tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17134606139156558782024-03-13T07:08:00.010-04:00Simply-FamilyThoughts about family, children, adoption, organizing, living more simply and following my heart.
Please join me in my adventures. Have a wonderful day!
Warmly, LindaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger256125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-16102722600365280492017-02-16T15:15:00.002-05:002017-02-17T08:25:37.255-05:00It's Amazing the Difference a Year Makes!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Adoption Day, Sammy Boy!</div>
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On Wednesday, February 15, 2017 it was one year that Sam has joined our family! What a year it has been. A whirlwind of micro moments that all together weave an incredible experience of adjustment for all of us. It's impossible to accurately describe in a few sentences all the emotions and interactions that have shaped our last year. On their own, they are just tidbits of time. Collectively, they represent the rebuilding of a new life as a family and the budding of a child, who is learning what family means.<br />
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It's hard to believe that a year has gone already. At the same time, it's hard to remember "life before Sam". He bounced into our life, much like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, without a care in the world, curious, smart and FAST. We could not believe how FAST. Everything was fair game for his curious hands and as soon as he learned the word "touch", he went around grinning, saying "touch, touch, touch" while touching EVERYTHING. We followed, saying and signing "No touch, No touch..." Needless to say, the first few months were exhausting. In case you missed it, here is a link to our first meeting. Turn your speakers down- it's LOUD!<br />
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Devoted readers no doubt noticed, I abruptly left my blog in limbo, along with everything social and work related. In order to be fully present to Sam, who, I quickly realized required my undivided attention, I dropped everything that wasn't directly related to the running of my home (i.e. laundry, dinner, school work, finances, sleep, hygiene, pets) and the needs of my parents. I had to. That was more than enough. Sam's need for attention and supervision was tremendous. He was into everything and had an insatiable desire to learn, touch and do everything.<br />
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I love that about him! He is so enthusiastic and follows me around the house, helping me with everything! He finds joy in all things work related. The dirtier the job, the happier he is! Windows- no problem! Big piles of dirty dishes? No problem! (a few things crash and break- but hey! What can you do?) Endless baskets of laundry? Yucky bathroom sink? Loves it!! Folds all the clothes, vacuums, sweeps, and on and on. I have never had such a tireless housekeeping partner! He is an amazingly hard worker and he knows what clean is. Give him a rag and some vinegar spray and a project and he gets the job done cheerfully.<br />
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Overall, things are going very well. Sam's learned so much English and his connecting words are filling in so he sounds much more fluent. He easily talks to everyone he meets and charms them with his curious, friendly way. He is especially caring to anyone who is not feeling well or hurt. He loves his grandmas and grandpa and always asks them "How are you? You OK?"<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Grandma Judy in Florida</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Jerry</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma Iris</td></tr>
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Academic learning has been a challenge for Sam because of his unbelievably short attention span. We have spent a lot of time teaching him to take deep breaths, calm himself and stay focused. In addition, he has lots of Spec Ed services and a 1-1 aide (in a gen ed 4th grade). His curriculum is adapted and he's working on counting 1-20 and learning the letters/sounds. He loves to cut, paste and color and his art work is developing more depth and variety. The whole year has focused so far on helping him learn to be a learner. He has finally begun to understand that the print carries the message. He loves school and is very independent about getting himself ready and caring for his things. Last month, he was able to begin to wait for the bus at the end of the driveway, all by himself. He was in the 4th grade chorus concert and was very proud of his part in it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time wearing a tie. He loved the tie!</td></tr>
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Sam's relationship with Mary Alice is one of mutual admiration. She loves to be with him and when home from school she takes great care of him and plays with him. He adores her. She just went back after break and he really misses her. It's been very rewarding to watch their connection. He loves to do what they do. Here he insisted that I make a copy of the crossword, so he could write his own letters on his.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice, Matt & Sam doing the New Year's Day crossword puzzle</td></tr>
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Megan is very tender with him. She makes his breakfast and talks with him in the morning. Shanna's more reserved but loves to play with Sam. Matthew is away at school and Sam misses him a lot!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Puzzling with Shanna</td></tr>
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Sam does still get angry and yell at us for no reason. Says we're too loud and always yelling when it's really him that's doing all the yelling. It's often when he is hungry and tired. He only recently has begun to tune into his bodily needs and become aware of them. We have spent months gently suggesting options when he became disregulated, often at the peril of agitating him further, and finally, we can hear him say "Hmmph. Maybe I hungry". Music to my ears. Most often, when he becomes disregulated part of him is scared about something (maybe just his own out of control feelings). And then he behaves in scary ways, which can be very overwhelming.<br />
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We're using a program with Sam called <a href="http://integratedlistening.com/the-science-of-how-ils-works/" target="_blank">Integrated Listening System</a>. It delivers specially treated classical music and Gregorian chants through headphones to help the brain develop neural connections for emotional regulation. The headphones provide a vibration that gives input to the vagus nerve in the skull through the music that sends calming info into the brain/body. The music is "gated" and emphasizes different frequencies depending on the goals for each child (sensory motor vs attention and focus vs auditory processing). It's really interesting. The program is on an iPod/amplifier and he listens about 30-60 mins at a time, several days a week. He likes it and it's soothing to him. I've been listening too, and it's really helped me stay calm and focused while dealing with his needs. It's not a cheap program, but if used consistently, I think it makes a big difference. In fact, I attribute his learning to play appropriately with his toys to his participation in this program. Prior to listening, he only "worked".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Learning to play</td></tr>
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All of us get rattled by his meltdowns. We have learned to respond to his behavior calmly, but sometimes he escalates simply because he has pent up emotions to release and those times he sobs in our arms afterward, as we hold him and reassure him that it's ok and we love him. I just try to breathe through it and remember that my Sammy is in there somewhere and he always comes back. Sometimes, in an absolute "I have no idea what to do now" state, I sit next to him on the stairs and put my head in my hands and sigh. Then I feel his small hand rubbing my back and his sweet voice saying "You ok, Mommy?" Once he even said "It not easy." This kid is so smart and so emotionally tuned in. No Sam, not easy.... but easier than it was. You're kind, intelligent, curious, funny, tender and loving and you're definitely worth it!!<br />
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All in all, a successful year. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Groat Family!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-86824592336857384942016-02-22T04:26:00.004-05:002017-01-11T11:09:57.506-05:00Getting a Whisker From a Tiger<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 21px;">The Sunday before our departure to China, our UU minister told the children a story about a woman who married a man whose first wife had died and left a young son. </span><br>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This adoptive mother wanted so badly to be accepted as this child's mother but he refused all her affection. Feeling despair, the woman went to seek the advice of the village wiseman. He said he could give her a magic potion that would make the boy love her but first she would need to bring him the whisker of a tiger. Shocked, the woman went away, yet determined to do what she must because she loved that boy so much.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So the woman went into the jungle to find the tiger. </span><br>
</div><a href="http://simply-family.blogspot.com/2016/02/getting-whisker-from-tiger.html#more">Read more »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-16802002634026033482016-02-16T08:35:00.000-05:002017-01-11T11:55:20.004-05:00Everything is OK!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adoption Day, February 15, 2016</td></tr>
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Sorry for the limited posts. Everyone is alright. I just came down with a stomach bug and have been going to sleep as soon as Sam does. He is smart, clever, quick and strong. A combination which keeps the other seven of us hopping to keep up with him. He watches me like a hawk and the minute I touch my computer or phone to post, he wants to touch everything. I am exhausted again tonight so I will close here. Just know that we are making good progress with Sam, he is actively involved with each of us and loves to color with his siblings. I'm having trouble posting photos. I'll try again tomorrow. Time to sleep now!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-88049028704738822992016-02-15T07:33:00.003-05:002016-02-15T07:34:31.245-05:00This says it all!!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1UrW7QNqErY" width="480"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-62878895999861129842016-02-14T02:05:00.000-05:002016-02-14T05:36:26.719-05:00The Adventure Begins!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to Go! What a team! Traveling with all the family and our nephew</td></tr>
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It feels similar to being perched on the top of the highest roller coaster ever imagined, after months of climbing (sometimes straight uphill!) on the laid out track. Then, when finally at the top, balancing at that crucial tipping point before careening downhill (picture the stomach dropping point just over the hump) around many twists and turns, thrilling all the senses, screaming WHEE and AAHHH and YAY, before jolting to the bottom and saying WOW that was fun!!<br />
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So we've climbed up, made it through all the paper-chasing and dossier hoops and through the 30+ hours of door to door travel from our house to China. Now we have crested the top and are on the way down, enjoying every minute! Today is a rest day (2/14) where we gather ourselves together, settle in the hotel and get familiar with our surroundings. Tomorrow will be the big day (2/15). We will meet Sam at 3:30 AM EST time (2:30pm China time). He will be brought from Shantou by Director Guo, travelling about 6 hours by bus. He is well prepared and excited to meet us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last chat on Thursday morning. Sam's cheeks must hurt!</td></tr>
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We have had many opportunities to communicate with him over WeChat the last few months. He has seen our home, our pets, our backyard, his room, the refrigerator, all the things that would seem so unfamiliar have been experienced through the Ipad! He has even seen Daddy and Mary Alice get into the car, back out of the garage and leave for work and school several mornings. We have shown him the changing fall leaves and the snow (sparse as it has been this season)! We have carved pumpkins together, drawn turkeys with our hands, sang songs in Chinese & English. We have met his nannies, friends and teacher. We are so fortunate to be able to spend this quality time with him. It is not common at all to have this much contact prior to adoption and we are so thankful and appreciate everyone's effort that has allowed us to develop this deep connection to each other.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a turkey together on Thanksgiving</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baba's Turkey</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama's Turkey</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Wonderful Friend's Mui & Portia, giving our gifts to Sam!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam & a Friend--- who still needs a family, making Glutinous Rice Balls!</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVf1oPrZGv8/VsAAgSK0ybI/AAAAAAACINA/aX_0ssUxgwk/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVf1oPrZGv8/VsAAgSK0ybI/AAAAAAACINA/aX_0ssUxgwk/s400/IMG_0135.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam's Chinese Name</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBm-drzcDCU/VsAAiQPFXuI/AAAAAAACINA/Z2gqmlC0-7g/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBm-drzcDCU/VsAAiQPFXuI/AAAAAAACINA/Z2gqmlC0-7g/s400/IMG_0134.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added Sam to the Mural in his room!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The backstory is that we got to know Sam because I was chairing the annual PTA fundraiser for Megan & Shanna's school. I chose Love Without Boundaries for the charity. We wanted to sponsor a child for an adoption grant. I asked LWB for a recommendation for a child from Shantou, Shanna's orphanage. Sam was the immediate suggestion as LWB had known him since 2007 and they thought him to be a very smart, sweet boy who had been on the waiting list a long time. Before we had a chance to run the fundraiser, he was matched with a family, so we switched the focus to his foster brother. We continued to follow along with him and when his adoption was not completed, our hearts broke for him and the family. After discussing it for several weeks; realizing that we had the experience and circumstances to do it, we decided that we would adopt him.<br />
<br />
And here is the best part of the story.... Shanna and Sam were brother and sister at Shantou together when they were younger! Here are some photos of them. In the first photo, Sam is in the yellow shirt on the nanny's lap. Shanna is in the front right, sharing candy that we sent her in a care package. In the second<span style="text-align: center;"> Sam, bottom left; Shanna, right.</span><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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYOaQ8lfKns/VsAAaNGikDI/AAAAAAACIM4/suR1zf6SFvY/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYOaQ8lfKns/VsAAaNGikDI/AAAAAAACIM4/suR1zf6SFvY/s400/IMG_0161.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2010</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhMK0RTDibc/VsAAcQvheII/AAAAAAACIM4/xzCZY8DjLcs/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhMK0RTDibc/VsAAcQvheII/AAAAAAACIM4/xzCZY8DjLcs/s400/IMG_0155.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe December 2010 right before adopting Shanna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A month or so ago, I reached out to the mother that had previously come to China to adopt him. We had a good long talk about her experience there. For deeply personal reasons, the match between them was not right and she knew it with her whole being, so they decided not to continue. I completely admire and support the courage that it took for this family to recognize this and make such a painful choice. Their choice to let him go set in motion the circumstances that we were able to find him, and we are a perfect fit for each other. Our deepest thanks to them.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I took my special necklace which previously had 4 children, to a custom jeweler and he did a beautiful job adding our 5th (and final) child!</div>
<br />
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iSDk3woYmo/VsAXzqBumpI/AAAAAAACINY/z9qAPp3KPeA/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iSDk3woYmo/VsAXzqBumpI/AAAAAAACINY/z9qAPp3KPeA/s400/IMG_3659.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to have my "expanded" necklace back</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlkBqloTMjU/VsAXu5DHUmI/AAAAAAACINQ/Z56l4HRet0I/s1600/IMG_3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlkBqloTMjU/VsAXu5DHUmI/AAAAAAACINQ/Z56l4HRet0I/s400/IMG_3664.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Family</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WoRhMSAWlDk/Vr_2Ui14w1I/AAAAAAACILM/Pd8yrruZ51E/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WoRhMSAWlDk/Vr_2Ui14w1I/AAAAAAACILM/Pd8yrruZ51E/s400/IMG_0022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone is so independent---I'm walking alone!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oY1HStijZiU/VsAjyzgBY6I/AAAAAAACIN4/ofI7BeHxGpA/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oY1HStijZiU/VsAjyzgBY6I/AAAAAAACIN4/ofI7BeHxGpA/s400/IMG_0031.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6oem23yAL1Q/Vr_2hlQQFHI/AAAAAAACILU/IZl_JRsux98/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6oem23yAL1Q/Vr_2hlQQFHI/AAAAAAACILU/IZl_JRsux98/s400/IMG_0020.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De-icing the plane</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6O--jf1ezqI/Vr_4LuxrxmI/AAAAAAACIME/_Y7YCkpIPbE/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6O--jf1ezqI/Vr_4LuxrxmI/AAAAAAACIME/_Y7YCkpIPbE/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The screen was stuck on 7 hours and 40 minutes left to destination, making us all a little crazy!</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><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-svZSAW99TpA/VsAkBAgIsaI/AAAAAAACIOA/-wjA-m86wPs/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-svZSAW99TpA/VsAkBAgIsaI/AAAAAAACIOA/-wjA-m86wPs/s400/IMG_0039.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Somewhere over China</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ml9qVVpGFWY/Vr_2G4Dd2kI/AAAAAAACIK0/WSrV5PDuT6E/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ml9qVVpGFWY/Vr_2G4Dd2kI/AAAAAAACIK0/WSrV5PDuT6E/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny loves going to China!</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQyqbMV_JkY/Vr_3EyR-7sI/AAAAAAACILs/UqX4v_stCqQ/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQyqbMV_JkY/Vr_3EyR-7sI/AAAAAAACILs/UqX4v_stCqQ/s400/IMG_0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Guide Elvin. Sooooo glad to see him at 10pm China time, 28 hours into our travels!</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzAJh8nm0rQ/Vr_3XQlPNLI/AAAAAAACIL0/M_IWGeRGj8I/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzAJh8nm0rQ/Vr_3XQlPNLI/AAAAAAACIL0/M_IWGeRGj8I/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guangzhou Airport</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6OG9PmrnWOk/Vr_1eY_OoGI/AAAAAAACIK4/bSbJXpdfL4c/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6OG9PmrnWOk/Vr_1eY_OoGI/AAAAAAACIK4/bSbJXpdfL4c/s400/IMG_0027.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expectant Parents on Valentine's Day!!</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdvl_qID6Kg/Vr_1uggKcZI/AAAAAAACILA/9aosVC-MSVE/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdvl_qID6Kg/Vr_1uggKcZI/AAAAAAACILA/9aosVC-MSVE/s400/IMG_0026.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expectant Sister</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/--rQZEIqaD8U/Vr_1_lY-p2I/AAAAAAACILA/fzeLKVR7B7U/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--rQZEIqaD8U/Vr_1_lY-p2I/AAAAAAACILA/fzeLKVR7B7U/s400/IMG_0025.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Expectant Sister</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vf_Myp1-j6A/VsAfDHMQ_bI/AAAAAAACINk/egOwSbB81lM/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vf_Myp1-j6A/VsAfDHMQ_bI/AAAAAAACINk/egOwSbB81lM/s400/IMG_3736.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">And my sweet girl, Whisper, staring at the door at her nanny's house, waiting for our return. XO We'll be back soon!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-14965436827517876422015-09-29T10:19:00.000-04:002015-09-29T11:13:15.289-04:00Time for Another ChangeMy world has shifted on its axis, yet again. While I have loved running my organizing business, and will continue to work with a limited number of long time clients; I find myself in the
