tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69754552109292681532024-03-12T23:30:34.320-04:00Our Beautiful ChaosMy life feels pretty chaotic at times, but I am trying to see the beauty in all these blessings God has given me.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-17336180398617028222013-09-15T06:44:00.001-04:002013-09-15T18:23:00.545-04:00"Just One" <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aLBn1rbSVi4" width="459"></iframe><br />
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It is amazing what can happen when you set a goal, have some awesomely amazing wonderful friends, put in some hard work, and a whole lot of laughter! I still have a lot of work to do, A LOT, but I'm starting to see results and feeling so much better physically.<br />
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And I can not give a big enough shout out THANK YOU to my friend, Kylie. You know those people who make you want to give more and take less, yep that's her. She has got to be one of the most giving people I know, and not just a giver of things or money, but a giver of her time. Which, in this crazy busy world, to me time is more valuable than gold. She seems to do it effortlessly and never needing or wanting anything in return. I feel incredibly grateful to have met her and to be able to call her a friend.<br />
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Now I'm not saying I'm going to start chasing waterfalls, I kind of like my rivers and lakes, but.......<br />
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here's going for TWO! </div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-9524804095117535572013-06-24T21:14:00.001-04:002013-06-24T21:14:45.687-04:00Stationery Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AatW7ly0bOWTyI&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AatW7ly0bOWXg/0AatW7ly0bOWXvHg/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1372122874000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Delightful Vine Boy Birth Announcement</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Create beautiful <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birth-announcements" style="color: #6666cc;">birth announcements</a> with Shutterfly.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-8504124273138982442012-11-12T09:47:00.000-05:002012-11-12T09:47:36.196-05:00Chirstmas Card 2012<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="height: 494px; width: 425px;">
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Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-62003797240358029812012-01-14T07:34:00.003-05:002012-01-14T07:41:31.536-05:00Project 52….Week 2 Made with Love<p> </p> <p>This is where one would normally find one of my daughters. Maybe not always with paint, it could be markers, crayons, even just a regular ball point pen. Their all time favorite activity is drawing, coloring, creating. They can blow through a pile of blank paper in a heartbeat and markers don’t last very long either. Our refrigerator is always filled with their artwork, and if I try to slip one in the trash they instantly catch me on it and demand it get’s pulled back out. Not that I want to throw it out to hurt their feelings, but 3 girls x a TON of art work, I could probably wallpaper my house will it and still have let over. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O05IEb_qNDk/TxF2XLLI6WI/AAAAAAAAAdE/aTI6YSlB3l4/s1600-h/DSC_0036%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0036" border="0" alt="DSC_0036" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T84a0HfXINE/TxF2X_FacgI/AAAAAAAAAdM/x6nxcY6jmHQ/DSC_0036_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="545" /></a></p> <p>When I started thinking about this weeks Project 52 theme I instantly knew that pictures of them creating had to be it. Most of their art work has written on it in their shaky handwriting “I love mom” or “I love dad”. Teresa even got an “award” in preschool called the “I love Mom” award because on EVERY piece of paper that is what she would write on it. My bedroom door is covered with artwork that they have given me to me. Most days I can find a special drawing on my pillow. I must admit that many times the mess that can be found on my kitchen table, because of their unending want to constantly be crafting, can sometimes overwhelm me. And let’s not even discuss what happens if they get ahold of glue or scissors! One day though while I was making dinner I just stopped and listened to their interactions. The encouragement they were giving each other over their masterpieces was priceless. It made me realize that yes the mess was EVERYWHERE ,and really not what I wanted to have to clean up in the rush to get dinner on the table, but the love that was being shared between my girls was really worth it. That not only were their creations made with love but that they were building their relationships with love. Now in the effort of “keeping it real” about 10 minutes later two of them were fighting over the markers and this beautiful moment ended in tears. I know that the experience as a whole was deepening the sister bond between them. So that is what I now try and think about when I am cleaning up for the hundredth time their crating mess, or when I find the markers with out their tops on, or a the itty pieces of paper on the kitchen floor. The love that goes into all the artwork that they have made. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lZvHOodVZkA/TxF2YiP9eQI/AAAAAAAAAdU/gLs53ubWiOU/s1600-h/DSC_0037%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0037" border="0" alt="DSC_0037" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iwBkthhDdE4/TxF2ZNz_9WI/AAAAAAAAAdc/uzgJ6QUKmpc/DSC_0037_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="480" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://my3boybarians.com/"><img src="http://my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/web_post_p52_2012.png" alt="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" title="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" width="500" height="166" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5763" /></a></p>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-32288213705778590722012-01-07T10:40:00.004-05:002012-01-07T11:29:30.368-05:00Project 52 Week 1……..Resolution<p><span>I just love it when things just seem to fall into place. For some time now I have been thinking that I really wanted to make some changes. Changes in how I did things, changes in myself, changes that would benefit my family. Lately with the kids getting older I have felt that it was time to make some goals for myself and to really give it my best effort to accomplish them. Not my usual half attempt and then find some excuse of why I couldn't “find the time” to do something. I discovered this photo challenge at the perfect time. I had been thinking about the things I wanted to accomplish this year and learning how to use my camera better and new ways of documenting my life were two things I had on my list. Then I saw the theme for the first week was “resolution” and I thought how perfect! I know people can interpret this word in many different ways. Usually I am not even one to make “resolutions” but this year it’s different for me. This year, 2012, is the year I am determined to make meaningful. To be more purposeful in my actions, my decisions, and in my relationships. To become more disciplined. To not make so many excuses. To make goals and achieve them. I know it’s clique for it to hit January 1st and to say “I want to lose weight”. And while yes that is my goal, more importantly it’s to become healthy! </span></p> <p> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Oc2-rRcnEDM/TwhnSPQ5QtI/AAAAAAAAAbc/dQc5cgbZRqo/s1600-h/DSC_0006_edited-2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0006_edited-2" border="0" alt="DSC_0006_edited-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7Yp9KhtNUag/TwhnSzxIhFI/AAAAAAAAAbk/aC0O8447w5k/DSC_0006_edited-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="588" height="392" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><span>A friend of mine mentioned that she was signing up to run a 1/2 marathon and was looking for people to run with her. Completing a 1/2 marathon has been something I have wanted to do since I ran my first 5k a few years ago. I have a history of jumping on the exercising/ running bandwagon and then quickly falling off. I took this opportunity to run with a friend and SIGNED UP! I am a little nervous but excited! We have joined the local YMCA and the training has begun! </span></p> <p><span> </span><span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3tsI-2S4RaY/TwhnTgxt63I/AAAAAAAAAbs/fARGGz-jPX8/s1600-h/DSC_0014_edited-2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0014_edited-2" border="0" alt="DSC_0014_edited-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SzYRyhtUlKI/TwhnUJujCxI/AAAAAAAAAb0/nUdJmj5-Idw/DSC_0014_edited-2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="399" /></a></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span>I also have started Weight Watchers online. My weight is something I have not been happy with for quite some time. I have tried “dieting” many different times but nothing ever stuck. I wanted to do this because I thought if I paid for it, I would be more motivated to follow the plan. So far so good. I never thought that my eating habits were that bad, but after keeping track of everything that I have put into my mouth I have realized that maybe my choices weren’t all the great. </span></p> <p><span>I am looking forward to many great things in 2012! Starting off with becoming a healthier ME!!!