tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65309848569701439692024-03-13T22:29:56.880-05:00The Thorson Family HappeningsStephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-4410676575745783552011-06-24T07:49:00.002-05:002011-06-24T07:53:15.931-05:00God IS Faithful!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAweYmfc3pKvv4W-q2-ysr82Yn7dEqJ72YnSSUJt1JohbPoftpedxcapUyclHjfn3OxuNQMw7UY_ICCwERgVYmjrXEeXYfdR3BRmNu5CsLie168_KbLSpIsJpCn6RmfsmENTMSj9KKiEg6/s1600/DSC02868.JPG"><br /></a>A few weeks ago I introduced you to a family that has become very special to us, the Housers. They had just found out they were going to the Ukraine to adopt! Well Kim posted this morning that IT IS OFFICIAL! Sveta Josie Houser will hopefully be home by July 12!! <a href="http://followusthere.blogspot.com/">Go back and read Kim's story from the beginning - it will touch you</a>. Look at this sweet girl who finally has a forever family :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAweYmfc3pKvv4W-q2-ysr82Yn7dEqJ72YnSSUJt1JohbPoftpedxcapUyclHjfn3OxuNQMw7UY_ICCwERgVYmjrXEeXYfdR3BRmNu5CsLie168_KbLSpIsJpCn6RmfsmENTMSj9KKiEg6/s1600/DSC02868.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAweYmfc3pKvv4W-q2-ysr82Yn7dEqJ72YnSSUJt1JohbPoftpedxcapUyclHjfn3OxuNQMw7UY_ICCwERgVYmjrXEeXYfdR3BRmNu5CsLie168_KbLSpIsJpCn6RmfsmENTMSj9KKiEg6/s400/DSC02868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621768472190212978" border="0" /></a>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-65138055424387588332011-06-05T15:19:00.004-05:002011-06-05T15:30:34.879-05:00Family TiesWe also had a family reunion yesterday! (Busy day :)) We have the Warren reunion every year, and it's a great chance to see cousins we usually only see once a year. Some were missing this year, but it was great to catch up with those that were there. <br /><br />Here are a few shots from the day. Notice the theme of cupcakes and hotness!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgG6kiT2gcj3HDnOSBruIDTEuc8diafMUq7Ba4LwCbemu2m2TRAlKYmFufrXhaIwmrq2C0YoB2esqNqd8geyEl_g0GEUAmdtjWsO1Nse_YAiIi5z-LcC0JqRyPYXnA2sNlgGUKUlIYyU-/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgG6kiT2gcj3HDnOSBruIDTEuc8diafMUq7Ba4LwCbemu2m2TRAlKYmFufrXhaIwmrq2C0YoB2esqNqd8geyEl_g0GEUAmdtjWsO1Nse_YAiIi5z-LcC0JqRyPYXnA2sNlgGUKUlIYyU-/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614834907468844146" border="0" /></a><br />Ready to go again!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbYMFbfBFZ_sPX4_NxCgXf44FFEXhTHa6Jyk-rb9cgexY4ucqVabvjVl51X9VCehVJwTTNxIBRa9Q8EZhCdP7wHa1j5pG_LnnzBG28mm0TsZFTuDVf2hXrDmc80uNwZA7v5zIOD2tZewU/s1600/IMG_0056.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbYMFbfBFZ_sPX4_NxCgXf44FFEXhTHa6Jyk-rb9cgexY4ucqVabvjVl51X9VCehVJwTTNxIBRa9Q8EZhCdP7wHa1j5pG_LnnzBG28mm0TsZFTuDVf2hXrDmc80uNwZA7v5zIOD2tZewU/s400/IMG_0056.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614834858661846450" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeN_IKuBox7Xz_tip19xk3rFPngAfbYK_ojHh7aHsYuH_a82H32YYXtJAUz9lMq9prAB_i2rdJ_P3rKFKluoT-wKsXD19gvFQMx3BLIsszNL95-tOSeVqbm2iKVYhE4ALmc5BUrcHpeng/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeN_IKuBox7Xz_tip19xk3rFPngAfbYK_ojHh7aHsYuH_a82H32YYXtJAUz9lMq9prAB_i2rdJ_P3rKFKluoT-wKsXD19gvFQMx3BLIsszNL95-tOSeVqbm2iKVYhE4ALmc5BUrcHpeng/s400/IMG_0059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614834852165404898" border="0" /></a><br />Travis & Brittney and their crew :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC7c3H84onTjKdjqmbStiUfmrFFOwVdvkwHw_r27rbdcd3xTQ_KqBGPEZgagmcmtHD7DcSjKUmB45Ktxtsz6cEUNePAkZDHqH80FHq47QrW4FNulVl0zizUzWXft8k049cu5JoPsWRrHw/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC7c3H84onTjKdjqmbStiUfmrFFOwVdvkwHw_r27rbdcd3xTQ_KqBGPEZgagmcmtHD7DcSjKUmB45Ktxtsz6cEUNePAkZDHqH80FHq47QrW4FNulVl0zizUzWXft8k049cu5JoPsWRrHw/s400/IMG_0057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614834848633234002" border="0" /></a><br />Candi and her girls (If anyone wonders where Abby gets her looks - here it is!!)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgG6kiT2gcj3HDnOSBruIDTEuc8diafMUq7Ba4LwCbemu2m2TRAlKYmFufrXhaIwmrq2C0YoB2esqNqd8geyEl_g0GEUAmdtjWsO1Nse_YAiIi5z-LcC0JqRyPYXnA2sNlgGUKUlIYyU-/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPoKTD7Wd6YBg-2JtbacvqxPpfWU8PFwQu_DUx3HNJGH5peRi2iX6Q2XT7q6rZg2ULCJhfQAeXz03tzMRyT6NCDA_bVYKksfyzM80GFgw3wF_275PIEg2cPqcDBh0FPrju5QQlik4HTPT/s1600/IMG_0053.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPoKTD7Wd6YBg-2JtbacvqxPpfWU8PFwQu_DUx3HNJGH5peRi2iX6Q2XT7q6rZg2ULCJhfQAeXz03tzMRyT6NCDA_bVYKksfyzM80GFgw3wF_275PIEg2cPqcDBh0FPrju5QQlik4HTPT/s400/IMG_0053.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614833859517958386" border="0" /></a><br />Cooper and his new shirt that he LOVES.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lM855-oBbejOpu6cfu_G7tdC6RXZfSYrwRXhNUZrC_e7k_O3VcOfAJuRhal_3nPu235g_tyTI2EDXsMj1R5M9MJ32MExkWUlQvhjJiLc8v5D3S5JxWKy28kBJ7atqC6lxJqSWFsGfiFY/s1600/IMG_0051.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lM855-oBbejOpu6cfu_G7tdC6RXZfSYrwRXhNUZrC_e7k_O3VcOfAJuRhal_3nPu235g_tyTI2EDXsMj1R5M9MJ32MExkWUlQvhjJiLc8v5D3S5JxWKy28kBJ7atqC6lxJqSWFsGfiFY/s400/IMG_0051.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614833850591919042" border="0" /></a><br />Brock's first cupcake!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLx1UV6bxPoec6EyCRlTgzVe2Cb-L8TFu8mo8GcJ9cWhtkpZjAE1wo_xOCNP2c7uw96XFHAgNHf_cNjcfyG33qrpYoyWtUvmjTjdIbr-ibYk2gjg_sSE3Z3CYNVAPjbO-07xyEybY2R2V/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLx1UV6bxPoec6EyCRlTgzVe2Cb-L8TFu8mo8GcJ9cWhtkpZjAE1wo_xOCNP2c7uw96XFHAgNHf_cNjcfyG33qrpYoyWtUvmjTjdIbr-ibYk2gjg_sSE3Z3CYNVAPjbO-07xyEybY2R2V/s400/IMG_0047.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614833838126191810" border="0" /></a><br />Lillee :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgf7iKldDUo9q-g_IXA9zLa4p23gwhiuUI5Cwk_2DwV_gOnAnnMDmINniG228NFY7FFfIgwERS_Tj9wGmOjH7Qn2wyVGcGMMPPJzIgYDLD3BsHWiyq-RvNczvs5px9kSh5X9uacPuSvy3/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgf7iKldDUo9q-g_IXA9zLa4p23gwhiuUI5Cwk_2DwV_gOnAnnMDmINniG228NFY7FFfIgwERS_Tj9wGmOjH7Qn2wyVGcGMMPPJzIgYDLD3BsHWiyq-RvNczvs5px9kSh5X9uacPuSvy3/s400/IMG_0049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614833834960028114" border="0" /></a><br />I kind of like these guys :)<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1SQkE85blBWaQb_vFsC0xAYNwfaCEmapN9Qp3i8M1n10GT673DzUKrmyILTqJhic6tqpvWuD5o0GCaTu1t9NxirXDjssNRYNlIffQfzmz_H1_VRmKUgJkjGFk_j4tEipjNL52y4r8mjZ/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1SQkE85blBWaQb_vFsC0xAYNwfaCEmapN9Qp3i8M1n10GT673DzUKrmyILTqJhic6tqpvWuD5o0GCaTu1t9NxirXDjssNRYNlIffQfzmz_H1_VRmKUgJkjGFk_j4tEipjNL52y4r8mjZ/s400/IMG_0055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614833863393059154" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cousins :)<br /></div>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-27162574163081885572011-06-05T15:02:00.007-05:002011-06-05T15:30:58.080-05:00Piano RecitalAbby had her first piano recital yesterday. She did such a GREAT job and we are SO proud that she loves it! She has an awesome teaching team. If you need a recommendation, let me know. They are the BEST!<br /><br />Here are a few pictures and even a short video shot by her teacher. Way to go Abby!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwJTlyJf5yoo5-PcgdEILMtuE6RkU9-DBXjEKKGY0lJmrVVZKM1OYJfBE63eug3zhaNG091p1_QDsnkQmGEuXlOlbka10__hxTQWgJTGS_fdGVg7wJKjgP6GCjmLruGIf5CFOg2U_bqwH/s1600/IMG_0016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwJTlyJf5yoo5-PcgdEILMtuE6RkU9-DBXjEKKGY0lJmrVVZKM1OYJfBE63eug3zhaNG091p1_QDsnkQmGEuXlOlbka10__hxTQWgJTGS_fdGVg7wJKjgP6GCjmLruGIf5CFOg2U_bqwH/s400/IMG_0016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614829289907160178" border="0" /></a><br />Practicing at home before we left<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVShWeouFBTXfogrPnj2tYprksHEM2mhjiu5SfKl43sZJ23LXo6LnQvQbQE09b9it3BDTHh1TrAI8xk1w1LvY9CHCFRaMNThGeKjC_DxCAqVhSRAAILBYnprH6MkLUp5PcrPb8QxhjjjAs/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVShWeouFBTXfogrPnj2tYprksHEM2mhjiu5SfKl43sZJ23LXo6LnQvQbQE09b9it3BDTHh1TrAI8xk1w1LvY9CHCFRaMNThGeKjC_DxCAqVhSRAAILBYnprH6MkLUp5PcrPb8QxhjjjAs/s400/IMG_0021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614829301893314786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_KVEzkTQD-doZHMh_tAPLsXuwUR9upt3EV-VtX9G0eFkcE9gVWF2WCBJg4ZHJtJWhC44fevA32DERchjIXa2feT_ScvFmGdRIOXquDOORgM2KbTypgNr8MJSmmrH8rbvILbnLVlHRrjA/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_KVEzkTQD-doZHMh_tAPLsXuwUR9upt3EV-VtX9G0eFkcE9gVWF2WCBJg4ZHJtJWhC44fevA32DERchjIXa2feT_ScvFmGdRIOXquDOORgM2KbTypgNr8MJSmmrH8rbvILbnLVlHRrjA/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614829311428813378" border="0" /></a><br />The BEST piano teaching team :)<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIsY1MrD9yOfhiRc_PR8FxzHfoOedHQGlBaNlhMmc6WEPi802y5zkotNuEdyOa5pj9nP1agwcZM4pIvC3dxXYq2cqcbb6_9v8CP81nE_Te4EZEFIslnypOHuRllsqPSUBoWiXkPzClZ9u/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIsY1MrD9yOfhiRc_PR8FxzHfoOedHQGlBaNlhMmc6WEPi802y5zkotNuEdyOa5pj9nP1agwcZM4pIvC3dxXYq2cqcbb6_9v8CP81nE_Te4EZEFIslnypOHuRllsqPSUBoWiXkPzClZ9u/s400/IMG_0019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614829299261318930" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">EK</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh3cAO88Ka7swYUjYCLj0-Q7N4sgrocsEDMvP3gBdCS4lLw1L7yGg9bIyySNA9WpJfeGZTDuHJDMTkI09Xqk-DWqs1v_Knwght-NPqnn8DHbqU9ugLqxFHxdzMGjI217n7OIABSVVl34E/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh3cAO88Ka7swYUjYCLj0-Q7N4sgrocsEDMvP3gBdCS4lLw1L7yGg9bIyySNA9WpJfeGZTDuHJDMTkI09Xqk-DWqs1v_Knwght-NPqnn8DHbqU9ugLqxFHxdzMGjI217n7OIABSVVl34E/s400/IMG_0026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614830603206936946" border="0" /></a><br />So proud of her :)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRtITdJoDAuHdIw_lGNkTLgCGMMbga9sUNcxALlxklc3dttiXvPZRz5NL0iM87vno00iDmIP7twgX3nHnhNh1ow0b5EJbNaEtFFPaIhkqRSDNX085nBg7jm5It5F5EGnMStx1FecEzjgV/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRtITdJoDAuHdIw_lGNkTLgCGMMbga9sUNcxALlxklc3dttiXvPZRz5NL0iM87vno00iDmIP7twgX3nHnhNh1ow0b5EJbNaEtFFPaIhkqRSDNX085nBg7jm5It5F5EGnMStx1FecEzjgV/s400/IMG_0025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614830600804376434" border="0" /></a><br />Flowers after the performance.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumhqUFseTIfvkeb6JDwsAx_g9LVH6HPMJT9c1xoLs8vQ3WgsGkT24qnUIAAdTS7aSmwzXw758i7_0TzvHIpDym7TBL83WyB76bSYLqh61M4nw3x3DIoDBEaqrXFduV-S5TRehaGvcJ710/s1600/IMG_0032.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumhqUFseTIfvkeb6JDwsAx_g9LVH6HPMJT9c1xoLs8vQ3WgsGkT24qnUIAAdTS7aSmwzXw758i7_0TzvHIpDym7TBL83WyB76bSYLqh61M4nw3x3DIoDBEaqrXFduV-S5TRehaGvcJ710/s400/IMG_0032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614830611395617522" border="0" /></a><br />And a trophy for her hard work!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzLUECe9cQWxSKKeE-4Bwqyt11YPb8txaWzBYFjDDxD0i1Z7hzi8vtfBf5Avql8KI6mB_SKaMicMHz2lm4lyw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-55961121279492048702011-06-04T09:08:00.002-05:002011-06-04T09:23:26.614-05:00Love Takes You InOnce again, I have much to catch up on, but first I had to share something WAAAY more important!<br /><br />This past school year, I learned that one of Abby's classmates had a very special "something" in common with her. Somehow in an innocent 1st grade lunch conversation, Abby and Paige both realized that they had sisters in Heaven! I can't describe to you the look of wonder in Abby's eyes as she told me that night how excited she was that Paige had a sister in Heaven too! It was hard not to sob that my baby needed that kinship with another sweet soul, but precious still that God allowed them to share that little tidbit among lunchables and grapes that day.<br /><br />Now Paige's family needs our help!!! They have answered the call to adopt!! I am blown away by those around me who have sacrificed everything to follow God's call to his children to take care of HIS special babies. The sacrifice and faith by these families puts me in awe!!<br /><br /><a href="http://followusthere.blogspot.com/">PLEASE visit the Houser's blog.</a> They leave in 1 week and are in financial need and most of all in need of all of our prayers for them, the kids as they stay here, and sweet Sveta.<br /><br />God is good and the love of His children is absolutely humbling and amazing!!Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-20639962918922672192011-05-08T22:41:00.002-05:002011-05-08T22:45:28.964-05:00Happy Mother's Day in Perspective<p>Wow - so much has happened all around us since my last post. Unless you've been under a rock somewhere, you know that North Alabama has been declared a national disaster from the tornadoes that ripped through miles and miles of land last Wednesday. Towns and neighborhoods that once were, are now gone. Property was destroyed - lives were lost. In a word devastation.</p><p>Thankfully, we are all ok and our area suffered little to no damage. The past 10 days, I have been helping in other areas that did receive damage. Let's just say that you don't know busy in an insurance office until you have a national disaster in your area! I feel bad even saying that because that's what we do, and frankly that's exactly why you have insurance, but none the less - busy is an understatement! Because I didn't have a large number of clients directly hit, I have been helping out in areas that did. I've been in the field in Arab and all over the Harvest and Monrovia areas. I'm sure all of you have seen the pictures, and many have been and volunteered yourself, but seeing it in person is life changing. I hope I never forget what I saw and what I felt that first day I walked through the neighborhoods and saw what God can do. I also never want to forget what I felt when those people looked to us for help, and certainly never forget what I felt when we gave them a little of what they needed.