tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42200266998707744782024-03-13T12:15:52.503-05:00Crew MomThis is my crew and this is what I do. I am the Crew Mom.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-75383107412204487182012-12-01T23:59:00.000-06:002012-12-02T00:01:27.739-06:00Breakfast "In Bed"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I have to brag on my husband and kids for a minute. Several times a year, they make me an elaborate breakfast worthy of Mother's Day. The spread usually looks something like this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Somehow, I managed to score two such breakfasts in the month of November. I don't think I did anything super special to deserve them, but I do think that one little 7 year old is angling for a good word to Santa. *wink*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love how much my family loves me. I love them right back.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-40810498977500256892012-07-11T02:46:00.000-05:002012-07-11T02:47:06.476-05:00Not-So-Guilty Muffins<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was playing around with my basic muffin recipe last night, and I created something I like to call Not-So-Guilty Muffins. I haven't taken the time to count out the fat content or the calories, but they have no butter, use applesauce and bananas (that's two fruits!) so they have to be better for you than most muffins, right?</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYKeup16vCw/T_0rXUubN6I/AAAAAAAABIw/AtGMMgcFeDc/s1600/nsgmuffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYKeup16vCw/T_0rXUubN6I/AAAAAAAABIw/AtGMMgcFeDc/s320/nsgmuffin.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Not-So-Guilty Muffins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups self-rising flour (or 2 cups all purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp salt)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/3 cup brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/3 cup sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 eggs (lightly beaten)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup apple sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2/3 cup fat free milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3/4 cup chopped bananas (best if they are soft)</span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray muffin tin with baking spray or use cupcake liners.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (flour and sugars).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In another large bowl, mix together applesauce, eggs, milk and bananas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the applesauce, eggs, milk and bananas. Gently stir together--do not over incorporate. Fold in chocolate chips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fill muffin tin 3/4 full of muffin mix. Bake 18-20 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These muffins were kid-tested and approved by my two pickiest eaters. If you want, you can add some chocolate frosting on top and call them Not-So-Guilty Cupcakes instead. Or, as I like to call them, breakfast.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx6tqFCXgHY/T_0rWU7sO7I/AAAAAAAABIo/VwbbyppWEew/s1600/nsgcupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx6tqFCXgHY/T_0rWU7sO7I/AAAAAAAABIo/VwbbyppWEew/s320/nsgcupcake.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(chocolate frosting is recipe on box of Hershey Cocoa)</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-45153292550695511912012-05-16T17:03:00.000-05:002012-05-16T17:10:21.595-05:00Write That Down (WTD) #1<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In telling the tales of my kids, I have often been advised to, "write that down so you don't forget." </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Starting today, I am taking that advice to heart and sharing here the funny/cute things my kids say and or do. I don't want to forget the little things they do that make Mark or me smile or laugh. These are the moments we cherish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Garrett has been extremely helpful lately. It came as no surprise to us last night when he brought me some clothes he said I could donate. As I looked through the clothes, I realized not a stitch belonged to Garrett. All of the clothes belonged to Emily and Austin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Later in the night, Mark and I heard Garrett trying to sell his toys to Austin for a dollar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anna has her own word for a case of the hiccups: "picky-ups"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These are just a few examples of why we enjoy our kids so much. They constantly keep us on our toes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-79328183375329923432012-04-24T00:21:00.001-05:002012-04-24T00:21:11.765-05:00Sad Demise<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Earlier this month, I blogged and bragged about my KitchenAid Chef's Chopper. I even named it my <a href="http://www.crewmom.com/2012/04/ooma-2.html">OOMA #2</a>. Sadly, it gave its final spin last week when I was making bread crumbs to use in my meatloaf recipe. By the way, I was making meatloaf for 18 people. Not a good time for it to conk out on me. Nevertheless, I stand by my previous post. I had a good six years with that little machine. I guess it is time to buy another, or perhaps a bigger one.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-19899163909340167302012-04-16T17:40:00.000-05:002012-04-16T17:40:34.031-05:00Spring Photo Op<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Every Spring I get excited. Sure, there is much to be happy about: Easter, warmer weather, birds singing and flowers blooming. But what really puts a smile on my face is the chance to take an enchanting photo of my enchanting children. I lovingly pick out color coordinated outfits, complete with new shoes and accessories. I pick out the perfect backdrop and I wait for the perfectly lit day to take the photo(s). Easter Sunday arrived and everything was picture perfect. This is what I got:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sPRLRndTQg/T4vpzCkUQtI/AAAAAAAABGs/iUEz1KAAuHk/s1600/photo-op1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sPRLRndTQg/T4vpzCkUQtI/AAAAAAAABGs/iUEz1KAAuHk/s400/photo-op1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My attempt at taking that perfect photo didn't quite work out. That's okay. I knew there would be another chance. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Much to my chagrin, I had learned earlier this Spring that bluebonnets do not grow where we live in East Texas.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I had considered a "bluebonnet photo" a rite of passage for the state's newest residents (namely my kids). I had wondered how I was going to convince my husband to drive at least 2.5 hours to find a field of bluebonnets. Last week we went out of town to attend my grandmother's funeral. Always one to look for the silver lining, I thought that perhaps while we were in town, I could get a photo of my kids with bluebonnets. They happen to grow in abundance there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The morning we were set to drive home, we decided to leave in the late afternoon. I knew this would be my only chance to get the photo I wanted. We dressed the kids back in their carefully selected outfits and headed out to find the bluebonnets. We searched here and there and only found the occasional patch of bluebonnets. Nothing like the vast fields I had imagined. Had all the bluebonnets gone to sleep for another year?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We decided to try one more road. Finally, we found the elusive flowers. Hundreds, if not thousands of them awaited my kids and my camera. There was only one small problem. The "field" of bluebonnets was located right in the middle of a small town cemetery. Not one to be discouraged, I asked Mark to pull over so I could scout the location. It appeared that there were only headstones surrounding the bluebonnets, not actually among them. Good enough for me. Even more wonderful was the cloud covered day that would ensure good lighting.