</span></p><p><span><a href="http://my3boybarians.com/"><img src="http://my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/web_post_p52_2012.png" alt="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" title="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" width="500" height="166" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5763" /></a></span></p>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-46811366706260680012011-12-07T22:45:00.001-05:002011-12-07T22:45:31.367-05:00Photo Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AatW7ly0bOWTlQ&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AatW7ly0bOWXg/0AatW7ly0bOWXuLA/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1323315900000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Gifted Tag Christmas</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Visit Shutterfly.com for Christmas cards <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">this holiday</a>.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-5315891300211256002011-07-09T17:28:00.003-04:002013-06-08T12:40:52.998-04:00I miss my friend…..Has it really been a year already?<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ps7Xj9xN8vs/ThjHzmjj8RI/AAAAAAAAAYs/GjE5Qf_ezFU/s1600-h/jen%252520%252526%252520me%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="jen & me" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QFI3OegEG5k/ThjH0OC8tJI/AAAAAAAAAYw/gfDgYSZtgG8/jen%252520%252526%252520me_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="408" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="jen & me" width="435" /></a><br />
So often I go back to that day in June. Sitting across from her at my parents kitchen table...laughing, joking, talking about everything from make-up, to cancer, to the power of prayer. I remember she was beautiful as ever, even amongst radiation and chemo treatments, she dolled herself up. I remember sitting there, not wanting to leave, seeing the clock ticking on, knowing that I had to travel back to North Carolina soon. She had to go also, meeting people for lunch. She amazed me how with everything she had going on, how bad she must have felt some days, she still put on that smile and personality we all loved, to spend time with those that meant so much to her. I remember walking her out to her car, even saying I wish we didn't have to say goodbye. Wishing we could just hang out awhile longer. I remember giving her a hug and exchanging our " I love you's" our "talk to you soon". I remember standing there on the front step waving as she pulled away. What I wouldn't give to go back to that moment, to stay a little while longer, to hug her a little tighter.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T3UK1GA3o3k/ThjH1P1mbyI/AAAAAAAAAY0/vB1sEkw-ydo/s1600-h/DSC05611%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05611" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5e87tNKHxcQ/ThjH1ttMiqI/AAAAAAAAAY4/YqQ6bCwyFQA/DSC05611_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="371" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC05611" width="493" /></a><br />
I often also think back to July 4th. How she and I were texting back and forth about our day's plans. Joking back and forth with each other. Talking about how she wanted to make a trip to North Carolina. I remember her telling me she had to try to wean off the steroids again and how she was nervous about how it was going to make her feel. I also keep thinking about how she knocked on my parents door that night asking if the fireworks could be seen from there. I hope she got to see some fireworks that night.<br />
It still amazes me that just 6 days later her husband Shaun would be calling me to tell me she had passed away. Just a few days after the 4th she became extremely ill and was admitted back into the hospital. I remember reading about the latest news on her caringbridge site. It didn't sound good but I continued to hold out hope, continued to pray. I prayed she would be comforted, pain free, and able to find that peace she had when she was first diagnosed. When my phone rang that Saturday morning, July 10, 2010, my stomach just dropped. I had been in contact with Shaun via text when she was in the hospital and I had told him that I would come home to Delaware at any time. I know they had so much support and people just rallying around them. I knew my presence wasn't going to make a huge difference, but if there was anything I could do I would do it. When Shaun told me the news I just couldn't believe it. Even now, a year later, it still seems unreal. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gJjM0uhi84U/ThjH2yOUJ-I/AAAAAAAAAY8/em7j7WuJjDQ/s1600-h/PD_0019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PD_0019" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hs-JAclF0Ak/ThjH3KiO1lI/AAAAAAAAAZA/bdL6sQy_oRM/PD_0019_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="335" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PD_0019" width="495" /></a><br />
I miss my friend so very much. I miss so much about her. I miss how we could talk on the phone for hours with never running out of things to say. I miss how we would email each other about party ideas. I miss how we would always talk about getting together and scrapbooking but when we actually did nothing ever really got done because we couldn't stop talking. I miss how great she was with my kids. How even though they only saw her a few times a year they were always completely comfortable with her. They must have just felt her love. I miss how she was late to everything and understood how I could be late to everything also and never gave me grief for it. I miss how we could just sit on her couch for hours chatting and it never got old. I miss how she always knew how to have a good time even with crying kids and thunderstorms. I miss how it was always hard for her to make a decision from what she would wear to what she should order to eat. I miss how whenever we would get together she was always hungry and want to eat. Pizza, ice cream, buffalo chicken sandwiches, donuts, all that yummy junk food. I even miss how she wouldn't gain a pound, while I on the other hand would be about 5 lbs. heavier after a visit with her. I miss how we would send each other cards...just because. And how in those cards it wouldn't just be signed but have eloquently written notes filling the whole card. I miss how when I'd visit her we'd go in her room in the basement and she'd manage to pull together everything I'd need for a birthday party from things she'd be saving...in a matter of minutes. I miss sitting on her back porch drinking wine and again never running out of things to talk about. I guess you could say I just miss everything about her and her friendship.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-60NS-LezXqo/ThjH4AisVZI/AAAAAAAAAZE/zmVXikd0U4s/s1600-h/PD_0025%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PD_0025" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZgUHq9ULQb4/ThjH4n_P8WI/AAAAAAAAAZI/BWV13YdAH0U/PD_0025_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="476" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PD_0025" width="325" /></a><br />
Her friendship and journey with cancer has taught me so many life lessons. People always say life is too short to sweat the small things. I know that now for sure. Life is too short and too precious to get worked up about the little things. It is so important to let the ones who mean the most to you know how important they are, and not when the going gets tough but just on those everyday ordinary days. Never take a day for granted... use it, live it, and laugh about it. And to not judge anyone. We never know what life struggles they may be having, what trails they are going through. Her life and friendship is such an inspiration to me. The way she lived her life, especially her cancer journey, with such courage and grace I will always be in awe of. <br />
