tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83360721404940456222024-03-05T04:09:50.610-08:00Our extra-Ordinary LifeAnnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.comBlogger364125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-55771107805082223812019-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:002019-02-22T05:00:07.032-08:00Flashback Friday - TexasI haven't posted on my blog in two years! I was looking around and discovered blogs aren't even what the used to be! What they were isn't even "in" anymore! My posts won't change a whole lot though. I don't care about being "in" and the purpose of this blog stays the same - a diary of our family life.<br />
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We moved to Flower Mound, Texas late summer 2005. The first day of school followed quickly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkJF845HBQHw5BeD4WB4yj-AtJGw40LWumcv74x7IwwSa_ErMG6rGzBZz3WBT-wnjILeWf72Mz_Ou3RoFurhSRDbuPAdEcTLkGz2ESDvw-mRHLmSLc7KtMabISYKYYG-wz0NNFFAU9gA/s1600/DSC07518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkJF845HBQHw5BeD4WB4yj-AtJGw40LWumcv74x7IwwSa_ErMG6rGzBZz3WBT-wnjILeWf72Mz_Ou3RoFurhSRDbuPAdEcTLkGz2ESDvw-mRHLmSLc7KtMabISYKYYG-wz0NNFFAU9gA/s400/DSC07518.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levi looks pretty confident and pleased that Micah's off to school for the whole day and he's not!</td></tr>
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Uncle Blair had helped us find a great house in a great neighborhood. It was close to green space with a path that led behind the middle school, through a park, and to the elementary school. Devon rode bikes to school with the boys sometimes on his day off. Our great house however, had yucky carpet and wallpaper. By the end of August, we started rectifying that situation. The boys scraped the wallpaper off their bathroom walls almost entirely on their own.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They actually learned home projects starting in ABQ. They've used their acquired skill on mission trips and to earn money. In this picture you can see in to the boys' room. They shared one bedroom and used one as a playroom for awhile. Later, this room became Levi's and the one to the left of the bathroom was Micah's.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our previous house was a new build. This was the house we started a tradition. Any time we redid floors or walls we used sharpie to write - here, our names. Future projects included our favorite Scriptures.</td></tr>
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First grade and Forest Vista was the beginning of Cub Scouts for Micah (Levi officially joined two years later). We were blessed with a wonderful den and pack full of friends for Micah and parents we enjoyed. One of the first den meetings was at our house where the boys practiced their cowboy skills with knott tying and "cattle" roping.<br />
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Although we're not pleased with the direction Scouts has taken - those 11 years we were a part were meaningful to our boys and our family. Dev continues today his friendship with hiking buddies he met in Oklahoma Scouts. We are blessed and thankful.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-32783942062482853612017-02-12T21:08:00.000-08:002017-02-12T21:08:16.685-08:00Albuquerque Flashback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, I was looking through some ABQ photos and I found some gems! These were in a Sept. - Nov. file. By then, of 2003, we had settled in quite nicely. Micah started a Mother's Day Out at a local preschool. He went only on Fridays for a few hours and loved it! I loved it because it gave him time to play with other kids. A few of those kids were in his kindergarten class the next year.</div>
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September and October were busy in Albuquerque. We went with Grandmomma and Grandpoppa to the fair. This must have been our first time there because we have a lot of fair pictures from a different trip. This one rained. We spent a lot of time dodging showers, taking cover, and doing activities when there was a break in rain. It was fun to be together though!<br />
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We had actually been to Balloon Fiesta before and since we lived here now, we didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn for everything. Aunt Winna took this picture! I'm not sure how the timing worked out for her with school, but she's in another picture from this batch.<br />
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The following picture is from an early zoo trip. The boys did discover the jumping area right away. I love that we went to the zoo so much in ABQ. We had an annual membership and we used it well. Levi and I would sometimes go there on early release (school) day and he even had a birthday there!<br />
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Picture proof that we did do pumpkins and costumes with our boys! Again, this was our first year in ABQ. The other year, I found matching spider sweaters at a second hand store and Aunt Winna made spider masks out of black paper plates and pipe cleaners!<br />
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That Little Tikes car got a lot of use! The black truck (from Gigi - it had belonged to cousin October) and gas station were added in Kentucky. The infamous duck boots are in these pictures too!<br />
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These kinds of pictures were pretty typical of M and L's early years. Fairs, special events/places, visits from Aunt Winna, pumpkins.<br />
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A final shot - M's beginning of photography. (At this point, I don't think I had even considered the boys would be taking pictures on their phones one day!)<br />
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-55617703531978555692017-01-08T16:04:00.000-08:002017-01-08T16:04:39.198-08:00Albuquerque Flashback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In April, 2003, Hubby and M flew from Kentucky to Albuquerque to find a home for us. They chose well in a new neighborhood on the west side - Ventana Hills. Our goal was to be some place new in order to meet new people and invite them to church. You can see in the second picture that we didn't even have across the street neighbors yet. The backyard pictures are to show what we did first thing - Hubby put in sprinklers! We were doing this on our first weekend there - and we even invited people we met for the first time at Rio Vista Church to come help. Of course, anyone willing to come into the mess inside and out were obviously going to be great friends! And the Hendrixsons were - from day one to Jen being one of the last ones in our house to clean when we moved - a large part of Albuquerque memories are of them.</div>
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All that sod had to go in too! We hauled it in the blue van (because we didn't have a truck) and that's where the "sod knife" came from. Hubby used one of the knives from our kitchen set to cut the grass. The knife is in our kitchen drawer right now and has been used on sod at every house we've lived since!<br />
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Right outside the back door Hubby and the boys built a deck (that's where he first let them use power tools!). We left the part on the side dirt/sand for the boys to play in. The swing you see int he picture went on the deck along with the grill and eventually a better patio table was there too. We had many snacks and played many games there. From the swing looking north you could see the Sango De Christo Mts.<br />
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We spent a lot of time outside at this home in both the front and back, walking in the neighborhood (Hubby taking Jazzy out in the undeveloped area to chase rabbits), and at the nearby parks. Another great reason in choosing this spot was that it was down the street from the new elementary school. I was even part of the neighborhood meeting that chose the school mascot - the Roadrunners!<br />
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How is it possible that so much fun and playing went into two short years? We had a small plastic square table at the end of the kitchen counter. It was perfect because when you were at it you were in the kitchen, dining room and living room - we had a "Great Room"- the fireplace was at the center. Although M, didn't actually have formal preschool, I made sure he went to school with a good foundation. Well, except knowing what a needle and thread was and thinking ice cream was a nutritious snack (those were two things he missed on a kindergarten testing situation)!<br />
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In this picture you can get a better glimpse of the table the boys used constantly and can almost see the beginning of the fireplace (to the right of what was our bedroom door). It was in front of this fireplace where we would act out Bible stories. One of M's favorites to do was Samuel. He would lay down and I would call his name. After doing this a few times he would say "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."<br />
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Weren't the boys lovely bandits? (Nice transition from Samuel, hu? Their pretending ran the gamut!) They have cowboy hats from Grandy. Oh, M & L were the best of friends! They spent countless hours pretending and playing together. I hope they remember that and forge a friendship one day as adults. (The pictures of the boys are actually from May 2004 - almost a year after coming to ABQ and a few months before M started Kindergarten. L was 3.)<br />
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More ABQ flashbacks to come. We were finally digital!Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-9331389038870879132016-12-28T18:00:00.000-08:002016-12-28T18:00:01.102-08:00December in Pictures<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeAFEOPkV84HPCtpvWC_Rq11-_gmVRbD2K1Xw-NsPZQz04qcBHYKOQK52Ex8nAXCQNjZikv_saOPOBw-DDYYHH7SWpmyh4XnVe8IsjZwWaX9KS4n-jX_pNSKg379usVlHx3qh1a0krLo/s1600/IMG_6815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeAFEOPkV84HPCtpvWC_Rq11-_gmVRbD2K1Xw-NsPZQz04qcBHYKOQK52Ex8nAXCQNjZikv_saOPOBw-DDYYHH7SWpmyh4XnVe8IsjZwWaX9KS4n-jX_pNSKg379usVlHx3qh1a0krLo/s400/IMG_6815.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys got in on this batch of holly wreath cookies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby and I tried a batch earlier in the month, but I did have any red hot candies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner, yes. But, do you see the salt n pepper shakers? Hubby got them as a white elephant gift. They aren't so to me - I love them!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a dusting. December 17. Later in the night when it was so bitterly cold, we got a visit from a dog from the neighborhood north of us. I dried him off and petted him by the fire while we waited on his owner.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School is out for two weeks!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister treated us to drinks and treats for my Aunt's birthday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life with Lucy and Cyrus. He was pretty serious about his new bone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new spot for the tree. We considered a taller tree for the living room to go with the high ceilings. I just can't bear the thought of using a different tree. We've had this since the year before M was born.