tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53789195436698301512024-02-19T15:33:49.086-06:00Sonshine In Our HeartsOur favorite things aren't things.MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-23114650258397182712015-06-17T13:28:00.000-05:002015-06-17T13:36:14.698-05:00Mojo’s Confirmation<p>We did not intend to have two Sacraments in one year, much less a week apart! But Mojo received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, June 14, a week after her sister received her First Holy Communion. </p> <p>Mojo chose for her sponsor someone whom we’ve known for many years now, and whom she looks up to—one of our Sensei. He attends the Cathedral, and we often see him there when we visit.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVFLLJi1XiV1tob-1jMlBerbKioYggv-h9YT4KOqyn29bi5SjSg6fc-2LZC_2Npyc6BYhma0ojq_C_mK4s7aSt-dWI4NoYQTPGbzkrCNG1VlFwtxNtlSlXkKVpuTpbO5CdRrADS4en9fY/s1600-h/IMG_5826%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_5826" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5826" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l9NJJN4f5wI/VYG8dxhW3-I/AAAAAAAAF4s/O4MNq5E1syA/IMG_5826_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_IHaUW9ObNX8wkfSaFpYFHjJ6PtAXCOrEaDbFpDkbO8qwK7gL0_UgwnBcJKYwnPL0y0EDnNi31EH9qJj1y4ViGabixRDKshgHCQn4LctgoSMa9sCMMuV8Rwnw6h5Q_QYlJTj8G96IiAN/s1600-h/IMG_6174%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6174" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6n-ynHPRgrqT5koyHoeiksNQNcsl6dod7eV37bt1Wv9fUt5WEfKULwtt3f0-L0_yoobSVVPqF_O0EPm83BG-8SIwwAXup8fjjoprOj4BBDOXTeJzmFdaGqKX9EbGIxgUxIjJayXO831t/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br><br>He even wore a suit. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bIZnUHJOYxM/VYG8gOzHz7I/AAAAAAAAF5A/q0Kl0Yd3-nI/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vof62wbziws/VYG8hVBnQZI/AAAAAAAAF5M/r2Sus5Gwcgk/s1600-h/IMG_6173%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6173" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6173" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e6r7p1HFhWA/VYG8iQ9ij0I/AAAAAAAAF5U/FipQPQg9gM4/IMG_6173_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WtC51Y0IUHw/VYG8jgGUU4I/AAAAAAAAF5c/hoxJcGo1Iqo/s1600-h/IMG_6179%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6179" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6179" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GGjDdETzUYI/VYG8kXfBJRI/AAAAAAAAF5k/VDTvnP-1XHI/IMG_6179_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <p>Mojo was thrilled to have some of her non-Catholic friends, from our dojo and from our homeschooling group, to come be a part of her special day. In addition, one of her oldest and dearest friends received the Sacrament of Confirmation with her. (I was impressed that her friend made her own dress!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldu3Vg1qjE4/VYG8lhRogBI/AAAAAAAAF5s/Yd5vGdD7uXg/s1600-h/IMG_6180%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6180" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6180" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dwiNNGRHlhU/VYG8mS4mH-I/AAAAAAAAF5w/PMMsDcc5KnE/IMG_6180_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0HI88ckVfl0/VYG8ngnVBaI/AAAAAAAAF58/1e6kaW0v6-4/s1600-h/IMG_6181%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6181" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6181" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FVkYS097hHw/VYG8odqculI/AAAAAAAAF6A/C54L_Z361f4/IMG_6181_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZUNvvY_jYQI/VYG8pfLdHTI/AAAAAAAAF6M/0CXlVdiu2vU/s1600-h/IMG_6183%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6183" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6183" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fmJH9f4VuRY/VYG8qF81gXI/AAAAAAAAF6U/bCWgzrHUTGQ/IMG_6183_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>The veil that Mojo wore had been worn by her Aunts Karen and Becky at each of their First Holy Communion.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lpRIlzspTTE/VYG8rK9SAYI/AAAAAAAAF6c/BW68Z0uhYEg/s1600-h/IMG_6238%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6238" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6238" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p7WNRx90Q8s/VYG8sAUzxGI/AAAAAAAAF6k/8kgW2Z4o4Z8/IMG_6238_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8VbxE8m3yAU/VYG8tJe-sTI/AAAAAAAAF6s/h-LZWlCUOlU/s1600-h/IMG_6239%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6239" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHrOc69TY3F0dBdudlcXOe8oomYVgOqbqBHclBYB13WgfTDq3RH9_DT4IsWNv0pBzcLxGCQTJ5GKb0al3xY0zPC_YThiCfI2zklbsuC87lrkS-VZSbScgS7P4TtQwJOTNPAszk3A57lR_/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CU4u9MmYdLI/VYG8vGQl5wI/AAAAAAAAF68/H3On0ND-jtU/s1600-h/IMG_6194%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6194" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6194" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W4KhzcrZ4Jg/VYG8wHk70fI/AAAAAAAAF7A/okd_BaJPkKI/IMG_6194_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>The Confirmandi</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Egk95hFYHg/VYG8xKN0GmI/AAAAAAAAF7M/o4J5Z8esyjM/s1600-h/IMG_6198%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6198" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6198" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wJCIdEA9YZA/VYG8yMD-1oI/AAAAAAAAF7U/Q5MB2MaKKdg/IMG_6198_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kHRDVPSxpZQ/VYG8zHVw4CI/AAAAAAAAF7c/dQKSsiZyqQ8/s1600-h/IMG_6214%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6214" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6214" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PpifKCp91Mk/VYG8z8ATnTI/AAAAAAAAF7k/evfMYdVGBlk/IMG_6214_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="173"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lhAbctCydMs/VYG81EsKhvI/AAAAAAAAF7s/qV2hyTcSNz4/s1600-h/IMG_6201%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6201" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6201" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hnx8bdrobUk/VYG81qTPy5I/AAAAAAAAF7w/ZRcb_0zwyng/IMG_6201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <p>Besides her friends, this day was also shared by her grandparents and her Aunt Becky, who is her Godmother. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_NgePbp0iU0/VYG82RzXKPI/AAAAAAAAF78/Wos_qYw6r4M/s1600-h/IMG_6199%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6199" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6199" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9PT2yEwbbH8/VYG83JHkOEI/AAAAAAAAF8E/I3TTiopsUos/IMG_6199_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-72hQwdnysEU/VYG84f_zYNI/AAAAAAAAF8M/7C-rtVHqRf0/s1600-h/IMG_6208%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6208" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6208" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1dHlikWfa_U/VYG85c0Pa5I/AAAAAAAAF8Q/V4Gp9Aumti0/IMG_6208_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oXwcRitrBis/VYG87HTNdyI/AAAAAAAAF8c/iUiMq5UfkTo/s1600-h/IMG_6205%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6205" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6205" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pO1LrG2CRug/VYG877DLyxI/AAAAAAAAF8k/0trmVjMA--M/IMG_6205_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>We were able to sit and visit with the bishop for awhile at the reception. It was an all-around beautiful, blessed day.<br>I will share my thoughts on receiving our Sacraments in the Latin Mass community in a separate blog post. For now I will say that although it was out of our way and at times seemed like a hardship (especially with two a week apart), we all agreed afterward that we were glad we did it this way. Not only was the children’s faith strengthened by receiving the Sacraments, but Greg’s and mine were, too.</p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-2503352143638678442015-06-16T19:28:00.001-05:002015-06-17T09:01:19.936-05:00Gem’s First Holy Communion<p>Our Little Gem made her First Holy Communion on June 7, the Feast of Corpus Christi, at St. John the Baptist Latin Mass community. This was the first Sacrament we received at the Latin Mass, so it was a new experience for all of us.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X2jUfqIUgH8/VYF9RCXkb7I/AAAAAAAAF0k/Nk--oqH0DMg/s1600-h/IMG_6242%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6242" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6242" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--To4H25RV5A/VYF9SOrsbEI/AAAAAAAAF0s/ksX_shikOew/IMG_6242_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vhP1FlR9CfY/VYF9TPeU1wI/AAAAAAAAF00/v9s8rsidA8g/s1600-h/IMG_6243%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6243" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6243" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W3XTeDCQw4s/VYF9T3Xv9xI/AAAAAAAAF08/VPz034bHDzg/IMG_6243_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OT3fwwgtJUg/VYF9Uv7v2kI/AAAAAAAAF1E/QHK4tjAgY9I/s1600-h/IMG_6241%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6241" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd99ksaAUVPkcPlziUy4WNG8H-sKdJ7tpCxAhNAqoKGdKx2bzbaeB7SSjFNwFU6q6U-IINW5BTqQEqH8LhTe8pQpgIesI2_RfyUb8xlukdbeU_1eidI7AmOTsW2VTGp-DfF7oO53tXb2g8/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aWeECzVgaXw/VYF9WNygn0I/AAAAAAAAF1U/3PmX2MH5dww/s1600-h/IMG_6244%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6244" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6244" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JimgFFcvpWg/VYF9W50n-SI/AAAAAAAAF1c/LOGeEm63mok/IMG_6244_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><br><br>An altar server escorted the Communicants, one by one, to behind the altar, where they kneeled on the steps leading to the tabernacle to receive Our Lord for the first time.<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopZoIC4KQcM8k06GlAvSFFsoSx_efM_OHc12L8eHssRcE1wgjF5aWujUJKbkpTqj6EzEHni50kTL2VvfXXUWol5lfnYkI-gHwqeRMSf7-3N3y4rM88jKgncjurA95V_JR1HfcvxUCtxQm/s1600-h/IMG_6068.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6068" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6068" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tp7u1veLmSE/VYC-tHMVGsI/AAAAAAAAF1w/sCGWR5XZUSQ/IMG_6068_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHPkxHmTQUs8f152TUa1imkE_uJa5rJXQZNsIv1DfRQ7PltRrX29cC6T-Q3XM-QjvCxDSU8eau80TSGPbZwlWqgEqldHJ2CaSMQVSUHxOix_IPeJnr6pCgNcmGUKt_gMuU-25cRyxVDM9/s1600-h/IMG_6247%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6247" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6247" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RQuZ5sldUwA/VYF9bIWw_KI/AAAAAAAAF2E/mQN4sQMOpig/IMG_6247_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ8Snvx7XugCUOILw85oJVdAWOX-g2M7R4aF3YrQIhGgmw41DSP7P_r-WDr_MSaGQ2bCV9JaPlux6Bns8He_5vVrTWAWtyXd7mb-qmlUhjb7cDcde_uC44GrH4VrxpylIH0gAd63uAJQ3/s1600-h/IMG_6070%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6070" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6070" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RxG2MDlPxlg/VYC-un0DQMI/AAAAAAAAFwU/HON0LpTruyU/IMG_6070_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iPyjqFL2kvU/VYF9b0bt0uI/AAAAAAAAF2M/0QPv1MSNLAc/s1600-h/IMG_6248%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6248" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6248" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8BNIxn4-joE/VYF9cYo7iUI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/AXhmo76S7gc/IMG_6248_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgQMfJ8FVVglGvVrWqYiNn96_p5JiN-k-ohZ4FwLrO6VWlmizkJaQmlHGRKe5a_ZETtstRUqTrdgHmbjpSAFSj16crZn2-FO86C06BNLPapdKoEt5u9Jglmme4zVPlCW_Ljpg1ewfWE7_/s1600-h/IMG_6249%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6249" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6249" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WtRfNI_UX18/VYF9e6IVCkI/AAAAAAAAF2k/sz50EOCOM7M/IMG_6249_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OG-axhSqb3A/VYC-ynnB_mI/AAAAAAAAFxA/Tbt5wN3XXYI/s1600-h/IMG_6078%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6078" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6078" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zv75xLP4WlE/VYC-zb-kI1I/AAAAAAAAFxI/q8gZiuNSidA/IMG_6078_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="244"></a><br><br>Immediately after the Mass, we began our Corpus Christi procession around the block.