tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79988535106904764912024-03-13T15:59:23.741-04:00Countin' My BlessingsKTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comBlogger409125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-11243307298047497632013-05-09T10:26:00.001-04:002013-05-09T10:38:35.612-04:00Epic Fail on the Parenting ScaleI guess the saying is true. We <i>do</i> learn something new every day. I've mentioned before that the last few years have been incredibly pivotal and life-changing for me. There have been many realizations and I've put an incredible amount of work into changing the things in my life that needed changing. As they say, with age comes wisdom. And I say what's the point in all the life lessons if we don't change because of them? We have the ability and are capable. We only have to reach that magical point where we realize<i> it's time</i>. <br />
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Some lessons are more difficult than others and I find myself smack dab in the middle of a doozy at the moment. It's a 'Mom' lesson, so I suppose that anyone who isn't a parent may be hard pressed to understand it. I always find that if it involves my kids and/or my parenting, it will be the most trying and this one is no exception. A child-induced heartache can make a mom unable to focus on much else and also proves how little influence we have over what life may hand us. Sometimes our only measure of control comes in the form of how we deal with it and how much we allow it to change us. More simply put: Sometimes, no matter how much we want to make something go away, we can't. We have to do the best we can with what's there. We just have to <i>deal with it</i>. <br />
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I confess. I'm not dealing with this particular situation in an admirable way. <br />
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If you know me at all, you know that it was never unusual for me to allow others to walk all over me. They could use and abuse and take advantage and I seemed powerless to stop it. I've gotten better at standing up for myself and I don't allow things to get quite so out of control anymore, but there are still times when I'm apt to allow their poor treatment of me at the time, then simply avoid that person in the future. (Perhaps not a perfect solution, but it works for me.) However, I am a Mama Bear when it comes to my kids. Do NOT mess with them. There is no better way to earn the wrath of Kelli than to do something mean or hurtful to my offspring.<br />
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And then...there comes a point when the mistreatment comes at the hands of someone in authority, someone who really has the final say. Whether or not their behavior toward your child is justified is strictly a matter of their own opinion and they have to answer to no one for it. A personality conflict? Maybe, but if that's the case we are completely unaware of it. They do as they see fit, handle the situation at their own discretion and that's just the way it is. It makes me angry.<br />
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It also makes me sad. I've watched my child's self-esteem diminish throughout this ordeal. I've seen the effects it has had on other aspects of her life. This one person, the one who wields all this power, should actually have very little control over her life as a whole. But when the one thing he <i>does</i> control is something that is very important to her, the result is crushing. So significant are his actions that their effects spill over. We've managed to get some of these 'side effects' under control but I can't just wave a magic wand and heal her heart. And that breaks mine. <br />
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As a parent, I've been a terrible failure these last few weeks, at least where this situation is concerned. I'm not proud of some of my actions and many of my words, but sometimes an aching heart has more control over us than we care to admit. I've worried, lost sleep and even been sick over it all. I've come to realize that none of that changes any part of the situation. I've also come to realize that as long as the situation doesn't change, it's incredibly difficult to change my reaction to it. I feel completely powerless. It's one of those no-win situations.<br />
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I'm sure that somewhere down the road we will come to the realization that it all happened for a reason. We'll find that there was something better awaiting her, something so much more significant than this huge THING that's consumed us for so long. None of this has changed who she is or what she can be...as long as she doesn't allow it. That's the hard part. But I also know my girl and she's strong, smart, beautiful and capable of anything. She'll get past this (probably a whole lot sooner than I do, if you wanna know the truth) and she'll file it away as one of her life lessons. I think it will read something like this:<br />
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<i>Fair is a matter of perspective. People don't always have </i>your<i> best interests at heart. W</i><i>e aren't always given the same chances that others are given and sometimes we have to just live with it.</i><br />
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<i>And P.S.</i> <i>Having hissy fits about it the way Mom does won't change anything. ;)</i>KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-29509337769208183302013-04-23T14:10:00.001-04:002013-04-23T14:22:14.445-04:00As Easy As Saying 'No'I've told you before what a difficult time I used to have when it came to telling people "No, I'm unable to fit that into my schedule" or better yet, just simply "No." It can be rough when you're born a people-pleaser. I am finally to the point where it is easier for me and I don't feel as guilty about it as I did in the past. Sometimes you have to look out for yourself because no one else is going to do it for you, if you know what I mean.<br />
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Now it seems I'm learning another of those life lessons. It's all about "I can't." Not so much the act of actually <i>saying</i> "I can't" as convincing myself that some things are simply beyond the realm of possibility. And again, it is something I must learn to accept and not feel the guilt that keeps trying to creep into the picture.<br />
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There is, for instance, my complete inability to blog on a routine basis. I make promises to myself when it comes to how often I will blog and I simply end up breaking those promises. It isn't even as if blogging is a chore for me. It's actually quite the opposite. I <i>love</i> to blog. I enjoy writing just as much as I enjoy reading, if not more. Truth be told, this is one promise I despise breaking. But it is what it is. There are just too many other things that need to be done, too much that needs my attention, too few hours in the day and too little energy to do it all. Being unable to post here as often as I'd like hurts no one other than myself, but then I guess that's another reason it bothers me. My inability to find the time to do something that is important and therapeutic and cathartic for me makes me just a little sad.<br />
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But here I am, learning to say "I can't" to myself just the same as I learned to say "No" to others. I will make no more promises regarding how often I'll blog or even <i>if</i> I'll blog because it seems to only add to the pressure I already have coming at me from all sides. And when I say pressure, I don't necessarily mean it in a bad way. It is only the day to day stuff that makes up this beautiful life. As much as I love my husband, my children, my grandkids, life in general...there is still a certain amount of pressure that comes tagging along with all the joy they bring. The pressure to do what needs done in order to keep this house running, clean clothes on our backs and healthy (for the most part) foods on the table. The pressure of keeping up with practice schedules, music lessons and who is playing what game on which side of town.<br />
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Thanks to the calendar on my iPhone, I've actually gotten pretty good at keeping up with all of it. The kids haven't missed a practice or a game and I haven't misplaced a kid. I may need to tell myself "I can't" on occasion, but I guess when it comes to life in general, I think it's safe to say "I CAN." And that's pretty much all that matters. :)KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-78143111880050948502013-03-13T11:21:00.000-04:002013-03-13T23:28:41.588-04:00Guidelines for the Uncool Parent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizVpdGXYqsLV8L16hA1n1pk9kbaTX0ZoPUcuXoy3cJdxQw90et3NRKBvwQzbgb9Mpr64AJzkS-NP1JyOXSwgnHkU7DuKCiJlr9CU58PZ_V00iX_CkxGYoS8mjgy-smFn4eBZ8dEzP67DR/s1600/uncool+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizVpdGXYqsLV8L16hA1n1pk9kbaTX0ZoPUcuXoy3cJdxQw90et3NRKBvwQzbgb9Mpr64AJzkS-NP1JyOXSwgnHkU7DuKCiJlr9CU58PZ_V00iX_CkxGYoS8mjgy-smFn4eBZ8dEzP67DR/s200/uncool+mom.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I'm totally uncool. And I'm cool with that. </div>
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As much as my teenager hates it, I'm not one of those whose kids get by with a whole lot. I watch the news and my heart breaks when I hear about the teenagers who die as a result of their own poor judgement and I ache for those left behind to mourn. Goodness only knows the news has been full of these stories recently. God willing, I will never wear those shoes. <br />
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I have plenty to say about being the uncool parent. In my opinion, it is <i>totally </i>cool to be uncool. It is okay to be the parent who is always lurking in the background, keeping an eye on things. 'Stalking' my kids is not only okay, it's my job. And maybe, just <i>maybe</i>, it will help keep them safe. In today's world there are plenty of things to cause a parent to worry. It pays to be vigilant.<br />
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I've been a parent for more than 29 years and I still have a teenager and a 10 year old living under my roof. Over the years I have witnessed plenty of parenting styles and I've had to adapt my own to fit various circumstances. It's okay, I'm flexible like that. To an extent. ;) But in these changing times there needs to be more black and white and less gray area. And we, as parents, need to stop judging each other for the way we choose to parent our own children. Don't judge me and I won't judge you. But if you're interested, here are my ground rules:<br />
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1. As a parent, you CANNOT be <i>'too involved'</i> when it comes to knowing where your kids are and with whom. Right now they should be honing their decision making skills <i>with your assistance, </i>not turned loose to do as they please. They'll have years of adulthood to exhibit their independence. <br />
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2. It is never wrong to ASK QUESTIONS or to expect your child to check in/stay in touch. And when you call their cell phone and they don't answer, there SHOULD be consequences! <br />
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3. Kids are going to fib and they're going to make poor decisions. It's a matter of fact because they must test the limits from time to time. Life is a learning process and no matter how wonderful you know your kids to be, there will come a time when they feel the need. My kids are awesome but I would be the one fibbing if I didn't admit that I have indeed caught them telling a little white lie in the past. So far it hasn't been anything horrible, but there were indeed consequences. Friends and classmates who are willing to push the envelope can be very convincing creatures. When it comes to your kids, question anything that sounds fishy. Talk to other parents. Check out their stories. <br />
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4. It's much better to be looked upon as a meddling parent and to be called 'overprotective' and 'smothering' than to lose a child. Call me all the names you want. As long as my kids are still here, still living and learning and growing, I can live with your name-calling and finger-pointing. Your opinion of me isn't nearly as important to me as the safety and well being of my kids. <br />
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5. I'm okay with not being the 'cool parent'. I will not knowingly allow ignorant behavior to take place among my kids and their friends. Having fun is one thing. Doing things that can cause harm is another. And if by any chance you happen to be one of those 'cool parents', please do not take it upon yourself to make your 'cool choices' for my kids as well as your own. Don't allow them to drink at your house. Do not allow them to take part in promiscuous, questionable or illegal behavior because you allow your child to do so. This is not your choice to make so do not take it upon yourself. Just like there would be consequences for my child, there would also be consequences for <b><i>you</i></b>. Promise.<br />
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6. Stalk their Twitter, FB and other social media accounts. Stalk their friends' accounts. You will learn SO MUCH. Trust me. <br />
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I could probably go on about this for days, but that pretty much covers the basics. So go on out there and be uncool. And be proud of it. Not <i>in your face</i>, embarrassingly proud, but you know what I mean. ;) KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-21028988289103723022013-02-28T09:59:00.000-05:002013-02-28T09:59:01.537-05:00Angels Among Us<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>angel: [<b>eyn</b>-juh</u></i><u><i>l</i></u><i><u>]</u> <span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">person</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">having</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">qualities</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">generally</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">attributed</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">angel;</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a messenger, especially of God; </span></span></i></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">conventional</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">representation</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">such</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">being,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">human</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">form</span></span></i> </span></span></div>
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I've been seeing angels left and right,</div>
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both in person and in the media.</div>
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I don't know about you,</div>
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but I had gotten so tired of the <i>bad</i> news </div>
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that I pretty much stopped watching much news at all.</div>
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I seldom click on the news links posted on FB </div>
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but I'm really glad I checked out this one.</div>
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This story is packed FULL of good news</div>
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and a handful of angels, too.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57570865/act-of-sportsmanship-gives-texas-high-schooler-shot-at-glory/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE to see what I mean. :)</a></div>
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This one hits a bit closer to home. ;)</div>
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<a href="http://www.wsaz.com/community/hometownHero/headlines/Four-Fire-Fighters-of-the-Sissonville-Fire-Department-Recognized-as-WSAZ-Hometown-Heroes--193152561.html#.USxqplUHZZA.facebook" target="_blank">CLICK HERE </a></div>
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Makes a mama proud. :) </div>
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Drew loves being a firefighter</div>
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and even though I worry every time</div>
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I know he's out on a call, </div>
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I love that he is passionate about helping others.</div>
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Then there is this guy:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnpJEr_Z6Ja5Z5JSds1ry-9IIOiKhwFPqvIkIa0ddU3s90hhrwuXPWHqe52Y5kCfVHDRSlfcL36CXePIyJoHreaG68DaHUbCUvV3QYapDdomUrhTS0Dt9xmp9gq7bMkC-Xx47Ddi31pO4/s1600/Tucker+Man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnpJEr_Z6Ja5Z5JSds1ry-9IIOiKhwFPqvIkIa0ddU3s90hhrwuXPWHqe52Y5kCfVHDRSlfcL36CXePIyJoHreaG68DaHUbCUvV3QYapDdomUrhTS0Dt9xmp9gq7bMkC-Xx47Ddi31pO4/s320/Tucker+Man.jpg" width="235" /></a> </div>
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One can be labeled an angel for many reasons.</div>
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Sometimes it's because of the example they set. </div>
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This is my Tucker Man. He's 10 years old. </div>
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Yesterday his class went to visit a local nursing home. </div>
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Those who are band members </div>
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put on a little concert for the residents, </div>
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then they all sat and talked, </div>
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giving each of them some one-on-one attention.</div>
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Tucker came home just bubbling over </div>
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with stories about this little excursion </div>
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and ended it by saying</div>
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"I really enjoyed going there. </div>
