tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69202736615297704642024-02-16T23:29:58.988-05:00EEK... I have a blog!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.comBlogger732125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-46535793093561713632016-08-17T13:16:00.001-04:002016-08-17T13:21:40.297-04:00Step into my time machine...Well... if you're in the mood for a delightful trip through time and space; you're welcome!<br />
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KINDER/ NOT YET IN SCHOOL<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9ASld67AJD-ztOdcnJBz2VEYUaMItPLl_khNd9Ddc3mYdsR0ws4eh0ml6hh_BzIxC1TY4_Pch40mqDWIxGBHHloKnvxlJxd5CSJDhiuLSPakTsZ5rzZZ0VEP0diWnnveV2XQepjmJJo/s1600/IMG_0098.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9ASld67AJD-ztOdcnJBz2VEYUaMItPLl_khNd9Ddc3mYdsR0ws4eh0ml6hh_BzIxC1TY4_Pch40mqDWIxGBHHloKnvxlJxd5CSJDhiuLSPakTsZ5rzZZ0VEP0diWnnveV2XQepjmJJo/s320/IMG_0098.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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FIRST GRADE<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFSuD1gUk4AOcHvcPD0ZUV9vViY-ViuSJO8c7hB3tkz0effXuvRuaKVN6IJ3Ge2tCOy6_V2KUQksJPSoYo-oKkP3gb3OjDCm9zNI9FwQtcvM3nVzEQkIl-9Yl_1JAy8Gx6INnEnZKPx0/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFSuD1gUk4AOcHvcPD0ZUV9vViY-ViuSJO8c7hB3tkz0effXuvRuaKVN6IJ3Ge2tCOy6_V2KUQksJPSoYo-oKkP3gb3OjDCm9zNI9FwQtcvM3nVzEQkIl-9Yl_1JAy8Gx6INnEnZKPx0/s400/IMG_0336.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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2ND GRADE<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVgwd9V0DxKv6HQbd5djkbA0fCG36RSVrFMPJnIv9xP7aurmTLBs4vIme8m68jbkcvqD0L7mlYw1kHpQ4pK1lH_-mAUNv1sMKaIqHwUagWqMRKX-Utgivpn-KmN3P5lP4mR5G_2NYGcc/s1600/IMG_1136.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVgwd9V0DxKv6HQbd5djkbA0fCG36RSVrFMPJnIv9xP7aurmTLBs4vIme8m68jbkcvqD0L7mlYw1kHpQ4pK1lH_-mAUNv1sMKaIqHwUagWqMRKX-Utgivpn-KmN3P5lP4mR5G_2NYGcc/s400/IMG_1136.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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3RD GRADE<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi158MgYFX_XkFuft9GopHGAhCYpxpW-OtbCirlYY7f2_me39lQZud1iBwiGdqk1t4FOHajghdWQsuNuH6IeRhfP4QbfQPHbZPuZY6mMhT6aoZM1_axwVa7Y5P5pZWw7AK5Rm8G1UAmCt4/s1600/IMG_1488.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi158MgYFX_XkFuft9GopHGAhCYpxpW-OtbCirlYY7f2_me39lQZud1iBwiGdqk1t4FOHajghdWQsuNuH6IeRhfP4QbfQPHbZPuZY6mMhT6aoZM1_axwVa7Y5P5pZWw7AK5Rm8G1UAmCt4/s400/IMG_1488.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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4TH GRADE<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpL_WpINmwNgpSBxZQ0eS62tHqAmyO__wNKEg0s1c9YjDh09qc8BbV4qe3vVt3VHE1lo69eFs986754telT1kRYYHGowkRKCkKotZ_hQ2JQNr-YlYWPwX5yMkqxNH-jRTygB36CiAkoE/s1600/IMG_1145.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpL_WpINmwNgpSBxZQ0eS62tHqAmyO__wNKEg0s1c9YjDh09qc8BbV4qe3vVt3VHE1lo69eFs986754telT1kRYYHGowkRKCkKotZ_hQ2JQNr-YlYWPwX5yMkqxNH-jRTygB36CiAkoE/s400/IMG_1145.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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5TH GRADE<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJEiUsjrFnVMRhCTmh-0OuJcT9AvG1BrZCUZS6V6fJMy1dveOlheSDmV8yXkPcOqiFQAO0u-Thp7qYGuza92w89kEEzlB6PMqLK19X3NKcBokQ-qe_9-Oga-g7Fh0k-z1RFtmIOCznd4/s1600/IMG_1534.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJEiUsjrFnVMRhCTmh-0OuJcT9AvG1BrZCUZS6V6fJMy1dveOlheSDmV8yXkPcOqiFQAO0u-Thp7qYGuza92w89kEEzlB6PMqLK19X3NKcBokQ-qe_9-Oga-g7Fh0k-z1RFtmIOCznd4/s400/IMG_1534.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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KINDER/ 2ND<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQojpGHk17gepn2uun9P8H7CFtE_f3xulxhbK-YVe4_x8-sai-rKQoZpm6GMvlMwc0GwNt9KFKegkqJuSz6c5MM084zc6gYtqaT-0ecUDEmJs_vN2TifkaJsNesd2wseIuTaDUuCbgEe0/s1600/IMG_1139.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQojpGHk17gepn2uun9P8H7CFtE_f3xulxhbK-YVe4_x8-sai-rKQoZpm6GMvlMwc0GwNt9KFKegkqJuSz6c5MM084zc6gYtqaT-0ecUDEmJs_vN2TifkaJsNesd2wseIuTaDUuCbgEe0/s400/IMG_1139.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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1ST GRADE/ 3RD GRADE<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavHpWx_zTt6LzGcfkFpBx9Y-sR48CuIXeUcE_36QCEyzfYcXTE8hPJ4F8xrSEj0x8CFnXLB-W1_7RyMG4cM2sx68Wl8n4o_fC4uJJZs7-_eW58bdbWAnO-Y_aRGdwBRUMov_tAIKRRWI/s1600/IMG_1491.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavHpWx_zTt6LzGcfkFpBx9Y-sR48CuIXeUcE_36QCEyzfYcXTE8hPJ4F8xrSEj0x8CFnXLB-W1_7RyMG4cM2sx68Wl8n4o_fC4uJJZs7-_eW58bdbWAnO-Y_aRGdwBRUMov_tAIKRRWI/s400/IMG_1491.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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PRE-K/KINDER<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvbPPCNsjyoz6mz-fKQt9NKTWcGgkKnrnN-7JA-IWI5GPHg65BvFTTLx2gILrN3DDy-MPtaFETGg6vc_ngj-Qi0AjLRn1mjxvLsa4k-wVlNxxlqB5mYQtJdZoQcC7qByHPhVyRaqGD5g/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvbPPCNsjyoz6mz-fKQt9NKTWcGgkKnrnN-7JA-IWI5GPHg65BvFTTLx2gILrN3DDy-MPtaFETGg6vc_ngj-Qi0AjLRn1mjxvLsa4k-wVlNxxlqB5mYQtJdZoQcC7qByHPhVyRaqGD5g/s400/IMG_0386.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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1ST/3RD GRADE<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xJkiELQPyM27yg8SoK1qVv3rTjHqk0QLrufd4dgyr9CZ4pNYa87yGanP180HLWtYXa4NM0PEq7ynI7H0ZnVAIdJcuJ43hXEJVHlDjN353iFiZucyoaOANDU0PjpDd_JWJMSkqwrSN8w/s1600/IMG_0837.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xJkiELQPyM27yg8SoK1qVv3rTjHqk0QLrufd4dgyr9CZ4pNYa87yGanP180HLWtYXa4NM0PEq7ynI7H0ZnVAIdJcuJ43hXEJVHlDjN353iFiZucyoaOANDU0PjpDd_JWJMSkqwrSN8w/s400/IMG_0837.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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2ND/ 4TH GRADERS<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpwagK-ZVHTkoG3P4URxmWzEdWY_NVGbu1H-S0sj4SLFpLV5RPYuJ83YtEB3XTEibV9DXw8DVcaY_-dkkIavBZQi_x6cF74fBibkPkWbZzXkI4DWnRi_rtOQz5y5nhtANG-Ur2sOq9Fg/s1600/IMG_1152.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpwagK-ZVHTkoG3P4URxmWzEdWY_NVGbu1H-S0sj4SLFpLV5RPYuJ83YtEB3XTEibV9DXw8DVcaY_-dkkIavBZQi_x6cF74fBibkPkWbZzXkI4DWnRi_rtOQz5y5nhtANG-Ur2sOq9Fg/s400/IMG_1152.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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3RD GRADE/5TH GRADE<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXpiUx6tZG1a9euDll3Yjq6v4bM7vf4SDnTFWQlZNHILXyF3cofdXHmaaochlxX6-FSMiTQkKrF73cyomLgvo3gxUyZxOVkALqQKHuMrVwocP0vTxg6seuoPyJWbi32wBjo47MZmaAUg/s1600/IMG_1530.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXpiUx6tZG1a9euDll3Yjq6v4bM7vf4SDnTFWQlZNHILXyF3cofdXHmaaochlxX6-FSMiTQkKrF73cyomLgvo3gxUyZxOVkALqQKHuMrVwocP0vTxg6seuoPyJWbi32wBjo47MZmaAUg/s400/IMG_1530.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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PRE-K<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwNyDtUGbxBKCIQlabOKkCb7Ovn5c6m6_komjq0ONRH4rtpNUAD7pC_xTuFza8mUE4xtREKp5k3OYdxxf0XSJHV-QtZF5KzGrE96R8gzRKTZjBU36XNSqgY8jQSTt1ByVBW_y_JOldA0/s1600/IMG_0385.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwNyDtUGbxBKCIQlabOKkCb7Ovn5c6m6_komjq0ONRH4rtpNUAD7pC_xTuFza8mUE4xtREKp5k3OYdxxf0XSJHV-QtZF5KzGrE96R8gzRKTZjBU36XNSqgY8jQSTt1ByVBW_y_JOldA0/s400/IMG_0385.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlvDMycp8P6HHjHN0A2WbUEKn6P8IyI8izxDkjcB7FsPr_SzKgYZ32Cu-SkLe64kLfLCcIcQ64-gvQJYbBa_sqUmw5Afvjnx0u6FnXPdda_HptmAZx7sHdGas2Q8gSgJIwt9CY0lSmxQ/s1600/IMG_0384.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlvDMycp8P6HHjHN0A2WbUEKn6P8IyI8izxDkjcB7FsPr_SzKgYZ32Cu-SkLe64kLfLCcIcQ64-gvQJYbBa_sqUmw5Afvjnx0u6FnXPdda_HptmAZx7sHdGas2Q8gSgJIwt9CY0lSmxQ/s320/IMG_0384.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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KINDER<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OXVPgzm7E9kRRqeGE_DO7CiiIyyvEwwvE4rXi1GFATL0PDmoBnzT6MKpZUx9puSoRZTkoR-8TWwDcaOBWriZgiCoXZTeFapDlLSS-0pZmPxs7w54rk-ZVSugPjvzUk7xCpwLuDhS7nk/s1600/IMG_1486.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OXVPgzm7E9kRRqeGE_DO7CiiIyyvEwwvE4rXi1GFATL0PDmoBnzT6MKpZUx9puSoRZTkoR-8TWwDcaOBWriZgiCoXZTeFapDlLSS-0pZmPxs7w54rk-ZVSugPjvzUk7xCpwLuDhS7nk/s400/IMG_1486.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyNOeOMpn3M-58g7-S5JqhfasPL_WHBV3x38CI1b6KpUzus9fYNzP11NmrANpv1A3ZmBpM7-Mk6RlkPLnijXBBmBQQjNzIdhb_UlCMIXMrWME2cD6MZBq9IMG8ZGeljL9E7aHvt_5jcA/s1600/IMG_1485.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyNOeOMpn3M-58g7-S5JqhfasPL_WHBV3x38CI1b6KpUzus9fYNzP11NmrANpv1A3ZmBpM7-Mk6RlkPLnijXBBmBQQjNzIdhb_UlCMIXMrWME2cD6MZBq9IMG8ZGeljL9E7aHvt_5jcA/s400/IMG_1485.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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1ST GRADERS<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ_Wp2rqOwm_u_eKSQKS3doL6YAry5n6bDwhlwbgtLY0IjApLZSaQy7-cUHEDyM3eLXcIJjszZYFr2R_14Rn7BiH7PHcsormq-64hr46Rv-1LtNSDTfmGYhopUprHWIGhQ5sVTQWZ4eY/s1600/IMG_1118.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ_Wp2rqOwm_u_eKSQKS3doL6YAry5n6bDwhlwbgtLY0IjApLZSaQy7-cUHEDyM3eLXcIJjszZYFr2R_14Rn7BiH7PHcsormq-64hr46Rv-1LtNSDTfmGYhopUprHWIGhQ5sVTQWZ4eY/s400/IMG_1118.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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2ND GRADERS<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsf-q1HvnHIAHoeDWj2AGi8jyM_R64G1GiGd-WoV8dCj4V8aqpIsrXX0ZcaDhif_V52MzXoGc7IOku81S0BwjCPiYLQtTXDN5Ipfb7USHZoHEM_3vAkQQmsOw5nDOS7GaD0kHSUMMOB4/s1600/IMG_1150.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsf-q1HvnHIAHoeDWj2AGi8jyM_R64G1GiGd-WoV8dCj4V8aqpIsrXX0ZcaDhif_V52MzXoGc7IOku81S0BwjCPiYLQtTXDN5Ipfb7USHZoHEM_3vAkQQmsOw5nDOS7GaD0kHSUMMOB4/s400/IMG_1150.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7L-TQ6EzDKFvLO-oCIMSZPX2zK8UdCqinbMcgrwpFn69sxyz0RWQJRfdPgBgKu-j5wiA1JdM0qyZpdlXrvvg7FJaY-5gL7gC2oyHL7HRJ153aAwQWoTwV493-TmFrTqaniS4Z2sZMxE/s1600/IMG_1143.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7L-TQ6EzDKFvLO-oCIMSZPX2zK8UdCqinbMcgrwpFn69sxyz0RWQJRfdPgBgKu-j5wiA1JdM0qyZpdlXrvvg7FJaY-5gL7gC2oyHL7HRJ153aAwQWoTwV493-TmFrTqaniS4Z2sZMxE/s400/IMG_1143.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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3RD GRADERS<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lSLyVmZgM1V2RcWepBhWdp_cKsKUIy06CTHnCbpI_ZKyw4Kn3cw9s_dNoWvJneeSxO17-EWT1kPggD9tQY3c97RI_cklNchXbUBuqslQk0eo9Nraf1XAeKByAk-PSIxtg16BHlOwX8U/s1600/IMG_1535.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lSLyVmZgM1V2RcWepBhWdp_cKsKUIy06CTHnCbpI_ZKyw4Kn3cw9s_dNoWvJneeSxO17-EWT1kPggD9tQY3c97RI_cklNchXbUBuqslQk0eo9Nraf1XAeKByAk-PSIxtg16BHlOwX8U/s400/IMG_1535.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FCGKVR3MGV_1cps9LygdvC06FWzaFJX7KOP0dCz5iluiBaM7qoocB5dQDY3B0splh_q4SZXhtqVpIs4Zks2PBVRMqhbZd7Dpk-Ido6zvwBYUKJKnxv5EQP44DTVDiHkO0ePEzFN4Mnw/s1600/IMG_1536.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FCGKVR3MGV_1cps9LygdvC06FWzaFJX7KOP0dCz5iluiBaM7qoocB5dQDY3B0splh_q4SZXhtqVpIs4Zks2PBVRMqhbZd7Dpk-Ido6zvwBYUKJKnxv5EQP44DTVDiHkO0ePEzFN4Mnw/s400/IMG_1536.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Apparently, this is the year my kids decided to turn from little kids to big kids/tween. Be still my heart. People said it happens in the blink of an eye. Most days, I would deny that to be true... in fact a few days this summer they acted like the 3 year olds at the top of the page. But as I started scrolling through old pics yesterday, it was like a punch in the gut. Yep, I blinked (and turned 44 yrs old and this happened!!!)<br />
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Seriously... they are becoming people with definitive and distinctive interests, personalities (I would say opinions, but that is one thing that has NOT changed...) they've had those for a really long time!<br />
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I so enjoy who each one is becoming. They make me laugh... a lot! They challenge me. They amaze me. They humble me. I love remembering them as littles, but I really love watching them grow up. What a gift they are.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-37108385214353852922016-08-16T14:33:00.001-04:002016-08-16T14:33:14.633-04:00Time marches onMay!?!? Seriously, that's the last time I was here to update. Oops. I guess with the start of a new school year, I am always hoping that I'm going to make a little more time and space to keep things a bit more documented. So... true to form, here I am again. <br />
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Our summer was one of the most enjoyable in our family history. We traveled so much, even I didn't know if we were coming or going. The entire month of June, our family lived in a fraternity house on the campus of USC as we did an inner city missions trip with AIA. It was the most integrated mix of fun, hard, exhausting and memorable as you can get. I have not been so emotionally and physically challenged in a long time. Getting up at 5:30am (most days) and heading to bed near mid-night is not my norm. While it nearly killed me, I can honestly say, I made the most of my time in Los Angeles. <br />
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I cashed in on my Valentine's Day gift from Steve as we headed to Chicago for an over night to see Sting. An all time bucket list concert and he did not disappoint. <br />
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We turned around the next week and drove to Ashtabula, dropped the kids off at Gramma and Papa's and Steve and I headed to NYC for a two night work/personal trip. When we got married, my "pre-nup" agreement stated an annual visit to NYC... so far my amazing groom has held up the bargain.<br />
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When we returned from there, we spent most afternoons at the outdoor pool. (We had to get our membership money out of it.) Somehow, in between the pool, we managed to get to the James Taylor concert (my 44th birthday present) and Olivia, her friend Lila and I went to see Rachel Platten perform at a sweet little outdoor venue in town.<br />
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Because we are gluttons for punishment we packed up the van and headed 8 hours north to Sutton's Bay near Traverse City, Michigan for a week long family vacation with every member of Steve's side of the family. It was a week long jam packed adventure full of tubing, boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, Olympic watching, pigging out mayhem. We rolled home 2 days before the first day of school...<br />
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Which is TODAY. Whew! I'm exhausted. It was full of fun and memories but this girl is ready for some routine and structure. My house is ready to be cleaned and my body is ready to regulate.<br />
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I am so thankful for all of the amazing opportunities we had this summer. It was magical. Now, bring on 3rd and 5th grade.<br />
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That was then<br />
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this is now<br />
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Where did my babies goooooooo?????<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-31555822909918506492016-05-03T13:48:00.001-04:002016-05-03T13:48:20.610-04:0013 years and going strong<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxDOOHk1a6k_K4iF-s9crNWIoEj8xYwen68-X8f-PzzriNdksQH2goLM_qkI73akjfYZS2mz-gdQKm1YG61Zf8vLac_-WouQCbDNuUq34gVWfsFNgDcaImm-MChw73KWAYMuavAoj7vE/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxDOOHk1a6k_K4iF-s9crNWIoEj8xYwen68-X8f-PzzriNdksQH2goLM_qkI73akjfYZS2mz-gdQKm1YG61Zf8vLac_-WouQCbDNuUq34gVWfsFNgDcaImm-MChw73KWAYMuavAoj7vE/s400/IMG_0476.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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In spite of the fact that my new year's resolution went the way of 1/2 the ladies in my aerobics class (my "I'm going to turn over a new blogging leaf" lasted exactly 21 days) all is well with the Koproski family.<br />
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Seriously, since I last blogged, we have had so much life under our belts. Weddings, weekend trips, a spring break to Arizona, a daughter who has officially it double digits (but is still waiting for a party to commemorate the 10th birthday) and a variety of other exciting and not so exciting events.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Zi4VFQYKTOn-rKVhA_XvlHbAZzPzIoPoiPSpXltgh9uHA43L0sWeWg8aN4Kox5eq03M27s9d2rg-ejmeVK9WM2jotdbWESvSgTVNC1V_8nuZxPImKg5Lu5utP7_mfK46KnC7IqBhIbE/s1600/IMG_0725.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxJNlCD_TC3N84USYVsjV2fwYpEtB6XuegpjCcEKTUBEzIEF8qZNj_NuN_YVaiH-s5ajgZIfDXtePznjhUymdT-Tr_W4qD3laSjkf3b_nFGPj3XZi-0dLlAeXmZUUJYVUXB_iryETr-0/s1600/IMG_0797.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxJNlCD_TC3N84USYVsjV2fwYpEtB6XuegpjCcEKTUBEzIEF8qZNj_NuN_YVaiH-s5ajgZIfDXtePznjhUymdT-Tr_W4qD3laSjkf3b_nFGPj3XZi-0dLlAeXmZUUJYVUXB_iryETr-0/s400/IMG_0797.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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We had a great time visiting my Aunt Sherry and Uncle Tom in Tucson, AZ. It was a trip full of adventure and laughs. My kids were so enthralled with all things desert. They loved the cactus, the wild life, the flowers and the weather. We hiked, walked, explored and saw a ton of sights. It was really fun to be with my family over Easter. I realized a few weeks before heading out there that I have not had a holiday with anyone from my side of the family since my dad died (it will be five years in September.) So it was a welcomed event to be sure.<br />