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to leave IHOP. I was sad that it wasn't decorated for Christmas this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt and the boys in front of a random house. At 10:30 on Christmas Eve the temperature was still in the 50s!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxqFZEbrdHUZkdVRV41fJlc5YgyZYEdwvXuaNNbSR6Kirk_5XSv6IAgmrb3g8lBGcutcGTLUcJbCNhGbUZ7VtNrY_EW6nQVVhQhqRbD8zAySOzYW6RF8vcKRahM-LFR5C09kcYCywGKE/s1600/IMG_6861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxqFZEbrdHUZkdVRV41fJlc5YgyZYEdwvXuaNNbSR6Kirk_5XSv6IAgmrb3g8lBGcutcGTLUcJbCNhGbUZ7VtNrY_EW6nQVVhQhqRbD8zAySOzYW6RF8vcKRahM-LFR5C09kcYCywGKE/s400/IMG_6861.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie in front of the same house.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp-i_s-wWRMpaLdgLnhUffBOCNZn_zMcQ-dNPtT3-D4L-mphmxe_J7dbTfIXONCfQEtAnjrSgEmXjkbuY7cI-tZlzplNiHlWPAs34QVDBM65eCD5fphPUpuZ-cLFv6ENxHqGwkUjmPZc/s1600/IMG_6864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp-i_s-wWRMpaLdgLnhUffBOCNZn_zMcQ-dNPtT3-D4L-mphmxe_J7dbTfIXONCfQEtAnjrSgEmXjkbuY7cI-tZlzplNiHlWPAs34QVDBM65eCD5fphPUpuZ-cLFv6ENxHqGwkUjmPZc/s400/IMG_6864.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was tricky to find a service on Christmas Eve that worked with M's work schedule.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSMj0RIXgJ-dEpAobB44yDG_wmQ_lN_zkn_jB7XmIwixujwa5ZeFbjL21GFBC12qSUM5GjjX9QXmT3D_MRS4cAZW956PAVm3Y3Uibpfm4-BzcPO-OCvms1AXKW_yVyHj40Y-49UlykJE/s1600/IMG_6879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSMj0RIXgJ-dEpAobB44yDG_wmQ_lN_zkn_jB7XmIwixujwa5ZeFbjL21GFBC12qSUM5GjjX9QXmT3D_MRS4cAZW956PAVm3Y3Uibpfm4-BzcPO-OCvms1AXKW_yVyHj40Y-49UlykJE/s400/IMG_6879.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got EVERYONE in this Christmas Eve picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp4hDzygDOixCwKiPSWdWxUYJ3Po2oRTHmod1gcsM2yEQ32UdlHSBbqBj25cB28O4Zlnr_-C7DdJHPH3iDhTOr9P6ZgvxagXxz-JwmHxzS6aFOGOFsZlP5iKkJZHDhAwhB5nAytrACGE/s1600/IMG_6895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp4hDzygDOixCwKiPSWdWxUYJ3Po2oRTHmod1gcsM2yEQ32UdlHSBbqBj25cB28O4Zlnr_-C7DdJHPH3iDhTOr9P6ZgvxagXxz-JwmHxzS6aFOGOFsZlP5iKkJZHDhAwhB5nAytrACGE/s400/IMG_6895.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby has almost perfected his cinnamon roll recipe. My Dad used to make them Christmas morning. He perfected his in the Air Force. Hubby has been working on his at Church Camp!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhjkCrw68UlZ0U38nmj3JQYxMDnPIHcGKKwPv_U_pHQby4Ngizz7sskreDsmPBODXxeSgiF_k8gSX0fpcKDqgg1Wg80yahAAKzwRU5-4hNNFVkNfUgd-nXnpaNJJ6g7FOt0lc5v0w4ks/s1600/IMG_6897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhjkCrw68UlZ0U38nmj3JQYxMDnPIHcGKKwPv_U_pHQby4Ngizz7sskreDsmPBODXxeSgiF_k8gSX0fpcKDqgg1Wg80yahAAKzwRU5-4hNNFVkNfUgd-nXnpaNJJ6g7FOt0lc5v0w4ks/s400/IMG_6897.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was snoring about 15 minutes into opening presents!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJeTnUTrjPwESpVJsVnECGPENgHF1qpDM2w5fatUV06GXDE4iUOSjaNnCP17w0KKDXlT3DC5Bh4dJ5yz0XbDIHXCCWD6Tey3n3Y3y1-cuZfPsnEduyrTmLGpEH11Z9yFrO9xH3TTZ4gY/s1600/IMG_6898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJeTnUTrjPwESpVJsVnECGPENgHF1qpDM2w5fatUV06GXDE4iUOSjaNnCP17w0KKDXlT3DC5Bh4dJ5yz0XbDIHXCCWD6Tey3n3Y3y1-cuZfPsnEduyrTmLGpEH11Z9yFrO9xH3TTZ4gY/s400/IMG_6898.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick visit from Hubby's Mom. This was just to see the plane - maybe a flight another time! <br />2017 is the year for me to fly again!?!</td></tr>
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-51159782417520253812016-12-23T20:18:00.000-08:002016-12-23T20:18:10.207-08:00A Great Reminder or "Read This If You're Missing Someone"This year felt Christmasy as soon as Thanksgiving was over. Hubby put lights out front, we've been on track with baking, shopping, parties and such.<br />
<br />
However, about a week ago, I told Hubby that the one thing I wanted for Christmas I couldn't have - I wanted a visit from Mom and Dad for Christmas. My best remembered Christmases as an adult were the ones Mom and Dad (and then Dad after Mom was gone) came to visit.<br />
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I've dwelt on that this week even to the point of being quite a Grinch to my family. <br />
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So, yesterday I visited them. My sister and I took silk poinsettias to the cemetery for the vases on Mom and Dad's headstone. We didn't linger there. I've never felt it necessary since they aren't there. I know others spend time at the graves of loved ones and that's fine. Everyone grieves differently.<br />
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As I was posting our Christmas letter, I was rereading December blog posts of mine and I came across the one I wrote the Christmas after Dad died. It's called "A <a href="http://ourordinarylife-annette.blogspot.com/2011/12/different-christmas.html" target="_blank">Different Christmas</a>" (click link to read) and in it I wrote "Emmanuel, God is with me." Boy am I thankful I wrote that because it's a good reminder to me today! The post also has a link to something Emily Freeman wrote "For when everything is different". Grief is always hard, but especially hard at holidays so I hope both these posts will be helpful to someone.<br />
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So, my parents won't be visiting this Christmas. But, on the first Christmas, Jesus did more than visit. He came to be with us and He's never left! Yet, at the same time, he left to prepare a place. A place where because of the plan He set in motion several thousand years ago - Mom and Dad (and other loved ones) will be able to spend Christmas together again.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-58733065643937713662016-12-23T19:23:00.000-08:002016-12-23T19:23:11.076-08:00Merry Christmas 2016!As I stop to ponder what to write for a Christmas letter, what comes to mind first is God's faithfulness. Through every high and every low of the year, God is God.<br />
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2016 was a very full year - In February we got serious about finding a new home and put ours on the market. It sold over Spring Break, we found just what we were looking for, and moved in mid-May. We love our new home so much that it took no transition/adjustment time to be here! We have great neighbors, know people from church and even have a friend from Scouts around the corner. The boys' rooms are a bit smaller than before and I jokingly told them we were buying the house for the dogs (they have an amazing back yard!) since the boys will be gone soon!<br />
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So, Micah is in his Senior year. This past summer he spent two weeks in Africa where he preached at a VBS, worked really hard painting and building a fence for a Christian school and assisted with wound care in villages. He moved from working at Baskin Robbins to Chic-fil-a and continues volunteering at church all while starting college classes. He has completed 17 hours. Graduation Day is May 18 and Micah has officially enrolled at <a href="http://www.okwu.edu/" target="_blank">Oklahoma Wesleyan University</a>. He'll live on campus.<br />
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Levi is a sophomore at Rejoice. He is amazingly disciplined and competed in a teen Body Building physique show at the beginning of August. The meal prep stuck and he completely cooks for himself (and sometimes for us!) now. Levi will be 16 next April so he has begun "parent taught" driver's ed.<br />
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Devon has been at Oklahoma Wesleyan for over seven years and I started year 6 for Owasso Public Schools this fall. One thing we love to do together is travel. A couple of highlights were Buffalo/Niagara and Lavallette, New Jersey (the beach). Another highlight for me was seeing The Oak Ridge Boys at the fair (I grew up loving them thanks to Mom!). Devon took an (almost) annual Colorado hiking trip with friends during Labor Day and ran three marathons in six weeks this fall (he got a personal record in one of them!). I know this is much tamer, but sometimes I play Bunco (especially Bunco for Babies, the fundraiser for the <a href="http://prcowasso.org/" target="_blank">Pregnancy Resource Center in Owasso</a>) and go to Book Club. In the spring I teach at Writer's Workshop or Literacy Fairs for OETA.<br />
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I usually end Christmas letters with a Scripture that has been meaningful for the year - this one is definitely it: Isaiah 58:10-11, If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. ESV<br />
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I have taken it to heart as I teach. It seems that each year I have more and more children with greater and more varied needs. I continue to trust God's faithfulness in helping me here (and in all areas of my life and family) and trust He will meet you wherever you are prove faithful to you too.<br />
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Keep scrolling for pictures!<br />
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-58-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; position: relative;">Merry Christmas!</span></span></div>
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Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-68773294141839463342016-12-21T21:09:00.000-08:002016-12-21T21:09:27.306-08:00On The Home Front - September 2, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Outside my window</strong>…
pine trees and a lamp light. Outside my
window is different than any previous daybook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">I am
thankful for</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">… insurance and time off – the means and availability to have M’s
wisdom teeth out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">I am wearing</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">… really
scroungy clothes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">Some plans
for the rest of the week</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">… It’s Labor Day weekend – take care
of M, clean up the house/take recycling to the recycling plant, help L
mow. No plans that I know of for the
upcoming week. Well, besides a thousand
meetings at school!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">I am hoping </span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">… to get
adjusted to this new school year quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong>On my mind</strong>… Hubby
being in Colorado.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">Hearing</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">…. I hear
the fan in the family room because M is both hot and cold. I can hear the dogs barking outside. Maybe Lucy has treed a squirrel. At least out here, barking dogs don’t seem to
be as much of a nuisance than in neighborhoods with less land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">I am praying
for</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">… wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">From the
kitchen</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">….. meatloaf muffins, green beans, potatoes and salad. I need to write a grocery list and plan for
next week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong>Around the house</strong>…
a few things from our move that I need to 1) find a place for, 2) put in the
attic or 3) just throw away! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong>One of my favorite things</strong>….
