tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352615532024-03-07T11:25:36.785-08:00{Brooklét}The story of my life.Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-74989924483802533412013-02-01T19:21:00.000-08:002013-02-01T19:21:57.482-08:00Favorite Reads of 2012This officially has been my most reading-ness year. I read 60 books. I credit such a high number of books to easier book access with my kindle (which I love) and to giving up all other hobbies and social life in favor of curling up in bed with a new read. So hopefully this year I will be a little more social, get back to my hobbies, and actually accomplish projects around the house and not read quite so much. <br />
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I compiled my favorite books from the year and thought I'd share, since a good book recommend is one of my favorite things to receive (just in case you were looking for a late birthday present for me). So here we go:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Favorite Young Adult Reads</span></div>
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<a href="http://librarianinthemiddle.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/wonder-palacio-198x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://librarianinthemiddle.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/wonder-palacio-198x300.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wonder</span><br />
by R.J. Palacio<br />
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What it's about: <br />
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<span id="freeText17366987815711197617"><em>I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.<br /></em>August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?</span></div>
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<span>(via Goodreads)</span></div>
<strong>My Review:</strong> <br />
<span id="freeTextreview357481146">What a really wonderful book. I think it will become a classic, one that kids will read in middle school classes. It's about a kid who has major face deformities, and he starts attending real school in 5th grade. I thought the book did a good job at capturing some of the realities that face kids when they look or act different than other kids. There were parts I cried and parts I laughed, but over all the book had a good, uplifting tone. I have a someone in my life whom I love who faces some of these same realities, since he is in a wheel chair and I thought of him multiple times as I read the book and I thought about how he is so brave and amazing. The main message of the book, which is one reason I liked it so much, is kindness. That it is so, so important for us to be kind, to learn it while we are kids, as it will make the most difference in ours and other's lives.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdiBffkoJi4GfqHjqFdXErKi3kiFR3PFO4WwrXreyvVVafK7rJbUV59sYZRw4bLCZN_bGGh8I79Y395pYKOsutnE4BmonPwfxGc7m-bZLWaaG2V6g6WX75gqIHSNi4ugausZI/s1600/milkweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdiBffkoJi4GfqHjqFdXErKi3kiFR3PFO4WwrXreyvVVafK7rJbUV59sYZRw4bLCZN_bGGh8I79Y395pYKOsutnE4BmonPwfxGc7m-bZLWaaG2V6g6WX75gqIHSNi4ugausZI/s200/milkweed.jpg" width="120" /></a><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Milkweed</span></span><br />
<span></span>by Jerry Spinelli<br />
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<strong>What it's about:</strong><br />
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<span id="freeText3547290164554462220">He’s a boy called Jew. Gypsy. Stopthief. Runt. Happy. Fast. Filthy son of Abraham. <br /><br />He’s a boy who lives in the streets of Warsaw. He’s a boy who steals food for himself and the other orphans. He’s a boy who believes in bread, and mothers, and angels. He’s a boy who wants to be a Nazi some day, with tall shiny jackboots and a gleaming Eagle hat of his own. Until the day that suddenly makes him change his mind. And when the trains come to empty the Jews from the ghetto of the damned, he’s a boy who realizes it’s safest of all to be nobody.<br />(via Goodreads)</span><br />
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<span><strong>My Review:</strong></span><br />
<span><span id="freeTextreview162857354">Another book aimed at a younger audience, but was so rich and compelling that it is a good fit for adults, also. It is the story of an orphan in Warsaw when Germany invaded. The actual history of the holocause is such a tough and intense story, that I appreciate reading books about it written from the more simple point of view of children. It softens the blow for us, the readers, by viewing the events from the innocent, simple, and not-quite-comprehending-all point of view of the children victims. But we don't understand any less what was happening, and the tremendous pain and fear the holocaust was. It is an excellent read, for teens and adults.</span></span><br />
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<span><span><span style="font-size: large;">Favorite Regency Reads</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span>I have read several Georgette Heyer books and these two are my favorite of the bunch:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://image.payloadz.com/products/785388.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://image.payloadz.com/products/785388.png" width="137" /></a><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Grand Sophy</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span>by Georgette Heyer</span></span></div>
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<span><span><strong>My Review:</strong></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span id="freeTextContainerreview399902672">Oh, I really, really liked it. A 4 1/2 star. I have read four Georgette Heyer books now and this is my favorite. I loved the main character, she is fearless and frank, and fun. The characters in the book are very entertaining and comical and the story was riveting. I stayed up until one in the morning reading and finished with a smile on my face. The best is the banter. The dialogue in the book is top notch. Really good read. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.abebooks.com/images/books/Georgette-Heyer/Frederica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.abebooks.com/images/books/Georgette-Heyer/Frederica.jpg" /></a><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Frederica</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span>by Georgette Heyer</span></span></div>
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<span><span><strong>My Review:</strong></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span id="freeTextContainerreview403665080">Another great Georgette Heyer book, with a fun characters, fun story line. I liked it almost as much as The Grand Sophy, except this ending was a little cheesy for me. Her books tend to end a with a bit of hoky drama like movies in the 40s and 50s ended- a little too abrupt for my taste. But still a worthwhile and fun read. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ebooks-share.net/thumbs_big/13319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ebooks-share.net/thumbs_big/13319.jpg" width="218" /></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Edenbrooke</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span>by Julianne Donaldson</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span><strong>My Review:</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span><span id="freeTextContainerreview399902672"> I am a little bit in love with this book and its romance. Very fun and fulfilling read. It's a regency Era romance, not as complex or as crafted as a Jane Austen, but with the light-hearted, likeable kind of heroine that fill Austen's books, and it just makes you happy to read. It's more like a 4.5 star book, just for the way it made me feel while reading it. It actually reminded me a little of a Georgette Heyer story, without being filled with as much historical detail fluff. When I finished it, I immediately wanted to read it again, which is very uncommon for me. It is one book I want to own, because I will be reading this again and I hope the author (this is her first novel) releases some more books in this genre.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: large;">Favorites Reads</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.readingmatters.co.uk/bookimages/show.php?130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.readingmatters.co.uk/bookimages/show.php?130.jpg" /></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Daddy-Long-Legs</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span>by Jean Webster</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span><strong>My Review:</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span id="freeTextreview162857354"></span></span></span><span id="freeTextreview474434260">This is a delightful treat of a book. It is the story of an poor, orphan girl who is chosen by a wealthy trustee of the orphanage where she lives, to attend college, at his expense. The only condition is that she write him letters updating him on her progress. So the book is written in letter form, and the author does a great job staying to true to the feel of a letter. I really enjoyed the main character, she is flippant, and irreverent, and delightful. The story takes us over the four years of college as she grows from this insecure thing from an orphanage to a confident, happy women. I liked how she had moments of doubt and sadness, and also how she talked a lot of about finding the happiness that is around you. The ending was such a treat, though I really would have loved to have had more detail (this is where the letter writing hindered the story a bit). Good read.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4m1H_BoB-bTKPe5DDJB0AI0ghtz5Yhwg_cbZx2_ESFHZNf8gs0ZADKXFczkfPuDV1jiS78SJ3t-bXpkwyW4Sk00w-2O2sZNcMNqfV5FK9FOhX43ljn_CvvgH40PKzJwgDNSOx/s1600/rebecca-by-daphne-du-maurier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4m1H_BoB-bTKPe5DDJB0AI0ghtz5Yhwg_cbZx2_ESFHZNf8gs0ZADKXFczkfPuDV1jiS78SJ3t-bXpkwyW4Sk00w-2O2sZNcMNqfV5FK9FOhX43ljn_CvvgH40PKzJwgDNSOx/s200/rebecca-by-daphne-du-maurier.jpg" width="133" /></a><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span>by Daphne du Maurier</span></span></div>