wonderfully amazing position of wanting to be a stay-at-home mom AND
having the ability to do so. I have always felt that I needed to be many
things at once. Now I feel that I need to do one thing at a time.<br />
<br />
Here is why:<br />
<br />
Eric
and I will travel to China again in the spring to bring home another
precious son! It was an unexpected opportunity to adopt again. While we
did not expect it, we learned of him from the adoption community. A
potential adoption by another family had fallen through. His
personality, gender, age and special needs were a perfect fit for our
family. He needed us at this time in his life and we chose to step up
and become his parents. We recognized that although we thought we knew
what was meant for our family of six, that the Spirit of Life had other
plans. We are to be a family of seven. Adoption is not for the faint of
heart, yet, if you are called to it you must prepare for a wild ride. We
have been called again. Our son is slightly younger than our girls and
will need lots of support and time as he adjusts and transitions. He is
also clever and fun and full of smiles and laughter and love. He knows
we are coming for him and he is so happy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ydeCIRm3NHg/VgqZaVfV9PI/AAAAAAACH2A/cFvYq7kM88g/s1600/Flag_of_the_People%2527s_Republic_of_China.svg.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ydeCIRm3NHg/VgqZaVfV9PI/AAAAAAACH2A/cFvYq7kM88g/s320/Flag_of_the_People%2527s_Republic_of_China.svg.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Eric
& I are homeschooling Megan & Shanna this year. Most people
react positively when we tell them this, and yet, they say "Oh, I
couldn't do that". Well, I thought that too. I had no idea how to
imagine having that much responsibility. At the same time, I thought
maybe I could. We were worried about the holes that they had in their
foundational skills and the pace they were expected to move at in public
school. We recognized the stress is was putting on all of us. We
questioned what we were gaining by sending them on to middle school to
face that rushing and pressure. We decided to try a different tack.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOxJ63-gjpQ/VgqZw2rag2I/AAAAAAACH2I/Nk9FCDgPOLE/s1600/IMG_2477.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOxJ63-gjpQ/VgqZw2rag2I/AAAAAAACH2I/Nk9FCDgPOLE/s320/IMG_2477.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna holding a bearded dragon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9aHt1GuwiU/VgqZxAPWt1I/AAAAAAACH2M/SEeKc95txxo/s1600/IMG_2472.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9aHt1GuwiU/VgqZxAPWt1I/AAAAAAACH2M/SEeKc95txxo/s320/IMG_2472.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan sharing love with a snoozing milk snake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And
now that we are doing it--- I know it's the Right Thing. I love being
with them and understanding what they know and don't know, what they
need and don't need. I have the resources, the patience and skills to do
it and we are all better for the<br />
slower paced life it offers. The only
thing is that I knew that I would have to take the time from somewhere
and work was the only obvious place. I had to decide to let go of
helping others outside my family- in my business. This was not an easy
thing to do, but yet, a necessary one. By the time our son comes home, I hope
to have created an easy rhythm of life that he can settle into. This
will be my major focus for the next few months. Pull in further to my
core, follow my instincts and my heart, eliminate distractions and keep
only that which brings me joy and happiness. <br />
<br />
I love to write and
I love to share with others. I will continue to do so by posting on
this blog about issues related to family, children, homeschooling and adoption, as well
as organizing challenges, tips and ideas about living more simply and
following my heart. Although I cannot take on new clients personally,
maybe someone will be helped my my experiences and ideas.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-13399833971586279322014-02-27T10:47:00.002-05:002014-02-27T10:47:45.515-05:00Rolling a Rock Up a MountainI am a pretty optimistic person. I always try to look on the bright side and be happy. At the same time, I am an anxious person and that gets in the way. I am forever reading inspirational books and looking at my thinking and and my feelings and trying to get better at dealing with stress. This winter has been filled with transitions for everyone in my family, both immediate and extended. I won't go into detail, because it is all pretty private, but adjustments to school, learning, life stages, medical issues, personal issues, relationships, work, etc, etc. have all impacted our daily functioning and balance. I am in the center of it all, trying to roll the rock up the mountain. Sometimes, it slips out of my grasp, only to roll down to the bottom again, but I stubbornly pick it up and start rolling. My husband helps me often, but he has to come and go, due to his own rock that he rolls at work. So I have lots of time with my rock. I notice my rock as it rolls up the mountain. It is gathering bits along the way. Some smaller rocks, some plants, an animal or two (or three or more), some really shiny gems that are awesome and beautiful. My rock is constantly growing and changing. Once in a while, the mountain evens out and the rolling is smooth and easy. Sometimes I even feel I am running to catch up with my rock when it rolls ahead of me. And sometimes, like I said, it slips backward. But always we catch it and start again with the right attitude; the faith that while we may never actually reach the top, our rock is our rock, and our mountain is our mountain and we are strong enough to keep rolling.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SisxFqhLcgI/Uw9Zu1Iv8gI/AAAAAAAB_0c/K9GJeqRPNSA/s1600/2013-12-01+16.36.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SisxFqhLcgI/Uw9Zu1Iv8gI/AAAAAAAB_0c/K9GJeqRPNSA/s1600/2013-12-01+16.36.51.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Black and White Team and Constant Companions</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FakH9cm87ks/Uw9Zwr1KC2I/AAAAAAAB_0s/iGnzHBsnR9A/s1600/2013-12-07+12.53.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FakH9cm87ks/Uw9Zwr1KC2I/AAAAAAAB_0s/iGnzHBsnR9A/s1600/2013-12-07+12.53.08.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going to the Nutcracker Ballet</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sk4FSIzwtyg/Uw9Zvjy7byI/AAAAAAAB_0k/F3LbcO3_Weo/s1600/2013-12-13+18.54.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sk4FSIzwtyg/Uw9Zvjy7byI/AAAAAAAB_0k/F3LbcO3_Weo/s1600/2013-12-13+18.54.22.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice made the cats and dog each holiday bowties</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRby6om5DtM/Uw9Z2jNrGnI/AAAAAAAB_08/mtLP9r8YL2s/s1600/2013-12-21+19.12.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRby6om5DtM/Uw9Z2jNrGnI/AAAAAAAB_08/mtLP9r8YL2s/s1600/2013-12-21+19.12.31.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan volunteering at soccer with her friend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EldynswYV68/Uw9Z0LIkqxI/AAAAAAAB_00/CAfWWX3bVw0/s1600/2013-12-29+13.22.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EldynswYV68/Uw9Z0LIkqxI/AAAAAAAB_00/CAfWWX3bVw0/s1600/2013-12-29+13.22.24.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visting the Butterfly Garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ip8QtwE9Ho8/Uw9Z5dzYBoI/AAAAAAAB_1E/tojQ1Irdk04/s1600/IMG_1871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ip8QtwE9Ho8/Uw9Z5dzYBoI/AAAAAAAB_1E/tojQ1Irdk04/s1600/IMG_1871.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fFtbCcM5L8/Uw9Z8CWPWoI/AAAAAAAB_1M/i_1bPIsyOXQ/s1600/IMG_1874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fFtbCcM5L8/Uw9Z8CWPWoI/AAAAAAAB_1M/i_1bPIsyOXQ/s1600/IMG_1874.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always room for a new doll. Why doesn't their hair stay that way??!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_u3ChRmhxQ/Uw9Z9aYhEmI/AAAAAAAB_1U/LpKoXB3nkvs/s1600/IMG_1884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_u3ChRmhxQ/Uw9Z9aYhEmI/AAAAAAAB_1U/LpKoXB3nkvs/s1600/IMG_1884.JPG" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boy turned 19!! How did that happen??!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdCYr2AIt7c/Uw9aBosIOxI/AAAAAAAB_1c/mRTtqxOtpuE/s1600/IMG_1887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdCYr2AIt7c/Uw9aBosIOxI/AAAAAAAB_1c/mRTtqxOtpuE/s1600/IMG_1887.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating the January Birthdays</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TgbwooRpwE/Uw9aDum18GI/AAAAAAAB_1k/I12w4YkX8Aw/s1600/2014-01-09+20.13.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TgbwooRpwE/Uw9aDum18GI/AAAAAAAB_1k/I12w4YkX8Aw/s1600/2014-01-09+20.13.32.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The never ending homework. They are such hard workers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCRVyyWsNig/Uw9aFF7Z5BI/AAAAAAAB_1s/WZIFaVKYI4s/s1600/2014-01-18+21.47.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCRVyyWsNig/Uw9aFF7Z5BI/AAAAAAAB_1s/WZIFaVKYI4s/s1600/2014-01-18+21.47.38.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another of Megan's funny notes.... only if I buy them bunk beds tomorrow..... written on her Kindle drawing app.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-igLflHdmx0A/Uw9aMj0rP0I/AAAAAAAB_18/L_6C6QNe-lA/s1600/2014-01-21+13.25.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-igLflHdmx0A/Uw9aMj0rP0I/AAAAAAAB_18/L_6C6QNe-lA/s1600/2014-01-21+13.25.57.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new gerbils, who were adorable and snuggly together for many weeks, then right after this was taken one decided to attack the other and now they have separate cages!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnzTBTBp7qw/Uw9aOah3JQI/AAAAAAAB_2E/z9H5G3B_LwI/s1600/2014-01-24+12.34.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnzTBTBp7qw/Uw9aOah3JQI/AAAAAAAB_2E/z9H5G3B_LwI/s1600/2014-01-24+12.34.50.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Re-organizing the family room into a learning center, to support the high distractibility of me and the girls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NE5a-66bUA4/Uw9aLqsWVFI/AAAAAAAB_10/F6KlOVNUSHw/s1600/2014-01-24+19.46.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NE5a-66bUA4/Uw9aLqsWVFI/AAAAAAAB_10/F6KlOVNUSHw/s1600/2014-01-24+19.46.39.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The core of the family. Celebrating Eric's birthday. Love you so much, honey!!</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-90104706489754393352013-12-18T22:35:00.000-05:002013-12-18T22:58:53.507-05:00Fall Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two years ago the world lost a great soul. My brother, Marty, died unexpectedly and suddenly, leaving an enormous hole in the fabric of our family. Although painful and difficult, we have gone through much healing and have a patch that has strengthened us at the seams. Much of it is due to the weaving together of the threads that were left, by his wife, Cindy~ an amazing person in her own right. We are all well and creating joyful memories that Marty would be proud of. He is not forgotten. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qPBckPjZgc/UrHGIWY5TpI/AAAAAAABGBQ/8UERNyMjKOM/s1600/Cindy,+Marty+in+Denver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qPBckPjZgc/UrHGIWY5TpI/AAAAAAABGBQ/8UERNyMjKOM/s400/Cindy,+Marty+in+Denver.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 2010</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8MPmOJ7rUM/UrHc25UMWnI/AAAAAAABGBk/jfDyjadUDxE/s1600/uniform.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8MPmOJ7rUM/UrHc25UMWnI/AAAAAAABGBk/jfDyjadUDxE/s400/uniform.JPG" width="290" /> </a></div>
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And life goes on in its cycle. </div>
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In the fall we dropped Matthew off at college.</div>
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Within an hour after we left him, he met a wonderful young woman, Sydney, at a freshman orientation mixer. Previously acquainted from the college Facebook Group, they hit it off right away and have been constant companions ever since. Sydney is a welcome addition to our family circle and surprisingly, I see much of myself reflected in her personality.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjXU_rvhq_s/UrHF2XnvJkI/AAAAAAABGA0/mCx-qvsbL2c/s1600/IMG957193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjXU_rvhq_s/UrHF2XnvJkI/AAAAAAABGA0/mCx-qvsbL2c/s400/IMG957193.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While walking around campus, M & S found this cute little hole in the sidewalk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rrCDlb5KJ4/UrHF7zQ56vI/AAAAAAABGBA/ZI73E-4bh-I/s1600/2013-09-13+17.57.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rrCDlb5KJ4/UrHF7zQ56vI/AAAAAAABGBA/ZI73E-4bh-I/s400/2013-09-13+17.57.16.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, in the next few days, we were walking around the block and found THIS cute little hole in the sidewalk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajmkhZzqXqY/UrHCmyMhBGI/AAAAAAABF-M/XL3WCnsrxHw/s1600/2013-11-23+14.34.39.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajmkhZzqXqY/UrHCmyMhBGI/AAAAAAABF-M/XL3WCnsrxHw/s400/2013-11-23+14.34.39.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to visit Matthew to see him play in a concert on campus~ thus the tux...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xA7TrsS5Pis/UrG_TpjMkxI/AAAAAAABF7Y/FbUQ2vf6kAw/s1600/2013-09-22+15.44.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xA7TrsS5Pis/UrG_TpjMkxI/AAAAAAABF7Y/FbUQ2vf6kAw/s400/2013-09-22+15.44.29.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We celebrated Iris' birthday with a surprise visit from her son and granddaughter!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrrvZmN9peM/UrG_YWz4qzI/AAAAAAABF7g/G5Kz-nLWQ-I/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrrvZmN9peM/UrG_YWz4qzI/AAAAAAABF7g/G5Kz-nLWQ-I/s400/IMG_1238.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cutie got lots of love!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6L4AQeIg-Q/UrG_Zoaru_I/AAAAAAABF7o/Cbg1mbBqp5w/s1600/IMG_0017.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6L4AQeIg-Q/UrG_Zoaru_I/AAAAAAABF7o/Cbg1mbBqp5w/s400/IMG_0017.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a Chilly September Morning we went canoeing with our church friends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOzx2bZJ4MQ/UrG_wBw15sI/AAAAAAABF8U/0GM9qW1pEAY/s1600/2013-09-25+19.34.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOzx2bZJ4MQ/UrG_wBw15sI/AAAAAAABF8U/0GM9qW1pEAY/s400/2013-09-25+19.34.05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric & I are trying to get out for some much needed Date Nights.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDyRz_uqF6M/UrG_phaNihI/AAAAAAABF8A/MgKELVf1VBE/s1600/0916131348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDyRz_uqF6M/UrG_phaNihI/AAAAAAABF8A/MgKELVf1VBE/s400/0916131348.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is my Dad, single handedly re-doing the kitchen floor in his house!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cj2C402K_oY/UrG_kD3NqrI/AAAAAAABF74/jjtga4h28nY/s1600/0918132221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cj2C402K_oY/UrG_kD3NqrI/AAAAAAABF74/jjtga4h28nY/s320/0918132221.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Whisper, with her ever watchful eye on me. Every room I go in, she follows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfLG1RJm4Ao/UrG_ytEaPFI/AAAAAAABF8c/XDMvHjxDgTI/s1600/stage+crew+grand+night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfLG1RJm4Ao/UrG_ytEaPFI/AAAAAAABF8c/XDMvHjxDgTI/s400/stage+crew+grand+night.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stage Crew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1SCVXYfwhQ/UrHCiDV10fI/AAAAAAABF-A/d1qbaWQdc_k/s1600/2013-11-14+18.45.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1SCVXYfwhQ/UrHCiDV10fI/AAAAAAABF-A/d1qbaWQdc_k/s400/2013-11-14+18.45.18.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud Daddy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gijK0gZeTGM/UrHCiwHnn0I/AAAAAAABF-E/z-0p5ujtguU/s1600/2013-11-14+15.43.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gijK0gZeTGM/UrHCiwHnn0I/AAAAAAABF-E/z-0p5ujtguU/s400/2013-11-14+15.43.43.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna sporting her new braces!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kgbscb1jATM/UrHAVLByLRI/AAAAAAABF84/LEN5TkxLrQ8/s1600/2013-09-27+14.37.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kgbscb1jATM/UrHAVLByLRI/AAAAAAABF84/LEN5TkxLrQ8/s400/2013-09-27+14.37.08.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A late fall vegetable garden harvest. Yes, that is a very tiny butternut!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3Z5L18AL_k/UrHAST_l9-I/AAAAAAABF8w/vld-qFdKQoI/s1600/2013-10-06+18.51.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3Z5L18AL_k/UrHAST_l9-I/AAAAAAABF8w/vld-qFdKQoI/s400/2013-10-06+18.51.41.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice's Birthday</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8Go3kRVdw8/UrHA7IHwkGI/AAAAAAABF9o/REMZiHZcdEo/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8Go3kRVdw8/UrHA7IHwkGI/AAAAAAABF9o/REMZiHZcdEo/s400/IMG_1758.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cM5gOsrZSkE/UrHAM6TGBeI/AAAAAAABF8o/E2HKRsGuJmE/s1600/2013-10-07+18.32.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cM5gOsrZSkE/UrHAM6TGBeI/AAAAAAABF8o/E2HKRsGuJmE/s400/2013-10-07+18.32.44.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating at AppleBees. Just the girls, as Daddy was out of town, Matthew at college.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsPsX9o6XNs/UrHAWM8hpEI/AAAAAAABF9A/kNtLMkIjjic/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsPsX9o6XNs/UrHAWM8hpEI/AAAAAAABF9A/kNtLMkIjjic/s400/IMG_1248.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna & Megan enjoyed a trip to the Firefighter's Open House.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AcFLvixVE7w/UrHAaq17VVI/AAAAAAABF9I/wIGCdkmrMJo/s1600/IMG_1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AcFLvixVE7w/UrHAaq17VVI/AAAAAAABF9I/wIGCdkmrMJo/s400/IMG_1770.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our annual Pumpkin Carving Party at Church. Matthew was home for the weekend!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQZRZo6kFXI/UrHAffJxWFI/AAAAAAABF9Y/rKVQQfvpX9Q/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQZRZo6kFXI/UrHAffJxWFI/AAAAAAABF9Y/rKVQQfvpX9Q/s400/IMG_1782.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggle time with Daddy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fg5WPwnPcvM/UrHAdi96lkI/AAAAAAABF9Q/tdgnQLKTsKo/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fg5WPwnPcvM/UrHAdi96lkI/AAAAAAABF9Q/tdgnQLKTsKo/s400/image_3.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Cutie is my great nephew, Arden, in his Halloween Costume!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86_hlXQhYYE/UrHAgGVBd8I/AAAAAAABF9c/tMDuIy4xHGs/s1600/IMG_1791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86_hlXQhYYE/UrHAgGVBd8I/AAAAAAABF9c/tMDuIy4xHGs/s400/IMG_1791.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this Cutie is Whisper! =) Sorry, no pictures of the girls this year... Just didn't happen. Don't know why.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zC57Kg3mnLU/UrHCi-V64nI/AAAAAAABF98/_ISmxpjvjCw/s1600/2013-11-14+21.41.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zC57Kg3mnLU/UrHCi-V64nI/AAAAAAABF98/_ISmxpjvjCw/s400/2013-11-14+21.41.55.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And more Stage Crew. A big part of Mary Alice's life.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K29tVlT19WA/UrHCsSAlrSI/AAAAAAABF-U/sxB1TyzGO9Q/s1600/IMG_1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K29tVlT19WA/UrHCsSAlrSI/AAAAAAABF-U/sxB1TyzGO9Q/s400/IMG_1300.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the cake she made for the friend above, for her birthday. Frosting is homemade fondant. All. On. Her. Own!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0oMPXEXiZs/UrHCwBhdbHI/AAAAAAABF-c/5wZ4i8qB6_I/s1600/IMG_1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0oMPXEXiZs/UrHCwBhdbHI/AAAAAAABF-c/5wZ4i8qB6_I/s400/IMG_1796.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the doorway that Eric created for me between our front hall and family room. I. LOVE. IT! It still needs some finish work and I will post someday when finished.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38pb2Ym2W7Q/UrHCwY3rQSI/AAAAAAABF-g/UgHZA67wvHw/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38pb2Ym2W7Q/UrHCwY3rQSI/AAAAAAABF-g/UgHZA67wvHw/s400/IMG_1805.