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We also saw Olivia complete another season of gymnastics. She and her teammates were the Level 4 Rec Champions this year. It has been a magical group of girls and parents. Things are about to change a bit this next season. Olivia is super excited as she and her teammates move from Rec level competition to USAG level competition. This summer will be a motivated summer as she needs a few more skills to move up to the particular level that she wants to compete at. Her coach and I see that she has what it takes, I hope that she can believe it about herself! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfOhHYqN9ohZ6jMHCJwa0nfhC3hnH0rdjKaUHMyV6u_xSz6E3EZu7cB5qIyii25X0xRjJLqtzGkXaaL3mhPi6qaRshiz9cSnndtab668GT618_CTBougXUMgre39HyOnNAVKulD9v1uA/s1600/IMG_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfOhHYqN9ohZ6jMHCJwa0nfhC3hnH0rdjKaUHMyV6u_xSz6E3EZu7cB5qIyii25X0xRjJLqtzGkXaaL3mhPi6qaRshiz9cSnndtab668GT618_CTBougXUMgre39HyOnNAVKulD9v1uA/s640/IMG_0100.jpg" width="326" /></a><br />
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The school year is also winding down. It has been a busy and fun semester. I continue to volunteer and lead an effort to connect the American parents with the large population of immigrant parents. One fun surprise recently has been my friendship with Nisreen. She is a mom from Iraq and she is an amazing person. I have learned so much from her. She is smart, funny, stylish and has given up so much to make a better future for her kids. She has invited me to a celebration of Iraqi women next weekend and I can't wait to go and learn even more about her culture and meet her friends. <br />
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Today is a special day as well. Steve and I are celebrating 13 years of marriage.<br />
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These 13 years have been filled with a ton of adventures. They have been filled with tears, laughter and surprises. He is my partner in crime. Life is really so much more fun with Steve by my side, I don't know what I would do with out him. We weren't exactly kids as we stood at the alter 13 years ago. We each had a bit of life experience under our belts. We had two distinct lives coming together. In some ways that made it harder, but mostly it made our transition into marriage easier. We knew who we were. Adjustments for sure, but we didn't have to grow up together. We simply got to merge our lives and it's been a blast. <br />
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From loving our City together<br />
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To Raging the storms</div>
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Lots of travel</div>
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Adventures around the world</div>
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Plenty of Silly times</div>
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And plenty of Hard times</div>
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There is no one I'd rather do life with!!!</div>
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Happy May 3rd!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-13802010488910015842016-01-21T15:57:00.001-05:002016-01-21T16:48:45.187-05:00Whip and Nae Nae in the unexpected<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, my plans changed unexpectedly this afternoon. After I worked out and was returning something at the grocery store, I got a call from Turner's teacher saying he wasn't feeling well. She put him on the phone and he sounded reasonably sick. So here we are on the couch as he is jamming to music on his ipod and currently doing the Whip and Nae Nae. Sick or not sick, that is the question. It is probably that poor parenting choice of several nights ago when I took the kids ice skating while the wind chill was seven below. That is my version of my winter fender bender.<br />
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Changing plans due to illness is something I reflect upon this time of year. Exactly 5 years ago this week, my cancer diagnosis came in. 5 YEARS. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. I remember the day like it was yesterday. The call came the same night as my Cat scan, "The doctor would like to see you tomorrow morning to go over the results of your scan." That can only mean one thing... the results are not good. When a doctor wants to waste no time to go over test results it is terrifying. I begged the nurse to give me a hint, lucky for her she is not permitted to do so. But it sure is torture for the patient. Cruel, really.<br />
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Steve rearranged his day to go with me and because there were no other options, we dragged our two 3 year old sons with us to the doctor. I sometimes think about that morning. When I think back to that day, it is with much dread. I try not to go back there too often, but I find that this time of year makes me do it. As we all 4 sat crammed into the examining room and the doctor walked in, it was obviously not going to be good news. He wasted no time and did not beat around the bush. "I hate delivering this kind of news..." and from there the rest of the conversation was pretty much a blur. Have you ever been on a really scary roller coaster where in an instant your stomach drops to the floor? Your mouth goes dry and you wonder, why am I doing this? Pretty much the same thing without the desire to get back in line and do it all again.<br />
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There were phrases like, "I'm not going to use the "c" word yet until you have surgery and find out for sure." "There are two large masses attached to your ovaries." "Your blood work indicates a very elevated marker for the "c" work." "I'm going to set you up with an oncologist- get you an appointment tomorrow." "In all my years practicing medicine, I've never met anyone with ovarian cancer. The odds are in your favor." "I'm so sorry."<br />
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We collected our coats and my two small children and the world around me moved in a blur. We called some friends and met them at a bounce house so the kids could play and we could talk. We went to McDonald's after. My friends stood beside us as shocked as we were. They prayed for me. They gave me words of comfort. That was a Tuesday, by Friday I was in surgery... finding stage III Ovarian Cancer. What followed were months of treatment. Fear. Anxiety. Depression. Hair loss. Weight loss. Sleepless nights. Tangible acts of service and kindness from friends, family, strangers. Healing. Strength. Hope. Survival. Recovery. Health. Joy. Thankfulness. Restoration. Travel. Family. Ups. Downs. Missions. Fights for Justice. Compassion for those in hard times, health or otherwise. Empathy. Courage. Weight gain and subsequent efforts in weight loss. Normal life.<br />
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From time to time I live in fear that I will one day re-live that doctor's visit. January serves as a very fresh reminder. The weather, the short days, the annual events that occurred that season that will always cast my mind to "that year I was in treatment." At 5 years they will call me cured. I will be "official" in June when my treatment was over. I am rounding up in faith, declaring myself cured. There were days I wondered if I would make it to see this day. I hate wishing time away. I believe I have lived fully the days within those 5 years. Who knows what tomorrow will hold and perhaps I won't see the 5 year mark. But to live each day to the fullest is one lesson cancer taught me (among so many others.) I think there are not many days that go by where I think, "Boy, I really wasted that day." I squeeze all that I can out of most of them. Some may think my schedule and my days are insane. Honestly, I like it like that. Mostly because I remember months of being incapable of doing anything for myself and others and I am extremely grateful for these days!!! <br />
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So today as my plans changed due to illness, it makes me pause in thankfulness. As I snuggle my son and raise an eyebrow as to how sick he really is (I can live with a faker if it means a snuggle on the couch just the two of us for the afternoon) I couldn't be happier that God held my hand through that time 5 years ago and He holds it today and tomorrow. While I still can't say that I am thankful for my cancer, I can say that I am thankful for how my cancer taught me to live! Some moments you're down on the couch and others you are whipping and nae naeing... life is made up of both. So, kill it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-51761470300083333062016-01-20T15:02:00.001-05:002016-01-20T15:02:15.842-05:00Winter RodeoIt's January. In Ohio. Although its been a "mild winter" as they say, the days are still short, gray, cold and did I mention gray?<br />
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Today, the Miami Valley region got "hit" with a mild winter storm. Mother Nature dropped about 1"-2" right before the morning commute. That is about an average "winter storm" for around here, although it is not unusual at least once a winter to have a bigger storm with 4-8 inches. This morning there were big white puffy flakes and to my kids' disappointment, Dayton Public Schools were one of the few districts that didn't close for a snow day. I drove them to school and I will admit, I had to dial back my speed. The roads had not been plowed or salted, but with the small amount of snow on the ground, we were able make it with no problem.<br />
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Here is what astounds me... after 12 winters in Dayton, it seems as though the news channels, weather people and general public FREAK OUT when we get more than a dusting. Every single time. I can understand people's fears if they are new to the North. Perhaps someone has just arrived from Texas, Arizona, Iraq, Africa (in case you think I am mocking, I am not. We have many families who have arrived just days ago from another country in which they have never seen a light switch, let alone a winter coat or gloves.. to them I give much grace and patience.)<br />
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It's the other knuckle headed born and bread Ohioans that I just can't figure out. Its the speedsters on I-75 who don't take it down a notch and cause a 7 car pile up. Its the people who take that stop sign at the intersection like its a June day. Its my ridiculous 8 year old son who goes ice skating when it's -7 degree windchill and wont wear a scarf. (Hmmm.. perhaps that one is due to bad parenting. I'm open to that.) It's the school districts who can't figure out a rhyme or reason to have school or not have school. On the days it seems they should cancel, they don't, and when it seems perfectly fine to send a child, bundled up into the elements, we close. Either way, we Daytonians complain- like it's our JOB!<br />
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Granted, I take my kids to school. They don't have to get on a bus in the hands of someone else, they don't have to wait out at a bus stop and wait for a bus that is 45 minutes late or worse yet, never comes. We have the luxury of living a 5 minute drive from the school. I am truly sad for the kids and the parents who do not have such a luxury. My job is flexible, so a snow day is a slight inconvenience for me; while parents of my kids' classmates have to worry about their child's well being. For these dear ones, I channel my inner winter-hating self and send them deep love and solidarity. For the others, I say, put on your grown up pants, leave a few minutes early, and don't act so surprised when January hits and we have to choke 'er down a bit on the roads. Let's all get there safe and sound, m'kay?<br />
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I don't know if weather is such a topic where you live. But seriously, Dayton LOVES her some weather. I suppose it's like that everywhere.<br />
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All I know is, today's snowy non-snow day gave me a chance to do a job that I dread. I went through the toy box(es). Ugh. The boys seem to quickly and systematically acquire and accumulate stuff; more so than Olivia. I'm not sure why that is. Perhaps because they share a room, perhaps because they are younger, perhaps because one of my two boys is a borderline hoarder... who knows. But with all of the Christmas/birthday loot we needed to make room for the new stash. I strategically have to do it while they are at school and when I have a good block of time to do a thorough job. Today's blessed weather event gave me that chance. <br />
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(I am the opposite of a home body. I look for every excuse to be out and about, which rarely affords me that nice long chunk of time to get it done. With the bad roads, I chose to stay put. Lemons into lemonade...ha.)<br />
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I must have bagged up 100 hot wheel cars to donate to our Y's childcare. I threw out every broken toy, stupid Happy Meal junk piece, random gum wrappers, rubber bands and Lego bits. I filled an entire tall kitchen bag with that crap alone. I reorganized by toy category. A useless endeavor, but it made me feel good even if it only lasts until 7 pm. A bin for only Pokemon cards... heck yeah!<br />
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For a family who moved only 6 months ago and did not move any useless junk with them, we have a lot of useless junk. Ugh. It appears as though I didn't waste my time going through the toy boxes before wrapping them in bubble tape back in July. I just moved all those rubber bands right along with us. It made for an accomplished feeling on this winter day.<br />
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So now that I am clearly proud of myself and feeling a bit self righteous about appropriately viewing winter here in my fair city, I will venture out to collect my children from school. I will fix them hot chocolate, dodge their outrage over where all of their valuables have gone and put up a strong defense on why I can't take them sledding in only an inch of snow. And so it goes, another winter in the mid-west. Mother nature, you will not pull any punches on me! I am ready for you... this is not my first winter rodeo! And if I believed in jinks' (which I don't) I've probably just put myself at the front of the list for a fender bender by the end of this one.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-57964690145663762016-01-08T17:08:00.001-05:002016-01-08T17:08:18.818-05:00The day I opened a can of whoop-sass at Universal Studios<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In my previous post I alluded to a story involving my inner beast being released at Universal Studios. This is the rest of the story. In order to fully appreciate this, you need to know a little fact... we spent an embarrassing amount of money to get into the park that day.<br />
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Let's just say that the Universal Studios' website is *challenging* to navigate. Here is my chance to announce to the world that UNIVERSAL STUDIOS has no where near the level of customer service and ease and doesn't hold a candle to DISNEY! It was like the JV version of a theme park, in my mind, and if it hadn't been for the enthusiasm of my children toward going to the Harry Potter section of the park, we would have gotten our money back and marched right out of there. But my kids were BONKERS about going to Harry Potter's Diagon Alley. So we bit the bullet, paid an obscene amount of money and enjoyed our Express Pass (which was the portion of the ticket that proved to be so confusing).<br />
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Because Harry Potter was our family's main focus, we rushed directly to that ride. PS- one of two rides at Universal that does not allow you to use your Express Pass is the Harry Potter ride. So after you've already sold a kidney and your youngest child in order to have enough means to enter the park with an express pass in hand, you get to stand in line with everyone else. For ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY MINUTES.<br />
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I'll just tell you right now, there are not many things I would waste two hours of my life standing in line for, but this ride was TOTALLY WORTH IT. It was awesome and fun and spectacular and made me laugh and scream. With that being said, the waiting wasn't the problem... it was the other patrons of the park who didn't want to wait that were the problem.<br />
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I know you've been there if you've ever had kids, been to an amusement park or any other event in life when you are so excited. That moment when you round a corner and realize the cost that must be paid in order to enjoy said event. So it was as we entered the line for the ride and realized all of those black railings that snaked and coiled for what seemed to be an eternity (only to realize this was just the outside portion of the wait.. there were more coils and rails waiting for us inside.) And we were all in this together... people with casts, boots, wheelchairs and even chemo kids. No one got the express pass here! <br />
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So we chatted it up with the nice family in front of us for the first 10 minutes of the wait. All decked out in Baylor gear (they were headed to the bowl game later that night.) We began the chat when Quinn (after only 10 minutes of being in line) was already *exhausted* and went to lean on Steve but accidentally hugged one of the young adult Baylor fans instead. (This is a crucial detail that comes into play soon.) We had a chuckle and on we went, snaking and coiling.<br />
