tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39010060882175901612024-03-13T17:32:57.445-05:00Sometimes It Isn’t Pretty, But It’s ALWAYS Pretty GREAT!!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-77974847994555312512010-06-16T17:57:00.006-05:002010-06-16T18:29:11.383-05:00a smile and a hug<span style="font-size:130%;">I don't write about my current life. It's too hard. Not much is going good and it sounds just terrible to sit and discuss our happenings. Seriously. I am not trying to hide our issues, promise. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I try my hardest to be a positive person daily. People that are negative and complain annoy me. Really. I try really hard to tell everyone that I am doing great so that I won't annoy anyone. I try to say the right things and avoid the wrong answers. I know that someday I won't have to work so hard. Some days are better than others- just like anyone else. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Times change and problems subside. Someday, I am going to get myself back together and blog again. I also hope to do more...for someone else that may be going through something similar. Maybe a support group? Maybe a book? Until then, I am the same person I've always been- just going through a time that I never want to repeat. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Who knows what the future holds for us? </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">God does. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I am certain of that. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Good things. Great things. Positively glorious times with my family. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Oh, and if you see me, I'll take a hug and a smile :) and give one too. </span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-40040029442006612662009-11-19T21:23:00.001-06:002009-11-21T21:48:13.001-06:00A Christmas Tree Decorated<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I decided to skip on the Thanksgiving decorations this year since we aren't having Thanksgiving in Sugar Land this year and we moved right onto Christmas. For some reason, decorating the house has been super easy. I don't know if it's because I didn't stress about or I just kept my expectations low. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Jerrod put the tree up and I put the garland on the staircase. Today after school, I pulled the ornaments out and gave the kids a free pass to decorate! Whoo Hoo!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">They had so much fun and I just love the result I got and I think the kids had a great time being in charge...of something this year! </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Swix6z1ssqI/AAAAAAAADKo/t9kt3nOnmxM/s1600/003.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406766976564245154" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Swix6z1ssqI/AAAAAAAADKo/t9kt3nOnmxM/s320/003.JPG" /></span></a> <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Swix6oVGnWI/AAAAAAAADKg/nerSJAQyrvA/s1600/001.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406766973474741602" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Swix6oVGnWI/AAAAAAAADKg/nerSJAQyrvA/s320/001.JPG" /></span></a> <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwiwjqPBMGI/AAAAAAAADKY/_eFnH_GS_pw/s1600/006.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406765479337472098" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwiwjqPBMGI/AAAAAAAADKY/_eFnH_GS_pw/s320/006.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwiwO5nI4lI/AAAAAAAADKI/xIGwvSfkQxE/s1600/009.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406765122687918674" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwiwO5nI4lI/AAAAAAAADKI/xIGwvSfkQxE/s320/009.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwiwOrfNyVI/AAAAAAAADKA/th7po3MqAUU/s1600/010.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406765118896589138" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwiwOrfNyVI/AAAAAAAADKA/th7po3MqAUU/s320/010.JPG" /></span></a> <div><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwiwNxMX6AI/AAAAAAAADJw/f3RyBg7t-Fk/s1600/018.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406765103248304130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwiwNxMX6AI/AAAAAAAADJw/f3RyBg7t-Fk/s320/018.JPG" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-34101204662507556242009-11-16T22:01:00.004-06:002009-11-16T22:10:08.320-06:00Bubble Santa's<div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Ho ho Ho!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We celebrate Christmas early!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404918780644036802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIg_pggEMI/AAAAAAAADJc/2v-8xlKQlcA/s320/008.JPG" /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIg_3sBfvI/AAAAAAAADJk/k1_0L6YRgyQ/s1600/009.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404918784450461426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIg_3sBfvI/AAAAAAAADJk/k1_0L6YRgyQ/s320/009.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIg_EsRYYI/AAAAAAAADJU/USWlhPq5lJk/s1600/007.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404918770761294210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIg_EsRYYI/AAAAAAAADJU/USWlhPq5lJk/s320/007.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> </span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIg-6qQiAI/AAAAAAAADJM/VpDYV58IWM0/s1600/011.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404918768068495362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIg-6qQiAI/AAAAAAAADJM/VpDYV58IWM0/s320/011.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> </span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIg-Vew5BI/AAAAAAAADJE/7-vJVIcCKe0/s1600/012.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404918758088172562" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIg-Vew5BI/AAAAAAAADJE/7-vJVIcCKe0/s320/012.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> This was all Jackson's idea. He thought it would be a great idea to make a lot of bubbles in the tub and then add it to his face...then, he asked for a Santa hat and this is what evolved. I think it was a great idea! </span></div></div><br /></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-38508224349615567632009-11-08T11:43:00.004-06:002009-11-08T13:05:35.067-06:00All about nothings<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401807471487165250" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SvcTRnsLI0I/AAAAAAAADH8/2l6uU-iVk8A/s320/001.JPG" />We've had a great time in the hill country this weekend. The highlight of the trip to get here was of course, Bu-cee's on I-10. Seriously crowded with hunters and the like. It was jam packed but the kids just had to get their slurpee's and we needed to stretch our legs. We also picked up some "beaver nuggets". I had heard they were good and we couldn't figure out what they were from the package so we decided to buy them. Bad move. Totally yummy somethings. We still don't know what they "are" but don't buy them...definitely addicting. <br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401807477498540050" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SvcTR-FZcBI/AAAAAAAADIE/ARYgPlKPUIE/s320/006.JPG" />We really haven't done much which is the best part. Bailey and I ran yesterday together for a short while and then she followed me for a long while on her bike as I continued on. The weather was fab and the run felt great. The kids played outside in the yard and on the tree, etc. We also made our standard trip to Wally world and bought a few necessities (like Liquid Stitch for moi`). That is always another highlight....<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401807479232056978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SvcTSEiszpI/AAAAAAAADIM/Xgo5_JznLjA/s320/008.JPG" /></span> <div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We came home and I got started on my "no sew" no cost window valance for the kitchen with some left over fabric I had from another time. The Liquid Stitch was a real star in my opinion, but I had to wait to see just how good it held up. Later on, we did find a new mexican food as we were making our standard stroll down Main Street. It was yummmmy! Definitely the best one in town so far. We have tried a few and were disappointed with each of them, but this one- we will take our friends and family to! Here's what came about with the window:</span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401807482794861346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SvcTSR0I4yI/AAAAAAAADIU/rEwMX3UUu7g/s320/017.JPG" />After the boys went onto bed, I got to working on my window valance</span> <div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">in the kitchen. It's a french country toile print. I like the valance, but don't LOVE it. What does it need? I can totally change it...so super easy. Give me some feedback, please.