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These giggle girls never stop smiling and hugging. Like puppies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkL3F3YmkjM/UrHEEOZToeI/AAAAAAABF-w/E4CY2Yivjkw/s1600/2013-11-28+15.10.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkL3F3YmkjM/UrHEEOZToeI/AAAAAAABF-w/E4CY2Yivjkw/s400/2013-11-28+15.10.58.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once again we travelled to my brother and sister-in-law's home, where we were welcomed and pampered for a wonderful visit. We missed Marty, but the house was filled with the spirit of family. It was a special joy this year to have my mother, father, Iris and Arden join us!</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRVXCxvOin8/UrHEKnHGz6I/AAAAAAABF-8/BJ2WoqJ9OR4/s1600/2013-11-28+18.30.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRVXCxvOin8/UrHEKnHGz6I/AAAAAAABF-8/BJ2WoqJ9OR4/s400/2013-11-28+18.30.23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy gave us commemorative Menurkeys and we all brought our menorahs to light.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpB3spFMSXw/UrHEKn5R38I/AAAAAAABF_A/U6VBsgfrVyM/s1600/2013-11-29+13.01.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpB3spFMSXw/UrHEKn5R38I/AAAAAAABF_A/U6VBsgfrVyM/s400/2013-11-29+13.01.42.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I enjoyed my time with Matthew. I miss him so much when he is away but I am Oh So Proud of his successful transition to college and independence.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUCee45rMDE/UrHEKDDq4aI/AAAAAAABF-4/llljUnyEBTE/s1600/2013-11-29+16.36.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUCee45rMDE/UrHEKDDq4aI/AAAAAAABF-4/llljUnyEBTE/s400/2013-11-29+16.36.21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cannot get enough of this sweet face. He is simply dreamy.</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-roqZAP8vagM/UrHEM6X13XI/AAAAAAABF_Q/2qy-1SlqxKg/s1600/2013-11-29+16.39.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-roqZAP8vagM/UrHEM6X13XI/AAAAAAABF_Q/2qy-1SlqxKg/s400/2013-11-29+16.39.41.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna, too. =)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njTryBD6Ess/UrHETpQ157I/AAAAAAABF_o/YvvDMdN6UxQ/s1600/2013-11-30+13.04.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njTryBD6Ess/UrHETpQ157I/AAAAAAABF_o/YvvDMdN6UxQ/s400/2013-11-30+13.04.53.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn & Mary Alice, too. =)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eobysLPAhAQ/UrHESOzgXeI/AAAAAAABF_c/tBfBoEhsCGY/s1600/2013-11-30+10.16.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eobysLPAhAQ/UrHESOzgXeI/AAAAAAABF_c/tBfBoEhsCGY/s400/2013-11-30+10.16.03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew, too. =)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CcBDsWJttPI/UrHEWIXAkNI/AAAAAAABF_w/k30pWwKc1lc/s1600/2013-11-30+13.12.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CcBDsWJttPI/UrHEWIXAkNI/AAAAAAABF_w/k30pWwKc1lc/s400/2013-11-30+13.12.59.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Aunt Sue</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77_VeKxaG5o/UrHEgsX1TmI/AAAAAAABGAA/Q1ZjAxjByPg/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77_VeKxaG5o/UrHEgsX1TmI/AAAAAAABGAA/Q1ZjAxjByPg/s400/IMG_1838.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Grandpa Jerry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LVurqVZMIY/UrHEgObFlZI/AAAAAAABF_4/UqAKH90e4BE/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LVurqVZMIY/UrHEgObFlZI/AAAAAAABF_4/UqAKH90e4BE/s400/IMG_1813.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Biddie is smitten. Arden was so generous with his smiles and attention.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOsbOoLu2bw/UrHERI58O8I/AAAAAAABF_Y/URwcbBGbCMo/s1600/2013-11-30+10.56.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOsbOoLu2bw/UrHERI58O8I/AAAAAAABF_Y/URwcbBGbCMo/s400/2013-11-30+10.56.37.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homeade hot cocoa with whipped cream in the morning is one of the things Megan remembers most fondly about Marty and Thanksgiving.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcYBmsHhSgo/UrHEgpOy9PI/AAAAAAABF_8/hZr0ZNsyzjY/s1600/IMG_1839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcYBmsHhSgo/UrHEgpOy9PI/AAAAAAABF_8/hZr0ZNsyzjY/s400/IMG_1839.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the beautiful Birthday Cake Mary Alice made me. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W17bXxBhPVQ/UrHEqmMixVI/AAAAAAABGAQ/KyqfCMiHtVc/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W17bXxBhPVQ/UrHEqmMixVI/AAAAAAABGAQ/KyqfCMiHtVc/s400/IMG_1849.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday with my whole family.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jyk-X8Bv0k/UrHEtQF7MpI/AAAAAAABGAY/zZlfB24oSyY/s1600/IMG_1851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jyk-X8Bv0k/UrHEtQF7MpI/AAAAAAABGAY/zZlfB24oSyY/s400/IMG_1851.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I share my special day with Shanna, who celebrated her 3rd anniversary of being adopted on my birthday!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdruCkQ_zGI/UrHEyKRE68I/AAAAAAABGAo/QxzBWpj2Bbs/s1600/rocks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdruCkQ_zGI/UrHEyKRE68I/AAAAAAABGAo/QxzBWpj2Bbs/s400/rocks.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are rocks that we all painted over Thanksgiving weekend. Each represents a memory of Marty. Thanks to Sue for having such a great idea and bringing the needed supplies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYQmhNrWYc0/UrJpGcwcYUI/AAAAAAABGCM/if-pjXmBezw/s1600/Thanksgiving+2013_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYQmhNrWYc0/UrJpGcwcYUI/AAAAAAABGCM/if-pjXmBezw/s400/Thanksgiving+2013_02.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Holidays to Everyone!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-58240063652008087032013-09-18T10:03:00.000-04:002013-09-18T10:03:28.139-04:00When My Birth Mother Found MeI just read this thought provoking, well written, sincere article; posted by Salon.com<br />
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<span class="dateline"><span class="toLocalTime" data-tlt-epoch-time="1379374200">Monday, Sep 16, 2013 07:30 PM EST </span></span><a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/09/16/when_my_birth_mother_found_me/" target="_blank">Source</a> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="lightBox" href="http://media.salon.com/2013/09/liz_fields.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="When my birth mother found me"><img alt="When my birth mother found me" height="265" src="http://media.salon.com/2013/09/liz_fields-620x412.jpg" title="When my birth mother found me" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of the author as a baby, in China</td></tr>
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<h2>
I was adopted from China at 4. I had no interest in tracking down my past -- but my past tracked me down anyway </h2>
<span class="byline">By <a class="gaTrackLinkEvent" data-ga-track-json="["author", "click", "Liz Fields"]" href="http://www.salon.com/writer/liz_fields/" rel="author">Liz Fields</a></span><br />
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The letter from my birth mother arrived six days before my 22nd birthday. A month earlier, I had packed all my worldly possessions into a sun-blistered Mazda and moved to Sydney to live with my boyfriend of four years. But we’d broken up three weeks later, and I found myself alone, hating the corporate law firm where I temped as a paralegal, but dreading even more the return to the filthy eight-bedroom frat house I’d wound up in after the split. One of my revolving cast of roommates casually tossed it to me: a giant white envelope postmarked from Beijing.<br />
“What is it?” he asked, clicking on the TV before I responded.<br />
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I had no idea. As I ripped open the envelope, my mind was elsewhere — on the new beagle I’d bought from a classified ad, on the news my ex had already met someone else, and how I was possibly going to eat this Indian takeaway without any clean cutlery.<br />
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“<b>Birth mother in China has been looking for you</b>,” announced an ominously bolded subject line. The rest of the letter read like one of those scammy, overemotional emails that show up in my junk folder. And I might have thrown that letter away if it hadn’t also been accompanied by adoption certificates, IDs and a couple of baby pictures. I’d never seen photographic evidence of my infant self, and was convinced I’d sprung from the womb 3 feet tall and able to enumerate the many virtues of Chairman Mao – a mantra obviously drummed into me at Chinese kindergarten. But the baby pictures made it all real.<br />
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Suddenly I had a past, and I had to face up to it.<br />
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The thing was, I didn’t feel like facing anything. It seemed to me then that life wasn’t simply handing me lemons, but a lemon tree was hanging over me and a whole branch had crashed on my head. “$*#” (modified by Linda-but after all, this is a Family Blog) were the first words out of my mouth. Not the response you’d expect from someone whose birth family just found her. But truth be told, I had never really wanted to be found.<br />
I’d always known I was adopted at 4 by a noisy but loving Anglo-Australian family. I knew that my birth parents had given me up after a violent and messy divorce. Other than that, I never dwelled much on my origins. My limited adolescent enthusiasm was taken up by piano lessons, detention and the weedy next-door neighbor I was in love with.<br />
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“Oh come on,” people often prod, unconvinced by my nonchalance. “You never wanted to find your real parents?”<br />
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I cringe when I hear “real parents.” To me, my adoptive parents <i>are</i> my real parents – the ones who pinned my awful poetry to the fridge, taught me to drive and yelled and then laughed at me for getting my first wonky-looking tattoo at 15.<br />
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The only thing I <i>had</i> been curious about was genetics. Did I have my mother’s eyes? Will I inherit my father’s receding hairline? Did I look like <i>someone</i> out there? My older, natural-born sister looks alarmingly like both our parents, and I felt a pang of envy whenever someone mentioned it. But the rest of the time, I was incurious. I already had one family who loved me and drove me completely mad. Why would I want another?<br />
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As fate would have it, I was one of the rare Chinese adoptees sought and found by their birth family. Not that it would have been so hard — they could have just Googled me. Instead, my birth mother paid an illegal people search company $2,000 to track down my address and the comprehensive life history of my entire adoptive family, including every city we’d ever lived in the last 20 years. But perhaps I should start from the beginning.<br />
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<b>* * *</b></div>
I was adopted from Chang Chun (a relatively small town of 8 million people) in the far northeastern edge of China in 1990. I was 4 and fearless. When my birth father signed my adoption papers and handed me over to my new ghostly white parents, I told them straight up they had <i>dà </i><a href="http://hktv.cc/cd/hanyupinyin/?q=bizi"><i>bí zi</i></a><i> </i>(big noses). But I never cried, nor complained. Not once.<br />
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In my first memory, my parents and I arrived in Beijing after a six-hour train ride from my hometown. It was winter — minus 22 degrees — and I was wrapped from head to toe, with only my eyes visible through a small rectangle of prickly scarf. This was less than a year after the Tiananmen Square massacre, and I could see what I later learned were bullet holes in the concrete monuments as we strode around the square, gloved hand-in-hand, for the first time as a family. No one knew that inside the bundle of clothing there was a Chinese kid.<br />
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That was the last time for many years I was afforded such anonymity. For the rest of my childhood, I would constantly be asked why I was “different” from all the kids in my neighborhood, and forced to grin and bear years of good-natured name-calling from friends. The playground intelligentsia was particularly fond of “banana” — a moniker reflecting the fact that I appeared “yellow on the outside, white on the inside.”<br />
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I might have overcompensated to fit in. In all my high-school photos I appear amid a gaggle of white girls. I’ve never had an Asian boyfriend. I took up French rather than Mandarin classes, despite everyone’s insistence about my natural proficiency, or perhaps because of it.<br />
Far sadder than the rejection of my cultural heritage, though, was a sudden distancing from my adoptive father in public. In my self-conscious teens, I stopped linking arms with him and loudly inserted “Dad” into the conversation whenever we dined alone at restaurants, tortured by strangers’ dirty glances, expecting that they’d assume we were a couple. The older Western guy with younger Asian girlfriend was an all too familiar sight in parts of South East Asia where we lived for many years.<br />
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But in the grand scheme of things, I knew I was lucky, considering the many desperate or disturbing stories of children around the world. I talked to girls who grew up as prostitutes in Cambodian slums or a teen who was born addicted to heroin and I thought of my own upbringing, filled with the usual sibling squabbles over Lego men and door-slamming fights with parents over the length of my skirt.<br />
So I never resented my birth parents for giving me up. I came to embrace my differences as a topic of interest at dinner parties and around water coolers, and not as a source of shame or something to hide. Besides, Aussie mores dictate that one should refrain from grizzling (complaining) where possible, lest the whinger (complainer) be called a sook (someone who complains a lot). The variety of slang indicates just how discouraged such behavior is.<br />
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But when I told people I was adopted, I learned to wait for “the look.” That embarrassed, pitying stare that I’ve spent a lifetime trying to avoid. Some offer an “Oh, I’m sorry …”<br />
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“It’s OK,” I say, “I hear there’s a good chance of survival.”<br />
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As an adult, I steer clear of adoption meet-ups and support groups, troubled by their perpetuation of all adoptees as people who need fixing and are desperate to find their birth parents and have rejection issues. I know this is not actually the case, but I grew tired of hearing so many well-meaning friends and lovers over the years tell me that my fear of rejection was the real reason I’ve never wanted to find my birth parents. My gruff response to that is, “If I were worried about rejection, I wouldn’t have become a bloody reporter.” Oddly enough, my journalistic curiosity never spilled over into my personal life — I merely ended up professionally burying my nose in everyone else’s past.<br />
By my 20s, I had resigned myself to the idea there would always be a part of my background left undiscovered. I kind of liked it that way. Mystery and intrigue filled the gaping black hole in my history, which in reality was much less romantic than my childhood fantasies, where I secretly fancied myself as a princess or the daughter of famous actors or acrobats or spies.<br />
And then the letter arrived.<br />
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The envelope was branded with neat rows of Chinese characters and was covered with a light salt crust after being exposed to wafts of sea spray on the front porch all afternoon where it had been left by the delivery guy. I opened it while finishing Indian takeaway with the head of a broken plastic spoon. There was a telephone number at the bottom of a slightly soggy second page, and my fingers were sticky as I punched the buttons on my phone, smearing it with fish curry. To this day, I still associate the smell of turmeric with my first call to my birth mother.<br />
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As I waited for the dial tone, all the questions I’d never asked growing up suddenly clamored in my consciousness like a dozen people talking at the same time. Where were you the last 18 years? Why now? What do you want from me? Do I have siblings?<br />
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The woman who picked up was Rose, the translator friend who had helped “find” me, or at least pay some very shady people to find me. She was there, ready to answer any question I had, but my mind had gone blank. Plowing through the awkward silence, Rose informed me that since both my birth parents had split up and remarried, I now had three younger half-sisters and a half-brother I never knew existed. So much for China’s one child policy, I thought. There was a blur of other information, but I don’t recall much, except that I did scan the room a few times for hidden cameras, just in case my roommates were playing a practical joke. They weren’t.<br />
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The conversation only lasted 10 or 15 minutes, and afterward, I called my adoptive parents who were watching a football game in the grandstands of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.<br />
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“Dad, did you know?”<br />
“Know what?”<br />
Just as I said, “My birth mother found me,” a hundred thousand people screamed in the background.<br />
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* * *</div>
It took me a year after the phone call to work up enough courage to visit my birth mother in Beijing. I spent most of the week nodding and pointing and getting to know my siblings who spoke some English. It was all a bit dizzying, and I was embraced into the greater family bosom with a kind of huggy eagerness that made me feel very uncomfortable at first. The oddest part was being around strangers who looked like me. Not only do I have my mother’s eyes, but we’re the same height, weight and shoe size. She even has the same laugh. It was like staring at a futuristic version of myself in the mirror, except my reflection spoke back in Chinese.<br />
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The sliding doors moment became very real when I took the train back to my hometown to meet the rest of my family. The city was an industrial grid of endless concrete blocks, with bleak soviet monuments and starless skies. As I gazed around the home I’d lived in until I was adopted — a squalid one-room apartment that had housed four people — my heart pounded. In another life, I could have ended up here, I thought, working in one of the city’s many car factories, pollution mask strapped to both ears. For many years, my adoptive parents had struggled to support our family on a single teacher’s wage, while one or the other finished their doctorates. We were never wealthy, but at least I’d had the chance to gain a decent education.<br />
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While I was in Beijing, most people reacted kindly to my terrible Mandarin. I was told it would come back. “Once Chinese, always Chinese,” they said. But I didn’t feel particularly Chinese or Australian at that point. I felt more like I had my shirt hooked on a door frame between two worlds.<br />
Perhaps that’s why I fell in love so quickly with New York when I finally moved to the city last summer – the city where everyone is from somewhere else. Here, I’m just another anonymous immigrant with an interesting “origin story.”<br />
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Since the Beijing trip, I’ve maintained a close relationship with my birth mother and an amicable one with my birth father. Navigating language and cultural differences has been a struggle, as has been allaying the concerns of my adoptive parents, who in the beginning were uncertain of my birth family’s intentions. They feel jealous at times, which is completely understandable — it’s probably the biggest challenge to overcome for any adoptive parent going through the reconnecting process. I can only remind them that nothing will change the fact they’ll always be my <i>real</i> parents.<br />
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Sometimes I look at little Chinese babies with button noses on the subway or in elevators and wonder how their mothers could possibly give them up. It’s a quandary I can only attempt to understand, never having been a parent myself, but it nags me every now and then when I entertain thoughts of entering motherhood at some far-off point in the future. For now, I’m simply relishing sisterhood. In a perfect world, I would have grown up with my siblings, teaching them long division and how to apply makeup and attending their dance recitals. But I’ve realized just having the opportunity to be with them now is pretty spectacular. I may not have been ready to receive the letter from China five years ago (is anyone ever really ready for that sort of thing?). But sometimes it’s good to be found, even when you wanted to stay hidden.<br />
