tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89524943391446818862024-03-13T23:17:54.082-04:00{Home}... and lovin' it!Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.comBlogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-44090112966843156072012-06-16T21:13:00.001-04:002012-06-16T21:13:46.584-04:00Music RecitalFor the past 8 weeks or so, Holly, MaKenna and Caleb have been doing their music lessons in a new way. MaKenna had been taking violin lessons and Caleb was learning acoustic guitar when our teacher/music minister asked if we were interested in doing something different. He was interested in putting together some groups of kids of various levels, instruments and ages and teaching them how to use their instrument to work together as part of a group. It sounded like an excellent, real life opportunity to us, so we agreed and Holly hopped on board.<br />
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Caleb's group was 4 boys - a pianist, drummer, electric guitarist and Caleb on bass (new for him).<br />
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MaKenna's group was a pianist and 2 violinists.<br />
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Holly's group was a little different. It had a pianist (Holly), acoustic guitarist and electric guitarist. However, their group was different because they actually wrote the music and lyrics for their song and then recorded them into a track which they then played and sang with - so cool!<br />
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Well, after lots of hard work, practice, lessons, practice, extra practice and more practice, they culminated all of their efforts last week in one big recital at our church with other children who have also been taking lessons. Here are some photos from the evening, with my commentary!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtJe2I1qozWiGgzDemktwEoFafARaTfdSA40cfCzDEIk62zg8cIkCz3O7VeDH_5bezlTrCEnaNkns2Ci_Ulmvvra4K1VtZ6kPBLYMTfZC75cQIPkWZlidWHt-MrvgMEGbfSs8EBZA1NkM/s1600/106_9665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtJe2I1qozWiGgzDemktwEoFafARaTfdSA40cfCzDEIk62zg8cIkCz3O7VeDH_5bezlTrCEnaNkns2Ci_Ulmvvra4K1VtZ6kPBLYMTfZC75cQIPkWZlidWHt-MrvgMEGbfSs8EBZA1NkM/s320/106_9665.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the kids in the program</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James - our music minister and the kids teacher</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christina, Charlotte and MaKenna playing <i>Pachelbel in G</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjse4cpSnOMQAC-CxtV4LYQ6zWUjnvzhkEGNdD5N0j1gdJ-WX38Wl9t9sgLKLE_tjqFRWp7n9p8HbcCb7bYNS6IzE110RNmfqSyLNQQZX0gxTcaPS7ct5hh_enGtVZPYm_0BVSPO2dMn2E0/s1600/106_9691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjse4cpSnOMQAC-CxtV4LYQ6zWUjnvzhkEGNdD5N0j1gdJ-WX38Wl9t9sgLKLE_tjqFRWp7n9p8HbcCb7bYNS6IzE110RNmfqSyLNQQZX0gxTcaPS7ct5hh_enGtVZPYm_0BVSPO2dMn2E0/s320/106_9691.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MaKenna</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corbin, Jack and Holly playing <i>How Wonderful You Are</i> - their original song</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David, Caleb, Zach and Junior </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnvszJJsBSoNF2i5WbeiTav_bzkyvWSURAhL28UoVDDH1qHSMrrD3dTLLeC5RoZ7m2slN0EdnbSPM_wnykJbXBGQ1FjgrD15iaqWy3rcO8dvOsASq5f6nD-cwSgqtN1j6SLo9_aeWv_85/s1600/106_9722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnvszJJsBSoNF2i5WbeiTav_bzkyvWSURAhL28UoVDDH1qHSMrrD3dTLLeC5RoZ7m2slN0EdnbSPM_wnykJbXBGQ1FjgrD15iaqWy3rcO8dvOsASq5f6nD-cwSgqtN1j6SLo9_aeWv_85/s320/106_9722.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj44f2gaHHaI4Aq3KnyrKrXj0gh9e6eXtHYrndyewHOYgncjGLub-Aca-RPlrHN6Wpo2NCCqH6r2rZ4FS7ZDnP9ovfz3YwsDD1_OorU80wvMnFY1CiZAcCpX-bO1q40LT3TjQ-URBhASF8/s1600/106_9734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj44f2gaHHaI4Aq3KnyrKrXj0gh9e6eXtHYrndyewHOYgncjGLub-Aca-RPlrHN6Wpo2NCCqH6r2rZ4FS7ZDnP9ovfz3YwsDD1_OorU80wvMnFY1CiZAcCpX-bO1q40LT3TjQ-URBhASF8/s320/106_9734.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MaKenna, Charlotte and Christina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnSyma0r-R0IOj1qmufz-o22FVJ4WdfO8euZMUZnFrztlQc9dvaqMY5s8Hs3XtjVHntdWpo9bWpzaFZHLsL9Iw2_vnX3XNcve_ZBV-DSPKHxV7Rmc-Dnia5ZVzEusOM6_9WCSwgsXEp2o/s1600/106_9735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnSyma0r-R0IOj1qmufz-o22FVJ4WdfO8euZMUZnFrztlQc9dvaqMY5s8Hs3XtjVHntdWpo9bWpzaFZHLsL9Iw2_vnX3XNcve_ZBV-DSPKHxV7Rmc-Dnia5ZVzEusOM6_9WCSwgsXEp2o/s320/106_9735.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb's group - with Zach, David and Junior</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NX6FwJ62GMX6s6X_xVyIXSpfhmzZBE2HPQwJz7ex3HvvuULvh2-zqcC4pOY_qp6YWe4pvVYYvFVkM-DCOoe-MhnwPwkSpQbxORJahii94KzZec_WQXnXCy9uK9imSfeuNC9Qu3GFNby7/s1600/106_9739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NX6FwJ62GMX6s6X_xVyIXSpfhmzZBE2HPQwJz7ex3HvvuULvh2-zqcC4pOY_qp6YWe4pvVYYvFVkM-DCOoe-MhnwPwkSpQbxORJahii94KzZec_WQXnXCy9uK9imSfeuNC9Qu3GFNby7/s320/106_9739.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly's group - with Jack and Corbin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOpKr5brybONde2KZR6F2fX3IXn7Ct8DsCgOwFxdxFsJpMfKOyzHvbTwviHH72yxf4HJCtXwFH2sxvNPPb1jrO3mKE94Nj-X-Lv6bUYs_S_VjzIzJ9stfd6zOxv6XQ_2xJMJxRIfWm1cU/s1600/106_9741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOpKr5brybONde2KZR6F2fX3IXn7Ct8DsCgOwFxdxFsJpMfKOyzHvbTwviHH72yxf4HJCtXwFH2sxvNPPb1jrO3mKE94Nj-X-Lv6bUYs_S_VjzIzJ9stfd6zOxv6XQ_2xJMJxRIfWm1cU/s320/106_9741.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kiddos with James</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6zln5zn6TOO3J6gRsUqFoiK9aHQQ2Njly6pmRyQMc4PKj2S1E_26cg1jUbhTxThyphenhyphenlZd24GCwHlF3P7rLqMhDXjvw4SaRyF1k3V3HMSDrWR4acPlTyIbRN2ZA9iNYg243POddjP4XMNDx/s1600/106_9747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6zln5zn6TOO3J6gRsUqFoiK9aHQQ2Njly6pmRyQMc4PKj2S1E_26cg1jUbhTxThyphenhyphenlZd24GCwHlF3P7rLqMhDXjvw4SaRyF1k3V3HMSDrWR4acPlTyIbRN2ZA9iNYg243POddjP4XMNDx/s320/106_9747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relieved that it is over! Can you tell Caleb has grown again??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZTmab4M2Y7aV8gDxBon_2ID2eGIu1VHBmlHIFQM3qwRojLlnnVQtzdRuRtkjBjallnpyKUEkcJXCQJTvKk7ThJ-A38LNCgS1CQjMt6fA6ppREa8Ipe7ZULgKm99-0tBFHgxXrrhyUEnJ/s1600/106_9748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZTmab4M2Y7aV8gDxBon_2ID2eGIu1VHBmlHIFQM3qwRojLlnnVQtzdRuRtkjBjallnpyKUEkcJXCQJTvKk7ThJ-A38LNCgS1CQjMt6fA6ppREa8Ipe7ZULgKm99-0tBFHgxXrrhyUEnJ/s320/106_9748.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James created this awesome display with each of the kids pictures and left chalk for friends and family to leave messages - such a great idea!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84DKwY79AyIzEVsr0sJjib6Zuo1nqBHGNkP2MQtDInR53OSf37NF-5SrDYXernR15ANL8xumxkbtDVvSVU0hebWVKfP9JzI24NiuRBWJsHioK31VCh1sdoCgb875ywarlHC8pe1HEjXIB/s1600/106_9749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84DKwY79AyIzEVsr0sJjib6Zuo1nqBHGNkP2MQtDInR53OSf37NF-5SrDYXernR15ANL8xumxkbtDVvSVU0hebWVKfP9JzI24NiuRBWJsHioK31VCh1sdoCgb875ywarlHC8pe1HEjXIB/s320/106_9749.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of his display with the motto for the recital "Dream Big. Play Loud."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hY0a235z6CpERGU0D27CdPd0UB5qxM7lvjKth2Z7sndnnQlSI_WGYeVNYOD63n1sIFKpujVMJlhRwG0HPe6h-Plts2mnjebC4AElV1w3jY8_0LcI6bgunR82B3U85SBCW9w9yTJypZHB/s1600/106_9757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hY0a235z6CpERGU0D27CdPd0UB5qxM7lvjKth2Z7sndnnQlSI_WGYeVNYOD63n1sIFKpujVMJlhRwG0HPe6h-Plts2mnjebC4AElV1w3jY8_0LcI6bgunR82B3U85SBCW9w9yTJypZHB/s320/106_9757.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signing the display</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P65i1kmdm63sQJSkm8PLILny2ybewmRuh2dFi4JkQKNdvtmw25n8EJzmwicg14PoyyKLripUFIOYWaefR0lzhzAH-adc8EA845a7BSS0gjbfPK1S7nI6usJQ1aVtztZfP4HnoLSVvooH/s1600/106_9758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P65i1kmdm63sQJSkm8PLILny2ybewmRuh2dFi4JkQKNdvtmw25n8EJzmwicg14PoyyKLripUFIOYWaefR0lzhzAH-adc8EA845a7BSS0gjbfPK1S7nI6usJQ1aVtztZfP4HnoLSVvooH/s320/106_9758.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahBCELAAD3pUR-Vfpds2Mf4XIVpoiwoSbkyerU_uiBU56rhWYRijlrZ4qSuaLNqEkBT9_PTWKoO-4PTghSPpNwgM70gdMEjPjmaiJldC_uDPnZFYnX9r11DN6FxsTj6qRO2UbupO1W3DS/s1600/106_9762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahBCELAAD3pUR-Vfpds2Mf4XIVpoiwoSbkyerU_uiBU56rhWYRijlrZ4qSuaLNqEkBT9_PTWKoO-4PTghSPpNwgM70gdMEjPjmaiJldC_uDPnZFYnX9r11DN6FxsTj6qRO2UbupO1W3DS/s320/106_9762.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of Caleb's comments</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKSCgitWvE9n1hiTC84eF8MOse-8kzuGXkleSBx522OhHHNKdnMurgOb3N8tKFG_tnb4q7EEebgpTuvS3jtS0UAkXHJdG6iWqheEm11w_BPATXU-LybcOEWARqpnufSl3WPbLVBswJ1OX/s1600/106_9763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKSCgitWvE9n1hiTC84eF8MOse-8kzuGXkleSBx522OhHHNKdnMurgOb3N8tKFG_tnb4q7EEebgpTuvS3jtS0UAkXHJdG6iWqheEm11w_BPATXU-LybcOEWARqpnufSl3WPbLVBswJ1OX/s320/106_9763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly and MaKenna's comments</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mzlHogbcPyPWWI8d6IQCHA_vdL4FFZcnzoYn7UEOA-JhmQr86cft_6awXtC8oZJGOwD8fmWWvE21-4JA8QJFar9ij2R6fwyQPpyfPMopqeBZpuJe2Hw7Ii-gfaaPduGz7JoVcDQj5vr-/s1600/106_9774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mzlHogbcPyPWWI8d6IQCHA_vdL4FFZcnzoYn7UEOA-JhmQr86cft_6awXtC8oZJGOwD8fmWWvE21-4JA8QJFar9ij2R6fwyQPpyfPMopqeBZpuJe2Hw7Ii-gfaaPduGz7JoVcDQj5vr-/s320/106_9774.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved this one: "The DeVore's Rock" =)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We had an amazing evening and were so blessed to be a part of this program. Can't wait to see what happens next!Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-18818499663280139592012-05-13T22:08:00.000-04:002012-05-13T22:08:51.664-04:00Mother's Day 2012Happy Mother's Day! I pray that all of you have had an amazing and blessed day with your families. I am so thankful for my children - my reason for being able to celebrate today with such joy. The three of them make being a mom easy, joyful and blessed. Being a mom has been the hardest, most rewarding and best thing I ever did with my life, other than give it to God and get married... =)<br />
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In honor of Mother's Day, I decided to share a few quotes - from my kids and from the internet - that you may understand or appreciate or that will just make you laugh! Enjoy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFasnqPei-PLNI09Krj2h1GHNQAHK9Bn_G99ITKkzjdTOzuvQcqNv6m7KPO5_xbnNyX5xo8PARiteksti7fdUbL6widf0ZqIBFIoCG16HwCmyXmAG7xv7dnZdVW9stwtvuG4eewJVu_uw/s1600/mothers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFasnqPei-PLNI09Krj2h1GHNQAHK9Bn_G99ITKkzjdTOzuvQcqNv6m7KPO5_xbnNyX5xo8PARiteksti7fdUbL6widf0ZqIBFIoCG16HwCmyXmAG7xv7dnZdVW9stwtvuG4eewJVu_uw/s320/mothers.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spirituallythinking.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You can fool all of the people some of the time,
and some of the people all of the time, but you
can't fool Mom.<br />
- Unknown <br />
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"Mother, can you please ground me from video games and movies until I get my room cleaned up?" - Caleb, age 12<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wCikMQs2M4cQLLgUomlipGpx4SZOupyWZ_bo6O-2SfMm6X1ob1bwxnY2__F6v0gmmxmaftp6Eorwd2ci-JTWYoG7h6ykkSMTDZWS33ks5KTOi_epiKHnQ5N_d1mz98SroFt4xhzj37zg/s1600/you+are.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wCikMQs2M4cQLLgUomlipGpx4SZOupyWZ_bo6O-2SfMm6X1ob1bwxnY2__F6v0gmmxmaftp6Eorwd2ci-JTWYoG7h6ykkSMTDZWS33ks5KTOi_epiKHnQ5N_d1mz98SroFt4xhzj37zg/s320/you+are.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=ss5&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1600&bih=796&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=7zqt-3Ls0GrhRM:&imgrefurl=http://pinterest.com/allwomenstalk/self-improvement-sunday/&docid=9ux1o5j0QsdYfM&imgurl=http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/246290673341400093_ATj9jyqB_b.jpg&w=188&h=375&ei=JV-wT6D9HoO29QTl3fTiCA&zoom=1" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<div style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: justify;">
<b>"</b><i>Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." -Proverbs 22:6</i></div>
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"When I grow up, I just want to be a mom like you." - Holly and MaKenna (from ages 4 til now)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUvplwR-SFrpKnQ0LbK9G8kZ3S3BEhMisUTczM7hM2lreCVFA5OqsBP2bVik4bMkblemZSlM0sHEeWFv8xb75_hmetpxtsRfFO6-CS__YQY_VOFixznbjccxLp-bN77Y9I5Vdb771RIrx/s1600/moms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUvplwR-SFrpKnQ0LbK9G8kZ3S3BEhMisUTczM7hM2lreCVFA5OqsBP2bVik4bMkblemZSlM0sHEeWFv8xb75_hmetpxtsRfFO6-CS__YQY_VOFixznbjccxLp-bN77Y9I5Vdb771RIrx/s1600/moms.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache8.pinterest.com/upload/120893571217262390_WyHi3qoy_c.jpg" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<div style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-F49CrR5qAHKJgJ631mOejfZASiSVDmsIzaFcH1VgkqCKU-1swD8PboPSvmmQnqKZh9znW8mInaQbcABN0ugfj-uFvq3QutN46vfc8XVs6NuSMxCtBZw4HCeroZ-yjYjUXK6A5ZPGlNLF/s1600/snuggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b> </b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: justify;">
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<div style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: justify;">
No influence is so powerful as that of the mother.<br />
- Sarah Josepha Hale<br />
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</b>"<i>Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:" - Proverbs 31:28</i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R4mZer5nfEZy54hbumZ2XJm1-Bv-5dbI1RkPuCVfRBMUKFyTLMtyPb5BSrWjXD07IlXfkTXsM0m_mZta2hLI9i4VeBTv7Lkg9y3EYmLipszcdbuV7xZqWooZmybrsxiKprsRZXMphDdG/s1600/supermom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R4mZer5nfEZy54hbumZ2XJm1-Bv-5dbI1RkPuCVfRBMUKFyTLMtyPb5BSrWjXD07IlXfkTXsM0m_mZta2hLI9i4VeBTv7Lkg9y3EYmLipszcdbuV7xZqWooZmybrsxiKprsRZXMphDdG/s320/supermom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/536345_3251324359372_1154886022_2347214_690029711_n.jpg" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<b><br /></b><br />
"Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love."<br />
- Mildred B. Vermont</div>
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From all of us to you... Happy Mother's Day!</div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h1tdPmR2ahdFVq6bAIWT9h3DPpm1QyvS6HHtwWQ6yMM-asMxIn6-Q5Yev2Gui6mmjBw6ZYtpbv0GsggEir06EtJCvMzIlOFkduX1yJUHr72OxuRXNttL9_kdo3IHaKQz38wJlsUoZwKQ/s1600/104_9616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h1tdPmR2ahdFVq6bAIWT9h3DPpm1QyvS6HHtwWQ6yMM-asMxIn6-Q5Yev2Gui6mmjBw6ZYtpbv0GsggEir06EtJCvMzIlOFkduX1yJUHr72OxuRXNttL9_kdo3IHaKQz38wJlsUoZwKQ/s320/104_9616.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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</b></div>Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-32787520316180262452012-05-12T22:09:00.001-04:002012-05-12T22:10:25.761-04:00Relay for LifeThis past weekend, our kids had a great opportunity to practice their musical talents at a local Relay for Life event. Four weeks ago, their lessons changed from being taken alone to merging with a group of similarly leveled students to make small ensembles and prepare them for a recital. It has been an exciting experience for all of the kids, not to mention the adults involved!<br />