</p><p>Here's a story from yesterday from <a href="http://www.southernplate.com/">Christy Jordan of Southern Plate</a>. She was also volunteering at the Monrovia Community Center yesterday while some of the Madison County ALFA team were there as well:</p><p><i>This is from Amy Harbour: "Spent the afternoon helping children that were victim’s of the tornado make mother’s day gifts for their mom’s for tomorrow. After losing everything we helped them have a little bit of normal back. One little girl worked with me for the longest time on hers. As I was packing it up to go her aunt came over and whispered to me that the little girl’s mom died in the tornado." </i><br /></p><p>Perspective - this baby girl was doing everything she knew to show her Mommy her love. How she was going to get it to her, I don't know, but she obviously had a plan. Mom wrote this yesterday:</p><p><i> At first I sobbed and couldn't help it. I still well up with tears when I think of it. But this morning, God sent some peace to me reminding me that HE allowed that little girl to have hope of presenting a gift to her mom - that's why it was so important that it be packed so well and so carefully. It had a ways to go. I don't know how she meant to get it to her, but she had hope. Hope. I remember after Stephanie's little Olivia was stillborn and we were devastated and even speaking of it was almost more than we could bear. And little Abby, who was only 3 at the time, spoke up about the "four" people in her family now. And as Stephanie bravely reminded Abby that little Olivia was now in Heaven, Abby reminded us with such conviction "But she's still a special part of our family!!!" And everything changed. The grief wasn't gone - but acknowledgement and love of that sweet life, instead of just hurt and devastation from the loss - even though she was now away from us and in Heaven - what a gift from God. I believe this little girl's effort to honor mommy on Mother's Day was another one of those gifts from God. How precious are His promises. Please, sweet Jesus, don't let us take our blessings for granted, and please wrap your arms around all those that are hurting as ONLY you can do.</i></p><p>Mother's Day has always been bittersweet since we lost Olivia. Every holiday is. There's always a sense of something missing. But oh how sweet is the innocence of a child.<i> </i>I will always believe God has spoken through children at times when we were too busy or had too much knowledge to listen for what HE was trying to tell us. His peace is all encompassing when we let it. The past two weeks has re-focused my mind on what is important. When you see people who have lost it all, literally, and they come up to you to tell you they are blessed, it really makes you humble down and say, "Lord. please forgive me for the tizzy I was in a few days ago about whatever minor detail of my day that didn't go as I planned!" </p><p>Life is fragile. I know this firsthand, but sometimes we need to be reminded. I am blessed today to be the mother of 2 precious girls that are with me, and 1 angel dancing (or singing :)) in Heaven today. His promise is that I can go to meet her soon - and oh what a Mother's Day that will be.</p>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-14686588160864111482011-04-24T23:09:00.001-05:002011-04-24T23:09:27.118-05:00Easter 2011<p>We had a great Easter! It started with the annual challenge of trying to get a decent picture with everyone looking the same way - HA! We had church, dinner at Grammy's, dessert at Sandra's and a couple of egg hunts thrown in too!! And of course a visit from the Easter Bunny!</p>
<p>One funny - Stewart and Abby were talking about the real meaning of Easter over breakfast and he read the story of the resurrection from Luke. Abby got so into it that she wanted to read it herself and take notes - that kid :) Later in the morning, she told me, "You know, Daddy could make a really great preacher!" OH NO SISTER!!!!!</p>
<p>Here are some pictures :)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0714.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbTzj7P_OWI/AAAAAAAACLo/wl1K_3KQGzE/DSCN0714.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSCN0714" width="300" height="400" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0710.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbTzmAlQpLI/AAAAAAAACLs/J4jUVajgngk/DSCN0710.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSCN0710" width="300" height="400" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0713.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbTzoksCTrI/AAAAAAAACLw/hu5sXExfBe4/DSCN0713.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSCN0713" width="300" height="400" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0723.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbTzr88BK8I/AAAAAAAACL4/UeQIG52QGsk/DSCN0723.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSCN0723" width="400" height="300" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">EK's BFF - Griffin</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0747.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbTzuO2LSqI/AAAAAAAACL8/Eazt1jfZ5iQ/DSCN0747.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSCN0747" width="400" height="300" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0748.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbTzxkfvo-I/AAAAAAAACME/pf8I8pZ0V44/DSCN0748.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSCN0748" width="300" height="400" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mimi and Papaw - They won't admit it, but they're still recovering from last week!!</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0757.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbTz4BtJ1HI/AAAAAAAACMU/ynp3xC6Hzmk/DSCN0757.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSCN0757" width="400" height="300" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Abby & Dacy</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0764.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbTz7ur10AI/AAAAAAAACMc/QXzbyPwmMnM/DSCN0764.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSCN0764" width="400" height="300" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cousins :)</p>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-56481780406910029062011-04-21T16:05:00.002-05:002011-04-23T13:50:27.647-05:00God Bless You and God Save the Queen!<p>On our last day, we took a day trip over to London! We rode a super speed train that went under the English Channel, and then spent the day on an open-top, double-decker bus taking in the sites. It was fun! London and Paris couldn't be more different! It's amazing to think they're probably only as far apart as Huntsville and Atlanta, but their cultures are worlds apart!! I loved the accent, and it just cracked me up that every departing greeting was "God bless you and God save the Queen!" It was even cooler since the whole city is super involved with getting ready for the BIG Royal Wedding next week. There were stands being built all along the route from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace for spectators. It was also the Queen's birthday. There was a running of the royal guard which included hundreds of horses running through Hyde Park and a 41 gun salute with cannons!</p><p>Here are a few pictures :)</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 404px; height: 303px;" title="DSCN0662.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMdldKxm_I/AAAAAAAACLA/Kib5dH9uA9s/DSCN0662.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0662" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Buckingham Palace</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0671.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMdnLH4eqI/AAAAAAAACLI/AFWEYaJerXQ/DSCN0671.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0671" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Big Ben</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0678.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMdoFgEkTI/AAAAAAAACLM/akTY1dE6xBA/DSCN0678.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0678" border="0" height="450" width="600" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Some of the viewing stands being built</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0682.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMdpGDOuHI/AAAAAAAACLQ/SnPb3vgiehM/DSCN0682.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0682" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The front of Westminster Abbey</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0684.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMdqGyPhjI/AAAAAAAACLU/oIaolIo7Sck/DSCN0684.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0684" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Where's Waldo?? Oh, wait - that's my boss, Charles :)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0685.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMdrD7mMqI/AAAAAAAACLY/rbQxs4ypji4/DSCN0685.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0685" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Th Royal Wedding China</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 433px; height: 325px;" title="DSCN0691.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMdsojGk5I/AAAAAAAACLc/zmR-Q8l-Yag/DSCN0691.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0691" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Tower Bridge</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p> </p>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-30343195827703960402011-04-19T15:46:00.001-05:002011-04-23T13:43:56.578-05:00Springtime In Paris<p>So here are the few pictures I do have from our last few days. I just happened to take a small extra camera, so I did get a few shots. Several of the others that were with us are going to share their shots with me, so hopefully I'll have more to upload soon :)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0646.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMddH7dKeI/AAAAAAAACKs/0dYcab7nUEY/DSCN0646.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0646" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Arc de Triomphe</p><p> </p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0648.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMdd1If3kI/AAAAAAAACKw/ZmVuzj9HONU/DSCN0648.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0648" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame Cathedral</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">The rest of these photos are from our day trip over to Normandy. We visited the US Memorial to those killed in the Battle of Normandy and also visited the beaches and cliffs where the attack took place. This was an amazing site!! To think that all those thousands of men gave their lives on that spot against an enemy that seemed insurmountable! This was a turning point in World War II. Without these brave souls, we may very well not have the freedoms we enjoy today!</p><p> </p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0652.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMdezADubI/AAAAAAAACK0/SISZCpXguho/DSCN0652.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0652" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0653.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMdf5MAAAI/AAAAAAAACK4/77yIgIz5kTc/DSCN0653.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0653" border="0" height="450" width="600" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0654.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMdgltacII/AAAAAAAACK8/sDBQaSLOXg0/DSCN0654.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCN0654" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-1033111279898538822011-04-19T11:42:00.002-05:002011-04-23T13:51:24.222-05:00One Crazy Night in Paris....Just like that!One crazy night in Paris..........Stewart and I have a history of crazy vacation experiences. We laugh, but really you just have to laugh to NOT cry! Why did we think Paris could be any different??<br /><br />The last time I updated, we had just arrived in Paris. We enjoyed a company dinner that night with the other agents and their guests and afterward decided we couldn't waste any time.....we HAD to get to the Eiffel Tower. So here we went. We would be true Parisians and walk. I mean you could see it in the distance, it couldn't be THAT far, right?? We finally got there just as they were finishing the last trips to the top. No worries - we sat in a beautiful park under the full moon and the lights of this world famous romantic landmark. I even had the most yummy crepe to snack on (you know there's always a food element in any story!) So, it was late - we needed to get back. No big deal EXCEPT sometime while we sat in that lovely park the fact that we'd been awake for 36 hours and on a plane for 12 of that kicked in. It also became evident that the lovely pedicure I had gotten earlier in the week maybe, just maybe, was too aggressive since my heels had now split open in EXTREMEly ugly sores. There were cabs, but we thought we'd save those Euros and take the metro (subway). HAHA - we walked 6 blocks to the very scary metro station only to see that the ticket machine wouldn't take our credit card and we hadn't had a chance to get and Euros yet. By this time, we are stranded on the streets of Paris at 1:00 AM, I'm hobbling like a 90 year old with NO transportation options. Through much grumbling, we made it back to the hotel on foot - VERY sore feet!!!