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<a class="toggle-group toggleOnScroll trigger remember refreshAds gaTrackPageEvent on" data-delay="15" data-toggle-group="story-13478945" href="http://www.salon.com/2013/09/16/when_my_birth_mother_found_me/" id="yui_3_11_0_13_1379511648765_949"> </a> </div>
<a href="http://www.salon.com/writer/liz_fields/" title="Liz Fields"> </a> Liz Fields is a freelance journalist based in New York, raised in Sydney and made in China. She is a 2013 graduate of Columbia University's Journalism School and has previously scribbled for Slate, ABC News, Sydney Morning Herald and more. Follow her on Twitter @lianzifields. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-10721651073365901922013-09-09T16:42:00.000-04:002013-09-09T16:42:31.027-04:00My Busy Summer Days with My Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That was the title of the writing project the girls and I worked on during the last week of school. As we went through the calendar from late June through August to gather facts to write about, I could not believe everything we had done. It was a non-stop roller coaster of activity.</div>
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First we celebrated Daniel & Kate's Wedding. Kate is my step-sister-in-law, and Tom (Marion's husband's daughter). We adore her and Daniel and are thrilled for them.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating at Daniel & Kate's Wedding.</td></tr>
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Then we welcomed Gramma Judy for a nice, long 3 week visit. The girls had a wonderful time playing and talking to her. Gramma especially liked Whisper, to whom she could completely relate, as she was content to rest her head in Gramma's lap while the rest of us ran around the house!</div>
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Next, we went through many Lasts of the year, the last band, orchestra, drama, soccer banquets, the senior prom and Matthew's graduation. We are so proud of all of his accomplishments but most of all, because he is a wonderful, thoughtful young man, who knows the value of family.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice at the barn where she rides Vanilla</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a favorite restaurant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating my sister, Sue's birthday!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Day of school. Last day of HS for Matthew!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew and his "friend group" at the prom. Such handsome young men!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew, at 13 months, catching up on his reading..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew at 18 years, caught up on his reading.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So proud are his grandparents. We were so glad that Gramma Judy could come and see in person.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dropping Mary Alice off at camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice 's 4th year at camp, first as a leader in training.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan turned 9 and caught up with Shanna, who turned 9 six weeks earlier.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KnVM3cdkwOU/Ui4QlG56KBI/AAAAAAABEro/nJ6H3b8gAtI/s1600/Birthday+Party+Group+photo+wacky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KnVM3cdkwOU/Ui4QlG56KBI/AAAAAAABEro/nJ6H3b8gAtI/s400/Birthday+Party+Group+photo+wacky.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their joint party was a swimming party at the YMCA.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--286BL6Yl5M/Ui4QwDjQpPI/AAAAAAABEr4/8ZCa16DCKZA/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--286BL6Yl5M/Ui4QwDjQpPI/AAAAAAABEr4/8ZCa16DCKZA/s400/IMG_1083.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whisper celebrated her 11th birthday, opening her own box of dog treats!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Je6ZmhZ-cNY/Ui4RjRrsOfI/AAAAAAABEsY/J-Dwviet0Ik/s1600/2013-07-28+11.20.40.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Je6ZmhZ-cNY/Ui4RjRrsOfI/AAAAAAABEsY/J-Dwviet0Ik/s400/2013-07-28+11.20.40.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then the girls went off to YMCA camp for a week! They had a great time trying new things!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside their cabin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZWVF6VJeds/Ui4RlI_cLKI/AAAAAAABEss/2yBrMyCoyPM/s1600/Megan+Kayak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZWVF6VJeds/Ui4RlI_cLKI/AAAAAAABEss/2yBrMyCoyPM/s400/Megan+Kayak.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan's first time in a Kayak!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9lxIPMuHT4/Ui4RmADmuoI/AAAAAAABEs4/zrHV-69eS6A/s1600/2013-08-03+10.32.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9lxIPMuHT4/Ui4RmADmuoI/AAAAAAABEs4/zrHV-69eS6A/s400/2013-08-03+10.32.03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still smiling, even after a week of camp! Ready to come home, though!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the same time, Mary Alice went to Horse Camp for 2 weeks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the course</td></tr>
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<tr align="center"><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gc5zZWN-uZk/Ui4UAm-2fUI/AAAAAAABEus/RFfLqtJp_gw/s1600/0809131654a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gc5zZWN-uZk/Ui4UAm-2fUI/AAAAAAABEus/RFfLqtJp_gw/s400/0809131654a.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV32UD_YRbc/Ui4TXCHsoeI/AAAAAAABEtI/qQfzg8J63s8/s1600/2013-07-07+11.12.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV32UD_YRbc/Ui4TXCHsoeI/AAAAAAABEtI/qQfzg8J63s8/s400/2013-07-07+11.12.12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our garden was very large this year. Lots of produce!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omoD2eu499c/Ui4TXWWjUJI/AAAAAAABEtM/zn4RUNGlLrE/s1600/2013-07-07+11.12.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omoD2eu499c/Ui4TXWWjUJI/AAAAAAABEtM/zn4RUNGlLrE/s400/2013-07-07+11.12.32.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed tomatoes, basil, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, lettuce, peas, raspberries, peppers, acorn squash and potatoes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqG_DClmaw0/Ui4TntHIusI/AAAAAAABEtk/DgeVNCPUHTY/s1600/Bill,+Jan,+Judy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqG_DClmaw0/Ui4TntHIusI/AAAAAAABEtk/DgeVNCPUHTY/s400/Bill,+Jan,+Judy.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But it's nothing compared to Bill & Janis' garden!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out to lunch with Mom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVDy4F8OPBE/Ui4T0NB1-QI/AAAAAAABEt0/rg3ut-B1Vy4/s1600/0807131411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVDy4F8OPBE/Ui4T0NB1-QI/AAAAAAABEt0/rg3ut-B1Vy4/s400/0807131411.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls had a Free Water stand with their friend, and a police officer stopped by and "bought" some.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o83ekz1bjDg/Ui4T0LICiyI/AAAAAAABEt4/HrezeUM_E-8/s1600/0810130802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o83ekz1bjDg/Ui4T0LICiyI/AAAAAAABEt4/HrezeUM_E-8/s400/0810130802.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One morning I came down and found this sweet sight.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxcTXvsgbK0/Ui4T1_18yrI/AAAAAAABEuM/exJHRXZXlGg/s1600/IMG950201+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxcTXvsgbK0/Ui4T1_18yrI/AAAAAAABEuM/exJHRXZXlGg/s400/IMG950201+(1).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gramma Judy's friends stopped by for their annual visit from Florida.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm6JSh_bGhE/Ui4UL7H59dI/AAAAAAABEu8/wkHlKrZz12Q/s1600/0812131712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm6JSh_bGhE/Ui4UL7H59dI/AAAAAAABEu8/wkHlKrZz12Q/s400/0812131712.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went camping way up north in Killarney, Canada.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXsHGXDPsU0/Ui4UKCIrZ7I/AAAAAAABEu0/G4bZoSyKdMA/s1600/0812131717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXsHGXDPsU0/Ui4UKCIrZ7I/AAAAAAABEu0/G4bZoSyKdMA/s400/0812131717.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This time we got smart and towed a Uhaul. Best decision we made!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna and Matthew exploring the view from our site.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5V2CS-JuV0/Ui4UU_dUG_I/AAAAAAABEvQ/Egcfop6gR5M/s1600/0812131932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5V2CS-JuV0/Ui4UU_dUG_I/AAAAAAABEvQ/Egcfop6gR5M/s400/0812131932.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, it rained a bit, but mostly was super windy (and chilly) the first 3 days! We had to sit underneath the canopy trying to keep warm. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4izo5sBK8BM/Ui4UUyCY_dI/AAAAAAABEvM/BuowzFqF2xI/s1600/0814131907a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4izo5sBK8BM/Ui4UUyCY_dI/AAAAAAABEvM/BuowzFqF2xI/s400/0814131907a.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun came out to shine on the special dessert that Mary Alice made to cheer me up. Camping eclairs, the recipe for which she found on the internet. Crescent roll dough cooked over the fire on a stick, then filled with vanilla pudding (pushed into a hole made by a spoon), then coated with chocolate frosting. Yum....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7uT-03TTmrc/Ui4UXhoGxOI/AAAAAAABEvc/hi3LSf8RV7c/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7uT-03TTmrc/Ui4UXhoGxOI/AAAAAAABEvc/hi3LSf8RV7c/s400/IMG_1590.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me snuggling with my sweet Whisper to keep warm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q9fK4eKt-M/Ui4Ur7OX3cI/AAAAAAABEvw/wwCtIirZmDw/s1600/View+from+our+campsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q9fK4eKt-M/Ui4Ur7OX3cI/AAAAAAABEvw/wwCtIirZmDw/s400/View+from+our+campsite.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the lake from our site, when the wind finally stopped blowing on day 4!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_n2kqWUzyQo/Ui4UuYQJarI/AAAAAAABEv4/X8WPNGCcJdo/s1600/2013-08-26+12.45.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_n2kqWUzyQo/Ui4UuYQJarI/AAAAAAABEv4/X8WPNGCcJdo/s400/2013-08-26+12.45.47.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly, my father-in-law Tom passed away at the end of August, following a miserable summer in the hospital, weakened from symptoms of his Parkinson's disease. He fought valiantly but when he could no longer swallow on his own, he decided he couldn't any longer. He was an amazing and interesting man and we miss him. He was given a special service because he was in the Navy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYbiQcR_P54/Ui4VFCJAxUI/AAAAAAABEwo/8gFDivudDPY/s1600/IMG_1672.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYbiQcR_P54/Ui4VFCJAxUI/AAAAAAABEwo/8gFDivudDPY/s400/IMG_1672.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A silver lining to the funeral is that we got to see Eric's brother Evan and his wife, Kathy. We were so glad to see them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bWuTzYeDK0/Ui4UnEeDv7I/AAAAAAABEvk/jVk17yZQ7aU/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bWuTzYeDK0/Ui4UnEeDv7I/AAAAAAABEvk/jVk17yZQ7aU/s400/IMG_1650.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same weekend that Tom died, we took Matthew to college. He returned for the day on Monday to play the violin in Tom's funeral, a moving tribute to his grandfather.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZptj9MrwkA/Ui4U2n7Yp_I/AAAAAAABEwA/UlMhZO_Oj3k/s1600/IMG_1659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZptj9MrwkA/Ui4U2n7Yp_I/AAAAAAABEwA/UlMhZO_Oj3k/s400/IMG_1659.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking pretty organized and off to a great start.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXL6r5MIQpM/Ui4U8EPIEcI/AAAAAAABEwQ/XlTb7xz9J2E/s1600/IMG_1665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXL6r5MIQpM/Ui4U8EPIEcI/AAAAAAABEwQ/XlTb7xz9J2E/s400/IMG_1665.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew's college has a huge garden right outside his dorm where they grow tons of produce that they serve in the dining hall. It's wonderful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJkRcrjykBQ/Ui4pcN01W2I/AAAAAAABExg/aKhqCMlLpiE/s1600/IMG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJkRcrjykBQ/Ui4pcN01W2I/AAAAAAABExg/aKhqCMlLpiE/s400/IMG_1663.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an amazing onion.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsQoi-CISLI/Ui4U_Rr6eDI/AAAAAAABEwY/TjePXxFtlD0/s1600/2013-09-03+08.11.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsQoi-CISLI/Ui4U_Rr6eDI/AAAAAAABEwY/TjePXxFtlD0/s400/2013-09-03+08.11.37.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here are the girls on the first day of 3rd grade. This year they are in the same class and are really enjoying that!</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0xiOV2FY7Ao/Ui4VC0NccBI/AAAAAAABEwg/pmWotpybZPo/s1600/2013-09-07+15.35.41.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0xiOV2FY7Ao/Ui4VC0NccBI/AAAAAAABEwg/pmWotpybZPo/s400/2013-09-07+15.35.41.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This weekend we took a quick ride back to see Matthew to bring him some forgotten items and brought along Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Iris to visit.</td></tr>
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Well, even after seeing it all again through the pictures, I still cannot believe so much happened in such a short time. Now we are back to school and trying to get into the rhythm of things again, ready for the fall season.<br />
<br />
~Linda<br />
<br />
PS: for those of you wondering, we had NO monarch butterflies at all this year! We looked and looked for eggs, but only found one tiny caterpillar, and left him on the milkweed outside because it was the weekend of Tom's funeral.... Hopefully, next year...<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-77595760886186528812013-06-17T10:49:00.000-04:002013-06-17T10:49:50.300-04:00Sandwich Generation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9X2bKgPPSg/Uay4xjiY1EI/AAAAAAAA_KY/vYyLC7XBv0U/s1600/scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9X2bKgPPSg/Uay4xjiY1EI/AAAAAAAA_KY/vYyLC7XBv0U/s400/scan0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-242lInNlb58/Uay6AEO_vzI/AAAAAAAA_LM/F4fud7jBG2k/s1600/IMG_1193-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-242lInNlb58/Uay6AEO_vzI/AAAAAAAA_LM/F4fud7jBG2k/s200/IMG_1193-001.JPG" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squished in the middle! Sound familiar? :)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWlKWcqH7zc/Uay41f1jWjI/AAAAAAAA_Ko/JBlC_lQHDHc/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWlKWcqH7zc/Uay41f1jWjI/AAAAAAAA_Ko/JBlC_lQHDHc/s400/scan0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-69805360177785864462013-06-10T15:27:00.000-04:002013-06-10T15:27:10.941-04:00My heart is with the orphansAs most of you know, I have a special place in my heart for the orphan. Although my home is full, I feel deeply for those who continue to wait for their families, and my connection to China is strong. I can't help them all, but I can be the instrument to help a few. This year, when I asked Shanna and Megan how we should help China's orphans, Shanna confidently told me "I want to help a child get adopted, so they can have a family like me". I am proud of her understanding of the value of family.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/" target="_blank">Love Without Boundaries</a> is an amazing national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which began in the year 2003 after a group of adoptive parents came together to help save the life of one tiny boy in China. Following his successful heart surgery, they realized that people with a pure love for helping children can truly make a difference. LWB has watched their foundation grow from providing a handful of surgeries and baby formula in 2003 to touching the lives of thousands of children today. Here is a link to their <a href="https://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/sites/lwb/uploads/documents/Annual_Reports/2012_Annual_Report.pdf" target="_blank">2012 Annual Report</a>, a beautiful document highlighting their programs but most importantly the changes in the lives of children in their care.<br />
<br />
Love Without Boundaries was instrumental in helping Shanna get the care she needed early in her life. They advocated tirelessly for her and were instrumental in helping us to find her and bring her home into our family. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet Bethany</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUeAK8Nxtd8/UbYYVPKo36I/AAAAAAAA_qs/Clf1WYxcsTo/s1600/Bethany+201301143859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUeAK8Nxtd8/UbYYVPKo36I/AAAAAAAA_qs/Clf1WYxcsTo/s400/Bethany+201301143859.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Bethany is 5 years old and is described as a happy, lovely and outgoing girl, with a love for telling stories and a strong thirst for knowledge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypiEt8GY2SI/UbYYU9mak2I/AAAAAAAA_qo/AgmBCdfzi2A/s1600/Bethany+03413_DSC08332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypiEt8GY2SI/UbYYU9mak2I/AAAAAAAA_qo/AgmBCdfzi2A/s400/Bethany+03413_DSC08332.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bethany's heart is located on the right side of her body instead of the left side and she has other problems that make it difficult for her body to receive the oxygen it needs to be healthy. She needs expensive surgery to correct these defects.</td></tr>
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<table 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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig3iDYtYmbM/UbYYURs_wyI/AAAAAAAA_qg/xwKfLsAzTDI/s1600/Bethany+030413_DSC08319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig3iDYtYmbM/UbYYURs_wyI/AAAAAAAA_qg/xwKfLsAzTDI/s400/Bethany+030413_DSC08319.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have a goal, together with our church, to raise $2000 towards Bethany's surgery.</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikXn0t4wSI4/UbYYVebUiJI/AAAAAAAA_q0/2v-aOlijAcg/s1600/Bethany030613_DSC08337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikXn0t4wSI4/UbYYVebUiJI/AAAAAAAA_q0/2v-aOlijAcg/s400/Bethany030613_DSC08337.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bright girl, participating in her doctor's meeting about her condition, deserves a chance. After the funds are raised and she has life saving surgery, hopefully she will go on an adoption list and a lucky family will find her..</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7ptWlqao1M/UbYYWiO21WI/AAAAAAAA_rA/vmoujr_mdrI/s1600/Bethany_+030813_DSC08371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7ptWlqao1M/UbYYWiO21WI/AAAAAAAA_rA/vmoujr_mdrI/s400/Bethany_+030813_DSC08371.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you are moved in your heart, would you please consider helping us, help Bethany? Any amount will help.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