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F74Wc-dytZ8/T4vp0-r2GAI/AAAAAAAABHE/V7Q0vpfXyz8/s1600/photo-op4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F74Wc-dytZ8/T4vp0-r2GAI/AAAAAAAABHE/V7Q0vpfXyz8/s400/photo-op4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once again, my plans did not quite work out the way I expected. The cloud covered day was deemed "too </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">shiny</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">" by my five year old with the others quickly in agreement. At one point, I even had them close their eyes until just before I hit the shutter button. You see how well that great idea worked:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3gX1ThQS1w/T4vp2B-lgeI/AAAAAAAABHU/phtwMMxu_NY/s1600/photo-op6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3gX1ThQS1w/T4vp2B-lgeI/AAAAAAAABHU/phtwMMxu_NY/s400/photo-op6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I gave up on the group shot and instead focused on getting a nice individual one of each kid. Perhaps I could make a collage of their perfect poses? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Alas, my mission of obtaining the perfect photo in this field of bluebonnets was a bust. But never fear, one day I <i>will</i> get a great group photo of all the kids. It may even happen this year sometime. Did you know the "Op" in photo op is short for opportunity? I think in my case it is short for optimistic.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2Q5G_YsUAo/T4vp5b2EZXI/AAAAAAAABH8/806sX_vqJ5s/s1600/photo-opBluebonnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2Q5G_YsUAo/T4vp5b2EZXI/AAAAAAAABH8/806sX_vqJ5s/s400/photo-opBluebonnet.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At least this bluebonnet took a "perfect" photo. See, that's me looking for the silver lining again. :-)</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-69393793649981579712012-04-14T02:07:00.000-05:002012-04-14T02:07:23.038-05:00Happy 5th Birthday, Austin!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp9WMd2JrQ4/T4kcM8htfUI/AAAAAAAABFE/0jm81Le9t0g/s1600/AustinBdayAustin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp9WMd2JrQ4/T4kcM8htfUI/AAAAAAAABFE/0jm81Le9t0g/s320/AustinBdayAustin.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I am one good-looking 5 year old!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpCT_7ADCYQ/T4kcNzFoMlI/AAAAAAAABFU/ARICD7FoodU/s1600/AustinBdayCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpCT_7ADCYQ/T4kcNzFoMlI/AAAAAAAABFU/ARICD7FoodU/s320/AustinBdayCake.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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I love my <i>Toy Story</i> cake!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am so excited to blow out 5 candles!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anna wants me to hurry.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4rAghGk6i2E/T4kcPIY00zI/AAAAAAAABFk/x9RK6P9Hrio/s1600/AustinBdayEmily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4rAghGk6i2E/T4kcPIY00zI/AAAAAAAABFk/x9RK6P9Hrio/s320/AustinBdayEmily.jpg" width="233" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8Lnva0wVBs/T4kcMRaEnwI/AAAAAAAABE8/a7ygmIC1Jpg/s1600/AustinBdayAnna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8Lnva0wVBs/T4kcMRaEnwI/AAAAAAAABE8/a7ygmIC1Jpg/s320/AustinBdayAnna.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckftcWJRX_4/T4kcPs1w_7I/AAAAAAAABFs/c9cJKBySf20/s1600/AustinBdayGarrett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckftcWJRX_4/T4kcPs1w_7I/AAAAAAAABFs/c9cJKBySf20/s320/AustinBdayGarrett.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2pntBrf0k8/T4kcQOfO6gI/AAAAAAAABF0/tJiWfjTfWlI/s1600/AustinBdayMorgan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2pntBrf0k8/T4kcQOfO6gI/AAAAAAAABF0/tJiWfjTfWlI/s320/AustinBdayMorgan.jpg" width="259" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My sisters, my cousin and my brother are ready for the party!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZsHdI8px0E/T4kcNdAn9RI/AAAAAAAABFM/Iw3CPXrDV9c/s1600/AustinBdayBoots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZsHdI8px0E/T4kcNdAn9RI/AAAAAAAABFM/Iw3CPXrDV9c/s320/AustinBdayBoots.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Boots, so I can be just like Woody.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNo_cvXoE-M/T4kcOjxvp7I/AAAAAAAABFc/SwSQvxuqpeY/s1600/AustinBdayCowboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNo_cvXoE-M/T4kcOjxvp7I/AAAAAAAABFc/SwSQvxuqpeY/s320/AustinBdayCowboy.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Howdy! I'm a cowboy!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-58399297202270425982012-04-08T06:35:00.000-05:002012-04-08T06:43:42.445-05:00Good-bye, Granny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OY2QiOjN_UU/T4FluU6MV1I/AAAAAAAABE0/KwXfn76QbCo/s1600/Grannyheadshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OY2QiOjN_UU/T4FluU6MV1I/AAAAAAAABE0/KwXfn76QbCo/s1600/Grannyheadshot.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Granny Mary</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>August 1925 - April 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My Granny, my last grandparent, passed away a couple of days ago. She was 86 years old and lived on her own up until about a year ago when she fell and severely broke her arm. Granny had to relocate to a nursing home for rehabilitation. After her arm was healed, Granny decided not to go back to her apartment and instead, stay at the nursing center. She realized that her health was failing and she could no longer live on her own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Several years ago, Granny began to lose her hearing and a couple of years ago she also began to lose her sight as well. Knowing this, my last visit with her (less than a month ago) was amazing. The kids and I stopped by to see Granny while we were in my hometown for my uncle's funeral. Anna, the theater princess, was pretending to be a bird by flapping her arms and saying, "Tweet tweet". Granny got a kick out of the performance and would call back, "Tweet tweet, where's my bird?" We were all astonished at how much she was hearing (and I suspect seeing). I don't hesitate to say it was the best personal visit I had with her in a long time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I mention "personal visit" because Granny and I also had some nice talks when she lived in her apartment. She had a special phone that helped her hear the caller so it was often easier to visit with her by phone. She loved Danielle Steel and I am a fan of Nora Roberts so we had an appreciation of romance novels in common. We'd talk about books (Granny had large print ones and then audio ones). When she had run out of Danielle Steel to read, I made suggestions of other authors for her to try. We also talked about family. I was/am doing research on my family tree and Granny was helpful in providing information about her family as well as information on my grandfather's family since he died in 1979.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was my Granny's only red headed grandchild. For as long as I can remember, Granny has had snow white hair, but she was redheaded, as was my dad. Every time I see a snow white hair pop up on my head, I think of Granny and I think I always will. One of these days (way, way in the future) I hope to have a whole head full of snow white hair like her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We love you, Granny.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0AJ71q7_Vcc/T4FT6KrQBLI/AAAAAAAABEM/1cB5umZjupM/s1600/GrannyBigMama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0AJ71q7_Vcc/T4FT6KrQBLI/AAAAAAAABEM/1cB5umZjupM/s320/GrannyBigMama.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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Granny and her mom "Big Mama"</div>
