tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85277729338807740832024-03-12T17:20:32.327-06:00Pink Cookies with SprinklesKimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.comBlogger475125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-17229383225952953812014-09-15T22:17:00.001-06:002014-09-15T22:17:47.716-06:00Baked Apples... It's what's for breakfast!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>What to do with </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>all of the apples from harvest...</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlSbl-1oWQXCp0jMqtP2yh4PO-gu-jrDf7WzuFwjs5k4szSrN4ZWMWqnqvveARtDCIdDyGJQDZpbtJzULKIDwm6h8ncPUFYrOhmDnuA_Vt0fM_NIUbB_blL-eGZczHgYuHaujOPhHcDU/s1600/photo+4+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlSbl-1oWQXCp0jMqtP2yh4PO-gu-jrDf7WzuFwjs5k4szSrN4ZWMWqnqvveARtDCIdDyGJQDZpbtJzULKIDwm6h8ncPUFYrOhmDnuA_Vt0fM_NIUbB_blL-eGZczHgYuHaujOPhHcDU/s1600/photo+4+(4).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Our new favorite is making Baked Apples for breakfast.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">They are full of fiber, great protein, fat and a little bit of sugar.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Really great energy to start off your day!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDNjLafmTN6HglwUxRDFXdDhi_7ZsZ_r4FVt4b3zU61rv-MefMUjCAc99sFlIco9eHJzLRWdwNejmVRbLsSEkfr3iWxCwqTVkt2gIoHq67XnE8CGuOoUUn6MxfSi8DomsM5YAWmFO64o/s1600/photo+1+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDNjLafmTN6HglwUxRDFXdDhi_7ZsZ_r4FVt4b3zU61rv-MefMUjCAc99sFlIco9eHJzLRWdwNejmVRbLsSEkfr3iWxCwqTVkt2gIoHq67XnE8CGuOoUUn6MxfSi8DomsM5YAWmFO64o/s1600/photo+1+(18).JPG" height="640" width="560" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b>Baked Apples</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">6 Apples, cut in half and cored</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">4 Tbsp. melted butter</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1/2 cup rolled oats</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1/4 cup whole wheat four</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1/4 cup ground flax seeds</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1/3 cup chopped walnuts, OR, pecans</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">1/3 cup pumpkin seeds</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1/3 cup brown sugar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1/8 tsp. salt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1 tsp. cinnamon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Line</b> a small pan with tin foil.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Wash </b>and cut apples in half and core them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Put </b>them cut side up on the tin foil.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Combine</b> oats, flour, flax seeds, nuts, sugar, salt and cinnamon in bowl.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Pour </b>melted butter over the ingredients and mix well.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Completely</b> cover apple halves with mixture</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Bake</b> at 350 degrees 45 minutes to one hour until mixture is browned and apples are soft.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Serve with a big heaping of Greek Yogurt </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and you have a delicious, nutritious and hearty breakfast with plenty of energy to get you through your morning! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>(and it even feels like you're eating apple pie, without the guilt!)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><i>Enjoy!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-83914518091067295952014-07-22T18:22:00.000-06:002014-07-22T18:22:19.383-06:00 Trying to be healthier... Cornbread Makeover!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, we've been trying to "step-up" </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>being healthy even more than ever!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We've</b> been trying to eat more beans, legumes, veggies and healthy fats and have tried to keep our "glycemic" index down as much as possible Monday-Fridays! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On the weekends we do a little more splurging.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjTA1d67PeeGiUw3fDS84PWqmdkjDOdkFOpa_dteXNDYudi3ncgjD09I5onki2XsGWYdQsU8xOmUFFvgSATe6i7M7_KEPWED7Wbbjv1OpO1FREUsv06nQw0A3k3GuC_dLdq6AAKXLMOQ/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjTA1d67PeeGiUw3fDS84PWqmdkjDOdkFOpa_dteXNDYudi3ncgjD09I5onki2XsGWYdQsU8xOmUFFvgSATe6i7M7_KEPWED7Wbbjv1OpO1FREUsv06nQw0A3k3GuC_dLdq6AAKXLMOQ/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">To keep our glycemic index down, </span><br />
I've been trying to limit using "unbleached white flour" in my recipes to only cookies and desserts, which means it has been a fun journey for me to tweak my bread recipes to use more whole wheat flour and I've also been venturing out and try using oat flour as well. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since</span> we purchase steel cut oats in 25 pound bags, I have an abundance of them and so I've been grinding my steel cut oats into flour and incorporating it into my baking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKSijJTjFpsv_FVQbZyfeX5VApmXpaTyhR6D59AkQY7j4avv1dZog1bIdONWKHh6Aww-niV1yQYZW8v3EGRLhdozaUczIPgdzSVDLeClOVJPptJPGAGf83Jy1knBkCaKXUstPDYCY-JQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKSijJTjFpsv_FVQbZyfeX5VApmXpaTyhR6D59AkQY7j4avv1dZog1bIdONWKHh6Aww-niV1yQYZW8v3EGRLhdozaUczIPgdzSVDLeClOVJPptJPGAGf83Jy1knBkCaKXUstPDYCY-JQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, it turns out, you can't completely </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">use oat flour in a recipe if you want it to turn out,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">because oats don't contain gluten and so it behaves differently than wheat flours. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However, after experimenting, I have been able to successfully replace oat flour for up to 1/2 of the whole wheat flour.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi9cy7esY2xMCUYBYcjm7K1rL9x0xNWKFWhE3etI45eVPSnkOyo-EaQBvuAXDp602a7LT-d4YCF3QVbpF0hdZWoUZaUn7xZEMdgYHw_T29utndqw0mCr6xfDwpAnHx1nPglvs8bxb7Ac/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi9cy7esY2xMCUYBYcjm7K1rL9x0xNWKFWhE3etI45eVPSnkOyo-EaQBvuAXDp602a7LT-d4YCF3QVbpF0hdZWoUZaUn7xZEMdgYHw_T29utndqw0mCr6xfDwpAnHx1nPglvs8bxb7Ac/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="483" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">When I made up a batch of Bean Chowder for my family, it was just automatic that we would have a delicious pan of Corn Bread to go along with it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cooked bean dishes at our house mean "Corn Bread"! </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SXloegNmmOolszyyQp_AVXUFqPwJVyGgkpF9w6kgQ9e-eeV2KxwakxSfPJz3lipVeJHwJ9d2gSOk855wbSm3XBjca6YiMHjQbwggl_lTdTro4-ZNRTxKWLywFrH0nFFj-yPFHBa4ijw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SXloegNmmOolszyyQp_AVXUFqPwJVyGgkpF9w6kgQ9e-eeV2KxwakxSfPJz3lipVeJHwJ9d2gSOk855wbSm3XBjca6YiMHjQbwggl_lTdTro4-ZNRTxKWLywFrH0nFFj-yPFHBa4ijw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I tweaked my Corn Bread recipe to use not only <b>less</b> sugar, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but,<b> less refined sugar. </b></span><br />
<b>(took it from 1/2 cup white flour to 1/3 cup raw cane sugar)</b><br />
<i>(I buy these bags of Raw Cane Sugar at any of our local grocery stores in the Mexican Food Section.)</i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I also used one cup whole wheat flour and 3/4 cup oat flour </span><br />
and it turned out to be an absolute success!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was</span> very hearty tasting, <b>VERY </b>moist and delicious and it had my family begging me to make more! <br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I'll never </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>make Corn Bread </b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">from unbleached flour again. </b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Raw Cane Sugar, Whole Wheat and Oat Flour is how it will be made at our house from here on out.</b></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>Delicious Corn Bread </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1/2 cup butter</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1/3 cup raw cane sugar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">2 eggs</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">3/4 cup cornmeal</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">2 tsp baking powder </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1/2 tsp. salt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1 cup whole wheat flour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">3/4 cup freshly ground oat flour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1-½ cups milk</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Cream</b> butter and sugar. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Add</b> eggs and stir.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Add in</b> cornmeal, baking powder and salt and stir until just combined</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Add</b> flours alternatively with milk. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Put in</b> greased 9x9 pan.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Bake</b> 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes until lightly browned and toothpick inserted in comes out clean. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>(oven temps vary...check after 30 minutes). </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Absolutely delicious! </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jPAA7z16DhzkodJp5Q_GIp9F69XzeiWn5QeJjpRmXfZDgcll20ForFPgDuFWVeK9mt-tK3Y_zTjb7kyp9o0YcHaoSFGCDF-29ZUYKDbcWbtUp6oM383xmR8JTEfkLogZUd222qOnO3c/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jPAA7z16DhzkodJp5Q_GIp9F69XzeiWn5QeJjpRmXfZDgcll20ForFPgDuFWVeK9mt-tK3Y_zTjb7kyp9o0YcHaoSFGCDF-29ZUYKDbcWbtUp6oM383xmR8JTEfkLogZUd222qOnO3c/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="302" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>ENJOY... </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>being a little more healthy in your day to day life... </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">one recipe at a time! </span></b></div>
<br />
(PS...I really enjoyed this site <a href="http://www.theyummylife.com/Oats">here</a> for information about Oats) </div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-8837372293034958332014-04-04T10:17:00.000-06:002014-04-05T09:15:55.211-06:00Spring Break 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>WOW!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The year is just marching on more quickly than I would like it to!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How is it that we are already at Spring Break time for my boys!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Well, our Spring Break, started off with a funny flashback...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I was searching through past photos, I came across the photo of Jade taking Ethan's stuffed bunny away from him and making him cry when he was just a baby! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>YEP,</b> things have not changed to much in the past 11 years!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jade still knows how to push Ethan's buttons!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We awoke Friday morning </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and went and walked around the Green Belt in Idaho Falls!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was such a beautiful morning and it felt <b>SO good</b> to move! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our most <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">LOVED</span></b> part of Spring Break, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">was the fact that we got a snow storm</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> and so that meant XC skiing!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We</span> were supposed to volunteer at the Jones House, but because of the storm they cancelled that obligation and so it meant we had the entire place to ourselves and it turned out to be the most adventurous winter adventure we have experienced thus far in our life!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Spring Break 2014 was SO. MUCH. FUN!</span> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The fact</span> that it snowed, made it where we had the greatest winter adventure we've experienced thus far! We had the whole mountain to ourselves, breaking our own trail, (=awesome workout), postcard beauty everywhere, making a fire and warming up, melting snow for tea and loving every minute of the wonderful snow and beauty that Mother Nature gave us!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Here is our adventure in photos!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Breaking our own trail...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Look at all the snow on the trees!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> WOW!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A gorgeous Winter Wonderland!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It was so peaceful and beautiful!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Heading up a big hill...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tracy made a perfect set of tracks </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>for us to follow and ski in!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We took the road less traveled...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> I SPY...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The reflection of my handsome hubby</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> in the pot lid of the bottom right photo! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What a view!</b></span><br />
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<br />
<b>Ours was the only car in the parking lot when we got back from skiing!</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I love</span></b> winter and snow... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I love</span> </b>sunshine and warmth...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's all good, especially when shared </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">with my three favorite people! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Life is awesome! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PS...</b></span><br />
This sweet, handsome boy had cabin fever on Monday<br />
and wanted to go into town to enjoy a little window shopping and dinner!<br />
We ended our hurrah with Chic-Fil-A!<br />
