tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79326444910992583662024-02-02T14:40:34.057-06:00Our very Full HouseDevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.comBlogger967125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-27253739593935600712015-11-17T11:17:00.000-06:002015-11-17T11:18:24.029-06:00**Knock knock....**I miss this space.<br />
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Is anyone still listening? Should I write here, and post here....even if no one is?<br />
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The question of the day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-43112615975458335942013-03-18T22:07:00.000-05:002013-03-18T22:52:49.577-05:00To find a wife is to find a good thing . . . right?The other night, as we were watching a bit of Star Wars--the boys' favorite--Ethan asked:<br />
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"Why is it that Anakin can't get married? Why can't he have a wife, I don't understand."<br />
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Even though we've explained this a few times, I drew a breath and began to start the explanation of how Jedis must use all of their concentration to fight evil, blah blah blah....but Cameron interrupted me before I could even say a word.<br />
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"He can't have a wife because they're just <i><b>too much WORK,</b></i> Ethan!"<br />
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Oh dear.....<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0pt none !important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-38867110036602089062013-03-14T16:47:00.000-05:002013-03-14T16:50:15.632-05:00The doll house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lola's dollhouse.</div>
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A peaceful place, where she can play, and her brothers do not disturb her or "mess up" her things.</div>
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She has it all straightened the way she likes it, and, as you can see, currently it is nap time.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1BdeOOmHy1uawcThGrMprV80udR_aOUllD_LmPNCg3fb1Jn34T1eh9p2It7VKEToIgqE0w88Cg7EJ-GPwItqQtjVPb_z9WSw3Y7yAtncuJRlgvA4KIK9O4Xe18kD2BQEmz5BOY-chhcO/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1BdeOOmHy1uawcThGrMprV80udR_aOUllD_LmPNCg3fb1Jn34T1eh9p2It7VKEToIgqE0w88Cg7EJ-GPwItqQtjVPb_z9WSw3Y7yAtncuJRlgvA4KIK9O4Xe18kD2BQEmz5BOY-chhcO/s640/070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mom and Dad, lovingly placed in their spots.</div>
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Brother (his name is Ethan, coincidentally) is asleep in his bassinet,</div>
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and sister is upstairs in her bed; she is not pictured so I thought I had </div>
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better share that info. We wouldn't want to leave her out. *giggle*</div>
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And then....we check the bathroom (to the left, top floor)....</div>
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and we find....</div>
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that a certain Star Wars loving brother actually <i>has </i>invaded<i> </i>this land of all things girlie.<br />
In the <i>exact spot</i> I would have expected him to make his presence known.</div>
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Never a dull moment.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-17236526794822882872013-03-12T14:11:00.001-05:002013-03-12T14:11:13.335-05:00Lola readingI can recite most of "Go Dog! Go!" without looking.<br />
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Same goes for Hooper Humperdink, One Fish Two Fish, Hand Hand Fingers Thumb (a small list of Lola's current favorites)....oh, the list could go on.<br />
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There are probably parents out there that can do that with "Goodnight, Moon" or "I'll Love You Forever" (most heart wrenching book on the planet, by the way--don't go into that one unprepared, moms! Read it through first, compose yourself, and then attempt reading to the kiddos. *grin*).<br />
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You know what I'm talking about--that handful of books that your child just wants to read over and over.<br />
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This one has been read so many times that, not only does <i>Mommy </i>know it by heart, so does Lola!<br />
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I love it! (And please don't judge me on dress code or girly hair violations. This was a "Lola gets to dress herself" day, and she picked a pajama top and a tutu. Of course she did.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-25645805637529160602013-03-07T16:55:00.000-06:002013-03-07T16:55:06.547-06:00Snow. Finally!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lola has never been out in a <i>real </i>snow.</div>
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That may seem hard to believe, but for some reason, our little corner of the world has had two very mild winters in a row. So, she hasn't made it out this year OR last year (and of course, the year before that wasn't even walking yet!)</div>
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When we got just a <i>few </i>precious inches yesterday, and a snow day from school to boot, you can bet we jumped on the opportunity to take advantage of it!</div>
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Lolee girl was so excited to get all suited up and play in the white stuff. </div>
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She had so many layers on, she could hardly move!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisT_m8pFY6LqP49vdESVJ6d14yTrZWfRMCJGInMHjYwiDQP3UK0Fxk_eHwnjpMC7dHLMoAQ3Hf71RIDckBpeqxKkF44jSOfrwKTGVnIjyXBXtzZRNMoX0kT-1PavVg2bh8jsBh3XpzrBgh/s1600/Snow+Day!+003-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisT_m8pFY6LqP49vdESVJ6d14yTrZWfRMCJGInMHjYwiDQP3UK0Fxk_eHwnjpMC7dHLMoAQ3Hf71RIDckBpeqxKkF44jSOfrwKTGVnIjyXBXtzZRNMoX0kT-1PavVg2bh8jsBh3XpzrBgh/s640/Snow+Day!+003-001.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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We took a jaunt out to a local Forest Preserve, and found out </div>
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hey--families of deer like the snow too! We counted 12!</div>
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We enjoyed sitting and watching them for awhile. They came so close!</div>
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But then...the hills were calling our name. Out came the sleds!</div>
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As much as the boys went down the hill, this was the first year there was </div>
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NO complaining about coming back up! They truly are growing up....*sniff*....</div>
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Even Grandma Jane came along....</div>
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....and went down a few times herself!</div>
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Lola took turns with a few of us, but DADDY was definitely her favorite "passenger". </div>
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She was pretty unsure her first time down (her very first time ever!)....</div>
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....but was very brave--even put her hands up! *grin*</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLOld2xb5862StgsT1-LBGyDhM01N7qHew2TuofkfeWfeqb7P4Vmfvh6EObbMsTh-l4tcX2y_wBq6nf3l-nyCR0WHIA5ZvdWE-aSy7mxO5zdAEstDu03LkNXcq3h4qxWSOtCLKOu8wb8h/s1600/Snow+Day!+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLOld2xb5862StgsT1-LBGyDhM01N7qHew2TuofkfeWfeqb7P4Vmfvh6EObbMsTh-l4tcX2y_wBq6nf3l-nyCR0WHIA5ZvdWE-aSy7mxO5zdAEstDu03LkNXcq3h4qxWSOtCLKOu8wb8h/s640/Snow+Day!+086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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She LOVED it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFuR7Yo26ZXEZL8LA4n447O90IWfHUDj_ZtBmuHZltij722Cl-CLeqjb7tSofc48-20LyDdokbRtjQGo98dOAVmISI5UbAEYIQAAzhPDSFjKFis-AkOC0uiJ-HloaPljRZdH3FhKwBGk5/s1600/Snow+Day!+092-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFuR7Yo26ZXEZL8LA4n447O90IWfHUDj_ZtBmuHZltij722Cl-CLeqjb7tSofc48-20LyDdokbRtjQGo98dOAVmISI5UbAEYIQAAzhPDSFjKFis-AkOC0uiJ-HloaPljRZdH3FhKwBGk5/s640/Snow+Day!+092-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Both gave Mommy a great smile when they got back up.</div>
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A picture I will treasure for a long time, I'm sure.</div>
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Since I'm behind the camera so much, I don't usually get to be in photos...but Shane took his </div>
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turn snapping, and I got a gem of Lolee and I whooshing down the hill. I love this one!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We had a few of these.....</span></div>
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....and these....</div>
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....and these....</div>
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....but mostly, there were just <i>these.</i></div>
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<i><b>Smiles.</b></i></div>
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Such a wonderful adventure....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8RKLx8I1xehyphenhyphenrjdBrQ49VpdiQjjaRWHMbQA-Ftbr__x7cpaRMy1RcCCwT_ekPo8q0iR4axmCcpnq2rFP1hx-4bN1RAp9ILHdWwkg1R04XFqWWuva2IHTacoBV1_pZe9N7L3sjG6Ut1Z9/s1600/Snow+Day!+137-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8RKLx8I1xehyphenhyphenrjdBrQ49VpdiQjjaRWHMbQA-Ftbr__x7cpaRMy1RcCCwT_ekPo8q0iR4axmCcpnq2rFP1hx-4bN1RAp9ILHdWwkg1R04XFqWWuva2IHTacoBV1_pZe9N7L3sjG6Ut1Z9/s640/Snow+Day!+137-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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....and once again, I feel blessed to have a day like this in the books!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYe47De2NqPwZAFfc49e39iTVUOHDoSH2AU0pc-QL3vh3-6kJ07Yv3128UPFIXIFcc4i790BiY7R8_7s1zeYvD6bnwLxMJyXijUaOPUosS-u1tWcWk1BPvm9St-RwoF46m8EcUcyo5rT0/s1600/Snow+Day!+180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYe47De2NqPwZAFfc49e39iTVUOHDoSH2AU0pc-QL3vh3-6kJ07Yv3128UPFIXIFcc4i790BiY7R8_7s1zeYvD6bnwLxMJyXijUaOPUosS-u1tWcWk1BPvm9St-RwoF46m8EcUcyo5rT0/s640/Snow+Day!+180.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-56423979976827340422013-02-14T17:08:00.000-06:002013-02-14T17:08:48.922-06:00Valentine's Day - with Kindergartners!I know how an already fun day can get better--fill it with 20 Kindergartners!<br />
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I was lucky enough to be room mommy to Ethan's class today! Lo and I had so much fun. We were in charge of games, so about 12:30, we headed off to school!<br />
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We started in music class, where the kids were VERY excited to show us their Valentine's song!<br />
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Ethan and his little buddy Calloway. </div>
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(I may or may not think she is the cutest little girl e.ver.<br />
Doesn't it almost look like they could be brother and sister??)</div>
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Ethan's buddy Bennett</div>
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E and Calloway dancing!</div>
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"I love you little, I love you lots, my love for you would fill 10 pots, </div>
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15 buckets, 16 cans, 3 teacups and 4 dishpans."</div>
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The kids were so cute, all hugging their teacher and telling her how much they love her!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0UYr_6TtBhdEsbctont8APHGfgkwmzsjeU61O_h9Vyh5uGxMBr9nOV3gzJwEiMtC18IVlsSBfwENZyuNsWmzkdF4zJHYWkAomSjp7uFTxn1dhYvvBmZVkDcjDlIRS4FdJ9tU_xSXXx0c/s1600/Ethan's+Valentine+party+011-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0UYr_6TtBhdEsbctont8APHGfgkwmzsjeU61O_h9Vyh5uGxMBr9nOV3gzJwEiMtC18IVlsSBfwENZyuNsWmzkdF4zJHYWkAomSjp7uFTxn1dhYvvBmZVkDcjDlIRS4FdJ9tU_xSXXx0c/s640/Ethan's+Valentine+party+011-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />On our way back to the classroom, we stopped off to see Cameron for a second.</div>
