWR0TH/s200/20130606_174314.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing his favorite shirt -- a monster <br />
face that says "happy" under it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wyatt turned 2! And how did he celebrate his birthday?? With a visit from his great grandma "Grammie" and his great-great grandma "Mamoo"!!!! Mamie turned 90 on the 19th of June and her one wish for her birthday was to come down to Arizona to see us! So, she and Grammie loaded up in the car and drove on down for a few days. It was great to see them and to have the kids get to spend time with their beloved grandmas. I covered that a little in the previous post. One of Mamie's favorite adventures was when we went to the pool so the Biggies could show off their mad swimmin' skills and so Wyatt could scare everyone with how much he loves to throw himself into the water. There's no fear of water with that kid, that's for sure! :) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9ldpJHucMURk3tW0HLo24t8CYKllgx5FQ0D4l60OzYaeGFmZ9FgcpyiMYmvtNATHoLm4A-j-0tapGIDjFIYmbHHBbYHGKDD8wjHW4w8pDZDxSIXTtiavIpS0h8pZm9H3joWa_4ahEcdh/s1600/20130608_153453_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9ldpJHucMURk3tW0HLo24t8CYKllgx5FQ0D4l60OzYaeGFmZ9FgcpyiMYmvtNATHoLm4A-j-0tapGIDjFIYmbHHBbYHGKDD8wjHW4w8pDZDxSIXTtiavIpS0h8pZm9H3joWa_4ahEcdh/s320/20130608_153453_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this picture, taken at the bead store.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Grammie and I took advantage of the time together to go through my closet and create outfits for me to wear to work; she knows I can't wrap my head around a "professional" me. She cleaned my sewing machine and gave Chloe her first sewing lesson and also let me use her Costco card for some bulk shopping too! We went to a bead store and then took Chloe to a free session at one of the local gymnastics gyms. Mamie and Grammie loved watching her use her skills and try new things during her trial session. She has such a love for gymnastics! <br />
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Since the grandmas left, Chloe has started going to Flame gym 2 hours a week. She began in level 2 and is already working on her skills to be promoted to level 3!<br />
Jillian wants to take the tumbling class Chloe took through the community center so I think we'll start her in that once school starts back up. For now though, she's busy with swimming lessons! While I'm at work, my dad takes the kiddos to the pool for Jillian's lesson and then sometimes stays to let everyone swim. It has been such a blessing having him around this summer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LOUmL4EgAY_iUZvSFBG8cXK4qysYgZnbFuuYRvNVNyc3Z4Moqdvb-DRmL_6b9lMPXubXpS69vjmk_-07B8GgcQRAsq49MCHJjPjwQEUWmIrKO-R2WiLkONd20f8yO2uEz9m47b_qVFhi/s1600/20130706_213913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LOUmL4EgAY_iUZvSFBG8cXK4qysYgZnbFuuYRvNVNyc3Z4Moqdvb-DRmL_6b9lMPXubXpS69vjmk_-07B8GgcQRAsq49MCHJjPjwQEUWmIrKO-R2WiLkONd20f8yO2uEz9m47b_qVFhi/s200/20130706_213913.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lead singer of Everclear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We're even spending some time together just the two of us! Last weekend, for example, he talked me into going to my first rock concert. It was 90s rock -- Sponge, Filter, Live and Everclear and I was surprised as how many of the songs were familiar to me. It was loud and kind of small but we had a good time together. :) And I think I might download some Live from iTunes..... <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_njeruljjS4FLnpxnvICF-Srvz2il_y2DieAHjicrC9qG7MTe6aJHN-Ly03JIIyRpQOY9BRNrCLOySHS1KqhtavWYelj4inR3mYTnkZ8bVN_6qtV9xwKHM5YVDbqlZbgY9n1W1jZ9WSD/s1600/20130704_193747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_njeruljjS4FLnpxnvICF-Srvz2il_y2DieAHjicrC9qG7MTe6aJHN-Ly03JIIyRpQOY9BRNrCLOySHS1KqhtavWYelj4inR3mYTnkZ8bVN_6qtV9xwKHM5YVDbqlZbgY9n1W1jZ9WSD/s200/20130704_193747.