tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64678796111653509542024-03-16T02:08:57.425-05:00Down the Road Less TraveledOne Woman's Journey...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-16447508577590987612011-02-07T22:46:00.000-06:002011-02-07T22:46:09.701-06:00Weekly Menu Planning<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Mon. – Creamy potato soup, steamed broccoli, roasted garlic bread</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Tues. – Veggie lasagna, French bread, salad<br />
Wed. – Cheese/bean quesadillas, black beans, corn<br />
Thurs. – Farmer’s Pie, rolls<br />
Fri. – Homemade pizza, bread sticks, salad<br />
Sat. – Sesame stir fry, rice, homemade egg rolls<br />
Sun. – Leftovers </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-70271081745724346862010-09-08T16:14:00.000-05:002010-09-08T16:14:39.757-05:00Homemade Pickles - Straight from the Garden<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9gIYHt33IOhvkZ3hJWmIDWcnhG4AJdklwq9CxfAuGNNHHQEYZ7YikrBz8auNbgNRE8hyMX3QaiaC-it8ji5GpLL4glielvxoQpZNeYzxZaRT80wJHpbtLTzX_6-MCxwZ9AkY1TAbWZp7/s200/IMGP2764.JPG" width="200" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXVUhKROyyTuwFNLfcmUlcWCuMwsrJNjAWLIgMCAmvHL1NB8KSrglHmfE3Dr-a3HGVTn17Xwhdpy-By-rQ-ug07I6oexA6f48iuk4NWPbuHb8FJ1LE6D0T9s5Y1ePuTu5XK-wTWY8hCwQ/s200/IMGP2765.JPG" width="200" /> <img border="0" height="133" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPgbLhRBsKV00vwnLYtQyGMq4g6Mq74OapHq2oARWTFWt42VdZ4Z9cDJYp_keHtk0A4Un7YqdTWM9sTruTLkanMZUyr3kijCpg82DybKTb6V4bZLiJxV6uxYiJQbOcpdl3f3-RHzqjuPM/s200/IMGP2766.JPG" width="200" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-31243632909472390112010-09-07T22:07:00.001-05:002010-09-08T18:09:34.028-05:00Back to SchoolToday was our first day back to “school.” So, what does that mean for homeschooled children that go to “school” year-round? Well, it means that my kids happily plunged into their new materials that have been sitting on the shelf waiting for them for the past few weeks. We still have a few loose ends to tie up from last year, but for the most part, everyone is moving forward with new materials. <br />
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With a new school year comes an updated family schedule. I wish I could tell you that wake up every morning, fly by the seat of our pants, and everything is magically completed at the end of the day. Unfortunately, that just isn’t so. I try every so often to work without a schedule, and find that we just don’t get as much done. So, the schedule is updated and perfected each year to reflect our needs. Again, we structure our time, not our content, still giving us quite a bit of flexibility with our day.<br />
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<iframe height="300" src="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1odzKhOfHNMSrhKB9DY6KE4ceCIzqg2PppNnzmIsDhcw&embedded=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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We have also updated our chore chart. The kids were getting tired of completing the same old chores each day, so to mix it up, we decided that we’d change chores every six months or so, so that everyone got a chance at the different chores.<br />
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<iframe height="300" src="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1u_nmz5twyFLnd3l3quBU4aSaWLZcW7IB7mrwiwtkVTA&embedded=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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In order to help us remember what we would like to get accomplished each day, the kids have a daily work chart.<br />
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<iframe height="300" src="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1rOZ2f7E7buPFS1SHo-mp2rw4IF5_g5sbAKZ-BRILR7k&embedded=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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If you can’t tell, I am a visual person, so the charts help me to know what we still have left to accomplish each day. I have each chart in a page protector on the refrigerator so the kids can mark off each item when they complete them, with a dry erase marker.<br />
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I am working to get a listing of each of their curricula and will post it as soon as I have it complied.<br />
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Here’s to a great “school year”!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-32893829253797161772010-09-01T20:02:00.000-05:002010-09-01T20:02:09.238-05:00Oily Beach - My Child's Unprompted Feelings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB4HzpdEeSK-tAvRwUd4_FYSaFF_iMWjXOl1C6XXLnxXKvLSo9AWAKgjAi2dN62GcCqV7hECCEgYPAZelk4UFPtuehhhX8WawHIuKRhW2yGJk65ybSapFArmhOILwHGdGCqyCT9SITQf_/s1600/IMGP2742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB4HzpdEeSK-tAvRwUd4_FYSaFF_iMWjXOl1C6XXLnxXKvLSo9AWAKgjAi2dN62GcCqV7hECCEgYPAZelk4UFPtuehhhX8WawHIuKRhW2yGJk65ybSapFArmhOILwHGdGCqyCT9SITQf_/s640/IMGP2742.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-10345876981513120022010-06-09T21:02:00.008-05:002010-06-09T21:25:36.981-05:00Wordless Wednesday - Jolie's Second Locks of Love Donation<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.locksoflove.org/">Locks of Love</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhas3oKK7UJUdmLS-NE76Rw03JzDUDx7lDXq_tG9TfSHhyphenhyphencyK9rfSMaL3a9_AEb9nrmszNnERhpdKq2735GHSvYZBnXbrO3JWPFcRGWKHxMW89-h4SXoEvnYRO4IFk2jE3RaZuHAsBN6yCS/s1600/IMGP2074.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; 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width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJKxl4HV9AEAa_FvRGy0hyphenhyphenss_JCUs5tVWPZQcmezRFHQaopZMxQbcJPzn8hBXqWmHbh0syicAWlV8Rom6UpNGcFnT529AThzoleV2TAmMvteztIy_K7hCVN4oQau3soyxVY1FblbffxSl/s320/IMGP2071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480962191316923922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlxTtheLLhzkZiF-pWexYROcgP_2usUE4zwdW5HIs1sLywpzpJZs3NUHeB62MEcRtSLXSCPUgicSzfOPoVEansiqKhfvxqG4B7kU98YjyHlZmyflzQGAp1EQ5nU9M7hYDI0CWTHlxvY_p/s1600/IMGP2093.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlxTtheLLhzkZiF-pWexYROcgP_2usUE4zwdW5HIs1sLywpzpJZs3NUHeB62MEcRtSLXSCPUgicSzfOPoVEansiqKhfvxqG4B7kU98YjyHlZmyflzQGAp1EQ5nU9M7hYDI0CWTHlxvY_p/s320/IMGP2093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480963618328681650" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.locksoflove.org/"></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-70293944036341340752010-05-18T20:43:00.005-05:002010-05-18T21:22:22.637-05:00Tackle It Tuesday - Homeschool Papers<div><div><div><div><div>For me, I never know exactly what I should save of the kids' "school work." I am one of those who could save every scrap of paper the kids ever scribbled on. Because I know that about myself, rather than fight the urge, I have come up with a mini-compromise...organization.<br /><br />For school work, I comb bind the kids' papers each year for each subject. Well, actually it has been several years since I have taken the time to get the comb binder out, so that was my challenge for today. I organized each child's work according to subject and year, and then put it all in chronological order. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472800051078256722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Hypq7vpBtxll1kj4RXPBYgSq1QchxuwwQsQ26elXV3DKq3LR0ZbkGq0W-_Lw9sopJgk_cChwvhbyM6YhV66ZQG_M-aC6L2z6e6Onf7aeqHzVNDmDOhnfM_9T9r23pZsQFXeUwrzwiv6B/s320/IMGP1948.JPG" border="0" /><br />Putting everything in chronological order is the most time consuming. The kids place their completed work on the right side of their folder, saving the left side for unfinished work. I had multiple folders to go though for my older two, spread over several years, which made for a fun game of hide and seek. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472800042977735074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNDD3cDJxYW5IX8Jk625q_H8xDD2tgLLiB1hogdRL1cNuQACMkBg5ALmuBIWGiB2Da6UzAuH_sFd3LBtyZSq9u_MoOhmVAEjWcd_1YjUNBpR3ohIXKVCtGQzx5B-Ks2WKULkyI-2XBn2n/s320/IMGP1946.JPG" border="0" /><br />The comb binding is a synch, and takes hardly any time at all. I got my comb binder as a gift one year, and have gotten quite a bit of use out of it. I would highly recommend one for any homeschooling family. It comes in particularly handy for binding handwritten or typed stories that the kids have illustrated. </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472798383203060290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkDOannOoWxTR7_SGyHqKYCe4l2wJGxtM1xJBXa9pIllA87fAhyphenhyphenrz9e9cJ-RXYjJpHuKzACGyQ0stFkNEhPkxBGTrvpquRAuirIX6F6ZTlLGpHnbtNWGv3vvBaMbvgM7Jd46wHWGbIuSn/s320/IMGP1952.JPG" border="0" /><br />After my comb binding, I organized all of the kids' completed workbooks and placed them in a box. Not too difficult. I would like to upgrade to a Rubbermaid container at some point, but for now a moving box works just fine.<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472798392378672610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoZ6d-UB2-mnja6M6gXD1zITpy14s4OmHxJaqNtpRjBjMkLP-NzYc_0ujwPPk3tdTkhH3ulk34KvrClyqSztjkGXBcOH763ravpp4N04Mr82diDxsy5iuxugFzQwva1NR3uqxSGzukdpY/s320/IMGP1953.JPG" border="0" /><br />Next I tackled the unused curricula. It all fit in one moving box as well. I took out the supplies we'll need for next year and organized all of the books by subject. I will have to get the box back down at the end of this "school year" so I can put away this year's books, but they should all fit nicely. </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472798979395745906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59EfJAmoMdP6n5HserH0wIdQhyr3mvjiAFbh4C48zWV_J6C5onrIns8u0aXkv2PWmLKW5NYZRvskFlTKrqGDi_ODiKbkBvVaph1SzvEK_z2Pupk_QDNJbhHYB7QhGDfYxBBAVt0hxGRRF/s320/IMGP1954.JPG" border="0" /><br />So I feel I accomplished something today. I went from having several boxes of loose papers on the floor of my closet to having comb bound "books" by subject, date, and child. And the three boxes will take up considerably less space in my closet.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472798376114292418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmXOSn8R649nnglkkEmoDdGTJ111JP1lwcKl4NfXkvIoX1ohjLjNSsvkQUBRS3pI-IGs0HVRGUlJrF4doguMh4GMpSJmL5Lnu-2AySl6v1LopWgO6Kvq6ZvD-VX_pYFdUJC-Y1__c_65f/s320/IMGP1951.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-79307737973372605512010-05-12T21:49:00.007-05:002010-05-12T22:09:44.498-05:00Wordless Wednesday - Armed Forces Kids Run<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMirqihvOdPrOr0FHP1ZKsPdQwC5a_6Dyld0dWB6BMbAgsjRm2l4_UWPVxPWVYl_orZolYOGlOmNNrRRZ7NACki3AQMwJyyKveZtDYPHbVHsLWi0QdO_j2LGm11NfIRaZ_bq9O-16Bge-/s1600/IMGP1742.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470584181043221346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMirqihvOdPrOr0FHP1ZKsPdQwC5a_6Dyld0dWB6BMbAgsjRm2l4_UWPVxPWVYl_orZolYOGlOmNNrRRZ7NACki3AQMwJyyKveZtDYPHbVHsLWi0QdO_j2LGm11NfIRaZ_bq9O-16Bge-/s320/IMGP1742.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtpDNUK6nrzZ6QGxfp9BakFIj9o-gg2x147zzyXKXOt2cCIOccOmbhU_h1NGqZEoaeUibqxNTwmfGMPA8mexpk7gZkm6smaD1rnvwJYjYoPUvdhUP8OwrpItt7dqvOyop-BUwcQQlSURn/s1600/IMGP1739.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470584175766146306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtpDNUK6nrzZ6QGxfp9BakFIj9o-gg2x147zzyXKXOt2cCIOccOmbhU_h1NGqZEoaeUibqxNTwmfGMPA8mexpk7gZkm6smaD1rnvwJYjYoPUvdhUP8OwrpItt7dqvOyop-BUwcQQlSURn/s320/IMGP1739.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470585654325552610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7so-AEPQNNBt3WInnsLWe1n9ONfUj6TPoFUs9zV_4Kq6Y-YGatBpS2waY7bKdqOP6GOptc3lYxgo99e28FIPnkqYWHMxdxUj4Mit8tqldFa5GLfKLEyIiGHcc-3Wsli5SLOg5co_CIqJ/s320/IMGP1845.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470585647508397538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaC0Y0ZqC14xJv9UG8qsJnKscLsjtA66qd71vOW3eU51USTTDmZUkBne3ftb-HQXsTX1UfUSFZOl0-r97mKtbwqeb_iPwGU-bAOBQ_qQ-m7MR318-Ob9mJpqAVijbxmpTqlzxF321a6mD/s320/IMGP1797.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470585639131072882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0oblbL5rIJAlDE96ILbmnXEooehHUPl8eZrbNFVbrI2SZCNRlBaS0xJk-83RdD0ZZeAmHIallTfZb0dZFNLoA7lhEyOtqDktmY-YTvk8KB0cpxJguO0h7GhsFAkN33RDQqsYT7RgAsCG/s320/IMGP1748.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-79941846680562951372010-04-07T20:21:00.002-05:002010-04-07T21:11:47.589-05:00Child Safety Seat LawsToday I did some research on child safety seat laws after talking with a friend about car seats. I thought I knew the child safety seat laws for the state of Florida, but after our discussion, I realized that we had different ideas on the actual "law" in Florida.<br /><br />I was surprised to find out just how diverse the child safety seat laws are across the country. One state might require a child to be in a booster seat until they are 8 years old AND 80 lbs., while another might only require that a child is in a car seat until age 3. <br /><br />I am disappointed that Florida has some of the least stringent laws regarding child safety seats in the country. According to the <a href="http://www.iihs.org/laws/ChildRestraint.aspx">Insurance Institute for Highway Safety</a> website, in Florida a child 3 years and younger must be in a child restraint, and children 4-5 years old are permitted to wear adult safety belt. With that said, technically none of my children are required to be in a safety seat of any sort. I'm not good with that. My youngest is 4, but is only 35 lbs, and my 7 year old is only 42 lbs. I do not feel that either one of them should be riding in a vehicle without some sort of child safety seat. In the case of my 4 year old, he is currently in a traditional car seat, while my 7 year old is in a high-back booster seat. To be honest, my 10.5 year old just stopped using a backless booster seat last year, and is about 65 lbs.<br /><br />I tend to lean on the side of caution and safety, and prefer the guidelines set out by the <a href="http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.241877214356a6f602ec011066a046a0/?javax.portlet.tpst=4427b997caacf504a8bdba101891ef9a_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_4427b997caacf504a8bdba101891ef9a_viewID=detail_view&itemID=ce45e2542a964110VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD&viewType=standard">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a>. The NHTSA advises parents of four steps to help protect their children while riding in a vehicle.<br /><br />1. Infants - from birth to at least 1 year old and at least 20 pounds For the best possible protection keep infants in the back seat, in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a minimum, keep infants rear-facing until a minimum of age 1 and at least 20 pounds.<br /><br />2. Toddlers - Age 1 & 20 lbs to Age 4 & 40 lbs When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum age 1 and at least 20 pounds) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds).<br /><br />3. Children - from about age 4 to at least age 8 Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall).<br /><br />4. Tweens - age 8 and older When children outgrow their booster seats, (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall) they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat, if it fits properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest).<br /><br />I would encourage everyone to find out the child restraint laws in <a href="http://www.iihs.org/laws/ChildRestraint.aspx">their state</a>. If the laws in your state seem a bit lax, you may want to adopt the guidelines set forth by the NHTSA. Sometimes meeting the minimum standard just isn't enough when it comes to the safety of our children.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-77513597693795567422010-02-25T22:03:00.007-06:002010-02-25T22:45:36.451-06:00Fieldtrip to the Battleship USS AlabamaThis month's Co-op fieldtrip was an adventure to Mobile to see the <a href="http://www.ussalabama.com/about_park.php">USS Alabama battleship</a> and the USS Drum submarine. Since Hubby is a US Navy sailor, our family knows a thing or two about ships, but they were all young (or not born) the last time we toured a naval ship.<br /><br />The USS Alabama is a decommissioned WWII battleship that was purchased with donations collected by Alabama school children in 1964 after they learned that the ship was to be scrapped. On January 9, 1965, the USS Alabama was opened to the public, and was later joined by the USS Drum on July 4, 1969.<br /><br />The kids had a wonderful time. Some of the younger children were a bit hesitant to go down the first few ladder wells, but by the end of the tour, most of them were handling them like pros. My younger two, on the other hand, did not care for the ladder well at all, so I had to carry Jensen down all of the ladder wells, while Jolie walked down directly behind me so I could catch her if she fell.<br /><br />It was fun to see how sailors lived during WWII. Many things were different about their "ship life," but there were many more that were very similar to way sailors live on ships today.<br /><br />Here are a few photos from our adventure. Enjoy!<br /><br /><center></center><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkKwOlvp6A2MTz-dojncwsO4zfVQda8kcw6sYUYP_D4krm4wcgCz9o1kK8t3pAo_OF2-LXh5LWwyIuEk1pBWcxYPd1g8Dd_BeHzy00DLGZAdFDi0IF8KwlHCx-iMANz3oaS3EC4gDHRBf/s1600-h/IMGP0858.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442403305534325586" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkKwOlvp6A2MTz-dojncwsO4zfVQda8kcw6sYUYP_D4krm4wcgCz9o1kK8t3pAo_OF2-LXh5LWwyIuEk1pBWcxYPd1g8Dd_BeHzy00DLGZAdFDi0IF8KwlHCx-iMANz3oaS3EC4gDHRBf/s320/IMGP0858.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaepAWPbqYJhWStoExYlhXNsiAIQUjQJSkrEnYxE3xAHjElQ3JlRrihnBRTV5-MfAE_pc1mEeUMHjQEcqc4DHodKTAl2pihggTPaCJstzNT8ZgxXh9OnKYGD6x1h9OVnM0KYsVI_ZTLlx9/s1600-h/IMGP0867.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442403334636806322" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaepAWPbqYJhWStoExYlhXNsiAIQUjQJSkrEnYxE3xAHjElQ3JlRrihnBRTV5-MfAE_pc1mEeUMHjQEcqc4DHodKTAl2pihggTPaCJstzNT8ZgxXh9OnKYGD6x1h9OVnM0KYsVI_ZTLlx9/s320/IMGP0867.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispARXRMghAyZeIQSVoj33Zs1Kw6GpFV9QEBYpcjI9T2gFRzxBfVxyK2JCJQbpgjtz9H6Z3dxz3sqJz8BsCnmpopqSGpy_D63hWwMPakETZnkAK2qrQe-MzZ3b8qhVtlkBLB6FI_Lpi0U9/s1600-h/IMGP0875.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442403342708330050" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispARXRMghAyZeIQSVoj33Zs1Kw6GpFV9QEBYpcjI9T2gFRzxBfVxyK2JCJQbpgjtz9H6Z3dxz3sqJz8BsCnmpopqSGpy_D63hWwMPakETZnkAK2qrQe-MzZ3b8qhVtlkBLB6FI_Lpi0U9/s320/IMGP0875.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwjEGnM5dpRnw-9yjAK7iVsSO4_mh_xRSuT-QUqe-cafp4gPmzAF7rOIgl0G4Frk9gzmQ46utK-TViuG9XvZUHLI24irV2ZFt2UG8XPcmoT0n6y77w8Y6hYN2FHRKXmNXNCybFUypBilc/s1600-h/IMGP0885.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442407080058167378" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwjEGnM5dpRnw-9yjAK7iVsSO4_mh_xRSuT-QUqe-cafp4gPmzAF7rOIgl0G4Frk9gzmQ46utK-TViuG9XvZUHLI24irV2ZFt2UG8XPcmoT0n6y77w8Y6hYN2FHRKXmNXNCybFUypBilc/s320/IMGP0885.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHITSzEgwdRw2GvMpYE7PzIcZj3RfKE0RrZelq00NcAncpMSUMgLSu7_yeiSc27Pz1beEAXZbipNW3TgmICq79pw0Mmh4fXEwAQOnxvtzMItqtIuXyBvCn1D1gdBO7ZRXr2dFvwjQgR8r/s1600-h/IMGP0883.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442407066776463570" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHITSzEgwdRw2GvMpYE7PzIcZj3RfKE0RrZelq00NcAncpMSUMgLSu7_yeiSc27Pz1beEAXZbipNW3TgmICq79pw0Mmh4fXEwAQOnxvtzMItqtIuXyBvCn1D1gdBO7ZRXr2dFvwjQgR8r/s320/IMGP0883.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRSiU-xUsUsEH2aAODdr-_wd4pzSAjP2Q3_WGYVlS0yE3ru4cr60DVUFU8O87-6pQqiPXMr_jtBW0hT5MP16DhQ_W_uaA9SisvWGFY3V6upmNn2tWcIHT5lGlzEwzK3MjtbEr9Mo6sucp/s1600-h/IMGP0914.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442405765535860674" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRSiU-xUsUsEH2aAODdr-_wd4pzSAjP2Q3_WGYVlS0yE3ru4cr60DVUFU8O87-6pQqiPXMr_jtBW0hT5MP16DhQ_W_uaA9SisvWGFY3V6upmNn2tWcIHT5lGlzEwzK3MjtbEr9Mo6sucp/s320/IMGP0914.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXcznlwcL90b-UADL-0vzITsyC00krkzZoiZkfplN4fircxvvYZjhNfqC5TAn-8jqwZFYeSS-FPHz4fI-Gkaym6Yiho8_QD_6MBQHnNyFfPg9w9szvf0b9oqM6TNyJ4XDY1cDrzOTh_8D/s1600-h/IMGP0912.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442405751170925106" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXcznlwcL90b-UADL-0vzITsyC00krkzZoiZkfplN4fircxvvYZjhNfqC5TAn-8jqwZFYeSS-FPHz4fI-Gkaym6Yiho8_QD_6MBQHnNyFfPg9w9szvf0b9oqM6TNyJ4XDY1cDrzOTh_8D/s320/IMGP0912.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YAiTbeVyZT4yk_CXi30KApP9nDsAyz_SHiDBFoCLmmxEzpSRKTjWRsFhggu7hXUcQqz7HPBl9yrx7TaBmoS7O5js_ZQKIKWgjZSF26SlEK5snURXAq31cZIUmK1w2TPTbkJETiHqIzOo/s1600-h/IMGP0910.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442405742554453666" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YAiTbeVyZT4yk_CXi30KApP9nDsAyz_SHiDBFoCLmmxEzpSRKTjWRsFhggu7hXUcQqz7HPBl9yrx7TaBmoS7O5js_ZQKIKWgjZSF26SlEK5snURXAq31cZIUmK1w2TPTbkJETiHqIzOo/s320/IMGP0910.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-14751040438357284112010-02-16T21:42:00.005-06:002010-02-16T22:43:06.087-06:00King Arthur's Sour Cream Muffins<div><div>One of my favorite holiday gifts of 2009 was the <em>King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking</em> cookbook that Hubby got me. We've sampled quite a few of the recipes, and have loved every one. Our favorite recipe thus far has been the Sour Cream Muffins.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439062493864882690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjQu2pa_J7-c_YrK-ivAImpTAQ50FdslwO4i5SsDoz-yTHymrhRSyXcK7wlHP8XxNbRXueWwiMMnFYkJFaeOCHvYl7CBt9rt8ZquyeZLB24FEDrshoUr3zUr3FKShQw1Bfynghy2w32o8/s400/IMGP0691.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><br /><div><strong>Sour Cream Muffins</strong></div><div><br />2 cups white whole wheat flour<br />1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour<br />1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1 teaspoon salt<br />4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened<br />1 cup sugar<br />2 large eggs<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1 cup sour cream<br />1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen berries or diced stone fruits</div><div>Coarse sugar for sprinkling<br /><br />Whisk together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the bowl to ensure the butter is fully incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and sour cream and mix just until incorporated. Add the dry ingredients on low speed and mix just until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in the fruit. Refrigerate the batter at least an hour.