<br><br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MsAoY0AuMdk/VYF9fnEwYWI/AAAAAAAAF2s/DXZT5AJdrns/s1600-h/IMG_6250%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6250" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6250" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZzj0deN7g8/VYF9gdUFV2I/AAAAAAAAF2w/sCq4zGDpNfU/IMG_6250_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-prbgm5_cf9k/VYF9hpiPZXI/AAAAAAAAF28/TLx60s18RNM/s1600-h/IMG_6251%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6251" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6251" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ADEEcODwRPw/VYF9iKwDDgI/AAAAAAAAF3E/fPXnTkERw1g/IMG_6251_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3yPsPrGihvg/VYF9jYS6SUI/AAAAAAAAF3M/T_SFbVmJTxU/s1600-h/IMG_6252%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6252" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6252" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RUZxyUkKOks/VYF9kC5-q6I/AAAAAAAAF3Q/0IXgyL6yQbA/IMG_6252_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vnFM9qO7_y0/VYF9lO_7dtI/AAAAAAAAF3c/gbPI_mbUfUU/s1600-h/IMG_6253%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6253" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6253" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C2KuEris1ko/VYF9lzueC3I/AAAAAAAAF3g/7VqP1rbagtU/IMG_6253_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO7nOuVtyKvOOzwb79UwF3hS-jYtlXEnzPONvMt3-DxtcXzZpr2b7w5Jt7yge9fQuu6FYB6iVvzkqSTZ3GtiqxctVB7q2ZhM-RQIQv-yeS4p_hqpiejnFCFw0H5yHD05mknFgdV2MKkCL/s1600-h/IMG_6258%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6258" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6258" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FOdZuK06oMs/VYF9n34iGjI/AAAAAAAAF3w/nsD9uDMpXQA/IMG_6258_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bURGChwJ2mg/VYF9pbuR6_I/AAAAAAAAF38/DycsOAMi8ZQ/s1600-h/IMG_6259%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6259" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6259" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3hl9VY53jB4/VYF9p6cIBdI/AAAAAAAAF4E/kRjjry8jX98/IMG_6259_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uhjjmNh1Mm8/VYF9rBCyv4I/AAAAAAAAF4M/wY6fXRFiIhA/s1600-h/IMG_6261%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6261" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6261" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y_js6t71Jao/VYF9rtQAGbI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/9GJBB7QeJDw/IMG_6261_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><br><br>Then we took pictures and had a lovely reception.<br><br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-guO6wnaUjGw/VYC-6hkIIgI/AAAAAAAAFyA/hhF6BMdfrME/s1600-h/IMG_6089%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6089" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6089" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YE_8nhiz9xs/VYC-7Ntve_I/AAAAAAAAFyE/YcTGRQHONd8/IMG_6089_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JJkEg8RpZkc/VYC-70okv8I/AAAAAAAAFyQ/RowHMTOfxQs/s1600-h/IMG_6136%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6136" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6136" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ehqrvT8pDg8/VYC-8sqAUpI/AAAAAAAAFyU/GWRchQVzr5k/IMG_6136_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjlmHVR6GdsVyYr67CCFNdPYM88FICnS1z85085zDOr5HGJEp4BDtUjsuAxIEu_hZMt04caRaj7SEyFRDLOvpRqNNBTiEptz8eg833Zap3YukFYwAtRty_juyOQItJ5TnJCdvgdhKwmMX/s1600-h/IMG_6097%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6097" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6097" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gTlCs6L5UW8/VYC-918YelI/AAAAAAAAFyo/C-1jtE5aXV0/IMG_6097_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br><br>After we took a family picture, we realized Mojo was missing. So we had to get another “sister” picture.<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcErIjuqGKTV5jC6EzWzOJXrOstK7GiZFZv5yBEX1aOvaq_sRAFpib3XUyO_cLKOpFigDo6BeRT-W7uEhNILj6Jwlpivyyng-kDq6dRGkhKqhsQm20EKzW7jaZZOgr1p35CMNVMQaGYR1z/s1600-h/IMG_6101%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6101" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6101" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wcobPOdBkMQ/VYC-_UYWDII/AAAAAAAAFy4/jlIeTT5013w/IMG_6101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MIgT5ymiT3Y/VYC_C6_IWZI/AAAAAAAAFzA/fuNcXDntPWA/s1600-h/IMG_6122%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6122" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6122" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jZZRhWPeuQc/VYC_DdWJ7OI/AAAAAAAAFzI/eQ0hqgXulqo/IMG_6122_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><br><br>During the reception, the First Communicants were enrolled in the Brown Scapular. I was reminded of my own enrollment, by Fr. Bonaventure at the Marylake Carmelite monastery, and I have been wearing mine again ever since. <br><br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7VtBKe5HJWE/VYC_EJESl0I/AAAAAAAAFzQ/dQB69DjU_vs/s1600-h/IMG_6131%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6131" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6131" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7f-NNjRVuzs/VYC_FNAv4GI/AAAAAAAAFzY/bR4YuEZk6iw/IMG_6131_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="772"></a><br><br>A few days before, Gemma’s grandma had sent the veil that her Aunts Karen and Becky had each worn to their First Holy Communion. We intended for her to wear it, but in the chaos of getting ready, when she grabbed her dress, she grabbed the veil that came with it. But when we got home, we got a picture of her in it. </p> <p>I am uploading this now so that we can show pictures to our friends and family, but I will be coming back later to add our thoughts on the Latin Tridentine Mass and why we chose to receive our Sacraments there this year. </p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-47985443107621678142015-03-05T11:27:00.001-06:002017-09-16T09:21:15.256-05:00This Year’s AccomplishmentsI’m behind on blogging. Again. This year has been a busy year for us. We are doing a lot more with homeschool this year and are involved in two new homeschool co-ops. I’m also doing more studying for professional growth at work. But I did want to take a minute to share some of our accomplishments.<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvW3v0smZi78f8BW8H7ZWnOdVN39OJ4zFbBcjOrnkkeYUJG72QWRtXtMxAiUSFIgdof99oXqUKZIGrwmY58denx7GS42tKYRXFrWlvGHslJSZzye9m-CWxwHOkJ1MrQ4jHEZJ8Br2okmH/s1600-h/IMG_4457%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_4457" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C_WZpHV_ndg/VPiR-lqTa_I/AAAAAAAAFhM/KddNawrWbAE/IMG_4457_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" 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="IMG_4457" width="364" /></a><br />
MJ made the All-Region band this year--first band, sixth chair. I was proud to see that she was the only 7th grade trombonist who made All-Region. And her All-Region band director was my high school band director’s son!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7LpOitlrqRQ/VPiR_gaA2SI/AAAAAAAAFhU/TPU0jYhFrQY/s1600-h/IMG_4542%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_4542" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OsELa_gY7NA/VPiSAxMMjAI/AAAAAAAAFhc/sroiFYSJsDE/IMG_4542_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" 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="IMG_4542" width="484" /></a><br />
Two of my cubs were promoted in January. MJ received her purple belt, making her eligible to attend instructors’ clinics. CG received his green belt. <br />
And I’m another step closer to a long-time dream of mine. I have completed 90 hours of lactation-specific education and 1000 hours of assisting breastfeeding mothers, and I have scraped together enough pennies to register for the IBCLC exam this July!MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-79965181086749833212014-09-26T14:14:00.001-05:002015-03-05T02:39:44.304-06:00Family FunWhat we do without a television...<br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yooZ7jrLSs0/VCW4bZMvqjI/AAAAAAAAA4M/c_NvqzBnT_U/s288/iphone_photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px; display: inline" border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yooZ7jrLSs0/VCW4bZMvqjI/AAAAAAAAA4M/c_NvqzBnT_U/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" width="262" height="350"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6wjUBxolgh0/VCW4d8NddrI/AAAAAAAAA4U/papDzav706g/s288/iphone_photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px; display: inline" border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6wjUBxolgh0/VCW4d8NddrI/AAAAAAAAA4U/papDzav706g/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" width="262" height="350"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4XdtoneEn2o/VCW4-su2FiI/AAAAAAAAA4s/F1YBFp3cSNw/s288/iphone_photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px; display: inline" border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4XdtoneEn2o/VCW4-su2FiI/AAAAAAAAA4s/F1YBFp3cSNw/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" width="350" height="262"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_I7_CYiKh-A/VCW7AifkvoI/AAAAAAAAA44/3ZsBx1cQgSE/s288/iphone_photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px; display: inline" border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_I7_CYiKh-A/VCW7AifkvoI/AAAAAAAAA44/3ZsBx1cQgSE/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" width="262" height="350"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mhgGKbSCa_w/VCW7C1cwLXI/AAAAAAAAA5A/QtkrE26h_-k/s288/iphone_photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px; display: inline" border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mhgGKbSCa_w/VCW7C1cwLXI/AAAAAAAAA5A/QtkrE26h_-k/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" width="262" height="350"></a><br><br>And while we practice archery, we make apple crisp in a Dutch oven. :-) MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-14350867259658647792014-07-31T14:36:00.001-05:002015-03-05T02:31:58.064-06:00We Love Big Band<p>We took the family to listen to some live big band music and practice our dance moves. That silly boy of mine insisted on wearing a suit in 90-degree weather.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xfeBlBLPSfo/VPgUbMT2quI/AAAAAAAAFfw/B6usjuP8dqI/s1600-h/IMG_1938%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1938" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1938" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GkAnCIKBrW0/VPgUb_1zt8I/AAAAAAAAFf4/VNKovs42O5k/IMG_1938_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IwXOc4nmjKc/VPgUc8c9YRI/AAAAAAAAFgA/1FslRykK2nQ/s1600-h/IMG_1942%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1942" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1942" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MbCE7NfRAQ0/VPgUdnwEm-I/AAAAAAAAFgE/c43XmfERrXo/IMG_1942_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AE-H5oymnxM/VPgUeZ8iQLI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/1dzM57TJ37o/s1600-h/IMG_1946%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1946" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1946" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SQsQ4doFdQ0/VPgUfP_FPqI/AAAAAAAAFgY/jeSqbb9Oy6E/IMG_1946_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a> <br>An elderly gentleman tried to photobomb our selfie; too bad we didn't capture him in the picture.<br><br>But the star of the show today was Ro. He impressed the ladies with his smooth moves. And I accidentally deleted the video of him dancing with me. Bah. </p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-58398756175757015682014-07-13T16:26:00.000-05:002014-08-12T16:43:17.536-05:00Kids' First Karate CampWe did a lot of