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<span><span><strong>My Review:</strong></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span id="freeTextreview124239537">This was never a priority on my reading list. I included it because several of my friends rated it high. I have seen the movie several times, which is dark and a little creepy, so I didn't have high expectations, but I really liked it. Really really liked it. The author is amazingly descriptive of people and their emotions. It felt so real. The first half of the book, I kept thinking that this story wasn't creepy, it was simply about a girl with incredibly low self esteem, married to a jerk, with a insubordinate house keeper. But then the plot thickened, emotions got flaring and I was hooked. Even though I had seen the movie, I had forgotten several important parts of the plot, so it was quite the page turner for me. Well, I actually listened to the book, so it was a metaphorical page turner. By the way, the actress who read the book did an amazing job. I would definitely recommend the audiobook.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://aidanmoher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/the-mistborn-trilogy-by-brandon-sanderson-ebook.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://aidanmoher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/the-mistborn-trilogy-by-brandon-sanderson-ebook.jpeg" width="210" /></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mistborn Trilogy</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span>by Brandon Sanderson</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span><strong>My Review after the first book:</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span><span id="freeTextreview306660673">Very good read. The only reason I sought out this book was because of a review I read on a blog, and then I saw that one of my friends gave it five stars, so I gave it a chance. Even though the cover made it made me think twice. I am not a big fantasy genre type of girl, though I am not opposed to some of it. I mean, I once read the Lord of the Rings. The cover of this book makes it look like once I read it, I'd have to join chat rooms, and go to Mistborn conferences and whatever else fantasy geeks do. But I really liked it. Really, really liked it. It was a completely different world, with a complex and well developed "magic" system, with likable characters, and I could remember all the names of the people (I hate this about some fantasy novels, where there are so many people with weird names, I can't remember who is who). Some other reviewers compared it as a fantasy novel, with an ocean's eleven twist, which I think is a fair way to put it. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span><span><strong>My review after the third and final book:</strong></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span><span><span id="freeTextreview327948065">WOW. just WOW. . .This is how I feel about 30 minutes after finishing this book and the trilogy of Mistborn. Sooo good. Not only did the author create a complete, fascinating world in this book, he made an incredible story with so many twists and turns, so many unanswered questions, that finally become answered in the final book. This read was such an experience for me, mostly because I am amazed this story, so precise, so unpredictable and un-cliched, and so enormous could come out of any single persons mind. Wow. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span><span><span>Note: Cody also read the series and liked it, for what it's worth.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://entropybook.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/persuasion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://entropybook.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/persuasion.jpg" width="191" /></a><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Persuasion</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><span><span>by Jane Austen</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span><span><span>My Review:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span id="freeTextContainerreview28463698">This is the second time I have read Persuasion and I loved it even more this time. I might even like it more than I like Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austin is just so talented at nailing subtle human emotion. I felt all the agony and then happiness that Anne Elliot felt. I also love Anne Elliot as a herione. Mature, controlled, and terribly feeling. Such a good read.</span></div>
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<span>There you go! I am a faithful Goodreads.com updater, so if you want to friend up on there, I'm always game!!</span></div>
Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-68380163849891018032013-01-24T17:16:00.001-08:002013-01-24T17:16:08.885-08:00Christmas Miracle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Merry Christmas!!</div>
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I know I am a whole month late. </div>
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The fact that I have all three kids, looking at the camera (or relatively close), smiling and not standing all staggered, like they were posing for the cover of a boy band cd, was a Christmas miracle. Cody was the actual miracle. I tried taking pictures by myself, and the kids were absolutely 'orrible! Then Cody came out, acted all sorts of goofy, and had the kids giggling and cooperating. Thank goodness for Cody ('cause I was seriously losing it). </div>
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One of my favorite pictures ever. </div>
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Luke would not let go of his toys for the life of him. I love this picture; it captures so many things that define Luke and Morgan. </div>
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There was a lot of this going on. </div>
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. . but I will take it!</div>
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<br />Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-34778040025998402592012-11-16T09:42:00.003-08:002012-11-16T09:44:38.023-08:00Halloween 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Halloween 2012</div>
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in Wisconsin</div>
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Brrr!</div>
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At the beginning of October, I am always rearing to get the Halloween season started! Decorations, fall weather, anxiously awaiting the parties that are to come. But by the time the parties come and go, I can't wait to pack up Halloween. Seriously, how many times do my kids have to dress up in costumes in get candy in a one month period. TOO many. By the time actual trick or treating came around, I was seriously over it. Plus, it was freezing outside. Wisconsin decided to make fall short in order to get a jump start on winter. Brr. </div>
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These pictures are from the trunk or treat. You may remember my feelings on<a href="http://brojonelson.blogspot.com/2009/11/lost-art.html"> trunk or treats</a>. Where is the sport in it??</div>
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Morgan the Mermaid, and Luke the Neverland Pirate</div>
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He was really tickled to be dressed as a pirate. He didn't even want to take off the costume for bedtime. But by the time actual Halloween came, he did not want to put it on again. So he stayed home with Cody and helped hand out candy.</div>
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Morgan loved being a mermaid, but not the smartest costume for a cold Wisconsin Halloween. Even bundled in a coat, she only lasted about 1/2 an hour before she called uncle on the whole trick or treating outdoors thing.</div>
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Claire made her zombie costume. For the trunk or treat, I didn't put much blood and gore on her face, since, you know, it was at the church. But when we got to the party and she saw other kids with blood and gore on there face (because zombie/zombie vampires were the "it" costume this year, apparently), she was really disappointed she didn't have more. So on Halloween, I went full out with the make up, with rotted flesh, blood, and bruises. She was delighted.</div>
<br />Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-1657198327399064662012-10-04T15:30:00.001-07:002012-10-04T15:33:00.854-07:00Wisconsin is a State, Adrienne!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back in August, we moved from Alabama to Wisconsin. It was the craziest move we have had yet, just because of family reunions, rent contracts coming to an end, and Cody's work responsibilities, none of which seemed to line up very nicely. So we packed up, cleaned our home, and left Alabama at the end of July (leaving Cody behind to finish his residency), flew to Washington to spend a couple weeks with my family and attend our family reunion, and then flew to our new home in Wisconsin. Our stuff arrived the next day; we quickly unpacked, Cody flew in for a quick visit, and then flew back to finish his residency). Then he finally finished and drove up here to be with us for good. I am glad that whole period is done. It was pretty tough. <br />
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But. . .we are LOVING Wisconsin so far. First and foremost, we have loved the colder weather. I am meant to wear cardigans and jeans always. We also live in a more rural town and love the space, the fields of corn and soybean, the beautiful trees and old barns. Love it all. Our backyard butts up to a corn field and it is a little slice of heaven to sit back there on a cool evening and feel the wind blowing off the corn. The kids have been playing outside almost non-stop and are loving our new house and yard. <br />
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We have really lucked out with the neighborhood. We have two families on either side of us that have eight year old girls, and other young kids. So Claire is constantly playing with one or both of the girls. It has made the adjustment of the mood so very smooth. <br />
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It is always interesting to see the differences in culture amongst all the different areas we live in. First of all, Wisconsin accents rock. Seriously fun to listen to, though Cody insists he's not a fan. I feel that out of all the accents in the world, I am most susceptible to this one. I can already hear the change in the way I say 'soda'. Awesome! The people are so very talkative and friendly here. It is a very warm, frank vibe that I get from people here. So I have high hopes for our future here. <br />
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Because of the cooler weather, we have been taking advantage of the outdoors. We went to the beach right before fall blew in, and had such a good time. We are excited about next summer and all the beach time we'll be sure to fit in. We also live close to a bike path, so we have been going on family bike rides (for the first time ever, may I add). We have also been raspberry picking (heaven!) and have gone to a pumpkin patch. We live right between Milwaukee and Chicago so I know we have a lot of exploring to do. <br />
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Church has been really nice. This is the first move where I have really felt how small our world is getting. I discovered after I moved here that my good friend from Virginia, Amy's sister is in my ward here. Also, one of the first Sundays here I noticed one of the missionaries looked just like this teenage kid from my Alabama ward. When he introduced himself to me, I thought it a funny coincidence that he had the same last name as the kid. Then I found out he is cousin to this kid from Alabama. Small world. I love that it is a small world. And I guess the more we keep moving the smaller it will get. Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-57728894637497032282012-09-07T18:18:00.002-07:002012-09-07T18:21:20.105-07:00First DayIt was a big first day of school for both of my girls. For Morgan, it was her first day of Kindergarten, first day in a big school, and first day riding the bus. She was worried (the night before in bed she kept crying for her old teacher Miss Sally, and she said she was scared. But by morning time, it was all forgotten and she was up, dressed fast, and ready to go. <br />
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Claire's big day was starting 3rd grade, at a new school. She was also worried about it the night before and started crying when she was telling me that she was scared about not knowing anybody (which wasn't entirely true, because she knows two girls that live next door to us that are in her grade). But, for her too, in the morning, all visible worry was forgotten and she was also dressed and ready in time to wave goodbye from the bus! <br />
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So far, I think both girls are having a good time and it is going well. The week before Morgan started Kindergarten, we went to open house to find out that she had been placed in a K/1st combined class. This was a last minute addition, because of the additional number of students registered this year. Morgan's teacher was hired the day before open house. So I left feeling very conflicted on her class. With the first week of school under her belt, I still feel a little anxious about it, only because we have heard nothing from her teacher. No notes home, no worksheets or school work sent home. Soooooo, I'm a little worried. <br />