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When we first got there, MaKenna got together with her group... Charlotte, another violinist and Christina, a pianist... to practice and warm up - on the bleachers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgpfWDDx2dS01R2elJUPgwaf784wLuEPpQEodVJ71yudLf5s5SP7_pkE7wB3GfcHn6Mg2fM2bGQIhTZ2yu81YDKWKKf22owminT9LQZZK3pgk2os4PVjrYXFvYsRusLuXL88ZEDxgdJ5l/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgpfWDDx2dS01R2elJUPgwaf784wLuEPpQEodVJ71yudLf5s5SP7_pkE7wB3GfcHn6Mg2fM2bGQIhTZ2yu81YDKWKKf22owminT9LQZZK3pgk2os4PVjrYXFvYsRusLuXL88ZEDxgdJ5l/s320/DSC_0189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofrNiPTEASX-AKu5iXypVAiEk4LEWOTu2TijkI2Juc9L1BexO48R5c_iIi8ai1889k2uitLwe4DoRePYJGhfy6KJQkKyFW9318FXtyK5G0F2dF3mvOQNYgzCbi_j9BiHqrzd3CBIR4NKZ/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofrNiPTEASX-AKu5iXypVAiEk4LEWOTu2TijkI2Juc9L1BexO48R5c_iIi8ai1889k2uitLwe4DoRePYJGhfy6KJQkKyFW9318FXtyK5G0F2dF3mvOQNYgzCbi_j9BiHqrzd3CBIR4NKZ/s320/DSC_0197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The girls, ready to play:<br />
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Meanwhile, Caleb's group met on the stage to tune up, set up, and look like the cool band that they are! What a neat experience for these young men. <br />
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The guys are: Zach on drums, Donald on Keys, Caleb on Bass/Acoustic and David on Electric.<br />
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Tuning, almost ready to play. James (our music minister and the kids instructor) makes the final adjustments:<br />
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The girls ready to go:
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After their set, the girls relaxed:<br />
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Then, Holly, Kenna and I enjoyed a walk to the top of the bleachers - which my kids have never done! We were able to watch the sun set, feel the cool breeze and listen to more great music.<br />
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I am so thankful that my kids have the opportunity to express themselves musically and for the people who invest in their lives to help them on their journeys as God leads the way. Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-4565122409006809622012-05-08T16:49:00.000-04:002012-05-08T16:49:33.645-04:00"Back in the Saddle"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Coming back to blogging after being gone for so long is almost as challenging as getting back on a horse after you've fallen off! The desire is there, but so is the possibility of falling again. There's a little fear mixed with excitement. So, every time I've come here in the past few months, I think of all the things I want to share and then feel overwhelmed trying to put it all together, so I leave doing nothing... Oiy! <br />
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Well, no more! Today, I am getting back on the horse and going to do what I can do - no more, no less! I thought it fitting to jump back on with my horse theme by sharing one of the newest and most meaningful things that we are doing these days... volunteering at a Hippotherapy location nearby called Freedom Ride.<br />
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Wikipedia gives the definition of hippotherapy as: "a form of physical, occupational and speech
therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a
horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input."<br />
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We discovered this opportunity last year when looking for ways for Holly to volunteer to fulfill scholarship requirements. After taking her to an orientation, we decided that it was so amazing that we all wanted to join her and have been there since October. We go to the barn every Friday from 7:45 to noon and here's an idea of what we do while we are there...<br />
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We start each week by turning all of the horses out from their stalls to the pasture - one of my favorite parts of the day! We've learned how to put on fly masks and halters, lead them out, release them and then watch them hurry out to that yummy green grass awaiting them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly turning out Ivan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MaKenna turning out Little Bit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly and Ginger</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb takes any horse out and brings them back in, but he loves the minis especially!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The minis - Joey and Marshmallow - with Dusty</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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At 8:00, classes start and last 30 minutes each. We tack up each horse for their class - saddle pads, bump pads, saddle, stirrups adjusted, girth tightened, reins attached, etc. (I never knew that I would even know what all of these things were, let alone know what to do with them!) Each class needs a "horse handler" (to lead the horse and rider) as well as two "sidewalkers" (who spot the rider as their needs demand - either ankle hold or arm over thigh or both). <br />
Our first class is a little boy about 6 or 7 with disabilities in the
autism spectrum, basically non verbal. He rides Image, the pretty paint
in the picture below.<br />
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Any time classes are going on and one of us is not in a class, we are cleaning stalls. Caleb is still considered a Junior volunteer (until he is 14), so he is unable to work classes. He has perfected tacking up the horses, grooming them (including picking their hooves, currying, brushing, etc), leading them to and from pasture and, yes, cleaning stalls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb getting Lucky ready for class, with Bella behind them</td></tr>
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Confession: I love to clean the stalls. Is that weird??!! I love the horsey smell of the barn, but I also love the feeling of entering a stall, seeing the mess, and conquering it! There is such a peace when I am in there, all by myself - the quietness makes me feel like I am in my own little world. I spend my time in each stall thinking, praying and relaxing in the rhythm of my work. <br />
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Cleaning the stalls includes: Removing all manure and urine, sifting through the shavings for hidden "treasures", smoothing out the shavings and adding more as needed, refilling their water buckets, cleaning their feed bins, adding fresh hay and cleaning their salt blocks if needed. It takes 20-30 minutes per stall, depending on how messy the horse is, and we have 9 stalls.<br />
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All the while that stalls are being cleaned, there are classes going on, so we rotate around - cleaning stalls and working classes. Our second class is a girl about 23 with (I think) severe autism, non-verbal. She is so happy, though, and squeals in delight when we trot with her!<br />
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Next up is a woman in her 30's who has cerebral palsy - highly intelligent and verbal, though hard to understand. She is one of my favorites! I just love her attitude, her sweet spirit and her attention to detail - she is not afraid to correct you if you do something different than she wanted! Recently, channel 6 came and filmed her class for a news report promoting Freedom Ride:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWRlxKQz3UdiTasoKfhhi1mJSh0j9tup0fMo8_dJr4fmLd4gPn-Ld3KmoTqRitY46PtkVLiebz5rUMzB5qliV1L6OQej6EED4xTTRWtn1dJ5izoaYhMI4Rs_xDmx2yymzgMPpnWdE66zs/s1600/416473_10150686450556965_613171964_9788265_609878497_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWRlxKQz3UdiTasoKfhhi1mJSh0j9tup0fMo8_dJr4fmLd4gPn-Ld3KmoTqRitY46PtkVLiebz5rUMzB5qliV1L6OQej6EED4xTTRWtn1dJ5izoaYhMI4Rs_xDmx2yymzgMPpnWdE66zs/s320/416473_10150686450556965_613171964_9788265_609878497_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150686450556965&set=o.286433729369&type=3&theater" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Our 4th class is another woman with CP, in her 40's or so. She is verbal, but VERY hard to understand, and very intelligent. We help each of the riders mount:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Te4KLPkg5NzIsIlZimGmg5RDv2qtA2Bd-H69UbcGhwt2jBnP6shClY7cW8Y6ebg48t7x10tDaOQuNBuWpZox2ZRGPdwi_62wAr9n4fn5e-cp5Z3cnsuoG81KtEoUL1x9Qg3ofZXEh9kU/s1600/331155_2789963306524_1181604171_32315535_1174044138_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Te4KLPkg5NzIsIlZimGmg5RDv2qtA2Bd-H69UbcGhwt2jBnP6shClY7cW8Y6ebg48t7x10tDaOQuNBuWpZox2ZRGPdwi_62wAr9n4fn5e-cp5Z3cnsuoG81KtEoUL1x9Qg3ofZXEh9kU/s320/331155_2789963306524_1181604171_32315535_1174044138_o.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2789963306524&set=o.286433729369&type=3&theater" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Heading out to start the class:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ei3QKIMyeC9vOBi0XzS4bboiO92JRbvqq7jn9RXETNse31YfFb8jQUeY-xZ2kpoY20Mp1wc4fjwrO782Yk3lybUAjSZMA_aRJi1RJBpzcyDhClhlRadPDUWBKHl9-7gfbVevr305lEBe/s1600/340500_2789965746585_1181604171_32315537_2136709270_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ei3QKIMyeC9vOBi0XzS4bboiO92JRbvqq7jn9RXETNse31YfFb8jQUeY-xZ2kpoY20Mp1wc4fjwrO782Yk3lybUAjSZMA_aRJi1RJBpzcyDhClhlRadPDUWBKHl9-7gfbVevr305lEBe/s320/340500_2789965746585_1181604171_32315537_2136709270_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2789965746585&set=o.286433729369&type=3&theater" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Both of these women are so sweet, just trapped in bodies that don't
cooperate. There is one other class, but we are usually not needed to
work it, so I don't know much about her except that she is very verbal
and easy to understand but with a lot of physical disabilities. <br />
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Each student has different things they are working on, based on their age, experience, disability and needs. It could be as basic as following directions to hold the reins or as advanced as two point trotting. We do many obstacle courses with ground poles, weaving poles, bridges, barrels for figure eights, stop boxes, etc. There are often tic tac toe type boards made on the ground for the riders to get to and toss balls into, or sometimes they will play basketball with a goal on the fence. These are just a few of the things we do on any given day! The goal of it all is to build the student's confidence while challenging and strengthening them, as well as ease their disability.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLi7lE-LPLzRhmdmj6_PJs5WDsYiVhkm4D_Evn1FhQw9oZq4sSqgOYorKQs6skBWYrllZ_KQsHhzuiAsmFIezHfSN58Fr0Eu7kg_5BBTERKfl8yDpgVdi8lrUFEv45TDoahCWdsO3R6PS/s1600/100_8617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLi7lE-LPLzRhmdmj6_PJs5WDsYiVhkm4D_Evn1FhQw9oZq4sSqgOYorKQs6skBWYrllZ_KQsHhzuiAsmFIezHfSN58Fr0Eu7kg_5BBTERKfl8yDpgVdi8lrUFEv45TDoahCWdsO3R6PS/s320/100_8617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can't even begin to explain how meaningful this has been for the kids and I. Interacting with the horses is amazing. The people at the barn with us on Fridays (one other volunteer, the barn manager and the instructor) are incredible. The students are inspiring. The work is life changing. Watching my kids interact with people of various disabilities and ages, with no fear or intimidation, is priceless.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqcz9OCYVDCRJWc52VWbfJt2Bv0djm_MHBLAI6QwuGuU-6VB7sW7nqg94rkUE2HdscSOgD3LV7r3qzSbyve5ij5iXhkz4wLWGVq9-YL0qA9fEwdahF87JnIxIjpN6nQiGBfP3ssJf5bVA/s1600/100_8634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqcz9OCYVDCRJWc52VWbfJt2Bv0djm_MHBLAI6QwuGuU-6VB7sW7nqg94rkUE2HdscSOgD3LV7r3qzSbyve5ij5iXhkz4wLWGVq9-YL0qA9fEwdahF87JnIxIjpN6nQiGBfP3ssJf5bVA/s320/100_8634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb and Image</td></tr>
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It kind of makes me think about the whole "socialization" issue with homeschoolers. How many 12 year old boys do you know who can interact with all of these ages and disabilities with confidence? One of the instructors has a son with severe physical disabilities. He is hard to understand, drools, can't control his arms and legs, etc. Caleb takes time every week to talk to him and spend time with him and this young man just loves Caleb. If that is "unsocialization", then I'd rather my kids be unsocialized any day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MaKenna in the pasture, leading a horse in</td></tr>
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I don't know how long we will be there, but we have no plans to stop our volunteering any time soon! Fridays have become one of our favorite days of the week, thanks to this awesome place.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horses out to pasture = pure beauty!</td></tr>
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Well, thanks for reading along! Hopefully, now that I've taken the plunge and hopped back on, I will keep up a little better. =)Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-90642243451709426862011-10-08T22:12:00.000-04:002011-10-08T22:12:39.437-04:00Happy Sweet 16 MaKenna!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9pnePbOZpb3lhpPDxty8Kii0HgIrHCvk5eRDkh_CPMt-wOtvURlR1wzq-huyG3-0DK1mHCBiDEtC99Nv9cwUV8kp6XpUFl7Q3nK-mH2ExbcWSWjVsRdKKHO5RUi8_EQYq9jqTxIcXm47/s1600/104_7474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9pnePbOZpb3lhpPDxty8Kii0HgIrHCvk5eRDkh_CPMt-wOtvURlR1wzq-huyG3-0DK1mHCBiDEtC99Nv9cwUV8kp6XpUFl7Q3nK-mH2ExbcWSWjVsRdKKHO5RUi8_EQYq9jqTxIcXm47/s320/104_7474.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
16 years ago today, Mark and I welcomed little MaKenna into the family. She made Holly a big sister and since then, I have watched them over the years squabble, argue, laugh, giggle, play, and become the best friends they are today.<br />
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MaKenna - you are an amazing part of our family!!! Our lives are better because of your kindness, your Godliness, your dedication, your laughter, your silliness, your passion, your uniqueness, your craftiness, your messiness, your CDO-ness, your awesomeness!!!! You have always had the ability to bring a smile to my face. I am so thankful that of all the people in the world, Jesus picked daddy and I to be your parents.<br />
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I love you sweet girl and hope that you had the best birthday ever with many more to come.<br />