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Granny and me at my wedding.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jqSlSYgE2s/T4FT6hO-cCI/AAAAAAAABEU/ACeQxV9a8o4/s1600/grannyBirthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jqSlSYgE2s/T4FT6hO-cCI/AAAAAAAABEU/ACeQxV9a8o4/s320/grannyBirthday.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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Granny on her 75th birthday.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWfcLkq-jcc/T4FT7XuOn6I/AAAAAAAABEc/Ojh8PMGJjvA/s1600/grannyEmily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWfcLkq-jcc/T4FT7XuOn6I/AAAAAAAABEc/Ojh8PMGJjvA/s320/grannyEmily.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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Granny holding Emily.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2dFI5e5x-g0/T4FUC-L16tI/AAAAAAAABEs/uu77-EbbPVw/s1600/mekidsGranny2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2dFI5e5x-g0/T4FUC-L16tI/AAAAAAAABEs/uu77-EbbPVw/s320/mekidsGranny2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My kids, me and Granny at her home.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-22388325554333875062012-04-02T18:36:00.002-05:002012-04-02T18:44:42.006-05:00OOMA #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chosen as the object of my affection #2, is my KitchenAid Chef's Chopper. I love this little machine! I've used it to make baby food, on croutons to use as bread crumbs, to make salsa, and to make vanilla espresso milkshakes. I've even used it to make frosting when my mixer was otherwise occupied.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GsE3EhHI6c/T3ozvFKhiqI/AAAAAAAABEE/ZOjpq6U20vQ/s1600/foodchopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GsE3EhHI6c/T3ozvFKhiqI/AAAAAAAABEE/ZOjpq6U20vQ/s320/foodchopper.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I bought my chopper on a whim in Target one day several years ago. I'm so glad I did because it has been invaluable in the kitchen. They still sell them at <a href="http://www.target.com/p/KitchenAid-3-Cup-Chef-s-Chopper/-/A-528297">Target for 39.99.</a> I checked Amazon too, but they were almost twice as much (free shipping though).</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-61999623138161884882012-03-30T17:51:00.001-05:002012-07-11T02:47:48.745-05:00Easy Chess Pie (not too sweet)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I made this chess pie the other day and let me just say this is a great first pie for anyone to make! I looked up several recipes online, then just made up my own based on the ingredients. The risk of baking my first pie with a "new" recipe paid off with pleasant results. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First, the ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 refrigerated pie crust</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 stick butter (melted)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 (or more) teaspoons vanilla</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 tablespoons flour (or cornmeal)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup buttermilk</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DmsIwxzuJU/T3YwPBHFUFI/AAAAAAAABDE/sSfqAhWCE3s/s1600/chess+pie+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DmsIwxzuJU/T3YwPBHFUFI/AAAAAAAABDE/sSfqAhWCE3s/s320/chess+pie+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Preheat the oven to 375F</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Melt the butter. I like to cut mine up and put it in the microwave on defrost </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ-UveZRCV0/T3YwP90T3TI/AAAAAAAABDM/niBPjbM7XsY/s1600/chess+pie+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ-UveZRCV0/T3YwP90T3TI/AAAAAAAABDM/niBPjbM7XsY/s320/chess+pie+02.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">until it looks like this:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTgvVgtM7Mk/T3YwQQ49FhI/AAAAAAAABDU/x5dd9KnhZhQ/s1600/chess+pie+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTgvVgtM7Mk/T3YwQQ49FhI/AAAAAAAABDU/x5dd9KnhZhQ/s320/chess+pie+03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While the butter is melting, unfold the pie crust into a pie plate:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iGq_sCIBlM/T3YwRO9aooI/AAAAAAAABDc/ZUIcNmQhbKc/s1600/chess+pie+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iGq_sCIBlM/T3YwRO9aooI/AAAAAAAABDc/ZUIcNmQhbKc/s320/chess+pie+04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Put the butter into your mixer and add the sugar and vanilla. Mix well.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTzD6-IerLA/T3YwRig8nSI/AAAAAAAABDk/urPSBS73-T4/s1600/chess+pie+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTzD6-IerLA/T3YwRig8nSI/AAAAAAAABDk/urPSBS73-T4/s320/chess+pie+05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add the eggs (one at a time, mixing well between each). Add the flour and buttermilk. Mix until well blended.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgAj5xcmsYo/T3YwSSGjHiI/AAAAAAAABDs/kNnFIAlI4jQ/s1600/chess+pie+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgAj5xcmsYo/T3YwSSGjHiI/AAAAAAAABDs/kNnFIAlI4jQ/s320/chess+pie+06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pour into the pie crust.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Max4weSUmiw/T3YwTKuBshI/AAAAAAAABD0/-VZZ06lbcwM/s1600/chess+pie+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Max4weSUmiw/T3YwTKuBshI/AAAAAAAABD0/-VZZ06lbcwM/s320/chess+pie+07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I didn't take a pic, but place a piece of foil over the pie to keep from getting too brown. No need to form it to the shape of the pie. The foil is just acting as a barrier. Bake in the over for about an hour. The pie is ready when a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool until slightly above room temp.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPubUpkRYHs/T3YwTkloopI/AAAAAAAABD8/o2xupebDuyQ/s1600/chess+pie+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPubUpkRYHs/T3YwTkloopI/AAAAAAAABD8/o2xupebDuyQ/s320/chess+pie+08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-21026373582765564142012-03-29T14:51:00.003-05:002012-03-29T14:56:52.975-05:00Anna's 3rd Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwdQKpO1Q4o/T3S69njs66I/AAAAAAAABBc/qs6AK8wPY_s/s1600/annabday01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwdQKpO1Q4o/T3S69njs66I/AAAAAAAABBc/qs6AK8wPY_s/s320/annabday01.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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I am so excited for my birthday party at Memo and Papa's house!</div>
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Why are there candles in my pretty princess cake?</div>
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Ah, who cares? This cake is yummy!</div>
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Morgan likes it too!</div>
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Garrett thinks princesses are silly, but he'll put his feelings aside for cake.</div>
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Cheese!</div>
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Mmmmm, good!</div>
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Papa likes his cake with a side of TV.</div>
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I liked my crown better when I put in on backwards.</div>
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I'm dressed the part of princess, now I can open gifts!</div>
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My cousin is a great gift helper! I love her!</div>
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My mommy made me a pretty princess cake! I love her too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-54452110767461071172012-03-28T14:52:00.000-05:002012-03-29T14:58:38.350-05:00Children's Museum Field Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While visiting my parents during Spring Break, my mom, sister and I decided to take the kids (my four and my niece) to the local Children's museum. The kids had a blast: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Playing on stage...</span></div>
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(adjusting the lighting)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Learning the parts of a skeleton...</span></div>
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(yes, that is a giant game of operation)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Operating" an ambulance...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reading books in the quiet area...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And watching a "tornado" form..</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-22362195856631964232012-03-26T21:39:00.002-05:002012-03-26T22:47:43.934-05:00My Uncle Doug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0ZxLTkyI74/T2_zwPV-hxI/AAAAAAAAA_c/wegjPutc1II/s1600/doug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0ZxLTkyI74/T2_zwPV-hxI/AAAAAAAAA_c/wegjPutc1II/s320/doug.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Doug</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>November 1951-March 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My Uncle Doug passed away earlier this month. A few years ago he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Against all odds, he beat it. Unfortunately, the evilness struck once again, but this time in his brain. Still, he fought to overcome this cancer as well. But, all too soon, the cancer became too much to bear and Doug was admitted to hospice care at a Veterans Affairs hospital two hours from home. He spent a few months there with my parents visiting every Sunday and his best friends visiting every Wednesday. Other family members visited when they could.