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It was fun to talk to them." </div>
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He told me of the conversations </div>
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he had with a couple of the elderly residents</div>
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and he spoke with so much </div>
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enthusiasm and joy. </div>
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My heart was so full it nearly burst. </div>
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He is such a loving, giving, sensitive young man.</div>
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And that makes him an angel in my eyes.</div>
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When the news of the day is getting you down</div>
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with stories of political unrest,</div>
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rising food and gas prices,</div>
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and crime after crime...</div>
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LOOK AROUND YOU.</div>
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I feel certain you can spy an angel or two. </div>
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Move past the depressing headlines</div>
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and allow them to lift your spirits</div>
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and, more importantly,</div>
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restore your confidence in mankind.</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">The wings of angels are often found on the backs of the least likely people. ~Eric Honeycutt</span></i></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Everyone entrusted with a mission is an angel. ~Moses Maimonides</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Anyone can be an angel. ~Author Unknown</span></i></span></div>
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KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-71865820327850651052013-02-15T10:00:00.000-05:002013-02-15T10:00:20.325-05:00Clean Slates and Patient Hearts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFhpwyoi8haoABLT-tgJ18G6YbpTsLjNc2YYfUxMaFmVmRrJ-P9UpHHuQnnQx3xrMioXcDkIUYCB-MjRIKitmP7Mpl0lPYljtbA9rJYBIWLR8nboEOMtagKxNDHbuNKcpdQNu0Z14XTun/s1600/better+to+be+kind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFhpwyoi8haoABLT-tgJ18G6YbpTsLjNc2YYfUxMaFmVmRrJ-P9UpHHuQnnQx3xrMioXcDkIUYCB-MjRIKitmP7Mpl0lPYljtbA9rJYBIWLR8nboEOMtagKxNDHbuNKcpdQNu0Z14XTun/s1600/better+to+be+kind.jpg" /></a></div>
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This was posted by a FB friend this morning </div>
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and it really struck a chord. <br />It also made me think of another line </div>
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I'd like to add to it:<br /><br /><i>and the confidence to form our own opinions.</i><br /> </div>
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These lessons have been so terribly lost in today's society. </div>
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People can be incredibly judgmental, </div>
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basing their opinions on what others say </div>
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rather than figuring things out for themselves. </div>
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How often do you approach someone, </div>
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already armed with opinions and expectations </div>
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that you've created based upon </div>
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gossip and hearsay?<br />Or perhaps even impressions they've given you</div>
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based only on their outward appearance?</div>
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And let's be honest.</div>
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There have been times when </div>
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you've even created a monster in your mind</div>
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only to meet the person and think</div>
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"Wow. You know, she's actually very nice."</div>
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I confess.</div>
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Guilty as charged.</div>
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I'm not proud of it.</div>
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It's just a fact. </div>
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<br /> But I<i> am </i>changing all that.</div>
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It's part of a big ol' <i>remodeling</i> I've been undergoing</div>
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the last couple of years.</div>
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I'm making changes to the only thing in this world</div>
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over which I have any real control:<br />MYSELF.</div>
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Important changes are usually the toughest to make.</div>
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Being less judgmental is important.</div>
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Being kind is important. </div>
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Having an open and patient heart is important.</div>
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I will create a blank slate for each person I meet.</div>
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I will allow them to write on it </div>
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the story<i> they</i> want me to read.</div>
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I will let them be the person they choose to be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rather than forcing them into some mold I've</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
already chosen for them.</div>
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I'll allow them to set the tone of our relationship.</div>
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<i>I will follow my own instincts. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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And... </div>
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I will hope and pray that from this day forward,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
others will give me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that same opportunity. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Because,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you know,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>people will become what you expect of them.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>It's human nature to respond in kind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the way others behave toward you.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And more than that...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
given good reason to do so, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PEOPLE CHANGE. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be what you'd like to see in others.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Simple.</div>
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KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-23332977703083476292013-02-11T09:21:00.000-05:002013-02-11T09:21:42.870-05:00Roundabout Blessings<div style="text-align: center;">
It's one of <i>those</i> mornings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-dTUCK9BcsmgyXQ9k1f_LyDjthqSkR0EiVmEqE-Lh-PYsao9n4R2SUz4DcjxtnZPve3a3CKCqLCJ8YS-0P5GMX194xkErRumnn54B3lSp0880UHH7A0nF3FR_PtQAsjpR_pXXxWuUL6q/s1600/morning+animal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-dTUCK9BcsmgyXQ9k1f_LyDjthqSkR0EiVmEqE-Lh-PYsao9n4R2SUz4DcjxtnZPve3a3CKCqLCJ8YS-0P5GMX194xkErRumnn54B3lSp0880UHH7A0nF3FR_PtQAsjpR_pXXxWuUL6q/s200/morning+animal.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No, not a BAD morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just one of those mornings.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Hubster and the kids seemed to be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in good moods</div>
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and I got everyone off to work and school</div>
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with no hitches.</div>
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The temp is very mild for a February morning</div>
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and it's supposed to go into the 50s this afternoon.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Earlier I watched a thick layer of dark clouds </div>
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being blown across the sky,</div>
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the wind taking them elsewhere,</div>
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so that we might enjoy a brief blast </div>
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of springlike weather. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJNnN8-NphQUeF8TgjYYOfspa1XoN-8Kq6PNBVjC515WXYCMJwVFQIJWanQFyWkOx42_1-z2Kz_ugWLJdh50GbeLW3-oFR1PXr0VV1rlxFrmRjr9SWFnHl0itmWC7YJETYZvsWETDX5Hi/s1600/cloudy+morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJNnN8-NphQUeF8TgjYYOfspa1XoN-8Kq6PNBVjC515WXYCMJwVFQIJWanQFyWkOx42_1-z2Kz_ugWLJdh50GbeLW3-oFR1PXr0VV1rlxFrmRjr9SWFnHl0itmWC7YJETYZvsWETDX5Hi/s200/cloudy+morning.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now there is sunshine streaming through my window,</div>
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highlighting a layer of dust that needs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be removed from practically every surface.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I have stacks of laundry sorted,</div>
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ready to be thrown into the washing machine </div>
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and then the dryer</div>
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(which I don't mind all that much)</div>
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folded/put on hangers</div>
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(which I also don't mind)<br />and then put away</div>
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(which I mind very much, for whatever silly reason.)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Over the weekend we stopped at Sam's and </div>
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picked up some beef and some chicken.</div>
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They need to be worked up, divided into smaller portions</div>
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and put in the freezer.</div>
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Not my favorite job, but it's nice to have it on hand</div>
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and not have to worry about running to the store</div>
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so often to replenish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuyEvEA2mdNSNoCNpGu6Da4Uk8hB2Cj0CPTw2GdMkeGDCbdudlp3u5en-0GreGJST2IrvVBV-9GfnBWN16ECyCwHB5zT_HyZTW_85i4BjtUcApy9xzBEeUVkdNVocZb5sja4RSUJR8ABw/s1600/freezer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuyEvEA2mdNSNoCNpGu6Da4Uk8hB2Cj0CPTw2GdMkeGDCbdudlp3u5en-0GreGJST2IrvVBV-9GfnBWN16ECyCwHB5zT_HyZTW_85i4BjtUcApy9xzBEeUVkdNVocZb5sja4RSUJR8ABw/s1600/freezer.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not my freezer<span style="font-size: x-small;">...borrowed pic from <span style="font-size: x-small;">a search engine</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">because mine needs some organizing. ;) </span></span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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We have a busy evening ahead,</div>
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filled with a piano lesson</div>
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and then a quick dinner before we go</div>
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to a basketball game at the high school,</div>
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where Perri will be cheering.</div>
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That will put us home in time to start</div>
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getting ready for bed so that we can</div>
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get up tomorrow and start all over again.</div>
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It might sound monotonous to some,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I'm counting my blessings!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My <i>roundabout blessings</i>,</div>
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meaning they may not look like blessings</div>
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at first glance, but dig a little deeper.</div>
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You'll see what I mean.</div>
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</div>
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That layer of dust I see means that I have </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a roof over my head </div>
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and furniture to fill it. </div>
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All those stacks of laundry mean that </div>
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we have plenty of clothes to wear to keep us warm.</div>
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The music lesson and the ballgame</div>
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that leave our schedule feeling somewhat rushed </div>
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mean that my kids are healthy </div>
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and spending time on things they enjoy.</div>
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That hour or so I don't relish spending in the kitchen</div>
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packaging up things for the freezer</div>
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means we are blessed with enough food</div>
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to nourish and sustain us.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But now it's time to get busy.</div>
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I'll turn on some music,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
definitely sing along and</div>
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<i>probably</i> even dance a little ;) ,</div>
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while I tackle the tasks at hand. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It's not a perfect morning</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by most folks' standards.</div>
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But it sure feels perfect for me.</div>
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</div>
KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-87288795600688446982013-02-01T12:49:00.000-05:002013-02-01T12:49:18.210-05:005QF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoJdgmcEkzTtOz9lGR1lhlEn7hzAxfU3cjUnfpL2XtE_lPAvvtECqH0dyNE6UZEdvpQ4hVmSIn9o-2ZawAJY-iu9LD2O20knJW35ve1pLbHH0MbVRgc37h6o4lh5TnY6Z7nhlxhLJtYrO/s1600/5qf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoJdgmcEkzTtOz9lGR1lhlEn7hzAxfU3cjUnfpL2XtE_lPAvvtECqH0dyNE6UZEdvpQ4hVmSIn9o-2ZawAJY-iu9LD2O20knJW35ve1pLbHH0MbVRgc37h6o4lh5TnY6Z7nhlxhLJtYrO/s1600/5qf.png" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a long time since I've done a 5QF</div>