<b>YUM!</b></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-45801468971348010622014-03-17T11:51:00.000-06:002014-03-17T15:40:52.704-06:00Live in Thanksgiving Daily!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Oh the dreaded moment that we all fear...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>that of getting asked to speak in church! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>While</b> it was a stressful week with getting talks prepared and dealing with the craziness of life, I'm grateful for the opportunity that Tracy and I had to do this! We learned and grew together and while our talks ended up being totally different by Saturday afternoon, than they started out with at the first of the week,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> AND, because of that, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we didn't have time to get them perfectly memorized, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm happy with how they turned out </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>and</b> I think that quite a few people in our ward were touched by what we said and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">really enjoyed them as well! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>"Live In Thanksgiving Daily"</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my favorite quotes is by Melodie Beattie: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” </i><i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The story </span>told in Luke Chapter 17 seems to be a recurring theme that keeps being addressed over and over again. Our wonderful prophet, President Thomas S. Monson has used this story on many occasions, including in his profound talk “The Divine Gift of Gratitude” that he gave in October 2010 . Our dear Bishop used this story as a thought in Priesthood opening exercises this past month. If you “google” “gratitude” and “LDS”, it is the most used story from the scriptures on the subject. If you haven’t already figured it out by now, this wonderful story on gratitude is that of the ten lepers. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“And as he entered into a certain village, there [he met] ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I </span>was trying to “fine-tune” my talk this week, my sweetheart Tracy <i>(who is always <b>SO good</b> at reminding me of the goodness of life), </i>reminded me of a life changing event that happened in my own life that I have not thought about for quite some time. While I had collected pages of inspiring things on Gratitude that I was SO excited to share, for some reason, I felt that what Tracy had said was really what I needed to talk about today and hopefully, you won’t judge me too harshly when I open up and say what’s in my heart… hopefully, what I say will touch and inspire you in some small way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> let me tell you the story of two unlikely people who became wonderful friends and sources of strength and inspiration to each other. </span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love learning new things. </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> While things didn’t work out with finishing up my college schooling, I have always tried to take advantage of any learning opportunity that I can. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">In fall of 2004,</span> Jade came home with a paper of the community “Love and Logic” classes and while I had attended these classes a few years earlier, I decided I wanted to attend them again, now that we had a 2 year old. <b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>(A funny side note… </b>Tracy and I had taken some Love and Logic classes before Ethan was born and the lady that taught them was really pretty and was a great teacher as well. She brought amazing treats to enjoy and she reminded me of the way that I would do things if I were to teach a class like that!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> when we went to the classes in 2004, we realized that the same lady that we enjoyed before </span>wasn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> teaching them anymore. The new lady that taught them was really conservative in appearance and dress, was kind of messy and she </span>didn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> bring beautiful cookies with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles... GASP! She brought store bought cookies! I’m so ashamed and embarrassed to admit this, but, we actually commented to each other </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">“What could we ever learn from this lady?” </i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Well come to find out she was hilarious, funny, and quirky… She was just about as opposite from what I was and yet I left her classes <b>yearning for more</b> and to this day </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">(other than my wonderful husband)</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I have learned more from</span><b style="font-family: inherit;"> her</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">, than I have from any other person that I have ever come in contact with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After the Love and Logic classes were done, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I ended up attending 7 other different classes from her, because I loved her teaching style, her personality and the topics she was teaching so much. She was a master organizer, a master of adding FUN to home life <b>(especially dinner time), </b>a master at ideas for how to raise kids to do their share around the house and how to teach children life skills and how to take care of themselves so that when they leave the house to go to college and on missions that they can survive without mom and dad. She was such a positive, happy person that despite not being able to have children of her own, her and her husband adopted three children and raised them to be happy and successful adults AND she and her husband also took in dozens of foster kids truly impacting them and making a difference in their lives for good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She truly was my hero! </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She was the one woman that I admired more than anyone and I hoped that I could raise my kids as well as she raised hers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">In </span>one of her classes, she gave the most beautiful tribute to her mother that I have ever heard someone give. It made me really think about my own mom, especially, since there is no way at all I could ever do that for my mom, because we don’t have the best relationship, but, after that, I tried even more to better connect with my mother. It actually helped me immensely! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m perfectionist to a fault…</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I like things to be pretty and beautiful and if I can’t do things to a certain level, I just won’t do it… Joleen on the other hand was practical and wanted things neat, tidy and organized, and wanted to be able to find any paper in her house in 30 seconds or less and so <b>CUTE</b> was the last thing on her list. Because of Joleen’s simple approach to organizing I now have all of my recipes all nicely in a binder and the KEY… <b>Plastic sleeves! </b> It might not be scrap-book pretty, but, I can find any recipe I need in less than 30 seconds and that’s the most important thing! I love her for this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">At the</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> second to the last week of the seven week class session, I was feeling sad as she informed us that she would no longer be teaching the classes. I thought to myself,</span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> “NO, that can’t be.”</i></span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Thursday nights were my most looked forward to night of the week, because I was learning so many amazing things that were making my home life so much more rich and joyful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our home</span> had never been happier and more content and I had a greater love and appreciation for my children. <b>She gave us the tools to create better lives for ourselves and our families. </b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Because of Joleen, I have significantly changed by viewpoint on what really matters in life…</b>she made me realize that it’s more important to give the <b>BEST</b> that you have to give at the moment, even if it’s not perfect and beautiful, rather than NOT doing anything at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, </span>she had such an amazing impact on my life that I decided to write a heart-felt thank you note to her, along with making some homemade bread and cookies and I put it on her chair the last night of class. I had no idea that small gesture would have such an impact on her, until the middle of the next week, I received the following brown envelope in the mail. </span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Thankful just isn’t the word for how I’m feeling about you right now, Kim”.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>“Lucky-to-have-you-for-a-friend” is more like it.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>“Lucky-to-have-you-as-a-Community-Parenting-Class-Attender” is also a good one.”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>“Lucky-to-know-such-a-good-bread-maker-and-cookie-maker.”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I am overwhelmed by the things you wrote in your “thank you letter”. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>My husband and I read it together when I got home last night. <b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I’ve never known anyone in my 57 years</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> that ever took the time to write something so beautiful, AND about me!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Wow! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> I am amazed that you would do that. </i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will always keep it and cherish it. </i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>You have given me hope to continue on with teaching for the next four years. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>You are the “one leper” </b>who remembered to say thanks and that has made all the difference in my life, in this moment, and my prospects for the future. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Have a nice Spring, good person such as you are. Joleen</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was in awe when I read that card. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I cried tears of gratitude for this amazing woman! Never in my life had anyone said such, simple, yet profound words to me. It made me think, WOW! I need to remember this and do my best from this point forward to be like the “ONE” leper who fell down on his face at the feet of the Savior to give thanks! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So my ward friends, my question for you to ponder today is: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>“What can YOU do to make sure you are the “ONE”?” </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you’re pondering this question, may I share a few things that touched my heart on the topic of Gratitude this past week. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I love what it says in Alma 34:38 </b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>“Live in Thanksgiving Daily!"</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">David Steindl-Rast quoted the following:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span>“<i>It not happiness that makes us grateful… it is gratefulness that makes us happy! Each of us needs to STOP and be quiet and notice… and not just once in awhile be grateful, but moment by moment choose to be grateful.”</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know</span> that there are over 2 billion people that have to heat water and cook their food over an open fire, that don’t have access to electricity and running water? That out of the 7 billion people on this planet only 2 billion have access to washing machines and the other 5 billion people have to WASH clothes by hands and many have the time consuming task of having to bring in water from far away. This means, they have low productivity because a large part of their lives are spent doing such time consuming tasks that they don’t have time for much of anything else… one of the biggest things of all, is having the time to play and read to their kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do all of you</span> realize how extremely blessed you are, each time you flip on a light switch and lights turn on, that you have a stove that you can flip a switch and you have instant heat to cook on. That each time you turn on your faucet, you have fresh clean water to drink, cook and bathe with and that you have the modern convenience of getting to throw your clothes into a machine that washes them for you? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next time</span> you’re tempted to complain about life, <b>STOP</b> and pause and think how blessed you are, how you should have a heart of gratitude for all of the simple and modern conveniences that make your life SO easy, because unlike billions of people on this planet, YOU actually have time spend playing, reading and having fun with your kids. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you </span>ever <b>STOP</b> to think that because you are lucky enough to live in Sunnydell Idaho, that you are rich beyond measure? Even the most humble of circumstances in Sunnydell, Idaho are SO much more affluent than ¾ of the world population! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Think of the many women, men and children in this world that have to work SO hard just to survive! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So next time you’re tempted to groan…<b>STOP</b>, <b>pause and be GRATEFUL!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyth76UiSFjLJ9dx0U8h4kGCPc0Rww_XQAhV-5YoXtblhg8AgpHqHmZaT5RznpCWKkueB8UPEbTo8s-4B6eh8hvKVP9SR6b_R9fqPlwQRscRyeUfUai6SOhKVfXy0tnrXYAUcOBTHvhGY/s1600/photo+4+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyth76UiSFjLJ9dx0U8h4kGCPc0Rww_XQAhV-5YoXtblhg8AgpHqHmZaT5RznpCWKkueB8UPEbTo8s-4B6eh8hvKVP9SR6b_R9fqPlwQRscRyeUfUai6SOhKVfXy0tnrXYAUcOBTHvhGY/s1600/photo+4+(4).jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Be grateful </b>you have kids tugging at your apron strings, or shirt tails, because first, you have CHILDREN to love and most important of all, you have <b>so much more TIME than you think you do</b> to play, read, teach, have fun and create wonderful memories with them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Be grateful</b> for piles of laundry to do, because you have clothes to wear and a washing machine that washes them for you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Be grateful,</b> even if you only have time to fix “Top Ramen” for your kids for dinner, because you have something to eat and you and your children don’t have to know what hunger pains feel like. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Be grateful</b> for your work stress, for you have employment!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Be grateful</b> for dust on your furniture, be grateful for a chance to vacuum, sweep and mop floors, or clean windows, because that means you have pretty things and that you don’t have to sit on a dirt floor inside a humble shelter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Be grateful </b>every time you click on the furnace, or gas fire place, or, start a fire in a wood burning stove, because that means you have WARMTH with so much convenience! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Take time to <b>STOP, pause and notice</b> that sunset, or sunrise, the moon and starlit night sky, the beautiful clouds, the birds chirping, or in flight, the rain, the sunshine, flowers and bugs in the summer-time, the colorful leaves and foliage in the fall, the beautiful snow, frost and icicles in the winter-time. Take time to smell the fresh air, roses, or, those good down home country smells! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Most important…</b> May you choose to Live in Thanksgiving Daily…not just once in awhile, but day, by day, moment, by moment. Never be too busy to <b>STOP</b> and be the <b>ONE!</b> To be the person to say THANK YOU to others for the difference they have made in your life! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Just as Melody Beattie quoted…</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>“Gratitude</b> turns what we have into enough and more…<b>(such profound words)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> Gratitude </b>can turn the simple meal into a feast...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gratitude </b>can turn the most humble house into a home...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gratitude</b> can turn a stranger into a friend </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(remember my friend Joleen, who was a complete stranger, but, became the greatest friend)</i>… </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gratitude</b> brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow!"</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In closing </b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would like to </span>publicly<span style="font-family: inherit;"> tell my greatest hero, <b>(that guy) </b>my husband </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">how much I love and adore him… </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>He is the real deal…</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">he’s the most funny, kind, compassionate, Christ-Like person I know,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> there is nothing about him that bugs me at all </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and each and every day of my life is filled with JOY because of him! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I’d like to tell both of my sons…</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I love you, I’m proud of you, it is an honor to be able to call myself your MOM! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">My</span> wonderful friends of Sunnydell, it is with gratitude in my heart </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that I leave these thoughts and feelings with you.... Amen!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<b>(my amazing husband's talk he gave!!) </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Gratitude In Adversity</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Tracy Smith - 03/16/2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I’d like </span>to begin my talk with three particularly enlightening, if not somewhat humorous experiences I’ve had over the past several years. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Five years ago,</span> I was serving in the Sunday School Presidency. As my family gathered around our dinner table for Sunday dinner, my dear companion asked me who taught the Gospel Doctrine Lesson that day and how it went? She was working in the library at the time and it meant she missed out on Sunday School each week. I told her, Rebecca Taylor had taught the lesson and it was a wonderful lesson! She asked me if I made any comments during class? I emphatically responded, “of course NOT!… I’d never want to draw attention to myself in that particular venue….in-fact, I’d HATE to have to teach those lessons!” This is not an exaggeration but it wasn’t 30 minutes later and there was a knock at the door. Richard Hatt, the Sunday School president and my friend and neighbor had come over to ask me if I would please teach the Gospel Doctrine lesson the following Sunday!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next experience</span> occurred a short while later. It began with a conversation I had with a coworker. I was telling him of our busy but fun summer and fall we had enjoyed. He related all of the things he had been up to… most of which were related to his calling as Scout Master. There was a week at Scout Camp, monthly campouts, weekly activities, Round Table meetings and many more. I distinctly remember telling him how I had enjoyed my Scouting experiences as a youth and was incredibly grateful for the sacrifices my leaders made but that I was not cut-out for a calling like that! While I do love the outdoors, adult Scout Leaders seemed particularly “Scouty”. I expressed my admiration for his dedication as I groaned that I just wasn’t “Scouty” and I think I would HATE to have THAT calling! You can imagine my extreme surprise when a very short while later, Jeff Johnson asked me to meet with him and invited me to accept a calling as the Troop 242 Scout Master!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And, finally,</span> just this past Sunday we found ourselves once again, gathered around the dinner table conversing. Ethan and Jade were mentioning how much they enjoyed Bishop Bennett’s talk in sacrament meeting. I commented on his opener... about how despite his service as a High Councilman 5 different times, he said he still has trouble speaking in sacrament meeting… it scares him to death! Well, I for one, love when Wally speaks! He speaks from the heart and is real and genuine! As we continued to discuss Wally’s talk, I made the comment that I sure hope I don’t have to speak any time soon because I’m sure I feel far worse about speaking than Wally does! After dinner, while going over some Scouting things, with Brother Joos, our doorbell rang… Brother Scott was at the door. He asked to visit with Kimberly and me. He had such a serious look on his face, I asked him if he’d come over to kick us out of the church or something… he said “WORSE! I’ve come to ask you both to speak in sacrament meeting next Sunday!”<br />
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Having related those experiences, I ask… <i>what is the important principle here? </i> That I had possibly forgotten to knock on wood each time I opened my big mouth?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In</span> Bishop Bennett’s talk he read a verse that had not been previously highlighted in my own scriptures. As I pondered what I might speak on this past week, I realized a deeper meaning of the truths in those sacred words:<br />
<b>The reference is: D&C 78:19 and it reads:</b><br />
<i>And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.</i><br />
“He who receiveth all things with thankfulness!” <br />
<b>Wow! </b>Can I really receive all things with thankfulness? <br />
How about an assignment that challenges my confidence… or a calling that takes an immense amount of time away from my family and requires me to spend countless nights on the cold, hard, ground, waking up to breakfasts of half-cooked hash browns and burnt pancakes? <br />
Or a speaking assignment that causes me a great amount of anxiety?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In hindsight I must say YES! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We can receive all of those things and more with thankfulness! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Teaching</span> the Gospel Doctrine Lesson ended up being a confidence building and testimony expanding experience. Serving as a Scoutmaster has truly been one of the best opportunities in my life and has changed my life for the better! As you know, I was recently released from that calling and it has left an immense hole. I could go on for hours about how much it has meant to me, seeing the boys have fun, face their fears, do hard things, build character and grow into young men. Last week Kimberly and I were out doing some grocery shopping and Ethan called to let me know Caleb Taylor had delivered some treats and left a handwritten note. <b> It read:</b><i><b> </b>“Dear Tracy, You were a great leader. You were fun to go on campouts with, and were always trying to make me happy. From: Caleb. </i> It brought tears to my eyes as I realized I had come to the end of this particular era in my life.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While</span> it may seem obvious we should endeavor to receive Church callings and assignments with thankfulness... how about a dishwasher that leaks all over the hardwood floor we worked so hard to put in? How about the loss of a job? How about a health challenge or even a health crisis? Some of these may seem trite and trivial, others more serious.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Life</span> is going to be full of challenges, trials and tribulations. We will all experience adversity.<br />
The Savior told us “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. John 16:33<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He </span>also told us “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.” D&C, 59: verse 21<br />
So on the one hand, the Savior has told us the sobering reality, our life will have adversity. While on the other hand we are told, lacking in gratitude is on the short list of ways to offend him.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am</span> coming to know as a part of my personal testimony, that with the right attitude… challenges, trials, tribulations and adversity are quite literally the seeds we need to grow and experience deeper gratitude in our lives. And… that, gratitude, <i>(as Kimberly so beautifully illustrated)</i>, is intrinsically connected to our personal happiness. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Through adversity, we can Rise Up! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We can avail ourselves of opportunity! </b></span><br />
We can learn that having gratitude especially during times of adversity is a powerful skill…<br />
that allows us to come to realize, we hold the master key to our happiness in our own hands.<br />
<br />
In a talk entitled: Come What May, and Love It delivered in the October 2008 General Conference, <b>ELDER JOSEPH B. WIRTHLIN said:</b><br />
<i>"There may be some who think that General Authorities rarely experience pain, suffering, or distress. If only that were true. While every man and woman on this stand today has experienced an abundant measure of joy, each also has drunk deeply from the cup of disappointment, sorrow, and loss. The Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness.</i><br />
<i>For me, the Lord has opened the windows of heaven and showered blessings upon my family beyond my ability to express. Yet like everyone else, I have had times in my life when it seemed that the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear. During those times I think back to those tender days of my youth when great sorrows came at the losing end of a football game.</i><br />
<i>How little I knew then of what awaited me in later years. But whenever my steps led through seasons of sadness and sorrow, my mother’s words often came back to me: “Come what may, and love it.”</i><br />
<i>How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can’t—at least not in the moment. I don’t think my mother was suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don’t think she was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. </i><i>If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness." </i> (close quote)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I grew up</span> in a home where feats of physical strength and ability were often showcased. My dad was and still is a very agile and wiry man. He taught my sisters and I how to do back flips, backbends, headstands, handstands and to walk on our hands. We always had a rope hanging down from a high tree limb that we were encouraged to climb. Our house always had a beam or a bar of some kind where chin-up contests between my dad and I were frequently had. When we weren’t doing that, we were having push-up contests or arm wrestling matches and when cousins or neighbor boys came to the house, my dad would teach us wrestling moves or pass out the boxing gloves and officiate in boxing matches. Through high school I worked on a ranch earning the money for my mission. The hard labor combined with the ever present feats of strength in my home, helped build my physical strength and became something I prided myself in to some degree. Even from the MTC, I sent home photos of me walking on my hands, in my suit, with my tie dangling down or photos of me shinny-ed up high between two walls with my companion pretending to hold me up with one arm.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Less than</span> a year into my mission, while serving in Bridgeport, CT, something terrible began happening in my body… I began to experience pains in every joint, weakness, fatigue, poor circulation in my legs and hands and a number of other serious issues. I went to quite a few doctors both traditional and alternative I was desperate for a diagnosis even if it was a scary one… I wanted to at least know. I never did get a diagnosis, although it has been hypothesized that it may have been Lyme disease, a relatively unknown condition at the time (discovered in Lyme, CT). It became extremely difficult to tract and do the work at the physical level we had been doing. My mission president offered the option of an early honorable release. After much pondering and prayer, I accepted that I would be just as sick at home as I was in the mission field, so I just as well stay out and keep on going! I am here to testify to you that despite extreme physical hardship and trials, the second-half of my mission was truly the happiest, most enjoyable and most successful part of my mission… even in and possibly due to some fairly significant adversity.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Upon returning</span> to civilian life, I began college at Ricks and despite the incredible blessing of meeting and marrying my beautiful companion, the effects of chronic pain often wore me down and discouragement crept-in. I felt sorry for myself. I even found myself cursing the mission I had been called-to and felt inclined to wonder what my life might be like, had I gone straight into college instead. I would find myself watching others as they walked around campus and wondered if they were feeling grateful for their good health? I was 21 years old and my hinges were all rusted up.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One day in Feb of 1992,</span> while listening to the Tuesday devotional on the radio, I heard a talk given by Sister Becky Reeve. She is the daughter of the late Rex C. Reeve. of the first quorum of the 70 and the sister of JoAnne Reeve who taught volleyball at Ricks. Her talk truly changed my life! She started out her talk, “This is going to be totally awesome!”. She had such a joy and happiness about her and a genuine sense of humor… you could just feel it. As she spoke, she said, “Life usually turns out different than you imagined!” She wanted to be the GREATEST mother that ever lived… but when she got to be 21 and hadn’t yet gotten married (to her surprise), she accepted the call to serve a mission. She made the commitment she would be the GREATEST missionary that ever lived… and just when she was enjoying her mission the most, her life was changed forever in a split second and at age 22, in 1962, she saw her hopes and dreams smashed to pieces after being involved in a car accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down. But… as she was lying on that frame with a lot of time to think, she thought to herself, “what can I be now? The world is full of average people… what can I do? I don’t want to be average”. <br />
“I know! I can be a cripple!<br />
I don’t know how to be a cripple but I’m going to be the GREATEST cripple that ever lived!” <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She learned</span> to walk by faith, to trust the Lord and over 30 years later had come to the knowledge that she had lived an extremely rich and rewarding life that at first she hadn’t thought possible! Her talk taught me that you have to have gratitude and you have to keep going and keep going and not give up! I had never felt so inspired and so ready to greet the comparatively minor challenges in my life with a whole new attitude! That devotional was the only one I ever actually purchased (the book store used to sell them on cassette tape). I’ve listened to that devotional talk many times through the years… I always come away with an immense amount of personal gratitude!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In closing, </span>I would like to bear testimony that the Savior lives and He loves us! He wants us to be happy. Our lives can be blessed through adversity. We can avail ourselves of many opportunities for growth through adversity and as my dear companion taught, we can always find something to be grateful for in any given moment.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful</span> for the long days and late nights spent as a young boy, while friends played, helping my dad, build their home and remodel several others. I am grateful for the many times my parents said, “I’m sorry, but we can’t afford that”. I am grateful for a dad who instilled in me the principle to enjoy each stage of life, no matter how difficult and never wish my life away to some future date when the grass would supposedly be greener. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful</span> for in-laws that required my wife to work hard on their dry farm, laboring with tasks such as picking rocks and rolling hay bales by hand so they could be loaded more easily. Those seeds of adversity in her formative years helped build her into the strong person she is today… she has stood beside me for nearly 24 years as my help-meet. We have enjoyed raising our sons, building our home with our own hands, hiking, backpacking, shoveling snow, working in the yard and many more things together.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I am grateful</span> that my dear companion is the kind of person who brings out the best in me and puts up with the worst.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful</span> for a broken dishwasher that allows us the opportunity to wash dishes together, by hand and have many priceless conversations.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful</span> for the opportunity I had to serve a two year mission, with all the accompanying trials. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful</span> for every calling and every act of service I have been asked to perform. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful</span> for my dear sons. I don’t think I would have ever truly learned what love means without the challenges and blessings parenthood has availed. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am even grateful</span> for the opportunity to speak in sacrament meeting today!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is</span> my sincere prayer we can follow my sweetheart’s counsel and be as the one leper who remembered to express his sincerest gratitude to the Savior.<br />
