tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87389533150105709952024-03-12T16:37:45.145-07:00bluestocking mamabluestocking: "a scholarly, literary, or cultured woman"
<br><br>mama: "reduplication of "ma"; a trend present in many Indo-European languages, probably with ultimate origin in baby talk."bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.comBlogger441125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-57698753290766786482015-12-20T20:37:00.004-08:002015-12-20T20:37:38.343-08:00RejoicingI just tucked the kids in bed and threatened to take presents away if there's anymore fighting. And I will. I'm weary of it all tonight. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Every night of the week preceding Christmas, I try to do a little devotional with the kids. It's based on the <i>Christ-Centered Christmas</i> book. We read some scriptures about one of the figures central during the Savior's birth, we watch a related Bible video, sing a song, and I give them a figure to add to their own little nativity set. It's important to me. But it's not important to them. I'm hoping it will be some day. But it's hard on nights like this when Hazel prattles on the entire time about baby Jesus and why the angels in the video don't have wings and Henry throws his angel figure up in the air over the over again, trying to catch it, and Meg puts hers in her mouth (???) and then complains that she already saw the Mormon.org video "A World without Jesus" in Primary and when none of the kids had even heard of the song <i>A Little Town of Bethlehem, </i> yet they know all of the words to Frosty, Rudolph, and Rockin' around the Christmas Tree. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At least the devotionals have been good for me--they've helped me re-focus each night, even when they haven't helped me refrain from losing my temper. Tonight I got to think about the anticipation of Christmas. That feeling that I still remember from my childhood that's so keenly part of the magic of Christmas. I explained to the kids that if they magnified that feeling by 100, they still would not come close to the anticipation that we felt the night the Savior was born. A night we had been anticipating since the creation of the earth, for thousands of years. No wonder the heavenly hosts could not contain themselves from singing their praises. During the Christmas season, I bring out my Brian Kershisnik painting:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://annlaemmlenlewis.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/the-nativity-kershisnik-0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://annlaemmlenlewis.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/the-nativity-kershisnik-0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
There are many things I love about this painting, one of which is the angels of all ages and sizes, crowding around to see the baby whose birth was hard-coming and long-awaited. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The speaker in church today is a famous artist who lives in our ward. He spoke about the color crimson--alizarin crimson. For an artist, it's a hard pigment because it's impossible to cover. Even if an artist applies a thick coat over it, in time, you will still see the crimson below. It's called "ghosting." The only way to erase the color is to subject it to continuous bright sunlight, which will fade it to gray and eventually to white. The speaker applied this to our sins, which are crimson, as Isaiah said, but, if we subject them continuously to the light that is the Savior, they can be white. Christ's gift to us, said the speaker, is forgiveness. Our gift to him is repentance, is our sins. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And that is why I think I was among those heavenly hosts, even if I wasn't in Bethlehem singing, I'm sure I was singing wherever I was, even if I was surrounded by small spirits who were throwing things and prattling on and complaining. I'm sure I was rejoicing, as I continue to do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-36102235787760983492015-11-15T21:20:00.002-08:002015-11-15T21:20:28.003-08:00Snow Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first snow of the season felt too early to me. I was still soaking up the golden autumn. I'm not ready for the cold. But, once I got out in it with the kids, I loved it. I did feel a little too old, though, to be digging for sticks in the neighbor's yard. We made 4 snowmen that H and his friend promptly kicked down. I expected Zelly to stay out for only 3 minutes, the cold wimp that she is, but she surprised me by staying out for almost 2 hours. Glorious Day. Winter might not be so bad after all. And, a parting poem, more lovely than the snow itself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
The snow<br />
began here<br />
this morning and all day<br />
continued, its white<br />
rhetoric everywhere<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />calling us back to why, how,<br />whence such beauty and what<br />the meaning...</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
...and though the questions<br />
that have assailed us all day<br />
remain—not a single<br />
answer has been found–<br />
walking out now<br />
into the silence and the light<br />
under the trees,<br />
and through the fields,<br />
feels like one.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
--Mary Oliver, "First Snow"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DdcnIf79_c/VklhVyHuSiI/AAAAAAAAJe0/FGy0_IegeG4/s1600/IMG_3337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DdcnIf79_c/VklhVyHuSiI/AAAAAAAAJe0/FGy0_IegeG4/s320/IMG_3337.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TSG9jqh8GaM/VklhXTV-xcI/AAAAAAAAJfA/H8AYpSjO8UA/s1600/IMG_3354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TSG9jqh8GaM/VklhXTV-xcI/AAAAAAAAJfA/H8AYpSjO8UA/s320/IMG_3354.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pHIeDWNliQ/VklhV9_CbGI/AAAAAAAAJe8/kVfmbyefonI/s1600/IMG_3353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pHIeDWNliQ/VklhV9_CbGI/AAAAAAAAJe8/kVfmbyefonI/s320/IMG_3353.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HNNabCfk93M/VklhZ9Z3R3I/AAAAAAAAJfY/U3ADC7KqDKE/s1600/IMG_3361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HNNabCfk93M/VklhZ9Z3R3I/AAAAAAAAJfY/U3ADC7KqDKE/s320/IMG_3361.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6K8yUftNPug/VklhXsTMYLI/AAAAAAAAJfE/1LwUYullBUk/s1600/IMG_3355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6K8yUftNPug/VklhXsTMYLI/AAAAAAAAJfE/1LwUYullBUk/s320/IMG_3355.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAHkIo1pev4/VklhYQtEjFI/AAAAAAAAJfQ/viKLlz6Djto/s1600/IMG_3357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAHkIo1pev4/VklhYQtEjFI/AAAAAAAAJfQ/viKLlz6Djto/s320/IMG_3357.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZJwLW9ouWQ/VklhZRrWWdI/AAAAAAAAJfU/YMBXMPIaUi4/s1600/IMG_3360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZJwLW9ouWQ/VklhZRrWWdI/AAAAAAAAJfU/YMBXMPIaUi4/s320/IMG_3360.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4oeQ834i67I/VklhZ5QwsxI/AAAAAAAAJfc/2BmxrdGY0-w/s1600/IMG_3362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4oeQ834i67I/VklhZ5QwsxI/AAAAAAAAJfc/2BmxrdGY0-w/s320/IMG_3362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-22598099036502084512015-11-15T21:20:00.001-08:002015-11-15T21:20:17.621-08:00Frightfully Fun HalloweenDespite the fact that October was an extremely stressful month for me and that I returned Saturday morning from 2 conferences in Arizona, our Halloween festivities were frightfully fun. We didn't manage to hit Frightmares at Lagoon, much to the big kids' sorrow, but I took the littles to Cornbellies, we made sugar cookies, we had our P family Halloween party, we carved pumpkins, and of course, we trick or treated. H had his bag of candy gone within a couple of days and Sweetie still has most of hers (the little hoarder).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7swr5ag5YQE/VklmBppvRsI/AAAAAAAAJhI/zx9plGwPiXU/s1600/IMG_3317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7swr5ag5YQE/VklmBppvRsI/AAAAAAAAJhI/zx9plGwPiXU/s640/IMG_3317.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4OsdEP067c/VkllugTyvBI/AAAAAAAAJgI/8xCwtABkZQc/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4OsdEP067c/VkllugTyvBI/AAAAAAAAJgI/8xCwtABkZQc/s320/IMG_3248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Cornbellies</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTsh2LUPsnE/VkllxtCzGfI/AAAAAAAAJgQ/VbpOWQzq8lE/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTsh2LUPsnE/VkllxtCzGfI/AAAAAAAAJgQ/VbpOWQzq8lE/s320/IMG_3268.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEvmyo1qWgM/VkllwlMoKKI/AAAAAAAAJgM/3TCShtN1Sd4/s1600/IMG_3272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEvmyo1qWgM/VkllwlMoKKI/AAAAAAAAJgM/3TCShtN1Sd4/s320/IMG_3272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
These next few pics are classic H. They give you a glimpse of what it's like to go places with him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uriu9GVDVnw/Vkll1ROit1I/AAAAAAAAJgY/5xlWjTL4rb8/s1600/IMG_3276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uriu9GVDVnw/Vkll1ROit1I/AAAAAAAAJgY/5xlWjTL4rb8/s320/IMG_3276.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRyO4qSqE9E/Vkll1XuwH2I/AAAAAAAAJgc/UYsIuqccCCk/s1600/IMG_3277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRyO4qSqE9E/Vkll1XuwH2I/AAAAAAAAJgc/UYsIuqccCCk/s320/IMG_3277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Right in front of the signs that say "no jumping into the corn."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye5TUM-JA08/Vkll2vUlZ2I/AAAAAAAAJgg/ylsykdPxFEY/s1600/IMG_3278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye5TUM-JA08/Vkll2vUlZ2I/AAAAAAAAJgg/ylsykdPxFEY/s320/IMG_3278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Notice the belly full of corn. He takes the Cornbellies name literally.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AF6T0RfsSBk/Vkll6X1gtXI/AAAAAAAAJgo/N9ufbhE9LlM/s1600/IMG_3280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AF6T0RfsSBk/Vkll6X1gtXI/AAAAAAAAJgo/N9ufbhE9LlM/s320/IMG_3280.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hibW1xP5DMI/Vkll6VWpf3I/AAAAAAAAJgs/RBsrEVp9weQ/s1600/IMG_3282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hibW1xP5DMI/Vkll6VWpf3I/AAAAAAAAJgs/RBsrEVp9weQ/s320/IMG_3282.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9dLj-0Q438/Vkll6-cjWdI/AAAAAAAAJgw/1F9RqCbUk8Y/s1600/IMG_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9dLj-0Q438/Vkll6-cjWdI/AAAAAAAAJgw/1F9RqCbUk8Y/s320/IMG_3286.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>P Family Party</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmyrg3kSHA8/VklmO50HupI/AAAAAAAAJhk/P0IfiTvLn14/s1600/IMG_3330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmyrg3kSHA8/VklmO50HupI/AAAAAAAAJhk/P0IfiTvLn14/s640/IMG_3330.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c12I4CL3Lik/Vkll9W-8RRI/AAAAAAAAJg0/vrPnsP3fqlQ/s1600/IMG_3295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c12I4CL3Lik/Vkll9W-8RRI/AAAAAAAAJg0/vrPnsP3fqlQ/s400/IMG_3295.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hbtY9yAgYu0/Vkll9h77VqI/AAAAAAAAJg8/o-DfJCjNLM4/s1600/IMG_3297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hbtY9yAgYu0/Vkll9h77VqI/AAAAAAAAJg8/o-DfJCjNLM4/s400/IMG_3297.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wrap the mummy game. H is not happy because his own mummy stinks at wrapping the mummy (couldn't resist the cheesy word play).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGmapZDHbks/Vkll9u6V14I/AAAAAAAAJg4/R2kViu37j8M/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGmapZDHbks/Vkll9u6V14I/AAAAAAAAJg4/R2kViu37j8M/s320/IMG_3302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hn5UUXR1Dq0/Vkll_sVTUYI/AAAAAAAAJhA/Gxc1Q4oMOvw/s1600/IMG_3305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hn5UUXR1Dq0/Vkll_sVTUYI/AAAAAAAAJhA/Gxc1Q4oMOvw/s320/IMG_3305.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b>Pumpkin Carving</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ1DHT8TdLM/VklmBKWdjkI/AAAAAAAAJhE/TWQOjkOOAXQ/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ1DHT8TdLM/VklmBKWdjkI/AAAAAAAAJhE/TWQOjkOOAXQ/s400/IMG_3314.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MpxD9QHk-c/VklmHjzylhI/AAAAAAAAJhQ/yBuk2FpOSUs/s1600/IMG_3318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MpxD9QHk-c/VklmHjzylhI/AAAAAAAAJhQ/yBuk2FpOSUs/s320/IMG_3318.JPG" width="180" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCoburW_Bs8/VklmJTWTWNI/AAAAAAAAJhU/ZQysfmbO8sk/s1600/IMG_3320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCoburW_Bs8/VklmJTWTWNI/AAAAAAAAJhU/ZQysfmbO8sk/s320/IMG_3320.JPG" width="180" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRmA-sMxxpE/VklmPNeRRII/AAAAAAAAJho/mxAM_zaHjc8/s1600/IMG_3321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRmA-sMxxpE/VklmPNeRRII/AAAAAAAAJho/mxAM_zaHjc8/s320/IMG_3321.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYLG7zyLVd8/VklmHW4cLgI/AAAAAAAAJhM/NwYxl0ANfCc/s1600/IMG_3319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYLG7zyLVd8/VklmHW4cLgI/AAAAAAAAJhM/NwYxl0ANfCc/s400/IMG_3319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-50444601179563768812015-11-15T20:51:00.000-08:002015-11-15T20:51:16.409-08:00California Dreamin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, I uploaded these pictures weeks ago. And I meant to add captions and a recap. But here I am weeks later, and I'm just going to press "post" and call it good. We went to Newport with the P family and it was a good time, as always. We have great memories of our almost-annual trip there. This time we added some extra fun with a night of Jimmy Fallon games. Our favorites were Water War and Dance Your Hat (and Gloves) off. We love our family!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Tnl_7dBx18/VfYZOrEieuI/AAAAAAAAJX8/zPTa47RdWzU/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Tnl_7dBx18/VfYZOrEieuI/AAAAAAAAJX8/zPTa47RdWzU/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_i4u5Du-laI/VfYZOUOQsgI/AAAAAAAAJX4/JNHaF4lpzDA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_i4u5Du-laI/VfYZOUOQsgI/AAAAAAAAJX4/JNHaF4lpzDA/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvJp1SLSptM/VfYZOaCX1eI/AAAAAAAAJX0/qsuiCj8SueE/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvJp1SLSptM/VfYZOaCX1eI/AAAAAAAAJX0/qsuiCj8SueE/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyqZPENtyDA/VfYZQUs0l3I/AAAAAAAAJYM/ef7w8Kucp3w/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyqZPENtyDA/VfYZQUs0l3I/AAAAAAAAJYM/ef7w8Kucp3w/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNhU7zKZ1fM/VfYZQ0_TBqI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/bKyqT6I3DfY/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNhU7zKZ1fM/VfYZQ0_TBqI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/bKyqT6I3DfY/s400/030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLYsiaslqfg/VfYZQ_2i2yI/AAAAAAAAJYU/5UaL-h5CMzY/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLYsiaslqfg/VfYZQ_2i2yI/AAAAAAAAJYU/5UaL-h5CMzY/s400/037.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtyF4PeQtPc/VfYZTXqW5EI/AAAAAAAAJYo/dOxaMNo7acs/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtyF4PeQtPc/VfYZTXqW5EI/AAAAAAAAJYo/dOxaMNo7acs/s400/049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1vxH1Emtm4/VfYZTKY_TtI/AAAAAAAAJYk/4doapvYQvgc/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1vxH1Emtm4/VfYZTKY_TtI/AAAAAAAAJYk/4doapvYQvgc/s640/043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJP2VBhJlJE/VfYZTl5HnUI/AAAAAAAAJYs/hlKpU3RKP-A/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJP2VBhJlJE/VfYZTl5HnUI/AAAAAAAAJYs/hlKpU3RKP-A/s640/054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eskjt9UTeig/VfYZVCaKf7I/AAAAAAAAJZE/fiQCvcszcoM/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eskjt9UTeig/VfYZVCaKf7I/AAAAAAAAJZE/fiQCvcszcoM/s640/082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13HOJlW5CO4/VfYZUzcXrzI/AAAAAAAAJY8/7VFR6mA8Tl0/s1600/IMG_2803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13HOJlW5CO4/VfYZUzcXrzI/AAAAAAAAJY8/7VFR6mA8Tl0/s400/IMG_2803.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-annoAn2o9Bg/VfYZVF4v9YI/AAAAAAAAJZA/z4GH2z2bETE/s1600/IMG_2807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-annoAn2o9Bg/VfYZVF4v9YI/AAAAAAAAJZA/z4GH2z2bETE/s400/IMG_2807.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2LzzrsePSw/VfYZWY4pgtI/AAAAAAAAJZU/kTslmwU-PlU/s1600/IMG_2811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2LzzrsePSw/VfYZWY4pgtI/AAAAAAAAJZU/kTslmwU-PlU/s320/IMG_2811.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_bRUdPPkhk/VfYZXKMYj-I/AAAAAAAAJZc/nzt_IEVLrDI/s1600/IMG_2815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_bRUdPPkhk/VfYZXKMYj-I/AAAAAAAAJZc/nzt_IEVLrDI/s320/IMG_2815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eF_-pCPle-Y/VfYZWypKZmI/AAAAAAAAJZY/1I5gsqH-uyw/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eF_-pCPle-Y/VfYZWypKZmI/AAAAAAAAJZY/1I5gsqH-uyw/s320/IMG_2829.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ny5cfUR1Gu4/VfYZZUkbYiI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/eypadG1GzFI/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ny5cfUR1Gu4/VfYZZUkbYiI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/eypadG1GzFI/s320/IMG_2832.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tpJ8WGYfR4/VfYZXfvCNAI/AAAAAAAAJZo/QFXlBTFv2vI/s1600/IMG_2830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tpJ8WGYfR4/VfYZXfvCNAI/AAAAAAAAJZo/QFXlBTFv2vI/s320/IMG_2830.