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401807490329597762" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SvcTSt4j10I/AAAAAAAADIc/hwQFwA7vrrM/s320/026.JPG" /> </span></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-37932660850030299662009-11-06T11:52:00.003-06:002009-11-06T12:02:29.392-06:00I am my Mom<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SvRkRDrJHnI/AAAAAAAADH0/6_9_SY2AB-s/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401052097330880114" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SvRkRDrJHnI/AAAAAAAADH0/6_9_SY2AB-s/s320/009.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We laugh innocently and with LOVE when my Mom and Dad come to visit us in Sugar Land. It doesn't matter if they are spending a few hours or spending the night with us, they always bring a cooler of food and usually a laundry basket of treats and snacks for all of us. It used to offend me...I thought she didn't like what I had at the house or that she didn't trust what I bought. Now, I know that one of her love languages is "acts of kindness" and she truly loves making food and feeding us. <em>But that doesn't mean that we have stopped snickering when they arrive with the cooler and totebag/laundry basketfull of goodies.</em><br /></span><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We are headed to Fredericksburg this afternoon. I am busy trying to get things together for all four of us while I wait for Jerrod to get home from work. This was a last minute decision and I had already gone to the grocery store yesterday so I decided to pack up what I planned for our meals this weekend. I packed enough things to make beef enchiladas, taco casserole, sandwiches and chili dogs. Before I knew it, I had a small cooler and a bag with my ingredients and snacks for the road. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I didn't even realize it while I was packing....but when I was done, I just started laughing. My children are going to have to stop at every spot imaginable so that they can go to the bathroom after drinking the drinks in the cooler. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Remember those days? Fun TIMES! </span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-43660272445005028272009-11-05T11:31:00.000-06:002009-11-06T11:52:38.620-06:00Adoring Nester<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Do you remember my post about </span><a href="http://ourfoursmiths.blogspot.com/2009/10/nester.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Nester</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> recently? Well, I decided to follow her lead and tackle some of the things in my home that I have been wanting to get to- listen, I adore her. She is so inspiring to me...</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I love to create things, decorate rooms, tables, and spaces. She has inspired me to get started and do some of things that I love to do, again! I really did do what I said I was going to do- I took everything off my tables in the hallway, dining room, and bedside tables in our room. I went through cabinets in the kitchen, closets and the like to find things I didn't even know I could use. I found so much I could use in this house!! I stacked, layered and followed the rules she set for "tablescaping". It was a load of fun, but of course, I got side tracked with things around here so there is still a lot of work to be done. I did take a few pictures of the several spots: my console in the hallway and I made a little sitting area in my dining room with chairs from my kitchen table (I know, I hear ya, I must get some pillows to place on those chairs to make them look comfy) but I am seriously happy about the way these two little area look for now. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Mind you, I didn't spend a dime. I just did a little research and recovery right here in the house! I even bought my first jar of silver cream to recover a few things! How fun is that??! </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I have merely gotten started....be on the lookout for new postings...soon! I am in full mode and I will give you a little hint, smidget of what's in store. I did purchase some scrapbook paper and am ready to install it in the most peculiar place this next week! I feel the need to warn you....it's gonna look good, it's gonna shock you and you are going to want to copy me. I promise! </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you've been wondering where I've been- I've been Nesterized (and a few other blogs too listed on my sidebar)! I'll be back in full swing after I've caught up on the Nester and all her jazzy projects. For those of you that know about <a href="http://www.nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/">Nester</a>, I went to Wally World last night and purchased my first set of upholstery pins. Yep! And proud of it! <em>Ok, and noticed at Garden Ridge that they have decorator quality fabric for $5! Most of them are cut at 3 yards- making them less than $2 a yard! That will definitely be another story another day.</em></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></em><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">So here's what I have done so far:</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SvReNyLZdjI/AAAAAAAADHs/FkZH22VhSBo/s1600-h/003.JPG"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401045444024956466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SvReNyLZdjI/AAAAAAAADHs/FkZH22VhSBo/s320/003.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SvReNnJ2NgI/AAAAAAAADHk/RCxdu4t-eTQ/s1600-h/005.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401045441065661954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SvReNnJ2NgI/AAAAAAAADHk/RCxdu4t-eTQ/s320/005.JPG" /></span></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-52961534039669914712009-10-31T21:47:00.001-05:002009-11-16T22:00:56.046-06:00A fairy, a Witch, Indiana Jones and ELVIS!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I am doing my best to keep up with this blog. I just can't keep it together enough every day to log on and of course, post pictures!! <em>Pictures are my favorite part of the blog so for some reason I think it's not a post if it doesn't have a picture with it</em>. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404915738372220306" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIeOkKYJZI/AAAAAAAADI8/iPpRfArJbk0/s320/106.JPG" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Here's a quickie post of the kids from Halloween. Bailey was a midnight fairy, Emma was a stitch witch, Jackson was Indiana Jones and Teague was Elvis. I had so much fun making Teague's costume and he wore the glasses for a whole 2 seconds. Actually, just long enough for me to snap a few pictures! </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIeOUwyWQI/AAAAAAAADI0/YbfEoTgD4oo/s1600/107.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404915734238353666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIeOUwyWQI/AAAAAAAADI0/YbfEoTgD4oo/s320/107.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> </span> <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIeOE2xIvI/AAAAAAAADIs/yPfnbMe0jB0/s1600/110.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404915729968472818" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIeOE2xIvI/AAAAAAAADIs/yPfnbMe0jB0/s320/110.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> </span> <div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIeN5rFgRI/AAAAAAAADIk/DYJ1TyVnwW0/s1600/111.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404915726966685970" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SwIeN5rFgRI/AAAAAAAADIk/DYJ1TyVnwW0/s320/111.