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He was SUPER excited to see his Sis!</div>
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I was in charge of the games, so we did a very quick and easy one: Heart-A-Stack! </div>
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Stacking those little candy hearts was <i>much </i>more challenging than it appeared!</div>
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Bennett</div>
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Ethan (who was frustrated because his kept falling over!)</div>
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Landon</div>
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Reed</div>
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Calloway</div>
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Soon it was time to move on to CANDY--that made him much happier!</div>
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The chaos of 20 K-5'ers, most of whom needed help figuring out which </div>
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Valentine was addressed to whom, passing out candy and cards was hilarious to me!</div>
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The kids were very gracious and shared some smarties with Lo. It was the happiest I saw her all day.</div>
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Reed was very excited over Ethan's candy and Star Wars Valentine!</div>
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Hilarious moment #47: Mr. Fretueg showing the kids how to bite off both ends of the</div>
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Red Vine and use it as a straw to drink their special "Cupid's Floats"!</div>
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Adorable (and extra delicious) cupcakes, homemade by </div>
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my very talented friend (and Cameron's teacher!), <a href="http://fretuegfamily.blogspot.com/">Rachelle</a>!</div>
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Lips for the girls, mustaches for the boys. All out of chocolate. Did I say delish?</div>
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E goofing....</div>
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"Extra whipped cream? Red Vine straw?"</div>
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Lola was shared with....yet again!</div>
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Love these two!</div>
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Avery, ready to chow on those cupcakes!</div>
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Such cuteness...</div>
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Get it all girl!</div>
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All in all, another wonderful day at Catlin Grade School!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXObjzTr5SXv7qp75loxqiqq3F4dFXbBODQ4a3j-OXVtY88hVR4hUt9iQZU-8Q18TMf8oo4h4KEGy5gBFskuLXEEEqy4hlq6za1whQuzgK0EG8iaZArF9QgfQ7biTv-N0_d7wtDd88Qpg/s1600/Ethan's+Valentine+party+021-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXObjzTr5SXv7qp75loxqiqq3F4dFXbBODQ4a3j-OXVtY88hVR4hUt9iQZU-8Q18TMf8oo4h4KEGy5gBFskuLXEEEqy4hlq6za1whQuzgK0EG8iaZArF9QgfQ7biTv-N0_d7wtDd88Qpg/s640/Ethan's+Valentine+party+021-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0pt none !important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-18561496241985766692013-02-11T14:21:00.001-06:002013-02-11T14:21:46.155-06:00Sick Sick SickWe have suffered through quite a bit of sickness in our home over the past six/eight weeks. Well....suffered....that's harsh, I suppose.<br />
<br />
Suffering is dirt floors, starving bellies, tin roofs; malaria or AIDS.<br />
<br />
One at a time, each taking their turn, the boys and Lola went down. Just when we thought we were done, it came <i>back </i>around and started all over, taking them one by one yet <i>again</i>. And then, a third time; this one, a completely different bug with new symptoms. Thankfully, <i>puke </i>wasn't one of them that round. And then again....last night....Lola. A. GAIN.<br />
<br />
In truth, I've been given a gift with the sickness. It was hidden, and I had to dig a bit for it, but boy, I sure did enjoy it once it was found.<br />
<br />
As the mother of sick children, I was given the gift of <b>stopping without guilt</b>.<br />
<br />
I don't know about others, but I have a difficult time slowing down. My life is busy, what with (how many children do I have? <i><b>Whoa</b></i>) and a entrepreneurial, hard working husband who works sometimes many, many hours so that we can enjoy many of life's wonderful pleasures. Not the <i>least</i> of which is the opportunity that he has given me to stay home with <i>all </i>of my babies from the time they were born until that dreaded day in August--when I have cried as I watched them leave me for the excitement of Kindergarten.<br />
<br />
I <i>enjoy </i>staying home. <a href="http://shanemerrittfamily.blogspot.com/2010/08/nascar-is-just-not-my-thing.html">I am happiest in my kitchen</a>. I fancy myself a decent (alright, pretty good), organized housekeeper and a fairly good cook. There is constantly <i>something </i>to be done to keep my family (and all that comes along with them) running smoothly. I don't need to list; you all know what those things are, and I'm sure between all of us, we could be here all day naming the things that keep us working from sun up till sun down (and most days, well beyond those hours).<br />
<br />
There is so much to do that often, I feel guilty just <i>enjoying</i> my precious daughter during the day. <b>Sitting means the other stuff isn't getting done.</b><br />
<br />
Playing beauty shop. Doing nails. Watching Tinkerbell or Tangled or Veggie Tales. Playing Uno or Blink or dollhouse or "hold me like a baby" or dress up with the baby dolls. <i>Reading<b>.</b></i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
That list could go on and on as well.<br />
<br />
But being sick, especially when it hit <i>me,</i> has forced my hand. I <i>had </i>to stop. I <i>had</i> to be still, because it just hurt too bad to move too much!<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>And I found it was wonderful.</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
We did all of those things, and more. We laughed. We discovered some new things. We just enjoyed each other. And I said the words, "The house is kind of a wreck" to Shane as he came home from work more times than I probably have in the last year combined. He didn't seem to mind. He's awesome like that.<br />
<br />
(Truth is, he has seen the value in my "being still" for some time and has been gently, patiently trying to work me toward it. Told you. Awesome.)<br />
<br />
I've decided it was high time that I make more of an effort to live this way--even when my body (or theirs) isn't necessarily forcing me.<br />
<br />
So, I've made my confession. I've said it before and I <i>know </i>I will say it again: <a href="http://shanemerrittfamily.blogspot.com/2013/02/heart-at-home-that-time-again.html">I'm not a perfect mom</a>. How about you--do you struggle with this, and if so, how do you find your balance?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-6965664065359927102013-02-08T15:38:00.001-06:002013-02-08T15:39:08.771-06:00Heart at Home--that time again!<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDNbKjZ7tuUbQkH-JFGQnJ3eM5YKt8qFNAQ0da3E-6dXG9rDo2V1o5ZbFcKyvjdlio66i78koWL_RCb4bLqT2_qUzlXM56nIejU2sbMTiZfMm5nr2RrYr6s4mAWsdWhhK3DMScuGpMfPN/s1600/Imperfect+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDNbKjZ7tuUbQkH-JFGQnJ3eM5YKt8qFNAQ0da3E-6dXG9rDo2V1o5ZbFcKyvjdlio66i78koWL_RCb4bLqT2_qUzlXM56nIejU2sbMTiZfMm5nr2RrYr6s4mAWsdWhhK3DMScuGpMfPN/s320/Imperfect+mom.jpg" width="256" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hearts at Home
encourages moms to embrace imperfection!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
always knew you would be the perfect mom. Then you had children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now
that you know more, it’s probably safe to say that most days haven’t turn out
like you imagined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We’ve
all been there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
life doesn’t measure up to our expectations, it’s easy to feel like we’ve
failed as mothers and we begin asking, “What’s wrong with me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
truth is nothing is wrong with you. You are normal. Your frustrations, your
disappointments and your struggles are the same frustrations, disappointments
and struggles that every mom is going through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.heartsathome.org/">Hearts at Home</a> is offering two
opportunities for moms to embrace and celebrate their imperfections right along
with others who are doing this “mom thing,” too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">No More Perfect
Moms, </span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the
newly-released book by Hearts at Home Founder and CEO, Jill Savage, will help
moms rid themselves of the “Perfection Infection.” </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">With refreshing honesty,
author Jill Savage exposes some of her own parental shortcomings with the goal
of helping mothers everywhere shelve their desires for perfection along with
their insecurities of not measuring up to other moms.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And,
if you purchase the book any time between February 3-9 (online or at a store…and
yes, electronic versions such as Kindle and Nook count too!) and send a copy of
your receipt to </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="mailto:NoMorePerfectMoms@moody.edu">NoMorePerfectMoms@moody.edu</a></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, you'll be given
access to well over $100 worth of resources that will help you on your
mothering journey - absolutely free! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
will you receive? Click <a href="http://www.hearts-at-home.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1832&Itemid=381">here</a> for a full list of audio workshops, printables, and books and all the details
about how to buy the book!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then
plan to join thousands of moms, just like you, as they celebrate their
imperfections on March 15-16, 2013, at the Hearts at Home 2013 National
Conference, on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal, IL.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Registration is
open!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Choose
the two-day Friday PLUS! option for a main session and three or four workshops
on Friday, plus choose three or four additional workshops on Saturday or choose
to attend either Friday or Saturday. Add Moms Night Out on Friday for a great
day – or two – away!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Main
sessions feature keynote speakers <a href="http://www.candacecameronbure.net/">Candace Cameron Bure</a> – mom, producer, New York Times’ best-selling
author and actress, and best known for her role as "D.J." on Full
House – and <a href="http://www.jillsavage.org/">Jill Savage</a> – author and CEO and
Founder of Hearts at Home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Moms Night Out welcomes <a href="http://www.anitarenfroe.com/">Anita Renfroe</a> , well
known for her pop culture parody of the William Tell Overture-Mom Style and s</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">pecial musical
guest <a href="http://www.meredithandrews.com/">Meredith Andrews</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">More than 30 workshops with titles including <i>Seven
Habits of Highly Effective Moms</i>, <i>Real Ways to Connect With Your Kids</i>,
<i>Boys R Us--Raising Boys from 2 to 22</i>, and <i>Wise Women Raising Wiser
Daughters,</i> give you the opportunity to design the day around your own
needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
a sell-out crowd at last year’s conference, early registration is encouraged.