<br /><br />We learned our lesson - oui? HAHA - non!!! Monday was filled with a city tour of all the famous landmarks, lots of walking (still with insanely sore feet and evidently the wrong shoes!!) but still all good! We decided we would go to a real French bistro and sit out on the street and have dinner like a real Parisian would do. Here we go on the next vacation saga.......we scored a prime outside table only to be told that they stop serving out there at 5:00 - it was 4:58. We were welcome to go inside and eat. Alrighty then........it seemed a little fancy, but we've done fancy before. The menu was ALL in French, but we managed to figure out it was 6 courses with choice of rabbit, duck, goose liver pate, and many other "delicacies". In classic, "I'm from Alabama" fashion, we found a side door and snuck out before the waiter even took our drink orders!!!! <br /><br />Still, this was NOT going to ruin the night. We decided to head back to the Eiffel Tower because it was early enough for us to go to the top, make some awesome pictures and truly experience this once in a lifetime event!We took the metro (we thought we knew what we were doing by now), got there, stood in line for a total of 2 hours, but finally got to the top!!! It was awesome, manufique, etc. So, here we were AGAIN needing to get home. Walking was NOT an option, I was virtually crawling and I would have thought nothing of lowering my pride at that point for a wheel chair!! No big deal, we were metro experts now, right?? We had tickets, figured out which line, got on, whew......EXCEPT when it came time to switch lines, they closed our connecting line right in front of us!! WHAT?!? We were no where near the hotel! Then all French speaking workers discussed this heatedly among themselves while we stood and stared and told us we could catch a bus at the top of the metro stop and take it to another stop fairly close to our hotel.<br /><br />OK - we can handle that. (BTW - it's now midnight again, and I am constantly looking at my feet to make sure they are still there because they are now hurting so bad they were virtually numb) The bus pulls up on the OTHER side of the very busy Champs-Elysees (just at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe - the crazy traffic roundabout with no lanes, and about 100 cars in it at once. If you've seen National Lampoon's European vacation, you know what I speak of. Let's just say Stewart and I are changing our last name to Griswald!)<br /><br />So now, we're on a very crowded, somewhat scary public bus in Paris at 1:00 AM. It goes no where near our hotel, but we just kept riding thinking surely it would loop around at some point. Meanwhile, very strange and smelly Europeans got on and off while we tried to hold on for our lives and hold on to our stuff because BTW Paris is also world famous for its pickpockets!! Our company president had his wallet stolen just that day!!! Our very smelly companions stood too close, and several actually broke out in a fight on the back of the bus! If you had wanted to learn curse words in any language, this was the place!! And then the bus stopped, and EVERYONE got off, and it was evident that this was the last stop. We had NO idea where we were!! Stewart tried to explain to the driver but he just foamed at the mouth in French as he waved us off the bus.<br /><br />OK - cute story over. Here we were at 1:45 AM, in a very dark, shady part of town with no traffic in sight, no way to communicate - STRANDED. And then I noticed that while all the other bus passengers had went on their way, there was one gentleman lurking about 15 feet behind us. I tried to not panic, until we crossed the street and he followed getting closer to us all the time. My mind was spinning, Stewart just kept telling me to shut up and keep walking. I was trying to decide if I should run (IF my feet would let me) or just start screaming hoping the crazy lady act would scare him off. And then, he was gone. Just like that......and then, just like that, one solitary car came down the road, and it was a taxi!!!!! He laughed at the "silly Americans" and got us back to the hotel.<br /><br />When we got to the hotel, we started digesting what had happened. First off, where we ended up was so far out of town, it was not even on the city map they had given us. Secondly, that cab ride from all the way out there was only 17 Euros.....it would have been worth WAY more than that to have taken that cab 2.5 hours earlier from the base of the tower! But, I found out why that strange man disappeared and the taxi appeared "just like that". Stewart prayed :) While I was contemplating running or turning into a mad woman, he turned around and asked the Lord to let that man walk away. And he did - just like that! And then he asked for the Lord to protect us and get us home, and HE did - just like that!!<br /><br />What a mighty God we serve! Even across the globe, in a strange place HE is there.<br /><br />Last chapter to this night - In my panic and excitement in the taxi, I left my camera in the backseat with all those lovely pictures of that day and night. I hoped the taxi driver would find it and bring it back to the hotel, but no such luck! Even still, a camera is nothing when you measure it with what could have been!!!Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-62388387155466826752011-04-17T11:07:00.001-05:002011-04-17T11:07:48.691-05:00Paris - Here We Come!<p>My updates this week are coming from Paris!!!!!!! Stewart and I are here for 6 days ALONE! Alone except for lots of Alfa friends that is ;) One thing I love about my career switch to Alfa is the opportunity to earn unbelievable trips. The "big" one each year is the Super Star, and this year the Lord blessed me enough to win this once in a lifetime trip to Paris.</p>
<p>We're catching up with the 6 hours time change now, but I thought I'd post a few pictures of the trip so far!</p>
<p>Friday night we started in Huntsville at the Gaither concert. It was great as always, but we left at intermission to head out to Nashville. Mom and Dad were there and took the girls with them. As we left and walked different directions, I caught Abby turning around to wave with a tear in her eye......OH Break Mommy's Heart!!! Mom assured me later that one quick new video at the Gaither table ended any thought of tears - HA!</p>
<p>We flew out of Nashville early Saturday morning to Minneapolis where we had a 5 hours layover. The we boarded for Paris. Imagine a plane with 2 seats-isle-3 seats-isle-2 seats. Well we ended up in the 3 seat middle and the classic Stephanie luck kicked in then. I thought a nice, well-dressed lady was sitting on the other side of me, but all of the sudden there was a seat change and a not-so-lovely gentleman with about as much hair as me, rings on every fingers, speaking French (I think) and all of his bags came piling over!! OOOOHHHH NOOOO!! 9 HOURS being sandwiched between a snoring Stewart who was falling over on me, and this VERY strange man who also kept falling my way (all while he sneezed and coughed the whole way). Let's just say NERVES SHOT by the time we finally landed. I am already praying for better seat assignments on the way back!!! Drea - I know JD is saying "I told you so" at this point!!</p>
<p>We are staying at The Westin which is right in the heart of Paris. We had to stay awake when we got here to try to get used to the time difference so we took a little walking tour just to get a feel of the place. Here are a few pictures of hotel and the room.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1661.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TasP9Ukf4uI/AAAAAAAACHM/Q36Y8jtU4AU/IMG_1661.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 1661" width="450" height="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1658.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TasP_6Cp1AI/AAAAAAAACHU/7zuUH3MDeQw/IMG_1658.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 1658" width="450" height="600" /></p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1677.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TasQCPwLpKI/AAAAAAAACHY/vA-NhI-zwm8/IMG_1677.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 1677" width="450" height="600" /></p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1678.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TasQDsGEFuI/AAAAAAAACHc/p6g10kG735M/IMG_1678.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 1678" width="600" height="450" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1679.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TasQF0BqRXI/AAAAAAAACHg/FmXQZEIQ1Z8/IMG_1679.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 1679" width="450" height="600" /></p>
<p>I'll admit now that my degree in History AND my 2 years of French in High School are embarrassingly rusty! I'll post these pictures with some basic info, but go Google yourself if you want full historical details :)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1668.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TasQHMe_ZeI/AAAAAAAACHk/aUG2nlBiXtE/IMG_1668.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 1668" width="450" height="600" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is a very elite, famous square that includes shops like Chanel, Cartier, etc. The monument in the center is from the French Revolution I believe :)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1666.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TasQJop44qI/AAAAAAAACHo/caG089ja5Ks/IMG_1666.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 1666" width="600" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Also in that square is The Ritz. This is where Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed ate just before she was killed in a nearby tunnel.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1669.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TasQLHbNViI/AAAAAAAACHs/w9K3Do6SeoA/IMG_1669.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 1669" width="600" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Typical Paris street. Notice the HUGE Louis Vuitton store on the left!!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1670.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TasQNZlDl9I/AAAAAAAACHw/29uRvZjn8JM/IMG_1670.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 1670" width="600" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Famous Paris Opera House.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1674.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TasQTO38tpI/AAAAAAAACH0/V0Ri1r6Isl0/IMG_1674.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 1674" width="450" height="600" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A church (I'll have to look up which one :)) in the downtown area.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1676.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TasQUQQpTRI/AAAAAAAACH4/Nh0N3nNLLzA/IMG_1676.JPG?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 1676" width="600" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is what you see across from our hotel,</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Company dinner tonight and tour of the city tomorrow! I'll try to take better notes so I can label my pictures without having to Google it all the time - HA! Cell phone can only be used for emergency, no emails or FB coming in 24/7 on Blackberry..........it's taking a LOT to get used to, but I'll update at night when we get back to the laptop :)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Au revoir!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-11332486926332323532011-04-17T10:26:00.001-05:002011-04-17T10:26:51.499-05:00The Almost Permanent Blog-cationI'm back!!!
I was just reading my last post almost 3 months ago. "My Brick" - well that it was, and I'm just now thinking I might swim out of this one and not drown. Recovery was slow, a little too slow, which led to labs, tests, ultrasounds, specialists.......thankfully it's nothing Earth-shattering and maybe we've started down the right road with some treatments that will help me feel like a busy 35 year-old instead of a half-dead, 1 foot in the ground 90 year old!!! Turns out my vitamin levels were all out of whack and I have Hashimoto's Disease which is an auto-immune disorder that attacks your thyroid. I didn't know what your thyroid did until mine stopped doing it :) Hoping for better feeling days VERY soon!!!
SO - during this mode of pure survival, the blog just sat. I really was too busy, too tired, etc. But mostly I just wasn't inspired. Great stuff has happened during that time, but I just felt SO zapped, everything I could think to write came out as a whine or a rant. Now I realize that is part of life, but I didn't want to write it and I was pretty sure that meant no one else would want to read it.
I thought I'd just let it go. But I realized, somehow this has become my own personal talk therapy. Somehow it's good just to get it out. Sometimes Stewart doesn't like it - he'd rather keep personal things "personal", but writing it down validates it for me - makes it real. It may not always be wrapped in a pretty package, and it may not be what I wanted it to be - but it's OUR life, and I am blessed to have it! Now why on Earth you want to read it is totally your call ;)
So since I'm going to pick it back up, I feel the need to fill in some of the gaps. I'm going to try to date them back to when they should have been posted so maybe it will stay chronological. One day, my goal is to print this as my own "scrapbook", so I'd love for it to be in the correct order. If it all works correctly, hopefully this one will be the first you see :) If you want to go back and see the rest, scroll back.