playing…<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32956Dr-FiMOiQuQQ4MLQWM6qxOQE-DpCgJYE19QQuoHkFQhVyCYg4uivcNU11tnpFC8o23Ty1vPWRxS3pYXY6vCCsVrQY0IzLSM4iiysWoEvsjXrgP13gAbjUlwZsAJhLgAF75Q8BsTZ/s1600-h/IMG_1601%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1601" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1601" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DPu4kt-HfCc/U-qIL-QBcyI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/ZhbDzaB18gk/IMG_1601_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_LYWWA8Oiek/U-qIO1rLD9I/AAAAAAAAFTY/bXC1zkngVwU/s1600-h/IMG_2107%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_2107" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2107" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jFVEC5MIZBg/U-qISMNHLSI/AAAAAAAAFTg/DSKQ1BR-UNw/IMG_2107_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="207"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NRItP4BN3OI/U-qIWR1mk9I/AAAAAAAAFTo/hFtGpjh2fms/s1600-h/IMG_1625%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1625" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1625" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t1TPWqfoMIw/U-qIYrQE4vI/AAAAAAAAFTw/7tv4uybf3gw/IMG_1625_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="222"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6RNJq7PjmUs/U-qIb_nx-HI/AAAAAAAAFT4/pITrHeExv_c/s1600-h/IMG_2114%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_2114" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2114" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ACM9WFduebY/U-qIdkePL-I/AAAAAAAAFUA/m3Ke_2WDsAQ/IMG_2114_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fFQlwif1gmI/U-qIiGpKXDI/AAAAAAAAFUI/198f1WpJQnc/s1600-h/IMG_1658%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1658" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1658" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KG8Plp6pROs/U-qImPuRctI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/5eZb1bKB42s/IMG_1658_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-95vGO5Y7PBs/U-qIpGkeCTI/AAAAAAAAFUY/rSDcrQBtiYg/s1600-h/IMG_1649%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1649" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1649" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kO1RN19T2_w/U-qItzuqpjI/AAAAAAAAFUg/BLMP1k2rxDc/IMG_1649_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--IUKv25UXUY/U-qIyiNlGQI/AAAAAAAAFUo/z234jHtl2F8/s1600-h/IMG_1759%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1759" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1759" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9pwvJCQl3is/U-qI1uvZl1I/AAAAAAAAFUw/gM4iBnw52ug/IMG_1759_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="207"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gcK1QJd8txc/U-qI4NZSWCI/AAAAAAAAFU4/KiFkQtE6tLM/s1600-h/IMG_1749%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1749" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1749" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uihDeZv6VxI/U-qI7Ks9yeI/AAAAAAAAFVA/A9hiivdFsmQ/IMG_1749_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H2HPEJIsgnQ/U-qJAmL1D3I/AAAAAAAAFVI/7RAqNlRDD7k/s1600-h/IMG_1798%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1798" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1798" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aiTsPpn3JWw/U-qJFOk3zXI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/rsAp3G1svRk/IMG_1798_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3-lci3beKWA/U-qJI4iv9pI/AAAAAAAAFVY/_tGHlMUKj10/s1600-h/IMG_1635%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1635" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1635" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E_9Bofw8lj8/U-qJL6TAdxI/AAAAAAAAFVg/GpBE0yG2HO8/IMG_1635_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="203"></a> <p>We made new friends…<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Arjzc66bPBo/U-qJPQY_xcI/AAAAAAAAFVo/yJ3ppH-iqCc/s1600-h/IMG_1922%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1922" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1922" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qtoIHFHoTEs/U-qJRu4NCII/AAAAAAAAFVw/uDKS_bilEMo/IMG_1922_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EhX7uz9Q9LQ/U-qJWNcuO-I/AAAAAAAAFV4/hETGazy78SY/s1600-h/IMG_2126%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_2126" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2126" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0SbELLWvCqo/U-qJY9Go_4I/AAAAAAAAFWA/9ucCBjPWthU/IMG_2126_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QliUUKyL7m8/U-qJdFP1tgI/AAAAAAAAFWI/aq-3zCqJgIE/s1600-h/IMG_2141%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_2141" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2141" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-stm0RBhTcK0/U-qJfqiiN3I/AAAAAAAAFWQ/3EGWfLo9RvU/IMG_2141_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I3Wax7nRB8c/U-qJiKsOR7I/AAAAAAAAFWY/b-WWRtEP51E/s1600-h/IMG_1618%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1618" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1618" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-db2rsbUNa9w/U-qJlKfv9hI/AAAAAAAAFWg/NWNa6wE38hU/IMG_1618_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><br><br>And we learned cool stuff.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lnT_GD7fSUk/U-qJntCIW3I/AAAAAAAAFWo/2ohRUudJJh8/s1600-h/IMG_2128%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_2128" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2128" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UgAYdMz-_AA/U-qJqP0InkI/AAAAAAAAFWw/0P_HMczitcE/IMG_2128_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yQnvmJPkqn8/U-qJuTy3UtI/AAAAAAAAFW4/FGopeBB3zJo/s1600-h/IMG_2154%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_2154" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2154" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1RruNFfqb84/U-qJwT8zDvI/AAAAAAAAFXA/v461446lpp8/IMG_2154_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="244"></a><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yqfhFgd66gg/U-qJ0Mw1nTI/AAAAAAAAFXI/p4xlsK4SdCk/s1600-h/IMG_1818%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1818" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1818" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZNHSOaYrJL0/U-qJ3_3yxJI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/oAkDDBzVoU8/IMG_1818_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hbniSrvaQtg/U-qJ8a8HidI/AAAAAAAAFXY/AADXlKpgc0w/s1600-h/IMG_1829%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1829" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1829" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-syqrSW0CzPE/U-qJ_QfJQdI/AAAAAAAAFXg/vdzhDAhr_fE/IMG_1829_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xXESEh_lnxg/U-qKCSItpoI/AAAAAAAAFXo/d51zzeFIRh4/s1600-h/IMG_1837%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1837" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1837" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WmgG-boNViE/U-qKELnKNEI/AAAAAAAAFXw/uAwpc7RK3YQ/IMG_1837_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LBMZxqvZ1B0/U-qKIo02X5I/AAAAAAAAFX4/nJ2g6s_iwwE/s1600-h/IMG_1854%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1854" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1854" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t_e9MV1DtC4/U-qKLVkqZiI/AAAAAAAAFYA/q-TmKcNdle0/IMG_1854_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><br></p> <p>I think we’ll make this a yearly event.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QXBb-RLI0a4/U-qKOaWFB4I/AAAAAAAAFYI/m8Hyp00Nfeg/s1600-h/IMG_2132%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_2132" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2132" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yASqEOeUsHs/U-qKTzvutvI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/8KhhQfMGMHU/IMG_2132_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="255"></a><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4pY90IaAnCw/U-qKYWtcjfI/AAAAAAAAFYY/crPSpepsrt4/s1600-h/IMG_2134%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_2134" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2134" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P_oEDIvfaZI/U-qKbYkaPLI/AAAAAAAAFYg/Ovl2ysyoES4/IMG_2134_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="234"></a></p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-89910554426953986622014-06-10T11:18:00.001-05:002014-06-10T11:18:36.578-05:00Our New Learning Room<p>After years of using our dining room for our homeschool, I decided to turn our den into a “learning room.”</p> <p>What prompted the move was the fact that our old dinosaur t.v. (which was only being used for playing on the Wii, dvds, and Netflix) finally gave up the ghost. I had planned on moving that ancient, outdated entertainment center, along with some of the other den furniture, into the land of Yardsale.</p> <p>Until I looked around at the price of (the cheapest) desks times…five kids? Oh, my. <br>Then I looked harder at that entertainment center. And the end tables. And what else did I have hanging around that I could use?<br><br>I started taking off doors, pulling out boards, grabbed a can of cheap paint, and…voila. The old entertainment center and end tables become new desks and cubbies. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-31f9ABoNP2g/U5cvM9r_n9I/AAAAAAAAFPo/vRhYOVud9YA/s1600-h/IMG_16783.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1678" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1678" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rae9ME1p5pQ/U5cvPaxC6II/AAAAAAAAFPw/-vJcwMzJ7ws/IMG_1678_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ME8ndu-a6JE/U5cvTAF80NI/AAAAAAAAFP4/pOKi4MIYSdc/s1600-h/IMG_16793.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1679" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1679" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xkyU5GsuUOI/U5cvWmAaP9I/AAAAAAAAFQA/sIzltYJpvAY/IMG_1679_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><br>The kids even talked me into painting the closet doors blue with the leftover paint. And then I decided to clean out the closet and use it to store our homeschooling books/materials that aren’t being used this year, musical instruments (we have, I dunno, more than ten), and karate bags and uniforms.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nRXkUYwh8heZR8ALDZqOtnCXnE3A1a8fDoKh8cz0J4ETDXykN6oawBHJ-KS5jJMzpAmFFRzQjyyfDhem_ygVqU-PmU5SXm71y8MFkEUb-Kbv3ZzIKQuYusIKSEDNFpBs71vn_j55TZ9L/s1600-h/IMG_16803.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1680" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1680" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FBMXKDB6c3c/U5cvbC5RP0I/AAAAAAAAFQQ/N9JMz8rXqho/IMG_1680_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l3pGDLFSe1o/U5cveB_tXfI/AAAAAAAAFQY/PeSM_nz1awQ/s1600-h/IMG_16123.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1612" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1612" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F-yNxcV4r5Q/U5cvgHhr93I/AAAAAAAAFQg/8hgtB6vtkUA/IMG_1612_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><br>There’s a space for the little ones. (Pants are not required at our pre-K.)<br> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-397BzeDLEEE/U5cviPIfTRI/AAAAAAAAFQo/HufoF9emNXw/s1600-h/IMG_1681.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1681" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1681" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Oawe8IFVyE/U5cvkCFrdfI/AAAAAAAAFQw/-t5QRE90c_c/IMG_1681_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> <br>The older ones now have a place to put their things out of reach of the babies. They don’t have to sit within reach of each other or look at each other. Maybe this will cut down on arguments? <br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hMu33IaVcCw/U5cvmofp0zI/AAAAAAAAFQ4/Ht__KrliCF0/s1600-h/IMG_15813.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1581" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1581" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XdpHGZc3bZE/U5cvoi9WRPI/AAAAAAAAFRA/C7hCivhlbXA/IMG_1581_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-szOQkkSMqPs/U5cvq44vFSI/AAAAAAAAFRI/qv3Eahq-dbk/s1600-h/IMG_16823.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1682" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrT1Haye9leIW9dSu6aah7stZvsdRGBTqgL-KE2G6XPxsRCEUvI5_qiJwRMN4U7V2XwM-ijLooXqj8WhUclQ64CaCGXlElOEvI8fkoEk102BQc_CmEeERbqavqgyPdV33Gb-7PCSJ0sRX/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>These old broken chairs from Greg’s grandma’s set, which were being stored in our shed, got a makeover. One of these days, maybe the whole set will get restored back to their original condition, but until then, I picked the two that were in the worst shape to be put to use now.<br>Altogether, with the paint, fabric, corkboards, and little plastic chairs for the tots, I spent maybe $45 on this project. <br><br> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RS9LQ0uE6x4/U5cvuk6SY-I/AAAAAAAAFRY/nxdjwxSDvnQ/s1600-h/IMG_1621.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1621" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1621" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QnAs7W7W8yQ/U5cvwnCU9oI/AAAAAAAAFRg/WjnazB-J8jM/IMG_1621_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> <br>I appreciate being able to see our fenced in side yard from our learning room. I also appreciate being able to sit down and get a little practice while watching the kids play in the sprinkler!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-85msKO5z6qY/U5cvzYVtE2I/AAAAAAAAFRo/ZtQS9Iu0j10/s1600-h/IMG_1632.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1632" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1632" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L39jq6Lz45Y/U5cv1so-FXI/AAAAAAAAFRw/uVhJAssmseI/IMG_1632_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br><br>I also appreciate having all the “creative overflow” contained in one room. Now when visitors knock on our front door, my house has the illusion of cleanliness. (Ha!)<br>And our dining room table is for eating as a family again.</p> <p>I have more ideas for our learning room, and of course, I will be posting pictures as I go.</p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-70945749768358156762014-06-10T02:47:00.000-05:002014-06-10T02:52:19.424-05:00Finally Finished Our Family Dojo<p>I posted this on my other blog, but I’ll share it here, too, since it’s a family thing and all.<br>Two years ago, we finally got around to <a href="http://wayofthewomanwarrior.blogspot.com/2012/02/our-new-family-room_13.html" target="_blank">cleaning out our shed</a> and hanging our bag and makiwara so we could work out at home. This year, I got the bright idea to spruce it up a little more. Since my husband and three of our children are now also practicing martial arts, I thought a little decorating would encourage the kids to practice at home more.