I say these things in his sacred name --Amen.</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></span></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-18390445441396048442014-03-03T10:47:00.000-07:002014-03-06T18:06:04.433-07:00Doing what we love!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Winter...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I love it SO much!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I love</span></b> the snow!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I love </span></b>the cold temperatures!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>I love</b></span> all of the cool ICE that forms from the melting and freezing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>I love</b></span> cross-country skiing and<b> </b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>LOVE</b> </span>that even when it is spring-like in the valley, we can head to the mountains and still enjoy a little more winter and a little more snow!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday, March 2nd, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>We got to enjoy two of my favorite things...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>VOLUNTEERING and Cross-Country skiing!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our favorite winter-time place, Harriman State Park,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>is able to have warming huts for skiers to enjoy, <span style="font-size: large;">however</span>, the huts are managed by <b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">volunteers </span></b><br />
<i>(which are sometimes hard to find on a Sunday, in this area that we live in)</i><br />
and so it always makes us feel good to be able to "give back" a little in the form of volunteer service! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SO, </span>we awoke early, packed a lunch, loaded our CR-V with our gear and headed to the mountains to volunteer and enjoy more skiing in freshly fallen snow! </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Here is our day in photos! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I LOVE skiing along behind this handsome guy</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> in my favorite winter spot! </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvh24QKVFRopuw1FZJQoclmUGVjdpSSoTaTVxbzJ51R2ub_WOqnM-mACAFHYujdSyL6eTF3XX_tXCZAtH7yWDUKJoIIg1q0ux4XAPrm_ViiMuUP_M8aoEcig0G4PWufMDZRJ_N-iq7QCE/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvh24QKVFRopuw1FZJQoclmUGVjdpSSoTaTVxbzJ51R2ub_WOqnM-mACAFHYujdSyL6eTF3XX_tXCZAtH7yWDUKJoIIg1q0ux4XAPrm_ViiMuUP_M8aoEcig0G4PWufMDZRJ_N-iq7QCE/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" height="494" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7KnM9ZXqMa2pGCiUQOiabGxuRSQSCt9cFsC1iLMMJ8bxMXnq8R9uEnpeSP3TtloXBOSIyeujPEaTEKLGgnDy64vQnzW0wzq9gA3EMbtIEHi790m-_QewRMnCn14c3ANv-g5PYzEo9eY/s1600/photo+2+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7KnM9ZXqMa2pGCiUQOiabGxuRSQSCt9cFsC1iLMMJ8bxMXnq8R9uEnpeSP3TtloXBOSIyeujPEaTEKLGgnDy64vQnzW0wzq9gA3EMbtIEHi790m-_QewRMnCn14c3ANv-g5PYzEo9eY/s1600/photo+2+(6).JPG" height="494" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Almost there...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I love</span></b> how we are literally up in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but the frozen river, snow, trees, a few cabins for guests and the ducks and swans! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqvjwatCKG8hUJlCDn9v2GP99zLPHpLtYf6GpwRmMXRFx2XYqAw0juTyAgl4dYvCxeAGYE9tPcRDotLXOhZQBj6Ta6q4D7nZaAXZhR75TEKzVO5SZb_H_eNpHZmKh9EhiLzO7ZlPXk-A/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqvjwatCKG8hUJlCDn9v2GP99zLPHpLtYf6GpwRmMXRFx2XYqAw0juTyAgl4dYvCxeAGYE9tPcRDotLXOhZQBj6Ta6q4D7nZaAXZhR75TEKzVO5SZb_H_eNpHZmKh9EhiLzO7ZlPXk-A/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Jones House...</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEam7TfPpzG0Ye4-2lVEfvEYITeo2xesllpLkQcyXh6Dw5wZYAe-7NLz1BpH4K0NQoSVOhca7pZXKsBUwv2a8_SWD6TV3DGnyHsHJhI0Klj_pZ_RPe4rTkv7SSSI2ALk9L-FqHRCBCqw/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEam7TfPpzG0Ye4-2lVEfvEYITeo2xesllpLkQcyXh6Dw5wZYAe-7NLz1BpH4K0NQoSVOhca7pZXKsBUwv2a8_SWD6TV3DGnyHsHJhI0Klj_pZ_RPe4rTkv7SSSI2ALk9L-FqHRCBCqw/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Jones House to Base... We've arrived at the Jones House".</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Base to Jones House... Copy that". </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Jones House, clear". </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Base, clear". </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAgQEiFmZP4PLHM0Q18WBcBLfQ1WgG1_K_YQuFDk4mUvPJGI4W924aQMXYirikt9xkqT3NnkDPjKXONa2zHbud3Vfoeo6ImlRrG-oQGJ2GTNHrVVG1D9r_mx_RriZQoIfZ5X0xhUpqwk/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAgQEiFmZP4PLHM0Q18WBcBLfQ1WgG1_K_YQuFDk4mUvPJGI4W924aQMXYirikt9xkqT3NnkDPjKXONa2zHbud3Vfoeo6ImlRrG-oQGJ2GTNHrVVG1D9r_mx_RriZQoIfZ5X0xhUpqwk/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I love having a capable man</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> that takes care of us!!</b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Awesome fire by my Scout hubby!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbldW8MEVASmlDPFZHe0jNmZyUZBEHrWWqaN83WB_ICKRjdf40FoYFN32uR-gaDmE8E6jJmxLDHbiwu-xcB4VjS-Z4BCf25-0ReUCZvZb5QMQUAoC26jpZbHmjVkgTFDVrAipUrWtqJVA/s1600/photo+4+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbldW8MEVASmlDPFZHe0jNmZyUZBEHrWWqaN83WB_ICKRjdf40FoYFN32uR-gaDmE8E6jJmxLDHbiwu-xcB4VjS-Z4BCf25-0ReUCZvZb5QMQUAoC26jpZbHmjVkgTFDVrAipUrWtqJVA/s1600/photo+4+(4).JPG" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>I LOVE ICICLES!!!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWElaim_xZuoxk4E876sDL_xb0OkaDWC3V2Ht19p3wRxOODEUltlQiOzjwHty1fsJ2wiIs4cFYEx7aOJamHb9qTVV28HeCjxOeR-fGQ-tdz9Cwg07d936klAxO2kQxvYoSJEZU5Pr68G0/s1600/photo+3+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWElaim_xZuoxk4E876sDL_xb0OkaDWC3V2Ht19p3wRxOODEUltlQiOzjwHty1fsJ2wiIs4cFYEx7aOJamHb9qTVV28HeCjxOeR-fGQ-tdz9Cwg07d936klAxO2kQxvYoSJEZU5Pr68G0/s1600/photo+3+(5).JPG" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>This guy in the Pendleton shirt just makes </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>my heart go pitter-patter!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWS8b716NdgMewExAEIOi-AQf-nrQPssIcojj6jSdOy7b7JUdKNkIB5PK_lFnDWX2ijA8L_KZaMkjGZC70NAzIStAPK-pWLP4LkjVeyvapMZLxYfGlKhAKQoM-1La4ken3Zk1prIUedw/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWS8b716NdgMewExAEIOi-AQf-nrQPssIcojj6jSdOy7b7JUdKNkIB5PK_lFnDWX2ijA8L_KZaMkjGZC70NAzIStAPK-pWLP4LkjVeyvapMZLxYfGlKhAKQoM-1La4ken3Zk1prIUedw/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" height="568" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1nQ25jfJZG-rnxTXK45rVYVUZxW-_mRuJRIbsKj-waDW-3ZBzxuABa3vj55wKZO_Kd2-q-pRsynR-Xxr7klXcTAJYiuqozbbKrEYtJouaMeXuM38KrlA9VUKSdmDtsgFGkneEIKDvMI/s1600/photo+5+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1nQ25jfJZG-rnxTXK45rVYVUZxW-_mRuJRIbsKj-waDW-3ZBzxuABa3vj55wKZO_Kd2-q-pRsynR-Xxr7klXcTAJYiuqozbbKrEYtJouaMeXuM38KrlA9VUKSdmDtsgFGkneEIKDvMI/s1600/photo+5+(3).JPG" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Our view while inside the Jones House</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorSawUn7bW1h_oG1SGI24Sbd-yQQBTJzJvFJoOX8xE93NlpBDwckiFXNmLCWTVULFsnHaAET9gk33wg875Io7hqbWfUQmncoczYmwth_zmahhyphenhyphenoQy44TvoBPSUUBdfAQKcxTBJ1Pf-3I/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorSawUn7bW1h_oG1SGI24Sbd-yQQBTJzJvFJoOX8xE93NlpBDwckiFXNmLCWTVULFsnHaAET9gk33wg875Io7hqbWfUQmncoczYmwth_zmahhyphenhyphenoQy44TvoBPSUUBdfAQKcxTBJ1Pf-3I/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Ethan wanted to go out and do some</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> skiing adventure on his own </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">while we stayed at the Jones House...</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Love this handsome boy Jade!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> All locked up and heading out...</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTf8OK_J5vBJOwmAMIwV0GHD7Y3-5GEYqAaBguV8tmiKIgfO4cF0AnzeZFlZvpgUo203-FCKiHjHJbukaWxXvF4utL7v0lyl0AuUkxMphBcL-QMcdYYIQZQfHeDZ-Qpi5hwp9A-hZapU/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTf8OK_J5vBJOwmAMIwV0GHD7Y3-5GEYqAaBguV8tmiKIgfO4cF0AnzeZFlZvpgUo203-FCKiHjHJbukaWxXvF4utL7v0lyl0AuUkxMphBcL-QMcdYYIQZQfHeDZ-Qpi5hwp9A-hZapU/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="484" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzxq8DhYh0SiiBDEaPMcwawdaQ7KbDmKL9mJzKwZ_zwlpJZv8vZxo5q2qf0OwkWn5Y1oSj-RrQMy6QLw5Q6bkvU523vPH4UvIFmojQ9P90v13_80-4eglnoPO_NPx7QR2bTDTSnNyoJ8/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzxq8DhYh0SiiBDEaPMcwawdaQ7KbDmKL9mJzKwZ_zwlpJZv8vZxo5q2qf0OwkWn5Y1oSj-RrQMy6QLw5Q6bkvU523vPH4UvIFmojQ9P90v13_80-4eglnoPO_NPx7QR2bTDTSnNyoJ8/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life is about enjoying each season you're in and not wishing and longing for the NEXT stage!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life is making sure that you spend your time doing those things that matter most to you... </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>those things that are your passions, those things you love! B</b><b>ecause life is too short to spend it</b><b> doing anything other than just that!</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />So</b> very grateful for all of the abundance of JOY and ADVENTURE we have experienced thus far in 2014 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">as well as this beautiful winter season!<br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life is just awesome!</b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-79380924575184272222014-01-14T15:29:00.000-07:002014-01-14T17:32:49.710-07:00Project 365... week two!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Another great week of photos! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Delicious food...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SNOW and RAIN...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">New Goals...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hardworking kids and hubby...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Beauty...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Working on projects...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwfGiVXjkTkf_Q9rjzldqR1i_QH782cVzSbOGefUoDNa0jEtA1YOqgOW-VcCVE5PW_43LbomgssvcU0COxC1LsZLLf-4L7x0igKOPRoF9dM2gN8VuZf7mPxjMlEeG1D46JyoDb-vqjDw/s1600/comfort+food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwfGiVXjkTkf_Q9rjzldqR1i_QH782cVzSbOGefUoDNa0jEtA1YOqgOW-VcCVE5PW_43LbomgssvcU0COxC1LsZLLf-4L7x0igKOPRoF9dM2gN8VuZf7mPxjMlEeG1D46JyoDb-vqjDw/s640/comfort+food.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbs0LTbaUpWmey0aBXAqmWOPzqqq-nc-JqNsASDFRxATlo0kaPNuERUJuG05mDrDsKjXC_MmvnGzemLgzr_490KUasqEEzxTMKPHbtKLOAzkKqNmnbfGV5loZKbMnKdgEsylUV5TIKAA/s1600/flat+bread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbs0LTbaUpWmey0aBXAqmWOPzqqq-nc-JqNsASDFRxATlo0kaPNuERUJuG05mDrDsKjXC_MmvnGzemLgzr_490KUasqEEzxTMKPHbtKLOAzkKqNmnbfGV5loZKbMnKdgEsylUV5TIKAA/s640/flat+bread.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>2014-01-06</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Comfort food... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A few of the members of my family have been feeling a little under the weather... Bowls of brothy, Chicken Soup make anyone feel better!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">OH and yummy flat bread cooked up on our grill!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVmo5YjtzKiN503NvYhJE2YLgOT5_HHEvmdl81P86E5V0dvaNkpu5z086-wPbekL8zyR4KPX79Wabyr4lpdkrKXEJMRuh9_mD0Hdke20IRGV3ozJBtP_5JHXeB9cUSyt3eh7iBIuRUaQ/s1600/first+lesson+of+the+year.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVmo5YjtzKiN503NvYhJE2YLgOT5_HHEvmdl81P86E5V0dvaNkpu5z086-wPbekL8zyR4KPX79Wabyr4lpdkrKXEJMRuh9_mD0Hdke20IRGV3ozJBtP_5JHXeB9cUSyt3eh7iBIuRUaQ/s640/first+lesson+of+the+year.JPG" width="578" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b>2014-01-07</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">First piano lesson of the new year. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Thanks to the great confidence in my ability, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">from my awesome piano teacher, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">I'm going to learn and perfect "Clare De Lune" this year! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">My 11 year old son is going to be in heaven when I accomplish this goal because this is his favorite song!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I just love Susan! She is so motivational! When she asked me today what my goals for piano were going to be, I said I would love to learn Clare De Lune, or, Malagueña, but, they had 6/4 and 9/8 timing (one had 5 flats the other 4 sharps) and that they would probably be way too hard for me. She responded with: "Tell me what would you be gaining to put off learning this song for one more year? You grow and become better and more accomplished by stretching and pushing yourself"! I chose Clare De lune! Susan is truly a blessing in my life! She makes me come away from piano each week feeling like YES I CAN do anything I set my mind to!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ABGve5_UD9KalRSlZEOC0p4e_zGAIzru4tmcHtNM73C4vwhubGlJ686THm05fn37e6Vjng-Y-7T0zwX4JBUe-DKKiJYyWmLwoMsInEajQlb2qqKUoGp3CW8T6nHfUmbE4NKeeJMLxyw/s1600/frozen+downspout++%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ABGve5_UD9KalRSlZEOC0p4e_zGAIzru4tmcHtNM73C4vwhubGlJ686THm05fn37e6Vjng-Y-7T0zwX4JBUe-DKKiJYyWmLwoMsInEajQlb2qqKUoGp3CW8T6nHfUmbE4NKeeJMLxyw/s640/frozen+downspout++%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCScBrUZB5OQgH77BKUYhQKh5bwDffTwAibCiwYh1Px6d3BQSX8VM8RXRDK_tJE1hRbyR4ZK_3pvzSosVd3N_EwcLzqXNJpqbK3BKdQNHrvv_utfpJYzAjEelqzk1CYvEMgu2Z_6GfmU/s1600/frozen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCScBrUZB5OQgH77BKUYhQKh5bwDffTwAibCiwYh1Px6d3BQSX8VM8RXRDK_tJE1hRbyR4ZK_3pvzSosVd3N_EwcLzqXNJpqbK3BKdQNHrvv_utfpJYzAjEelqzk1CYvEMgu2Z_6GfmU/s640/frozen.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>2014-01-08</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It was a dreary winter day today. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The frozen water that was at the opening in the downspout of our rain gutter looked like cool art sculptures to me!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo96ipHZYBfXq8Jpf67s3WBOqRuhRNn2PE3n4YOgK6RBRbnH3NZ5HBgtLk1gZSbu1vetp6yYoknJ79_jfF-JbO1j9W2ImDZrHdn-8ZSQbf21wpIsGzBkAIMt32SV5-7as9Bq87GH_mCTU/s1600/snowy+recess.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo96ipHZYBfXq8Jpf67s3WBOqRuhRNn2PE3n4YOgK6RBRbnH3NZ5HBgtLk1gZSbu1vetp6yYoknJ79_jfF-JbO1j9W2ImDZrHdn-8ZSQbf21wpIsGzBkAIMt32SV5-7as9Bq87GH_mCTU/s640/snowy+recess.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>2014-01-09</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The snow came down and down and down!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Recess is never cancelled when it's snowing, so I got to enjoy the big beautiful flakes on lunch recess duty!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JsHj2_FV9uvlU9r_aNCK9bVDscErF5OogQ3XrtjP-uGQjB68cQwWJzWvBI-m3T_y0LDQcVIylLSIVSFRl3aB5Bf2Zzg5EVI3cm1ajgcyD4LUppc2KEuWUvg4XS6_A16fxmLXWzMSFpw/s1600/we+got+snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JsHj2_FV9uvlU9r_aNCK9bVDscErF5OogQ3XrtjP-uGQjB68cQwWJzWvBI-m3T_y0LDQcVIylLSIVSFRl3aB5Bf2Zzg5EVI3cm1ajgcyD4LUppc2KEuWUvg4XS6_A16fxmLXWzMSFpw/s640/we+got+snow.JPG" width="494" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>LOTS of snow today</b>...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgberOct50C_52DddlrkHK1WkmqEbxRbyJZ4BvMNXL4r5-iRBW81TRtSCGxEZGTZ4vLjZ-1octwxAxxdNafS5P-K7zpyYf7aCC_KXRB59z7zhgu-T8TUSu3-_LcsFkNHaje3IiSKCcJ-Ug/s1600/hard+working+boy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgberOct50C_52DddlrkHK1WkmqEbxRbyJZ4BvMNXL4r5-iRBW81TRtSCGxEZGTZ4vLjZ-1octwxAxxdNafS5P-K7zpyYf7aCC_KXRB59z7zhgu-T8TUSu3-_LcsFkNHaje3IiSKCcJ-Ug/s640/hard+working+boy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLNltpH6Tfc1gx7-Ew-sZC3_HKrqqDhYNcrPLbSuDAWXhrDOkzP9AgDv0ZSYscvCOr-5UPkoQTla9Uu61_BHp8GFJSoeTqU7BUWDfSmw4o-VlVYIrS5Iy2hM8VOHucX1xy-d0Qb4occg/s1600/shoveling+the+driveway+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLNltpH6Tfc1gx7-Ew-sZC3_HKrqqDhYNcrPLbSuDAWXhrDOkzP9AgDv0ZSYscvCOr-5UPkoQTla9Uu61_BHp8GFJSoeTqU7BUWDfSmw4o-VlVYIrS5Iy2hM8VOHucX1xy-d0Qb4occg/s640/shoveling+the+driveway+(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had to run some errands after work</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> and I came home to two boys hard at work shoveling the driveway!