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{Birthday party info and pictures to come, but here's a teaser...}<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5L6BYK2ZW79Uv9CQLC45gp92o1bvdTuat3nYX1L37xjpotESNMNBjIebJjd0Htb71kR5IBM8stW31gmVwMqkvnd1bZ3r4jtpLx8XjXtVeHlTJZCjs1b2A6QtzVhf9RVdvDgCtNAJQFmOr/s1600/130_7630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5L6BYK2ZW79Uv9CQLC45gp92o1bvdTuat3nYX1L37xjpotESNMNBjIebJjd0Htb71kR5IBM8stW31gmVwMqkvnd1bZ3r4jtpLx8XjXtVeHlTJZCjs1b2A6QtzVhf9RVdvDgCtNAJQFmOr/s320/130_7630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-29867243219382942982011-09-28T21:57:00.001-04:002011-10-17T20:04:41.697-04:00See You At the Pole 2011{Somehow, I wrote this post and then forgot to publish it! So, it is late, but better late than never, right?}<br />
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See You at the Pole is an annual event that I even remember from when I was in high school. I remember the Christian kids at my high school inviting me to come to the flag pole on a particular morning to 'pray' - which I had never done and, had I admitted it, would have said that I thought it was weird. One time though, I went out of curiosity and felt oddly drawn yet strangely out of place at the same time. Sadly, I didn't go back...<br />
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This year, the youth pastor at our church organized an after event on See you at the Pole day for our youth service and it inspired me to get our homeschool group (or as many as possible!) together at our church flagpole - to join together and pray. We had a nice sized group meet at our pole on 441for prayer and were joined by our youth pastor - we prayed for our nation, our state, our city, our community, our schools, our church and each other. Here are some pictures from the day, minus the 2 photographers!<br />
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This time, I was able to participate without feeling odd or out of place and it was a welcome change. The After Event was a great success, with lots of visitors from schools around town, including some of our homeschool friends! God is doing great things and greater things are yet to come! Did you participate in See You at the Pole?Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-40013527739547023392011-09-04T23:15:00.005-04:002011-09-07T07:47:43.212-04:00Unusual...Do you notice anything unusual in the picture below??<br />
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How long did it take you to notice the tp in the fridge? Well, in my family, it takes 2 days to notice it! Someone accidentally put in here when they were unloading the groceries. I noticed it the first time I opened the door, but decided to leave it and just see what happened. And no one noticed for 2 days! Two days! HeHe!!<br />
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Anyway, just thought I would share the latest little mishap from our home with you. Hope it made you smile!Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-48035890178752252452011-09-03T23:12:00.001-04:002011-09-03T23:21:49.769-04:00Caleb's Hunting PartyFor Caleb's 12th birthday, he asked if we could have a Hunting themed party for a few of his friends. This was a fun party to put together, and now, all the boys want to have one for themselves! Here's what we did:<br />
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As the boys arrived, they gathered around the "campfire" in the backyard with their Hunting Instructor, aka, Mark: <br />
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Mark and I gave them some instructions and guidance for the first activity, a scavenger hunt:<br />
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We had a slip of paper for each of them with a combination of numbers:<br />
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Their job was to run around the yard and find targets like the one below. Once they found it, they were to look on the back. Each of their names was listed there with some letters beside it. These letters went on their slip of paper under the correct number:<br />
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Gathering letters:<br />
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Kenna got in on the fun and helped Max, the youngest of the group!<br />
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As hot as it was, the boys had a blast running around and finding the targets that Mark had hidden - very well, I may say!<br />
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Hmmmm, did Caleb find any in that tree???<br />
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Mark hid them near and far...<br />
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Max, filling in his letters:<br />
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Once they collected all of their letters, they were able to read a hunting word and earn their prize (to be told below!) Next up was target practice. Mark gave them a safety talk, set up a target and let the boys chose the airsoft gun they wanted to practice with. The boys were pretty serious about their aim!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzWPKOA0-WFDYugBJ8IWLlGNkPnRBwKuuc0rbBxExbzGXGp4_7t8O3jgjdpACd8zClxdjClVn2TIb7k-ZV4IYvQmK-WoKgRYfeCdEwELfkasUZTGK8AmqgJ8JVeLLv8qjIi9U9q0CdPdT/s1600/102_7215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzWPKOA0-WFDYugBJ8IWLlGNkPnRBwKuuc0rbBxExbzGXGp4_7t8O3jgjdpACd8zClxdjClVn2TIb7k-ZV4IYvQmK-WoKgRYfeCdEwELfkasUZTGK8AmqgJ8JVeLLv8qjIi9U9q0CdPdT/s320/102_7215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb used a handgun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpRsTif0UFB0P1fgyx8GbfD7S104_xDho249dF8tF7tTJWgoQCpczVQwyNiwfKQydIqDXncfYgUCDKjsrmgrc1Hxo9TngIskbVyRHZjAjLrRkhUm_g5FUWxjvnOlArYypyLIuZCk-IOy7/s1600/102_7216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpRsTif0UFB0P1fgyx8GbfD7S104_xDho249dF8tF7tTJWgoQCpczVQwyNiwfKQydIqDXncfYgUCDKjsrmgrc1Hxo9TngIskbVyRHZjAjLrRkhUm_g5FUWxjvnOlArYypyLIuZCk-IOy7/s320/102_7216.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack went for the shotgun...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCRONhyphenhyphenJFpMbtMou-0zGRG8JLUhuQe9o6xX9sdbr_s3WZO9ZHP1aX8wYJO86-6hPaQn26mP9ljvDn2l7jzAMmdZ7mORGFPIJlIqlHCwosWQgn6xWTP37OqdU0xGH09CBsPgxB5bFxXZu0/s1600/102_7220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCRONhyphenhyphenJFpMbtMou-0zGRG8JLUhuQe9o6xX9sdbr_s3WZO9ZHP1aX8wYJO86-6hPaQn26mP9ljvDn2l7jzAMmdZ7mORGFPIJlIqlHCwosWQgn6xWTP37OqdU0xGH09CBsPgxB5bFxXZu0/s320/102_7220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max liked the pistol...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJzLgBSf_SfkHhaAM3S3fs0CbWgzmiInO2JV98S4QOutNq9fjpr7OowUPqTyPJ3dT7lBqL14e0TcujH1Eui9sVboTvZZzBn9TFBKKMK1pQX8Ccsf81lzjvcVbDiLfzjaieOYJKEkUnoJ6/s1600/102_7222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJzLgBSf_SfkHhaAM3S3fs0CbWgzmiInO2JV98S4QOutNq9fjpr7OowUPqTyPJ3dT7lBqL14e0TcujH1Eui9sVboTvZZzBn9TFBKKMK1pQX8Ccsf81lzjvcVbDiLfzjaieOYJKEkUnoJ6/s320/102_7222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew used his handgun...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierTCeTkV1QrFWJduO3h6tgmZZF-eJMWbCZAeyU-LuKkp5oRKwdvl5LMYx8XpZvG7mTCvfTKmHYIerxxHOmOJcew-4w70oTpbf_nFntuEzTjfRgOOgGfFnrtMXCu7uqler62jurZ-S6zNp/s1600/102_7225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierTCeTkV1QrFWJduO3h6tgmZZF-eJMWbCZAeyU-LuKkp5oRKwdvl5LMYx8XpZvG7mTCvfTKmHYIerxxHOmOJcew-4w70oTpbf_nFntuEzTjfRgOOgGfFnrtMXCu7uqler62jurZ-S6zNp/s320/102_7225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawson used a machine gun type...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4lG-Apn7ai6Pre8CZinvmdGHrYPnU5KtUA6Mis4RjDLbYMZwWi23ATw-7C15jt_N9Fa52Ip7fcwBe7USdzqZmbZ2bnqRDFCLL0EC2B_oxmNmRh-w5R5xvQPZB3RRlhfOasn4utLahuNs/s1600/102_7226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4lG-Apn7ai6Pre8CZinvmdGHrYPnU5KtUA6Mis4RjDLbYMZwWi23ATw-7C15jt_N9Fa52Ip7fcwBe7USdzqZmbZ2bnqRDFCLL0EC2B_oxmNmRh-w5R5xvQPZB3RRlhfOasn4utLahuNs/s320/102_7226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dylan went for the handgun... (seems to be the favorite)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Once everyone had a round of practice, we gave them their prizes, Marshmallow blowers that Mark and Caleb made for the boys, ammo attached!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWk1hVrPJg8dlnBywTUsZZ61KpuV712B7c2Oc40Jl1CJ160AoYImJbIEVhut7maVjY7yEXULsNReVRNLD5xPF5EgQdixiDkIusSJe4htN3qgeLg75E-N9DB9yrhRpJKMgnKXPZD8cKoDCA/s1600/102_7232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWk1hVrPJg8dlnBywTUsZZ61KpuV712B7c2Oc40Jl1CJ160AoYImJbIEVhut7maVjY7yEXULsNReVRNLD5xPF5EgQdixiDkIusSJe4htN3qgeLg75E-N9DB9yrhRpJKMgnKXPZD8cKoDCA/s320/102_7232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Max had a little bit of fun with his!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8PzoOZYt20AvqagkUans3xWyLLOr0MQ5wgr9xqD2QMKVquotWEBY3Bi5eglmPnyAP9bo29D_0GqCIa9LM8dtpcX7vBKeIbb5JzC5qiRKJQVAY_Y9pXrWOnY2VWtcuAyaPqy0rQu-HQmw/s1600/102_7233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8PzoOZYt20AvqagkUans3xWyLLOr0MQ5wgr9xqD2QMKVquotWEBY3Bi5eglmPnyAP9bo29D_0GqCIa9LM8dtpcX7vBKeIbb5JzC5qiRKJQVAY_Y9pXrWOnY2VWtcuAyaPqy0rQu-HQmw/s320/102_7233.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
They all took their guns into the yard and had a 'blast' (teehee) blowing them at each other, trees, squirrels, the air, etc.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMT3SU0a5Ud_5TgT7_PbRpLkqj9KiLm5h9lm488iKxs-ZT-xZ8sg8jpB3suZ_TnjB72yK3o5lGRNNomfGP_qjmJQEj66skA2exwZxcXTp_vl8mUfVEr_wzfAXUcH1a8iLiUdOfEZEswvC/s1600/102_7247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMT3SU0a5Ud_5TgT7_PbRpLkqj9KiLm5h9lm488iKxs-ZT-xZ8sg8jpB3suZ_TnjB72yK3o5lGRNNomfGP_qjmJQEj66skA2exwZxcXTp_vl8mUfVEr_wzfAXUcH1a8iLiUdOfEZEswvC/s320/102_7247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PpCWsmV524jC56uZnM6an2HbiolAfBlvkY7hAPJc9ivO6Y4fM0y9dXZm6sL1yy3ThMOitWILvo0zsJ_6yrQyB_dnViIWN8tbKJPM42CJ-XLJxOUX5TuTNdeRSiwQonLlQDEhIudGNXfW/s1600/102_7256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PpCWsmV524jC56uZnM6an2HbiolAfBlvkY7hAPJc9ivO6Y4fM0y9dXZm6sL1yy3ThMOitWILvo0zsJ_6yrQyB_dnViIWN8tbKJPM42CJ-XLJxOUX5TuTNdeRSiwQonLlQDEhIudGNXfW/s320/102_7256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Marshmallow guns are pretty cool! They work really well and you can take them apart and recreate them any way you like, kind of like legos! But the next big hit was the smores on a stick, below:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW5cqdsQcV4EY6GFK0ETMhYA4EogmmxUiAg74WBOu1_O7yAtRA0YBNHeygyGEAks9Qw-QU13YOsUrCgS2J8wGJqgoBrMOt591iAjKpNU3HHVvhkLkTsZ4mQ83tbCP_rGEvYadHlCljVs5/s1600/102_7264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW5cqdsQcV4EY6GFK0ETMhYA4EogmmxUiAg74WBOu1_O7yAtRA0YBNHeygyGEAks9Qw-QU13YOsUrCgS2J8wGJqgoBrMOt591iAjKpNU3HHVvhkLkTsZ4mQ83tbCP_rGEvYadHlCljVs5/s320/102_7264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I took marshmallows, dipped them in melted chocolate, then in crushed graham crackers. The kids loved these! And no smores mess! They each got a hot dog and roasted it over the 'campfire' - hunting does create a hearty appetite!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxbpAmCK9GMCEII-UoOECVCMl6Z83ETqb4WLe6FXGyp06ZX4KodrFsL1PtO6fXIU3B5PG5eSYtzIBm8nDUhFxN2oNXj9ibEnE3H8Ucge_FStcukdEywuEHY8KTKR6h63ACxMQ_lXDbhl7/s1600/102_7268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxbpAmCK9GMCEII-UoOECVCMl6Z83ETqb4WLe6FXGyp06ZX4KodrFsL1PtO6fXIU3B5PG5eSYtzIBm8nDUhFxN2oNXj9ibEnE3H8Ucge_FStcukdEywuEHY8KTKR6h63ACxMQ_lXDbhl7/s320/102_7268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGnbUpoD8W6UzgCh485EhbRhsMK2DZgConEovZ4ERIocA7SxzZXQIEf7JAv5kGAFphv5uyE7cFNXWRSbAjz8Uh8c9nS-r3kZZ4UpL8qnpC5Xdy0hKQaBGuMtVmDrHssuf-WwDBqhayWg_/s1600/102_7269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGnbUpoD8W6UzgCh485EhbRhsMK2DZgConEovZ4ERIocA7SxzZXQIEf7JAv5kGAFphv5uyE7cFNXWRSbAjz8Uh8c9nS-r3kZZ4UpL8qnpC5Xdy0hKQaBGuMtVmDrHssuf-WwDBqhayWg_/s320/102_7269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
More free shooting followed, then it was time for the cake. We had a few 'issues' with the cake, but in the end, it was not too bad... Notice the sleeping bad in the tent, the marshmallows ready to roast, and the campfire, with the candle inside to light it! OK, so it's not the best cake ever, but the kids all ooohhed and aaaahhhhed over it, Caleb loved it, and it tasted amazing, so that's what counts!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNQ9iqvpOdkwmm5OSU9f2lfHBqp8w7bcs6C5ElgGQxsQo-NZsEnMYDZGmpv9sxiil7Pc5TZVikCQUz3OcZNbLjat_6e26zco1-TiTDpg8wI2ylzaqljDUW1JK34wvsUuSJkdXIZHY2i7s/s1600/102_7273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNQ9iqvpOdkwmm5OSU9f2lfHBqp8w7bcs6C5ElgGQxsQo-NZsEnMYDZGmpv9sxiil7Pc5TZVikCQUz3OcZNbLjat_6e26zco1-TiTDpg8wI2ylzaqljDUW1JK34wvsUuSJkdXIZHY2i7s/s320/102_7273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here's a shot with the fire lit:<br />
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I meant to get a picture with all of us, dressed in our camo, but the girls got in the shower and changed before I remembered. Argg! Well, here are Caleb, Mark and I anyway...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWYFKFxhQ7PrU3ADkBcaQRsg8Oq8-kQa6BUQfIn54Cjuy9ezo_G0hJgpVStP_FDJkSyXOD5TQ9WNvnp_kc_EDdpzcBv-JSQSARninCK8xEtEPeaHmA99UTxg10AGi01YwlBO6Y86-lXnd/s1600/102_7282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWYFKFxhQ7PrU3ADkBcaQRsg8Oq8-kQa6BUQfIn54Cjuy9ezo_G0hJgpVStP_FDJkSyXOD5TQ9WNvnp_kc_EDdpzcBv-JSQSARninCK8xEtEPeaHmA99UTxg10AGi01YwlBO6Y86-lXnd/s320/102_7282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Just trust me that the girls had on camo, too! Ummm, any one but me realize how tall my 12 year old is??? Can we slow this down a bit? I don't think we can keep up with the clothes anymore! Help!!!!<br />
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So, Caleb loved his party, the kids played hard and a good time was had by all - Success! <br />