The Best Value Registration Deadline is February 20, 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Click <a href="http://www.hearts-at-home.org/index.php/events/national-2013">here</a> for full descriptions of
all speakers and workshops and to start the registration process. Group discounts
are available!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I'm going....come, join us!</div>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0pt none !important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-18106535524206871552013-02-05T21:13:00.000-06:002013-02-05T21:13:19.783-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Cameron has always been the funniest kid. I just get the biggest kick out of the things he says and does.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
His survey of "101 days of school" being no exception. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ23WNuVjIH_UHphQLjArTM0bxFhCZLBaooOHx8Q7kr4fNLMP3tY3x-pooioOufhvb5NhcHXk2CCMWBgGUPGGAvpUZD5G3SFGzx9ZwncMUOh7ZSO-fh2KjWLrUx8WbPaSXWTdxKC9Ud7kS/s1600/Cam+100++days+first+grade-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ23WNuVjIH_UHphQLjArTM0bxFhCZLBaooOHx8Q7kr4fNLMP3tY3x-pooioOufhvb5NhcHXk2CCMWBgGUPGGAvpUZD5G3SFGzx9ZwncMUOh7ZSO-fh2KjWLrUx8WbPaSXWTdxKC9Ud7kS/s1600/Cam+100++days+first+grade-001.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
<br />
I would like to eat: 101 fish<br />
I would <i>not </i>like to eat: 101 pease {peas}<br />
(This coincidentally was the morning after a meal of delicious fish and apparently not so delicious peas)<br />
My parents tell me 101 times to: "Stop it." {I rolled. Just rolled.}<br />
I tell my parents 101 times: "I want a penut buter and jelly." {True. He'd pick them over candy. Over ice cream}.<br />
When I am 101 years old....."I will die." Hahaaaaa! <b><i>This </i><i>child!!</i></b><br />
<br />
Oh Cameron. You are the reason for my deepening laugh lines and I wouldn't trade them for the world.... <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-68275682925664197852013-02-01T15:11:00.000-06:002013-02-01T15:11:05.607-06:00Ethan is SIX !<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday, we celebrated this special guy's SIXTH birthday! </div>
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I saw this on my friend's blog and thought it would be fun to do with Ethan....<br />
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<b>1. What do you like to do for fun?</b> <i>I like to play the Wii and my DS. And, I like to play soccer. </i><br />
<b>2. What is one word to describe you?</b><i> Kind.</i> <i>{For the record, Colin said "nice" and Cameron said "playful". True, true.} </i><br />
<b>3. What was the nicest thing you did for someone?</b> <i>Ummm...I gave someone a present on their birthday.</i><br />
<b>4. If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?</b><i> A bear, 'cause I'd like to be a bear. Me: Why? Ethan: I just do. </i><br />
<b>5. If you could have one special power, what would it be and why?</b> <i>I would turn into a guy like Hulk and be really strong but I'd also have a hammer nobody else could pick up. </i><br />
<b>6. Favorite candy?</b> <i>Those green things we had in Missouri that look like popsicles that had sugar on them {rock candy} </i><br />
<b>7. What do you want to be when you grow up?</b> <i>A plane driver. </i><br />
<b>8. Favorite color?</b> Red.<br />
<b>9. Favorite things to do in school?</b> <i>Music {YES!} </i><br />
<b>10. Favorite song?</b><i> Blessed be Your Name {Double YES} </i><br />
<b>11. Favorite book? </b><i>The ants go marching. </i><br />
<b>12. Favorite sport? </b><i>Soccer </i><br />
<b>13. Favorite Drink?</b> <i>Sprite </i><br />
<b>14. Favorite Ice Cream?</b> <i>Green mint with the chocolate chips. </i><br />
<b>15. What is your favorite food?</b><i> Tacos and pizza </i><br />
<b>16. Favorite Restaurant?</b><i> Monicals </i><br />
<b>17. What is your favorite thing about Colin? </b><i>That he helps me sometimes when I can't get stuff and I can't do stuff. </i><br />
<b>18. What is your favorite thing about Cameron?</b><i> That he plays with me. </i><br />
<b>19. What is your favorite thing about Lola?</b> <i>That she is cute. {Heehee} </i><br />
<b>20. What do you love about mom?</b> <i>You make food for me. {Ah. A way to the man's heart....} </i><br />
<b>21. What do you love about dad? </b><i>That he plays with us at night time, he plays basketball in our bedroom and nerf wars. </i><br />
<b>22. What are you looking forward to now that you're 6?</b><i> I can't wait to do stuff when I'm six that I couldn't do when I was five. {Good thought process} </i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We went about 9:30 and took--at Ethan's request--some muffins for his class at school. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lola was more than a little excited to see him! These two are the best of friends, but can also</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fight like cats and dogs sometimes...depends on their moods! I much prefer the good days :)</div>
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Lola was quite the hit with the boys in the class. Oh, dear.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Ethan was very excited to show me his "special birthday chair on the special birthday carpet". *grin*</div>
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A birthday crown from his teacher!</div>
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First bite of his favorite muffins....</div>
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The class all sang to him and he got his "birthday spankings". All in all, a successful morning!</div>
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Later that afternoon, I worked on his cake and some accessories. </div>
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I found online how you could dye rice, so Shane worked on that, while I worked on decorating his cake.</div>
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Ethan requested a Bowser cake and I freaked out...but then I remembered <a href="http://pinterest.com/devdev12/">Pinterest</a>!</div>
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Thank you for <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/199002877256432545/">the inspiration</a> Pinterest!!</div>
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We had a lovely dinner....Ethan requested his favorite. Tacos :)</div>
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Right after dinner, Ethan got a phone call from Grandpa Danny! </div>
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Then later, Grandma 'Nette and Grandpa.</div>
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After that, we started on the presents. We had a bit of catching up to do because</div>
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of some sickness over Christmas <i>and </i>Lola's birthday...so she opened a few first.</div>
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She's still on that Hello Kitty kick. *grin*</div>
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I have to say....I just think that "present-reaction-pictures are priceless! The looks on their faces....</div>
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Ethan</div>
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Colin</div>
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Ethan again</div>
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Cameron</div>
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and Ethan some more.</div>
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Ethan loves sheets....last year, it was Mario Kart, and this year....</div>
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Angry Birds!</div>
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The best for last--his favorite, Super Mario for his DS.</div>
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Then, the rest of the family got here and we started in on Christmas celebrations!</div>
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Livy opening her Violet</div>
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Aunt Karen and her birthday snuggly blanket (those were </div>
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a popular gift in our house this year, they are the best!)</div>
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Soon, Daddy led Ethan in to the kitchen...it was CAKE time!</div>
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The finished product. I couldn't wait for Ethan to see it!</div>
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His reaction was awesome. I don't think he could even believe it!</div>
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We sang Happy Birthday, and he got all the candles out in one whiff.</div>
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His birthday was very special....here's to many, many more years with this precious little man!<br />
We love you Ethan!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0pt none !important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-35493159455633414932013-01-23T21:41:00.002-06:002013-01-23T21:47:15.646-06:00A special 3rd birthday I <a href="http://shanemerrittfamily.blogspot.com/2013/01/thanksgiving-yes-one-from-2012.html">promised</a> to write more.<br />
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Life just moves so fast, doesn't it? *sigh*<br />
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I will get back on the wagon. Have lots of things in my head that I want to "talk" about here, and several things I want to catch up on. But, for today.....it is a <i>special </i>day. <b><i>A third birthday!</i></b><br />
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Little Lola and I had a good but low key day to ourselves. I (and several of the fam) have been sick. I was lucky that this sweet little girl wanted to do easy things that a sick Mommy could manage without too much trouble today. <br />
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She was good to pose for me :)</div>
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Silly girl....</div>
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I asked what she wanted to do. The answers? Take a showerbath (her term for letting the water fill up in the tub <i>while </i>taking a shower *heehee*), paint her fingernails....</div>
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....paint her toenails...pink, of course....</div>
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....play beauty shop, play "hold me like a baby, Mommy" (that one is a personal favorite of mine) and play beauty shop, put on real lipstick, snuggle, and watch a Veggie Tale. We had so much fun, despite my not feeling well. (I particularly enjoyed the snuggling part.)</div>
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When her brothers came home, much to their delight, she wanted to play trains. </div>
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Of course, a birthday girl must wear her princess crown while playing trains!</div>
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Then it was time for presents!</div>
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The crown didn't last through those. *heehee*</div>
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It may be TMI, but undies are a big deal in the Merritt household. </div>
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Lola got some new Hello Kitty underwear and was thrilled!</div>
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Colin, being the loving big brother, painstakingly took every single pair </div>