Reading. Reading whatever I want – Scripture,
facebook, blogs, news, getting a new book.
One of my favorite things is also time – time to read, ponder, clean up
a few things, rest, whatever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong>From my picture journal</strong>… <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">Hmmm - it's December and I wrote this at the beginning of September, but never posted because I didn't have a picture to include....</span></div>
Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-78401051179318987052016-01-30T20:48:00.001-08:002016-01-30T20:48:58.861-08:00Life With Lucy and Cyrus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've got the sickies around here. You can probably tell by the picture that L. doesn't feel very well.</div>
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M. has something going on that he'll need some test later in the week. And then there's Cyrus...</div>
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I took him to the vet for his yearly check-up and found out he has heart worms!! Bout broke my heart!! She says there's a period that the dog can be infected that it doesn't show up on the test. Considering his age, how long we've had him and that he's been on preventative meds since we got him, she thinks he was infected when we got him a year ago, but it was during that time that it didn't show. Ugh!! Poor baby has to take a bitter medicine twice a day. Lucy doesn't mind - she gets the same cheese or ham treat minus the meds that Cyrus does. Our prayer is that this works because the other way would require that he be crated for two months!<br />
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He knows he's not supposed to be in my chair!! Of course he knows he's not supposed to be on my bed too, but that doesn't stop him!! Earlier in the week, I posted this <a href="http://www.reshareworthy.com/dog-language/" target="_blank">link on FB that talks how dogs communicate with you</a>. I love it - we've experienced each one with both dogs!! Mmm, the article doesn't address stubbornness though. We need that one for Lucy!Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-11714989865794231072016-01-23T15:07:00.000-08:002016-01-23T15:13:37.668-08:00Life with Lucy and Cyrus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Blogging is something I always think about doing and never quite get to. I have thoughts to write and don't do it. I want to leave more of a record of family life than what is on facebook and pictures in my cell phone. So, three months later I work on my blog. I change the template and totally mess up the background. Ones I've used in the past aren't free anymore - I found something else that kind of matches the template I accidentally changed it to. Not quite what I wanted, but it's purple and purple is always good.<br />
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A lot of things aren't quite what I wanted. For instance...the day after these photos were taken, Hubby's brother lost his battle with cancer. Not what we wanted, but we're happy he isn't in pain anymore. Eternity with Christ is a great thing! And our family (collectively) is sometimes okay and a lot of times struggling.<br />
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We went to Jazzy's Ridge to take these photos on the one year anniversary of losing Jazzy. Of course Cyrus is looking adoringly to us - that's his personality. Then there's Lucy. There's never a dull<br />
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moment with her! The weather is quite cold now and in the mornings when it's time for me to leave for school she is hiding in M's bed as if to say don't put me out in the cold! Even today, I took her to run at Dad's, but she couldn't be left because she won't stay in the yard and she won't listen/obey. She only likes things her way!<br />
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Our poor Cyrus has heart worms. The vet thinks since he is young and otherwise healthy that he can fight them off with the "slow-kill" method which is medicine. Fast kill would require a lot of money and crating him for two months! I hope the first way works, such an active dog who is part of our everyday life would be miserable crated that long!<br />
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Not matter what I say about them, I do look forward to our evenings with the dogs. Lucy will be trying to get us to chase her around the living room and when that's done, she'll chew on her bone. Cyrus will cuddle up with one of us in the recliner. That's life with Lucy and Cyrus!Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-56612345626796882702015-10-18T21:05:00.000-07:002015-10-18T21:05:39.807-07:00Life With Lucy and CyrusWell, we've had a lot of life between the last post and this one. I've been trying to figure out why I haven't been posting and it's gone something like this...new computer, redoing Dad's house, everyone being gone for summer, school starting again, working on fundraising garage sale for M's Africa mission trip.<br />
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However, it's Fall Break!! The tail end, but still Fall Break and it's always the point of the school year that I feel like I've got my feet under me and somewhat have a handle on work. Though leading up to break I was at school until 7 or 8 each night. I'd I prefer not to repeat that for several weeks if ever!<br />
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It's been a good break catching up..sleep, paperwork, things that have been waiting for my time, and cleaning out the closet that I just knew I'd get to over the summer! Friday, I was able to go out with L. I probably enjoyed it more than him, but at least he was willing to be seen in public with his Mom! Saturday was a really nice Saturday-break or not. I took L. to a mowing job, went to a couple of garage sales, got a free pumpkin shake, bought movie tickets and went to Braums for milk (it's the absolute best tasting and best price so worth going out of my way for). We saw Woodlawn as a family and then after our crockpot and bread maker meal, we played Sequence. Five day weekends are definitely the way to go!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDParVGkD6X-nkiJzErRqAEOesY21fKiTRfdcVO2_0ewe-GcRkG89D4BvvbyXLqlgVLDQX89umZ0w9fVGnFeP7rV2QW8WmI3EU7wXEs6ru5Hf-56k6-nIJ1iZJTK-Y80C_3WZYwDqqag/s1600/IMG_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDParVGkD6X-nkiJzErRqAEOesY21fKiTRfdcVO2_0ewe-GcRkG89D4BvvbyXLqlgVLDQX89umZ0w9fVGnFeP7rV2QW8WmI3EU7wXEs6ru5Hf-56k6-nIJ1iZJTK-Y80C_3WZYwDqqag/s400/IMG_3558.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M got up at before 4:30 am to go pack the trailer for Africa!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ89KRCqC89_ZIjbXBZkae121oesf_7CqaViGChp11INI-RYQ02wfUAB01P4ZTqefIBn7Ey76diZ2p6AH_PigA8CsqwAoxNPNqD9h64eD3L8RgUO02pTjCfoGaYqN_oZxdruwd-RUjUFw/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ89KRCqC89_ZIjbXBZkae121oesf_7CqaViGChp11INI-RYQ02wfUAB01P4ZTqefIBn7Ey76diZ2p6AH_PigA8CsqwAoxNPNqD9h64eD3L8RgUO02pTjCfoGaYqN_oZxdruwd-RUjUFw/s400/IMG_3560.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not a bleu cheese fan, but it's awesome on these chips!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYhZwRIl2zjUKo_udjYe-CrrvEw92PEs2U0xon6_oiHY0jflTAl757Hpb6uOWTOnuAGi1-8jvL-MuOURahn-IhfmshLH4zIDelD9qAM78qRxBS2bNJRt3ub_yRQdFBrogcGZMgsxXXR4/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYhZwRIl2zjUKo_udjYe-CrrvEw92PEs2U0xon6_oiHY0jflTAl757Hpb6uOWTOnuAGi1-8jvL-MuOURahn-IhfmshLH4zIDelD9qAM78qRxBS2bNJRt3ub_yRQdFBrogcGZMgsxXXR4/s400/IMG_3562.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M and L went to the youth pumpkin carving and bonfire. Africa's on M's mind, I guess. I rescued this from under M's back tire. Someone left it there for him!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The recipe calls it Round Steak Casserole, but it turns out to be a yummy stew!</td></tr>
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For Hubby and M, Saturday meant fixing the fallout of Life with Lucy and Cyrus. Whenever someone mows or weed eats nearby Cyrus gets a bit excited and feels he must herd them (somewhat like he herds the vacuum cleaner). He grabs the top part of the chain link fence in his mouth and pulls and shakes until he twists large holes all across the top. <br />
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Last weekend while Hubby and L were in Denver, we thought Lucy was getting out of the yard through the holes. Turns out no, she was just pushing hard on the back gate and going out there. I made a quick trip to Walmart before church and bought a bike lock. She eats through the bungee cords! Fun, hu? I didn't get pictures of the holes- just the repair work.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's not supposed to be in the recliners - ever!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good practice for upcoming mission trip!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HE9NICv7bLl7cFi2ci6Jxb1KzBVtjTAeybj2uzXi2YRObnlFei50Tsm4987ZgW5TelprId4GdL1N5kzhBg1GeTKabw5h09xe1Ur-L9glwaB5nOFn__AbirYgS0u80RuE33XNqjHXwI0/s1600/IMG_3595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HE9NICv7bLl7cFi2ci6Jxb1KzBVtjTAeybj2uzXi2YRObnlFei50Tsm4987ZgW5TelprId4GdL1N5kzhBg1GeTKabw5h09xe1Ur-L9glwaB5nOFn__AbirYgS0u80RuE33XNqjHXwI0/s400/IMG_3595.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's not much he can't do...</td></tr>