Jennifer Lynn I miss you. You are forever missed, forever loved, and forever remembered. Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-37604339061322825912011-01-02T22:32:00.002-05:002011-01-04T17:02:38.663-05:00Christmas 2010 (Part 1)<p>We had a wonderful Christmas this year filled with many great memories and tons of laughter. It is wonderful to see the magic of Christmas in the kids eyes. I really tried this year to stop and take it all in and not get stressed with all the “to do’s”. I think for the most part, except for a few moments of panic, I did pretty good. </p> <p>One of our favorite traditions is going to “mail” the kids Santa letter and then going to see Santa. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDEEhVwKI/AAAAAAAAAV0/oP2B6s6VsIk/s1600-h/091%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="091" border="0" alt="091" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDEyu5aCI/AAAAAAAAAV4/ZOAs_FAiSSc/091_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="522" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDFqXyBRI/AAAAAAAAAV8/hQRjzLLgabk/s1600-h/092%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="092" border="0" alt="092" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDF-RO28I/AAAAAAAAAWA/YDgXxAJvIUE/092_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="259" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDGq4MpaI/AAAAAAAAAWE/RHOTJYXTIqY/s1600-h/093%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="093" border="0" alt="093" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDHUfesBI/AAAAAAAAAWI/LsonWtuuEwM/093_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="259" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDHz-UWwI/AAAAAAAAAWM/3UP8jnzQhQ0/s1600-h/094%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="094" border="0" alt="094" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDI0RGXtI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/HanFq3_xONM/094_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="257" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDJdNLtvI/AAAAAAAAAWU/x9pLLISpPWI/s1600-h/095%5B16%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="095" border="0" alt="095" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDKBLuOCI/AAAAAAAAAWY/O5e4xB5Rjw8/095_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="258" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDK5ZMANI/AAAAAAAAAWc/tr7XBodFVaw/s1600-h/100%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100" border="0" alt="100" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDLlZSMhI/AAAAAAAAAWg/qz1GuE84MCk/100_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="582" height="437" /></a> </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">On Christmas Eve we went to Jason’s sister’s house and had a great time visiting and exchanging presents with the cousins. The kids got their new Christmas pajama’s and couldn’t wait to get home and read “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. I think that Christmas Eve has got to be the easiest night to get the kids in bed…never any delay!</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDMSUMbQI/AAAAAAAAAWk/bDD5oarOxwA/s1600-h/035%20-%20Copy%20%282%29%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="035 - Copy (2)" border="0" alt="035 - Copy (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDM4ErEYI/AAAAAAAAAWo/1i1lqhvoOM4/035%20-%20Copy%20%282%29_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="538" /></a> </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDNX4XtuI/AAAAAAAAAWs/93bUVcgfjq0/s1600-h/067%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="067" border="0" alt="067" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TSFDOKkBk-I/AAAAAAAAAWw/nQ6egySSbK4/067_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="541" /></a></p>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-33165461358743903392010-06-16T08:38:00.002-04:002010-06-16T08:50:22.586-04:003rd Grade<p>Gabe had a wonderful year in the 3rd grade. He loved his teacher Mrs.. West and was excited that one of his favorite friends Gregory was in his class again. In the beginning of the year he set a goal to make honor roll all four semesters, and he did it! He was very proud of himself. He also received many awards this year at all the awards assemblies. He received student of the month, computer achievement award, outstanding achievement in Math, music award, and the excellence in physical fitness award. He also was so proud to bring home his EOG scores. He got a 4 in the math and a 3 in reading, he just missed getting a 4 though. I thought is would be neat to take a picture on the first day of school and then again on the last day to see how he changed and grew. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBjIe5CF46I/AAAAAAAAAUk/9yuiwP62OT0/s1600-h/9026_1160728152416_1654172132_396287_5941101_n.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9026_1160728152416_1654172132_396287_5941101_n" border="0" alt="9026_1160728152416_1654172132_396287_5941101_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBjFth4RxGI/AAAAAAAAAUo/_Bbn94kCXDQ/9026_1160728152416_1654172132_396287_5941101_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="373" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBjFuBcRdpI/AAAAAAAAAUs/UvJFuyAgdKs/s1600-h/9026_1160728272419_1654172132_396290_2321849_n.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9026_1160728272419_1654172132_396290_2321849_n" border="0" alt="9026_1160728272419_1654172132_396290_2321849_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBjFvHuDoUI/AAAAAAAAAUw/xtR2XTHRab8/9026_1160728272419_1654172132_396290_2321849_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="372" /></a> </p> <p align="center">First day of school </p> <p align="center">August 2009</p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBjFwPmjxeI/AAAAAAAAAU4/VAZodf71QAU/s1600-h/007%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBjFxaTsuiI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Wqfyj2U0_xM/007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="373" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBjFyQjT4WI/AAAAAAAAAVA/iybxEjmLfjM/s1600-h/011%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBjFzAipqFI/AAAAAAAAAVE/QA_ffrDqjQA/011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="372" /></a></p> <p align="center">Last day of school</p> <p align="center">June 2010</p> <p align="left">We are looking forward to a great summer and excited to see what 4th grade has to bring! </p> Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-50005490147560665582010-06-16T07:55:00.001-04:002010-06-16T07:55:11.756-04:00The Graduate<p>Teresa had a wonderful time in preschool this past year.  She loved her teachers Ms. Barb, Ms. Tammy, and Ms.Tina, you could see how much these ladies enjoyed working with the kids.  She met some great friends, and made some great memories.  She is completely and totally ready for kindergarten and can not wait to go to the “big” school with Gabriel.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBi7kvbzI-I/AAAAAAAAATo/mYuVJob8rNA/s1600-h/027%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="027" border="0" alt="027" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBi7lb_IzkI/AAAAAAAAATs/s4u9HaojAH4/027_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="463" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBi7l9JO3jI/AAAAAAAAAT0/dC9irDPqjmo/s1600-h/29533_1288837989196_1477590246_30608626_4135848_n%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="29533_1288837989196_1477590246_30608626_4135848_n" border="0" alt="29533_1288837989196_1477590246_30608626_4135848_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBi7mkZCKXI/AAAAAAAAAT4/Dsvl0QpirVw/29533_1288837989196_1477590246_30608626_4135848_n_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="509" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBi7neLRnaI/AAAAAAAAAT8/JTLi268z9gg/s1600-h/034%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="034" border="0" alt="034" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBi7nh2xjLI/AAAAAAAAAUA/8djCyqDAf2k/034_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Kindergarten here she comes….</p> Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-53834616856124839642010-06-11T07:31:00.001-04:002010-06-11T07:31:22.044-04:00I’m Jammin….<p>The girls and I (Gabe was still in school and very disappointed he missed out) had the privilege of meeting up with a <a href="http://pollardsinthepromisedland.blogspot.com/">wonderful family</a> for a morning of strawberry picking.  The girls had a blast picking berries, playing with the Pollard kids, and I enjoying catching up with Beth.  It was a great afternoon that even ended with delicious ice cream from <a href="http://www.bergeysbreadbasket.com/">Bergey's</a>. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIeYSEcnWI/AAAAAAAAASw/KeaYgVck6ZA/s1600-h/189%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="189" border="0" alt="189" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIeZG0Q_FI/AAAAAAAAAS0/w8_Oki_eAkY/189_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="382" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIeZqCJiaI/AAAAAAAAAS4/o-OrPnlNh-g/s1600-h/196%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="196" border="0" alt="196" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIeabA9JsI/AAAAAAAAAS8/fpWfdFpSgC4/196_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="356" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIeayQjv0I/AAAAAAAAATA/6m3yQQ6l4VM/s1600-h/199%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="199" border="0" alt="199" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIebg-WohI/AAAAAAAAATE/AvQo6WSG-0s/199_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="415" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIectfIbWI/AAAAAAAAATI/S9RVWeqNqw4/s1600-h/202%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="202" border="0" alt="202" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIedTWD-tI/AAAAAAAAATM/4qCXWlOhpII/202_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="451" /></a> </p> <p align="left">I had wanted to pick enough to try and make some jam, but what was picked that day didn’t last long around here.  We were than blessed by a wonderful local family that owns a farmers market.  The Powell family opened up their fields for FREE to any local church members.  So my friend Diane and I went out one early  Saturday morning  and picked, and picked , and picked.  