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out of the package, unfolded them, and showed them to her.</div>
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Lolee girl is in a phase right now. She loves all things "twirly". This means skirts, </div>
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fluffy dresses, and <i>especially </i>night gowns. She gets so upset at night if her nightgowns </div>
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are not clean and she has to wear two piece pj's! It is almost funny. :) I have done a bit </div>
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of extra laundry just so she could always have her twirly pj's, but thought her birthday </div>
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would be a good excuse to add a couple of new nightgowns to her rotation. </div>
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If you hadn't guessed already, Lola <i>happens </i>to be on a Hello Kitty kick these days.</div>
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While I was taking pictures, the boys got an idea--they all ran down to their room to grab their DS's, so that they too could take pictures of Sis opening her gifts!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> It was hysterical! She posed for them and everything.</span></div>
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Then, Daddy got to show her another something new....the look on her face is <i>priceless.</i></div>
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<i><b>"You mean to tell me....my baby gets one too! WHAT?!"</b></i></div>
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Then, the big gift.</div>
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I have to tell you about this. It is the most amazing thing. A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine emailed me and asked me if Lola would like a dollhouse that her daughter no longer played with. Without knowing anything about it--size, cost, etc.--I said, "Sure!" Lola loves playing with her friend's dollhouse, and I assumed she would love one of her own. I also assumed that is was probably older and smaller. I didn't care about those things at all, I just knew Lo would love playing with whatever she had!<br />
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Well, I came to find out that this dollhouse--and all the accessories we were gifted at zero cost to us--is one of the most popular toys on the market right now, and is probably well worth over $150 or $200. I had no idea, and couldn't believe someone would be kind enough just to <i>give </i>this to Lola! It was an <i>incredible </i>blessing to our family, and could not have come at a more perfect time!!<br />
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And, by the way....<i>she </i>wasn't the only one who loved it. *giggle*</div>
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Checking out the family</div>
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Super duper excited!</div>
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She and Ethan played the longest. It is now all set up and ready to go for her tomorrow. </div>
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I envision hours and hours of use out of this wonderful toy and am so grateful to have it!</div>
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Time for pj's and bed. The twirlies made her so happy.</div>
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{Lolee and her most favorite baby doll}</div>
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Kisses before bedtime</div>
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Just about the cutest thing I've ever seen....</div>
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As you can see, we ALL just adore little Lola and are so thankful God gifted us with her. It's been a wonderful three years, with her in our lives...Happy Birthday, sweet baby girl!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-19709675063078127602013-01-07T14:37:00.000-06:002013-01-07T14:37:54.414-06:00Choosing Joy"But Mommy....I don't want to go to school. I just want to keep staying here, with you."<br />
<i>--Ethan</i><br />
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Ah, those words are hard for a Mommy to hear at the end of Christmas break! They tore at my already aching heart. I awoke this morning with a sense of dread about sending the boys back to school. But, whether I liked it or not, it was up and out the door this morning, and back into "the grind".<br />
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A verse has been ringing through my mind with such repetitiveness this morning that I felt compared to share it. Psalm 118:24 says, <i>"This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." </i><br />
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I remember, when I went to college at <a href="http://www.mbbc.edu/">MBBC</a>, we recited this verse every single day at the start of chapel. Only <i>here </i>is how we said it:<br />
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"This <b>IS </b>the day that the Lord has made; I <b>WILL </b>rejoice and be glad in it!"<br />
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Sometimes, <i>many </i>times, the rejoicing doesn't come so naturally to me. Sometimes, I find it so hard to praise God in my current circumstances.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Lord, I am tired. I can't possibly be happy, waking up to a day with a mile long to-do list on such little rest.</li>
<li>But I don't <i>wanna </i>send the kids back to school! I want them here, with me!</li>
<li>Lord, the money is so tight. I can't be happy when there isn't more cushion, and a budget for eating out and doing "fun" things....</li>
<li>I would be happier if Shane were home more, and not {seemingly} <i>always </i>working.</li>
<li>Lord, my laundry pile is to the ceiling and the house is a wreck! I can't rejoice in this!</li>
</ul>
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But the beauty is, we <i>can. </i>It is hard for most to view it this way, because we live in a society where everything is always someone else's fault, but joy is a <b>choice</b>! The scriptures might as well read, <i>"I will CHOOSE to rejoice and be glad in this!"</i><br />
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Sometimes, I struggle with feeling menial. With feeling insignificant, being a homemaker. Staying at home, with Lola, making no income to report--and, in the eyes of the world, not really contributing to society. I'm not a teacher, or a doctor, or a business woman, doing great things for others and for our community. I just "stay home". I know there are others reading right now that understand that feeling. It can be very hard to find joy when you feel as though what you're doing doesn't really matter, in the scheme of things.<br />
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But no matter what task we are doing--minute or menial, in our own eyes--there <b>is </b>joy, if we allow ourselves to see it. There is meaning. There is significance. It is in Christ.<br />
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We can find joy in knowing that, if we are serving God with our whole heart, and doing our best for His glory, the task we are doing <i>is </i>significant. It <i>does </i>matter. He sees it. Even if no one else does.<br />
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I hope you are encouraged today. <i><b>The joy is there.</b></i><br />
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Sometimes, it is just buried <i>deeper </i>under that pile of laundry than other days.....<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0pt none !important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-41569081410365801272013-01-04T15:39:00.000-06:002013-01-04T15:39:02.675-06:00Thanksgiving! Yes, the one from 2012 . . . .Instead of beginning this post with the obvious (and typical) first sentence of, <i>"Well, it has been quite a while since I blogged last!", </i>I will head in a different direction.<br />
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Let me just say that 2013 has brought with it a renewed determination to capture my life in this format. I, like so many of you, sometimes have trouble justifying sitting down to the computer for large hunks of time. There are things to be done, children and a husband to care for, a house to keep nailed down and functioning....and blogging, at least for me, has fallen waaaay down on my list of priorities.<br />
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But, when it lacks, I find I <i>always </i>miss it.<br />
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Writing, for me, is therapeutic. I have always enjoyed it, and, more so, I love looking back over all the posts (many, now, from several years ago). What will I look back on if I don't make a better effort to put something in this very space? :)<br />
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So, I will play catch up for a bit, for much has happened in our lives I'd like to share. I also plan on "writing" more than I have lately; I miss that. Not just posting family events and pictures all the time, but sharing some of my thoughts about different things. I hope those of you who joined me in the past are still here, and maybe we will meet some new friends along the way as well. Welcome, if that is <i>you </i>today!<br />
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The last week of November is one of the most joyous times of year on Shane's side of the family. It is the one time of year we (Shane, his two brothers, mom and dad, the three wives, and the 11 grandchildren between us!) are all guaranteed to be together, and we look forward to it all year!<br />
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I can't wait to share our week in pictures...so buckle down, here we go!<br />
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This is the beautiful lot of girls we have! They are each so unique and precious, I can hardly stand it.</div>
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And I couldn't resist listing their beautiful names:</div>
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L to R: Annelyse, Lola (with Lilliana's flower), Livy, Reese, and Evangeline</div>
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Reese, holding the newest addition!</div>
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Ah. Little Annelyse. Her smile attempts to hide her orneriness,</div>
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and she is just the cutest little 2 year old there is :)</div>
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Shane helping Lola hold Evangeline</div>
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Lola and Annelyse are great together. They are almost exactly nine months</div>
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apart, and help each other when needed. Like, with shoes!</div>
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Getting ready to play</div>
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Livy, me, Annelyse and Reese. Love this picture.</div>
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One of my sisters in law, Karie, and their youngest, Nolan</div>
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Present night! The kids' favorite night of the whole week!</div>
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I think Uncle Rog was more excited than all the kids put together.</div>