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There you have it - Life with Lucy and Cyrus!Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-12288954030552151252015-03-08T21:23:00.002-07:002015-03-08T21:23:51.045-07:00Life With Lucy and Cyrus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're so happy it's getting closer to Spring!! Being cooped up inside is no fun for energetic doggies. It's a good thing they are so cute! One day during bad weather Cyrus ended up in the boys' bathroom instead of ours because I didn't want to leave Lucy in M's room eating magazines... It was M's job to make sure everything was okay for him. When I came home for lunch it was apparent that M. had missed a few things - there was a box of kleenexes in shreds all over the floor. Cyrus did this in total darkness because M. forgot to leave the light on! Like I said, it's a good thing they're so cute!<br />
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The easiest way to get all the mud off them is carry them to the shower. Well, that works great if Hubby is at home. M. and I had to carry Cyrus in for a shower the other day - think lots of mud all over both bathrooms. Poor Lucy - Hubby is the only one who can carry her so she got hosed off with her leash wrapped around the mailbox. She was a good sport even though she was shivering! I turned the fireplace on for them and they don't seem to have held grudges!<br />
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They both started obedience school. They can "leave it" (even if leave it is a treat), sit, and lay down (although not always willingly). I knew Cyrus would learn quickly, but I must say - Lucy is surprising me. She is finally even learning to take treats gently.<br />
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We're still enjoying life with Lucy and Cyrus!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy and Cyrus enjoy snuggling and napping with Daddy on a snowy afternoon.</td></tr>
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-51858402645327648822015-02-24T18:18:00.000-08:002015-02-24T18:18:15.064-08:00The Statue of LibertyToo tired to actually blog, but I want to use these pictures for class and this is the easiest way. I'll come back to this - Spring Break maybe?<br />
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-38120372448011774992015-02-08T21:22:00.000-08:002015-02-08T21:22:05.235-08:00Life With Lucy And CyrusI'm beginning to realize that Life with Lucy and Cyrus is our ordinary life!!<div>
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A little over two weeks ago, I sprained my ankle - not just a little sprain, but stay off of it for two days (RICE) then wear a boot and then a brace kind of sprain. That translates to two weeks of me not walking the turkeys and I missed it. A lot! (I went yesterday for over 45 minutes and my ankle seems to be okay.)</div>
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Hubby and the boys were good to walk them - okay, sometimes the boys walked them a little quicker than they should have and sometimes there were complaints, but they did take up my slack. Aunt even walked them once. They got to run at Dad's once or twice. </div>
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We went there this afternoon and oh, how they love to run there! I love to see Cyrus bounding out of the tall weeds! He always has his ears perked tall and somewhat reminds me of a rabbit. Tonight, Hubby and the boys kept commenting on how Cyrus stunk. Who knows what he rolled in in the field? The dog wash was already closed, so we tried what we used to do with Flash - put\him in the shower. He didn't mind too much and it made the necessary difference in order for him to crawl in bed with L. Of course as soon as he was finished, Lucy had to get in on the action (I had already washed her face yesterday since Cyrus peed on her while we were out walking in the park!!!!). Now we have two clean, better smelling doggies!</div>
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In the past two weeks the dogs have also torn up both the dog beds and the cushion to my porch swing (I had even tied it down to try to prevent that!). My neighbor said she saw them do it and they had a great time! I'm sure with two preschoolers and her own dog there's not much she could do to discourage the turnkey's fun. Of course Lucy and Cyrus have destroyed both of Drake's toy ducks and Drake has torn up his dog bed too.</div>
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Our other neighbor paid us a visit today because Lucy visited him in his yard (Did I mention our neighbor is an avid gardener?) Thankfully he is a nice neighbor and he and Hubby found Lucy's hole and that's taken care of. This dog is tough on fences!! Thankfully, Cyrus is much too smart to follow her in any jailbreaks. Obedience school is in the very near future!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally L. gets in on a picture with the turkeys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They kept me company when I couldn't move around because of my ankle.</td></tr>
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Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-76529524653730341042015-01-19T14:00:00.000-08:002015-01-19T14:00:47.417-08:00Life with Lucy and CyrusHubby and M were away for the week, so L and I were in charge of the dogs the. whole. time. Mostly me - but L really was helpful! In the evenings, Cyrus enjoyed chewing on Monkey Man.<div>
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At some point he has also enjoyed chewing on the footboard of M's bed! I got him a nylabone to help with the chewing thing. He won't touch it. When Lucy was inside she was in <strike>M's</strike> her bed. (And yes, I'm certain that it was Cyrus not Lucy that chewed on the wood.) I did wake up a couple of mornings with her in bed with me. I guess she only likes sleeping alone so much. That dog!</div>
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I/we did manage to take walks every day. Their favorite part is watching the ducks/geese. I'm pretty sure Cyrus wishes he could fly! The beginning of the week had wind chills below freezing, while the end of the week was in the 60s! I'm thankful for better walking weather - the next 10 days is forecasted for the 50s!</div>
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Today we were all (Hubby took 1/2 day) off for MLK day so we took the dogs (affectionately referred to as turkeys) to dad's to run. It took absolutely no convincing to get them to explore, run, wrestle, and look for moles. We'd love to do that more often - or maybe build a house there to give them the space????</div>
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I wish we could get the dogs to pose together for a picture. Maybe when they're older? And slower/calmer? That's life with Lucy and Cyrus!</div>
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Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-79783217208931213442015-01-10T14:06:00.001-08:002015-01-10T14:06:47.843-08:00Life With Lucy and CyrusFor the record, we're dog owners again. Just when we were used to having clean tile...we realized we wanted a dog - our family loves having one around. This was quickened along when one happened to find us. We couldn't find her owners and no one claimed her so we're the proud owners of Lucy!<br />
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Lucy has helped us find every spot in our fence that needed securing! I guess when the fence was first installed close to ten years ago, they took a lot of short cuts fastening the bottom. Hubby however has gotten it all fixed now (we really appreciate all the time he took in such cold temps. to take care of this). Hubby also decided Lucy needed a friend. So, we found Cyrus.<br />
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Qualifying to get him from the rescue was quite a process, but it has been so worth it! We are loving getting to know both of their different personalities. The dogs are getting along great too - when they are outside they spend the whole day wrestling and chasing - it's quite entertaining to watch!<br />
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As I write this, Lucy is in M's bed asleep - she's all about what's in it for her. She's not much of a snuggler, but she'll give kisses and she will rub around our legs like a cat! Cyrus is a snuggler and kisser! Trust me, I've gotten woken up several times this way this week! He lays his head across my neck - that must be a border collie trait because Jazzy used to do that too. Right now, he's asleep right next to my chair. Also, must be a border collie trait!<br />
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We're so thankful to have them both and look forward to many years of walks, ball playing and having them as part of our family.<br />
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-20049341734849266712014-12-07T09:51:00.000-08:002014-12-07T11:56:39.054-08:00Christmas Letter 2014<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 has been a year of change…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Devon has been working at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (our
Alma Mater) for almost five and half years now.
In late summer he moved from the online program to be the director of a
brand new program, the Masters of Arts in Apologetics and Theology. Devon still enjoys running and flying. He and I celebrated our 19<sup>th</sup>
wedding anniversary on a cruise this summer to Cozumel and a few other places.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m still teaching in Owasso. This is actually my first year ever not to
move a school, grade, or room!! But, education
is always changing! Our state standards
changed and at the beginning of the school year I had 27 first graders. After a new teacher was hired, I am down to a
more manageable 21. Hmm…I’m trying to
think if I do anything besides school…..I’m on the Alumni Board at OKWU and I
volunteer in the church nursery. Other
than that, I try to keep things going for the boys and at home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaking of boys – they are becoming more and more independent.