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I seriously have the BEST life, hubby and kids!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAhzahPqc8I46_MY8qrFm2RAx_QmWshlKYF0-6bH_QIJpLbpm2R3dWCS2ylIMZ-BQbp-RLFGQRIZQ1t6R3pi9nfTvdbFArjWD3AYKOlryk038gMiInSCvGV6dlf-98s_Sl-JJc6nBANc/s1600/those+blue+eyes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAhzahPqc8I46_MY8qrFm2RAx_QmWshlKYF0-6bH_QIJpLbpm2R3dWCS2ylIMZ-BQbp-RLFGQRIZQ1t6R3pi9nfTvdbFArjWD3AYKOlryk038gMiInSCvGV6dlf-98s_Sl-JJc6nBANc/s640/those+blue+eyes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Those amazing blue eyes!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My hubby hard at work trying to solve a problem!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>2014-01-10</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Beautiful sunset as my husband, the Scout Master, headed off to go on a winter campout with his Scouts tonight!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Tired...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Good Morning after a cold night of </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>winter camping with dad and the Scouts!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>2014-01-11</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">...And today it rained! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It should have been snow, but, it rained instead! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hopefully, we'll get another good snow storm soon. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>I love the snow!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDtxUu3CEv0GQL7j9Ir0X-o2xKWfCGfnnolWkJ2HmvOhhNc9jcSiZqL7-6FRciFnTs4WdlaW2g0ZFdKXl-0KtlWeW85hL9sq_c5OLlbcNWD9gdabXbMF9mntDw_QhfEvQxfspGMeqJtM/s1600/sanding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDtxUu3CEv0GQL7j9Ir0X-o2xKWfCGfnnolWkJ2HmvOhhNc9jcSiZqL7-6FRciFnTs4WdlaW2g0ZFdKXl-0KtlWeW85hL9sq_c5OLlbcNWD9gdabXbMF9mntDw_QhfEvQxfspGMeqJtM/s640/sanding.JPG" width="484" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Tracy and I enjoyed some time in the workshop...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Being married to a wife who's the Cub Master, during the month of Pinewood Derby means making awards and stands!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyziKyvMeq0BCor8oCgPDuJpfyQbaYit4LeXcw2Pr55URN-x7tS2zmxS1J49Oz-FGOz20SbQwz0PqOTUCUakQ6vrOdNHamVuEYZkzCEeqgv9n3qCDkmRaWj1lXDCadnxHieu-toC_u304/s1600/tracy+chipping+away+ice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyziKyvMeq0BCor8oCgPDuJpfyQbaYit4LeXcw2Pr55URN-x7tS2zmxS1J49Oz-FGOz20SbQwz0PqOTUCUakQ6vrOdNHamVuEYZkzCEeqgv9n3qCDkmRaWj1lXDCadnxHieu-toC_u304/s640/tracy+chipping+away+ice.JPG" width="518" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>2014-01-12</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Chipping away the rest of the ice from our driveway after the rain and thaw that we experienced yesterday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Only two weeks into the new year and I can't complain!</span><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Life is SO good!</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-37990659851956310862014-01-12T09:23:00.000-07:002014-01-13T09:45:36.856-07:00Potato and Ham Casserole <div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaGmidsW0Ng8BOeFCQP4Dycs4hthYAwF3DRvWdjbL7NwEOlnY4bgt91MVHK6j5y8f2rOOrdi2iPu5ENh7cOb6rtDjaMvnNGPwdsOcsj4NVrOxD-WLeRwZqjh6dpv7SKzmOWjI3Om9j7c/s1600/more+casserole.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaGmidsW0Ng8BOeFCQP4Dycs4hthYAwF3DRvWdjbL7NwEOlnY4bgt91MVHK6j5y8f2rOOrdi2iPu5ENh7cOb6rtDjaMvnNGPwdsOcsj4NVrOxD-WLeRwZqjh6dpv7SKzmOWjI3Om9j7c/s1600/more+casserole.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We have a new favorite recipe at our house...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When I had surgery</span>,<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">one of our sweet neighbors brought in the most delicious meal that my men just <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>LOVED!</b></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Who would have known that Potato Casserole </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">with a <b>little bit of ham mixed in it</b>, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">makes such a delicious dinner!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Serve this with a LARGE serving of steamed vegges, OR, large salad and you have a great, filling, frugal meal.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I usually</span> <span style="font-size: large;">make my Potato Casserole </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and serve it with ham, or, roast, on the side, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">however, this way is much better,<b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>because you don't over indulge with eating too much meat.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's "Lagom"...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There's just the right amount of meat to give it some flavor and to make you feel satisfied!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SO,</b> if you have some leftover Christmas or Easter ham in your freezer, this is the perfect recipe to use you ham in.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AND,</b> the leftover Potato Casserole is awesome to brown up and scramble in some eggs and serve for breakfast!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithoD6cJ6HtUVuY_0am7-7jM45bXdDU6iSpt0ftlwYUmMAzuWyEQ6q3Ifzjev0s4fTQl5S51xbDzlG8dAVLtYYwP6tnlgvBA_aF31HNTrzSpM9Izv5_dafUBsSceQGVwiOhDHcXotOZJI/s1600/March+20132-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithoD6cJ6HtUVuY_0am7-7jM45bXdDU6iSpt0ftlwYUmMAzuWyEQ6q3Ifzjev0s4fTQl5S51xbDzlG8dAVLtYYwP6tnlgvBA_aF31HNTrzSpM9Izv5_dafUBsSceQGVwiOhDHcXotOZJI/s1600/March+20132-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As usual, I have made my own cream soup replacement for this, </b>but, if you don't want to make your own, just dump in a can of Cream of Chicken/Mushroom soup and 1-2 cups sour cream and it tastes great too!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>(that's what my neighbor did and my men thought it was delicious and begged me to get the recipe)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(original Potato Casserole Recipe<a href="http://pinkcookieswithsprinkles.blogspot.com/2013/04/potato-casserole-with-no-cream-soup.html"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here</span></a>)</b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Potato and Ham Casserole</b></span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Boil </b></span><b>8 large potatoes until tender and then run under cold water and then peel and dice them into chunks</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">2 Tbsp. Melted butter</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">1 onion finely chopped</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1-2 cups chopped ham</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>(one recipe of sauce below) (<span style="font-size: large;">or,</span> </b>just add in a Can Cream of Chicken Soup and 1-2 cups sour cream)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">2 cups grated cheese of your choice (I use SHARP cheese)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">salt and pepper to taste</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>(sauce)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">3 Tbsp. butter</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1/3 cup flour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">2 cups chicken broth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">1 cup sour cream </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">Melt butter and then add in flour and whisk until well combined</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">Add in chicken broth and whisk together and boil until thickened (about 5 minutes)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">Add in sour cream and stir until smooth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Mix</b> together diced potatoes, chopped ham, melted butter and onions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Then add in</b> white sauce/sour cream mixture and cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Stir</b> until well mixed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Put in</b> 9x13 pan... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Bake</b> covered at 350 degrees for 60-75 minutes—</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">uncover last 10 minutes</span> <span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Enjoy!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>AND remember if you have any leftover casserole you can turn it into a great breakfast, by browning up the casserole in a little bit of butter and then scrambling in some eggs! </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Kids and hubby LOVE this for breakfast!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PS...</b></span><br />
(I apologize for photos that are not the best coloring/quality. I forget that in the WINTER months if I want to blog about a recipe and take photo, I need to make sure I make it early enough in the day where there is still some day light to capture some great photos. I didn't quite bake this in time to get that...<b>you live and learn!</b>).</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-36985911374591487552014-01-06T14:34:00.001-07:002014-01-06T20:19:16.198-07:00Project 365... week one!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4EZTzdt9QZRabT25xcnibcgsQlRndjAo65D12qutGlCflMGVSl1bPHQCANTcP3i526OFy-HgN3bfonIXoFbAAqe6Yzay8-3aWpFx0bqCbh8nZurxe5monbpaJ5ZeYdpjuQRoZM9PFyE/s1600/first+snap+shot.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4EZTzdt9QZRabT25xcnibcgsQlRndjAo65D12qutGlCflMGVSl1bPHQCANTcP3i526OFy-HgN3bfonIXoFbAAqe6Yzay8-3aWpFx0bqCbh8nZurxe5monbpaJ5ZeYdpjuQRoZM9PFyE/s1600/first+snap+shot.JPG" height="360" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4EZTzdt9QZRabT25xcnibcgsQlRndjAo65D12qutGlCflMGVSl1bPHQCANTcP3i526OFy-HgN3bfonIXoFbAAqe6Yzay8-3aWpFx0bqCbh8nZurxe5monbpaJ5ZeYdpjuQRoZM9PFyE/s1600/first+snap+shot.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I've decided to try another year of Project 365.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I did this challenge back in 2012, but took a break in 2013.</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While it can sometimes be a little overwhelming, it's so rewarding to try and capture the day in a photo <b>AND</b> it's fun to look back and see a years worth of photos and memories and especially see how much your kids grow up in a year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I've captured a few more photos than "one a day" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(mainly, because some days were more exciting than others).</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here's to a GREAT year of photos and memories! </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2014-01-01</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Freshly fallen snow...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a clean slate for a new year!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> 2014-01-02</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I SPY...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the face of a sweet hubby </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">staring back at me through the hole in the snow pile! </span><br />
(noticed this cool place to take a photo when we pulled up to Tracy's work)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "Take your wife to work day"!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our boys had to go back to school today</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(BOO...no fun for them!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and so Tracy took me to work with him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">SO much fun... we had a ball! </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Goals for 2014...</span></b></div>
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Simple is the best! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLDyoqfi0T5C5eMJh5FWKLrt8TlqxFhu98a13K78cLFxQulVY7uqd8a3mJSAhlgr3zfJVfkPycL5DucUFur7UmuX9JY8D960q-4syGZvUdeR3pRaDU5j4hM77smoFRVJwS8q7JwKq4ew/s1600/salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLDyoqfi0T5C5eMJh5FWKLrt8TlqxFhu98a13K78cLFxQulVY7uqd8a3mJSAhlgr3zfJVfkPycL5DucUFur7UmuX9JY8D960q-4syGZvUdeR3pRaDU5j4hM77smoFRVJwS8q7JwKq4ew/s1600/salad.JPG" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">After taking care of some things at the office,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Tracy and I went and splurged on lunch at Chiz's.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent">Delicious shrimp & the boiled egg on my
Chef's salad </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent">was even a "double yolker"!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent"> I'm quite certain that's a
sign this is going to be a prosperous year</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN20lNMjTi-o4nU8Bn9lqBt822aHrEYGebAPlx3ZfwhkJQ3Cj7XvMHa420aZ-tmEHufA5197pm_q3_tMsu_1rlkwDGDnfMcv-ZVZLJiESeYHIp7Cu45rH3y5preDdk82z49rlxjL2Jlfg/s1600/melting+snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN20lNMjTi-o4nU8Bn9lqBt822aHrEYGebAPlx3ZfwhkJQ3Cj7XvMHa420aZ-tmEHufA5197pm_q3_tMsu_1rlkwDGDnfMcv-ZVZLJiESeYHIp7Cu45rH3y5preDdk82z49rlxjL2Jlfg/s1600/melting+snow.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">2014-01-03</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We've had a warming trend the past few days.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Noticed this as I was stepping out of the car in our driveway...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">love how the snow, ice and rocks looked together!</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">It's like a piece of art! </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Weekend sunrise...</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Weekend sunset...</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2014-01-04</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The sunshine lit up our room beautifully Saturday afternoon.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent">Best part about this photo? The sweet guy in
the background that's washing dishes while I dry them!! The sun is
shining brightly in the window while we stand and talk and work! This
is one of the many benefits from having a broken dishwasher.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent">Life is SO good!! </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent">2014-01-05</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent">First Smith family snapshot of 2014!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent">The first time we dressed up and my men donned shirts and ties for the year!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent">I love these handsome men!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent">SO my friends, I encourage you all to get out there and capture your world through photos!<br />You won't regret all of the wonderful memories you'll preserve by taking a photo a day!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Life's too short not to capture each and every moment that you can! </span></span></span></span><br />
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Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-39192834449479031352014-01-01T14:25:00.000-07:002014-01-01T14:25:12.740-07:00Happy New Year! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsdBKxpM3UqKVkXEUhq0TiitSnNDCBxVjz8krY0Z-CseUbhyphenhyphen-uqIqaluXZrAtSVCk7nDaJIHJOXAU-268iKCeRQNZkV-EKFreFF6Mm5-Oa4_4Bm3jNaohQrbm3_BaRZqMwmzailuwPlQ/s1600/going+to+be+great.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsdBKxpM3UqKVkXEUhq0TiitSnNDCBxVjz8krY0Z-CseUbhyphenhyphen-uqIqaluXZrAtSVCk7nDaJIHJOXAU-268iKCeRQNZkV-EKFreFF6Mm5-Oa4_4Bm3jNaohQrbm3_BaRZqMwmzailuwPlQ/s640/going+to+be+great.JPG" width="494" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">WOW! </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's hard to believe that another year has just flown on by! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2013 ended with a little bit of crazy FUN! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here's to another year of great opportunities,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>LOTS of fun and adventure</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> and LOTS of great memories!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Bring it on!</b></span></div>
Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-18898631120656542322013-12-31T16:25:00.000-07:002014-01-01T16:26:38.748-07:00Winter Beauty...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."</span></i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It's been such a beautiful winter wonderland</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> this Christmas season.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of my favorite snow and frost photos that I've captured with my camera.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpded5Sjb4joo8L97Sr_3_Eovhupm3ItfeST9oFmC799vN_QvV-q1Iiyu_buKLkhWE0wNiYRpo0S3xPHM2XjOrScpYYcmlI0FBcbjFzP3VBFfePzI1eL2Q0FpAXEtyU1aaX4gpZISffw/s1600/sheep+herd.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpded5Sjb4joo8L97Sr_3_Eovhupm3ItfeST9oFmC799vN_QvV-q1Iiyu_buKLkhWE0wNiYRpo0S3xPHM2XjOrScpYYcmlI0FBcbjFzP3VBFfePzI1eL2Q0FpAXEtyU1aaX4gpZISffw/s640/sheep+herd.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">(First off, we see lots of unique things living out in the country.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yes,</b> this is a photo of 100's of sheep being herded down the main road.) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5-vD2ngLsCsn2HUNihS_fczSBkjfdu7VzDpF7brphvtT9ULQZVvHu_dsAOSXPU1lliei-Hfe3BFO0yrFnbg4qhBzWLF-0E8vZBcBMZBnvjLmmuLL4Er4lGnpx8z9vHC1mb3bEzX5OP0/s1600/more+eagles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5-vD2ngLsCsn2HUNihS_fczSBkjfdu7VzDpF7brphvtT9ULQZVvHu_dsAOSXPU1lliei-Hfe3BFO0yrFnbg4qhBzWLF-0E8vZBcBMZBnvjLmmuLL4Er4lGnpx8z9vHC1mb3bEzX5OP0/s640/more+eagles.JPG" width="492" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Two Bald Eagles we spotted on one of our trips to town.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9Z51F8juP-wJdYVcKcXwbuLDmKTHFBUOnJkvOaNih_nIpI0ZXaKneAB8-tuV5N9-y_EEK5mP4v032dqSo8iH3pukRB6Pn4HjnyfRKnXerZBihDOvtSVnJd5914ccydiakAM1eprgTgE/s1600/winter+wonderland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9Z51F8juP-wJdYVcKcXwbuLDmKTHFBUOnJkvOaNih_nIpI0ZXaKneAB8-tuV5N9-y_EEK5mP4v032dqSo8iH3pukRB6Pn4HjnyfRKnXerZBihDOvtSVnJd5914ccydiakAM1eprgTgE/s640/winter+wonderland.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> The view out our bedroom window...</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gW7u9doNYXZyVldVmHAl3q7tK2TI0THbbndj1Ec6Aa6O2UZbfuu_kp7xyk0VMkS1C34X_aX0TKAa_Nxvbvoto1p1_WjMJBVvAWYZyZ0KDVGdiTMJhYjzttNvM6KGXXh56sN0cHzVQ-4/s1600/beautiful+winter+morning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gW7u9doNYXZyVldVmHAl3q7tK2TI0THbbndj1Ec6Aa6O2UZbfuu_kp7xyk0VMkS1C34X_aX0TKAa_Nxvbvoto1p1_WjMJBVvAWYZyZ0KDVGdiTMJhYjzttNvM6KGXXh56sN0cHzVQ-4/s640/beautiful+winter+morning.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHIcIDvugKiHGvGsDvlYBiUWS2QburKqU7lt56vRcrOGmnME7HW4O0O_a5dMYUzyukaGxBw5Y_V-2pBtoNTCN40igLi5-mjfOvyd8AhOlXUgGA7F2eVLQi1GewzjEsxLHgz8vP-QuoBQ/s1600/frosty+beauty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHIcIDvugKiHGvGsDvlYBiUWS2QburKqU7lt56vRcrOGmnME7HW4O0O_a5dMYUzyukaGxBw5Y_V-2pBtoNTCN40igLi5-mjfOvyd8AhOlXUgGA7F2eVLQi1GewzjEsxLHgz8vP-QuoBQ/s640/frosty+beauty.JPG" width="538" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">There is so much amazing beauty</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> to be seen each and every day of life!</b><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Looking forward to another few months of enjoying more of this amazing winter wonderland where we live!</span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-37132043987734302142013-12-31T13:49:00.006-07:002021-02-20T17:12:04.129-07:00Our month of December...<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VoUNKZD4xrlty36bQkK5qzkIihiRbT6TA0sZ43vjwK1r9k-MOMTJ5awgREMrfXa1hWmMl7lJ6GOS0DnQx6rLtTJ5oG3HUIHjVYGb_DbQOvr5xMfQyQAv8gzqqC192NBh4zuuUt9MPDQ/s1600/ward+christmas+party.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VoUNKZD4xrlty36bQkK5qzkIihiRbT6TA0sZ43vjwK1r9k-MOMTJ5awgREMrfXa1hWmMl7lJ6GOS0DnQx6rLtTJ5oG3HUIHjVYGb_DbQOvr5xMfQyQAv8gzqqC192NBh4zuuUt9MPDQ/s1600/ward+christmas+party.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's the most wonderful time...</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">of the year!</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I guess before it gets any more into January I'd better get our December blogged about.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While I'm a perfectionist and like things to be done <b>PERFECT </b>and to a certain level, this post will be anything but that.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mostly </b>just an overload of photos from our month <i>(without much text)</i>, so I can at least have the memories preserved. Sometimes, just getting something done on a less than perfect level, is better than<b> NOT</b> having it done at all! </span><br />
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<b><span face="Verdana,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: x-large;">OUR Tree...</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Christmas Wonder...</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DlYMaGGiWOpLNBtIyyCy-oNkgjDQyKbxaIjMwOgi6FyHoPaWeZahGgnPDrw_Zg9N7_L2JlN00qK5ltWhtQPaRW9eNjzW0uDO9qFh_r45iBJRMajNTVpSR0iqVrE2osp0jb5lGqCuicc/s1600/decorating+the+tree.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DlYMaGGiWOpLNBtIyyCy-oNkgjDQyKbxaIjMwOgi6FyHoPaWeZahGgnPDrw_Zg9N7_L2JlN00qK5ltWhtQPaRW9eNjzW0uDO9qFh_r45iBJRMajNTVpSR0iqVrE2osp0jb5lGqCuicc/s1600/decorating+the+tree.JPG" width="514" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Decorating... </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqR7jNLaKXYKcVx1HwveyUzUpN1WRojdp_jjxwqi5-09YxbGHyeEXRiZUUEX2oHKlfhjkVk9nEUs1Lo3MZJk7Bck2W9Z1L4hESL7VL6DkHzMkuV2UYhPzM2lxk0vZ-6jNQqj873aNnoA/s1600/hanging+the+star.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqR7jNLaKXYKcVx1HwveyUzUpN1WRojdp_jjxwqi5-09YxbGHyeEXRiZUUEX2oHKlfhjkVk9nEUs1Lo3MZJk7Bck2W9Z1L4hESL7VL6DkHzMkuV2UYhPzM2lxk0vZ-6jNQqj873aNnoA/s1600/hanging+the+star.JPG" width="540" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Putting on the star...</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7yquajhdxWaieUxKxuJYl-RySxkg0klb0rK-YZwbGzVvvNXpVwnomvu_DiUD1FMIZ0Ztu0YaTajNXYVnlcTRHN3_Iu-9NJig2WKj9NsCraU8iXft06E50iftKcdpu5wDTct6tqGCBXc/s1600/soft+glow+of+tree.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7yquajhdxWaieUxKxuJYl-RySxkg0klb0rK-YZwbGzVvvNXpVwnomvu_DiUD1FMIZ0Ztu0YaTajNXYVnlcTRHN3_Iu-9NJig2WKj9NsCraU8iXft06E50iftKcdpu5wDTct6tqGCBXc/s1600/soft+glow+of+tree.JPG" width="484" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RkgBZA3Y1qZ2uM38wPczktn77Thc9tJJ14ZMomwT7rrjYstEWlq8ZPIE-ic4e4ej6pDlNoRRN5kQBA1oWAtZJay7rDvYaFIh3sDbKQLCAcTG1HxyJeN21SnUZD7aJgNC90qnTlsrp34/s1600/outside+lights.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RkgBZA3Y1qZ2uM38wPczktn77Thc9tJJ14ZMomwT7rrjYstEWlq8ZPIE-ic4e4ej6pDlNoRRN5kQBA1oWAtZJay7rDvYaFIh3sDbKQLCAcTG1HxyJeN21SnUZD7aJgNC90qnTlsrp34/s1600/outside+lights.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The outside lights... </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsJGPCJdjTKevI6QHxpzrm44pIQlIDWpOCKRhjObvJBPDV1O-fWfsnU7pCSj3MaEEA4TwFDPe1Uxb5gLFgHGWv4ZLyNIQfARDmrzF2zQl98fZGTmWNhO7KNbrYLR0DgpHPmXz2ET8i7M/s1600/christmas+cards+2013.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsJGPCJdjTKevI6QHxpzrm44pIQlIDWpOCKRhjObvJBPDV1O-fWfsnU7pCSj3MaEEA4TwFDPe1Uxb5gLFgHGWv4ZLyNIQfARDmrzF2zQl98fZGTmWNhO7KNbrYLR0DgpHPmXz2ET8i7M/s1600/christmas+cards+2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our holiday cards this year...</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D9jfN4UIPhZTIY6Two-V2swWtN1Z3C3DdlUGRsOJVsTuM6NcS_c8e12Bj5hThmk7U9P2kIHF9TQBT3Q96C1s0R7FlXWNMX2nHXbMa2AtSmbQcXPj0I56XpEIkeXczHFMvkIxIayJAuM/s1600/smells+like+christmas.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D9jfN4UIPhZTIY6Two-V2swWtN1Z3C3DdlUGRsOJVsTuM6NcS_c8e12Bj5hThmk7U9P2kIHF9TQBT3Q96C1s0R7FlXWNMX2nHXbMa2AtSmbQcXPj0I56XpEIkeXczHFMvkIxIayJAuM/s1600/smells+like+christmas.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVkWxXHVoeyG3D1cqniByHkQNBWt4Jz0_LcuIsj5nlqgi5nFEQLxMCJ8vf_7vGAqCVzTvlVOvuT0N4KAoDqJLiM7dQUWBJ3jjtE4L0WYPkMdV86SK0sktOu5NK_0BXPbD-4Iuedq5WCc/s1600/chocolate+caramel+pretzels.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVkWxXHVoeyG3D1cqniByHkQNBWt4Jz0_LcuIsj5nlqgi5nFEQLxMCJ8vf_7vGAqCVzTvlVOvuT0N4KAoDqJLiM7dQUWBJ3jjtE4L0WYPkMdV86SK0sktOu5NK_0BXPbD-4Iuedq5WCc/s1600/chocolate+caramel+pretzels.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK8E3l0wJWzCZlSzK272_kEYlp533xX0FCeLFQ9ZWOb6CuIDsBiZLBUhdx401VUtsj64YEvS3FSLisNUaqg4chklcUfIH2-YOzJLofU4npfm5RNtYrOSfIuni6waPMnj0Ivs_oKeq0pk/s1600/yummy+fish.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK8E3l0wJWzCZlSzK272_kEYlp533xX0FCeLFQ9ZWOb6CuIDsBiZLBUhdx401VUtsj64YEvS3FSLisNUaqg4chklcUfIH2-YOzJLofU4npfm5RNtYrOSfIuni6waPMnj0Ivs_oKeq0pk/s1600/yummy+fish.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Delicious freshly caught trout</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> that our good friends shared with us!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I could eat fresh fish every day and never tire of it!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2dEzgz3aLh5qbsu6HxhljtwoPAu8w1ym2LRDJoybg4OEVYKNcTnwrZriGt8X8ALoErpW5CYJtUYLexdzsMXMBzWkM4xwfIwgGl97FlaFcezPJ7eB4Mu1x8Zad0ndoPuQq1GmQlWeFRk/s1600/gingerbread+boy+cookies.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2dEzgz3aLh5qbsu6HxhljtwoPAu8w1ym2LRDJoybg4OEVYKNcTnwrZriGt8X8ALoErpW5CYJtUYLexdzsMXMBzWkM4xwfIwgGl97FlaFcezPJ7eB4Mu1x8Zad0ndoPuQq1GmQlWeFRk/s1600/gingerbread+boy+cookies.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">SO excited that our favorite </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gingerbread boy cookies are in the stores to buy!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without them!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDIMKonY6zfQZ9o8zNoM8VQl9nuPdkABRAaBrtkYqKUeJF_r-zpr4lbKIBrevstADwS1Su7KsIhbfzp4nGaxYKeCfkMt9y-M0kOZlPhztKTY4P3w6oQSoCznjtepRVXE6nIGDwMUG63U/s1600/chili+with+ethan.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDIMKonY6zfQZ9o8zNoM8VQl9nuPdkABRAaBrtkYqKUeJF_r-zpr4lbKIBrevstADwS1Su7KsIhbfzp4nGaxYKeCfkMt9y-M0kOZlPhztKTY4P3w6oQSoCznjtepRVXE6nIGDwMUG63U/s1600/chili+with+ethan.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDIMKonY6zfQZ9o8zNoM8VQl9nuPdkABRAaBrtkYqKUeJF_r-zpr4lbKIBrevstADwS1Su7KsIhbfzp4nGaxYKeCfkMt9y-M0kOZlPhztKTY4P3w6oQSoCznjtepRVXE6nIGDwMUG63U/s320/chili+with+ethan.JPG" width="596" /></a></div>
<b><span><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><span style="font-size: medium;">While it was a hectic month, I never miss an opportunity to enjoy our tradition of enjoying Chili and Cinnamon Rolls with my Ethan. </span></span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
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<br />
<b><span face="Verdana,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">PIANO recital for Ethan!<br />(his sweet profile just makes me smile every time!)</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpXz6KKsUP5FMz35GgAmknZCG3tyLGs2mC3cpAlUlsXSiV_Ej74IOiT7TKYBvOyBiGjYhWOZMEMNXn9wyDNCadqAery0ZUNUZmetTo3evIGFDkagcIrRKWZIFslcrqwSMx391wROLLB8/s1600/ethan+recital.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpXz6KKsUP5FMz35GgAmknZCG3tyLGs2mC3cpAlUlsXSiV_Ej74IOiT7TKYBvOyBiGjYhWOZMEMNXn9wyDNCadqAery0ZUNUZmetTo3evIGFDkagcIrRKWZIFslcrqwSMx391wROLLB8/s1600/ethan+recital.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5-nLIfsT-yqsDKZ2DrsPib0v1Wzdth2Kn8L4NkpVcnAxqOOsR-Zj2Odvat3Yw7uQlminLPjfjUnNwdbryVg84yhoZ4w7inFpN6ayaWH5PIEIZoRdlqQER4i1un_1vHbsWvzGy-0-0wM/s1600/ethan+nursing+home.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5-nLIfsT-yqsDKZ2DrsPib0v1Wzdth2Kn8L4NkpVcnAxqOOsR-Zj2Odvat3Yw7uQlminLPjfjUnNwdbryVg84yhoZ4w7inFpN6ayaWH5PIEIZoRdlqQER4i1un_1vHbsWvzGy-0-0wM/s1600/ethan+nursing+home.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4s0EzOkTyPHRWWErhyhnz9uf68CGRzVn6Z4T-WXtG_Q4nbVWXmvbTa_qT6rRicppaFrRAjUzANBKYFTdY2dSO1hAxviQmG4ghgT9dOFRbwb67WCzXBg4HdkP17uwaDYJv28CeBk4vJM/s1600/recovering.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4s0EzOkTyPHRWWErhyhnz9uf68CGRzVn6Z4T-WXtG_Q4nbVWXmvbTa_qT6rRicppaFrRAjUzANBKYFTdY2dSO1hAxviQmG4ghgT9dOFRbwb67WCzXBg4HdkP17uwaDYJv28CeBk4vJM/s1600/recovering.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gorgeous view I got enjoy while I recovered from surgery!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b></span></b></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBPPYLRIy4_W31i22mCZqMssuOc42ZWqUa3ml0Es3pfPoGRWZkU6dluM8tuFFiCvUScsfwIBzJpoZZ_r6WoM5YIZf5YkikYD60tlUNP9-TAvatsXMugCXLLynUMVv2XJMB2JefuousQM/s1600/santa+run.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBPPYLRIy4_W31i22mCZqMssuOc42ZWqUa3ml0Es3pfPoGRWZkU6dluM8tuFFiCvUScsfwIBzJpoZZ_r6WoM5YIZf5YkikYD60tlUNP9-TAvatsXMugCXLLynUMVv2XJMB2JefuousQM/s1600/santa+run.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></b>Such a fun day! </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWdP8iB3W46dkq1atBZhCp4gsIxUb-91bAaLh-lqYSNgtUSpNprwiBiYzFyjSbQBRtMgns_8zyieQ6gf8mV8Efzbi4VU0RmPLDy5ahMpbg8xUQv9Sywu-IiJYLb75sgpmK_xOvRTspo8/s1600/sam+and+dawn.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWdP8iB3W46dkq1atBZhCp4gsIxUb-91bAaLh-lqYSNgtUSpNprwiBiYzFyjSbQBRtMgns_8zyieQ6gf8mV8Efzbi4VU0RmPLDy5ahMpbg8xUQv9Sywu-IiJYLb75sgpmK_xOvRTspo8/s1600/sam+and+dawn.JPG" width="608" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8i8JeJsO8Yy1dVvJi1PHNQFQjB09J_jefI094HI5sBiUpI5AW-v1pAXU58llHkFEY4Qg_N-Z3_KRDlk6EnLCFHaaxifGz1khbNu8s3JKwggPEtMWwGbJNRkpBSkCMIYDvDAi0OyZw7E/s1600/white+santa+baby.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8i8JeJsO8Yy1dVvJi1PHNQFQjB09J_jefI094HI5sBiUpI5AW-v1pAXU58llHkFEY4Qg_N-Z3_KRDlk6EnLCFHaaxifGz1khbNu8s3JKwggPEtMWwGbJNRkpBSkCMIYDvDAi0OyZw7E/s1600/white+santa+baby.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">SANTA BABY!!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28cCX6KoqzzsoWNpsY0S-l2LKTNmQH0Ln519gQYqeeXHVUBW3MtB-OmVA6C8hmFDoVZU1NJHW0y-AN7PzA6ElQWjCLR1QxeG_d3-RLiY0gdkRSV4_NLGE9Mqzf-WDXsoRjLRt4HaMGOY/s1600/jade+and+sam.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28cCX6KoqzzsoWNpsY0S-l2LKTNmQH0Ln519gQYqeeXHVUBW3MtB-OmVA6C8hmFDoVZU1NJHW0y-AN7PzA6ElQWjCLR1QxeG_d3-RLiY0gdkRSV4_NLGE9Mqzf-WDXsoRjLRt4HaMGOY/s1600/jade+and+sam.JPG" width="484" /> </a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">These two boys are such great friends! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">NATIVITY production that our local friends put on for our community...</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Such a sweet night!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGqeJLb28n-2-suAG6ubzMOnKWqyIx7MWNXImtGhG-0jNdzqXw5bHC6qOFcRqtYK8lqlKTSAEAzwRLPVvbjaZ_MpHlXU3nFHdiHVNBZzpkO34kplzuyRzr1HHL8vu1skBB7yRV__1L8Q/s1600/nativity+guitar.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGqeJLb28n-2-suAG6ubzMOnKWqyIx7MWNXImtGhG-0jNdzqXw5bHC6qOFcRqtYK8lqlKTSAEAzwRLPVvbjaZ_MpHlXU3nFHdiHVNBZzpkO34kplzuyRzr1HHL8vu1skBB7yRV__1L8Q/s1600/nativity+guitar.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Silent Night...</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Holy Night...</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Santa Came to the Smith House...</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Best dad EVER!!! </span></b></div>
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<b>(Tracy's thoughts on Christmas that he posted on Facebook) </b><br />
<i>My 11 year old son, Ethan, spent close to 13 hours recording his voice reading the ENTIRE first book in the Hunger Games series since he kept asking me to read it and I never seem to take the time. He was hoping now I could listen to his custom audio book (made with love by him), while I commute to work. I also got a couple flannel shirts to go with my really ugly beard... although they aren't Pendelton's, they are very nice. My sweetheart got me some neat backpacking odds and ends and a Maxpedition Fatty. It's a really cool organizer for my daily carry things. I've always been a "be prepared", Boy Scout, kinda guy. I'm really excited to get it all loaded-up with stuff I've been carrying loose in my man-purse. Also, each gift I opened from Kimberly, included a little love-note with something clever about the gift I was about to open. She is always so thoughtful in her gift giving. I did a super-naughty thing and bought both Kimberly and I, new motorcycle helmets but I'm not calling those Christmas gifts since we were really attempting to simplify Christmas this year, haha! </i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I LOVE our REAL tree!</span></b><br />
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<b><span face="Verdana,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Smith Family siblings, </span></span></b><br />