I came home with a good bit, with hopes of getting a few jars of jam out of them. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIeeE3tRAI/AAAAAAAAATQ/j2hEF2Mqsec/s1600-h/023%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="023" border="0" alt="023" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIeenF883I/AAAAAAAAATU/LrGTZeKRyL4/023_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="314" /></a> </p> <p align="left">I gathered my supplies, did a little googling, and set out to make some freezer strawberry jam.   I have never made jam or canned anything so I was a bit nervous on how this was going to turn out.  Of course the girls wanted to help.  So they all took turns mashing, stirring, and adding the sugar.  The process was a bit easier than I thought it was going to be.  A little time consuming and I made a nice mess, but it was all worth it.   </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIegHL55YI/AAAAAAAAATY/vxYR4u0LKsY/s1600-h/048%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="048" border="0" alt="048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIeglCmY2I/AAAAAAAAATc/GYn3tr0yDjQ/048_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="310" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIehaDztaI/AAAAAAAAATg/xi9ScWd-T-c/s1600-h/040%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="040" border="0" alt="040" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TBIeiUgLJ0I/AAAAAAAAATk/Ff38JpfBNG4/040_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="286" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I found these cute tags online and made these to give to Gabe’s teacher as an end of the year gift.</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">( I can’t remember the website that I got the tags from, but they were a free printable)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="2">The jam tastes delicious and I love to hear the kids say “ Hey Mom, can we have some toast with that yummy jam you made”.  </font></p> Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-28184272574383359172010-06-08T20:19:00.004-04:002010-06-10T12:23:51.604-04:00EMS Provider of the Year<p>On May 14th Jason had the privelege of being honored as the City of Chesapeake’s EMS Provider of the Year. It was a great night that we shared with great friends and Jason’s parents. I was so proud of Jason and glad to see him get recoginzed for all his hard work. This kind of thing is totally out of his comfort zone though. He is probably one of the most humble people I know. He is always putting 110% into what ever he is doing and believes that no matter what you should always do your best. He has high expectations of himself and takes his job seriously. Being a firefighter/paramedic is truly the profession for him. That evening they also honored a good friend of ours with the Firefighter of the year award. Jeff has ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and had to retire from active duty last year. In my opinion the department honoring Jeff with this award is another example of how the department really has that “brotherhood” feel about it. Of course there are some “work politics” but for the most part, in my opinion, they really “take care of their own”. I know that when Jason joined the department 10 years ago we met some of our greatest friends, and for that I am thankful.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TA7eEdG3FnI/AAAAAAAAASA/m2s3yZhlWAs/s1600-h/004%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TA7eFDK5rpI/AAAAAAAAASE/vqK8FUxy3bc/004_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="332" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Jason, Jeff, and Forrest </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TA7eFxkfTNI/AAAAAAAAASI/igq3MxQT1s4/s1600-h/021%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="021" border="0" alt="021" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TA7eGSaeUGI/AAAAAAAAASM/HDfhWeXjOL0/021_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="337" /></a></p> <p align="center">Jason and his Parents </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TA7eHLvb0CI/AAAAAAAAASQ/NL00FoH1XWw/s1600-h/025%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="025" border="0" alt="025" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TA7eIZ58a1I/AAAAAAAAASU/EPpKfoX4u9k/025_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="429" /></a></p><p align="center"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-76272790882817943142010-06-04T20:43:00.003-04:002010-06-07T08:17:47.343-04:00Mother’s Day 2010<p>Okay so I know I am a month behind on a Mother’s Day post but since this is my “scrapbook” I wanted to make sure I documented the great weekend we had. </p> <p>Teresa’s school had a nice Mother’s Day tea the week before Mother’s Day. Teresa was so excited for it and it was so cute to see all the nice things they made for the occasion. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdWZvKNUI/AAAAAAAAAP4/k9pWB88ICts/s1600-h/044%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="044" border="0" alt="044" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdW7lhayI/AAAAAAAAAP8/8tR_Hr1QbGY/044_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>Over Mother’s Day weekend we traveled up north to our friend’s house for their daughter, our goddaughter’s First Communion. Danny and Jen live outside of Washington D.C. so we decided to stop on our way up on Friday. We went to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and the American History Museum. It was a bit crowded due to all the school field trips but it still was a fun time. We enjoyed seeing the dinosaur exhibits, the hope diamond and the exhibit on mammals at the NHM. I am pretty sure I enjoyed the American History Museum more than the others. They had a neat display of the Inaugural gowns of the first ladies which I enjoyed, Gabe and Jason not so much. They also had Julia Child’s kitchen on display which again I am sure I enjoyed more than the others, especially after watching the movie “Julie&Julia”. We also saw the ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, Kermit the Frog, Brian Botanio’s ice skates, and Natasha Lukin’s gymnastic leotard. We really could have spent an entire day at each museum but we were only able to stay a few hours. After the museums we walked by the Capital building, Lincoln Memorial, and did a drive by of the White House. It was a fun afternoon and I am so glad we took that opportunity to see the sites of D.C. </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdXZPXh1I/AAAAAAAAAQA/qULcckLJNLo/s1600-h/054%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdXZPXh1I/AAAAAAAAAQE/ODJD-qbAIc4/s1600-h/054%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="054" border="0" alt="054" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdYYYXbCI/AAAAAAAAAQI/2ryOv5vG80U/054_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="403" /></a></p> <p align="center">l<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdZNwhYgI/AAAAAAAAAQM/EJ4Nax9i7RM/s1600-h/066%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="066" border="0" alt="066" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdZlCTIfI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/t61MKpXOReo/066_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="330" /></a> </p> <p align="center">the Hope Diamond</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdaJgi2jI/AAAAAAAAAQU/c7sAaPIdaGQ/s1600-h/061%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="061" border="0" alt="061" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdbAwkAzI/AAAAAAAAAQY/P5vF6LmPlls/061_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="410" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Saturday of that weekend we had Ava’s First Communion. We were so glad to be able to be there for this special occasion. I still never will forget Ava’s baptism. I was so embarrassed. They didn’t have her baptized during a Mass, just a small service with just a few people. And Gabriel SCREAMED the entire time. Not just a little fussing but a full on fit and there was nothing I could do. I couldn’t take him out because I had to be there and there was no one that I could give him to either. The funny thing now when I look back on it is that the entire time Danny’s dad was video taping. I kept thinking…really are you even getting anything the priest is saying or are you just doing this to torture me so we can forever have documented the awful fit Gabe was throwing. Thankfully this time around everyone behaved themselves and it was great to be able to celebrate this special occasion with her. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdcDXdMgI/AAAAAAAAAQc/6LUTTv9-iWE/s1600-h/078%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="078" border="0" alt="078" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdcuOogSI/AAAAAAAAAQg/XbJSiuDsIXM/078_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="311" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmddQcjbGI/AAAAAAAAAQk/dPRJrbCPRhU/s1600-h/080%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="080" border="0" alt="080" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdeAGtklI/AAAAAAAAAQo/YNjaEWWTr9o/080_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="310" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Danny and Jen live on a great farm in Maryland. We all had a great time but I think that Teresa enjoyed herself the most. She loved being able to play with the chickens, rabbit, goat, and pony. I think her favorite thing was to walk down to the creek and play in the water. It was so pretty there that weekend and I had a chance while the little girls were taking a nap to take some pics…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdeu0gCHI/AAAAAAAAAQs/-I83-4yyYAM/s1600-h/091%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="091" border="0" alt="091" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdfqXCg_I/AAAAAAAAAQw/TMzStJz_kKw/091_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="406" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdgeIvEtI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ZOM0MA50JYo/s1600-h/094%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="094" border="0" alt="094" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdhBWlbGI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/eYOHVJtU0lA/094_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="399" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdhgJ-yLI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/9hVm6i7kuAs/s1600-h/096%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="096" border="0" alt="096" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdiJz6suI/AAAAAAAAARA/CxoelU4XA1A/096_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="394" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdivHSgxI/AAAAAAAAARE/ZsErwurZQyI/s1600-h/102%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="102" border="0" alt="102" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdjK57NBI/AAAAAAAAARI/ZMjbKqzSx08/102_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="392" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdjjWzdwI/AAAAAAAAARM/EfrypgQR29A/s1600-h/140%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="140" border="0" alt="140" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdkcMRClI/AAAAAAAAARQ/zS8JeJKF11A/140_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="400" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdlGTCRoI/AAAAAAAAARU/XF_0k2IQLgQ/s1600-h/141%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="141" border="0" alt="141" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdlpssRsI/AAAAAAAAARY/GkLlE7JgRhw/141_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdmso72AI/AAAAAAAAARc/elrVQewGKTg/s1600-h/187%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="187" border="0" alt="187" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/TAmdnOp1yXI/AAAAAAAAARg/aDes690NW3g/187_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="279" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I wish this picture would have come out better. These four guys (Jason, Pete, Danny, Antoni) have been friends for years and now all these years later they have 10kids +1 on the way between them! It is always so great to get together with them…no matter how much time passes it is like it was just yesterday that we all saw each other! The blessing of those “forever friends”.</p> <p align="left">On Mother’s Day we left early and drove to see my parents. It was great to get to spend the day with my Mom. We were able to visit for a few hours and then we were on the road home. It was a whirlwind weekend but so worth it. It is times like these, spending time with great friends and family, that matter’s most! </p>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-44901168684506789662010-05-30T13:42:00.002-04:002010-05-30T13:45:16.361-04:00Sunscreen<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx9Ao9n0c9kl0-yFo7gwvYqt_VySNlpslfhRmknV6rq9irM4kpV1rcrm9pUNIBRkEzMnagiCN14-eRSkUjBDg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just another day in the life!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(the call in the middle is Jason trying to call after I sent him a picture) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I guess she wasn't watching Dora after all, and this is what I get for trying to put away Mt. Washmore! </div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-5844071616364895942010-05-21T09:41:00.001-04:002010-05-21T09:41:12.164-04:00Jennifer’s Journey<p>Back in April I traveled home one weekend to support one of my oldest and dearest friends who has been diagnosed with Lung Cancer.  When I first learned of her diagnoses back in February I was just devastated.  This is not supposed to be happening to one of my friends, especially someone as kind hearted and loving as Jen.  These things only happen to other people…I was only supposed to hear other people’s stories of this happening to their friends.  But here I was having to face watching my dear friend go through such a trial.  In these few short months she has taught me so much about so many different things.  She has faced this trial with such grace and strength.  Of course there have been times of weakness, I mean really a person can only be so strong.  This journey has taught me about how important it is to tell those you love, really how much you love and care about them.  To tell them how much they mean to you on any regular day not just wait until they are struggling through a hardship.  It has also shown me the importance of making time for those who are important to you.  Not to wait till “next time”, or “when I am not as busy”.  Besides that it has also shown me the awesomeness of God, how if you truly ask him into your heart he will pick you up and carry you like that poem “Footprints in the Sand”.  The incredible sense of peace that Jen keeps talking about I know can only come from God.  Also how a positive attitude can make a world of difference.  How the “woes is me” frame of mind is nothing but negative energy and when going through a struggle who wants to waste your energy on that.  Now of course everyone has their moments and that is normal and expected but I guess what I am trying to say is that we all have two ways of handling a situation and I see how choosing the more positive way of thinking can make a world of difference.  </p> <p>The turn out of the walk was just remarkable.  Hundreds of friends, friends of friends, co-workers, and family members all came out to support her.    I can only imagine how overwhelming it was to her family to see so many people come out and support them. It was great to see and catch up with some people I have not seen in years.  Almost like a mini high school reunion.  The best part was getting to hang with these girls…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S_aNa_slrmI/AAAAAAAAAPY/MjjcVafeqgQ/s1600-h/DSC05593%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC05593" border="0" alt="DSC05593" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S_aNbuQA0pI/AAAAAAAAAPc/d8shBY02LbI/DSC05593_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="367" /></a></p> <p align="left">It was so neat to see how even after all these years we all just picked right back up like we saw each other yesterday.  Also how we were all still the same, even after getting married and having kids.  We were able to go out to lunch afterwards and if someone had rewound time it could have been all of us sitting there like we were in high school. But instead of talking about boyfriend drama and high school drama, we were talking about careers, husbands, and babies! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S_aNcDdafmI/AAAAAAAAAPg/kKDYizXuMJ4/s1600-h/DSC05595%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC05595" border="0" alt="DSC05595" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S_aNcmr8ufI/AAAAAAAAAPk/21wEYSqvAKg/DSC05595_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">One with Jen! :) </p> <p> </p> <p>As much as I wish we would have never had to have an event like this for one of our friends, it was such an awesome experience and a memory that will last a lifetime.  </p> <p>The Sunday after the walk I had the privilege to be Jen and Shaun’s daughter’s godmother.  When they told me that they had decided to get their kids baptized I was so honored to be asked to be a part of such a special occasion.  Thankfully Jen was feeling better so I was able to spend more time with her and her family.  Here is my most favorite picture from that day….</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S_aNdchfEEI/AAAAAAAAAPo/x-G6wwbikSg/s1600-h/DSC05611%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC05611" border="0" alt="DSC05611" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S_aNd5gAjNI/AAAAAAAAAPs/orApEgNBiL4/DSC05611_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="360" /></a></p> <p align="left">It was a wonderful weekend filled with many emotional memories.  I am so thankful I was able to make the trip and show my support for someone I feel so blessed to call friend! </p> Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-29514602480026440262010-05-17T07:46:00.001-04:002010-05-17T07:46:46.315-04:00So much to blog about and so little time<p>Gosh I have so much I want to blog about but finding the time has been difficult.  I was thinking about giving up but then I read  <a href="http://mystackofplates.blogspot.com/2010/05/you-should.html">this</a> and again decided that this was a wonderful way to document our lives.  So I am going to challenge myself to at least a post a week.  