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My other sister in law, Aimee, holding one of Evangeline's new gifts</div>
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Helping Nolan open his sword</div>
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Annelyse and Lola both got new "pets"! They were thrilled!</div>
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This spells danger. Callen + Nerf = take cover!</div>
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E looooved his gift from Luke....and Luke loved his from Ethan!</div>
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Everyone, please meet Darth Vader and Darth Maul.</div>
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Lola would not put her kitty down all night (and still won't). </div>
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Reese LOVED making her own messenger bag!</div>
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I told you. (Uncle Rog probably doesn't even let Luke have turns with the Maul mask.)</div>
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On second thought, Movember Rog--keep the mask on. Bahahaaaa!!</div>
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This shouts hysterical to me. Uncle Jay, taking a duck lip picture with his attempt at Movember!</div>
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Auntie Dev and Annelyse again. Have I said how much I love my nieces?</div>
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Col and Lola, loving on Evangeline. All Colin wanted to do when she was around was hold her!</div>
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Oh. Be still my heart. Annelyse, snapping a picture of Lola!</div>
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Then my turn to snap one!</div>
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Cam, getting his turn with Evangeline. From the look on her face, </div>
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he might have been <strike>squeezing</strike> loving her a bit too much!!</div>
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One night, we did movie night!</div>
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The kids (mostly) watched Brave.</div>
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Some of the moments of them together were so sweet.</div>
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The next day, the kids, on their own, decided to make a project for Grandma 'Nette.</div>
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They locked themselves in a bedroom, and all took turns making her a beautiful poster.</div>
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It said things like, "Thank you Grandma for being nice to us!"</div>
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They sat her down on the couch and brought it out, with <i>much </i>pomp and circumstance.</div>
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And of course, she was thrilled!</div>
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Then, it was Grandma's chance to do something special with the kids.</div>
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With much help, the children "made" their own Christmas ornaments! </div>
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(*coughcough I smell tradtion *coughcough)</div>
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Lola, of course, wanted pink.</div>
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Then, a less complicated ornament, that just involved paint.</div>
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They turned out so well and looked beautiful on my tree this year!</div>
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A couple more shots of the girls, for good measure!</div>
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This is one of my very favorites and HAD to be framed once we got home.</div>
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Ethan, taking his turn with Evangeline</div>
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Our last "adventure" with the family was to a giant candy store, about 45 minutes away. </div>
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The kids had so much <strike>candy</strike> fun they could hardly contain themselves!</div>
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The littles enjoyed trying on the 30 pairs of goggles/glasses :) ....</div>
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...and the older ones had fun reminiscing about candy they haven't seen in years!</div>
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Daddy found something special for Lola (who loves all things Hello Kitty right now!)</div>
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There was candy EVERYWHERE!</div>
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I think the kids' very favorite part was making their very own specialized pixie stix.</div>
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That's a lot of sugar folks!!</div>
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One more family shot before heading out. Grandpa, Grandma and 10 of 11 grand kids!</div>
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Thanksgiving was, as always, a fantastic time--we miss our family already but </div>
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are thankful to have spent a wonderful week together!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0pt none !important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-75650405261017319622012-12-10T14:11:00.000-06:002012-12-10T14:12:50.040-06:00Colin's birthdayI feel like I have said this before, but I truly think Colin's birthday falls on one of the hardest days of the year!
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Colin was born to us nine years ago, Halloween afternoon. As most families with children would agree, Halloween is a jam-packed day as it is--let alone adding birthday festivities into the mix!<br />
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But of course, as usual....we managed! Lola got costume #1 of the day on, </div>
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and we headed to the boys' school for some lunch and Halloween parties!</div>
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Then, that evening, was some trick-or-treating fun with our friends: The Mario Kart Gang!</div>
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After that was dinner out. Because this year Halloween fell on a Wednesday night, and Shane, I, and our friends run our Wednesday night children't program at our church, we had to hurry--so we picked Steak N Shake to eat. Then it was off to church, and home for showers and pj's!</div>
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The poor kids were exhausted--but Colin was <i>so excited </i>over opening his presents that, even though it was almost 10 p.m., we <i>had </i>to let him do it! His first one was a doozie, for sure!!</div>
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Something he'd been asking for for a long time....</div>
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....from Grandma 'Nette and Grandpa.....</div>
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....a BULLS jersey!!</div>
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He beamed as bright as the sun. It was so precious.</div>
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He opened several more things: some clothes, some soccer pj pants.....</div>
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....and something else he has been wanting....</div>
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....his very own real Bible. He has several Bible story books, but has been asking for one he can read himself, on his own and in church. We were happy to oblige!!</div>
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We chose the Adventure Bible for him, and he has loved it so far.</div>
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(I loved that he wanted to read it right away, and for a moment even forgot about the other presents!)</div>
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Some Star Wars legos!</div>
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{Being silly and showing me how old they are...Lo didn't quite grasp it LOL}</div>
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One last try....got one!</div>
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Colin is just such a special boy and a wonderful gift to our family....so grateful for the NINE years we have been blessed with this young man's presence!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0pt none !important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-41821984073297108172012-11-13T14:59:00.000-06:002012-11-13T15:08:54.806-06:00To "new" or to "re-do"A couple of months ago, we decided to take on a project that we have been wanting to do for awhile: revamp our dining room table and chairs.<br />
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Originally, I just wanted Shane to sand out the many scratches (matchbox car derbies anyone?) and spots where the finish was worn completely down (mommy rubbing crayon marks off the table a little too vigorously, I guess) and put a new layer of clear lacquer on the top.<br />
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I'm so glad Shane had a better vision! He grabbed the boys one day, </div>
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took the set out to the garage, and got to work.</div>
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Each boy got a turn or two with the sander.</div>
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Cameron was so funny--he said he liked how the sander on the table</div>
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made his ears feel funny! That kid. :)</div>
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My sweet Ethan, enjoying his turn with the power tools</div>
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Cameron's turn--and Ethan with his head on the table now! *giggle*</div>
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Daddy decided to distress the table a bit.</div>
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He added some "worm holes"....</div>
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....and some deep scratches.</div>
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{Overseeing the boys with the sander}</div>
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Distressing the sides of the table</div>
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After everything was sanded and distressed, it was time for a good cleaning to get allllll the dust off!</div>
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<i>"I'm good with a paintbrush. I can help stain, right? Don't you trust me?!"</i></div>
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Time for the stain!</div>
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The boys were absolutely enamored with this process. It was really cute to watch.</div>
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The worm holes and scratches after the stain had been applied</div>
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A big color difference from before to after!</div>
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Completely done with coat number one</div>