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Nearly 40 minutes into the wait, I realized three teenage girls were suddenly in front of us. They looked to be about 15/16 years old. Hmmm.... interesting. I spent a few minutes trying to figure out if they were with Baylor. But clearly they were not. I boiled inside giving myself the little, "teenagers are stupid and don't use their head all the time" pep talk. After another 8 minutes and seeing a few more elderly people waiting ahead of us and watching their one friend (we were now down to two girls in front of us) cut the line once again at a *convenient* spot, I mentioned something to Steve and his mom. What really upset me most were the couple of cancer kids that I saw her cut in front of.<br />
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Here is something you need to know about me... I'm not one for confrontation. I will just as soon eat a crappy meal out than send it back to make it right. I just don't really like to make too many waves. But when it comes to injustice or breaking the rules or cheating, I can get feisty.<br />
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Steve's mom mentioned something to the two girls and asked where their friend went when it looked like they were about to bolt as well. More of a way to let them know we were on to them. I wished I would have said something to them immediately when I first realized they had cut in front of us. They were really slick. I may not have even noticed they had cut, but remember when Quinn had hugged Baylor's leg? Yep. I was very aware of who had started out in line with us from the beginning. And Cutie Patootie One Direction Groupies were not them!!!<br />
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Now it was about an hour into the wait (1/2 down!!! 1/2 to go) and here comes Cutie Pattoties' mom and dad excusing themselves and moving in front of us. WHAT THE WHAT??!! (And here I go. Unable to control myself....)<br />
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Me: "Excuse me, did you just go in front of us?" <br />
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the "dad": "Oh, yes. We are just joining our kids. They were saving a place for us in line."<br />
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ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????????<br />
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Me: "OH, well, that's nice except your kids cut in line in front of us about 30 minutes ago."<br />
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the "dad" : "Oh, sorry about that."<br />
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Me: "No. Not sorry about that. You don't get to just come in line and cut an hour into the line when your kids actually cut in front of us. They did not start in line in front of us. They cut."<br />
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Then from behind me another teenage boy says under his breath to the girl he is with, "Geez. No need to get upset, we are all going to the same place."<br />
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So I whipped my head around with what must have been fire in my eyes and said, "True, but its not the same when you jump line like they did. Not for a line with a 2 hour wait!"<br />
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To which he says, "Well, I'm with them too!."<br />
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HELL NO!<br />
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Me back to the dad: "Seriously, you are going to now tell me 7 people have jumped the line and you are okay with that? Are you seriously okay with that? "<br />
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Steve's mom says to the parents, "It's not us but rather all of the people who are unable of standing in line that is the problem. There are kids with cancer standing in this line but your girls are cutting in front of them."<br />
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The mom's conscience must have got the better of her because she insisted that we go ahead of them. At this point we are now making a big scene as Steve is talking to the dad about getting the authorities involved, Olivia is in tears because she thinks we are in a fight and then Quinn says to me, "Mom, what does B*tch mean??" <br />
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WHAT? <br />
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Teenage boy had just been saying the "b" word because I had just overheard his saying something to the girlfriend he was with. That is when I totally lost my mind!!! (And a part that I'm a touch wishing I could re-do). <br />
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I then turn to the dad of this group and say to Quinn : "Why don't you ask this gentleman what B*tch means. Apparently his kids are familiar with the word. Would you like to tell my kid what B*tch means????" (I'm pretty sure I've never used that word in front of my kids and I had just used it 3 times in 8 seconds at that insane moment.) Not one of my finer ones.<br />
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So the dad says to the teenage boy, "Did you just use the "b" word?" Teenage boy says, "No, SHE did ----> " Pointing to Gramma...... what?? I'll tell you one thing I would bet all my money on (which wouldn't be much since we spent it all getting into this asinine park) is that Gramma would NEVER use the "b" word in front of her grandkids. <br />
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In which case I was like, "Gramma, did you just use the "b" word in front of Quinn?" Naturally she answered no. So now we were dealing with cheaters, potty mouths AND liars. I couldn't take another minute of it. I had to just take our rightful place in line and try to calm down. Baylor finally said something to us and them about the girls cutting and that was that. For the next 35 minutes we had to stand right in front of them until we got on the ride. It was terrible and awkward and made my blood boil.<br />
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I think the thing that sent me over the top was the parents and how they interacted with us. Never an admittance of wrong doing. Never a seek to understand. Not a word to the girls or their teenage son for cussing in front of an 8 year old. Saving places was happening all around us, but clearly people were sitting on the ledge or against the wall while their able bodied family/ friends snaked and coiled. What got me was the line hopping and the idea that they didn't want to wait in line... so they didn't. <br />
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I will say, I let it rob some of my joy for a bit, but I was able to move on. It was good to remember that I want to teach my kids what is right and what is not. Before I cast the first stone, I realize that there will be times that I won't be with them. They will make bad choices and do bone headed stuff. I will do my best to give them manners and respect for others. I hope they will live accordingly. I can teach and guide, but I can't make choices for them for their whole lives. But I certainly would not support their misbehavior when I know they are in the wrong. <br />
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Although the world is obviously filled with WAY more injustices that line jumping at a theme park, it is a slippery slope. I hope that what my kids will learn and what I will learn to do a better job of is speaking up to those injustices even when it causes discomfort. Even when there may not be an immediate result. Even if others think I am making a scene. I'm hoping that one of those 7 people in that group will walk away considering not doing the selfish act of line jumping (which is most likely a metaphor for how they live the rest of their lives) again. I also hope that in the future I will speak up immediately when I see something wrong. I hope I will do it kindly yet firmly. <br />
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I also hope it is years before Quinn ever does find out what the "b" word means! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-1078181944862335542016-01-06T17:20:00.000-05:002016-01-06T17:20:16.779-05:00A Christmas Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy 2016! I decided to start the new year off right. By getting some help. One thing I have really missed has been keeping the blog current. I've been complaining about this for far too long. My biggest hang up has been how long it takes me to chase down all of my photos and up load them. So I put on my big girl pants this morning and marched myself right into the Apple Store as soon as it opened. </div>
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I'll admit it, I'm intimidated by that place. (I'm afraid that makes me officially old!) All of the smart, tech savvy workers in their matching shirts... don't get me wrong, they are super friendly. Perhaps a bit too friendly for my taste. It's probably my suspicion that they see me walk in the door and they think, "Oh how sweet, this middle aged lady needs some help." So rather than admit that I'm totally that lady, I breeze in and out with whatever I'm looking to purchase but have never asked for the help that I ACTUALLY need. But seriously, a store without cash registers is NOT to be trusted! Just call me Aunt Mildred!</div>
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How stupid (and vain) is that? So 2016, I swallowed my pride, took the bull by the horns and got myself some help. I took Todd exactly 8 minutes to show me what to do. And here I am, back in the blog saddle. Geez, looks like I should have swallowed that humble pie about 2 years ago. Lesson learned.</div>
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Well, now that problem is solved, I can get on with the good stuff. Christmas 2015. I have a bold declaration for you:</div>
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Christmas 2015 was my favorite Christmas in all of my 43 years. Actually, I would say it was tied for first place. I have a favorite childhood Christmas from when I was about 6 or 7 that was purely magical as our whole family gathered at my Granny and Grandpa's and Santa made a mystical appearance and is forever engrained in my memory as "the best." However, this Christmas (as an adult and parent) is right up there with it.</div>
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I am a traditionalist and do not like to stray from the norm too much. I love holding onto things that have always been a certain way. So when we started talking about packing up and heading to Florida on the 22nd of December, I just didn't know how I felt about it. I can tell you the Florida in December part was totally up my alley, just not the waking up in a different place and not being at our own church for Christmas Eve part. That was a big pill to swallow.</div>
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However, when a friend of ours offered us to stay in their empty condo in Naples, how could we say no? </div>
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We traded in our traditional Christmas tree and hauled all the gifts down south. We drove 19 hours...</div>
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for this bit of lovely. It was a white Christmas after all. This is the kind of December white I can get behind. The weather was unseasonably warm with every day being 86-88 degrees. We spent Christmas Eve at the beach and all day Christmas day. It was wall to wall people. Shoulder to shoulder. And it was a blast. Everyone was in a festive party mood. Singing carols on the beach, wearing Santa hats and setting up tents with buffet dinners for their families. We boogie boarded, we built sand castles, collected shells, and read books. It was restful, playful and utterly delightful.</div>
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We visited a local church for a candle light Christmas Eve service, came back to the condo and had finger foods and opened a few gifts. Santa came and brought a type writer, boxing gloves and Pokemon cards. We went back to the beach for a second glorious day and headed into Naples for a lovely seafood dinner.</div>
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Although this picture makes us all look like lobsters, I assure you we were just the right shade of pink!</div>
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On December 23rd, Steve and I celebrated the 13th anniversary of our engagement. As Steve told the kids about "this girl that he fell in love with 13 years ago" and how he asked her to marry him, Turner's response was: "So, why are you married to mom then?" </div>
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Our final day in Naples we took a three hour dolphin tour. It was beautiful. It was a magnificent way to wrap up that portion of our vacation. We had just the right amount of relaxation and adventure and celebration and focus on Jesus and family. </div>
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On the 27th we loaded up the van and drove three hours north to Orlando where Gramma and Papa are snowbirding. It was so nice to transition to some family and some fun in Orlando. </div>
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We had a great day at the water park at the time share. It was a ton of fun and the kids made some friends which allowed Steve and I to read, relax and visit with Gramma and Papa. I love the beach and its a real treat. Its also a lot of work. All of the sand, the packing and unpacking of stuff. I rather prefer a day at the pool. We headed into Celebration, FL for dinner and to watch it "snow" that night. </div>
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It was perfect.</div>
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The next day we headed to Universal Studios to check out the Harry Potter world. </div>
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Let me strongly suggest you NEVER go there the week of Christmas/New Year's. It was downright miserable. Except for the fact that the kids loved every second of it.<br />
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Well, maybe not every second of it. We might have run ourselves a little ragged. And then there was a *little* incident with some people who cut in front of us in a 2 hour line for the Harry Potter ride. It takes a lot to get me in a confrontational mode. My justice button got pushed and let's just say, my inner beast was unleashed. That's a story for another day! </div>
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We spent the next day at the pool until 3 pm (milking every last glorious 88 degree moment). Sadly and with tears (mine) we hugged Gramma and Papa and every Palm tree I could get my arms around and headed onward to Atlanta for the night. <br />
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It really was one of my favorite Christmas' EVER! I am so thankful for every second of that trip. I hope this is one of those magical childhood Christmas memories for our whole family! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-89456645586089804652015-12-03T15:44:00.001-05:002015-12-03T15:44:34.367-05:00Paul Blart, the White House and my naked soul<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20vYsIhv_urqCNxMRt8lW82I041DeBVW9kPrpH8IrBHQgQNC6nBMy3AZlCyQDThNaGrwQWJwTRs7-n_skmXX7N9Bl5_2MHeHcgYtVQkD5T6KSIDlb7W7PunbM8iaxC4_hmCzOEThzc_Q/s1600/IMG_1277.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20vYsIhv_urqCNxMRt8lW82I041DeBVW9kPrpH8IrBHQgQNC6nBMy3AZlCyQDThNaGrwQWJwTRs7-n_skmXX7N9Bl5_2MHeHcgYtVQkD5T6KSIDlb7W7PunbM8iaxC4_hmCzOEThzc_Q/s400/IMG_1277.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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Once again, time has gotten the better of me. Fall has quickly turned nearly into winter (we woke up to a faint dusting of snow on the ground...NOOOOOO!) As I took down my fall decor and replaced it with my Christmas stuff, I realized I needed to update things around here so that I would be able to look back at Halloween in years to come and smile at the creativity of my kids.<br />
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With two second graders and a fourth grader, I realize my days are numbered with fun childhood traditions that I (I mean they) hold so dear. The kids had thought long and hard about their costumes this year and I have given up years ago trying to control what they would be.<br />
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This year, Turner wanted to be Paul Blart, Mall Cop. (He would also like you to know he is Paul Blart, Mall Cop 2, which OBVIOUSLY was way funnier than the first one!) So, that was what he was. However, I had to fight him to keep the pillow under his shirt for the picture before he ditched it for the night of trick or treating. (PS- the pillow totally makes the costume, without it you are just a skinny cop on a scooter.) Not to mention by the second house, the mustache had fallen off. Whatever.<br />
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Olivia and her friend, Lila, were going to be ice cream store managers. The idea then morphed into a soda jerk. This costume was particularly hard to come by without the help of Steak N Shake. So she spent the better part of the night correcting people as they called her a Steak N Shake employee. Oh well.<br />
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Quinn was a brave knight. He crafted his own battle scar next to his eye, which led to several people insisting he was Genghis Khan. When he finally looked up who that was on the Internet, he was a little irritated! Which makes him act a touch like Genghis. (Sorry Mrs. Leonhardt.)<br />