Micah got his driver’s permit. He will be 16 next April. He’s still enjoying his leadership activities
at church and school. He was accepted (by
way of a lengthy application) to go to Truth and Peace this summer. Truth and
Peace is a week’s worth of leadership training at Welch College in Nashville
and then a week’s worth of serving at the Free Will Baptist Church’s National
Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Levi’s big change was school as he started eighth grade at
Rejoice instead of Owasso. He hasn’t
been exactly pleased with the change, but we can see some positive outcomes
from it. Levi is a social guy and he’s
made friends quickly. He also played
football for the first time and did well.
Since Rejoice is a small school, he played both offense and defense.
This summer Levi was quite the entrepreneur and mowed several lawns in the
neighborhood. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ve been blessed this year with wonderful family times,
new friends (and seeing longtime ones), and fun times traveling. There have been down times too, but we keep
pressing on and relying on God in all times.
Perhaps our biggest family change was losing our dog of almost ten
years, Jazzy. We’ve found our family
misses having a dog in the family so even as I write this we are in process of
adopting again. It’s like having a baby in the house again!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whether you’re local or someplace else, if you’re ever
nearby, please let us know – we’d treasure the opportunity to get together. We
hope you have a wonderful Christmas season and a Happy New Year!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Devon, Annette, Micah and Levi<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hebrews 13:8 (The Message) For Jesus doesn’t change –
yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPz4y9YEf3nPNtBYYTTe4disIFyZ01VegAXvNYj6eSAXTdVjOzY8ALgQKaE4wfEXdyuYkd6SSGvKIC9iSVD0Eg5B5cm6wEHVtOAQHdTiPleaTAt33_O6qkdPJ4RSxK5zWXxjGu0XbzrPo/s1600/20140620_115457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPz4y9YEf3nPNtBYYTTe4disIFyZ01VegAXvNYj6eSAXTdVjOzY8ALgQKaE4wfEXdyuYkd6SSGvKIC9iSVD0Eg5B5cm6wEHVtOAQHdTiPleaTAt33_O6qkdPJ4RSxK5zWXxjGu0XbzrPo/s1600/20140620_115457.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We camped in June with Devon's brothers and fams - the boy in the flag shirt is my nephew.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21xTUFEqbW1sPHRqTzKhAYT-HLW4r2eULWPEaRcBE9XLJfbcn-4xjQSoElAzvzKjpY7VSzwblJIeshpPmAgw6lqzAQGy9qAadBn-aTzMsGq7ErLLp99lN2eYL7aHLVgBaR1B98NYM6NY/s1600/IMG_4943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21xTUFEqbW1sPHRqTzKhAYT-HLW4r2eULWPEaRcBE9XLJfbcn-4xjQSoElAzvzKjpY7VSzwblJIeshpPmAgw6lqzAQGy9qAadBn-aTzMsGq7ErLLp99lN2eYL7aHLVgBaR1B98NYM6NY/s1600/IMG_4943.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm calling the spot in the park where we took the pictures Jazzy's Ridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_oOO7WS6K9DyisRezENoUHMrjAVqpYggH1Kj5lgTVRPquaQFVqJGVQIBN15p58PZknnyCJZNA6pn3ZLfP1gpVsUvXaH3Gi5dNbdQvVYsDixc_IPiP3Zo5jpW-s8egBGIhyqr90gcWqw/s1600/IMG_4972c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_oOO7WS6K9DyisRezENoUHMrjAVqpYggH1Kj5lgTVRPquaQFVqJGVQIBN15p58PZknnyCJZNA6pn3ZLfP1gpVsUvXaH3Gi5dNbdQvVYsDixc_IPiP3Zo5jpW-s8egBGIhyqr90gcWqw/s1600/IMG_4972c.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had trouble choosing pictures to put with this letter because most of the pictures are already in my blog or on facebook (or both) already. Please take the time to click on the other months to see highlights from the year if you'd like.</td></tr>
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Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-65573902086400704422014-11-14T11:06:00.001-08:002014-11-14T11:06:28.658-08:00On the Home Front<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0S_egAwblseRNdnEepIEbFnSq2wLmGdVdsV0OFnybU3F9i46_puZ-oy86f4YDw4eic4uSTpuuQD3dprgg0dvesM1SVkhAeUSkEM1BO95MdDyfQ3BHIPMP28xhujk3m4o-RQ8p2x7veXU/s1600/home_front.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0S_egAwblseRNdnEepIEbFnSq2wLmGdVdsV0OFnybU3F9i46_puZ-oy86f4YDw4eic4uSTpuuQD3dprgg0dvesM1SVkhAeUSkEM1BO95MdDyfQ3BHIPMP28xhujk3m4o-RQ8p2x7veXU/s1600/home_front.png" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;"><br /></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">Outside my
window</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">… leaves are scattered across the yard. There is a for sale sign in our across the
street neighbor’s yard. Once they leave,
I think we’ll be the ones on the street who have been here the longest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">I am
thankful for</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">… medical care, warm sweaters, an involved Hubby, and holiday
plans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">I am
wearing</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">… jeans and brown cardigan sweater<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">Some plans
for the rest of the week</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">… M. is working a dinner theatre
tomorrow night. Next week L. has a
dentist appoint, M. is (hopefully) getting his driver’s permit, we are packing
our shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child and Thursday night is Literacy
Night at school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">I am
hoping </span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">… to feel well and have a productive weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;"><br />
<strong>On my mind</strong>…
my children’s spiritual life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">Hearing</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">…. Hubby’s
pen writing and the heater. It makes a scratching
noise because of the desk surface. Every
now and then I will hear him talk. He’s
on a conference/video call, but he’s using earphones so I don’t hear everyone
else. I also don’t hear J. the dog –
there have been many times on the spot of the post where I mention I hear her
snoring. She was usually asleep nearby whenever I was working on the computer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">I am
praying for</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">… hunger for God. I’m
also praying for a couple of friends who are going through cancer treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">From the
kitchen</span></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">….. barbecue pork (one of our favorite’s with green chile) is in
the crockpot for tonight. I need to
write a grocery list and plan for next week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong>Around the house</strong>…
bits and pieces that need put away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;"><br />
<strong>One of my favorite things</strong>….