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Best thing about the school year so far, they don't have to catch the bus at 6:45, like last year! We get to sleep in and believe me, it is better for everyone in our house!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Morgan, little sweetheart, blowing me a kiss)</span></div>
Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-39228469636434139302012-09-03T16:12:00.006-07:002012-09-03T16:12:48.935-07:00Labor Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For Labor Day, I took the kids to a nearby beach on Lake Michigan. It was beautiful and fun! The lake looks like the ocean, since it is so enormous and you can't see the other side, and the sandy beach was just perfect. Claire loved playing in waves, Luke didn't even want to touch the water, and he and Morgan had a good ol' time playing in the sand. We shall be back!<br />
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Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-32438320076458272942012-08-29T15:58:00.001-07:002012-08-29T15:58:57.973-07:00Mourning What Once WasMy poor neglected blog. I miss it. I miss what it once was and what it no longer seems to be. It was once a creative outlet, a connection to friends and family, and a journal of all the small and big things in life that make it colorful. Now I just feel pressure to journal and by journal, I mean put pictures up of my kids with captions. Which doesn't sound very creative to me. <br />
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And it's not just me. What was once a bustling cyber-city of blogs, with cute new headers every two months, and blog lists running down the sides with blogs from practically everyone you ever met, is now a ghost town. I mean, sure the professional craft bloggers are still abundant and proceeding on as plentiful as always, but the blogs I really care to read, those of my friends and family, are being abandoned, with posting spaced out to every few months, to being slowly forgotten altogether. It makes me sad. <br />
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I'm not one to talk, obviously. It has been four months since I posted and a whole, whole lot has happened in my life since then (oh, you know, like moving states and all) and yet I can't get myself to sit down and actually document it. I still do often stop mid-blog-worthy-event and think about how I would write about it, but when it comes to sitting down in front of the computer, laziness, lack of enthusiasm, etc, etc, intervenes.<br />
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I miss the banter in the comments section, the inside jokes, the inside knowledge I had of my friends lives, even if I haven't seen them in years. I miss the way I use to feel more connected. I miss the enthusiasm for blogging that everyone use to have. What happened?<br />
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Facebook, instagram, pinterest?? I do enjoy getting snippets of your lives from these, but that is all they are. Snippets. Give me feeling, give me humor, give me more!! Ah, I have started the desperate begging, which is my cue to wrap up before I look too needy (too late). <br />
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I don't know if I will ever get back to the golden days of blogging, but I am going to try a little more. I hope you do, too.<br />
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PS. I still have a handful of friends who update their blogs pretty regularly and to you I say this: Thank you! You are the highlight of my googlereader. Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-20435055413133315812012-04-02T10:13:00.001-07:002012-04-02T10:13:00.676-07:00Mouse in the HouseOne dark night, as the kids were tucked snugly in their beds, and Cody and I sat in on the couch watching a movie, we were introduced to the little mouse who resided in our house. We were watching the movie, Contagion, which will make you want to constantly wash your hands and wear masks everywhere, when Cody suddenly said, "What was that?"<br />I had been watching the TV, so I told him is was Gwyneth Paltrow dying.<br />"Is that what I think it is?" he said, ignoring my uber-smart commentary. I didn't know what he was talking about. "I think I saw a mouse run underneath the TV hutch." Groan.<br />We got up to check and the startled mouse ran out from under the TV hutch directly under the door into the closet under the stairs. Trapped.<br /><br />At this point, I was pretty calm but majorly grossed out. A mouse in the house. So disgusting. We haven't had any mice in any of our houses (that we were aware of) since we had been married. Cody, however, is grossed out, afraid, and suddenly all reason leaves him. "What do we do? What do we do?" he asks, hopping around gingerly like a Nancy. He insisted that he had never had mouse in his house before, ever. Baloney. He probably has, he just didn't know about it because his parents took care of it.<br /><br />Now we were the parents. We needed to take care of it. To me, the answer was simple. There was no escaping the closet except back out under the door, so we stuffed a towel under the door and lined it with heavy ammunition buckets to make sure the mouse couldn't push his way out. He was trapped in there. Now, to me, the next step seemed simple. Cody needed to go the store to buy mouse traps. We'd slide the mousetrap in the closet and wait for the mouse to catch himself.<br /><br />But to Cody, the solution was not quite as simple. Cody has a little bit of Clark Griswold in him, so he decided he didn't want to drive all the way into town at 10 o'clock at night. He is a make-it-happen kind of guy so he goes out into the garage and comes back in a couple of minutes with his big, tall fishing boots on, a fishing net, and a five gallon white bucket in his hands.<br /><br />"So. . .watcha gonna do, Codeman?"<br /><br />I think his plan is to capture the mouse inside the white bucket, but I seriously didn't think that would happen. First off, Cody hopped around every time he saw the mouse, squirming like girl. He wasn't going to get close enough to catch that mouse. Second, that mouse was in the closet under the stairs, which had a bunch of boxes for the mouse to climb and hide in. I told Cody my doubts immediately. But that wasn't Cody's plan.<br /><br />He was going to go in there, with his big, rubber, protective boots to keep his toes mouse-bite free, and smash the mouse with the bottom of the white bucket, while I stood outside the door with the fishing net to catch the mouse if it ran out. Now, tell me that isn't straight up Clark Griswold. I told him he was too big of a Susan to go in there with that mouse hiding in the boxes, but the use of a girl name seemed to steel his resolve to prove me wrong. He peeked in the closet, saw the tall piles of boxes, and allowed himself to be talked into going to the store to buy mouse traps.<br /><br />He came home from the store 30 minutes later with about 10 different kinds of traps. And by golly, we caught the sucker.<br /><br />As a side note, Claire has decided she is an animal lover, therefore she fights daily for the rights and safety of all animals. So when she saw the mouse traps in our house, she started in with an impassioned plea to burn all the mousetraps because it wasn't right to kill the mouse. It even ended up with her in tears when I refused to get rid of the traps.<br /><br /> So I guess she isn't going to be her dad's hunting partner, after all.Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-20421705645373923642012-03-09T16:16:00.004-08:002012-03-31T10:12:45.595-07:00HalfsA couple of years ago, living in Virginia, the idea of a runner's second wind got stuck in my head. I have run pretty consistently since I was in High School, but always with 3 miles being the max. I really didn't think I could do much more. . . or really want to do any more than that. But then I began thinking about that runner's second wind, that long distance runners swore was real, and I wanted to find it.<div><br /></div><div>So one day, last April, I ran my three miles and felt pretty good so I kept going. I ran four. I felt pretty proud of myself and it wasn't as hard as I had thought. I roped my running partner, Adrienne, into trying longer runs with me and we started going four and five miles at a time. Then in June, my friend came to visit and she put the bug of running a half marathon in my head. She insisted that it really wasn't that hard and that I could totally do it. She insisted. So, again, I roped my running buddy into the idea of training for a half marathon. </div><div><br /></div><div>I remember the night before a five mile race I was running, I was dreading it. I knew I could do it but I worried that it was going to be a painful run. But it turned out feeling good. I loved the way I felt when I finished, surprised that it wasn't harder. Each weekend after that, Adrienne and I would dread our long runs, thinking how are we going to do this? When we had to run our first 7 mile run, we were dreading it. We stood outside saying to each other, are we crazy, why are we doing this? But then we did it and it wasn't that hard. So the next week when we ran nine miles, we were kind of looking forward to it. Once we finished that run, we knew we could do the half marathon, no problem. </div><div><br /></div><div>We ran our first half marathon back in November in Huntsville. Our goal was to run the entire time, no walking, no stopping. We were doing really well until the last two miles, when we suddenly hit our wall and really had to push ourselves. So it slowed us a little but we kept going and finished in 2 hours 10 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>About ten minutes after we finished, Adrienne's husband asked if we were going to run the Mercedes Half Marathon in Birmingham in February and I said, "Yes, Let's do it!" Adrienne, who was still remember the last two miles, said she wasn't quite sure. But it only took her a day or two to commit to the race three months later.</div><div><br /></div><div>So we trained again and ran the Mercedes Marathon in February. We have had a very mild winter this year, especially January and February- lots of weather in the 50s and 60s. The two coldest days of the year happen to fall the same time as our race. It was 22 degrees as we started running. We had to slow down in all the water stops because the water from people's cups that had fallen on the street had frozen slick. But we had bundled ourselves appropriately and we felt good during the run. It was a fun course, through the city of Birmingham, through the downtown areas and through historical areas with beautiful, old mansions, up hills and down. I really enjoyed it. This time, Adrienne and I felt good and strong the whole way. We finished in the exact same time as our first, 2 hours and 10 minutes. I think we ran this race faster than the first, but we had to slow down <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">every time</span> we went through water areas where it was iced over. </div><div> </div><div>I love training for half marathons. I love the weekly long run. I love the feeling of accomplishing 13 miles. But I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much or even have been able to accomplish it if it wasn't for Adrienne, my running buddy. It made the 11 mile weekend runs flash by, as she is an excellent talker. But she is moving and I am moving, so I don't know what I am going to do?? Running long distances by myself is boring. Boo.</div>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-26577492043395470132012-02-18T14:53:00.011-08:002012-02-18T16:53:18.855-08:00NovemberI want to get to a point where blogging is part of my life again. I just finished reading My Life in France, by Julia Child, which she co wrote with her grand-nephew at the end of her life. She wrote the book about her time in France, because it was one of the times she was most happy. There was so much detail in the book that I kept wondering, how does she remember what she ate 50 years ago, how does she remember the events so clearly? In the forward, the co-author said they went through years of letters and pictures kept by Julia Child and her husband, that detailed all these memories for her, so she could recall with exact detail what they ate.