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The three amigos. Our favorite Halloween tradition is having Cousin Nick (and now the future cousin Kaleigh) come and join us for mummy dogs and trick or treating. Followed by the annual loot patrol at the end of the night which results in Kaleigh and I confiscating all of the dark chocolate and Nick and Steve eating whatever things they can con the kids out of. <br />
But I can already tell I'm losing my babies, because instead of heading home with the rest of us to binge on candy, Olivia opted to spend the night at Lila's. Waaaaaah! <br />
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About two weeks ago, Steve and I headed to Virginia and D.C. for a work trip. We managed to add in a few hours of play time before we headed back to the kids. We had a lot of fun shopping and eating in Georgetown. My favorite part was face-timing the kids from the White house. They thought it was the coolest thing ever.<br />
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And last weekend we headed to Gramma and Papa's for Thanksmas (our combo Thanksgiving/Christmas celebration on the years we don't get together for Christmas.) It was a great time of food, family and our newest cousin, Josephine. She is four weeks old and I think the kids were a bit disappointed to find out that she isn't exactly "play worthy" yet. They did have fun taking turns holding her and even got to give her a bottle and help her get a bath. The girls are particularly thrilled that the gender numbers are now even. It's been a rough spell having the boys out-number the girls! Ha.<br />
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So, life has been good and full around here. <br />
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The day before Thanksgiving was a little rough. It would have been my mom's 75th birthday. While she would have just hated turning 75, I sure wish she had! 5 years post her death and I still am surprised every time grief rears it's ugly head. While I love packing up and heading to a holiday with kids running around, hustle and bustle of a full house, there are just days that I wish I was packing the car to head to Toledo. A quiet house where there would be fights about where to order take out from, the tv turned on just way too loud because my dad couldn't hear a darn thing and people bumping into each other because my parents' apartment would have been way too small for all of us. It would have been crowded, loud and tense. But it would be home. It would be that sense of walking into the house, knowing that your mom and dad were pacing the floor waiting for you and your kids to walk through the door. It would be knowing that your dad ran to the store 4 times that day to make sure there were enough doughnuts for the kids, pop for everyone and candies in the candy dish. It would be knowing that there would be fresh flowers in my mom's vase, because the only time my dad bought them for her was when we were coming.<br />
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It would be knowing that my mom would want to know every detail about every stupid thing the kids did and said. She would want them to show off all the tricks they know. She would be amazed what Olivia can do in gymnastics. My dad would have yelled at her to be careful and to not do the tricks in the house and my mom would have yelled at him for yelling at her. <br />
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My kids would have taken rides on her wheel chair and on her scooter. However, they may have outgrown that this year. Perhaps, there would have been a visit in the hospital, maybe someone would have been in the nursing home by now. There is no telling. Sometimes memories and vain imaginations are better than reality. I know that is true. Oh, but what I wouldn't give for one more walk through their door.<br />
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One more, "Hey, babe, you look good" from my daddy. One more tear filled, "I thought you would have been here a half hour ago" from my mom, knowing it was just because she couldn't wait to get her hands on those babies and a kiss on my cheek and a laugh from Steve. No one could make her laugh like Steve could. They adored him. And me. And my babies. They would never believe that Turner came up with the Paul Blart costume all on his own. They would be convinced that Quinn will go to Harvard, or Yale or some other Ivy League, and Olivia would be the apple, beauty and Olympian of their eye.<br />
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So, these are the things I imagine and dream of as grief rolls over me like an ocean wave. The dream of what would be. But really wouldn't have been, given the story God has written. It is well with my soul. <br />
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But do be mindful of those you love and care about who dream of what would have been this holiday season. It does not mean we are fragile or ungrateful or unappreciative of all the amazing people who are still with them. We couldn't be happier and more thankful to have them- YOU- in our life. It just means there are holes that won't be filled. Give us a moment (or two) to imagine what would have been, what was or what we wish we had back, even for a moment. Give us a hug. Remind us you love us and that it will be ok. Because it will. And so will we. And so will I!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-87144788054327273582015-10-06T16:15:00.003-04:002015-10-06T16:25:18.673-04:00Family: It's good to be an out-lawToday is a beautiful October day. If the weather would just manage to clone itself day after day to be just like today, I would be one happy camper.<br />
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Life around the castle has been full. But then again, when isn't it?<br />
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Over the weekend we headed to Ashtabula. Steve's sister, Kerry, and her husband, Todd, are due with their first baby in about three weeks. It will be the first new cousin since Carter was born 7 years ago. To say the kids are bonkers over a new cousin is an understatement. I think there is already arguing over who gets to hold the baby the most over our November "Thanksmas". <br />
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Since Aunt Kerry and Uncle Todd have decided to wait until the birth to know the gender of the baby, we have all been calling it SHIM. (I find it may be hard to transition over to an actual name now that we have all gotten over the giggles of saying SHIM.)<br />
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Gramma and Papa threw a baby hurricane. (To call it a shower would not be doing justice to the blow out party they threw for SHIM). It was held at a beautiful restaurant on the shore of Lake Erie, just outside of Cleveland. If it had been a sunny day (and not the 45 degree rainy mess that it was) we would have had an amazing view of downtown Cleveland. <br />
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Steve and his brother, Scott, took the boys to a Science Museum while Olivia and her cousin, Natalie, helped pass the presents at the party. <br />
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The weekend wasn't even 48 hours of togetherness (Scott and his family drove 8 hours from northern Michigan to celebrate the baby.) Because of our 4.5 hour drive and their driving time doubled, we rarely get together outside of the holidays. I realized as we were packing the car on Friday morning and anticipating an early dismissal of the kids from school that afternoon in order to hit the road for a dinner time arrival, that I wish we all lived a little closer and could do the occasional weekend family thing.<br />
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I had a butterflies, this is going to be fun, feeling in my belly Friday morning. It felt like a fun event and excitement to be with family. As we drove and passed other families headed somewhere on a late Friday afternoon, I tried to imagine where everyone was headed. Football games? College kids going home for a weekend? Parents off to see their kids play a collegiate/high school game?<br />
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It occurred to me that most Friday nights I anticipate hitting the couch with comfy pants on, ready to go nowhere. I like it like that. But I also realized that I really miss that feeling of "going home." Even as a 43 year old adult, there is an excited feeling you get to be with family you love and don't see often. With my parents both being gone 4 and 5 years each, there is no more "home" for me in Toledo. But it is so awesome when you realize that your husbands' family is truly your family. In some ways, maybe even better. In Steve's family, those of us who have "married in" call ourselves the out-laws (rather than the in-laws.) We have our own identities. We like each other. We laugh. We laugh at each other. (Or maybe they're just laughing at me?? Hmmm...) We can appreciate each persons unique contribution to the family. <br />
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I love that my kids go bananas when they see their cousins. There is running, yelling, playing, giggling and an occasional fight followed by a time-out. No one is immune. There are magical memories being created each time we pull in and out of Gramma and Papa's driveway. Similar to the magical memories I have of my cousins and my trips to my Granny and Grandpa's house. <br />
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Perhaps it is the distance and the rarity of these times that add to the magic. I realize that these are days to be savored. A new dynamic will come with a new baby. It is a welcome change. The cousins become the "older cousins." Families evolve and change. For now, this out-law is just glad to be counted one of them.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-57182085839695503332015-09-22T16:35:00.001-04:002015-09-22T16:35:28.893-04:00Life after cancer: It does exist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't know if you know this, but September is <a href="http://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/detailedguide/ovarian-cancer-signs-and-symptoms">Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month</a>. Although culture has not seen fit to dye every doggone object teal like they will pink next month, this cause is a big one for me. As a survivor nearly 4 years out of my diagnosis of STAGE III Ovarian Cancer, I want to dedicate this post in THANKFULLNESS of my health status. Cancer-free. <br />
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I considered what I wanted to write about in light of the above. I could post pics of me bald. I could reminisce. I could re-tell my story. I could give you warning signs and medical facts. All of which would be fine. Perhaps even better than what I will give to you. But I've settled on something else.<br />
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Instead, I want to give you a snapshot of what HEALTH. LIFE. And HEROES look like to me- just a Mom. Wife. Cancer Survivor. Regular Joe. (or should it be Jane.) With a life lived fully and gratefully (for the most part. ) Hey, nobody's perfect.<br />
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Life around my castle has been full. I gave myself a few weeks "off" when the kids went back to school. During my weeks, I like to keep busy by volunteering at their school. With all of the travel and moving and settling, I decided to wait and go back to "work" until after Labor Day (as the good lord intended!) I used those couple of weeks to settle the house, get things just so and do errands without my entourage. But just about the time Labor Day rolled around, I was starting to get a little bored and was ready to get back into the swing of things. <br />
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The teachers at my kids' school are true HEROES. Each person that I know personally who works at River's Edge Montessori goes above and beyond their pay grade to love and serve the kids of Dayton, OH. Many of these students are starting life off in ways that would make the average American's head spin. Each day, these teachers do the best they can to teach kids who don't speak English, don't know where their next meal will come from, don't have stable home lives or don't have a home. Period. <br />
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Not to be misleading, there are plenty of students who come from homes that would rival any suburban situation. We have many a gifted/talented student. Our families who have found Dayton to be their home on immigrant or refugee status are some of the hardest working and most loving families I have met. Their whole existence revolves around their children having a bright future. This city is beautiful because of it's diversity. It is the same thing that, in my opinion, would make being a teacher here so challenging.<br />
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But these teachers give of themselves. They go the extra mile. They purchase snacks for their class because they know their kids are hungry. One teacher I know goes weekly to Panera to collect the day old bread and sweets to pass out to students and teachers. The only treat some of these kids will get all week. This same teacher often stays HOURS after school to work for her students. Teacher after teacher loves their kids with their whole being. I want to be like them when I grow up.<br />
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The least I can do each week is serve these saints for just a few minutes. Some days I sharpen pencils (it's my forte!) Some days I grade papers or check home work (one hour less they have to do over their weekend). I break copiers... I mean, I make copies. I help kids read. I give hugs. I've even been known to sit in the school office (NOT my forte) and have only accidentally hit the panic button twice. And NO, the cops didn't show up. The school nurse bailed me out before that happened. I listen. I even fight at the district level when needed. (It does nothing, but it makes ME feel better.) <br />
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My part is small. My expertise, non-existent. My heart is big. My admiration for teachers, indescribable. My thanks to GOD for granting me these bonus years... NEVER. EVER. ENDING.<br />
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The rest of my time I spend as a juggler. A schedule magician. A taxi driver. A referee. A ring master. An illusionist. <br />
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Gymnastics practice three nights a week, soccer practice just as many, two after school tutoring sessions (for the kids, not me), violin lessons twice a week an hour before school starts (at the school at a whopping total of $30 for the entire year. Yes, we will and thankyouverymuch!) modern dance on the one weekday that doesn't include all of the other activities, missions club once a month, church, pta, daily aerobic classes, keeping up with the house work so that the castle is a happy place to live, date nights, play dates, and the wrap up of another summer of Big Brother (my guilty pleasure). Those are a few of the OTHER things that have been keeping me busy.<br />
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Just for fun this week I'm throwing in some dentist appointments, a mammogram, a cat scans blood work, bi-annual cancer check up, baby shower, birthday parties, backyard bbq's, a monthly meeting with the Sheriff to discuss race relations in Dayton, work with Athletes in Action and planning an event for our school to help foster relationships between families at the school. <br />
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This schedule is not a complaint. It is not a boast or a brag. It isn't even overwhelming. It is a praise offering to the Healer God. Ovarian cancer had a plan for me. God has a bigger one. <br />
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While I do not know my future, I am thankful for today. I am thankful for my health. I am thankful for life, a gift to be used and shared. Not to be taken for granted. Today, a woman sits in a chemo chair that I once sat in. I don't know her story. I don't know her outcome.<br />
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Awareness. Thankfulness. Life. <br />
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I will not take what I have for granted!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-8930940070699116612015-09-18T15:58:00.000-04:002015-09-18T17:01:37.792-04:00Slowly but surely<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Moving on Up</div>
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Well, it took me a little while to climb upstairs and show you the rest of the rooms. But finally, we've wound around the spiral staircase and you have found your way into Olivia's room. Which is really quite a privilege- because true of most 4th grade girls with pesky 2nd grade brothers, she doesn't let just anyone in. <br />
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Honestly, I'm secretly jealous of my 9 year old. She has the COOLEST room on the planet. I would have killed to have this room when I was her age. <br />
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Several years ago, she really wanted a loft bed. Steve and our brother in law, Todd, built this thing from scratch. It is as sturdy as they come and believe you me, a beast to move from house to house! It really is a space saver and in this house, albeit beautiful, we need to make use of every inch of floor space. What it lacks in "extra" it makes up for in breathtaking. <br />
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She is currently in love with aqua. If it's aqua she wants to wear it, look at it, wrap herself in it. So... I did manage to talk her down for all walls aqua. (I had a bargaining chip... I was the one painting the room and to be honest, I just couldn't get all of the walls done in time for the furniture to be delivered.)<br />