<br /></div><div>Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a muffin tin or line with papers. Scoop the batter by the 1/4-cupful into the prepared muffin pan. Bake the muffins until a tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 22 to 26 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a baking rack to finish cooling.</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439062488713131490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3h_ttbhL0C1eIzlHAAQFuChVvnaXJiuKzY-6w8hd4gNojQ00CRq-aRdL5mK4P3ha9Mwiaid1YU_e-FknAWDcpQUifZzVBeboC3bgj2QrJfUwrlld8GYIY9Ex5bBIxayIL4gTL8uaNYhB/s400/IMGP0686.JPG" border="0" /><br />We have tried both chopped, frozen red raspberries and chopped, frozen strawberries as add-ins on different occasions. The photos above are the strawberry version. I also have substituted low fat yogurt for the sour cream on both occasions. I don't always have sour cream on hand, but usually do have plain yogurt and have found that the plain yogurt still gives a recipe a similar bite as the sour cream, but without all of the fat and calories.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-16021730941451609562010-02-11T22:33:00.007-06:002010-02-11T22:45:33.452-06:00Room For EveryoneThis is the scene at our house most nights.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437211518655331746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUM8bk-ujLZDTd5xV8z6kEx71gJpI31RXaW9xsaO3IKriFNS3NDPwicvooB8qs30CHTfhEREdQUF49aixBj_cIjYet3FmDzvWU0NV8-3DksxtTxjBboeAdZn3hcpAMHd7fPFyqDfIpmzt/s400/IMGP0650.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437211527763261810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkOaL9uaFepxlCodwEgITzmoyYvj6QkdG7FGajWfQkRclORJWLDtdfNkbDlvFQEz5ITLo0sdZG4PD0JrQ1TJj8lVVaNAm1nAB8WgfihzzVz9OutH4O3kWo9OHIzKhWjRngeVDrtdvxdhf/s400/IMGP0653.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437211531858592994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNXkOnSd2m64YLPpJD54TKhTsC2fQNbo9hOmxbOBVztgo2Jsp2rN8GLaVyEhTxYHs5loROPfSCSDXmgId5GKPO1SdDn9DHCGC0FgzV9t-cHrZ9mTJGJKXMp96pbslyGElblZsoWJpIgSh/s400/IMGP0655.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>I'm not sure why we even have another bedroom for the kids. My vote is to buy a king size bed for the kids and the puppy, and turn the other bedroom into an office/guest room. Not really, but the thought does cross my mind from time to time.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Aren't they cute?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-89651756586156861822010-02-08T21:12:00.003-06:002010-02-08T21:44:27.144-06:00New Year, New Blog LayoutOut with the old, and in with the new. <br /><br />I thought it was about time to give this old blog a bit of a face lift...and hopefully with the face lift will come some more frequent blogs.<br /><br />I did some searching on <a href="http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/blog-secrets/144-how-to-make-your-own-background.html">how to create my own blog background</a> and found that digital scrapbooking materials do the job well. I found several sites, but liked the materials offered at <a href="http://shabbyprincess.com/">ShabbyPrincess</a> the best. ShabbyPrincess has some great scrapbooking collections that they offer as free downloads for personal use (even for use on personal, NON-commercial, blogs - check out their <a href="http://shabbyprincess.com/TermsOfUse.asp">Terms</a>). PowerPoint 2007 worked wonders for creating my background and made saving it as a .jpeg a breeze (just be cautious because not all of the older versions of PowerPoint have that nifty ability). I uploaded the background .jpeg and header .jpeg to <a href="http://photobucket.com/">PhotoBucket</a> (but, again, I'm sure another site, such as <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/">Picasa</a>, would have worked as well). A little fiddling with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Blogger</a> and I was done.<br /><br />Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. <br /><br />If you get a chance, jump on over and check out <a href="http://poliebeartime.blogspot.com/">Jolie's new blog background</a>. She, too, is hoping to get some new blogs posted in the near future. She has already begun writing a new story to post.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-26881791409571000702010-01-11T22:39:00.003-06:002010-01-11T22:48:16.790-06:00Pickles on Their Eyes<div>One of my children, who shall remain anonymous, asked the other day why people put pickles on their eyes. I explained that it was cucumbers that people sometimes put on their eyes, and it was to relieve puffiness. I was then corrected that cucumbers are made into pickles, so technically they were pickles. Rather than argue, I just smiled.</div><div></div><br /><div>So, here are my little ones with pickles on their eyes...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425709696317234338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtEWvgbEb5GocXXwyuGZAP6Zq1RKxw5rwmbXLD00Omy5Xs0jiCQwVS5ZDEcSQ2X_OfCHW88I0MXKGZgCcQa5kdaGErHGMha50V053hNGnM6ZdWqHsQOSmh5v_dh_QKBkFAAhydoF-iR4e/s400/IMGP0477.JPG" border="0" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-16127450292820442542010-01-11T21:50:00.004-06:002010-01-11T22:39:04.679-06:00I Think I Can, I Think I Can...In less than a month I will be running the <a href="http://doublebridgerun.com/DBRHome.cfm">Pensacola Double Bridge Run</a>. As the title suggests, it is a 15K run over the two bridges from Pensacola, through Gulf Breeze, and onto Pensacola Beach. <br /><br />I consider myself to be a fit person, exercising quite regularly. I run, bike, hike, kayak, walk. I even participated in a 5 hour Adventure Race with my hubby last year. But I have yet to run 9.3 miles in one stretch.<br /><br />I'm working my booty off (literally) in preparation for this race. Hubby and I ran 61 minutes on Sunday (he's running the race too). I'm trying to keep up with Dad, who ran over an hour as well on Sunday. He'll also be joining us for the race.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to the continued challenge of extending my runs and ultimately running the 15K race. A first place (or any place) ribbon are not on my agenda. I'm just looking forward to the challenge and finishing the race. I'd love to work myself up to a half marathon in the next few years...but let's focus on one challenge at a time.<br /><br />Hubby and I also planned out our two Adventure Races for the year. We're looking at one in June and one in September. I truly enjoy spending time with him preparing for and participating in these races. Woohoo for marrying your best friend! Let the good times continue to roll.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-13114890413889070952010-01-04T21:16:00.001-06:002010-01-04T21:20:56.628-06:002010 GoalsWith a new year come new goals. January 1st always feels like an opportunity at a fresh start. I used to have New Year’s “resolutions,” but like many, found that they were in some cases too lofty to actually achieve, or became tedious after a few months. Instead of “resolutions,” I like the idea of “goals.” Goals give me something to strive for, and if for some reason I find them to be too overwhelming, I have the opportunity to alter them as needed.<br /><br />After reading about <a href="http://thehappyhousewife.com/2010-goals/">The Happy Housewife’s goals</a>, I decided to break my goals down into categories, that way I can work on multiple areas of my life this year.