<span id="goog_1038884338"></span><span id="goog_1038884339"></span>Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-65859930716099837122011-09-01T23:03:00.000-04:002011-09-01T23:03:25.491-04:00September is Here, so bring on the Fall!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I just love the first day of September! Even though our temperature was somewhere near 90* again today, September seems to say 'I am here with the comfort of fall, regardless of the temperature!' September brings back memories of growing up in the north when the beginning of September meant going back to school (always the day after Labor Day), it meant apples - lots and lots of apples - and harvest of all kinds, it meant jackets and breezes and long walks outside collecting brilliantly colored leaves. I feel homey and cozy and warm inside thinking of September and all the good things that it brings! </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now that I am a grown up, fall means so many of those things and more. In addition to the above, it means pumpkins, warm colors - oranges, reds, browns, yellows - spices, pumpkins, pies, baking, playing outside with my kids until the sun goes down, pumpkins, cooler temperatures (we should only have highs in the 80's all weekend!), and, did I already mention, pumpkins?? I LOVE pumpkin - for decor, but especially in all sorts of recipes - yummy! Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin dip, pumpkin butter... I could go on and on with all of the yummy things I will be baking sooner than later! </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After saying all of that, then, it should come as no surprise that I started today on my pumpkin baking! I was making a chicken pot pie for dinner and happened to make too much crust (hate when that happens!), so I followed a recipe from the American Girls Josephina Cookbook and made Pumpkin Empanaditas. These. Are. Amazing. You must try them and I will make it easy on you by posting the recipe so you can!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;">Pumpkin Empanaditas</span></b></u></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Filling:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 Tbsp. butter</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 c. brown sugar</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 tsp. cinnamon (or more!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 tsp. cloves (or more!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup canned pumpkin</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Use a crust of your choice - storebought or homemade</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Directions: </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Make your pastry dough, if making it homemade, according to your directions. I love my crust recipe:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 tsp salt</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2-2 1/2 c. flour (fresh milled soft white, if possible)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2/3 c. butter</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">7 tbsp. ice water</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add the salt and flour to a food processor and mix it up. Slice the butter into thin slices and add to the flour mix. Pulse just until combined. Add the ice water and mix just until blended and a ball forms. Over mixing takes away the flakiness, in my opinion. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. OK, so you have your crust ready and waiting. It's time to make the filling. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the sugar, spices and pumpkin, stirring til smooth. It should look something like this:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Fa0gg0D1nTFzMVM1Q3SmB7r5rBn9OeisGr8NZY6LjWKOegucU1IpSWxZU7NUkaSklC0fpGZDKPF8Kktof2c3uaUSwx1m6enIy68_M_U-DwwRonWuPA1EQ0LG4rAWpUqMGMLI3fyCCkbX/s1600/102_7292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Fa0gg0D1nTFzMVM1Q3SmB7r5rBn9OeisGr8NZY6LjWKOegucU1IpSWxZU7NUkaSklC0fpGZDKPF8Kktof2c3uaUSwx1m6enIy68_M_U-DwwRonWuPA1EQ0LG4rAWpUqMGMLI3fyCCkbX/s320/102_7292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. Continue to stir this over low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Then, allow it to cool to room temperature and put in the fridge until it is cold. (We didn't do this last part, just let it get to room temp - FYI!) Go ahead and turn your oven on now to 375*.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Now, sprinkle some flour onto the counter, your table or a plastic cutting board and roll your rolling pin through it to keep the dough from sticking. Take a ball of your dough and roll it out, being sure to turn it often and that you have enough flour - no sticking! Roll to about 1/4 inch thick. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. Use a cookie cutter, glass or (like us) a metal mason jar lid ring to cut as many circles as you can from your dough. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoudYb-Lj9EFWtxMn08W0op-FLO34zKSSdpBSfJLHKUsbVEAS1XcnKw7L5mrv7KMWg0dDW5m7ksfYSCWC8Gmb58q7DRaLvBAill_Hw71dS27CdTFxJ-fQWqPOAoaEZy2FNFVxl-Oc6k-1r/s1600/102_7300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoudYb-Lj9EFWtxMn08W0op-FLO34zKSSdpBSfJLHKUsbVEAS1XcnKw7L5mrv7KMWg0dDW5m7ksfYSCWC8Gmb58q7DRaLvBAill_Hw71dS27CdTFxJ-fQWqPOAoaEZy2FNFVxl-Oc6k-1r/s320/102_7300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">6. Here, the cookbook recommends making an egg wash of 1 egg and 1 tbsp water, beat well together. You would then brush this onto the edge of each circle, to keep it closed. I did not do this and had no problem with it at all!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">7. Now, place about 1 tbsp. of the filling into the center of each circle:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOTf-H94he4kmXhbTOBpvw2YPRbdiw6dleOXDXOymNIE77Q8lC99W6dbVTMhNFf2YP6-W6rto4lPxfInZxteJZ4AjaA3Cun7xhnggzaXigqXG0d33zCupAR74peHd_L0Gbnx4ryEQM0oG/s1600/102_7302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOTf-H94he4kmXhbTOBpvw2YPRbdiw6dleOXDXOymNIE77Q8lC99W6dbVTMhNFf2YP6-W6rto4lPxfInZxteJZ4AjaA3Cun7xhnggzaXigqXG0d33zCupAR74peHd_L0Gbnx4ryEQM0oG/s320/102_7302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">8. Fold the circle in half and press the edges together, then seal with the tip of a fork:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiCuUX2fFx429JbKMiJe8agqpORcOILLuekbZD_MM2Yxy-V-VWEnZHbRws5dxlebCBpixi4ZSc6NecGNhwTPhfv4Nio0F-v8rSMtqH67JS_kPbg_e0l-N-KUWbh5beDoKR42h9aqB8MrM/s1600/102_7303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiCuUX2fFx429JbKMiJe8agqpORcOILLuekbZD_MM2Yxy-V-VWEnZHbRws5dxlebCBpixi4ZSc6NecGNhwTPhfv4Nio0F-v8rSMtqH67JS_kPbg_e0l-N-KUWbh5beDoKR42h9aqB8MrM/s320/102_7303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">9. Place these about 1" apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat the above with the rest of your dough and filling. You can use your egg wash to brush on the top as well, if you are using this.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until they are lightly browned, remove from the oven and sprinkle with a little bit of sugar. Let them cool slightly, then add a dollop or two of cool whip and Enjoy!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am now officially ready for fall! </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-45919028935206323412011-08-26T21:15:00.000-04:002011-08-26T21:15:00.958-04:00Making Hand SoapWe were finally able to collect all of the ingredients needed to make a couple of batches of homemade hand soap this week and I am so glad that we did! It is super easy, cheap, fun and satisfying. Here's what we did:<br />
<br />
We have been collecting bars of nice soap (Yardley's, for example) anytime they have been on a good sale at CVS and Walgreens for the past couple of months. I was able to finally find glycerin in the pharmacy area of Walmart - for $2.98 for a 6 oz. bottle. Here's what you can do to make some for yourself! (For our first batch, we used English Lavender from Yardley's and then made a smaller batch of an herbal soap for the sensitive hands in our family.)<br />
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Grate one bar of soap using a regular cheese grater:<br />
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Next, add the soap flakes (you should have about 1 and a 1/2 cups) to 15 cups of water in a large pot with 1.5 tbsp of glycerin. At first, this is how it will look:<br />
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Stir regularly over medium heat until the flakes are completely dissolved. Transfer to a large container and let sit overnight. At first, we thought we did something wrong since it was kind of runny. But, after sitting overnight, it thickened right up. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit85cQ5V9vWoUAEzCHZZs6m_gyY-5UBkH9WHFmLMzuatbSCpWsGo5K5IUdQScfQxhyphenhyphenYQ-9awLErubSQxy-NaP-H98ZDWLTPm-k1q1-lDl4Ijj9xEEYbLnMtDcKaWQkyFzaEngQDY6mIGOL/s1600/102_7129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit85cQ5V9vWoUAEzCHZZs6m_gyY-5UBkH9WHFmLMzuatbSCpWsGo5K5IUdQScfQxhyphenhyphenYQ-9awLErubSQxy-NaP-H98ZDWLTPm-k1q1-lDl4Ijj9xEEYbLnMtDcKaWQkyFzaEngQDY6mIGOL/s320/102_7129.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
We refilled our empty bottles around the house right away and it worked perfectly! They smell so good and only cost .38 worth of glycerin and .48 for a bar of soap - for the whole thing! <b>85 CENTS</b> to make 15+ cups of hand soap!! We have already filled 2 bottles and have so much left over it will last for a very long time!<br />
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My next project is to make these to fill with our homemade soap:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY12mHZFt_vFu5Yyj410NthBahByogVNL2fiHih5jScQ8I-VzDYetczVqZw_X5cKt1j6wNm4lgdYxIjUITmeo3FywGcXphGb_LXktEoxuDn9XWCHB5UMncOFcnv7g1o5ylaE0m3p_h7UA0/s1600/soap+jar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY12mHZFt_vFu5Yyj410NthBahByogVNL2fiHih5jScQ8I-VzDYetczVqZw_X5cKt1j6wNm4lgdYxIjUITmeo3FywGcXphGb_LXktEoxuDn9XWCHB5UMncOFcnv7g1o5ylaE0m3p_h7UA0/s320/soap+jar.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source:<a href="http://theblissfullycontentlife.blogspot.com/2010/08/homemade-christmas-canning-jar-soap.html">Canning Jar Soap Dispenser</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><br />
If you try it out, let me know how it goes!Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-26769326458619293752011-08-25T19:58:00.000-04:002011-08-25T19:58:00.379-04:00Celebrating the SabbathIn my back to school post, I alluded to more details about using 'My Father's World' with Caleb. So, here you go!<br />
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I used My Father's World for both the girls and am so excited to be learning from it with Caleb. We are starting with Creation to the Greeks and will spend the next 3 years traveling through world history from Creation to the present day. This year, in addition to studying Bible history (I learn so much with him as we go!), ancient history, dinosaurs and the science of Creation, we are learning about the Feasts that the Jews celebrated in the Old Testament. Not just learn about them, but actually partake of them ourselves! Here's what I mean.<br />
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Last week, we learned about the celebration of the Sabbath or Shabbat as the Jews call it. So, in addition to reading about it in our lessons and Caleb reading about it in books on his own, we actually celebrated it, as much as possible, as they would have originally over the weekend - It was so wonderful! One of the great parts is that, leading up to the sun going down, everyone pitched in to clean the house so that even the mom (AKA, me) can rest on Sabbath! We all cleaned, cooked and prepared so that we would have no work to do the next day. Since it is more conducive to our lives, we started Saturday and ended Sunday, and since He is Lord of the Sabbath - we kept our eyes on Him as we celebrated.<br />
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Saturday night, as the day ended, we prepared to gather around the table. There are lots of prayers said, blessings given and received, etc. If you have never celebrated an authentic Sabbath, you really should. It is beautiful. So, we lit candles and had a pretty centerpiece, picked and prepared by Holly: <br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNv1V-x63JCtWFWrzXzvCLpAYBiRQ6LtM_y5_uS4GS_zhm7nXpd6oqK8cdxcES4GR8ScMPotGLgus9PemdEWwaJIL1sR02vT5kZbJetXvRWAk1eGdAnrqxhbEH3AFtp08vaVtBUhXxHGS/s1600/102_7081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNv1V-x63JCtWFWrzXzvCLpAYBiRQ6LtM_y5_uS4GS_zhm7nXpd6oqK8cdxcES4GR8ScMPotGLgus9PemdEWwaJIL1sR02vT5kZbJetXvRWAk1eGdAnrqxhbEH3AFtp08vaVtBUhXxHGS/s320/102_7081.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
After all of the preparation, and now that everyone was truly 'starving', we began to eat. You don't know how I regret forgetting to take pictures in the midst of everything. I mean, I made a mighty fine meal! We had baked salmon with completely homemade tarter sauce (including grating the pickles for relish!), brown rice, cooked and candied baby carrots and challah - the traditional Jewish bread. It was delicious, if I do say so myself. <br />
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So, from then until the next day at sundown, you are on Sabbath rest time. Our family truly tries to keep Sunday as a day of rest anyway, so this was not too hard for us to do! Sunday morning, we woke up celebrating the Lord's presence and prepared for church. We had a great service, then came home to a lunch that we had been preparing since the day before, to avoid cooking on the Sabbath! Boy, did the house smell wonderful!<br />
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We found this recipe in a book called "Cooking the Israeli Way" and it is called Sabbath Stew. This will be a regular in our home, it was that good! I will now tempt you with a picture and the recipe, so that you can try it on your own and fill your house and tummy with amazing smells and flavors!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKMv-4bSelJou7GHTP59tOSaYIf8VOfaQiD7aO94eTD5mZCGP3T5uG5LzwAR8TyPNK1DWeRHnuBjmDeggutyOiBRLi79aSCbP9y9IzWr3e-d6ZhMONRZaZl1gt-3dW3P4U1JO_QzPrgL3/s1600/102_7096.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKMv-4bSelJou7GHTP59tOSaYIf8VOfaQiD7aO94eTD5mZCGP3T5uG5LzwAR8TyPNK1DWeRHnuBjmDeggutyOiBRLi79aSCbP9y9IzWr3e-d6ZhMONRZaZl1gt-3dW3P4U1JO_QzPrgL3/s320/102_7096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here's what you need:<br />
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1 1/4 cups dry chick peas (I used 2 cans)<br />
1 1/4 cups dry navy beans (I used dry beans for this since I had it and then cooked them til soft)<br />
4 tbsp veggie oil<br />
2 large onions, chopped to your liking<br />
6 small new potatoes (I didn't have these, so I used about 6-8 idahos and quartered them)<br />
2 lbs beef cut into 2ish inch cubes (I used stew meat)<br />
4 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped<br />
1 tsp ground coriander (did not have so did not use...)<br />
1 1/2 tsp cumin<br />
1 tsp allspice<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp pepper<br />
(Note: the recipe calls for 8 uncooked eggs in their shells. I used 2, but next time will use none. You can decide for yourself!)<br />
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If using dry beans, soak overnight the night before. Saute onions until golden brown, adding garlic at the end. In a large crockpot, place potatoes, onions, meat and eggs, if using. (Be careful not to break the eggs!) Add beans to the pot, discarding the liquid first if they were soaked. Add spices and mix well. (I waited to add my eggs until everything else was in the pot and mixed, then I gently tucked them in.) Add enough water to the pot to barely cover the contents. If your lid does not fit tightly, add a layer of foil under the lid. I turned the crockpot on at about 11 PM or so on high for about 30 minutes, then down to low and let it cook until 5 AM. I turned it off at that time, but turned it back on at 7 AM on low and let it cook til we got home from church. Alternately, you could add everything as above to a casserole dish, bake for 1 hour on 375*, then reduce heat to the lowest setting and cook for 5-8 hours. Before serving, if you used the eggs, remove them from the pot, take the shells off and cut into quarters. Serve the stew hot, garnished with the egg if desired, and have some of the challah with it. Oh so good, filling, nutritious and just plain yummy!<br />
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So, after that, we rested, spent time together reading, playing outside, etc. We had a light dinner of cheese and crackers, then waited for the sun to go down. There are more prayers prayed at that time and more symbolic celebrations as well. It was a wonderful day - so good that we are considering doing it again. Soon! I wish I had taken more pictures, but we were just so caught up in the time, that it slipped right by... Maybe next time!<br />