</p> <p>I used paint that was left over from a couple years ago, and I found different items around the shed that I repurposed. For example, some old straw mats made neat curtains, and some old white folding doors became a partition (Hubby and I agreed to split the shed—half for my dojo and half for his tools and stuff.)<br> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UbCgAGwwDXg/U5a4w5Zb9XI/AAAAAAAAFNw/KaBV0Fo7QLY/s1600-h/IMG_06563.jpg"><img title="IMG_0656" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0656" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BvflfdiR3fg/U5a4ykgWzWI/AAAAAAAAFN4/Q3x9oY5rc4Q/IMG_0656_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>Anyway, I thought these old white doors would look cool painted black and red. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Em6KW3ARDR0/U5a4012bZJI/AAAAAAAAFOA/bjiQPYy5aWA/s1600-h/IMG_09374.jpg"><img title="IMG_0937" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0937" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--cQ1C6J9Xoo/U5a43R37GUI/AAAAAAAAFOI/G-5oAKVbaXU/IMG_0937_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br>We finally got a weight bench. I put up some cork boards for whatever weights or drills we are currently working on. The Wavemaster (and the Everlast bag below) were given to me by my former instructor when he closed down the old dojo. The Everlast bag was meant to hold water, but the plastic bladder inside had holes. I duct taped it, filled it with 75lbs of sand, and I’ve been using it that way for the last two years. He also gave me the big pad and muay thai pads on the shelf.<br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ABNIJRrAEPg/U5a46lvnjUI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/QEdRIn9Tk5g/s1600-h/IMG_09264.jpg"><img title="IMG_0926" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0926" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9hUFWZckCIE/U5a485l1ZQI/AAAAAAAAFOY/UdCsyHNvSgU/IMG_0926_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br>We had bought a dorm refrigerator a couple years ago for our oldest daughter, but since she is still living at home with us, it holds water bottles. (And beer.)<br><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mUsd1lhB3tc/U5a4_CMj_rI/AAAAAAAAFOg/hfN1Qxly1zI/s1600-h/IMG_06794.jpg"><img title="IMG_0679" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0679" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l1ROyLWVVyI/U5a5BnYZo5I/AAAAAAAAFOo/tf3FTW-ovIQ/IMG_0679_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br>I made this Bruce Lee collage for my son. He loves it. OK, maybe I like it a little bit, too. <br><br>This week, we finally put down some floor pads, thanks to the money I had in paypal from my <a href="http://www.gym-pact.com/" target="_blank">Pact app</a>. (Yes, this app really does work, and you really can get paid for exercising and logging your meals on <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">MyFitnessPal</a>. I use the money I earn to buy fitness-related goodies. Next, I’ll buy some more weights for the barbell.)<br>Anyway, the floor pads make it much more comfortable to do push-ups and planks.<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9nEVezKLC9zL5MoZ6Ug2PqhWZ0ygtAGSFA5mEulEYmnNrx2kvJ8Fzwrk5KJTx63DTcNyxhS57hApiXBIM0_atGaFr0G5E6oC-nkO68NrJA0D0GNlv1qjuJUgdpVFX1eWCqgk7Vycf0u6/s1600-h/IMG_09505.jpg"><img title="IMG_0950" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0950" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-feECsmr5tP0/U5a5FIokb-I/AAAAAAAAFO4/VflAD21sF4U/IMG_0950_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a><br>It is great to have a space that we can all enjoy!<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-INfEG_ADvJg/U5a5GzboD3I/AAAAAAAAFPA/Q4XHawfszUM/s1600-h/IMG_09433.jpg"><img title="IMG_0943" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0943" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BhV6asg1kQo/U5a5I7qqnSI/AAAAAAAAFPI/Clgcbd7vQD4/IMG_0943_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eS0vT5AkB60/U5a5KjD6ZKI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/xdSzWf1ztgw/s1600-h/IMG_09623.jpg"><img title="IMG_0962" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqY5D0B-scb2CPK2279FZ_vxTuhxofEZAztr7CutEI5OmYvrBUJP83YbuhroE6BTzsaHfnmnbjXGSiIarUCkyjP3Fryibs3rMnAYRWuM-MLcO9IyrLts2G8cpZCakReTvS44fgLqc-K8d/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-39972595843527248152014-03-22T23:51:00.001-05:002014-03-24T19:50:16.197-05:00Mojo’s Sherlock-Themed Birthday Party<p>Mojo turned 13 today! Isn’t she beautiful?<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-39I6aJeEIFM/Uy5m5b_cD_I/AAAAAAAAFHI/LPh3SffHXU4/s1600-h/IMG_0715%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0715" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0715" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fgn3EzuWvqU/Uy5m8oRGArI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/YLeLL7-6Qdo/IMG_0715_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="403"></a><br><br>I am working mainly weekends now, but I was able to get my nights switched to Thur & Fri this week so I could be home tonight for her birthday. Even so, after working the past couple nights and sleeping today, we just planned for her to have a few friends over to enjoy some burgers and cake and maybe movies or something. </p> <p>In typical Mojo fashion, a couple days before her birthday, she issued a challenge. (Remember the <a href="http://sonshineinourhearts.blogspot.com/2012/03/our-low-budget-star-trek-party.html" target="_blank">Star Trek party</a>?)<br>“You know what would be really cool, Mom? A Sherlock-themed party.”<br>Oooooh. That really would be cool. The possibilities for a Sherlock-themed party are great, and I couldn’t really do it justice with such a limited budget and time. But I couldn’t resist playing with it. I planned and schemed last night in between caring for my patients, woke up at 1:30pm, made a mad rush to the grocery store for food and supplies while my oldest daughter googled and printed and made a phone call to her law-enforcement Grandpa, and we started the party around 5pm. Here’s what we managed in that amount of time.<br><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fSde0Amj2so/Uy5m-khGqvI/AAAAAAAAFHY/k2mWRHIt2xs/s1600-h/IMG_0685%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0685" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0685" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lQv9iRGDaRE/Uy5nAPMJxEI/AAAAAAAAFHg/4fZkehsd6_U/IMG_0685_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="336"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SR9R_GKcq5k/Uy5nD7yuQ5I/AAAAAAAAFHo/AuDdK7ZceGk/s1600-h/IMG_0686%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0686" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0686" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C-JZ26c4FqM/Uy5nFulmgvI/AAAAAAAAFHw/fJWsDotmXmI/IMG_0686_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="230"></a><br>We changed our address to 221B Baker Street, and our house became a crime scene. Thanks, Papaw Bob, for letting us borrow the police tape! As I was unloading the truck from my shopping trip, I noticed a police cruiser in front of our next-door neighbor’s house, and the officer was speaking to our neighbors. He walked over to our yard to inquire about the police tape, and I explained about the party. And then I updated my Facebook status so that our local friends wouldn’t be wondering. Word travels fast in a small town. hehehe<br><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PRGkpFqH6xw/Uy5nKjFiPhI/AAAAAAAAFH4/Td_wXsFbA8Q/s1600-h/IMG_0687%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0687" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0687" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CavQHrlz_58/Uy5nN5lfyxI/AAAAAAAAFIA/OwEnupP0uYk/IMG_0687_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="230"></a> <br>I saw a few ideas online for some Sherlock-themed games, but Mojo said “I’m 13, Mom. We’re too old for party games.” Well, alright. But I would’ve gotten a game of Clue if I could’ve found it on my hurried shopping trip. I did print out and laminate Sherlock’s wall so that we could shoot at it with Caveman’s nerf gun.<br> <br>Other than that, we put out a few simple decorations…<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UwUJDiydH1I/Uy5nQrAk_eI/AAAAAAAAFII/31Dj0fz8OLM/s1600-h/IMG_0707%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0707" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0707" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JFPAjVZYI3c/Uy5nToa_6uI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/YtCpmBT8wW0/IMG_0707_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="230"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOMdfx2i-X_HMfqa2v-BzfYtl3gZQJqeuR4WLzTVb-qV8YmgfRhjrFsd66sTVk90kAUN916fT-hZoUVVHp8HLsO8kKb5qRiyu59ry1GkjAtV4gjj9-4Z7nq8jXYI7IiP-XeWDyZFVP8Ki/s1600-h/IMG_0696%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0696" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0696" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nZixOh5IVKQ/Uy5nbE2KquI/AAAAAAAAFIg/lB6Ymq9Kuqc/IMG_0696_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="230"></a>|<br>(Folding our black napkins into origami lotus flowers was a fail, but I did make a neat rose. <br>And I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard someone say “We can’t giggle—it’s a crime scene!”)<br><br>…served tea & biscuits and fish & chips…<br> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-as5sKCGDx3Q/Uy5ngN1KCMI/AAAAAAAAFIo/K6XbCwMMXUA/s1600-h/IMG_0689%25255B9%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0689" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0689" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LpMulYeEyiU/Uy5nh9pbN6I/AAAAAAAAFIw/xvVc0CdbVmQ/IMG_0689_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="230"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_Z-Hlfw7rts/Uy5nnoQNRAI/AAAAAAAAFI4/vptmUoGEvm8/s1600-h/IMG_0697%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0697" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0697" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1rkObnu8asE/Uy5nrSw9_UI/AAAAAAAAFJA/VDe55EYNIwg/IMG_0697_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="230"></a><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ksJup8w2Dcg/Uy5nxJSN-VI/AAAAAAAAFJI/UA_87UEMbrs/s1600-h/IMG_0698%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0698" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenWbt17yPJod-7WunLAT2SsJzxazedI4pRuW-WLKIaN5ykoI-01EHn0IGL8i2SidhNBhcbCMtmAQedPMVpJeCRnXovGNyVpfZ8MBbcZ6Nwjc6kc-ff26Nd2lTlPlUg1Ol_yn-1Cb1JkDt/?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br><br>…decorated cupcakes with Sherlock images…<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6ckp6u1lOFU/Uy5n3DUSMgI/AAAAAAAAFJY/v4t1_FHXc6s/s1600-h/IMG_0692%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0692" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0692" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u88Tr9GeDMg/Uy5n5pu_O0I/AAAAAAAAFJg/hkwpkcpbTs8/IMG_0692_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LVER0TDJDSs/Uy5n9MOHM_I/AAAAAAAAFJo/70Uag3WfLEs/s1600-h/IMG_0694%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0694" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0694" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iq4UoHZyAjg/Uy5n_Fu7CyI/AAAAAAAAFJw/198VKBnv9ZQ/IMG_0694_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br><br>…and watched the Sherlock Holmes movies and the BBC Sherlock episodes.<br> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T7GgxpJ2jsc/Uy5oDVic0II/AAAAAAAAFJ4/_OxHxo7r7gA/s1600-h/IMG_0709%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0709" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0709" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TqEy-UDi050/Uy5oH75KlfI/AAAAAAAAFKA/xXwnjrohjHk/IMG_0709_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J8XeU9HBM88/Uy5oNr4FrkI/AAAAAAAAFKI/Zo7t81PBiMg/s1600-h/IMG_0706%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0706" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0706" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l8VZX775oQo/Uy5oV6m_JfI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/eDcOjlCFGD0/IMG_0706_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br>(We rarely buy store-bought birthday cards anymore. They are more fun to personalize.) <br><br>Yeah, this was probably more fun that just plain ol’ burgers and cake. I may revisit it in the future with more planning. Petri dishes with jello in them? A skull on the mantel? Scones to go with our tea and maybe some meat pasties or cottage pie for dinner? A good ol’ murder mystery to solve? Some Bach violin music playing in the background? Lots of fun possibilities!