<br /><br />My 2010 Goals<br /><br />Organization<br />Purge the house – work on one room each month (clean from top to bottom)<br />Hold two garage sales (spring/fall)<br />Reevaluate filing system – purge unneeded items; possibly scan others to disk<br /><br />Health<br />Stay active – make exercising a priority (30+ minutes 5+ days/week)<br />Complete two or more running/adventure races<br />Complete the <a href="http://www.detoxstrategy.com/">Detox Strategy</a> or similar detox program<br />Try an Elimination and/or Rotation diet<br /><br />Financial<br />Do not add pay increase to budget – save part of the increase (to fund fall vacation), pay down Jeep with the rest<br />Check budget weekly to monitor spending<br /><br />Learning<br />Increase time spent reading to kids<br />Work more one-on-one with each child<br />Schedule kids’ learning time around their individual clocks (Jolie early morning, Jensen midday, Jake early evening)<br />Plan and order new materials in the spring to avoid rush<br /><br />Personal<br />Have some fun – go on a monthly date night with Hubby (rock climbing, kayaking, biking, etc.)<br />Try hard to stick to my schedule – I know I work best with a schedule, and need to stick to it<br />Get out in the garden daily (if the weather allows)<br />Decrease computer time<br />Read more books that are outside my comfort zone (political, economic, etc.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-48568607420415964392009-12-23T20:52:00.005-06:002009-12-24T10:12:16.985-06:00Dancing Eves are Fun!<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNjE2NzEwNzUwNDcmcHQ9MTI2MTY3MTEwNjQ2NyZwPTQxODgxMyZkPTIwMzUxMCZnPTImbz1jM2JmZWU4YWQ2MzY*MmI*ODE3NDU*NjI4NjMyYjIxNSZvZj*w.gif" /><div style='background-color:#e9e9e9; width: 425px;'><object id='A800543' quality='high' data='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=smdqlcZmAw16uvjX&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' height='319' width='425'><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=smdqlcZmAw16uvjX&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='external_make_id=smdqlcZmAw16uvjX&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object><div style='text-align:center; width:435px; margin-top:6px;'>Send your own <a href='http://www.elfyourself.com'>ElfYourself</a> <a href='http://sendables.jibjab.com/ecards'>eCards</a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-5376417295710667482009-12-22T21:27:00.003-06:002009-12-22T22:40:17.033-06:00Decking the HallsPhotos of our home decorated for the winter holidays.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418286316734899714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlrpCWwbM8FsI_ZidJDtRaks9KNdjHjTSUWs_FwvIsiunqYXePSi3tAnpWTkYqvjIYKAMo6iyQe45QXOV-eEt3JcftfeMJp0AAp8YaqDreXPd8b6POtyyTqkp-0vVCQXP4T_h0LsdcggP/s400/PC190053.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtb7zBB9uF0v0DtmDJtzJx1agSVSGkaoZ1LUYn9jA2DdwiQ1wOfmpwTfky_9l4MBiTzmSj2cA5216Nsky0hG9QDoiBGciXR8L7idw-jS_4wUuxpnxrM8hKmjKEq0JQTU8Z1BGFZEs97Tn/s1600-h/PC190051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418286307627587106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtb7zBB9uF0v0DtmDJtzJx1agSVSGkaoZ1LUYn9jA2DdwiQ1wOfmpwTfky_9l4MBiTzmSj2cA5216Nsky0hG9QDoiBGciXR8L7idw-jS_4wUuxpnxrM8hKmjKEq0JQTU8Z1BGFZEs97Tn/s400/PC190051.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhM8DM1a8ZzpMyG3-ZEE-3H_rsZVSNkUt9zwKGDpYFCFhTOYsJCT391-HK9TppneyMODL9E-ziFogRyghZDq4t8a-9uEXOlhgk21fn3yJ5tiMduPFu2GxtDUI7NX8vL_2rH78qESUdBlN/s1600-h/PC180007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418286298899928290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhM8DM1a8ZzpMyG3-ZEE-3H_rsZVSNkUt9zwKGDpYFCFhTOYsJCT391-HK9TppneyMODL9E-ziFogRyghZDq4t8a-9uEXOlhgk21fn3yJ5tiMduPFu2GxtDUI7NX8vL_2rH78qESUdBlN/s400/PC180007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNdHrBNfb3WtuP0_23KyfagdNz4Uk2UZJBdXaOwjStj5jX-scKyqNaHtkYHDlklAMPGbHpUEHaAr07kG_XsMy6UxrLilJET1M8RYNx-Bo8SFF277a9jJbFA7McWxkb1msH2Lh0q2T5fW5/s1600-h/PC180036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418286293337447394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNdHrBNfb3WtuP0_23KyfagdNz4Uk2UZJBdXaOwjStj5jX-scKyqNaHtkYHDlklAMPGbHpUEHaAr07kG_XsMy6UxrLilJET1M8RYNx-Bo8SFF277a9jJbFA7McWxkb1msH2Lh0q2T5fW5/s400/PC180036.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-2836970402786768612009-12-22T21:14:00.001-06:002009-12-22T21:27:17.671-06:00You Lied to Me!So, apparently I am a liar. <br /><br />This year, Jensen has become obsessed with the holidays. And when I say holidays, I mean presents. For a child that is usually very giving and non-materialistic, he just won’t leave the idea alone. It is puzzling to me.<br /><br />While I was reading an article today, Jensen came up and asked me a question. I was focused on the article so I said, “wait a minute,” so I could finish the article and then focus my attention on him. When I finished the article he said that he was going to open a present from under the tree. I told him that he needed to wait a few more days, and then we would open the gifts.<br /><br />Jensen stopped dead in his tracks and glared at me. <br /><br />Jensen - “You lied to me! You told me that I could open a present.” <br />Me - “No, I didn’t. It isn’t time yet.”<br />Jensen – “You told me I could open one ‘in a minute.’”<br /><br />With a smile, I had to explain to him that I meant that I would be able to listen to his question in a minute, not that he’d be able to open a gift. He wasn’t pleased with my answer and walked away sulking, assured that I had lied to him.<br /><br />Note to self – remember that four year olds are in a literal phase of development.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-84495734531450956812009-12-16T21:27:00.005-06:002009-12-16T22:12:54.850-06:00Thanksgiving RecapFor the past twenty years or so my family has been spending Thanksgiving in the Smokey Mountains. When we started the tradition, my family shared a small two bedroom cabin with some family friends. We have now grown from four adults and six young children sharing a tiny cabin, to 20+ people splitting two large, luxury cabins, fifteen of which are now part of my extended family (up from the original six). It isn't often that we are all able to get together, so we all try our hardest to make it to the mountains for Thanksgiving.<br /><br />This year, my sisters, their significant others, my dad, Justin and I all hiked the 11 miles round trip to the top of Mount LeConte, an elevation of 6,593'. It was an awesome hike with breathtaking views. The last time we did that hike Justin and I were seniors in high school and he just about slid off the mountain. We tried looking for the little pine tree that saved him twelve years ago, but by now, that sapling would be a full-fledged tree, and they all sort of look the same now. I knew that the tree was still there, poised to save another novice hiker silly enough to hike in loafers on an icy day. NOTE-Justin is no longer a novice hiker...this year he even sponsored a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_reckoning">dead reckoning</a> trip over a mountain ridge and taught us all something about orienteering (notice the smile on Jolie's face).<br /><br />I thought I'd share some photos from this year's adventure. I found some prints from twelve years ago and will try to get them scanned so I can share them as well. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.<br /><center><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR984xmTKwkOf_FUYti2dlvqPQ3LEx35AweTEjDP2Mh7Jfi5c7yei-1s3FlW7MkTbF6TeaU9r-F0tOMJDIKrX8Sn9ibzGtiYgV2sM4QK6kiKVvn-DM_zkEIQfftI-algntoWhM3GORnKCl/s1600-h/PB280242.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416049237743650274" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR984xmTKwkOf_FUYti2dlvqPQ3LEx35AweTEjDP2Mh7Jfi5c7yei-1s3FlW7MkTbF6TeaU9r-F0tOMJDIKrX8Sn9ibzGtiYgV2sM4QK6kiKVvn-DM_zkEIQfftI-algntoWhM3GORnKCl/s320/PB280242.