<br /><br />I want to be able to remember a lot of the small details of life now, but I am not writing them down, so they will drift away as my children and I get older. I don't write letters to anyone (who does?) and I actually do save my emails (I have like 3000 of them in my inbox), but those don't capture the kind of details I am interested in remembering forever. That is what my blog was doing for me, but life has gotten in the way of recording it. One day I will get back into it, the way I use to love it. When it was a creative outlet.<br /><br />For now, I will just keep posting pictures of things I don't want to forget. Like the month of November and December. So busy, and so much fun.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Girls Trip 2011- Rosemary Beach, Florida</span></span><br />To start off November, I went on our annual girls trip for the Pittsburgh Girls. This years destination was in my neck of the woods, Rosemary Beach, Florida. This is a small beach town on the gulf of Mexico, with white sand beaches and beach homes that look like a West Indies beach resort. It was a little like heaven. Beautiful!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKf9fXoNdLTyw0SReTFb8ql44qU4h8najKgAkJYawayduJI3UVL9Cv4Q831b2aH4hOF7dC1ahPi_qrvPsTfhKbyKY0hNUKTIczo1OOaO8p8UFyFIcA8E5Rvm33CVlg3yBy55Vtxg/s640/RosemaryBeach-54+with+textWeb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 427px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKf9fXoNdLTyw0SReTFb8ql44qU4h8najKgAkJYawayduJI3UVL9Cv4Q831b2aH4hOF7dC1ahPi_qrvPsTfhKbyKY0hNUKTIczo1OOaO8p8UFyFIcA8E5Rvm33CVlg3yBy55Vtxg/s640/RosemaryBeach-54+with+textWeb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuEC-ab_PVaVIRvvqNEaCcpnb3MaIcn3TWxksJZhr760RxDbI1VKFGkWxnfbyvGZklTc-sAMoPNR6Bw_FFHDcFEAAMY0QAuy5qeeXPijY94kI7mNWGatliX8S2za1pO9A0hA5LQ/s640/RosemaryBeach-29Web.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 427px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuEC-ab_PVaVIRvvqNEaCcpnb3MaIcn3TWxksJZhr760RxDbI1VKFGkWxnfbyvGZklTc-sAMoPNR6Bw_FFHDcFEAAMY0QAuy5qeeXPijY94kI7mNWGatliX8S2za1pO9A0hA5LQ/s640/RosemaryBeach-29Web.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfs_gs8PX2tf9HIQ0iwTngHfrcov5kOJPIGeqQHcQgH1JFfUm927pRnXSSD1-6xWfPBlSGqlLYevU65szQKnuKqI2EvIcJMmvI4pfek7OqhfgxSR7XIZ8ck4t1qMfW4LYB056tA/s640/RosemaryBeach-46Web.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 427px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfs_gs8PX2tf9HIQ0iwTngHfrcov5kOJPIGeqQHcQgH1JFfUm927pRnXSSD1-6xWfPBlSGqlLYevU65szQKnuKqI2EvIcJMmvI4pfek7OqhfgxSR7XIZ8ck4t1qMfW4LYB056tA/s640/RosemaryBeach-46Web.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We rented bikes one day and drove all around the cute little village, and to the beach. This was one of my favorite things we did.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WyxeFP9uV1XQGZ23wYnV6bZ35zzMqx6DLyFLs4Ui3tTx9f-oBtBYnAflzJMaH4xZ_GNW4JCTFlB__w1pl4pkA_9Mkh-kjqJDffcOAz4N2h8qJOaErPF_TIKPARYFch04aKUNeQ/s640/RosemaryBeach-74Web.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 640px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WyxeFP9uV1XQGZ23wYnV6bZ35zzMqx6DLyFLs4Ui3tTx9f-oBtBYnAflzJMaH4xZ_GNW4JCTFlB__w1pl4pkA_9Mkh-kjqJDffcOAz4N2h8qJOaErPF_TIKPARYFch04aKUNeQ/s640/RosemaryBeach-74Web.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It really was hauntingly beautiful there. I came back dreaming of those white beaches.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwup3K1Hc5S6accSI03ahCGBS_u8M2RRx_Qb6NI3Dkv3myLC7-y0kb2xIIQBXYqi6NwTRa0T3mTAcxd1_fu3W9zE4fzPQfL-qG0odJ3LZ_k20mH0s5mDSb_RLs4atHI43BMBGHg/s640/RosemaryBeach-60Web.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 427px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwup3K1Hc5S6accSI03ahCGBS_u8M2RRx_Qb6NI3Dkv3myLC7-y0kb2xIIQBXYqi6NwTRa0T3mTAcxd1_fu3W9zE4fzPQfL-qG0odJ3LZ_k20mH0s5mDSb_RLs4atHI43BMBGHg/s640/RosemaryBeach-60Web.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I love these girls so much. I had such a fun time, and am counting down the days until I get to see them again!<br /><br />All the Rosemary Beach pictures were taken by my extremely talented friend, Libby Jones, who is a photographer in the Phoenix area.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nutcracker<br /></span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />I took the girls to their first Nutcracker performance. We went to a "tea party" before the performance where they had lots of candy and treats for the girls. They also got to meet many of the performers in their costumes. The girls really liked the nutcracker, especially Claire. </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKf9fXoNdLTyw0SReTFb8ql44qU4h8najKgAkJYawayduJI3UVL9Cv4Q831b2aH4hOF7dC1ahPi_qrvPsTfhKbyKY0hNUKTIczo1OOaO8p8UFyFIcA8E5Rvm33CVlg3yBy55Vtxg/s640/RosemaryBeach-54+with+textWeb.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeNdSYcc41wjq9ozDZdvk8Mk_BsL_AugaSQUxWtYXIwn8nPmMsk8nX3Y0soo_C5PmR4ztjLHBOT7axpjyA0F2mifuyIr4NHuEP4RtsQWV8TXr_hhimeofSiyeEGOA3xcWuIZ2/s1600/027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeNdSYcc41wjq9ozDZdvk8Mk_BsL_AugaSQUxWtYXIwn8nPmMsk8nX3Y0soo_C5PmR4ztjLHBOT7axpjyA0F2mifuyIr4NHuEP4RtsQWV8TXr_hhimeofSiyeEGOA3xcWuIZ2/s800/027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710621597415642018" border="0" /></a>Morgan is a photo stinker.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDh0g5xgVeIjN2X43p8Q7ut-V88X7KtTuDxvMMR7g0tRUTRx-JA_m2ulAt-WwyEMMk9PKWKchgk9cT161NmNnB1QHNJ2exXpV145VL1xid4vrlRTPcwkaKh-sHtkgqn29KrsQ/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDh0g5xgVeIjN2X43p8Q7ut-V88X7KtTuDxvMMR7g0tRUTRx-JA_m2ulAt-WwyEMMk9PKWKchgk9cT161NmNnB1QHNJ2exXpV145VL1xid4vrlRTPcwkaKh-sHtkgqn29KrsQ/s800/029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710625782051095426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">One real treat was when the Sugar Plum Fairy came up to us and said, "Hi, Claire!" She had taught Claire's dance class last summer and had remembered Claire. It made it a little more special to Claire to watch her dance.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32GLMAnVnhLWgXNLZrVbljz5cqq6pcm1UV0Y_lKduY5oqdRbKwCo-F1m-g2rxluqJk6iLJMcqyDlclycqlQjrY82kZU-zw8M-YvqMuiHCQS7IL91n8G0LMjoFhS4mvxnsJpbx/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32GLMAnVnhLWgXNLZrVbljz5cqq6pcm1UV0Y_lKduY5oqdRbKwCo-F1m-g2rxluqJk6iLJMcqyDlclycqlQjrY82kZU-zw8M-YvqMuiHCQS7IL91n8G0LMjoFhS4mvxnsJpbx/s800/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710625277346869746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">We actually ran into several people we knew at the Nutcracker. It was such a neat surprise for us. It's one of the things you take for granted when you live in the same place for a long time- seeing people you know at unexpected places. Being that we have lived in three different states in the last three years, it is a bit of luxury to recognize people you know when you are out and about. It has been fun to finally get to this point here, though we will be moving in the summer and we will have to start this whole thing over again. Oh well.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Christmas</span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />The opening of the Christmas Jammies!<br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7q4TLhoyRgRqCWNmrO1QReFfyK_xugs29hoV7khIGH3XHUWpzmxBxJ4v5u5KDhzzyR0FlRkhEXDQ_1mfHYjVbtO-D5yOVuqgTF6u9_JQKIU5Tfqp27kNtA4XgQ-iLWagRYVz/s1600/060.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7q4TLhoyRgRqCWNmrO1QReFfyK_xugs29hoV7khIGH3XHUWpzmxBxJ4v5u5KDhzzyR0FlRkhEXDQ_1mfHYjVbtO-D5yOVuqgTF6u9_JQKIU5Tfqp27kNtA4XgQ-iLWagRYVz/s800/060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710631053068872034" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The reading of the Nativity Story!<br /><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha06AE5uFcymNPFE722jgIiCaeEiG8arLo4BQIr1xiCzX7w5p7qN6DOF2AVB5jSAEIsnAkQzEVQ9a9vCz2Yc6J9TVPWWaWSKN0yYsS-LytCOeLRrN0xuVWBhioqlfS1Wm0utXz/s1600/064.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha06AE5uFcymNPFE722jgIiCaeEiG8arLo4BQIr1xiCzX7w5p7qN6DOF2AVB5jSAEIsnAkQzEVQ9a9vCz2Yc6J9TVPWWaWSKN0yYsS-LytCOeLRrN0xuVWBhioqlfS1Wm0utXz/s800/064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710631676835698066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Cody's favorite gift (well, favorite because he only got two gifts, and the other one was book) was this poster I made for him. It is his pyramid of greatness. I copied the idea from Parks and Rec (the show) but personalized it just for him. He took it to work to hang in his office. He got a good laugh at it. If you want to read the pyramid up close, click<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4q75qd5RhQ0MmI4YmU1NTItOWUyYi00NGE4LTlmZTEtNDYxNzJmNTMyYWZj"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" > here</span></a>.<br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rUIgtbTjzbiw4zNLda6tsTVXfwp_8LjkGz9CzjLWSdaPFRSzENOX2wJTHeHFdCwXawM5N8kaUoS6lrQRGxLGHtYcCWanlhKTdapLxSf_gn9Uwp6KIFqQyVXTcEjpNzz30CVa/s1600/076.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rUIgtbTjzbiw4zNLda6tsTVXfwp_8LjkGz9CzjLWSdaPFRSzENOX2wJTHeHFdCwXawM5N8kaUoS6lrQRGxLGHtYcCWanlhKTdapLxSf_gn9Uwp6KIFqQyVXTcEjpNzz30CVa/s800/076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710632659762040178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />My favorite gift, maybe ever in my life, was a Kindle Fire. I love it soooooo much. I had my doubts about whether I could ever betray my love of paper-bound books by going to an e-reader, but the Kindle Fire convinced me. I love being able to get library books just by the click of a button on the computer. LOVE IT!! Plus, I can read it in my bed at night with no lights on. Hot Diggity!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span></div></div>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-807053464199830782012-01-16T20:10:00.000-08:002012-01-17T16:29:50.854-08:00Arise and Shine ForthI designed this poster to give to the YW for New Beginnings. The theme for the youth this year is "Arise and Shine Forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations".<br /><br /><br />I thought I would share it here in case anyone else wanted to print it off. I am also going to put one in my girls room because they are lovely words for anyone and everyone.<br /><br /><br />Just click on the picture and print.<br /><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4q75qd5RhQ0NTJlNTFhYzctNTc3Mi00YzljLTkyMTAtNDU5YzQzN2RkYzkx"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698449073994483282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlV_XHqg1w0gLZGpn91A3dH1TjJjKJ0iTASnUnsTEfaHDfFLPpg20P-2OQI2DlgtADRUyKmsHbXmK3QkaEaN_62CbP38kXN9r-mVfx9ACH2Uc6Spc77wr1A_wJVPVnhTsy0y72/s400/Arise2.jpg" /></a><br />This is an 11 x 14 print.<br /><br />If you would prefer an 8.5 x 11 print, click <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4q75qd5RhQ0OWNlYmJmZGYtNmU2My00MGUyLTliZDUtMDQ4MTQxNTY2MWQw">here</a>.Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-46840837572242522152012-01-16T18:50:00.000-08:002012-01-16T20:19:29.733-08:00Remember, Remember the 23rd of November<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_2n2X48STdkdWRsdyPxiT0CGMaDwDD5EFZVkZeRu9U8kxH9v4dONPrloPsocyWsMlrqAI2vB9PYnFO16RGChNtYw0HKDUqubcvZgFbAhXrYL5Ns0MkQbsKy7p5JkXGwsd-Xx/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698445967355900226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_2n2X48STdkdWRsdyPxiT0CGMaDwDD5EFZVkZeRu9U8kxH9v4dONPrloPsocyWsMlrqAI2vB9PYnFO16RGChNtYw0HKDUqubcvZgFbAhXrYL5Ns0MkQbsKy7p5JkXGwsd-Xx/s800/011.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Luke turned 2 in November- the day before Thanksgiving to be exact. And since it was the day before Thanksgiving, the day of the ultimate feast, I felt that a simple cake would be somewhat lackluster for his birthday. So we had cinnamon rolls instead. He didn't complain.