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and I think I'm due. ;)<br />Let's get it goin'!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Join in at <a href="http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/2013/02/five-question-friday-2113.html" target="_blank">My Little Life</a>! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e1029; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e1029; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e1029; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e1029; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e1029; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e1029; line-height: 20px;">1. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">What is your favorite book to read with your kids?</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I really have to choose just one? Seriously?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Not gonna happen.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">There are <i>DOZENS</i>!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Let's break it down like this:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />My favorite CLASSIC to read with them is </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><u>Where the Red Fern Grows</u>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">And yes, I cry </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Every. Single. Time.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">My favorite SERIES to read with them is</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><u>Junie B. Jones</u>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I'll be honest. I despised those</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">books when they first came out.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">The grammar was </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">atrocious</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">and I kept thinking how</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Perri was just learning to read </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">and write and what a mess</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">this was going to make of it!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">But they made me giggle.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Really.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I could just imagine Junie's </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">thought process taking place</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">in my own kids' minds</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">and I knew we had to read them.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">So we turned them into lessons, too!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">As I read them aloud,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Perri would correct Junie's grammar.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">And no, I can't take credit for the idea.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">She just sort of started doing it on her own.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">We've also read TONS of other great books</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">but I'll save that post for another day. ;)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">2. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">After having kids, what body part has changed the most?</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Okay, really now.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Do we want to go there?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />I didn't think so.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">A few stretch marks after the first one,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">a few more and some sagging after the second...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">you get my point.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">There is no fun to be had in discussing <i>that</i>!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">3. W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">ould you ever go back to college? What would you study?</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I would.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">That is, if my circumstances were </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">very different,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I would.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Perri will start college </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">(full time...she is already earning credits in high school)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">in 2015, and then Tucker in 2020.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I really don't think now is the time</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">for me to even think about it for myself. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">If I <i>were</i> to go, I would want to study journalism. :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">4. H</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">ow do you close a phone call? Bye, bye bye or other?</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I'm thinking...</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Funny how we really don't pay attention</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">to that sort of thing, isn't it?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">But I'm pretty sure that if it's my</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">hubby or my kids on the other end</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">of the line,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I end with 'Love you'</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">and if it's anyone else,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">it's usually </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">'Later' or 'Talk to ya later!'</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I'm not a 'goodbye' kind of girl. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">5. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">What is the one food that will always be your "cheat food" on a diet?</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Since a picture is worth a thousand words:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzCv4y79P-HFZeRf7nO1BDSAInEN2xMjAWmWL-nPeuaglOjofWtcCknKjRGZnJzl7lkwQPeX-8Q7grTWPu96VKTy50-9nkYixV_gjeY7ZYFHdwublA3MIr7UyZb8lKSxKbWHB5hGDajBx/s1600/chocolateBOX72ppi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzCv4y79P-HFZeRf7nO1BDSAInEN2xMjAWmWL-nPeuaglOjofWtcCknKjRGZnJzl7lkwQPeX-8Q7grTWPu96VKTy50-9nkYixV_gjeY7ZYFHdwublA3MIr7UyZb8lKSxKbWHB5hGDajBx/s200/chocolateBOX72ppi.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> CHOCOLATE!!!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Especially dark.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Mmmmmmmmmmm... </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></b></span></div>
KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-26802970839758135952013-01-30T11:14:00.001-05:002013-01-30T11:15:15.804-05:00Three Little Words<div style="text-align: center;">
Not much happening.</div>
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Making this cake.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0p5HmppFQl1-t0j9qHkgBxkaFghCx5I3QMraYJ2QeOgy-uTbWYV5vLs4Yp6qb_glJPws62Nr1SESNm5oVMNjKEPr551Yz8SVNsp8zJ9THwhwVHWdMNeyGbB72K85_8-K3CLCO1ccgNkV/s1600/orange+italian+cream+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0p5HmppFQl1-t0j9qHkgBxkaFghCx5I3QMraYJ2QeOgy-uTbWYV5vLs4Yp6qb_glJPws62Nr1SESNm5oVMNjKEPr551Yz8SVNsp8zJ9THwhwVHWdMNeyGbB72K85_8-K3CLCO1ccgNkV/s200/orange+italian+cream+cake.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
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Found it <a href="http://sugarandspice-celeste.blogspot.com/2010/10/fresh-orange-italian-cream-cake.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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Expected a storm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV4VnoHNw9u6UZkMEw0YaG47VPFUbWj1wEC4TBqUGlyMG4Xa_uE8E6fOziqgiLvVcdhO9u_g5KeP0aw-QI6NhPpxlS7j_nrKaU-VJSzSwjcrSnBnHibY2xX2a_C7rzmv-4gQjD4f2Xhdy/s1600/coming+storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV4VnoHNw9u6UZkMEw0YaG47VPFUbWj1wEC4TBqUGlyMG4Xa_uE8E6fOziqgiLvVcdhO9u_g5KeP0aw-QI6NhPpxlS7j_nrKaU-VJSzSwjcrSnBnHibY2xX2a_C7rzmv-4gQjD4f2Xhdy/s200/coming+storm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Basically got nothing.</div>
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Fred is lost.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_ksIZ2LCvmIZ2sH9hg6vVoqnRPSNSsxTFZi0hp2gY8Dy9xJ8l8rT8ABIyAjEkJ8WISRxq_UWvs7f8_jVp236F1Mix0_1wOYwy3hxPy_aF6co4rwZnYiG-Ryz4A0RiKyC340gXi7ryJDl/s1600/Fred+is+Lost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_ksIZ2LCvmIZ2sH9hg6vVoqnRPSNSsxTFZi0hp2gY8Dy9xJ8l8rT8ABIyAjEkJ8WISRxq_UWvs7f8_jVp236F1Mix0_1wOYwy3hxPy_aF6co4rwZnYiG-Ryz4A0RiKyC340gXi7ryJDl/s200/Fred+is+Lost.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Breaks my heart. :(</div>
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Five days ago:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjs6U4HOorc8BFdbj1uF8jqztj9Np8uWx4GXldwILG-gy-aJWpoXQ6kdukz8gVXI9ojB9dVSx96pQH92QSiJZdhHpjwawwnESsZVw19IPFFIgppbzeTZ3RoXI-zVufT_kcEA17NJ4Tzzh/s1600/bad+roads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjs6U4HOorc8BFdbj1uF8jqztj9Np8uWx4GXldwILG-gy-aJWpoXQ6kdukz8gVXI9ojB9dVSx96pQH92QSiJZdhHpjwawwnESsZVw19IPFFIgppbzeTZ3RoXI-zVufT_kcEA17NJ4Tzzh/s320/bad+roads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Seventy degrees today.</div>
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Mother Nature's menopause. ;)</div>
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That is all. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcOif-U34wt-xrrxKjWz3sWQN7p1icZxvPW607zACrn4V6t4Gmo5lkor16yhIbRZHYmVD8OANAvIuIKuq3QeqdULi8TVcYb5vk7KBtUpon6FahREkwE8CAJ6lFbpoHkOolOIV_yq42-8o/s1600/entertaining+happy+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcOif-U34wt-xrrxKjWz3sWQN7p1icZxvPW607zACrn4V6t4Gmo5lkor16yhIbRZHYmVD8OANAvIuIKuq3QeqdULi8TVcYb5vk7KBtUpon6FahREkwE8CAJ6lFbpoHkOolOIV_yq42-8o/s200/entertaining+happy+face.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-85327892418116195312013-01-24T10:46:00.000-05:002013-01-24T10:47:36.256-05:00Half Done<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBsjOuDoFJKNeeHd68Zp1nehMgzV8d155dURO4y3b4nT9CPYMt9Z5hqlRPZcMWf1CyMUScQWUvcUygR_z_8zyCApoS0JEaThPdMNebi6LjqMyDnTQ9dHFs_sCtEE0kd8IrfE0sB9dhhDi/s1600/half+and+half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBsjOuDoFJKNeeHd68Zp1nehMgzV8d155dURO4y3b4nT9CPYMt9Z5hqlRPZcMWf1CyMUScQWUvcUygR_z_8zyCApoS0JEaThPdMNebi6LjqMyDnTQ9dHFs_sCtEE0kd8IrfE0sB9dhhDi/s200/half+and+half.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Seems like there are lots of things </div>
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in my life right now </div>
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that are only about half done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaATJ-xX3lq0GblVTFNGuxpVTw_0Us-ZrL4CbXtc5mpZ38X1_CUcXNY4WMbqxv3BKpfBqavMiOJ_o4utpEKEEP7zvT3t2d1OJidCw03Rs7FCYT-MEeFNcYlTsbkjo83BPGTasNWRWE6n_k/s1600/snow+1-26-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaATJ-xX3lq0GblVTFNGuxpVTw_0Us-ZrL4CbXtc5mpZ38X1_CUcXNY4WMbqxv3BKpfBqavMiOJ_o4utpEKEEP7zvT3t2d1OJidCw03Rs7FCYT-MEeFNcYlTsbkjo83BPGTasNWRWE6n_k/s320/snow+1-26-11.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The snow day we're enjoying today?</div>
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Only about halfway earned.</div>
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We barely have any snow at all!</div>
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But it's super cold and I guess </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there is some ice on the roads.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">(<i>The above pic is actually an old one...we don't have quite</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>that much snow right now.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Can't post a new pic because Photobucket is having issues.)</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaowuHrxC3UrbdjAcimahFWtr7pb0FoVJOoWHCoUpkYA4rJ5kbTba_fcIqnNGqkJnTcos_48-mqKAWQ9_u6xepwk2xvGpCmnClnMBHrzbTIRPB3XO6k_gmbWsY7S4AZXc4EQcsXWTI05HK/s1600/halfway+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaowuHrxC3UrbdjAcimahFWtr7pb0FoVJOoWHCoUpkYA4rJ5kbTba_fcIqnNGqkJnTcos_48-mqKAWQ9_u6xepwk2xvGpCmnClnMBHrzbTIRPB3XO6k_gmbWsY7S4AZXc4EQcsXWTI05HK/s200/halfway+sign.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Cleaning and organizing the kitchen?</div>
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About half done.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sorting/weeding out the junk</div>
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in the spare bedroom?</div>
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About half done. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Getting over this upper respiratory infection?<br />
About half done.</div>
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Yes, it finally got me.</div>
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Made it through the holidays without</div>
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falling ill and that was my goal,</div>
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but I should have known</div>
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something would eventually attack me.</div>
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Don't get me wrong...</div>
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I've had far worse sickness in the past</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
than what I'm dealing with at the moment.<br />
I can't really complain because</div>
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the worst of it lasted only </div>
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a couple of days.</div>
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I got started on an antibiotic</div>
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just about the time my ears became </div>
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involved and I think I caught it early enough.</div>
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My biggest issue now is an </div>
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annoying cough during the night.</div>
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This, too, shall pass.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hoping to soon be back to full energy</div>
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and ready to tackle the other half</div>
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of all those tasks that have</div>
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been put on hold lately.</div>
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I guess half done is better than</div>
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not even started, huh? ;)</div>
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KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-36194655241461430452013-01-18T10:39:00.000-05:002013-01-18T11:15:50.657-05:00Weaving Threads<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I have something I want to share with you. </i>
<i>This video is so very precious to me and </i>
<i>I wrote this post several months ago </i>
<i>but had issues </i><br />
<i>with the video link when I published it.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Unless you are a relative of mine or you have some </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>other connection to my family,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I know the video won't mean nearly as much to you </i>
<i>as it does to me,but I feel the need to convey to you </i>
<i>the importance of such family treasures.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems I'm feeling quite sentimental here the last few days.</div>
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A very dear cousin sent to me a video of a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
family get-together that took place in 1960, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
five years before my birth. </div>
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I have to tell you.</div>
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I bawled like a baby.</div>
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</div>
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It opens with my Daddy, smiling and enjoying his birthday celebration</div>
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with all the folks he held most dear.</div>
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There are many of my aunts and uncles, most of them gone now.</div>
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The almost-five-year-old version of my brother </div>
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(he was 10 when I was born)</div>
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sitting with an ultra thin, oh-so-young version of my Mom.</div>
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</div>
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It was a pivotal moment for me, seeing these people in this way.</div>
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One of those uncles I don't recall ever meeting.</div>
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I'm sure I did as a very young child, perhaps even a toddler.</div>
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He and his family moved away and then
he died rather unexpectedly when I was very young.</div>
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Until watching this video, he had been merely a handsome face</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in a handful of still photos stored in a cardboard box at my Mom's house.</div>
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But this video, this <i>treasure</i>, allowed me to see him </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
really LIVING.</div>
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Laughing, joking with his siblings, having fun.</div>
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It made him so much more<i> real </i>to me. </div>
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</div>
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And most importantly to me, there was my Daddy. </div>
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Alive, young, vibrant and happy.</div>
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The same with all those aunts and uncles </div>
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who are no longer with us.</div>
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</div>
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It broke my heart...</div>
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but in a very good way.</div>
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</div>
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I miss these folks and I wish they were still here.</div>
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I wish I could have realized at a much younger age</div>
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what a gift it is to have a large and loving extended family.</div>
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I wish I had spent more time in their company,</div>
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listened more intently to their stories,</div>
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paid a little more attention in general.</div>
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</div>
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It's just a few threads in the fabric of my life,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a snippet of time that I'm sure my Uncle Bob (the man with the camera)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
never imagined would mean so much<br />
more than 50 years down the road.<br />
But what an impact it has had on me.</div>
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</div>
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I hope that when you watch this</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it will make you stop and think</div>
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the next time you have a chance to spend a few minutes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with an aunt or uncle or grandparent...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TAKE IT.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Savor it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
REMEMBER IT.