Going to church with my family and running in to people we know when we’re out –
especially Aunt and having an impromptu snack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;"><br />
<strong>From my picture journal</strong>…</span></div>
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Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-66610215655317272132014-10-27T15:42:00.001-07:002014-10-27T15:42:15.826-07:00One Last Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-90486727560405888992014-09-27T21:03:00.000-07:002014-09-27T21:06:52.891-07:00What We've Been Up to Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seriously? It's been close to two months since I've attempted any kind of blog post. What happened? One word - SCHOOL. I started the year with 27 first graders. Our new teacher was added two weeks ago and I'm just now starting to come up for air. This isn't in chronological order, but here is what we've been up to in addition to school...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDhWqrusm1l_74hzt2nuKhCdYuovincrrjxNrGugrbfS66ngAMjVeP_WlPvli8UQ1bCU_eMZ1kAtl7uK2GF2rSEFYVaJypvRKMLaQ0rWAo0rn3Lqu0ijBiIX2FnTnaaBf0ak-hEI-5tA/s1600/2014-08-17+11.35.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDhWqrusm1l_74hzt2nuKhCdYuovincrrjxNrGugrbfS66ngAMjVeP_WlPvli8UQ1bCU_eMZ1kAtl7uK2GF2rSEFYVaJypvRKMLaQ0rWAo0rn3Lqu0ijBiIX2FnTnaaBf0ak-hEI-5tA/s1600/2014-08-17+11.35.43.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie in front of the Will Rogers Birthplace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiUwssQPp678DiXH0Oa5zCAKg5oisdUHkI-qOTXOe3c6dL7aM2nXOY4qTozTHPNdbjQZ6vUDqvrOHoOLGOI45tGr-9TEmZtCXsfJ-mFebv3WQCvEZQqV2YHetjsj8c-r_2jfIYOhE9qA/s1600/2014-08-17+11.36.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiUwssQPp678DiXH0Oa5zCAKg5oisdUHkI-qOTXOe3c6dL7aM2nXOY4qTozTHPNdbjQZ6vUDqvrOHoOLGOI45tGr-9TEmZtCXsfJ-mFebv3WQCvEZQqV2YHetjsj8c-r_2jfIYOhE9qA/s1600/2014-08-17+11.36.37.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A kind passerby took a family pic of us with the lake in the background. If I hadn't already printed Christmas cards, I may have used this.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcOVBf3cobzsYUkZEuOy1MW3x5eCx8TGNYSGB10aG2aT8LYuSTUzoNJH34Wj78yVOatahoMOgjGeXhRvfh1xeP0IFmtYYPUpeLQRjmhzzoh73HR7Z971dDlMsRefYyUliy2rkUjFnrxk/s1600/2014-08-17+11.55.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcOVBf3cobzsYUkZEuOy1MW3x5eCx8TGNYSGB10aG2aT8LYuSTUzoNJH34Wj78yVOatahoMOgjGeXhRvfh1xeP0IFmtYYPUpeLQRjmhzzoh73HR7Z971dDlMsRefYyUliy2rkUjFnrxk/s1600/2014-08-17+11.55.20.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L and I watched Hubby and M taxi and taxi and taxi some more. I got a little nervous.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7duodvy7jgRZyqf_Zbti1SL3ntDbSupSV7TsaKIP561dJ6KDxKXJB_ve97aR8Rq0URbAeIsJ4_UqdUI2Z1c9hPkDcg72Q9UTk5EpQuLhQY4df3yfJxv4Qa3f5WjIz3P0ovvKcwdND5A/s1600/2014-08-17+11.55.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7duodvy7jgRZyqf_Zbti1SL3ntDbSupSV7TsaKIP561dJ6KDxKXJB_ve97aR8Rq0URbAeIsJ4_UqdUI2Z1c9hPkDcg72Q9UTk5EpQuLhQY4df3yfJxv4Qa3f5WjIz3P0ovvKcwdND5A/s1600/2014-08-17+11.55.39.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They lifted off just before the trees and I was thankful that L was with me and not adding weight to the plane!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2shssA88g1d9c8xUO6aOXgvsIrSeFr1xV6NEHXq_mVzS93UgxBeKLEmX4g5MpsABqQcU7EGlCvoIO2ar-Xk03RLrrOq-P-B2DqOcw8w1sniIpB779tAKcS7FiuQviLFEnaK8q8DBYh9s/s1600/2014-08-19+07.27.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2shssA88g1d9c8xUO6aOXgvsIrSeFr1xV6NEHXq_mVzS93UgxBeKLEmX4g5MpsABqQcU7EGlCvoIO2ar-Xk03RLrrOq-P-B2DqOcw8w1sniIpB779tAKcS7FiuQviLFEnaK8q8DBYh9s/s1600/2014-08-19+07.27.56.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby's first day of classes for traditional campus, not online.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ9sJLTRncZDTzr6ZF7_X_5Qx2Zk7J-1bGwe9XEoDilLJhlqItb8jzL0ZgcU-YTSi1nTjCaHGtD1fezgkJtQTXETeVWJC4aEGAY2LqFODEehsKcFSS0jjon3_nigNZLxOWNkPcJd0wac/s1600/2014-08-21+07.33.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ9sJLTRncZDTzr6ZF7_X_5Qx2Zk7J-1bGwe9XEoDilLJhlqItb8jzL0ZgcU-YTSi1nTjCaHGtD1fezgkJtQTXETeVWJC4aEGAY2LqFODEehsKcFSS0jjon3_nigNZLxOWNkPcJd0wac/s1600/2014-08-21+07.33.28.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M's first day of 10th grade. Don't have one of L. because he wasn't cooperative and it would have been in football practice gear anyway.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQZhZg8m1GDKRI_B6M9zlziXxNXgxhDIyqhvpjlG8fh0nrACExn7B4ZPASqF5GVvagyFHpaYuEJTSntg6SpUrR_EIcEmByOXArfjU40QIgIkMsgN97a0nX4gFn28cUmo73nlclIe2tqw/s1600/2014-08-24+18.20.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQZhZg8m1GDKRI_B6M9zlziXxNXgxhDIyqhvpjlG8fh0nrACExn7B4ZPASqF5GVvagyFHpaYuEJTSntg6SpUrR_EIcEmByOXArfjU40QIgIkMsgN97a0nX4gFn28cUmo73nlclIe2tqw/s1600/2014-08-24+18.20.18.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M has had some preaching opportunities - this was the first in the sanctuary on a Sunday night. We're so proud of his growth and excitement to keep following what God has for him!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB5h3-pbH8bFFSq-bn5i5GheC1_xJI7ZMor0u4GM5aGm_R1KluhKy4foa41qXsVBtdmcJqKHIrkCfFQRJKvCB1CWPzwJNHXbBDe3w7hIYExpOxyI5cxLrbiAJRFYKoxWdaNJ8SYrBwqA/s1600/2014-09-08+18.28.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB5h3-pbH8bFFSq-bn5i5GheC1_xJI7ZMor0u4GM5aGm_R1KluhKy4foa41qXsVBtdmcJqKHIrkCfFQRJKvCB1CWPzwJNHXbBDe3w7hIYExpOxyI5cxLrbiAJRFYKoxWdaNJ8SYrBwqA/s1600/2014-09-08+18.28.42.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was looking in to the son, but I'm pretty sure L. is in this photo some place. We've been enjoying going to Jr. High football games home and away. L. is doing a great job too! His last game he caught a pass for a two point conversion, got an interception and made a couple of great block/tackles.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECWv9lieXPDvJo1_oDlpARAKz9IIs6pxTvgIybNe1XvUItuQcjbwWIOmuu0uAMHVKviNeNh3IWYeCVOnyXPJq-uJIbTgk9YiOpspSlyQtMEb11GFvDXYpBiNdF1iFwGjK13myVXwHfco/s1600/2014-09-14+12.17.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECWv9lieXPDvJo1_oDlpARAKz9IIs6pxTvgIybNe1XvUItuQcjbwWIOmuu0uAMHVKviNeNh3IWYeCVOnyXPJq-uJIbTgk9YiOpspSlyQtMEb11GFvDXYpBiNdF1iFwGjK13myVXwHfco/s1600/2014-09-14+12.17.19.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my nephew! We enjoyed our weekend visit for my niece's 2nd birthday. I didn't do a good job with pictures of her (they must be on the boys' phones). You can tell by M's legs that he is ready to relax!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBSLMBmRS1yVzMDY_xhpQBzc9-nGXibspxNjdKAeCKkIF311bTlKx17TIePteXCUMJ3EAyJ3ee3kqDWdo8R381W9NxodBQ2Z2JSNGycY4Lr4ZzGhV1Bqt_N2d26U37_o2RFvWhM_IYls/s1600/2014-09-14+12.42.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBSLMBmRS1yVzMDY_xhpQBzc9-nGXibspxNjdKAeCKkIF311bTlKx17TIePteXCUMJ3EAyJ3ee3kqDWdo8R381W9NxodBQ2Z2JSNGycY4Lr4ZzGhV1Bqt_N2d26U37_o2RFvWhM_IYls/s1600/2014-09-14+12.42.46.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both the boys knee boarded - L managed this 360. It was a very relaxing and fun few hours - just what I needed! </td></tr>
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I'm glad that I am posting these pictures. They've helped me realize that even though the beginning of this school year was absolutely dreadful, we've had some really nice times too. God has provided help, grace, guidance, peace and exactly what we've needed.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-73840027544151044952014-08-09T11:59:00.000-07:002014-08-09T11:59:57.758-07:00What I Learned in July (and a Few Days in August)1. Slowing Down is a Really Nice Thing to Do<br />
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I bought Hubby rocking chairs for the back porch for his birthday. Does this mean we're old? He mentioned he wanted some more patio furniture and I noticed he had been sitting in the porch swing with some regularity so I suggested it and we shopped together for something we both liked. We've enjoyed them some together in the evenings, but I've really used the rocker in the mornings! We were home quite a bit in July and we had some beautiful weather - especially mornings. We even had rain to watch and enjoy. A normal time on the porch went like this: Sit and watch the going-ons around me, just be, and ponder; let the dog back in and then let her back out less than a minute later to sit on the porch near me or lay in a flower bed; check the weather for the day; read something in Proverbs, Psalms, and the New Testament - pray while I'm reading it; pray for pressing situations; check Facebook and make a response or two; pray for friends on FB; sit and be a few minutes more and then go inside to face the day.<br />
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This morning I was thinking about this slowing down thing. I watched bees for a while. Many of them flew around the crepe myrtle and then the huge-est one I've ever seen flew around the grass and then the porch. I was really thankful that I wasn't a flower! Today was my last day of slowing down - Monday I "report for duty". Once we I was telling Hubby how much I've been enjoying the porch I asked him how I could keep doing it once school started. He suggested getting up earlier. Eeeewwwww.<br />
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2. I can snorkel!!<br />
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I cannot swim. Well for any substantial length of time and I absolutely do not like getting my face wet! I'm not sure exactly what I was thinking (except I knew he'd enjoy it), but I booked a kayak, snorkel, beach time excursion for Hubby and I when we went on our just the two of us cruise.<br />