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OYrC4Odf8U/VfYZYqCeMII/AAAAAAAAJZ0/ZM1f8-Hht-8/s1600/IMG_2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OYrC4Odf8U/VfYZYqCeMII/AAAAAAAAJZ0/ZM1f8-Hht-8/s320/IMG_2831.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owx3EH9TZAQ/VfYZZTlkvCI/AAAAAAAAJaA/ZICk7DJRSTQ/s1600/IMG_2835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owx3EH9TZAQ/VfYZZTlkvCI/AAAAAAAAJaA/ZICk7DJRSTQ/s320/IMG_2835.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZXO_9e60pQ/VfYZZoquOtI/AAAAAAAAJaI/rycFdQL7yNg/s1600/IMG_2837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZXO_9e60pQ/VfYZZoquOtI/AAAAAAAAJaI/rycFdQL7yNg/s320/IMG_2837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-40vcfnBY6IY/VfYZaeTS_7I/AAAAAAAAJaY/Qz7lXwlHloI/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-40vcfnBY6IY/VfYZaeTS_7I/AAAAAAAAJaY/Qz7lXwlHloI/s320/IMG_2838.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzG3Az_jH1g/VfYZcrO4V8I/AAAAAAAAJa4/DHrEJvCb0Nw/s1600/IMG_2863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzG3Az_jH1g/VfYZcrO4V8I/AAAAAAAAJa4/DHrEJvCb0Nw/s320/IMG_2863.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mq5UTloILU/VfYZaZnc9TI/AAAAAAAAJaM/xu_foUQnoGg/s1600/IMG_2840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mq5UTloILU/VfYZaZnc9TI/AAAAAAAAJaM/xu_foUQnoGg/s400/IMG_2840.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fczOjsRjshg/VfYZbHSPTsI/AAAAAAAAJag/_4VTxsBkQ10/s1600/IMG_2841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fczOjsRjshg/VfYZbHSPTsI/AAAAAAAAJag/_4VTxsBkQ10/s320/IMG_2841.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51rXNgE-5Z0/VfYZblYjUzI/AAAAAAAAJao/t1zOAGK_qc4/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51rXNgE-5Z0/VfYZblYjUzI/AAAAAAAAJao/t1zOAGK_qc4/s320/IMG_2855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YOV2-9I0kQ/VfYZcUld8nI/AAAAAAAAJas/VGDl5_o-1kI/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YOV2-9I0kQ/VfYZcUld8nI/AAAAAAAAJas/VGDl5_o-1kI/s400/IMG_2860.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HN233Jl5Q-8/VfYZdZQsOmI/AAAAAAAAJbE/aTzSizRZ9FE/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HN233Jl5Q-8/VfYZdZQsOmI/AAAAAAAAJbE/aTzSizRZ9FE/s400/IMG_2865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6F31lZg7ac/VfYZdZ3atTI/AAAAAAAAJbA/vNQ9ceFBsVo/s1600/IMG_2870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6F31lZg7ac/VfYZdZ3atTI/AAAAAAAAJbA/vNQ9ceFBsVo/s640/IMG_2870.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFnVvA_iLmA/VfYZd2sv7sI/AAAAAAAAJbY/QoahD_X1NUY/s1600/IMG_2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFnVvA_iLmA/VfYZd2sv7sI/AAAAAAAAJbY/QoahD_X1NUY/s400/IMG_2880.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uCWl4xsevs/VfYZeRtfKDI/AAAAAAAAJbU/57s6QXG7iTI/s1600/IMG_2884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uCWl4xsevs/VfYZeRtfKDI/AAAAAAAAJbU/57s6QXG7iTI/s400/IMG_2884.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFcdkZO7YEY/VfYak30kg_I/AAAAAAAAJb0/lYGtg4rcqyY/s1600/IMG_2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFcdkZO7YEY/VfYak30kg_I/AAAAAAAAJb0/lYGtg4rcqyY/s320/IMG_2892.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXYnXGRtBvE/VfYakq4mjzI/AAAAAAAAJbw/a77wtSWpiVY/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXYnXGRtBvE/VfYakq4mjzI/AAAAAAAAJbw/a77wtSWpiVY/s400/IMG_2899.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NN4FJaDnAI8/VfYakO4FqII/AAAAAAAAJbo/90079Q2YnQs/s1600/IMG_2905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NN4FJaDnAI8/VfYakO4FqII/AAAAAAAAJbo/90079Q2YnQs/s320/IMG_2905.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHg4sgIMMtY/VfYalZOEy2I/AAAAAAAAJb4/JSpO2Ulzya8/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHg4sgIMMtY/VfYalZOEy2I/AAAAAAAAJb4/JSpO2Ulzya8/s320/IMG_2907.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4irklFcqWo/VfYal71-F5I/AAAAAAAAJcI/a2PV9X2PYoE/s1600/IMG_2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4irklFcqWo/VfYal71-F5I/AAAAAAAAJcI/a2PV9X2PYoE/s320/IMG_2916.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-2972484227620858882015-09-13T17:14:00.001-07:002015-09-13T17:14:49.734-07:00Party in McCall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We spent the week after the 4th of July in McCall. We rented 2 houses right next to each other and right on the lake. These pictures do not do the setting justice. It was so beautiful. We loved our time with family, talking, swimming, jet-skiing, hiking, biking, eating, and just hanging out. Little Zelly had a rough spell in the middle of the week with an ear and eye infection, but thanks to Doctor Grandpa's prescription, all was well after a few days. We love our family!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gn2ADeinRk/VfYJ7ezRKeI/AAAAAAAAJR4/ZY9lFmEXDtU/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gn2ADeinRk/VfYJ7ezRKeI/AAAAAAAAJR4/ZY9lFmEXDtU/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAYc5koD800/VfYJ7kkTJWI/AAAAAAAAJRw/e5u7__CZx_o/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAYc5koD800/VfYJ7kkTJWI/AAAAAAAAJRw/e5u7__CZx_o/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CflAzWhk5FY/VfYKAQtFBlI/AAAAAAAAJSM/HsDK35tT0Kc/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CflAzWhk5FY/VfYKAQtFBlI/AAAAAAAAJSM/HsDK35tT0Kc/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-mCfS6Qfag/VfYJ7sXcIRI/AAAAAAAAJR0/9a7Pc9psaXc/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-mCfS6Qfag/VfYJ7sXcIRI/AAAAAAAAJR0/9a7Pc9psaXc/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BOWu7UuniQw/VfYKG-Q3R-I/AAAAAAAAJSk/hDv3_G_YcFM/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BOWu7UuniQw/VfYKG-Q3R-I/AAAAAAAAJSk/hDv3_G_YcFM/s400/038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsYthnA3EVQ/VfYKAUNXerI/AAAAAAAAJSI/Ipw57zKUxTU/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsYthnA3EVQ/VfYKAUNXerI/AAAAAAAAJSI/Ipw57zKUxTU/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlfMtKTCzG0/VfYKAV47PJI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/yQ4XBAbrpTc/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlfMtKTCzG0/VfYKAV47PJI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/yQ4XBAbrpTc/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFDbaMwZj0w/VfYKGh083XI/AAAAAAAAJSg/1P94vRLb3Jc/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFDbaMwZj0w/VfYKGh083XI/AAAAAAAAJSg/1P94vRLb3Jc/s320/036.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mD4EH660QSI/VfYKG4rARJI/AAAAAAAAJSo/83AxXk-qRTw/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mD4EH660QSI/VfYKG4rARJI/AAAAAAAAJSo/83AxXk-qRTw/s320/044.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcMY-ioVnAM/VfYKKc6tjWI/AAAAAAAAJS4/jqzDcX2QP_Q/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcMY-ioVnAM/VfYKKc6tjWI/AAAAAAAAJS4/jqzDcX2QP_Q/s640/049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8d97k5-e1EY/VfYKKgTmhNI/AAAAAAAAJS8/FmA7AL0NnRg/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8d97k5-e1EY/VfYKKgTmhNI/AAAAAAAAJS8/FmA7AL0NnRg/s400/053.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaFdxUNhRrQ/VfYKK52rnfI/AAAAAAAAJTE/MeiHS4Se_Z4/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaFdxUNhRrQ/VfYKK52rnfI/AAAAAAAAJTE/MeiHS4Se_Z4/s640/057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJYLX3_bJVY/VfYKNYyaH9I/AAAAAAAAJTQ/fMrWnErA3O8/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJYLX3_bJVY/VfYKNYyaH9I/AAAAAAAAJTQ/fMrWnErA3O8/s640/071.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBOpG5ZNP1U/VfYKPiUp06I/AAAAAAAAJTY/J1YHKNrDpKA/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBOpG5ZNP1U/VfYKPiUp06I/AAAAAAAAJTY/J1YHKNrDpKA/s320/089.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0r2FrmIygw/VfYKPXwaqGI/AAAAAAAAJTc/kJ6iMAA-dqE/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0r2FrmIygw/VfYKPXwaqGI/AAAAAAAAJTc/kJ6iMAA-dqE/s320/106.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQe_2H0oSu4/VfYKQd_1q2I/AAAAAAAAJTk/OH0LPacjRFw/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQe_2H0oSu4/VfYKQd_1q2I/AAAAAAAAJTk/OH0LPacjRFw/s400/131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kV8zm6eWc-4/VfYKTVDzG9I/AAAAAAAAJTw/M3rUvTbAFa8/s1600/132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kV8zm6eWc-4/VfYKTVDzG9I/AAAAAAAAJTw/M3rUvTbAFa8/s400/132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eV6MzCBr2E8/VfYKTiCaazI/AAAAAAAAJT0/CeBQuokKthk/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eV6MzCBr2E8/VfYKTiCaazI/AAAAAAAAJT0/CeBQuokKthk/s320/133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EaCvUTVri8Y/VfYKTyY3YlI/AAAAAAAAJT4/cDGZP6dmKpY/s1600/134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EaCvUTVri8Y/VfYKTyY3YlI/AAAAAAAAJT4/cDGZP6dmKpY/s400/134.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QahWM377T34/VfYKXZOe6ZI/AAAAAAAAJUI/I2r65ap295A/s1600/135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QahWM377T34/VfYKXZOe6ZI/AAAAAAAAJUI/I2r65ap295A/s400/135.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-47549470896138740592015-09-06T15:49:00.003-07:002015-09-06T15:49:27.198-07:00Cabin Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went up to the cabin a few times this summer, mostly spontaneously. We explored the area on our Razors and had great fun with cousins. The last trip, J took the kids without me so I could get some work done on my class and they saw a couple of bull moose in the association.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VkWCt5frYkU/VezCIvnQeOI/AAAAAAAAJNQ/5gJfXRa8z9o/s1600/IMG_2733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VkWCt5frYkU/VezCIvnQeOI/AAAAAAAAJNQ/5gJfXRa8z9o/s320/IMG_2733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R54wb9apow0/VezCIbaWeMI/AAAAAAAAJNU/Ty6bjdHtJvM/s1600/IMG_2734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R54wb9apow0/VezCIbaWeMI/AAAAAAAAJNU/Ty6bjdHtJvM/s320/IMG_2734.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwpN1mQtw_4/VezCNB-5BRI/AAAAAAAAJOU/qlHg6DfAn4Y/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwpN1mQtw_4/VezCNB-5BRI/AAAAAAAAJOU/qlHg6DfAn4Y/s320/IMG_2941.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcLLu4rYl0w/VezCIXMNuwI/AAAAAAAAJNM/1328U-pASH0/s1600/IMG_2737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcLLu4rYl0w/VezCIXMNuwI/AAAAAAAAJNM/1328U-pASH0/s400/IMG_2737.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1MF2uFU2d0/VezCJU0UdJI/AAAAAAAAJNc/_T0PnTHsEQw/s1600/IMG_2740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1MF2uFU2d0/VezCJU0UdJI/AAAAAAAAJNc/_T0PnTHsEQw/s320/IMG_2740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jpdEtfDT8SY/VezCKOio_fI/AAAAAAAAJNo/5nVldqbMZrU/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jpdEtfDT8SY/VezCKOio_fI/AAAAAAAAJNo/5nVldqbMZrU/s320/IMG_2744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t09j_d-xghE/VezCKH9by5I/AAAAAAAAJNs/oluVPzaYwM4/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t09j_d-xghE/VezCKH9by5I/AAAAAAAAJNs/oluVPzaYwM4/s320/IMG_2746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbRBm9BcysY/VezCK48SHbI/AAAAAAAAJN8/WaVNvcuoHHs/s1600/IMG_2749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbRBm9BcysY/VezCK48SHbI/AAAAAAAAJN8/WaVNvcuoHHs/s320/IMG_2749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYMeoHuqRrs/VezCMMPftcI/AAAAAAAAJOE/uT6mRj-ho98/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYMeoHuqRrs/VezCMMPftcI/AAAAAAAAJOE/uT6mRj-ho98/s320/IMG_2750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YF2Iz6ypFQ/VezCMRtK_sI/AAAAAAAAJOM/2SAEgfZgNpQ/s1600/IMG_2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YF2Iz6ypFQ/VezCMRtK_sI/AAAAAAAAJOM/2SAEgfZgNpQ/s640/IMG_2932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2q5hACW2ekw/VezCMq3qAlI/AAAAAAAAJOQ/l57sWJP0-yY/s1600/IMG_2940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2q5hACW2ekw/VezCMq3qAlI/AAAAAAAAJOQ/l57sWJP0-yY/s640/IMG_2940.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-29511087713730076042015-09-06T15:32:00.000-07:002015-09-06T15:32:42.261-07:00Catching up: The M Family ReunionThe kids go back to school this week, so we are saying sayonara to summer. That means I should probably blog about it. We have had such a fun summer. Fun but not particularly relaxing. We've been gone 7 of the weekends. J is officially tired of driving and the rest of us are officially tired of riding.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We started off the weekend driving with a trip to Heber Girls' Camp at the end of June for my extended family reunion. We canoed and did the ropes course and caught up with cousins and aunts and uncles. I'm always a little reluctant to go to these but after going, I'm always so glad that I did. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A25dZMJH8OM/VdEZoGot5cI/AAAAAAAAJKo/ax78qfGzwGw/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A25dZMJH8OM/VdEZoGot5cI/AAAAAAAAJKo/ax78qfGzwGw/s320/IMG_2531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmAu03hD7Xc/VdEbTqPTTXI/AAAAAAAAJLA/bzzCk0Wrajk/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmAu03hD7Xc/VdEbTqPTTXI/AAAAAAAAJLA/bzzCk0Wrajk/s320/IMG_2534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwvl21SgYGA/VdEbTsfqxsI/AAAAAAAAJK4/RADxQ9hGq3U/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwvl21SgYGA/VdEbTsfqxsI/AAAAAAAAJK4/RADxQ9hGq3U/s320/IMG_2535.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eja7hcacU54/VdEbTLDEuiI/AAAAAAAAJK0/sW42v48JuNQ/s1600/IMG_2537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eja7hcacU54/VdEbTLDEuiI/AAAAAAAAJK0/sW42v48JuNQ/s320/IMG_2537.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEM0PZw4VVI/VdEbXKVw7RI/AAAAAAAAJLU/gJQ6jByY94k/s1600/IMG_2538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEM0PZw4VVI/VdEbXKVw7RI/AAAAAAAAJLU/gJQ6jByY94k/s320/IMG_2538.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4p7gIpNDVaM/VdEbW2N7qFI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/FkuvH_0BB-E/s1600/IMG_2539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4p7gIpNDVaM/VdEbW2N7qFI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/FkuvH_0BB-E/s320/IMG_2539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-strPeJgQUlA/VdEbW6aF13I/AAAAAAAAJLM/j_uxEpUYnlU/s1600/IMG_2540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-strPeJgQUlA/VdEbW6aF13I/AAAAAAAAJLM/j_uxEpUYnlU/s320/IMG_2540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MJ-45ujsS4/VdEbZxbEE7I/AAAAAAAAJLk/q1H_5x1c6nQ/s1600/IMG_2541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MJ-45ujsS4/VdEbZxbEE7I/AAAAAAAAJLk/q1H_5x1c6nQ/s320/IMG_2541.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyxJ3YO8bj0/VdEbaTenzTI/AAAAAAAAJLo/PZU8rhMqZZ0/s1600/IMG_2543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyxJ3YO8bj0/VdEbaTenzTI/AAAAAAAAJLo/PZU8rhMqZZ0/s320/IMG_2543.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gYj3ozsWR6E/VdEbbU-I-GI/AAAAAAAAJMA/9MZpEetRAgc/s1600/IMG_2550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gYj3ozsWR6E/VdEbbU-I-GI/AAAAAAAAJMA/9MZpEetRAgc/s320/IMG_2550.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4NqZQIRTpw/VdEba9qp9mI/AAAAAAAAJLw/16Ayd0_bvIw/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4NqZQIRTpw/VdEba9qp9mI/AAAAAAAAJLw/16Ayd0_bvIw/s320/IMG_2551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAMcLIMoT04/VdEbbJxi2XI/AAAAAAAAJL4/GEuoHH7NFXc/s1600/IMG_2554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAMcLIMoT04/VdEbbJxi2XI/AAAAAAAAJL4/GEuoHH7NFXc/s320/IMG_2554.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz75ZgZSyLA/VdEbb8cxIkI/AAAAAAAAJMI/bMfe-dnK0tg/s1600/IMG_2555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz75ZgZSyLA/VdEbb8cxIkI/AAAAAAAAJMI/bMfe-dnK0tg/s320/IMG_2555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-90317824713234098382015-08-16T16:09:00.001-07:002015-08-16T16:09:16.804-07:00Sweet Six.H had his sixth birthday in July, and how could I not blog about it? He requested a Ninjago cake and a game of laser tag with the family, so that's what we did. He also wanted ribs for dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kktiL63v2CE/VdEWuALAq1I/AAAAAAAAJJI/U166lfFcjvI/s1600/IMG_2757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kktiL63v2CE/VdEWuALAq1I/AAAAAAAAJJI/U166lfFcjvI/s320/IMG_2757.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1pbwJKodX0/VdEWvRSeqzI/AAAAAAAAJJk/nJWgJlnO-cM/s1600/IMG_2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1pbwJKodX0/VdEWvRSeqzI/AAAAAAAAJJk/nJWgJlnO-cM/s320/IMG_2760.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sReAeSbfSoU/VdEWuJzMlJI/AAAAAAAAJJE/PwdDzVcL_TY/s1600/IMG_2758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sReAeSbfSoU/VdEWuJzMlJI/AAAAAAAAJJE/PwdDzVcL_TY/s320/IMG_2758.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-m_FNtqZIw/VdEWyJBmoqI/AAAAAAAAJKI/FYzmdZ9KDAo/s1600/IMG_2778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-m_FNtqZIw/VdEWyJBmoqI/AAAAAAAAJKI/FYzmdZ9KDAo/s320/IMG_2778.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2MHy6yPZVtM/VdEWy9JFM3I/AAAAAAAAJKY/b9wcxg20BPM/s1600/IMG_2779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2MHy6yPZVtM/VdEWy9JFM3I/AAAAAAAAJKY/b9wcxg20BPM/s320/IMG_2779.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYBR1lLalhU/VdEWvRZwgnI/AAAAAAAAJJc/b3sOhf8TaDA/s1600/IMG_2761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYBR1lLalhU/VdEWvRZwgnI/AAAAAAAAJJc/b3sOhf8TaDA/s320/IMG_2761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wReMaimL0Bs/VdEWvmFICnI/AAAAAAAAJJg/zpcCVrWBB6s/s1600/IMG_2762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wReMaimL0Bs/VdEWvmFICnI/AAAAAAAAJJg/zpcCVrWBB6s/s320/IMG_2762.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lOm4TVde40s/VdEWwaO15YI/AAAAAAAAJJ0/h-3YJeN7Z9U/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lOm4TVde40s/VdEWwaO15YI/AAAAAAAAJJ0/h-3YJeN7Z9U/s320/IMG_2763.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dD2Azku7Mxg/VdEWw3h72EI/AAAAAAAAJJ4/-BBSEodGCdI/s1600/IMG_2764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dD2Azku7Mxg/VdEWw3h72EI/AAAAAAAAJJ4/-BBSEodGCdI/s320/IMG_2764.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sO8_8V1jTJY/VdEWxhi9CFI/AAAAAAAAJKE/GMZEovxN0Ac/s1600/IMG_2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sO8_8V1jTJY/VdEWxhi9CFI/AAAAAAAAJKE/GMZEovxN0Ac/s320/IMG_2774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OSV7tzcCT8/VdEWyZBv9uI/AAAAAAAAJKQ/sGIafGkwf4c/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OSV7tzcCT8/VdEWyZBv9uI/AAAAAAAAJKQ/sGIafGkwf4c/s320/IMG_2776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