</div>
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The older I get, the more important</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
those fond memories become.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When loved ones pass on,</div>
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those memories sustain you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those little threads we weave in the
springs, summers and autumns of our lives
create a warm cocoon that will
keep us warm even in the coldest of winters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IlBB8N01p9s" width="459"></iframe></div>
KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-3954221905089332462013-01-16T23:10:00.000-05:002013-01-16T23:10:25.928-05:00Recipe for creating S P A C E<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>The Great American Cookbook Clean-Out</b></i> has begun! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, it feels like it's that big a deal to<i> me</i>. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been collecting these things for years</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I've finally decided that </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some of them must go.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />In all honesty, there are many I haven't</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
even opened since I first brought them home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's just that I have this thing about</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
books in general...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a really tough time parting with them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NO MORE!</div>
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This clutter must go!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't get a 'before' pic</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and for that I apologize. <br />It was a last-minute thing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I just didn't think.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But here is what remains:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Top shelf </i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3IBzbMe5ORo94SiGTz5XPneiCp7NTEfDh3kZlzktNt5A5Qcc0NT5A8gM745ewpvw9NmiklY85CZoQf6xtyStW8wrL-aj0Qm2QBSJUkbV_87y8CfnrF347lWU0y8pQzgTO5Fg_xBMMsy_/s1600/cookbooks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3IBzbMe5ORo94SiGTz5XPneiCp7NTEfDh3kZlzktNt5A5Qcc0NT5A8gM745ewpvw9NmiklY85CZoQf6xtyStW8wrL-aj0Qm2QBSJUkbV_87y8CfnrF347lWU0y8pQzgTO5Fg_xBMMsy_/s320/cookbooks2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Bottom shelf</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUdthgy9t38QuOaX2DzWmg94C8lYxjdZ_SYGJHNWvHNsypMbnqMmjRSHJP8ETZr-o6U7EbLvGuu87gqDL1ouW57uIJGVac_pr4Uk2bQMgc3ZzLlM8tmMnqF2cgASbrlEQJOKIRn7UgeCE/s1600/cookbooks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUdthgy9t38QuOaX2DzWmg94C8lYxjdZ_SYGJHNWvHNsypMbnqMmjRSHJP8ETZr-o6U7EbLvGuu87gqDL1ouW57uIJGVac_pr4Uk2bQMgc3ZzLlM8tmMnqF2cgASbrlEQJOKIRn7UgeCE/s320/cookbooks1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>15 years worth of</i> <i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Taste of Home magazines I must sort through.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm8Zgqius9RGBqelXkGxFydkB8Fka1UG1EijUbyMjFOkO0F5YJNbz8rxEy7RyXkbUDNK8r9Bf5AZLxK2eFz8LzhsFKjPwbaXag-BTeHpQuv8651czXAQcm0Om72JHvgRJN8OHqYxsVmQf/s1600/cookbooks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm8Zgqius9RGBqelXkGxFydkB8Fka1UG1EijUbyMjFOkO0F5YJNbz8rxEy7RyXkbUDNK8r9Bf5AZLxK2eFz8LzhsFKjPwbaXag-BTeHpQuv8651czXAQcm0Om72JHvgRJN8OHqYxsVmQf/s320/cookbooks3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The giveaway pile</i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfw4_eEO_wUgGabn10fR3SxS1Rih4UCXIk6YEf_xylTx0NhWJMmyEl9UwrGn2yDDIGZydzQAbbFg2Kbi4sq5rqDTLzo5sXIgMr9uCTVXWD3dJGvb8_MfUB-GQQHLLu9pWSqhbwuEtsGC1/s1600/cookbooks4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfw4_eEO_wUgGabn10fR3SxS1Rih4UCXIk6YEf_xylTx0NhWJMmyEl9UwrGn2yDDIGZydzQAbbFg2Kbi4sq5rqDTLzo5sXIgMr9uCTVXWD3dJGvb8_MfUB-GQQHLLu9pWSqhbwuEtsGC1/s320/cookbooks4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Brie is going to see what she wants to keep</div>
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and the rest will go to the local Resource Center.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I will be spending some time going through </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the ToH mags, choosing which recipes </div>
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I want to keep.</div>
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I haven't yet decided if I'm going to </div>
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cut them out and create a binder </div>
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or if I'm going to take digital pics of them</div>
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and keep them on a disc.</div>
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I love having a file of my recipes </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
on my computer. But I suppose I'm also </div>
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an old fashioned girl</div>
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because I love having a hard copy, too.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Maybe I'll just do both. ;)</div>
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<br /></div>
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When it's all organized </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I consider it a job well done,</div>
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I'll post the 'after' pics. </div>
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Until then, tell me....</div>
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how do you organize your </div>
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cookbooks and recipes?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-86619411968523590462013-01-15T10:15:00.000-05:002013-01-15T10:17:52.955-05:00Bipolar Pinning<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are <b><a href="http://pinterest.com/kellitw/" target="_blank">following me on Pinterest</a><u>,</u></b><br />
you might agree with the title of this post. ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's just one of those days.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First I pinned this one to my board titled<br />
<b>Here's Your Sign</b>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBYAcLq7w4KAh_eB_eBiB5Rye2ZSSbJkqHWJZpbkjUc3VvVvGhZh6BMvPHlYCMk_GUVi1nhVND7pCJ02LJRIgpfw2vy5m61zZq5W9cmjzKnFwD850O4fGSx5m4xdewpgo24yCoHQ3BOGE/s1600/nasty+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBYAcLq7w4KAh_eB_eBiB5Rye2ZSSbJkqHWJZpbkjUc3VvVvGhZh6BMvPHlYCMk_GUVi1nhVND7pCJ02LJRIgpfw2vy5m61zZq5W9cmjzKnFwD850O4fGSx5m4xdewpgo24yCoHQ3BOGE/s320/nasty+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm not mean and nasty by nature,</i></div>
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<i>but this just struck me as hilarious</i></div>
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<i>this morning!</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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But then I ended up posting this to my board</div>
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titled <b>Words of Wisdom</b>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmI7gIEUyXMkUJ-7WsDMif2VKeFXVLW-Tkxay99ckqEFKk46PrnE6n4P9B_4pbectHB-RDP9Z0lzQ48r8To3k4PUILUGLGzFue0VCsDcZqe5Rmmh9UpdzwPcTTt-7FXfqOHWbydSA358x/s1600/nice+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmI7gIEUyXMkUJ-7WsDMif2VKeFXVLW-Tkxay99ckqEFKk46PrnE6n4P9B_4pbectHB-RDP9Z0lzQ48r8To3k4PUILUGLGzFue0VCsDcZqe5Rmmh9UpdzwPcTTt-7FXfqOHWbydSA358x/s320/nice+1.jpg" width="246" /> </a></div>
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I'm thinking I'll heed the second.</div>
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It's just been a rough couple of days. ;) </div>
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<i> </i></div>
KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-64355278697717780692013-01-11T11:10:00.000-05:002013-01-11T11:10:09.269-05:00Gettin' a Jumpstart on Feelin' the Love<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not usually a Valentine's Day kind of girl. Yes, I did make this <a href="http://kellisblessings.blogspot.com/2011/02/blue-blue-monday.html" target="_blank">heart-shaped meat loaf</a> one year, but that was kind of a fluke. I've baked square and round cakes, cut the round cake in half and created a <a href="http://busycooks.about.com/od/stepbystep/ss/heartcake_7.htm" target="_blank">heart-shaped cake</a>, too. Those things were fun but this family just doesn't usually get totally wound up in the Valentine spirit.</div>
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(Actually, they REALLY made fun of the meat loaf! LOL!) </div>
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Oh well. Not that big a deal in the grand scheme of things, huh? ;)</div>
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Except for Pinterest. It has me wanting to bake more, cook more, craft more, decorate more, read more....you get my drift. And if you are on Pinterest, too, I'm sure you feel my pain.</div>
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I didn't find this exact idea on Pinterest </div>
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but some of the ideas I<i> did </i>find</div>
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sparked this one. </div>
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I think it turned out to be rather cute</div>
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and it was also very inexpensive to make.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_gDpPm1wnwpCTlx2Hkg6aWhyphenhyphenqzZbeu1dlXEtTPp3ESi0o-DHWt58wGxjJAoKQwjnHzbiQeB1lXV9M_IrhiSL8-AJTOORDNiytrjyy1rnzHaDCsBBsZZN4Neh4i3zb46mkcrT5QZWa-dA/s1600/tablecloth+wreath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_gDpPm1wnwpCTlx2Hkg6aWhyphenhyphenqzZbeu1dlXEtTPp3ESi0o-DHWt58wGxjJAoKQwjnHzbiQeB1lXV9M_IrhiSL8-AJTOORDNiytrjyy1rnzHaDCsBBsZZN4Neh4i3zb46mkcrT5QZWa-dA/s320/tablecloth+wreath1.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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You just need:</div>
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<br />2 of the $.97 plastic tablecloths from WalMart</div>
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A wire coat hanger or some wire you can shape yourself</div>
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A pair of scissors</div>
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A pair of pliers to bend and twist the wire</div>
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<br /></div>
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Make the heart shape using your wire</div>
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or wire coat hanger.</div>
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If you're using a coat hanger, you need to</div>
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untwist the neck of the hanger</div>
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so you have both ends of the wire free.</div>
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You're going to need those ends</div>
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so you can poke through the plastic. </div>
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I opened the tablecloths to their full length,</div>
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cut them into quarters across their width,</div>
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then folded their length accordion-style.</div>
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Starting at one end of the long accordion fold,</div>
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I punctured the center of the plastic </div>
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with the end of the wire,</div>
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pushed it through 3 to 4" and </div>
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then pushed the end back through</div>
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the folded plastic.</div>
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Back and forth, back and forth,</div>
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just like sewing stitches down the center</div>
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of the accordion folded plastic, </div>
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until the full length of it was</div>
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on the wire.</div>
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I took the pliers and twisted the ends </div>
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of the wire together in the center</div>
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of the 'V', then using my fingers</div>
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I fluffed and tweaked the folds</div>
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of the plastic until I had the shape I wanted. </div>
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It took 6 sections of the tablecloths</div>
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to cover this size wreath,</div>
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so that means I have two pieces left.</div>
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I think <i>that</i> means I have a head start on another wreath. :)</div>
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I later decided to add embellishments.</div>
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These are foam hearts I had</div>
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from an earlier project.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIbH3Gcu7W-Gx0UEyfesy4HDOZwCxzl7U_Y-JrXaz0s-MInkhyphenhyphenzO3WooWlrVQ2vhOs5ZX1fXkUbPurg40meV6fDDPXsYMFZ-LHsJpYLxF_9IHr2aqVx-FkADr_OH8rlg6oKUEhOcAI7mW/s1600/tablecloth+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIbH3Gcu7W-Gx0UEyfesy4HDOZwCxzl7U_Y-JrXaz0s-MInkhyphenhyphenzO3WooWlrVQ2vhOs5ZX1fXkUbPurg40meV6fDDPXsYMFZ-LHsJpYLxF_9IHr2aqVx-FkADr_OH8rlg6oKUEhOcAI7mW/s320/tablecloth+wreath.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