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After the table was done (one more coat of stain and several coats of polyeurathane) it was on to the chairs. Boy, <i>that </i>was a project. Yowsers. Sanding our chairs was incredibly time consuming and painstaking work, due to the lattice work on both sides of the backs of the chairs. We estimated that the sanding alone took us about 20 hours. But they were worth it!<br />
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Shane putting the cushions back on</div>
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After Shane got the chairs in, he decided he was ready to take on one more project </div>
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that we have talked about doing for a while: building a bench. It was done in a few </div>
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hours, and it has quickly become the favorite seat in the house!</div>
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My beautiful Lolee enjoying some lunch :)</div>
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Favorite spot. See!?</div>
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The last step was personalizing the bench. Shane wanted something we'd remember....</div>
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....so each child got their hand prints stamped into the inside of the bench.</div>
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(Shane made it to open, like a piano bench.)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JuFW5_s1hqMGC2agXdXfmTPVDXhR53cnE44TjHIk7KdSEfw_IDlHmF30RFkxWFyFn5Ik6Vs1ZpOe96g5pjwRo3ZHns-mw-DImpHDcC3ICaXZDB2HhQsph6QlL7o5XVRf7jwuPGQ6Cs4a/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JuFW5_s1hqMGC2agXdXfmTPVDXhR53cnE44TjHIk7KdSEfw_IDlHmF30RFkxWFyFn5Ik6Vs1ZpOe96g5pjwRo3ZHns-mw-DImpHDcC3ICaXZDB2HhQsph6QlL7o5XVRf7jwuPGQ6Cs4a/s640/068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ethan's turn</div>
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Lola was very excited to "paint."</div>
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One hand at a time....</div>
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She definitely loved the idea of painting more than actually having paint on her fingers. *grin*</div>
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{Note to self: do more messy, hands-on projects with Lola}</div>
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I love how it turned out! Such a great keepsake.</div>
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So now, my table matches my hutch! I love how everything turned out!</div>
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Another project in the books! Whooo hoooooo!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-18335023018713884462012-11-06T14:45:00.000-06:002012-11-06T14:45:44.974-06:00Trick or Treat!!Just like <a href="http://shanemerrittfamily.blogspot.com/2011/11/celebrating-colins-eighth-birthday.html">last year </a>(and I think the year before THAT!), for Halloween, we met up with our friends Tom and Jen and took the kids trick or treating together. <div>
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BUT, this year was a little different--this year, we <i>coordinated outfits!! </i>It was so much fun.</div>
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Introducing.....the MARIO KART gang!</div>
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From left to right, Luigi, Mario, Baby Peach, Princess Peach, Wario, and Waluigi!!</div>
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My kids were so excited to actually do real costumes this year. For the last couple of years, </div>
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we've sort of gone through the "dress up bin" and grabbed stuff we already had. Jen found</div>
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some great deals at Party City, and we were able to do these four costumes for less than $30!! </div>
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This deal hunter was super excited over that one!</div>
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Ethan was thrilled to be Luigi, but his lips were glued together from his giant </div>
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mustache--he couldn't speak OR smile! It was so funny!</div>
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Speaking of thrilled.....</div>
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Whether he is Waluigi or Colin....he still loves soccer!</div>
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The kids were so cute running up to the doors together....</div>
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We had, as usual, a really great time. It is getting more and more fun as the </div>
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kids get older and really know what is going on. </div>
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I already can't wait for next year.....any suggestions for our crew of 2 girls and 4 boys? :) I'd love to hear them--you can never start planning too early, right?!<br />
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Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-4819606322933741972012-10-25T15:33:00.000-05:002012-10-25T15:33:05.604-05:00Red Ribbon WeekThis week was Red Ribbon Week at the boys' school. They raise awareness about drug and alcohol abuse by doing "fun and crazy" things each day.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Monday was.....CRAZY HAIR day! </span><span style="text-align: center;">It might be hard to see, but the boys--with Daddy's and Mommy's </span><span style="text-align: center;">help--had lots of spikes colored with blue and black hair gel and spray.</span></div>
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This, in case you were wondering, is their crazy face!</div>
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Today was "nerd" day. The kids...okay, Mommy and Daddy too...had a lot of fun with this one!</div>
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It seems a little crazy to me to bring drug and alcohol awareness to a grade school, but the way they go about teaching it IS working. An example from our very own household:</div>
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{Last night, Ethan had been complaining of an "ouchy" throat.}<br />
Ethan: "Mommy, I think I need medicine. That grape kind."<br />
Me: "Okay, buddy. Let's go get some."<br />Ethan: "Mommy, if I take drugs when I am not really sick, I could die."<br />
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I could see the wheels turning. He wasn't really sure if he was "sick enough" to take medicine. It opened up a door of opportunity, and I was able to explain things to him in more detail.<br />
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I don't always love having my kids in a public school because of the things that they are exposed to at such a young age, but I am truly thankful for each and every opportunity like this one. I pray for the boys each and every day, and I <i>know </i>that God loves them <i>even more </i>than I ever could--and that He wants a relationship with them, too! He wants them to grow in their faith and make responsible, sound decisions for <i>what is right. </i></div>
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I'm thankful for a good school that works <i>with </i>me, as a parent, to teach my kids valuable life lessons!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-53315778644508025532012-10-24T13:58:00.000-05:002012-10-24T13:58:40.934-05:00Last day of birthday week!Sunday, the 14th, was Cameron's actual seventh birthday. After church, we came home and did a kid's <i>favorite </i>thing to do on their special day: open presents!<br />
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First up was one of those rectangular, flat pieces of paper. My kids have received enough of these to know that they <i>usually </i>contain some dollar bills inside! Cam had already opened up one that contained a check (THANK YOU GREAT GRAM!!) and now, it was time for a second one!<br />
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Cameron wasn't the only one excited to see what was inside....</div>
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I love to watch them now, as they are older....they love to count the money themselves!</div>
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Thank you Grandma Jane!</div>
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Then, his favorite character from Star Wars ....</div>
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....and his favorite super heroes!</div>
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Cameron is such a special, unique child. A few months ago, I got new dishes--Fiestaware. I have been wanting them for a while, and took a lot of time picking out <i>just </i>the colors I liked. When I got the dishes, all three of the boys picked out "their" colors. Ethan picked the red, Colin picked--his favorite--turquoise, but Cameron was distressed. He wanted the color black, but I hadn't chosen to buy the black. (Mommy wanted COLOR!) So each night, he picks a color to eat on, while the other two boys eat on "theirs"--but it's just never "his color".<br />
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So, for his birthday, guess what color of Fiestaware he got as his <i>very </i>own?! </div>
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It was so cute to see him react that way over a place setting--he was thrilled!</div>
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(And he has eaten on it every. meal. since!!)</div>
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He also asked for and received a new fire truck/fire boat Lego set (which he built the very </div>
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next night--all by himself! I remember the day when he needed my help with that....*sniff*)</div>
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And the pièce de résistance ....a new Urlacher jersey!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdi6y7NKDm8xohr2X6XmH1yANKjeOu3e6h1QxZ5AaL-7-mxz1GcX4gTCaWSgsr_8IMD07STtuTSesRJexxEuttFQuJJkiRdqDjamVorDHuATp2sB69dom181n8yqdgsOdDrp5uddVj5Cw/s1600/157-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdi6y7NKDm8xohr2X6XmH1yANKjeOu3e6h1QxZ5AaL-7-mxz1GcX4gTCaWSgsr_8IMD07STtuTSesRJexxEuttFQuJJkiRdqDjamVorDHuATp2sB69dom181n8yqdgsOdDrp5uddVj5Cw/s640/157-001.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Lola and Daddy, enjoying the present-opening<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyn4sBB0fzPaULFXs6_aZ5NTfnFLjnO3lX1-dFI4QrLvGt8qf8KB31MTdhxBEcD6_1fECKAflmb0nKxTbYVjGL83HfCRJgGklVL3gFbc31doaGdgr07ViBuxQzNT0fOTYpuDcy_DSutBr/s1600/163-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyn4sBB0fzPaULFXs6_aZ5NTfnFLjnO3lX1-dFI4QrLvGt8qf8KB31MTdhxBEcD6_1fECKAflmb0nKxTbYVjGL83HfCRJgGklVL3gFbc31doaGdgr07ViBuxQzNT0fOTYpuDcy_DSutBr/s640/163-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After presents, we headed to Cameron's choice--Texas Roadhouse--for dinner.</div>
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He was allowed his choice of drink. He did not, as you can see by the dark straw, </div>
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choose Sprite like Mommy had hoped. *giggle* He reveled in that Coke, boy! Enjoying it </div>
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while he can....he knew it would probably be another year before he tastes it again!</div>
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After the meal, the waitress made him sit on the "horse" and the restaurant sang him "Happy Birthday"</div>
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He was embarrassed, as usual....</div>