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> </span></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-31694748581247305532009-10-25T20:52:00.004-05:002009-10-25T21:34:06.799-05:00Nester<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Currently, I am not attending MOPS, a Bible study or part of any organization/group that would require anything out of me. I had decided in the summer that I needed to get back to me and back to the basics with my family and so I did. It has been refreshing in many ways and I really like it, but I do miss seeing friends and having fun with other women just like me: trying to make it all work in this crazy life of raising kids and special spouses. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Eventhough I am unscheduled and feeling refreshed again, I am still not settled and still do not feel "complete". I need something more. I need a sense of accomplishment other than a clean home, clean kids (and laundry) and a dinner each night at home. I feel like I am where I am supposed to be. I am happier than ever at home, working around the house even if it is cleaning out closets or rearranging shelves (over and over again it seems) but something seems to be missing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Somehow, someway, sometime this past week, I came across a blog that I started reading. </span><a href="http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Nester</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> is someone that I don't know, but adore. She finds herself at home and making it what she wants with what she has- repurposing, rearranging, and redoing. Click on her name to check out her blog. Seriously inspiring girl and story.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">She got me thinking about all the things I want to do at home. I am realizing that I still need interests and should spend a little time on them (they typically involve decorating or creating something). I am going to start a list of all the things I want to do and learn. Once I learn them, I am going to cross them off my list. What a sense of accomplishment I am going to feel.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Here's a start to my list:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">1. find out about local sewing classes and take a sewing class on T, W or Th...soon</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">2. learn how to use the (new, still has shrink wrap attached) photoshop program that I bought one year ago when Jerrod and I started Christmas shopping- seriously, a year ago! Did I mention that it is unopened?!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">3. take the clothes from the girls closets and my closet this weekend to Goodwill </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">4. complete my bathroom- it feels so incomplete</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">5. </span><a href="http://www.nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/search?q=tablescapes"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">tablescape</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> like Nester (heck, I wouldn't drop in this week...I am seriously rearranging all my tables and will be moving things all over the house. I figure this comes first so that I'll know what I have and what I need...right?) </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">6. complete the playroom. This is beyond torture for me. I dislike that room so much- so much so that it should probably be the first thing I tackle. I really need to paint the shelves and I know that is going to be so hard...they are icky oak right now.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">7. run in a marathon- even if it's a half marathon. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Those items were amazingly easy to come up with. I am such a list girl. Total type A personality and need to list to see my accomplishments</span>. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I'll let you know what I get accomplished, soon.</span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-31822598520330408332009-10-15T16:14:00.002-05:002009-10-15T16:22:52.560-05:00Community workers week<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This week is "Community Workers" week for Jackson's class in Kindergarten. They are busy learning about all the important community workers like police officers, fire fighters, and the like. He is having so much fun!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Can you imagine the stories that Ms. Janacek heard about as they discussed police officers from her kindergartener's??! I bet that was a day she learned a little about the Mommy's and Daddy's in the room!! Of course, Jackson couldn't say anything about me...but his daddy? That's different!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Jackson is the one on the far left and see, somehow he knows what it looks like to write a ticket....</span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SteRo3zXJ9I/AAAAAAAADHc/Pjg9c42b_Mo/s1600-h/Jackson+kindergarten+policeman.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SteRo3zXJ9I/AAAAAAAADHc/Pjg9c42b_Mo/s320/Jackson+kindergarten+policeman.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392939210159630290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Here is his again (on the far left) holding his water hose. </span><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SteRoA6tL6I/AAAAAAAADHU/Fq7a_nZY-CY/s1600-h/Jackson+kindergarten+firefighter.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SteRoA6tL6I/AAAAAAAADHU/Fq7a_nZY-CY/s320/Jackson+kindergarten+firefighter.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392939195426484130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">He is still having so much fun at school everyday. He comes home full of stories and one usually entails who got their "clip" moved on the discipline chart! He is so happy he has NEVER had to move his....seriously. </span><br /></span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-50957609231667804842009-10-10T17:33:00.007-05:002009-10-10T18:19:02.182-05:00Fredericksburg photos<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I've had a few friends asking for pictures of the house in Fredericksburg. I was finally able to snap a few pictures right before we were leaving this last trip. </span><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Master bedroom:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391109772730576034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StERxmS-LKI/AAAAAAAADFc/BBaCS2oFR0Y/s320/085.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391109762779452770" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StERxBOcFWI/AAAAAAAADFU/b9lFjWpOWsc/s320/084.JPG" />Master bathroom:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391109780003612098" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StERyBY_5cI/AAAAAAAADFk/iNC5LdI_N5I/s320/111.JPG" />Hallway bathroom: </span> <div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StERwpPa6oI/AAAAAAAADFM/AfFf8_-11MU/s1600-h/088.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391109756341119618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StERwpPa6oI/AAAAAAAADFM/AfFf8_-11MU/s320/088.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Front bedroom:</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StERwX4KK3I/AAAAAAAADFE/vZYw-0F8r7c/s1600-h/080.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391109751680150386" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StERwX4KK3I/AAAAAAAADFE/vZYw-0F8r7c/s320/080.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Family room:</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQ537v4oI/AAAAAAAADE8/iAUcT_JZvi8/s1600-h/095.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391108815392334466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQ537v4oI/AAAAAAAADE8/iAUcT_JZvi8/s320/095.JPG" /></span></a> <div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQ5mwTqQI/AAAAAAAADE0/FaOakJyv6AA/s1600-h/092.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391108810780944642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQ5mwTqQI/AAAAAAAADE0/FaOakJyv6AA/s320/092.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Dining room:</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQ5KzKUrI/AAAAAAAADEs/y_qvX8hibpI/s1600-h/082.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391108803276722866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQ5KzKUrI/AAAAAAAADEs/y_qvX8hibpI/s320/082.