tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33866107555164672422024-03-13T23:47:53.685-07:00A Capricious PerspectiveChancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.comBlogger971125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-60206575583222957842016-06-21T11:16:00.001-07:002016-06-21T11:16:05.167-07:00And Just Like That It Was May
<p style="text-align: center;"> We spent weeks nurturing our little seedlings. Watering them and loving them.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BE16Y9xxFY6/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13129842_1774602992759398_1646023825_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI0MDE1NDA3NDcwODcyNzM1NA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982056.4688" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brody especially loved taking care of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFEnqQeRFch/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13129541_1088894697819520_136246009_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI0NDI5MzgyNDc4MDcxOTkwNQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982030.0168" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little guy was over the moon for his water day at school. Especially after all the snow this spring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BE_XyIfxFaM/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13117877_1273915929303148_170195118_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI0MjgxNjYyMjM0NDAzMzkzMg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982111.666" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Abby had her USA program in 1st grade. This was my favorite page in her book. She picked the most important person in history to honor. Love that dove above the church doors. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFHCZdDRFTN/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13117948_780939395341673_247080795_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI0NDk3NDM2NzI2NDQ5NDc5Nw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982048.39" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Spring thunderstorm with the windows open and hot tea. The best. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFHlRk5xFeo/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13129202_276893695979990_62608540_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI0NTEyNzc1NzU2NzEyMTMyMA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982078.9949" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Love this Mommy & Me photo session. These guys have my heart. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFJ1ZDPxFdl/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13129535_894522917358453_686257417_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI0NTc2MTU4OTg4MjQxMDg1Mw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982095.4966" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brody's Mother's Day gift came with this awesome page. That kid looked forward to the sensory table every day. So loving me more than the sensory table is quite the honor. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFFLMp-RFTp/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13129185_1620399334949819_1606921843_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI0NDQ1MDEyMDI1MTIzMzUxMw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982080.886" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Garden soil prep! It was a little chilly, but we worked up a sweat.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So looking forward to a summer of gardening. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFZXrawxFSt/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13108739_1595495320766329_122379002_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1MDEzNDUxMDMxNDczODg2MQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982047.4543" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Such cute garden helpers!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFZgMEExFcQ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13248696_1743087075913980_144738820_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1MDE3MTkzODA2OTA0Mjk2MA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982058.1628" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> We got chicks!!! Fingers crossed they are all hens and no roosters. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I have thought about getting chickens forever. After losing Latte to old age this year, I was heart broken & needed something to love & nuture so chicks it is! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They are Poppy, Daisy Mae, Polly Ann, & Marigold!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFXeuZGxFVb/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13116616_1056630524420078_2033851605_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI0OTYwMjU1MTA2Njk0MDc2Mw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982051.0117" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> We love them so much!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFZJFERRFU8/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13151204_843180502453004_1062697978_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1MDA3MDMwMjE3MjY2NTE0OA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982038.5369" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Daisy Mae loves to look at herself in the mirror! So funny!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFhQk84RFcz/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13259031_1675717176027134_1986491622_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1MjM1NTA3OTM5OTU2MTAxMQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982059.2407" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Poppy likes to sit up on top of the food container. hehehe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFkW7dIxFVg/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13113836_547717058753472_1567041807_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1MzIyNzQzOTA3MzgwOTc2MA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982108.4922" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> We had our AHG end of the year badge ceremony. I went with a growing theme this year!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFez6tuRFfy/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13116798_1618164521837467_807724776_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1MTY2NjA4MTY1MTkwNjU0Ng%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982057.1848" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Had fun making Ab star hair for the badge ceremony. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFfL32yRFV4/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13248734_1114683441931196_432621869_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1MTc3MTQzODM0MDUyNzQ4MA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982055.316" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> This guy was all smiles after his hair cut. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFjve8JxFdX/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13113845_128860507518327_412636290_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1MzA1Mzk1NTY5NzgyNTYyMw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982122.967" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> I brought Subway & had lunch with AJ at school the last week of the school year. It was fun to see him during the day. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFegw-9RFRW/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13167245_636483006499231_1668345462_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1MTU4MTg1MDA3ODY5NjUzNA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982054.043" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Abby requested Chick-fil-A for her lunch at school. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFmSxt0xFZQ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13256942_1565233993775250_881782943_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1Mzc3MjEyNzU2NDQ4NjIyNA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982130.8208" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Field Day was fun. Abby always includes her buddy Brody in everything she does. She has a big heart that one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFowmt5RFYN/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13259636_236656510037624_920885864_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1NDQ2NjI2MzA3NDQ5Mzk2NQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982108.5413" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> We got the garden planted! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFu8b3NxFcc/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13249721_1184439598267394_1312516448_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1NjIwNzE0MzU4NjI1NjY2OA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982092.5808" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My garden helper carried our tomato cages at Home Depot. This boy wants to be a farmer when he grows up and is getting in some good gardening skills at a young age. Love his passion for all things country. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFzHCCeRFcF/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13277667_1742172059400821_1245984675_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI1NzM3OTY0NzM4NjMxMDQwNQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1466531982073.0999" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-23796364543560278322016-05-24T13:46:00.001-07:002016-05-24T13:46:01.936-07:00Oh April in Colorado<p style="text-align: center;">I love listening to TED talks. I'm kinda addicted to them.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> Brené Browns'<a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability?language=en" target="_self" title=""> Power of vulnerability</a> is my favorite one so far. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I listen to them while I walk on the treadmill which makes the walking on the treadmill part suck less.</p><p style="text-align: center;">& I'm getting used to drinking more water, but it's not my favorite.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEUPMfyRFWm/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12907233_1007760722636241_1621818075_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzMDY3NTQyNzYzOTcxMTE0Mg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256188.4375" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Seriously the spring snow this year just went on and on and on. It was depressing. I was over the snow gear every morning. But the kids were excited to have their sledding season extended.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEZf6TAxFZP/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12446371_1046946298715583_765729688_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzMjE1NjMxODY0Nzk5ODAzMQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256200.107" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to the community garden meeting! It was super fun to be around other gardeners! The meeting made me realize I have no idea exactly how much I really do not know about gardening. Ha! But I'm ambitious & determined & got to go home with some free gardening loot...which was exciting & inspiring! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEcdm9CRFX0/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12940864_1343378192345056_105336302_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzMjk5MDYxODIxNzg5NTQxMg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256148.996" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's such a treat to get to indulge in a new issue of Southern Living, & a strawberry cake on the cover is always a good sign for this strawberry loving mama,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEeRMBLRFcP/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12940121_750826328393627_2127562224_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzMzQ5ODk0MDYzMzI3NDEyNw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256166.4272" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> This boy was soooo excited about his Brody plant from preschool. Seriously some grass seed & his photo. It's the little things in life.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEhDb8ixFbP/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12940930_100782263666265_148333689_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzNDI4Mjg4NzQ0OTQzMzgwNw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256108.9468" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Waking up slowly...snuggled into old quilts, with some coffee, breakfast & journaling time is the most peaceful, calming way to start a Saturday. We need to make time to slow down and just take in our blessings more often. I think we would all be more content.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEjEnRSxFXB/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13092237_1567791086852131_392809831_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzNDg1MTAxMzY0Mzc1Mjg5Nw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256142.6187" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We were in charge of helping with food for our bible study, and went with a Classic BBQ theme! I loved everything about it! I loved that one of my BFF's so got into the theme with us...suppling watermelon, sunflowers, ice cream sandwiches, & a gingham table cloth! I loved having deviled eggs & Andy's smoked brisket! I love that we have such a loving bible study group! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEj_RBKxFTG/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/l/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12935128_477921535730231_250409198_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzNTEwODk2OTI0NTMzMjY3OA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256167.778" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Brody tells me all the time that his preschool is by the Eiffel Tower...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEoezEKxFeb/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12950309_597652373725363_1469977935_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzNjM3MzU0ODI3NzQ1NDc0Nw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256195.7896" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="313"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Watering and caring for my roses is one of my most favorite things to do. So happy when the snow goes away & I get my rose time! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEooaw-RFRz/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12965285_590164014485233_1587141598_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzNjQxNTg1ODg2NDMxMzQ1OQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256211.5337" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sooooo look forward to Bath & Body Works new seasonal scents with every season change. This lavender & spring apricot smells amazing!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEpQHo8RFa0/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12940680_1372522262773163_614607055_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzNjU5MDQ2NjQzMTIxMTE4OA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256177.827" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> I stopped in a local thrift store just to see if they had anything fun & vintagey one day & hit the jackpot! That nursery rhyme plate is already at home on my wall with my vintage plate collection. The gingham apron hangs in my kitchen. The jars with gingham kids are just begging for homemade strawberry jam this summer & that yellow sheet to be made into a tent in the backyard for summer reading! Oh and the chicken table cloth...well it was destined to be mine. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEtklsyRFQZ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13102496_1204240016254603_744061151_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzNzgwNjM5Mjk3OTc3MjQ0MQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256160.9053" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> A good friend let me borrow her spiralizer one day, & I made zoodles for dinner....zucchini cut into spiral noodles! Soooo crazy fun! Love finding new summer meal ideas!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEuKOFjRFTn/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13118086_1149356305088695_718033623_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzNzk3MTg5NjA3MTY0MDI5NQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256195.8625" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> This was another cold, rainy, snowy April day inside putting together puzzles & playing games. Love our sweet quiet days together when the big kids are at school. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEweWcmRFbP/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13118031_1560317414268359_327621817_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIzODYyMzM4MTQ1NzQ5MTY2Mw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1464120256168.6162" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-76086478575402348382016-04-20T14:27:00.001-07:002016-04-20T14:27:09.527-07:00Father Daughter Dance 2016<p style="text-align: center;"> This little girl loves her daddy something fierce. So getting to spend an evening together just the two of them is a magical, enchanting evening. She loves fancy events, getting dressed up, getting a corsage, going to dinner...absolutely everything about the night. And this year the Father Daughter Dance was a Paris theme...could it get any more Abby than that?!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDt0IL4RFSt/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12599404_1753811108185068_1342760824_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxOTg2MDMzNTAxNjgyNjAyOQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1461186186464.6863" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> She is also a creature of habit like her mama. Just like last year she requested a hair style like Belle. Which is hard to do with her fine, thin hair...but it turned out simply beautiful. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> It's a tradition that Andy gift her with something special to wear the night of the dance. This year he gave her these gorgeous pink hair combs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDtz9bUxFSc/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12519544_557486057753182_58994089_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxOTg1OTU5NTY4Njg1OTkzMg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1461186186423.3152" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We painted her nails a soft pink and added a glitter top coat. She wanted the ribbons from her gift tied onto her wrist. And she wore a fancy dress gifted by a neighbor! Definitely a sentimental gal through and through. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDt0YIERFTF/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12424410_213160015719904_1122135725_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxOTg2MTQzMDQzNDgxMzEyNQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1461186186447.3035" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And just like last year, she requested to go to dinner at Noodles for Mac 'n cheese and fancy soda (vanilla root beer). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDt2bxpRFXT/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12383198_1594054510911685_1653396631_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxOTg3MDQ3NzMzMDQzNzU4Nw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1461186186465.5342" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Such a special night.</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-38115029804566925742016-04-16T14:17:00.001-07:002016-04-16T14:17:35.584-07:00Mostly Sewing & Gardening<p style="text-align: center;"> The Easter Bunny brought the kids crystal growing kits. What the hell was the Easter Bunny thinking?! They obsessed over them till we finally did them just so they would stop asking to do them. And these crazies dealing with chemicals was super fun & totally stress free let me tell you. Ha. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The Easter Bunny needs to stick to candy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDmQ8CSRFcs/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12070734_1521481921492048_1116716257_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxNzczNTI0MzYxNzAzMTk4MA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192280.4905" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> After following Honey B Macarons on IG for months, I was finally able to make time to visit her boutique! Such a treat! The orange dreamsicle was my fave, and I've been daydreaming about them every since! The owner is such a sweet, humble lady. The kind of person I want to be so very successful with her dreams.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDrBsBwxFYu/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11260661_212521949116016_269010995_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxOTA3NTU0NzcyOTI1MzkzNA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192251.8477" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> The last issue of Southern Living was made just for me. From strawberries to chickens to back yard fire pits, it had my heart with every page. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDs9TOxxFYM/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12501609_788955887902121_2005653122_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxOTYxOTIwMTQ4NTEzMzMyNA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192271.3474" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> I got a sudden impulse to sew the other night & sewed for 2 days till it was out of my system. I started with wanting to make Ab a simple knot top for her lemonade stand adventures this summer...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDt_5nURFZe/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12940850_1703978739877916_1208602784_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxOTkxMjExMDI0MzU5OTk2Ng%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192284.2886" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> But she wanted a dress instead. Can you imagine that dress with her yellow polka dot rain boots?! Be still my yellow, lemon, polka dot, rain boots loving heart! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDvuM3PxFYX/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12912853_1673770816205506_1877543544_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyMDM5NzIxODEzNDI1MTAzMQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192322.909" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Then I decided Ab needed a baseball shirt for our summer baseball adventures (Andy & kids watching games...me eating concession stand food) & that I could just whip an Ellie top up by looking at one of her MJ tops. Right. I made it pretty far, but I couldn't figure out how they got the elastic sandwiched in the back with the seams all nice & perfect & encased inside the bodice...so I bought a pattern off etsy at 11pm just to read how the heck they did the back. I could never write patterns...my mind doesn't reverse steps the right way. After reading the pattern, I can honestly say I never would have figured that out just by looking at a shirt. What the what. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDw9LzWRFXa/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12724991_210056082704991_1554028549_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyMDc0NDU5MDkwMzIzNjA1OA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192269.9226" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> It was a learning process. I wish I didn't lose so much of the gingham waist band when sewing the bodice to bottom part, but now I know to make it taller next time. Meh. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDyTcfpRFZH/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12424414_1684425171807785_1996588716_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyMTEyMzk2OTk3ODIyNjI0Nw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192234.7312" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Naturally the gingham tie in the back is my favorite part. But I love how it turned out...so classic all-American. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDyTgLlxFZW/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11373943_546992592138270_438041911_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyMTEyNDIyMzMyMjU3NjQ3MA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192294.6306" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> I planted over 350 seeds in pods to go in our garden plot in the community garden! Soooooo excited for our gardening adventures this summer! Can't wait to meet my fellow gardeners next week!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDwVfOURFaV/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12383677_904568586318864_1133484673_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyMDU3MDAwMzY3MDMyNDg4NQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192287.392" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> I looked out the window one day just in time to see Brody pee into the back of that Tonka truck right there. Awesome. There are so many things you just don't realize you need to explicitly say to your children. Because what person in their right mind would think to do the things they think to do?!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BD1fnJhRFUo/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12930842_275224329475479_1337811913_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyMjAyMTkwMzYyNDE5NzQxNg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192292.1355" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I was tagged in a post on IG about this book & decided to read it. It was okay. Not life changing. But it does make me think I could write a book. In between PTO, AHG, DI, tutoring, working part time from home, laundry, yelling at my kids not to pee into toys in the back yard I could totally write a book. So many things stirring in my heart. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BD14asvRFbO/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12479065_220807704946408_1620496812_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyMjEzMDk5OTI0OTYyMjczNA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192282.8376" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> I planted these seeds on a Sunday, & they sprouted by Tuesday! 2 days. That is so mind blowing to me. That such little, tiny things can transform and burst into life in such a short time when nurtured & given the right conditions. And then grow into something that sustains our life. I should live on a farm for reals. I would thrive at farm living. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BD3qhFHxFYs/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12797648_211088435934160_1766763041_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyMjYzMjgxNTA0OTU5NDQxMg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192304.7883" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> These are some seeds Ab planted for her God Is Love book after reading about how God loves us so much he created the world and everything we need to survive in it...like plants. There were evenings when we were pushing to finish that book before her deadline & it felt like just one.more.thing, but I'm so glad we made it a priority amidst the nightly chaos. Because now she has it on her bedside table & looks back to think about the discussions we had from it. And it really sinks in to form part of who she is becoming. So although we hustled to do the readings that day & dumped those seeds in that pot & threw it up in the kitchen window & I felt too tired to even do that...it mattered that we did it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BD33HPaxFUT/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12070738_1055259984535625_1606394895_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyMjY4ODIxNDAwNDAyODY5MQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192306.7634" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> This boy digging in the dirt every day. Always up for the next outdoor adventure. He told us at the dinner table the other day that he wished he lived in the woods...so he could pee outside. He would have gotten along well with his Uncle James. Both fearless, wild spirits at heart yet sensitive souls. Pee outside. Seriously. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BD6KlNCxFUK/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12940309_1598939043765241_788514257_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyMzMzNjc4NTg3NTMyNjIxOA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192275.1475" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> The other night the perfect spring thunderstorm was brewing. Cool air was blowing through the open windows. & it just felt good. To feel the wind. To smell the air before it rains. To snuggle up on the couch under a quilt, in a cozy sweater, with hot tea and pinning beautiful things like wild flowers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEHoKZaxFVH/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12976679_1026515154107077_1287801791_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyNzEyNjA1OTgyOTU4MTEyNw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192290.56" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> These guys are growing so fast! It's fascinating. Brody asks everyday if they made food he can eat yet. Patience child. Patience.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BECST9JRFVm/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12959933_1754890438073280_1669167569_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyNTYyMjU4NDc1OTE3ODU5OA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192262.0618" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> AJ makes a cup of coffee for his mama every morning & helps make lunches & snacks. Teamwork gets us through the mornings. He says, "Another morning down...only # more mornings to go till summer." This boy totally gets it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BELvjhcRFR8/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12383659_494723527385470_862649535_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyODI4NDQ3MjY2NDAyMDA5Mg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192272.0334" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Another spring blizzard. So.ready.for.summer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BERagWvxFVL/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12959929_501120790076361_1354972321_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIyOTg4MDc0NTkwNTExNjQ5MQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1460837192333.977" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-21741818155528850712016-03-31T10:49:00.001-07:002016-03-31T11:06:51.684-07:00Currently
<p style="text-align: center;">CURRENTLY:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">LISTENING to...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/IRZoSCXrp1c" target="_self" title="">Think Good Thoughts by Colbie Caillat</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/Ljx9W5Gq6c8" target="_self" title="">Be My Forever by Christina Perri</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/e-UMDKhiy88" target="_self" title="">When I'm With You by JJ Heller</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">WATCHING...just finished season 4 of House of Cards...might catch up on Fixer Upper's, but mostly feeling the need to break up with TV for a little while. It doesn't make us better people. It rarely inspires or motivates us. It's more that we watch it because it is there. Seriously pondering replacing it with a cabinet for our board games. Wouldn't get rid of it all the way. I love a good movie night. But maybe just relocating it so the room we spend the most time in our evenings in isn't centered around it. It's a thought that has been tugging at me lately. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">BUYING...Katie Daisy's book! My favorite pages are How to be still, How to evoke a daydream, & that strawberry pie recipe is sooooo happening this summer! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDlWo4NxFar/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12918516_1592930644363630_1043689237_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxNzQ3ODg0MDQzNjQxNDEyMw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459447585535.0264" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e0Cbo2xEuQA/Vv1jKZWeV0I/AAAAAAAALfk/bpnLOC1VjRk/s1024/Photo%25252020160331114924447.jpg" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e0Cbo2xEuQA/Vv1jKZWeV0I/AAAAAAAALfk/bpnLOC1VjRk/s500/Photo%25252020160331114924447.jpg" id="blogsy-1459447585578.2903" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> EATING...excited to try a new macaroon shop in town tomorrow! And the kids' Easter candy. Chocolate is my kryptonite. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">LOVING...my strawberry quilt I brought out for spring! Pandora One without commercials! Cotton candy & old fashion popcorn machines...might need to invest in these for this summer!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">WEARING...still wearing tall boots and sweaters with all this spring snow. Blah. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">LAUGHING AT...<a href="https://www.instagram.com/averageparentproblems/" target="_self" title="">Average Parent Problems</a> on Instagram. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">GETTING READY...for summer!!! I want to wear flip flops and be outside and have BBQ's...instead I just daydream & explode my <a href="http://pin.it/qMqAXXr" target="_self" title="">Summer board</a> on Pinterest. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LM3BKKLe8e4/Vv1jLJySrQI/AAAAAAAALfo/oITfrWmBdYk/s1024/Photo%25252020160331114924577.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LM3BKKLe8e4/Vv1jLJySrQI/AAAAAAAALfo/oITfrWmBdYk/s500/Photo%25252020160331114924577.jpg" id="blogsy-1459447585576.7336" class="aligncenter" width="300" height="400" alt=""></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-12284312265303869962016-03-30T13:01:00.001-07:002016-03-30T13:01:21.123-07:002 Holidays & Spring Break
<p style="text-align: center;">I'm always thinking of Mary Flair projects and slowly one by one we (Andy) make them happen. My newest project is to take out the old scary propane heater and vent and replace the empty hole with a bulletin board for photos and notes...way more practical than a heater. Ha! And of course such a bulletin board needs a Mary Flair garland! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCx0d9oxFXg/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12751577_1535635286731757_1932434517_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwMjk3MzMzMjk1MDI0Mjc4NA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222773.1038" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> This little guy is hilarious. Every since the hot water heater flood he is a bit obsessed with hot water heaters....drawing books of hot water heaters for his preschool teacher...talking about how our basement flood was like when God flooded the world...right. He says, "There was water everywhere and toys floated by...it dried up and then rainbows everywhere like God's promise...boom rainbows, rainbows, rainbows! And when it was all over we needed a new hot water heater". </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I like the Brody version.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BC0ymEJRFdz/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12328426_240362359636889_1197879432_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwMzgwOTUxODUzMDg3NzI5OQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222755.315" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Love me some holiday jams. And Dr. Pepper. Always Dr. Pepper. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDBdk90RFSO/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12798176_457983004408112_1600314367_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwNzM3NjI1ODczNzEzMjY4Ng%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222721.113" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My St. Patty's Day crew. We had corn beef and cabbage for dinner and tried some Irish step dancing afterwards. We were pretty good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDDrRKYxFa4/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12145099_1592340167755451_1503575659_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwNzk5OTQyMDQ0OTQ0NTU2MA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222810.4707" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We love the neighborhood Easter egg hunt every year. This year Brody decided to dress up as the Easter Bunny...totally fitting. And he was the only one not freezing his booty off. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BC1j_GnxFX_/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12826082_1513877242255150_910263860_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwNDAyNjc0MzQ1NjAyODE1OQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222763.017" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BC1kJJ0RFYV/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11372171_1127737997244443_650335181_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwNDAyNzQzNDA4MTczNjIxMw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222749.7432" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> My vanity is always a cluttered, happy place. Journals, coffee cups, lots of kid made jewelry...a beautiful mess. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BC6ayAAxFVr/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12826242_185972458448126_1305587822_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwNTM5MzYzNTQ3MTAyMTQxOQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222729.0935" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did I tell you guys we got a community garden plot?! It's as big as our living room! I'm a wee bit overwhelmed by that thought, but crazy excited for a summer of garden adventures!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDB4h5iRFaw/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12825821_1690999344489496_295066936_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwNzQ5NDc5NTIzNzU0NTY0OA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222766.5825" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Our spring break camping trip was canceled due to weather concerns. So we just chilled most of spring break. Which was a refreshing change from the daily grind.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It snowed the first day of spring break. Brody still had school and Andy already took the day off for our camping trip. We ended up dropping Brody off at school and heading to Starbucks and Barnes & Noble. We were kinda out of our groove but enjoyed hot drinks and looking at books. I could spend hours and hours just walking around any book store.