Favorite color: blue</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
Favorite restaurant: Taco Bell</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
Favorite TV show: Ninjago</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
Favorite movie: Superhero movies</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
Favorite sport: soccer</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
Favorite food: noodles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
Favorite drink: soda--lemonade and fruit punch</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
What he's good at: being nice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
Where he wants to go on vacation: New Mexico and a country--Mexico and Fiji</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
What he would buy with $1000: video games, lego sets, candy, and movies</div>
</div>
bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-59956803868941536222015-08-16T15:33:00.001-07:002015-08-16T15:33:11.448-07:00Grandma's TransitionA week ago today, Grandma S. transitioned from this life to the next. I'm alternatingly sad for me and happy for her. I wrote a little about it on<a href="http://segullah.org/daily-special/roots-and-branches-2/#comments" target="_blank"> Segullah last week.</a> When I remember Grandma, I will remember Fig Newtons, HiC, my own yogurt container, Arctic Circle, the Penny Pool, Easter egg hunts, Christmas fun, generosity, her frequent soft hand presses, the way she said my name, "I can't complain," and her laughter. After her funeral yesterday, I was inspired to be more like her--more fun-loving, more attentive to the individual, more positive. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XNTk2IlKPs/VdEMWSzU9zI/AAAAAAAAJIQ/aDjhuGTsbCI/s1600/IMG_2309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XNTk2IlKPs/VdEMWSzU9zI/AAAAAAAAJIQ/aDjhuGTsbCI/s320/IMG_2309.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last May when I went to Mom and Dad's for help with my article</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmBdPKlyOdU/VdEPYmq0-6I/AAAAAAAAJIk/1IhYH2tfV4M/s1600/IMG_2976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmBdPKlyOdU/VdEPYmq0-6I/AAAAAAAAJIk/1IhYH2tfV4M/s320/IMG_2976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0KQ8C7i-nY/VdEPYi90UgI/AAAAAAAAJIg/todC2Zg-GKg/s1600/IMG_2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0KQ8C7i-nY/VdEPYi90UgI/AAAAAAAAJIg/todC2Zg-GKg/s320/IMG_2979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLpbjZ_JxVw/VdEPZM_ZYDI/AAAAAAAAJIs/1wNcjOYGVFU/s1600/IMG_2983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLpbjZ_JxVw/VdEPZM_ZYDI/AAAAAAAAJIs/1wNcjOYGVFU/s320/IMG_2983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwHXGOC-HrM/VdEJETqIrII/AAAAAAAAJH8/_cDkoaWs5d4/s1600/Photo%2B%2B51.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwHXGOC-HrM/VdEJETqIrII/AAAAAAAAJH8/_cDkoaWs5d4/s320/Photo%2B%2B51.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the rides at Lagoon at age 88</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZouSJiFE_T0/VdEJEgpH1NI/AAAAAAAAJIA/jFJ7sv8PFKY/s1600/Photo%2B%2B52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZouSJiFE_T0/VdEJEgpH1NI/AAAAAAAAJIA/jFJ7sv8PFKY/s320/Photo%2B%2B52.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-10259858304172574492015-06-14T16:09:00.002-07:002015-06-14T16:09:20.616-07:00It's Summertime--Where's my "easy livin'"?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, according to the song from <i>Porgy and Bess</i>, it's Summertime and the livin' is easy. I'm here to say that I'm ready for the easy livin'. Because we're now 2 weeks into summer and I spent 1 at girls' camp and the other in the car, which was mainly my fault. But I didn't quite see when I was signing the kids up for summer activities that most of them were going to fall all in the second week of summer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week H had swim lessons and sports camp; Sweetie had flute, piano, tumbling twice, soccer twice, activity days day camp, and robotics camp; Mister had robotics camp, band camp, and an orthodontist appointment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We did manage to hit the pool one day--we all changed and sunscreened up in the bathroom of the orthodontist. And J has been busy the last 2 weeks scouring KSL for used Razors, and this week, he pulled the trigger and bought us 2 of them. So we've done a few evening rides just on the trails right by our house until we get them registered. And now we're broke, so the rest of the summer, you'll find us on the Razors when we can no longer afford the gas for the Suburban (what with all of the driving I've been doing this week and last). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMrNpjLf8aI/VX3rQkCrQvI/AAAAAAAAJCY/gnDFNgiXahk/s1600/IMG_2445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMrNpjLf8aI/VX3rQkCrQvI/AAAAAAAAJCY/gnDFNgiXahk/s320/IMG_2445.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0JiLBlPNRs/VX3rSIawO3I/AAAAAAAAJCo/zhCWqmNPVxM/s1600/IMG_2447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0JiLBlPNRs/VX3rSIawO3I/AAAAAAAAJCo/zhCWqmNPVxM/s320/IMG_2447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmYG1dsttpY/VX3rSZS0urI/AAAAAAAAJCs/ocBbBAFIeDg/s1600/IMG_2448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmYG1dsttpY/VX3rSZS0urI/AAAAAAAAJCs/ocBbBAFIeDg/s320/IMG_2448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Playing with friends<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_CXxG0p4P0/VX3rSu-HvFI/AAAAAAAAJCw/0BAuStsOQvk/s1600/IMG_2452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_CXxG0p4P0/VX3rSu-HvFI/AAAAAAAAJCw/0BAuStsOQvk/s320/IMG_2452.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxs8UCB9qpg/VX3rUumYZpI/AAAAAAAAJDI/_aRa_QrFjYI/s1600/IMG_2453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxs8UCB9qpg/VX3rUumYZpI/AAAAAAAAJDI/_aRa_QrFjYI/s320/IMG_2453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Robotics Camp:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKmhss7qEis/VX3rUvkXCUI/AAAAAAAAJDE/nCvvzOhMTTs/s1600/IMG_2454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKmhss7qEis/VX3rUvkXCUI/AAAAAAAAJDE/nCvvzOhMTTs/s320/IMG_2454.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg5-J8skGxU/VX3rUUJuDSI/AAAAAAAAJDA/p79Y7PTFlzk/s1600/IMG_2456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg5-J8skGxU/VX3rUUJuDSI/AAAAAAAAJDA/p79Y7PTFlzk/s320/IMG_2456.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q55gO7llF84/VX3rV2Axz-I/AAAAAAAAJDY/Fp9FTHbv6zA/s1600/IMG_2457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q55gO7llF84/VX3rV2Axz-I/AAAAAAAAJDY/Fp9FTHbv6zA/s320/IMG_2457.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSA8eHxSL98/VX3rWdWw-RI/AAAAAAAAJDc/dPAXjz32B3U/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSA8eHxSL98/VX3rWdWw-RI/AAAAAAAAJDc/dPAXjz32B3U/s320/IMG_2463.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3qzKISvOjw/VX3rWoGMVvI/AAAAAAAAJDk/og0vqCh-4b0/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3qzKISvOjw/VX3rWoGMVvI/AAAAAAAAJDk/og0vqCh-4b0/s320/IMG_2461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Razor-ing</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mf0BvWm9--s/VX3rYJY-kzI/AAAAAAAAJD4/TfUW6rSDQ1c/s1600/IMG_2472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mf0BvWm9--s/VX3rYJY-kzI/AAAAAAAAJD4/TfUW6rSDQ1c/s320/IMG_2472.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMP2gZhYma4/VX3rYlmndcI/AAAAAAAAJEE/W6DRp-ffu_k/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMP2gZhYma4/VX3rYlmndcI/AAAAAAAAJEE/W6DRp-ffu_k/s320/IMG_2473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESX_5rblHVE/VX3rQwgO_kI/AAAAAAAAJCU/qhQyu4flBSY/s1600/IMG_2429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESX_5rblHVE/VX3rQwgO_kI/AAAAAAAAJCU/qhQyu4flBSY/s320/IMG_2429.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0jBE-Jxrz4/VX3rXVM37QI/AAAAAAAAJDs/M_NvkItEi8A/s1600/IMG_2467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0jBE-Jxrz4/VX3rXVM37QI/AAAAAAAAJDs/M_NvkItEi8A/s320/IMG_2467.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This week we hope to get to a few more items on our list for our Sensationally Stupendous Summer!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eI5G_T44u7Y/VX3rZGVODfI/AAAAAAAAJEI/mQjsRm4ma28/s1600/IMG_2474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eI5G_T44u7Y/VX3rZGVODfI/AAAAAAAAJEI/mQjsRm4ma28/s400/IMG_2474.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a pic from the first day of summer break, when the kids played Settlers of Catan most of the day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvYd71LsblI/VX3rQd0KrxI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/yH-aMizROWA/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvYd71LsblI/VX3rQd0KrxI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/yH-aMizROWA/s320/IMG_2405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And this cutie, helping me vacuum yesterday</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4IfpeEvquk/VX3rXkt4R9I/AAAAAAAAJD0/350Ncr55ES4/s1600/IMG_2471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4IfpeEvquk/VX3rXkt4R9I/AAAAAAAAJD0/350Ncr55ES4/s320/IMG_2471.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-23294602816226264812015-06-07T21:27:00.001-07:002015-06-07T21:30:56.961-07:00Daily Life and Deliverance<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I've been struggling a lot the last few months with a professional identity crisis and a re-thinking of some of my key choices professionally (which also means personally, since you can't compartmentalize your life). As I've been struggling, I've spent hours working on revising a journal article. It's been supremely exhausting physically and mentally to do that in the middle of all of the other things going on (reference the last few blog posts!). But I have been buoyed up spiritually. This is one scripture that I read in the middle of some of my struggles that meant so much to me: </div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141412; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alma 58, verses 10-11, where Helaman says, “Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us . . . and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.”</span></span><br />
<br />
Helaman was talking about war, but this verse seemed applicable to my own struggles and need for strength and deliverance and peace. I've wondered over the last few months if some of the things I do for a possible future in academics are worth it, even if they never lead to an actual tenure track position. Lately, I think I've decided that, yes, they are. Because they have forced me to do hard things and those hard things have led me to rely more fully on the Lord and have helped me to feel the depth of his love for me. And how can something that results in that ever not be worth it?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYqx9FsRJGE/VXTcYUJ-zPI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/zRZNRDrm5R0/s1600/IMG_2310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYqx9FsRJGE/VXTcYUJ-zPI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/zRZNRDrm5R0/s320/IMG_2310.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken at my parent's house with my grandma when I went up to work during the day and my mom watched the littlest crazies. My mom--always helping me shoulder my burdens when I need her. How could I have accomplished anything in life without my mom? That's a genuine question.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141412; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YdYWy_f9VpE/VXTbzZkxmEI/AAAAAAAAI_c/Qgkx8DmZ7Ik/s1600/IMG_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YdYWy_f9VpE/VXTbzZkxmEI/AAAAAAAAI_c/Qgkx8DmZ7Ik/s320/IMG_2357.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken at 12:30am after hours of work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, in the middle of this personal struggle and need for deliverance, we proceeded with daily life. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHQZUbLsJnw/VXTbv4JyXVI/AAAAAAAAI-k/-GcCBLfmkX4/s1600/IMG_2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHQZUbLsJnw/VXTbv4JyXVI/AAAAAAAAI-k/-GcCBLfmkX4/s320/IMG_2165.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these goofy faces, mustaches and all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXGR6CdTLHI/VXTb0rnUSnI/AAAAAAAAI_w/egQyxUnhaQQ/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXGR6CdTLHI/VXTb0rnUSnI/AAAAAAAAI_w/egQyxUnhaQQ/s320/IMG_2391.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a mean mom who would not let her wear her sundress when it was pouring rain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5y4bzS-dETY/VXTbw5qTgzI/AAAAAAAAI-0/kP-BBypvucA/s1600/IMG_2329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5y4bzS-dETY/VXTbw5qTgzI/AAAAAAAAI-0/kP-BBypvucA/s320/IMG_2329.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please guess what her favorite colors are.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgy_VCEqHBI/VXTb0R_1oiI/AAAAAAAAI_s/0IW1xDd4uCU/s1600/IMG_2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgy_VCEqHBI/VXTb0R_1oiI/AAAAAAAAI_s/0IW1xDd4uCU/s320/IMG_2366.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading to her doll in the car.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JP6bMCxJrU/VXTcXJD2Z7I/AAAAAAAAJAo/YDoMAX-XylM/s1600/IMG_2248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JP6bMCxJrU/VXTcXJD2Z7I/AAAAAAAAJAo/YDoMAX-XylM/s320/IMG_2248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When brother and sister are babysitting, you get to wear whatever you want to bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7r3Gc5Op_M/VXTbzaNqNRI/AAAAAAAAI_o/PHxskN18RAM/s1600/IMG_2364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7r3Gc5Op_M/VXTbzaNqNRI/AAAAAAAAI_o/PHxskN18RAM/s320/IMG_2364.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JDesw-_4_Q/VXTcXVwwy1I/AAAAAAAAJAw/6QxkaHumlk0/s1600/IMG_2261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JDesw-_4_Q/VXTcXVwwy1I/AAAAAAAAJAw/6QxkaHumlk0/s320/IMG_2261.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQXYOAfqTHY/VXTcXqVl8VI/AAAAAAAAJA0/1atAooL08U8/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQXYOAfqTHY/VXTcXqVl8VI/AAAAAAAAJA0/1atAooL08U8/s320/IMG_2282.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBtAn3ZE9XA/VXTcZEnHu6I/AAAAAAAAJBI/SQMP7qd0jAE/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBtAn3ZE9XA/VXTcZEnHu6I/AAAAAAAAJBI/SQMP7qd0jAE/s320/IMG_2394.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cg8Zg6gEWc/VXTcYjshcaI/AAAAAAAAJBA/utblCkDjBkw/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cg8Zg6gEWc/VXTcYjshcaI/AAAAAAAAJBA/utblCkDjBkw/s320/IMG_2372.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
We managed to hit the Tulip Festival for FHE for a quick hour. You can see how thrilled J was with this outing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--IUXPpEXqYk/VXTbwZhcVWI/AAAAAAAAI-s/q-SbhUhGnDU/s1600/IMG_2317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--IUXPpEXqYk/VXTbwZhcVWI/AAAAAAAAI-s/q-SbhUhGnDU/s320/IMG_2317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia3sbW6B56I/VXTbwRSeQNI/AAAAAAAAI-w/BWlpxrByfpQ/s1600/IMG_2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia3sbW6B56I/VXTbwRSeQNI/AAAAAAAAI-w/BWlpxrByfpQ/s320/IMG_2322.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also went to the Payson Temple open house:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AY4C1VIyvWc/VXTbyBL8bcI/AAAAAAAAI_E/Wje2RfpFTls/s1600/IMG_2347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AY4C1VIyvWc/VXTbyBL8bcI/AAAAAAAAI_E/Wje2RfpFTls/s320/IMG_2347.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cYwIqbiFTPI/VXTbya6FAkI/AAAAAAAAI_I/k-znrbNRZeM/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cYwIqbiFTPI/VXTbya6FAkI/AAAAAAAAI_I/k-znrbNRZeM/s320/IMG_2349.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO1fgurQCvU/VXTbyWhkXdI/AAAAAAAAI_M/XCzicEiJ44E/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO1fgurQCvU/VXTbyWhkXdI/AAAAAAAAI_M/XCzicEiJ44E/s640/IMG_2352.JPG" width="480" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FeKRTSaqr6o/VXTbzY2V2XI/AAAAAAAAI_g/2pADZUAtK48/s1600/IMG_2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FeKRTSaqr6o/VXTbzY2V2XI/AAAAAAAAI_g/2pADZUAtK48/s400/IMG_2354.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last day of school with big kids home for the summer from now on and morning kindergarten in the fall=H's last run with mom! Good thing. He's outgrowing the jogger and his 50 pounds are slowing me down . . . (Although I will miss his cries of excitement when we go over the bumps on the dirt trail.)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I09sioS3_VE/VXTb1LKmuhI/AAAAAAAAJAA/fwNQjlyvGpA/s1600/IMG_2397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I09sioS3_VE/VXTb1LKmuhI/AAAAAAAAJAA/fwNQjlyvGpA/s320/IMG_2397.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We said good-bye to our butterflies with cupcakes and a butterfly release party:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEuh2ApZk9Q/VXTcVzsukjI/AAAAAAAAJAM/TMYS5vkZ6oo/s1600/IMG_2232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEuh2ApZk9Q/VXTcVzsukjI/AAAAAAAAJAM/TMYS5vkZ6oo/s320/IMG_2232.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UvKF-K-lUe8/VXTcV0xwC0I/AAAAAAAAJAU/kiFkAk6ZrEk/s1600/IMG_2234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UvKF-K-lUe8/VXTcV0xwC0I/AAAAAAAAJAU/kiFkAk6ZrEk/s320/IMG_2234.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi6rDFHMx30/VXTcVxuJ36I/AAAAAAAAJAQ/Xf2TQBo1D94/s1600/IMG_2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi6rDFHMx30/VXTcVxuJ36I/AAAAAAAAJAQ/Xf2TQBo1D94/s320/IMG_2236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