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Another view of the dining room:</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQ4rC9xgI/AAAAAAAADEk/_uTUft7jrCk/s1600-h/081.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391108794753074690" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQ4rC9xgI/AAAAAAAADEk/_uTUft7jrCk/s320/081.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Kitchen:</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQ4ASODzI/AAAAAAAADEc/6ZpohRSgcy0/s1600-h/089.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391108783274331954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQ4ASODzI/AAAAAAAADEc/6ZpohRSgcy0/s320/089.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Another view of kitchen:</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQV4Ow4cI/AAAAAAAADEU/wl5fz2FUEZc/s1600-h/090.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391108196996800962" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQV4Ow4cI/AAAAAAAADEU/wl5fz2FUEZc/s320/090.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Computer desk in Kitchen:</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQVZlTi-I/AAAAAAAADEM/BeB62G1KzO4/s1600-h/109.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391108188769848290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQVZlTi-I/AAAAAAAADEM/BeB62G1KzO4/s320/109.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Coming into from the back door (pantry door):</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQUCXkX3I/AAAAAAAADEE/y78BeiFU_f8/s1600-h/106.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391108165358346098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQUCXkX3I/AAAAAAAADEE/y78BeiFU_f8/s320/106.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">TV room:</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQTlBzSaI/AAAAAAAADD8/zHZGQDcVuC4/s1600-h/104.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391108157482420642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQTlBzSaI/AAAAAAAADD8/zHZGQDcVuC4/s320/104.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Back bedroom:</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQSg6dZWI/AAAAAAAADD0/wAGIFjwFrUI/s1600-h/101.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391108139198014818" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEQSg6dZWI/AAAAAAAADD0/wAGIFjwFrUI/s320/101.JPG" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Love this little house and can't wait to share it with friends and family!!</span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-21476832525144323952009-10-09T12:11:00.001-05:002009-10-09T12:14:55.613-05:00Happy Birthday Jerrod! He's 40!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Ss9u_gZ2j3I/AAAAAAAADDc/-1UbymSID1U/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390649316294954866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Ss9u_gZ2j3I/AAAAAAAADDc/-1UbymSID1U/s320/008.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Ss9u---a3RI/AAAAAAAADDU/VaL_0kChO1c/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390649307321523474" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Ss9u---a3RI/AAAAAAAADDU/VaL_0kChO1c/s320/006.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Ss9u-J8bTEI/AAAAAAAADDM/2ekhxyNUzfs/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390649293086084162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Ss9u-J8bTEI/AAAAAAAADDM/2ekhxyNUzfs/s320/007.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Ss9u9RL9WZI/AAAAAAAADDE/VZ-Z0XpF-5s/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390649277850409362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Ss9u9RL9WZI/AAAAAAAADDE/VZ-Z0XpF-5s/s320/005.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Ss9u8wNeLWI/AAAAAAAADC8/8MV6gIEf16E/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390649268998384994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Ss9u8wNeLWI/AAAAAAAADC8/8MV6gIEf16E/s320/004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-5265725844786374532009-10-04T18:19:00.001-05:002009-10-10T18:40:56.266-05:00Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">This weekend we went to Fredericksburg and it just so happened that this is the weekend for Oktoberfest! It rained and rained and rained all weekend. The kids were so disappointed, but we finally got to go on Sunday. We waited until late afternoon and went to try it out. It was hot, steamy and muddy from all the rain, but of course, we had fun anyway. We rode our bikes over there and the boys had fun tagging along on back of my bike. (<em>We can't wait for Jackson to learn to ride his bike without training wheels! We think he will have so much fun...he just doesn't seem interested.)</em> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391117211630143074" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYimW1hmI/AAAAAAAADGs/IwnCZuSRbYI/s320/077.JPG" /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEY0v9qw5I/AAAAAAAADHM/5vI-PaQjLzU/s1600-h/019.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391117523446580114" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEY0v9qw5I/AAAAAAAADHM/5vI-PaQjLzU/s320/019.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYzxUDsNI/AAAAAAAADHE/AiwJDa8eQLo/s1600-h/020.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391117506629054674" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYzxUDsNI/AAAAAAAADHE/AiwJDa8eQLo/s320/020.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYzUHCf-I/AAAAAAAADG8/Ulm3rNoLD-Y/s1600-h/022.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391117498789822434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYzUHCf-I/AAAAAAAADG8/Ulm3rNoLD-Y/s320/022.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391117222818888194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYjQCcOgI/AAAAAAAADG0/y-D3wL7EwS0/s320/023.JPG" /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYid6w_iI/AAAAAAAADGk/TpW3RBeQSwU/s1600-h/074.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391117209364921890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYid6w_iI/AAAAAAAADGk/TpW3RBeQSwU/s320/074.JPG" /></span></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYhriqMEI/AAAAAAAADGc/-kJDHJEJ8Xs/s1600-h/030.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391117195842039874" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYhriqMEI/AAAAAAAADGc/-kJDHJEJ8Xs/s320/030.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYhH5UqRI/AAAAAAAADGU/yFoOk_WdIfk/s1600-h/035.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391117186273421586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYhH5UqRI/AAAAAAAADGU/yFoOk_WdIfk/s320/035.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYHkIuwOI/AAAAAAAADGM/lZNOkEzI3DI/s1600-h/040.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391116747177640162" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYHkIuwOI/AAAAAAAADGM/lZNOkEzI3DI/s320/040.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYHC1YhFI/AAAAAAAADGE/Y6f8D78yWyM/s1600-h/045.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391116738238121042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYHC1YhFI/AAAAAAAADGE/Y6f8D78yWyM/s320/045.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYGmVMCqI/AAAAAAAADF8/5JGPPb_Wpvw/s1600-h/072.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391116730586892962" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYGmVMCqI/AAAAAAAADF8/5JGPPb_Wpvw/s320/072.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYGJ-HbEI/AAAAAAAADF0/R-J-yZZpyXI/s1600-h/060.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391116722973928514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYGJ-HbEI/AAAAAAAADF0/R-J-yZZpyXI/s320/060.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYFrK_jVI/AAAAAAAADFs/2jWzvxUguCM/s1600-h/054.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391116714706439506" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StEYFrK_jVI/AAAAAAAADFs/2jWzvxUguCM/s320/054.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> </span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-42988215396602444332009-10-01T17:24:00.000-05:002009-10-10T17:33:22.555-05:00Our Swine Flew<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The girls have been working on a project this month at </span><a href="http://web.me.com/tvhreed/youngatart/Welcome.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Tracy Reed's art studio</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">. She is so funny...she put together a class called the "swine flew" project. Perfect for this time of year!!