It is funny though because this all goes along with the feeling lately that I have had about the priorities in my life.  What is important to me and what I want to invest my time with.   I have a few other challenges that I am giving myself that I will hopefully write about also, if I get brave enough to put them out there in cyber world.  But for now I must get Teresa off to preschool and then tackle a huge shopping trip to Sam’s.  Fun times ahead……  </p> Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-48628581023921989222010-04-22T19:17:00.002-04:002010-04-22T19:21:20.349-04:00Earth Day<p>I thought in honor of it being Earth Day I would write a post documenting our garden thus far. </p> <p>Now I must be honest in saying that every year in the early spring Jason and I get very ambitious with our garden plans. We make a list of everything we want to plant and I make the promise that I will make sure it gets weeded and watered while Jason is working his long hours. Then some time around the 1st of August when it is hot and humid my enthusiasm weans and the weeds start taking over. I also have visions of me freezing, canning and preserving our “harvest”. I really do have these visions of myself making homemade spaghetti sauce from our tomatoes and having my pantry filled with mason jars of food I have canned from the garden. Now to give myself some credit I did manage to make some pesto sauce and freeze a few jars. I give those women who actually do all of that a ton of credit. I hope one day have a freezer and pantry that would make Ma <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ingalls</span> proud. </p> <p>Anyway this year again I promised Jason the weeding would get done and if he planted snap beans I would learn how to freeze them and I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wouldn</span>’t let all of the potatoes rot. So this year we have planted broccoli, which I hope does well this year. The last two years the weather got too warm too quick and ruined all the plants. We also have potatoes, onions, beans, carrots (first year with these…we’ll see), and basil already planted. Jason just started the seeds for the tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. I would love to plant zucchini and squash but they take up a lot of room and we are already extending the garden this year. I am really hoping we get a great harvest this year and I am looking forward to the first garden fresh vegetables because there is really nothing like them! </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY0FQ1TvI/AAAAAAAAAOo/8GTReDXrQCo/s1600-h/029%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="029" border="0" alt="029" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY0z2i6mI/AAAAAAAAAOs/jExPGwJxOTM/029_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="345" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Lettuce</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY1ytWdaI/AAAAAAAAAOw/GliLq3XYQ74/s1600-h/030%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="030" border="0" alt="030" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY2vlLsHI/AAAAAAAAAO0/ToZ0U61NXAk/030_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="289" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Potato Plant</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY3v_HmqI/AAAAAAAAAO4/7GiVLEcqlZ0/s1600-h/035%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="035" border="0" alt="035" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY4VgiPqI/AAAAAAAAAO8/Np6dsPrtcU0/035_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="290" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Broccoli</span> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY5dwphFI/AAAAAAAAAPA/QoFdkf66MY0/s1600-h/036%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="036" border="0" alt="036" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY6CzZvNI/AAAAAAAAAPE/uz1wj8pHQdE/036_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="291" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Beans</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY65pl2rI/AAAAAAAAAPI/E4B2dTDYjBw/s1600-h/037%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="037" border="0" alt="037" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY7nUAVgI/AAAAAAAAAPM/J8gu88Xrz2Q/037_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="358" /></a></p> <p align="center">Onions </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY8H_9z5I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/lROfyvZb4z0/s1600-h/034%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="034" border="0" alt="034" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S9DY8nBtCqI/AAAAAAAAAPU/FY_KevaktR8/034_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="360" /></a> </p> <p align="center">A blossom from our apple tree.</p>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-81210670395289235402010-04-20T21:10:00.002-04:002010-04-21T21:55:26.552-04:00Really, did I just do that<p>I had one of those awful Mom moments the other day. After I realized what happened I kept hoping that maybe,just maybe it wasn’t true. </p> <p>I ran over Gabriel’s IPod with the lawn mower. Yup that’s right I ran his IPod over with the riding mower. If that thing hadn’t exploded into a million pieces I would have collected it and taken a picture. </p> <p>What happened was, I was getting ready to cut the grass. Gabe and Teresa were at a friends house and Faith and Lauren were taken naps. I thought it would be nice to listen to some music while I mowed since I didn’t have to keep an eye on anyone. Remembering that my iPod wasn’t charged I decided to use Gabe’s. Well I guess in a moment of complete mind loss I placed it in my lap, decided to take my coat off and then I heard it. This big clank that for sure was not a great sound to hear while you are cutting grass. I looked behind me and saw this silver object go a flying and then I looked down and saw the earphone wire hanging out from under the blade cover. I insistently checked my pocket (which is where I thought I had put it) and then remembered OH NO it was on my lap!!! It must have fallen off when I took my coat off and then went right under the mower. UGH!!! I felt horrible! Not only did I feel bad just for the fact that I ran it over but because I had just gotten on him for leaving it around. I told him he better start putting it back where it belongs because if not it was going to get BROKEN. And here I am the one that breaks it. </p> <p>I thought for sure when I told him what had happen he was going to get upset. When he got home I told him I had something important to tell him. I then broke the news…and this is what he said to me “ Mom that’s okay I don’t use it that much anyway” then he paused and said “well I do but it still is okay”. I said “really you’re not upset, I really am sorry” and he then said “no really Mom it is okay it was just an accident”. </p> <p>I have to be honest and say I was really proud of him in that moment. He didn’t have to react that way. He could have been upset, demanded that I get him a new one but he didn’t. Just an “it’s okay Mom”. Well and then followed by “did it explode into a million pieces, what did it look like, what did it sound like” :-) </p>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-57343981782124103392010-04-17T23:26:00.003-04:002010-04-18T15:04:25.036-04:00Spring Soccer 2010<p>We just ended soccer season and I have to say while it was great to see the kids play and they had a ton of fun, I will not miss 4 nights of practice and 2 games on Saturday. This was the first season that we had two kids in sports. Overall it really wasn’t that bad and thankfully due to great friends carpooling worked out great. I’ll tell you it really does take a village!! </p> <p>This season Gabe played with a new coach and some new players. At first I was concerned because there were a few kids that were on the younger side of the age group and some inexperienced players but I’ll tell you what this was the “little team that could”. It took a game or two for the team to mesh and learn to play together but once it clicked they really had a some great plays. Gabe played great for the most part, he had a few times where it seemed his head just wasn’t in the game, but hey we can’t be “on” all the time. He scored some goals and was one of the players that scored in the final game to earn us our first victory! They may have only won one game but that last game they really played with some heart. I could tell they were all really driven to end the season on a high note and boy did they! I wish I had gotten more pictures of Gabe playing but either the camera battery was dead or I was too busy chasing the girls around. </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8p7vD0T5dI/AAAAAAAAAOA/0ARXnsp5XcM/s1600-h/DSC05292%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC05292" border="0" alt="DSC05292" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8p7vjBT96I/AAAAAAAAAOE/r05QNB_0tBU/DSC05292_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="449" /></a></p> <p align="center">Goooooo Golden Dragons!