</div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698447792063206514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqChooZue8LYxgN7MU3nNtXMJdLjTX3kk_WB8yjUQOSpcl71anJN3wDhTRNfyKCAQhAt8lwYvr2pZYWN3j-2x0PtMV_I8wMudLTWDYGVUKwx9pZsA2J7efEZZscFTJUQfOGVc/s800/016.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br />He received his first Thomas the train, which was motorized and he was one happy boy. He played with it all night, and slept with the train in his hand for several nights. I haven't ever seen him play with a toy so much. It just must be instinctive in boys to love trains.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698437267501353042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98YQSZQDff5b8ksGlOBr58F2WwvrbuD9yTyHeiXuUcOv9wFLL1gTRejiJHIcxniaTrTVXZH8q0UORfxIxGrY8u_Clp89spcnNf-JmjZNB21Z7Ouxk71jyh3KfknXCRTzVptsM/s800/012.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Luke is sweet, loving, aggressive, and loud! He loves to yell like he is upset, furrowing one of his eyebrows, but then he tries to hid his smile. He runs, and runs, and runs. He loves hugs and kisses and like to head butt. He is all boy.<br /><br /><br />He is fascinated with letters. He likes to point them out and name them wherever he sees them. On signs, on posters on the wall, in books. And knows probably about half the alphabet really well. We have little foam letters that are for the bathtub, that he loves to walk around with in his hands, showing them to us repeatedly. That is how he learned his letters so well.<br /><br />But he doesn't say a whole lot more than that. His vocab is expanding, but much slower than my girls at this point. His favorite word is spider and he says it about 5 billion times a day.<br /><br />And in case you were wondering just what was up with Luke's hair, Luke's father gave him a faux hawk again. I came home from a mutual activity and there was Luke, with all his cute curls cut off again, and the red-neck haircut in place. Oh well. It's grown out again.<br /><br /><br />We love Luke so much. He is so much energy, personality, and affection. We know this next year, he will definitely be keeping us on our toes.Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-90154136317262044242011-11-25T06:35:00.000-08:002011-11-25T09:01:45.749-08:00Blossoms in Bloom Holiday Sale<div align="center">If you are looking for some ideas for a handmade Christmas, I will be having my patterns on sale at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/blossomsinbloom">the shop</a> today through Monday at reduce holiday prices!<br /></div><br /><div align="center">Happy Shopping!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85032890/raceway-caddy-pdf-download-pattern-and"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 618px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 800px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678775605060345682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARcVQdCNG97BuYzqJ307KYBw-9b_yCq328dGyAEPZSWW2d2qVPMeJlExvqFkKI7-xHGiMEtzgNSCpHVLgudlGucW7WrI9BI9a0pLNfo2sVoJYy32B9JtswJhSJYN2QPf9LI1f/s800/Cover.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 618px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 800px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678772561172878466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdMilDVrmG0puzpqNGCHRtFMz498iKbjj1HpjG9pm6G40XPa4Zt4_VxA8mxU7c7334n8ov5wOOkwpox0iifY1Oad2Qb9d0QtIAmIZ3l-NXZl1oUz5XB8yl7PuTqAz_NVJM6t5/s800/Racewaycover.jpg" /></a>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-73838255815307782392011-11-24T15:49:00.000-08:002011-11-24T15:58:00.956-08:002<div align="center">Happy Birthday to my Luke!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt5Kl9UeQ9n3wMzRHwhvY8wuliVwDQEJKDvcDCKw9TWUTx1hLPiai9LjRLaUNRciuZ9agGhAGNf82znijLD67obn1iHFS-_M7seBFEyHp2s5pvx4-mGCSNiDxbCQZZT-W4ej3/s1600/ry%253D480%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678714487906866146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt5Kl9UeQ9n3wMzRHwhvY8wuliVwDQEJKDvcDCKw9TWUTx1hLPiai9LjRLaUNRciuZ9agGhAGNf82znijLD67obn1iHFS-_M7seBFEyHp2s5pvx4-mGCSNiDxbCQZZT-W4ej3/s800/ry%253D480%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a><br />He is so full of personality! He likes to run into a room and stand in a martial arts stance, with his legs spread apart. Just because. He loves balls, spiders, trains, and anything else boy. He loves his mommy the most, though, which is just the way it should be! He is also no longer sporting that crop of curly hair. One night several weeks ago, I came home from mutual to find Cody had once again, shaved his head, leaving a short mohawk. I mourned his hair, but left the cut, just so Cody could get it out of his system. Because I love his curly mop too much to have Cody shave it anymore!<br /><br /> We love him so much!<br /></div>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-83874290503282788322011-11-20T18:09:00.000-08:002011-11-20T19:46:58.231-08:00It's Halloween, It's Halloween<div align="center">". . . the moon is full and bright.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">And we shall see what can't be seen on any other night."</div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677289864887945346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dlSStQs2QtTYpfmQhhIPEb5y45TCncaJulqBpycVw5yhVN45WBJ6PEQNYeajFPEprOumMbb6sgBujnlI45c721ckBh5Epx6ppDMjMFhnZ7hOUQV8_DWeeNQXBPOqq7NprnSA/s800/013.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Because it is impossible to get a picture of all my kids at once, looking at the camera, smiling, or even just standing next to each other. . .</div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677268579436462434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z3e43j-nC7VIAddNSW3WXGEdvF3gco98XMrIU0zyFUhivNWdjfAbMD07wCekHW1U9dTVmZFHpGIdza9Jm7WZeEcYqNiMiPjxTwBUOK5hh465i7jlHBV3w6_MPG4GuvcMdGEU/s800/018.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">My two witches!</div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677269410158951858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6I5jpCasLnJP80RUyTy9cg9dUS-cV4jTspXRsQ4w3V64alDjIQAv7xB3T6dpJNcpC8ptutbkrCYEa38JDCv63-Ck4WE_OTPeVAsowHWU1mBZuUn3Ja8TCwQebpIilG66e6nz/s800/027.JPG" /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUECb5YrjAehlDHhYj0Dion-MaiOUODCWADPbX6aHq0Gn7W2FSiRw__JqMoBgqjty8myxKLKeJGjZWtQ9cgYBZm3ZdfexsLpziB0HD0DwlG4C485KB25zBarNEkqOD1kwtDc-/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677269673106206434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUECb5YrjAehlDHhYj0Dion-MaiOUODCWADPbX6aHq0Gn7W2FSiRw__JqMoBgqjty8myxKLKeJGjZWtQ9cgYBZm3ZdfexsLpziB0HD0DwlG4C485KB25zBarNEkqOD1kwtDc-/s800/038.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Luke attracted a lot of attention in his Elvis costume. It was a little too snug on him, which made it all the more cute!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGzBStfasZUDiQE0RiMzTW4XQUEEVrcbw82YHr3mqp8QoptXDB4X5XAaySXIYAWmn_jrEf1v73CQ_zbOsQ30agl9bdaeKrlOjGwPP0XX4PNedH9UAx6mPxxVdrTDHz4ubfIxh/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677268973012350866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGzBStfasZUDiQE0RiMzTW4XQUEEVrcbw82YHr3mqp8QoptXDB4X5XAaySXIYAWmn_jrEf1v73CQ_zbOsQ30agl9bdaeKrlOjGwPP0XX4PNedH9UAx6mPxxVdrTDHz4ubfIxh/s800/025.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677267746783621154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fEccFKdg5U2lLtnoFoS7-AlbPW4dX2DZmW646bXGhyphenhyphen13g49o0HbOVYVb9X0IoZCJqMRFEJ1N5gPONS5IXFE8rpuDwRTQV8Fnnm8bxvmUukIXBXihgQu12ijCy2A5yCvFXIll/s800/015.JPG" /> We had a great halloween, with plenty of opportunities to wear costumes and collect candy. Happy Halloween! (I am fully aware that thanksgiving is in four days. How did that happen so fast??)</div>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-3253005802797747762011-09-24T08:33:00.000-07:002011-09-24T09:29:50.007-07:00New York in JulySooooo. . . way back in July I went on another trip to New York City. It was kind of a last minute trip (last minute, as in I planned to go a month before, but in my world, that is last minute) and I am so glad I had the chance to go. Not necessarily to see the big city, but because I was so fortunate to have great company on my trip.<br /><br />Let me start at the beginning on how this whole thing came to be. My friend Gina, announced that she was moving to New Jersey for two months with her husband and kids, while her husband received job training there. So, like the good friend I am, I invited myself to stay with her and her family in their apartment in New Jersey, just right across the river from NYC. My friends Jana and Libby M, also invited themselves to Gina's apartment, and boy, did we ever have such a fun time.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8ykcEsFGEADC8s1Zel3UKyDn7FPVivFPEuioIum6wIjChh5-h3BnzOH0H4h0JgKbW_oPW4K2WKS0_qiowpNZqgcaiVlWb-VehXJv32AIpq2BABoWP9WYBWH6SQxBdYeEhj2R/s800/nyc+134.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center">(This was the view from Gina's apartment. Pretty darn cool.)<br /><br />It was a quick weekend trip, but we fit in a few shows, some good food, and some great late night talks. This was my third trip to New York City and probably my least favorite "touristy" wise, because it was in July and it was HOT. The only real attraction we toured was the Brooklyn Bridge (because I once read a 600 page book on how it was built and I have an infatuation with the place). We walked up the Brooklyn Bridge, took pictures and turned back to find some air conditioning, stat.<br /><br />We did go see two Broadway shows. The first was Jersey Boys, which I loved, LOVED the music (it's the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons), but the language was bad. In all my Broadway play experiences I have never been to one with bad language. So just be warned if you decide to go.<br /><br />The second play, Billy Elliot, I did not like at all. Rated R in language alone, and I wasn't the biggest fan of the music or the story.<br /><br />But what did not disappoint was the great time I had with my friends. Seriously, we haven't lived in the same state for two years now, but whenever we get together, it is as if nothing has changed. They are still so much fun to be around.<br /><br />Oh, and the food. How could I almost forget??!! This was probably the yummest NYC trip for me so far. We ate breakfast at Norma's (I had the Banana Macadama Nut Pancakes- good grief, they were good), we ate an Eataly (such good Italian food, definitely recommend that). We ate pizza at Grimaldi's in New Jersey (right next to the store where Cake Boss is filmed). We had burgers and shakes at the Shake Shack, and donuts from Doughnut Plant. All of it--yummy.<br /><br />And I didn't take a camera with me on my trip, so I have no pictures to prove I actually did any of this. I guess you'll just have to take my word for it.</p>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-27034472050320104552011-09-04T19:15:00.001-07:002011-09-04T19:57:47.924-07:00Start of School<div align="center">And. . . we're back! Summer has been busy and fun. Lots to write about, but of course, I probably won't. </div>
<br /><div align="center">
<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648702674672082322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GCbwJpKUc0aw8weo4pPWNpqvoBEmF-dPQH3X6iTwmpSBJ3teV68_Tl7MV3CjW5PiaYCc9aImAlgW8WHvGwXIVg6AlO6oah41dE8Mkw9ffdnOtVVIZzk8j4e4V8ZYXh36kBe9/s800/Claire.jpg" />
<br />School starts early here in Alabama, as in August 15, so Claire has already been in 2nd grade now for three weeks. She is enjoying it, but getting up so early is already starting to drag. Seriously, they moved up her bus stop time in the morning to 6:45am. Give me a break. Too early for a 7 year old (and the 30 year old that has to drag her out of bed in the wee hours of the morning). So I started taking her in the morning so she could get another 30 minutes of sleep. I could seriously rant on about their early school time for a while (and believe me, I have) but I'll spare you all the brunt of my rant.