<br></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDGc9fSRFaE/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/10246077_526399514189080_1843177618_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwODc4MDkyMDc3ODQxMzcwMA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222761.5806" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Abby was begging for a sewing project, so ventured to the basement to go fabric "shopping" and made some hair scrunchies. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDJQhC3RFRx/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12819148_1076290389059134_2122548717_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwOTU3MDYxNDQ4NzMwNzM3Nw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222761.1313" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> She just wanted to keep making them and making them and making them.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDJXnNuxFTB/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/l/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/915588_1568645230114771_185883786_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwOTYwMTgyNDc5ODI5OTMyOQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222774.71" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> 5 peeps up in Mary Flair gets a little cozy. We modified the original twin bed last year so that the couch could pull out into a full bed. That is where Andy & I sleep. Then Abby & Brody sleep on a twin blow up mattress where the table comes out. And AJ, wanting his own space away from his brother & sister, prefers to sleep on the floor in the isle. Which he doesn't mind, but it leaves zero room for walking space and causes problems. We had to figure something out. So after a bit of research we decided MF needed a bunk bed! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDMahQqRFTl/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/10952719_1711324869122343_168026263_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxMDQ1OTAzNDY5NjgzMjIyOQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222782.869" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> The bunk can be pushed in during travel and used as a shelf like the pic below or pulled out to become a twin bed at night! Perfect! We just need to paint it. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDMcHanxFXM/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/10632230_1168248993215106_1328127801_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxMDQ2NjA1NDc3ODkzNDczMg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222769.6638" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> A massive spring blizzard means I get to wear my polka dot yellow rain boots!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDWYorlxFUc/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/10369349_1175321622478971_697497524_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxMzI2NTQ5ODMyMjc4NTU2NA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222767.7585" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> We had a movies & pj day over spring break and dyed Easter eggs one day.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDYu52ZRFUU/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12446368_1725332237702429_1983768552_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxMzkyNjM4NTEzMjAwMDUzMg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222801.016" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> I found this pic of me for the kids of Easter when I was about 2. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDY4tMqxFdR/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11850340_186544398402560_319724907_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxMzk2OTQ5NjE1OTgzNTk4NQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222770.3303" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These two got themselves ready to play in the snow. Abby didn't notice she put on Andy's snow pants and Brody's coat is upside down...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDbnxBqRFVQ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12599468_1686139691645617_1260647935_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxNDczOTQxNzM1NzYzNjk0NA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222742.418" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Brody Bear is my snuggler...always ready to cuddle up with his mama. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDYyTgsRFdT/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12599523_1672671809659799_670747726_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxMzk0MTM0MjY3NDM3NjUzMQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222757.4075" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can I just say that I am sooooo ready for consistent warm weather and being outside...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDMJS3KRFe3/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s480x480/e35/926375_863942860394276_328315764_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxMDM4MzI3ODQ1MzA1MzM2Nw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222796.7332" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I day dream and pin a thousand pins to my summer board every day till I feel like I'm going explode from being inside. I want flip flops and strawberry wine and days in the backyard. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I resisted MJ for a long time till this last release. In my longing for summer the strawberries & gingham got to me & I just couldn't resist any longer!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDjBJInRFW9/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12750125_669235583215590_1532949413_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIxNjgyMTM1MDA5MDY5MjAyOQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1459284222831.2043" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-37021468349154744242016-03-24T06:00:00.000-07:002016-03-24T06:00:14.255-07:00Vegas
<p style="text-align: center;"> I went to Las Vegas for a photography expo the morning after the DI tournament. I was too exhausted & busy to think about the trip until I was on the plane. I'm not gonna lie...I've never been to Vegas...hate traveling alone & was pretty much scared sh*#less. If someone would have said boo to me within the first half hour of landing I probably would have wet my pants & threw up at the same time. I made it to the hotel & met up with Sharon and felt suddenly ok..still outside my comfort zone, but safe.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCn1W8txFfp/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12749994_1722970004606670_1073107425_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwMDE2MjQ5OTIwMzQ1NDk1Mw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458773203627.7317" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We attended a lot of awesome classes with great speakers, got to see some print competition submissions being judged...which was crazy interesting, walked around the expo and got to touch & feel print products...which I love...I'm such a texture girl, listened to an awesome key note speaker very passionate about believing in your worth, had yummy free coffee and cupcakes...that I elegantly dropped all over myself & even managed to coat Sharon with...I'm the complete opposite of coordinated when it comes to eating around other people...a super awesome talent that I have learned to just warn people about rather than overcome. Seriously if you see me at a social gathering that involves food...I will have something spilled down the front of me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hPjIiLVKwXI/VvMcxzL_ABI/AAAAAAAALfI/3KC8gDA9U3A/s1024/Photo%25252020160323164627265.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hPjIiLVKwXI/VvMcxzL_ABI/AAAAAAAALfI/3KC8gDA9U3A/s500/Photo%25252020160323164627265.jpg" id="blogsy-1458773203580.026" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="400" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Went to an opening night party...where I learned Vegas drinks are MUCH stronger than the drinks I'm used to at bible study. Oh Vegas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CURVUm21Y1E/VvMcy15oWHI/AAAAAAAALfM/uPP2GhF36YU/s1024/Photo%25252020160323164627487.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CURVUm21Y1E/VvMcy15oWHI/AAAAAAAALfM/uPP2GhF36YU/s500/Photo%25252020160323164627487.jpg" id="blogsy-1458773203583.9414" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="400"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> We walked around and saw lots of gorgeous hotels and fun shops...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SDZGBPaK2pY/VvMczx5gdWI/AAAAAAAALfQ/rWaipM0iKhk/s1024/Photo%25252020160323164627947.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SDZGBPaK2pY/VvMczx5gdWI/AAAAAAAALfQ/rWaipM0iKhk/s500/Photo%25252020160323164627947.jpg" id="blogsy-1458773203593.336" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aKOIw5bYkT8/VvMc04tIqbI/AAAAAAAALfU/FdRw7hIsZb0/s1024/Photo%25252020160323164628192.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aKOIw5bYkT8/VvMc04tIqbI/AAAAAAAALfU/FdRw7hIsZb0/s500/Photo%25252020160323164628192.jpg" id="blogsy-1458773203640.1997" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="400" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> We attended a wedding and reception of complete strangers...which was super weird, but fun...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCrjKq7RFYM/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12797653_556377557866659_621504145_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwMTIwODM5MDUzODUxNTk4MA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458773203647.9338" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> They had show girls for photo ops at the wedding reception...me and a Vegas show girl...ha!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCri_-SRFX8/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12825700_530117423816024_282378183_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwMTIwNzY1NTQxMTI0MjQ5Mg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458773203622.4038" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I caught my shuttle back to the airport & flew home super exhausted & excited & inspired...not just for work stuff...but I flew to Vegas by myself, and I survived! I listened to amazing people tell their stories...& something started to stir in me that maybe I have a story to tell & maybe just maybe it takes leaving our comfort zones to really start feeling confident enough to share our stories. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCwQ5bKxFW4/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/10844042_975679775819594_1053406659_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTIwMjUzNTQxNTQzMzk0MjQ1Ng%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458773203616.7505" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> I chatted a little with a lady sitting next to me on the plane and ended up giving her one of my all-time favorite books because she said her book club always picks super boring books. I'm pretty sure she won't find this one boring. Maybe she'll pass it along to a random stranger on a plane one day too.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then I got home to my suburban traditional decorated home cluttered with toys and kid art to find out our water heater went out and flooded the basement that evening. It felt good to be home as a mama again...it was exactly where I was meant to be, and although the water heater thing sucked...all I could do was laugh, feel blessed knowing we could replace it, hug my family and wait till the next day to take a shower. It was a good first trip to Vegas. </p>
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<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-79420893961291662552016-03-23T11:16:00.001-07:002016-03-23T11:20:18.782-07:00After Winter Break Is Spring<p style="text-align: center;"> Our life kinda hits a fever pitch right after winter break between January and the Destination Imagination tournament. But once the DI tournament is over, it's smooth sailing...the downward slope toward summer. Ahhhhh...summer.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I decorated for Easter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BB3FIiSRFQf/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12748495_1023067997763892_1218866808_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4NjQzOTYwMzYzNzQ3NDMzNQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994643.9014" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BB3FOvmRFQs/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/1723270_1137945242893893_84535411_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4NjQ0MDAzMDI0ODUyMjc5Ng%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994626.7996" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BB3FX18xFRB/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12502022_1017692354956865_611802616_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4NjQ0MDY1NTU0Mzc1MTc0NQ%3D%3D.2.l" id="blogsy-1458752994691.7217" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> I love my Thursdays with just Brody. He just plays quietly...usually crafting...painting sticks and rocks...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BB71RYsxFSw/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12531087_1681775655443913_868216510_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4Nzc3NzIxNzk1OTMxODcwNA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994689.2754" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And we enjoy snacks together like peanut butter & honey with apple slices. Snack times are some of our most peaceful times when we get to have our best conversations about life.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BB8FToBRFQr/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12724874_1684505341808848_2117757451_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4Nzg0Nzc0MDU5MjUwOTk5NQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994672.2354" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Andy lets me sleep in on Saturday mornings, and it's the best gift you can give this non-morning mama. Waking up slowly with a cup of coffee is an amazing way to start the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCA7NtrxFXt/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12729439_1119750378069229_1666739992_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4OTIxMDcyODc3NTgzMzA2OQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994668.4712" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> If you are my child, you will grow up sewing. This skill comes in handy when making DI costumes. AJ is learning to appliqué with zig zag stitching here for his pac man shirt. He is very serious when sewing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCDyx2exFeV/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12716696_1153097778041585_877965409_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5MDAxODA1NDYzNDEwMDYyOQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994673.35" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Abby sewed a Barbie sleeping bag with a pillow one morning. She is very detail oriented and determined when she is sewing...which is a good thing...she will surpass her mama with her sewing skills one day. I tend to be a very impatient crafter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCD_4ibxFQC/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12751592_1021618721259126_424055774_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5MDA3NTY4ODc0OTkxMzA5MA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994638.7927" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Brody still contends that he wants to be a tractor when he grows up. Not a farmer that drives a tractor...the actual tractor. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCJJIhHRFcD/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12502053_192168574480713_252067695_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5MTUyMzc0NDE0NjAyMDA5OQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994680.4119" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Love random sunny days! If only they would stick around. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCQ9o5xxFTY/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12797892_1555366254756480_313668450_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5MzcyNDk5MjkwNzY2MjU1Mg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994633.0422" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We had many outside adventures on this sunny afternoon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCRApkXRFZh/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11849365_455682684626276_351642476_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5MzczODIzMjc3MzQ5ODQ2NQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994696.6963" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Andy loves making big breakfasts. I love eating big breakfasts, so it works well. Crepes with Nutella and homemade coconut syrup are my favorite. That crepe pan was the best purchase ever. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCTE1dZRFUw/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12748347_481940965325630_52562318_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5NDMxOTU5MjA2NDA0NjM4NA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994679.6292" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> One of my favorite things about AHG is that Abby is truly learning to have a heart of service. I love this service project of stuffing Easter eggs to go in food baskets given out at a local food bank. Why have I never thought about Easter eggs going out in those baskets?! What a fun treat for families in need! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCZCIgaRFRQ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11259100_960270307395001_29664561_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5NTk5NjU1NjY5MjgzNzQ1Ng%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994652.7534" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Abby Mama date birthday shopping for Abby's BFF. She said it was the best day ever...a service project and short trip to the mall shopping for a friend. Sometimes as parents we think we need to give our kids big gifts or elaborate outings when really all they crave is our attention.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCTJBgExFeS/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12725084_1691514504458523_15735285_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5NDMzODAxMTc2MTEwNDc4Ng%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994625.776" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Wacky Day for Dr. Seuss' bday...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCdMvrfRFa5/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12748389_548873611956095_1961102472_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5NzE2OTEyOTAxOTQzMDU4NQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994700.2815" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Sometimes this kid just cannot contain himself. I can respect that. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCdQ5Y_xFUL/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12748293_580955958723419_1639876187_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5NzE4NzM4ODU0NDQwNjc5NQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994711.9238" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Rubik's cube cookies for DI tournament week. Tournament week is an exhausting week of extra practices, stress to meet deadlines, and excitement to show off months of hard work. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCdpJLSRFUi/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12816895_1726646484223889_1322502391_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5NzI5NDAyNjQ1MDI5NDA1MA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994667.0498" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> I could never be a professional cookie person. Not sure how they do it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCeFpGIxFap/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12783356_1062027283861608_48671963_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5NzQxOTM2NTI0Nzc2ODIzMw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994675.6406" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> They rocked their central challenge....the skit they wrote and practiced for months. They nailed everything they worked so hard on...their timing...their volume...their gestures...their expression...it was truly an awesome performance. They fell apart on their instant challenge...the surprise task they are given 5 minutes to solve. Instant challenges are hard. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Destination Imagination teaches some serious life skills...team work, perseverance, compromise, stepping outside of your comfort zone, problem solving under pressure...hard stuff for adults let alone 8 & 9 year olds. But just imagine how far these skills will take them in life if they master these skills as kids. We worked hard and learned a lot in our first competive year...so although they didn't go to state, they walked away successful. And more determined than ever for our next DI season. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BClNCXdRFfv/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12748236_1238485432833052_1771751303_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE5OTQyMjIxMjk5NDc4MzIxNQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458752994699.8484" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Almost caught up...just a couple more posts to get to the here & now. Ha. Life is a whirlwind. That's what makes documenting it so priceless. Right?!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-47529285885540112262016-03-15T19:40:00.001-07:002016-03-15T19:46:05.360-07:00Random Photos Matter