J and I celebrated 15 years with dinner at Log Haven in Millcreek Canyon:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7__hAWKgd7M/VXTcWtCJnGI/AAAAAAAAJAc/36YBdGP8x40/s1600/IMG_2246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7__hAWKgd7M/VXTcWtCJnGI/AAAAAAAAJAc/36YBdGP8x40/s400/IMG_2246.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Lastly, I just returned from Girls' Camp. I wasn't so excited to go, but I did have a great time and just soaked up the beauty of the area. This picture was taken from the Lodge we stayed in--you can see the slide that came off of it. So fun. And the next pic was before we went white water rafting on the Snake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKW7BSUT70Q/VXTcaXR_IFI/AAAAAAAAJBY/tdjfUga_rcE/s1600/IMG_2413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKW7BSUT70Q/VXTcaXR_IFI/AAAAAAAAJBY/tdjfUga_rcE/s320/IMG_2413.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiG_nQtM0sQ/VXTcao0j4gI/AAAAAAAAJBk/I9aN63gJ4vc/s1600/IMG_2424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiG_nQtM0sQ/VXTcao0j4gI/AAAAAAAAJBk/I9aN63gJ4vc/s320/IMG_2424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141412; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-91031872387770332412015-06-07T16:57:00.001-07:002015-06-07T16:57:08.017-07:00End of Year EventsThe last couple of weeks have been packed to the brim with end-of-the-year events. So hold on tight while I work my way through them (which is exactly what I did when living these!)<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sweetie participated in the spelling bee for 4th-6th graders. She did awesome! There were 89 participants and when she got out, only 13 remained. She ended up misspelling the word "siphon."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LvfMEbahEyw/VXTQn8bjjUI/AAAAAAAAI5I/puZHN5wvOsA/s1600/IMG_2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LvfMEbahEyw/VXTQn8bjjUI/AAAAAAAAI5I/puZHN5wvOsA/s320/IMG_2229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
H had his last preschool program--a Mother's Day play based on "Are You My Mother?" And received his diploma from the Mighty Montessori preschool with his great teacher Miss Nicki. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qD5rEogqgT4/VXTQoPjheEI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/CYvOqKBinzA/s1600/IMG_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qD5rEogqgT4/VXTQoPjheEI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/CYvOqKBinzA/s320/IMG_2331.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2w4FFgRoVLU/VXTQoKtnkWI/AAAAAAAAI5M/Xdrr6-LYqyE/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2w4FFgRoVLU/VXTQoKtnkWI/AAAAAAAAI5M/Xdrr6-LYqyE/s320/IMG_2336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTMJe37jpbk/VXTXhmLyc7I/AAAAAAAAI-M/Rv3pGcGW3_U/s1600/080a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTMJe37jpbk/VXTXhmLyc7I/AAAAAAAAI-M/Rv3pGcGW3_U/s320/080a.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-066-O6PkdUs/VXTXh4-G77I/AAAAAAAAI-Q/R8C6jpsqNqQ/s1600/081a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-066-O6PkdUs/VXTXh4-G77I/AAAAAAAAI-Q/R8C6jpsqNqQ/s320/081a.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_znGStAGsU/VXTXhuo9G1I/AAAAAAAAI-I/Cj3QLxAZVp0/s1600/preschool1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_znGStAGsU/VXTXhuo9G1I/AAAAAAAAI-I/Cj3QLxAZVp0/s320/preschool1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaXihjIPQIc/VXTRuyStnAI/AAAAAAAAI90/RNogqRx-RyA/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaXihjIPQIc/VXTRuyStnAI/AAAAAAAAI90/RNogqRx-RyA/s320/085.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
Sweetie had her tumbling performance:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-faqY5VZyrM4/VXTRhHQ2SNI/AAAAAAAAI7s/aMa8QNSmfm8/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-faqY5VZyrM4/VXTRhHQ2SNI/AAAAAAAAI7s/aMa8QNSmfm8/s320/050.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-y2StgBq8Q/VXTRhZGP4iI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/fuLgwWcdDxs/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-y2StgBq8Q/VXTRhZGP4iI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/fuLgwWcdDxs/s320/052.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25lQ_v_S7zE/VXTRij2HByI/AAAAAAAAI7o/U6OWV71ZEvQ/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25lQ_v_S7zE/VXTRij2HByI/AAAAAAAAI7o/U6OWV71ZEvQ/s320/056.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChGyH70DOhA/VXTRhyszgxI/AAAAAAAAI7g/takADZFkRXk/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChGyH70DOhA/VXTRhyszgxI/AAAAAAAAI7g/takADZFkRXk/s320/055.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ2gETTOmjQ/VXTRjeUhbSI/AAAAAAAAI7w/QYfiIBUmQ6Q/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ2gETTOmjQ/VXTRjeUhbSI/AAAAAAAAI7w/QYfiIBUmQ6Q/s400/058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And here's the cutest little audience member:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJj7dBFTCck/VXTQpBIZtxI/AAAAAAAAI5o/2HurkmdELRk/s1600/IMG_2344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJj7dBFTCck/VXTQpBIZtxI/AAAAAAAAI5o/2HurkmdELRk/s320/IMG_2344.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Sweetie also had her last band concert:<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCFgRNS6BEQ/VXTRd0ZU7tI/AAAAAAAAI60/SjP9sqIVH5g/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCFgRNS6BEQ/VXTRd0ZU7tI/AAAAAAAAI60/SjP9sqIVH5g/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfe-nPEZPYQ/VXTReIh4ChI/AAAAAAAAI68/YpTcBc6LBoM/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfe-nPEZPYQ/VXTReIh4ChI/AAAAAAAAI68/YpTcBc6LBoM/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
And her class poetry bistro:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_hJ83VGMtA/VXTQpbd6DdI/AAAAAAAAI5c/TXMYEsTfuPE/s1600/IMG_2358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_hJ83VGMtA/VXTQpbd6DdI/AAAAAAAAI5c/TXMYEsTfuPE/s400/IMG_2358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaceWQc7CH0/VXTQpueqZwI/AAAAAAAAI5g/Ee4FK34C8F0/s1600/IMG_2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaceWQc7CH0/VXTQpueqZwI/AAAAAAAAI5g/Ee4FK34C8F0/s400/IMG_2359.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
We finished up our last neighborhood co-op with a bang--painting, bubbles, and cupcakes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5x0W5UuT45U/VXTQrLcHA-I/AAAAAAAAI54/CbagdvPOTf4/s1600/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5x0W5UuT45U/VXTQrLcHA-I/AAAAAAAAI54/CbagdvPOTf4/s320/IMG_2378.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6OuQBSlUSM/VXTQrjXEyCI/AAAAAAAAI58/5lM6GlmBAgU/s1600/IMG_2379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6OuQBSlUSM/VXTQrjXEyCI/AAAAAAAAI58/5lM6GlmBAgU/s320/IMG_2379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8qB00rPRxQ/VXTQrihu9aI/AAAAAAAAI6E/3h57D3ZSw2g/s1600/IMG_2380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8qB00rPRxQ/VXTQrihu9aI/AAAAAAAAI6E/3h57D3ZSw2g/s320/IMG_2380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We went to the Natural History museum with cousins:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvBaM0uM8gs/VXTQsDG2IHI/AAAAAAAAI6I/4DZ_ODrkwsw/s1600/IMG_2384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvBaM0uM8gs/VXTQsDG2IHI/AAAAAAAAI6I/4DZ_ODrkwsw/s320/IMG_2384.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDIeTyF1iWU/VXTQsb7AfaI/AAAAAAAAI6M/7_Bt8MJV7h4/s1600/IMG_2386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDIeTyF1iWU/VXTQsb7AfaI/AAAAAAAAI6M/7_Bt8MJV7h4/s320/IMG_2386.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And everybody finished off the soccer season. Hallelujah! I was glad to be done coaching the Silver Sharks. Sweetie finished out the year with the Cougars.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oP7DjhPGBXo/VXTQtiaTr6I/AAAAAAAAI6g/NI1aKpsJl8U/s1600/IMG_2398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oP7DjhPGBXo/VXTQtiaTr6I/AAAAAAAAI6g/NI1aKpsJl8U/s400/IMG_2398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Em2zOi6YsXo/VXTQt3Mh2-I/AAAAAAAAI6k/2DaErlPoXfA/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Em2zOi6YsXo/VXTQt3Mh2-I/AAAAAAAAI6k/2DaErlPoXfA/s320/IMG_2400.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBTd5JfvyB4/VXTReJVLOuI/AAAAAAAAI6w/XF_MEc1A5-s/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBTd5JfvyB4/VXTReJVLOuI/AAAAAAAAI6w/XF_MEc1A5-s/s320/037.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVluDzlHD24/VXTRf9DgFZI/AAAAAAAAI7M/g3WRSVa_CQo/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVluDzlHD24/VXTRf9DgFZI/AAAAAAAAI7M/g3WRSVa_CQo/s320/047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtZ0-bM5Lsw/VXTRfIpEhxI/AAAAAAAAI7A/_3tkWDY7nLk/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtZ0-bM5Lsw/VXTRfIpEhxI/AAAAAAAAI7A/_3tkWDY7nLk/s640/038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mister and Sweetie had their school dance festival. Can you find them in the pics? It's kind of like Where's Waldo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pm6AOXCQ6W4/VXTRksZ3FFI/AAAAAAAAI78/8ToC-7Ers0w/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pm6AOXCQ6W4/VXTRksZ3FFI/AAAAAAAAI78/8ToC-7Ers0w/s320/060.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfStuojyR2Q/VXTRlTjGtcI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/ffA1l9b9WTE/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfStuojyR2Q/VXTRlTjGtcI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/ffA1l9b9WTE/s320/061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLaefs5eCiI/VXTRlW2-0hI/AAAAAAAAI8E/iG7w9qx1WYs/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLaefs5eCiI/VXTRlW2-0hI/AAAAAAAAI8E/iG7w9qx1WYs/s320/063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BtEVNSVFbc/VXTRmTevgyI/AAAAAAAAI8M/ogBZ0AyyUN8/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BtEVNSVFbc/VXTRmTevgyI/AAAAAAAAI8M/ogBZ0AyyUN8/s320/065.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FcWinm2LOF8/VXTRnu-6gfI/AAAAAAAAI8c/WnVtQrzi4ng/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FcWinm2LOF8/VXTRnu-6gfI/AAAAAAAAI8c/WnVtQrzi4ng/s320/068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And Mister finished his elementary school career. I can't tell you how weird that is for me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQy--JFTaF0/VXTRoxzLsqI/AAAAAAAAI8s/KgVPejD8DO4/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQy--JFTaF0/VXTRoxzLsqI/AAAAAAAAI8s/KgVPejD8DO4/s320/069.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShhcZLvWAT0/VXTRo_gBU2I/AAAAAAAAI8o/EBy681L-o8I/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShhcZLvWAT0/VXTRo_gBU2I/AAAAAAAAI8o/EBy681L-o8I/s320/070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_-4c4suKuY/VXTRpdlNPdI/AAAAAAAAI80/eG_uNJNFhLc/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_-4c4suKuY/VXTRpdlNPdI/AAAAAAAAI80/eG_uNJNFhLc/s320/072.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1m9QdZhSXlU/VXTRq7rMEUI/AAAAAAAAI9E/kdbUEtkHM0U/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1m9QdZhSXlU/VXTRq7rMEUI/AAAAAAAAI9E/kdbUEtkHM0U/s640/073.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiThkHxDF2I/VXTRrIH7TCI/AAAAAAAAI88/Yfhw4ICaW6U/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiThkHxDF2I/VXTRrIH7TCI/AAAAAAAAI88/Yfhw4ICaW6U/s320/076.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xIqnJic72IE/VXTRrgE16FI/AAAAAAAAI9M/EzYoK0lRlqs/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xIqnJic72IE/VXTRrgE16FI/AAAAAAAAI9M/EzYoK0lRlqs/s320/078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With his friends from the neighborhood--Austin and Garrett</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-78772799905290547122015-06-07T16:10:00.003-07:002015-06-07T16:10:53.101-07:00Spring Break Shenanigans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We headed south to St. George for spring break--I was ready for a little vacation with just our little family. Zelly also could not wait. She carried her bag and sunglasses around the entire day before we left. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wtl9NBwf8A/VXTLS9UjbSI/AAAAAAAAI2I/UJ_797sBlJY/s1600/IMG_2177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wtl9NBwf8A/VXTLS9UjbSI/AAAAAAAAI2I/UJ_797sBlJY/s320/IMG_2177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We rented a little condo with 1 bedroom and a pull-out couch </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-orh7hgJV5nI/VXTLTxv7k1I/AAAAAAAAI2g/KfAY3CixoOc/s1600/IMG_2179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-orh7hgJV5nI/VXTLTxv7k1I/AAAAAAAAI2g/KfAY3CixoOc/s320/IMG_2179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and with 2 swimming pools. The first evening we got there, it was a little chilly for Zelly, who could NOT wait to get into her swimming suit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ty2cuLveFs/VXTLTAEiH2I/AAAAAAAAI2M/dax2V7aupUU/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ty2cuLveFs/VXTLTAEiH2I/AAAAAAAAI2M/dax2V7aupUU/s320/IMG_2170.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6v_DWIUcH8/VXTLTdIWieI/AAAAAAAAI2Q/2NNDZ6kS12Q/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6v_DWIUcH8/VXTLTdIWieI/AAAAAAAAI2Q/2NNDZ6kS12Q/s320/IMG_2175.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But it definitely warmed up.</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhsMHQNrjDc/VXTLYurKp2I/AAAAAAAAI3s/L6x2W7G9f6M/s1600/IMG_2199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhsMHQNrjDc/VXTLYurKp2I/AAAAAAAAI3s/L6x2W7G9f6M/s320/IMG_2199.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Rwr7bptnBI/VXTLZOiBagI/AAAAAAAAI34/kWjgktI6cTA/s1600/IMG_2201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Rwr7bptnBI/VXTLZOiBagI/AAAAAAAAI34/kWjgktI6cTA/s320/IMG_2201.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We ate and ate. Way too much. Zelly was a fan of the fry sauce at The Habit and the hats at Firehouse.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cCD9pgR3fA/VXTLTySrXwI/AAAAAAAAI2k/lvrsX74Vrks/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cCD9pgR3fA/VXTLTySrXwI/AAAAAAAAI2k/lvrsX74Vrks/s320/IMG_2178.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heGlE8_dUV4/VXTLYTPkVOI/AAAAAAAAI3o/oRkL-cVmpuQ/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heGlE8_dUV4/VXTLYTPkVOI/AAAAAAAAI3o/oRkL-cVmpuQ/s320/IMG_2196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">And we hiked too. We hiked the rocks above Dixie Rock one morning while J was golfing.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_FQbyMyIpQ/VXTLUmei4gI/AAAAAAAAI2o/HizXOWjPs5A/s1600/IMG_2180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_FQbyMyIpQ/VXTLUmei4gI/AAAAAAAAI2o/HizXOWjPs5A/s320/IMG_2180.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuTa4sHJEz4/VXTLVvXHCNI/AAAAAAAAI24/TthPXSRxjNY/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuTa4sHJEz4/VXTLVvXHCNI/AAAAAAAAI24/TthPXSRxjNY/s320/IMG_2182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sil8ks8iwIo/VXTLV2GtTmI/AAAAAAAAI28/uhYO1dUraD8/s1600/IMG_2183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sil8ks8iwIo/VXTLV2GtTmI/AAAAAAAAI28/uhYO1dUraD8/s320/IMG_2183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUGROnhln6k/VXTLWA7SnbI/AAAAAAAAI3E/EuLDrKRFbwo/s1600/IMG_2184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUGROnhln6k/VXTLWA7SnbI/AAAAAAAAI3E/EuLDrKRFbwo/s320/IMG_2184.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XosIuNbIEyA/VXTLWmT7IxI/AAAAAAAAI3U/Qb2Zyzv3-6o/s1600/IMG_2185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XosIuNbIEyA/VXTLWmT7IxI/AAAAAAAAI3U/Qb2Zyzv3-6o/s320/IMG_2185.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NDYdI0Xrprg/VXTLW8mng_I/AAAAAAAAI3Q/ZoAV6w0QkJY/s1600/IMG_2186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NDYdI0Xrprg/VXTLW8mng_I/AAAAAAAAI3Q/ZoAV6w0QkJY/s320/IMG_2186.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYhYUrfm6oc/VXTLXYPt_nI/AAAAAAAAI3Y/3nd_MjjRV0k/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYhYUrfm6oc/VXTLXYPt_nI/AAAAAAAAI3Y/3nd_MjjRV0k/s320/IMG_2187.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and then hit the splash pad downtown. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7_jGvn_cRk/VXTLYjTxsiI/AAAAAAAAI3w/uMRNCKqhp10/s1600/IMG_2189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7_jGvn_cRk/VXTLYjTxsiI/AAAAAAAAI3w/uMRNCKqhp10/s320/IMG_2189.