Lots to come.......probably more than you want to see, but maybe I can get my groove back on!!Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-1347961760862160242011-04-15T19:03:00.002-05:002011-04-23T13:54:22.173-05:00Spring Break Fun<p>On Thursday and Friday before we left for Paris, Stewart and I tried to fit in some Spring Break fun with the girls. We visited the Treehouses at the Botanical Gardens on Thursday and KidVenture on Friday. Both days were awesome fun!! It's so neat that we have all of this and more just at our fingertips all the time!</p><p>The Botanical Gardens was so impressive! All the tree houses were so different and so fun for the girls. They have now turned on the water element at each play station, so I can only imagine how much fun it will be now! Plan to go and make a day of it soon!!</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 487px; height: 366px;" title="IMG_1566.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMb3eHGcII/AAAAAAAACJk/Hlip7sRs3ko/IMG_1566.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1566" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Quick shot of Toodles and EK in the Barbie Jeep :)</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 504px; height: 378px;" title="IMG_1570.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMb4a_b44I/AAAAAAAACJo/m0-Xuyw7QEo/IMG_1570.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1570" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 540px; height: 405px;" title="IMG_1576.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMb5vgZZgI/AAAAAAAACJs/H9uS2n-OFok/IMG_1576.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1576" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Sisters :)</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 477px; height: 358px;" title="IMG_1584.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMb63Fob-I/AAAAAAAACJw/EGu6BY3y9tw/IMG_1584.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1584" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Abby</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 406px; height: 542px;" title="IMG_1588.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMb709NwII/AAAAAAAACJ0/Cl6EkgO7AYc/IMG_1588.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1588" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Ellie Kate</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 370px; height: 494px;" title="IMG_1589.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMb9GJNpCI/AAAAAAAACJ4/Vg0SwIZrUsE/IMG_1589.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1589" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Oh me - she is growing up SO fast!</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 391px; height: 522px;" title="IMG_1592.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMb-XWP6-I/AAAAAAAACJ8/Vm6Z0h-AWec/IMG_1592.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1592" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Anyone else have a hard time getting everyone to smile at the same time?? This is classic - EK is obsessed with her nose!!</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 396px; height: 528px;" title="IMG_1610.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMb_QtkwbI/AAAAAAAACKA/e1QRubgonIY/IMG_1610.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1610" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 466px; height: 349px;" title="IMG_1621.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMcBL1qpvI/AAAAAAAACKE/Y7Xw4SbJiAY/IMG_1621.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1621" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Not sure if you were really supposed to drink the water :)</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 480px; height: 360px;" title="IMG_1618.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMcCHkww3I/AAAAAAAACKI/kbOG5h1F4YA/IMG_1618.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1618" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Stewart in his natural habitat - eyes on phone!</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p>Then Friday was a stormy, nasty day. What a great day for an indoor playdate!! They even had a painting event with DoodleBugs at the same time! Fun for all!</p><p><br /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 328px; height: 438px;" title="IMG_1632.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMcJD-Ca4I/AAAAAAAACKg/WhltNFN1f6I/IMG_1632.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1632" border="0" /></p><p> </p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 453px; height: 340px;" title="IMG_1633.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMcEb6wj6I/AAAAAAAACKQ/FK3uxHR4OfE/IMG_1633.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1633" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1639.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMcFic79MI/AAAAAAAACKU/XaSwMWLEwrI/IMG_1639.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1639" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 467px; height: 351px;" title="IMG_1646.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMcGsgfkMI/AAAAAAAACKY/PoIfWjQTau8/IMG_1646.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1646" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 402px; height: 535px;" title="IMG_1649.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMcH3N86UI/AAAAAAAACKc/PJWF4vfxY5U/IMG_1649.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1649" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 338px; height: 451px;" title="IMG_1641.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMcKbfoweI/AAAAAAAACKk/YRabfZNDE0g/IMG_1641.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1641" border="0" /></p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Stewart - on phone.......again. Anyone seeing a trend here??</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p>Fun couple of "stay"cation days :) We finished Friday night at the Gaither Concert. The camera was already packed in the car for Paris, so no pictures, but it was AWESOME!</p><p> </p>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-25721289597935064632011-03-30T19:50:00.001-05:002011-04-23T13:55:13.751-05:00Barney!<p>Ellie Kate LOVES Barney!! Actually, although we'd love to say he's annoying, he really does teach really good things - be nice to others, follow the rules and love each other! I can tolerate him WAY more than Yo Gabba Gabba these days! He's been around forever, but I heard he was coming to Chattanooga so off we went dragging Mimi along with us (you know I didn't drag, she begged to go :)) Ellie Kate LOVED it, and actually Abby did too! She said she was embarrassed to go because it was "baby", but I knew she secretly still liked it. She was dancing with the rest before it was all over!! FUN!</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1522.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMblkqKJQI/AAAAAAAACJI/037TH81WvKI/IMG_1522.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1522" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p> </p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1520.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMbnHTwOtI/AAAAAAAACJM/xpFlFyub3vE/IMG_1520.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1520" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Abby pretending to be embarrassed to be there!</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 515px; height: 386px;" title="IMG_1551.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMbooVNpuI/AAAAAAAACJQ/5nni5Zu3JA4/IMG_1551.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1551" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1528.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMbpyot7SI/AAAAAAAACJU/WyKp48EFO58/IMG_1528.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1528" border="0" height="600" width="450" /> <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1516.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMbumaj59I/AAAAAAAACJg/KKbNBfVNc8Q/IMG_1516.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1516" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1502.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMbrfR3nCI/AAAAAAAACJY/sCXR37yKs10/IMG_1502.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1502" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1496.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMbs0EdcoI/AAAAAAAACJc/rNTMv5sPoqM/IMG_1496.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1496" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-45929911463416763862011-03-25T19:56:00.001-05:002011-04-23T13:56:32.953-05:00OWLSome Readers<p>Abby's school had a program recently to encourage the kids to read. It was called OWLSome readers because our mascot is an owl :) There was a performance by the first grade in which Abby had a speaking part with a big kick-off pep rally to get the kids fired up to read. They had 6 weeks to read as many books as they could. I really didn't know what to expect. When I asked Abby what her goal was, she said 500!! WHAT?!? That's at least 30 books per week!! Come to find out this was the highest incentive level, and she wanted to do the most! For each book (chapter, story, etc.) read, I had to fill out the information on a paper chain which they hung in the halls. When it was all said and done, she did it! 518 books in 6 weeks!! The first graders totaled over 18,000 books in 6 weeks!!!</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1328.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMZkXtyN6I/AAAAAAAACIg/2fVtxGmLtJs/IMG_1328.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1328" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 505px; height: 379px;" title="IMG_1322.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMZly0MftI/AAAAAAAACIk/dgHyoZezPik/IMG_1322.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1322" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Abby's BFF, Natalie</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 483px; height: 362px;" title="IMG_1325.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMZnbwOHYI/AAAAAAAACIo/ddXkHMUyApY/IMG_1325.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1325" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Abby was a "camp leader" in the program. Check out all the owls - one of the mom's at school made these - super cute!!</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1330.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMZozDgGTI/AAAAAAAACIs/Z7bwh3NEprk/IMG_1330.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1330" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">After the program, they held a pep rally to get the kids excited. The band came from HCMS along with drum line leader, Abby's idol, Courtney Terry!! Love you Court Court!!</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1331.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMZqWn-z7I/AAAAAAAACIw/WcE0wt1qvx4/IMG_1331.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1331" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1336.