You can make a tax deductible donation, by check or credit card at <a href="http://tinyurl.com/HelpBethany">http://tinyurl.com/HelpBethany</a>. Be sure to put Megan & Shanna in the memo so it goes directly to our project.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-4735487876977277162013-06-03T16:28:00.001-04:002013-06-03T16:29:28.177-04:00Happy First Anniversary Shannon & Drew!<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oC74OOR_Iig/Uaz1L0wfHGI/AAAAAAAA_bo/INpJYoG1Ulw/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oC74OOR_Iig/Uaz1L0wfHGI/AAAAAAAA_bo/INpJYoG1Ulw/s400/IMG_0436.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shannon & Drew, April 29, 2012</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">I should have done this a year ago, but somehow the time came and went and I never did. It has been on my list of Things to Do for a long time. It feel so good to get it done!</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phWBlKLUoQ8/Uazl_nKuErI/AAAAAAAA_X0/Cp3zYgj67iU/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phWBlKLUoQ8/Uazl_nKuErI/AAAAAAAA_X0/Cp3zYgj67iU/s400/IMG_0298.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to Georgia, all together!</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfkpavMuMIs/UazmBn438UI/AAAAAAAA_X8/fik53N5kkWI/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfkpavMuMIs/UazmBn438UI/AAAAAAAA_X8/fik53N5kkWI/s400/IMG_0299.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going to the Bridal Luncheon.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPp7W9l_Bt0/UaznrBiHP0I/AAAAAAAA_Zg/m8cFpjFu3b0/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPp7W9l_Bt0/UaznrBiHP0I/AAAAAAAA_Zg/m8cFpjFu3b0/s400/IMG_0088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKufS__xVHQ/UazmI3NNdhI/AAAAAAAA_Yk/ORY4nipESis/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKufS__xVHQ/UazmI3NNdhI/AAAAAAAA_Yk/ORY4nipESis/s400/IMG_0303.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything was lovely.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6pDgu0GIENU/UazmEc-bi0I/AAAAAAAA_YE/JhCVrZVdDrQ/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6pDgu0GIENU/UazmEc-bi0I/AAAAAAAA_YE/JhCVrZVdDrQ/s400/IMG_0316.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathering for the March of Dimes Walk for Babies, in honor of my brother, Dr. Marty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r74w9eL0JFw/UazmF9avekI/AAAAAAAA_YM/PSymC4Vwns8/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r74w9eL0JFw/UazmF9avekI/AAAAAAAA_YM/PSymC4Vwns8/s400/IMG_0319.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud to wear purple.</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbXjaPa9cik/UazmHya4VVI/AAAAAAAA_Yc/LDYi_61EVdY/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbXjaPa9cik/UazmHya4VVI/AAAAAAAA_Yc/LDYi_61EVdY/s400/IMG_0320.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4IRTiSG-TA/UazmHeotgSI/AAAAAAAA_YU/aDJMdEJ36eE/s1600/Purple+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4IRTiSG-TA/UazmHeotgSI/AAAAAAAA_YU/aDJMdEJ36eE/s400/Purple+shoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy and her children receiving a framed photo of Marty's feet, in his purple Converse, that he wore all the time.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFOI3QVK2mM/UaznsqGMJ0I/AAAAAAAA_Z4/gZj2NkKbUXE/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFOI3QVK2mM/UaznsqGMJ0I/AAAAAAAA_Z4/gZj2NkKbUXE/s400/IMG_0106.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmTUUCN7TVo/UaznsEgjuTI/AAAAAAAA_Z0/e0woWSqASI0/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmTUUCN7TVo/UaznsEgjuTI/AAAAAAAA_Z0/e0woWSqASI0/s400/IMG_0094.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing at the rehearsal</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j3wi7OXTuRI/UaznsEhaSrI/AAAAAAAA_Zw/VwmMOvmhTAI/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j3wi7OXTuRI/UaznsEhaSrI/AAAAAAAA_Zw/VwmMOvmhTAI/s400/IMG_0105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlmvR-GTyns/Uaznp8o-mWI/AAAAAAAA_Y8/k82wG0LhNEk/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlmvR-GTyns/Uaznp8o-mWI/AAAAAAAA_Y8/k82wG0LhNEk/s400/IMG_0080.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the rehearsal dinner</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmZFTO5CASg/UaznptmBN6I/AAAAAAAA_Yw/8gtvKN92Z80/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmZFTO5CASg/UaznptmBN6I/AAAAAAAA_Yw/8gtvKN92Z80/s400/IMG_0081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFrvFgKBF2A/UaznqCqGm1I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/yzrFBfgsD84/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFrvFgKBF2A/UaznqCqGm1I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/yzrFBfgsD84/s400/IMG_0082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9E_60Vhq6k/UaznqYs6ZVI/AAAAAAAA_ZI/OqkdX8ALxvI/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9E_60Vhq6k/UaznqYs6ZVI/AAAAAAAA_ZI/OqkdX8ALxvI/s400/IMG_0083.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4wMJIF8d1o/Uaznquz14HI/AAAAAAAA_ZQ/k9fTJkhm2sQ/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4wMJIF8d1o/Uaznquz14HI/AAAAAAAA_ZQ/k9fTJkhm2sQ/s400/IMG_0085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVtDBPo_dTk/Uaznq_5-DgI/AAAAAAAA_ZU/BVnzhas8sW8/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVtDBPo_dTk/Uaznq_5-DgI/AAAAAAAA_ZU/BVnzhas8sW8/s400/IMG_0087.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The happy couple!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBBRWJgC2a8/UazuGvZLs-I/AAAAAAAA_aM/kKXEW_aGdsQ/s400/IMG_0123.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stunning altar was designed by Cindy's friend. It has a bluebird nest in a dogwood tree, and the Chinese characters for Double Happiness and Love in the corners.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxIsjIU2zKs/UazuHTJ86-I/AAAAAAAA_aU/B3XxBmhCwMs/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxIsjIU2zKs/UazuHTJ86-I/AAAAAAAA_aU/B3XxBmhCwMs/s400/IMG_0124.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zebWibU02_Y/UazuHj-PxFI/AAAAAAAA_ac/LLO0DoT-iGI/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zebWibU02_Y/UazuHj-PxFI/AAAAAAAA_ac/LLO0DoT-iGI/s400/IMG_0126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DiBjGCJtXIQ/UazuHy79E6I/AAAAAAAA_ag/4af9UMpJ20o/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DiBjGCJtXIQ/UazuHy79E6I/AAAAAAAA_ag/4af9UMpJ20o/s400/IMG_0127.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mothers of the groom and bride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGIEtIxiZoo/UazuIKNzzoI/AAAAAAAA_ao/jkCbrdBBO1w/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGIEtIxiZoo/UazuIKNzzoI/AAAAAAAA_ao/jkCbrdBBO1w/s400/IMG_0128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F22jiQXD50c/UazuIVagVNI/AAAAAAAA_aw/8QFzj5pijUM/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F22jiQXD50c/UazuIVagVNI/AAAAAAAA_aw/8QFzj5pijUM/s400/IMG_0131.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother in Law</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kodlYDEFb0/UazuImh5ypI/AAAAAAAA_a4/TuMSnq2PBbA/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kodlYDEFb0/UazuImh5ypI/AAAAAAAA_a4/TuMSnq2PBbA/s400/IMG_0133.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cRUquj180U/UazuI1eOGMI/AAAAAAAA_bA/r8DazqvFN9I/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cRUquj180U/UazuI1eOGMI/AAAAAAAA_bA/r8DazqvFN9I/s400/IMG_0134.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cake was so cool!</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k--Q2cM8TUw/UazuJPreGDI/AAAAAAAA_bM/59uVbsbJfkc/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k--Q2cM8TUw/UazuJPreGDI/AAAAAAAA_bM/59uVbsbJfkc/s400/IMG_0135.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shannon's Family</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzenFmEX5-A/UazuLaf01xI/AAAAAAAA_bc/V1V8ptQDl3g/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzenFmEX5-A/UazuLaf01xI/AAAAAAAA_bc/V1V8ptQDl3g/s320/IMG_0339.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkdqHSEOPf8/Uaz1Mkxf1tI/AAAAAAAA_b4/2Pyrs8GI9xI/s1600/Michaels+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkdqHSEOPf8/Uaz1Mkxf1tI/AAAAAAAA_b4/2Pyrs8GI9xI/s400/Michaels+Family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rDtoy3uoVw/Uaz1Lx12qdI/AAAAAAAA_b8/qNlaaSYPsps/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rDtoy3uoVw/Uaz1Lx12qdI/AAAAAAAA_b8/qNlaaSYPsps/s400/IMG_0443.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgqYugpe-oI/Uaz2S-RSVlI/AAAAAAAA_cc/jKoUjOOJNgw/s1600/0428121856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgqYugpe-oI/Uaz2S-RSVlI/AAAAAAAA_cc/jKoUjOOJNgw/s400/0428121856.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmw4M31YmnA/Uaz2S5EDFBI/AAAAAAAA_cg/kY-MDdgpMfA/s1600/IMG_0455-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmw4M31YmnA/Uaz2S5EDFBI/AAAAAAAA_cg/kY-MDdgpMfA/s400/IMG_0455-2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXUv7OXshWA/Uaz2R2qrXAI/AAAAAAAA_cM/tXDeRoFxQoE/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXUv7OXshWA/Uaz2R2qrXAI/AAAAAAAA_cM/tXDeRoFxQoE/s400/IMG_0140.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XDnNTiY5GTk/Uaz2R0WHL2I/AAAAAAAA_cI/5BOL_ORWYtc/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XDnNTiY5GTk/Uaz2R0WHL2I/AAAAAAAA_cI/5BOL_ORWYtc/s400/IMG_0141.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Jerry dancing with Cindy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5J2TdRnDaM/Uaz2S52VQdI/AAAAAAAA_c8/7mQJe0gzX6I/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5J2TdRnDaM/Uaz2S52VQdI/AAAAAAAA_c8/7mQJe0gzX6I/s400/IMG_0468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8XAGVnbff8/Uaz2TjPfd_I/AAAAAAAA_co/0qPtrGSwbrU/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8XAGVnbff8/Uaz2TjPfd_I/AAAAAAAA_co/0qPtrGSwbrU/s400/IMG_0472.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Jerry dancing with Mary Alice</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ9zVc0RHG8/Uaz2TsVVV_I/AAAAAAAA_cs/PNJTNFiQ__s/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ9zVc0RHG8/Uaz2TsVVV_I/AAAAAAAA_cs/PNJTNFiQ__s/s400/IMG_0477.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and Hannah,</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Walq2WRqeTA/Uaz3XSHZYUI/AAAAAAAA_dY/KnJC5RInNuY/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Walq2WRqeTA/Uaz3XSHZYUI/AAAAAAAA_dY/KnJC5RInNuY/s400/IMG_0471.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Matthew! Grandpa Jerry had a great time!</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iJpvWjo9mQ/Uaz2UVYZLTI/AAAAAAAA_dE/0Cqv3BQZXC0/s1600/Large+Family+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iJpvWjo9mQ/Uaz2UVYZLTI/AAAAAAAA_dE/0Cqv3BQZXC0/s400/Large+Family+photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole family.</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw9g54nwLXs/Uaz2Uv2l0_I/AAAAAAAA_dI/521IhT_GZWQ/s1600/Shannon+&+Drew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw9g54nwLXs/Uaz2Uv2l0_I/AAAAAAAA_dI/521IhT_GZWQ/s400/Shannon+&+Drew.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure joy!</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AiVdmH8FWTY/Uaz3wVzIdlI/AAAAAAAA_dk/y3NhuxYKBo8/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AiVdmH8FWTY/Uaz3wVzIdlI/AAAAAAAA_dk/y3NhuxYKBo8/s400/IMG_0143.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure joy!</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLHZpZ-m6B0/Uaz3-MsTYKI/AAAAAAAA_ds/zEErP-MBZ1c/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLHZpZ-m6B0/Uaz3-MsTYKI/AAAAAAAA_ds/zEErP-MBZ1c/s400/IMG_0142.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And in and amongst the merriment- tiny kittens!</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlvnzsymHnk/Uaz4Az4tZzI/AAAAAAAA_d4/k8RXTgXKot0/s1600/IMG_0417-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlvnzsymHnk/Uaz4Az4tZzI/AAAAAAAA_d4/k8RXTgXKot0/s400/IMG_0417-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue and Jazzy</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XRLm0VbmAPw/Uaz4CC3FnJI/AAAAAAAA_eE/UBypDKL-0GY/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XRLm0VbmAPw/Uaz4CC3FnJI/AAAAAAAA_eE/UBypDKL-0GY/s400/IMG_0429.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So tiny</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3rRizoWYAA/Uaz4AzrC-lI/AAAAAAAA_d0/OuKENJ4orik/s1600/shannon_drew_brunch-95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3rRizoWYAA/Uaz4AzrC-lI/AAAAAAAA_d0/OuKENJ4orik/s400/shannon_drew_brunch-95.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So precious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M59apmgknXU/Uaz46vwoVZI/AAAAAAAA_eo/KlqwWMMFPig/s1600/IMG_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M59apmgknXU/Uaz46vwoVZI/AAAAAAAA_eo/KlqwWMMFPig/s400/IMG_0327.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And in the spare moments, fun with family</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCq6JplW1GY/Uaz44DLdz-I/AAAAAAAA_eM/8_6LI8el4GY/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCq6JplW1GY/Uaz44DLdz-I/AAAAAAAA_eM/8_6LI8el4GY/s400/IMG_0071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2BR6x4jXfY/Uaz46nD3LhI/AAAAAAAA_ek/bmlt5OTSyhQ/s1600/IMG_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2BR6x4jXfY/Uaz46nD3LhI/AAAAAAAA_ek/bmlt5OTSyhQ/s400/IMG_0480.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly,</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_GpFuoC6ok/Uaz486jwFyI/AAAAAAAA_fA/cUJYs3cWcOM/s1600/IMG_0435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_GpFuoC6ok/Uaz486jwFyI/AAAAAAAA_fA/cUJYs3cWcOM/s400/IMG_0435.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crazy faces.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTz36G7sGaY/Uaz45KJxrvI/AAAAAAAA_eY/lU35UIokBhE/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTz36G7sGaY/Uaz45KJxrvI/AAAAAAAA_eY/lU35UIokBhE/s400/IMG_0146.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone was missed dearly.</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsHJVtGjeds/Uaz445n5XhI/AAAAAAAA_eU/3dOIJ_zkE9k/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsHJVtGjeds/Uaz445n5XhI/AAAAAAAA_eU/3dOIJ_zkE9k/s400/IMG_0145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always in our hearts,</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qSJ-gVhyec/Uaz4_lyZf6I/AAAAAAAA_fI/18cH_KVZawU/s1600/IMG959194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qSJ-gVhyec/Uaz4_lyZf6I/AAAAAAAA_fI/18cH_KVZawU/s400/IMG959194.jpg" width="394" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluttering nearby, looking over our shoulder, protecting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPKnb9fcnoA/Uaz48KckOsI/AAAAAAAA_e4/rz07Gw-NFqM/s1600/IMG_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPKnb9fcnoA/Uaz48KckOsI/AAAAAAAA_e4/rz07Gw-NFqM/s400/IMG_0438.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing peace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-43627239722096388362013-06-03T14:47:00.000-04:002013-06-03T14:47:08.677-04:00April & May 2013<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_jRU4jLN5A/UazDq8dX4hI/AAAAAAAA_QI/4O_5FHMX_2Q/s1600/0323131854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_jRU4jLN5A/UazDq8dX4hI/AAAAAAAA_QI/4O_5FHMX_2Q/s400/0323131854.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Hairbows from Grandma Iris!</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olIkJhU034s/UazUzJ-nvOI/AAAAAAAA_W4/yMIX4xIP0N4/s1600/1364742428466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olIkJhU034s/UazUzJ-nvOI/AAAAAAAA_W4/yMIX4xIP0N4/s400/1364742428466.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting the Easter Bunny!</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: left;"><tbody>
<tr align="center"><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WT03KKVpSjk/UazUzIgBGVI/AAAAAAAA_W8/5VkLcdPH7qc/s1600/1364744338462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WT03KKVpSjk/UazUzIgBGVI/AAAAAAAA_W8/5VkLcdPH7qc/s400/1364744338462.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">As exciting as meeting with Santa!</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w91C6Llgbcs/UazDsf9Wt5I/AAAAAAAA_QU/qDLX0_SP3mk/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w91C6Llgbcs/UazDsf9Wt5I/AAAAAAAA_QU/qDLX0_SP3mk/s400/IMG_1287.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Growing so much!</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rH9wVsbq2EY/UazDvATwDXI/AAAAAAAA_Qc/dHsqfdWkq6E/s1600/IMG_1298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rH9wVsbq2EY/UazDvATwDXI/AAAAAAAA_Qc/dHsqfdWkq6E/s400/IMG_1298.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High School Variety Show, the last one... :(</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 align="center"><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l_bZt09f4NU/UazD1SqigFI/AAAAAAAA_Qs/a1OuB8iDA-k/s1600/DSC_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l_bZt09f4NU/UazD1SqigFI/AAAAAAAA_Qs/a1OuB8iDA-k/s400/DSC_0041.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weldome to the world Arden, my sweet nephew. Now I am a Great Aunt!</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlgP6e_7FAY/UazD19eOHKI/AAAAAAAA_Q0/MbnCOgAXyQ8/s1600/DSC_0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlgP6e_7FAY/UazD19eOHKI/AAAAAAAA_Q0/MbnCOgAXyQ8/s400/DSC_0070.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda is wonderful, natural mother.</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YN9M8Tuus1U/UazDzusY6GI/AAAAAAAA_Qk/OVPA7zLqPkY/s1600/Hannah+skyping+Arden+Yawning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YN9M8Tuus1U/UazDzusY6GI/AAAAAAAA_Qk/OVPA7zLqPkY/s400/Hannah+skyping+Arden+Yawning.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arden's Skyping with Auntie Han!</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2rTHhvG85A/UazYrmA7iZI/AAAAAAAA_Xg/nGjmdGqo6oI/s1600/cindy+with+arden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2rTHhvG85A/UazYrmA7iZI/AAAAAAAA_Xg/nGjmdGqo6oI/s400/cindy+with+arden.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arden's proud grandma- Gaia</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0KXy5XgQZc/UazD_6QTucI/AAAAAAAA_RE/wYOIvOc-Vy0/s1600/IMG_1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0KXy5XgQZc/UazD_6QTucI/AAAAAAAA_RE/wYOIvOc-Vy0/s400/IMG_1275.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice is working with her friends to create this beautiful Mural in our church school hallway.</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypwjcfWorjg/UazEApHemeI/AAAAAAAA_RM/zXUdDOqI0uc/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypwjcfWorjg/UazEApHemeI/AAAAAAAA_RM/zXUdDOqI0uc/s400/IMG_1281.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are doing an awesome job to create the images of the UU philosophy and principles!</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gWuiACpyy6o/UazMMNfaAcI/AAAAAAAA_RY/0wJ6n4r2zXs/s1600/0425131626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gWuiACpyy6o/UazMMNfaAcI/AAAAAAAA_RY/0wJ6n4r2zXs/s400/0425131626.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, the reopening of the sandbox!</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vhJFMmXb3Q/UazMOWjI6aI/AAAAAAAA_Ro/IioDeftcMFs/s1600/0426131011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vhJFMmXb3Q/UazMOWjI6aI/AAAAAAAA_Ro/IioDeftcMFs/s400/0426131011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BFF</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tlGlmzOd2M/UazMNWauvmI/AAAAAAAA_Rg/N5OmqbrZfCo/s1600/0508130752a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tlGlmzOd2M/UazMNWauvmI/AAAAAAAA_Rg/N5OmqbrZfCo/s640/0508130752a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan is beginning to work harder than ever at school and it is really paying off. She is doing awesome. I got a kick out of this homework assignment, completely independently. Daddy fell asleep while supervising it and she went nuts. Read carefully the list of 4 letter words: (sloot, slort, sook, droot....etc) :-)</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3z0iDHctCg/UazO_prrB0I/AAAAAAAA_VM/DoL3y0tMTYk/s1600/WonDentist.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3z0iDHctCg/UazO_prrB0I/AAAAAAAA_VM/DoL3y0tMTYk/s400/WonDentist.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan & Shanna won a basket at the local YMCA open house, sponsored by our very own dentist! They were so excited.</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-at-CtPhKlh8/UazMPpQlXVI/AAAAAAAA_Rw/Bs4ybFcLT4E/s1600/IMG_1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-at-CtPhKlh8/UazMPpQlXVI/AAAAAAAA_Rw/Bs4ybFcLT4E/s400/IMG_1327.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daaddyy!</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTs0N0LUiP8/UazQ37yKj5I/AAAAAAAA_V0/fPFk78NVYPc/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTs0N0LUiP8/UazQ37yKj5I/AAAAAAAA_V0/fPFk78NVYPc/s400/IMG_1332.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final Band Concert of the Year.</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xONY39GjIOQ/UazO8B-cocI/AAAAAAAA_U8/m063u22JPXc/s1600/IMG_1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xONY39GjIOQ/UazO8B-cocI/AAAAAAAA_U8/m063u22JPXc/s400/IMG_1334.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice wanted to make this costume to wear to her drama banquet. We worked on it slowly for several sessions and she did an absolutely awesome job. She finally accepted that to do a good job sewing you have to be willing to rip a few seams! This is "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast, in her "town" dress.</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrKICcfy3ow/UazO6vs6UKI/AAAAAAAA_U0/l0BwfZ01-tM/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrKICcfy3ow/UazO6vs6UKI/AAAAAAAA_U0/l0BwfZ01-tM/s400/IMG_1335.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew at the awards ceremony. He is graduating #10 in his senior class! Congratulations, Matt! We love you so much!</td></tr>
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<table 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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHGCVEzUhTI/UazO2AVz7vI/AAAAAAAA_Ug/Cl_IHcOSxsU/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHGCVEzUhTI/UazO2AVz7vI/AAAAAAAA_Ug/Cl_IHcOSxsU/s400/IMG_1342.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna turned 9! She designed this cake and Mary Alice brought it to life! Happy Birthday, Shanna!</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0HMfE7bOPY/UazO58DUTdI/AAAAAAAA_Us/DYcHciCf8Rs/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0HMfE7bOPY/UazO58DUTdI/AAAAAAAA_Us/DYcHciCf8Rs/s400/IMG_1345.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating with Grandpa Jerry & Grandma Iris</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOqf0ZZSY6Y/UazO-p2CpmI/AAAAAAAA_VE/5HBxlicdTxg/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOqf0ZZSY6Y/UazO-p2CpmI/AAAAAAAA_VE/5HBxlicdTxg/s400/IMG_1351.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last Orchestra Concert of the Year. It was amazing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzYNf0hPCEg/UazPBOCp5-I/AAAAAAAA_VY/nrwON4OFfAQ/s1600/IMG_1358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzYNf0hPCEg/UazPBOCp5-I/AAAAAAAA_VY/nrwON4OFfAQ/s400/IMG_1358.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was very bittersweet, knowing this will be the last time for the group to play together. I know Matthew will continue his music at Allegheny and all his life, thanks to the wonderful music program and instructors he has had throughout his school career.</td></tr>