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The next day all of us hiked. We wanted to try out a state park, but we kind of got lost. We ended up finding a portion of it and went on the only hiking trail we could find. It was actually really pretty and only generated minimal complaining.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e111AIpMtF8/VXTLZvgWx1I/AAAAAAAAI4I/x1HCyM_i3wQ/s1600/IMG_2203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e111AIpMtF8/VXTLZvgWx1I/AAAAAAAAI4I/x1HCyM_i3wQ/s320/IMG_2203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoHhDbr90cg/VXTLaSuWglI/AAAAAAAAI4U/gF4c-7BItzg/s1600/IMG_2204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoHhDbr90cg/VXTLaSuWglI/AAAAAAAAI4U/gF4c-7BItzg/s320/IMG_2204.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zy1bK6JTyP4/VXTLaD4tWmI/AAAAAAAAI4M/9GhZ5LXri0o/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zy1bK6JTyP4/VXTLaD4tWmI/AAAAAAAAI4M/9GhZ5LXri0o/s320/IMG_2205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B892XQzzPqg/VXTLa6xnNkI/AAAAAAAAI4g/182R1tC8VJ8/s1600/IMG_2206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B892XQzzPqg/VXTLa6xnNkI/AAAAAAAAI4g/182R1tC8VJ8/s320/IMG_2206.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F5e1K6huvxA/VXTLbKh4bVI/AAAAAAAAI4k/na47RgPPlZc/s1600/IMG_2208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F5e1K6huvxA/VXTLbKh4bVI/AAAAAAAAI4k/na47RgPPlZc/s320/IMG_2208.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6r1FmUb8DM/VXTLbm-03gI/AAAAAAAAI4w/SWxw7j6aW5E/s1600/IMG_2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6r1FmUb8DM/VXTLbm-03gI/AAAAAAAAI4w/SWxw7j6aW5E/s320/IMG_2213.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YilsKY5cfgo/VXTLcCmBAZI/AAAAAAAAI40/XT3D1ucs754/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YilsKY5cfgo/VXTLcCmBAZI/AAAAAAAAI40/XT3D1ucs754/s320/IMG_2215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It was a short trip, but was actually a perfect amount of time to get away without getting on each others' nerves.bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-27413483886164524122015-06-07T15:49:00.003-07:002015-06-07T15:49:28.433-07:00Double Digits!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know how Sweetie managed to turn double digits and have a cousin birthday party, complete with 3 games of laser tag, pizza, foot spa, movies, and a sleepover, without us getting any pictures of the fun. Sweetie's birthday was on a Sunday, the same day when Mister got ordained to the priesthood, so we had lots of family here (the Rocks, Mark, and both sets of grandparents) to wish Sweetie a happy birthday. Here she is with her requested chocolate cake and her presents. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4IqCi-ONdc/VXTITrMM8-I/AAAAAAAAI1M/8IXlsfOjy-w/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4IqCi-ONdc/VXTITrMM8-I/AAAAAAAAI1M/8IXlsfOjy-w/s320/021.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUUI7uyylmU/VXTITc5r6RI/AAAAAAAAI1I/wFfnfcxOqu0/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUUI7uyylmU/VXTITc5r6RI/AAAAAAAAI1I/wFfnfcxOqu0/s320/022.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sY09ekkcLg/VXTITfq2aiI/AAAAAAAAI1E/_LvO6g9PZ3c/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sY09ekkcLg/VXTITfq2aiI/AAAAAAAAI1E/_LvO6g9PZ3c/s640/024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTR9ldbVurY/VXTIVYMkVdI/AAAAAAAAI1c/6-0Kr_QuRRI/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTR9ldbVurY/VXTIVYMkVdI/AAAAAAAAI1c/6-0Kr_QuRRI/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-CbxZAxOck/VXTIVm0h0iI/AAAAAAAAI1g/F8p_gMKAOS8/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-CbxZAxOck/VXTIVm0h0iI/AAAAAAAAI1g/F8p_gMKAOS8/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa0nl5UJ5wg/VXTIVhexboI/AAAAAAAAI1k/JvgH-Ssj5ho/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa0nl5UJ5wg/VXTIVhexboI/AAAAAAAAI1k/JvgH-Ssj5ho/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zbF69vO7eY/VXTIWnIfEUI/AAAAAAAAI10/P0d_DzMToho/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zbF69vO7eY/VXTIWnIfEUI/AAAAAAAAI10/P0d_DzMToho/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UTpy_QAM6Q/VXTIWyDeZTI/AAAAAAAAI14/PKUtC4p9pKM/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UTpy_QAM6Q/VXTIWyDeZTI/AAAAAAAAI14/PKUtC4p9pKM/s320/032.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;"><u>Sweetie at 10</u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite color=turquoise</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite restaurant=Texas Roadhouse</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite TV show=don't have one</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite movie=The Avengers</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite after school activities=video games</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite sports=soccer and gym</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite foods=wings</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite drink=Spite</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite cereal=Cinnamon Life</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">best friends=Talia</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">when she grows up, she wants to be a pro soccer player</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">she's really good at piano and flute</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">she wants to go on vacation to Hawaii</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">if she had $1000, she would buy Disneyland tickets for her entire family</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">her biggest hero is her mom</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">before her next birthday, she wants to go to Disneyland</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-27922676301888655642015-06-07T15:33:00.000-07:002015-06-07T15:33:00.465-07:00One Dozen Birthdays!Catching up . . .<br />
<br />
Mister has now had one dozen birthdays! He requested a "cousin sleepover" instead of a friend party this year. I love that he loves his cousins so much and that they have so much fun together. They went to Funtopia and to the ropes course at the Museum of Natural Curiosity. They had 3 tag-alongs on the right.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMgviCJYC-k/VU_hJHf_uLI/AAAAAAAAIyI/Q6Sd8g6uTQA/s1600/IMG_2257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMgviCJYC-k/VU_hJHf_uLI/AAAAAAAAIyI/Q6Sd8g6uTQA/s400/IMG_2257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AjfOW9Dlk9s/VU_hKWJUcnI/AAAAAAAAIyU/cCdClvCmP4I/s1600/IMG_2259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AjfOW9Dlk9s/VU_hKWJUcnI/AAAAAAAAIyU/cCdClvCmP4I/s320/IMG_2259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The cousins gave Mister giant peanut-butter cups for his birthday. They must know him well . . .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ph2tNzphtAs/VU_hKr6lGrI/AAAAAAAAIyQ/CybNyrRA9hU/s1600/IMG_2271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ph2tNzphtAs/VU_hKr6lGrI/AAAAAAAAIyQ/CybNyrRA9hU/s320/IMG_2271.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1x-4e76UAE/VU_hLNd7MHI/AAAAAAAAIyY/7-VarCOkN0I/s1600/IMG_2272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1x-4e76UAE/VU_hLNd7MHI/AAAAAAAAIyY/7-VarCOkN0I/s320/IMG_2272.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Mister was extra excited about the Kindle he got for his birthday, and, as always, he requested a funfetti cake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDucMSaPcLM/VXTFQk_Gh5I/AAAAAAAAI0A/UEY03HSKBFk/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDucMSaPcLM/VXTFQk_Gh5I/AAAAAAAAI0A/UEY03HSKBFk/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3VJXWDqPy0/VXTFQrcI2SI/AAAAAAAAI0I/ixzYuvVj2uw/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3VJXWDqPy0/VXTFQrcI2SI/AAAAAAAAI0I/ixzYuvVj2uw/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9OqGtYfhfc/VXTFQmXAE8I/AAAAAAAAI0E/iQyD6V9XUKc/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9OqGtYfhfc/VXTFQmXAE8I/AAAAAAAAI0E/iQyD6V9XUKc/s320/002.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKu5gEo_wwQ/VXTFShipXpI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/YpGGDglg3f4/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKu5gEo_wwQ/VXTFShipXpI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/YpGGDglg3f4/s320/006.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNVntR-HapQ/VXTFS36odKI/AAAAAAAAI0c/hc0FPSYx-Jw/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNVntR-HapQ/VXTFS36odKI/AAAAAAAAI0c/hc0FPSYx-Jw/s320/008.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFR0U00wa8Y/VXTFS67ZKYI/AAAAAAAAI0g/B_KGEJKZi1s/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFR0U00wa8Y/VXTFS67ZKYI/AAAAAAAAI0g/B_KGEJKZi1s/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NL0WFgeajbk/VXTFUAbZihI/AAAAAAAAI0w/c9EpD2QxW3Q/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NL0WFgeajbk/VXTFUAbZihI/AAAAAAAAI0w/c9EpD2QxW3Q/s320/012.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYr08nt2Viw/VXTFUTkzv9I/AAAAAAAAI00/uxVAe67hXHw/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYr08nt2Viw/VXTFUTkzv9I/AAAAAAAAI00/uxVAe67hXHw/s320/015.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Mister at 12</u></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite color=green</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite restaurant=Texas Roadhouse</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite TV show=don't have one</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite movie=Incredible Hulk</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite after school activities=playing video games and playing with friends</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite sports=skiing, golfing, and basketball</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite food=wings</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite drink=Mountain Dew</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">favorite cereal=Lucky Charms</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">best friends=Alec, Garrett, Jared</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">when he grows up, he wants to be an architect</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">he's really good at playing any game (video games and board games)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">he wants to go on vacation to Europe</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">if he had $1000, he would buy lego sets</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">his biggest hero is his dad</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">before his next birthday, he wants to go to Universal Studios</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-8870477883738985632015-05-10T15:50:00.002-07:002015-05-10T15:50:18.285-07:00Easter 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were lucky to be able to celebrate Easter this year on General Conference and with the entire P family. All of the adults who are endowed went to the temple on Friday to do be sealed by proxy for J's grandparents, including sealing his dad to his parents. It was a beautiful experience. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img height="640" src="https://scontent-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11016837_10206604198612422_7963218006814691634_n.jpg?oh=21b383996831e6c99c71719e00984e7c&oe=55CD21F7" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I didn't get one single picture of our Easter feast and all of us together! But here's one of all of us on Easter morning!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img height="425" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10443378_10204119095954286_5352917962814618041_n.jpg?oh=ef1da327afdac86a51c57f5878addbe6&oe=55DD50D1&__gda__=1439583876_6c7f1c18a4f083819fb580fd866dd584" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And we had the usual non-religious Easter celebrations with the neighborhood egg hunt on Saturday morning, baskets on Sunday afternoon, egg-dying for Monday night FHE, and Sweetie and I participated in the Peeps contest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4uciREinUNw/VT2MYKsryvI/AAAAAAAAIvE/OPvMzaQY9nU/s1600/IMG_2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4uciREinUNw/VT2MYKsryvI/AAAAAAAAIvE/OPvMzaQY9nU/s400/IMG_2106.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QpqypavlirE/VT2MYWo0b4I/AAAAAAAAIvI/S9AQdHUd8Uc/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QpqypavlirE/VT2MYWo0b4I/AAAAAAAAIvI/S9AQdHUd8Uc/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXlwJye-ZAE/VT2MZj3hQuI/AAAAAAAAIvY/MuPW5vhAo2Y/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXlwJye-ZAE/VT2MZj3hQuI/AAAAAAAAIvY/MuPW5vhAo2Y/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KgeFsxDHdKA/VT2MZD91cMI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/oucGSds4m4U/s1600/IMG_2137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KgeFsxDHdKA/VT2MZD91cMI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/oucGSds4m4U/s1600/IMG_2137.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPKDZHA0-yw/VT2MqCa1L2I/AAAAAAAAIvk/kFC6VKs7vCY/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wl7ZZW08MIU/VT2MqDQlLcI/AAAAAAAAIvs/aC-tpdg7ZZ4/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wl7ZZW08MIU/VT2MqDQlLcI/AAAAAAAAIvs/aC-tpdg7ZZ4/s1600/002.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPKDZHA0-yw/VT2MqCa1L2I/AAAAAAAAIvk/kFC6VKs7vCY/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPKDZHA0-yw/VT2MqCa1L2I/AAAAAAAAIvk/kFC6VKs7vCY/s1600/001.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uuWvRexGkI8/VT2MqHNCNPI/AAAAAAAAIvo/gDQjJbQ2ETU/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uuWvRexGkI8/VT2MqHNCNPI/AAAAAAAAIvo/gDQjJbQ2ETU/s1600/003.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D42_nppnIWU/VT2MrwWl5CI/AAAAAAAAIv8/B4shtuxw_6s/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D42_nppnIWU/VT2MrwWl5CI/AAAAAAAAIv8/B4shtuxw_6s/s1600/005.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRYmbwuERGM/VT2MsX7N0MI/AAAAAAAAIwA/Kj3qWZ2tU80/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRYmbwuERGM/VT2MsX7N0MI/AAAAAAAAIwA/Kj3qWZ2tU80/s1600/007.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7XHW_qKYLZI/VT2MslyL8JI/AAAAAAAAIwE/tMqdueJdDKs/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7XHW_qKYLZI/VT2MslyL8JI/AAAAAAAAIwE/tMqdueJdDKs/s1600/010.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeOOdDfmxCc/VT2MtX-mNnI/AAAAAAAAIwY/iLglpE_yHbM/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeOOdDfmxCc/VT2MtX-mNnI/AAAAAAAAIwY/iLglpE_yHbM/s1600/011.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-978k0hmpvV8/VT2MuMDLICI/AAAAAAAAIwU/hDnEvpkbSuA/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-978k0hmpvV8/VT2MuMDLICI/AAAAAAAAIwU/hDnEvpkbSuA/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vCRQ0EKJvc/VT2Mug9yW8I/AAAAAAAAIwg/irV5K3eNo-g/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vCRQ0EKJvc/VT2Mug9yW8I/AAAAAAAAIwg/irV5K3eNo-g/s1600/013.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6a7xo0lJNQ/VT2Mvnb_WPI/AAAAAAAAIwo/Xlpe8J5fosk/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6a7xo0lJNQ/VT2Mvnb_WPI/AAAAAAAAIwo/Xlpe8J5fosk/s1600/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fROyIo1PDO4/VT2MwXniI7I/AAAAAAAAIww/L4vcY-cC1lY/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fROyIo1PDO4/VT2MwXniI7I/AAAAAAAAIww/L4vcY-cC1lY/s1600/017.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUFY5CfAn5U/VT2Mw02lG_I/AAAAAAAAIw4/6gPFBd5bnmg/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUFY5CfAn5U/VT2Mw02lG_I/AAAAAAAAIw4/6gPFBd5bnmg/s1600/020.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oL2VL0s7Z_4/VT2Mxbl7TaI/AAAAAAAAIw8/m64zRdZD5-c/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oL2VL0s7Z_4/VT2Mxbl7TaI/AAAAAAAAIw8/m64zRdZD5-c/s1600/021.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcYLWGvgRQw/VT2MyHcDyYI/AAAAAAAAIxE/0bcAFU7JYN8/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcYLWGvgRQw/VT2MyHcDyYI/AAAAAAAAIxE/0bcAFU7JYN8/s1600/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-56867793918115935532015-04-26T18:06:00.000-07:002015-04-26T18:06:05.104-07:00March recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
March seems like forever ago. What did we do? I know what I did--made close to a hundred meals, did close to a hundred dishes, swept the floor close to a hundred times. I had to go back through my photos to remember what great fun March really did hold.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First off, Dean's baby blessing. Check out this cutie patootie!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ5_lF8E5Xs/VT1O9e4AP5I/AAAAAAAAIrI/OGEx5hwkoyw/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ5_lF8E5Xs/VT1O9e4AP5I/AAAAAAAAIrI/OGEx5hwkoyw/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
And I forgot the jammies, so we improvised at Grandma's house. And we ate at Ricardos. YUM!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBzhv0Otlew/VT1O9QvkuZI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/izkmhC-VNAI/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBzhv0Otlew/VT1O9QvkuZI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/izkmhC-VNAI/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