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I made it completely clear to guide that I was a non-swimmer (maybe I was thinking he'd let me out of this part). The guide said that wasn't a problem - he brought a ring and I held on the whole time!! I only had a little bit of panic when I saw how far away from shore we were getting and my life vest wasn't blown up. Hubby quickly fixed that. As soon as learned how to blow the salt water out of my mouth through the snorkel life was good. I saw all kinds of fish and they swam right under me! We saw a conch, some stick looking crab, coral and the opening of caves. My favorite part was watching Hubby dive down to take a closer look! I'm so thankful I didn't let fear get in the way - of this or the kayaking. We also enjoyed some time on the beach and eating the best mango ever!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCaTi5wFi4J_U9XFHmYlc0Hrmd7VQsJA2JEbTFe6Cyj9tqxbTe0LxAGXMZX-Phs6sFL9SZDa1p56vhjos2KaVEbj2DmAw8eTUDZXyOSIXPwweKYuj-L5IN1HBT9e1DEzdT6cOs0H35is/s1600/2014-07-22+18.32.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCaTi5wFi4J_U9XFHmYlc0Hrmd7VQsJA2JEbTFe6Cyj9tqxbTe0LxAGXMZX-Phs6sFL9SZDa1p56vhjos2KaVEbj2DmAw8eTUDZXyOSIXPwweKYuj-L5IN1HBT9e1DEzdT6cOs0H35is/s1600/2014-07-22+18.32.05.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cozumel</td></tr>
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3. No two summers look the same.<br />
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I guess I'm feeling this summer ended more quickly than I remember last doing. And I didn't complete as many items on the summer bucket list (though Aunt told me I should include the do kind of items like cleaning out the closet).<br />
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But here goes, this is what I DID complete: read Captivating, complete extra work (two projects), tour the new apartments in town, run again (just a bit), pick blueberries, Parade of Homes (just two houses), clean out the game closet, and read 10 books. I did drive some with M. and give the dog more attention (we took her to the dog wash each time we picked her up at the kennel too), but not nearly enough to count.<br />
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If you'd like to see the actual list, click <a href="http://ourordinarylife-annette.blogspot.com/2014/05/summer-bucket-list-2014.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Mentioned in that post were a mission trip and football conditioning and Hubby's new position. Trip went great and L. made it to conditioning (except when he was gone or I forgot and slept in). Actual practice starts Monday. Hubby has made the transition - his work replacement is here now with his family and settling in the job. Hubby has participated in some recruitment and conferences for his new job and is gearing up for the fall semester. It's been a welcome transition for me to - to have him around the house some in the mornings!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMD6tx_9ll9smBtryIJ1cvImxMMylC6sviboYPcad9hd5HhTXwkaoeic74Z-O-KjUaozrtxKvRHnF5M2mMN6a0kvKxYVF-_zJyVQaFN8u4lCtwgKsGAsgMGndyrCMGD7AR8LvXn_FH24/s1600/2014-07-18+11.22.11-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMD6tx_9ll9smBtryIJ1cvImxMMylC6sviboYPcad9hd5HhTXwkaoeic74Z-O-KjUaozrtxKvRHnF5M2mMN6a0kvKxYVF-_zJyVQaFN8u4lCtwgKsGAsgMGndyrCMGD7AR8LvXn_FH24/s1600/2014-07-18+11.22.11-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to see my niece and nephew a couple of times (quickly) in Texas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_lvC-fjpg_2SqYdvMZ6ipGXSFC1DRDmjBmal3LCEIJC6PF2Vgn0j4Ou2jSnTehKC1tVyf9zHS291vPw12FSv4CpsVR0y6_JmAkJh0QDpG6Pu862jJd0MMmqJ2mmxploxmWFkONeNC8Q/s1600/2014-07-22+10.00.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_lvC-fjpg_2SqYdvMZ6ipGXSFC1DRDmjBmal3LCEIJC6PF2Vgn0j4Ou2jSnTehKC1tVyf9zHS291vPw12FSv4CpsVR0y6_JmAkJh0QDpG6Pu862jJd0MMmqJ2mmxploxmWFkONeNC8Q/s1600/2014-07-22+10.00.45.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys saw their Albuquerque grandparents and went to Durango.</td></tr>
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-26432143326975257502014-08-07T17:16:00.003-07:002014-08-07T17:16:38.789-07:00Book Review - A Stillness of Chimes by Meg Mosley<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>A Stillness of Chimes</i>
by Meg Mosley<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy1cnq14izBthqz_bumOPijGznwRUaAok-9LJq9M1NecbIFwymH4s32I_oxG90mSdJNEHpQjMr_hmldzzMWfKv5w8VEa2KIvAlqitX6DnrxoX1Gd1VRFt_USWsvwiHgnN8AJwY4xvFBo/s1600/stillness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy1cnq14izBthqz_bumOPijGznwRUaAok-9LJq9M1NecbIFwymH4s32I_oxG90mSdJNEHpQjMr_hmldzzMWfKv5w8VEa2KIvAlqitX6DnrxoX1Gd1VRFt_USWsvwiHgnN8AJwY4xvFBo/s1600/stillness.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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I was so excited to get this book so I would have something
with paper pages to read on my cruise.
It was a perfect summer read for me – not too light and not too heavy. After reading a lot of bad reviews for this
book too, I was anxious to find out for myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was actually refreshing to not have the character’s faith
all tied up in a neat package. For most
of the book both main characters are very cynical, but there is change and I
can see how someone growing in their faith could benefit from seeing a
character grow and change. A mature
believer should be able to handle a character grappling with faith issues.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Two of the books themes – forgiveness and sacrifice – have been
coming up a lot lately in things that I’m reading. I thought Mosley handled these themes in an
honest way and although I haven’t personally dealt with the specific issues
(besides death of a loved one), I’m sure that many have. I did figure the mystery part out (except for
a little tweak) part way through, but that didn’t make it less of a mystery or
not worthy of a read.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Like I said – not too light and not too heavy. It’s a good read. I enjoyed the time and am glad I read <i>A Stillness of Chimes</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in
exchange for an honest review.<o:p></o:p></div>
Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-84124041627662344442014-07-11T16:22:00.001-07:002014-07-11T16:22:23.937-07:00One Thousand GiftsReally - I'm just going to have to deal with the fact that 100 of these aren't digital. If I wait to "catch up" I won't put any online.<br />
<br />
I continue to count gifts and be thankful...<br />
<br />
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1722 Wiggly clean
almost two year old<o:p></o:p></div>
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1723 The love and
hospitality of family<o:p></o:p></div>
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1724 The hope of
doing it again<o:p></o:p></div>
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1725 Figuring out the
right direction<o:p></o:p></div>
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1726 Rain – so many places in need (gifts in water)<o:p></o:p></div>
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1727 J’s
expression of adoration for and pleasure in vacationing with is family (words)<o:p></o:p></div>
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1728 Fluffy clouds –
something to look at when we drive and I could look at clouds for hours (white)<o:p></o:p></div>
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1729 Five days in the
Black Hills<o:p></o:p></div>
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1730 The sound of the
water from the back porch fountain<o:p></o:p></div>
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1731 Bug spray<o:p></o:p></div>
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1732 A second way
inside the house when the inexperienced in flying birds are flying in the front<o:p></o:p></div>
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1733 Watching them
have a flying lesson last Sunday<o:p></o:p></div>
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1734 Starting book
number ten for the summer<o:p></o:p></div>
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1735 Teenagers having
dinner<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1736 Teenagers
upstairs<o:p></o:p></div>
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1737 Throwing a
tomahawk<o:p></o:p></div>
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1738 New rockers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1739 Knowledge and
love (I Cor.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1740 A kindle for
several years and an IPAD now<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1741 Sharing family
times with true friends<o:p></o:p></div>
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1742 M. going to
Inner City Chicago (Gifts in Challenge)<o:p></o:p></div>
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1743 Reading before
watching TV (Conflict)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
1744 Hubby is in the