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Gosh, and that catches me up to the present. I am always amazed at how quickly time goes by and how much we are involved in. It is sometimes a blur, but I love to share through the blog and relive the moments.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-28909699301457756272013-06-03T12:24:00.000-04:002013-06-03T12:24:44.920-04:00February & March 2013<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n8zEFbDNmyM/UazBKHCQaII/AAAAAAAA_N0/lcYomVQWonM/s1600/0223131144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n8zEFbDNmyM/UazBKHCQaII/AAAAAAAA_N0/lcYomVQWonM/s400/0223131144.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Allegheny with Matthew. What an awesome school!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwV1I_92H0Y/UazBL3MMbmI/AAAAAAAA_N8/orh20ysPU0Q/s1600/0223132036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwV1I_92H0Y/UazBL3MMbmI/AAAAAAAA_N8/orh20ysPU0Q/s400/0223132036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last soccer program of the year!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5fJKx-sdtk/UazBbmlQufI/AAAAAAAA_OU/TxQi0P0oWzo/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5fJKx-sdtk/UazBbmlQufI/AAAAAAAA_OU/TxQi0P0oWzo/s400/IMG_1241.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High School Dance!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5Sdm4XzTT4/UazBbbYBEXI/AAAAAAAA_OM/fnsItYCTGbg/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5Sdm4XzTT4/UazBbbYBEXI/AAAAAAAA_OM/fnsItYCTGbg/s400/IMG_1246.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Pot Stickers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jru0lDHxgu8/UazBexOL8uI/AAAAAAAA_Os/csvl3Y0Qcm0/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jru0lDHxgu8/UazBexOL8uI/AAAAAAAA_Os/csvl3Y0Qcm0/s400/IMG_1242.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While cooking, Shanna gave me instructions on how much to brown them. She remembers from China!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xgc4KJ0EK20/UazBdhticTI/AAAAAAAA_Ok/e5tef5VL0B8/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xgc4KJ0EK20/UazBdhticTI/AAAAAAAA_Ok/e5tef5VL0B8/s400/IMG_1249.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another one of Mary Alice's creations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoKcl9saF9I/UazB5Y_s7KI/AAAAAAAA_PE/XScrQU4MaEY/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoKcl9saF9I/UazB5Y_s7KI/AAAAAAAA_PE/XScrQU4MaEY/s400/IMG_1248.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do not know how she Sculpts these cakes. They just appear under her amazing hands.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRQFAOPt2_Q/UazBesdxv-I/AAAAAAAA_Oc/T6amtmN5ByY/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRQFAOPt2_Q/UazBesdxv-I/AAAAAAAA_Oc/T6amtmN5ByY/s400/IMG_1250.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annual Visit with Aunt Linda & Uncle Tom</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-4216980034196088942013-06-03T12:14:00.002-04:002013-06-03T12:14:37.077-04:00January 2013<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7Zjc7tjuVA/Uay_MT8V3JI/AAAAAAAA_M4/TlhKB5gwB1Y/s1600/0106131536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7Zjc7tjuVA/Uay_MT8V3JI/AAAAAAAA_M4/TlhKB5gwB1Y/s400/0106131536.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpting in progress</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ph3mkFU4jG4/Uay_OoLtokI/AAAAAAAA_NI/RwyemJjUOTo/s1600/0106131536a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ph3mkFU4jG4/Uay_OoLtokI/AAAAAAAA_NI/RwyemJjUOTo/s400/0106131536a.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is from Lord of the Rings. I forgot his name. She gave it away before I could get a picture of the finished product, so here he is, with no head.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annual visit with Uncle Billy & Aunt Janis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew's 18th birthday! So proud of him!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-54385989731391651042013-06-03T12:04:00.000-04:002013-06-03T12:04:41.980-04:00December 2012Catching up...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYp0Q7MxGx0/Uay7y4ugrWI/AAAAAAAA_Lk/FKscz2OFbTM/s1600/LaoShir+Chen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYp0Q7MxGx0/Uay7y4ugrWI/AAAAAAAA_Lk/FKscz2OFbTM/s400/LaoShir+Chen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan & Shanna with their Chinese Culture teacher and classmate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4osUvBzjKMQ/Uay7yNRepDI/AAAAAAAA_Lc/G7MTvxVpHfg/s1600/1209121302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4osUvBzjKMQ/Uay7yNRepDI/AAAAAAAA_Lc/G7MTvxVpHfg/s400/1209121302.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing in front of the Chinese ink paintings they made</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8sLt-XcoKw/Uay8JH0TxNI/AAAAAAAA_Ls/KFyB15zu1v0/s1600/1207120723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8sLt-XcoKw/Uay8JH0TxNI/AAAAAAAA_Ls/KFyB15zu1v0/s400/1207120723.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tender Moments with Misty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5xvkzeeCjg/Uay8LncvM3I/AAAAAAAA_L8/KoBxzTBzAkg/s1600/1207121341a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5xvkzeeCjg/Uay8LncvM3I/AAAAAAAA_L8/KoBxzTBzAkg/s400/1207121341a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tender Moments with Misty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J13sd5UkIJ4/Uay8LY9Ol8I/AAAAAAAA_L0/S2JJkYCnmIk/s1600/1224121648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J13sd5UkIJ4/Uay8LY9Ol8I/AAAAAAAA_L0/S2JJkYCnmIk/s400/1224121648.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna overjoyed at meeting Santa!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-foq87CSbiBo/Uay8NFksZ-I/AAAAAAAA_ME/67m6UVvpL7Q/s1600/1225121017c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-foq87CSbiBo/Uay8NFksZ-I/AAAAAAAA_ME/67m6UVvpL7Q/s400/1225121017c.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And his helper.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdxhrQkz1AA/Uay8Q5iN8eI/AAAAAAAA_Mc/6tuXjDkJqDw/s1600/1230121600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdxhrQkz1AA/Uay8Q5iN8eI/AAAAAAAA_Mc/6tuXjDkJqDw/s400/1230121600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sledding is so fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nAutxx_bfs/Uay8QV2xP8I/AAAAAAAA_MM/IJycVCtFzjo/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nAutxx_bfs/Uay8QV2xP8I/AAAAAAAA_MM/IJycVCtFzjo/s400/IMG_1144.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare posed moment with a willing subject.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu1qQDKK8_o/Uay8QrrlrcI/AAAAAAAA_MQ/FWavcoglj_g/s1600/IMG_1145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu1qQDKK8_o/Uay8QrrlrcI/AAAAAAAA_MQ/FWavcoglj_g/s400/IMG_1145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad, instructing me on the proper way to cut cinnamon rolls.... ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67cAVNsB-hg/Uay8Sd-M7YI/AAAAAAAA_Mk/4d3ZRl7Ui84/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67cAVNsB-hg/Uay8Sd-M7YI/AAAAAAAA_Mk/4d3ZRl7Ui84/s400/IMG_1151.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice needs no instruction. She is a master decorator.</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-22533492185638443822013-05-23T15:29:00.000-04:002013-05-23T15:33:49.957-04:00"What If?" and "Why Not?"Some days I wake up and I feel like can conquer the world. I have
dreamed all night about Ideas and Problems That Need Solutions and
before my eyes are even open, I have a list a mile long of Things To Do!
That day, I begin to set things in motion.<br />
<br />
THEN, the
Very. Next. Day. I feel like I can't even get out of bed. I ask myself
WHAT was I thinking!!!??? It all seemed so reasonable yesterday!! The
thoughts of what to do swim before my brain and one merges into another
growing larger and more nebulous, colliding with what feels like a
growing headache.<br />
<br />
Anyone else feel that way? Anyone surprised to hear that a Professional Organizer feels that way?<br />
<br />
This
is really the story of my life. A High Achiever, and somewhat a Naive
Optimist, I am always thinking "What If?" and Why Not?" I will admit
that my constant striving to change myself or my world, can be
difficult. But yet, it is what makes my life interesting and exciting.
When I follow my "What If?, Why Not?" line of thinking, beautiful things
happen to me and my family.<br />
<br />
For example, years ago, I
spontaneously responded to an email and entered a contest sponsored by
Rolodex. I had to design an systematic plan to meet the needs of a
fictitious client with organizing challenges due to an attention
disorder. I immediately got to work, and being a school psychologist for
16 years, quickly and easily wrote an assessment and plan to meet his
needs, emailed it off and forgot about it. Months later, I received a
registered letter inviting me to attend the National Association of
Professional Organizers annual conference as a Semi-Finalist Winner in
the Rolodex Office Makeover Challenge. I was shocked and thrilled. I had
a ball at the conference and ended up winning the grand prize; a trip
to Hawaii for my family!!! It was amazing and all because I was open to
the idea of "What If and Why Not?"<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FKOdHwRMco/UZpVaJnPHoI/AAAAAAAA-xM/rizPWNIx61c/s1600/481.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FKOdHwRMco/UZpVaJnPHoI/AAAAAAAA-xM/rizPWNIx61c/s400/481.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Big Island, July 2007 (pre-adoption of Megan and Shanna!)</td></tr>
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<br />
Some people are "If, Then" thinkers. They
are constantly aware of the consequences of their choices and carefully
evaluate each possibility before acting. This is sound and prudent
thinking and in many instances, essential. I can think this way, but it
is harder for me. I admire so much people who can do this effortlessly.
My husband and my oldest daughter are two of these reliable souls. I can
always count on them to help me flush out the unrealistic pieces of my
plan.<br />
<br />
While neither philosophy is right or wrong; there
is a need for balance. To live one's whole life as a dreamer can be
exhausting and lead to the roller coaster of energy like what I
described at the beginning. To live always in the predictability and
safety of routine and consequences may not expose us to the right amount
of fun, freedom or joy.<br />
<br />
Somewhere in the middle is the answer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-23471475318658074122013-05-08T14:17:00.000-04:002013-05-23T15:35:07.837-04:00Palliative CareI have posted before about Joy and Sorrow, including this quote from Khalil Gibran:<br />
<br />
"Joy and sorrow are inseparable. . . together they come and when one
sits alone with you . . remember that the other is asleep upon your
bed."<br />
<br />
You can read about it <a href="http://www.simply-family.blogspot.com/2011/03/joy-and-sorrow.html" target="_blank">"here"</a> and <a href="http://simply-family.blogspot.com/2012/01/god-grant-me-serenity-to-accept-things.html" target="_blank">"here"</a>.<br />
<br />
What I have learned is that we must exist amongst both. Joy is all around us. We just have to open our minds to it. If we close off to joy, we stunt our living. We cannot hide from the sorrow nor can we wallow in it. We must take the moments of joy when they come and experience the moments of sorrow as they pass and throughout, we must model to the younger generations (and sometimes the older) that situations can be managed, with tender care and dignity, courage and determination.<br />
<br />
Meet Snookums. He is one of our two beloved gerbils. He is almost 4 years old. And he is dying. Not a quick death, but a slow, painful one. He developed a tumor in his scent gland, apparently a fairly common event in gerbils. He started trying to remove it himself and chewed pretty thoroughly on his tiny tummy. Upon realizing this, I took him to the vet (yes, some see gerbils-considered "exotic" pets) and told the young woman that I did not want to euthanize him, as he was still eating and active, but I just wanted some meds to provide comfort and pain relief. Sent home with anti-biotics, pain meds and special cream to apply with a cotton topped stick to his tummy, I set about my business of providing end of life care to our furry friend.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJ6Mudp8NtU/UYqP2o6xkEI/AAAAAAAA-fo/Ea_I6Ep0sBc/s1600/0426131427a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJ6Mudp8NtU/UYqP2o6xkEI/AAAAAAAA-fo/Ea_I6Ep0sBc/s400/0426131427a.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snookums on April 26</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I know the signs of life slowing down. I watched my sweet mother-in-law go through it just 2 years ago. I was amazed at how long she was able to enjoy simple pleasures, like ice cream sandwiches, which she ate everyday, sometime twice! Each morning, I give Snookums a slice of banana. At first, he grasped it energetically, then the last few days I have had to sort of prop it in his paws. Today, he left it unfinished in his bedding. I know the end is near. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The lessons to the children are strong. They have offered to hold the tiny liquid dispensers for me as I give him the medicine twice a day. At first, he struggled to get away. Now, he just curls in my hand and waits for it to be done. When I set him down in the cage I need to prop him up so he doesn't tip over. It's very sad to watch.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We all know he will die soon. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, but soon. I remember that time, waiting for my mother-in-law to die, very clearly. Wishing for her discomfort to end, but selfishly not wanting to let her go. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Snookums lived a good long life and he enjoyed his moments of joy, and he will die peacefully, and I will know that we helped him along on his journey of life. Goodbye, Snookums. We will miss you. <span style="color: red;"><i>Update: Snookums passed away gently, the same evening I wrote this.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSwsTf3GhVc/UYqP3FUnz1I/AAAAAAAA-f0/w6NeazGt7iA/s1600/IMG_1326.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSwsTf3GhVc/UYqP3FUnz1I/AAAAAAAA-f0/w6NeazGt7iA/s400/IMG_1326.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snookums on May 8, 13 days later</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-41323838182593015402013-05-02T15:43:00.000-04:002013-05-02T15:44:37.654-04:00A Collection of Notes<div style="text-align: center;">
Living with Megan and Shanna is pure joy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are so enthusiastic about writing and often can be found leaving little notes around for family and friends about the important stuff of life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some of my favorites:</div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgb4ei8kF14/UYKzbvztGjI/AAAAAAAA9tU/bTqIOtuigt8/s1600/0107131652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgb4ei8kF14/UYKzbvztGjI/AAAAAAAA9tU/bTqIOtuigt8/s400/0107131652.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a friend who was out sick at school.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBNWb4TTIXQ/UYKzpiAFePI/AAAAAAAA9tc/iHbOZnh5_RQ/s1600/0227130745a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBNWb4TTIXQ/UYKzpiAFePI/AAAAAAAA9tc/iHbOZnh5_RQ/s400/0227130745a.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For one of my friends. (I think that's me!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWIEVS2f_uw/UYK0O9VZipI/AAAAAAAA9tw/5w9AIEVzbIE/s1600/0802121053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWIEVS2f_uw/UYK0O9VZipI/AAAAAAAA9tw/5w9AIEVzbIE/s400/0802121053.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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A note of protection....<br />
Please save the donus. No being eat the donus.</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjtF9En8d58/UYK0SSlO01I/AAAAAAAA9t4/fcaR13UPVEo/s1600/1002-001.BMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjtF9En8d58/UYK0SSlO01I/AAAAAAAA9t4/fcaR13UPVEo/s400/1002-001.BMP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sad but true observation...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-TsEMhmelI/UYK0WQrx0JI/AAAAAAAA9uA/DPVp_lCqkMk/s1600/1002-002.BMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-TsEMhmelI/UYK0WQrx0JI/AAAAAAAA9uA/DPVp_lCqkMk/s400/1002-002.BMP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi Shanna, I thought we could be in the same class but we can't. Sad news. But if we could that would be fun because we sisters :). Thanks</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3uZ3Tp3rzE/UYK0uhvz3hI/AAAAAAAA9uY/VuT1zlIS4pQ/s1600/1002-005.BMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3uZ3Tp3rzE/UYK0uhvz3hI/AAAAAAAA9uY/VuT1zlIS4pQ/s400/1002-005.BMP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A work order from Shanna. Completed by Dad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F32H0pHhrM8/UYK072_6EqI/AAAAAAAA9ug/B1-FcbIT24k/s1600/1002-006.BMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F32H0pHhrM8/UYK072_6EqI/AAAAAAAA9ug/B1-FcbIT24k/s400/1002-006.BMP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A speech developed completely on their own during a playdate of the girls and two friends. What energy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlxGd0CziLo/UYK08JFPGjI/AAAAAAAA9uk/pWoBCAMtQB4/s1600/1002-007.BMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlxGd0CziLo/UYK08JFPGjI/AAAAAAAA9uk/pWoBCAMtQB4/s400/1002-007.BMP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another love note.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkyX9H9zWwg/UYK0_53pazI/AAAAAAAA9uw/Exh6rnINoss/s1600/1002.BMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkyX9H9zWwg/UYK0_53pazI/AAAAAAAA9uw/Exh6rnINoss/s400/1002.BMP.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A checklist.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLsUCFmZIe4/UYK1iW-1xXI/AAAAAAAA9vI/hSsnpFzpaX4/s1600/IMG_0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLsUCFmZIe4/UYK1iW-1xXI/AAAAAAAA9vI/hSsnpFzpaX4/s400/IMG_0904.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ha ha. This cracks me up. Posted on the trampoline: 1. No Squirrels OK. 2. No nuts OK. 3. No bugs OK. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1_tmyNhqs8/UYK1qJXJigI/AAAAAAAA9vQ/B4u6uCZodlk/s1600/IMG_1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1_tmyNhqs8/UYK1qJXJigI/AAAAAAAA9vQ/B4u6uCZodlk/s400/IMG_1295.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notes of appreciation,</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fmTlPeWEsc/UYK1xHMqWoI/AAAAAAAA9vY/GTAz9bdvTh8/s1600/IMG_1297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fmTlPeWEsc/UYK1xHMqWoI/AAAAAAAA9vY/GTAz9bdvTh8/s400/IMG_1297.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiration,</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KfKcJu5Ssh8/UYK1xVxSqAI/AAAAAAAA9vc/XkbPWjCZFMY/s1600/cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KfKcJu5Ssh8/UYK1xVxSqAI/AAAAAAAA9vc/XkbPWjCZFMY/s400/cupcake.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And more instruction. Please save the cupcake that we can spit the cupcake?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YqgemBPogkg/UYK10z8XgjI/AAAAAAAA9vo/q4ZbZA_t-ug/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YqgemBPogkg/UYK10z8XgjI/AAAAAAAA9vo/q4ZbZA_t-ug/s400/dinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invitations,</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YbW2wiNo6ys/UYK14sQUVXI/AAAAAAAA9vw/zoZlLQ2vfk4/s1600/image0-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YbW2wiNo6ys/UYK14sQUVXI/AAAAAAAA9vw/zoZlLQ2vfk4/s400/image0-003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">remembering the important things,</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YwckJGCdNHo/UYK8UNaGreI/AAAAAAAA9w4/CWbBWO2nCc8/s1600/1002-004.BMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YwckJGCdNHo/UYK8UNaGreI/AAAAAAAA9w4/CWbBWO2nCc8/s400/1002-004.BMP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Especially when there is a lot to do!</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wbp8SstD-3k/UYK2Ciz6owI/AAAAAAAA9wA/0NnDSoMyeIM/s1600/miss+dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wbp8SstD-3k/UYK2Ciz6owI/AAAAAAAA9wA/0NnDSoMyeIM/s400/miss+dad.