<br /><br /></span><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The idea is to create something to watch over our house to protect us from getting the swine flu!! The girls completed their "pig" and the reveal was today!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Such a great job girls...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391102451905915202" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StELHeGW6UI/AAAAAAAADDs/15zltTnyoo4/s320/002.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391102438979564754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/StELGt8edNI/AAAAAAAADDk/7Zmy52qOm-c/s320/001.JPG" /></span></div></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Now, where to put them??? We are currently taking suggestions.</span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-33916329592377085952009-10-01T12:48:00.004-05:002009-10-01T12:57:55.345-05:00RED yarn!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsTtLFRkoQI/AAAAAAAADC0/l4x88XIKMlc/s1600-h/001.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387691828892180738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsTtLFRkoQI/AAAAAAAADC0/l4x88XIKMlc/s400/001.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I would have never, never, ever thought in a million years that I would be receiving a craft home from MDO like this. I mean, after having 3 children with blonde hair, we always saw yellow yarn. This small, paper plate brought such a smile to my face today that I could barely stand myself. Me? Have a child with red hair? Anyone else see that coming??! I certainly did not.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Oh, how I love my sweet craft from MDO! Especially the RED yarn and Teague! Perfection.</span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-56289793849949583532009-09-29T11:14:00.005-05:002009-09-29T23:07:54.512-05:00URGHH<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I set a lunch date with Jackson this morning last minute. I told him I would come and meet him during his lunch time since he is "star of the week" right now. I asked him if he wanted me to wait and come on Friday and he told me he wanted me to come today.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I got ready and headed over to Campbell at 10:20- giving me plenty of time to park and head in to see my favorite 5 year old in the world.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I went straight to the lunch room and Jackson was no where to be seen!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I looked all around and then took a closer look at the tables for information about teachers and times. I found Ms. Janacek's table and my heart sank. His lunch began at 10:00 a.m NOT 10:30!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I went back to the office bewildered- I didn't know what to do. The sweet ladies in the office told me to go by his classroom (which is typically a no no) to see if he was there so that I could explain. As I walked down the Kindergarten wing, his teachers (and several other teachers) saw me and immediately got Jackson. They knew that I needed to see him and he see me!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">He came out of the classroom sobbing- he could barely breathe! As he wrapped his arms around me and shoved his face in my neck, I put my arms around him and we didn't say anything for the longest time...we just both sobbed! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I explained a little bit, but I knew he didn't care why I wasn't there...just that I wasn't so I didn't push the issue. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">He will have McDonald's at 9:55 a.m. waiting for him tomorrow morning for our second lunch date. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If McDonald's doesn't make burgers that early, they will be tomorrow. No, really.</span></span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-45174399404037341352009-09-27T20:49:00.002-05:002009-09-27T21:01:24.426-05:00Star of the Week- Jackson<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Jackson and I worked hard tonight on his poster for <em>student of the week</em>. I must admit, he did the majority of it. He decided what he wanted on it (which pictures), he decided where he wanted them to go exactly on the poster board, he wrote out all the labels ("swimming", "family", etc.), and printed off several pictures off the computer and then cut them out himself! And of course, glued it all on. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">When I went to use my <em>cricket</em> to make his name across the top, he was offended. He told me HE wanted to write his name- so he did. We just glued it along the top too.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">He is so proud of his poster and I am proud of all the work he put into it. I am so surprised...and I think Ms. Janacek will be too! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386330762553717250" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAXSmDF8gI/AAAAAAAADA0/xowWFGOCYIc/s320/064.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386330754051868770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAXSGYGCGI/AAAAAAAADAs/KwbXgQDsJSA/s320/062.JPG" /></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386330775686328482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAXTW-JsKI/AAAAAAAADA8/-7jXKgFC-oY/s320/065.JPG" /> </span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-82466216422753623892009-09-26T21:01:00.001-05:002009-09-29T11:14:00.863-05:00Sugar Tri Kidz Triathalon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIw8cYUE_I/AAAAAAAADCs/x1vJDgIBJRo/s1600-h/IMG_3910.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIw8cYUE_I/AAAAAAAADCs/x1vJDgIBJRo/s320/IMG_3910.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386921919256990706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Bailey and Emma did awesome at the Sugar Kidz Triathalon. They both swam 50 yards, biked a little over 2 miles and ran a 1/2 mile- in that order. Here are a few pictures we got of them in each segment of the race. </span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIwOFhxmgI/AAAAAAAADCU/xOBedGgxJbc/s1600-h/IMG_3915.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIwOFhxmgI/AAAAAAAADCU/xOBedGgxJbc/s320/IMG_3915.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386921122848676354" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIv9GtHz8I/AAAAAAAADCM/EAxRPOo1uLM/s1600-h/IMG_3916.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIv9GtHz8I/AAAAAAAADCM/EAxRPOo1uLM/s320/IMG_3916.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386920831106928578" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIv8vxCr8I/AAAAAAAADCE/1L3TNZO0w1I/s1600-h/IMG_3918.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIv8vxCr8I/AAAAAAAADCE/1L3TNZO0w1I/s320/IMG_3918.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386920824949354434" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIv7-Y_n7I/AAAAAAAADB0/j6MwNgQ4OQw/s1600-h/IMG_3940.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIv7-Y_n7I/AAAAAAAADB0/j6MwNgQ4OQw/s320/IMG_3940.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386920811695153074" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIv7Wp7pKI/AAAAAAAADBs/NE5OZ4KkiRs/s1600-h/IMG_3941.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIv7Wp7pKI/AAAAAAAADBs/NE5OZ4KkiRs/s320/IMG_3941.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386920801028777122" border="0" /></a></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAZ8QAxwII/AAAAAAAADBk/u-P6po4B1jM/s1600-h/026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386333677216186498" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAZ8QAxwII/AAAAAAAADBk/u-P6po4B1jM/s320/026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAZ8HUyQeI/AAAAAAAADBc/wDy6YcA869s/s1600-h/029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386333674884186594" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAZ8HUyQeI/AAAAAAAADBc/wDy6YcA869s/s320/029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAZ7h35dVI/AAAAAAAADBU/1RUFFAIX3-8/s1600-h/031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386333664830911826" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAZ7h35dVI/AAAAAAAADBU/1RUFFAIX3-8/s320/031.