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Plus, I'm a fan of less is more. 9 year olds, notsomuch.<br />
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In addition to aqua, she is obsessed with all things gymnastics. She has several posters and this really cute decal. I would say it is just the right touch of sport and girlie. We found the perfect accent rug for the room at Ikea, and thankfully we were decorating just in time for Target's back to college push. They had these really cute dorm chairs that also work well for my kids' rooms. (The boys have one in black.)</div>
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Because of the loft, there was also room for a small Ikea flip sofa underneath her loft. It is ideal for sleep overs and for relaxing. Seriously, Jealous.</div>
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It was hard to capture this in photos, but to the left of her desk is a door. A door to an OUTSIDE DECK. Girlfriend has her very own second floor deck, complete with a bistro table and chairs. We've had several conversations about how this is not her very own personal deck. But since the girl keeps the room locked up like Ft. Knox, it may as well be!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzD80J6ZinXjKTC7PRp_-_-3i7-2MhV460ifNX4Kcg90ohDndzBk8pT7pFy_MOaT6WuGLu1qloS276_Il6lbYvUojWPSK7r3HsvdLrSsaI16JsBNIiRe4ZFqzYi54jashIRJ7U9A7_os/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzD80J6ZinXjKTC7PRp_-_-3i7-2MhV460ifNX4Kcg90ohDndzBk8pT7pFy_MOaT6WuGLu1qloS276_Il6lbYvUojWPSK7r3HsvdLrSsaI16JsBNIiRe4ZFqzYi54jashIRJ7U9A7_os/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, behind the curtains is an enormous closet. Because the doors of the closet are mirrors, the previous owners had hung these curtains to cover them up. I liked the idea and am keeping my eyes open for some curtains that would add a pop of color and youth to the room. These will do in the meantime. The closet is big enough for clothes and every single toy and craft item she owns. It's like a mini American girl doll apartment behind those doors!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJJxlya6Qw20TTYGks0jpckfEYo1y7KRUljkt3uRVBOfLqB2ASFilsYqk06heYyc4aDDMSejKmm8c6q3rqo6wIHJ5-WPhUOdg9u_A7MRwZQ0Pw2xc9G6eTwVxxaEYDojM8loV49WU7uU/s1600/IMG_1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJJxlya6Qw20TTYGks0jpckfEYo1y7KRUljkt3uRVBOfLqB2ASFilsYqk06heYyc4aDDMSejKmm8c6q3rqo6wIHJ5-WPhUOdg9u_A7MRwZQ0Pw2xc9G6eTwVxxaEYDojM8loV49WU7uU/s320/IMG_1194.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have really failed to capture the brothers' room. Poor guys. If he were here right now, Quinn would totally call favoritism on me. (That is his latest trick. "Olivia gets another friend over? I call favoritism. It's favoritism, I tell 'ya.") Hilarious, yet annoying.</div>
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Anyhow, this room was the previous owners' master bedroom. Because our house is actually a true 2 bedroom (I really had to get creative and persuasive to get my way in this deal) it made sense for the boys to get the master. It works perfectly. Turner wanted a loft bed and Quinn did not. So he gets the cool little nook for his bed.</div>
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Each boy has his own full closet. There is room for one desk under the loft and one of those Target dorm chairs. There is room in between the closets for the second desk. And STILL room for the flip couch from Ikea. Once again, this is a room fit for a king (or two). The boys were a little miffed that they would once again be sharing a room. To be honest, I think they would be lost without each other. During the weekend nights, all three kids end up doing sleep-overs together. We might as well live in a one room shack as far as they are concerned! Unless, of course, I made them do sleepovers. Then it would be "so unfair." A parent can never win.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPL-AJ9BADVND5Nc4DwcQ4daK1hXcuFQ469dZtwN8MIuv8r8FpaPCLdT_evXs5KfIuFcVgbgmZlCkwYlWC2IgGiqJCGIoNBIhoHhZjkmTFjtEhiftPN4kKXQe9CdDkWy8wxWLPA5GaAw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPL-AJ9BADVND5Nc4DwcQ4daK1hXcuFQ469dZtwN8MIuv8r8FpaPCLdT_evXs5KfIuFcVgbgmZlCkwYlWC2IgGiqJCGIoNBIhoHhZjkmTFjtEhiftPN4kKXQe9CdDkWy8wxWLPA5GaAw/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Something I was really happy to be able to put up in their new room was these two photos of owls. My dad, who has been gone 4 years as of next Monday, took those pictures and had them framed. Before he died, he gave them to me and told me he wanted the boys to have them. When we moved, I asked if they would want the owls to hang in the room and they both agreed. Honestly, I think they look great in the room. </div>
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I was also glad that we were able to re-purpose our old dining room rug for their room. Sadly, with the move and the different reconfiguration of the rooms, some of our furniture and rugs no longer fit. (Literally) It wasn't even a matter of I just didn't like it any more, some simply didn't fit. Thankfully, this was one item that worked and we didn't have to invest in one more thing.</div>
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This is a peek out of the boy's door. If you took an immediate right you would be at Olivia's door (which as previously mentioned would be tightly locked.) That little landing directly in front of you has a desk and "gramma's bed". I'm not sure if that will be the permanent solution for that space. The former owners had a little office set up there and it was really cute. Perhaps some day there will be a tv and gaming system/ bean bag chairs etc. This space is the least of my worries for the time being.</div>
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If you walk through that wide open door there are two wardrobes on your left. Because the room that Steve and I use for our bedroom was actually a living room, there are no closets. We use the wardrobes there for our clothes. This works well since to the right of the wardrobes is the full bath. I have yet to get pictures of the bathroom. Maybe that will be tour III. The washer/dryer is in the bathroom as well. It is a really large and spacious and fun bathroom with a black and white tile floor.</div>
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Each day that passes by, I feel more and more like I am at home. Just the other day while talking with a friend I made a deep discovery of my soul.</div>
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She asked if I missed the old house. I thought for a second and honestly answered, "Not one bit." I think it surprised both of us. But as I got to explaining I realized that the old house was my "cancer house." There were so many hard times associated with that house. The months and months I spent hostage to those walls because of my treatment. The laps I would take around my living room because I was too weak to go outside. The kitchen where I shaved my head bald to beat the chemo to the punch. The bedroom where I laid in bed and was so nauseous I couldn't go downstairs. The layers of dirt that accumulated from the time that I just didn't have it in me to keep up on my housework due to depression, anxiety and raising little ones.</div>
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Sure, there were good memories. It was our first home. It was the only married home I knew. The only home in which my parents would ever visit. We had our routines there. There were beautiful aspects. </div>
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But it was time.</div>
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And now, I am home in my DREAM HOME. </div>
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And I'm happy. </div>
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And Thankful.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-9650832763587544572015-08-28T17:37:00.000-04:002015-08-28T17:37:41.043-04:00C'mon in... I've been waiting for you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh0Pe9RvRW2x3wrVLT54c9_K6JGxfmloIpiSHqMkQDlcYvINQ_VN8EI8TSNeLXTaljNUyD8YP0Apf7FlCF5I0NTXXzHg4TM9Wbi7ZH3OqQ_hFnLMTEFJh1YHyMmSQrYLr-4n3a_9TyOU/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh0Pe9RvRW2x3wrVLT54c9_K6JGxfmloIpiSHqMkQDlcYvINQ_VN8EI8TSNeLXTaljNUyD8YP0Apf7FlCF5I0NTXXzHg4TM9Wbi7ZH3OqQ_hFnLMTEFJh1YHyMmSQrYLr-4n3a_9TyOU/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hello friends! Welcome to my new house. I gave you a sneak peek yesterday and hinted that there may be more to come. I took a few shots around the house yesterday and have felt motivated by some of you kind friends and family who have commented on the digs. Thanks for the encouragement. Like I said yesterday, I LOVE it around here. With yet ANOTHER trip to Home Goods today, there are additional pictures to add. This weekend will be a big push toward getting the tv mounted on the living room wall and other odds and ends that seem to nag but not be on the top of the list for necessary living. </div>
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So come on in and have a look around. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdE_cqcf68znjhKPAKYeb4XmIZsB7RubgaZm17DPVDCSRIf4aEBfvGSZSuqPYY2fz8UXeR3q-JpPt0G5UaJN_p76lVGG_4VQKvsOFC8d1kBqC7FhsBIGRVZazdq2Ta-XmBH3rC4QIYa4I/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdE_cqcf68znjhKPAKYeb4XmIZsB7RubgaZm17DPVDCSRIf4aEBfvGSZSuqPYY2fz8UXeR3q-JpPt0G5UaJN_p76lVGG_4VQKvsOFC8d1kBqC7FhsBIGRVZazdq2Ta-XmBH3rC4QIYa4I/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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As you enter the living room/ entry way (that was pictured yesterday with the marble fireplace and two chairs on either side of it) you look to the left and notice an amazing wood spiral staircase. This is most definitely the focal point of the downstairs. It is lovely. It also makes the space a touch *confusing*. For me anyhow. The downstairs doesn't flow like a normal living space. Normal is over-rated though, right?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPoYxr2u-OoaK5VMmbJRx9yyf3AuD-Q8QRiJLDjaeZQB8ATqngLyEkpXSGx3uivedQgI7amqV88PnnSkHeKWd_WVfNqL936fOJlcLkAmR0hth8Dy165dyXtxrwjClBNRltyiZoJwmLig/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPoYxr2u-OoaK5VMmbJRx9yyf3AuD-Q8QRiJLDjaeZQB8ATqngLyEkpXSGx3uivedQgI7amqV88PnnSkHeKWd_WVfNqL936fOJlcLkAmR0hth8Dy165dyXtxrwjClBNRltyiZoJwmLig/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have tried to give you an idea of what the staircase does. What I can't seem to capture is the openness of the space. Directly above the staircase is a sky light. So from the roof to the living room is a ton of natural light. My own personal Happy Lamp, if you will. And yes I will, come January, thank you very much!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TuOncpsvfOF3H5nDhUYtEnoR6lldAzqqxd5IO_aA4S8rMfix1xBbtzwxVv4Rec4EWXV13IU32-fgX2Gd1P9nb9gpRD-ZogT20JpmaRrr2XXGg3TkB-4qGBubRp3AK1fhPXV1NOvYoPQ/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TuOncpsvfOF3H5nDhUYtEnoR6lldAzqqxd5IO_aA4S8rMfix1xBbtzwxVv4Rec4EWXV13IU32-fgX2Gd1P9nb9gpRD-ZogT20JpmaRrr2XXGg3TkB-4qGBubRp3AK1fhPXV1NOvYoPQ/s320/IMG_1186.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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(Ironically, I just mentioned all of the natural light and then I have included the darkest photo I could get of the entire house. Honestly, I'm just too lazy to re-take a better picture. Nice.)</div>
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As you stand at the front door and hang your coat and look past the staircase, you will notice our actual living space. To the left of the staircase is the wall in which our aforementioned tv will hang. Next to that wall (which you can't see here) is a door. That is the door to our bedroom. It had once upon a time (as in 4 weeks ago) been an additional living room. It is now my beautiful bedroom. Mostly because this is actually only a 2 bedroom house and mama had to live here, so mama had to be creative and *sell* daddy on a creative solution. I see it as a win-win. (See final picture in this post for visual.)<br />
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Here is the finished product of the entry way/living room. You will notice two matching chairs and an added rug. I have to say, I love this space. It is cozy, formal(ish) yet unique. I envision reading many a book here. And then I snap back to reality and realize that might happen when the kids are away at college and I actually read a book. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDiUZtGr4m6DcFqCn_DmMZaoBJO1euUHou7bd95g2A4hNGNPDgwus90vl-MO2QyKTPL-SkNMKdAZVIges-X4ANAJy5PCZoOsD0gPAD1FVZ1TrLAR1kNWuFh8tmnIKtXRRA221nUDYTnQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDiUZtGr4m6DcFqCn_DmMZaoBJO1euUHou7bd95g2A4hNGNPDgwus90vl-MO2QyKTPL-SkNMKdAZVIges-X4ANAJy5PCZoOsD0gPAD1FVZ1TrLAR1kNWuFh8tmnIKtXRRA221nUDYTnQ/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I don't know if you can spot at the very bottom right corner of the above photo, a colorful bench. The jury is still out on this bench. It is cool. But I have the tags on it still and go back and forth. Above it is a humongous picture of the Flat Iron building (as seen in yesterday's post.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm822J19XD8umw697f2Qzrhl5fd4fJGXl-fKq_zlNaxYlXm8W4WqUtMQIc3oJrAWeNUKkwZ6a7RfasVHOxviLYH7Q37FBQoYnGo76dbdSq4oEj4TpjiTvhwXnWSKVKoofnw6LgQfYH4S4/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm822J19XD8umw697f2Qzrhl5fd4fJGXl-fKq_zlNaxYlXm8W4WqUtMQIc3oJrAWeNUKkwZ6a7RfasVHOxviLYH7Q37FBQoYnGo76dbdSq4oEj4TpjiTvhwXnWSKVKoofnw6LgQfYH4S4/s320/IMG_1190.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is a shot of part of the living space where the tv will be. There is now a rug where the wood floor is. Again, the tag is on it and I'm going to take the weekend to live with it and see how it feels. It seems a touch big for the space but Steve really likes to "put his feet on the rug." (You gotta throw a bone every once in a while.)<br />
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Here is a glimpse into my bedroom. This room is the biggest work in progress. To me, all of the other rooms are top priority. In some ways, our room has become the *dumping ground* for all of the furniture that isn't making the cut for the rest of the house. Currently, there is an enormous brown couch living in our room. But that is okay, since it used to be a living room, there is plenty of room. You will notice an open door in this photo. It is a screen door that opens to our beautiful wrap around front porch. I love love love this feature. <br />
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Sadly, that gorgeous chandelier is not currently working. The previous owners said that it never worked for them in 8 years. One of the second tier priorities is to get an electrician out here to fix it. It's just too pretty to have it in non-working condition. I am looking forward to some day getting things on the walls, a rug, the tv off of the beautiful marble fireplace etc. It is a beautiful bedroom and I feel like a queen laying my head down each night.<br />
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So, that is the *work in progress* tour of our down stairs. It is a start. I feel insecure about my decorating abilities. (Dang you, HGTV/TLC). But it is fun to put my own personality into this house. It really is a dream come true.<br />
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Later this weekend, I look forward to taking you upstairs. I hope you will come back!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-50817120844043125932015-08-27T15:39:00.000-04:002015-08-27T15:39:07.975-04:00Home is where the sofa sits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was 4 weeks ago tomorrow that we got the keys and stepped inside our new house. It was the first time entering in without someone else's stuff, 2 dogs and 4 cats in the way. (Yep! 2 dogs and 4 cats!) Let's just say they left behind a few *mementos* in the form of enormous fur balls. Side note: cat lovers, try as best you can from turning into the crazy cat lover. Those felines really mess up those of us buying your home in a huge way! I've been shop vac-ing cat hair out of crevices, electrical sockets, base boards, window sills, door jams, key holes, appliances etc. The cat hair is gonna end up sending me to the funny farm.<br />
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Anyhow, we took 2 solid weeks of back-breaking labor to get the place into some sort of livable shape. Things are beginning to take hold. While I still feel like I'm playing house in someone else's digs, it is starting to feel like mine. <br />
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I am one who loves to window shop. I enjoy thumbing through catalogues and looking through magazines. But when my back is to the wall and I have to make real life decorating decisions and spend real cash money, I become paralyzed. Seriously, Home Goods, Pier 1 and Ikea have become my nemesis. <br />
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Slowly but surely pictures are being hung and sofas are finding just the right spot. (I'm sure Steve dreads coming home from work because there have been a string of days in which we are moving chairs and sofas because *it just doesn't feel right* over there.) Lucky for him, we are running out of walls to try things on.<br />