</p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-48573585262611274922014-02-18T20:45:00.000-06:002014-03-24T18:53:35.151-05:00Our Little Gem Got Her Yellow Belt<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v_5pF8Gj9SY/UzDFQIMdVuI/AAAAAAAAFL4/N6qwZoumbhY/s1600-h/IMG_0507%25255B6%25255D.png" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0507" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0507" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U4o7bHMdDQM/UzDFVK-60LI/AAAAAAAAFMA/w29OxQduwCA/IMG_0507_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="504" height="342"></a><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HpcWTs8tDKo/UzDFWw5Se9I/AAAAAAAAFMI/gZp1t3-05JY/s1600-h/IMG_0494%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0494" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0494" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nuXptWgBF-o/UzDFYm1vyoI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/6StowuhjMxY/IMG_0494_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h2jnOrBHgGI/UzDFbEEvfXI/AAAAAAAAFMY/3K_uN-lmV6k/s1600-h/IMG_0484%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0484" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h_8g3hxtmwk/UzDFeos4MOI/AAAAAAAAFMg/QqiVx3VN4RE/IMG_0484_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-72677049168170030832014-01-28T00:50:00.001-06:002014-01-28T00:50:15.467-06:00Caveman’s First Tournament<p>Caveman participated in the Friendship Open Martial Arts Tournament weekend before last, benefitting the Special Olympics. It was a local event, with at least four different martial arts styles represented. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-97iiv7XpR7A/UudS3ni5q3I/AAAAAAAAFDc/prOtASMODSM/s1600-h/IMG_0262%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0262" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0262" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dnhk_MSZEkY/UudS4nbrFII/AAAAAAAAFDk/tUmnuWhspfU/IMG_0262_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OmNQTmhcJmU/UudS6l7fNNI/AAAAAAAAFDs/fGu24thj1qM/s1600-h/IMG_0264%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0264" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0264" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QExawKrB1jI/UudS7Vtq4YI/AAAAAAAAFDw/rh6DLk3ax9M/IMG_0264_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>I was very proud of how well he did for his first tournament. He won a gold medal for his kata.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PBtFx7InAc0/UudS83fgVUI/AAAAAAAAFD8/UfKpRy9PqHo/s1600-h/IMG_0299%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0299" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0299" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-91pQ6VmgSpc/UudS_eZj0cI/AAAAAAAAFEE/Y481daapwn8/IMG_0299_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="375"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PQSEGElfRJk/UudTBiRCaTI/AAAAAAAAFEM/OgKz5ExK2_U/s1600-h/IMG_0272%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0272" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0272" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2mDmoDQS-fY/UudTCU-tKvI/AAAAAAAAFEU/x1KoUv3Uc2Y/IMG_0272_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="337"></a><br>He also participated in sparring and flags, and received bronze medals for those events.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fl3ZCxSaEf0/UudTDUxEa4I/AAAAAAAAFEc/ZgnqecCvvWE/s1600-h/IMG_0301%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0301" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8miye95U3Ih5aisHSVp5nt8ebmJYuS4YB6LKA8R3Cbtyx-nRE2V1YpUGHRP7FJR12qABXSYdQsGT2AqHPL6SCwy5tITP01ihBdkhn2W-JeuoWFR92OtUAJsvVxsXJrtuTBbfnE0-FePB/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qI4O12y49Rw/UudTFdR4g7I/AAAAAAAAFEs/HBLP96cu0Ew/s1600-h/IMG_0242%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0242" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0242" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k20ZXjjgPFM/UudTGeM31nI/AAAAAAAAFE0/DQRddAkHuWY/IMG_0242_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="310"></a><br>It was also my first tournament to judge kata and referee sparring matches, and that was more fun to me than competing. Mojo also helped out as a timekeeper, getting to sit with the wife of the late Sensei who designed our club patch and built our headquarters. She really enjoyed that. <br><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YtdpfB7xicA/UudTIKNj3xI/AAAAAAAAFE8/fZsz3IWc4lk/s1600-h/IMG_0279%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_0279" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0279" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cfQS_OFzPN8/UudTJGJNmnI/AAAAAAAAFFE/N1ypa5MflgU/IMG_0279_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br>And here I am among some living legends. It was announced at the tournament that my Soke (in white), who founded our style of karate, will be inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame in Ft. Worth, TX this year. He is one of the kindest and most humble martial artists I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. I am standing next to one of his first black belts, who also recently received his Sokeship (10th degree black belt). In the front is one of our Sensei, who had a stroke and currently resides in a nursing home. I’m glad that one of the guys thought to go pick him up to attend, thankful for the chance to meet him, and thankful to be part of a group who cares for one another. </p> <p>Our family doesn’t go to many tournaments, so we’re choosey about the ones we do attend. This is one I’m glad we didn’t miss. I enjoyed seeing some of “our people” whom I haven’t seen in awhile, and I enjoyed meeting some new people. I love how the different martial artists in our area cooperate and mingle together. I hear them frequently say “We’re family”, and it really does feel like one big family.</p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-13328139544942675772013-12-29T22:44:00.000-06:002014-01-23T22:47:48.660-06:00Ro’s First Birthday<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5MOt2R6wr2I/UuHwF2fMRtI/AAAAAAAAFBw/bkAm9WYZrqY/s1600-h/IMG_9860%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9860" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9860" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HuKukG-VSCU/UuHwHI3mKpI/AAAAAAAAFB4/8J1JnuVxEK0/IMG_9860_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="336"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uSv7JaEufEc/UuHwJukx2aI/AAAAAAAAFCA/N_TQTfqP31Q/s1600-h/IMG_9866%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9866" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9866" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NckjapIoN-k/UuHwLSLSUFI/AAAAAAAAFCI/rJLs6XPxofQ/IMG_9866_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="336"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqf9UZK1DHbbsZ9DYuUrJ1Jgf0zHMx5nvE-KFglQVnoDuBKbQEdTKMbSlMcgCnJNyDQbfbKoqxnmq58nkVUW3PXqw0GRGuON_1mndrmJ-jt4RNjMsMtEdrrPyHrxv8ktP2EUHMbTzWARuI/s1600-h/IMG_9883%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9883" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9883" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XUtTI7g4D2g/UuHwPpPgbEI/AAAAAAAAFCY/ztxX7PFKiO4/IMG_9883_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" height="480"></a><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z2n46zYtoaE/UuHwSq1YkPI/AAAAAAAAFCg/xGee7lDCq-E/s1600-h/IMG_9887%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9887" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9887" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TvIpOce0u3c/UuHwUaz1r0I/AAAAAAAAFCo/CiHYbpZRCUo/IMG_9887_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vGfhpiyUOeg/UuHwWssvAwI/AAAAAAAAFCw/qAoQJuxIqb4/s1600-h/IMG_9955%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9955" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9955" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W3lo-aFRRDc/UuHwX3l8obI/AAAAAAAAFC4/InOYJMq1udw/IMG_9955_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UmY0BmtbNZo/UuHwaFb0PhI/AAAAAAAAFDA/1f4bhqPjOO0/s1600-h/IMG_9998%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9998" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9998" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sY9Empb9W5E/UuHwcObgJvI/AAAAAAAAFDI/1ewjTkUxtPA/IMG_9998_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"></a></p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-32240325561789221842013-12-25T22:29:00.000-06:002014-01-23T22:34:57.279-06:00Christmas<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hXi3CEwpMRE/UuHsbCb0yJI/AAAAAAAAFAs/gOFI81odO3M/s1600-h/IMG_9772%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9772" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ESWqlUDaYVo/UuHscjr9C4I/AAAAAAAAFA0/gfBdiFqSovE/IMG_9772_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br>Before Christmas Eve Mass <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_j7DVj3z56k/UuHseM09WNI/AAAAAAAAFA8/cyFzj4cpdmY/s1600-h/IMG_9765%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9765" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9765" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsyhoQ4to_X0sgJpqwVm7QK5cow1KaDwSD0RYZjpr6-d1pQ_YUWzQaKEV7DPQu5eZxgpF9J7zsmaOvKm8b1YtL3qZwSAl_gU4HfoC_lntOYcBsKLpLbmACYKNHKN5mTiTRPjfsHBBShfh/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hj8WaX5EvEc/UuHsha49CdI/AAAAAAAAFBc/ZwHa_Uo4eLk/s1600-h/IMG_9575%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9575" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9575" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c6jOII1a50A/UuHsjGP1C3I/AAAAAAAAFBk/Y0ILPjTjPWA/IMG_9575_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-34875993418856292612013-11-29T13:06:00.001-06:002013-12-29T02:57:49.684-06:00Our Thanksgiving<p>The Ross family had their big shindig on Saturday (which I missed because of work), so we celebrated our Thanksgiving Day at home. I love being at home on the holidays. I love being in our kitchen with my HoneyBear…<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hUk9ZA0VyA4/UpjlmNN3CtI/AAAAAAAAE-8/-FiRNYRndeY/s1600-h/IMG_9505%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9505[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9505[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-blsotmJXDVI/Upjlm_-FTCI/AAAAAAAAE_E/hfUZyFuEjr8/IMG_9505%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I78S8zsbarE/Upjlob4-THI/AAAAAAAAE_M/-JZvlhO-JsM/s1600-h/IMG_9506%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9506[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9506[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TJheKFHvHZc/UpjlpFFeqDI/AAAAAAAAE_U/HF320RWZLLQ/IMG_9506%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><br>This year, some of our martial arts family joined us for lunch.<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i0sXqqA6RbM/Upjlq8_qZZI/AAAAAAAAE_c/6CZrcOFBNaI/s1600-h/IMG_9490%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9490[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9490[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3vCv1VwumyM/Upjlr07_0UI/AAAAAAAAE_k/w7DjlizBQLE/IMG_9490%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EyuMg786pag/UpjltNgCW3I/AAAAAAAAE_s/l3TL4vCJVCE/s1600-h/IMG_9507%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9507[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9507[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t3YgJP9isGI/Upjlt_p5uqI/AAAAAAAAE_0/4Rvqh0CZy14/IMG_9507%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a></p> <p>And then we spent the rest of the afternoon making joyful noise. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lULdPSaO8fU/UpjlvEYcV4I/AAAAAAAAE_8/1k6yLUSqoXk/s1600-h/IMG_9509%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9509[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9509[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pCFNjZd-vLU/UpjlvmWCgZI/AAAAAAAAFAE/qOewZAjPpIA/IMG_9509%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a></p> <p>We all agreed that a jam session should be included in all of our celebrations from now on. </p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-4473079446604524942013-11-20T08:47:00.001-06:002013-11-20T09:04:16.847-06:00I Like My Kitchen Again<p>We knew our kitchen floor needed work, but we put it off. We really couldn’t afford it--in a family of nine, the needs are many and the money is stretched thin. We didn’t think we had the skills to fix it ourselves. So we waited. And waited. (You know, new babies and dental bills and time to replace both vehicles and a squirrel chewed through our power line and…) Until we couldn’t wait any longer. We all know we’re eventually going to get to that point with whatever we’re putting off, right?</p> <p>We got an estimate for $2700 to fix it…there was just no way we could squeeze that in. Surely we could do it ourselves for less money than that? Surely a floor isn’t that hard to fix? </p> <p>We started on it ourselves, and tearing up two layers of floor was a formidable task.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ufKMTHKpnfw/UozLGSwNekI/AAAAAAAAE7A/9zDLt43clH0/s1600-h/IMG_913214.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9132[1]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9132[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kv4tTs6Q7iI/UozLHevJToI/AAAAAAAAE7I/lfJWI53SkRQ/IMG_91321_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br>Have I mentioned our house was built in 1929?