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....but CUTE as ever!!</div>
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Now, after several <i>full </i>days of<i> </i>birthday celebrations, <i>Cam's</i> partying is officially over;</div>
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but another boy in our house has <i>his </i>special day coming soon--<i><b>Colin turns nine on Halloween!</b></i></div>
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So thankful for my first October birthday boy and looking forward to celebrating the next one in just a few short days!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-90639398138063846292012-10-22T14:12:00.000-05:002012-10-22T14:12:13.557-05:00Annual tree photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Two weeks ago, I began <a href="http://shanemerrittfamily.blogspot.com/2010/10/tree-pictures-success.html">my annual quest for "tree pictures"</a> for the kids. I took these shots on a Sunday after church, and <i>liked </i>them, but I didn't love them.</div>
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Our tree was starting to turn, but just wasn't there <i>quite </i>yet; the leaves were beginning to yellow, but weren't exactly the color I wanted. Plus, the day was grayish, not as sunny as I would have liked....combine those couple of things together, and I just didn't get the shots I quite wanted (even though I really liked them!)<br />
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Colin, just a few days from being nine years old</div>
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Ethan, five and a half</div>
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Cameron, just turned seven years old</div>
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Lola, two and a half</div>
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Did I say I really liked them? I <i>did</i>! I just did not <i style="font-weight: bold;">love love love </i>them like I was hoping to.<br />
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Fast forward to yesterday. Another Sunday, right after church; and a gorgeous sun-filled day! AHH!! The beauty of fall had smacked our wonderful tree, and now, <b><i>now</i></b> I got my pictures!<br />
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Colin (who can stop growing any day now....)</div>
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Cameron (with the official toothless grin)</div>
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Ethan (oh....melt my heart)</div>
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and Lolee girl. My darling daughter....</div>
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.....(laughing at her Daddy) who, as much as I tried....</div>
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.....I could not pick a favorite of these three shots!</div>
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(And, it's a good thing I didn't wait one more day....because </div>
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after a wind/rainstorm this morning, <i>this </i>is what my tree looks like today!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-43287153976522010272012-10-19T16:40:00.000-05:002012-10-19T16:40:29.457-05:00All you ever wanted to know about my soccer players<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am, most always, <i><b>behind </b></i>the camera.</div>
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Last weekend, at our soccer games, my hubby (and a good friend) took my place so that I could have a few precious pictures WITH my children.</div>
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I am so grateful!</div>
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We have just had the <i>best </i>time at the fields this year, and I have been thankful for the fun and for the character development that soccer has produced in our boys. Many folks aren't familiar with the real, <i>true </i>"football" but fall in love once they play, coach, or watch their kids. It is a wonderful team sport and I would encourage everyone to try it at least once! </div>
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Lola and I have had a ball together on the sidelines each and every week, yelling for our boys!</div>
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Little Cameron--who doesn't look the most thrilled in the picture--is generally one very happy soccer player! He has had an amazing year. Cam is naturally athletic, but is not the greatest distance runner. He does struggle with endurance a bit (and soccer is mostly running and <i>all </i>about endurance!) He was placed (by Shane, who is his coach) at the goalie position this year, and he and his defense have not allowed <i>one single goal </i>all season long. Considering he is the only goalie in the league (across EVERY age group, up to 14-year-olds, both girls and boys) who has managed to pull that off, I am a pretty proud goalie-momma!!</div>
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His team is currently 6-0, with 2 games to be played this weekend.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFjA0ynEjQqaCDjth6Lans1tqvRi-_ZGoXcgX0jtUcoXRNXR6izxBf1yiM2A0BL0uG42neN-HXNV8g5IUkfYNubV2yjZlIE8uGbmNsVCz5Lj3tdpXf-1A5SxZBur-0ycheuhhC4Tjuv3f/s1600/064-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFjA0ynEjQqaCDjth6Lans1tqvRi-_ZGoXcgX0jtUcoXRNXR6izxBf1yiM2A0BL0uG42neN-HXNV8g5IUkfYNubV2yjZlIE8uGbmNsVCz5Lj3tdpXf-1A5SxZBur-0ycheuhhC4Tjuv3f/s640/064-001.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Oh, Ethan. This boy brings such determination to the field. He is, like his brothers, naturally athletic--yet he is very different from them. Ethan is a passer, which is so <i>rare </i>at this age. He is so lucky to have brothers (and his Daddy) who are older to help teach him skills that are far beyond his level. He has a knowledge and feel for the game....it is SO fun to watch him! He doesn't score as much as his brothers did at this age. He seems to have a real feel for defense, and usually hangs back a bit--so he has <i>stopped </i>quite a few opposing goals, which is great!<br />
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He has had a winning season, as well: 5-0.</div>
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Colin. My little star. Of course, all our children are stars in our eyes, right? Colin also has a natural athletic ability--which, of course, we believe was given by a God (to all <i>three</i> of our boys!) who loves him so very much. He usually plays mid-field, which means he can go as far forward as he needs to and also can assist on defense when needed. He has scored several times, assisted many others, and also stopped a few goals. This is his first year at the U10 level, and he has definitely risen to the challenge. </div>
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His team is also 6-0, with two more games to go this weekend.</div>
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10 years ago, I could have never imagined being as blessed as I am today. There are many, many hard days in which I struggle, thinking:<br />
"I can't do this!"<br />
"I am not Mom enough!"<br />
"Their needs are too much!"<br />
"I am not the parent I need to be for them!"<br />
"Why do I <b><i>fail </i></b>so much more than I <b><i>succeed</i></b>?!"<br />
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But I know that my walk as a mother, a daughter, a wife, and most importantly a child of </div>
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the King is a <b><i>process</i></b>. It is two steps forward, one and seven eighths step back, correct?! </div>
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I will keep plugging along, each new day that comes to me.</div>
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Because <b><i>they </i></b>are <b><i>worth it</i></b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-20702873945119581672012-10-17T22:38:00.000-05:002012-10-17T22:38:56.741-05:00A birthday visit from the Grandparents!<div>
The weekend before Cameron's birthday celebration began with <a href="http://shanemerrittfamily.blogspot.com/2012/10/birthday-madness-begins.html">a trip to his school</a>, we had a wonderful visit from Grandpa and Grandma 'Nette!</div>
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We had a very fun weekend full or soccer, presents, and laughter. I grabbed a couple of shots of the crew after church on Sunday:</div>
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Grandpa, Grandma and all the kiddos</div>
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Grandpa and the boys</div>
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Awww. Grandma 'Nette and Lolee girl. I just love this picture! </div>
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Grandma had Lola's hair so pretty!</div>
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After church, we came home and had some pre-birthday birthday cake! </div>
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Cameron loved the NFL logo ..... even if it did have a pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness on it! LOL</div>
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Big breath--this kid had NO trouble getting all seven of those candles out!</div>
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Enjoying some yummy cake....</div>
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.....some enjoying more AT ONE TIME than others. :)</div>
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Then, it was on to some present-opening! That brought a big smile.</div>
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Grandma and Grandpa got Cameron his very own Nintendo DS and a couple of games. </div>
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He is the last boy to get one, and MAN was he excited!</div>
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Later that night, our friends joined us at a local Mexican restaurant for some MORE birthday fun. </div>
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I tell ya--this kid celebrated his birthday about a half a dozen times!</div>
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The kids got to play along with the "band"....</div>
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....and sing "Happy birthday" yet again!!</div>
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And, like a good little boy.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCh_dURvm42gsPoUKTOXg_O9Mpf70nUTHHGP309JV2NS9eqDbbUl77UPwp6U_hv1-xNkotRRu3CwQ1fKLgM6FWAW7lv5ldSQBAKwq_E0yRxOViLj1LcDCZr9-FRbzI1mhHN3awh2W1L5X/s1600/053-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCh_dURvm42gsPoUKTOXg_O9Mpf70nUTHHGP309JV2NS9eqDbbUl77UPwp6U_hv1-xNkotRRu3CwQ1fKLgM6FWAW7lv5ldSQBAKwq_E0yRxOViLj1LcDCZr9-FRbzI1mhHN3awh2W1L5X/s640/053-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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....he made sure that one sundae had five spoons. </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-72345491252450776542012-10-12T17:09:00.000-05:002012-10-12T17:09:11.437-05:00Birthday madness begins!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, the birthday festivities have begun around here!</div>
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Cameron's birthday is on Sunday, so today we took a little trip over to his school to celebrate.</div>