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Over the next few days, I'm going to try and take some pictures and give a little tour. I'm mostly afraid that pictures won't do my amazing new house justice. Seriously, Ive sat in my new place and looked around and thought, "How do I get to live here?" I think that is a good thing. I've also driven myself crazy with the need to *get it right*. The decorating that is. I feel like I've got this one shot and I gotta get it right. I know that isn't true and that paint can be re-painted. I've already discovered that large and expensive area rugs can be sent back to where they came from. (PS- CB2 is an amazing company with an incredibly helpful and generous return policy!) *Or so I've heard.*<br />
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I hope someday soon, the tv will be mounted on the wall. The *just right* area rug will be found. The finishing touches to each room will be made. And I need to be fine with posting the *in process.* That's real life anyway. Right. In process! <br />
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So, with that... here is a picture of part of our living room. This is what you see when you first enter our house. Already, however, even this photo is dated. We now have an adorable rug in front of the fire place. I'll post that picture when I can.<br />
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This is my new pride and joy. Our kitchen is an eat-in-kitchen. I finally got my very own dining room table. When we first got married, Steve's parents generously gave us their old dining room set (that was theirs when they first got married in the late 60's.) While it did the trick and graciously carried us through our little kid years, I have been hoping to express my own style. I'm so glad we waited until now. This table and chairs from Crate & Barrel is so perfect in our new house. I love it.</div>
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What the photos don't show you is the huge exposed beams and high vaulted ceilings. The whole kitchen is full of windows and is light and airy. I finally love being in my kitchen and cooking (well, not the actual cooking part) and visiting with people who are eating while doing so. It is one of my favorite spaces. The brick walls and built in shelves are cool. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly to put on the shelves. Any cool ideas are welcomed.<br />
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When I lived in NYC, I lived just a few blocks from the Flat Iron building. It has always been my favorite structure in Manhattan. In fact, while I lived there, I collected black and white framed photos of it and they have hung on our bedroom wall at the old house since we were married. Recently, this enormous canvas popped up at Ikea and I knew I HAD to have it in my new house. It hangs in our living room. I love it. I have also been able to hang the other photos near there. So, basically my new house is a shrine to the greatest City on the planet.<br />
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So that is the tour for now. Like I said, I haven't even taken many good photos because I keep waiting for the house to *be done.* But that may never actually happen. So, instead, I'll do it little by little. It may be fun to see how it all changes and evolves over the next few months. In the meantime, a new house means a new door to take the first day of school photos in front of. These knuckleheads are slowly adjusting to the new house as well. Perhaps my next stop on the house tour will be their rooms. Theirs are really the only *finished* spots in the house. I wanted to make their rooms and spaces the priority. I'd say they are three happy and blessed kids! </div>
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So check back for more of the tour. Thanks for indulging me over here! I really am having fun.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-70236431365228481082015-08-17T10:02:00.002-04:002015-08-17T10:02:58.042-04:00There's no place like home<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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I dubbed this summer The Adventure Summer.<div>
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I had to frame it somehow, just so I could survive the crazy. With boxing up our house, packing up our family for a two week trip to Puerto Rico, moving to a rental house, packing up a van for a two week trip to Colorado and then finally, moving into a new home after 12 years, I needed to gear up for an Adventure. My other option was dubbing it The Summer from Hell, but I thought that might be a bit much for the kids (and myself) to handle. So I went with the former.</div>
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For a family who thrives on structure, familiar and predictable, this summer was a bit of a stretch for us. Although every part of the summer was positive and some may say an opportunity of a lifetime, it was still much like the rapids in the picture. Around every turn there were bumps, bruises and rocks to be dodged. But we all managed to stay in the boat (both on the trip down the Poudre and throughout the summer.)</div>
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The kids did great. They had a blast in Puerto Rico. While we were there mainly for work (33 college athletes were on the summer project that we helped to staff) we also had a great opportunity to explore and experience the Puerto Rican culture and the beauty of the Island. The kids adapted well and loved almost everything (minus the mosquitoes and the sand fleas). We built some strong relationships with Puerto Rican students as well as other Americans on the trip. What a privilege to have our entire family minister together!</div>
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Thankfully, some very dear friends of ours just flipped the house right next door to them and will begin to rent it out as a VRBO. We got to be their "Guinea pigs." We were their first renters while we waited to close on our old house and several weeks later, close on our current house. It couldn't have been any more perfect for our situation. We were right next door to Olivia's best friend at school (there were more sleepovers in that stretch than I can remember) and only a 5 min drive to our new house (perfect for moving day.) It was a 2 bedroom and was cozy and perfect for our needs.</div>
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The trip to Colorado was for our every-other-year Cru Staff Conference. It involves much work for Steve but also provides great connection with co-workers from all over the country whom we rarely get to see. We heard from amazing speakers and were encouraged and challenged deeply. The kids were in a special 10 day kids camp. They made some great friends and had a blast. In fact, the night before we hit the road to come back home, 2/3 kids sobbed at the thought of leaving their new friends. </div>
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We high-tailed it home so that we could get the keys to our new house and start the move-in process. Thankfully, since there was a little bit of work to be done in the house (painting etc) and since the furniture was not able to be delivered for several days post our return, we were able to stay in the rental house another 4 nights. Steve's parents joined us as we painted and repaired some things for the big move in, which helped us more than words can say. Sometimes, you just need the "little helpers" to be entertained while you put in 10 hour work days! Thanks, Gramma and Papa!</div>
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One of those 4 nights at the rental house, Turner couldn't fall asleep. The other 2 were out like a light and T came out of their shared bedroom crying. Steve went to lay down with him and help him figure out what was going on. As they lay in Turner's bed and he shed tears, he finally said, "Dad, I just want to go home." After several more questions, Steve concluded it wasn't so much that T wanted to go back to the old house (although, for him that was the only home he as ever known) it was more the sense of stability and familiarity he was longing for. I can totally relate!</div>
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The Adventure Summer was a good one. There were many grand moments, exciting things and lasting memories. But most of the time, our hearts cried out for "home." For knowing what comes next, where our stuff is, routine. We are slowly getting there. Our home is *mostly* set up. (We can find our dishes, our towels, our shoes and toys.) School began last week. We are back to soccer practice, gymnastics practice and making dinner and eating around our table. It is starting to feel like home. I think that as I wander through life and it continues to unfold, there are days/seasons I lay in bed and cry for "home." I wonder if its my heart, crying for the stability and consistency of heaven that I was created for? Yet, at the same time, I'm deeply thankful for the seasons of Adventure that help me appreciate Home even more.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-30470009291948474372015-08-16T18:03:00.000-04:002015-08-16T18:03:18.000-04:00Gone but not forgottenWow. Here I am, over here! Do you see me waving my arms and jumping up and down to get your attention. I have to do that because I'm pretty sure you have given up on me and I'm hoping to get your attention.<br />
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There have been a few obstacles in my way of getting over here to the blog. No small obstacle was my broken down mess of a computer. I finally scrapped my Dell and have crossed over to the Macbook Air world. I am happy to say that I can now type and access the Internet flawlessly... until I realized it has been so long that I've been here that I no longer to could remember my passwords to get to the blog. After some fancy footwork, I got that worked out.<br />
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On top of all of the technical difficulties, we up and moved houses. Late May we packed our old house, went to Puerto Rico, came home, moved to a rental for about 6 weeks, went to Colorado for two weeks, came back and moved. We have been living in the new house (8 houses down on the same street as before) for three weeks. <br />
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Boxes have been unpacked, rooms have been painted, doors have been fixed, Ikea furniture is being put together, sofas are en-route to be delivered, electricians are being called for lights that don't work and kids are now back to school so mama can get some actual work done without helpers.<br />
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All of that to say, life here has been full. Part of me is sad to not have some of the funny moments recorded and pictures posted of things like before/after. But so it goes. Now that my password has been reset and there are spaces in the day to sit without interruption, I hope to fill you in on some of the goings ons of the past three months. So much crazy. Our summer adventure now turns into fall adventures soon. However, I'm not completely ready to say goodbye to days at the pool and grill outs in the back yard.<br />
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Stay tuned for pictures of our new home. I think you're gonna love it as much as we do. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-53070634535997901622015-05-02T19:32:00.000-04:002015-05-02T19:32:06.887-04:00When the unexpected happensLast night I knocked on a door and was invited into a home. As I walked through the door- I walked into a new world. Another family's world. I gained a privilege afforded to only a few.<br />
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Sabida came to America 5 months ago by way of refugee camp. Originally, she is from Somalia. She is a single mom of 10 kids. At least I think that is what I concluded- communication was a touch challenging. Primarily because of my lack of the Somali language.<br />
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Sabida's kids go to school with my kids. Souleman is Olivia's classmate. When I first met him he didn't speak a word of English. He had a few "accidents" because he didn't know how to tell someone he had to go. Can you imagine the frustration and humiliation of a 10 year old boy in that situation? Back then, he never spoke. He wouldn't make eye contact. He never smiled. When I met him 5 months ago, he stole my heart.<br />
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His 3 sisters are easy to spot in the hallways at school. They are covered from head to toe in beautiful scarves and colorful dresses. Two of the older sisters rarely crack a smile. They often appear overwhelmed and distressed. I have been determined to crack the code as I smile and wave each time I see them in the hallways. No response.<br />
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Until last night.<br />
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I sat in their living room, with my daughter by my side. As we entered their home, we were offered a Mountain Dew and were whisked to a couch and invited to sit. It was an impeccably tidy house with potently delicious smells wafting from the kitchen. My mind went to my own living room, trashed with piles of mail, junk, toys and folded laundry strewn about the furniture. Signs of hurriedness and a general lack of commitment to housekeeping. <br />
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I had arrived at 5:20 to pick them up for a school function I was in charge of. I was suppose to be back to the school at 5:30. Ironically, the evening's event would discuss cultural diversity and building relationships among parents within the many cultures of our school community. So OBVIOUSLY, I needed to get off of this couch and to the meeting!<br />
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Yet, there I sat at 5:30 (late for the event) on a couch in the home of this Somali family. (You do catch the irony, right?) Olivia and I were very certainly the first Americans to step foot into their home. The oldest brother - a high schooler-(bless his heart) found himself as the interpreter. I'm still not sure if any of them knew why I was there or why there about to get into my van. I DO think they understood we would be going to the school. I think.<br />
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I sat on the couch, wondering how I would fit these 8 people, plus Olivia, into my mini-van. I decided we would be creative and risk breaking the "rules." Whomever wanted to come, could come. Where there's a will, there's a way. Thankfully, the oldest (and tallest) 2 would stay home.<br />
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At 5:45 I kindly, yet assertively stood and asked if they were ready to go. I began to sense we might sit on the couch all night if I did not do so. We all shuffled out to the van. Never in my life have I realized how nice our van is. We have a button that opens the doors. The kids were delighted over this. It took 10 hilarious attempts to communicate, "You don't have to pull the door handle." Once they realized it was automatic, we had to push the button 10 more times to watch in amazement. And FORGET ABOUT IT when they realized we had a 'tele' in the car and can watch a movie.<br />
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The event at school was a success. I assigned myself Sabida's friend for the evening. She was the only one at the event who spoke zero English. I can't even imagine. She hung in there, smiled a lot and was a good sport. We gave the thumbs up to each other about 100 times and used " it's good?"/ "it's not good?" about equally as many times.<br />
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The ride home seemed much more relaxed. Probably because they now knew the crazy lady who just showed up at the door and shoved them into the space-age mini-van isn't a total maniac. <br />
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Olivia and I took them on the scenic route on the way home. Our neighborhood has a street festival every 1st Friday night. It was the first gorgeous one of the season and the neighborhood was out in full force. We drove past street performers, sidewalk cafes and even a fire juggler. The family stared out the window, clapped and declared, "It is beautiful" and "Dayton, Ohio is beautiful." I nearly cried, which would have once again regained my spot in their minds as the crazy lady. The oldest daughter told me, "We no car. Don't see Dayton. My mother says it is beautiful."<br />
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I hadn't considered this. Of course they don't see much of the city. No car. No English. I drove them past our house and told them we would love to have them over for dinner sometime soon. The oldest daughter answered, "We can't." My heart sunk. Perhaps I had offended them. "No car." When I told them I would pick them up, they clapped and said lots of excited things in Somali (which I'm choosing to believe were not things along the lines of "The crazy lady won't leave us alone." or "Oh, crap, now she wants to have us to her house with no way of getting out of there.").<br />
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I knew the ice had been broken when I was about to turn onto their street to deliver them safely home and there was a quick conversation in Somali which was soon followed by a request to go to Kroger. They usually have to walk nearly a mile to get to the store. I would gladly save them this walking trip. What are magic vans for?<br />
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I kept the kids in the car (to watch a movie, of course) while Sabina and her oldest daughter shopped. They came out with a full cart of food. How long had it been since they stocked up like this? I have no idea. 9 kids. No car. No English. No husband. A struggle I can't even fathom.<br />