</p> <p> </p> <p>This was Teresa’s first time playing soccer EVER! She has kicked the ball around the backyard and has spent many hours at the field watching Gabe play but never actually played on a team. She was super excited to get to play and thought she was so grown to get to play soccer like Gabe does. She was thrilled on her game days especially if anyone special was coming to watch her play such as my sister or Jason’s parents. Overall she did well . She loved that her friend Abbi played on her team and her team did really well. She had some great games and some games were I think she just enjoyed sitting on the sidelines eating the halftime snack. The funniest story of the season was from the very first game. Teresa was out on the field and the whistle had blown to end the game. Teresa got a hold of the ball and instead of stopping dribbled the ball down field and kicked it in the goal. Of course when she turned around we all cheered for her and she beamed a smile like “wow awesome I just scored a goal!”. And according to her she did…I never told her that the game had ended and it didn’t count. </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8p7wfZvmQI/AAAAAAAAAOI/Jc4rD-BjKOQ/s1600-h/DSC05267%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC05267" border="0" alt="DSC05267" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8p7w_l75xI/AAAAAAAAAOM/jAh17Ae9fH0/DSC05267_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="429" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Goooo Lemonheads!!!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Here are a few pictures of what Faith and Lauren enjoy doing during the games. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8p7yM9exPI/AAAAAAAAAOU/_0tOmxioE8Q/s1600-h/DSC05284%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC05284" border="0" alt="DSC05284" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8p7y-i8qQI/AAAAAAAAAOY/rIm6YNnV6bo/DSC05284_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="313" /></a> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8p7z2zL-wI/AAAAAAAAAOc/PGKrINBDeA4/s1600-h/DSC05285%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC05285" border="0" alt="DSC05285" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8p70QyAy6I/AAAAAAAAAOg/6-Q2P6r2k1g/DSC05285_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="312" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">Here’s to another great soccer season!! See ya in the fall! </p>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-91534808922663442072010-04-15T15:20:00.002-04:002010-04-15T15:38:15.804-04:00My “baby” turns 2<p>I can still call her a “baby” right even though she has turned 2. I have to say these past 2 years have flown by incredibly fast. I remember when I was getting close to my due date with Lauren and the “panic” set in about how was I going to manage having 4 kids and 3 of them being 3 and under, I just kept giving myself short term goals. I would tell myself things like”Okay think small…let’s just make it through the summer without any major issues or catastrophes and by that time Lauren would be 4 months things would get easier” or “Made it through summer now lets just make it through the fall and the holidays”. Well before I knew it Lauren’s first birthday came and went and we were all still standing and I have to say thanks to wonderful friends and family the transition wasn’t so bad. Of course I had my days and nights were I thought I had completely lost it and wondered how God thought little ole disorganized me could handle this huge responsibility. Now here we are and sweet Lauren is 2 and as loving, smart, and adorable as any 2 year old can be. </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8dm5U5_8dI/AAAAAAAAAM4/ta703hdZkIg/s1600-h/DSC05249%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC05249" border="0" alt="DSC05249" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8dm6ckq1XI/AAAAAAAAAM8/hJmjg2br104/DSC05249_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">The day she was born was a pretty scary experience. Due to a prolapsed cord we had to have an emergency c-section. I had to be put under general anesthesia because I hadn’t had time to get an epidural and they didn’t even have time to administer one in the OR. I remember being rolled down the hallway with all these nurses, my wonderful doctor Dr. Roberts, Debbie the midwife, and Jason experiencing the most fear I had ever had. It is never a great feeling when your doctor says to your husband “yeah I am a little nervous too” . My last memory before Lauren’s birth was seeing Jason’s face as they closed the doors to the OR and seeing the worry in his eyes. I am so thankful that my dear friend Shannon was there to be such a great support to us. I am truly blessed by her friendship. After I woke up from the anesthesia I was so overjoyed and thankful to hear that everything went well and that Lauren was about as perfect as perfect can be. I often look at her and say a prayer of thanksgiving because I know that if her umbilical cord had been compressed for too long of a time the outcome could have been very different. </p> <p align="left">This year for her birthday we were thankful that Jason was off work and the weather was beautiful. We took the kids to the Sound Park in Harbinger which was a really fun time. We road bikes, swung on swings, and Gabe got to ride on the skate park. We then went to Jason’s sister house for a cook out and cake. I was especially excited that my sister Meredith made it down from New Jersey to celebrate with us. It is always nice when the cousins all get a chance to get together and play. Here are some pictures from the night:</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8dm7RSHqtI/AAAAAAAAANA/gahZsaxQLDU/s1600-h/012%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="012" border="0" alt="012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8dm8C3pybI/AAAAAAAAANE/yVA20NCWrVE/012_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="329" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Jason and all the cousins</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8dm8tauG1I/AAAAAAAAANI/zoZ64leMZjM/s1600-h/022%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="022" border="0" alt="022" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8dm8-w3ADI/AAAAAAAAANM/Fu6EH_yGnyU/022_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="332" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8dm9cVW70I/AAAAAAAAANQ/q4ZjlprVVk4/s1600-h/028%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="028" border="0" alt="028" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8dm9zKOcLI/AAAAAAAAANU/ThA8dNqVQN4/028_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="332" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Lauren was so excited about the Dora cake I made her for her bday! The look on her face made staying up until 1am finishing it totally worth it!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8dm-WYJzHI/AAAAAAAAANY/6tPMg2BgieA/s1600-h/034%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="034" border="0" alt="034" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S8dm-430QYI/AAAAAAAAANc/ry6bEz0Ps5o/034_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="283" height="376" /></a></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">Lauren you are such a joy and a real blessing to our family. I love how one minute you are trying to keep up with your older sisters and then the next you want to cuddle and snuggle like a baby. You have amazed us with your vocabulary and have no problem letting us know what you want or expressing how you feel. Some of your favorite things to do are: swing on the swings, play with your baby dolls, go for walks, watch Dora, and read books. You absolutely love our dog Casie and can often be found laying next to her playing with her hair. I love when you come up to me and say “I’m hungry” which is probably about half of your waking hours. I would say your favorite food is pineapple and I love how excited you get when we buy one at the store. So much so that you insist on holding it the entire ride home. We love you so very much and look forward to watching you grow into a sweet loving little girl! </p>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-81920277602098115462010-04-07T22:18:00.003-04:002010-04-08T15:02:21.882-04:00Easter Weekend<p>We had a wonderful Easter weekend this year. The weather was absolutely beautiful and it made celebrating this meaningful holiday even better. We were blessed to have Jason off from work on both Saturday and Sunday so we made sure to do a lot of family activities and plenty of down time also . On Saturday morning we went to an Easter egg hunt at Teresa’s preschool which is also the church that Jason’s parents have started to attend. It was a fun time and Teresa enjoyed seeing many of her classmates. </p> <p align="center"><img height="246" src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs470.snc3/25812_1435996219422_1218459007_1298043_1498205_n.jpg" width="366" /></p> <p>Once we made it back home and Lauren went down for a nap the rest of us headed outside to enjoy the weather and get some yard work done. Jason and the kids worked in the garden and I cut the grass. I am really excited about the garden this year. So far we have planted potatoes, onions, broccoli, and beans and Jason and Faith started the seeds for the tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Ahhhh I can not wait for a garden fresh sun ripened tomato…yummy! </p> <p>After working in the yard for awhile we came back in a dyed some eggs. I actually had to go to the store and buy eggs for the first time since October because I wasn’t sure how the brown and green eggs would turn out. I have to say there is definitely a huge difference in taste…fresh eggs taste so much better! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S70858ThGXI/AAAAAAAAALo/EgrdgYu0t0M/s1600-h/DSC053545.jpg"><img title="DSC05354" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="297" alt="DSC05354" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S7086bu_zfI/AAAAAAAAALs/ERXFINOiXig/DSC05354_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" border="0" /></a></p> <p>On Easter Sunday the kids enjoyed their Easter baskets, Lauren probably a little too much because every time I turned around she had a new piece of candy in her mouth. One of my favorite parts of Easter Sunday mass is when we sing during the responsorial psalm “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” It was even more special this year because I have been singing that song with the girls so Teresa was so excited she knew all the words and could sing along. It was just precious to see her smiling face singing her heart out. </p> <p>After church we went to Jason’s parents house for dinner and another egg hunt. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S7087K5D37I/AAAAAAAAALw/Fmm-iZwjpZI/s1600-h/DSC054033.jpg"><img title="DSC05403" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="395" alt="DSC05403" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S7087t1-EAI/AAAAAAAAAL0/BJxdoozvEjU/DSC05403_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" border="0" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S7088aTbyyI/AAAAAAAAAL4/KhpsGGaMXVc/s1600-h/DSC054183.jpg"><img title="DSC05418" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="381" alt="DSC05418" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S7089BS5ZvI/AAAAAAAAAL8/3xZssPbyrKY/DSC05418_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" border="0" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S70895EQXiI/AAAAAAAAAMA/dd_CryqxfKI/s1600-h/DSC05421%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="DSC05421" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="294" alt="DSC05421" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S708-q_FfnI/AAAAAAAAAME/fp8FjmcPMTg/DSC05421_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S708_Ykx31I/AAAAAAAAAMI/MKXQYqZPz-A/s1600-h/DSC05438%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="DSC05438" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="380" alt="DSC05438" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S708_yx8oCI/AAAAAAAAAMM/T2qB5wz5_PQ/DSC05438_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S709AUtZcZI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/4OriT_oL-pg/s1600-h/DSC05430%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="DSC05430" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="379" alt="DSC05430" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S709BGY_DeI/AAAAAAAAAMU/l1qUyliXCc0/DSC05430_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Jesus Christ is Risen today…..Alleluia!!!</p>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-89247008750059007562010-03-28T17:44:00.001-04:002010-03-28T17:47:55.553-04:00Gabriel turns 9<p>It is hard for me to believe that Gabriel turned 9 this year. I think actually it is harder for me to think that I have been a mother now for nine years. Some days it feels like just yesterday that I started all this parenting stuff and then others days when things just seem to fall into place I think hmm yeah I may just have gotten the hang of this. Gabriel is maturing into such a kind hearted young man. Yes we have our battles over some laziness issues, but for the most part he is so eager to please and never gives me any trouble. He is so patient with his sisters and I love to watch him(when he thinks I am not looking) in those tender moments with them. He does very well in school and all his teachers just rave about what a pleasure he is class. He is playing soccer right now and still has a love for football and skateboarding. Like most nine year old boys he loves his video games, but is finding that reading can be enjoyable and not just something you have to do for school. </p> <p>Gabriel you are such a blessing to our family. I am proud to be your mother! God really blessed us with you and it is such a joy to see the young man you are growing up to be. My heart just fills with love and smiles when I think of you. May God bless you this year and may all your dreams and ambitions come true! </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S6_OA3Pe5_I/AAAAAAAAAK4/o02AIEOdA2g/s1600-h/023_23%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="023_23" border="0" alt="023_23" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S6_OBZ8rJ6I/AAAAAAAAAK8/QcFubtU-u-A/023_23_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" height="368" /></a> </p> <p align="center">One of my favorite pictures of Gabe</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S6_OCAg2ywI/AAAAAAAAALA/R_bShbZaFAM/s1600-h/DSC04307%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC04307" border="0" alt="DSC04307" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S6_OC3rm0dI/AAAAAAAAALE/66uaqPJhO8o/DSC04307_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="254" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Thanksgiving 2009</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S6_ODrXhYOI/AAAAAAAAALI/D0EOF_5g19w/s1600-h/077%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="077" border="0" alt="077" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S6_OEPdwdEI/AAAAAAAAALM/3nGcv5tlNQk/077_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="289" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Happy Birthday Gabe!!</p>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-5014869282871059992010-03-25T14:05:00.002-04:002010-03-25T14:08:03.969-04:003 going on 13<p>Today while cutting the grass Faith asks if she can go inside and get a snack. I say sure, thinking she’ll grab a cheese stick, some crackers, maybe an apple. After a while I noticed that she hadn’t made it back outside so I thought I better go check on her. As soon as I opened the door the smell hit me…oh no she had used the toaster. As I turned the corner this is what I found </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S6umEmu_r-I/AAAAAAAAAKw/_k9iTk0zBvU/s1600-h/081%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="081" border="0" alt="081" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wamFwFOb9eU/S6umFEjXAjI/AAAAAAAAAK0/-m6urtPeJiY/081_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">She had decided to make a toasted honey and marshmellow sandwich. I couldn’t help but laugh and of course I let her have it after all the trouble she went through to make it. We did have a discussion though about not using the toaster when mommy or daddy weren't around. I guess next time I need to be more clear on what the snack options are! </p>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-58091217220872018272010-03-14T15:09:00.003-04:002010-03-14T15:14:29.906-04:00Starting OverI can not believe how difficult it has been for me to keep up with this blog. There have been many things I have wanted to write about and journal but finding the time and motivation has been hard. I think that is a real character flaw of mine. I always have the best intentions but following through is a challenge for me. I have decided to give this whole "blogging" thing a try again because I really do want to preserve the special and everyday moments of my family. So here it goes...stay tuned.....Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975455210929268153.post-42804641282543734242009-07-22T23:57:00.004-04:002010-03-14T15:05:51.925-04:00Heading "Home"Tomorrow the kids and I are on our way to DE to visit with my parents for about a week. I try and make this trip about once a year. I am really excited this year because I am going to be meeting up with a few of my friends from high school. Some of us haven't seen each other for at least 12 years. It should be fun to catch up and see where life has taken each of us. This trip has gotten me thinking about the importance of friendships and the time we invest in relationships. Since I moved away from "home" almost 11 years ago I have made the effort to keep in touch with a few girls I have known since high school and a few since jr high. I never really understood why that was so important to me. Was it a way to stay connected to a place I had lived my entire life before getting married and moving? I think maybe that was it in the beginning. Now I think it is because these people REALLY know me. They have seen me through struggles, joys, pre-marriage, pre-kids - I guess I feel as though they really "get me". Not that the close friends I have made since moving aren't incredibly important, because they are. I have been blessed with friendships here that have supported me in ways that make me feel like I have established a "family"here so to speak. I guess it is just nice to have friends that know your past and certain things just don't need explaining. So while it is always nice to visit with my parents - I have to say the best part of this trip will be reconnecting to those old "forever" friends.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584239772264259703noreply@blogger.com1