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCkjFjCUblzYP4iNE9EmWBcJ6MGleScSDaKsCaQvjhCzYGJTFvSSCsM4PRAdmQTqA0WgVFIbcLFfb469YcHnsFJz0cu8jrZvJW2fC5EewugNOopDjUE6FHMq9PgQQE-NOLFIO-eXwD1be/s1600-h/PB280226.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416049231792800818" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCkjFjCUblzYP4iNE9EmWBcJ6MGleScSDaKsCaQvjhCzYGJTFvSSCsM4PRAdmQTqA0WgVFIbcLFfb469YcHnsFJz0cu8jrZvJW2fC5EewugNOopDjUE6FHMq9PgQQE-NOLFIO-eXwD1be/s320/PB280226.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2FMPx8S64XXAqGnd-sCVHndjngkxXFQbQ5aWTQuAk_YbLDRBQiYO8zBGbSB9IHa9kbPNv-YUGEfPhFiKvTQ4tVT6daP3aU98-Jvjpo667z-vFHSlq3cXfbGCul4hbnTUOZa5eluJPWBN/s1600-h/PB270206.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416049223662037570" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2FMPx8S64XXAqGnd-sCVHndjngkxXFQbQ5aWTQuAk_YbLDRBQiYO8zBGbSB9IHa9kbPNv-YUGEfPhFiKvTQ4tVT6daP3aU98-Jvjpo667z-vFHSlq3cXfbGCul4hbnTUOZa5eluJPWBN/s320/PB270206.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAChMSGvwBZDR3qO0vli-13IsTp82GHpI0qeZIbaFe3r29ZgyVRMk1jieX0t7kcuKaOniTCmb91xQRAUf50k4DyhujTqB4BeID4S53I2KEQlgzpy4WfYz7vV6eruMVOOYNFo9gpT1vecJ/s1600-h/PB270200.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416049208618074962" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAChMSGvwBZDR3qO0vli-13IsTp82GHpI0qeZIbaFe3r29ZgyVRMk1jieX0t7kcuKaOniTCmb91xQRAUf50k4DyhujTqB4BeID4S53I2KEQlgzpy4WfYz7vV6eruMVOOYNFo9gpT1vecJ/s320/PB270200.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsO1y9Js2eXckRejZ6gCGOg5FLnOJqUlbV9rnaMoPPPXt2_oBoH5DRYpxMZFlgwNeFNxlzJqvGjVpeUErwJyGDrkOEVz4gAM47ctaeo53Z-sn2QnfQ67OX9mrXBw3WVsiJMTjNb6yEZ7t/s1600-h/PB270198.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416049199598077938" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsO1y9Js2eXckRejZ6gCGOg5FLnOJqUlbV9rnaMoPPPXt2_oBoH5DRYpxMZFlgwNeFNxlzJqvGjVpeUErwJyGDrkOEVz4gAM47ctaeo53Z-sn2QnfQ67OX9mrXBw3WVsiJMTjNb6yEZ7t/s320/PB270198.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy5jggGBSUBCDR0EWhdpSp4pq2pBPE6Y0ncUWAd1_JVXo-ohpjFr0Zp-0DJo6ERfBsqNiCHTiP12oMiqfsQ-NPPCD0jp10K13dbZIC0uWvMi7gtzQoU4QeWNtBxdoQqjGHsouhl5t5h4f/s1600-h/PB270196.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416048207954945970" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy5jggGBSUBCDR0EWhdpSp4pq2pBPE6Y0ncUWAd1_JVXo-ohpjFr0Zp-0DJo6ERfBsqNiCHTiP12oMiqfsQ-NPPCD0jp10K13dbZIC0uWvMi7gtzQoU4QeWNtBxdoQqjGHsouhl5t5h4f/s320/PB270196.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLKcN2oj1MqACU5Ud6x79WrgvyMoOAY5MiRjOYPoaxBaVBFkHxk_jATQlX5RvQMT5TXSP88dmF58gnQw9v_jxiGuO7S40546DMsx0yi2tYx-fHERM6M_hPCe9KXbiM081gC8OIJuaWXUq/s1600-h/PB270188.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416048204760333954" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLKcN2oj1MqACU5Ud6x79WrgvyMoOAY5MiRjOYPoaxBaVBFkHxk_jATQlX5RvQMT5TXSP88dmF58gnQw9v_jxiGuO7S40546DMsx0yi2tYx-fHERM6M_hPCe9KXbiM081gC8OIJuaWXUq/s320/PB270188.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2iICG2wXLYbA2qGe8LCGs_C6f6xyvYEL3HdMCtNFLUYuaawQheKCk5QuEKO_erJTFZ1sg2sMBY7Vtb0X5cgQcSWS3yt5ksBWD0ejsQGlucUM7yKGh0mK5ADQANK31XHuBgz1MWi5JPGL/s1600-h/PB270184.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416048192528601922" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2iICG2wXLYbA2qGe8LCGs_C6f6xyvYEL3HdMCtNFLUYuaawQheKCk5QuEKO_erJTFZ1sg2sMBY7Vtb0X5cgQcSWS3yt5ksBWD0ejsQGlucUM7yKGh0mK5ADQANK31XHuBgz1MWi5JPGL/s320/PB270184.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72q7dV2p3JUE4Ps_8Zgq4vjfvv092D3wCpwifKD8x48aL544_J7Vreaq9bGSt7JXcyL69vdj_pK6Hd1swWx_rpeZmCdbR7sqY2OkryjILTnfjUdXOTRvKnxfQ8pR7SIJOp8auhqyZN-ev/s1600-h/PB260167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416048183470226722" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72q7dV2p3JUE4Ps_8Zgq4vjfvv092D3wCpwifKD8x48aL544_J7Vreaq9bGSt7JXcyL69vdj_pK6Hd1swWx_rpeZmCdbR7sqY2OkryjILTnfjUdXOTRvKnxfQ8pR7SIJOp8auhqyZN-ev/s320/PB260167.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div><br /></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-19859250761820877712009-12-15T22:05:00.000-06:002009-12-15T22:07:10.145-06:00Happy Holidays – A RantHappy Holidays! What is wrong with saying “Happy Holidays” to someone? This isn’t the first year that I have heard people complain about being told “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas” during the holiday season. I guess I just don’t understand why “Happy Holidays” is offensive to people. Last time I checked, the United States was NOT a Christian country, but instead a melting pot, with people who come from many different religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. <br /><br />Christmas is not the only winter holiday that is celebrated in the United States. Many of the world's religions have a winter festival (most of which focus on light during a time of darkness). We are lucky to live in a country where we are able to freely practice the religion of our choosing. Here are just a few additional winter festivals that are celebrated across the United States and around the world: Hanukkah (Jewish); Kwanzaa (African American); Solstice; Yule; Diwali (Hindu); Yalda (Persian)…the list goes on and on. <br /><br />To me, generally saying "happy holidays" to someone during this season of multiple holidays seems appropriate. The statement validates that there are different holidays occurring during this time of year, and that everyone's religious holiday has importance and should be respected. <br /><br />Respect…wouldn’t that fall under the Golden Rule? Treating others as you would want to be treated? Respecting others as you would want to be respected? <br /><br />During this time of Peace and Joy, when supposed Love and Kindness abound, maybe we should consider adding Respect to our holiday list…and be sure to check it twice.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-1764492916526213652009-12-13T17:45:00.001-06:002009-12-13T17:47:16.944-06:00Homemade Dough for PlayingI’ve tried several recipes for homemade play dough. Some were coarse, some were sticky, and some were downright dry. I seemed to strike out every time I tried to make a copycat of the ever popular Play-Doh. That all changed with a recipe I received from a close homeschooling friend the other day, who told me the recipe was tried and true.<br /><br />I can now agree that this recipe is wonderful. No sticky hands, no coarse texture, no difficulty in manipulating. I have some very satisfied customers. This will be my go to play dough recipe in the future. The price is right (most ingredients are readily available around the house), the process is simple, and the kids can have whatever color tickles their fancy. Enjoy!<br /><br />Play Dough Recipe<br /><br />1 C flour<br />¼ C salt<br />2 T cream of tartar<br />1 C water<br />1 T oil<br />30 drops food coloring<br /><br />Mix the dry ingredients in a medium sauce pan. Add the water, oil, and food coloring and heat over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. As soon as the dough forms a ball, turn the dough out on the counter and knead for a minute or so. Store in an air-tight container.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-12096548978143369202009-12-12T09:24:00.001-06:002009-12-12T09:27:07.671-06:00Dear Blog...Oh, how I have neglected you over the past few months. I think of you often, debating in my head throughout the day what I should type on you to share with others as the day winds to a close. But, after a long day of thinking and brainstorming, cleaning and caring for children, learning and having fun, I have found it hard to sit and type as I used to. Dare I say my evenings have recently been spent reading, playing board games with the children, baking, watching movies with my husband, and yes, I am ashamed to say, even playing a video game or two. <br /><br />I will try harder to include you in my daily routine. I truly enjoy sharing stories about my day, about life, and about how to make the world just a little bit better. I will do better. I promise. Thank you for being here, patiently waiting for my return. Again, I am sorry for neglecting you.