</p> <p>We called an old family friend, and he spent a day helping us get it all pulled up and then helped us get the new boards measured, cut, and nailed down. <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dw6_wxPMHIc/UozLInoN9MI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/ICDkJIuWNlQ/s1600-h/IMG_912015.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9120[1]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9120[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EVND6SWwzRw/UozLJQ8ndOI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/FhfN_N8JWig/IMG_91201_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m-8kZ3kHilA/UozLKzBq4WI/AAAAAAAAE7g/mGYvXoe9GDw/s1600-h/IMG_913113.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9131[1]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9131[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eztC-f_undc/UozLLplWMRI/AAAAAAAAE7o/wQfyjfBsCas/IMG_91311_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FanMaxpjJ-Q/UozLNfFFz9I/AAAAAAAAE7w/NGdvoRhx0AE/s1600-h/IMG_91331.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9133[1]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9133[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qr8CyQkXHno/UozLNwLpTTI/AAAAAAAAE74/xBNaWDnxMXQ/IMG_91331_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="221"></a></p> <p>And after about ten days of working on it, between Greg’s work schedule, my work schedule, homeschooling, and caring for a house full of small children, we got it done. It cost us around $500 to replace the floor ourselves (including what we paid our friend for his help). <br>While we were replacing the floor, we pulled out the cabinets and drawers above and beside the refrigerator. Whoever had put them in must have had a very small refrigerator. Our refrigerators have never fit and have stuck out in front of the cabinets, creating a space behind that everything fell down into. I’ve wanted those cabinets gone forever, and now I’m glad to be rid of them.<br><br>Sometimes being poor is not as bad as it seems. If we had been able to afford paying someone else to fix our floor, we would have missed out on the experience of planning and collaborating together, working side-by-side, and sharing an adventure. We enjoyed the teamwork. There’s a lot of satisfaction to be gained from taking on a project like this and completing it. We high-fived each other for being so awesome.</p> <p>Now that it’s all done, I like my kitchen once again. I got rid of a lot of junk that I had accumulated over the years that wasn’t being used, which freed up space for things I enjoy…like pretty decorations. My ceilings are high, and there is a lot of space on top of my cabinets. I’m pulling out some of the vintage glass that I’ve collected (and will add to) and displaying it there. I’ve also always wanted to grow some herbs in my kitchen, so I’m making use of the freed up counter space for growing some of my favorite herbs. Being surrounded by order and loveliness, rather than the chaos that my kitchen had become over the years, makes me happier to spend time there. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cQNVNUaXL8s/UozLPQlz6AI/AAAAAAAAE8A/_PK9dETlClo/s1600-h/IMG_927914.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9279[1]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9279[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IzXZC-iaWs8/UozLQJ9oOrI/AAAAAAAAE8I/BV12jB5Tg0E/IMG_92791_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eAGIk3407QQ/UozLRjm82XI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/_0G-NBB0u1Q/s1600-h/IMG_927814.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9278[1]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9278[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OqBENXgRbKY/UozLSszLB2I/AAAAAAAAE8Y/_8Fv8WvT4ls/IMG_92781_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br>Getting rid of those extra cabinets (which were only used to collect junk) opened up the kitchen a bit.</p> <p>Some fall decorations, vintage canisters, the wine bottle that we used to toast at our wedding reception, and yes, that is the Tardis traveling through Van Gogh’s Starry Night. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tsu26JynUU4/UozLV0piZtI/AAAAAAAAE8w/wz4grKnf9RA/s1600-h/IMG_9286%25255B2%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9286[2]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9286[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bT6eHorFumY/UozLWXAp84I/AAAAAAAAE80/wR9ZqHZOIRA/IMG_9286%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="173" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zDKUMMLPgJU/UozLUKTafQI/AAAAAAAAE8g/w-Xn1GYWayo/s1600-h/IMG_9283%25255B1%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9283[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9283[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A3iymODkzrk/UozLUs3_S1I/AAAAAAAAE8k/JcYTVpHbf_M/IMG_9283%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NQtjROUObLs/UozLYLX268I/AAAAAAAAE9A/Z1M57QinSo4/s1600-h/IMG_925213.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9252[1]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9252[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BnSn0kiNlpM/UozLYipHbNI/AAAAAAAAE9E/YFJXwq515PE/IMG_92521_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-23iV57ZguAw/UozLaQqnMzI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/bQJQ77X4p9Q/s1600-h/IMG_925313.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9253[1]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9253[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KiWOi3Nth-U/UozLbB5dCJI/AAAAAAAAE9U/W5DYGnavJuY/IMG_92531_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I like living in an old house, even though it sometimes takes work to maintain it. There is charm and character there which I just can’t find in the new houses.<br>Having said that…the bathroom floors and the walls in the hall/library need to be fixed next. Sigh.</p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-53999332034746292922013-11-19T21:37:00.000-06:002013-12-29T02:57:49.687-06:00Celebrating Our Little Gem<p>Seven years ago today...<br>I was 42 weeks pregnant. I had wanted to go into labor on my own, naturally. Dr. Breniman was respectful of my wishes, but we both agreed that at 42 weeks I would come in to be induced. On a Sunday morning, he met me at the hospital to break my water, and I joked with him that I would try to wait to have the baby after church was over...but that didn't happen! lol I had said a prayer that Holly--the best nurse ever--would be working that day, and having her taking care of us was such a blessing. After about 3 1/2 hrs of walking around 2nd floor chatting with my coworkers and relaxing in the whirlpool, my sweet Little Gem made her appearance. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EDWdhLNQaw4/Uoy9PnFn0EI/AAAAAAAAE20/rXHGyuE5ufc/s1600-h/11-19-06%25252002%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="11-19-06 02" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11-19-06 02" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gDmrRX3UAFQ/Uoy9QbPweJI/AAAAAAAAE28/xWgAD1tBM3w/11-19-06%25252002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZLoZxp7sR5M/Uoy9SJ19uSI/AAAAAAAAE3E/SBMy-WHFJ34/s1600-h/11-19-06%25252010%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="11-19-06 10" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11-19-06 10" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-udFLYdvEnRM/Uoy9TglTyqI/AAAAAAAAE3M/YZ2N202JgLI/11-19-06%25252010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7ti3WjGfrlU/Uoy9Vu-tW7I/AAAAAAAAE3U/5M4UouCI4p4/s1600-h/11-19-06%25252015%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="11-19-06 15" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11-19-06 15" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mkVmBDFMfgE/Uoy9WLbKyqI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/n-7VVBqSrCg/11-19-06%25252015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--0evjqJ3RUg/Uoy9XG46aeI/AAAAAAAAE3k/CcnD5bMu3hI/s1600-h/11-19-06%25252013%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="11-19-06 13" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11-19-06 13" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IC_fJ48j0ow/Uoy9X-U8xiI/AAAAAAAAE3s/GbtVek68BPM/11-19-06%25252013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xwZakh-2e8A/Uoy9ZTQ4PgI/AAAAAAAAE30/2QbcyK4DuH4/s1600-h/11-19-06%25252006%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="11-19-06 06" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11-19-06 06" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TDqUdF_AYOE/Uoy9a3DPYuI/AAAAAAAAE38/Lph9FRxxJWI/11-19-06%25252006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BCUxeAjARsM/Uoy9dJF6ByI/AAAAAAAAE4E/rCwrNLijXrw/s1600-h/11-20-06%252520014%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="11-20-06 014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11-20-06 014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeAxbXdV1H9e57dFwur2pA6WYj5rjGbImgLIwNwdswrWDdoH4vroFwnpQpDRqqILtIIaIkc8TiN-XVa9QHbMReiOzyrhE_uBhCkZF8XW7kvM7bvp993Qssb4NpT-4Kh1nYCcj5jwyJ_W7/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>(That was my last hospital birth. After that, my babies were born at home with midwives.)</p><br>She truly has been a sparking jewel in our lives ever since.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0cVtIaziyy8/Uoy9hJVmD4I/AAAAAAAAE4U/hjvnm83bG8A/s1600-h/IMG_9297%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9297" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9297" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j8jvkNj-ffE/Uoy9j4FB2lI/AAAAAAAAE4c/2_WX_P-DzUM/IMG_9297_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q1AnHBSjj78/Uoy9lKCB26I/AAAAAAAAE4k/8-UtTdUgji8/s1600-h/IMG_9312%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9312" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihowRLEA8FvVjyosXP4VB7y2CoIAt9oFuT2fPn3gt_6HCOZZxl0l5B0meTUp6KyTAOfeJ5m0fSJy-H9sSViWGVi_FdFIz7o6XALQVCcQn5S3CV6M5Y8wTAtrxHsIJWe0EkPYgGZ2c2qPd5/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ebtIZtmFRSo/Uoy9nXvb2dI/AAAAAAAAE40/-aLy1FRQW2I/s1600-h/IMG_9315%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9315" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9315" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xwXKf0Hq1dU/Uoy9oVSU2fI/AAAAAAAAE48/3lGXReBcTBc/IMG_9315_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-quwH9uJ8OcU/Uoy9rP-97hI/AAAAAAAAE5E/a1eak1Tx5PE/s1600-h/IMG_9319%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9319" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9319" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4T497B1LfTI/Uoy9r3HkYeI/AAAAAAAAE5I/V2_LeDJQrqs/IMG_9319_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mlutgM_vJa8/Uoy9tcaMgrI/AAAAAAAAE5U/vHWV4y1x-TM/s1600-h/IMG_9326%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9326" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9326" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P98SKBVRmYs/Uoy9vJgjilI/AAAAAAAAE5c/S4qjYWngy64/IMG_9326_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NeBAO_yenwg/Uoy9xbgfOuI/AAAAAAAAE5k/VTGsRpFmmko/s1600-h/IMG_9302%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9302" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxAeLTUEHGn-GInyiwMmubhivLTI1bqiZJ6d5OCCx-NKyMd5NO_qW5tq3p_sgQ-cMXm_P6mK5dINkeNzYM5ZDy05lHwRwKuj1TcYr_lV4sSwB6d6oN4x9m_tYQbl-vTmOeGnmf5wBAZWa/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><br> <p>Gem loves My Little Pony, and her favorite pony is Rainbow Dash. Her favorite color is blue. Her favorite food is hot dogs. She loves playing dress-up and attending karate class with her older sister and brother. She is an affectionate, generous, sometimes shy girl. We love you, Gem!</p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-69124554700502247162013-11-12T21:17:00.000-06:002013-11-20T08:28:43.184-06:00Belt Promotions<p>Greg and Mojo earned their green belts and Caveman earned his blue belt. Gem received a stripe on her belt. The ranks in our system progress from white, yellow, blue, green, purple, brown, to black. Although stripes are not officially included in our ranking, we do sometimes add stripes to the children’s belts as a visible sign of their improvement. Since it generally takes a minimum of six years to earn a black belt, and since the minimum age to test for black is sixteen (although eighteen is the more common age), stripes can add a little encouragement of progress.<br>I can’t help but be proud of the way my family is progressing. My son, in particular, has shown such a marked improvement since his last ranking! <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aN1UG-pN4vk/UozG-bYasLI/AAAAAAAAE58/Qe7xTwn9vXk/s1600-h/IMG_9213%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9213" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9213" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GpHmQnM-Gh0/UozG_DqmoqI/AAAAAAAAE6A/D2wqFCYVmwM/IMG_9213_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HglZt6XhNfM/UozHASz4T9I/AAAAAAAAE6M/bJqpwnDc_eM/s1600-h/IMG_9206%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9206" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9206" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hhQO88hngvw/UozHBIJyMCI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/0Wk4KJaL560/IMG_9206_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvfTcZQlLkGx4ghpHFtYtXk1FMNteJctjQ_abU6y1v5XwEYL6ho3-6wMDNwjW5OpslO11GDaPxLafveGOo2muErJ3rd5yXuY7I0IAKEB65MsEyZ1wQ3V7aEUNGyrygBdGj4PzvfB20MLo/s1600-h/IMG_9216%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9216" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbOznz7w_4oLOENZVU1YLwRIV-7Cd-fW7_U6cXPUs8j5k6f4VwMUO1-XEc6iYsxIjOQaSI9CqvBuQk7mc4Ra47xITtz0gHeKViB1ovjfqPU-v4bLZ6K4_b_hw082tcqS5mzFbLpm4UkZF/?