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This past Christmas, while spending time with my parents, my family went with them to see Doug. We had a very nice visit and it was great to see him on Christmas Day. He gave each of my kids a little light-up Christmas tree.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qmht3AxYWhA/T2_r0N1IklI/AAAAAAAAA-s/2uOTW_3OV0g/s1600/25+Doug+Mom+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qmht3AxYWhA/T2_r0N1IklI/AAAAAAAAA-s/2uOTW_3OV0g/s320/25+Doug+Mom+me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I think of my Uncle Doug, one word keeps coming to mind: <b>unpretentious</b>. Doug was who he was. He never put on airs for anyone. He looked like a tough guy, but had a gentle soul and a heart of gold. That all sounds c<span style="line-height: 115%;">lichéd, but the proof was in his actions. He was forever giving small gifts just to brighten someones day. He also fixed broken bicycles for neighborhood kids--free of charge. And if, by chance, a child didn't have a bike, Doug would find him/her one.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">When I was putting together my thoughts for this post, I kept trying to think of specific memories I could share. It was frustrating to me when I couldn't come up with anything--until I realized why. Doug was always there. Even when you didn't expect him. Which brings me to a slightly amus</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">ing story that I do remember. Mark and I had just started dating. In fact, I don't think I had introduced him to any of my family at this point. I met Mark down at our usual meeting spot for a date and who should walk in? Yeah, that's right, my Uncle Doug. I think the expression on my face must have been a mixture of shock and horror. Shock that I got caught and horror that I would have to tell my mom and dad about the older man I was now dating. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">But that's okay. This past September, Mark and I got to visit with Doug at his friends' house before he got really sick. Doug told us some stories from his and my mom's childhood. I loved hearing about when they were younger and the funny/crazy things they did. Doug is three years older than my mom and they were the two youngest for a long time. Together they were co-conspirators in many </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">situations</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">. In a roundabout way, it is all because of Doug that I am here today. As I understand it, Doug was good friends with my dad's cousin Randy. One time when Randy was going to see Doug, my dad tagged along. Doug was outside playing football with some other guys and my mom. The rest, they say, is history.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">I think one of the best ways to remember someone is to remember what they loved. Doug loved his family (close friends included). He loved Elvis, black cat firecrackers, peppermint sticks (the kind that melt in your mouth), guns and knives, the colors blue and black, his country, hats and overalls. He was soft spoken and loved to laugh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We'll miss you, Doug.</span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MOwUv7wIiDE/T2_r6HWuxyI/AAAAAAAAA-0/emZHdxrbxE4/s1600/dougbdaycake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MOwUv7wIiDE/T2_r6HWuxyI/AAAAAAAAA-0/emZHdxrbxE4/s320/dougbdaycake.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vO4AQA45bSU/T2_sAkk8nxI/AAAAAAAAA_E/sya90QCAeqI/s1600/dougsideburns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vO4AQA45bSU/T2_sAkk8nxI/AAAAAAAAA_E/sya90QCAeqI/s320/dougsideburns.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HewSGHcpiMs/T2_sAKtJWOI/AAAAAAAAA-8/ilDiUhShyuk/s1600/dougmeandjess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HewSGHcpiMs/T2_sAKtJWOI/AAAAAAAAA-8/ilDiUhShyuk/s320/dougmeandjess.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0QZYGS7vYkA/T2_sNYNN6YI/AAAAAAAAA_M/vq0-uR2_Zrg/s1600/dougEmily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0QZYGS7vYkA/T2_sNYNN6YI/AAAAAAAAA_M/vq0-uR2_Zrg/s320/dougEmily.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_lxli-H7Yw/T2_uhVt-mXI/AAAAAAAAA_U/q39DEJnTUyg/s1600/doug+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_lxli-H7Yw/T2_uhVt-mXI/AAAAAAAAA_U/q39DEJnTUyg/s320/doug+and+me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally, I must include a video of one song played at Doug's funeral. Here is Elvis singing "My Way":</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jWStRiZ-OCM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Doug did it his way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have decided to add a new feature to my blog. I call it OOMA which stands for Object Of My Affection. I love things that make my life easier and I want to share them. The honor of the first post of this nature goes to my multi-roll toilet paper holder:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnzlhDM67hQ/T1aF6Vf9-zI/AAAAAAAAA-k/6OBY62S9qTU/s1600/tpholder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnzlhDM67hQ/T1aF6Vf9-zI/AAAAAAAAA-k/6OBY62S9qTU/s320/tpholder.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think we can all agree that one of the most aggravating circumstances in life is sitting down to do our business and not having paper available. While the paper holder above does not completely eliminate that aggravation (I do have four kids) it greatly reduces the chances and that makes this mama happy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I purchased my holder at <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Interdesign-4-Roll-Reserve-Chrome/-/A-11469182">Target</a>, but they sell them at Walmart and other places like Bed Bath and Beyond, TJMaxx and probably Lowe's and Home Depot.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-31870121228336539072012-03-05T19:01:00.001-06:002012-03-05T19:01:35.807-06:00Semi-Homemade Low Fat Ranch Dressing/Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My kids love ranch dressing. They love it almost as much as they love ketchup. They'll eat it on just about anything. I knew we would go broke buying it already mixed from the store, so I came up with my own concoction I could make at home. I didn't put measurements because I do it all to taste and sometimes I mix up a quart, sometimes just a cup or two.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ingredients: fat free milk, real mayo, Hidden Valley Ranch mix, fat free sour cream. You will also need a couple of spoons, a container and chips or crackers for taste testing.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ_8ylV3HEE/T1VYFOljE4I/AAAAAAAAA-c/kZZeNPhI7FQ/s1600/ranch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ_8ylV3HEE/T1VYFOljE4I/AAAAAAAAA-c/kZZeNPhI7FQ/s320/ranch1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Start with a sour cream base:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wvWbzlxBhjY/T1VYDO_7UWI/AAAAAAAAA-U/2KaBo5cu_qg/s1600/ranch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wvWbzlxBhjY/T1VYDO_7UWI/AAAAAAAAA-U/2KaBo5cu_qg/s320/ranch2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Add some mayo (approximate ratio 1:6, mayo to sour cream)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S1A0PP4QNSQ/T1VYBE-FkoI/AAAAAAAAA-M/8Rx7z3bROMc/s1600/ranch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S1A0PP4QNSQ/T1VYBE-FkoI/AAAAAAAAA-M/8Rx7z3bROMc/s320/ranch3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Stir Vigorously</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzqQPKJcr0k/T1VX-VViwjI/AAAAAAAAA-E/JGR3AZf_ZxQ/s1600/ranch4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzqQPKJcr0k/T1VX-VViwjI/AAAAAAAAA-E/JGR3AZf_ZxQ/s320/ranch4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Add some ranch mix. Be careful, you can always add more!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZqwkSExM5Q/T1VX7m2wCBI/AAAAAAAAA98/cAAybk9Tqoc/s1600/ranch5.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZqwkSExM5Q/T1VX7m2wCBI/AAAAAAAAA98/cAAybk9Tqoc/s320/ranch5.5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Stir Vigorously</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4omyV_GqUc/T1VX44cil2I/AAAAAAAAA90/UU0ptz4J3bs/s1600/ranch6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4omyV_GqUc/T1VX44cil2I/AAAAAAAAA90/UU0ptz4J3bs/s320/ranch6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Add a splash of fat free milk for desired consistency.