<br /><br />Your-trying-to-be-faithful-author,<br /><br />JaynelleUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-3840593847347346402009-10-28T21:52:00.008-05:002009-10-28T23:15:32.964-05:00Donating to Locks of Love<div>After <a href="http://downtheroadlesstraveled.blogspot.com/2008/05/generosity-of-little-girl.html">Jolie donated her hair</a> to Locks of Love in May 2008, I decided that I would grow my hair out and make a donation as well.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.locksoflove.org/index.html">Locks of Love</a> is an organization that makes prosthetic wigs for children who have medical conditions in which they are unable to grow their own hair. The organization creates prosthetics with donated hair for children who are financially disadvantaged. The use of donated hair helps the organization provide quality prosthetics to needy children. Donated hair that does not meet the 10 inch requirement is sold to help cover manufacturing costs.<br /><br />It has been over a year since I've had a haircut. In the Florida heat, all I have been able to do in recent months is to put my hair up in a bun or a ponytail because my hair is so heavy and thick. Leaving it down was just getting to be too much. I decided a few weeks ago that tt was time to take a big step and get my hair cut to donate, but I had to wait until after the Navy Day Ball so I could have my hair put up for the Ball.<br /><br />Here are the before, during, and after photos. </div><div><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazK1hJwKUdhXcDzMwn9vh1dUn4nAO0OXAo_IO2brWIDnbDyVPtQG0bLGjbwke2xTxoqt9xLVU-Bxrotsf4tl3hyphenhyphenV1WxGBm5T2JWA_jk6wczaJkcNI1ZKw21CZkQjYmTxB7JZ5_ppGWq_K/s1600-h/PA280308-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397868851137703554" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazK1hJwKUdhXcDzMwn9vh1dUn4nAO0OXAo_IO2brWIDnbDyVPtQG0bLGjbwke2xTxoqt9xLVU-Bxrotsf4tl3hyphenhyphenV1WxGBm5T2JWA_jk6wczaJkcNI1ZKw21CZkQjYmTxB7JZ5_ppGWq_K/s320/PA280308-1.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99wlaXswErK1h5GT3bTrW7EwjaaxHFhV_YntjaTGZZIihQkxg9rST_MvZznMz5TI9asorag6COYeU9O_2Dh3ilG8tOStKtpKIiWHroHsuqmcPpUOLQE8g6CCTWDxSBV4Dzo5ofrn4nzzA/s1600-h/PA280331-2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397868859063853122" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99wlaXswErK1h5GT3bTrW7EwjaaxHFhV_YntjaTGZZIihQkxg9rST_MvZznMz5TI9asorag6COYeU9O_2Dh3ilG8tOStKtpKIiWHroHsuqmcPpUOLQE8g6CCTWDxSBV4Dzo5ofrn4nzzA/s320/PA280331-2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIGUAQGGmvF9cx2Y7uN-xI9k3EfGJpBtvzSl-L3uH0fBqyuvYdowkPSWn4xtP9-Imx8gXkHNMRxgTq17ynt9qA0zx9E3FQ7DgNApAXFmRwFPFhD3u3jOHsWUh0655t0O1uIG3k-GEwpzh/s1600-h/PA280309-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397868854423119714" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIGUAQGGmvF9cx2Y7uN-xI9k3EfGJpBtvzSl-L3uH0fBqyuvYdowkPSWn4xtP9-Imx8gXkHNMRxgTq17ynt9qA0zx9E3FQ7DgNApAXFmRwFPFhD3u3jOHsWUh0655t0O1uIG3k-GEwpzh/s320/PA280309-1.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjS4V4a2Hnz_RwnjFmCMxI66o1fOVqmOVEbtaI94u2I_cLoRxRCBtcuWGjzQ9lJMVaUkN4sNIZr3xat6owax71fksudyBAn3Oy9nT9J2pUgDL5-Kkq1j4d7k_K-TOMHmAj7IqC-Trr6kP/s1600-h/PA280332-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397868867837821218" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjS4V4a2Hnz_RwnjFmCMxI66o1fOVqmOVEbtaI94u2I_cLoRxRCBtcuWGjzQ9lJMVaUkN4sNIZr3xat6owax71fksudyBAn3Oy9nT9J2pUgDL5-Kkq1j4d7k_K-TOMHmAj7IqC-Trr6kP/s320/PA280332-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQVkWfP7FnRwoTQJHzdE5GSCm6hyphenhyphenz8R7hB-13EMxHRaGXcaSCtdn-i1Zn1yv9hcJch5XYWwwfJ2rLFRv2YMMiz-lnD8ncYDro_mHZVS_mLGiVwSUg0X3t0tI4ImS-58BMVwMJ5Ibg50y9/s1600-h/PA280311.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397868870943693938" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQVkWfP7FnRwoTQJHzdE5GSCm6hyphenhyphenz8R7hB-13EMxHRaGXcaSCtdn-i1Zn1yv9hcJch5XYWwwfJ2rLFRv2YMMiz-lnD8ncYDro_mHZVS_mLGiVwSUg0X3t0tI4ImS-58BMVwMJ5Ibg50y9/s320/PA280311.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQw8Ce_E7HnEIiJrY7rbsl_D-Zu8-bItbWxMPEiqQnJOKtEpv9jq2pyWOhsscVc2dZagk_OUmTN3y9cdtDFUBH3WDByik_NivuvBj2wRsn04wFhHYd_elRjX-mkeYIcaWDvGUXA9u_Wwhe/s1600-h/PA280314.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397869160992594690" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQw8Ce_E7HnEIiJrY7rbsl_D-Zu8-bItbWxMPEiqQnJOKtEpv9jq2pyWOhsscVc2dZagk_OUmTN3y9cdtDFUBH3WDByik_NivuvBj2wRsn04wFhHYd_elRjX-mkeYIcaWDvGUXA9u_Wwhe/s320/PA280314.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><p></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz91AWu7cdAU_t9AYFzowj2-lSiHwjKCihz1xblg7gZCGBdhkcZVvNDjJ4NOIyyZTXYqRc2EhC880H_l0as8vCovrviSc925zskUaIa7JG8kqMsKB0uxixlQ1Hn3-prpWDAcVpZkq8EOZn/s1600-h/PA280317.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397869170289469410" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz91AWu7cdAU_t9AYFzowj2-lSiHwjKCihz1xblg7gZCGBdhkcZVvNDjJ4NOIyyZTXYqRc2EhC880H_l0as8vCovrviSc925zskUaIa7JG8kqMsKB0uxixlQ1Hn3-prpWDAcVpZkq8EOZn/s320/PA280317.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnrX82MX6UwY83HioCV-J6ID1yQwCvEH1abXLis5SGacXAJ_dvjueGdb65R6bpZpRaE6tdEIj4MJ61J2NH5-pO8udswvtuj5iU_APmCdM8XY2n1XnHqEtiQcLcoyl1377QjXBfzkR6-D1/s1600-h/PA280321.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397869176934184658" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnrX82MX6UwY83HioCV-J6ID1yQwCvEH1abXLis5SGacXAJ_dvjueGdb65R6bpZpRaE6tdEIj4MJ61J2NH5-pO8udswvtuj5iU_APmCdM8XY2n1XnHqEtiQcLcoyl1377QjXBfzkR6-D1/s320/PA280321.JPG" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br />I'm happy to be able to do a little something to help make a child smile. It will take some time to get used to my new "do," but I think it's going to grow on me. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-49979832030020961342009-10-11T20:13:00.002-05:002009-10-11T20:22:13.728-05:00Surfing in October<div><div><div><div><div>Apparently the weather has neglected to look at the calendar and realize that it's fall. Our temperatures have been in the upper 80s all week. In an effort to work with the weather rather than against it, we decided to spend Sunday afternoon at the beach. The boys went surfing, Jolie played in the sand, I sat under the umbrella and read. It was a wonderful trip all around.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391516888123014866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCUfKVtdECwxp2u1zCrIVjPt5gX5iIgDpIlUdudRpkKIskD4-QQPWxxfHOUBTNv6tChbAozADu2WEyrgENsOvbtQoprm5_Xx1yoWqnl3rAWRToQ7riFsRwsVShOy_OKWUEPvWbVt7rQQf/s400/PA100205.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391516899914192130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySu_Ra5PFJpeyu6wpAfF93i9Lza44AkxRMTNmsZmUASMQv7kkC1339yMrBH_wwNKXN5xYC5Wwn9WEajRHL53h02n7n6STk6xHQc5ioYqjifm6dpxJ7xloctoQ9DpN82C56KpXMmfl_1L1/s400/PA100206.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391516911486963746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8aMRbWDYdkeQykJGnTsYtOLYqd8-cmeoDwtn0RctwAAroYYXmvO2ECtcfu6qYYyRHFvWufG3qkRxSA4w_lhxqG_4N9rpg2mySAerZclrNrBQYorXgnt5xH-_sCGa4dFyn9UB0ppkQNSa/s400/PA100207.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391516916854792242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-JdN1KxHjFErA-P2RaInf_fP5oa02X24nrejT4HgtRWue3EEF64rU3TIiWEaYjbKs_BlruV7xQ3ZDHo-iPac-aGGAGmQdn2yO_-Ct2UngPk4Nm4totOgFxC182EcTYHPz9lwA3OPiYne/s400/PA100209.