H worked on his reading (sidenote: one of my least favorite parenting duties. "You just read that word!!"). And we did some art.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQQJLQwWw3E/VT1O9ZmuR0I/AAAAAAAAIrE/Y7hnwLNYGLU/s1600/IMG_1955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQQJLQwWw3E/VT1O9ZmuR0I/AAAAAAAAIrE/Y7hnwLNYGLU/s1600/IMG_1955.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz8iTLXbAhA/VT1O--6Us7I/AAAAAAAAIsE/jGxKAwh8RUs/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz8iTLXbAhA/VT1O--6Us7I/AAAAAAAAIsE/jGxKAwh8RUs/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I took Mister skiing again, this time to Alta, where we enjoyed the sun, the new snow, and the refillable hot cocoa. Yay!! He's getting really good. We tackled a few blue runs this time. One was a complete disaster (it wasn't groomed). The others were a-okay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw2D2TMc5d0/VT1O-zMvC_I/AAAAAAAAIrU/GKC_8klM_jc/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw2D2TMc5d0/VT1O-zMvC_I/AAAAAAAAIrU/GKC_8klM_jc/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BP_Bh_-e2d8/VT1O__TmClI/AAAAAAAAIrc/W6e8t1wJAmk/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BP_Bh_-e2d8/VT1O__TmClI/AAAAAAAAIrc/W6e8t1wJAmk/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Zelly did some accordion playing until it mysteriously disappeared (again) and enjoyed taking her baby in the bath with her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5mJeU_qFAM/VT1PAZ6il0I/AAAAAAAAIrg/iIx-Katg3dg/s1600/IMG_2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5mJeU_qFAM/VT1PAZ6il0I/AAAAAAAAIrg/iIx-Katg3dg/s1600/IMG_2004.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jgkCJCxYprc/VT1PmkdhR5I/AAAAAAAAItc/1vwSqObP-EQ/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jgkCJCxYprc/VT1PmkdhR5I/AAAAAAAAItc/1vwSqObP-EQ/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I went to check out books at the BYU library and took these hooligans along to see the rainbow of string and visit the candy counter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2NfI7-LVLA/VT1PBWXlusI/AAAAAAAAIro/EuRmtE8sLcU/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2NfI7-LVLA/VT1PBWXlusI/AAAAAAAAIro/EuRmtE8sLcU/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
H came home from preschool on St Patrick's Day and, after hearing about leprechauns and the joy of catching them, decided that he needed to get one of his own. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6BvTKnuaYU/VT1PlaKcNwI/AAAAAAAAItQ/GUe-FpJh9mM/s1600/IMG_2032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6BvTKnuaYU/VT1PlaKcNwI/AAAAAAAAItQ/GUe-FpJh9mM/s1600/IMG_2032.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
J had another birthday. Poor guy, keeps getting older. (whereas I do not--have you seen any of my birthdays on this blog?!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7pNDSRnrHc/VT1PI1InraI/AAAAAAAAIs8/IDOmSKekhyU/s1600/IMG_2026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7pNDSRnrHc/VT1PI1InraI/AAAAAAAAIs8/IDOmSKekhyU/s1600/IMG_2026.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFaCxd43oo8/VT1PlNm0FrI/AAAAAAAAItM/hAM0PH-tWAc/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFaCxd43oo8/VT1PlNm0FrI/AAAAAAAAItM/hAM0PH-tWAc/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
And, the grand event of March, we went to Arizona!! The temperatures were hot (to us)--in the 80s--but the water was not--in the 60s. I did not get in. Zelly got in, screamed, and got out again. After that, she just liked wearing her swim suit around. (She is quite into fashion.) We visited old friends, ate at our favorite tasty restaurants, and loved being with family. It was kind of sad for me to the oldest 2 just light up around their old friends. We love the good people we left there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbBZXvCHqJY/VT1PDN7-5QI/AAAAAAAAIr4/wsnX-THv4Os/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbBZXvCHqJY/VT1PDN7-5QI/AAAAAAAAIr4/wsnX-THv4Os/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwXCVyL3Kks/VT1PFLVTdKI/AAAAAAAAIsY/bbWGEuAt0oQ/s1600/IMG_2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwXCVyL3Kks/VT1PFLVTdKI/AAAAAAAAIsY/bbWGEuAt0oQ/s1600/IMG_2013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mzRTJxroRU/VT1PFUI5kgI/AAAAAAAAIsU/8y6Hr4uu2dI/s1600/IMG_2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mzRTJxroRU/VT1PFUI5kgI/AAAAAAAAIsU/8y6Hr4uu2dI/s1600/IMG_2017.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Waiting at Oreganos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjl3UtWfOVQ/VT1PDKo5_LI/AAAAAAAAIr8/JW6apbki9Xs/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjl3UtWfOVQ/VT1PDKo5_LI/AAAAAAAAIr8/JW6apbki9Xs/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOauBz_GO_k/VT1PGoL-fBI/AAAAAAAAIsg/lCYGUIqPDD4/s1600/IMG_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOauBz_GO_k/VT1PGoL-fBI/AAAAAAAAIsg/lCYGUIqPDD4/s1600/IMG_2020.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HKAneFU2jI/VT1PGIEWN8I/AAAAAAAAIsk/9fs0JDgf-iM/s1600/IMG_2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HKAneFU2jI/VT1PGIEWN8I/AAAAAAAAIsk/9fs0JDgf-iM/s1600/IMG_2018.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4tA-4kTQ3-o/VT1PIbfr37I/AAAAAAAAIss/hv-zXwshlXw/s1600/IMG_2024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4tA-4kTQ3-o/VT1PIbfr37I/AAAAAAAAIss/hv-zXwshlXw/s1600/IMG_2024.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2X80_UyAoMU/VT1PHv_GjoI/AAAAAAAAIso/kG4pdH03wZA/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2X80_UyAoMU/VT1PHv_GjoI/AAAAAAAAIso/kG4pdH03wZA/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Home again, home again . . .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WN0Q7WDFQ-0/VT1PI7muuDI/AAAAAAAAIsw/OPUsObILSRY/s1600/IMG_2029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WN0Q7WDFQ-0/VT1PI7muuDI/AAAAAAAAIsw/OPUsObILSRY/s1600/IMG_2029.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We juiced our Arizona spoils:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eKDIkMeQ4Kc/VT1PpZTgHYI/AAAAAAAAIt4/vpZCRGmPqyI/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eKDIkMeQ4Kc/VT1PpZTgHYI/AAAAAAAAIt4/vpZCRGmPqyI/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And had some tasty cookies too. Don't mess with Zelly when she's dipping her cookies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyi5thgYzbM/VT1Pm7rZOKI/AAAAAAAAItg/SOehkqxD0Po/s1600/IMG_2037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyi5thgYzbM/VT1Pm7rZOKI/AAAAAAAAItg/SOehkqxD0Po/s1600/IMG_2037.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I took the youngest 2 to check out the Acquarium.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNep-wrp0-4/VT1PnN-h0cI/AAAAAAAAIto/k9gGcb5QnEs/s1600/IMG_2072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNep-wrp0-4/VT1PnN-h0cI/AAAAAAAAIto/k9gGcb5QnEs/s1600/IMG_2072.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsWR4SdUfb4/VT1Pn9XfeQI/AAAAAAAAIts/r4bMnfQX2O8/s1600/IMG_2076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsWR4SdUfb4/VT1Pn9XfeQI/AAAAAAAAIts/r4bMnfQX2O8/s1600/IMG_2076.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
We watched a 4D movie, which H thought was fabulous and Zelly thought was terrifying.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-erZigGFcJrI/VT1PoAJD18I/AAAAAAAAItw/P69o869_pCc/s1600/IMG_2078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-erZigGFcJrI/VT1PoAJD18I/AAAAAAAAItw/P69o869_pCc/s1600/IMG_2078.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
After the aquarium, we picked up--you guessed it--$1 fish sandwiches from Micky D on the way home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJDHCX-ouYM/VT1Po6UxChI/AAAAAAAAIuA/bloej5rxuLk/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJDHCX-ouYM/VT1Po6UxChI/AAAAAAAAIuA/bloej5rxuLk/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
J's March Madness buddy was Zelly, who loves a good snuggle while watching sports </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PV6Z4v25RM/VT1Pqw1C6hI/AAAAAAAAIuM/hQZNnztrRE8/s1600/IMG_2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PV6Z4v25RM/VT1Pqw1C6hI/AAAAAAAAIuM/hQZNnztrRE8/s1600/IMG_2090.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
We met the M family at the Museum of Natural Curiosity one day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFtizLi_N58/VT1PrQXSXgI/AAAAAAAAIug/rOrO077IRI8/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFtizLi_N58/VT1PrQXSXgI/AAAAAAAAIug/rOrO077IRI8/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And we got caterpillars! (the only pets I will allow)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xWE5_7ydXU/VT1PrwRP7SI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/DbmNqqQguDk/s1600/IMG_2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xWE5_7ydXU/VT1PrwRP7SI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/DbmNqqQguDk/s1600/IMG_2101.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What a great month!</div>
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-26743946072715907022015-03-29T21:52:00.001-07:002015-03-29T21:52:11.816-07:00February recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This post has been in my drafts folder almost since February! And it's almost time to do a March re-cap, so here we go . . . </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In February, of course, we spent a lot of time on Valentine's Day. Here are a few pics off my phone, fitting of the month of love. H is (usually) so good to Zelly. He just loves his little sister and she loves him, to the point of wanting to hold his hand all of the time in the car. He's usually good about humoring her!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a39w5n6jJCM/VQ-EgtzsaSI/AAAAAAAAIm0/pcemUPAKZwg/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a39w5n6jJCM/VQ-EgtzsaSI/AAAAAAAAIm0/pcemUPAKZwg/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm89GiC7Ytw/VQ-ElGJkoNI/AAAAAAAAIoE/N3LPU6ThUJY/s1600/IMG_1904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm89GiC7Ytw/VQ-ElGJkoNI/AAAAAAAAIoE/N3LPU6ThUJY/s1600/IMG_1904.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJNiBHlsLM8/VQ-DPkxj52I/AAAAAAAAIlw/j18D5GRsKvo/s1600/011a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJNiBHlsLM8/VQ-DPkxj52I/AAAAAAAAIlw/j18D5GRsKvo/s1600/011a.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k43Us4PIM5A/VQ-DPwh3QoI/AAAAAAAAIls/uZrygXV7uwU/s1600/013a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k43Us4PIM5A/VQ-DPwh3QoI/AAAAAAAAIls/uZrygXV7uwU/s1600/013a.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GS28Xu6M0c0/VQ-EfBxaPdI/AAAAAAAAImY/UsV5fd_ZR-s/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GS28Xu6M0c0/VQ-EfBxaPdI/AAAAAAAAImY/UsV5fd_ZR-s/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5knkZT_N9Q/VQ-EgP3i3CI/AAAAAAAAImw/BdjH0hfV8dE/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5knkZT_N9Q/VQ-EgP3i3CI/AAAAAAAAImw/BdjH0hfV8dE/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Henry had a little Valentine's party with the neighbor boys--just low-key. We made robot Valentine's boxes using a kit from Oriental Trading Co, had some heart snacks and red punch, and they played legos and jumped on the tramp. I forgot to take a pic before they all went home, but here are 4 of them at least!</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI0lSa28vAM/VQ-EfGVSMbI/AAAAAAAAImc/r73HqikBs3k/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI0lSa28vAM/VQ-EfGVSMbI/AAAAAAAAImc/r73HqikBs3k/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
We also had a fun weekend with the M cousins, mostly hanging out, but we did watch a few movies and made it to the Wilk for a round of bowling:<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6kESA4BLi-8/VQ-EgcWZKPI/AAAAAAAAIm4/HEO8f-94X7M/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6kESA4BLi-8/VQ-EgcWZKPI/AAAAAAAAIm4/HEO8f-94X7M/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmhfWtf7_6E/VQ-EhgoCoMI/AAAAAAAAInU/ki8BeuQJ_TQ/s1600/IMG_1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmhfWtf7_6E/VQ-EhgoCoMI/AAAAAAAAInU/ki8BeuQJ_TQ/s1600/IMG_1864.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTq2JdjKRLI/VQ-EkDG-RhI/AAAAAAAAIns/ZfbtAXVO7SY/s1600/IMG_1889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTq2JdjKRLI/VQ-EkDG-RhI/AAAAAAAAIns/ZfbtAXVO7SY/s1600/IMG_1889.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-hNogjr_78/VQ-EiIpeUOI/AAAAAAAAInI/iupGW9xwWEQ/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-hNogjr_78/VQ-EiIpeUOI/AAAAAAAAInI/iupGW9xwWEQ/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26k2_GmU7II/VQ-Ei1PuNWI/AAAAAAAAInY/__aNdpaNqvo/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26k2_GmU7II/VQ-Ei1PuNWI/AAAAAAAAInY/__aNdpaNqvo/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m3DSX4Bbvhw/VQ-Ej91fP7I/AAAAAAAAIn0/41L44XZUqhM/s1600/IMG_1882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m3DSX4Bbvhw/VQ-Ej91fP7I/AAAAAAAAIn0/41L44XZUqhM/s1600/IMG_1882.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3DILerANpw/VQ-EjnAOUaI/AAAAAAAAInk/e3Va7MViC5M/s1600/IMG_1876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3DILerANpw/VQ-EjnAOUaI/AAAAAAAAInk/e3Va7MViC5M/s1600/IMG_1876.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgCKLjOfozY/VQ-Ek69lBoI/AAAAAAAAIn8/Nug_dQfO6oo/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgCKLjOfozY/VQ-Ek69lBoI/AAAAAAAAIn8/Nug_dQfO6oo/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzQ7u0VKBhM/VQ-EijMGSLI/AAAAAAAAInc/A9IsWmL3Mns/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzQ7u0VKBhM/VQ-EijMGSLI/AAAAAAAAInc/A9IsWmL3Mns/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
Mister finished off basketball season:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bINPEjb0ktk/VQ-DXiUPNVI/AAAAAAAAImI/0WVn5hfwqNA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bINPEjb0ktk/VQ-DXiUPNVI/AAAAAAAAImI/0WVn5hfwqNA/s1600/002.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EiCRgV2Z-lM/VQ-DXpjvKXI/AAAAAAAAImA/uwtPUJrO6Uw/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EiCRgV2Z-lM/VQ-DXpjvKXI/AAAAAAAAImA/uwtPUJrO6Uw/s1600/006.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
And H and I played many a round of Uno in the month of February, and a few rounds of Guess Who:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvL965AOBXI/VQ-Ee7VCsNI/AAAAAAAAImg/gIZmv9bNjnk/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvL965AOBXI/VQ-Ee7VCsNI/AAAAAAAAImg/gIZmv9bNjnk/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--iIvGYmdQlg/VQ-EmwnbzpI/AAAAAAAAIoc/T7fXdWEQGoE/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--iIvGYmdQlg/VQ-EmwnbzpI/AAAAAAAAIoc/T7fXdWEQGoE/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sweetie and I went to a mother/daughter pedicure morning for Activity Days</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HigEAm1DKUA/VQ-El5sJn3I/AAAAAAAAIoo/CMs5HMQzXL0/s1600/IMG_1908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HigEAm1DKUA/VQ-El5sJn3I/AAAAAAAAIoo/CMs5HMQzXL0/s1600/IMG_1908.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxlpVkEoVFM/VQ-EmEgOgXI/AAAAAAAAIoI/Ue0fkEHk6go/s1600/IMG_1909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxlpVkEoVFM/VQ-EmEgOgXI/AAAAAAAAIoI/Ue0fkEHk6go/s1600/IMG_1909.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgmU3n-Q_p8/VQ-Emg6A_5I/AAAAAAAAIoU/gZoYzvH3Th0/s1600/IMG_1912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgmU3n-Q_p8/VQ-Emg6A_5I/AAAAAAAAIoU/gZoYzvH3Th0/s1600/IMG_1912.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Sweetie finished her big ancestor report project on Grandpa Skin and gave her presentation, complete with sourdough pancakes:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhi17aFqcoI/VQ-Enl0M1lI/AAAAAAAAIok/wo-u4o2EDh4/s1600/IMG_1920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhi17aFqcoI/VQ-Enl0M1lI/AAAAAAAAIok/wo-u4o2EDh4/s1600/IMG_1920.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sRzWmQr6l0/VQ-EqOCV58I/AAAAAAAAIpI/9Mz2WJ1VQAw/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sRzWmQr6l0/VQ-EqOCV58I/AAAAAAAAIpI/9Mz2WJ1VQAw/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And H and Zelly and I went to the museum a few times. On this particular visit, there was a girl eating sand as fast as she could, shoving it down, while her mom just watched and said, "Don't eat sand, dear." We had to leave after a few minutes. I couldn't watch!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBadQfZPxic/VQ-EoFGFUdI/AAAAAAAAIos/xFw5GFOmffQ/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBadQfZPxic/VQ-EoFGFUdI/AAAAAAAAIos/xFw5GFOmffQ/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_7lyzXO6us/VQ-Eor9a79I/AAAAAAAAIpE/zFgc1F6YQno/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_7lyzXO6us/VQ-Eor9a79I/AAAAAAAAIpE/zFgc1F6YQno/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Zelly forgot that she loves horses! She remembered after we got going (and after the fascination of watching one of the other horses pee).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPFEMIKF_mI/VQ-EpJ5XG8I/AAAAAAAAIo8/EG4kYFDLNNk/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPFEMIKF_mI/VQ-EpJ5XG8I/AAAAAAAAIo8/EG4kYFDLNNk/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDR5r74on8U/VQ-EpdjpYiI/AAAAAAAAIpA/nIsWFX5mJkQ/s1600/IMG_1928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDR5r74on8U/VQ-EpdjpYiI/AAAAAAAAIpA/nIsWFX5mJkQ/s1600/IMG_1928.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
We had a great February!bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-45252737031519485252015-03-29T21:40:00.002-07:002015-03-29T21:40:18.352-07:00Enlarge the Place of Thy TentSweetie and I went to the conference center yesterday to attend Women's Conference. We met up with the Rock girls to carpool, and thanks to Alicia's stellar driving skills, we survived a car pulling right in front of us while going 65 mph on the freeway. But that's not what I got on to blog about.<br />