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I plan to let Tucker take this to his teacher. </div>
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I'm already imagining what I can do for </div>
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St. Patrick's Day, Easter, etc.</div>
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The possibilities are only limited</div>
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by the colors of tablecloths they have in stock!</div>
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If I'm not clear enough on these instructions,</div>
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I will try to take pics of the entire process when I </div>
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make my next one.</div>
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Just let me know if you're interested </div>
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and I'll post them on here. :)</div>
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<br /></div>
KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-84732269087464487732013-01-10T20:38:00.000-05:002013-01-10T20:38:20.640-05:00Couldn't Do It Again if I Tried! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Ever see this?</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUglAV73ggQPNL9fyuzcuZqeGU9xp0a-GoRxXQNMl5A9QWvl2axOn1k1fJt-CpRUnn8wApL6rFDxkOmgcW-BTEu35sOa1kKch-fc7e2grzvBOoGRaH6bFg6XnT3yCK1MfDiZLhIHIxCjT/s1600/dislocate+shoulders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUglAV73ggQPNL9fyuzcuZqeGU9xp0a-GoRxXQNMl5A9QWvl2axOn1k1fJt-CpRUnn8wApL6rFDxkOmgcW-BTEu35sOa1kKch-fc7e2grzvBOoGRaH6bFg6XnT3yCK1MfDiZLhIHIxCjT/s1600/dislocate+shoulders.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"> Same goes for carrying things <i>to</i> the car, too.</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I was leaving Brie's house, </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">my hands full with a bag of craft supplies, </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">an empty (yet bulky)
soup pot, </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">my purse </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">and a large unsweetened
tea. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Anywhere you park at Brie's, </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">you're on an incline.</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">This causes your car
door swing shut, </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">ready or not. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I managed to maneuver the driver-side door open</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">and drop myself into the driver's seat.</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Then, halfway in the car and halfway out, </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I attempted to deposit</span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"> my armload of cargo </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">onto
the passenger seat </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">when suddenly I realized...</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><b>the door was closing.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">With a good bit of force.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Two-door car...long, heavy door. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I was so preoccupied with rescuing my ankle </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">(which was still firmly planted </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">on the ground </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">outside my door) </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">from certain painful injury </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">that I didn't even consider </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">the position of my left hand.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know, the one in which I was holding</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that large unsweetened iced tea.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtxO6g3iQ3TQvIbgbGgvaSW3uOSYLlCahJscp1wrdv8cp8dgdLjBurPj97-vYLyYtOy9HJMNax4qKI71kvpTPTLTL49wBgN3ETIBOCrMsKvMMupE0VIjItaL93nL6ksJM4AGs5MTxdrHb/s1600/tea+in+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtxO6g3iQ3TQvIbgbGgvaSW3uOSYLlCahJscp1wrdv8cp8dgdLjBurPj97-vYLyYtOy9HJMNax4qKI71kvpTPTLTL49wBgN3ETIBOCrMsKvMMupE0VIjItaL93nL6ksJM4AGs5MTxdrHb/s320/tea+in+door.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I'm pleased to announce that my ankle escaped injury. </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">My cup, however, did not fare quite so well.</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">So how was your day? :)</span></span></span></div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span>
<br /><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"> </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[42].[1][2][1]{comment4188647957381_2232217}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span>KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-52443562650392717192013-01-09T06:30:00.000-05:002013-01-09T07:08:59.353-05:00Wise Words Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: black;">I apologize for the crazy, changing font styles, colors and sizes in my posts. <br />It appears that Blogger has a mind of its own.</span></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0tO-buybDcrr8MI6-0gsxdUYhtFPtaN01hCvpufr6Efp0tizrYlQLro41ClWEFyUN6bXxO4dihZtaVGQV6Ql8c5ea5gkvuS20AqDlppNhOcqiMZprAMfhiGw-69C9JOmu92KPSQ8bF4m/s1600/be+the+good.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0tO-buybDcrr8MI6-0gsxdUYhtFPtaN01hCvpufr6Efp0tizrYlQLro41ClWEFyUN6bXxO4dihZtaVGQV6Ql8c5ea5gkvuS20AqDlppNhOcqiMZprAMfhiGw-69C9JOmu92KPSQ8bF4m/s320/be+the+good.jpg" width="320" /></a> </i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes it's really hard to see the good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we're faced with hardships </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or disappointment,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we usually don't even think to <i>look</i> for it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And we certainly don't feel as if we are</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in any condition to actually <i>contribute</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the world around us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We simply want a magical cure </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that will make us feel better.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have just the thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BE</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THE</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>GOOD</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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We hear all the stories about folks who choose to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>make a difference;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
folks who want to be a positive force</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in an often bleak world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are folks who don't just </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sit around thinking about it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They get up and they <i>do</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They take action.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>They make things happen</i></b>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The next time you're feeling </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
down, disappointed,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
disheartened or just plain sad...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BE THE GOOD</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Drop some coins in an expired parking meter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Help a neighbor carry in their groceries.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Make a little extra dinner and take a plate to a shut-in.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Offer a word of praise to someone who's struggling.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Smile at folks in passing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Just be kind.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And then... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">see what happens in return. :) <b> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">*Gonna make a few copies of this sign </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">and put one on my fridge,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">one on the visor in my car,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">one on my nightstand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reminders are GOOD.*</span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></div>
KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-50980135700687935972013-01-08T12:16:00.000-05:002013-01-08T12:16:58.021-05:00Back Into the Swing of Things<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9Tr1ESYfadXBcClmuqVRGQTIhAwEqmfq-jnzSu3TUG-7QVRYX-gXCHce0zxsVpf5Pp7GjSx2Sc44apNx2YtMdLpW8REUlgRCsUYj9HZwnfsH1S3l_RKXr6Qjz6xt_L_V0hS5wlLnNUKi/s1600/mom+taxi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9Tr1ESYfadXBcClmuqVRGQTIhAwEqmfq-jnzSu3TUG-7QVRYX-gXCHce0zxsVpf5Pp7GjSx2Sc44apNx2YtMdLpW8REUlgRCsUYj9HZwnfsH1S3l_RKXr6Qjz6xt_L_V0hS5wlLnNUKi/s200/mom+taxi.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcAZ6teDf_xcCjMVBHrYG9e-yOcPphmrp3mcz_q74J154762x6jcPhP8-89UhcU4Hp3euJXUqIxOa6DLZMK5qc-i2jgNMpLTQ2iCr8i0pwBrDc3A4FuCBW4OkFa4Hj5Mkha1M9I3qkyGr/s1600/vacuuming+lady.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcAZ6teDf_xcCjMVBHrYG9e-yOcPphmrp3mcz_q74J154762x6jcPhP8-89UhcU4Hp3euJXUqIxOa6DLZMK5qc-i2jgNMpLTQ2iCr8i0pwBrDc3A4FuCBW4OkFa4Hj5Mkha1M9I3qkyGr/s200/vacuuming+lady.jpg" width="151" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqD9HbOXaED4v8ZSqFO4j8zcevDhz55dwYe2jzgXAfBAHXMAfR-eBZN3UG4XWnriNUvQ0P8g4so-vaikQR2J14yJblxjn-w_StVuCQnuur8lvFwkTFwH6sUyW50o0TuJkyN14nfcI_8PD/s1600/laundry+lady.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqD9HbOXaED4v8ZSqFO4j8zcevDhz55dwYe2jzgXAfBAHXMAfR-eBZN3UG4XWnriNUvQ0P8g4so-vaikQR2J14yJblxjn-w_StVuCQnuur8lvFwkTFwH6sUyW50o0TuJkyN14nfcI_8PD/s200/laundry+lady.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcAZ6teDf_xcCjMVBHrYG9e-yOcPphmrp3mcz_q74J154762x6jcPhP8-89UhcU4Hp3euJXUqIxOa6DLZMK5qc-i2jgNMpLTQ2iCr8i0pwBrDc3A4FuCBW4OkFa4Hj5Mkha1M9I3qkyGr/s1600/vacuuming+lady.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This clipart tells the story of my life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pretty much. </div>
<br />
But I'm telling ya, a few days out of the routine and getting back into it is such a chore! Christmas
break ended last Wednesday, but with it being a short week and there
being no practices or lessons or anything, it still wasn't our regular
routine. This is our first full week of 'normalcy' (and that <i>totally </i>depends upon your definition of normal!) and it's tough getting back into the swing of things. Still, here we are, Tuesday already, and I'm doing what needs done. Laundry,
vacuuming, dishes, planning dinner, getting the Mom Taxi ready to run
for after school pickups, drum lessons and a basketball game. It's not
even noon and I'm exhausted.<br />
<br />
<br />
I would like to thank those of you who posted comments or messaged me regarding <a href="http://kellisblessings.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-new-yeara-new-looka-new-direction.html" target="_blank">my last blog post.</a> I've tried repeatedly to reply to those comments but I'm having an issue with either Blogger or Discus. Whichever it is, it's frustrating, to say the very least. Regardless, I very much appreciate your comments and advice. I have some pretty terrific bloggy friends. :) And I promise I'm working my way toward more regular posting of meaningful/helpful/entertaining content. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some days it's right there, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
begging me to spill it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYThMa9VZZjaxVT36qYhLlUKCFBib1mrPTSuRrtQ30l9XYh24jveuxc8GIwaR7W69BX-6CYy_1OixFTgIUvs2j01By2LWGA_9jrT3dtCEpOey8ocUYjymACjfE2XXJAWYi56v_q93daDvY/s1600/typing+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYThMa9VZZjaxVT36qYhLlUKCFBib1mrPTSuRrtQ30l9XYh24jveuxc8GIwaR7W69BX-6CYy_1OixFTgIUvs2j01By2LWGA_9jrT3dtCEpOey8ocUYjymACjfE2XXJAWYi56v_q93daDvY/s200/typing+lady.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Other days...well, you know. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcAZ6teDf_xcCjMVBHrYG9e-yOcPphmrp3mcz_q74J154762x6jcPhP8-89UhcU4Hp3euJXUqIxOa6DLZMK5qc-i2jgNMpLTQ2iCr8i0pwBrDc3A4FuCBW4OkFa4Hj5Mkha1M9I3qkyGr/s1600/vacuuming+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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I am working on a post for tomorrow that I hope you'll enjoy. I don't know if there is another blogger doing something similar (if there is, I haven't seen it...though I know that doesn't mean it doesn't exist) but I had a little idea and I'm hoping to make it happen. As I've mentioned in the past, I'm pretty addicted to Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/kellitw/" target="_blank">(FOLLOW ME!)</a> and all the cool things that can be found there. Recently I've been seeing lots of pins that offer incredibly wise advice regarding life in general; thoughts and ideas that have touched me deeply in one way or another. Some of these things are definitely worth sharing and I would like to do just that. Therefore, tomorrow will be my first <b>Wise Words Wednesday</b> post. I hope you'll stop by and see just what struck my fancy this week. :) Every Humpday I plan to have a new thought or idea to share with you, to give you something to consider and possibly put into action to make your life just a little bit better. There are so many fabulous offerings out there that I honestly think the hardest part for me is going to be choosing which ones to share! <br />