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<br /><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648699650212144498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBplWCJP2npDnxjsvXchVVUcvmlAnoQHdjvkyqeSmjlOnmsLwSTGDxTwvZ1NeYD4soH83t2Gs52lbxQy3_DCtCQMPzSz2XT-dAmiBfoxdyiw4cyslgvjAyX04rPf-G49NUf-0O/s800/IMG_1068.JPG" />
<br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">(looking up at the camera would have just been too easy)</span></p>
<br /><p align="center">Morgan's preschool started last week and boy, oh, boy, is it fun to hear her come home from school, so excited and suprised that the teacher let her use scissors and glue. I guess I am not a fun mommy, since she doesn't get to use those here at home (because can you imagine how devasted we'd be if she cut off her curls??). </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648697053306093602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK0bcAaNCfAZaDVWyeYHbzk-VIVmInlETRItbZukEM2zOhj31MFJ-GLjsXY8Egcez8ptPeeVC_Hhf9qOchjXgP6kmpNMCaJhQsHuMHUXQAw6MES7-G6V6EXpWLtSEc9rM-5wE/s800/IMG_1049.JPG" />
<br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">(yes, Luke is running half naked through the picture)</span></p>
<br /><p align="center">And also, our sweet Morgan had a birthday in the middle of August. She had a friend over and had a delightful little party. She got a big girl bike with training wheels and lots of these little erasers that come apart and you put back together. When I asked what her favorite present was, without skipping a beat, she declared the erasers to be the favored. She's easy to please. </p>
<br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648703186961366562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr3HI0AXHoHM4FdcaVr2hjbxwd066lTpqDBEc-OoOES5vNSTqNWOwYRhPaTyGUxj9Ohd22DjkRwc_7mPuUn3V7kASH37p7KRRoJ6eBCNEFrW8_stmHz4dhvulg-bhi7ps3Owk/s800/morgan.jpg" />
<br />Our little Morgan is really just a little slice of sunshine sent down to our family. She is very sweet and considerate of other people's feelings (well, usually. . .) and she always wants to do what is right. Plus she has the best laugh on earth. She hums in a low, monotone drone all day long and we love it! We feel so blessed that she gets to be in our family. We love her to pieces. </p>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-75308825343357917832011-06-06T07:21:00.000-07:002011-06-06T07:21:00.895-07:00On the Subject of MohawksEver since Cody saw the Derrick kids with mohawks, he has dreamed about having a son, so he could one day shave a mohawk onto his head. Well, his dreams came true.<br /><br /><br /><div>After the first time we cut Lukes locks, it grew back in curly and crazy. It just stuck straight up and was always a mess. But we kind of loved his crazy curls. However, they were getting outta control. So Cody took it into his own hands and shaved his mohawk, all while the girls and I were telling him to stop, telling him how mad we were that he was cutting Luke's hair!<br /></div><br /><br /><div>So here's the damage. Cody is unbelievable proud.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Before:</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614185634435415618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN8cG1fqDghFYG7ZzrTEGil0YkDiaQvRmvVy4wBFiZ6g_EKklyWaHnc94Ovn2pmW2AN8hHa3IpFNHbSVYJU9kZgc5eQCZh3sVHd6mHQEXFkP4Jf3qHcG6_CNvhsgLEy6ANbMg/s400/004.JPG" /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">After:</span><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614186168603352722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_7QL-pVr8cVgrr4CElZv3xaHrpu87FIP29cyDIeyC1lWphCKcqKm0okk1q_qVTw5ThGVo3zkhbUv66QkIlWCqA84PRaHU927lKo3zpqQPqLFVn0hVAkgRkB1rAvQiI0HOJj0/s400/025.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614187342052441762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_pX6wwFwvvPGqo33u2vPTGUloZAkcpXFiVzzgmEju8WEZM83WGSIDJd2zTxvuAXpqCdB07LNT0fylwCQvhoQ113gdeqkfV0kylKgTOgiZ0oNoDhiEtTfP5BaxxzGPP5IJFXY/s400/029.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614187140088849090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJJ8JOI6SQV9rIyycRTzazzUnP5ILWl44LFVdDbrDZEQrQOa77LHk1SFwsmLgyPdVJ16slGCvxGzDxZ1GXu75YbJ297pOCy50uzd2YWvl76qkSwmiGggcQ829FJa9VuBxcR4O/s400/027.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">After After:<br /></span><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614191310278783394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsxpOrEYUfgnMiXQorqn5sx8zCHqokqQDtkHarL9W_aFDQed3Le1oVtCkK8x07kkzH8Jj8G3iyMdoa9I3MXUVWB0kBNJVWieIYsEyUU-xLHqyA96ql8dLssqazzFbps9uojNf/s400/037.JPG" /><br /><br /><div>We left it in the short mohawk phase for a few days to my utter embarrassment. People were eyeing him everywhere I went. I felt I should make a disclaimer wherever I went: My husband did this; I had no say.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Plus, he fell onto the cement and skinned his face, right below his eye. So he looked really tough. My vanity was so ruffled that when I got asked by one of the nursery workers, "What happened to Luke?", I naturally assumed she was talking about his hair cut. So I went into a long schpeal disavowing all responsibility for it. She, of course, was talking about the big gash on his face, not his hair. Oh yeah.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I have sense done my responsibility as a parent and shaved his hair all one length. But I miss the curls. </div>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-54392707273893145852011-05-31T14:33:00.001-07:002011-06-03T18:42:18.747-07:00The StormSomething I didn't realize before I moved to Alabama was that these southerners have a tornado season. . . and scorpions (who knew?). The owners of our house mentioned as we were moving in that they had only had to to huddle in the closet under the stairs a couple times for tornado warnings. This was the first time I heard that tornados happened in the south on a somewhat regular basis. Tornado season in Alabama is March through April. We have tornado sirens that go off, alerting everyone to pay attention, get somewhere safe and so far this year we have heard it go off 5 or 6 times. The first time we heard it go off at about 11 o'clock in the evening. So being the tornado novices that we are, we got our kids our of bed, and huddled in the bathroom for a half an hour until the storm warnings stopped. It turned out no tornados that night and we felt we probably overreacted a bit by getting our kids out of bed. But I wasn't going to ignore a tornado siren.<br /><br />We had several more dangerous storms that were heralded by tornado sirens and most did not result in tornados of any sort. So we were started to feel the "crying wolf" effect of the sirens and not taking them as serious as we did at first. One night around 8, right after we had put the kids to bed, it was raining and thundering and the sirens started up again. We turned on our tv to watch where the storm was headed to see if we really needed to get our kids back out of bed. The lightening started picking up, crashing louder and more frequently. We thought the girls might get scared, so as Cody was going up the stairs to get them, I heard three rapid crashes, sounding just as loud as a gun being shot in the same room, simultaneous to the flashes of lighting. The power went our and I jumped in my seat and immediately started to tear up (not because I was scared but because loud noises make me cry- seriously). But it did startle me. I have never heard lightening strike so close or so loud- I thought it might have hit our house, or at least, right out side of it.<br /><br />That night we learned an expensive lesson about the value of surge protectors. The lightening fried all of our tvs, a cd player, our computer, and our xbox (which we had had for a grand total of 4 months). Bummers, right?<br /><br />Cody was super bummed that night. He was almost in shock about the loss of all our electronics. "I guess that's why they tell you to have surge protectors." I said so pointlessly after-the-fact.<br /><br />"I thought that was just a line from surge protector salesmen! Who knew??" he said exasperatedly.<br /><br />But know we know.<br /><br />A few weeks later, on April 27, about 3:30 in the morning, Claire woke me up saying she needed to puke. I love wake up calls like that. So she proceeded to puke and poop her guts out and I cleaned it all up, dry-heaving as I went along. I finally got back into bed at 4:30, laying awake a bit traumatized with what I had just gone through and dreading the plague that had so obviously entered our home. At 5 am, right as I had just fallen asleep, I was awakened by the blasted tornado siren!! And I just didn't believe its cry for danger. We listened on the radio (because we were sans tvs) and decided not to get the kids up. But it did storm something fierce. As Cody drove to work that morning, roads were blocked from downed trees and power lines, but everything around us seemed fine. We didn't lose power, though much of the area did. All day the news was saying more big, dangerous storms were coming, but I took everything with a grain of salt. By early afternoon I was still debating about whether we should have mutual or not. And then the storms started coming. About 3 in the afternoon I heard the first reports of tornados touching down in the northern part of Alabama. I saw the video of the twister in Cullman, not really thinking anything of it. I didn't really appreciate the deadly nature that tornados could really be. An hour later I saw the reports of the tornado that hit Tuscaloosa, again not realizing the reality of the damage that was happening. Even when the newscaster said that he was getting reports that whole blocks of the city were gone, just missing, I didn't feel it. I thought he was being a drama queen for ratings sakes.<br /><br />About an hour later as the tornado came approaching us, I still didn't have any fear. Cody wasn't home yet from work, I was trying to get the kids to eat dinner fast before we had to huddle in the bathroom. When Cody arrived home, we had about 10 minutes before the newscaster said the tornadoo was heading right for our neighborhood within the next 2 minutes, so we sat in our bathroom. I battled with Luke trying to get him to sit still, and the girls fought over a water bottle. I was totally annoyed. Nothing really happened. Fifteen minutes later, we came out of the bathroom and watched the rest of the storm coverage on the news. We watched live footage as the huge tornado moved across the city.<br /><br />It wasn't until the next day as they were showing footage of the areas destroyed, raising the death toll, recounting people's experiences that I finally feared the tornado. We were in a brick house- I didn't think that tornados would rip apart a brick house. But oh boy, they do.<br /><br />The tornado came within about 5-10 miles of us. It went through our ward boundaries, destroying homes of several families in our wards. The first storm of the day, that early one in the a.m. had knocked down trees on houses, downed power lines that had left most of the people in our ward without power for days. Though none of the homes around us were affected, we did have debris fall into our yard. A piece of a ceiling tile lay in the middle of our driveway. From where? Who knows. It came a long way, though.