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMZr4xnSKI/AAAAAAAACI0/iIXmoIiwIqA/IMG_1336.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1336" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 491px; height: 389px;" title="IMG_1341.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMZtsgUJsI/AAAAAAAACI4/i2WVRCFJK2Y/IMG_1341.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1341" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">We have been so blessed with teachers, and this year is no exception. Mrs. Kachelman is such a blessing!!</p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 495px; height: 371px;" title="IMG_1343.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMZvGm3cSI/AAAAAAAACI8/tORdE8J4WCg/IMG_1343.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1343" border="0" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Huntsville City School Board Chairman, Topper Birney, came and read a book to the kids. This is most of Abby's class.<br /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1479.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gAlDjClbPZk/TbMZwz5LmXI/AAAAAAAACJA/E3b1SsUo4qg/IMG_1479.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 1479" border="0" height="600" width="450" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">518 books and chains later, OWLSome readers was a HUGE success!!!!</p>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-22313630006610345142011-01-17T17:04:00.002-06:002011-01-17T17:18:44.491-06:00My Brick......Go ahead, say it, "HUH?"<br /><br />I've been given a brick - to the head. It's called pneumonia :( I can honestly say I've probably NEVER been this zapped in my life! <br /><br />Why my "brick"?? I think sometimes the good Lord has to hit us in the head to get our attention. I guess I was so thick-headed, He needed a brick!<br /><br />Bottom-line - Mommy hasn't taken care of herself and what was just an upper respiratory bug the first week of December has now led to full-out, bed-rest or else be admitted to the hospital - pneumonia. I'm STILL hard headed! I tried all weekend to convince myself and those around me that I would be FINE tomorrow! After some STRONG words from my loving husband and parents, I sadly had to admit defeat.<br /><br />Why do I think that to be a good Mommy/wife/employee/Child of God I must run like a hamster ALL the time to take care of all others and ignore myself? Why do I feel eternally guilty and like I'm neglecting someone else if I give 10 minutes to myself?? This is something I NEED God's help with......it is helping NO ONE for me to be in the bed right now! I've GOT to find a balance!<br /><br />I want simple. I want peaceful. I want happy smiles with no fear of what's to come. I want these things, but I think I've been working triple time to MAKE it happen instead of trusting that God can do it just fine without me! (Better - in fact!)<br /><br />Lord, please help me take this brick and remember it. Help me just do what I need to do and let you do the rest. Help me realize that I can't be a good Mommy/wife/Child of God, etc, etc, by total sacrifice. Above all, please grant my heart and my family a simple peace with no fear of what's to come or what has been. That peace is what I'm running around trying to create.....help me stop and LET YOU!<br /><br />Prayers appreciated :)Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-8588139453038228282011-01-11T11:35:00.000-06:002011-01-11T11:35:00.469-06:00A New Year....I don't like New Year's Resolutions - WAY too much pressure!<br /><br />For this year, I will borrow a friend's prayer - I couldn't have expressed it better myself! This is my daily desire - to live WITHOUT FEAR, and I <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span> it is my God's great pleasure to give the desires of our heart :) <a href="http://amysbabyblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-prayer-for-2011.html">Click here to read (thanks for the inspiration, Amy)........</a><br /><div style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="result-text-style-normal"><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"> Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Psalm 37:4</span></span><br /></div><p> </p></div>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-32695045079809192442011-01-10T22:37:00.007-06:002011-01-10T22:53:58.778-06:00SNOW DAY!!!!!Much to catch up on, but for now, it's a SNOW DAY!!! Some of us were under the weather on the magical Christmas snow and didn't get to enjoy it, but we made up for it today! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">EK</span> is not supposed to be out in the cold because of her asthma, but I HAD to let her play for a little bit - she LOVED it, and did NOT like coming in early! In the afternoon, we went to some friend's house and had a redneck sledding party. Prett sure I'll be needing the Tylenol to make up for the spills from the sleds! We had a blast!!! Three out of four of us still get to stay home tomorrow - I guess I'll take the 4x4 and try to make it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Alfa</span>.....we'll see how that goes!! Here are some pics!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YgiEDtKhyphenhyphenThJ1VrPzvBSNT9YJdtez-rw0TXH1p_cAm_m0DWXGWQ9EOUlO8ZLBgn_BievJGPL1G9_IP-8D6wJgcQQX5T1R3YOLaOm5_rvuqKJjgi6njmoQQETiCH524FD0mX7a3wbqVOi/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YgiEDtKhyphenhyphenThJ1VrPzvBSNT9YJdtez-rw0TXH1p_cAm_m0DWXGWQ9EOUlO8ZLBgn_BievJGPL1G9_IP-8D6wJgcQQX5T1R3YOLaOm5_rvuqKJjgi6njmoQQETiCH524FD0mX7a3wbqVOi/s400/IMG_1180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560784062711833762" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S4mckN8l9NCLlT7wKnWGTc0h46clRYxlmZCPE5h7IY3BoUsVtNSgAou4miNG43zq_G4nJdVMPJ-FHieqHu5U3hGPyVQRKJRXFAsVXd-_S_SJT77RWCNbyj8pQAaggoijaF8e5Xp_XRUu/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S4mckN8l9NCLlT7wKnWGTc0h46clRYxlmZCPE5h7IY3BoUsVtNSgAou4miNG43zq_G4nJdVMPJ-FHieqHu5U3hGPyVQRKJRXFAsVXd-_S_SJT77RWCNbyj8pQAaggoijaF8e5Xp_XRUu/s400/IMG_1195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560784593171847474" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72KJZ4hIN0VCgNfM4W39WKjPQOkwsvkxaDpEWUA1vKJ4fFERZ5HsH8N6OGDGznMNL9wvWJAL2zx8RMErWovUjTBYBQY8aXe5U7KTHIZrUt4Q0EkMr_OgT05KdXSq66JPa0ZEAeGFoeEWg/s1600/IMG_1191.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72KJZ4hIN0VCgNfM4W39WKjPQOkwsvkxaDpEWUA1vKJ4fFERZ5HsH8N6OGDGznMNL9wvWJAL2zx8RMErWovUjTBYBQY8aXe5U7KTHIZrUt4Q0EkMr_OgT05KdXSq66JPa0ZEAeGFoeEWg/s400/IMG_1191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560784578660222450" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3W83IeNGE4JXPeDP2iBqM1IVCaoJoyQ4VU2sx4SJ9KpFwI4YINL3nCS5-VK1dt7XGYQPo-OmBX7R4bygW4vJfaoiPV9tTlgZ1vP8GyluNn0CMkV_IkY7600AfG-uZKWUIrS0pRzUa8iEX/s1600/IMG_1198.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3W83IeNGE4JXPeDP2iBqM1IVCaoJoyQ4VU2sx4SJ9KpFwI4YINL3nCS5-VK1dt7XGYQPo-OmBX7R4bygW4vJfaoiPV9tTlgZ1vP8GyluNn0CMkV_IkY7600AfG-uZKWUIrS0pRzUa8iEX/s400/IMG_1198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560784580878227826" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZPsiisYQ8M0MTCl_1lN9AW3fNIn5bb66Y8w4_xW-ixzT80wDtxAqhXmHdTtQYiwZYsVuWv3mYmntTtzcL-yjhWde1TeVW8KJwcM6VrtEKiK2VcVSx24BOPeYrIVZ_U41vClfb5ayJ0wg/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZPsiisYQ8M0MTCl_1lN9AW3fNIn5bb66Y8w4_xW-ixzT80wDtxAqhXmHdTtQYiwZYsVuWv3mYmntTtzcL-yjhWde1TeVW8KJwcM6VrtEKiK2VcVSx24BOPeYrIVZ_U41vClfb5ayJ0wg/s400/IMG_1200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560784584488403042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ozUuzzpY1WQ_eczRLIxls3zH5aIiZPM-SpQIpl7X_0U2PI05RjmTncXLsy9BkTCntueqW3LOn7u4uXo-UbHYEjgTiktsA5XJLm2Ip1dAzhDlj0333V9oKScbcY5rSSObnSmV4hh7ykOB/s1600/IMG_1209.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ozUuzzpY1WQ_eczRLIxls3zH5aIiZPM-SpQIpl7X_0U2PI05RjmTncXLsy9BkTCntueqW3LOn7u4uXo-UbHYEjgTiktsA5XJLm2Ip1dAzhDlj0333V9oKScbcY5rSSObnSmV4hh7ykOB/s400/IMG_1209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560785003716899106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzo2KuYaqKtkt9YLWBI6mv8oiX4W9fLDCDyAEhqQZkzl_Gm-oKofKjgypCrjITrHn1x8Fv0ELfXPwQpzbw0R6yIkXlZl82CHsOXVzSB6pY-2tGPseoeTfDCCOgY46W3UeoOKsXOHbaAFeJ/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzo2KuYaqKtkt9YLWBI6mv8oiX4W9fLDCDyAEhqQZkzl_Gm-oKofKjgypCrjITrHn1x8Fv0ELfXPwQpzbw0R6yIkXlZl82CHsOXVzSB6pY-2tGPseoeTfDCCOgY46W3UeoOKsXOHbaAFeJ/s400/IMG_1207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560785000334850770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs34c7XEWeIo6XF7pedcBmfBGm8fe-UbdpB4hmHLC3DOHJ-ltYH346aHceHdOmp-OATkzMXU7iQKKN6wfxKXaYS6DPff35vTa2jPUAXntF4eXRJ5pvtWyTFKinmMJAIG_R_iVicxP8xOdU/s1600/IMG_1202.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs34c7XEWeIo6XF7pedcBmfBGm8fe-UbdpB4hmHLC3DOHJ-ltYH346aHceHdOmp-OATkzMXU7iQKKN6wfxKXaYS6DPff35vTa2jPUAXntF4eXRJ5pvtWyTFKinmMJAIG_R_iVicxP8xOdU/s400/IMG_1202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560784983816148338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgZeVL_qUiOQC-YEw731JAGmrdy5hmfIrN1bBx4fqZkVISbLLihqid5uYr1a9l5aLKxLjfientrocbAovHv375vh6zeWqHzWE6SREKilsHmI-CPJrlLr0rOFLGCj57JFCq-Lwr0OCJJ9b/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgZeVL_qUiOQC-YEw731JAGmrdy5hmfIrN1bBx4fqZkVISbLLihqid5uYr1a9l5aLKxLjfientrocbAovHv375vh6zeWqHzWE6SREKilsHmI-CPJrlLr0rOFLGCj57JFCq-Lwr0OCJJ9b/s400/IMG_1213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560784979832770066" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvWPTAD-DnJxyV9ArjDh93PBtM1QYbP3ZVyvP4ArurP7Os4n3InKN31TERCfbdTdfwkKc_ijNPgmovwZjBrnkGZRQ7FEs_Cf_FmrjGQas6cvATm5LwA3DUk7W0lDtUFlx0SuqnJ96bNyp/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvWPTAD-DnJxyV9ArjDh93PBtM1QYbP3ZVyvP4ArurP7Os4n3InKN31TERCfbdTdfwkKc_ijNPgmovwZjBrnkGZRQ7FEs_Cf_FmrjGQas6cvATm5LwA3DUk7W0lDtUFlx0SuqnJ96bNyp/s400/IMG_1215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560786920250825922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVh_s0Ll5LzWCACC8-hgNruc0HNP4-kSrjIyHSQ4JFfXT83F-kCnri3ty-NGtUp2q3WbKWf0J1apRpp6e3F-JYl2Ygde_Kefvu-rX58P7GgljZlEkz81nzIBcsoMlc3I6tdgTKyMXsRh5/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVh_s0Ll5LzWCACC8-hgNruc0HNP4-kSrjIyHSQ4JFfXT83F-kCnri3ty-NGtUp2q3WbKWf0J1apRpp6e3F-JYl2Ygde_Kefvu-rX58P7GgljZlEkz81nzIBcsoMlc3I6tdgTKyMXsRh5/s400/IMG_1201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560784600190442258" border="0" /></a>The day ended with some warm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PJs</span> and snow cream.....YUM!!!! Thanks for living up to the hype <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Snowmaggeddon</span> 2011!