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wica2BWZ75Q/T1VX2ShkAPI/AAAAAAAAA9s/OA_m-_ZuuAU/s1600/ranch7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wica2BWZ75Q/T1VX2ShkAPI/AAAAAAAAA9s/OA_m-_ZuuAU/s320/ranch7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Stir carefully</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jf7XluvnmTg/T1VXzsjuOcI/AAAAAAAAA9k/SGIhCjOEXQc/s1600/ranch8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jf7XluvnmTg/T1VXzsjuOcI/AAAAAAAAA9k/SGIhCjOEXQc/s320/ranch8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Taste the yumminess!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhTLQjRps0E/T1VXxWdEEFI/AAAAAAAAA9c/hOK_wc8H5f8/s1600/ranch9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhTLQjRps0E/T1VXxWdEEFI/AAAAAAAAA9c/hOK_wc8H5f8/s320/ranch9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-5675561623355805222012-03-02T15:07:00.000-06:002012-03-02T15:07:04.041-06:00Green Eggs and.........Bacon?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday, I wanted make the kids green eggs and ham. The only problem is I didn't have any ham in the house, so I made green eggs and bacon. Bacon and ham both come from the same animal, so the substitution should work, except it is turkey bacon. Ah well, we celebrated the spirit of the occasion and that's what is important!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v3EoIVT-T-Y/T1Ez4LfsvBI/AAAAAAAAA9U/oiBK5pTrDNI/s1600/green+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v3EoIVT-T-Y/T1Ez4LfsvBI/AAAAAAAAA9U/oiBK5pTrDNI/s320/green+eggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-43579184338603592202012-02-27T13:31:00.001-06:002012-02-27T13:36:31.240-06:00Not My Favorite Restaurant Here<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thursday was a nice day. The sun was shining and it was very warm out--about 72 degrees. This was a change from the mostly rainy weather and one snow dusting we have had this winter. The kids hadn't been outside to play in weeks because our backyard was never dry. The yard still wasn’t dry, but when Mark got off work, we took the kids to a local park. The kids had a blast (except for that one moment when another little girl hit Anna). I had fun (except for that moment when the aforementioned kid’s mom threatened to spank her, she couldn’t have even been two).</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After the park, we decided to go out to eat. This is a rare treat for us. I like to cook, Mark likes to cook and we are both pretty good at it (him better than me, but only because he’s had more practice). For this reason, we eat almost exclusively at home with the occasional take out meal. I had been itching to go to Carino’s because I received a good coupon in the mail, but I had left it at home. Instead, we decided on Longhorn Steakhouse. We liked the one we went to in SC.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That was a big mistake. We had to wait over an hour to get a table. They had two large parties come in before us. We could see that all the tables on one side of the restaurant were put together for one party. On the other side, all but one table was put together. Fine. We are patient people, we can wait. But, after about 45 minutes, they seated another group ahead of us. Then, after about an hour we realized the people in the first large party were <em><strong>just now getting their food</strong></em>. We could have left, and we thought about it, but by the time we went anywhere else (even a drive through) we would still be eating at about the same time. Plus, the older kids were looking forward to eating by the “skeletons” aka dead longhorn heads on the wall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Coincidently, when I asked the hostess how much longer we would have to wait; I was informed they were cleaning off our table right now. So, we get seated and our waitress brings us the customary bread basket. <strong>TIP: If you have a table of six that has been waiting for over an hour and especially if four of those people are children, bring at least two baskets.</strong> The kids had the bread devoured in no time. Our waitress took our order and brought us another bread basket. I ordered for everyone, but Mark. He ordered grilled chicken with mushrooms, a baked potato and rice. She read it back as grilled chicken with mushrooms, mashed potatoes and rice. Thankfully, I picked up on the mistake and corrected her. However, when we got our meal, Mark had his baked potato, but he also had parmesan crusted chicken. [head palm] </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our waitress was nice enough, but a bit spacey. There was the miscommunication about potatoes, the mix-up with the chicken and she had a button undone right in the middle of her shirt. Any one of those is no big deal, but add them all together…. She also really needs to learn to <strong>not</strong> over share. I know more about this woman’s life than I do my neighbors. I know enough details that if I were to type them all here and her co-workers read this blog, I bet they would know exactly about whom I am writing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Poor Anna, she couldn’t hold out for our food to come. She fell asleep halfway in my lap and half in her chair. Who can blame her though? We arrived at 6:37PM and got our food at 8:24PM. I ate my salmon (which was good, btw) with one hand.</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The evening wasn’t a complete failure. All of the kids were golden the whole time. They never got whiney or cranky while we were waiting. They used their manners and were on their best behavior. We even got complimented on their conduct. The women at the next table over said, “When you first walked in, we thought ‘wow, they have a lot of kids’, but now we see why. They behave so well!” Our kids make me proud.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And just because I can’t resist, here is the best photo from our outing to the park:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Best Buds</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--L5yhCdzY-U/T0vYpaFLGwI/AAAAAAAAA9M/ZmYdUKzGtso/s1600/bestbuds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--L5yhCdzY-U/T0vYpaFLGwI/AAAAAAAAA9M/ZmYdUKzGtso/s320/bestbuds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-41455338099381445902012-02-23T02:18:00.000-06:002012-02-23T02:18:57.994-06:00Amend It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was one of my favorite shirts:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JkqxU6xtqI/T0XysoPFD_I/AAAAAAAAA80/1t_PGqlulWg/s1600/brnshirt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JkqxU6xtqI/T0XysoPFD_I/AAAAAAAAA80/1t_PGqlulWg/s320/brnshirt1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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I noticed that a few mysterious, tiny holes appeared. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-maeM0gRAMJY/T0Xy-Nhp_BI/AAAAAAAAA88/V7K9sgN_Cew/s1600/brnshirt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-maeM0gRAMJY/T0Xy-Nhp_BI/AAAAAAAAA88/V7K9sgN_Cew/s320/brnshirt3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Here is a close up of one hole:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJyeHBbES50/T0XyGV0OqUI/AAAAAAAAA8c/z8PFsuAkAj0/s1600/brnshirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" lda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJyeHBbES50/T0XyGV0OqUI/AAAAAAAAA8c/z8PFsuAkAj0/s320/brnshirt2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I didn’t want to throw away an otherwise perfectly good shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to eBay and bought some small crocheted flowers for a total of $4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I sewed them over the holes in my shirt (with a couple extra flowers for good measure).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Problem solved!</span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJJmfS4XHr0/T0XzAtfJx7I/AAAAAAAAA9E/lgKon69LaXA/s1600/brnshirt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJJmfS4XHr0/T0XzAtfJx7I/AAAAAAAAA9E/lgKon69LaXA/s320/brnshirt4.