<br /><br />For the month of May our church building was the headquarters for relief effort by the LDS church. It was amazing to see how quickly they assembled and with what force they brought. Our gym and many of the rooms in the building were quickly filled with food, water, clothing, wheel barrows, supplies. Thousands of LDS members volunteered in the clean-up, many coming from out of state and camping on the grass outside of the church. Cody had the opportunity to go out on several different cleaning crews into the hardest hit areas, and he was awestruck at the enormity of the destruction. After a couple of weeks we were allowed to drive through the areas so we took our kids to see what the tornado had done. Even after two weeks time of clean up the areas were unbelievable to see. Large trees snapped in half, homes ripped open with the insides exposed, some furniture still in place, looking like big doll houses. Trees, branches, cars, wood tossed everywhere. it is hard to describe. It looked like a bomb had hit.<br /><br />Now I give the tornado its proper respect. I am sure I will fear it more if it comes around again. Hopefully that is something we won't ever have to face again.Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-87423587305618934222011-04-29T15:49:00.000-07:002011-04-29T16:54:23.353-07:00Blossoms in BloomI have been meaning to announce this for a while, but life just got in the way.<br /><br />Since the moment I first discovered <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>, years ago, I knew I wanted a handmade shop. It just took a couple of years to finally get to a place where I actually could do it. But here we are!!<br /><br /><a href="http://blossomsinbloom.etsy.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 79px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601148572988460482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHrnU-p_2-zfKfbF5AVOBKYUI6yae4X-dpeg97TSKDQTKNHzBTdwKfs1n-0eIICL-U98_o0jOo6j1fxkA65rUEjxpjjVVrgH19mVChL1n8-adxSGn5QdxYRwEwsTw6EkH18Sd/s800/bloometsy+copy.png" /></a><br /><br />The name of my shop is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/blossomsinbloom">Blossoms in Bloom</a>, which I think every creative process is- a blossom in bloom.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601152287962715634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3FkIvF1BsQ1cyJD3BJO45967w-G5vSDEE-vV1zzrKIwIjZTSX2gbZ7SCad7qAq4XwONUHI1Op7slvQmyNMejYUTx3y3EdMFpkxWHv39gf_kE37qCKho7XrQdIFXLc-c2faFb/s800/033.JPG" /><br /><br /><br />I designed this<a href="http://secretmemoryquilt.blogspot.com/2010/03/princess-caddie.html"> Castle Caddy </a>over a year ago for my little girls and it has seen a lot of action as they have taken it to church, on the airplane, on long car rides, the DMV (yuck). They both still enjoy stuffing their princesses into the pockets, folding up the castle, and taking their 'purse' wherever they go.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601146256993797218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpc0gED_B3lOAM-9OZkBVmhA64qncjzNu0C-UFsLzZhGaf8zDB9cOC-6aP_JkiZwmeoeybLyaEEU5QkHkdztu7U6ZeZvkO70I024LyJ0QILm9YSrSXVT-MFqKwnVVaed-Wbtkn/s800/017.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601146929257361826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEgQ1Hb_oA2zYMpIr3WPxpDIs-fDq8HNyed3EM5CZAgvuUgttB1ek-DA0kXcPoq3-USD92I5dVIK5yGbycLwfP_lHsmRtyeVycF396DIvyhfJxRvbrKYtbnIO_uhPA2dJX0ZA/s800/023.JPG" /><br /><br />I have<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73150596/butterfly-pink-castle-caddy"> Castle Caddys </a>all complete and ready for new homes. But if you are the sewing type that likes to make your projects your own, by choosing your fabrics and colors, I am have also created a detailed <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72945339/castle-caddy-pdf-download-instructions">pdf pattern</a>.<br /><br />I also hope to add to the shop soon, including more Castle Caddys and also an original Roadway Car Caddy pattern. Plus, I have several different ideas floating around in my head for more "Caddy" designs, that I can't wait to finally create.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>This is so much fun for me; I seriously love Etsy. I also was able to see the finished product of someone who bought the pattern and it makes me so happy. So head on over and take a looksies!</div>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-50582933791453744402011-04-21T12:36:00.000-07:002011-04-21T13:51:44.996-07:00Seven Lucky YearsThis past week, Claire celebrated 7 years being in our family. We love her to pieces. She has matured so much this last year and is learning so much. It sometimes takes me aback how much she understands, observes, and views things. She is a sweet big sister to Morgan and Luke and she is a good helper to me and Cody. She still loves to draw and create, and as always, she loves to be a bit crazy. It's what we love about her.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfGigZBBJxY0Wcp1dJsthWmt7Afo77SUkNXJfYJBTrPBFgvFWE1aA-6888tY4VMqorG5Wle9rpI2EMTfTIUKUJq3MzeTc2AAOkLbMzC_Fmw8VNDt9fTzFoXqd_MDYOLXeiKa9/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 438px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598126870234719378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfGigZBBJxY0Wcp1dJsthWmt7Afo77SUkNXJfYJBTrPBFgvFWE1aA-6888tY4VMqorG5Wle9rpI2EMTfTIUKUJq3MzeTc2AAOkLbMzC_Fmw8VNDt9fTzFoXqd_MDYOLXeiKa9/s800/024.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>For her birthday party, we had a party with some girls from school and church. Claire had a really fun time, helping decorate and plan for the party, and then had a blast while the girls were here. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I, for some insane reason, decided to throw Claires party last week, even though I knew Cody was out of town for the week. So even though I started working on everything days before, I still was rushing as the guest were arriving, so most of my pictures were after the party was started or after everyone left. </div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLVjEbbia7vi2ZdRwf7D5u4185HuvI79FD0HL_zlvnSxqG_cg3zjD9D28qI7mOUIF95NKMSM20mbfLbvY191igXJsEpNg_V90jXU0lJ-Oj9vigNMA6JSIg1i-yMbcfxb6-ahX/s1600/076.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598133688543103890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLVjEbbia7vi2ZdRwf7D5u4185HuvI79FD0HL_zlvnSxqG_cg3zjD9D28qI7mOUIF95NKMSM20mbfLbvY191igXJsEpNg_V90jXU0lJ-Oj9vigNMA6JSIg1i-yMbcfxb6-ahX/s800/076.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>For the invitation, I drew up a pretty little seven. I was so happy with the way it turned out- something a little girly.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU139Es_w8A366w4eepwgdb0poELMaEnUQLRVCVq5LbY37yMUowEncWXnFue4wcn9VTCYb8p5vam8gHZugv2TCsVHbzPhRcoORlMzdlTxD1HTbMky9PrcPB4CYR3Xr_KncFrh/s1600/039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598127867795930514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU139Es_w8A366w4eepwgdb0poELMaEnUQLRVCVq5LbY37yMUowEncWXnFue4wcn9VTCYb8p5vam8gHZugv2TCsVHbzPhRcoORlMzdlTxD1HTbMky9PrcPB4CYR3Xr_KncFrh/s800/039.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>The decorations were in keeping with the flower theme. I made tissue flowers following <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/pom-poms-and-luminarias">Martha Stewart's instructions</a>, except to make it go faster, I used 5x5 inch squares of tissue paper. I absolutely loved the flowers. I made a couple of garlands and I tied individual flowers to close the goody bags. At the party, the girls also made their own tissue flowers attached to a bobbypin to wear in their hair.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPMNR8eSoE8IgFM-s6wjzURa6rv5V7VWpccDY4nH9HN_PfQ9sYGcwq8BTNKgbOqIC0B2AU47W7DBM9dQdgmh3GDTJbYX8duQjnidZfQCgQXOO7rKyHaUMXqiJm23nxG9ScYF1/s1600/066.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598128378548758178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPMNR8eSoE8IgFM-s6wjzURa6rv5V7VWpccDY4nH9HN_PfQ9sYGcwq8BTNKgbOqIC0B2AU47W7DBM9dQdgmh3GDTJbYX8duQjnidZfQCgQXOO7rKyHaUMXqiJm23nxG9ScYF1/s800/066.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HCC6z3yPF0b681K8YvM-ruEptyZFUN9UpR7yCWOR4DrKx-hOceC8loVkfpO8DFHbHoRnd7aODbLzD_FicQqN27m6FT2q2-Qr0b5ShhTZF91YWIcAb9WT_Wthn9j2HrWc-8zl/s1600/048.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 347px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598128099139600066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HCC6z3yPF0b681K8YvM-ruEptyZFUN9UpR7yCWOR4DrKx-hOceC8loVkfpO8DFHbHoRnd7aODbLzD_FicQqN27m6FT2q2-Qr0b5ShhTZF91YWIcAb9WT_Wthn9j2HrWc-8zl/s800/048.JPG" /></a><br />The girls also made bracelets. I used beads and memory wire, following <a href="http://www.dandee-designs.com/2009/07/craft-camp-day-two.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">these instructions</span> </a>and it went pretty fast and easy for the girls.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598127574655541186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbi4NI2djhRjVo3OSEZMkyn7aBt_i1KACv_5oqIbXZSvzATxrXIxz0IhrjOqdiN6H7XKN2ZANcBVcIuu_Tti-R6-BDnDy81QWtOHaYcx1y-Vj0y6rDNhlnr7-O57Cry4vDHvl/s800/047.JPG" /> </div><br /><br /><br /><div>The food table was raided before I got to take any pictures of it, but here it is half way through the chaos, with the sugar cookies and strawberries the first things to disappear. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRzqHbFGqzK_UMpkWzH3SvlFP8LKM9nUP6sXfNYVIG2z-TRce5aLDDGr3KmFB9820xrBlnZ5J90tsWivMWnx_22fXn7BDF7XrayYnWfl6uYI2dVGnsBCosuiEFa75BtXm-7dS/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598126308284822818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRzqHbFGqzK_UMpkWzH3SvlFP8LKM9nUP6sXfNYVIG2z-TRce5aLDDGr3KmFB9820xrBlnZ5J90tsWivMWnx_22fXn7BDF7XrayYnWfl6uYI2dVGnsBCosuiEFa75BtXm-7dS/s800/014.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Claire's cake was a giant seven covered in Easter colored M&Ms, again following the<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/287220/number-themed-birthday-party"><span style="font-size:130%;"> instructions</span> </a>of Martha. It turned out looking really neat in person. The kids oohed and ahhed over it. Apparently, seeing that many M&Ms at one time is beautiful.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflQu5jkfnKqUAit-qt1vtv8BMAPl23wLpBWQVZvnq4e55B6MCXxNl5uRqL6QS5A-W1ipsujFS0IXaJcKK5FQtcyOLMYaRlfSeBgyWBox404hc3nQevPNOmhWCsUo4pihAkkjJ/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598126614194650482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflQu5jkfnKqUAit-qt1vtv8BMAPl23wLpBWQVZvnq4e55B6MCXxNl5uRqL6QS5A-W1ipsujFS0IXaJcKK5FQtcyOLMYaRlfSeBgyWBox404hc3nQevPNOmhWCsUo4pihAkkjJ/s800/016.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Well, there you go. More details than you ever wanted, but I think the details are fun. </div></div></div></div></div>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-48698639388925038752011-03-31T05:20:00.000-07:002011-03-31T05:52:59.999-07:00Spring Break '11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnaieyyHnOJ-9pjf6k67UdySScS-aAcLYqFpmAjnB2p5hd25tXczpK3P5yA3G9eugGzrQb4YB_3cGh1Utr442mfuQD-KNKgdlvMm6LCPNCDE28dlFoXqQtaL-LjvIh0KCqses/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnaieyyHnOJ-9pjf6k67UdySScS-aAcLYqFpmAjnB2p5hd25tXczpK3P5yA3G9eugGzrQb4YB_3cGh1Utr442mfuQD-KNKgdlvMm6LCPNCDE28dlFoXqQtaL-LjvIh0KCqses/s800/029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590222354061480866" border="0" /></a><br />My parents made their first voyage down south to visit my little family is the great state of Alabama. It was also Claire's spring break, so we made sure to have a nice mixture of going fun places and staying home, being lazy, eating food. All of it was fun.