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sack races</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsXjzJ2DfbHUt0Ezx_jezahnwpqNspoMG355Hj1HdSo_lGOx1X2GVaWsl0yZGdOL9CwMfOmqUyN1VBnTnomg5Ksds-ColYmlK0gEvh5mydsDNinc-E6Km4R_jDHCSPtQMzLgnZqLSx26U/s1600/20130704_191128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsXjzJ2DfbHUt0Ezx_jezahnwpqNspoMG355Hj1HdSo_lGOx1X2GVaWsl0yZGdOL9CwMfOmqUyN1VBnTnomg5Ksds-ColYmlK0gEvh5mydsDNinc-E6Km4R_jDHCSPtQMzLgnZqLSx26U/s200/20130704_191128.jpg" width="200" /></a>For the 4th of July, we went to the local Buckeye fireworks at Youngker high school. It was a quiet, fun afternoon. The kids participated in the sack races, the water balloon toss and played tag and catch in the grass. We ate watermelon provided by the Lions Club and then enjoyed the fireworks. Last year Hubba slept through them and I was looking forward to him enjoying them a little more this year. Instead, he watched about 4 explosions and then turned over on my chest and fell asleep. It was a fun family evening that reminded me of why 4th of July is my second favorite holiday. There is no pressure to cook or buy presents, no frantic running from here to there... There family, and taking time to be thankful for our freedoms and our blessings. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessed</td></tr>
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jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719939796129361407.post-16562108212608133022013-07-09T13:50:00.000-07:002013-07-09T13:50:01.548-07:00Milestone<img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ5M_gKp5Wd2kAHjLD07kx6_6utCrWETe8skh0kzqJHACP8pu9vgg" data-sz="f" name="TSdSuBOrOMQ18M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ5M_gKp5Wd2kAHjLD07kx6_6utCrWETe8skh0kzqJHACP8pu9vgg" style="height: 135px; margin-left: -14px; margin-right: -5px; margin-top: 0px; width: 200px;" /><br />
June 19th, 1923<br />
My great-grandmother was born on this date 90 years ago. A couple weeks ago, she and my grandma drove down to Buckeye to spend a few days with my family. That was her wish - the only present she wanted for her 90th birthday was to spend time with the Trents. We had a glorious 4 days together. We drove around so she could see all the places associated with our family's busy life - the kid's schools, our workplaces, church, the local Walmart... We ate dinner together, the 9 of us and laughed and talked and looked at old pictures. The kids showed off their rooms, their school awards and shared stories about their daily lives. <br />
Many of you know that I was raised by my Great-Grandma - affectionately known as Mamie. Even at 90, Mamie still lives independently, drives herself around and is the head of volunteers at the hospital in San Andreas. She volunteers 2-3 days a week there and is in charge of training all new volunteers. She also works with my grandma making jewelry which they sell at a time share in Angels Camp each Friday evening. While at my house, she insisted on mopping my kitchen floor and helped me with some laundry. She is quite amazing in her ability to flourish even at 90 years old.<br />
Lowell and I marvel thinking about how much she has seen in her 90 years. The birth of indoor plumbing, electricity, and telephones. The progression of buggies to automobiles to airplanes and technology! from cell phones to computers, she has managed to evolve with the times. Admittedly however, she only has a "dumb" cell phone and no real understanding of the Internet. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDqV3ZGnIMszXnF3YQqEZeU_ZrLprYtK7fWntOck-Ya-Oa6rdCXog2In59X7joaGlwUvfzstTv8i6R8FY8q7KEtHUEu3a3vz16ZbcVEpLIH3P_PnE6cmrxXu-VJqyjxmpacXmN8Axz0Os/s1600/20130608_132247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDqV3ZGnIMszXnF3YQqEZeU_ZrLprYtK7fWntOck-Ya-Oa6rdCXog2In59X7joaGlwUvfzstTv8i6R8FY8q7KEtHUEu3a3vz16ZbcVEpLIH3P_PnE6cmrxXu-VJqyjxmpacXmN8Axz0Os/s400/20130608_132247.jpg" width="400" /></a>She was born at the end of the Depression, lived and traveled west during the Dust Bowl, married and lost her husband in World War 2, spent time as a single working mother in the 40s and 50s and then remarried and raised a blended family, helped raise my own mother, took in my father and then raised me. <br />
An accomplished life, a lasting legacy and still more memories to come. <br />
Happy Birthday Mamie! We love you very much and can't wait to see what this coming year brings!jesuslovesgiraffeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15033685830887724225noreply@blogger.com0