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-31669951510870378772012-02-22T05:57:00.001-06:002012-03-02T12:13:59.973-06:00Good-bye Carolina, Hello Texas<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had a whole post typed out, and then I had Mark read it. He said it was good, but sounded <strong>clichéd</strong>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-spacerun: yes;">**crickets chirping** </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don’t like to admit it, but he was right. So instead of lamenting about how the culture and personality of the region got into my blood, I will simply say that sometimes I miss the Carolinas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">BTW, I refer to the Carolinas as one because we lived in both North and South for almost equal amounts of time and we had two kids in each. NC might have a slight edge because we were married there. Then again, SC might have an edge because we loved our house there. Either way, Carolina was home to our family for 13 years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few months ago, a career opportunity for Mark presented itself. We made the second major move of our marriage and came to my home state of Texas. I am delighted to be closer to my family. For the first time in many years, I am able to see my parents and other family more than once or twice a year. However, all major moves have their drawbacks. Getting everyone and everything settled takes time. We are adjusting, but it has taken more time than I thought it would. Little things like finding a great grocery store or hairdresser makes a new place feel more like home. I haven't really found either yet, but I will. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Until then, I keep playing James Taylor's <em>Carolina in my Mind</em>. Here is a beautiful version by Alison Krauss</span>:</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-36603583005305595102012-02-17T09:58:00.002-06:002012-02-17T09:58:58.824-06:00A New Name, A New Look<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So much has happened since the last time I blogged about anything significant! For starters, I have a new look and a new name for the blog. It took me months to come up with just the right name that wouldn't bankrupt me. So now you can catch me here at crewmom (dot) com. Seems silly now that it took me so long. I can be a bit obsessive when it comes to names though. We also had a major life change that will have to wait until next time. Yeah, yeah, I'll keep you waiting, but only for a day or so. But take a look at some of things we have been up to the past 8 months:</div>
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We went to the beach in Alabama</div>
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We drove over to Florida so we could add another state to mine and the kids' lists. Mark has already been to all but Alaska and Hawaii. ;-)</div>
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Garrett had his 6th birthday.</div>
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We dressed up for Halloween.</div>
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The kids had a blast playing in the rain/mud because I'm cool like that.</div>
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Emily had her 11th birthday.</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-15794353789368820652012-02-10T04:03:00.001-06:002012-02-10T04:03:21.885-06:00Still HereThe transition is almost complete! If you are a returning visitor, you may notice I have a new look and a new name. I haven't officially launched yet, but I wanted to do a quick update to say I am working on it. If I can get some good photos of the kids, I will do an announcement on Saturday or Sunday or Monday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-38696713260894264772011-11-07T01:52:00.002-06:002011-11-07T01:55:02.211-06:00We Haven't Fallen Off the MapJust a quick note to let you know that this blog has not been forgotten. We're just in the middle of making some big changes. Stay tuned for a better blog coming soon.<br /><br />Love,<br />Christi and FamilyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-54162181145568125472011-05-31T17:32:00.005-05:002012-03-02T12:13:32.578-06:00Backyard "Camping"We spent our Memorial Day evening "camping" in the backyard. We didn't actually spend the night outside, hence "camping" versus camping. Frankly, Mark and I didn't think the kids would make it all night and he had to go to work today. The only one disappointed in not sleeping outside was Garrett so I think he and Mark will be trying that next weekend. However, we had fun at our pseudo-campsite, the kids:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Played in the tent</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrOn4VZ03Uc/TeVwWzQiURI/AAAAAAAAA1g/AOH6kqv_AU8/s1600/BYcamping4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613016047606190354" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrOn4VZ03Uc/TeVwWzQiURI/AAAAAAAAA1g/AOH6kqv_AU8/s400/BYcamping4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chilled in the camp chair...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sk3Mpuvr9Bg/TeVwWsXDo9I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/LV-0JOScwKw/s1600/BYcamping2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613016045754491858" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sk3Mpuvr9Bg/TeVwWsXDo9I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/LV-0JOScwKw/s400/BYcamping2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ran around with their own flashlights...</span></span></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k34ijVGWRNU/TeVwWrxjbII/AAAAAAAAA1Q/psvurtHhRbc/s1600/BYcamping1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613016045597191298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k34ijVGWRNU/TeVwWrxjbII/AAAAAAAAA1Q/psvurtHhRbc/s400/BYcamping1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVxHkqiAlJ4/TeVwHbBpSXI/AAAAAAAAA1I/cNUQMdxHjB0/s1600/BYcamping6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613015783403243890" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVxHkqiAlJ4/TeVwHbBpSXI/AAAAAAAAA1I/cNUQMdxHjB0/s400/BYcamping6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cooked (turkey) hot dogs over the fire...</span></span></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsMFHA5QYDc/TeVwHCzwHeI/AAAAAAAAA1A/2Jto5QkfTmY/s1600/BYcamping3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613015776902520290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsMFHA5QYDc/TeVwHCzwHeI/AAAAAAAAA1A/2Jto5QkfTmY/s400/BYcamping3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BaiUDa0O93Y/TeVwG0bT19I/AAAAAAAAA04/cjC_HoojwRM/s1600/BYcamping5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613015773041907666" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BaiUDa0O93Y/TeVwG0bT19I/AAAAAAAAA04/cjC_HoojwRM/s400/BYcamping5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 274px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">And ate outside.</span></span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auEoQQTnThs/TeVwGhzd9XI/AAAAAAAAA0w/JjpR2WiOl_E/s1600/BYcamping7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613015768042960242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auEoQQTnThs/TeVwGhzd9XI/AAAAAAAAA0w/JjpR2WiOl_E/s400/BYcamping7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njwDq9We3_8/TeVwGXbAbgI/AAAAAAAAA0o/YB5Gh1GRzYM/s1600/BYcamping8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613015765256007170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njwDq9We3_8/TeVwGXbAbgI/AAAAAAAAA0o/YB5Gh1GRzYM/s400/BYcamping8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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We also toasted marshmallows to make s'mores. I think we all had a blast. What can be better than junk food, getting dirty and spending time together?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-46388710733381511212011-05-17T17:09:00.008-05:002012-03-02T12:13:19.506-06:00Meatloaf Cupcakes and Spaghetti CakeMy kids are strange....they love meatloaf. Okay, they are not that strange because they love <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> meatloaf and my meatloaf is awesome. Knowing how much they love meatloaf, I decided to shake things up a bit and try my hand at meatloaf cupcakes. The cupcakes are super easy to make, if not a little time consuming. Simply mix your favorite meatloaf recipe and fill a muffin pan with it ( TIP: either use liners or spray the pan first). Bake until done, about 45 minutes for regular muffins, 30 minutes for minis at 350 degrees F. After you take them out of the oven, let them cool. Then frost with mashed potatoes.<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 180%;">Mini Meatloaf Cupcakes</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlysrpZFpYM/TdLz91ZnzbI/AAAAAAAAAz4/0EyQNicFfTQ/s1600/mini%2Bmeatloaf%2Bcupcakes.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607812729661803954" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlysrpZFpYM/TdLz91ZnzbI/AAAAAAAAAz4/0EyQNicFfTQ/s400/mini%2Bmeatloaf%2Bcupcakes.jpg" style="display: block; height: 255px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 180%;"><br />Meatloaf Cupcake</span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RopIyXnr474/TdLzhf1l7wI/AAAAAAAAAzw/JDkYtPKr3lI/s1600/meatloaf%2Bcupcake.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607812242837204738" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RopIyXnr474/TdLzhf1l7wI/AAAAAAAAAzw/JDkYtPKr3lI/s400/meatloaf%2Bcupcake.jpg" style="display: block; height: 253px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