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notes when Daddy goes away</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep3m-YkEQWU/UYK1_R47RUI/AAAAAAAA9v4/XJe8CN0S7sE/s1600/image0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep3m-YkEQWU/UYK1_R47RUI/AAAAAAAA9v4/XJe8CN0S7sE/s400/image0.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and just because the world is a beautiful place.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I just love getting these little insights into the mind of the Littles.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They know what is important in life.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-14230093452750888162013-02-08T15:45:00.001-05:002013-02-08T15:45:43.086-05:00November 2012November was busy with activities, two trips, a birthday and an adoption day<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0dmAYm50SU/URVXkUr868I/AAAAAAAAv_M/xNtLvajSYZk/s1600/Trace+Bundy+IMG_0656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0dmAYm50SU/URVXkUr868I/AAAAAAAAv_M/xNtLvajSYZk/s400/Trace+Bundy+IMG_0656.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew with Trace Bundy, one of his favorite guitar players</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekD3HkNxqfg/URVXoB3mBGI/AAAAAAAAwAc/GCARxDmzUVc/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekD3HkNxqfg/URVXoB3mBGI/AAAAAAAAwAc/GCARxDmzUVc/s400/IMG_1099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8oPZoVtXRxI/URVXbn5n8iI/AAAAAAAAv-k/TeBMZ6QwFUs/s1600/1350055117376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8oPZoVtXRxI/URVXbn5n8iI/AAAAAAAAv-k/TeBMZ6QwFUs/s400/1350055117376.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLjy6NZRrVg/URVXqFcZvrI/AAAAAAAAwBE/N3_GF1-dGZQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLjy6NZRrVg/URVXqFcZvrI/AAAAAAAAwBE/N3_GF1-dGZQ/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We tried the regular house soccer program but after a few sessions the girls didn't want to go anymore. I found this program for kids with special needs. The yellow shirts are volunteers and there are about 3 for every 2 players. The girls absolutely love it and stay for both the younger and older kids sessions! The older and younger girls adore each other and it has been the best experience.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J39fXSpl2IM/URVXdAWydrI/AAAAAAAAv-0/GtYZPYGrw7g/s1600/1353114162568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J39fXSpl2IM/URVXdAWydrI/AAAAAAAAv-0/GtYZPYGrw7g/s400/1353114162568.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna was having a hard time staying organized at school with her desk and folders. So a quick trip to Target, some time with the label maker and she is all set!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0jqGJlwcvo/URVXk1ZQ6aI/AAAAAAAAv_k/M4SRfDIWXXY/s1600/1130121950b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0jqGJlwcvo/URVXk1ZQ6aI/AAAAAAAAv_k/M4SRfDIWXXY/s400/1130121950b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We shared our special day at the end of November. Two year anniversary of Shanna's Adoption Day and my 45th Birthday. Where does the time go?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsbqmpu4Xf0/URVXcYhmhuI/AAAAAAAAv-s/bKJSvmLH4Zk/s1600/1104120909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsbqmpu4Xf0/URVXcYhmhuI/AAAAAAAAv-s/bKJSvmLH4Zk/s400/1104120909.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is just so darn cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmYhgh4Qzqk/URVaf-pEebI/AAAAAAAAwCE/yJLckwcIrXo/s1600/2005_1109November0012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmYhgh4Qzqk/URVaf-pEebI/AAAAAAAAwCE/yJLckwcIrXo/s400/2005_1109November0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You may think this is the same picture, but it's not! This one is a baby picture, taken in 2005! She likes that blanket.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aoIyNBXmZ0/URVYHitgY5I/AAAAAAAAwBU/fBD3ROgFwQ8/s1600/1116122003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aoIyNBXmZ0/URVYHitgY5I/AAAAAAAAwBU/fBD3ROgFwQ8/s400/1116122003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took an unprecedented trip to Florida alone! to visit my mom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ2TA_2PhEQ/URVXo6qQVuI/AAAAAAAAwAg/qFoUtHhHSYk/s1600/photo3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ2TA_2PhEQ/URVXo6qQVuI/AAAAAAAAwAg/qFoUtHhHSYk/s400/photo3.JPG" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While various reinforcements managed the household I was able to help my mom clear out some stuff.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSDVynzRwCM/URVYSs3fxHI/AAAAAAAAwBs/0qWiiGy_MTg/s1600/1117121556b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSDVynzRwCM/URVYSs3fxHI/AAAAAAAAwBs/0qWiiGy_MTg/s400/1117121556b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found the workbench corner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWbhwOY6s7U/URVYMaws-6I/AAAAAAAAwBc/QREIohmOquA/s1600/1117121556.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWbhwOY6s7U/URVYMaws-6I/AAAAAAAAwBc/QREIohmOquA/s400/1117121556.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and then the rest of the garage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVzvJMndPT4/URVYPlRQgyI/AAAAAAAAwBk/nrVMkdud5n4/s1600/1117121557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVzvJMndPT4/URVYPlRQgyI/AAAAAAAAwBk/nrVMkdud5n4/s400/1117121557.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is all the trash and recycling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YwfWHSbvHUc/URVYTGCcf8I/AAAAAAAAwB0/SmZp8Iluaok/s1600/1117121602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YwfWHSbvHUc/URVYTGCcf8I/AAAAAAAAwB0/SmZp8Iluaok/s400/1117121602.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the donations! Mom was one happy camper.</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCXuzsixDuI/URVeopF3mgI/AAAAAAAAwD8/J_exr5ob8uk/s1600/1126121836.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCXuzsixDuI/URVeopF3mgI/AAAAAAAAwD8/J_exr5ob8uk/s400/1126121836.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I came home from Florida and 24 hours later we all flew to Georgia for Thanksgiving.</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbYWBsIQAiY/URVegYwt4eI/AAAAAAAAwC0/pexaPhsdkWg/s1600/1122121826.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbYWBsIQAiY/URVegYwt4eI/AAAAAAAAwC0/pexaPhsdkWg/s400/1122121826.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy and her kids are all doing well. Amanda is going to have a baby in April.</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0O5v-t6QO48/URVerknI1eI/AAAAAAAAwEg/IC1Kjk2sNV4/s1600/Thanksgiving+2012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0O5v-t6QO48/URVerknI1eI/AAAAAAAAwEg/IC1Kjk2sNV4/s400/Thanksgiving+2012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was great being together again, but it was hard. We all miss Marty so much.</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4-g7kz46zA/URVehBgUYPI/AAAAAAAAwDA/vUWYSfw4S60/s1600/1123121739a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4-g7kz46zA/URVehBgUYPI/AAAAAAAAwDA/vUWYSfw4S60/s400/1123121739a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a crazy cake that he once made for my birthday. It took me ALL DAY. Megan was a good and patient helper (with a crazy hairdo!)</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaALkDqSucM/URVek5hdBzI/AAAAAAAAwDk/Sy9Hy-j2kG8/s1600/1125121049a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaALkDqSucM/URVek5hdBzI/AAAAAAAAwDk/Sy9Hy-j2kG8/s400/1125121049a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice and Sue worked hard putting hundreds of pictures from his memorial into a scrapbook</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjguCHlhUko/URVeaRMmEuI/AAAAAAAAwCc/r4jrY_V6Nr0/s1600/1122121636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjguCHlhUko/URVeaRMmEuI/AAAAAAAAwCc/r4jrY_V6Nr0/s400/1122121636.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda & Chris</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ebxqd-t0tg/URVeaVI3dWI/AAAAAAAAwCY/Bkf5hl_w1gU/s1600/1122121440c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ebxqd-t0tg/URVeaVI3dWI/AAAAAAAAwCY/Bkf5hl_w1gU/s320/1122121440c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew & Shannon</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBpGZqoKQeY/URVehLrWStI/AAAAAAAAwC8/GJvQMow_z6U/s1600/1122121638.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBpGZqoKQeY/URVehLrWStI/AAAAAAAAwC8/GJvQMow_z6U/s400/1122121638.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew did a great job filling his dad's shoes as the turkey man. It was delicious. Marty would be so proud of him.</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8LOmxDAJ28/URVeaLLs2XI/AAAAAAAAwCU/rilIQhjMIAw/s1600/1122121440a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8LOmxDAJ28/URVeaLLs2XI/AAAAAAAAwCU/rilIQhjMIAw/s400/1122121440a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on an art project</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mynqzb2tFy4/URVeq31dxtI/AAAAAAAAwEI/1ltqrUlJD4c/s1600/1126121237a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mynqzb2tFy4/URVeq31dxtI/AAAAAAAAwEI/1ltqrUlJD4c/s400/1126121237a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And all the while loving you, Marty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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and then on to December.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-76880166709448546832013-02-08T14:50:00.000-05:002013-02-08T14:50:02.431-05:00October 2012I am dedicated to catching up my blog. I fell behind again, but don't want to be behind anymore. There are so many days that I want to blog an idea or thought, but I stop myself because I just am not caught up. I love this blog, so I am going to post several months all at once and try to get back to the present, so I can keep going.<br />
<br />
So October went by in a blur of soccer, birthdays, visits and family time. <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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNxioPCkrZg/UPWKxErn-DI/AAAAAAAAYWM/GRqCLXcdam8/s1600/0915121145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNxioPCkrZg/UPWKxErn-DI/AAAAAAAAYWM/GRqCLXcdam8/s400/0915121145.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew playing "House" soccer</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tutuiDctx3E/UPWKylMuMqI/AAAAAAAAYWU/Vcu38bmePs4/s1600/0915121147a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tutuiDctx3E/UPWKylMuMqI/AAAAAAAAYWU/Vcu38bmePs4/s400/0915121147a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna & Whisper, watching Matthew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8DdbFR2jNVE/UPWK0DKUo1I/AAAAAAAAYWc/eVUShM9VwEY/s1600/IMG_0938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8DdbFR2jNVE/UPWK0DKUo1I/AAAAAAAAYWc/eVUShM9VwEY/s400/IMG_0938.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew and the Varsity Soccer team, having their regular pregame "pasta night" at our house.</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw71DDtu7wU/UPWLB0Bp1sI/AAAAAAAAYWo/VFN_V8yyHLs/s1600/0901121005b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw71DDtu7wU/UPWLB0Bp1sI/AAAAAAAAYWo/VFN_V8yyHLs/s400/0901121005b.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice and one of her riding lesson horses, Crazy Jack</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WujjxaklKWs/UPWLB4_1SGI/AAAAAAAAYWk/Its1Lh3FWc8/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WujjxaklKWs/UPWLB4_1SGI/AAAAAAAAYWk/Its1Lh3FWc8/s400/IMG_0917.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An amazing cake made by Mary Alice for her friend. The horse is sculpted by hand out of Marshmallow Fondant, which she made herself. Inspired by <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRQvHzFPk6Y/UPWLEuIRjhI/AAAAAAAAYXE/8Il75G4OOfA/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRQvHzFPk6Y/UPWLEuIRjhI/AAAAAAAAYXE/8Il75G4OOfA/s400/IMG_0921.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pastry chef with her cake. Look at the fence! You can click on the photo to see it bigger.</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwyk1c21srE/UPWLDV3PF-I/AAAAAAAAYW8/VrJZwraoPJM/s1600/IMG_0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwyk1c21srE/UPWLDV3PF-I/AAAAAAAAYW8/VrJZwraoPJM/s400/IMG_0954.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curious Cat</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoZMTDDTG_o/UPWLDE3KTaI/AAAAAAAAYW0/GX2pw8byswk/s1600/IMG_1045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoZMTDDTG_o/UPWLDE3KTaI/AAAAAAAAYW0/GX2pw8byswk/s400/IMG_1045.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curious Dog</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CscXpSUOf8/UPWLZSATo2I/AAAAAAAAYXM/FIvRIvJ8uDg/s1600/0927121720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CscXpSUOf8/UPWLZSATo2I/AAAAAAAAYXM/FIvRIvJ8uDg/s400/0927121720.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Cookies</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31ldJzKge_c/UPWLaIAV1jI/AAAAAAAAYXU/56GKITJW1Ic/s1600/0929122029.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31ldJzKge_c/UPWLaIAV1jI/AAAAAAAAYXU/56GKITJW1Ic/s400/0929122029.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Fun</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q504Qeqpu5w/UPWLaWlfVQI/AAAAAAAAYXY/8NSG_bPwwRY/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q504Qeqpu5w/UPWLaWlfVQI/AAAAAAAAYXY/8NSG_bPwwRY/s400/IMG_0959.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out with Cindy on her visit</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pgUCt8omc0/UPWLbKI7PGI/AAAAAAAAYXk/DGicd9yJSBw/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pgUCt8omc0/UPWLbKI7PGI/AAAAAAAAYXk/DGicd9yJSBw/s400/IMG_1010.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Smiles</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzAjn9QwBcg/UPWLaups33I/AAAAAAAAYXc/MbOqNUrT5zo/s1600/0927121932a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzAjn9QwBcg/UPWLaups33I/AAAAAAAAYXc/MbOqNUrT5zo/s400/0927121932a.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking about Uncle Marty</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IH46UEGdK4E/URVLxrDpPeI/AAAAAAAAv2Y/vaTOT8nDTjs/s1600/1004121522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IH46UEGdK4E/URVLxrDpPeI/AAAAAAAAv2Y/vaTOT8nDTjs/s400/1004121522.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found this on the fridge after Cindy went back home. Matthew.....</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm0F9i7BMUI/URVLz-UpWqI/AAAAAAAAv2g/yLI2WgwB7So/s1600/1007121045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm0F9i7BMUI/URVLz-UpWqI/AAAAAAAAv2g/yLI2WgwB7So/s400/1007121045.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking our pets to church for the Blessing of the Animals Service</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iY5EpoKpUDQ/URVL0vpY4PI/AAAAAAAAv2k/zOzO-steeD8/s1600/2012-10-18+07.12.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iY5EpoKpUDQ/URVL0vpY4PI/AAAAAAAAv2k/zOzO-steeD8/s400/2012-10-18+07.12.02.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating new fashions</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvoTgnc-BZY/URVL15cMTuI/AAAAAAAAv2w/GICRLmMUrhU/s1600/2012-10-16+19.37.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvoTgnc-BZY/URVL15cMTuI/AAAAAAAAv2w/GICRLmMUrhU/s400/2012-10-16+19.37.52.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made Doggy PJs for Shanna's Halloween costume, at her request</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4m51OPPtL8Y/URVL4IgsdaI/AAAAAAAAv3I/0NRma3aKV30/s1600/IMG_1070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4m51OPPtL8Y/URVL4IgsdaI/AAAAAAAAv3I/0NRma3aKV30/s400/IMG_1070.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And somehow, I got talked into making a Renaissance Dress for Mary Alice for hers. If you are wondering how I did this, please see my biz post <a href="http://www.simplybacktobasics.com/2009/05/10-minutes-at-time.html" target="_blank">10 Minutes at a Time</a>. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jzwqz2jTsEU/URVL5YZSWMI/AAAAAAAAv3Y/zZ0-Az8rrqI/s1600/2012-10-28+21.58.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jzwqz2jTsEU/URVL5YZSWMI/AAAAAAAAv3Y/zZ0-Az8rrqI/s400/2012-10-28+21.58.44.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wasn't anywhere as easy as the PJs (ok WAAYYY more challenging) but somehow, sew a little, rip a little, sew a little, rip a little, sew, sew, sew a little, RIP A LOT, later we had an awesome, finished dress.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tre-ZtlLM8/URVL5QcH8DI/AAAAAAAAv3c/PXOwAwfCbvc/s1600/2012-10-28+21.57.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tre-ZtlLM8/URVL5QcH8DI/AAAAAAAAv3c/PXOwAwfCbvc/s400/2012-10-28+21.57.31.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, these are actually eyelets down the back!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzmm7rFjtaw/URVL2YKzDYI/AAAAAAAAv20/Ojc-OKFeppk/s1600/2012-10-21+15.17.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzmm7rFjtaw/URVL2YKzDYI/AAAAAAAAv20/Ojc-OKFeppk/s400/2012-10-21+15.17.35.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some cutie cupcakes Mary Alice whipped up for her lunch table....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7WzNF_yZ8E/URVL3BGQMrI/AAAAAAAAv28/RI7dZ0tNCZ8/s1600/IMG_0372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7WzNF_yZ8E/URVL3BGQMrI/AAAAAAAAv28/RI7dZ0tNCZ8/s400/IMG_0372.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a spaghetti costume for her horse. She is a chef.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfgz68P0Js4/UPWLbSadgMI/AAAAAAAAYXs/qrYfccH2Y7Q/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfgz68P0Js4/UPWLbSadgMI/AAAAAAAAYXs/qrYfccH2Y7Q/s400/IMG_1034.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And some general light hearted merriment just because it's fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njliZK3KOnc/URVS7lsrEgI/AAAAAAAAv80/Vi3qBRcSluo/s1600/1007121720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njliZK3KOnc/URVS7lsrEgI/AAAAAAAAv80/Vi3qBRcSluo/s400/1007121720.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice's 14th Birthday. She always celebrates at Friendly's each year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6UgylmHFwg/URVS_8QM6FI/AAAAAAAAv9E/iQFE0Jl-OcM/s1600/1007121728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6UgylmHFwg/URVS_8QM6FI/AAAAAAAAv9E/iQFE0Jl-OcM/s400/1007121728.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two peas in a pod, plugged into the football game</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzVg-LXf2J8/URVTDToxidI/AAAAAAAAv9M/5ksrMAC_Qh4/s1600/1007121817a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzVg-LXf2J8/URVTDToxidI/AAAAAAAAv9M/5ksrMAC_Qh4/s400/1007121817a.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying coffee ice cream</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqJeUCVENGA/URVL4yxharI/AAAAAAAAv3Q/EZ6qepW5zTQ/s1600/Rainbow+IMG_1049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqJeUCVENGA/URVL4yxharI/AAAAAAAAv3Q/EZ6qepW5zTQ/s400/Rainbow+IMG_1049.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful, double rainbow we saw after her birthday dinner at Friendly's</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole crew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VvJq3eYfQ00/URVTVCJfkmI/AAAAAAAAv-M/hgY2PF_CzU4/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VvJq3eYfQ00/URVTVCJfkmI/AAAAAAAAv-M/hgY2PF_CzU4/s400/IMG_1097.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice's party with friends</td></tr>
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And just like that, October was over.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-36447918217917378582012-09-17T14:31:00.000-04:002012-09-17T14:31:43.752-04:00Where Did the Summer Go?I say that every year, and each year it seems even faster. Sometimes I feel like the paint on spin art, just flying off the edge of the paper. I try really hard to stay on the paper; sometimes it's just not possible.<br />
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Yet, the resulting designs are beautiful.</div>
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Having so much going on at once is a big challenge; at the same time, it's one that we seem to be able to handle, although, on any given day I usually overestimate how much I can get done and underestimate how long each thing is going to take. I have gotten pretty good at filtering up the essentials and making sure those get in. Feeding people is on the top of the list, and darn it, if that doesn't have to happen about three times a day!! I am still living by "The Serenity Prayer" and finding it every bit as relevant today as it was last November, <a href="http://simply-family.blogspot.com/2012/01/god-grant-me-serenity-to-accept-things.html" target="_blank">almost a year ago</a>. <br />