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br>Here we are looking mean. Except Gem. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. Yet.<br><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mukLCkavC9A/UozHFbctjvI/AAAAAAAAE6s/8H8BaGKM8u8/s1600-h/IMG_9220%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9220" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0MbaROAS_5HY2zSW5VbWxJtHkQGKA-HW4M-jQSoRafMKbAEuOh5zN11tN7YI434SCJPk20xojqW6VJHmN0szzxiPEKQBKnxUGhkIrq_capGkiascLxFonhIBkhskxi_bXo0b56SOzNNZ/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><br>Congratulations to my warriors!</p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-2592630197750399522013-11-03T12:06:00.000-06:002013-11-04T00:13:42.473-06:00Our Lovely Fall<p>Taking an unscheduled break to go hang out at the park…<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pfzo7ItViCM/Unc4lQb0RmI/AAAAAAAAEu8/MsxosFbMULI/s1600-h/IMG_8795%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8795" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8795" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AIPk86hbLFY/Unc4mvMSo-I/AAAAAAAAEvE/cc_XFtaji-4/IMG_8795_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Zg3wDSRQHkQ/Unc4orQJQhI/AAAAAAAAEvM/LQBsn5DZugs/s1600-h/IMG_8802%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8802" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8802" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-45563TB1nXc/Unc4pq_gIcI/AAAAAAAAEvU/5i6UyeFKzOA/IMG_8802_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="189" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wPegLeYBC0U/Unc4sVw0XKI/AAAAAAAAEvc/4oSV8AUZldg/s1600-h/IMG_8833%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8833" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8833" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nl_g_tgvm44/Unc4tnX_I1I/AAAAAAAAEvk/fyJuycZIAt8/IMG_8833_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ChekoAKPvVM/Unc68pQTZ6I/AAAAAAAAEzA/92kc3orD1Bg/s1600-h/IMG_8804%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8804" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8804" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m5r5bwkaCdU/Unc69cWLWII/AAAAAAAAEzI/x6xmA-Bwan0/IMG_8804_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-50n55sq6Ebc/Unc4wXd0hII/AAAAAAAAEzQ/eFuSQWQOSE8/s1600-h/IMG_8834%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8834" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8834" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jBc9Cq7CkCE/Unc4xx9MjgI/AAAAAAAAEzY/rgHMK5TmdI8/IMG_8834_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_Vr_fWDLFB9YkXB6T2h0vaG27UZSTIh0N65IthhtMu2ZSYaYXP9r2Vpbtgx7rmTp6iFUIR-DSw84Gizdp7q7KG92IuWA74JUrmp-n4deK0UbWg9Csd6kvjd8PVdr8QotC3EPKqOIfXJE/s1600-h/IMG_8836%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8836" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8836" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CXvMYzfeO6o/Unc41901ufI/AAAAAAAAEzo/NubJJVQbG_g/IMG_8836_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="221" height="244"></a><br><br>Meeting Uncle John, Aunt Catie, and James at the Pumpkin Patch…<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zsR6Fan-hBU/Unc44d7kSlI/AAAAAAAAEwM/Kmd5eCnazwo/s1600-h/IMG_8867%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8867" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8867" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkIWb47oIX0G49qkjwBhQpfu9dCohCmYzZSD06UQ4Hggxyi1yuzX_7OdpWJbPChyq70mW28CV3V90WzRdeqR4N4zFKiSTNiuQtoMbJyABy14tPk2W1CiJpRvLgtPAEewLKri2JU6s8nzK/?imgmax=800" width="161" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eQG3nMHc9nI/Unc48Dg4q3I/AAAAAAAAEwc/zJ6WkyNpMIw/s1600-h/IMG_8877%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8877" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8877" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bkioYYQzk3c/Unc49xXPRMI/AAAAAAAAEwk/1a4yqOTBDTE/IMG_8877_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BbgLPTlw2mg/Unc4_yjPA3I/AAAAAAAAEws/itv0aLYhrCs/s1600-h/IMG_8879%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8879" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8879" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-00RMtbpnjdc/Unc5BmBXJeI/AAAAAAAAEw0/hBj_Rs2VdGg/IMG_8879_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="171" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGOFc-dJQmY627C9RaGf0vhUheyiOdZex1BjWI-yrk1-Z2waZ2Y-7p9sRCCsgnTbgq1VVqomUpqDHTBMHof7L0SVTmut1kgeOze9KizYxIc4cgeMpHgYOk-M1ipf1xH6kjsQhurXiCEpY/s1600-h/IMG_8883%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8883" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8883" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vn4tFdItOlI/Unc5F-kmyGI/AAAAAAAAExE/wbE6x3rYIj8/IMG_8883_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="176" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IcNgRwxfR3DwZeZeK6VoznX49ddJDMqFT8_2GPjeOzAHHxzC_nzUP4MA14ZEzWkTQRXJLixyek7rpX0F-6JGgo4BN0xUM8eIRMBFcmw6mIFu_qNPJkdPA_rc3r3-rTqxbRaI1AJCExtn/s1600-h/IMG_8886%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8886" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8886" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MEwvobDN0Iw/Unc5J45JskI/AAAAAAAAExU/khid7YnR6Zw/IMG_8886_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ldtyJsVaIzk/Unc5MTIbKXI/AAAAAAAAExc/D-u4XTeqNsE/s1600-h/IMG_8899%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8899" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8899" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n_7nH9EEsNg/Unc5NxnHRdI/AAAAAAAAExk/K2eQj1KcpWg/IMG_8899_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RS30-obeC-c/Unc5QNyPUyI/AAAAAAAAExs/3tAUntuzWJg/s1600-h/IMG_8902%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8902" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8902" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NU-TwnEinM4/Unc5RzhSt9I/AAAAAAAAEx0/iN_7migp8dg/IMG_8902_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="168" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QtQILAMQvoQ/Unc5UeNGHtI/AAAAAAAAEx8/j7ENE33m-YU/s1600-h/IMG_8908%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8908" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8908" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-51miCLY6frw/Unc5WVQIxkI/AAAAAAAAEyE/wSdA4EoOUp4/IMG_8908_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="241"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MnoL8qoFulg/Unc5Yx2_unI/AAAAAAAAEyM/yV9Z2U8xQ8M/s1600-h/IMG_8963%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8963" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8963" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l8sk890PUx4/Unc5au7hzxI/AAAAAAAAEyU/xepUjKhm9CE/IMG_8963_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="172" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0dUDNoTg8dQ/Unc5eiSzlLI/AAAAAAAAEyc/yWs8Pu92RGI/s1600-h/IMG_8967%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_8967" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8967" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d6shRRUUXhw/Unc5gG3CXGI/AAAAAAAAEyg/4mydBXFoZ7A/IMG_8967_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="244"></a><br><br>And this is how our running route looks like these days…<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t-VojJveJzw/Unc5ikPvtNI/AAAAAAAAEys/yFfRhc2W0ME/s1600-h/IMG_9072%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_9072" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9072" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nOiDh1jJmMg/Unc5kIq0k3I/AAAAAAAAEy0/1e_98jI30gw/IMG_9072_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="484"></a></p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-54442732001081593732013-10-13T15:56:00.000-05:002013-10-14T19:29:42.346-05:00It’s Been Awhile<p>Life has been…overwhelming. Not in a bad way, but in a “I need to stop and catch my breath” way. I have learned along the way that whenever I have the feeling of drowning in my responsibilities, it’s most beneficial for us all if I just drift, breathe, and gaze at the stars for awhile. I make no apologies for this. After awhile, I regain my strength and can begin moving forward again.<br><br>After Ro’s birth, and then switching jobs, I was not able to give homeschooling the attention that I wanted for a few months. We are now back in full swing, and for the first time, we’ve chosen a name and patron for our homeschool. We are referring to ourselves as “The Peace and Love Institute”, and we have chosen Our Lady of Peace as our patroness.<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NEY7C5v8T2U/UlyMcGOZv4I/AAAAAAAAEmY/UwLeblg9rGk/s1600-h/our-lady-of-peace4.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="our lady of peace" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="our lady of peace" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jNzDXGHWTks/UlyMdHV9iuI/AAAAAAAAEmg/B_SLaLJvz-4/our-lady-of-peace_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="172" height="220"></a><br><em>(I love this image.)</em></p> <p>I know that everyone thinks I’m somewhat of a hippie, and it probably comes as no surprise that “peace and love” is my theme and my mantra, but it means more to me than an overused catch phrase. If only I could truly learn to love God with all my heart and my neighbor as myself…if only I could truly learn to be at peace with God, myself, and others…if only I could teach my children to do the same through my example…</p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-70650323464420892312013-04-21T17:35:00.000-05:002013-05-26T17:42:54.775-05:00Caveman’s 9th Birthday<p>Caveman requested to have his party at the dojo, with a martial arts theme. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1J7lVvcY-4E/UaKPkDL6huI/AAAAAAAAEdw/a9sMCUPVEw8/s1600-h/IMG_7162%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_7162" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiom3JpfxrRp5MwWQ9_sDg7xEBuF03N50MYWYPJ2B2rWeInYppQXTfjVqYOSNHWMdkW6w4WyZcy23G-nwgbyaWipOWWgwTQYCOP7paIKL-En0tf9r_cG277OM7_vIMOXSyWX2ME2fID45PF/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484"></a><br>As much as I wanted to come up with a creative Pinterest-worthy cake, I had to work the weekend. So Kroger bakery it was. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9u6IahVuMy09ybSALoR59L_Jyxg27DC3SyvA-sHX_5mb55PUhTH-OHb6OMgAOJhbbnX_349cYvZ9jGz6Hknt4ZNZAS47g2hpvLaFnb0I7cC2pDiZS_JQ8ypDvqjs6OgkVy4i34j1iwRtO/?imgmax=800"><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgF3CYfTrCOODSkfQ_0uyqosDs6e61m9taeUXwg8pQhdD_MVBIe_K7Qlai18BObNHiXHu2GySqqu4gT-Kp5-TvuURFpwesV9nQu1uuZPg6hHZr3AlN8HeYzJjCTraRxElbR7N2YIC1lUQb/s1600-h/IMG_7141%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_7141" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7141" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hlL5HV-1rgA/UaKPr75k-pI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/Wvr5NakF53g/IMG_7141_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br>Favors were given out in “black belt” gift bags.<br><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W1bbw2Ldor8/UaKPvvpNmLI/AAAAAAAAEeY/MUjQjvoy6SM/s1600-h/IMG_7152%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_7152" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7152" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-usloEol2pHk/UaKPxareVlI/AAAAAAAAEeg/L0ciTtp_PE0/IMG_7152_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mJyDuq54Tnc/UaKP063mL9I/AAAAAAAAEeo/1ovPWdhBrpI/s1600-h/IMG_7158%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_7158" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7158" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-25zbO-vNdZE/UaKP3HuvkSI/AAAAAAAAEew/b-Z7jEmu64A/IMG_7158_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9nPW--z_bJc/UaKP5D_gu4I/AAAAAAAAEe4/P9SBPqAeTL8/s1600-h/IMG_7176%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_7176" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjSjldQtXhylZFt1ymm8cpgjM07kngIPAARbxSvoC-7xTX3tXe0vExtZIxXR-C96yn90ltw5X6kTtZSkzPkMhWmkMOFEoi99RjIFPzgYQOD3StN2cQc_Kq5fac-FiItP4Ty1tqAoCYUD4/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484"></a><br>And he couldn’t wait to try out sword kata with his new light saber.</p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-26222253810801373192013-03-27T12:57:00.000-05:002013-05-13T18:47:25.442-05:00It’s a Family Thing<p>For years, martial arts was “my thing”. It’s now become a family thing! I am happy that my family is joining in and enjoying it. <br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VgTiPayu7_k/UZF7dJoptMI/AAAAAAAAEYs/5Yve2Xj_j6I/s1600-h/IMG_69565.