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Olivia and I helped unload the food into the house. A perfect end to a perfect night.<br />
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A man in a truck drove by and yelled at Sabina as we all had bags full of food to be carried into the house. Apparently, he had some negative opinions he thought he needed to share with her... loudly. He drove away before I could give him my opinion back. I wanted to punch him in the face. Sabina yelled, "Sorry. So sorry." as he peeled out. Two of the only English words I heard her say other than "good." <br />
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He was an idiot. He has no idea.<br />
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She is brave. She is smart. She is amazing. I saw her handle her brood amazingly in the few hours I was with her. I want her to teach me how to do it. I want to learn all that she knows. I want to hear her stories and where she comes from. I want to know the names of the delicious smelling spices cooking in her home. I hope someday she is able to tell me all about it. If she wants to. She served me last night in ways she will never know. She trusted me. She allowed me to peek into her world. A sacred space. I met Jesus in a new way last night. He opened up His heart to me through Sabina and I am humbled.<br />
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How was I chosen for such an honor? It is a mystery. For all of this to be shared with my daughter is beyond words. I wish for YOU such a grace and a pleasure. I am truly the wealthiest person on the planet today. I hold a treasure worth more than any earthly value. God's heart through a human experience. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-1912127936196951692015-04-25T16:45:00.000-04:002015-04-25T16:45:26.569-04:00Out with the old, in with the newIt's a rainy Saturday. The trees are popping with these little green things. Leaves? YES! They just might be! The tulips are out in full bloom. Birds are chirping (even if they start a bit too early for my liking). All signs that Spring has sprung here in the Miami Valley. Hibernation has ended. New life abounds. Neighbors have been busy in their small yards here in our sweet little city neighborhood.<br />
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I've been spring cleaning up in here. In doing so, I've unearthed some treasures. As well as a whole lot of crap. It's made me want to shake the dust off of the blog. And my memory. It's good to remember.<br />
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Gymnastic Championships were last week. Congrats to Performance Gymnastics Academy for the first place finish for Level 3 at the Rec level this year. Olivia has successfully completed Level 3 and will move up to Level 4 team next year. (A year ago that would have been all "blah blah blah" to my ears. Now I know... that means YAY she did it!!!) <br />
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My formerly shy daughter has become a confident 9 year old who works hard, encourages her team mates, giggles and follows instructions well. I know mom's are proud of their kids. It is fun to be proud of your child not just for what she does and her accomplishments, but for who she is and how she treats others. And it's doubly awesome when they accomplish much while being an awesome person all at the same time. I just might explode some days! (Some days she gives me reasons to explode for other reasons.)</div>
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Seriously though.... when did this little peanut turn into this big girl?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vbQ4YzTt-QLz2-Y_J47pP_PVt_h8YTwz8SiO-aGc4NhxpCznicZEp5ry7bw88O2H1j7WIzYD1sep8szgVGLeMTrvfErgO710NbbGzjYfg9qrKecannhNyLwMbae0OShjs2iZlxfk2KY/s1600/PicasaUp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vbQ4YzTt-QLz2-Y_J47pP_PVt_h8YTwz8SiO-aGc4NhxpCznicZEp5ry7bw88O2H1j7WIzYD1sep8szgVGLeMTrvfErgO710NbbGzjYfg9qrKecannhNyLwMbae0OShjs2iZlxfk2KY/s1600/PicasaUp" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I must have blinked or something.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YhrwGd5s6PEF3ns-QIQwWwq-9DZeTzloUWzJNhx9AelXzAQR3UyozT-fg_b9lZvLecT0OxBFPg5AN9O_fHhBNc_1TCWDDnIfgArU8PLF2jFkAuZdem56ZHbnOxgdKZ_sqkdPqFOrRjA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YhrwGd5s6PEF3ns-QIQwWwq-9DZeTzloUWzJNhx9AelXzAQR3UyozT-fg_b9lZvLecT0OxBFPg5AN9O_fHhBNc_1TCWDDnIfgArU8PLF2jFkAuZdem56ZHbnOxgdKZ_sqkdPqFOrRjA/s1600/003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because this guy ...</div>
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well- never mind. He's still a turkey.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6ZXEJ2lGI8M3Kluplb6Ck6lUV9JuUoRDzA4aGYsClbPQL5dSaGiL41YZ3j7q-iVjZejJDqV1XLhZssAo-0iT11cWDvPs-oh06hqNMLb2ftQvE3_y380-DnJk04mkXXviPOv-JQPfX4g/s1600/PicasaUp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6ZXEJ2lGI8M3Kluplb6Ck6lUV9JuUoRDzA4aGYsClbPQL5dSaGiL41YZ3j7q-iVjZejJDqV1XLhZssAo-0iT11cWDvPs-oh06hqNMLb2ftQvE3_y380-DnJk04mkXXviPOv-JQPfX4g/s1600/PicasaUp" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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If my mom were here to behold the kid Quinn is turning into, she would shake her head and tell me she knew from the instant we met him he was going to be a genius. It's true! I asked him the other day if he ever gets tired of talking. He thought for about 10 seconds (the quietest he had been all day) and said, "No. Not really, I just never run out of words." That is the truth.<br />
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Time flies when you're having fun. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-5747385053584596622015-02-06T11:29:00.001-05:002015-02-06T11:29:07.583-05:00Here we areMore like EEK... I HAD a blog. <br />
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I just can't get my act together. Too much life happening around here. Not to mention I have had the Januaries. If you don't get the Januaries and you have no idea what I am talking about, stop right there and thank the Lord! <br />
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All is well here. The holidays are over. Both boys are now 7 years old. Olivia will be 9 years old in 13 days. The days are getting longer. There is still snow outside of my window. The high here will be 34 degrees. It's practically a heat wave.<br />
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We leave for a week in Florida in 7 days. <br />
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Hope is on the way.<br />
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I mostly wanted to post here just to say, we are alive. It was touch and go there for a few weeks as we had cabin fever, an entire week off of school because "it was too cold to live" apparently. Whew WHY DO I LIVE HERE?<br />
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That is all. <br />
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Lots of gymnastics<br />
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Lots of this and that. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-60379064811764147772014-11-06T20:50:00.001-05:002014-11-06T20:50:45.013-05:00Fast Forward through October. Oops.Rats. I let an entire month go by without blogging. Which isn't a shame for you, the reader, but is a shame for me because my whole goal for this blog is to keep a journal of life. First grade and Third grade are so magical and I've been busy. I've made choices other than recording pictures and stories and that makes me sad.<br />
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To sum up October, the boys finished soccer, Olivia began a competitive season of gymnastics, we all trick or treated and Olivia advanced to the District Speech contest. It's been busy, along with a trip for just Steve and I to South Carolina. Gramma came to visit and then there is the usual stuff like volunteering 8 hours a week at the kids' school. But here are some pictures: enjoy.<br />
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a keeper</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JC4q8SCk2sXDLjqkENvKGJvoH3YPccInca9l5_oZ-p8EEhEkvWFvXB0ORj1d_Iyndtcf3N83NhYqPS2X7SLfdOLh3R8BkQSbDZ7GrlocuuMM_ifKkMCZnZ95M1uo_-VYk6EmHxZFnIY/s1600/14+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JC4q8SCk2sXDLjqkENvKGJvoH3YPccInca9l5_oZ-p8EEhEkvWFvXB0ORj1d_Iyndtcf3N83NhYqPS2X7SLfdOLh3R8BkQSbDZ7GrlocuuMM_ifKkMCZnZ95M1uo_-VYk6EmHxZFnIY/s1600/14+-+2" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
candy angel<br />
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Score</div>
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A woodsman</div>
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My gymnast </div>
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silly memories</div>
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Robinhood<br />
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talent</div>
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<span id="goog_385668333"></span><span id="goog_385668334">Beauty</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-11381886246004720922014-09-26T16:59:00.000-04:002014-09-26T16:59:10.732-04:00What do kids, Cat scans and toilet bowls have in common?<br />
It's been a busy week. Who am I kidding? They are all busy weeks. During the school year I think the summer is going to be full of lounging around, lazy days. Instead, I find us with full and busy summer days (when we are not on the road traveling.) During the school year, I figure once I *settle into a routine* life will fall into a rhythm. And it does. A crazy double time kind of rhythm. To be honest, I like it that way. I kind of love frantically running from one thing to another. If I'm home for more than an hour, I feel like I have to clean something, so I try to not be home as much as I can. (Except I like to clean toilets. That's weird, right? I find delight in squirting that think blue liquid in the bowl and imagine the germs losing as I scrub with that brush. It's my favorite!)<br />
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I spent time in each of my kids' classrooms this week. Next to cleaning toilets (ha!) this is my favorite. Actually, classroom time nudges out the toilet cleaning. I don't actually contribute that much to the betterment of the kids' education, but I get to be around the kids and experience and smile and encourage and hug. I get the blessing. My kids light up when they hear it is "their day "for me to be in their classroom. I know it won't always be that way, so I soak it up for now.<br />
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This week I had extra on my plate. It was my bi-annual CT scan/blood test on Monday and the follow up appointment with my oncologist's PA. I will assure you, cleaning toilets beats Cat scans and *internal* exams any day!<br />
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I arrived at the hospital Monday afternoon ready to spend a chunk of time waiting, drinking dye and getting poked with needles. I am familiar with the routine. No surprises. Except the small panic attack I had as I parked the van. A few deep breaths and I pressed on. When am I going to get over that one? In my mind I knew all was well. I feel great. I hadn't even been nervous. But as I pulled the van into the garage, just like that, my chest tightened up and my breathing was strained. My head and my heart know one thing but my body won't always cooperate. <br />
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As I laid down on the metal table, snuggled in with a warm blanket and a pillow under my knees- the nurse shot the contrast into my IV. The weird taste hit soon and then the warmth of the contrast rushed through my veins. It is weird but definitely not painful. The panic was gone and was replaced with an feeling of thankfulness.<br />
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I live in a country with top notch medical care. Machines that can take pictures of my insides to make sure there is nothing growing. A God who is Great and Good and Gracious. Medicine that has killed the cancer. Insurance to pay for all of it. A healthy body to clean toilets, love kids and rush from one thing to another. I received the all clear for another 6 months . There is so much to be thankful for.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-85604005122912997592014-09-20T11:46:00.001-04:002014-09-20T22:29:58.546-04:00In the blink of an eye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Three years ago today I received a call in the morning from the hospital. I needed to make some decisions for my dad since he was unresponsive and the doctors were concluding there was nothing left medically to do. "I'll leave now and be there in three hours."<br />
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Steve was able to stay home with Olivia (then 5) and Quinn and Turner (3 at the time.) I kissed them goodbye, choked back a tear, hugged Steve and climbed into the red Corolla that my Dad had driven and would now belong to us.<br />
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It's a scary thing, getting into a car alone, heading up the road for a 2 1/2 hour car ride knowing on the other side you will face doctors and tell them what you think they should do to make your dad the most comfortable for him to pass away.<br />
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I got to his room, where he had been for about 10 days; some of which had also been spent in the ICU. He pulled out of that one about three days before this September 20th trip. In those 10 days I desperately wanted to spend every moment with him. He was alone. No family, no friends to visit him. Just me- 2 1/2 hours down the road. We invited him, no, begged him to move to Dayton to be near us after my mom died and I began my chemotherapy for Stage III Ovarian cancer. But he was born and raised in Toledo, OH and that is where he would die.<br />
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He was sleeping. His arms puffy, his breath shallow. I kissed him on the cheek and let him know I was there. I told him a kid story or two. After about 30 minutes he opened his eyes. They twinkled a touch and let me know he knew I was there. For real. My mind was not just making it up. I held his hand and he gave a faint squeeze. <br />
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Earlier in the week while he was still able to speak yet unable to move his puffy, fluid filled arms, he told me, "I'm not going home this time, Babe." If you've never heard someone say those words or something similar, let me tell you... I hope you never have to hear them. It seemed like a lie to say, "Sure you will, Dad." Because it was obvious. Even if he rallied, he would have to go to a rehab center or something more permanent. Heart breaking doesn't even describe those words.<br />
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Soon after he closed his eyes again, a female doctor came in to talk with me about "my dad's wishes for end of life care." (I'm pretty sure she was visibly shaken by my own bald head. I had finished chemo treatments a short 2 1/2 months before this day in September and barely had a covering of peach fuzz.) I must have been an amazingly pathetic sight.<br />
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My dad's wishes for end of life care? We had never talked about these things. You think we would have. After my mom's death. My illness. His illness and nearly 2 weeks in the hospital. But no, he would not talk about these things. So, it had to be my best guess. <br />
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I suppose he would want to be comfortable. No machines. No heroic efforts. He would want me. I would stay with him, until the end. <br />
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So they moved him to a different floor. A floor people go to die. I carried a bag with his belongings. Pants. A belt. His goofy big brown shoes. His black wallet that I had undoubtedly gotten him years past for his birthday, Father's Day or some other gift giving holiday. It seemed to be about as old as he was. <br />
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They "settled" him into the room. There was no telling how long we would be there. The kind nurse showed me how to pull out the chair into a bed. She showed me a shower down the hall. They would bring me dinner, if I felt like eating. It had been hours since I had, but I was pretty sure I wasn't going to eat. It was about 2:00 in the afternoon. I called Steve and told him what was happening. I texted my best friends to ask for prayer. Strength and courage is what I would need the most of.<br />
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It's super scary being in a room with your dad like that. It's just the two of you. It's for the last time. I wanted to make sure I told him all I had to tell him. I held his hand. Combed his hair. Told him stories. I reminisced. I thanked him for every single thing I could remember to thank him for. I reminded him again of how much Jesus loved him and all about what Jesus had done for him on the cross. I told him before, but it felt really good to tell him again. Even if it was just to remind myself. <br />
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At 4:00 pm, I called my Aunt who was on her way to Ohio to be with us. She was a day or so away. I was telling her the details of the day. I turned to look out the window and cry for a moment with her. I turned back around and realized I no longer heard my dad struggling for breath. It was just the hum of the machine. I ran over to him. He must have just left. I hugged him, held his hand and kissed him for the final time on the cheek. I went to get the nurse. She confirmed what I already knew. <br />