<p style="text-align: center;"> We usually photograph events or milestones in our lives. I photograph everything from discarded coffee cups on my vanity to my messy kitchen table to send my sister to let her know it's okay to have a messy house...it's real life. My phone is always full of thousands of photos. Literally thousands. My house is full of family photos everywhere you turn. I can't help it. It's a compulsion I have to capture & hold onto the little things that make up our daily lives & the people in our lives. I think it goes back to wishing I had more photos of my childhood...of my mom...of my mom and dad when they were together. I have 7 siblings...there is one photo with all 8 of us from my grandma's funeral...and we all cling to that photo. Only one photo of all of us and that thing is priceless. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> I also always wonder what my mom was like when she was my age. What her daily grind felt like to her. So after not blogging for so long & almost skipping over blogging some of these photos...I just couldn't let them not be a part of our story. I decided they say something about the tiny fleeting moments that add up to mean so much in our life. They are worth documenting.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I am one of the most nostalgic people you will ever meet. I believe in my core that our childhood forms so much of who we are. That our heritage builds our values and our values should be at the root of every thought, every action, and every breath we take. So when this vintage sewing machine showed up on Craig's List for $25 you can bet I sent Andy straight out to get it. My mother's mother sewed, my mom sewed, and naturally as it runs in my blood...I sew & am teaching Abby to sew.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One day out of the blue I decided it should be a functional part of my life. So now it is my work space, and I love it's new role. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAKnFg5xFZ4/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12407680_1671215986488839_2073435610_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE1NTkwODE1NzExNDE3NzE0NA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349356.9763" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> A very best friend of mine hands down her Southern Living magazines to me, and not many of them go by without a recipe being torn out, hung on the fridge and tested. This one was a perfect chicken noodle soup for a chilly day. Homemade chicken noodle soup is good for the soul.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAaKHVGRFaf/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12479518_1783313808562765_1031050854_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE2MDI4NDMzODE1NjQ5MjQ0Nw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349280.929" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> The same friend trusted me with these gems for some authentic 1980's research for AJ's Destination Imagination team. As you can imagine, being a keeper myself my friends tend to be keepers too, and I freakin' love that! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAi5JpoRFW2/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12547632_445710325636723_1925353423_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE2Mjc0MzAwNTY0MDQxNDY0Ng%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349342.005" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> I went on a health kick for a bit like I do about once every two years...we had smoothies for two weeks straight...I even ventured into a Vitamin Cottage store which was scary as hell for me to get some chia seeds...anyway our blender will never be the same...and my kids are over smoothies. I was trying to boost their little immune systems being all natural granola suburban mom....they were all sick by the end of the second week. I'll try again this summer for a couple weeks...with some watermelon smoothies...or tropical smoothies.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAr3un-RFXo/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12558642_428397544023896_1508531151_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE2NTI3MDAyNTE4MDA0MjcyOA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349304.4392" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> We live on game nights. Ticket to a Ride is a good one when you are just not in the mood for a cut throat game of Settlers.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAydwjxxFZS/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/916530_1672973796289335_425931251_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE2NzEyNjEzMzc0MTk5OTY5OA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349360.859" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Andy and I had a fun snowy, adventure date night photo shoot up in Evergreen. Because love should be capured. Our children need to see what healthy relationships look like. They need to know their parents love. The images are amazing. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BA7q8jcxFXZ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12534249_632811106861336_1888084229_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE2OTcxNzQwNzQxODQzOTEyOQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349298.039" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> I came across this pic of AJ in preschool, and my heart melted. I forgot what my preschool AJ was like, and this pic sent the memories flooding back in of my happy, Thomas the train obsessed little boy that wore his firefighter rain boots everywhere and talked endlessly to his imaginary friends Day-Day & Dun-Dun.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BA8Q2vSRFSf/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12501496_171984959835127_617241980_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE2OTg4NDEzMzU3Nzc0MTQ3MQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349319.7043" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Chocolate surprises get us through the days some days. It is amazing how these little things are the things that hold us up some days. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBBtnM2xFQu/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12547158_1675576782699880_1145428972_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3MTQxNzk4NDA0OTM3MDE1OA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349343.4229" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> This little guy didn't feel so great one week and missed two days of school. On this day the sweet boy who never ever naps fell asleep right in the middle of the living room floor, and I just wanted to snuggle him up and make him all better. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBDoV-2xFf6/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12552277_827928147328983_1408040894_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3MTk1Nzc2MDUwNjc0Njg3NA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349354.3596" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Making homemade pizzas with good friends is a must. It's therapeutic to chat, throw pizza dough in the air, and just be with good people. I was here when I got the call that Andy got his new job, and to say that I was in shock after a year of praying for God's will to be done & us to understand it is an understatement. I was speechless. There were times of uncertainty and just plain frustration with a lack of change and times of thinking this part of our life was not ever going to change and questioning if we were doing the right thing and soul searching and tears and pep talks and all kinds of roller coaster emotions. And then one day while making pizzas with friends life changed, and Andy had a new job. And all that stress and emotion was silly because God had our backs the whole time.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBYujaFxFWn/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/12627904_662905297180531_221724441_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3Nzg5NjA0NTg5MjYyMTczNQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349327.7979" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> When Andy makes fancy things like red wine stew I help by drinking some of the wine. This is how cooking goes at our house. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBdqP6NxFXt/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12568916_782891118482912_1503714457_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3OTI4NDQ4ODY5NDU1MjA0NQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349361.9717" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes you just get bored with only 3 versions of Settlers, so you stay up till 2am combining 4 versions and your brain hurts, but you have crazy fun & regular Settlers is just never enough after that. And you drink 3 cups of coffee the next day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBeJRukRFVH/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12523670_653380698136080_501277377_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3OTQyMDk1MzA2NzkzNTA0Nw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349380.1987" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Ab earning her Home Care & Repair badge at AHG, and getting to keep her very own hammer...which we promptly hid from her in the garage because that is just terrifying. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBnreEFRFQb/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12716972_1033748106687937_695014802_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4MjEwNDYwOTE3NTY1NTQ1MQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349316.6428" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Starbucks strawberry acai refresher is my drink of the summer...even though it's not even really spring yet, and I can't pronounce acai. If you just say strawberry refresher when you order it they know what you mean, and you don't have to embarrass yourself trying to order it. Anyway big plans drinking these all summer. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBqX0GHRFZR/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/10632294_794781167335007_1607941078_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4Mjg2MjU4NzE4NTA5MjE3Nw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349318.8271" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Random night trips to get doughnuts when most normal people have their kids in bed happen in our family.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBq5eIdxFRz/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12728388_1759202764313221_712098636_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4MzAxMDYxMTQ2Mjk1MjA1MQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349313.957" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Abby requested fake glasses so she could be like her mama and big brother AJ...how could anyone say no to that?! Love that girl something fierce. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBu87JgxFSk/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12725105_214285405587179_1794133868_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4NDE1MTY5OTQ5ODIyNjg1Mg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349337.2598" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Found this pic of me when I was about Brody's age. This is huge guys...I was number 7 out of 8 kids...there is not much photographic evidence of my existence as a child. Ha! Funny but true.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBxzCI1RFan/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12677617_110038752718695_1286585658_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4NDk1MjYyNDI2OTc3NjU1MQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458096349376.1567" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Peace out. I'll do some more catching up later. </p>
<p> </p>
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<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-76364928754423449952016-03-15T18:03:00.001-07:002016-03-15T18:03:12.260-07:00Hello There<p style="text-align: center;"> Wow it's been awhile. Abby's 7th birthday & Valentine's Day happened.</p><p style="text-align: center;">A sweet friend helped paint the rock at school for Girlfriend's bday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBJLUhoxFXO/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/12543204_930404243707515_493092065_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3MzUxODk2NjkyNTMxNzU4Mg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078849938.7498" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBJLhvgRFXk/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12547196_163648574010691_772368629_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3MzUxOTg3NTE2ODI5NDM3Mg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078849993.266" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Abby requesed a breakfast in bed of pop tarts...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBKrsVTRFf1/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12545395_221640591511113_52943847_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3Mzk0MjgxNTQxMjIxMzc0OQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078850017.2305" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">& a Barbie themed party at home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBLYUYSRFcT/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12424802_546462172178803_544484279_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3NDEzOTA4MTQ0MjIxOTc5NQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078849930.9414" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> She had the best time with her BFF....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBLYwDzxFdU/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12534313_559693840861692_100751581_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3NDE0MDk4MzYwMTAyNjkwMA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078849949.2036" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And made her own cake. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBLgUBTxFew/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/10349819_1536203186708582_1446695561_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3NDE3NDI0MTE0MzQxMjY1Ng%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078849970.599" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> She requested her dad make a her stage for her gift. Here it is before we painted it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBOxWcARFZd/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12407649_1127958407223084_1681581231_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3NTA5MzU5ODk2NzA2MDA2MQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078850016.1338" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We decorated for Valentine's Day.</p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAvGEtjRFUq/" target="_blank" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12523695_215159495492828_3419170_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE2NjE3NzU0MDU3OTI4NDI2Ng%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078849971.0667" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And signed our valentines...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBdVsTERFYF/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12479339_220257704982788_220099107_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE3OTE5NDA4MDU0NzMyOTU0MQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078850015.2715" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> AJ had a Bronco box this year...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBpnhLsxFas/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12717072_779410085493019_1288533236_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4MjY1MDE4MTI4MDM1NjAxMg%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078849953.6902" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Abby wanted a Mary Flair box.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBpn7JKxFbc/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12558737_817725238350063_2048341225_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4MjY1MTk2NTI2ODg0MjIwNA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078849941.2747" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBpoDGzxFbt/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12568304_538125623031682_1058532668_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4MjY1MjUxMjQ5MTI5NjQ5Mw%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078850020.6226" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We rocked the school party circuit. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBp2jaSRFYQ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12728630_805451102916194_1475499726_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4MjcxNjMwNTA3ODUwNzAyNA%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078850002.5586" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And had Valentine's Day photos! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBxhk6tRFWZ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12751012_1564142697232835_1767190943_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTE4NDg3NTg0OTQ0NzY1ODkwNQ%3D%3D.2" id="blogsy-1458078849954.5044" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-273106897574494102016-01-08T18:11:00.001-08:002016-01-09T09:13:56.196-08:00Catching Up <p style="text-align: center;">This Christmas I decided to wrap the kids' gifts in a paper assigned to them without any gift tags, so they were guessing till Christmas morning which gifts were theirs. Then Christmas Day they opened an envelope with a small piece of their wrapping paper. They were guessing till the end. Adding another element of suspense to gifts was super fun. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_X8LxCxFRr/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12299063_926220127431186_1357595570_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549724.8325" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The school parties are always Crazytown. Nativigating the parking lot alone earns this mama a celebratory Starbucks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I still remember my mom dressing up and coming to my 1st grade Halloween party. So although those days are exhausting, I know being there matters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_aLfYzxFYw/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12301338_1690429464505316_876022832_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549753.413" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Brody was sooooo excited for his Christmas program. This sweet boy just takes in every bit of joy life has to offer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_aL_7VxFZv/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/l/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12338498_538914516266359_2067562799_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549722.3167" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Frisbee...still as magical as ever. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_dQbOqRFXJ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12357849_1645146422403902_1329052763_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549726.3442" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We always take the kids shopping individually to buy gifts for one another. They love it. I mean LOVE it. They are very thoughtful in their selections for one another & are simply giddy about sneaking their gifts in the house & wrapping them. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I read on a blog once that one thing that always stuck in this blogger's mind was how at Christmas time her grandma always asked her what she wanted to gift that Christmas...not what she wanted to get for Christmas. I love that and want to create that kind of thinking in our house.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_f6J9DxFdJ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtf1/t51.2885-15/e35/12331859_1647924742137144_365651127_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549762.4348" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> I fell in love with buffalo check this season and want to make us all new stockings for next Christmas. It's just so classic & rustic & cozy! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_h1DpZRFZN/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12345690_1644998585724861_449348082_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549784.487" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Love that these guys get so excited for Frisbee to bring their tickets & ride the "polar express" around looking at lights every year! Eek!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_iUzHTRFeB/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12393752_929950253740571_1959103875_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549728.2715" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Conductor Andy punched words on all our tickets...AJ's said faith...Abby's said love...Brody's said son...mine said MILF. Nice. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_ivNa3RFbN/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12338977_1665547850388642_1544469233_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549773.098" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> The kids decorated cookies at Great Aunt Lou's house.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_kp993RFWg/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtp1/t51.2885-15/e35/12394129_152129431817777_160823998_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549809.04" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We had lots of relaxing afternoons of puzzles and snacks...just chilling over winter break...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_mg7phRFfv/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/e35/12317411_914280712002312_476537497_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549757.8096" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">This boy trying to guess tractor. Hilarious. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_qFAQwRFRw/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12394027_1632527000341493_1450471860_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549798.1912" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> 12 years in Colorado and I finally had a cake success. 3 days in the making, & we had a white chocolate frosted cranberry cake for dessert at Christmas dinner. That thing weighed like ten pounds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_r3JuVxFYm/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e35/10454021_1532549533724662_792044014_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549789.3572" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_uc1rgxFfZ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12331385_152796895087279_165039452_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549774.2742" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Playing Settlers with this kid makes my heart happy. Except when he won't trade his brick with me. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We up'd our game by the end of winter break and taught him Cities & Knights. He picked it up really fast and played like a pro. A natural gamer that one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_yALdlRFZ6/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpt1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12394131_163728957321958_1576657572_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549809.4521" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> This kid had an amazing Christmas. Then Aunt Mary messaged and asked if he would like to go to a Broncos game. What?! Are you kidding?! Would AJ like to go to a Broncos game?! Best.night.of.his.life! It was a good game too. Even this non-sports mama was on the edge of the couch biting her nails the whole game. And AJ got to experience the stadium explode when they won the game.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_3DEaaxFU4/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/1169362_1531214917188633_1219390186_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549750.4646" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> One of my favorite gifts this Christmas right here...</p><p style="text-align: center;">But has it really been 30 years?! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_01s3RxFe1/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12393996_193902010956506_411533370_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549735.3093" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Celebrating New Years with good friends followed by a game night was a great way to ring in 2016.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_-giQXRFQq/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xat1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12394136_965741580160543_76697028_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549765.2139" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Abby has been begging me to teach her how to sew. I was reluctant...worried she wouldn't 'to be focused enough & it would be rough. After she begged for a whole day straight I finally caved. </p><p style="text-align: center;">She did an amazing job. She listened, was detailed oriented, and was a very cautious little seamstress.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAGM1qTRFYM/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xta1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/1389112_729748870473676_598319656_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549787.4517" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> She worked hard on her project...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAGVuxjxFbw/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/1527547_845747042196504_758405284_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549757.0112" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And was super excited to wear the skirt she made to school! She said, "When people ask where I got it I will say it is one of a kind...you won't find it in a store because I made it!"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAGV6jERFcN/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/10261175_165303517164611_234053908_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1452299549796.5696" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-68084812729300081752015-12-20T13:11:00.001-08:002015-12-20T13:15:31.607-08:00The Annual Tree Cutting<p style="text-align: center;"> Every year we bundle up, drive up to the mountains, hunt for the perfect tree, cut it down, and haul it home. Last year our tree was so big it barely fit in our tree stand and fell over at one point resulting in a tree rescue by neighbors and being tied to the wall. This year I vowed to rein Andy in and get a smaller tree. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The kids love this tradition...tree ninjas. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-6_KZdRFdh/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12317904_1658540104421770_1257215750_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450645515476.6284" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm getting used to it...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-6-2ivxFc4/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12317746_758143634316310_1830379529_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450645515466.5327" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Abby said, "I found our tree!"</p><p style="text-align: center;">Right. You are your father's daughter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-6_AYLxFdS/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12339023_177439479272124_178301338_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450645515424.2676" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> They got to visit Santa in the visiting center. Awesome! Check that one off the list! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-6_ZZrxFd-/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpt1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12354104_910850839003759_938522659_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450645515423.6128" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here is our tree! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Andy is disappointed in the size, but I love her!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She's very Country Living instead of Clark Griswold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_hiUP0xFaz/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12331442_1653020994951834_1074699121_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450645515462.2131" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Not pictured: Our pine cone fight where I nailed Andy in face and cut his nose. He didn't even attempt to dodge it because he said my aim is so bad. Well I showed him didn't I. </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-41121086327227790962015-12-15T20:38:00.001-08:002015-12-15T20:44:42.111-08:00December Catch Up
<p style="text-align: center;">The kids each have their own Christmas tree in their rooms to decorate. They get super excited to go through their ornaments each year. It's a fun time. Abby's ornaments are very pink & sparkly.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-pyYctRFQ2/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpt1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12277492_1091242550920751_1124911876_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055189.272" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brody has a lot of dinosaur, air plane & tractor ornaments.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AJ has a reason or sentimental value for all his ornaments. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-pyrFJxFRQ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12237388_1691336024437603_1478803142_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055201.2966" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Andy basically becomes Clark Griswold when December hits...so this is a movie night fave after the kids go to bed. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-p933fxFVv/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpt1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12317568_1013469005376793_1741520946_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055222.5972" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Frisbee's wardrobe cracks me up. Santa's BFF. Ha!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-p_YZ7RFYP/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12317833_178668615815998_2110045803_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055215.9995" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Abby & Brody were super good helpers putting up lights this year.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I thought those candy canes would be soooo fun lining our driveway. Now I curse them as I try to avoid hitting them when I back out every.single.time.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-rnZdxRFeS/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xat1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12269941_1620722908193536_1811108555_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055228.884" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> We have been doing a lot of festive puzzles lately. They look so innocent with pictures of snowmen and Santa. But don't be fooled. Those suckers are harder than you think they will be. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-snBjMRFUh/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12331679_1512824705712157_1127388182_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055172.6401" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> I tried to do a photo challenge on Instagram. I lasted two days. This was #stylemedecember Deck your neck. Most days I just wear comfy sweatshirts and pants that have an elastic waist. Two days people. Mama ain't got time for fashion.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-wVKuqRFdp/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xft1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12298763_1644296162503353_468525463_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055247.5059" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> My happy little work space with some of my favorite things...coffee in a festive mug, a fun coaster from a friend, post-it's, a felt tip marker (all teachers & ex-teachers fave), yummy lotion, & glittery lip gloss...helps me get through those emails! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-wVuhUxFei/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xta1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12328344_1011409978881114_512022331_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055179.3364" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Abby has been asking to read to us at night instead of us just read to her. This makes my heart so happy. Reading is not coming easy for this one, but she is a trooper & just rolls with the punches. If I could just package up the world & give it to her I would. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-xjZVuRFfS/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12269999_1079068018791773_384650639_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055211.4304" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Brody wanted to read me a story since Abby did. He did a pretty good re-tell. It is pretty stinkin' cute how he looks up to his big sister. And how she goes out of her way to care for him. Those two have a strong bond. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-xjpaZxFfm/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12338539_169150810105857_701296359_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055241.342" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Oh.my.goodness. The joy that finding that little elf brings to these kids is the best. Brody just about bursts every morning when runs in to report to me what Frisbee is up to that day. And he still loves Frisbee even though he gets pissed at him & calls him a Tattle Tell if he gets a naughty report. Which I find hilarious. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The pitter patter of his little feet running down stairs and his crinkle nose smile & giggle is soooo worth remembering to move that thing every night. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-y4oVlRFeh/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11349241_460089267525474_613276353_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055176.91" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here was my second & last attempt at the #stylemedecember challenge. Pear tree green. And a little photo bomber. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-y6TlyxFSO/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12269784_576466309167362_1573223908_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055194.086" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sending Christmas cards is my favorite every year! Eek! Fun return address labels, glitter tape, red & green felt tip markers! Be still my stationary loving heart! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-zlERxxFdR/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12277542_1031795176841321_1274231109_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055233.363" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Starting this boy's love for puzzles early. We do this United States puzzle at least 12 times a week. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-1faq0xFTf/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12301324_1516932195270695_876363189_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055196.7166" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> I am not sure what my family thought St. Nick was going yo bring them with that many shoes...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-9ISVbRFXn/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12357673_1658093661095609_171462622_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055237.5142" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> But this is what they got...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-9JxFVRFbi/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12237501_445945142263829_331969305_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055248.2683" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Brody is pretty obsessed with the Veggie Tales St. Nick movie...we watch it a lot. But I'm cool with that. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here's another Santa puzzle...because puzzles are my new jam.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_CrJWLRFZ4/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12357352_189683981376194_1740902192_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055185.461" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This night Santa, Belle, and a bunny came by to help with my puzzle efforts...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_DvZ49xFb9/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12338591_205459799789136_1676551703_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055182.7239" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These things. I eat these things by the bag...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brody said, "Are you going to eat those all day?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I said, "Yup."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_DrqHxxFXJ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11324259_1054498014584719_954764370_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055182.4932" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> I redid the song books for the hayride...and made sure I Want A Hippopatamus For Christmas was on there because it's one if the best Christmas songs of all-time. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_IpKWXRFeQ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xat1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12362266_1655084888064900_400271470_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055229.147" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Spent part of an afternoon making peanut butter balls & having a mama therapy session one day. Husbands should be so thankful for those mama days...because they keep us sane. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_Kw8GqxFc2/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12277651_1532670647050401_1893070012_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055260.1218" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> We co-hosted the second annual neighborhood hayride. It snowed and was so festive. It was a blast. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_NgE7cRFVe/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12317538_1678432872405062_1813366050_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055238.784" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Andy got to wear his cowboy hat & cowboy boots and drive a tractor...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_NuJIBxFRr/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12301137_880375388748220_777327051_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055270.968" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kids got to play in the snow, run around with friends, eat lots of cookies/brownies/candy canes, drink hot cocoa, ride on a trailer with flashlights singing songs from Home Alone, & sled down the middle of the street...best night ever in their little world. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_PL7GZRFY5/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12338579_1694719700746491_1170463566_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055252.4255" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Last minute gift for my AHG girls. Love anything with spastic color!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_THxCaxFTK/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12338981_450274421842276_705509733_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055251.3489" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Our unit lead the flag ceremonies at the AHG meeting! So cute! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_Uux-MRFZn/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpt1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12317750_954428684628640_645941123_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055220.9692" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Frisbee has been up to his usual silliness...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_U6BCjxFe9/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xft1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/1662978_202429193430316_1489530357_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055275.9463" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> We are all caught up on our Jesse tree! And to my amazement the kids are telling us the stories that go with each of the ornaments this year. So awesome! I love this tradition. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_VAiABxFbo/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12331487_1537294746592222_136000593_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1450237055266.6064" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> This month is flying by, and we are trying to take it all in...here's to a calm next ten days! </p>
<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-67898970581763565522015-12-01T13:03:00.001-08:002015-12-01T13:04:52.979-08:00Thanksgiving 2015<p style="text-align: center;"> Way back in the summer we planned a trip to Missouri to visit one of my sister's for Thanksgiving! </p><p style="text-align: center;">So when the week of turkey day rolled around, we loaded up the van and headed out super excited to play games and gobble up some turkey and Tami's crockpot corn!</p><p style="text-align: center;"> The kiddos were super excited to decorate their gingerbread houses...even bringing some candy from their Halloween stash! Love AJ's fireball on top of his house! So funny.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-ha9MtxFVp/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12071067_517425985094909_836134646_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107218.9565" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We played a lot of Wackee Six! Love that game! Seriously get it for your next family gathering.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-hbEJsxFV0/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtf1/l/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12237423_996007007116071_741689816_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107269.6604" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> The kids had fun exploring & acorn hunting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-hjTbNRFVS/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpt1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12301381_1044740888911751_1864700596_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107212.6406" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and checked on the turkey! Love lounging and watching the parade in comfy clothes...no rush...just hanging out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-jpo9KRFZj/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12298887_1676169102637760_458032897_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107228.3584" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We wore aprons and made sides...my favorite!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-jy-XeRFQ4/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12301289_930587597016809_588547553_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107262.1497" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> These two were up to trouble...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-j0ttURFVS/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12237503_431841073676186_258250378_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107218.9028" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Girlfriend was excited to have turkey on the bone! That girl and eating off the bone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-kGnTBRFQC/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12237575_177877682561604_1206257964_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107260.0857" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We went to the casino & lost all the $ we brought. I had never been to a casino...it was kinda shocking how fast you were up and then you were down.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-k7PRPRFen/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12277409_595526330599936_1001061740_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107298.6938" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We played some Uno...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-mnXeBxFXk/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpt1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12256697_1523190027995200_1888073981_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107254.8616" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And Tenzi...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-nFN_GRFfV/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12269792_190418447964713_2079872791_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107237.095" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Forgot my selfie stick but Joe's arm was long enough to be a selfie stick.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-opSxfxFUq/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12292843_1529061617415886_955721101_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107264.4934" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And after a wild night of tackle spoons and a few minor injuries, we loaded up the van & headed home. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-opijqxFVU/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12298821_1669149300030840_1117569401_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448998107257.661" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> It was a blast. We have so much to be thankful for!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-82451306452719875612015-11-24T18:09:00.001-08:002015-11-24T18:09:15.873-08:00November Stuff<p style="text-align: center;"> Date nights to get new books with this boy are pretty awesome.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9pVpdrRFYZ/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12145178_1173910182626073_1407881289_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138486.3547" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Mornings spent doing puzzles with friends are pretty great too! Even if we have little helpers that aren't all that helpful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9t8zpvRFUU/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11934895_1516090862041648_688581818_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138427.129" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Movie nights out to see The Peanuts Movie with the whole family are crazy fun!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9w6UnSRFXn/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11931168_106874929677259_15654575_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138468.4497" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> The first snow of the season is always magical...and we get to pull out our snow boots and leg warmers!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/98pS1TxFf1/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xft1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12237540_1656550444593822_1801829337_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138422.3406" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And turn on the fireplace...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/98tFL9RFXu/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpt1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12135199_860512880723097_1597366095_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138408.1086" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Making dessert for an epic game night is exciting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-EwwsLxFVq/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12224416_908728832515508_2049111637_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138443.6418" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Love that we have game nights with good friends! This night involved two expansion packs for an 8 player game and painting two sets of game pieces! It was crazy fun!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-F0GQqRFRq/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11353461_930143630413676_1069546959_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138466.012" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went to the big kids' school for their Thanksgiving lunch this year! It's the first year I have gone...I figured I better do it before AJ's too old and cool to want to have his mom come for lunch with him. I'll cry when that day comes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-POG7PxFQk/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xft1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12063148_861308853986432_428354328_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138435.2449" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Abby's Thanksgiving lunch time was right after AJ's, so I stayed and ate with her too. Can I just say that nothing about school lunch has changed. Not the plastic trays or the super hard to open paper milk cartons or the school lunch gravy or fold up tables. It was like a time warp back to my elementary days. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-POMznxFQp/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xft1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12237207_164818907205298_550509445_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138455.767" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This boy was pretty excited for his preschool Thanksgiving feast. Love this boy's spirit and love for all things festive!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-USoLyxFQz/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpt1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12256848_436582693202808_9973781_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138425.9539" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We had a neighbor Thanksgiving with good friends/neighbors with a German food theme! We are so blessed with amazing friends in our life. Genuine, good down to earth people that are so real about life. It's good for the soul to connect with people. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-aKdwzxFUf/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12276784_428189760715441_1757566999_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138428.0342" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> I learned a new game with AJ. He was super good at breaking my code. I finally stumped him with 3 yellows and a green! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-aKjnAxFUx/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12237281_1646234998960812_700760701_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138456.9873" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Although I don't win at Settlers very often, I am becoming a master at building things with my game pieces! Ha! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Check out my spot on the board...it was going to be the forest wonderland that allowed me to take over the world...except I couldn't take over the world without any flippin' wheat or sheep. Strategy fail. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-aXJuMxFbC/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12256734_1664235863855002_140121702_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138449.7065" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Festive roadtrip music surprises are super awesome! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-fGB-pxFS-/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12256664_1029304840454818_1364476734_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138500.7478" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And festive coffee is the best!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/-fGOMAxFTP/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xft1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12301421_139626963065942_1400398812_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448412138467.9329" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Happy Thanksgiving week!!!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-63309935314776669012015-11-24T16:21:00.001-08:002015-11-24T16:21:54.322-08:00Halloween 2015<p style="text-align: center;"> Halloween is one of my most favorite times of the year! I love decorating, coordinating costumes, the colors black/orange/purple together, taking the kids trick or treating...all of it! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Last year we carved our pumpkins too early, and they were yucky by Halloween night...so this year I decided to wait and almost forgot to carve them! Seriously mom brain is a real thing. A thought can be here one minute and then poof it's like the thought never existed. So Friday night at bed time we carved pumpkins! </p><p style="text-align: center;">AJ & Abby carved their own pumpkins this year...which was terrifying. No blood was shed though...which is pretty miraculous for our family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9e6cC5xFQ8/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12106109_470009399837510_1019036527_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448410863195.4104" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> AJ went with a Minecraft pumpkin, Abby went for the happiest pumpkin, & Brody wanted a ghost that was yelling.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9e9kOTxFWN/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xat1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12107685_479659972217033_844795185_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448410863177.8862" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Abby's costume was the perfect excuse to order a Glinda costume and go with a whole family theme! Everyone was on board but AJ...so like every good parent I resorted to bribery and won AJ over. I think Abby liked getting to wear bright red lipstick the most out of her whole costume. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9eCZsBxFb-/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12080470_535466906620263_1912558959_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448410863174.7317" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Brody wanted to be a lion like his daddy. He was a pretty stinkin' cute lil lion.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9eCjAWRFcb/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xta1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12105210_1619644784964087_1855453346_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448410863215.2742" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> AJ was a tornado...made from chicken wire, zip ties, cotton batting, tulle, spray paint, plastic animals & lots of hot glue.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9eCp6ExFco/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12142422_1719570638271932_1782276661_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448410863233.5396" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> The tornado idea came along all because I wanted this picture...Mahaha. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9h3tCHRFTW/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12093393_728381000599389_1141480819_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448410863169.7583" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Whole family photo! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Andy's costume was made by his grandma years ago and his grandpa wore it every year. I love that he wears it now.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9hS1KXxFYd/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12081274_1643235302631876_2061992130_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448410863180.595" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every year we get the kids Halloween portraits taken by <a href="http://www.sharonsphoto.com" target="_self" title="">Sharon Arnoldi Photography</a> for FREE! It's the best! I have a scrapbook of her Halloween portraits from the last 5 years! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9mP1N-RFcI/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12145076_1486941094945254_990086010_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448410863218.3032" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And just like that I'm ready for Christmas!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/9i7JsVxFfE/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xta1/t51.2885-15/s480x480/e35/12145425_1518023248517106_491264042_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1448410863185.4524" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-27125345537318211692015-11-19T20:10:00.001-08:002015-11-23T10:59:32.937-08:00October Catch Up...in November Ha!<div style="text-align: center;">