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAZ7E2jGhI/AAAAAAAADBM/TagDMrbprAw/s1600-h/040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386333657040624146" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAZ7E2jGhI/AAAAAAAADBM/TagDMrbprAw/s320/040.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAZ6jCKliI/AAAAAAAADBE/-xmYzVKQgAQ/s1600-h/042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386333647962543650" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsAZ6jCKliI/AAAAAAAADBE/-xmYzVKQgAQ/s320/042.JPG" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIwO0WbNBI/AAAAAAAADCk/kPqfbfglHD4/s1600-h/IMG_3951.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SsIwO0WbNBI/AAAAAAAADCk/kPqfbfglHD4/s320/IMG_3951.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386921135417537554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Our finishers!! They can't wait for next year!</span></span><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-41728236445195415412009-09-25T21:17:00.007-05:002009-09-25T22:04:30.786-05:00Children's Museum Houston<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597880451419730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18vPdnTlI/AAAAAAAADAU/XAYxf_reVx0/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+005.JPG" /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Today we had a ball hanging out at the Children's Museum in Houston. I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embarrassed</span> to say that I haven't been to the museum since <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Teague</span> has been born so with the day off of school, we decided to go and try it out. </span><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">WOW! It was so much fun. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">When we first got there, we went straight to the climbing structure. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Teague</span> could not stop running...he ran in circles while the older kids played on it. It was hilarious to watch him- it was like he was yelling, "I'm free, I'm free!!". </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We went all over the museum. Turns out, it was the perfect day to visit since it wasn't covered up with schools on field trips. I could not get over all that they offered for the kids to do and we did it all: playing in the kitchen, playing in the vet office, the TV station, the grocery store (cash registers and money too), the restaurant, the art studio, the police car and an ambulance. So much fun and so super nice! </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18u3Ffs2I/AAAAAAAADAM/dbiAxEQ3Nac/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+006.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597873907807074" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18u3Ffs2I/AAAAAAAADAM/dbiAxEQ3Nac/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+006.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18urPE5hI/AAAAAAAADAE/ATOtly9B5AA/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+020.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597870726768146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18urPE5hI/AAAAAAAADAE/ATOtly9B5AA/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+020.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18Zg-oYsI/AAAAAAAAC_0/JH_lrT8VFqo/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+039.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597507196183234" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18Zg-oYsI/AAAAAAAAC_0/JH_lrT8VFqo/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+039.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18aMymiTI/AAAAAAAAC_8/ioEnVGeYGX8/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+022.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597518956890418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18aMymiTI/AAAAAAAAC_8/ioEnVGeYGX8/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+022.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18ZMwR2rI/AAAAAAAAC_k/0pHDdBAKQbg/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+067.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597501767277234" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18ZMwR2rI/AAAAAAAAC_k/0pHDdBAKQbg/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+067.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18Zds1d_I/AAAAAAAAC_s/52IVBlu0eOM/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+041.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597506316236786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18Zds1d_I/AAAAAAAAC_s/52IVBlu0eOM/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+041.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18Y5DyNzI/AAAAAAAAC_c/EQf2ni6nYFc/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+077.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597496480380722" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr18Y5DyNzI/AAAAAAAAC_c/EQf2ni6nYFc/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+077.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> Emma and Jackson both really enjoyed the Veterinary office! I think Emma could have stayed there the whole time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr179zNkckI/AAAAAAAAC_U/fDJSxeVl0qE/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+083.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597031054340674" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr179zNkckI/AAAAAAAAC_U/fDJSxeVl0qE/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+083.JPG" /></span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Teague</span> used the closest chair to get where he wanted.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr179h5IBHI/AAAAAAAAC_M/pIhdaOlvAww/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+102.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597026405188722" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr179h5IBHI/AAAAAAAAC_M/pIhdaOlvAww/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+102.JPG" /></span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr179Aqmj8I/AAAAAAAAC_E/jFBgsj8XW4M/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+103.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597017485905858" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr179Aqmj8I/AAAAAAAAC_E/jFBgsj8XW4M/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+103.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br />Jackson at the register.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr1781A-wZI/AAAAAAAAC-8/VOJVtjjYx8E/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+131.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597014358540690" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr1781A-wZI/AAAAAAAAC-8/VOJVtjjYx8E/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+131.JPG" /></span></a><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br />The water was so much fun.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr178dl3TaI/AAAAAAAAC-0/kKIKsx7IYco/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+134.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385597008070790562" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr178dl3TaI/AAAAAAAAC-0/kKIKsx7IYco/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+134.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">and baby <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr17hBHpXTI/AAAAAAAAC-s/uDmMqzFYZ84/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+146.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385596536571387186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr17hBHpXTI/AAAAAAAAC-s/uDmMqzFYZ84/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+146.JPG" /></span></a>chicks!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr17gw28nDI/AAAAAAAAC-k/UG-ej850XEc/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+151.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385596532206378034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr17gw28nDI/AAAAAAAAC-k/UG-ej850XEc/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+151.JPG" /></span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr17gUu-LxI/AAAAAAAAC-c/R_FtqVXM4s8/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+156.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385596524656733970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr17gUu-LxI/AAAAAAAAC-c/R_FtqVXM4s8/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+156.JPG" /></span></a> </div><div></div><div></div><div></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr2CkKbh2iI/AAAAAAAADAc/jat1aSJx5uk/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+162.