<br /><br />Places we went:<br />:: Science Center {always a good time to be had by the kids}<br /> :: Jim and Nick's BBQ- so good!<br /> :: Botanical Gardens {may have forgotten to bring stoller, so it may have been a little miserable toting the wiggly Luke around}<br />::Newks- {also yummy, too bad my parents didn't think so}<br />:: A really bad Mexican Restaurant where a gnat came and landed on my disgusting enchilada. When the waitress came to ask if we were all done, my dad told her, "We'll, we are finished but the gnat is still eating." Good one, dad.<br />:: To the park to fly a kite<br />:: Costco {because it's just so fun there}<br /><br />We seriously mostly hung out around the house, talking, baking, and eating! Grandma and Grandpa spent a lot of time with the grand kids, telling stories, reading books, going on walks. We had so much fun.<br /><br />PS: I spent the weeks before my parents came, telling them how sweet Morgan is right now. So Morgan chose to act like a little stinker the whole week, especially to my mom. Apparently Morgan had a bone to pick with her, because she just gave her attitude all week. When we asked if she loved Grandpa, Morgan said, "yes". When we asked if she loved Grandma, she said "um, a little bit." When we dropped the grandparents at the airport, Morgan said goodbye to my dad, but when I told her to say goodbye to grandma, she said, "oh, no. I only say goodbye to one person." So Grandma didn't get a goodbye. The little stinker. As soon as we drove away from the airport, all I heard from Morgan was, "I'm sad. I miss Grandma."<br /><br />PSS: Morgan sang Katy Perry's "Baby, You're a Firework" about a thousand times for my parents and anyone in hearing range.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTi3Tp5tEPPmOIs3XKa9d54CubsUT66szW0DUVMitH3n0-T399X6-7w0LqLgJfUxdobssT9btVmairLHoD3oAyCmqouthpfIJy0lg5wPMyvF0hnrHCjovlmE-WkdySxdU9x7E/s1600/034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTi3Tp5tEPPmOIs3XKa9d54CubsUT66szW0DUVMitH3n0-T399X6-7w0LqLgJfUxdobssT9btVmairLHoD3oAyCmqouthpfIJy0lg5wPMyvF0hnrHCjovlmE-WkdySxdU9x7E/s800/034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590223036862536242" border="0" /></a>{Dad only mentioned about 100 times that his grass is much greener than our grass}<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEthKuQgYIO1lpNfK45r-j8Xjc13GHRU0_ANirxZRsZ-AEJbP5PR9OI2N45i4T_I12hEndHW31uy5z257pCuTFd5isY33bXYJX01xVDGB9Km_GyWgj6wkxQiAgurvPmfaoxCOF/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEthKuQgYIO1lpNfK45r-j8Xjc13GHRU0_ANirxZRsZ-AEJbP5PR9OI2N45i4T_I12hEndHW31uy5z257pCuTFd5isY33bXYJX01xVDGB9Km_GyWgj6wkxQiAgurvPmfaoxCOF/s800/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590220606462386370" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol2KJ_M83VwD0pKmYr62E3UylasBnUSEA5ZwPboMqRvVfsiCt3NVhyphenhyphenacfGUo5gXRvoaB2b-gCXFjkanmnWQZLVLKObC7VvS3q-u_yVB1aQF4ZA919r_uFF9xxdSuFsM0cBAcX/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol2KJ_M83VwD0pKmYr62E3UylasBnUSEA5ZwPboMqRvVfsiCt3NVhyphenhyphenacfGUo5gXRvoaB2b-gCXFjkanmnWQZLVLKObC7VvS3q-u_yVB1aQF4ZA919r_uFF9xxdSuFsM0cBAcX/s800/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590219246821233954" border="0" /></a>{Morgan refused to scoot closer to Grandma. Seriously, what a stinker}<br /></div>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-3104851012000764742011-03-09T05:38:00.000-08:002011-03-09T06:41:54.218-08:00Maximus and JavierBack in January, Claire and Luke both required haircuts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Warning: Some of the following images may be disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.</span><br /><br />It was long past the time for Luke's hair to be cut. It was starting to get so long and combed over, he was channeling a Trump, so I took out the clippers, gave him a go over, and he came out of the battle looking like a gladiator. Like a short, flabby gladiator with a double chin that wobbles when he walks. As soon as I sheered off his smooth locks, I regretted it. Suddenly his babyness was gone. He looked like a different kid. Cody kept calling him Maximus. I was sad. But it was for the better and I got use to it right quick. He is pretty handsome.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5b11kt48B0kFbylxXTUdGTZkxhJIYQTTOulY-JI7I816BNsX_-DI8C63Vj7I8NmVut5oTpZFQHnXCQMc6IkGa8Q9qIm82bEhxRxuXJNwgX2GJrL0UFrufirI5ij6oVlOmAhX/s1600/BEFORE.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5b11kt48B0kFbylxXTUdGTZkxhJIYQTTOulY-JI7I816BNsX_-DI8C63Vj7I8NmVut5oTpZFQHnXCQMc6IkGa8Q9qIm82bEhxRxuXJNwgX2GJrL0UFrufirI5ij6oVlOmAhX/s800/BEFORE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582088689253014706" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytLC3ZshsHhCEqPW9XrjVtdHuAadiN8lbWdQBqSBkLDqtO-JGuLofGTPpk0lntVTh59COMDwrGXrgTvjtkLuDA2SSU2NLT5BP9L0R1bQp3UThPhrbipGHjp_MO1NQSNTcrk35/s1600/After.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytLC3ZshsHhCEqPW9XrjVtdHuAadiN8lbWdQBqSBkLDqtO-JGuLofGTPpk0lntVTh59COMDwrGXrgTvjtkLuDA2SSU2NLT5BP9L0R1bQp3UThPhrbipGHjp_MO1NQSNTcrk35/s800/After.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582087302958772738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now Claire. Claire's haircut was also one of necessity. When her hair is long, it is the thing that she is constantly messing with, whether she is twisting it into knots or sucking on the ends. Her hair was disgusting and such a beast to comb out every morning. So I decided we had to cut it short. So me and my frugal self took her to a place to get it cut where I had a $5 coupon. Note to self: don't take you daughter to any place that has 'Clips" in the title. Such a bad haircut. Claire has really thick hair, so I asked the lady to cut it in a nice round bob. She instead cuts it it pretty blunt, with the back longer than the sides. I have this horrible problem of letting bad haircuts go without saying anything to the hair-cutter. Shouldn't I have told that lady as soon as she was done that the hair cut was not what I asked for and that it was horrible? But I felt bad, since I was only paying $5 for it.<br /><br />I didn't say anything and left with my daughter sporting the same do as the Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/arts/images/arts_old-men_392.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 221px;" src="http://www.cbc.ca/arts/images/arts_old-men_392.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQc1JnhnarexmlHg3UNOHZKa_zJQ-k6LyfLZZP0qP6zVMxCjbpDEJlXxVXGeUVrcTdPhDk8i65437S3tUPWoaMge1htTCqQF9n7Le5Ls_Ec4mFAiL7-0wtxBRJd3FZMDagtpl/s1600/Before.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQc1JnhnarexmlHg3UNOHZKa_zJQ-k6LyfLZZP0qP6zVMxCjbpDEJlXxVXGeUVrcTdPhDk8i65437S3tUPWoaMge1htTCqQF9n7Le5Ls_Ec4mFAiL7-0wtxBRJd3FZMDagtpl/s800/Before.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582089580504299714" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMTMulhRdUBtX8lA08XkWDVhZz1ZV2uPb8ILSLyKwMESnY6IstlMTGR2gqToV1crm3hAbwZJJZDVIOoLGP0zJpawB-nRx1fKmAjDt7xf6sz5DsDcXKlk0oNxAhf_E-ODIiGkF/s1600/AfterC.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMTMulhRdUBtX8lA08XkWDVhZz1ZV2uPb8ILSLyKwMESnY6IstlMTGR2gqToV1crm3hAbwZJJZDVIOoLGP0zJpawB-nRx1fKmAjDt7xf6sz5DsDcXKlk0oNxAhf_E-ODIiGkF/s800/AfterC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582087820113259186" border="0" /></a>And the worst part, I just left it. It's grown out a little bit now, so it looks a little better, but still. I think there is a general parenting rule out there that if you child resembles the appearance of a psychopath in anyway, you should fix that--quick. Don't worry. I'll get around to fixing it one day.Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-47040632490699901052011-02-03T10:42:00.000-08:002011-02-03T11:11:47.813-08:00Valentine's Cards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://secretmemoryquilt.blogspot.com/2011/01/ballerina-valentine.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hgkPNT3E7VwiCx-NKroj2Jk3hXegTTXkh21RAZQoRjg2o0XaSfM9ObwYEu-oKOt_ckakW48g9Ijry7KSzviRwAsb5CpVrTETjBKGHGJ_MmzgqfOTFR836q468qe1qCzhAxO-/s800/033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569542600938793698" border="0" /></a><br />Just in case you don't follow our <a href="http://secretmemoryquilt.blogspot.com/">craft blog</a> (what?!), I wanted to share the valentines I made up for Claire to give to her class. I prefer homemade valentines, because they tend to be cuter and I don't have to stand at the store lamenting that the only choices I have are barbie or hello kitty (I haven't seen any Brat's cards this year. Maybe they read my <a href="http://brojonelson.blogspot.com/2008/02/hierarchy-of-love-notes.html">blog</a>). But mostly, I have a ton of fun creating them. This year, Claire is in a bigger class, so I went the digital route for cards.<br /><br />The downloads and the instructions are over at our <a href="http://secretmemoryquilt.blogspot.com/">craft blog</a> if you want to make your own. Just click on the picture of the valentine you want to take you over there.<br /><br /><a href="http://secretmemoryquilt.blogspot.com/2011/01/bandido-valentine.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrdv7FLbxBjQfIlVz07H-HA5_1PXTuuk1rkpz4FVngIC3HZ8z6orL-A0MPy5cB0-rXzwrPOnuWKM3D1GaKwL0xEb4osWLwD5cb_5x9eRzVkbwQLY_qhs2D2tnf-7GRQ_Uep86/s800/017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569538897362297250" border="0" /></a><br />Now, according to my translators, this card says, "Bandit! You have stolen my heart." But if my translators are wrong, then they are in big trouble, mister. Because I like to pretend I speak Spanish.<br /><br />And if you are feeling super crafty, I also have a download and instructions to make "dancing" ballerina cards. Because everything is better when it moves!<br /><br /><a href="http://secretmemoryquilt.blogspot.com/2011/01/ballerina-valentine.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ROMmSBmBIgkyUMYZVg5JaMyj5EVvq6-IUcOsk9QdqP6NHuNwttFSAd1t-mEaxsJXdB5gdHnabEjVIgf-AzwhI83g7q-l-ZVXEuzSy-6ybzAqUhcY1Ob6hzmq5BRgVPg77VOT/s800/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569539646169717698" border="0" /></a>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261553.post-68154196359526336722011-01-31T19:22:00.001-08:002011-01-31T19:32:24.765-08:0030My birthday came and went. It was a good day filled with my family, phone calls, and friends. The night ended with a little party at our house, that included Texas Sheet Cake and the always popular and awkwardly discordant singing of "Happy Birthday".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZIWNytOuiF4ie-x9FnSo-6vbQA21880cpYUoTE0nO3tLuLFf7sqDWtaCEvZ-HowOB_BTRQS4nt2j-oiNBGMtbEg7_eiOzrjWIZKoEf01UYy8Yrlvanff3cGBe4_bzWiyRgT2/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZIWNytOuiF4ie-x9FnSo-6vbQA21880cpYUoTE0nO3tLuLFf7sqDWtaCEvZ-HowOB_BTRQS4nt2j-oiNBGMtbEg7_eiOzrjWIZKoEf01UYy8Yrlvanff3cGBe4_bzWiyRgT2/s800/010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568558276288245650" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Goodbye, 20s!<br />Hello, 30s!<br /><br /><br /></div>Brooklethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01413578773394736355noreply@blogger.com15