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S4mckN8l9NCLlT7wKnWGTc0h46clRYxlmZCPE5h7IY3BoUsVtNSgAou4miNG43zq_G4nJdVMPJ-FHieqHu5U3hGPyVQRKJRXFAsVXd-_S_SJT77RWCNbyj8pQAaggoijaF8e5Xp_XRUu/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aGbp9jzOEllmkfcZ90HXH-5CnF-oCUiRT4q6djo8hxcREjDuG-nYx9c5mTz9KiU7tuOpZk8EW64gOI-V3pEWT3qhiM4bMMpuWMav0yDTTd5uRPFaQa-CI-PB_MbA9uAlPc5lztszOwWb/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aGbp9jzOEllmkfcZ90HXH-5CnF-oCUiRT4q6djo8hxcREjDuG-nYx9c5mTz9KiU7tuOpZk8EW64gOI-V3pEWT3qhiM4bMMpuWMav0yDTTd5uRPFaQa-CI-PB_MbA9uAlPc5lztszOwWb/s400/IMG_1217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560785007380481794" border="0" /></a>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-81792895597921357662010-12-25T06:00:00.001-06:002010-12-25T06:00:06.660-06:00Merry Christmas!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4UzNPAX5WRNZrNy6SKk3LvOX7BVdF7iUfBhxkEYAF_umkRfLBItc99PAipCWWjJLV-0P7pGqDbjObaXkPi9cdHvyoV4RdAednypIQ4xvXd5jpWkmS31sfj5mAQXUwpur5pvbD6mOJo0g/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4UzNPAX5WRNZrNy6SKk3LvOX7BVdF7iUfBhxkEYAF_umkRfLBItc99PAipCWWjJLV-0P7pGqDbjObaXkPi9cdHvyoV4RdAednypIQ4xvXd5jpWkmS31sfj5mAQXUwpur5pvbD6mOJo0g/s400/IMG_1066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554118357327738482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is IT - last post for a while........I'll catch up on family events LATER! Here are a few shots of the girls and our trees.........<br /><br />MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3b-fr53_bYz_Z7pDDNniFtGJVsYEVUNoSNuOsak_qnA_Wxp2TrQP4qffi9LPkL6AIj50rzvnLcjNLkoEXNmodu2robeWs-91wVKYn33TZgHgc8XW9KfLytEM1OZbS1XOGExDPX9tT7rR/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3b-fr53_bYz_Z7pDDNniFtGJVsYEVUNoSNuOsak_qnA_Wxp2TrQP4qffi9LPkL6AIj50rzvnLcjNLkoEXNmodu2robeWs-91wVKYn33TZgHgc8XW9KfLytEM1OZbS1XOGExDPX9tT7rR/s400/IMG_0670.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554118347095600258" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv41EYOdYk_tSjUPBY1B112QwdKS6q0iEc47P6JeB41qvaOgygNGD5SCdFZDxqP1bjsYLcJSyf50vO8X4I7Eq8BTip-7FLoesBCM9-HiYdzqnCAEP0WOZkdMhL9xb0D3iJb2HY-Ygrba2K/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv41EYOdYk_tSjUPBY1B112QwdKS6q0iEc47P6JeB41qvaOgygNGD5SCdFZDxqP1bjsYLcJSyf50vO8X4I7Eq8BTip-7FLoesBCM9-HiYdzqnCAEP0WOZkdMhL9xb0D3iJb2HY-Ygrba2K/s400/IMG_0915.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554118340955281410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPl4PbxmAy6kepdxtAMggul4Z7bxVCS3Y-2whx59cMMO92CyDU_oL-7vl4nI-J6yOHICIBTV2iVSvQwrCZzsgxo48F7TNFKARW5dV9vvZ5lweAl9bXzjetRSXohsHNN4tIZ3htddnuQH6/s1600/IMG_0990.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPl4PbxmAy6kepdxtAMggul4Z7bxVCS3Y-2whx59cMMO92CyDU_oL-7vl4nI-J6yOHICIBTV2iVSvQwrCZzsgxo48F7TNFKARW5dV9vvZ5lweAl9bXzjetRSXohsHNN4tIZ3htddnuQH6/s400/IMG_0990.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554118353019071954" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XKEwVA7CJYcSh4cGkZBNVg6g5eNebXqdQ3ylX53uG-0auHUtyMU5oC2UlytEB7JBMH9regiY7uFX4BiYUy6kdvzXoymFdhoaHYQCCnpaIaMMULY3PsbVrP7cRmuFfLrJx1_ybMWxcIvQ/s1600/IMG_0976.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XKEwVA7CJYcSh4cGkZBNVg6g5eNebXqdQ3ylX53uG-0auHUtyMU5oC2UlytEB7JBMH9regiY7uFX4BiYUy6kdvzXoymFdhoaHYQCCnpaIaMMULY3PsbVrP7cRmuFfLrJx1_ybMWxcIvQ/s400/IMG_0976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554118348679958306" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXLwteRolV2ig1x__m4MPeJkqMpPiuZ-EueJUSqJG6ynNr10aVP3ARvARhpNWekvG5PBrn3Z2HOGXNPhnWqU8ypHCrnhR6toVwRtsYNC5H7CvjYjG6LY5MAw_T5zobYuhJqgW-h1Pje8S/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXLwteRolV2ig1x__m4MPeJkqMpPiuZ-EueJUSqJG6ynNr10aVP3ARvARhpNWekvG5PBrn3Z2HOGXNPhnWqU8ypHCrnhR6toVwRtsYNC5H7CvjYjG6LY5MAw_T5zobYuhJqgW-h1Pje8S/s400/IMG_1065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554122293148633874" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bO5x7NFnBqDpGBJbPOaj2pF-m5cD1LW8jS6Y1b8sdjH0gjFefVAhH29gdyQZXqFhQ5Be6mYT6l2Knz1FWigQMd9NiDKugmzVJwo1-C0d20BpUNACWGAqYvxCjbBSI9CojF1Z93rNgMCb/s1600/IMG_1068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bO5x7NFnBqDpGBJbPOaj2pF-m5cD1LW8jS6Y1b8sdjH0gjFefVAhH29gdyQZXqFhQ5Be6mYT6l2Knz1FWigQMd9NiDKugmzVJwo1-C0d20BpUNACWGAqYvxCjbBSI9CojF1Z93rNgMCb/s400/IMG_1068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554122289632355330" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF43seS4GThFXUOcUIhbvgfUHIzD0ZPeu8Mz7ut6_6KVRtKIoEUWjrZAyvkqTE7Y2XU6rC54PTLIP5hq3YZqRg9OPeOJy1eyiPLE7FH9ze1dNfF-kOYzQm0XI1LYRiKeRiTBYD15Q0HJw/s1600/IMG_1069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF43seS4GThFXUOcUIhbvgfUHIzD0ZPeu8Mz7ut6_6KVRtKIoEUWjrZAyvkqTE7Y2XU6rC54PTLIP5hq3YZqRg9OPeOJy1eyiPLE7FH9ze1dNfF-kOYzQm0XI1LYRiKeRiTBYD15Q0HJw/s400/IMG_1069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554122279502118162" border="0" /></a>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-13061176449374962262010-12-24T06:18:00.004-06:002010-12-24T06:18:00.135-06:00Santa's VillageMonday night we went to Santa's Village with M&J and the BFF :) Fun, cold, 3 out of 4 kids came home with a little tummy bug.....but all in all a good night :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ81pR3onRHd6YG30tddzlngZtfsoW8Dmt5qr2DmRlzVFtmmNboDoxudS1zuUKKseSWfM9Q0KGhrdZJ5T1bUm08Bx1sjiZQsrqMSUP71Pr1ktBn1iL2NDilTJZjrbH1_UagK34LXIGZWS7/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ81pR3onRHd6YG30tddzlngZtfsoW8Dmt5qr2DmRlzVFtmmNboDoxudS1zuUKKseSWfM9Q0KGhrdZJ5T1bUm08Bx1sjiZQsrqMSUP71Pr1ktBn1iL2NDilTJZjrbH1_UagK34LXIGZWS7/s400/IMG_0993.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554124337875278770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-y7C-XUulOmd5bj6xoveuD8ytet84tCBwF0pGZDdTDtTVu_4eh1jx5qrDBn11S1PbiOg1flgOPW3ZDbYCPsXjeWzNnHiP5Y9QyR4pklq9oyxzgl7D_4utDYZhs7x6eyPgLqbXT3Dwq16/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-y7C-XUulOmd5bj6xoveuD8ytet84tCBwF0pGZDdTDtTVu_4eh1jx5qrDBn11S1PbiOg1flgOPW3ZDbYCPsXjeWzNnHiP5Y9QyR4pklq9oyxzgl7D_4utDYZhs7x6eyPgLqbXT3Dwq16/s400/IMG_1052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554125682851693378" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_fNX-uRcs9j92lV8Sle2CF6u1xSshE1EDojrOUm_eNpd1eG47ukLD_sBNYHJKIt0jLlmtauQuJvGXhQ3fM5P-b_Ix_uzq_N_eQKCItCcaY9mrdlHkTtiY_A_kzOyT9M2JdgAD9HUyrhP/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_fNX-uRcs9j92lV8Sle2CF6u1xSshE1EDojrOUm_eNpd1eG47ukLD_sBNYHJKIt0jLlmtauQuJvGXhQ3fM5P-b_Ix_uzq_N_eQKCItCcaY9mrdlHkTtiY_A_kzOyT9M2JdgAD9HUyrhP/s400/IMG_1051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554125686980417458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC9eN7PaCQnx6DvDq-UMD5bWHjXaSYejUBWrDvXyf_sO8gZfEgEHWjCjSLg35nQuAUfy8XrKJXZDKOKpF4ZmoqFXudqE1G4Rte-wxVhovApShyi0xCXJRf6ugireCOgiI7xckjq7PGr3s/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC9eN7PaCQnx6DvDq-UMD5bWHjXaSYejUBWrDvXyf_sO8gZfEgEHWjCjSLg35nQuAUfy8XrKJXZDKOKpF4ZmoqFXudqE1G4Rte-wxVhovApShyi0xCXJRf6ugireCOgiI7xckjq7PGr3s/s400/IMG_1057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554125679752828130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPJnjnUC7Nr-YgZ2fh25uBWN3cW0fBFtoTh4tCsuRLp0qmPjnIAMq6AB0FijbH-UXsxcD0rECkbOuR8TdFn1Q72g5giPXzrGJ3rwcdrQum53OM07myoQavRuwtFihZ1bU68AnfOXIfNZV/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPJnjnUC7Nr-YgZ2fh25uBWN3cW0fBFtoTh4tCsuRLp0qmPjnIAMq6AB0FijbH-UXsxcD0rECkbOuR8TdFn1Q72g5giPXzrGJ3rwcdrQum53OM07myoQavRuwtFihZ1bU68AnfOXIfNZV/s400/IMG_1043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554125671998534258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CsRplhT9hgv5Y_tDMXSr1wOfwcrquaWKBpZRzTQ5JdOBVl_aGGESMvykeFUfP57bW7uibAnAX2fRRdEaGkhDkV2DwYWSD3tj6Clb5S9ybHeIwHM48kftZ5SrOm9oXXs8ZmDRGrvqckoG/s1600/IMG_1036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CsRplhT9hgv5Y_tDMXSr1wOfwcrquaWKBpZRzTQ5JdOBVl_aGGESMvykeFUfP57bW7uibAnAX2fRRdEaGkhDkV2DwYWSD3tj6Clb5S9ybHeIwHM48kftZ5SrOm9oXXs8ZmDRGrvqckoG/s400/IMG_1036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554124353106453810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCBMKJf4_NaUDNSsKRSbMq_B0WAKvDvewup9AgQRa94ul4B6OPPAWugJLRKXVmlgFRwLICyDiU-JhnIAyCvA_aGYD4HkGmp6vx2MQhw5vvPhd3xniwHy2bG19WemwRIEY58pSrI41eHzd/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCBMKJf4_NaUDNSsKRSbMq_B0WAKvDvewup9AgQRa94ul4B6OPPAWugJLRKXVmlgFRwLICyDiU-JhnIAyCvA_aGYD4HkGmp6vx2MQhw5vvPhd3xniwHy2bG19WemwRIEY58pSrI41eHzd/s400/IMG_1020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554124349864140754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBigrTjGoFwZf8xw2Es5UPzHgEHGrQOYDxVgRok6opQqdHLWiWypMx-CLE1oVYbkq0Y_FrXokf4JMDis571m2kglTFy00BQszLsDiLr6-GcUTyUQO2YNimFu0yC4IQw3ivL6z2ykm3xau/s1600/IMG_1016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBigrTjGoFwZf8xw2Es5UPzHgEHGrQOYDxVgRok6opQqdHLWiWypMx-CLE1oVYbkq0Y_FrXokf4JMDis571m2kglTFy00BQszLsDiLr6-GcUTyUQO2YNimFu0yC4IQw3ivL6z2ykm3xau/s400/IMG_1016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554124347541980322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv4UZGim4lVKykFmNYUV_4eL4RPtiBSettpszxwIGWhVWA0mSonnxzM5Mjm6x8-Jk1VXGalNJR56nXqlAHrRJGNuX-FHNERILyc7Ifr_iKBjIViTEswNObw_CRcoCZHMNu9O1cpezpvYm/s1600/IMG_1014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv4UZGim4lVKykFmNYUV_4eL4RPtiBSettpszxwIGWhVWA0mSonnxzM5Mjm6x8-Jk1VXGalNJR56nXqlAHrRJGNuX-FHNERILyc7Ifr_iKBjIViTEswNObw_CRcoCZHMNu9O1cpezpvYm/s400/IMG_1014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554124343436511890" border="0" /></a>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-79997313384485351162010-12-24T02:00:00.000-06:002010-12-23T14:15:11.398-06:00Christmas Program<div style="text-align: center;"> Well, as if I have nothing else going on this year, Stewart and I were in charge of our Christmas Program at church this year! It was a LOT of work, but I think it turned out great. We had 3 goals - try to do it in an hour or less, every child have a part that wanted one, and be ALL ABOUT JESUS! The play was called "Through the Eyes of the Friendly Beasts" and was a sweet retelling of the traditional nativity with an animal spin on it! ALL of the kids did awesome!! Church peeps - I have TONS of great pics of your kids since I had a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">birds eye</span> view - email me and I'll copy them for you!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5R07dY4OGNp0cvdCgVMo0hhfGqUfuQGBqFH7O_wLat_ITcuIaEFXTnBxG5qQhYfuQiQeuAx3ghzi031UZNobyHQWbFBbA8wTiaoapXuPUOdBRCpF-3apOrHX903EOU-D7OeOLuqpdH5tZ/s1600/IMG_0719.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5R07dY4OGNp0cvdCgVMo0hhfGqUfuQGBqFH7O_wLat_ITcuIaEFXTnBxG5qQhYfuQiQeuAx3ghzi031UZNobyHQWbFBbA8wTiaoapXuPUOdBRCpF-3apOrHX903EOU-D7OeOLuqpdH5tZ/s400/IMG_0719.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553972038655869074" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">EK</span> didn't get to go - this was 3 days post hospital. Too many people and germs for that! She stayed home with Mimi and Papaw and probably enjoyed it just as much!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBbtYq5AquZwysjijkXWOKdJSlR-xApMYFVAFx90Eggm7dK4V9wtcgTSY3phO7clHdRzB_B9RY9kmB5mmv-_ajEw0BbfmTbIofzHsUu_ajkdaqLNTkKT3Nc4TbooHjP-mZmgRbgazjkp7/s1600/IMG_0714.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBbtYq5AquZwysjijkXWOKdJSlR-xApMYFVAFx90Eggm7dK4V9wtcgTSY3phO7clHdRzB_B9RY9kmB5mmv-_ajEw0BbfmTbIofzHsUu_ajkdaqLNTkKT3Nc4TbooHjP-mZmgRbgazjkp7/s400/IMG_0714.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553971489790937010" border="0" /></a>Ready to go!