Whew October flew by. There were so many days and evenings full of just taking life in that I didn't even think about blogging. I just lived in the moment. </div>
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This day at the park with the kids and the warmth of the sun on my feet was perfect...the breeze was perfect...the kids running round and playing was perfect. I wanted to capture it and hold onto it. Because at that moment I knew how blessed I was. And I love capturing that warmth...the warmth of the sun and the warmth of the moment.</div>
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I also love the cozy feeling of cuddling up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and a good book. I want my kids to indulge in cozy moments like this. To be snuggle uppers and taker inners of moments and good books.</div>
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AJ has had "catch a rainbow trout and eat the rainbow trout he caught" on his bucket list for awhile now. It must be his Missouri roots from my side coming out. But although I was born in Missouri and love myself some country living, I am not a fish person. I do not like the taste and cannot handle the smell. Lucky for him, he has an amazing papa that picked him up early one day for a morning of fishing...where he caught many rainbow trout, helped clean them, and cook them for lunch. Papa even took pictures for this photo loving mama...and I did not have to smell fish one bit. I love the relationship our kids have with their nana and papa.</div>
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Abby got to participate in a Victorian Tea Party one afternoon and learn about social skills and etiquette as part of an American Heritage Girls badge. It was such a special experience to take part in...and referring back to what we learned helps this mama reinforce some table manners every night at the dinner table...because I need all the help I can get! Ha! No, but seriously I do.</div>
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Jumping in a pile of leaves with a good friend is good for the soul. These two with rakes was a little terrifying and I had to dodge a few whacks to the face, but once we had a pile to jump in it was simply fall perfection. </div>
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I believe playing cards with friends and family is something everyone should take the time to do. Even if you are tired the next day...there's always coffee to look forward to.</div>
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Playing board games by the fire on a chilly fall day with this cutie is pretty awesome. And totally worth letting the dishes and laundry go by unfinished.</div>
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So I thought doing a puzzle as a date night would be a great way to hang out and visit...it's gotta be better quality time than watching TV together right?...except it was the quietest 2.5 hours as we were both concentrating so hard we couldn't carry on a conversation. Ha! </div>
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Scarf weather and fresh, hot coffee is one of my happy places...and they make the mad dash for carpool at 8:15am way better in the morning. It's the little things in life that keep us sane.</div>
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Baking with good friends is therapeutic and should really be planned on a regular basis...just make sure you have an entire day to get carried away visiting.</div>
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This puzzle was hell to put together. 1,000 pieces of pure torture. It will be hanging in our garage as a tribute to our victory...after 9.5 hours of 3 of us working away silently on it....through many late night Dr. Peppers and cups of coffee. That thing was a beast. And my puzzle picking privileges have been revoked...but that won't stop me...mahaha.</div>
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Teaching the kids new games is the best. Saying Farkel is pretty fun too. Try to say it without smiling...come on try it...AJ and I can't do it. Farkel...MAHAHA!!!</div>
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And hey, it's Thanksgiving week!!!!!!!!</div>
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mmmmmm cranberries and pumpkin pie and Tami's crock pot corn...I love food.</div>
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Peace out! Stay thankful for the little things...they are the things that pull us through the big things. </div>
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Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-76914865703633641062015-11-19T19:40:00.001-08:002015-11-19T20:00:27.929-08:00Fall Break 2015: Camping<div style="text-align: center;">
Way back in October we went camping with some good friends and neighbors over fall break!</div>
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It was the best to just be outside...reading, playing card games and visiting as the kids ran around and played. To escape screens and technology and the daily grind.</div>
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The days were warm and the nights were chilly.</div>
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The kids explored and played in nature till they were exhausted and covered in dirt every day.</div>
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Mary Flair was cozy as usual. </div>
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It was a great few days with good people.</div>
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My heart is so happy that our kids are growing up camping.</div>
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Owning Mary Flair has blessed us far more than I ever imagined. </div>
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Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-75575287149661404042015-10-21T18:33:00.001-07:002015-10-21T18:33:53.367-07:00Totally Random Catch Up<p style="text-align: center;"> These pics are totally unrelated. But I don't want these moments lost...so I grouped them into a catch up post. </p><p style="text-align: center;">One day the big kids didn't have school, but Brody Bear did...so we went to the library and to lunch at Sweet Tomatoes. We love that place. They were over the moon and ate everything they put on their plates. It was a special time we rarely get...just us. I love that they love and appreciate the little things in life like new library books and a soup & salad bar. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/8EG5eUxFSh/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11925875_499987096843860_1807729883_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1445476696402.3762" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Andy put up the rest of my fave bloom frames! Love these bright, fun colors! Having our photos everywhere makes my heart so happy. I'm such a collector of moments...in wall portraits...in photo books...in this blog...in Instagram...I just love reliving moments in retrospect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/8gZ3pKxFf0/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11375405_1490401957921711_2036385466_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1445476696371.0571" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We are a game family. We love card games and board games. I love that the kiddos are getting old enough to really get into games with us! We just got Wackee Six! Fun game with a group!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/8jR3rcxFZH/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12105114_1729790487249440_1666983424_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1445476696419.7356" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We play Five Crowns a lot. It's a fave for Andy and I after the kids go to bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/8ZMycPRFUT/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11348262_1652896861591718_1977043117_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1445476696362.256" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And Settlers of Catan is an all-time fave! Cities & Knights gets a lot of play time in the evenings! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/8SIfbtxFc0/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11849867_1499584007033793_1985811452_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1445476696382.078" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Totally random. We decided to groom Latte ourselves. We figured it couldn't be that hard. We watched You Tube videos...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/8qnm42xFSe/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12105050_1047864565247524_349089744_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1445476696401.1309" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Poor Latte. He was pretty ashamed to be seen by his dog friends.</p><p style="text-align: center;">But I figure it will be easier next time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/8rk2TQRFUX/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12142100_543495092471407_589217447_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1445476696385.5132" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Now we are caught up to Fall Break! </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-27056257963655990732015-10-15T14:53:00.001-07:002015-10-16T09:44:14.490-07:00Fall Is Here!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Fall is my absolute favorite time of year!</div>
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I feel more alive when the air gets crisp in the fall!</div>
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I love all things pumpkin flavored, sweaters, scarves, tall boots...</div>
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I love cozy fall decorations and candles!</div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/7LQoUMRFYO/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="312" id="blogsy-1444946818024.5027" src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11875475_878321288911120_1128558729_n.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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Trips to the store usually result in purchases like this...</div>
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And I am darn right giddy about it!</div>
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The Bronco gear comes out!</div>
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Not that I care one hoot about football. But man I love dressing up for Spirit Days!</div>
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I get to snuggle up in pumpkin pj pants and orange hoodie!</div>
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We buy an excessive amount of pumpkins!</div>
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We buy supplies for our first neighborhood pumpkin painting partay!</div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/8TS44LRFWr/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="312" id="blogsy-1444946818027.0222" src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12070917_1652010228401005_1798635943_n.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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And have crazy amounts of fun painting!</div>
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It was totally awesome how quiet it got when everyone started concentrating on painting their pumpkins. It lasted about 5 minutes. Ha. </div>
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So in love with Ab's pumpkin. </div>
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Scarf weather is my favorite weather.</div>
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Totally went on a quest for a denim shirt like Joanna Gaines. I want her life. </div>
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Got some new tall boots after I wore mine till they fell apart. These are really tall. Higher than my knees tall. Kinda feel weird wearing them at preschool drop off and pick up. And I try not to think Julia Roberts walking through that hotel lobby in Pretty Woman. </div>
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Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin glitter lip gloss.... ummmmmmm YES!</div>
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Got that amazing, fabulous little fall nugget on a date night with Mr. Capricious. It was the best night wandering the mall like we were young & kid free, sipping on Starbucks...it was dreamy. </div>
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Fall means awesome long sleeve cat sweatshirts for Abby. </div>
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At least she can get her cat lady out in her appeal. </div>
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Halloween Oreos and Jack O Lantern game nights! Holla!</div>
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Girlfriend loves pumpkin pie. And cats. But I'm down with making pumpkin pie. We killed that pie. It vanished like it never existed. No.crumbs.left. </div>
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I think the fact that our tree out front bursts into yellow every fall is the best!</div>
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Finally got around to Ab's Halloween costume again. Can I just say that I hate cutting out patterns. Seriously, it's the worst part. It feels like a major accomplishment to just get this far. And I usually have to walk away for a couple days before I can regroup and start my project again. </div>
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But I did and finished Girlfriend's Dorothy dress...and she loves it. So it was totally worth cursing my way through the pattern.</div>
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And the best part was getting her ruby red glitter shoes!</div>
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3 out of 5 costumes down!</div>
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Whoop! Whoop!</div>
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Changed out my fall decor for Halloween decor! Just behind on blogging so they ended up in the same post.</div>
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Love black, orange & purple together!</div>
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Halloween is the best!</div>
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Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-87635566602502859732015-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:002015-10-01T06:00:07.570-07:00Brody Turned 4<p style="text-align: center;"> Brody Bear is my boy that loves all things rough and tumble.</p><p style="text-align: center;">My kiddo that gravitates toward dirt and cannot pass up a sandbox.</p><p style="text-align: center;">My only kiddo to ever get stitches...3 times.</p><p style="text-align: center;">He loves food, snuggling, minions, tools, and has an avid love for tractors.</p><p style="text-align: center;">He wants to be a daddy when he grows up. He is best friends with his big sister. He wakes up slow like his mama, but always flashes a smile and greets me with a, "Good morning Sunshine" and big 'ol squeeze around the neck good morning hug!</p><p style="text-align: center;">He asked for a rug for his room for his birthday and picked out underwear at Target when he got to choose his own gift.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> He asked to make a tractor cake with Oreos as dirt and sprinkles for his cake.</p><p style="text-align: center;">He is all boy with a big heart.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7lAOa6xFXR/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11849370_1645086569100833_171451881_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443556888818.0032" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7l3JE3xFXG/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11363781_1068278199862470_1903291397_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443556888798.1978" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> He recently declared that he needed a green room like a tractor...</p><p style="text-align: center;">Which I'm not gonna lie terrified this mama.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Imagine John Deere green walls. Oh Brody.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/70xpe4xFXT/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11850361_759809490797489_680555816_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443556888830.4558" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We went with Zircon grey on top to balance out the tractor colors on bottom. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/739gYnRFTo/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11821693_140767016272064_612934125_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443556888795.55" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/739nX7xFT1/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11850158_1471520653157147_1046872520_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443556888772.4392" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And added a little map project to his shelves to balance the room out a bit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/721sedRFQI/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11950619_1477909462514830_643029022_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443556888802.392" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> In the end I was pretty much in love with how this totally Brody room turned out...John Deere green and all.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/73c6JjRFfS/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11850218_951776214894273_2098778802_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443556888799.6082" class="aligncenter" width="312" height="312" alt=""></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Happy Birthday Brody Bear!