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Be sure to stop by tomorrow to check it out. :) The first one is one I pinned several weeks ago but I can't seem to get it off my mind. Definitely some wise words worth sharing! <br />
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<br />KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-31419259309633732452013-01-04T15:02:00.003-05:002013-01-04T15:03:45.715-05:00A New Year...A New Look...A New DirectionHappy 2013 to all of you! :) Hope your new year has gotten off to a good start. My kids went back to school on Wednesday and I've been doing some major reorganizing in my kitchen and a couple other areas of the house. Cleaning out, weeding through and getting rid of the unnecessary. What is it about this time of year that always sets me on this path? As much as I love Christmas, I also love the way my house feels when I get the tree down and all the decorations put away. It's all clean space and a fresh start. Feels good!<br />
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In case you haven't noticed, I've updated my blog design just a bit. I like the simplicity of it. (That whole 'clean space, fresh start' thing coming into play again, I suppose.) I searched around until I found something that is pleasing to the eye without being overly fussy. I've visited many blogs where the background was so busy that I had trouble concentrating on what I was trying to read. I hope you guys find this one as easy on the eyes as I do.<br />
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Lately I've found myself struggling with this blog, as evidenced by my lack of posts recently. It's odd that when I first created this place, I couldn't get through a single hour of the day without coming up with a half dozen different things about which I thought I should write. Every event, every occasion, every little happening seemed blog-worthy. Nowadays I struggle to find something that I think needs to be said. Don't get me wrong...I don't feel the need to be <i>the</i> go-to site for a daily dose of news/reality/current events/rambling thoughts. While I would never presume that this little blog is a necessity in anyone's day, I would like to think that I could contribute something worthwhile on occasion. And I suppose that's what it is that I've been missing: <i>something that I feel is more worthwhile reading and less random poppycock</i>.<br />
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So here I am, gears grinding and steam rolling out of my ears, attempting to find a focus for this little corner of my world. Writing is a passion and, in and of itself, it is not the hard part for me. Give me a topic and I will find something, typically <i>many</i> somethings, to say about it. I will study it, research it, dissect it and do my best to gain a perspective that others may not have considered. Ask my opinion on a subject and I will politely (most of the time, anyway) and (often) emphatically share my thoughts. But, left to my own devices and my wildly unfocused thought process, I will sit and spin my wheels for hours in an attempt to choose a topic about which to blog. It's maddening, really.<br />
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I spent many years writing only for myself. I have written more story starts, poems, short stories, articles and essays over the years than I have shopping lists. Aside from a few previously published essays, this blog is really the first time I have written with the intention of sharing my words with others. I thoroughly enjoy it! Writing is a baring of the soul; a sharing of innermost thoughts and dreams. My first posts were trivial things, just a way of getting my feet wet and discovering whether or not this blogging thing was really for me. Then I began to take it more seriously and realized that this was an opportunity to put myself out there. It was a chance I had to take, for myself, to prove simply that I had it in me. And I wrote about something that wasn't so mundane; something that had meaning to me. After much editing and many bouts of doubting it was the right thing to do, so openly exposing the real me, I hit that 'PUBLISH' button. Then I did everything in my power to go on with my chores and errands, driving my mom taxi, having my ordinary day. And all the while, in the back of my mind, I was wondering who (if anyone) was reading it, what they were thinking, if they were commenting.<br />
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When I eventually allowed myself to take a peek, I found that someone <i>had</i> read it. Actually <i>lots </i>of someones. And some of them let me know that what I had written had touched them, made them think, gave them a new understanding, or even simply made them smile. Only another writer can fully understand the pleasure of receiving that kind of feedback. <br />
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There are just so many niches in this blogging world and I am one of those who considers herself a <i>Jack of all trades, master of none</i>. It is a real struggle for me to narrow my options and yet I know that in order for this blog to have any quality content, that is exactly what I have to do. So please bear with me as I figure out exactly where it is I belong. Opinions are welcome! Let me know which of my posts you enjoy the most. I can sort of figure that out by the number of hits and comments received, but I am also aware of the fact that readers come and readers go. There are a few of you who have been right here with me from the very beginning. May I just say I LOVE YOU FOLKS BUNCHES! :) I've made some wonderful friends in this place. But there are also a number of new folks who stop in because of a search they performed or a link they've discovered on Pinterest, etc. I'd love to see them become regulars here, therefore I'd love to offer them the kind of content they like to see.<br />
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So speak up! I'd love your help in making Countin' Your Blessings a place you like to visit. I want to give you loyal bloghoppers the type of content you find the most useful and entertaining. Let me know what you need and want the most. Tell me what strikes your fancy and makes you look forward to coming back. You can comment here or you can contact me via email with the link in my profile. <br />
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I look forward to hearing from you! :)KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-34167725693986668052012-12-15T12:06:00.000-05:002012-12-15T12:06:06.779-05:00Remembering...<span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;">*To honor the memories of Glenna, Denzil, Cassandra and especially Ginny, I am once again putting Ginny's Story here on this, the anniversary of the Silver Bridge tragedy.*</span><br />
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~The following story isn't a happy little Christmas vignette. What it is, in fact, is a true and rather long tale based on conversations with Ginny, the daily journals in which she wrote, and the cards and letters she treasured for so many years. It is a story of love and loss, and a lesson in humanity. You never know for certain what life is truly like for another person until you take the time to listen to (and really <i>hear</i>) them. It is very important to me that it be told, especially on this day. I think that if you'll do me the honor of taking a few minutes to read it you'll understand why.~<br />
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It was December 15, 1967. The Christmas card arrived that morning, Glenna’s familiar handwriting gracing the envelope. A short note was included, asking about <i>Mom, Daddy</i> and <i>Gramma</i>, and saying that she and Denzil would be traveling to Gallipolis Friday evening after work to finish up their Christmas shopping. It was signed “Merry Christmas! With love, Denzil, Glenna and Baby”. This was Friday and the card had been mailed two days before. Ginny read the card aloud to her husband and her mother that morning, not knowing what the rest of the day would hold for them all.<br />
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Denzil and Glenna did head out to Gallipolis that evening, just as the Christmas card had foretold. Ginny knew they would because Glenna had been having some problems with swelling and, with the baby due in January, she needed to finish her shopping before she was unable to do so. Ginny, Ginny’s mother and Buck were even going to make the long drive to Denzil and Glenna’s small mobile home to celebrate this year because they knew the trip would be too much on Glenna. That’s why Ginny had no doubt that her daughter and son-in-law would do just as they said.<br />
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That’s why, when she heard that the Silver Bridge crossing the Ohio River between Pt. Pleasant, WV and Gallipolis, OH had collapsed, taking with it all of the rush hour travelers who were crossing it at the time, she knew in her heart that Denzil and Glenna were gone. In her mother’s heart, she knew that her precious daughter, her unborn grandchild, and her son-in-law had fallen to their deaths in the icy waters of the Ohio River.<br />
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She knew.<br />
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Glenna’s childhood bedroom still sat much the way it had before she married Denzil some 4 years earlier. In the days following the accident, while Buck and Ginny awaited word on the recovery of bodies, they gathered Glenna’s belongings from her new home and took them back to that childhood bedroom, tucking them neatly into the cedar chest that sat by the foot of the bed. There were dresses, skirts and blouses; maternity tops and coats; and, saddest of all, there were the tiny, embroidered gowns and the hand pieced crib quilt that had been lovingly crafted for the baby. They were just sure it would be a girl. Her name was going to be Cassandra.<br />
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Ginny eventually went on with her life, but things were never the same for her. There was always that missing piece, that hole that couldn’t be filled. She and Buck traveled extensively throughout the U.S., pulling their camper from state to state and taking pictures all along the way. They had photos, reels and slides that recorded every trip they took over the years. Buck would set up the projector on the weekends and they would relive their travels, sharing them with friends and family. Ginny’s sister and brother-in-law, Peanut and Howard, sometimes joined them on their journeys. They had never had children themselves, so Glenna had been like a daughter to them as well. They felt the sting of her death just as surely as if she’d been their own. Ginny and Peanut were already as close as two sisters could be, but this shared grief somehow drew them even closer.<br />
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In 1970, their mother passed away. She had resided in a house right next to Ginny’s and again, Ginny had an added grief to bear. In the early 1980s Peanut became very ill with cancer. Before she was able to come home from an extended hospital visit, Howard fell ill, too. They soon discovered that he had cancer as well and Ginny brought them both home to care for them in their last days. They passed away within weeks of each other. Then in 1987, Ginny lost the last of the loves of her life, Buck. He, too, was taken by cancer. Ginny had never been more alone.<br />
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My in-laws had become friends with Ginny and Buck in the early 60s. My husband, born in 1965 and only 2 when the Silver Bridge collapsed, had been a comfort to them to have around over the years. I can’t help but think that he helped to ease the pain of the loss of the only grandchild they would ever have, the one they never got a chance to meet. Since three of his four grandparents had already passed away, Buck and Ginny were very important figures in Phil’s life. Before long his family began taking vacations with Buck and Ginny, traveling to state parks and visiting popular sightseeing destinations. Even now he talks about how they got together most weeknights to play Pinochle and Pollyanna, and the Saturday morning trips into Harrisville with Buck and Ginny to do their banking and visit the five and dime where Buck always allowed Phil to pick out a comic book to take home. These are the threads that were woven together over the years, forming the fabric that is Phil’s past and foundation. Precious memories, indeed.<br />
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In the last few years, we watched Ginny’s health fail remarkably. Her diabetes was out of control and she refused to eat the way the doctor said she should. She would have ‘spells’ when her sugar dropped too drastically and she sometimes was unable to even remember what happened. She had an aneurysm in her stomach that caused her frequent pain. The doctor warned that it could rupture at any time, but there was nothing they could do because Ginny wasn’t strong enough to withstand surgery. Her kidney function declined rapidly but she adamantly refused dialysis. “I don’t even know why I’m still here” she’d say, always wishing that she would just die. She wanted to be with Buck and Glenna, Peanut and Howard. She always asked her doctor how she was going to die, wanting details so she would know if it was happening. He kept telling her he couldn’t give her those kinds of answers, but because he had once told her it was a possibility, she convinced herself that she would simply fall asleep and not awaken. That was somehow comforting to her.<br />
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Through it all, Ginny stayed as busy as she could. Still driving long after she should have had her license taken away, she would play Bingo several nights a week. She would tell you that she didn’t really even enjoy the game so much. It was the company. Ginny made a whole new set of friends when she started playing and they became very important to her. Bingo gave her a reason to look forward to getting up in the mornings. When she wasn’t at Bingo, chances are she was sitting in her lounge chair or stretched out on her couch sleeping. She slept several hours a day because congestive heart failure left her unable to take in enough oxygen.<br />