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385604287191702050" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr2CkKbh2iI/AAAAAAAADAc/jat1aSJx5uk/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+162.JPG" /></a>At lunch, we ran into some friends from school. The Dean's joined us for lunch and then all the kids went off to play again. They ended the day by playing in the face paint. A museum must! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr17f-pCcbI/AAAAAAAAC-U/UauGSoY0cA0/s1600-h/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+161.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385596518726267314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Sr17f-pCcbI/AAAAAAAAC-U/UauGSoY0cA0/s320/Children%27s+museum+houston+sept+09+161.JPG" /></span></a><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Me and my boys!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-74628580745199516962009-09-24T20:15:00.005-05:002009-09-25T19:37:00.418-05:00We got Cocoa and lots to do!<div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >We've got a new family member this weekend. Jackson got to bring home "cocoa" from school today because next week Jackson is the "Star of the Week". He has to </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >bring a poster telling all about himself and record all of the events with "cocoa" in a scrapbook.</span></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;" >Cocoa has already had a ton of fun and it's only the first day. He got some of our new books read to him after school, he got buckled up in the back seat right next to Jackson, he learned how to go down the slide and how to handle the monkey bars at the park and even got to swing. Then, tonight he went to eat at Luby's with our family. Jackson said he really enjoyed the macaroni and cheese and after dinner Cocoa even got a little ice cream! </span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrweKm58ybI/AAAAAAAAC-A/sWf9I981O-c/s1600-h/369.JPG"><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385212422019402162" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrweKm58ybI/AAAAAAAAC-A/sWf9I981O-c/s320/369.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" > </span> <div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrweJw_-7vI/AAAAAAAAC90/VUK-Jo8POYA/s1600-h/377.JPG"><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385212407549193970" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrweJw_-7vI/AAAAAAAAC90/VUK-Jo8POYA/s320/377.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" > </span> <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrweJqWB95I/AAAAAAAAC9s/7reLUa9Uesw/s1600-h/378.JPG"><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385212405762619282" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrweJqWB95I/AAAAAAAAC9s/7reLUa9Uesw/s320/378.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" > </span> <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrweJIlApFI/AAAAAAAAC9k/GZujij8j604/s1600-h/406.JPG"><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385212396698641490" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrweJIlApFI/AAAAAAAAC9k/GZujij8j604/s320/406.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" > </span> <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrweI85FDOI/AAAAAAAAC9c/hzZ4xteC35w/s1600-h/424.JPG"><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385212393561591010" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrweI85FDOI/AAAAAAAAC9c/hzZ4xteC35w/s320/424.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" > We also got some more great news today after school. Bailey and Emma both were selected as a part of the Science Olympiad team at Campbell. Emma is considered an "alternate" but will still practice each week with the group and will compete if someone drops out, can't make it to the competition or doesn't complete part of their responsibilities. The competition will be November 14th and they will begin practice next week- every Tuesday afterschool until 3:30 p.m.<br /><br /></span><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >The girls are also working on their elections for Student Council Representative for their individual classes. Their 1 minute speech is due Tuesday, next week, and the election will be on October 1st. </span></div><br /><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >We have a lot to work on this weekend! Jackson's "star of the week" poster and scrapbook page with Cocoa, Bailey and Emma's speeches and their posters for the Student Council election. Do you have any good ideas for the speech? We want it to be unique, schnazzy and upbeat! </span></div></div></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-70067859820523143672009-09-23T21:10:00.003-05:002009-09-23T21:52:38.157-05:00Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrrYQC5L05I/AAAAAAAAC9U/3HORpfH-8e4/s1600-h/tickle+monster+picture.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384854074641077138" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrrYQC5L05I/AAAAAAAAC9U/3HORpfH-8e4/s320/tickle+monster+picture.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I found this PRECIOUS book online the other day while browsing for some new books to read at night with the boys. I mentioned in a previous post that Jerrod and I spend a lot of time in the evenings (and for me- during the days) "kickling" our baby, Teague. He loves to be kickled...if I sit down, he thinks its time. If I am working in the kitchen, he just comes and lays right next to my feet and says, "kickle me Mommy!". When he wants to be tickled, he wants to be tickled!! </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Anyway, got this book today in the mail and it is just perfect! I couldn't get Teague to sit still long enough to read it with me, but Jackson LOVED it! He begged me to read it to him over and over again! It's the best and highly recommended by both Jackson and myself.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">You can even purchase it as a boxed set which comes with little blue monster mits. I am sure the book can be bought at most book stores...I bought mine from Amazon.com. Here's the link on Amazon:</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FWXRD8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1932319670&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0DWZRJE72K44DG9MZGQW"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FWXRD8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1932319670&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0DWZRJE72K44DG9MZGQW</span></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The book was written by Josie Bissett from Melrose Place. Remember that show??! You can read more about Josie's book at </span><a href="http://www.josiebissett.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">www.josiebissett.com</span></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-1302753525605723052009-09-21T16:15:00.003-05:002009-09-23T21:09:07.436-05:00The perfect step stool<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We recently got the front loading washer and dryer. I was shocked today when Iwalked into the laundry room to find Teague inside the dryer. I wondered immediately how he got himself inside since they stand higher than our previous dryer...until I saw the basket of clean laundry located right underneath the door. A perfect step stool, I suppose. </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrftSflwVHI/AAAAAAAAC9M/J4dKb-Jqg0o/s1600-h/030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384032781518001266" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrftSflwVHI/AAAAAAAAC9M/J4dKb-Jqg0o/s320/030.JPG" /></a>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-16920193074417354992009-09-20T21:09:00.005-05:002009-09-21T16:14:48.692-05:00WANTED: friends<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I had the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">privilege</span> of going on an overnight "women's retreat" on Friday night with a group of great ladies. There is a new church in Sugar Land and a few of my friends are members. They invited me to go on the overnight event and I jumped at the chance to hang with girls and study the word of God. I'll never miss that!