<b><span face="Verdana,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: x-large;">spouses and other fun photos...</span></span></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7y-gfIEmEBa0H_HmCFSj7tNQ0UppeFrCHWa-AF690xzADbMZRnToqZuRBBvpFIQdG9vmuaXAk8ExAdFqZhJJDTTlKJGK-Lk3VwDo7j0CQRLAk68Y0e6QIHKlLE-Wi2NVNv_ycMzt86Y/s1600/siblings.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7y-gfIEmEBa0H_HmCFSj7tNQ0UppeFrCHWa-AF690xzADbMZRnToqZuRBBvpFIQdG9vmuaXAk8ExAdFqZhJJDTTlKJGK-Lk3VwDo7j0CQRLAk68Y0e6QIHKlLE-Wi2NVNv_ycMzt86Y/s1600/siblings.JPG" width="576" /></a></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Travis, Tracy, Lisa, Shelley</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII1CT4hhkDc-MhH9IESV1rQed6Y0J3yIbWnVuOTSJwaMuy9IhMuZg1jqZJA5lD3xmJKdwlipvXgSaVKXTJqIhtJWGe7h7wWooYju_0xgFtdGg9VELHhfgc3GnxTiuCg1zN7T5avK_Ky4/s1600/siblings+and+spouses.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII1CT4hhkDc-MhH9IESV1rQed6Y0J3yIbWnVuOTSJwaMuy9IhMuZg1jqZJA5lD3xmJKdwlipvXgSaVKXTJqIhtJWGe7h7wWooYju_0xgFtdGg9VELHhfgc3GnxTiuCg1zN7T5avK_Ky4/s1600/siblings+and+spouses.JPG" width="640" /></a><b>Tom, Lisa, Kimmie, Tracy, Cheryl, Travis, Shelley, Joel</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyzb_rjcWSTUN3qMr35QwjH3LV0TVF2d0OR11Vk5dtU59RzbYpVqIxVqPG1rd7ttqUd11z_KNsuXXJ4PsmxS3lwhjNgdWbe0xiv7SVNAQnkIVyiL8u5ao-wNL72TFOL10Wxqsj4QkjVw/s1600/10+second+hug.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyzb_rjcWSTUN3qMr35QwjH3LV0TVF2d0OR11Vk5dtU59RzbYpVqIxVqPG1rd7ttqUd11z_KNsuXXJ4PsmxS3lwhjNgdWbe0xiv7SVNAQnkIVyiL8u5ao-wNL72TFOL10Wxqsj4QkjVw/s1600/10+second+hug.JPG" width="640" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">10 second hugs make life better!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0MCVekdHXr4VRNnsRV1YQOiL40XkFWW2qRWdq7PgRv2CFNSl_1mGVGT6emyP1H_STfrMrlB-r1aR47ryXbMNPwNQ2hgx_Lnam4cckVoAqJrzGPzY3E_ZEjRu6xtUMG7udRminZTK80U/s1600/more+cheryl+and+isaac.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0MCVekdHXr4VRNnsRV1YQOiL40XkFWW2qRWdq7PgRv2CFNSl_1mGVGT6emyP1H_STfrMrlB-r1aR47ryXbMNPwNQ2hgx_Lnam4cckVoAqJrzGPzY3E_ZEjRu6xtUMG7udRminZTK80U/s1600/more+cheryl+and+isaac.JPG" width="540" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cheryl and Isaac...</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5unHU_O8nobIHfkY1ninFCpBJ0cql6Vsdgv3zxpcILi40bvJNSZu81u9YXTNHGklNsUAmdTuAfN8VDhb8fy1TRKRnSVeWSOAAyqbJYk5rAlZDpuK18w3jgAIOZbi1AawYtHX_F9pbK0/s1600/tom+and+macie.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5unHU_O8nobIHfkY1ninFCpBJ0cql6Vsdgv3zxpcILi40bvJNSZu81u9YXTNHGklNsUAmdTuAfN8VDhb8fy1TRKRnSVeWSOAAyqbJYk5rAlZDpuK18w3jgAIOZbi1AawYtHX_F9pbK0/s1600/tom+and+macie.JPG" width="640" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Proud Grandpa Tom with cute little Macie </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkfchcSg5QGeByJMrDCqCzDqScUs5cJsZnXFtt5rPKkMYW48PBglWIXGtOFSzHMSCf-ey8aeF3KYiBrETNxIpjX4FxeJtSntcxlRWUvf4nnhzTnhlSBz6pPq4F7NvyZFrTJXnYm9A8YA/s1600/colored+lights.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkfchcSg5QGeByJMrDCqCzDqScUs5cJsZnXFtt5rPKkMYW48PBglWIXGtOFSzHMSCf-ey8aeF3KYiBrETNxIpjX4FxeJtSntcxlRWUvf4nnhzTnhlSBz6pPq4F7NvyZFrTJXnYm9A8YA/s1600/colored+lights.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">December 2013 was </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">magical, beautiful... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">abundant in family, memories and love!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-6748616866087762632013-12-30T10:57:00.000-07:002015-10-01T06:51:20.538-06:00Adventuring on Veteran's Day! <div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFvLAO5-bOpAfVpb2hJKGmFIrr1DfPWsgtaIRdUnaA7ACZ4SAkMtU7G2v_1PUwFk4T0LGkGPMi_xhhLJbC4VriMW0Qtq1XZI1L-ImSpfXGCUKsVjtGUbsORfddMMbcU_dFMoTAVH7AlE/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFvLAO5-bOpAfVpb2hJKGmFIrr1DfPWsgtaIRdUnaA7ACZ4SAkMtU7G2v_1PUwFk4T0LGkGPMi_xhhLJbC4VriMW0Qtq1XZI1L-ImSpfXGCUKsVjtGUbsORfddMMbcU_dFMoTAVH7AlE/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>November 11, 2013</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I sent Mr. Smith out the door with a big hug and kiss! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I was tidying up the house the phone rang about 8:30 and I heard the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Could I please speak to the beautiful Kimberly Smith?"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Talk about making a girls heart go <b>"pitter-patter"</b>! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was my sweetie calling to say, he was taking the day off from work and we were going to go enjoy a wonderful ride on our V-Strom! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I squealed with excitement as I know that our days for being able to ride our FUN adventure machine are limited because winter weather is definitely on its way! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We definitely</span> encountered SNOW on our adventure that day,<br />
but, it didn't stop us from having the time of our lives!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wonderful thing about having a motorcycle</span><br />
is the fact that we are becoming familiar with all of the back roads and by-ways that abundantly surround us.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are</span> exploring roads that we would never explore in our car and we are finally seeing things that we've never seen before and it's SO much fun!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Especially, </span>since I hear people talking about this road and that road and up until now, I haven't really known exactly where they were and how they connected up.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Today's adventure took us to Kilgore, Idaho </b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>(a place we haven't visited since the early days of our marriage </b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>when we used to go out exploring in our 1968 Land Cruiser)</b></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>and then to Spencer and Dubois.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Here's our day in photos! </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9fkOC4JALBpCBzEK-FjolGohe_gU2hHyamcRth6B9dOTLfETGdR0eHEkBF8n4BCr7f9dL_5d1eAHxlmWr88I8saZ1PJoVN0dujYQR8dsvSj6nX9MNiU7QeG6_RfCYlRpNV9U-zxuVSM/s1600/more+kilgore+trip+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9fkOC4JALBpCBzEK-FjolGohe_gU2hHyamcRth6B9dOTLfETGdR0eHEkBF8n4BCr7f9dL_5d1eAHxlmWr88I8saZ1PJoVN0dujYQR8dsvSj6nX9MNiU7QeG6_RfCYlRpNV9U-zxuVSM/s640/more+kilgore+trip+photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> The road to Kilgore is SO much FUN...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>lots of turns and hills and perfect for a motorcycle!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Nyx8o0sK9GTzekrNT5sEQXO-UvnLrBkBxeKUz3BGwW0PA-8kyKTrPWnLq7-gwzqPQ2c5FgoJx_3Kmt4g8AjDJ9B5vMzabJEsXNTiO9rXurE-j6_HjdZP3XWTlyT5Wk7LBML8v4pBI8E/s1600/by+way+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Nyx8o0sK9GTzekrNT5sEQXO-UvnLrBkBxeKUz3BGwW0PA-8kyKTrPWnLq7-gwzqPQ2c5FgoJx_3Kmt4g8AjDJ9B5vMzabJEsXNTiO9rXurE-j6_HjdZP3XWTlyT5Wk7LBML8v4pBI8E/s640/by+way+photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVnT2OBdcoVmAEIh920yoUnCRI1kEhqX0O0Tyb7p3ghtAUFE9BBadpYxdDbV7jA5jt90mE4NJthw2lnF0zP7nR99sT094E43liS4u0PgzvwqCXIqoxAF9VXjDLa81VDraGfaOZ7Ixiu4/s1600/first+part+of+trip+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVnT2OBdcoVmAEIh920yoUnCRI1kEhqX0O0Tyb7p3ghtAUFE9BBadpYxdDbV7jA5jt90mE4NJthw2lnF0zP7nR99sT094E43liS4u0PgzvwqCXIqoxAF9VXjDLa81VDraGfaOZ7Ixiu4/s640/first+part+of+trip+photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Some person totally vandalized the sign by shooting it with their gun and leaving LOTS of bullet holes... <b>Shame on them! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is my hunky hubby staring back at me through one of the bullet holes!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0c4GT0UVd0D1ZA4S8gjjZd5dZJYc4r0tMYjTO4-4joZ20vp1Lehhsd1BabyxyFjxQfEW1iPqlWGMkm4vVGYJSpc5AijyeHRAQNMsoWLNNMewiUH4UyE01ERRd_twccXV_8jqSrsfYtg/s1600/cool+landscape+photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0c4GT0UVd0D1ZA4S8gjjZd5dZJYc4r0tMYjTO4-4joZ20vp1Lehhsd1BabyxyFjxQfEW1iPqlWGMkm4vVGYJSpc5AijyeHRAQNMsoWLNNMewiUH4UyE01ERRd_twccXV_8jqSrsfYtg/s640/cool+landscape+photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15fEm6vHKcheFJhBSIyiYrIZRWM-6TLgf7YVrLCXGl7ieGoPnKUm2hCJUIg4T8d9Hr24D4OPidJ-yj46VC6QtotWAqmWXTT3ulUG90G8nePwTW542YR1VwhknCbWULdjr7JSZomPjLOU/s1600/first+part+of+trip+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15fEm6vHKcheFJhBSIyiYrIZRWM-6TLgf7YVrLCXGl7ieGoPnKUm2hCJUIg4T8d9Hr24D4OPidJ-yj46VC6QtotWAqmWXTT3ulUG90G8nePwTW542YR1VwhknCbWULdjr7JSZomPjLOU/s640/first+part+of+trip+photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> There was snow on the ground and what a fun sight to see a melted "heart shape"!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF2ozT_SbzdNUkcp37Rb5gJHeECrdqx2rfaNeEbmhwnMDzkpUNyQiAuYXGOypyCx9_xmKiDEdlxosVKTKkunVfvVwzOOtCraZTZ7ggvulEOisTXBQONlWfwWSrTw3xZOWBneUI-W3dJk/s1600/stop+sign+photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF2ozT_SbzdNUkcp37Rb5gJHeECrdqx2rfaNeEbmhwnMDzkpUNyQiAuYXGOypyCx9_xmKiDEdlxosVKTKkunVfvVwzOOtCraZTZ7ggvulEOisTXBQONlWfwWSrTw3xZOWBneUI-W3dJk/s640/stop+sign+photo+5.JPG" width="484" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>We turned right at the stop sign </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>and headed towards Kilgore!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpk9j1k2425UaYS9yti8RTpMOE-yviVZ1-Rm8HXW5KYfL1f3pwNJyf7_NI7nmzrurd7xRCsV0Ai1Yz_D_crCegPYmNsVoUnndaFI6llOqXxS74NG1CpT-4Ng8gbI5siy9bESkQ-0fHHQ/s1600/kilgore+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpk9j1k2425UaYS9yti8RTpMOE-yviVZ1-Rm8HXW5KYfL1f3pwNJyf7_NI7nmzrurd7xRCsV0Ai1Yz_D_crCegPYmNsVoUnndaFI6llOqXxS74NG1CpT-4Ng8gbI5siy9bESkQ-0fHHQ/s640/kilgore+photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> I LOVE</span> this guy!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwpp6Cf1Rz6ATZlvABRrO5w8tzTu_9_MdrTf7pMdugVvxCzGTcjPhmUtgziF7_ajB9kBWD_2V96M-6HKnol8H58MCKz2fgj54IxK7szxikTPCD6Elsm8iPOCOk4D8aeTcSEpvTD7qF5E/s1600/kilgore+store+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwpp6Cf1Rz6ATZlvABRrO5w8tzTu_9_MdrTf7pMdugVvxCzGTcjPhmUtgziF7_ajB9kBWD_2V96M-6HKnol8H58MCKz2fgj54IxK7szxikTPCD6Elsm8iPOCOk4D8aeTcSEpvTD7qF5E/s640/kilgore+store+photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Kilgore Store...</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhsGNqHJClp12Ed8d-lO4Atx7tr4FnYPldh8xbhKI6eTTg4jGQsbQK5yaC2WJZsEn3DCuMvHGYWhU4c_PvwgDeUrQrjfbmWFWb_tv5trM6foo_EGyeswDUTUG3pHOAWndDfWLDHJwcP4/s1600/nice+man+photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhsGNqHJClp12Ed8d-lO4Atx7tr4FnYPldh8xbhKI6eTTg4jGQsbQK5yaC2WJZsEn3DCuMvHGYWhU4c_PvwgDeUrQrjfbmWFWb_tv5trM6foo_EGyeswDUTUG3pHOAWndDfWLDHJwcP4/s640/nice+man+photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Truly a step back in time!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This nice man gave us directions</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> and we warmed up with cocoa.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iY3xi7DF94TxFmzhMSbz-9EAzt9QmUN-w0Fw1u3OchDUzKKcZWDnyKrELcNi5I_F5LYIadqTgdVH_5H-QXSGVJEysl8074VPA5ksQ0R3_1EJBEgcsyf8i_csGqFDvBietvOjUD9lw8c/s1600/candy+bins+photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iY3xi7DF94TxFmzhMSbz-9EAzt9QmUN-w0Fw1u3OchDUzKKcZWDnyKrELcNi5I_F5LYIadqTgdVH_5H-QXSGVJEysl8074VPA5ksQ0R3_1EJBEgcsyf8i_csGqFDvBietvOjUD9lw8c/s640/candy+bins+photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I loved all of the candy bins where you could get many different candies for 2 cents each!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PzfoObQVfG_a46Eb6xUko1vOttGrYAg7oNg9NCjokz3H6I0JmtiRxXo3aETkm1tauXp5y_rLDTFKVXz-kfMXcTCm4bOT60bRLnnV2mV5qx75OUCWQmsWoEpJeLkclWGqy4oD12K8uLM/s1600/reading+directions+photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PzfoObQVfG_a46Eb6xUko1vOttGrYAg7oNg9NCjokz3H6I0JmtiRxXo3aETkm1tauXp5y_rLDTFKVXz-kfMXcTCm4bOT60bRLnnV2mV5qx75OUCWQmsWoEpJeLkclWGqy4oD12K8uLM/s640/reading+directions+photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Checking the map...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>We were going to head north on a road over to I-15 that parallels the Continental Divide near the Idaho/Montana border.</b></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l_jO7wpNmJnlMujvfhou4MtKttQRNyw7IS9nmIm44XFgjVZLT4v9avltfhZDeMZk0w2anrRo5W6vcglFkD2IixpoOO1vFtADh7sIzZ73mClg_UfcGEg8EF1yE0AQvE_ZTBGXMfYDLW0/s1600/reflection+photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l_jO7wpNmJnlMujvfhou4MtKttQRNyw7IS9nmIm44XFgjVZLT4v9avltfhZDeMZk0w2anrRo5W6vcglFkD2IixpoOO1vFtADh7sIzZ73mClg_UfcGEg8EF1yE0AQvE_ZTBGXMfYDLW0/s640/reflection+photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFukvfUz9NLiAAizm7ySHHYQRjRYD4NarajSGMT6VzP4c8DX1SAeQxIDcPD768mvcnGJONp1CSZZ7CrNGdvWWqbeSO1M8bwOWX0JLNnvo2dyksWMRv3z99pO9mE_ATqU3xb9Or_uj9lc/s1600/mud+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFukvfUz9NLiAAizm7ySHHYQRjRYD4NarajSGMT6VzP4c8DX1SAeQxIDcPD768mvcnGJONp1CSZZ7CrNGdvWWqbeSO1M8bwOWX0JLNnvo2dyksWMRv3z99pO9mE_ATqU3xb9Or_uj9lc/s640/mud+photo+2.JPG" width="484" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>We decided to try our hand at driving the muddy snow covered road...</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sHq77oJZVtl0ZNb-cWOPHTn7QM-dSinKP2wf0rqLIhrUU6xpbiWPwMsWxj1P8PPn4PiNRICqb7Nn8l3uX8Yl2cDZgAdU7i5_4nJmTp43BfZTtMeL9UOvgClrvMQ0t8A6rciXZTJO420/s1600/driving+on+the+snow+photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sHq77oJZVtl0ZNb-cWOPHTn7QM-dSinKP2wf0rqLIhrUU6xpbiWPwMsWxj1P8PPn4PiNRICqb7Nn8l3uX8Yl2cDZgAdU7i5_4nJmTp43BfZTtMeL9UOvgClrvMQ0t8A6rciXZTJO420/s640/driving+on+the+snow+photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmVpIjyKfR4BUrHEfVBVm0c9Mig3YNnZyCnPcXBgyjRcnjwckFUMM0ldFgJbAoduYyv4Dibbbn5oajiGUvI9L9qoXAx4KAsxh7FTpEke5RfEFlZ3CMAI_6gp0wi3o6x3Fu5y8WxXlX9k/s1600/icy+snow+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmVpIjyKfR4BUrHEfVBVm0c9Mig3YNnZyCnPcXBgyjRcnjwckFUMM0ldFgJbAoduYyv4Dibbbn5oajiGUvI9L9qoXAx4KAsxh7FTpEke5RfEFlZ3CMAI_6gp0wi3o6x3Fu5y8WxXlX9k/s640/icy+snow+photo+2.JPG" width="484" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Not the best idea in the world...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stressful...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scary...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We turned around after about 6 miles and headed back to Kilgore.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I guess we'll have to wait to make it to the Continental Divide border until after the snow melts. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtFAzH_nkVhXVKvGA8FcU67W4mWmBz91yAhEKOLVoahvivthWhMUswwAlMLMscVsLvwIX_pFtMjxuIJ15dIaLW6a3ewlbbycdr0W7FgTEZ6p4xGV8jbke6DNMDpGL4d_ngyt5ap491N4/s1600/icy+snow+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtFAzH_nkVhXVKvGA8FcU67W4mWmBz91yAhEKOLVoahvivthWhMUswwAlMLMscVsLvwIX_pFtMjxuIJ15dIaLW6a3ewlbbycdr0W7FgTEZ6p4xGV8jbke6DNMDpGL4d_ngyt5ap491N4/s640/icy+snow+photo+1.JPG" width="484" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Back on Terra Firma...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What a neat old building.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhUx6FG6As8BXP11mPCHenSFD8fZjSDPdwkfBrbCf1GgEz1Y-1aoVe8b5-foehXq9ZlMmh5gS7LP3p_36FH_-m4OnKUtQ54_7_Sx5sdPfIqQoT95xYr6i4nNj-vdem2UTWZjNXvJsqcc/s1600/photo+(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhUx6FG6As8BXP11mPCHenSFD8fZjSDPdwkfBrbCf1GgEz1Y-1aoVe8b5-foehXq9ZlMmh5gS7LP3p_36FH_-m4OnKUtQ54_7_Sx5sdPfIqQoT95xYr6i4nNj-vdem2UTWZjNXvJsqcc/s640/photo+(25).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Heading to Spencer Idaho, </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>via the Idman Road.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkGYNEPuNPtaVW7lIhcKNk8z91xQSPN398AlkWm4aRvAEj6k44DOgVA_b3NSZjVjZwVv7aEkY_PDPejwIXrhcCXXRcVwbxIjAnsDO1uU4Istek1tbkfLIrgVyjPWi1Opy7Ho3oaQrWXQ/s1600/first+view+of+spencer+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkGYNEPuNPtaVW7lIhcKNk8z91xQSPN398AlkWm4aRvAEj6k44DOgVA_b3NSZjVjZwVv7aEkY_PDPejwIXrhcCXXRcVwbxIjAnsDO1uU4Istek1tbkfLIrgVyjPWi1Opy7Ho3oaQrWXQ/s640/first+view+of+spencer+photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What a view...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Cool Shot of my hubby and the train tracks...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stopped at the rest stop just outside of Dubois </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and pulled out a Thermos with Sloppy Joe fixins </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and enjoyed the sunshine and a delicious lunch!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What a neat old town Dubois, Idaho is!