<br />
When Alicia first texted me to see if I wanted tickets for Sweetie and I, I kind of waffled. I wasn't sure I wanted to fight the traffic or take the extra time to drive up to Salt Lake City. It's easier to stay home and watch it.<br />
<br />
But then I remembered our years in Massachusetts. I remembered after that first week of teacher training, how I felt so alone in my beliefs (for so many different reasons). We went to the Boston temple at the week's end because I needed so badly to go somewhere where the feeling was familiar. And I remembered driving an hour to get to stake conference, which wasn't even in a stake building because we didn't have one. I hated the drive, but I needed to look around and see the gathering of others who believed.<br />
<br />
I learned then that there is real power in "enlarg[ing] the place of thy tent," as Isaiah says. Real power in gathering together and in knowing that you are a part of something larger than yourself. I wanted Sweetie to feel that power, to look around the conference center at all of the strong and faithful girls and women and feel the strength of the heritage and membership that is hers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PGduT1GnYJc/VRjTkq9OauI/AAAAAAAAIqI/SATRFDRcOG4/s1600/image1%2B(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PGduT1GnYJc/VRjTkq9OauI/AAAAAAAAIqI/SATRFDRcOG4/s1600/image1%2B(4).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uR4qQStUww/VRjTn1wAVGI/AAAAAAAAIqQ/k6lpR1gq8zc/s1600/image2%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uR4qQStUww/VRjTn1wAVGI/AAAAAAAAIqQ/k6lpR1gq8zc/s1600/image2%2B(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-38704061066594569152015-03-01T20:36:00.002-08:002015-03-01T20:36:39.261-08:00January RecapJanuary was kind of a low-key month for us, thankfully, and we mostly tried to enjoy our days. We tested out our face-making skills at dinner time (some families have nice conversations. Not us.)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Qdz7iw895g/VPPnQyZBQrI/AAAAAAAAIiU/WsKakVQBFVE/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Qdz7iw895g/VPPnQyZBQrI/AAAAAAAAIiU/WsKakVQBFVE/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqJ8_02U1Fg/VPPnQxEQR-I/AAAAAAAAIiQ/W1ahCITtKrI/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqJ8_02U1Fg/VPPnQxEQR-I/AAAAAAAAIiQ/W1ahCITtKrI/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGV6eK5xR64/VPPnQ2nMSiI/AAAAAAAAIiM/7IQRzuW0FUE/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGV6eK5xR64/VPPnQ2nMSiI/AAAAAAAAIiM/7IQRzuW0FUE/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TByu2vkbDIs/VPPnRqRcUPI/AAAAAAAAIic/KlhJ9M9SmOI/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TByu2vkbDIs/VPPnRqRcUPI/AAAAAAAAIic/KlhJ9M9SmOI/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kg2zKBR98k/VPPnR_tQblI/AAAAAAAAIik/l6966u41iiM/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kg2zKBR98k/VPPnR_tQblI/AAAAAAAAIik/l6966u41iiM/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">We said good-bye to our friend the mini-van and bought a new, bigger ride.</span><br />
<div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJvp7op0X_U/VPPnSwhemEI/AAAAAAAAIiw/de6HQSHW5CA/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJvp7op0X_U/VPPnSwhemEI/AAAAAAAAIiw/de6HQSHW5CA/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Zelly donned pigtails for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed making lots of cookies.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGsljLSIhHg/VPPnTIhg6wI/AAAAAAAAIi8/6egvQdispSQ/s1600/IMG_1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGsljLSIhHg/VPPnTIhg6wI/AAAAAAAAIi8/6egvQdispSQ/s1600/IMG_1800.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6s55No4S2d8/VPPneBPSvYI/AAAAAAAAIkI/3EZiLME8mDQ/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6s55No4S2d8/VPPneBPSvYI/AAAAAAAAIkI/3EZiLME8mDQ/s1600/008.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sR9fdxRakeU/VPPnUewAMDI/AAAAAAAAIjM/5kRLKGykfNw/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sR9fdxRakeU/VPPnUewAMDI/AAAAAAAAIjM/5kRLKGykfNw/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
We met cousins for lunch and shopping:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y5jCeuwGNP4/VPPnT6MFT1I/AAAAAAAAIjE/NFhMKa9RHAE/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y5jCeuwGNP4/VPPnT6MFT1I/AAAAAAAAIjE/NFhMKa9RHAE/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
We ate nachos and wings for the SuperBowl and our Patriots even managed to win in a last-minute victory.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVlfRq7DVgM/VPPnV-q1nRI/AAAAAAAAIj4/MaXaqZLCnf0/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVlfRq7DVgM/VPPnV-q1nRI/AAAAAAAAIj4/MaXaqZLCnf0/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
We went on a Sunday afternoon family outing to the Springville Art Museum's "Religious Art of Utah" exhibit. I didn't get pictures of my crazy kids who mostly spent the time trying to make each other guess how much various pieces of art were being sold for. But here's one of my favorite of the temple pics that I took to remind me that I can try painting just a piece of the temple.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sI8JFwYGaEs/VPPoS1pPuDI/AAAAAAAAIkY/T8C4im7Haqg/s1600/IMG_1794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sI8JFwYGaEs/VPPoS1pPuDI/AAAAAAAAIkY/T8C4im7Haqg/s1600/IMG_1794.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
I took Mister skiing a couple of times and managed to finally finish Zelly's quilt, after 2 and a half years.<br /><div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVZvh8ANFOk/VPPnWZ4KgqI/AAAAAAAAIjo/RUhZsVGpjOs/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVZvh8ANFOk/VPPnWZ4KgqI/AAAAAAAAIjo/RUhZsVGpjOs/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_vGFSkK2KU/VPPnWAOT4II/AAAAAAAAIjk/E0s8xvlagI4/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_vGFSkK2KU/VPPnWAOT4II/AAAAAAAAIjk/E0s8xvlagI4/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9j7LnEWgq8w/VPPnU77f_HI/AAAAAAAAIjU/DbeWfc__3IM/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9j7LnEWgq8w/VPPnU77f_HI/AAAAAAAAIjU/DbeWfc__3IM/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrbbzsTsb2k/VPPnVvcj0UI/AAAAAAAAIjc/nZ4SIPd3bSs/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrbbzsTsb2k/VPPnVvcj0UI/AAAAAAAAIjc/nZ4SIPd3bSs/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
We did do a little work. Mister slaved over his science project and still managed to have J and I both working on it at midnight the night before. We had lots of moldy bread on our hands.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WCpt_KjpY0/VPPnd7jdbwI/AAAAAAAAIkE/tNC12tvvuAg/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WCpt_KjpY0/VPPnd7jdbwI/AAAAAAAAIkE/tNC12tvvuAg/s1600/009.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
I observed classes at BYU to get ready to teach next year, and I brushed off my dissertation and started serious revisions again:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAjitP5InC4/VPPnTJCTmyI/AAAAAAAAIi0/AYkN41D42gY/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAjitP5InC4/VPPnTJCTmyI/AAAAAAAAIi0/AYkN41D42gY/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-947O_ay7Y20/VPPoSj7mbPI/AAAAAAAAIkU/J6ZswIEdLD8/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-947O_ay7Y20/VPPoSj7mbPI/AAAAAAAAIkU/J6ZswIEdLD8/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-48591527413501157632015-03-01T20:00:00.003-08:002015-03-01T20:00:47.090-08:00Here come the terrible two's!Not really. I actually like the 2's. It's the 3's that are the pits. But anyway, regardless of what you think of them, Zelly has reached the milestone of her 2nd birthday! (this happened way back in January. I am a terrible blogger.) But I did manage to take a few pics, buy her some balloons, wrap some presents, and make a pink ruffle cake:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zW4qJJAjAXM/VPPeTu7oIfI/AAAAAAAAIh4/7afjTPRb3wo/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zW4qJJAjAXM/VPPeTu7oIfI/AAAAAAAAIh4/7afjTPRb3wo/s1600/012.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKY4P9hW7J0/VPPeMJ62kkI/AAAAAAAAIg0/1EXN9jjEy64/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKY4P9hW7J0/VPPeMJ62kkI/AAAAAAAAIg0/1EXN9jjEy64/s1600/001.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Js7Ovah21zk/VPPeMMqHTiI/AAAAAAAAIgw/5b_xTqNmpws/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Js7Ovah21zk/VPPeMMqHTiI/AAAAAAAAIgw/5b_xTqNmpws/s1600/005.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhtHLG2UBgA/VPPeS9BwYMI/AAAAAAAAIhs/zVye21orExY/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhtHLG2UBgA/VPPeS9BwYMI/AAAAAAAAIhs/zVye21orExY/s1600/007.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjeCP5KJlbw/VPPeSd8Hh4I/AAAAAAAAIho/gp_PO-TlZw4/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjeCP5KJlbw/VPPeSd8Hh4I/AAAAAAAAIho/gp_PO-TlZw4/s1600/009.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BShWk6KcBT4/VPPeNd4AbHI/AAAAAAAAIhA/ThbxISyhgds/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BShWk6KcBT4/VPPeNd4AbHI/AAAAAAAAIhA/ThbxISyhgds/s1600/008.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSVW3lU50kI/VPPeNxAdv3I/AAAAAAAAIhE/O9uINCVDBVc/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSVW3lU50kI/VPPeNxAdv3I/AAAAAAAAIhE/O9uINCVDBVc/s1600/010.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hescNpOMT-Y/VPPeQr60fVI/AAAAAAAAIhg/uJnkl3EeGzc/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hescNpOMT-Y/VPPeQr60fVI/AAAAAAAAIhg/uJnkl3EeGzc/s1600/019.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWaZsC2Ne44/VPPePEjMZXI/AAAAAAAAIhQ/Ih_5F0vTxKQ/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWaZsC2Ne44/VPPePEjMZXI/AAAAAAAAIhQ/Ih_5F0vTxKQ/s1600/012.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A18O-u09-EQ/VPPePtqzt1I/AAAAAAAAIhU/60I0FE2aL6U/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A18O-u09-EQ/VPPePtqzt1I/AAAAAAAAIhU/60I0FE2aL6U/s1600/018.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh how we love our little Zelly! I'm sad that she doesn't cuddle so much anymore and her skin is losing that soft baby feel. But I love this age of the verbal explosion, hearing what's been going on inside that little head of hers. We all dote on her and can't imagine life without her.bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-90010886732050919552015-03-01T19:41:00.000-08:002015-03-01T19:41:10.367-08:00The choices you make matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tamaramccleary.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/choices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tamaramccleary.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/choices.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
The lesson I taught the Beehives today was called "Do the choices I make matter?" In preparation for the lesson, I made a list of choices I've made (I tried to focus on "smaller" choices) that have mattered to me. In that list was writing in my journal, which is kind of ironic given that I don't write in a journal anymore and we all know how fabulous I am at this blog lately :) I love that I kept a journal through my college years. I love reading it. Most of the time I'm surprised to find out that I was very insightful or wrote good poetry or had deep, spiritual thoughts and experiences. The gratitude I feel about choosing to keep a journal has made me want to do better with my blog again. And if not, then with the paper journal again.<br />
<br />
A few other choices I thought of:<br />
<ul>
<li>Choosing to try to have children right after we got married. I didn't want to have a baby right away. I wanted it to be just Joe and I for a little bit. But it felt selfish. I already had a master's degree, I'd had some great jobs, I'd traveled a lot. I had no excuses. So we tried right away. And it took us a few years, a lot of tests and procedures, before Mister joined us and more years before H and Zelly. That small choice now seems big--I'm not sure I would have the family I have now had we waited a couple of years to try having children.</li>
<li>Choosing to run for student body secretary when I was in high school. I lost. And it was so hard for me. But I learned to find a place and to try to make a difference in other ways. </li>
<li>Choosing to believe in myself--maybe in 9th grade? I can't remember exactly when, but this was a distinct choice I made. I was (am still, in a way) very self-conscious and doubted myself. I was very aware of the things I wasn't good at. My parents gave me "How to win friends and influence people" and another book. I can't remember its title--something like "Go for it"--but it came with a stack of affirmation cards for the reader to read to themselves. I know--totally something from Saturday Night Live. But I read those cards aloud every day and as I did so, I decided to believe that they were true--that I really was a good listener and I really could make friends and I really was a person worth knowing and worth talking to. </li>
<li>Going to BYU. I wanted to go to an Ivy League school, particularly Harvard. But my parents said they wouldn't pay for a bachelor's degree at an Ivy League school, so in the end, I applied only to BYU. The experiences I had at BYU I'm still drawing on. The people I met are still influencing me. That one decision has affected every single aspect of my life today. Interestingly enough, majoring in English was not on my list of choices. That seems strange since I have a Ph.D. in English. But I think I could have been happy with many other majors--maybe even happier. It's the education that has mattered--not the subject.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Well, I need to head to bed since I could write about choices forever and the choice to stay up too late will matter tomorrow. But this whole process of thinking through my choices has humbled me as I've realized how I've been blessed and led and comforted and strengthened throughout the choices I've made. The choices I make matter to me and they matter to my heavenly parents because I matter to them. </div>
bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-30438733117340937112015-01-04T13:18:00.000-08:002015-01-04T13:18:06.142-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy New Year! In the car the other day, J said that he wished Christmas were at the end of January so we could get 2 months of the spirit and magic that accompanies it. While I agree with his wish to prolong the season a bit, I'm also very glad that the New Year comes after Christmas. It seems fitting to celebrate the birth of the Savior and then focus on renewal. I love the hope that accompanies the thought of new goals and the goodness of things to come. And, of course, I have to remember this great advice:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://inspirationalquoter.com/photos/wp-content/uploads/2014/img/49873.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://inspirationalquoter.com/photos/wp-content/uploads/2014/img/49873.png" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This year for New Years', we headed up to my parents for my family Christmas party. We went a day early so we could ring in the New Year with cousins. Here they are watching the countdown:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Df8Lxljqmmc/VKmpunBPNhI/AAAAAAAAIc8/YwpuDJSxG6I/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Df8Lxljqmmc/VKmpunBPNhI/AAAAAAAAIc8/YwpuDJSxG6I/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XatZkHuVxPk/VKmpugiGg8I/AAAAAAAAIdA/DwHosTS3VuM/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XatZkHuVxPk/VKmpugiGg8I/AAAAAAAAIdA/DwHosTS3VuM/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzzOLmS1o8X78nB9nhOvKx8vIz4yMHpPCu2jGeBzVxyYc06bqxMNAjwBspV5cJlnztmiUMG1q7le6PDKdKJJQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> We also exchanged gifts. Here Zelly and I take a few selfies while we wait for the gift exchange:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgH-FacGiHA/VKmpv7jv_yI/AAAAAAAAIdY/PoLLEiNfDe4/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgH-FacGiHA/VKmpv7jv_yI/AAAAAAAAIdY/PoLLEiNfDe4/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2VV8HqjI0I/VKmpvWAql_I/AAAAAAAAIdQ/FCEAo803oJc/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2VV8HqjI0I/VKmpvWAql_I/AAAAAAAAIdQ/FCEAo803oJc/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aA3AMVG8zmM/VKmpwJA1Z7I/AAAAAAAAIdc/cyJq4CtqgWE/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aA3AMVG8zmM/VKmpwJA1Z7I/AAAAAAAAIdc/cyJq4CtqgWE/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FS5mP0kiQkk/VKmpv2GP1PI/AAAAAAAAIdk/3Oq7GTq0VZc/s1600/IMG_1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FS5mP0kiQkk/VKmpv2GP1PI/AAAAAAAAIdk/3Oq7GTq0VZc/s1600/IMG_1726.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvA_7B1euAc/VKmpx8bukFI/AAAAAAAAIeM/C9Wo9PjqcJQ/s1600/IMG_1739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvA_7B1euAc/VKmpx8bukFI/AAAAAAAAIeM/C9Wo9PjqcJQ/s1600/IMG_1739.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1FlkFI0Jqg/VKmpwiQHh3I/AAAAAAAAIdw/zNNOvzr5GXc/s1600/IMG_1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1FlkFI0Jqg/VKmpwiQHh3I/AAAAAAAAIdw/zNNOvzr5GXc/s1600/IMG_1733.