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This weekend was just a testimony of one of the many reasons that I love to homeschool. Getting to bring things to life and make them real and meaningful for my children - not just facts to memorize for a test, but a true love for learning and wisdom and truth. I am blessed!<br />
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Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-78988156699195911902011-08-24T22:06:00.002-04:002011-08-24T22:06:00.427-04:00Caleb turns 12!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnAiUMWfk1Hxs3cft54-mxTT160QIIMb5yoXQPV_L61G7yiNLHeDDrrKDnEikGn5aJOW-B7aCeJS4rFfDoyD34pFsj2mviAlzz_2QgxyE1TrKCpCpg31ul1Z7TRBs-bmHpIn7sUiiaqcI/s1600/102_7142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnAiUMWfk1Hxs3cft54-mxTT160QIIMb5yoXQPV_L61G7yiNLHeDDrrKDnEikGn5aJOW-B7aCeJS4rFfDoyD34pFsj2mviAlzz_2QgxyE1TrKCpCpg31ul1Z7TRBs-bmHpIn7sUiiaqcI/s320/102_7142.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Another birthday? Where does the time go???!! We are so blessed to have Caleb in our family - he keeps us laughing with his infectious humor and laugh. He is truly a gift from God!<br />
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His sisters think so, too!<br />
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You may know that part of how we celebrate a birthday in our home is by letting the birthday person get to choose all the meals we eat that day and what we do as a family. We did a tiny bit of school in the morning, played a game and then he played airsoft war with his daddy. After that, he wanted to watch a movie of his choice, so that's what we did!<br />
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Sometimes the food choices can be very interesting! He chose to have:<br />
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Breakfast - Homemade Biscuits and Gravy<br />
{Note: This was the best gravy I ever made! I made homemade turkey sausage and also used part milk and part 1/2 and 1/2 (because I ran out of milk - I love when accidents make something so much better!). I don't know if it was one or the other or both reasons, but it was yummy! And on top of homemade biscuits??? Not much better than that!}<br />
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Lunch - Quesadillas<br />
{Funny that he chose this since we have them several times a week as part of our regular meal plan - but we just looooovvveee them!}<br />
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Dinner - Homemade Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Baby Carrots<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fKgYDhMY2FJ0I84caIIHoUBdbU69a2jzZl1wDUdrFzpMuijFIQKkkaJ2UFqpMAzRAPygW5yBCtlpqPzXdZVfJhF3n6nLBQRexs3HhcBcLGUVCDvF34wHeRAigRHJxSGCo9ydfFOf9RUE/s1600/102_7110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fKgYDhMY2FJ0I84caIIHoUBdbU69a2jzZl1wDUdrFzpMuijFIQKkkaJ2UFqpMAzRAPygW5yBCtlpqPzXdZVfJhF3n6nLBQRexs3HhcBcLGUVCDvF34wHeRAigRHJxSGCo9ydfFOf9RUE/s320/102_7110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner on our Special Birthday Plate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For his dessert, he wanted to try something new: I don't even know what it would be called, except maybe sinful! I'll share the process with you since they say confession is good for the soul... =)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe8JahLX9ZLmKZoPFONwfOs1ghjYsITW788wBfhnmqS-CLXCni_ssVDx7QrXIXDOMH1OvDzf7MZpLlL7p7XG6eea78tllBU2fI6Xrw1sd_SqxuPJEKAkcpPMC33mpVL6wqxVx0QEqwUXC/s1600/102_7098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe8JahLX9ZLmKZoPFONwfOs1ghjYsITW788wBfhnmqS-CLXCni_ssVDx7QrXIXDOMH1OvDzf7MZpLlL7p7XG6eea78tllBU2fI6Xrw1sd_SqxuPJEKAkcpPMC33mpVL6wqxVx0QEqwUXC/s320/102_7098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb snapped this picture of me working - notice the messy kitchen... this was a big job!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, first you make a batch of your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and spread it in the bottom of a well greased (or parchment lined) 9x13 pan<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwezo4R4JJUNHQ4Yq8BoXNWC3xy0XQul0PWSweUEMbgn9LT8RVGv-WTeIvC4qumsqGsSbgXRmTNi-URYBSXR5nqH4auDWqSMHOHQ20RHLZ5fgRYEZJ1YctYuCSAHfMu1PM8oY1d0B9wl6M/s1600/102_7102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwezo4R4JJUNHQ4Yq8BoXNWC3xy0XQul0PWSweUEMbgn9LT8RVGv-WTeIvC4qumsqGsSbgXRmTNi-URYBSXR5nqH4auDWqSMHOHQ20RHLZ5fgRYEZJ1YctYuCSAHfMu1PM8oY1d0B9wl6M/s320/102_7102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade chocolate chip cookie layer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next, layer oreos on top of the chocolate cookies - my recipe actually called for Double Stuff, but you have to draw the line somewhere!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLWfp5ZfPuhUN6Q0uM-SWxrVGeZPGGSsuU9_EHLdfxVJdm8mu-PXN8Va2BkcJ5JN_LB6me1r4mdFhNtk2bdKLdL1NmBZN0-Lja4-WSsVvQsPB0a0k4OEHCQ5RODeJorRd4z6FL2DeJ87k/s1600/102_7105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLWfp5ZfPuhUN6Q0uM-SWxrVGeZPGGSsuU9_EHLdfxVJdm8mu-PXN8Va2BkcJ5JN_LB6me1r4mdFhNtk2bdKLdL1NmBZN0-Lja4-WSsVvQsPB0a0k4OEHCQ5RODeJorRd4z6FL2DeJ87k/s320/102_7105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As if you needed more, you now add your favorite brownie mix on top of that (I actually cheated here and just used a box mix. Sometimes, you just have to cheat!)<br />
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Then, you bake it for about 50 minutes at 350* Take it out and it looks something like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIWZ0pNSKMkEGpXRP11RudLVODTV6vRLNxF-YJJU9g1kY_uCsKeDRMGrEBkX4nXqRJChJBCtMFik8b-fN4nMj-BBwvLF5uNk22TFNL7Y6FUhuzlpH2l1_mwR1_cVTcUG7aC324_XMylqq/s1600/102_7108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIWZ0pNSKMkEGpXRP11RudLVODTV6vRLNxF-YJJU9g1kY_uCsKeDRMGrEBkX4nXqRJChJBCtMFik8b-fN4nMj-BBwvLF5uNk22TFNL7Y6FUhuzlpH2l1_mwR1_cVTcUG7aC324_XMylqq/s320/102_7108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream and chocolate and caramel syrup - because it wasn't bad enough on it's own.<br />
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I could only take one bite (don't need an upset stomach over dessert!), but it was very good. Tasted like a brownie on steroids. Caleb loved it though, and that's what counts!<br />
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Happy Birthday to Caleb! I think this will be his best year yet and pray that it is so!Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-84842605162194777312011-08-23T22:36:00.000-04:002011-08-23T22:36:00.051-04:00"Back" to School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpng_BtnfQZqLqo4ytjNF9iAl-Mn7ieYOW0UjR6Qd9L6qBi6aTqSoz1gefeGiL9hadSnq91rQvvHfv-NbEo0msB-gpKplVGxBmcB2IJUtaMJMm8PGGzoq8ivE11WiKUwxpm66YLLb4pvJZ/s1600/102_6297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpng_BtnfQZqLqo4ytjNF9iAl-Mn7ieYOW0UjR6Qd9L6qBi6aTqSoz1gefeGiL9hadSnq91rQvvHfv-NbEo0msB-gpKplVGxBmcB2IJUtaMJMm8PGGzoq8ivE11WiKUwxpm66YLLb4pvJZ/s320/102_6297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's hard to say "back to school" when we never really took off from last year! We have kept busy through the summer staying on top of math, reading and cursive for Caleb and math, history and literature for the girls. But, for all official intentions, we officially started back on August 15th - last Monday. <br />
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This year marks some major milestones for us - Caleb starts 6th grade, so I have no more in elementary school... ='{ this is so sad to me! On top of that, MaKenna is a Junior and Holly is a Senior. Oh. my. Where did the time go? We were just starting kindergarten yesterday or so... Right??? And now... Holly will graduate. In May. Whoa... Ok, moving on, before I shed tears.<br />
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For Caleb this year, we are using the following:<br />
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Bible includes a character study, devotional, Bible reading and verse memorization.<br />
Math U See Epsilon - Fractions. I love the freedom that this curriculum gives me! <br />
Madsen Method - this is a spelling and grammar combination. <br />
We are beta testing Writeshop Junior Book F for creative writing. I LOVE this curriculum!<br />
Cursive is through 'A Reason for Handwriting'<br />
Reading is through Pathway readers with questions that I make up for him.<br />
Music is guitar lessons from a video program.<br />
Last but not least, for History and Science we are using My Father's World. (details in another post soon!)<br />
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MaKenna is using:<br />
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Bible - we are currently doing a study of the Fruit of the Spirit<br />
Math U See - finishing Geometry, then, TBD...<br />
Botany Adventure - Science<br />
English is Literature and Writing - Writeshop at the next level (creating as I go!)<br />
Spanish I on FLVS<br />
Tapestry of Grace for History, Bible, Literature and Worldview - (we are working through almost 3 years of curriculum in two, hence working so hard all summer!) <br />
Crafting, cooking, baking, homemaking and character are through me, books, and daily life skills =)<br />
Music - Lessons with our music minister<br />
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Holly is using:<br />
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Bible - we are currently doing a study of the Fruit of the Spirit<br />
Math U See Stewardship - business and real life math<br />
Chemistry on FLVS<br />
English is Literature and Writing - Writeshop at the next level (creating as I go!)<br />
Spanish I on FLVS<br />
<br />
Tapestry of Grace for History, Bible, Literature and Worldview (same as MaKenna above)<br />
Crafting, cooking, baking, homemaking and character are through me, books, and daily life skills =)<br />
Music - Lessons with our music minister<br />
Web Design II on FLVS<br />
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Looks like it will be a full and busy year - just how we like it! And full of all the things we each like to learn about.<br />
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How about you? When did you start and are you doing anything exciting this year? Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-12627980518242843552011-07-08T23:23:00.001-04:002011-07-08T23:24:26.697-04:00Last Launch of the Space ShuttleToday, the kids and I got to be a part of history when we drove to the space coast to watch the lift off of the Atlantis shuttle. Even living so close to the launch pad, none of us had ever seen one lift off before and we realized that if we didn't go to this one, we never would either! We ended up having quite an adventurous day that started when we left the house at about 7:15. We almost didn't go, since the chance of lift off at that time was only at about 30% due to weather conditions. But, on the chance that it <i>would </i>go up, we went ahead and packed a lunch, loaded up and headed out - the back way to avoid the traffic!<br />
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Everything was going along great as we drove on the back road, pretty much in the middle of nowhere, listening to launch updates and traffic reports of all the people who went the main way who were not moving very fast. The next thing we knew, traffic was stopping ahead of us and we were sitting - on a two lane road with no detour options and marshy scrub on either side of us. At this point, there were NO traffic updates about this situation and we had no idea what was going on. Well, turning around would mean going home since we were so far in the boonies, so we turned off the van and decided to wait. After a while, we got out to see if we could tell what was up and chatted with a nice lady in front of us. At this point, most people had either turned around and left or were out of their vehicles. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAqs4tWp8r6unukSw7PaZf8lMXq1zbCduPorkNl_t-RFcXAmS2oAPFgwbpyQ8TLYPkiMpWGkBJNFR1GrH6nf0-ZZEME3vlvKo26t0Y8CeBHUBRFufnoeA_koktqScMESsFl5ogWmdwx44/s1600/102_6461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAqs4tWp8r6unukSw7PaZf8lMXq1zbCduPorkNl_t-RFcXAmS2oAPFgwbpyQ8TLYPkiMpWGkBJNFR1GrH6nf0-ZZEME3vlvKo26t0Y8CeBHUBRFufnoeA_koktqScMESsFl5ogWmdwx44/s320/102_6461.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cars in front of us - not too many</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JfPRABXWnhDsuzt8oZ-nLSQy8JgJhihy8H02nlEMcxGIrIPYWSh0Ph5eJSwmnGVpOQi43CU1K-RY9_Mp88t-_mjL8wyHBtuxtjfDWaxBjJcKx9ySMiQPfMsXv_YItz8GxAECjxt6fXKQ/s1600/102_6462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JfPRABXWnhDsuzt8oZ-nLSQy8JgJhihy8H02nlEMcxGIrIPYWSh0Ph5eJSwmnGVpOQi43CU1K-RY9_Mp88t-_mjL8wyHBtuxtjfDWaxBjJcKx9ySMiQPfMsXv_YItz8GxAECjxt6fXKQ/s320/102_6462.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cars behind us - we couldn't even see the end of them!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NMAr8VuaYMadJG-UpZdObGypj02tH9MPPQYiX-dKxbfV2XPOc6bWihfbTUB0ATQMluAolSaePVZdsa7oXLglD-3fljBomK78NVTIa27oOS42kqfOmUYuYlxD0Vf-v5bqYS07UJ4eis51/s1600/102_6464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NMAr8VuaYMadJG-UpZdObGypj02tH9MPPQYiX-dKxbfV2XPOc6bWihfbTUB0ATQMluAolSaePVZdsa7oXLglD-3fljBomK78NVTIa27oOS42kqfOmUYuYlxD0Vf-v5bqYS07UJ4eis51/s320/102_6464.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoomed in front after people were getting out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoomed in behind us - lots of people!</td></tr>
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We ended up waiting there for an hour and a half! We found out that there had been a 3 car accident just around the next bend and 2 people had to be airlifted to the hospital. So sad.<br />