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-14348902400208069622015-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:002015-09-30T06:00:03.607-07:00These Things Make Me Happy <p style="text-align: center;"> The gift of a fairy door! How fun & whimsical is that?! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7LDN-MxFez/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11856812_813295155434711_1702763981_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508004.1367" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> This dog. Old and blind but the best snuggle dog around.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/68POVARFW1/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11349457_1149684808381718_1933369030_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508031.3833" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Whimsical photo sessions and fun frames!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7Qby_RRFWX/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e35/11420860_711709068960249_574484160_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508049.3328" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Waking up to coffee.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7SpW15xFWG/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11931037_990253447685329_1724959605_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508067.8406" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Pallet projects for our camping adventures.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7WzGoaxFXw/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e35/11925874_304633453040596_277783319_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508045.7324" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Cousins sending us pictures to color! And rainbow glitter Darth Vader.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7QoeadxFTy/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11917827_1468419370130809_1397511106_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553507996.1262" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Abby simply being motivated by the fear of being ordinary.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7bWMCPxFU4/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11849165_1643524859269953_1254735895_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508040.9592" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Playing games with this boy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7eGYqhRFZn/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11820702_1634287260180486_1306014916_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508036.8354" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Dressing up fancy...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7ijZLiRFSw/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11917985_891506260932984_1192023718_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508061.9443" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> To meet Robin Preiss Glasser...the illustrator of Fancy Nancy books!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7ikL90RFUs/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11374405_1641486122790547_972468923_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508038.479" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Brothers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7jnfoCRFTV/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11881808_912987665421692_1778808501_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508026.3699" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> American Heritage Girls meetings about hiking safety.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7oxdVcxFcY/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11820508_1041138775910000_1810341515_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508089.9883" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Abby's love of playing Barbies!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7yQ-iNxFU2/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11887157_534781150010103_860448760_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508056.8318" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> AHG service projects!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/70ZjY9RFaN/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11850034_920046454697242_369231111_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508037.1003" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Teaching AJ's friends how to play Settlers. And getting my trash kicked by third graders.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/8CUrbWxFU9/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11371297_1636765056574757_1580785946_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508019.2988" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> A lunch out with these two!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/8EG5eUxFSh/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11925875_499987096843860_1807729883_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443553508034.221" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> So much to be thankful for!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-37152084544541837722015-09-29T11:41:00.001-07:002015-09-29T11:41:04.159-07:00Mountain Weekend<p style="text-align: center;"> After the big floor project, we needed a break.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We were gifted with a weekend in the mountains! </p><p style="text-align: center;">It was so fun and refreshing to just escape for a couple days!</p><p style="text-align: center;">We went hiking...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6-pdPTRFaH/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/l/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11881594_939111049490006_1674933717_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443551790072.744" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6-pkhsRFad/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11939578_826563134128660_333050183_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443551790026.0535" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And exploring...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6-pq2DxFaq/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11849972_1484598535196954_949877560_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443551790091.6611" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We put together puzzles and played card games...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6-8gGXxFX8/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11899615_1461026974206367_1272366232_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443551790047.2644" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We went ice skating...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6_PEf3RFSf/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11906331_1274915542525586_676929590_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443551790058.7087" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Which is always hilarious...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6_PIMJxFSq/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11909311_1650161941934886_155507408_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443551790063.7742" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6_PNFZxFS1/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11887056_1615227725424545_468633939_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443551790100.1013" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We attended a cooking demonstration, and Abby got to help!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6_RSKCxFWm/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11326277_1704703076419958_274984510_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443551790067.9314" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> And we ended with a trip to the Vail Farmers Market and bike ride.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7BKxTSxFT5/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/10666047_611659618976892_1804639174_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443551790130.5796" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> It was a refreshing weekend!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-69742218938843563602015-09-29T10:57:00.001-07:002015-09-29T10:57:55.579-07:00More Back To School<p style="text-align: center;"> Back To School Night happened.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I found AJ's Me Collage in the hallway.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I love it. So totally AJ. I hope my kids always have strong self-concepts and stay confident to stand up for their values. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/66Ihd7RFQ2/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11821196_866117010138331_353891782_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443549388245.3953" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love watching Abby come to the car loop on my pick up days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So much personality that one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Usually she's careening down the sidewalk...taking people out with her massive cat backpack...in her own little Abby world...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love her big personality...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/68b6HUxFQY/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xta1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11205700_1484335318551703_1947828861_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443549388223.9775" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a><br></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Except for when she decides to break new pencils in half to prove to the boys in her class how strong she is...and has to flip her card.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/653vw1xFRy/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11875264_909101312492592_733466124_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443549388230.0596" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Brody Bear started school! He loves it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/7agXkVRFR-/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11856689_1654245481529204_810964561_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443549388215.3164" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/76clnyRFcP/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11909188_1498321373819804_787836719_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443549388227.5256" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386610755516467242.post-25949741915116995822015-09-29T10:05:00.001-07:002015-09-29T10:05:45.381-07:00Hardest DIY Ever In The History of Ever<p style="text-align: center;">The white carpet in our house that has never stayed white has been the bane of my existence since...always.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It was gross. It had to go. We thought how hard can this be?! Andy put new floors in Mary Flair and there is You Tube. We got this.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We.had.no.idea.how.hard.it.would.be.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Because...you see we are not carpenters. We are optimistic DIYers.</p><p style="text-align: center;">But this. This was huge.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We started moving furniture out, taking out the floorboards and carpet and carpet padding on a Friday night after volunteering at the school Back To School Bash for 3 hours. Meaning we finally started at 9PM.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6rFtUVRFfo/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11925828_479009368933165_912861484_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344759.4436" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We lasted till about 1AM and were stilling cleaning up the nail strips and dust when we got up a few hours later.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6sHlwORFd_/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11374441_1645564678989520_1467901578_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344775.7866" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> By mid day Saturday I was tired and discouraged with our lack of progress when an angel came by...our neighbor bringing survival snacks. Seriously these snacks are the only reason I was able to push through this project. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6sutoexFWl/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11917865_1679150895637577_942872413_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344813.4556" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> I put down foam while Andy worked in the hallway.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This felt like a victory. I was ready to live with foam flooring.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6s4cUHRFcH/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11906150_893843813996136_1946607891_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344734.5166" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Once we finally got the first long row in we were in business snapping flooring in. That first row was a bear. Because our hallway has all theses cut outs...with rounded corners. Which translates into DIY pain in the ass.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YeCDUlFeUSE/VgrEzO8Ew7I/AAAAAAAALNg/b4RgdWCv4b8/s1024/Photo%25252020150929110513549.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YeCDUlFeUSE/VgrEzO8Ew7I/AAAAAAAALNg/b4RgdWCv4b8/s500/Photo%25252020150929110513549.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344828.5671" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While Andy continued cutting and installing flooring I took out all the nails from the floorboards, cleaned each one with a friend on the driveway, and painted all of them. Seriously my floorboards never looked so good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6xgFCWxFRt/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11849843_688039521329828_620280211_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344785.5989" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> By Sunday night we had almost all the flooring in except a couple final tricky pieces. But the weekend was over and nana and papa were bringing the kids back. Meaning work pretty much halted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6wB02QxFcG/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11875397_1644456769127430_1059072490_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344831.1113" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My curious little helper was not so helpful Monday morning...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I7S42iqyZW8/VgrE0OYuI9I/AAAAAAAALNo/AMa4YS0yDKU/s1024/Photo%25252020150929110513742.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I7S42iqyZW8/VgrE0OYuI9I/AAAAAAAALNo/AMa4YS0yDKU/s500/Photo%25252020150929110513742.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344771.0344" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="321" height="440"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> But we were getting close...so close.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So after Andy came home from work Monday I decided to take the kids to the pavilion to ride bikes so Andy could pound out the last of this hellacious project kid free.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WlNClLOAcps/VgrE1TXPivI/AAAAAAAALNw/YbDeSjRlveo/s1024/Photo%25252020150929110513884.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WlNClLOAcps/VgrE1TXPivI/AAAAAAAALNw/YbDeSjRlveo/s500/Photo%25252020150929110513884.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344779.172" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="320" height="440"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were at the pavilion for 15 minutes when Brody rides his bike at full speed into the rock wall and comes up screaming, blood gushing down his face. At this point I grab him and go running down the street to a neighbor's house, yelling for help. Another neighbor go get Abby and AJ that I left behind in my frantic departure. After we wipe the blood away it is pretty clear Brody needs stitches. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So off to urgent care we go, and the floors wait. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 stitches later we make it home at bedtime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank God for incredible neighbors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6yY7HNxFVT/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11357718_1615975738676227_27141398_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344756.961" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Later that week Brody and I venture to Home Depot to buy a replacement floorboard piece for one of our "oops".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R7LscSvk--8/VgrE2FvmOjI/AAAAAAAALN4/oFy8FOgrZ1A/s1024/Photo%25252020150929110514034.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R7LscSvk--8/VgrE2FvmOjI/AAAAAAAALN4/oFy8FOgrZ1A/s500/Photo%25252020150929110514034.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344812.3713" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="320" height="440"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> About a week after the start of this epic DIY project we have floors with brightly painted floorboards back up...only transition pieces to finish...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--R62UeY68KM/VgrE3cn3JVI/AAAAAAAALOA/O0-Yj93sit4/s1024/Photo%25252020150929110514175.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--R62UeY68KM/VgrE3cn3JVI/AAAAAAAALOA/O0-Yj93sit4/s500/Photo%25252020150929110514175.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344828.2927" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="320" height="440"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the great hunt for a new area rug begins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r9r1yibBxiE/VgrE4b7CcyI/AAAAAAAALOI/Odqi4WBhdzo/s1024/Photo%25252020150929110514319.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r9r1yibBxiE/VgrE4b7CcyI/AAAAAAAALOI/Odqi4WBhdzo/s500/Photo%25252020150929110514319.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344774.3074" class="aligncenter" width="320" height="440" alt=""></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> 6 stores later we have a rug and we feel accomplished.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VyAGbyd1Qmo/VgrE5U9xyOI/AAAAAAAALOQ/wHzseA_XH0k/s1024/Photo%25252020150929110514481.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VyAGbyd1Qmo/VgrE5U9xyOI/AAAAAAAALOQ/wHzseA_XH0k/s500/Photo%25252020150929110514481.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344782.5662" class="aligncenter" width="320" height="440" alt=""></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Chance: 8 blisters</p><p style="text-align: center;">Brody: 2 stitches and another awesome scar on his face</p><p style="text-align: center;">Andy: a killer backache </p><p style="text-align: center;">New floors: priceless</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/679sPUxFTc/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11849034_149250208747722_1565689731_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1443546344800.1313" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="312" height="312"></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310958367050582noreply@blogger.com1