And what would be the fun of having meatloaf cupcakes without a funky dessert? In keeping with the spirit of incognito food, I decided to make another spaghetti cake. Also, since I have been asked for directions on how to make one I decided to do it step-by-step here.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Spaghetti Cake</span><br />
<br />
1. Bake your cake. I like to use chocolate, but just about any will work. I also use a box mix--my talent lies in the decorating.<br />
2. Get your frosting. I do make my own using 16 oz cream cheese, 1 stick butter (both at room temp) and confectioner's sugar to taste. I add a little ivory and yellow food coloring to get the "cooked spaghetti" color.<br />
3. Assemble what else you will need: strawberry jam, almond bark, cheese grater, big round chocolates, pastry bag, #5 Wilton tip, and the attachment thingy-ma-jig whose name I can't remember.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAX8KNOS56M/TdLzhejNXVI/AAAAAAAAAzo/ABq0flwX7uM/s1600/spag%2Bcake%2Bingredients.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607812242491661650" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAX8KNOS56M/TdLzhejNXVI/AAAAAAAAAzo/ABq0flwX7uM/s400/spag%2Bcake%2Bingredients.jpg" style="display: block; height: 273px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>If using a chocolate cake, spread a little icing on first so the dark color doesn't show through.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHeaxmg32z4/TdLzgy7teEI/AAAAAAAAAzg/8NlSfHBinXs/s1600/spag%2Bcake%2Bfirst%2Blayer.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607812230783268930" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHeaxmg32z4/TdLzgy7teEI/AAAAAAAAAzg/8NlSfHBinXs/s400/spag%2Bcake%2Bfirst%2Blayer.jpg" style="display: block; height: 329px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Attach the #5 tip to the pastry bag, fill it with the icing and go to town.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tbFXXtmEx7E/TdLzggLe4uI/AAAAAAAAAzY/ItT8ECZJd0E/s1600/spag%2Bcake%2B2nd%2Blayer.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607812225749148386" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tbFXXtmEx7E/TdLzggLe4uI/AAAAAAAAAzY/ItT8ECZJd0E/s400/spag%2Bcake%2B2nd%2Blayer.jpg" style="display: block; height: 288px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Take care to fill in all the gaps. Purposefully get some on the sides to make it look more authentic.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PA6R0aUDw8/TdLzgpQJt7I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/P4S258raA3I/s1600/spag%2Bcake%2B3rd%2Blayer.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607812228184651698" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PA6R0aUDw8/TdLzgpQJt7I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/P4S258raA3I/s400/spag%2Bcake%2B3rd%2Blayer.jpg" style="display: block; height: 311px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Pour the jam into a bowl and stir to get it smooth.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_O0VWU1DMI/TdLymq1vF2I/AAAAAAAAAzA/I56xslOiOEY/s1600/spag%2Bcake%2Bsauce%2B1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607811232178313058" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_O0VWU1DMI/TdLymq1vF2I/AAAAAAAAAzA/I56xslOiOEY/s400/spag%2Bcake%2Bsauce%2B1.jpg" style="display: block; height: 337px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>If you want, add a little yellow food coloring to get a deeper color.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHeZtG6VxzI/TdLymd9J87I/AAAAAAAAAy4/cySMm9mtdq0/s1600/spag%2Bcake%2Bsauce%2B2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607811228719772594" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHeZtG6VxzI/TdLymd9J87I/AAAAAAAAAy4/cySMm9mtdq0/s400/spag%2Bcake%2Bsauce%2B2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 380px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Plop some jam on top of the cake.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6mfKgbtHa6I/TdLy7d7fH7I/AAAAAAAAAzI/mbEHCb_IOjk/s1600/spag%2Bcake%2B4th%2Blayer1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607811589490024370" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6mfKgbtHa6I/TdLy7d7fH7I/AAAAAAAAAzI/mbEHCb_IOjk/s400/spag%2Bcake%2B4th%2Blayer1.jpg" style="display: block; height: 333px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Gently spread the jam around. Be careful not to squish too much "spaghetti" in the process.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eD48bcZbi0c/TdLymH8ESbI/AAAAAAAAAyw/qQnEV9nF8Fo/s1600/spag%2Bcake%2B4th%2Blayer2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607811222809627058" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eD48bcZbi0c/TdLymH8ESbI/AAAAAAAAAyw/qQnEV9nF8Fo/s400/spag%2Bcake%2B4th%2Blayer2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 322px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Add the chocolate balls/truffles/whatever to the top and grate some almond bark for Parmesan cheese.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0fst8IZIVg/TdLyl4oSGAI/AAAAAAAAAyo/4ZzJrHCNpMc/s1600/spag%2Bcake%2Bfinish1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607811218700113922" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0fst8IZIVg/TdLyl4oSGAI/AAAAAAAAAyo/4ZzJrHCNpMc/s400/spag%2Bcake%2Bfinish1.jpg" style="display: block; height: 324px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Then you'll have a finished Spaghetti Cake!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jsTxzW576M/TdLylzJTnFI/AAAAAAAAAyg/B5lV4l1q_hw/s1600/spag%2Bcake%2Bfinish2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607811217228012626" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jsTxzW576M/TdLylzJTnFI/AAAAAAAAAyg/B5lV4l1q_hw/s400/spag%2Bcake%2Bfinish2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 270px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-78914614941474700012011-05-16T17:59:00.004-05:002012-03-02T12:12:45.650-06:00Charleston PicsLast week, we had to go to Charleston for an appointment (more about that at a later date). We went down early enough to spend a little bit of time at the beach. I do not have photos from there. Last time I took a camera to the beach, it stopped working. I decided not to risk my very cool camera this time around. However, I took some good shots of what we could see from the van:<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec86AzozuEo/TdGuIT1FddI/AAAAAAAAAyY/q3IgQLLWOC4/s1600/char1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607454468838094290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec86AzozuEo/TdGuIT1FddI/AAAAAAAAAyY/q3IgQLLWOC4/s400/char1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKW-8KjcTP0/TdGuHzjNoCI/AAAAAAAAAx4/MdwYQlhlU0A/s1600/char5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607454460173197346" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKW-8KjcTP0/TdGuHzjNoCI/AAAAAAAAAx4/MdwYQlhlU0A/s400/char5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 183px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8JhEFVAeFA/TdGuH9egm5I/AAAAAAAAAyA/Da3vnaoKvBM/s1600/char4.jpg"><br /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LqqCl6o9giI/TdGuIKJQvNI/AAAAAAAAAyI/GsY4xy7RO6U/s1600/char3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607454466238364882" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LqqCl6o9giI/TdGuIKJQvNI/AAAAAAAAAyI/GsY4xy7RO6U/s400/char3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 194px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEE1v_5V54c/TdGuITt8-xI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/KCXLTwcIQ4g/s1600/char2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607454468808178450" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEE1v_5V54c/TdGuITt8-xI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/KCXLTwcIQ4g/s400/char2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 203px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8DcJpIwb6w/TdGtwI8JwFI/AAAAAAAAAxo/TCVSjJ5_WvE/s1600/char7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607454053598085202" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8DcJpIwb6w/TdGtwI8JwFI/AAAAAAAAAxo/TCVSjJ5_WvE/s400/char7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 133px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXD_wOaxXo8/TdGtv8QLvbI/AAAAAAAAAxg/jCpOof8-Qn0/s1600/char8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607454050192440754" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXD_wOaxXo8/TdGtv8QLvbI/AAAAAAAAAxg/jCpOof8-Qn0/s400/char8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 160px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUy--lFsIF0/TdGtvoocOwI/AAAAAAAAAxY/raBqDUXbjQU/s1600/char9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607454044925475586" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUy--lFsIF0/TdGtvoocOwI/AAAAAAAAAxY/raBqDUXbjQU/s400/char9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 274px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I also attempted, once again, to get a good photo of all the kids together. I must truly be the the eternal optimist as this was the best I got:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNHGQbTS2TU/TdGtvQ6MOmI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/iPLy9yiph74/s1600/charKids.