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Once they had gotten it all cleared and taken care of, we were back on the road and only about 10 minutes from our destination! We were headed for a park across the Indian River from the shuttle. However, we had no idea how to get to where we could actually see the launch. So, we parked the van, gathered our things and just started walking. It was a really pretty park with ball fields, lakes, playgrounds, and lots of wildlife. There were others there, but this was definitely not a well known area because it was not packed. We passed others as we walked and decided to just keep walking to see how close we could get to the river. From where we were on the path with others, all we could see was the wetlands marsh (aka TREES) and lots of clouds. So we walked...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-CstoBhYeSvfUQ_C7C69qaNfyW6VXQ8G0vBahG-J0gx3BP9_ZXBzorcYpsj9r_RmodfcBjKAeUwN2f0kfglHX56GgMjDCh9dqpfeJKzGbSjy4UTzC9g3aLCHXpnqX7FTSdYlxGlSTUBP/s1600/102_6469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-CstoBhYeSvfUQ_C7C69qaNfyW6VXQ8G0vBahG-J0gx3BP9_ZXBzorcYpsj9r_RmodfcBjKAeUwN2f0kfglHX56GgMjDCh9dqpfeJKzGbSjy4UTzC9g3aLCHXpnqX7FTSdYlxGlSTUBP/s320/102_6469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trees on the left were between us and our destination - how to get through was the dilemma!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa3hMozM69jWQKlWww1d3OG_0EDjrmjz6mmjjCdXfCid3LU03wqnLQhm4cR-nZ3UpcovFJ9tcNJ_Tx6mOfaQSWWSLnDHl3KATK6R4a32YLPJEPz-VHWy25Y-2WT4-UjDtWUSV-_AnLKxT/s1600/102_6470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa3hMozM69jWQKlWww1d3OG_0EDjrmjz6mmjjCdXfCid3LU03wqnLQhm4cR-nZ3UpcovFJ9tcNJ_Tx6mOfaQSWWSLnDHl3KATK6R4a32YLPJEPz-VHWy25Y-2WT4-UjDtWUSV-_AnLKxT/s320/102_6470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw several gators as we walked.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJhcxS7CmhySQUtICyqb7_gOhoPKGkZr7CQTt0UHfwqnzc8wwDG44mu8thpmkt37jbvDWEsmgVufowj0F8gKY4MWiblIlQnd2aDqauxR33PPb1k7bg2GSJ54pzjPv1dxLuFrKlIM6NMLp/s1600/102_6483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJhcxS7CmhySQUtICyqb7_gOhoPKGkZr7CQTt0UHfwqnzc8wwDG44mu8thpmkt37jbvDWEsmgVufowj0F8gKY4MWiblIlQnd2aDqauxR33PPb1k7bg2GSJ54pzjPv1dxLuFrKlIM6NMLp/s320/102_6483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Should we stop here? Nah - let's keep walking and try to get closer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikM89sErNL5dI5iMttWci1AGiiPmEctC9Rx8BqTn8o7Ssn1Rvs56uTyQjn0T4A6Hg_cBdg6FkfN-dVXhG94M8lHqqXxsFOgXEQkcRXVF0VureiL9SWQA2H_T34Qj2ppFKlJ9HnBfn9-gEI/s1600/102_6484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikM89sErNL5dI5iMttWci1AGiiPmEctC9Rx8BqTn8o7Ssn1Rvs56uTyQjn0T4A6Hg_cBdg6FkfN-dVXhG94M8lHqqXxsFOgXEQkcRXVF0VureiL9SWQA2H_T34Qj2ppFKlJ9HnBfn9-gEI/s320/102_6484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw tons of fish jumping out of the water - can you see it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2jGJCHUTP5z-Y4A82VnM2-F-sxuMpCSnbHPYtZG5XfHUFuh_qCyOarIEPOy9Jze2L3lpKdZBnn3i7nq1iY9M_l5kgUIIQSujeHJNDayQyKQGmWRhTQgDogXDElQd05DV5CwjVal_QYBW/s1600/102_6487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2jGJCHUTP5z-Y4A82VnM2-F-sxuMpCSnbHPYtZG5XfHUFuh_qCyOarIEPOy9Jze2L3lpKdZBnn3i7nq1iY9M_l5kgUIIQSujeHJNDayQyKQGmWRhTQgDogXDElQd05DV5CwjVal_QYBW/s320/102_6487.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty things were growing everywhere we walked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwHJ7T49RMlyWEuLVNLBngTZI8Oa-G8ynTurBxLaTLk_NAwjEwdeb-4LXZHxDg4TvxBmKd_WaS_XXspHvtZ7X1AuyyR6WStu5WoK8X5ekItdXGjdb8z7Iyaa9FNZ63ytrBBpsCY8ZWE5b/s1600/102_6502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwHJ7T49RMlyWEuLVNLBngTZI8Oa-G8ynTurBxLaTLk_NAwjEwdeb-4LXZHxDg4TvxBmKd_WaS_XXspHvtZ7X1AuyyR6WStu5WoK8X5ekItdXGjdb8z7Iyaa9FNZ63ytrBBpsCY8ZWE5b/s320/102_6502.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then, we started finding old abandoned things like this canoe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We realized that we were at the end of the path and that to our left was what appeared to be a way through - if we were willing to trudge through sopping wet mud, tall grass and who knows what! We were willing!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FYApqQIudKLuxphUIgD4Tadhf3LveRGvHxzCROyVbKDxXUq-5vd6DQWiZJX2JIk_PKKd9-SC2UuJe19krFZrHZ-9B9WYwJXSv6vboWY_xm8U0zXogkEP8GsjMyOke-ECRtd4Zdb2AI6g/s1600/102_6505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FYApqQIudKLuxphUIgD4Tadhf3LveRGvHxzCROyVbKDxXUq-5vd6DQWiZJX2JIk_PKKd9-SC2UuJe19krFZrHZ-9B9WYwJXSv6vboWY_xm8U0zXogkEP8GsjMyOke-ECRtd4Zdb2AI6g/s320/102_6505.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More neat little things along the way down this hidden path.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_9e6x2tyaXKHfnyNhYYi2qSdW-6Dv3-DMO-4Xvr2NgUvD1beFo2u7jLyAJUEWfZnip6gNljVQje6Ub6-Y8-au8LMUQkcsLZQ7QvQovG4lg54EvXxYZXt4cu9WvR7FozhgBNxDZSNaFk9/s1600/102_6562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_9e6x2tyaXKHfnyNhYYi2qSdW-6Dv3-DMO-4Xvr2NgUvD1beFo2u7jLyAJUEWfZnip6gNljVQje6Ub6-Y8-au8LMUQkcsLZQ7QvQovG4lg54EvXxYZXt4cu9WvR7FozhgBNxDZSNaFk9/s320/102_6562.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just off the beaten path...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSTL6OAijI8bpcYGzfRYkOPDaul1LzzfoPrRgsgseV2Dtv_MbB8mG0CXzMgtu75Ym7SIsqX30RD-b-Vx9KhfCXgtV8K9lkk0habo47BVXv3SBTnh9q_a_ceH_tXvA0oWFaPwZQEbjuHTx/s1600/102_6555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSTL6OAijI8bpcYGzfRYkOPDaul1LzzfoPrRgsgseV2Dtv_MbB8mG0CXzMgtu75Ym7SIsqX30RD-b-Vx9KhfCXgtV8K9lkk0habo47BVXv3SBTnh9q_a_ceH_tXvA0oWFaPwZQEbjuHTx/s320/102_6555.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Led to the dirt road...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidceG01JtlJCHJ8n3lSkrpfOtwWtm3Ep2bgonKcylZKG3IWMJN6qBN-jAOziz4VrzfBro9N33chi7klQrrE0pPjc9JS5MIMQLJ5Fa7Jt_Rd_7jPXZWAOt2NBzN5xmbLlCN2_RoOFImG0Mn/s1600/102_6560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidceG01JtlJCHJ8n3lSkrpfOtwWtm3Ep2bgonKcylZKG3IWMJN6qBN-jAOziz4VrzfBro9N33chi7klQrrE0pPjc9JS5MIMQLJ5Fa7Jt_Rd_7jPXZWAOt2NBzN5xmbLlCN2_RoOFImG0Mn/s320/102_6560.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Past this abandoned house...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDjzQf7zy8-T-E_AYoEOODf6DfEoBA072qpRdecU89EBuD5z82U_qnc0g_LyY-XNWG00nZg2PTr0hssuNUiUadP05Nk7_gJwfTmsV9aDG0JvIZ1QckyVz0GSbQZ9DeJvaPFBBsbJfvPOl/s1600/102_6552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDjzQf7zy8-T-E_AYoEOODf6DfEoBA072qpRdecU89EBuD5z82U_qnc0g_LyY-XNWG00nZg2PTr0hssuNUiUadP05Nk7_gJwfTmsV9aDG0JvIZ1QckyVz0GSbQZ9DeJvaPFBBsbJfvPOl/s320/102_6552.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally to railroad tracks, which ran beside the Indian River! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had found it! YAY!! We walked just a short ways down the tracks and the trees opened up to a completely clear view of the launch area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxD3UoVl64poHxqaFyWEqb0pipSJs1hAxmyWjgjOjDo711_Z-4XO0EPQBSfSZfMcg82HwGyzYqoZ1vMrgM5IaVYJyffzkcs4eLyxYSQ0w2IQpLl5Xk6AZ4sixd1FVbOSFTL_GjByUiy4Y/s1600/102_6509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxD3UoVl64poHxqaFyWEqb0pipSJs1hAxmyWjgjOjDo711_Z-4XO0EPQBSfSZfMcg82HwGyzYqoZ1vMrgM5IaVYJyffzkcs4eLyxYSQ0w2IQpLl5Xk6AZ4sixd1FVbOSFTL_GjByUiy4Y/s320/102_6509.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Indian River and the NASA building in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpiNuvehWrWbVwpZcRIAQ-KvdTsRYutSvg0_WpsQbqQCYD5JUFxgdbnauXwjuu6wI-u7MJeBRPcZONW2t_Aw2BiYX4lX5JkpEu6AupwtpF8NwOQ2jD85y3cPDXLyvxg2Afj5ogWBUt9oz/s1600/102_6511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpiNuvehWrWbVwpZcRIAQ-KvdTsRYutSvg0_WpsQbqQCYD5JUFxgdbnauXwjuu6wI-u7MJeBRPcZONW2t_Aw2BiYX4lX5JkpEu6AupwtpF8NwOQ2jD85y3cPDXLyvxg2Afj5ogWBUt9oz/s320/102_6511.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the tracks</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdM68WO_HEFaN8w3-PYI_aUBqMFp2-HwtuPoipuFBlvaT-69SjlVV119_n2wlkMBwQeXbrRF_p9ZFgeIFUsaUjQ76IuxSt8U_KP0QDzH73UeXQn07pyirgi0SQUvu5M_a1PILXBE1Jpes/s1600/102_6516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdM68WO_HEFaN8w3-PYI_aUBqMFp2-HwtuPoipuFBlvaT-69SjlVV119_n2wlkMBwQeXbrRF_p9ZFgeIFUsaUjQ76IuxSt8U_KP0QDzH73UeXQn07pyirgi0SQUvu5M_a1PILXBE1Jpes/s320/102_6516.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Air Force Helicopters were constantly monitoring the area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cmuXEDzQxlF19D20Q4gn3idbOYYa5C28jx47Y7FTUx3q_Taz_Udv0uc-q86Z0fy3DThLuVQ3ErIBxirKuG5WbyxedR-UBEANbWmJ17G0e9ewz1NGwL5G5CjvhV1SOmuQRP1878T6XtJf/s1600/102_6529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cmuXEDzQxlF19D20Q4gn3idbOYYa5C28jx47Y7FTUx3q_Taz_Udv0uc-q86Z0fy3DThLuVQ3ErIBxirKuG5WbyxedR-UBEANbWmJ17G0e9ewz1NGwL5G5CjvhV1SOmuQRP1878T6XtJf/s320/102_6529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While we waited, a family of wild hogs crossed the tracks down from us!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
All of this before the shuttle ever began it's final countdown!! We were down to 5 minutes to lift off and it was still a go. We tuned in to the radio on my phone for updates and listened as NASA began the final steps. Then, all of a sudden, it was time and the shuttle ignited and lifted right in front of our eyes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhib3NsdBOrXf4P9YdEomF_lGC3iTahBno2_8dMLGkdA_-7psjj1E1Rj4ZOL49OYs11DjoUiW1RrR_G4IrISbjAvfh4ZLg5wE9RVzgh1dgP-ix0jqgc-ddVs7LFo8qmB5zI19yuwedPhw1I/s1600/102_6532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhib3NsdBOrXf4P9YdEomF_lGC3iTahBno2_8dMLGkdA_-7psjj1E1Rj4ZOL49OYs11DjoUiW1RrR_G4IrISbjAvfh4ZLg5wE9RVzgh1dgP-ix0jqgc-ddVs7LFo8qmB5zI19yuwedPhw1I/s320/102_6532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUH3hWqR2vJN2pryZlonD7REgwT6kw20MWyED4wKNb3MEid5MoQwLWcAeNbkja_V0NAetF9L5KNxwz0lF5K9CC1LBYy_PLNw8UBPsitt1rzDlEVWeHPNse2dsvbxgahCxVBVxeW5dJbbx/s1600/102_6533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUH3hWqR2vJN2pryZlonD7REgwT6kw20MWyED4wKNb3MEid5MoQwLWcAeNbkja_V0NAetF9L5KNxwz0lF5K9CC1LBYy_PLNw8UBPsitt1rzDlEVWeHPNse2dsvbxgahCxVBVxeW5dJbbx/s320/102_6533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I found it funny that while it was right in front of us, we didn't really hear anything. But, once it was above the clouds, WOW, did it get loud! The ground started to shake and vibrate and we could hear it for quite a while, even when we couldn't see it at all! So, it was time to head back - another 2 mile trek through the wilderness!<br />
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On the way, we decided to climb to the top of the observation tower we had passed on the way in, if there was room. When we passed it the first time, it was packed at the top and all the way down the stairs with people hoping for a view. Turns out, other than where we were, this was the only place in the park that could see the launch! When we got to it this time, there was hardly anyone on it, so we made the climb.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Our" railroad tracks, seen from the top of the tower.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the trail we followed to find our path.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the trail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxxzVcH8ArGQh3OTxTluElQKkaDNC3mLwpiOVOetXMXxotoaw5Xglc44xnpgQS3WT5dT3uhj0J4p8wwbEJUg5EaQN8TsWZOvZriuAv5uL2AFL3Euxf1eJ35e3vnAef3UntLuLX3e_Igjd/s1600/102_6587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxxzVcH8ArGQh3OTxTluElQKkaDNC3mLwpiOVOetXMXxotoaw5Xglc44xnpgQS3WT5dT3uhj0J4p8wwbEJUg5EaQN8TsWZOvZriuAv5uL2AFL3Euxf1eJ35e3vnAef3UntLuLX3e_Igjd/s320/102_6587.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A train coming through, not long after we had left the tracks from watching the shuttle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What an adventure we had had throughout the day! Memories were made, history observed first hand, and (though we missed Mark getting to be with us) we had a great time just being together. I am so thankful we had the opportunity to be there.Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-47838560744316655442011-07-04T09:24:00.000-04:002011-07-04T09:24:52.827-04:00Caleb's BaptismWhat better way to celebrate true freedom than to be baptized in the name of Jesus and have the bondage of all of your sins washed away??? Well, that's just what happened to Caleb yesterday!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkepD1gEloRgRjDuc9N6EK2LR2u8HNBDKo_H6nN8uQTk9R6cBNTCK3vjgNan2OENW37sboKYZu2o2L7-0ZaTqLYVFJjdFdENPouiRLvVmrZy3WiU7oaeAz3SYX-7fn7aM3QPohBa4x8OE/s1600/102_6402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkepD1gEloRgRjDuc9N6EK2LR2u8HNBDKo_H6nN8uQTk9R6cBNTCK3vjgNan2OENW37sboKYZu2o2L7-0ZaTqLYVFJjdFdENPouiRLvVmrZy3WiU7oaeAz3SYX-7fn7aM3QPohBa4x8OE/s320/102_6402.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor talking with Caleb</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5DJGoo_ZUJeTT3TlkVTK786xNdv4XnGaKMnpYyVe82KfKlSeGkZ6TBA8q17XG3lNIBtiLDCkd4M2fdEhq1BOwS6uC2YV1KfwIToeF-Izh8zsHYpIGcoxAxLQ-L2bz54xbdIGms5WlNOI/s1600/102_6405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5DJGoo_ZUJeTT3TlkVTK786xNdv4XnGaKMnpYyVe82KfKlSeGkZ6TBA8q17XG3lNIBtiLDCkd4M2fdEhq1BOwS6uC2YV1KfwIToeF-Izh8zsHYpIGcoxAxLQ-L2bz54xbdIGms5WlNOI/s320/102_6405.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor prayed an amazing prayer over Caleb - I am so thankful for this man of God in our life!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjima3wXsNR6Yyj1hBsubNMYRJs9b7dXDQFZmjr4WN2__N7ylsA4AS4Tb_MRbPirSZtVOs0xEeaJjzBAfQV_FLBzrjtC3LyHgyROmMHw5gUT3Sm2SHtPSuWLVCuQxH1GISm8A31YmnAu2Np/s1600/102_6407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjima3wXsNR6Yyj1hBsubNMYRJs9b7dXDQFZmjr4WN2__N7ylsA4AS4Tb_MRbPirSZtVOs0xEeaJjzBAfQV_FLBzrjtC3LyHgyROmMHw5gUT3Sm2SHtPSuWLVCuQxH1GISm8A31YmnAu2Np/s320/102_6407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acts 2:38 - Baptized in Jesus Name!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freedom from sins!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91CL1dgtWLPNx0dNefeoSezUeAI54n53NvLCXGHlP6HmljB8uw5_h7xmWugiM5VwIg-fycY0RhouN_pkvv8toduRerOBUPkyGfLv_6w4S2vEqeA9eafNHoIByWIZDtoNKsS1ZXn6K57LD/s1600/102_6411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91CL1dgtWLPNx0dNefeoSezUeAI54n53NvLCXGHlP6HmljB8uw5_h7xmWugiM5VwIg-fycY0RhouN_pkvv8toduRerOBUPkyGfLv_6w4S2vEqeA9eafNHoIByWIZDtoNKsS1ZXn6K57LD/s320/102_6411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDLvAymOeYn7qFioF-D0S5HnnWGhGG5o59l0n6WNE0MoFc2_KbGK8Od2HeNPn-d3YH1q-w78qH4JxT9oqgweM6-QVfjqC4zKAMOe2Tft49T_Pn6FSF_voUDJ2tXPnImmNfllbeH2dnaeB/s1600/102_6412.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDLvAymOeYn7qFioF-D0S5HnnWGhGG5o59l0n6WNE0MoFc2_KbGK8Od2HeNPn-d3YH1q-w78qH4JxT9oqgweM6-QVfjqC4zKAMOe2Tft49T_Pn6FSF_voUDJ2tXPnImmNfllbeH2dnaeB/s320/102_6412.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-72165720581467437742011-07-04T09:02:00.000-04:002011-07-04T09:02:27.050-04:00Free IndeedYesterday, we heard a powerful and life changing message at church from our Pastor. Here are my thoughts that I took home from the sermon - so appropriate for the 4th of July.<br />
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Freedom is what we are celebrating this weekend. My neighbors behind me have had a non-stop party all weekend - starting Friday afternoon. They are probably celebrating their freedoms as an American, the same as the rest of us. However, are they truly FREE? Are we? <br />
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The Bible says:<br />
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"If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free <b><i>indeed</i></b>." John 8:36<br />
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Free <b><i>INDEED </i></b>is better than just being free.<br />
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In this same passage of scripture, the disciples had the gall to say that they had never been in bondage to any man - even though they were, at that time alone, subject to Caesar and Rome, not to mention that countless other times they had been in bondage through the years. They had a deception of freedom that wasn't freedom <i>indeed</i>.<br />
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"If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free <b><i>indeed</i></b>." John 8:36<br />
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As an opposite example, how is it that victims in the Holocaust Concentration Camps were reported to show a sense of freedom - in spite of the terror, the horrific abuse, the bars?<br />
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Americans take pride in recognizing our freedom financially, politically and physically, yet fail to see that we are not free indeed. <br />
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"If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free <b><i>indeed</i></b>." John 8:36<br />