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Grandma Jane and Lola<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3xP2vID5TC-aSIN94_fffZJXxNECIDPANQVkc75zB47WzSK8b_lRKI_h7GWHuj3OU_PHbSbYGpWB7en-fzkYf4L2WmrqYBz61cEkn0RAXLTmHV5WNidEpKz6Ob-JMgekhrRE1o1NaxHa/s1600/015-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3xP2vID5TC-aSIN94_fffZJXxNECIDPANQVkc75zB47WzSK8b_lRKI_h7GWHuj3OU_PHbSbYGpWB7en-fzkYf4L2WmrqYBz61cEkn0RAXLTmHV5WNidEpKz6Ob-JMgekhrRE1o1NaxHa/s640/015-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mommy and Lola--I'm pretty sure she was more excited about cupcakes than taking a picture with Mom!</div>
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I love <a href="http://pinterest.com/devdev12/">Pinterest</a>, and saw the idea of "<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/199002877255514451/">candy corn cupcakes</a>" on there. </div>
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I showed them to Cameron, and he loved it--so that's what we did! Clearly, </div>
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my piping AND coloring needs work, but they turned out pretty well!</div>
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Before heading to the classroom, we stopped at the lunchroom to visit Ethan and Colin! </div>
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They both share a lunchtime, and Ethan was soooooo excited to see us!</div>
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Love my little buddy. I love that he still loves to see his Momma....</div>
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....as compared to Colin, who--while he still loves his Momma--is, </div>
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I'm pretty sure, starting to cross into the "embarrassed by Momma" category :)</div>
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Time to say goodbye and go see Cameron!</div>
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Cam was ecstatic to see us!</div>
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He helped me pass out all the cupcakes to his friends--and then was ready to EAT his!</div>
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His classmates singing "Happy Birthday". Notice his head is down--he gets SO embarrassed!</div>
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He would not look at anyone for anything!</div>
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I tried to take a picture of him taking his first bite--but he </div>
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gobbled it down so fast my camera couldn't even snap a shot of it.</div>
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The children in his class are SO sweet. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S4wCNiOQRQhrQNu0bGr3RZ51Hu7Z-TYSZG_mJNkioEjDWDWPDVRlsMZhGMWWNzCaWA9FtptSGkbQo-ZSdt_BiuezEBR1haiS-loMpV_WVIZzJuMmJ4k215WJidFjwErbnM1A3tdpsv1D/s1600/032-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S4wCNiOQRQhrQNu0bGr3RZ51Hu7Z-TYSZG_mJNkioEjDWDWPDVRlsMZhGMWWNzCaWA9FtptSGkbQo-ZSdt_BiuezEBR1haiS-loMpV_WVIZzJuMmJ4k215WJidFjwErbnM1A3tdpsv1D/s640/032-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And <b>one </b>in particular!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUASZR3OocWYNVrDEY6HiqmDfVAP722Bnkb8BvTNNw4KLMZL-jRXo73K4cgm_mYqE38JWhV3_N8Bq6GjycqPvxKMfVTT_FEQv-W3p0bjCaa8__Bu1FHLPtuOyrtIFxCpGFnwJNVcM56Njn/s1600/028-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUASZR3OocWYNVrDEY6HiqmDfVAP722Bnkb8BvTNNw4KLMZL-jRXo73K4cgm_mYqE38JWhV3_N8Bq6GjycqPvxKMfVTT_FEQv-W3p0bjCaa8__Bu1FHLPtuOyrtIFxCpGFnwJNVcM56Njn/s640/028-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love you Cameron Douglas....let the birthday celebration BEGIN!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-34016132647288874712012-10-04T14:38:00.000-05:002012-10-04T14:39:07.905-05:00The concentration of a keeper . . . .<div style="text-align: center;">
My little goalie.....doing his thing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5TwGsRJodOm9_dcVtRjv6nqXsTaPMtZHdQk-5QU-nh4vPZSrB1QkUsyrvbBMUO9pga5Djo_jQlagj8ePx-icGR1wZ8XqbSoPJUn5Aogl_CalSC8nJvbhc1OxDDUyxG5_FWAuT8F71e6S/s1600/254-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5TwGsRJodOm9_dcVtRjv6nqXsTaPMtZHdQk-5QU-nh4vPZSrB1QkUsyrvbBMUO9pga5Djo_jQlagj8ePx-icGR1wZ8XqbSoPJUn5Aogl_CalSC8nJvbhc1OxDDUyxG5_FWAuT8F71e6S/s640/254-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0pt none !important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-69786944830139892872012-09-18T14:53:00.000-05:002012-09-18T14:53:43.256-05:00Soccer pictures!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My handsome boys!!</div>
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Ethan</div>
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Cameron</div>
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Colin</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj233gx2V5TDqr59hBCJrqsgFZRS57CTev2USU-IOpEF3D0OAV3mzhkA9tHbCg1jbugE9H7SiMGKEo_lZZCewEbHypmsAiPhXg8zannQdGjWx0EzkVcLJ2Mqh-BgACU7TOwH5JEIqZUZjFy/s1600/colin+soccer+2012-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj233gx2V5TDqr59hBCJrqsgFZRS57CTev2USU-IOpEF3D0OAV3mzhkA9tHbCg1jbugE9H7SiMGKEo_lZZCewEbHypmsAiPhXg8zannQdGjWx0EzkVcLJ2Mqh-BgACU7TOwH5JEIqZUZjFy/s640/colin+soccer+2012-001.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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BROTHERS!!</div>
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<br />
<i>{not the best quality here because they were scanned onto the computer....but I love, love, love them!}</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644491099258366.post-1293408007422662542012-09-17T15:05:00.002-05:002012-09-17T15:07:00.364-05:00First time at Camp Assurance<div>
This year was a big first for my boys--CAMP!!</div>
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We go to a small camp just a few miles away from us called <a href="http://www.campassurance.org/">Camp Assurance</a>. I grew up going there as a kid, and I even worked there as well, as a lifeguard. It is a wonderful place, and even though I was <i>nervous </i>(not just one overnight but TWO!) I couldn't wait for the boys to go and experience it for themselves!!</div>
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We snapped a picture before heading out!</div>
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We got there, checked in, then checked out the cabin.</div>
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The beds seemed okay! They were a little worried about that. :)</div>
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(Love that Colin brought his two favorite animals with him--you can see </div>
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Frog in this picture, strapped to his backpack for safety!!)</div>
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The boys unloaded the rest of their stuff....</div>
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....and then, it was time for goodbye. </div>
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Ethan was still happy; Lola? Not so much.</div>
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Hugs and kisses!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7st4J-gdAWEiDBYR4t1a8KXty0U_X_zsBzEmPTYBDRMewd96Ld4WmkVAxlQ6_KqR6_wSOjoW-Tng_nygr0U6jkwrwVCdgk3y8wcFQ0p1U87kdMQ0Lup70POpliqK0lOEVdvwvXxRF1ZrN/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7st4J-gdAWEiDBYR4t1a8KXty0U_X_zsBzEmPTYBDRMewd96Ld4WmkVAxlQ6_KqR6_wSOjoW-Tng_nygr0U6jkwrwVCdgk3y8wcFQ0p1U87kdMQ0Lup70POpliqK0lOEVdvwvXxRF1ZrN/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I snapped a picture through the door as they began their meet and greet. </div>
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HOW did my boys get so big!?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9FRlAMb2mnKNGn0RJAFYvE8P4QT7OygslFrLe0mhuVTBeEOQbHP-6dHy4NLeAcKIZnwxRT73E0IQBsRyp2YjypnZu594sQ6yyu9H5JBKOCXGhyR8jfqY9GdJAV0Ve9TR0PYlYOQZtc6N/s1600/016-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9FRlAMb2mnKNGn0RJAFYvE8P4QT7OygslFrLe0mhuVTBeEOQbHP-6dHy4NLeAcKIZnwxRT73E0IQBsRyp2YjypnZu594sQ6yyu9H5JBKOCXGhyR8jfqY9GdJAV0Ve9TR0PYlYOQZtc6N/s640/016-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lo and E had a bit of a rough time leaving their brothers behind....so I thought it </div>
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appropriate to get them a little something to cheer them up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyJ1xzoLNkLIsAUnb1HFwSryvFZxasDrLL2WE7cOMmU7-oXoNz6mEe6iTZlL9vCvl_r8Ui0CLBep5KKN6s4gyBPQ-NR06OP6b8PdVjSLTDEBWki8Y8LKNwourCk-USP-tVsBuVD2oS-Q-/s1600/020-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyJ1xzoLNkLIsAUnb1HFwSryvFZxasDrLL2WE7cOMmU7-oXoNz6mEe6iTZlL9vCvl_r8Ui0CLBep5KKN6s4gyBPQ-NR06OP6b8PdVjSLTDEBWki8Y8LKNwourCk-USP-tVsBuVD2oS-Q-/s640/020-001.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I think....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Mpdp86Cgqfp5zSHvRW-Vdlybn2qw9JtK5XN9aHqO4HPQ9t1oRYnQbUaTtWkygWfRKWioJ-lRIEkTXmOBwFSMnWTI3gi0K4JV3RsBbOv26kieMHdkZKkaOO8kaO-qZYgxMCDFmXxXDzJP/s1600/021-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Mpdp86Cgqfp5zSHvRW-Vdlybn2qw9JtK5XN9aHqO4HPQ9t1oRYnQbUaTtWkygWfRKWioJ-lRIEkTXmOBwFSMnWTI3gi0K4JV3RsBbOv26kieMHdkZKkaOO8kaO-qZYgxMCDFmXxXDzJP/s640/021-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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....that....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U6Yb5rsETKlw6Mdm7DredyeAQTHwcf6CC04iNUi9WhYXx1RoXbMd7zjVrQq49YOCprnYzFii0aK2fRYY2Bw3q9aLYr7jHVftBnNzCi8m0FVCFpZ9KAS5nNTbbq3EGn_t0Pc3zCmgIAJ-/s1600/025-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U6Yb5rsETKlw6Mdm7DredyeAQTHwcf6CC04iNUi9WhYXx1RoXbMd7zjVrQq49YOCprnYzFii0aK2fRYY2Bw3q9aLYr7jHVftBnNzCi8m0FVCFpZ9KAS5nNTbbq3EGn_t0Pc3zCmgIAJ-/s640/025-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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.....it worked!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF9d_0wnCQ2yhjkh75NyUtbqca1zyHiDTiPI_3djg43d7a_3whW_OUlAyS3XZ9akqxP72RZqKmrS6vDzs1cMP60grIdwS3hA5ZrrOseJk3XE0ePhhdsWWguMPQ6UtUJR3mpF-auE9Ia22/s1600/027-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF9d_0wnCQ2yhjkh75NyUtbqca1zyHiDTiPI_3djg43d7a_3whW_OUlAyS3XZ9akqxP72RZqKmrS6vDzs1cMP60grIdwS3hA5ZrrOseJk3XE0ePhhdsWWguMPQ6UtUJR3mpF-auE9Ia22/s640/027-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ice cream always makes everything better.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwPoyErC9crNvo1DBsM2kT97vgXQQKEjbr42-JjKbFsMrBJe07JQIMehna9xnvmoVMQyTZMJDSKLQj3pKiTEAkQ6hO1M4o0F0cfBJXxVlwuuh2jKjxw1hUcvf6_ceCQr-a-1PtWI2bT-6/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwPoyErC9crNvo1DBsM2kT97vgXQQKEjbr42-JjKbFsMrBJe07JQIMehna9xnvmoVMQyTZMJDSKLQj3pKiTEAkQ6hO1M4o0F0cfBJXxVlwuuh2jKjxw1hUcvf6_ceCQr-a-1PtWI2bT-6/s640/028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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.....<b><i>doesn't it??</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5vk5F-sWFB2aG9eluW4NdQgS8V9g2Vll12NU6UpvEfjZK8y142Nm5VOXJWdh8U-mY3debJfxtbDrZXp5NlQsy85G5XMT-uBsHHkpJJK160FYLOT4sJJCFU2-tXVOE8-eRdgTtQGGZ5PG/s1600/031-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5vk5F-sWFB2aG9eluW4NdQgS8V9g2Vll12NU6UpvEfjZK8y142Nm5VOXJWdh8U-mY3debJfxtbDrZXp5NlQsy85G5XMT-uBsHHkpJJK160FYLOT4sJJCFU2-tXVOE8-eRdgTtQGGZ5PG/s640/031-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The boys had a great time at camp, and already can't wait to go back next year--and better yet, Ethan gets to join them!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/116/46808F624B64CDED417728152909DD99.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0pt none !important;" /></a>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536576059551978920noreply@blogger.com0