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6956" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6956" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OiTVp518GOc/UZF7emfX0eI/AAAAAAAAEY0/lf21Gu_an3c/IMG_6956_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484"></a><br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GtKHOYQl5lY/UZF7gnjI6jI/AAAAAAAAEY8/4fkC8IDRKT4/s1600-h/2013-01-12-sparring-practice-064.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="2013-01-12 sparring practice 06" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2013-01-12 sparring practice 06" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n3LWR7gS4ls/UZF7iBlPwYI/AAAAAAAAEZE/btoyDULuCsM/2013-01-12-sparring-practice-06_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484"></a><br>Sparring has become our second favorite physical activity. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SccMAWR39rk/UZF7jOW5pOI/AAAAAAAAEZM/cCixGHczHok/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile2.png?imgmax=800"></p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-45882169821291831712013-03-26T12:52:00.000-05:002013-05-13T18:45:29.724-05:00Gigi Turns Two<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WEOkC_or6og/UZF636R8yQI/AAAAAAAAEXc/vBTUlqvLxsY/s1600-h/IMG_69015.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6901" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6901" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qbwPxPQQtGETynBfB0wibUHFjaUGkq32kWoFQJsAUio3eY-uaAadlEOmcmnhLXINzcMCNLeFw-4akSc1BX_Bherejj9L4nANsz_hU_x1qm6WPtS0-DuKPh2Hosd_nGgN7F4SCor3m6wB/?imgmax=800" width="504" height="360"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9RXb7F9pMtU/UZF67C0HHzI/AAAAAAAAEXs/XTQ2ffATq_U/s1600-h/IMG_69127.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6912" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6912" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lG9zZoiW_Qk/UZF68V6ysaI/AAAAAAAAEX0/xq1YPa4-luA/IMG_6912_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="253"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PuNBl5aKNXY/UZF6-N77iOI/AAAAAAAAEX8/IlRr602JxN0/s1600-h/IMG_69174.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6917" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6917" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rEP11BzIAfA/UZF6_B-SIRI/AAAAAAAAEYE/k4JzMxjjk7k/IMG_6917_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="336"></a><br>Gigi got to spend her birthday at Chuck E. Cheese with her family. Grandma and Grandpa even came to celebrate with us. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aiY4PfmoIoA/UZF7BtkSYnI/AAAAAAAAEYM/mRwSP1Q-zt4/s1600-h/IMG_69324.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6932" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6932" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-80sZ-YkrwXo/UZF7Cj9Ei_I/AAAAAAAAEYU/9oUiGaq08-Y/IMG_6932_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="230"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D_TDhCuMsJo/UZF7Efz97_I/AAAAAAAAEYc/DL_POUeOSQk/s1600-h/IMG_69334.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_6933" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6933" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DfioYKKdzIE/UZF7GBxqChI/AAAAAAAAEYk/okbEnv3PJWs/IMG_6933_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="230"></a><br>She loved her chocolate cake, but she hid her face when we sang “Happy Birthday”.</p> <p>Happy birthday, sweet princess!</p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-45061713867640280092013-03-22T12:43:00.000-05:002013-05-13T18:43:41.710-05:00Happy 12th Birthday, Dear Mojo!<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SzToOBXABak/UZF6bFklNrI/AAAAAAAAEWE/gkK5vKqkzoM/s1600-h/2013-03-24-Mos-birthday-party-063.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="2013-03-24 Mo's birthday party 06" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2013-03-24 Mo's birthday party 06" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J9fyhsANbKw/UZF6cUetrEI/AAAAAAAAEWM/2zh22HlzCVo/2013-03-24-Mos-birthday-party-06_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5mC8IfiaL1E/UZF6fab0QqI/AAAAAAAAEWU/8lf0WdfQtyM/s1600-h/2013-03-24-Mos-birthday-party-093.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="2013-03-24 Mo's birthday party 09" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2013-03-24 Mo's birthday party 09" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ajXaqVE-YgE/UZF6gqbt4cI/AAAAAAAAEWc/lh4tFCZ9nrs/2013-03-24-Mos-birthday-party-09_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DmbCTU_SZiQ/UZF6izoyLpI/AAAAAAAAEWk/6m70MYJBI50/s1600-h/2013-03-24-Mos-birthday-party-104.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="2013-03-24 Mo's birthday party 10" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2013-03-24 Mo's birthday party 10" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r8ajv9X2cyo/UZF6j8ie4yI/AAAAAAAAEWs/smoyrfrigVo/2013-03-24-Mos-birthday-party-10_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><br>Mojo’s wish this year was to hang out at the mall and have a sleepover with her friends. One of the perks of homeschooling is being able to have a sleepover on a Sunday night! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4Y2-U8AtEwA/UZF6mAWMLfI/AAAAAAAAEW0/3pEZUf5YVPY/s1600-h/2013-03-24-Mos-birthday-party-194.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="2013-03-24 Mo's birthday party 19" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2013-03-24 Mo's birthday party 19" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P7YlmctAzsA/UZF6nuiUs1I/AAAAAAAAEW8/yVKgjTHC55k/2013-03-24-Mos-birthday-party-19_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YZCi3Djv65k/UZF6pFoNrYI/AAAAAAAAEXE/sNhY6YvRBfo/s1600-h/2013-03-25-slumber-party-prank3.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="2013-03-25 slumber party prank" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2013-03-25 slumber party prank" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MYG6prrD-Lk/UZF6qjkvr9I/AAAAAAAAEXM/V3gpco8wgRw/2013-03-25-slumber-party-prank_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>The boys woke up with makeup on their faces the next morning. But that’s OK; I told them how they could get even at the next sleepover. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xpZ1VyIWfBM/UZF6rBFMyVI/AAAAAAAAEXU/BDeOVirr6ZA/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile2.png?imgmax=800"></p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-30837697380177376902013-02-03T18:06:00.001-06:002013-02-03T18:16:47.165-06:00Roku’s Baptism<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qA3LwUGKeBY/UQ77Qprdb3I/AAAAAAAAEPA/aqfpRVq7ww4/s1600-h/2013-02-03%252520Baptism%252520Day%25252001%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-02-03 Baptism Day 01" border="0" alt="2013-02-03 Baptism Day 01" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG3xfmg2AtrhHMMEIQM1rALxvVOu-81Ez_7QmeL0LulQz2R63G6lV3ex1RF2L1OhAdnX_2iNzJ6u2ouYIwO-9jkhRxByn-b0t_g71PHZ2c5uG2R5dJ6WXrcygKSBKn84Y4HXaHIbxduNt/?imgmax=800" width="363" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A_P1OAGCD8g/UQ77SgFqMFI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/DNZnrqzScK4/s1600-h/2013-02-03%252520Baptism%252520Day%25252002%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-02-03 Baptism Day 02" border="0" alt="2013-02-03 Baptism Day 02" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Kt7_d8QgMDY/UQ77TITPTeI/AAAAAAAAEPY/_WUZ-_glrXc/2013-02-03%252520Baptism%252520Day%25252002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CQjL8co8hZw/UQ77UBGGYNI/AAAAAAAAEPg/EgFn2w8bY6o/s1600-h/2013-02-03%252520Baptism%252520Day%25252003%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-02-03 Baptism Day 03" border="0" alt="2013-02-03 Baptism Day 03" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NK6_nBwzSsg/UQ77U8bQLMI/AAAAAAAAEPo/8K4VR2zSBpw/2013-02-03%252520Baptism%252520Day%25252003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dvu_GVxnrkE/UQ77VgbZt2I/AAAAAAAAEPw/ZOcgBBrn0Mk/s1600-h/2013-02-03%252520Baptism%252520Day%25252004%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-02-03 Baptism Day 04" border="0" alt="2013-02-03 Baptism Day 04" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2i623Aa0nSY/UQ77WM9a9nI/AAAAAAAAEP4/uvK9uAgkzmQ/2013-02-03%252520Baptism%252520Day%25252004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tAV_jBCUbgk/UQ77XOa4TII/AAAAAAAAEQA/4NgkB_QYOT8/s1600-h/2013-02-03%252520Ro%252527s%252520baptism%25252003%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-02-03 Ro's baptism 03" border="0" alt="2013-02-03 Ro's baptism 03" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BHjgwu_--Ig/UQ77XxeOJ0I/AAAAAAAAEQI/S67Sz-k6zDc/2013-02-03%252520Ro%252527s%252520baptism%25252003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="348"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e8oym6grocI/UQ77YgmDyjI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/jbkd_M63pKg/s1600-h/2013-02-03%252520Ro%252527s%252520baptism%25252004%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-02-03 Ro's baptism 04" border="0" alt="2013-02-03 Ro's baptism 04" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wgwsYDBeDtc/UQ77ZUUUXUI/AAAAAAAAEQY/4-FR8OX6QS8/2013-02-03%252520Ro%252527s%252520baptism%25252004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NEr-KqPzk4o/UQ77abWcXiI/AAAAAAAAEQg/ygnpOAVkz1g/s1600-h/2013-02-03%252520Ro%252527s%252520baptism%25252005%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-02-03 Ro's baptism 05" border="0" alt="2013-02-03 Ro's baptism 05" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ykc34ILUWDw/UQ77bL9IRyI/AAAAAAAAEQo/Ce5VIAXcMsE/2013-02-03%252520Ro%252527s%252520baptism%25252005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-22bhKZwZPTs/UQ77bync90I/AAAAAAAAEQw/tFXJmFO_j24/s1600-h/2013-02-03%252520Ro%252527s%252520baptism%25252006%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-02-03 Ro's baptism 06" border="0" alt="2013-02-03 Ro's baptism 06" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WJGQocgFf2c/UQ77crxwXrI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/EKW2IAwrBLk/2013-02-03%252520Ro%252527s%252520baptism%25252006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mhfriru4QCw/UQ77dZMictI/AAAAAAAAERA/Ri1qJqtNdf8/s1600-h/2013-02-03%252520Ro%252527s%252520baptism%25252008%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-02-03 Ro's baptism 08" border="0" alt="2013-02-03 Ro's baptism 08" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kbCME920jbQ/UQ77d-nmtvI/AAAAAAAAERI/WeW6vVPiQkk/2013-02-03%252520Ro%252527s%252520baptism%25252008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--K4wVMeUmz4/UQ77fTU26_I/AAAAAAAAERQ/k5BDZRxbQm8/s1600-h/2013-02-03%252520Baptism%252520Day%25252005%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-02-03 Baptism Day 05" border="0" alt="2013-02-03 Baptism Day 05" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b-Y_WxrdciE/UQ77gLv69PI/AAAAAAAAERY/K8blwtD3Vcg/2013-02-03%252520Baptism%252520Day%25252005_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="376"></a></p> MamaBearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856902475405293209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378919543669830151.post-2140053735437926282013-01-18T21:34:00.001-06:002013-02-03T18:16:34.322-06:00Ro 3 Weeks Old<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WPKh9KGd2yk/UPoUIK9-IqI/AAAAAAAAELQ/eYNS-tRvF_M/s1600-h/2013-01-18%252520Ro%2525203%252520wks%25252012%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-01-18 Ro 3 wks 12" border="0" alt="2013-01-18 Ro 3 wks 12" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VpNgSfQ87no/UPoUI0xWNhI/AAAAAAAAELY/utCZXa33gyg/2013-01-18%252520Ro%2525203%252520wks%25252012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="417"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nlClexuvVWw/UPoUKIqeJbI/AAAAAAAAELg/pwdQLV922bI/s1600-h/2013-01-18%252520Ro%2525203%252520wks%25252003%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-01-18 Ro 3 wks 03" border="0" alt="2013-01-18 Ro 3 wks 03" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nA99Tee1X98/UPoUK_zbGNI/AAAAAAAAELo/l6YnEabJVbk/2013-01-18%252520Ro%2525203%252520wks%25252003_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="372"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_faWEjxZmgI/UPoUL9W8TYI/AAAAAAAAELw/lq2Y2GmqPxA/s1600-h/2013-01-18%252520Ro%2525203%252520wks%25252004%25255B11%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2013-01-18 Ro 3 wks 04" border="0" alt="2013-01-18 Ro 3 wks 04" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KzdukgJI3Jw/UPoUMbcb8LI/AAAAAAAAEL4/DRRbTStL7Gk/2013-01-18%252520Ro%2525203%252520wks%25252004_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="372"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWTZmDVdvdRmdXZCqfPQ81-mDLXahmPc97h2Mz3MXbf6Jha4-12-eD3GdK3hbw8uudcyDmz6TaWTzYhuSN4sfu_fNIv_0VzHE3xwQi2nehrNlrtoDjRYQvDfTSWFlbnwcztcSKalSriA3/s1600-h/2013-01-18%252520Ro%2525203%252520wks%25252007%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; 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