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We are not necessarily free emotionally and, most of all, spiritually. Many, maybe even my neighbors, are not free from the bondages of alcohol, drugs, etc. yet they celebrate freedom. It is better to be free <i>indeed</i>! <br />
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"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you <b><i>free</i></b>." John 8:32<br />
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I pray today that, as you celebrate with family and friends, eat, watch fireworks, cookout, etc., that you will ponder true freedom. I pray that if you are not free <b>indeed </b>that you will learn the truth that will make you free and have a better reason to celebrate - better even than the great country that we are a part of and the foundation we have beneath us. We can't let the amazing freedoms that we share as a nation prevent us from experiencing this true freedom!<br />
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Happy 4th of July everyone!Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-25225482696067295262011-06-17T23:28:00.002-04:002011-06-17T23:28:00.415-04:00On My Heart Today - Is Jesus with Us?I am doing a study with Caleb right now on Obedience - ways to be obedient, the true definition of it, the rewards for it and the consequences for not. While we were doing our study today, we were instructed to read from Luke chapter 2, which we obeyed =)<br />
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At the end of that chapter, we find Mary, Joseph and Jesus in Jerusalem for the Passover. The group heads home after their feast, but that night, Mary and Joseph are unable to locate Jesus with family or friends. Quickly, they turn around and head back to Jerusalem, worried about their son. It takes 3 days before they actually locate him - in the temple with the teachers.<br />
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I went through and had my discussion with Caleb for his lesson - Jesus' attitude toward his parents, his not arguing back, his willingness to return home with his parents and the blessings that came with that obedience. (Read this section of scripture to see the benefits of obeying, even if you think you are doing a good thing.) It was a great lesson and we had an amazing talk.<br />
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However, as we moved on to his next subject, I couldn't stop thinking about those verses. How could Jesus' parents leave their young son behind and not even notice for a whole day? Why did they not make sure he was with them before they left the city? Then I wondered, were they so busy - in their lives, their trip home, their 'to-do' list - that their son's absence easily went unnoticed? How did they not know that Jesus was not with them - why were they not communicating with him along the way?<br />
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Then, I wondered... How often am I so busy that I forget to pay attention to whether or not Jesus is with <i><b>me</b></i>? Have I ever gotten caught up in my life - the to-do lists, the schedules, the daily routines - that I haven't noticed that He is not with me? How often have I not made the time to be in His presence, ensuring that He is with me wherever I go? I don't want to be so busy that I am able to continue to operate even if He is not with me. I <i>need </i>daily, moment by moment fellowship with my Lord that ensures that close walk with my Saviour!<br />
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My daily time with Jesus is the most important part of my day - it is the part that ensures He walks with me as I go! I never want to forget that priority or think that I can get through a day without Him.<br />
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<b>Psalm 63:1</b>: O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;<br />
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<b>Psalm 34:10:</b> The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.<br />
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<b>Psalm 22:26:</b> The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.<br />
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<b>Psalm 27:8:</b> When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.<br />
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<b>1 Chronicles 16</b>:1: Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.<br />
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May <u><i>you </i></u>be encouraged today on <u><i>your </i></u>walk to make sure that Jesus is with you as you go. It will make all the difference if He is!Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com4Florida, USA27.6648274 -81.51575350000001724.3624974 -85.346048500000023 30.9671574 -77.68545850000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-77547104365788802702011-06-08T20:51:00.001-04:002011-07-06T19:54:27.438-04:00May - Part 3Saturday evening, after getting cleaned up, we went to watch the sun set on the beach. If you have never seen the sun set on the gulf, you just don't know what you are missing! It is breathtaking...<br />
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While waiting, the kids had fun playing in the sand:<br />
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My two favorite boys, hanging out for the 'ball to drop':<br />
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My two favorite girls, doing their share of waiting:<br />
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Mark and I - pictures just don't do it justice!<br />
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Beauty:<br />
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So peaceful:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8dMDrSpC5T1AiyDekk7ul4k9HhuDg0DRX5WqVEimgcq3S6J2FWDeIuUV0w-r1lMaxjXpACXyTO8XrqDYhN3y6Tjpa-a2QBBYp-RWtXsaa-efmlqqKx1Eoavdhn4VtmjZ0EEUttT-gXbf/s1600/103_5477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8dMDrSpC5T1AiyDekk7ul4k9HhuDg0DRX5WqVEimgcq3S6J2FWDeIuUV0w-r1lMaxjXpACXyTO8XrqDYhN3y6Tjpa-a2QBBYp-RWtXsaa-efmlqqKx1Eoavdhn4VtmjZ0EEUttT-gXbf/s320/103_5477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Fun running on the cool sand:<br />
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Silly girls, making memories and having fun:<br />
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The next day was Mother's Day. My family decided to take me on a boat ride to see dolphins. However, you know me... we had to find some coupons and a good deal! So, we did some research, found some coupons and headed out. Oh, did I mention that we had to talk them into letting us take Maggie on board?? We had her with us and couldn't just leave her in the hot van. After talking to the captain, showing him our backpack carrier for her and convincing him that she would be amazing to take along, he agreed to it. She was so sweet on the boat and even liked it, somewhat:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEWw3jf3q8Z5dA78dih4wH6Fv3T7eui0G0JdbcweNu9RPzawcL8mv7KYp1iFiWa0F_DW-FElAQ2V3NXIr5v84VmZ2-iuv0ymxtmSvlHTm4IsjQGroospcwOVfhWJh3_e00ikCVrBTyUaE/s1600/100_5248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEWw3jf3q8Z5dA78dih4wH6Fv3T7eui0G0JdbcweNu9RPzawcL8mv7KYp1iFiWa0F_DW-FElAQ2V3NXIr5v84VmZ2-iuv0ymxtmSvlHTm4IsjQGroospcwOVfhWJh3_e00ikCVrBTyUaE/s320/100_5248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then, sometimes she would hide her face in Holly's arm!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>All of us on the boat. I love being their mom and his wife!<br />
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Mark and I - We were married on Mother's Day 20 years ago!!!<br />
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The views were amazing as we sailed around the bay:<br />
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Not to mention, the dolphins:<br />
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Later, before heading home, we found this great beach area, off the beaten path, with this lovely cluster of trees:<br />
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Inside the trees:<br />
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Loved the boat just sitting there, waiting...<br />
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We had such a nice weekend just being together. Family time is so important to us and every sacrifice made was worth the memories created with each other.Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-27401262578040344012011-06-07T23:58:00.000-04:002011-06-07T23:58:00.303-04:00May - Part 2So, after a picnic lunch of sandwiches, pasta salad, carrots, apples, pretzels and other yummies, we decided to go for another walk. We were now on a beach called Honeymoon Island - a small but beautiful piece of beach north of Clearwater. From our picnic spot, we had seen signs for the nature trail, so we packed up and headed out. As we walked, we came to a sign that pointed us to the "Osprey Trail" and we took that path, not really knowing what to expect but a nice walk together! Looking up at the trees ahead, I caught a flash of red and saw this beautiful Cardinal - he is so far away that my camera was on max zoom to get this shot:<br />
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We all love bird watching - it may be one of our favorite hobbies. We are always watching for them outside our windows at home and keep track of the types, the families, the nests, etc., as much as possible in our little corner of the world. So, continuing the walk, Caleb suddenly spotted a nest in a tree. Looking closer, we noticed a mommy osprey sitting inside and 2 little heads poking out, crying. I never could get the right angle and timing to get the baby's heads, but here is the momma:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9bJpBi7Wnx3IMibSrhduWo0l-7jSi1Xlg-c3d1F3R-IhtkkixfZMOikrs5Y70S6ef43lSlQVcnlBWWC2QAdP9KYXzzPKYeWEXHXQplcRnuV3Impdci_z723Ah8aMGGbPoKcUHmHnnjUU/s1600/103_5641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9bJpBi7Wnx3IMibSrhduWo0l-7jSi1Xlg-c3d1F3R-IhtkkixfZMOikrs5Y70S6ef43lSlQVcnlBWWC2QAdP9KYXzzPKYeWEXHXQplcRnuV3Impdci_z723Ah8aMGGbPoKcUHmHnnjUU/s320/103_5641.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she beautiful??</td></tr>
</tbody></table> We stood there just forever, watching her and catching glimpses of the babies. Suddenly, the momma started to call out, loudly, and began to look all around:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimcFmSYdMLWHXU-lxa9VDleLpuKeTjV6qWdD1pWStBNvYL5o46lo7qxc9_y-4XEDPOUajV3DrTs3gbpTTFRJaL2wyQYcCrk_7MWMOTyd4vyHFgkGS6Q3tibsbXto6eNfR8i9zLpA64iaJ/s1600/103_5645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimcFmSYdMLWHXU-lxa9VDleLpuKeTjV6qWdD1pWStBNvYL5o46lo7qxc9_y-4XEDPOUajV3DrTs3gbpTTFRJaL2wyQYcCrk_7MWMOTyd4vyHFgkGS6Q3tibsbXto6eNfR8i9zLpA64iaJ/s320/103_5645.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See how she has her neck craned, looking up?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Her calls became louder and more frantic sounding as she continued to look all around:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jIj163D2tDJUaDmzt_6C0QwbGL4uyTKsDWDwVCc9idVVLzAwnsLCR4P_SMnE2kc-p_jD30T_6Xc3CNS3AlGzkskiAETQifIGBLLSQnwBzWeLFnAjNZ0td7Ban5kPeVVEVtKKlbCcktXy/s1600/103_5638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jIj163D2tDJUaDmzt_6C0QwbGL4uyTKsDWDwVCc9idVVLzAwnsLCR4P_SMnE2kc-p_jD30T_6Xc3CNS3AlGzkskiAETQifIGBLLSQnwBzWeLFnAjNZ0td7Ban5kPeVVEVtKKlbCcktXy/s320/103_5638.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><br />
Then, we started to hear another call that was not hers and within seconds, the daddy came flying home, carrying a snake for his family to eat! I was too busy standing in amazement at the sight to take a picture, but after the daddy dropped off take-out, he went to a branch nearby to watch and wait. We found this very comical and wondered about the way they interacted with each other. Here is daddy, waiting and watching:<br />
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Just to give you a perspective, this is an actual, no zoom shot of their tree from where we were standing and watching:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgQCj1BML7j3R7APJ7ZAMW09OO4qjcXJQBPbsYZbwFEBq2ytQLr9IEjZh8GgMopjiK_ddT4RtBOyR2ou0egfFCrO-mZvJF40xY6b_m8Ow9DUCtHjufWuKcPYSEKW0f_1pR8dIyNNr-2u9/s1600/103_5649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgQCj1BML7j3R7APJ7ZAMW09OO4qjcXJQBPbsYZbwFEBq2ytQLr9IEjZh8GgMopjiK_ddT4RtBOyR2ou0egfFCrO-mZvJF40xY6b_m8Ow9DUCtHjufWuKcPYSEKW0f_1pR8dIyNNr-2u9/s320/103_5649.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are in a nest just behind the Y of the tree in the center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, after observing them for about 20 minutes, we decided it was time to move on. Up ahead, just above us, was this beauty:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwV3xaDazgEyjPjfkkkfEgtGiwmuBBp9mlTPHZNK-JIZBSYluP2aGnx8Uw48fzBxdbejPRUqA9EUgaDSfw4pRBU4FAKuVliqQA2JnwQXAMIjPO3pCP2p_KdpqDmGmV2XPcvGu9sirlDQf/s1600/103_5609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwV3xaDazgEyjPjfkkkfEgtGiwmuBBp9mlTPHZNK-JIZBSYluP2aGnx8Uw48fzBxdbejPRUqA9EUgaDSfw4pRBU4FAKuVliqQA2JnwQXAMIjPO3pCP2p_KdpqDmGmV2XPcvGu9sirlDQf/s320/103_5609.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see that he is holding a fish or something under his claws?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Moving further on, we found this pair:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQ0Ce0uGLjgmphhCu1YQ8TFmRyKeBjov_SuceyWorNhkouwl0NUqjF40GxZ8SOOCiz3Xurbj3UzuXW95Oc8Gl-ig-6P-60bLwn_3JfZpJLZ1UxFfSAckNKk9o0N4UPFCuwE05A2GwQZoL/s1600/103_5588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQ0Ce0uGLjgmphhCu1YQ8TFmRyKeBjov_SuceyWorNhkouwl0NUqjF40GxZ8SOOCiz3Xurbj3UzuXW95Oc8Gl-ig-6P-60bLwn_3JfZpJLZ1UxFfSAckNKk9o0N4UPFCuwE05A2GwQZoL/s320/103_5588.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same pair, different angle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4Q0CTH2oZFXBrdg0p2YAK7AxQbMF9LeNn7OB47v3UWXL3hdj8lbB0YpbWGA45WYL7mhphZiPSEy_yMujUVzL8_4Fl_JvUIl_d19uBduEq3ZPr_KA_KFrK7tzuFIeIo6qXMKv3OTfyfEv/s1600/103_5589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4Q0CTH2oZFXBrdg0p2YAK7AxQbMF9LeNn7OB47v3UWXL3hdj8lbB0YpbWGA45WYL7mhphZiPSEy_yMujUVzL8_4Fl_JvUIl_d19uBduEq3ZPr_KA_KFrK7tzuFIeIo6qXMKv3OTfyfEv/s320/103_5589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Ok, see the two nests below? One is the same as those above and then we noticed the other. What we think is the daddy hopped to the branch above, as you see him in the top right corner:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EuqkjayRIslYX7NVLe7JYKr2oNS0VvBn9Ak6I6PuqnfWR3JoDftY81AhmYqYc7r8TmiwOv75apEAR3s8XP5T4sMXsJpqDPQ5xSdJlhoWRCnIozdsIzRfG3lNsIfw4-lgY8PVUUrzCBR4/s1600/103_5591.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EuqkjayRIslYX7NVLe7JYKr2oNS0VvBn9Ak6I6PuqnfWR3JoDftY81AhmYqYc7r8TmiwOv75apEAR3s8XP5T4sMXsJpqDPQ5xSdJlhoWRCnIozdsIzRfG3lNsIfw4-lgY8PVUUrzCBR4/s320/103_5591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then, for some "guy time", he flew over toward that other nest and met up with his neighbor, to compare notes on children, I'm sure!