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Ginny always said that when she was gone, there would be no one to remember Glenna. She just knew that Glenna’s short life was all for naught, that she was the only one left to keep her memory alive. When Ginny gave us an old wash stand that had been her mother’s, my husband did a beautiful job refinishing it. He sanded away an aged, dark finish and restored the beauty it had originally held. When it was done and we had brought it to our bedroom, Ginny came for a visit and we asked her to come upstairs to see what we had. Needless to say, she was stunned at how lovely it had become! And then she saw what we had placed upon it. Two double picture frames, one on each side of the bowl and pitcher, holding pictures of Buck and Ginny, Denzil and Glenna. I told her that day that we wanted those pictures there so she would know that none of them would ever be forgotten, that I would see to it that they were always remembered.<br />
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On April 5, 2009 Ginny passed away. I hope and pray that she has now found the peace that she could not find in life. When I think of her, I see her sitting with Buck, Peanut, Howard, Denzil and Glenna, and she’s holding a beautiful pink-cheeked cherub named Cassandra. And Ginny is smiling, a smile that reaches all the way to her heart.<br />
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Glenna Grose Taylor<br />
Never to be forgotten.KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-47049778555035959742012-12-12T11:55:00.001-05:002012-12-12T11:55:22.674-05:00Those Pesky Dark Spots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My tree has 1600 lights.</div>
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Or maybe it's 1700. I don't remember at this point, but what I do know is that at least 4 sections (50 lights each) of those lights have gone out since I turned them on a couple of weeks ago. So now I have four pesky dark spots on this 7.5' monument to Christmas cheer. The first section went out the very night I put it up and it happened within an hour of hanging the final ornament. </div>
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True story. </div>
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If I don't seem terribly upset over this, well....it's because I'm not terribly upset over this. </div>
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Perhaps a bit out of character for me, but that's just the way it is. </div>
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And I'm good with that. </div>
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I've simply found that it's tough to be upset over a few failing miniature lights when there are so many other beautiful, memory-filled things hanging from those less-than-perfectly-illuminated branches. For instance...</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pictures and homemade gingerbread houses. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYme0WFnFeMMzn4nR6XNS5fm9G_MpHc-6Tvl7GLwWp5vx_zhBrQNJPOE8najOGi8y9iQrVewmgbF3xw_2_iIXT6I92uzME5ngKPvvwQqB4_cWCBnb6DhqG2L3MZ1zNCPoIRwYP_8kShztz/s1600/IMG_3045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYme0WFnFeMMzn4nR6XNS5fm9G_MpHc-6Tvl7GLwWp5vx_zhBrQNJPOE8najOGi8y9iQrVewmgbF3xw_2_iIXT6I92uzME5ngKPvvwQqB4_cWCBnb6DhqG2L3MZ1zNCPoIRwYP_8kShztz/s320/IMG_3045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Salt dough ornaments made by sweet little hands.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW_WZ4pJx02A8S_vLAWSmpo00-xEBS03nf9b_pe2ihyM0Ms5H3NIdmwOhAdCnVtaaOfIr1DpXwDvyS-W-mxrAR97zAJPCSfYbu_FUNN8gnLI8-6ekGK76YYRxpou0KQnXK0WM47xOoO9Y/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW_WZ4pJx02A8S_vLAWSmpo00-xEBS03nf9b_pe2ihyM0Ms5H3NIdmwOhAdCnVtaaOfIr1DpXwDvyS-W-mxrAR97zAJPCSfYbu_FUNN8gnLI8-6ekGK76YYRxpou0KQnXK0WM47xOoO9Y/s320/IMG_3043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ornaments that speak of our personalities.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVBDuDqEL0e3PIDf3aZpVzAoLYQoWT1HzEZovBW4AUOIDTHJfaCquTYlwhlh_T3EKP1xAc8ItyZFhu1bYHJEcNsfLVc-UNWShIZZh5ltntwlWTDQLhu9A71P146rGUDTpNJm4ASepEZkC/s1600/IMG_3044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVBDuDqEL0e3PIDf3aZpVzAoLYQoWT1HzEZovBW4AUOIDTHJfaCquTYlwhlh_T3EKP1xAc8ItyZFhu1bYHJEcNsfLVc-UNWShIZZh5ltntwlWTDQLhu9A71P146rGUDTpNJm4ASepEZkC/s320/IMG_3044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FUN things we've had for a long, long time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCojU3aDpIQelujfmqsFvKHiIrCViEP6g-aX3qWhmDlCq-Pjjt6qMbwt3heIPFp8-16ZkHTFUQhbz5y18AxpVFTmknupTGI-HNJt51ctDz4uS39DsDSuIUJyeNpYLAROT-GkFy5cokLHz/s1600/IMG_3046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCojU3aDpIQelujfmqsFvKHiIrCViEP6g-aX3qWhmDlCq-Pjjt6qMbwt3heIPFp8-16ZkHTFUQhbz5y18AxpVFTmknupTGI-HNJt51ctDz4uS39DsDSuIUJyeNpYLAROT-GkFy5cokLHz/s320/IMG_3046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the ones I've received from friends over the years.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0QeSeTblbeJhNgxsy2jOuceuwf2EuZdFBHzYzENQNjSICfwZl4btGjzc1O1MvBWOGPOwlO5HWaRjWmOKirzmxIZdvv24kWbp6mX_OGIrr1qPuUwX5yKzCByl745dTpS9X5FA70R7tMlw/s1600/ornie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0QeSeTblbeJhNgxsy2jOuceuwf2EuZdFBHzYzENQNjSICfwZl4btGjzc1O1MvBWOGPOwlO5HWaRjWmOKirzmxIZdvv24kWbp6mX_OGIrr1qPuUwX5yKzCByl745dTpS9X5FA70R7tMlw/s320/ornie+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaZ7HwfdFLlbfKLe_Xbo9xpafaomAIM6cIHG07bvBwU7jlABjUdPTCRl_aC25Cvg86tciA7VWTp8bImn3pDH8SZ5JuZxKMFfZHqUVCYDyMKpDTzfvzteZ-h2NP3RthgyIm9pnQIhFtIL_/s1600/ornie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaZ7HwfdFLlbfKLe_Xbo9xpafaomAIM6cIHG07bvBwU7jlABjUdPTCRl_aC25Cvg86tciA7VWTp8bImn3pDH8SZ5JuZxKMFfZHqUVCYDyMKpDTzfvzteZ-h2NP3RthgyIm9pnQIhFtIL_/s1600/ornie+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS2wWProBbxmQL6NVCUkmyp_gyLiYgpMMv_hTjlY2FSvE-7Cs3EouBAWK9OECm1U1C-KZoS3WerRkGKHgZbgigDJ-qUxlADRa-V60F1darXpR5whDfTy6aiYF4hqYa4S4kg4_yfyBJPyE/s1600/ornie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS2wWProBbxmQL6NVCUkmyp_gyLiYgpMMv_hTjlY2FSvE-7Cs3EouBAWK9OECm1U1C-KZoS3WerRkGKHgZbgigDJ-qUxlADRa-V60F1darXpR5whDfTy6aiYF4hqYa4S4kg4_yfyBJPyE/s320/ornie4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uo5QWeChCqqxZn8-aYFKs4EbbOFn2FpghhnVT0TJp7rBypb8FS0nYYSnn2CjJty2OLg805_Omd9TIWZL8V6Nw9nbZnXQ__AAJo2v8IiZW5JIG1HWXc07XvTU3ZHSYjGIOeFeQOEkExzV/s1600/ornie5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uo5QWeChCqqxZn8-aYFKs4EbbOFn2FpghhnVT0TJp7rBypb8FS0nYYSnn2CjJty2OLg805_Omd9TIWZL8V6Nw9nbZnXQ__AAJo2v8IiZW5JIG1HWXc07XvTU3ZHSYjGIOeFeQOEkExzV/s320/ornie5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so many others...I can't possibly post pics of them all,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but every single one of them means so much to me. <br />Decorating the tree each year is a trip down memory lane</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a very <i>sweet </i>trip, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To those of you who have contributed to my </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
treasure trove of Christmas remembrances,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This has always been my favorite time of year</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and what better way to celebrate dear friends</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and family than by thinking of them at Christmas,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
remembering and appreciating all they've added to my life?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope Christmas brings to you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as many treasured memories as it does to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right now, even with the dark spots, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my Christmas is looking pretty bright. : )</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-34991290670648754152012-12-06T14:42:00.004-05:002012-12-06T14:42:27.187-05:00I need to be...<b><i>Kinder.</i></b><br />
<br />
I need to treat others more the way I want to be treated by them.<br />
<br />
<i><b>More thoughtful.</b></i><br />
<br />
I need to be purposeful in utilizing the lessons I've learned through the years. I want to think before I act and I especially want to think before I speak. <br />
<br />
<i><b>Wiser.</b></i><br />
<br />
I need to spend more time working on <i>me</i>...the <i>real</i> me. Not this aging body, but what's inside.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Calmer.</b></i><br />
<br />
I need to stress less, relax more. <br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>A better wife.</b></i><br />
<br />
I owe it to The Hubster to be the partner he deserves. <br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>A better mom.</b></i><br />
<br />
My kids deserve the best and I need to be more<i> 'in the moment'</i>. <br />
<br />
<i><b>Healthier.</b></i><br />
<br />
I need to view my physical well-being as a necessity and not an option. After all, without good health I can't be a good wife<i>;</i> a good mom; a good <i>me</i>. <i><b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>More focused.</b></i><br />
<br />
In the beginning I'm as determined as anyone could possibly be. But as time passes I become distracted, easily sidetracked, and I veer off course. No matter what I'm trying to accomplish, I need to focus.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>*Just a few things that have been on my mind lately. Thought that seeing them in black and white might help. :) And sharing them with you? Well, that's just my way of holding myself accountable. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Sorry there have been no pics of my Christmas decor (as I mentioned in previous posts) but I have to say I'm not that impressed with the outcome. I have two trees up and they both have sections of lights out. The outside decorations need...well, they just <i>need</i>. And trust me when I tell you I'm not whining or complaining. I'm simply stating facts. It isn't going to be a storybook Christmas here at my house, but that's okay. My family is healthy and we are spending this holiday season celebrating the important things. I'm as happy as if I had good sense! :) So basically what I'm saying is...</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">LIFE IS</span> GOOD. </span></i> </b></div>
I hope you are having a wonderful December and that life is treating you well. I'll be back again soon. :)<br /><b><br /></b>KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-77379352471691887392012-11-28T09:05:00.000-05:002012-11-28T09:05:32.287-05:00Gettin' 'er Done!<div style="text-align: center;">
My days have been pretty busy since the kids' Thanksgiving break. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First with planning and preparing Thanksgiving dinner, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
plus the kids being out of school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanksgiving came and went,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as did their break from school,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and now I'm settling into Christmas mode!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is my view as I write to you this morning:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39wl-lxCQld8ivQQhL4d1NUDsp3oC3kkaYJvQ5r4RAa8AQGBHrbXJfHnrjNNJarmdjD14du3igsTQISD0CVGBCv-ZXhePkA40CvB_Iw7xtLsqZ8Eewy9xR3LoXKGvs_4AdWGq6qkgT94h/s1600/Christmas+tree+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39wl-lxCQld8ivQQhL4d1NUDsp3oC3kkaYJvQ5r4RAa8AQGBHrbXJfHnrjNNJarmdjD14du3igsTQISD0CVGBCv-ZXhePkA40CvB_Iw7xtLsqZ8Eewy9xR3LoXKGvs_4AdWGq6qkgT94h/s320/Christmas+tree+2012.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is my family room tree, complete with 1600 lights</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and dozens of memories in the form of ornaments.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today's plans (along with finishing up the laundry, cooking dinner</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and cleaning the hardwood)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
include putting up the parlor tree</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and also decking out the rest of the house with the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
odds and ends of Christmas decor I've accumulated</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
over the years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the STOCKINGS! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I still have to hang the stockings! : )</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm attempting something a little different with my outside decorating</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this year and if I'm successful, I'll be posting pics later this week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cross your fingers for me! ; )</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm also trying to organize my reading list</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and baking plans for the month of December.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you recall, the kids and<a href="http://kellisblessings.blogspot.com/2009/12/every-night-christmas-story.html" target="_blank"> I read a Christmas story</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://kellisblessings.blogspot.com/2009/12/every-night-christmas-story.html" target="_blank">every night starting on December 1st</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the exception of a particular story or two, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perri has pretty much outgrown this tradition</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(and this makes me very sad)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so I intend to take full advantage of the fact that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tucker still enjoys it with me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to attempt to type up a complete list of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the books and stories we enjoy the most</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so I can share them with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you have a favorite, tell me about it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love adding to my list and try to find something new</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to read each year. Many nights we read two or three</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shorter stories or poems.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I consider the entire time between Thanksgiving and Christmas</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be the very <i>best</i> part of the whole year!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope all of you are enjoying it as much as I am! : )</div>
KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-38373213926048457932012-11-18T22:15:00.000-05:002012-11-18T22:16:52.341-05:00It's Me Again<div style="text-align: center;">
Literally.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I want to tell you about it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Me-Again-ebook/dp/B0095B6EJ6/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1" target="_blank"><u>Me Again</u></a> is this really terrific novel I just finished reading.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6PDfHkFNZSbWfuQUIj1rjkJZp_HcCmEbqbpdVxYCU6B2gXGY52vOByG2fXKqRDtHR-Km_zAu73xM08vSknoyQGhsR7kJbAJQyaJyA3QltrFFfcfIkS4Ft1Djf6EXXa8uS_rmBuMlIgJ1/s1600/me+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6PDfHkFNZSbWfuQUIj1rjkJZp_HcCmEbqbpdVxYCU6B2gXGY52vOByG2fXKqRDtHR-Km_zAu73xM08vSknoyQGhsR7kJbAJQyaJyA3QltrFFfcfIkS4Ft1Djf6EXXa8uS_rmBuMlIgJ1/s1600/me+again.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm always looking for well written, engaging tales and I particularly love </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
discovering talented new authors. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(I found this one thanks to <a href="http://www.pixelofink.com/" target="_blank">Pixel of Ink</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If you have a Kindle and you aren't familiar with PoI, you must check it out!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It's a great way to find deals on books, both old and new.)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And let me tell you, this Mr. Cronin....he has my full attention.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll be on the lookout for whatever is next from him, that's for sure.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This dude is Good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(That's with a capital G.)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From the very first paragraph I was hooked,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thanks to not only his quirky and captivating prose</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(<i>he doesn't write at you; he speaks<b> </b>to you</i>) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but also the beautifully crafted characters </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who populate this tale of second chances.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It opens on the day Jonathan Hooper awakens </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from a 6-year coma brought on by a stroke.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And even though that sounds like some pretty heavy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
subject matter, fear not.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is no dark, depressing tale.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I confess to laughing out loud more than once</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
within the first half-dozen pages.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will also confess to getting a bit teary-eyed </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a time or two as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I just <b>adore</b> a writer who can manipulate me in that way!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't want to give away too much of the storyline,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but let it suffice to say that even when you think</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you know exactly where it's leading,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you probably don't.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Much of my life has been dedicated to good reads.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been known to brag a little when</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have it all figured out 1/3 of the way in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And while I'm not gonna tell you I didn't have some idea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where things were going,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I <i>will</i> tell you this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jonathan's journey is as pleasurably eye-opening for the reader</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as it is for Jonathan himself,</div>
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and it's one journey you'll definitely be glad you took.</div>
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Please do give this one a try. It's definitely worth your time,</div>
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plus 25% of the sales profit is being donated to the</div>
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American Stroke Association.</div>
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Very cool, Mr. Cronin.</div>
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Very cool, indeed.</div>
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: ) </div>
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KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-41778452637895075852012-11-16T13:24:00.001-05:002012-11-16T13:24:26.697-05:00Odds and Ends, Bits and Pieces, This and That...It seems I've been fighting a sinus headache for weeks and it isn't much fun at all. :( I've downed so much ibuprofen, acetaminophen and various combinations of those along with decongestants...I can practically hear my kidneys and liver begging for mercy. I even had to cancel a dental appointment this week because I was feeling <i>that </i>bad. I refuse to be sick for Thanksgiving this year, so I think I might bring out the big guns this weekend. (I'm referring to antibiotics, folks. ;) Need to kick this now!) <br />
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Even with the headache, it's been pretty busy. Even with the end of band competition season and football game halftime performances, as well as cheering at the final football game of the season, winter softball practices and indoor games have filled Perri's schedule. Tucker is hard at work learning (in band class at school) and practicing (a BUNCH at home) on his new percussion set, as well as taking private drum lessons on Tuesdays after school. Phil is working his usual hours but with the time change, it seems he leaves the house while it's still dark and then it's nearly dark again when he gets home. I've been doing the usual stuff around the house, driving the Mom Taxi, etc. PLUS making plans for the coming holidays, but that's the fun part! : ) Thanksgiving (for which I will NOT be sick this year!) is just around the corner and I'm hosting. Then comes.........CHRISTMAS!!! <br />
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Yesterday I read to Tucker's fifth grade class. It was Read to Me Day and I had a terrible time finding something age appropriate that I could read to them in under 30 minutes! Ended up choosing a short story from a book titled <u>Haunted Teachers</u>. Incredibly cheesy story, but they loved it! : ) <br />
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Last night was girls' night out for my daughters, a couple of friends and me. We went to see the final installment in the Twilight Saga, <u>Breaking Dawn Part 2</u>. I confess to being a little disappointed in some of the special effects. In this day and age I think it's pretty crazy that the baby is computer generated or whatever it was they did that made her appearance so...peculiar? I guess that's as good a word as any. But I will also admit to being completely enthralled during the BIG SCENE! (I will not elaborate further because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but those of you who have seen it will know what I mean!) Completely unexpected and it really made the movie! The entire theater was so into it that there were collective gasps, oohs, aahs and then APPLAUSE!!! : ) And quite honestly, I'm sort of expecting more. I can't imagine Stephenie Meyer letting this story die when there are so many possibilities. </div>
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I'd say that's about it for now. Not much else to report for now but I will try to be back soon with a more captivating post. Promise. : )</div>
KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-67194888492161303222012-11-07T10:07:00.000-05:002012-11-07T10:07:57.865-05:00And that's all I'm gonna say about THAT.It's over. Thank goodness it is, too. I'm so very tired of the ugliness that has come with this election. And guess what. The rude and condescending comments, the hateful name calling, the derogatory remarks...those things were very bipartisan. They came rolling off the tongues of people on both sides of the fence. The most ridiculous part of it all is that none of it changes any political opinions. It only changes your opinion of the person spewing the hatred. When is the last time that my stance on a subject was changed by rantings and ravings? Never. <br />
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There are two things I don't typically discuss outside of my comfort zone: politics and religion. (And today's post is regarding the former, not the latter.) Like everyone else, I have my opinions. But I'm incredibly cautious about expressing those opinions for two reasons. One is that I do not feel that I am well enough educated on the subject of politics to be able to have the kind of conversation most are looking to have. Typically most folks are looking for a good <i>argument</i> and I don't argue well. I'm too emotional. I do have my beliefs and convictions and if asked, I will <i>sometimes</i> express them...in the right company. But as a general rule, I avoid those situations as much as possible. <br />
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The second reason is that I've come to discover that much of the time<i> I simply do not want to know</i>. Thanks to Facebook I now know <i>precisely </i>what many of my friends think about the various topics that were important in this election. I agree with some of them. I disagree with others. I also know that if some of them knew my opinions they would call me the same names they were calling others who were willing to put their thoughts and feelings out there for all the world to see. Everyone claims their 'side' isn't judging or condemning...but they are. Friendships have been altered and even lost over these topics. <br />
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There<i> is</i> a point to this post. We have to live with each other, folks. We need to understand that we aren't all the same and that's not a terrible thing. If we disagree with something, we need to pray about it and do what we can to make a change <i>without</i> resorting to ugliness. Think about it. Those folks from THAT church (which I will not name....it only gives them fuel for their fire) go around defending their beliefs, but they do it in such an ugly and hateful way. I know that's an extreme case, but I could easily compare it to some of what I've seen on Facebook over the last few weeks. A point can be made through civilized conversation, particularly when you're dealing with friends. <br />
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I will also say that some of my Facebook friends handled it all very respectfully, offering proof that it CAN be done. They expressed their opinions and made their stances known without degrading the opposition. It IS possible to support your candidate or your cause without mention of the opposing viewpoint. But hey, we all know that's not what politics in America is all about these days. How sad. <br />
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The one good thing to come of all this is that a passion for our country has been reignited. That could also end up being a bad thing unless people begin to understand how to use that passion to do good rather than to fan the flames of hatred. <br />
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Now enough of that. It's time to<i> </i>move on. <br />
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KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998853510690476491.post-85945110274284768672012-11-02T08:35:00.003-04:002012-11-02T08:39:48.975-04:00Five Years Ago Today...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0Hl9nPsa79ShRA-Dl60nvKvjonhvZzds-wGmpfrFGZQgH7VCJHWEGs6ZaGB99sehZXhO037cjiwfxl5F0pVOf5AWB12PFOcRLyQ5qunzqWKDbuOTWCST5me7wwk41Cnsqzben1PnpgZ8/s1600/brie+and+josh+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0Hl9nPsa79ShRA-Dl60nvKvjonhvZzds-wGmpfrFGZQgH7VCJHWEGs6ZaGB99sehZXhO037cjiwfxl5F0pVOf5AWB12PFOcRLyQ5qunzqWKDbuOTWCST5me7wwk41Cnsqzben1PnpgZ8/s320/brie+and+josh+wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...my beautiful daughter married her handsome prince.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Happy Anniversary, Brie and Josh!</b></i></span><!--3--></div>
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In this month of gratitude</div>
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I have to say that I'm extremely grateful</div>
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for these two and the two beautiful baby boys</div>
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they've brought into our family. : )</div>
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How blessed we are! <!--3--></div>
KTWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709756075367058704noreply@blogger.com