</span> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384030248388172146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Srfq_C8imXI/AAAAAAAAC8s/gXZclfXANB4/s320/019.JPG" /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We went to a very large ranch in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Somerville</span>, TX. It was more like a resort of sorts and it belonged to a very blessed family. It was so nice and everything was so LARGE. Word is, this was Lance <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Berkman's</span> ranch that he recently sold to this family. We all decided that was why everything was so tall, large, etc. It took a small ladder to get into the bar stools that lined the bar area in the "gathering" room and it was just that- a perfect place to gather! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384030245714441250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Srfq-4_EtCI/AAAAAAAAC8k/Su5t-crW--Q/s320/008.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384030237617264482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Srfq-a0jl2I/AAAAAAAAC8c/UeNCnmoGu9Q/s320/016.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384030233294608514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Srfq-Kt9GII/AAAAAAAAC8U/bfFzlVZygrM/s320/013.JPG" /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We spent the night learning about what God's word says about friends and friendships. He designed us to be relational beings with every intention for us to spend time with "friends". We focused our study on Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10</span><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Two are better than one...for if one falls the other can pick up his companion.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I learned that Jesus spent 1/3 of his time with his "close, intimate friends" and then spent the rest of his time with "friends" that he associated with and worshiped with but weren't in his inner circle. He spent 2/3 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">rd's</span> of his time with acquaintances- ministering to them- but he still referred to them as friends. Amazing!!</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I also learned this evening that I am not the only person that has had difficulties with friendships. It was refreshing to hear...we are hard on ourselves. As women, relationships are a challenge and can be difficult to manage especially with a family with children! Something so fun shouldn't be so had!!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We studied His word and found these truths:</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We were created for friendship- he didn't want us to be alone. Genesis 2:11</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Jesus had good friends.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">God knew we would need a friend. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Our salvation must be worked out. Philippians 2:12-13</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Relationships show us our need for the Father. Romans 15:5-6</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We applied these truths to our lives and discovered that we all have choices in friends- and they are just that, choices. Just like we tell our children, we too must make good choices in friends. It's no different for us. I learned so much about these choices! The community I live in is absolutely wonderful. I am blessed with many friends- some close and some are acquaintances. Either way...I need friends. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;"><em>WANTED: Friends </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;"><em>Must be willing to deal with a mother of 4 precious children and a wife to a very busy husband (both pretty much run my life). Must be able to deal with dropped plans, cancelled play dates and the occasional late arrival. Must be willing to deal with a woman that is totally normal- up one day and down the next, organized one day and totally a mess the next, a meticulous cleaner one week and a total pig the next- and be willing to lift me up when I am down. Must understand that I am not perfect or claim to be anywhere close to it. Must be able to be honest with me and have my best interest at heart. Must love the Lord. Must be willing to pray for me, to have great discernment for me, to stick by me and to challenge me to live a Godly life. </em></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I hope you want the same for yourself and if so- you have a friend in me. </span></div></div></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-45601337364671584522009-09-20T16:14:00.000-05:002009-09-23T21:02:07.302-05:00Ever wonder why it's the little things...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">that make things better? It seems so simple, but I have been wanting to hang this row of hooks since last semester. Summer came and went and I finally got Jerrod to hang it for me this past weekend. Now, a perfect place to hang 4 backpacks every day! Off the floor and off the staircase, finally!! Much better.</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Srfs8Dz8hPI/AAAAAAAAC80/OgrTdhaLMdo/s1600-h/025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384032396104205554" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/Srfs8Dz8hPI/AAAAAAAAC80/OgrTdhaLMdo/s320/025.JPG" /></a>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-54063808047241754382009-09-19T20:46:00.000-05:002009-09-20T21:08:27.683-05:00We are not in control- He is<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Last week my great Aunt died after 94 glorious years. She was such a sweet soul and I loved her dearly. Aunt Willeen had a serious sweet tooth and she must have added sugar to everything! She always promised my brother and I when we would come over for dinner that she would make what she called "sugar rice". It was a deliciously carb filled dish with milk, sugar and cinnamon. I could make a meal off of that side dish...it was delish! She also made a mean array of candies and cookies during the holidays. As a child, I ALWAYS wanted to go to her house. I was asked to provide some memories of Aunt Willeen for the Eulogy at the funeral and this is what I said I remembered most. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Then, Friday my Uncle Tim died. He was in his early 60's and he had been taking care of his wife that has been in the hospital for the last few months (seriously ill) and he didn't show up to work on Friday. They went to see what the problem was and he was found at home. He apparently had a heart attack in his sleep. My cousins have come to take care of funeral arrangements and they have made plans for the EMS to come and pick up his wife so that she can attend the funeral this next week. This family is having a hard time...I feel so bad for them. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">In light of my recent medical discoveries, this has really got me thinking about life and all that we really don't control. There is only one person in control and that's our Lord and Savior. He is the only one that truely knows our plan and I have to go on faith knowing everything is going to be OK for me and everyone else. </span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901006088217590161.post-13264789110339738222009-09-16T17:01:00.004-05:002009-09-16T17:08:57.649-05:00I love lava rocks<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrFhrXITMXI/AAAAAAAAC8M/NGklxfq5B0g/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382190427255550322" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zIC9Q77aKHU/SrFhrXITMXI/AAAAAAAAC8M/NGklxfq5B0g/s320/005.JPG" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I have been priviledged with many, many lava rocks this year so far. Jackson brings home these "lava rocks" every day for me from the asphalt track at school during recess. It's his "flower" for his Mommy!</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I have collected enough of these large rocks to fill a decorative vase (I think I may try it) and have found remnants all over the house. The remnants have appeared in the chair cushions, the couch cushions, in the washer, the dryer, and even in my bed! </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I love lava rocks! </span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303010090719831700noreply@blogger.com0