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At 4:10, she made it official.<br />
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At 4:20, one of my best friends, Sarah, walked through the door. Steve had called her and she offered to drive down from Ann Arbor, MI to be with me. They agreed, I should not be alone. She sat with me for several hours and hugged me, cried with me and prayed with me until I was ready to get back in my Dad's Corolla and drive back to Dayton. The whole family would return with me the next day to take care of business.<br />
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September 20, 2011- 3 years ago- is a day that is burnt into my memory. It is special and horrifying at the same time. God got me through. He gets me through each day. There is hope in this story. There is love and beauty in this story. It is my story that I don't ever want to forget yet desperately wish I could all at the same time. A sad chapter that I would re-write if I could but insist on writing down so I don't forget. Jerry Printki, you are not forgotten. A blink of an eye.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-51271322207706790662014-09-05T22:58:00.001-04:002014-09-05T22:58:24.778-04:00Beauty in the eye of the beholderThe kids have been back in school a solid three weeks now. Olivia is in third grade and at our Public Montessori school, that makes her top dog in her classroom. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montessori_education">Montessori</a> is an educational philosophy that among many other things, includes the integration of multi-grades per classroom.) For example instead of 1st grade classrooms, 2nd grade class rooms etc. we have levels. The 6-9 level means that ages 6-9 years of age are in a classroom together. (*Normal people* would say 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders are grouped together in the same classrooms.) In turn, that means kids will have the same teacher (and some classmates) for three years.<br />
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Since Olivia is in 3rd grade, she has been in the same room, with the same teachers and most of the same kids going on three years . The 3rd graders serve as "mentors" to the younger students. I love most things about this philosophy. Along with all philosophies, however, there are some very big downsides. For now, it is working and I am very happy with what we have experienced. The boys are both 1st graders (6 year olds) which makes them both little fish in the big pond. Again, a good thing for them to experience.<br />
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Perhaps even more than the Montessori aspect of our school, I LOVE the cultural diversity my kids are gaining. (Honestly, the multi-cultural atmosphere of our school and the Montessori nature go hand in hand. As does the heart of Jesus... therefore, its a win/win/win in my mind.)<br />
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Here is a snapshot of my kids' day that has me nearly overwhelmed. I can almost feel my head and heart ready to explode.<br />
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I volunteered for two hours in Turner's class this morning and I interacted with kids who are: from Nepal, Iraq, Turkey, Congo, adopted, poor, middle class, white and African-American. I thought about the way that Turner will see the world differently because of his friends; for better and for worse. I'm jealous of his education. Not a traditional education in any sense of the word.<br />
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When I picked the kids up from school the first thing Olivia told me about was the new boy who joined her class today. She gushed. She exploded with excitement as she told me about him. "He's from Somalia and he's only been in the United States for two weeks. He doesn't speak any English and he's never been to school before. By the end of the day he learned to say my name!"<br />
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I've been processing this for the past several hours. There is a lot here for me. So many emotions. Most of them overwhelmingly positive. Perhaps at the top of the list, privilege. Both the positive and negative kind. What a privilege to welcome this family to the U.S., Dayton and our school. I can't think of a better place for him to be as a newcomer to Dayton, OH than at our school and in Mrs. Taylor's classroom. With my sweet and caring daughter as a friend. I am overwhelmed with the reminder of the privilege it is to live in America. People flee their countries every day to come here. For a chance. For a million other reasons I will never comprehend. I was born here. Two of my three kids were born here. No choice, just grace. Its not perfect...but man oh man...<br />
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Dayton Public Schools get a bad rap. I hear a lot of "We used to live in Dayton but we moved out because of the schools" or "Wow. Your kids go to Dayton Public? Do you think you'll move?" Maybe someday. You never know. Never say never. Not this year. It's a mixed bag.<br />
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So, people may think we are crazy. They may judge us, maybe even think we are robbing our children of a better future- a better education. In my opinion, our school is beautiful. My kids are getting an opportunity of a lifetime. <br />
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And so am I. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-12330989977003769592014-08-21T17:04:00.000-04:002014-08-21T17:04:53.748-04:00Take a chill pillThe last week or two, I've been a real pill. Do you ever have those days (weeks?) where you even annoy yourself? Hmmm... maybe it's just me. In case you have NO IDEA what I'm talking about, let me break it down for you. <br />
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My kids set me off. (I might have mentioned once or twice they've been fighting. And bored. Which may have caused me to yell once or twice or 87 times in the past 10 days.)<br />
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My dog set me off. (If you have ever met Baxter, this needs no further explanation.)<br />
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My messy house set me off. (The bored children "looking for something to do" had a little bit to do with this. Mostly it was me not wanting to touch the mess.)<br />
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Back to school shopping set me off. (If you want to start a lucrative business, offer affordable child care so that parents can run around and do the errands that need to be done WITHOUT the bored children in tow!)<br />
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My husband set me off. ("Do you mind if I leave early for work every morning this week, while the kids are still off of school so that I can golf, have breakfast with my friends and in general get the heck out of dodge before everyone gets up?" Heck to the no! Why do you hate me???<br />
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Me. I set myself off. (I want to parent better. Have home cooked/healthy meals prepared every night. I want my kids to love each other. Hold hands. Say, "I love you." Go to bed on time. I want to be perfectly fine and flexible when all of that does not happen.)<br />
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Last night, Steve and I sat on the couch and watched Big Brother. (My happy place.) It was about the 4th night in a row that I was behaving like a pouty baby. Everything was going wrong. Nothing was making me happy. Seriously, I was annoying myself.<br />
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It dawned on me, its been 5 weeks since I went off my depression meds. I had been on them for three years. My little blue pill. Did it really make that big of a difference? Is it a coincidence? Is it okay to be grumpy? To feel sad.<br />
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I sat on the couch. Missing my mom and dad. Realizing I put a lot of expectation on my husband and kids. I want my life and their lives to be perfect. I wish I had a mommy to take care of me. To call me. To offer me advice on parenting and marriage. Reality is, even if she were here, there is no guarantee that would be happening.<br />
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Life has been setting me off. Maybe getting set off is good. It means I'm alive. It is an indicator something in my heart is stirring, if not a little off. Maybe an adjustment is in order. Maybe I need a swift kick in the rear. Or a hug from my husband. Maybe I need alone time. Maybe I need friend time. Maybe I need to pray more. Read my Bible more. Maybe I need my little blue pill back. Maybe I need nothing but to be thankful for what I have.<br />
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Maybe it's good to feel something raw again. Without the dulling of the little blue pill. Time will tell. Opening up and sharing with my husband my sadness, my frustration and my fear of my own sadness brought us closer together last night. Today is a new day. So is tomorrow. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-23830942132153719652014-08-19T13:09:00.001-04:002014-08-19T13:09:24.036-04:00Counting My BlessingsMy kids are back at school. I am sitting in an empty (tidy) house. I drove in a van with no fighting in the back seat to and from Pilates. I ran into Michael's ALONE. I didn't have to ask Steve to "watch the kids." Glorious!<br />
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I sat down to read a few blogs. And then I got to thinking... wasn't it about August when I wrote my first ever blog post? So I went back and did a little checking. July 31, 2008 was my first entry. I just missed my blogiversary. 6 years. Wow. A lot has happened in six years. I found <a href="http://www.elizabethkoproski.blogspot.com/2008/08/full-week-part-two.html">this</a> entry from just about six years ago. It got me a bit sad. To see baby Turner and little O sitting on my mom's lap. To realize Quinn was still living in an orphanage in China at that very moment. It's actually a bit overwhelming. Six years doesn't seem like such a long time. Quite frankly, people say time flies. Some days (or years) it does not feel like that is the case. There were three very dark years in there. What's crazy is, I was keeping this blog. A better diary or journal than any I could have kept on paper.<br />
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I am so thankful that for whatever crazy reason, six years ago I decided to hop on the blog bandwagon. And because of that decision, I have pictures, stories and memories to hold and share. I might spend a few hours this week strolling through some old posts. My heart could use a stroll down memory lane. I have so much to be thankful for. So much blessing. So much growth and love. I have been seriously spoiled by those who love me. I don't want to forget God's faithfulness and the grace and mercy He has shown me. <br />
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Blessed beyond measure!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531626531762629100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920273661529770464.post-42378570377854960172014-08-16T14:12:00.001-04:002014-08-16T14:12:50.404-04:00No tears hereMy kids start school on Monday. After days and days living in a dorm room in Boston, hours and hours (and hours) in a mini-van with these people, I have to say, I <em>might not</em> shed a tear as they hop out of the car that morning. I love my kids. I have had a magical summer of adventure and memory building with these people I live with.<br />
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Seriously, I have. <br />
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BUT...<br />
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This past week, the magic ran out. There was yelling. Fighting. Boredom (oh the boredom.) Flopping around on couches whining, "I'm soooooo bored. I have nothing to doooooo." I turned into every other brain dead, summer drained, road weary mama. "<strong>Bored</strong>? I can list five things right now that you could do. I carted your buns half way across this country - TWICE - this summer. You've had adventures people will only dream of having. You're home for six days and you're <strong>bored</strong>? I have not talked to another adult (other than your father, and he doesn't count) in 10 days because I'm so busy entertaining you guys. Don't tell me you're <strong>bored</strong>. Go find something to DO." *end rant with big self indulgent sigh and a double eye roll.* Post rant, lock self in bedroom for 5 minutes not knowing if I should laugh or cry at the lecture I had just given. Must come out of bedroom at minute 6 because of the yelling, fighting and blood curdling screams. Don't want neighbors to call Children Services during the last week of summer vacation so I haul their buns to the park. Thereby feeding the monster. I am my own worst enemy!<br />
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All of that to say, in light of all of the torturous boredom I am subjecting my children to (obviously), I wanted to share a few pictures of our vacation in Maine... where the kids were most definitely NOT bored. Perhaps these children have become spoiled rotten to the core. I'm willing to entertain that possibility. Which is another reason I won't roll a tear Monday morning. The gig is up, little people. The day of reckoning is here (well, it will be on Monday.) <br />
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But I digress...<br />
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The whole reason we went to Maine was for Steve's sister's wedding. Kerry and Todd have been planning a destination wedding for the past year. It is a lovely place to get married, that is for sure.<br />
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On the drive to Maine, Olivia declared, "It's finally here. The wedding we've been planning for the past year is FINALLY here." Olivia and her cousin, Natalie, were Kerry's bridesmaids. They took their responsibility very seriously and as I told Kerry several weeks ago, "You do realized this wedding is NOT about you. It is all about Olivia and Natalie!" The three boy cousins were the groomsmen (bold move on Todd's part.) In my humble opinion, it was the cutest wedding party I've ever seen.</div>
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The morning of the wedding, Aunt Kerry took the girls to get their hair done with her. They all three looked stunning. Seriously, my daughter took my breath away with her beauty!<br />
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But the week wasn't all fancy dresses and lobster dinners. Okay, almost, but not totally.<br />
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When we were not enjoying wedding related festivities, our family (the Dayton K's) and the cousins (the Alpena K's) made lots of memories.<br />
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There was lots of digging for things under rocks. I have to admit, I'm a bit more of a sandy beach girl. I may have ducked out early from this smelly adventure and ran into town to do a bit of shopping.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9r6duSrlvdJQlo_ZOWznS2uX28x6YVQPFN95KnjAKj_opg1OkC8YMJK8H_QAy5_qfa6rPtEKllC7bKVi_i1bA9LWknq9PyoiR7ZX5z2dSgMnAoPR1cCFFa4-AzCPb1v0xctM9lSQnVU/s1600/14+-+4+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9r6duSrlvdJQlo_ZOWznS2uX28x6YVQPFN95KnjAKj_opg1OkC8YMJK8H_QAy5_qfa6rPtEKllC7bKVi_i1bA9LWknq9PyoiR7ZX5z2dSgMnAoPR1cCFFa4-AzCPb1v0xctM9lSQnVU/s1600/14+-+4+(1).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Perhaps this explains why. The sleepy little harbor town of Camden was super cute and quaint. And for this city girl, I'll leave the rocks for the kids and guys.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrCGjv2beAiqyvXdsG_d9hO4R22XRoLXf63A7BnkZqgB-2m0sj4MvJCLxGvF4S30_5E_dCuwKPzZsvBcjeeluQHRpzJaQt43nFbuqmY2pcmKRbkRVW711cRQGr8OLp3MN1snvrCYKAXk/s1600/IMG_2421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrCGjv2beAiqyvXdsG_d9hO4R22XRoLXf63A7BnkZqgB-2m0sj4MvJCLxGvF4S30_5E_dCuwKPzZsvBcjeeluQHRpzJaQt43nFbuqmY2pcmKRbkRVW711cRQGr8OLp3MN1snvrCYKAXk/s1600/IMG_2421.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Here are two of the groomsmen (minus one.) These two look grumpy as all get out. See beginning of post. They must have been feeling bored at the welcome dinner. Rough life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsciqoTkc6unBZ6lfHxS4wqveGqYb7HnQ4YjhU4S3Q9WKwQgZNylZNCw9mLmF7_kJcNm6y9t7HO8ws_WGN5tI8k0VPDulWIpBcHqKKUVAAKfT_guiucKv-KGFWglU06fj8szgM2k1xXOM/s1600/IMG_2412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsciqoTkc6unBZ6lfHxS4wqveGqYb7HnQ4YjhU4S3Q9WKwQgZNylZNCw9mLmF7_kJcNm6y9t7HO8ws_WGN5tI8k0VPDulWIpBcHqKKUVAAKfT_guiucKv-KGFWglU06fj8szgM2k1xXOM/s1600/IMG_2412.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I guess it's because they would have rather been back at the hotel doing this. They logged in a ton of hours at the pool, in spite of the cooler Maine temps.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEByZlN2qtBgAq6MVrRMHULtVJouguWjE-cULb1j4Cno-6KUSJx_p5Y-fX54smuSxAbwP6zhnWB9jDmelEq8okzViBtW10C3PBE_sKyQ1oKgm4tiF-POFcEnMhyL9q-mk7ZHKDQ5xiWxw/s1600/IMG_2522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEByZlN2qtBgAq6MVrRMHULtVJouguWjE-cULb1j4Cno-6KUSJx_p5Y-fX54smuSxAbwP6zhnWB9jDmelEq8okzViBtW10C3PBE_sKyQ1oKgm4tiF-POFcEnMhyL9q-mk7ZHKDQ5xiWxw/s1600/IMG_2522.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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It was a busy week full of family and fun. I guess this is why coming home to a house full of toys, friends, books, bikes and parks is sooooo boring. </div>
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