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuTxhMdJppuMYWHu9bBgOqLWtjj8NyJxtxoRGly7DgIZWFKylt2KVDHZT7Ra56NeMDwxk0hSollrTLWwmgehOCMGPPxrHDyY35k1CdhiTd2ltlLtVpnNn_A6KXScn-98Y86-mdm_cChSt/s1600/103_5593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuTxhMdJppuMYWHu9bBgOqLWtjj8NyJxtxoRGly7DgIZWFKylt2KVDHZT7Ra56NeMDwxk0hSollrTLWwmgehOCMGPPxrHDyY35k1CdhiTd2ltlLtVpnNn_A6KXScn-98Y86-mdm_cChSt/s320/103_5593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Well, we ended up being on that trail for a few hours, watching birds, getting lost, wandering in circles, wondering if we would find a way out and taking pictures of trees, sun and flowers:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsqlCfFf8LGycXkNDUzZnPwLKVfZmgkKWr0NMEhSyiizNNPmXkZNFVvu5608iokvrhOQJ7VgMUyXFP6l8Ea9otq7NRyZmQrSnAD8F0gvd1gJpU03P2wDF4YsPR1l9wvkBwdnAPFoErEGT/s1600/103_5605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsqlCfFf8LGycXkNDUzZnPwLKVfZmgkKWr0NMEhSyiizNNPmXkZNFVvu5608iokvrhOQJ7VgMUyXFP6l8Ea9otq7NRyZmQrSnAD8F0gvd1gJpU03P2wDF4YsPR1l9wvkBwdnAPFoErEGT/s320/103_5605.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTlKUt9Q3PIaCHE8s6xQNWm9wTshBdR34kAdhBj25UIW5P2yNZ06pq9rz3Hl3XPpTX9xF6agDXYzsr8GHr24oy8mxEI24HXLDNflmobSqY0dxAfOhlZ8uZKbrf6cze2O6ENiVaeMRxs0o/s1600/103_5633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTlKUt9Q3PIaCHE8s6xQNWm9wTshBdR34kAdhBj25UIW5P2yNZ06pq9rz3Hl3XPpTX9xF6agDXYzsr8GHr24oy8mxEI24HXLDNflmobSqY0dxAfOhlZ8uZKbrf6cze2O6ENiVaeMRxs0o/s320/103_5633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FSyRsmva-OC8eMo5S1R6vNQkqMUwgqXEdhFlK2B_fYjIZ1eZGe4QEW_fnNLohAYg_-Vf5RVuPzOkxUqgVVxqK2t2jcdqBV31qsPPiwHay6RwCBj7NkqmVsJ8ANC_XlsFdSVmFe68WdR-/s1600/103_5602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FSyRsmva-OC8eMo5S1R6vNQkqMUwgqXEdhFlK2B_fYjIZ1eZGe4QEW_fnNLohAYg_-Vf5RVuPzOkxUqgVVxqK2t2jcdqBV31qsPPiwHay6RwCBj7NkqmVsJ8ANC_XlsFdSVmFe68WdR-/s320/103_5602.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picked for me by my amazing children!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When we finally found our way out, we headed back for more beach walking! We found a lonely spot where Maggie could be with us. It was peaceful, serene and beautiful. I leave you with one last shot that captures our spot just right:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz4gFhuIgyvjyglctfVGYtMuW0JE5yu4FwDcB3kPPYf3fkE7WloCCOkEPTNxwHgS1L_0CIhMBoHzvgHHQjzVgVtUmEJmUa1xaqFrsKbf2UkL0jCjhOUzAzQ7cy5Ap2gToBm4tse_WPOsU/s1600/103_5717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz4gFhuIgyvjyglctfVGYtMuW0JE5yu4FwDcB3kPPYf3fkE7WloCCOkEPTNxwHgS1L_0CIhMBoHzvgHHQjzVgVtUmEJmUa1xaqFrsKbf2UkL0jCjhOUzAzQ7cy5Ap2gToBm4tse_WPOsU/s320/103_5717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Stay tuned... There's more to come!Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-56606212994104601142011-06-06T23:58:00.001-04:002011-06-06T23:58:00.312-04:00May - Part 1May - the month of many blessings in our house! Going into the month, we realized that we could use some family time to prepare for all that lay ahead. With that in mind, we started looking into our [budget friendly] options and came up with a short Beach trip. We headed out to the Dunedin area on the Gulf coast for a couple of days of relaxation and family time. Below, in pictures and words, is how our time went.<br />
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We were heralded in with:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4lSx2w7Zcz7JKR5J4-A56W4DqXZc09btTyfR4F2HVj-bKluYRZUoHrAUjXkatiQqbTzDTBoLbyOi4TFbGkRIgNGsJMHw3U-CSlFyhqild7K9VsPVAll8pTJVbnc-XnSfBZgJN56A2Y2x/s1600/103_5750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4lSx2w7Zcz7JKR5J4-A56W4DqXZc09btTyfR4F2HVj-bKluYRZUoHrAUjXkatiQqbTzDTBoLbyOi4TFbGkRIgNGsJMHw3U-CSlFyhqild7K9VsPVAll8pTJVbnc-XnSfBZgJN56A2Y2x/s320/103_5750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLQyfVh2KAJ8FqFOFuNiJAw39E5ILrGbbfnS1ig6olMnEKz2-DgbkMbDlZRaPnGAtRBbBrL05PwQlFXEOKvDcN3rmwvC4-TOluJ5oVwLjNuHGHn6BNueVQhYeUmcBt1H2OlhKdE4f6Sko/s1600/103_5751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLQyfVh2KAJ8FqFOFuNiJAw39E5ILrGbbfnS1ig6olMnEKz2-DgbkMbDlZRaPnGAtRBbBrL05PwQlFXEOKvDcN3rmwvC4-TOluJ5oVwLjNuHGHn6BNueVQhYeUmcBt1H2OlhKdE4f6Sko/s320/103_5751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and on our arrival, we were met with this sky:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mRqNLGDhvPMsDh9vTWVdwbFEEM9d9FHKz9UmXGoxzAGn9mSvQupUrP4Grcvq7uFboU3Tw4-y4iMbeuYGpaamWuWWxgvo7rfTZhW9YDL00FDzA5VTRtX6SYfeH7WouBHMU8JxUkZIqIap/s1600/103_5749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mRqNLGDhvPMsDh9vTWVdwbFEEM9d9FHKz9UmXGoxzAGn9mSvQupUrP4Grcvq7uFboU3Tw4-y4iMbeuYGpaamWuWWxgvo7rfTZhW9YDL00FDzA5VTRtX6SYfeH7WouBHMU8JxUkZIqIap/s320/103_5749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
While we waited for it to pass, we let Maggie run around and picked <strike>weeds </strike>flowers:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfFt-miIvferet226cEdOqL792YSou_VzyNem0YDXwDMMQl3mTm31-Fw7559L6nWehBdZLrZsWJGopq9ObFaTrnilxhBp7i3ATmuZPVFjFP7qT6LmtHb-xywllVbQzLfn1HbhgH4O7vPe/s1600/101_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfFt-miIvferet226cEdOqL792YSou_VzyNem0YDXwDMMQl3mTm31-Fw7559L6nWehBdZLrZsWJGopq9ObFaTrnilxhBp7i3ATmuZPVFjFP7qT6LmtHb-xywllVbQzLfn1HbhgH4O7vPe/s320/101_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
But soon, the sky cleared and the sun came out:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHSHkRpKged4Pjm_IFGSj1JbQ-D98Walxk7UGsemY-mS8IePsS3YaIF-uu0UaQ3pDMDi7ODPysuvxSWgDdMIJm1fXn3eKv3HCqyzYmkj7J2g4TNHk56AmYoBN0rvJRb3awviHCW9nGbei/s1600/103_5729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHSHkRpKged4Pjm_IFGSj1JbQ-D98Walxk7UGsemY-mS8IePsS3YaIF-uu0UaQ3pDMDi7ODPysuvxSWgDdMIJm1fXn3eKv3HCqyzYmkj7J2g4TNHk56AmYoBN0rvJRb3awviHCW9nGbei/s320/103_5729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The storm clouds moved away from us:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVJAfp1Xr5dPVT_xM9XzgoEON-EfpMaRDB1QJCWZKL-MLGi9swB_MWZDg36e5gZRsinZxfP44ps-VQNV0sTYFW41NDV-17ZV3zXOLM1fX-BzsxOtQM3rAEoRjG_rvb1-pIBsGNtKWFATS/s1600/103_5728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVJAfp1Xr5dPVT_xM9XzgoEON-EfpMaRDB1QJCWZKL-MLGi9swB_MWZDg36e5gZRsinZxfP44ps-VQNV0sTYFW41NDV-17ZV3zXOLM1fX-BzsxOtQM3rAEoRjG_rvb1-pIBsGNtKWFATS/s320/103_5728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and we had the whole beach to ourselves:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJNAUcHWr50R-lHx1AFd-7v0uSF2v_BGsvCIdl-s2b9iW55D2CEpJaYy_sYZwyqcb_Z7z0xz2Q5SSRMulRAIMUGDT2IowQhu4TOWBOoy60-Kioqg-56k4OUBUT6As9Dx1JSV0cXH2M8tF/s1600/103_5727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJNAUcHWr50R-lHx1AFd-7v0uSF2v_BGsvCIdl-s2b9iW55D2CEpJaYy_sYZwyqcb_Z7z0xz2Q5SSRMulRAIMUGDT2IowQhu4TOWBOoy60-Kioqg-56k4OUBUT6As9Dx1JSV0cXH2M8tF/s320/103_5727.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We walked for miles, collected a few shells, and watched the birds, but we mostly just enjoyed getting our feet wet, hearing the waves lap on the shore and laughing together. Just being at the beach is so peaceful and relaxing - not to mention awe inspiring. It is amazing how small you feel when you look at the wonder of His creation. <br />
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<b>"The voice of the LORD is upon the </b><b>waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many </b><b>waters." Psalm 29:3 </b><br />
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Well, I'll tell about our next adventure tomorrow, so stay tuned!Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-70092957765312503792011-06-05T23:58:00.000-04:002011-06-05T23:58:00.169-04:002 months???I am having a hard time believing that it has been 2 months since I blogged last! Ahhh! Where has the time gone? I am not really sure... April is a blur of quizzing, kid's connection, extra choir practices in preparation for Easter, homeschool evaluations, co-op and school. We did watch the Royal Wedding online - it actually was perfect since we had been studying about Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and <i>their </i>royal wedding, so we were able to compare and contrast the two and count it toward school! <br />
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Then, there was May. May - why did Mark and I get married in the same month as both of our birthdays? I'm not sure, but it makes for a busy month! Then add all of the above (except for Easter and a royal wedding) to homeschool convention, music lessons, birthday parties, field trips, planning meetings and a mini vacation and I guess that is where May went!<br />
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Now, here we are in June, looking forward to summer while still doing most of the above! Over the next week or so, I hope to catch you up on some of the more exciting things that have happened since I blogged last including dates, surprises, friends, etc. so stay tuned!Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-33686569209864579562011-05-25T20:24:00.002-04:002011-07-22T16:21:32.316-04:00Happy Birthday to ME!!!OK, for starters, you need to know that it was not just any birthday this year - I turned 40! So, it was somewhat significant as birthdays go. At least, I guess my friends thought so! They decided that just going to a girl's lunch or having me over for dinner was not enough - not this year. Nope, they felt that a surprise party was in order for the day.<br />
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Imagine being invited to a friend's house for dinner, on the presumption that they are keeping you from making dinner for yourself for your birthday. Just your family and theirs. You arrive, ring the doorbell and are greeted with SURPRISE!!!!!!! From about 40 people. I don't have that happen to me, EVER and it quite literally about scared me to death!<br />
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After recovering from the initial shock, reality hit me and I immediately felt so loved by these special people who took the time to recognize my day for me. I never saw shock two coming as I was taking everything in. As I turned to hug another friend, I realized that not only were many of my special friends from here at the party, but my very dear friend Kimi and her family were down from Alabama earlier than I expected and they were there too! Could the day be any more special???<br />
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Well, they sure did their best to make sure that all of my favorites were covered - favorite people, favorite foods, favorite drinks, favorite activities represented with cards, notes, etc. I was so overwhelmed with thankfulness for the blessing of true friends who I love dearly.<br />
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My lovely daughter Holly posted all of the pictures <a href="http://hollylouella.blogspot.com/2011/05/birthday-surprise.html">Here</a>, so be sure to hop over and check them out. <br />
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I have to say that 40 looks pretty good from here! I think that it may just be the new 20. Or $29.95 + tax. Or 30 with 10 years experience. No matter what, I think it will be the best year yet! Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-30915915261261914602011-04-05T22:41:00.001-04:002011-04-05T22:41:00.232-04:00Strawberry SeasonI know that it is probably a little early in some areas of the country, but in Florida, we are right in the heart of strawberry season right now. We are firm believers in eating things in their season as much as possible and from as local as possible. Thankfully, we can get strawberries in abundance from all around central Florida from local sources! And we stock up on them too! Some of our favorite ways to use them are (in no particular order!): Strawberry shortcakes (we use home made biscuits, fresh strawberries and cool whip - layered in yummy goodness), Strawberry jam, Fresh strawberries with cereal or toast or on the side of any meal, Added into a <a href="http://2lumpsofsugar.blogspot.com/2011/04/year-of-pie-3.html">blackberry pie</a>, or Smoothies (made with kefir, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, flax, honey, whey protein powder and coconut cream).<br />
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Today, we made another of my favorites - Strawberry Spinach Salad - Fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, chopped pecans, cranberries, croutons (if desired) and your favorite dressing. To me, it goes best with either a vinaigrette like Raspberry Pomegranate or Poppy Seed. This is what our lunch looked like: <br />
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Those are all just to name a few of the many ways we enjoy strawberry season. If you have any amazing ways you use them, I would love for you to share!Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-76248794602443337232011-03-30T23:44:00.005-04:002011-04-05T13:19:33.128-04:00Swanson VitaminsSeveral years ago, I learned about a website as a great resource to buy good vitamins at a great price and buy them from there as often as possible. Today, I got an email that I could win free vitamins just by sharing their site with you! It made me wonder, why haven't I shared it already?! So, click here for more info about their site:<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 30px;">Have a blog? Want to win a $100? Check out the <a href="http://healthblog.swansonvitamins.com/blog/health-news-and-opinion/bloggers-win-a-shopping-spree-from-swanson-vitamins">Swanson Health Blog</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"> They often put their vitamins on buy one get one free, always have great prices and often have shipping deals on top of everything else. {I get nothing for telling you this, by the way! Just the joy of sharing what I love with you!} Check it out for yourself and see if you like it.</span>Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952494339144681886.post-61827589807296672502011-03-12T23:34:00.003-05:002011-03-12T23:34:00.494-05:00Blooming BlossomsOur Orange tree has blossomed! Oh, my goodness, I am so excited! This may not seem like a big deal, but we have raised this tree from basically a stick with no leaves - for about the past 6 years! Last year, it got about 2 flowers but they never did anything. This year, it is just covered with blossoms and the first 2 have opened:<br />
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Maybe we will get some oranges next year??? That would be so amazing! I only wish you have a way to smell through your computer - mmmmmmmm!!!! <br />
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Well, while I'm telling you about things growing, I may as well update you on our garden projects for 2011. We changed things up a little from last year and are doing more of less things.<br />
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We will have more Tomatoes:<br />
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More Green Peppers:<br />
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And more Lettuce:<br />
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We have started some beans, spinach and basil from seed and have nothing to show yet. We will soon be adding some zucchini (this is our last year - if we don't get it right this time, we are DONE with zucchini!), spearmint, chives and grape tomatoes. We added a new raised bed this year, so now we have 3 total and we are doing some things in containers as well. Our plan is to grow more of less and to do it well. That's the plan anyway! We'll see what happens as we go...Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086444145407622391noreply@blogger.com1