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfAOROjAni0VI4FulIdgEB-rNHx9oKKtY28ZeTnffVlXxD-fYQkl8h_ORcemCFLeUNA1uAqBQyrLjO_FAD96SEzdAV9Ue36jjkGK20s37r_0Zz-xGFRKcQEW_o4qZ8QOcnRSSEis89x1h/s1600/IMG_0726.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfAOROjAni0VI4FulIdgEB-rNHx9oKKtY28ZeTnffVlXxD-fYQkl8h_ORcemCFLeUNA1uAqBQyrLjO_FAD96SEzdAV9Ue36jjkGK20s37r_0Zz-xGFRKcQEW_o4qZ8QOcnRSSEis89x1h/s400/IMG_0726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553971494855723778" border="0" /></a>Abby and her fellow cows<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCmMsOZQiOJzgj61b73knIl7wG3Q6gt5__nQrCpOkl6u1xzlB8ukyULf88z63F5W_NgoLCsZG8XkESFiGv3wLbD9hCFQz8BB7NyObRWvGM7TsCHwJvAMBIa4Nm0nBT0Ni4a5-dVsJYM8S/s1600/IMG_0739.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCmMsOZQiOJzgj61b73knIl7wG3Q6gt5__nQrCpOkl6u1xzlB8ukyULf88z63F5W_NgoLCsZG8XkESFiGv3wLbD9hCFQz8BB7NyObRWvGM7TsCHwJvAMBIa4Nm0nBT0Ni4a5-dVsJYM8S/s400/IMG_0739.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553971500343164914" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VeRc1BA6ggD-AUWYNNLMQrNailY6n-08kDbus4euACvoOJU7olbUcdFqjLSroinW6on_QdgtYMZSiHl2FJYUX-LCoGpKNLa4ltIDzYxBqbAOZfhOqeQLTnUZX0iMNSZYe02h-GA-Rby9/s1600/IMG_0755.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VeRc1BA6ggD-AUWYNNLMQrNailY6n-08kDbus4euACvoOJU7olbUcdFqjLSroinW6on_QdgtYMZSiHl2FJYUX-LCoGpKNLa4ltIDzYxBqbAOZfhOqeQLTnUZX0iMNSZYe02h-GA-Rby9/s400/IMG_0755.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553971503782798482" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3ALoyKPmVIAg_DCaauO7S-UmEQawfIOlV2YB3acr46zIMe2SoW5nHqXLGkEgbi3bPBbTGm-2ZYOlk4uTPd7YXKmDQk6PCcuhv1oP1H1naI1qYX-4dspyWCy1pfR6lNo8HbD61FhIYNuJ/s1600/IMG_0746.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3ALoyKPmVIAg_DCaauO7S-UmEQawfIOlV2YB3acr46zIMe2SoW5nHqXLGkEgbi3bPBbTGm-2ZYOlk4uTPd7YXKmDQk6PCcuhv1oP1H1naI1qYX-4dspyWCy1pfR6lNo8HbD61FhIYNuJ/s400/IMG_0746.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553971500240315842" border="0" /></a>"I said the cow all white and red. I gave him my manger for His bed!"<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIMQlzXOHgcUKqqWkiuuC4YBIebzbwKUcH4ZwjNJOdcToad-3SVfd9Jy3LysNtbS0MKtC8eZ9Yh4Nw169GZTINj8lbOcA18FLvXjJcTskNyYZTYCEHW2Xa81MhzmjgGh9wAatTLZjgc3T/s1600/IMG_0787.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIMQlzXOHgcUKqqWkiuuC4YBIebzbwKUcH4ZwjNJOdcToad-3SVfd9Jy3LysNtbS0MKtC8eZ9Yh4Nw169GZTINj8lbOcA18FLvXjJcTskNyYZTYCEHW2Xa81MhzmjgGh9wAatTLZjgc3T/s400/IMG_0787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553972024285241138" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EX40P0pbtEDLcnWyS75mNsTnCgODNSganeYLIh1LpB17WRRv8d-ENKO5yVMMr-zn5ukaXtJtkwYfMcyn_xpbNWtL2AoT__XzWiLtnAaS6Ff9MFGm81wuCXfDTbYKrdOG5QAKE8WqtYTG/s1600/IMG_0851.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EX40P0pbtEDLcnWyS75mNsTnCgODNSganeYLIh1LpB17WRRv8d-ENKO5yVMMr-zn5ukaXtJtkwYfMcyn_xpbNWtL2AoT__XzWiLtnAaS6Ff9MFGm81wuCXfDTbYKrdOG5QAKE8WqtYTG/s400/IMG_0851.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553972035215903618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ll-jW3UIY1eja4S6vfcK6n7TtfjX60vJzqJ1SGAQfnUhh6UUjxeGHdgy5bkeNMyvZdkcnD-3ft5TsavE27UEIZaLcQIoffiiltLxHfzN5Uyqq_hVLeqC8AhpygQBSvSlHtSmuYlQZzbG/s1600/IMG_0798.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ll-jW3UIY1eja4S6vfcK6n7TtfjX60vJzqJ1SGAQfnUhh6UUjxeGHdgy5bkeNMyvZdkcnD-3ft5TsavE27UEIZaLcQIoffiiltLxHfzN5Uyqq_hVLeqC8AhpygQBSvSlHtSmuYlQZzbG/s400/IMG_0798.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553972030066056610" border="0" /></a><br />Now.....what to do for next year???<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBbtYq5AquZwysjijkXWOKdJSlR-xApMYFVAFx90Eggm7dK4V9wtcgTSY3phO7clHdRzB_B9RY9kmB5mmv-_ajEw0BbfmTbIofzHsUu_ajkdaqLNTkKT3Nc4TbooHjP-mZmgRbgazjkp7/s1600/IMG_0714.jpg"><br /></a>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-63966134501590913762010-12-23T17:00:00.000-06:002010-12-23T17:00:03.359-06:00MORE EK Birthday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRQF0zt-WDrvrjmuiQrSLNfPC1cC6HV4fLJEovEPcG4ZUgiWHMvbkozpEXqqzBN-X_cm-sUXmLIxGD9sf-5Zubd527qE1_wkHBRhMH6mK4Z0M8Jdg35hrToy3awBu2-u2-4D6D_Wq7p1y/s1600/IMG_0914.jpg"><br /></a><br />So I guess I feel guilty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">because</span> we missed the whole party element of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">EK's</span> birthday this year! I mean we sang and had cupcakes in the hospital ON her birthday, opened presents at home a few days later and then got dressed in our outfit and took pictures with the cake like a WEEK after that!! OH WELL......thankfully she just know she had cupcakes and presents :) So here's a few shots of the presents :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9llRtmtxJmZSseva6pJcJULSMnZLKFlrIzw2DyuIitoFeFF456Cg17zl-lN-riiLoKRuHCiY4hIvkf_tpTyM4N8KSodQI57fV88oirpIF6ZDAXVnW5cl_Kq9F157UjoXS9iaIrK44DMQZ/s1600/IMG_0908.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9llRtmtxJmZSseva6pJcJULSMnZLKFlrIzw2DyuIitoFeFF456Cg17zl-lN-riiLoKRuHCiY4hIvkf_tpTyM4N8KSodQI57fV88oirpIF6ZDAXVnW5cl_Kq9F157UjoXS9iaIrK44DMQZ/s400/IMG_0908.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553912724957204242" border="0" /></a>She LOVES to "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cwean</span> up!!"<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8WTc1ZJihMfZuYA1dPRFrJhwMGnopVvupzsHhozrdmG9CwYfBfYU9nuOQvwATgekBUZ19BZLuiuncMZlEJJXgMD23I-Jpsp0jjlocFTd9CJR0HycVqy1M93bnIzp5qbVL1xH5BWitQOE/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8WTc1ZJihMfZuYA1dPRFrJhwMGnopVvupzsHhozrdmG9CwYfBfYU9nuOQvwATgekBUZ19BZLuiuncMZlEJJXgMD23I-Jpsp0jjlocFTd9CJR0HycVqy1M93bnIzp5qbVL1xH5BWitQOE/s400/IMG_0899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553912721071829778" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRQF0zt-WDrvrjmuiQrSLNfPC1cC6HV4fLJEovEPcG4ZUgiWHMvbkozpEXqqzBN-X_cm-sUXmLIxGD9sf-5Zubd527qE1_wkHBRhMH6mK4Z0M8Jdg35hrToy3awBu2-u2-4D6D_Wq7p1y/s1600/IMG_0914.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRQF0zt-WDrvrjmuiQrSLNfPC1cC6HV4fLJEovEPcG4ZUgiWHMvbkozpEXqqzBN-X_cm-sUXmLIxGD9sf-5Zubd527qE1_wkHBRhMH6mK4Z0M8Jdg35hrToy3awBu2-u2-4D6D_Wq7p1y/s400/IMG_0914.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553912728607377522" border="0" /></a>ELMO that blows kisses :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbMQU0Z7N4oOwMIA0IsHSqj5e1eQtXzWFcrrPu1dkjPO_KsyGYLqxJyqLgRCC3-Nrnp2pnPstcXuYRyrIcqJ8vulNbazOoPm59jRgnqvjL0kKTzufbOOdA31ygiTWhXqGxdzP-byDmUWR/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbMQU0Z7N4oOwMIA0IsHSqj5e1eQtXzWFcrrPu1dkjPO_KsyGYLqxJyqLgRCC3-Nrnp2pnPstcXuYRyrIcqJ8vulNbazOoPm59jRgnqvjL0kKTzufbOOdA31ygiTWhXqGxdzP-byDmUWR/s400/IMG_0895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553912714211085234" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, we did - we bought an inflatable for INSIDE our house! I guess when they tell you that your child basically needs to live in a bubble for the next 4 months to avoid another hospital stay you go to extremes to keep her entertained!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">She also got her first American Girl "Bitty Baby" and Mimi bought us all new big-girl toddler bedding! More pics of that soon - Santa is having to create some space management planning for the upcoming onslaught of toys so everything is a little upside down right now!!<br /></div></div>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-63040169891596663742010-12-22T23:03:00.001-06:002010-12-23T10:08:18.453-06:00Thanksgiving Recap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rSv-2vGaRKZgso97tb0FMQ3_ESX7lfIjaDFOi02Uk08HJVT6I7YzU8QDT9qV1pA1Bv6KC1O06LEGGkUKrpnMSZLRofBekIQdsKTPa9s-vCQ7gkDgpoQK-mlMe5lSB8pDlvvZXtIdNa8f/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG"><br /></a><br />Catching up :) We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with both sides of our family. Here are pictures from round one at Rob and Sandra's. Round two was at Pam's but we must have been too busy planning our shopping strategies for pics :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwkggJ916Vz_99hY0WCa0OLAxzb1VKGpsyuKAoangF4xzmuVRi0dWOZrrt4l_6aW1izWfEZ44NGoL1aWxQeOs2W4Ui3dlYrgzn9mOxLEasLby6MyTKsFHqMC0XOfR86eQvaAVez-Cft9o/s1600/IMG_0593.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwkggJ916Vz_99hY0WCa0OLAxzb1VKGpsyuKAoangF4xzmuVRi0dWOZrrt4l_6aW1izWfEZ44NGoL1aWxQeOs2W4Ui3dlYrgzn9mOxLEasLby6MyTKsFHqMC0XOfR86eQvaAVez-Cft9o/s400/IMG_0593.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553908773369820610" border="0" /></a>Helping Daddy cook the dressing........not sure why the gloves and mask but you can't say we didn't use good food preparation techniques!!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21tMVBnodCRc7sp1dGyEUZK1lTjV8ibtfhjtvSnzHV8qXNQO385FkqEQn_g82cvktuigeA7-nLyJyuMyXU2MgHnazooEyL8D2u8hlARQEcvWF9xjVQJxD0KQGFtCZdAfO3bDimPq8d2B8/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21tMVBnodCRc7sp1dGyEUZK1lTjV8ibtfhjtvSnzHV8qXNQO385FkqEQn_g82cvktuigeA7-nLyJyuMyXU2MgHnazooEyL8D2u8hlARQEcvWF9xjVQJxD0KQGFtCZdAfO3bDimPq8d2B8/s400/IMG_0597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553908782401306210" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00XgF42T-qlt2lX47S7-c0MALfMymBWXg1VPtI41Aa8szz71tRS2oUspO87xzjL4Ca1VOhOUo4w_jYtUoX8eiyv-jmKqRxCJ6VCx0yjwPCG-v12xMH7tgdz0NIuxhMp5DzhL0wieUBpe5/s1600/IMG_0613.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00XgF42T-qlt2lX47S7-c0MALfMymBWXg1VPtI41Aa8szz71tRS2oUspO87xzjL4Ca1VOhOUo4w_jYtUoX8eiyv-jmKqRxCJ6VCx0yjwPCG-v12xMH7tgdz0NIuxhMp5DzhL0wieUBpe5/s400/IMG_0613.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553909032824357698" border="0" /></a>Morgan and Brock<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qzM5OxXnfEhNPJGxQ-JSd04Xf_iq2oTckYRL0rIqw6E1k7BGGc2DVjprZCTOJvdl96uGsybcjYOJy1zkbAG_ZdojCxQ9V2ZJYg9w1YzeRCJodpgJDzNw1qH7eBJlT4s4DKoTQjCTCE13/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qzM5OxXnfEhNPJGxQ-JSd04Xf_iq2oTckYRL0rIqw6E1k7BGGc2DVjprZCTOJvdl96uGsybcjYOJy1zkbAG_ZdojCxQ9V2ZJYg9w1YzeRCJodpgJDzNw1qH7eBJlT4s4DKoTQjCTCE13/s400/IMG_0617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553909025282689522" border="0" /></a>Fruit Salad.....yummy yummy!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q5_F0TlHeyZ0K4w9PjurnRNkH7l0fdRdo_rPzHDnhGFETlla-Q_T35CNAiGQX4K-1GvVZ1rg8TEWc1tMx6NTSgdX4AZNQ8MH0apOi5v4cfAKNTb5drn7dVvZeg_0B1AT3CVehpmCKHGj/s1600/IMG_0620.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q5_F0TlHeyZ0K4w9PjurnRNkH7l0fdRdo_rPzHDnhGFETlla-Q_T35CNAiGQX4K-1GvVZ1rg8TEWc1tMx6NTSgdX4AZNQ8MH0apOi5v4cfAKNTb5drn7dVvZeg_0B1AT3CVehpmCKHGj/s400/IMG_0620.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553908803191613922" border="0" /></a>McKenzie keeping the troops entertained!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWTXgKm8HUNahlMuvKrS7dBzMGiJbjOV2NvMQ63q5guXYRg-R1bYsZerpUCirQ3WXhSK9QTRAqLeJdtWwJISGLgkN6sJAG0wljOaKixYSK7FBy99JOCc7zhjYI0aeAqUQZy5xjxkT5UOD/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWTXgKm8HUNahlMuvKrS7dBzMGiJbjOV2NvMQ63q5guXYRg-R1bYsZerpUCirQ3WXhSK9QTRAqLeJdtWwJISGLgkN6sJAG0wljOaKixYSK7FBy99JOCc7zhjYI0aeAqUQZy5xjxkT5UOD/s400/IMG_0607.