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607454038557473378" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNHGQbTS2TU/TdGtvQ6MOmI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/iPLy9yiph74/s400/charKids.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 318px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Sorry this post is so short on words. Maybe next time there will be more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220026699870774478.post-9183396816636523872011-04-26T07:40:00.004-05:002012-03-02T12:12:21.687-06:00Easter 2011 (mostly photos)I learned on Sunday that each kid has their own individual style of hunting eggs:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUklT7UIBhs/Tba-xrSUtpI/AAAAAAAAAv4/hAA3IPAk6xY/s1600/EasterGarrett.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872947324237458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUklT7UIBhs/Tba-xrSUtpI/AAAAAAAAAv4/hAA3IPAk6xY/s400/EasterGarrett.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 252px;" /></a>Drop and Run<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g764aj33u04/Tba-xaRENuI/AAAAAAAAAvw/IrxtaMEAszg/s1600/EasterAustin.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872942755559138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g764aj33u04/Tba-xaRENuI/AAAAAAAAAvw/IrxtaMEAszg/s400/EasterAustin.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 354px;" /></a>Squat and Grab<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46PvoE0rXuA/Tba-mPtYmMI/AAAAAAAAAvo/_kj833vIE9I/s1600/EasterEmily.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872750942984386" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46PvoE0rXuA/Tba-mPtYmMI/AAAAAAAAAvo/_kj833vIE9I/s400/EasterEmily.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 293px;" /></a>Bend and Pick<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4pHKx4mX-Y/Tba-l5cthKI/AAAAAAAAAvg/__QNrrhOHII/s1600/EasterAnna.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872744967472290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4pHKx4mX-Y/Tba-l5cthKI/AAAAAAAAAvg/__QNrrhOHII/s400/EasterAnna.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a>Stop everything and pose for the camera<br />
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Since the kids were dressed so nicely, I took the opportunity to try, once again, to take a good group shot. Once again, I came<span style="font-style: italic;"> so close</span> to getting the perfect photo. Ah well, at least this time there were no tears or sullen attitudes or distractions. Best of all, the kids were mostly cooperative. That, my friends, is happy progress. <span style="font-style: italic;"></span> And I just have to say: I have some great looking kids!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jg-1vjkzka8/Tba-l5CV-II/AAAAAAAAAvY/pVDtxcF0IkY/s1600/EasterGroup1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872744856877186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jg-1vjkzka8/Tba-l5CV-II/AAAAAAAAAvY/pVDtxcF0IkY/s400/EasterGroup1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBbw1kXOvZk/Tba-lpB6P7I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/w46oTmHVvTs/s1600/EasterGroup2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872740560093106" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBbw1kXOvZk/Tba-lpB6P7I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/w46oTmHVvTs/s400/EasterGroup2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLybl0wvon8/Tba-lvPYJ6I/AAAAAAAAAvI/jRpf1m9W7lc/s1600/EasterGroup3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872742227191714" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLybl0wvon8/Tba-lvPYJ6I/AAAAAAAAAvI/jRpf1m9W7lc/s400/EasterGroup3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Srx-Goi9GuY/Tba99WheRZI/AAAAAAAAAvA/zS3bdNdYpN8/s1600/EasterGroup4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872048397436306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Srx-Goi9GuY/Tba99WheRZI/AAAAAAAAAvA/zS3bdNdYpN8/s400/EasterGroup4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPJ-eZfIoec/Tba99NLEvnI/AAAAAAAAAu4/_QAmKZMney8/s1600/EasterGroup5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872045887569522" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPJ-eZfIoec/Tba99NLEvnI/AAAAAAAAAu4/_QAmKZMney8/s400/EasterGroup5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGJKYVODpjg/Tba99D1jXWI/AAAAAAAAAuw/Te3Xr_Ty8Yg/s1600/EasterGroup6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872043381382498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGJKYVODpjg/Tba99D1jXWI/AAAAAAAAAuw/Te3Xr_Ty8Yg/s400/EasterGroup6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfrmcdNV59c/Tba9807tokI/AAAAAAAAAuo/z6nBTjl9QBU/s1600/EasterGroup7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872039380689474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfrmcdNV59c/Tba9807tokI/AAAAAAAAAuo/z6nBTjl9QBU/s400/EasterGroup7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxNQSjhRIko/Tba98zWXR3I/AAAAAAAAAug/_p9t7oLl99Y/s1600/EasterGroup8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599872038955599730" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxNQSjhRIko/Tba98zWXR3I/AAAAAAAAAug/_p9t7oLl99Y/s400/EasterGroup8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nagoS0n2cs/Tba9mGTN6hI/AAAAAAAAAuY/YgRh7pOhbNQ/s1600/EasterGroup9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599871648905685522" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nagoS0n2cs/Tba9mGTN6hI/AAAAAAAAAuY/YgRh7pOhbNQ/s400/EasterGroup9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvvA0zcvf-g/Tba9lxNdIfI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/JpXe1HUaCBM/s1600/EasterGroup11.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599871643244372466" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvvA0zcvf-g/Tba9lxNdIfI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/JpXe1HUaCBM/s400/EasterGroup11.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmGuPZbxCqg/Tba9llDlw_I/AAAAAAAAAuI/uRCixQEZNmU/s1600/EasterGroup12.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599871639981769714" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmGuPZbxCqg/Tba9llDlw_I/AAAAAAAAAuI/uRCixQEZNmU/s400/EasterGroup12.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-licZFWZqpZ4/Tba9lDFy9MI/AAAAAAAAAuA/jWryabxN4nc/s1600/EasterGroup3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599871630864217282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-licZFWZqpZ4/Tba9lDFy9MI/AAAAAAAAAuA/jWryabxN4nc/s400/EasterGroup3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>My favorite of the boys.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cq5PfujkYzE/Tba9lAMdSAI/AAAAAAAAAt4/5DM7DpGeJco/s1600/EasterGroup13.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599871630086850562" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cq5PfujkYzE/Tba9lAMdSAI/AAAAAAAAAt4/5DM7DpGeJco/s400/EasterGroup13.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>My favorite of the girls.<br />
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You may have noticed I have a new photo at the top of the blog. You may have also noticed that photo is missing from this lineup. The simple explanation is that I combined two photos into one. I finally started playing around with the editing program on my laptop (which I've had for a year). Ideally, I would have liked to take the best shot of each kid and put them all in the same photo, but I'm just not that good yet. The best I could do is splice two together.</div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0