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391516930595214418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8k8hqV-qw360pviPSPl8LZex-sTs3K5pWRx2oZ3L71fuvnPqzNOQfVyyITudo7cEB8Sox5SmuTPlPcgwLLssLmoenBle3c5-9FCv3rPte8NcYur9Bi01XBnYBvG2XeSbQkRSa-XRKCTim/s400/PA100213.JPG" border="0" /> <div> </div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467879611165350954.post-83914342067238880702009-10-05T21:11:00.008-05:002009-10-05T21:59:33.654-05:00Garden Update - Before & AfterOne benefit of living in Florida is the extended growing season. We are lucky that fairly mild winters make it possible for me to have a second planting...almost a second "garden."<br /><br />Due to the heat of the summer, my garden started to slow in its production. The peppers remained the main staples that were able to brave and survive the heat. The volunteer watermelon did well, giving us four large watermelon. The tomatoes did fine too...that is until Lincoln broke into the garden and decided to romp through them, breaking many of the plants. We got one nice egg plant during the summer. The lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, potatoes and onions were a bust. Still operating on a Virginia planting cycle, I planted them too late into the season and they basically fried in the early heat wave we saw in May.<br /><br />Below are photos of the garden at the close of summer -<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_0Kcmk3wkvmOcuJU8sYLkqO8rDODmkF2lQ5lG08n1PzRlJlQu_P3QHLcm1WsVYut0S-W5K1otQ9tkNuUHnxlLopXdkNG36LVW_q6FxcDJPRv2ekLSkKGa9ge3BPj6y2yUrghUCrw2BYS/s1600-h/P9130097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389308697321397170" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_0Kcmk3wkvmOcuJU8sYLkqO8rDODmkF2lQ5lG08n1PzRlJlQu_P3QHLcm1WsVYut0S-W5K1otQ9tkNuUHnxlLopXdkNG36LVW_q6FxcDJPRv2ekLSkKGa9ge3BPj6y2yUrghUCrw2BYS/s400/P9130097.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK_kYQJF0BofeMivdGrPqN3ovOb0J9i6Y12Xi3m4mY80QPD-hseUjKzOWDaKXZ1yVMqPBY5HYZ8zsCKz5u5DLX3mMKBzbNGQXpW7-WtvIC2VZ-wljGzt45NZ1XFB2f464udbDNMwKWajA/s1600-h/P9130096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389308708415961122" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK_kYQJF0BofeMivdGrPqN3ovOb0J9i6Y12Xi3m4mY80QPD-hseUjKzOWDaKXZ1yVMqPBY5HYZ8zsCKz5u5DLX3mMKBzbNGQXpW7-WtvIC2VZ-wljGzt45NZ1XFB2f464udbDNMwKWajA/s400/P9130096.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqMa8bNXeOhv0Wixe3Pyq3pnpfvgArv7US5rJ1vkwmUZZ3Hrd3r8I14ofeb3ftjH4HnqmDBJOcIh_DOI0t1JGviCIz-fexL3Z_d3WyjTO2dCHQoeijQgw9c9ZFkZFLL6yhOK1zTuPt1CP/s1600-h/P9130095.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389308715740401586" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqMa8bNXeOhv0Wixe3Pyq3pnpfvgArv7US5rJ1vkwmUZZ3Hrd3r8I14ofeb3ftjH4HnqmDBJOcIh_DOI0t1JGviCIz-fexL3Z_d3WyjTO2dCHQoeijQgw9c9ZFkZFLL6yhOK1zTuPt1CP/s400/P9130095.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQRQWgnXhwy3qjs_XiKAOZQOUw_BcqfSXUeRq6gzYW3LLMwHcRTzJZc2agRKSEC7TQj5WCwWWOtaPn4sv9fXcvAsuJ1nEDd5FSfOSNzliIUkiTThWdch1ivPSLyKLgxsM1m75b11a__Zh/s1600-h/P9130094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389308725440743490" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQRQWgnXhwy3qjs_XiKAOZQOUw_BcqfSXUeRq6gzYW3LLMwHcRTzJZc2agRKSEC7TQj5WCwWWOtaPn4sv9fXcvAsuJ1nEDd5FSfOSNzliIUkiTThWdch1ivPSLyKLgxsM1m75b11a__Zh/s400/P9130094.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Once the heat started to die down, I decided it was time to rip out the no longer producing plants and till under the overgrowth to prepare for my fall planting. I spent three hours one day pulling up plants, ripping out weeds, and tilling. Very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">therapeutic</span>.<br /><br />Here are some photos from my newly prepared-for-planting garden -<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EiCAXOioU77EuzzhyOZHCZ1E6Y1g_IjOCkfj_C1YVWG6adbkGyHbYEFYkkrGuzRxPQC7VTUOo-c-2gPuvbp24PKf2aAhWX8d3w71CTmq6TrGordDtEBlObJZ_Aiefy9xP2yf_goPMGt6/s1600-h/P9210118.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389310302169479602" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EiCAXOioU77EuzzhyOZHCZ1E6Y1g_IjOCkfj_C1YVWG6adbkGyHbYEFYkkrGuzRxPQC7VTUOo-c-2gPuvbp24PKf2aAhWX8d3w71CTmq6TrGordDtEBlObJZ_Aiefy9xP2yf_goPMGt6/s400/P9210118.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U2zZ-wKCEuBYCP-vmK84zbZTeUnVO88LoUGDygYiwQ1zvx929U2Vn81psXA1HCZkIrbvHfyHSqk4KUTO42RH053LKt0qbSBNYGmbLW9uJqobfFU0vRtIxVpjJfbH277H-Yco99uoT8b6/s1600-h/P9210120.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389310310302900722" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U2zZ-wKCEuBYCP-vmK84zbZTeUnVO88LoUGDygYiwQ1zvx929U2Vn81psXA1HCZkIrbvHfyHSqk4KUTO42RH053LKt0qbSBNYGmbLW9uJqobfFU0vRtIxVpjJfbH277H-Yco99uoT8b6/s400/P9210120.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOm-s04fZpHnuq6v2UaCAKsDpPGlPX-ALg0psYxKtrBnFk74TO3TDEFnxBSSkqUS_lj8cnv2Hq5LA15k2-pHzDMZHJ1k9-naG23T7lL6wrshVgHRsz7NzjyyNrwRxb0UWMRqPza4ofaw8/s1600-h/P9210123.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389310332847134018" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOm-s04fZpHnuq6v2UaCAKsDpPGlPX-ALg0psYxKtrBnFk74TO3TDEFnxBSSkqUS_lj8cnv2Hq5LA15k2-pHzDMZHJ1k9-naG23T7lL6wrshVgHRsz7NzjyyNrwRxb0UWMRqPza4ofaw8/s400/P9210123.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD9759nxEQewjhb4QJe0nk4SmlGlUy2oCyvd4syPNUe5M6cIGSpfj5qGfZvEl0L67KC-x0T8iIbdgxRbvIG036qmP9ThYYSOd4Yjoz0ZT-JYdzMWbCniyoolhH41npfAkPkMGBj7dvRUl/s1600-h/P9210121.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389311344018272322" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD9759nxEQewjhb4QJe0nk4SmlGlUy2oCyvd4syPNUe5M6cIGSpfj5qGfZvEl0L67KC-x0T8iIbdgxRbvIG036qmP9ThYYSOd4Yjoz0ZT-JYdzMWbCniyoolhH41npfAkPkMGBj7dvRUl/s400/P9210121.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QcBSLhLVUW1Nem0nwkk4CgZi1_wfha8Ma4NrLhYvn5lXy55Eguaa50INxbwrlWGbcuNWDpxm9SNYUNxsVe0hNYrezRvw2qqQNihyphenhyphenvP6S5FV_wzSS2RWxLSV8Zw8Ndc7IC7NvxNLKAIDS/s1600-h/P9210119.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389310344105869794" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QcBSLhLVUW1Nem0nwkk4CgZi1_wfha8Ma4NrLhYvn5lXy55Eguaa50INxbwrlWGbcuNWDpxm9SNYUNxsVe0hNYrezRvw2qqQNihyphenhyphenvP6S5FV_wzSS2RWxLSV8Zw8Ndc7IC7NvxNLKAIDS/s400/P9210119.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have since planted three sections of green beans, with two types of lettuce and spinach in between. The broccoli and cauliflower that I started from seed have been transplanted next to my two sections of sweet potatoes. My egg plant decided to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">re-flower</span> and currently has three fruit. The pepper plants (jalapeno, banana, bell, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cayenne</span>) are still producing. I'm hoping to purchase a few tomato plants at the farmer's market this weekend, and will try to grow onions from seed again this fall. I am waiting for my garlic to arrive in the mail, and as soon as it does, I'll get it in the ground. The pumpkin plants that I started and transplanted, didn't make it. I think they got root bound before they were transplanted. I will miss having our own pie pumpkins this year, and am hoping that the farmer's market and/or our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CSA</span> will have some nice ones I can use to make pumpkin puree.<br /><br />I am pleased with this year's garden. I am still working to learn the growing seasons down here. I figure as soon as I get everything figured out, it will be time to move again. I'm looking forward to seeing how this fall planting works out. I'll keep you posted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0