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fhv6_6v4NjE/VKmpw4MtISI/AAAAAAAAId4/JmveB9FPZkg/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fhv6_6v4NjE/VKmpw4MtISI/AAAAAAAAId4/JmveB9FPZkg/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FXJU7cVKBA/VKmpxIwizbI/AAAAAAAAId8/UJUDfSdeJeo/s1600/IMG_1736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FXJU7cVKBA/VKmpxIwizbI/AAAAAAAAId8/UJUDfSdeJeo/s1600/IMG_1736.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGEWFXYFGZg/VKmpybeaqMI/AAAAAAAAIeU/q8e2ky2s0TM/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGEWFXYFGZg/VKmpybeaqMI/AAAAAAAAIeU/q8e2ky2s0TM/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And the boys play with Uncle Mark:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3BR9bLz82Q/VKmpyB2HXGI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/JqI-YHXxrN0/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3BR9bLz82Q/VKmpyB2HXGI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/JqI-YHXxrN0/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4OOl1IQGYak/VKmpu4H6HRI/AAAAAAAAIdE/-WGZzJ4Hyqw/s1600/IMG_1717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4OOl1IQGYak/VKmpu4H6HRI/AAAAAAAAIdE/-WGZzJ4Hyqw/s1600/IMG_1717.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-10408529520795136462015-01-04T12:54:00.001-08:002015-01-04T12:54:13.731-08:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We took Christmas down yesterday and it was bittersweet. I was ready to declutter, clean, and simplify, but this Christmas season passed so quickly, and today (while Henry and I are home from church, thanks to pink eye), I was watching the videos on my phone and was engrossed again in the magic of the season. It doesn't seem that long ago that Mister and Sweetie were the ones singing Frosty while turning the pages of the book or pounding the piano while singing Jingle Bells. By the time we have another Christmas, the kids will be older and different. My Cindy-Lou Who might not even look like Cindy-Lou any longer:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WnexnfWsm0/VKmH_98OToI/AAAAAAAAIaU/v9CUZI9kKMk/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WnexnfWsm0/VKmH_98OToI/AAAAAAAAIaU/v9CUZI9kKMk/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This Christmas was really nice. It was the first in a while in which I felt like I was prepared in good enough time and not too stressed over little things. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Right before the Christmas break, Sweetie had her tumbling performance:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRBX0eoCLMU/VKmJnr_u-SI/AAAAAAAAIcA/eNXWldvjm_k/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRBX0eoCLMU/VKmJnr_u-SI/AAAAAAAAIcA/eNXWldvjm_k/s1600/001.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ibZQOdE38OE/VKmJnghkGlI/AAAAAAAAIcE/rmPp1t2Iv98/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ibZQOdE38OE/VKmJnghkGlI/AAAAAAAAIcE/rmPp1t2Iv98/s1600/003.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71PxvCzTlnA/VKmJoSUf-NI/AAAAAAAAIcI/pdioEnVvt-w/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71PxvCzTlnA/VKmJoSUf-NI/AAAAAAAAIcI/pdioEnVvt-w/s1600/016.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6u5h9ZWUBXM/VKmJojfd33I/AAAAAAAAIcY/Ye5RGf9-E68/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6u5h9ZWUBXM/VKmJojfd33I/AAAAAAAAIcY/Ye5RGf9-E68/s1600/019.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And she and I went to see <i>A Christmas Carol</i> at the Hale Center Theater. Sweetie wanted to see it instead of going to the Nutcracker or Christmas Around the World or another holiday music concert because her class had put the play on earlier. I was fine with that but prior to the play, I secretly wished she had chosen a musical concert. I was so glad she didn't. The play was amazing and I think we'll keep doing that from now on. It really brought the Christmas spirit to my heart--"mankind is my business." </div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jT_SsDl_rjQ/VKmIJLbBtII/AAAAAAAAIbw/RwMqLuqyxPE/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jT_SsDl_rjQ/VKmIJLbBtII/AAAAAAAAIbw/RwMqLuqyxPE/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
During Christmas break, we made lots of tasty treats, including sugar cookies and the gingerbread house.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gy7WoKtjVxc/VKmIAMiIO8I/AAAAAAAAIaY/v2SV90DyPAY/s1600/IMG_1698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gy7WoKtjVxc/VKmIAMiIO8I/AAAAAAAAIaY/v2SV90DyPAY/s1600/IMG_1698.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bYXZoP1tECI/VKmIBoyK9SI/AAAAAAAAIas/td8gfCTrkuQ/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bYXZoP1tECI/VKmIBoyK9SI/AAAAAAAAIas/td8gfCTrkuQ/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2j8h0XyaYvc/VKmIBJyG3FI/AAAAAAAAIaw/1m55PauoO2Y/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2j8h0XyaYvc/VKmIBJyG3FI/AAAAAAAAIaw/1m55PauoO2Y/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgVDDv0sqeA/VKmIBQe1djI/AAAAAAAAIao/C_wB1CK-9ZA/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgVDDv0sqeA/VKmIBQe1djI/AAAAAAAAIao/C_wB1CK-9ZA/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vErVo3LVB80/VKmm5l2tdxI/AAAAAAAAIcs/qand5Z5Mr14/s1600/IMG_20141223_201104841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vErVo3LVB80/VKmm5l2tdxI/AAAAAAAAIcs/qand5Z5Mr14/s1600/IMG_20141223_201104841.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><br />
And the kids did a lot of this:<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aX6pDR3dAI/VKmH__3xXsI/AAAAAAAAIac/PILIoptRun8/s1600/IMG_1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aX6pDR3dAI/VKmH__3xXsI/AAAAAAAAIac/PILIoptRun8/s1600/IMG_1697.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
We read Frosty the Snowman and Santa Clause is coming to town at least once every naptime and bedtime:<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Om9bmXaAxu0/VKmIJGOAaNI/AAAAAAAAIbs/U2mwCpT7LMU/s1600/IMG_1676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Om9bmXaAxu0/VKmIJGOAaNI/AAAAAAAAIbs/U2mwCpT7LMU/s1600/IMG_1676.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
On Christmas Eve, we had our traditional candlelight dinner with tri-tip, twice-baked potatoes, rolls, Christmas jello, green beans, and sparkling apple juice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FP_LQvKqjrw/VKmm5mfCkwI/AAAAAAAAIco/bnOwLHygeB0/s1600/IMG_20141224_180326683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FP_LQvKqjrw/VKmm5mfCkwI/AAAAAAAAIco/bnOwLHygeB0/s1600/IMG_20141224_180326683.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
And acted out the Nativity, with Zelly as Mary this year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdDAgDU3pFA/VKmE_LETCgI/AAAAAAAAIZY/3B3iXsUnEr0/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdDAgDU3pFA/VKmE_LETCgI/AAAAAAAAIZY/3B3iXsUnEr0/s1600/022.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas morning we follow J's family tradition--the kids can't come down until we come get them. We say a prayer together first before descending to the magic!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKrsNFOrkvs/VKmE_B6-ueI/AAAAAAAAIZU/c5zUcIqpEek/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKrsNFOrkvs/VKmE_B6-ueI/AAAAAAAAIZU/c5zUcIqpEek/s1600/025.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VYMDRh6reo/VKmE_NeMTQI/AAAAAAAAIZQ/1AN3s97npko/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VYMDRh6reo/VKmE_NeMTQI/AAAAAAAAIZQ/1AN3s97npko/s1600/026.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVYwPUhZFVk/VKmICgcepRI/AAAAAAAAIa4/-5sWfXvj7u4/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVYwPUhZFVk/VKmICgcepRI/AAAAAAAAIa4/-5sWfXvj7u4/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dM4m3MM5Lw0/VKmIC2T5wPI/AAAAAAAAIbQ/j37_B4RhoXY/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dM4m3MM5Lw0/VKmIC2T5wPI/AAAAAAAAIbQ/j37_B4RhoXY/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
We set up displays with all of the kids' presents after, including gifts from Santa, each other, us, and grandparents. I was really proud of the kids this year. They put a lot of thought into each others' gifts and used all of the money they had. For Mister, he spent his hard-earned $80 on gifts for others. H unloaded the dishwasher every day to earn money for sibling gifts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dp_4kvybgw/VKmFA-1MgFI/AAAAAAAAIZo/SvyO56II69o/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dp_4kvybgw/VKmFA-1MgFI/AAAAAAAAIZo/SvyO56II69o/s1600/027.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4gq483zvtIs/VKmFBRO-ZaI/AAAAAAAAIZs/qxO8CtC_Aog/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4gq483zvtIs/VKmFBRO-ZaI/AAAAAAAAIZs/qxO8CtC_Aog/s1600/031.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9unOtN2cwCc/VKmFBa_EUQI/AAAAAAAAIZw/v7RHzrLajGI/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9unOtN2cwCc/VKmFBa_EUQI/AAAAAAAAIZw/v7RHzrLajGI/s1600/034.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MZV8oU4tYDo/VKmFCBXXl1I/AAAAAAAAIaA/jITRsaBsLRI/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MZV8oU4tYDo/VKmFCBXXl1I/AAAAAAAAIaA/jITRsaBsLRI/s1600/036.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
A close-up of Sweetie because she looks so grown-up in this pic!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsZ3aI2pQrY/VKmFCloTWbI/AAAAAAAAIaE/IUtcA25kVVs/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsZ3aI2pQrY/VKmFCloTWbI/AAAAAAAAIaE/IUtcA25kVVs/s1600/037.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas day was spent relaxing, playing with the Legos and games we got, and heading to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner.</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOJlMA7STTU/VKmIDc58GpI/AAAAAAAAIbI/I0ewlKK36hU/s1600/IMG_1712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOJlMA7STTU/VKmIDc58GpI/AAAAAAAAIbI/I0ewlKK36hU/s1600/IMG_1712.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Zelly wore her new pink boots everywhere:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1HJexDW5M8/VKmIDjf8_CI/AAAAAAAAIbM/N7g7iiUU8EI/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1HJexDW5M8/VKmIDjf8_CI/AAAAAAAAIbM/N7g7iiUU8EI/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
After Christmas, I took the kids to the Leonardo museum to see Body Worlds, which they thought was interesting and gross!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mLC0ES5LNM/VKmIEgcTKXI/AAAAAAAAIbg/pLyS_Mbki1I/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mLC0ES5LNM/VKmIEgcTKXI/AAAAAAAAIbg/pLyS_Mbki1I/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738953315010570995.post-52482142260613179312014-12-14T20:33:00.000-08:002014-12-14T20:42:25.993-08:00Celebrating the God Who Came to Be with MeThis Christmas season has been full of the usual stresses and the usual hustling and bustling about. But I have also been deeply humbled over the past 2 weeks as I've listened to Christmas carols that celebrate the fact that our God came to be with us. I wrote about that in <a href="http://segullah.org/daily-special/this-particular-chapter-of-gods-story/" target="_blank">my Segullah post this month</a>, in which I quote Erin Straza's way to combat getting to Christmas Day worn out and empty. "To combat this," Straza says, "I look for special ways to be with the God who came to be with me." <br />
<br />
It's tricky to do that with a busy schedule and 4 demanding children. I tend to get down on myself when I see friends' and neighbors' families doing truly charitable things during this season--arranging trips to Mexico to build homes for people, collecting and donating hats and scarves for cancer patients, distributing new gloves and hats and hot cocoa to the homeless people in a park in Salt Lake City, and so on.<br />
<br />
All I can do at this moment in my life, is think. Think while I'm doing the dishes, think while I'm driving to the store, think while I'm rocking the 1-year-old. Think about my Savior and the truly glorious fact that He came to be with me.<br />
<br />
I did manage to take a few pictures of our December so far . . . .<br />
<br />
Decorating the tree<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXUl4z2cU7Q/VI5gkivrNrI/AAAAAAAAIVM/NlCgSGBGaas/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXUl4z2cU7Q/VI5gkivrNrI/AAAAAAAAIVM/NlCgSGBGaas/s1600/002.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FunbPCXv3Wg/VI5gm0KlbiI/AAAAAAAAIVk/HQsBSGRVIGI/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FunbPCXv3Wg/VI5gm0KlbiI/AAAAAAAAIVk/HQsBSGRVIGI/s1600/012.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVr52_F-dvg/VI5gkrc7kUI/AAAAAAAAIVI/QAJ6hYp8TSU/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EywhbjuRCl0/VI5gkkRr7ZI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/Kzz-ZuIyBdU/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EywhbjuRCl0/VI5gkkRr7ZI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/Kzz-ZuIyBdU/s1600/004.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVr52_F-dvg/VI5gkrc7kUI/AAAAAAAAIVI/QAJ6hYp8TSU/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVr52_F-dvg/VI5gkrc7kUI/AAAAAAAAIVI/QAJ6hYp8TSU/s1600/007.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jztc8FtGwJ0/VI5gmCUUx_I/AAAAAAAAIVg/b66KAxRaRXM/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jztc8FtGwJ0/VI5gmCUUx_I/AAAAAAAAIVg/b66KAxRaRXM/s1600/008.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7uBcl0bRD0/VI5gnnrQSuI/AAAAAAAAIVs/JW5VPZkh_6A/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7uBcl0bRD0/VI5gnnrQSuI/AAAAAAAAIVs/JW5VPZkh_6A/s1600/010.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyyGoWHsnS4/VI5goC7GLYI/AAAAAAAAIV0/JHT5MXEx8I0/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyyGoWHsnS4/VI5goC7GLYI/AAAAAAAAIV0/JHT5MXEx8I0/s1600/013.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6HgP2NqObY/VI5gody5-RI/AAAAAAAAIV8/SllmVDQGlcw/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6HgP2NqObY/VI5gody5-RI/AAAAAAAAIV8/SllmVDQGlcw/s1600/016.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHo_iBSFPk4/VI5go_InGQI/AAAAAAAAIWE/bS85jJvGwjs/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHo_iBSFPk4/VI5go_InGQI/AAAAAAAAIWE/bS85jJvGwjs/s1600/019.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SIonx1hV1Q8/VI5gpqA_V2I/AAAAAAAAIWM/O3qxHI8dlvc/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SIonx1hV1Q8/VI5gpqA_V2I/AAAAAAAAIWM/O3qxHI8dlvc/s1600/020.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And undecorating the tree:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Kb1qcw-dPk/VI5iDUHYTZI/AAAAAAAAIWs/fZOcYZAy45s/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Kb1qcw-dPk/VI5iDUHYTZI/AAAAAAAAIWs/fZOcYZAy45s/s1600/015.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s22kkX5hkfA/VI5iD2wk9JI/AAAAAAAAIW0/BPV5lL5kAhg/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s22kkX5hkfA/VI5iD2wk9JI/AAAAAAAAIW0/BPV5lL5kAhg/s1600/017.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sweetie's A.L.L class did a performance of Dickens's <i>A Christmas Carol</i>. Sweetie was Mrs. Crachit and she did a great job! I was impressed with how good the performance was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mO0gq3q6sLA/VI5iB_Ni8LI/AAAAAAAAIWg/mSUfau7aA94/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mO0gq3q6sLA/VI5iB_Ni8LI/AAAAAAAAIWg/mSUfau7aA94/s1600/001.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D78o4C46WoE/VI5iB5EpXFI/AAAAAAAAIWk/RtwZ3v9ibuk/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D78o4C46WoE/VI5iB5EpXFI/AAAAAAAAIWk/RtwZ3v9ibuk/s1600/009.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CauveUqTV34/VI5iB0YtuaI/AAAAAAAAIWc/ApZY0gIf4ac/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CauveUqTV34/VI5iB0YtuaI/AAAAAAAAIWc/ApZY0gIf4ac/s1600/010.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Sweetie's band concert:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xr8MYod4sLQ/VI5iEXe2F6I/AAAAAAAAIXE/IpKzVEFO5aI/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xr8MYod4sLQ/VI5iEXe2F6I/AAAAAAAAIXE/IpKzVEFO5aI/s1600/021.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yhx1pWp3swA/VI5iE99XFCI/AAAAAAAAIXI/lg5aGmyg3KQ/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yhx1pWp3swA/VI5iE99XFCI/AAAAAAAAIXI/lg5aGmyg3KQ/s1600/023.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went to the local live nativity:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5UfRztaffs/VI5iWA_H5FI/AAAAAAAAIXU/0IMvVx3Mj-A/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5UfRztaffs/VI5iWA_H5FI/AAAAAAAAIXU/0IMvVx3Mj-A/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And we've been watching at least one Christmas movie a week. Here we are gearing up for <i>The Santa Clause</i>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd9dwUCXBVs/VI5iXZnAaPI/AAAAAAAAIXs/OI3r53ZzSZs/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd9dwUCXBVs/VI5iXZnAaPI/AAAAAAAAIXs/OI3r53ZzSZs/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
We've also been making a lot of gourmet s'mores over the stove, courtesy of J:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59SnMB1z5GY/VI5iWzWK77I/AAAAAAAAIXg/FzjW3Hu3TSA/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59SnMB1z5GY/VI5iWzWK77I/AAAAAAAAIXg/FzjW3Hu3TSA/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And in case you didn't know, there are 10 days left until Christmas:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzyulh94yekG7hBA-JUgDevctO-3Z_FmXRWbpvEen2HnGygSkdWry9lakpLdXKtPivDsfAKkpxHFjrqUg2PbA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />bluestocking mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304150032562812493noreply@blogger.com0