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553908798625430066" border="0" /></a>Aunt Nana and Holden<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pHu8b4l21Bu2XN-sXsCRgceaALfYeeXdAOKGsK5jHCG9ZJ-j6xjIndWBCLT-G1F2l1LkuberS0c9Q-O7elY6FMGZDFtmgeBON79aOagetb9SHba0MsZe2JgxFR9cpOAWQOzJNgeE39it/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pHu8b4l21Bu2XN-sXsCRgceaALfYeeXdAOKGsK5jHCG9ZJ-j6xjIndWBCLT-G1F2l1LkuberS0c9Q-O7elY6FMGZDFtmgeBON79aOagetb9SHba0MsZe2JgxFR9cpOAWQOzJNgeE39it/s400/IMG_0612.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553909036753413106" border="0" /></a>Who knew repackaging Juicy Juice in a can would be so fun!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rSv-2vGaRKZgso97tb0FMQ3_ESX7lfIjaDFOi02Uk08HJVT6I7YzU8QDT9qV1pA1Bv6KC1O06LEGGkUKrpnMSZLRofBekIQdsKTPa9s-vCQ7gkDgpoQK-mlMe5lSB8pDlvvZXtIdNa8f/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rSv-2vGaRKZgso97tb0FMQ3_ESX7lfIjaDFOi02Uk08HJVT6I7YzU8QDT9qV1pA1Bv6KC1O06LEGGkUKrpnMSZLRofBekIQdsKTPa9s-vCQ7gkDgpoQK-mlMe5lSB8pDlvvZXtIdNa8f/s400/IMG_0601.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553910070090748946" border="0" /></a><br />Our BCF (Best Cousin Forever) - Dacy!!<br /></div>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-31040501634117084412010-12-20T06:44:00.002-06:002010-12-20T06:48:26.470-06:00Birthday Cake!So...we missed the party :( We ate the cupcakes in the hospital, but we HAD to get some cute shots with the birthday outfit and the top of the tower! Here they are (and in EK's little mind - we DID have a party!!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBriEsjRQY9sm9qKFxzZZU2FuDgaPU8HilcfevimSKo052k891CFKdGQzJ7JhPsgHvefFmoVTBQah0aFZJFWixdgPCg7XwI3xCjV3tGfg4toxqM8YKx4Ohf6jOGayr_JyNNlWn9joAUP8/s1600/IMG_0955.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBriEsjRQY9sm9qKFxzZZU2FuDgaPU8HilcfevimSKo052k891CFKdGQzJ7JhPsgHvefFmoVTBQah0aFZJFWixdgPCg7XwI3xCjV3tGfg4toxqM8YKx4Ohf6jOGayr_JyNNlWn9joAUP8/s400/IMG_0955.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552745142723104194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl-WF4-p1wThiKOi6GY0c6lVc1ADuAU_GIRtQLaxxnbhhBxdxw1UTP2HVWfGJ7OlWl6bXcgypJWkmyjEXkRSJ5-0pSxTl5Q_VkXmhYhTPh30TafW-rJd4nPKeSpFfw-9Baouf4QCwUur6/s1600/IMG_0946.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl-WF4-p1wThiKOi6GY0c6lVc1ADuAU_GIRtQLaxxnbhhBxdxw1UTP2HVWfGJ7OlWl6bXcgypJWkmyjEXkRSJ5-0pSxTl5Q_VkXmhYhTPh30TafW-rJd4nPKeSpFfw-9Baouf4QCwUur6/s400/IMG_0946.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552745137764254146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk9xoD-LbJgBEp3m9rcNMEHFPvfOfY2rDbVWFPexaZ2JjXOkNoAEWBPoQfA3UqLfnVpVHcB7cT5JQ1exuBf-bePZbFe8fbPKKeo7FYpLQhZK3WPjifjQp8J0nCh3ERquRfH1K9AzosS6A/s1600/IMG_0934.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk9xoD-LbJgBEp3m9rcNMEHFPvfOfY2rDbVWFPexaZ2JjXOkNoAEWBPoQfA3UqLfnVpVHcB7cT5JQ1exuBf-bePZbFe8fbPKKeo7FYpLQhZK3WPjifjQp8J0nCh3ERquRfH1K9AzosS6A/s400/IMG_0934.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552745135588388002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnp_knorHWikMVvF0pdMCcbspIzBLiC-TA7xn2rz8UZgi4tIsHHaytADISFvRP5dfqzYh3lOHFkXeZJy1Z59yxctI5ZD0N_W7sr0F0fhK8Iq3BoplCRGha3LoazEE6DhBGxUYiuw4hA_l/s1600/IMG_0931.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnp_knorHWikMVvF0pdMCcbspIzBLiC-TA7xn2rz8UZgi4tIsHHaytADISFvRP5dfqzYh3lOHFkXeZJy1Z59yxctI5ZD0N_W7sr0F0fhK8Iq3BoplCRGha3LoazEE6DhBGxUYiuw4hA_l/s400/IMG_0931.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552745131825288370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3d-uwBNnRNte_Ykqj4bfVC8cgd5W9TfMKsFmNChJ0buVtxo4r0MK2j8gXsy5HhZzCKH1nlUnEmVYPbHXozcKwkx_Jn1c_XaBWBPD1nOVvZsPygH-0AeDQBBBmB2saawc7AcWEZjAfdhDd/s1600/IMG_0929.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3d-uwBNnRNte_Ykqj4bfVC8cgd5W9TfMKsFmNChJ0buVtxo4r0MK2j8gXsy5HhZzCKH1nlUnEmVYPbHXozcKwkx_Jn1c_XaBWBPD1nOVvZsPygH-0AeDQBBBmB2saawc7AcWEZjAfdhDd/s400/IMG_0929.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552745127769539986" border="0" /></a>Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-3886356845552420602010-12-04T02:41:00.004-06:002010-12-04T03:25:26.446-06:00Happy Birthday Ellie Kate!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz77xg9tWcVcRjzIvPHthXK-9W6Aa47kL5yTVC6zp1RJC3xRsuNNRMfSUqWGuB_EfJFgvXOz-GmZmt6igI5tA17mAgsThQPgA16NMKAviab4gKbNkViMyU6p0Ffm112l16t3qwwQ_zcCAw/s1600/ek+hospital.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz77xg9tWcVcRjzIvPHthXK-9W6Aa47kL5yTVC6zp1RJC3xRsuNNRMfSUqWGuB_EfJFgvXOz-GmZmt6igI5tA17mAgsThQPgA16NMKAviab4gKbNkViMyU6p0Ffm112l16t3qwwQ_zcCAw/s400/ek+hospital.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546754537087622402" border="0" /></a><br />Oh me what a day........Miss <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">EK's</span> birthday is being spent as a patient at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children. She has been diagnosed with respiratory distress brought about by asthma. ASTHMA??? I have NO frame of reference on this one.......I'm sure I'll be googling my heart out very soon, but right now we've just got to get her to keep her blood oxygen level up without supplemental O2. Right now it's 2:44 AM and we're watching Elmo for the 300<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> time while we play with stickers and try to forget about all the yucky things that are stuck in her. Sleep does not look promising yet........cabin fever for this wild 2 year old is imminent!<br /><br />Flash back........<br /><br />Two years ago today was the day of the rainbow for our family! The previous year had been racked with grief, nearly uncontrollable anxiety about the unplanned pregnancy that was about to be over, the death of my precious Grandaddy, and the impending home going of Stewart's dad. Let's just say the end of 2007 and 2008 were nothing to write home about!!<br /><br />We were scheduled for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">csection</span> at 38 weeks. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CSection</span> because <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">emotionally</span> I didn't think I could go through labor again; 38 weeks because we lost Olivia at 38 weeks and 4 days. For the previous 2 weeks, I came every other day for non-stress tests. Everything about this pregnancy looked perfect - no cause for alarm. But you have to understand, so did Olivia's right up until the delivery itself.<br /><br />So here we were. Back at the hospital where we had just been. I had requested my favorite nurse Kris. She was there when Abby was born, she actually delivered Olivia and was the person to break the tragic news to me, and I wanted her with us again to hopefully come full <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">circle</span>. She was on top of her game this day. She had my monitor turned up loud enough to hear it in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Scottsboro</span> just to ease my jitters. She kept me informed on every step of the process, and tried her best to keep a positive vibe going all the while knowing I was just about to lose it - completely.<br /><br />It was time - we had to go to the operating room which meant they had to take the monitor off. It's only like 2 minutes down the hall to the operating room, but I was convinced that this was the beginning of the end. We got to the OR, and the team was SO sweet. They all knew the situation and they didn't hide it. I got constant updates and perky, cheerleader-like encouragement while everything was being prepped. At one point, my blood pressure dropped and I started passing out. As I came back to I was just overwhelmed with anxiety. Stewart knew I was going off the deep end. He leaned his head down next to mine and started praying in my ear for the Lord to comfort me. And then I did what probably no one else did - I started singing. That's what I do - sing. There was a song that I had sung day and night to help keep me centered on the good things the Lord was doing and not on the chaos the devil was trying to create. After about 2 rounds of the song I heard it - a baby cried. She cried...........something taken for granted in every L&D department everywhere, but a sound I never thought I'd hear again. And Kris cheered :)<br /><br />Fast forward 2 years.......<br /><br />Even as I sit here in this same hospital today, some demons are still here. I couldn't help it today as we got her all checked in - the flashbacks began to roll. Stewart was on his way, but I had to fight this one myself. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">EK</span> was not critical, but it's still SO hard to see your baby sick and all the MANY things they do to them in the name of getting better. As I tried to process everything that was going on and deal with the past demons, Stewart <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">texted</span> me that I needed to remember that even though this was the place of our tragedy, this was also the same place that gave us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">EK</span>!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">EK</span> is our rainbow and our thunderstorm all at the same time. She's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">feisty</span>, stubborn, and can throw the loudest and strongest fit of any 2 year old I know. At <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">the</span> same time, she can melt your heart with her little looks and can crack up every passing person with her VERY verbal account of everything that is going on and repeating <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">everyone's</span> name in a strange little - almost Asian lady at the Chinese buffet - accent.<br /><br />So we have come full circle in two years. Are all the demons gone - no. Will they ever be - I don't know. I do know that I have more to be thankful for now than then. I would like to think I've crossed some bridges and mountains that might pave the road for someone else who will surely walk this lonely road behind me.<br /><br />There was a Minnie Mouse party that was cancelled Friday night and Princess on Ice tickets today that Mimi and Abby will be enjoying alone. But here in room 461, we have a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">feisty</span> little rainbow to thank the Lord for everyday, and plenty of yummy cupcakes to go around.<br /><br />Happy birthday my rainbow - we'll have a real party soon - promise :)Stephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530984856970143969.post-59608052469087301132010-12-03T13:13:00.000-06:002010-12-03T13:11:04.386-06:00Please PrayThey are admitting EK to the hospital today for respiratory distress complicated by asthma. I know God will see us through and we'll be fine, but my nerves being in this place are trying to get the best of me. <p>God is good. <p><br>Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TStephanie Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782153849233678756noreply@blogger.com0