midst of his job transition (Change)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD18pPGm9DQuJZpRkhsL2Z-aac0pXa5NaKbljVa91wFvnHknUokD18dpuvppww0Ri0glllihKX1_qb7fhKhakbsf1nDrV4BDxGz2o-7q1doA3pwlzzGjgA5nmnMyzdZL05HjaBpm_wj2o/s1600/20140705_143632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD18pPGm9DQuJZpRkhsL2Z-aac0pXa5NaKbljVa91wFvnHknUokD18dpuvppww0Ri0glllihKX1_qb7fhKhakbsf1nDrV4BDxGz2o-7q1doA3pwlzzGjgA5nmnMyzdZL05HjaBpm_wj2o/s1600/20140705_143632.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not everyone is looking, but I like the close-up. I can't believe how much they've grown up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-40569343340174490232014-07-09T12:11:00.001-07:002014-07-09T12:11:55.981-07:00Things I Learned in June1. I learned even more about phonics and some new strategies to help readers. I had the privilege to attend a week long workshop for <a href="https://www.payneeducationcenter.org/Home" target="_blank">Structured Language Basics</a>. I'm looking forward to using it in my classroom and am going to take further training with it over the school year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNWNPBf3ljjhXBXFF5_unBlPCpnNtW42xGb6Af6qNhXMh-Yyf6AbId1jNsql2JSmH9uVZOkkZ6wGlLJai1RDbH81c2a0xBc5Hd9ufY6bezAESjLVbih0F1nCzcr0hErdwRZDosLxX3RY/s1600/Aunt's+Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNWNPBf3ljjhXBXFF5_unBlPCpnNtW42xGb6Af6qNhXMh-Yyf6AbId1jNsql2JSmH9uVZOkkZ6wGlLJai1RDbH81c2a0xBc5Hd9ufY6bezAESjLVbih0F1nCzcr0hErdwRZDosLxX3RY/s1600/Aunt's+Bday.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before having dinner, Aunt and I visited a doll museum at a local library.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although I had to be away from home a week (the one that was being offered in my hometown was going to be while we were away on vacation), Hubby came to visit me one night and Aunt came another for her birthday. Plus I got 2 books read AND I made a very quick trip to Texas one night to see my niece and nephew.<br />
<br />
2. I learned I can conquer fears and still have a lot of fear. I did an <a href="http://www.rushmoretramwayadventures.com/attractions/aerial-adventure-park.aspx" target="_blank">aerial park</a> with Hubby and the boys. The obstacles I did were about 25 feet up in the trees (they went on to do higher and more difficult ones without me) and we were tethered the whole time and I survived! We did things like walk across hanging logs and ropes and grab on to this triangle wood thing and swing to the next platform. I must say, I was so nervous that I was nauseous, but like I said, I survived. However, I gave my last hour to my sister in law and took her zipline ride.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pSVrr2G0M7yunQq-HCetgYJ5NAx-0JDI7yNjzK880j0sHCkk6N6SQjb8fy87_I29m-bqKAW86MZUdg4W-Fc6srNIhIi56xUG9DrTPEkM3TqjVYOQTMHMjVAEZvHOoly06_gprDd9X2U/s1600/Cousin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pSVrr2G0M7yunQq-HCetgYJ5NAx-0JDI7yNjzK880j0sHCkk6N6SQjb8fy87_I29m-bqKAW86MZUdg4W-Fc6srNIhIi56xUG9DrTPEkM3TqjVYOQTMHMjVAEZvHOoly06_gprDd9X2U/s1600/Cousin.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M has a cousin, M! He's 8 - and he finally got tired of waiting for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvWZGGwSQBQVSa4qH6LEMH-YHJK_J_zKxRwMA2YLRYQys0gptw-ucLKw_EsmdlK6b43AA8sfElmOPOeds_vMYNvpPu7S1bf7hPx94IWTAdzBbLKQT9I3Q59LJ1biLk6BXn9ne1kcKpZY/s1600/Aerial+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvWZGGwSQBQVSa4qH6LEMH-YHJK_J_zKxRwMA2YLRYQys0gptw-ucLKw_EsmdlK6b43AA8sfElmOPOeds_vMYNvpPu7S1bf7hPx94IWTAdzBbLKQT9I3Q59LJ1biLk6BXn9ne1kcKpZY/s1600/Aerial+Park.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was after Hubby came across on the wood triangle swing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not too much later, I found myself taking the chairlift up the mountain with my nephew and riding an alpine slide down. We could see Mt. Rushmore from the chairlift! Here's where the fear comes in: before starting the slide they cautioned us that if we didn't brake around corners, we could flip the sled. So, what did I do? No, not flip, but I used the brake entirely too much! Next time though, I'll cruise fast and furious down the mountain. It got me thinking how I use the "brake" in my life when I'm scared. Hmmmm.......<br />
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That's it, just two things - after all, I am on summer vacation!<br />
<br />
(Normally, when I do these particular posts I link them up at <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/" target="_blank">Chatting at the Sky</a>. However, Emily is on a bloggy break this summer. Check out her writing though. Emily and Anne at <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank">A Holy Experience</a> are two blogs I try to read somewhat regularly.)Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-78213703545253799402014-06-28T14:36:00.003-07:002014-06-28T14:36:32.353-07:00A Surprise in The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZXrOJ0GGwStwUREomcTMeQvxpgksbMP3ZBmDv442tLlGYbf6R40g_SsRV2l5K94dVNosy0PJj8vUZgxjB1d0IAqQYWDRSYoHM8SC-GY9kHK5chX3-hc36LezZrgvsDDy_mWE3CTESJs/s1600/Tamsen+Littlejohn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZXrOJ0GGwStwUREomcTMeQvxpgksbMP3ZBmDv442tLlGYbf6R40g_SsRV2l5K94dVNosy0PJj8vUZgxjB1d0IAqQYWDRSYoHM8SC-GY9kHK5chX3-hc36LezZrgvsDDy_mWE3CTESJs/s1600/Tamsen+Littlejohn.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
Lately I have been reading Christian fiction that is heavy on the mystery side with just a little bit romance so when I first picked up <i>The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn</i>, I was a bit leery. That feeling lasted less than a chapter because new author Lori Benton is amazing! This book had beauty, romance, and adventure! It even had a mystery that I never saw coming.<br />
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Benton does a wonderful job painting beautiful word pictures that make you feel like you know the setting and understand the feelings of the characters. The book is very fast paced and I enjoyed the historical part. The Overmountain settlers and The State of Franklin were unfamiliar to me before this reading.<br />
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If you'd like to read the blurb, you can find it <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/books/view/9780307731494" target="_blank">here</a>. I absolutely recommend this book! I also recommend you read it when you have a little time - I read it through in one setting because I couldn't put it down!<br />
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Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest
review.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8336072140494045622.post-52316923233840558982014-05-31T20:34:00.000-07:002014-06-02T15:19:52.523-07:00What I Learned In May1. <i>I really can run in to a cousin just about anywhere! </i><br />
<br />
My sis-in-law jokes around with me about being related to so many people where we live and not really knowing them. Last Friday night Hubby and I went to a dinner/auction for the University where he works. The dinner music was a wonderful western group and as we were listening I kept saying to Hubby, that's Bob. We went back and forth: it is/no it's not and when the song ended Hubby said, "Are you Bob?". The singer responded, "Hey, we went to the same family reunion" and then yelled across a couple of tables, "Hey, Vicki - your cousin is over here!" After the auction the band played by the pool and Vicki and I visited. It was a lovely evening and enjoyable people all at an amazing historical ranch. Of course I texted all this to sis-in-law (PGG) who responded LOL.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxlMHW674HJxo5SvcvbhgVBwefEXkdM5IEznf7Uw1HdS0h3dbFNL3Q13Nh-QXChwPIwtu69rz6hyphenhyphenMFPAXgy4LOnzUfxIr-yZc99G6RsdTBG1NhePrXSYLQjeV4_3ZRnkNlAyYmbOUWM8/s1600/Vicki+and+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxlMHW674HJxo5SvcvbhgVBwefEXkdM5IEznf7Uw1HdS0h3dbFNL3Q13Nh-QXChwPIwtu69rz6hyphenhyphenMFPAXgy4LOnzUfxIr-yZc99G6RsdTBG1NhePrXSYLQjeV4_3ZRnkNlAyYmbOUWM8/s1600/Vicki+and+Me.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the "ranch house" in the background and the amazing trees in the circle drive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2. <i>All those snow days I loved so much this winter didn't seem all that wonderful when I had to go to school after Memorial Day. </i><br />
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Honestly, we had to give so many tests that once they were all over, I've been coasting. Well, not coasting so much, but letting 1st grade be focused more on fun than standards. It's officially end of school - I made our traditional enchiladas that commemorate the occasion. (L found a recipe in a Hank Zipzer book in 4th or 5th grade).<br />
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3. <i> I learned that we weren't the only ones to move home to help with ill/aging family.</i><br />
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Our new principal that was just perfect for our school and we all liked so much is moving. Both she and her husband have family members that need help. We all understand, but are apprehensive about what the next year holds. I've learned so much this year about data and it's been so nice to have such a positive cheerleader.<br />
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4. <i>I should really take care of myself when I know I'm sick. </i><br />
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One Wednesday in mid-may when I went to work I didn't feel well and by noon I was home sleeping the rest of the day. I went to school Thursday in pain and to the doctor right after school. Thankfully, I was able to find a sub for Friday (they aren't easy to find on Fridays near the end of school) and thanks to antibiotics was feeling much better by Saturday. I should have gone to the doctor a whole day and half earlier instead of pretending I wasn't sick.<br />
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5. <i>Teaching someone to drive isn't as bad as I thought it would be.</i><br />
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Maybe it's because I didn't do a whole lot of teaching. I let M. drive in our neighborhood to home. I wasn't nervous or frantic or anything like that.<br />
<br />
I linked this post up at <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2014/05/30/lets-share-learned-may/" target="_blank">Chatting At The Sky</a>. Check it out if you'd like!Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650222622440167849noreply@blogger.com1