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Here are some highlights of the important stuff we did this summer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7Y36ogOJLA/UFdQcUGMa9I/AAAAAAAAJqs/jnZqijTFz2o/s1600/IMG_0687.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7Y36ogOJLA/UFdQcUGMa9I/AAAAAAAAJqs/jnZqijTFz2o/s400/IMG_0687.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Shanna's 8th Birthday in May</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DZ7w6BMDnM/UFdQVSfVVVI/AAAAAAAAJoc/cAmUI3CtSLk/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DZ7w6BMDnM/UFdQVSfVVVI/AAAAAAAAJoc/cAmUI3CtSLk/s400/IMG_0196.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice is in her element when visiting a farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93mabuwlVH4/UFdXVeVfe3I/AAAAAAAAJzU/AIGJSTXdZbA/s1600/May+2012+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93mabuwlVH4/UFdXVeVfe3I/AAAAAAAAJzU/AIGJSTXdZbA/s400/May+2012+022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a bit scary for Megan. She did it anyway!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8sNFZKbs0Q/UFdQVpQZlDI/AAAAAAAAJoo/NwOHKWCD83U/s1600/May%2B2012%2B019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8sNFZKbs0Q/UFdQVpQZlDI/AAAAAAAAJoo/NwOHKWCD83U/s400/May%2B2012%2B019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna was all smiles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b57s2mm9z9E/UFdQWE8Q11I/AAAAAAAAJo0/TlvBa0GR_Ok/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b57s2mm9z9E/UFdQWE8Q11I/AAAAAAAAJo0/TlvBa0GR_Ok/s400/IMG_0577.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few summer piano lessons</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OljisPbI7GE/UFdQW3KWIoI/AAAAAAAAJpA/6O1IPZARxBA/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OljisPbI7GE/UFdQW3KWIoI/AAAAAAAAJpA/6O1IPZARxBA/s400/IMG_0664.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking for Megan's 8th birthday, in July</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFrF9dg5e28/UFdQXQKYMUI/AAAAAAAAJpM/6Fafa5lLxtg/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFrF9dg5e28/UFdQXQKYMUI/AAAAAAAAJpM/6Fafa5lLxtg/s400/IMG_0669.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrumptious Buffet in the Basement</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOeuJQPjnbw/UFdQXzF5ppI/AAAAAAAAJpY/gvueKqyJJQQ/s1600/IMG_0726.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOeuJQPjnbw/UFdQXzF5ppI/AAAAAAAAJpY/gvueKqyJJQQ/s400/IMG_0726.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art projects from birthday gifts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hU7rFBta2V0/UFdQYX3JVRI/AAAAAAAAJpk/RA7Z85hG6JU/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hU7rFBta2V0/UFdQYX3JVRI/AAAAAAAAJpk/RA7Z85hG6JU/s400/IMG_0229.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting Shanna's ears pierced</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFf0Eazv5CA/UFdQZAJUeCI/AAAAAAAAJpw/edrPalsXDJY/s1600/IMG_0809.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFf0Eazv5CA/UFdQZAJUeCI/AAAAAAAAJpw/edrPalsXDJY/s400/IMG_0809.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Garage Sale was a perfect time for the Lemonade Stand</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jAAZS5Fm3aw/UFdQZ7C-MjI/AAAAAAAAJp8/wQ-05RededU/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jAAZS5Fm3aw/UFdQZ7C-MjI/AAAAAAAAJp8/wQ-05RededU/s400/IMG_0647.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice at Middle School Graduation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y727gA64AeA/UFdQaS7t18I/AAAAAAAAJqI/kg6JY68DxLI/s1600/IMG_0651.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y727gA64AeA/UFdQaS7t18I/AAAAAAAAJqI/kg6JY68DxLI/s400/IMG_0651.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud Parents</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lY-mOBhPaJE/UFdQbPvR02I/AAAAAAAAJqU/qZrgIjwYO84/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lY-mOBhPaJE/UFdQbPvR02I/AAAAAAAAJqU/qZrgIjwYO84/s400/IMG_0611.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew's wonderful orchestra teacher, going to another district in another state</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gljwdxE5fj4/UFdQb9zOYfI/AAAAAAAAJqg/ovvn4j2jzsg/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gljwdxE5fj4/UFdQb9zOYfI/AAAAAAAAJqg/ovvn4j2jzsg/s400/IMG_0612.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other terrific teacher, taking over for Mr. H</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eK4UGHwdMIU/UFdQdG8OkiI/AAAAAAAAJq4/jfV7osRFjSo/s1600/DSCN8378.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eK4UGHwdMIU/UFdQdG8OkiI/AAAAAAAAJq4/jfV7osRFjSo/s400/DSCN8378.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice & Mom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TG4GrqPmwqs/UFdQdRXAuVI/AAAAAAAAJrE/GwQFLcoKXK0/s1600/DSCN8381.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TG4GrqPmwqs/UFdQdRXAuVI/AAAAAAAAJrE/GwQFLcoKXK0/s400/DSCN8381.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out with Aunt Linda & Uncle Tom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJSSz_VQGaM/UFdQeMOVYBI/AAAAAAAAJrQ/4W4Vpr6Ix6A/s1600/0713122013-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJSSz_VQGaM/UFdQeMOVYBI/AAAAAAAAJrQ/4W4Vpr6Ix6A/s400/0713122013-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The giggle girls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-_tcaVJG-Y/UFdQfeVEeEI/AAAAAAAAJro/keakUlOX3sY/s1600/0720121009c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-_tcaVJG-Y/UFdQfeVEeEI/AAAAAAAAJro/keakUlOX3sY/s400/0720121009c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A visit from Gramma Judy's friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwOFQGhKfCM/UFdUG98i8DI/AAAAAAAAJvc/cx752ZUapo8/s1600/0723121439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwOFQGhKfCM/UFdUG98i8DI/AAAAAAAAJvc/cx752ZUapo8/s400/0723121439.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing in the yard with a popsicle and a book. Megan sure knows how to do it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3f3RRUySEU/UFdUInGcVoI/AAAAAAAAJvk/QJ0-ALRzaDE/s1600/0725122030a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3f3RRUySEU/UFdUInGcVoI/AAAAAAAAJvk/QJ0-ALRzaDE/s400/0725122030a.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the babies have matching PJs? But they're switched. They call their babies "blond haired baby" and "black haired baby". They mostly share "blond haired baby". Shanna is the mother, and Megan "blond haired baby's Aunt". They are very fair in their care of her and have equal power of discipline and decision making regarding all of Baby's activities. Megan is often the "voice" of Baby and Shanna frequently asks Baby questions, which Megan dutifully answers, even if she is in the next room!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjHvyvqmDWI/UFdUKf-He_I/AAAAAAAAJvs/HQQY43LQOX0/s1600/0726121908a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjHvyvqmDWI/UFdUKf-He_I/AAAAAAAAJvs/HQQY43LQOX0/s400/0726121908a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna still prefers Mommy to Daddy, but that seems to be changing a bit, as she allows Eric to comfort her more and more often. She even called out for him in her sleep one night when she was having a bad dream! We offered her a few opportunities to "feed him" and it seemed to really increase her attachment to him. Eric is such a good Daddy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpxhuRuHGzw/UFdULshv8jI/AAAAAAAAJv0/QVUCDu8g-jw/s400/0726122048c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found the girls both in Megan's bed like this!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-quJerNzETvI/UFdWH7jw3pI/AAAAAAAAJzM/Zwcyt6DB6Yc/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-quJerNzETvI/UFdWH7jw3pI/AAAAAAAAJzM/Zwcyt6DB6Yc/s400/IMG_0863.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, of course, our garden continued to grow all summer. It was so dry, but we were really pleased with our harvest. Just wish we could have shared our success with Marty and Marion.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2n8lKARLc4/UFdUw6JvZTI/AAAAAAAAJyU/aAcPpg555vk/s1600/IMG_0512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2n8lKARLc4/UFdUw6JvZTI/AAAAAAAAJyU/aAcPpg555vk/s400/IMG_0512.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every single night this summer, Eric and Megan went out to pick Basil & Tomatoes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFGzONiy_CY/UFdb6T3IMPI/AAAAAAAAJz8/ixzmP-MgmWI/s1600/0801121838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFGzONiy_CY/UFdb6T3IMPI/AAAAAAAAJz8/ixzmP-MgmWI/s400/0801121838.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final product each night, sometimes with smaller tomatoes, but equally as lovely and yummy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkwTFDOdsEg/UFdUN784MwI/AAAAAAAAJv8/AnFkikmns00/s1600/0729120954a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkwTFDOdsEg/UFdUN784MwI/AAAAAAAAJv8/AnFkikmns00/s400/0729120954a.jpg" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is Shanna with our harvest of onions! We have lots of potatoes, too, grown in pots. They are delicious.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4OxMHTkeME/UFdQe6iNN-I/AAAAAAAAJrc/sKi5t1vpC94/s1600/0715121121.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4OxMHTkeME/UFdQe6iNN-I/AAAAAAAAJrc/sKi5t1vpC94/s400/0715121121.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, we have had lots of monarch butterflies, too. </td></tr>
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To view more details about our butterfly hatchery, <a href="http://simply-family.blogspot.com/2010/07/foster-care-for-caterpillars.html" target="_blank">click here</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSl7BX5SVU4/UFdUPuPVRaI/AAAAAAAAJwE/ydA0urOpc8s/s1600/0729121217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSl7BX5SVU4/UFdUPuPVRaI/AAAAAAAAJwE/ydA0urOpc8s/s400/0729121217.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Births happened every few days over the whole summer. After a period of wing drying in an indoor cage (on my dining room table!!) Matthew and Mary Alice let them go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4xlY_uKk-A/UFdURk7j-hI/AAAAAAAAJwM/NU8voAgjMEg/s1600/0730121841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4xlY_uKk-A/UFdURk7j-hI/AAAAAAAAJwM/NU8voAgjMEg/s400/0730121841.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some days have more hatching than others.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDKK4yOJNuo/UFdUT6oU56I/AAAAAAAAJwY/kzs1JFXNwvs/s1600/0803120810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDKK4yOJNuo/UFdUT6oU56I/AAAAAAAAJwY/kzs1JFXNwvs/s400/0803120810.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a sad little experience. This bunny was in our garden and got caught by our cat, Jasmine. Shanna screamed "MOMMY!!! JASMINE HAS A BABY BUNNY!!" That girl is an emergency expert. She knew just what to say, in what tone of voice, to get an immediate response! I FLEW outside and we got Jasmine to drop the bunny, but it was in sad shape. We took it to the SPCA and they said it was not good and they gently helped him die. It was good to know that if there was any hope, they would have saved him and provided him treatment and foster care. Who knew?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGEsLGtbhEw/UFdQgFrI64I/AAAAAAAAJr0/TFSvC5YDCaE/s1600/0722121454b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGEsLGtbhEw/UFdQgFrI64I/AAAAAAAAJr0/TFSvC5YDCaE/s400/0722121454b.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dropping Mary Alice off at Camp Weona in July</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BUo7Mcw0nw/UFdUVm5ozVI/AAAAAAAAJwg/IgeazYggydg/s1600/0804121008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BUo7Mcw0nw/UFdUVm5ozVI/AAAAAAAAJwg/IgeazYggydg/s400/0804121008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two weeks of crazy teens in a cabin!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gARNO9bnLec/UFdU2KQiycI/AAAAAAAAJzE/Xf1kboHRF9k/s1600/Mary+Alice+with+2+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gARNO9bnLec/UFdU2KQiycI/AAAAAAAAJzE/Xf1kboHRF9k/s400/Mary+Alice+with+2+friends.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp is so fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wurLZKhxFU/UFdUXaozDAI/AAAAAAAAJwo/H83WmSdPwvk/s1600/0814121818b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wurLZKhxFU/UFdUXaozDAI/AAAAAAAAJwo/H83WmSdPwvk/s400/0814121818b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little cutie is Gramma Iris' grandson. Megan & Shanna adored having him visit us! He is totally a cutie!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zQwwzB8sHM/UFdUYzQJ7XI/AAAAAAAAJww/Weuy9ZH_aIs/s1600/0815121147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zQwwzB8sHM/UFdUYzQJ7XI/AAAAAAAAJww/Weuy9ZH_aIs/s400/0815121147.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna with her Summer School teacher. Four days a week for six weeks! Such a great thing. Thank you school system.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSQ7uAewzSM/UFdUaaIYRGI/AAAAAAAAJw4/4HZ7iZyEneg/s1600/0815121149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSQ7uAewzSM/UFdUaaIYRGI/AAAAAAAAJw4/4HZ7iZyEneg/s400/0815121149.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were amazed at all the growth in Megan. Ready for 2nd grade!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Bp2cWk2-8k/UFdUcQdruBI/AAAAAAAAJxA/WcBzufo4rwA/s1600/0819121419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Bp2cWk2-8k/UFdUcQdruBI/AAAAAAAAJxA/WcBzufo4rwA/s400/0819121419.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another little cutie, smothered in attention from the girls. Shanna has recently told me that she wants to be a doctor who delivers babies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xqVkP1ZLHE/UFdUeRH44dI/AAAAAAAAJxI/ypJRhE4nfOA/s1600/0819121428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xqVkP1ZLHE/UFdUeRH44dI/AAAAAAAAJxI/ypJRhE4nfOA/s400/0819121428.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a tender, loving look.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6J7KbLJFsBk/UFdUsut5d1I/AAAAAAAAJyI/Q6NG4RSZmqU/s1600/DSC_0337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6J7KbLJFsBk/UFdUsut5d1I/AAAAAAAAJyI/Q6NG4RSZmqU/s400/DSC_0337.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annual delicious family dinner at Bill & Janis'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMw8RW56dHE/UFdUfjrRQRI/AAAAAAAAJxQ/UCRE39oo9bY/s1600/0819121429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMw8RW56dHE/UFdUfjrRQRI/AAAAAAAAJxQ/UCRE39oo9bY/s400/0819121429.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Praying Mantis, found by Eric (or maybe Matthew) in Bill & Jan's garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ1OWFlyOWM/UFdUhiJI_SI/AAAAAAAAJxY/qNg8WJRs5G4/s1600/0821121548c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ1OWFlyOWM/UFdUhiJI_SI/AAAAAAAAJxY/qNg8WJRs5G4/s400/0821121548c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day, I spontaneously decided we needed to visit the beach before the summer ended. The girls loved it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTPoyjCCLJw/UFdUleaP8vI/AAAAAAAAJxo/EaetUYDaWY0/s1600/0901121005b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTPoyjCCLJw/UFdUleaP8vI/AAAAAAAAJxo/EaetUYDaWY0/s400/0901121005b.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice and crazy Jack, who she rides for lessons each week. She is going to be in her first show soon and is very excited.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTPw0XKVkNw/UFdStafGHRI/AAAAAAAAJvM/l8_GqisgcgQ/s1600/IMG_0884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTPw0XKVkNw/UFdStafGHRI/AAAAAAAAJvM/l8_GqisgcgQ/s400/IMG_0884.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Alice on Jack</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDrbZsH3Mlo/UFdUm_vfGYI/AAAAAAAAJxw/xtL7DpLGQNc/s1600/0914120824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDrbZsH3Mlo/UFdUm_vfGYI/AAAAAAAAJxw/xtL7DpLGQNc/s400/0914120824.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thought this was pretty cute.</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4y1MQQro3MY/UFdUj47XQKI/AAAAAAAAJxg/vZbQz82LVsc/s1600/0829121917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4y1MQQro3MY/UFdUj47XQKI/AAAAAAAAJxg/vZbQz82LVsc/s400/0829121917.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this.... This is at Megan & Shanna's first soccer practice. They are enjoying the experience, even if they have no idea what they are doing. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ezf9QdR9w8/UFdUpNORxMI/AAAAAAAAJx4/Z3nT-CKe2k8/s1600/0915121147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ezf9QdR9w8/UFdUpNORxMI/AAAAAAAAJx4/Z3nT-CKe2k8/s400/0915121147.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew plays on two different teams, the local town league and his school varsity. He loves to be on the field.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQLYSHULQHY/UFdUsEvrrBI/AAAAAAAAJyA/BvapsNKO8Zk/s1600/0915121147a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQLYSHULQHY/UFdUsEvrrBI/AAAAAAAAJyA/BvapsNKO8Zk/s400/0915121147a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanna likes to hang out by the field. I like to watch the town league games on Saturdays, after school is just way to hectic for me to see many of Matthew's school games.</td></tr>
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<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4bnpsI8h0g/UFdUzmUEKzI/AAAAAAAAJys/6RdSQbLzTlc/s1600/IMG_0906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4bnpsI8h0g/UFdUzmUEKzI/AAAAAAAAJys/6RdSQbLzTlc/s400/IMG_0906.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare moment when Matthew allowed a picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n72TR4EYgfY/UFdieFbz24I/AAAAAAAAJ0k/lEhgYgIfATg/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n72TR4EYgfY/UFdieFbz24I/AAAAAAAAJ0k/lEhgYgIfATg/s400/IMG_0907.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An even rarer moment when they allowed a photo together. On their first day of school, Mary Alice a HS freshman, Matthew a senior.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqzPTS0EDck/UFdU1iG_84I/AAAAAAAAJy8/i_ReR5ZSQd0/s1600/IMG_0908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqzPTS0EDck/UFdU1iG_84I/AAAAAAAAJy8/i_ReR5ZSQd0/s400/IMG_0908.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And my 2nd graders! Proud of their new messenger bags!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwwQk2ruVDM/UFdUx4fsQEI/AAAAAAAAJyc/BGfaKXjQruQ/s1600/IMG_0876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwwQk2ruVDM/UFdUx4fsQEI/AAAAAAAAJyc/BGfaKXjQruQ/s400/IMG_0876.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of Mary Alice's cookie creations to celebrate summer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dj5QyJ_S2KM/UFdkKIrfi4I/AAAAAAAAJ0s/eUZl92VmmUY/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dj5QyJ_S2KM/UFdkKIrfi4I/AAAAAAAAJ0s/eUZl92VmmUY/s400/IMG_0917.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And an amazing Birthday cake she made for a friend. She got this idea off of the internet and made the horse, flowers and butterfly out of Marshmallow Fondant (which she made herself). It covers a 10x3 inch homemade, chocolate, single layer cake, which was terrifically fudgy. Although the whole cake left for her friend's party, she graciously brought me back a piece so I could sample, and it was absolutely delicious. She is amazing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4o1ySjIV-Y/UFdkMbuU1wI/AAAAAAAAJ00/aGzctloaCvE/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4o1ySjIV-Y/UFdkMbuU1wI/AAAAAAAAJ00/aGzctloaCvE/s400/IMG_0921.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here she is. Proud of you, Mary Alice. Good show!</td></tr>
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Wow, no wonder I am tired at the end of each day. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-20260208198289895552012-06-08T14:41:00.001-04:002012-06-08T14:43:15.483-04:00Doesn't this just make you smile? ;)<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5H6z6TakCb8/T9JHfGKOqfI/AAAAAAAAJcg/R6sDVHjUF7I/s1600/image0.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5H6z6TakCb8/T9JHfGKOqfI/AAAAAAAAJcg/R6sDVHjUF7I/s400/image0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
This is one of Megan's many random notes. I found it on her art table.<br />
Makes me so happy. LOVE that girl. </div>
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<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713460613915655878.post-89274877244187520422012-05-18T21:31:00.001-04:002012-05-18T21:34:01.860-04:00Going to the Prom<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonight Matthew was off to the Jr. Prom with his friend, Amanda. They looked so stunning. I was proud to be a part of the fun. They went with 6 other couples (yes -- 14 teenagers) in a limo to the party. Amanda's dad is a photographer who helped create some beautiful poses and beautiful smiles. I even got a smile out of Megan, as seen in the last photo. :)<br />
Click on photos to enlarge <br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2yN_kIhzNw/T7b4H54ACNI/AAAAAAAAJQc/RDQUzMJd9oE/s1600/IMG_0517.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2yN_kIhzNw/T7b4H54ACNI/AAAAAAAAJQc/RDQUzMJd9oE/s400/IMG_0517.JPG" width="300px" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9s_BjU1RkgQ/T7b4J9r29lI/AAAAAAAAJRY/bt1DzbGI994/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9s_BjU1RkgQ/T7b4J9r29lI/AAAAAAAAJRY/bt1DzbGI994/s400/IMG_0527.JPG" /></a> </div>
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