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RxSdiybw8CICK0rTudm3BrKFJsZ87KSUCHiskjQ0ILkB0s2gR0Heab9codN1zJu_rl_CP_pe5V3PolHbrSjxTGP7MGIPFQyjV83CUlio2qyQJQ0iJvviupykHyKkkdc-7fu_0dcpuQo/s1600/last+part+of+ride+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RxSdiybw8CICK0rTudm3BrKFJsZ87KSUCHiskjQ0ILkB0s2gR0Heab9codN1zJu_rl_CP_pe5V3PolHbrSjxTGP7MGIPFQyjV83CUlio2qyQJQ0iJvviupykHyKkkdc-7fu_0dcpuQo/s640/last+part+of+ride+photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Heading back towards Rexburg from Dubois via the Clark County Road...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>St. Anthony Sand Dunes in the background...</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eS5vTDDNPKbOPLPWrAUxuJwaEhWlS-AmuJppEmBuoLbbFkehYjXTkWvUvDXOfxNw1D33JYIuN7zNXsRxPXaEXg9JsEGN7OaVkuZ4XvtcOx7aeUN7hhg0ZwxqD9eFsN_KvU3Q_5fTGRM/s1600/carcass+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eS5vTDDNPKbOPLPWrAUxuJwaEhWlS-AmuJppEmBuoLbbFkehYjXTkWvUvDXOfxNw1D33JYIuN7zNXsRxPXaEXg9JsEGN7OaVkuZ4XvtcOx7aeUN7hhg0ZwxqD9eFsN_KvU3Q_5fTGRM/s640/carcass+photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A carcass of probably a </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>small deer alongside the road...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Teton mountain range in the background...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We stopped at Smith Park on the drive home</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to enjoy all of the beautiful flags that lined the streets </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and we also took a moment to check in with our kids </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to make sure they made it home from school safely!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On our drive home we stopped and talked with Tracy's brother-in-law Tom at his dental office. He has an adventure motorcycle as well and we are looking forward to enjoying some adventure motorcycle rides with him in the coming year.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What a perfect day with the love of my life! <br />Life is abundant in happiness, </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>adventures and LOVE, </b></span><b style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of which I'm so grateful for! </b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-48641266059621395692013-12-29T11:59:00.000-07:002013-12-31T12:01:54.168-07:00Getting "take-out" on the V-Strom!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tuesday, November 12th, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We just can't get enough of adventuring on this Freedom machine!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tracy worked 1/2 a day today and we decided to bundle up and do some more exploring!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today's adventure took us out exploring the Menan Buttes and back roads in Roberts, Idaho.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We ended up enjoying our ride so much that we some how ended up in Idaho Falls near dinner-time!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SO,</b> since our boys LOVE Chinese Food so much, we decided to order some<b> "Take-out"</b> to take home to them and it rode perfectly in our bag attached to the back!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Some photos from our </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>wonderful afternoon adventure ride!</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">The view of Rexburg, </b><br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">from the Menan Butte.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Our drive took us to Roberts, Idaho.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>LOVE these giant pop cans!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Filling up with gas...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Waiting for a train to pass in downtown Idaho Falls...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>YES...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That there is Chinese Take-Out </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">that we are bundling in the bag on our motorbike.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Talk about a PERFECT day of riding, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">memories </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and HAPPY kids </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">getting to enjoy one of their favorite meals!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I can see that more trips to town on our motorbike to get "Take-out" are definitely going to be in our future and that makes Kimmie a happy gal indeed!</b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-27987225574463498372013-12-28T11:52:00.000-07:002014-01-01T13:55:18.416-07:00First few days with our new toy...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma96QEXZg22VSEIHbyiJNcOiWKAFf8CG41YnKaH-xz6yD6AlV9preZiaY6Chi5hpa2JB-TDUsFmwSVFxIwicXVRTbERRXdq7QBMXF1mZM4CJ__QdbY3_vOCVH-KBIVxtZgi6Gl7jIhbA/s1600/sunshine+photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma96QEXZg22VSEIHbyiJNcOiWKAFf8CG41YnKaH-xz6yD6AlV9preZiaY6Chi5hpa2JB-TDUsFmwSVFxIwicXVRTbERRXdq7QBMXF1mZM4CJ__QdbY3_vOCVH-KBIVxtZgi6Gl7jIhbA/s640/sunshine+photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Tracy can't wipe the smile off his face!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Enjoying a little bit of wind in our hair!</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HuM8WTqfmmnr7xRY0uKprESyBh0HiGiTlMo6WHURjsMTy7EnXFZXQf6emn3_R7ewHOl6Z55sj1pop7GlJDeUZbYhK7tv7LyCzNWz8lnLEjXLmKxQZ-ZA_WTzFJ1GrzlYiynfRxcDtkI/s1600/loving+our+bike+photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HuM8WTqfmmnr7xRY0uKprESyBh0HiGiTlMo6WHURjsMTy7EnXFZXQf6emn3_R7ewHOl6Z55sj1pop7GlJDeUZbYhK7tv7LyCzNWz8lnLEjXLmKxQZ-ZA_WTzFJ1GrzlYiynfRxcDtkI/s640/loving+our+bike+photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Being creative and adding a quick-fix light</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> until he could get a new one ordered.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4MsDr5Xm8uEZQ0awxBbmuNgmwJAQ1F99mwnI8YhPr5835ZoGFGlHcZtRyx9Mfeyv1ULjNhsBMTy6LFj0S8DtRjMjygCklHJglR1kmZVLz1S1KMWrfrZDOLmSZP7VzZcqlZRR3RKLk1s/s1600/more+V-Strom+photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4MsDr5Xm8uEZQ0awxBbmuNgmwJAQ1F99mwnI8YhPr5835ZoGFGlHcZtRyx9Mfeyv1ULjNhsBMTy6LFj0S8DtRjMjygCklHJglR1kmZVLz1S1KMWrfrZDOLmSZP7VzZcqlZRR3RKLk1s/s640/more+V-Strom+photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Adding on a skid plate </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>and wiring in a 12 volt accessory...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Adding on new replacement lights...</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5aISdFv9EsLkxGjpOCnpl-2Crr3MW2euzE40iLkj9bjsCCf6BzGcRvnPhwZGVs-_Qmzpe_mhywAjP3awqR7-J8qXKnPaaq9QaounEEugawWc-xmxWyUrxg47OByH3ZB2GY00v7DK5-0/s1600/more+V-Strom+photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5aISdFv9EsLkxGjpOCnpl-2Crr3MW2euzE40iLkj9bjsCCf6BzGcRvnPhwZGVs-_Qmzpe_mhywAjP3awqR7-J8qXKnPaaq9QaounEEugawWc-xmxWyUrxg47OByH3ZB2GY00v7DK5-0/s640/more+V-Strom+photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Finally finished with the 12 volt accessory. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Now we can charge our phones </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>while we're out riding.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDBbDWaV1L1TbTpIvY3_1rbGox09_VeU1QUbT88IlDIRPOm52TWkszAm6cL23EHvxfc7RwkePm__qBSlQHamooLqX-mAOQWFPhqskUlNrln7DxEq7VNTwMlmLACelGiCN4qRM8HdE6lE/s1600/tank+bag+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDBbDWaV1L1TbTpIvY3_1rbGox09_VeU1QUbT88IlDIRPOm52TWkszAm6cL23EHvxfc7RwkePm__qBSlQHamooLqX-mAOQWFPhqskUlNrln7DxEq7VNTwMlmLACelGiCN4qRM8HdE6lE/s640/tank+bag+photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Adding on a tank bag to store maps, phone, chargers and other things while we're </b></span><b style="font-size: xx-large;">out adventuring...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYr_i8BkrlaoPu2J2uHSCjl-aeI_gHEXon0tQcsCDJTbKpll_pEvPHbJWPgA2TUymJ3UIOD4l3yVf0Fnd2M19nARFSY-GXtP7gjOd_S3FUfgU3htMSRh3fatDucjg-Q0aa_TDr-3P5zs/s1600/2013-11-16+18.05.55.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYr_i8BkrlaoPu2J2uHSCjl-aeI_gHEXon0tQcsCDJTbKpll_pEvPHbJWPgA2TUymJ3UIOD4l3yVf0Fnd2M19nARFSY-GXtP7gjOd_S3FUfgU3htMSRh3fatDucjg-Q0aa_TDr-3P5zs/s640/2013-11-16+18.05.55.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Adding a "throttle lock" so Tracy can rest his hands to keep the blood flowing well when we're out riding.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE my hubby and his passion and excitement for life!<br />I also love how <b>handy</b> he is and how there is NO task or project in life that he can't tackle!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-9882104037317116602013-12-27T11:43:00.000-07:002013-12-31T18:13:06.789-07:00The newest member of our family! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>We have a new member of our family!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Well it's not really a person, rather an adventure motorcycle, but it sure has added a new element of FUN to our lives!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You might be asking yourself, how does a frugal family who drives older cars, whose only debt is just a few years left on their mortgage, come to the conclusion of buying a luxury item like a motorcycle.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's simple... Gold Coins!</b></span><br />
We purchased <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>33</b></span> 10th ounce gold eagle coins for $1,000 back when it was the Y2K scare.<br />
They've just been locked away in a safe for the past 14 years and they probably would have stayed in that same place until the day we died!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However,</span> Tracy has had this urgent feeling that we really need to start LIVING life to the fullest!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Life's too short to waste it away sitting on a couch watching movies, or surfing the web!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We love, Love, LOVE backpacking,</span><br />
<b>however, </b>with our busy lives, and, the fact that we live over an hour away from the mountains and we only have about 2-3 months of the year where we can safely backpack we have been contemplating for awhile, how much more adventuring and LIVING life we could do<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">AND</span></b> seeing and exploring more sights if we had a motorcycle.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So,</span> when Tracy found a great deal on one<br />
<i> (a 2008 Suzuki V-Strom Adventure motorbike) </i><br />
we decided to jump on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhHHr4cpHzl0cxHOZfF3jLRjJ2oLM-Iippr18Isq7vpCtV0Fw949LO8noC4oU5KnYpG6go5frJ8ym27tTfhRusB0II94iLmUDjnJvJdOPD7fXkh8CQ43z0Mqro_InZ6MZEnlm9jDb2Q4/s1600/our+new+purchase+photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhHHr4cpHzl0cxHOZfF3jLRjJ2oLM-Iippr18Isq7vpCtV0Fw949LO8noC4oU5KnYpG6go5frJ8ym27tTfhRusB0II94iLmUDjnJvJdOPD7fXkh8CQ43z0Mqro_InZ6MZEnlm9jDb2Q4/s400/our+new+purchase+photo+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>We turned 30 </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>of our 33 gold coins...</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFmLXfjcIVWS-_9xSXSt6iFIavoWKEFqDJb6gW0qkuuaZhQYhYMqj_wXiVdRoy-DXGIzwlWq6rwNV-VArGmeYeNgwv2OTNCeRLwG1lgwDhtMKrPwNc2Mu2vRywZpfR_IU9mY_IF4spto/s1600/our+new+purchase+photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFmLXfjcIVWS-_9xSXSt6iFIavoWKEFqDJb6gW0qkuuaZhQYhYMqj_wXiVdRoy-DXGIzwlWq6rwNV-VArGmeYeNgwv2OTNCeRLwG1lgwDhtMKrPwNc2Mu2vRywZpfR_IU9mY_IF4spto/s400/our+new+purchase+photo+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>into cash!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FkJWhbdRJhmtvp_6u96VqrEUVNIEVM_gxq7TzfspbFIh5ewa3_dexP71Z2QAmdZ9CW3kjZXG3d2qG6KeJlVGdRodYYBzJrklZmALs6TVDDdwjMb0iZkE_7Qo6Lym7brgrlKRBgwmMw8/s1600/our+new+purchasephoto+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FkJWhbdRJhmtvp_6u96VqrEUVNIEVM_gxq7TzfspbFIh5ewa3_dexP71Z2QAmdZ9CW3kjZXG3d2qG6KeJlVGdRodYYBzJrklZmALs6TVDDdwjMb0iZkE_7Qo6Lym7brgrlKRBgwmMw8/s640/our+new+purchasephoto+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WOW!</b><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the amazing thing is that we kept 3 coins, which, at this point in time, are worth about $600. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Not too shabby!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>September 15, 2013</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I got to go on a ROAD TRIP </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>with the love of my life to Utah...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The sweet owners of the bike showing Tracy all of the features and how it was in such great condition!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Loading the bike up...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>These guys are just AWESOME!<br />"The Batsons"!</b></span><br />
(I can't believe how tall Mr. Batson is!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The wife was SO excited that their bike was going </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>to a cute couple that would give it LOTS of TLC </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and take it on many adventures! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>She insisted that she take our photo!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tracy is SO excited, he can't keep from looking in the rear view mirror and smiling at our new purchase the whole drive home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Stopped at In-N-Out burger </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>for lunch on our drive home.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>LOVE technology...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ethan was struggling with a math problem and texted Tracy and he was able to help him in getting the problem solved while we ate lunch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Filling up with gas...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What a happy sight that is being pulled behind our CR-V!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The drive home...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Spectacular sunset!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The headlights look like BAT eyes...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We bought a "Bat-bike" from the "Batsons"!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tracy awoke the next morning and had to start it up...</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I wish I could have captured </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">his excitement on video...</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE seeing him so excited!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiTb1dRxJVjQPSmut_OnhBOrXXMw8apKv_dCTitG1A-lMg2i-87YoGLE8aIxYDrOsZtwZtImmqqpLVWB_nMb0qIn_n_EFLrvkh-CZYEgQdXGXPNyQc5l0o8ZhoLDMrCDGLtoDFVjsM3M/s1600/sweet+note+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiTb1dRxJVjQPSmut_OnhBOrXXMw8apKv_dCTitG1A-lMg2i-87YoGLE8aIxYDrOsZtwZtImmqqpLVWB_nMb0qIn_n_EFLrvkh-CZYEgQdXGXPNyQc5l0o8ZhoLDMrCDGLtoDFVjsM3M/s400/sweet+note+photo.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And this sweet note was posted </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>on my Facebook wall the next morning!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life is SO good!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So happy to have a vehicle that can get us out enjoying life more...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">creating memories, seeing new things and having lots of "one-on-one" time together!</span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-42825221429506283302013-12-23T15:18:00.000-07:002014-01-01T15:41:15.372-07:00Surgery in December <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKy_8WIKOkFSSNQK_FqGZptX4PuzpjzzAWwITuCxeHfZhjNNVd0oOC9M1RTWFDFH0wArtHbGw3b-mUvX0eJAlUXlPjdQFFPUvgNjtRF5XrfGjqIo73racY2iGjmNkqMumRFbH5Foi8qpw/s1600/beard++(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKy_8WIKOkFSSNQK_FqGZptX4PuzpjzzAWwITuCxeHfZhjNNVd0oOC9M1RTWFDFH0wArtHbGw3b-mUvX0eJAlUXlPjdQFFPUvgNjtRF5XrfGjqIo73racY2iGjmNkqMumRFbH5Foi8qpw/s640/beard++(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This bearded man is truly the </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>most sweet, kind-hearted, caring and giving man that I know!</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This past week</span> was probably near the top of his most stressful weeks thus far. Not only did he have to assume his normal responsibilities, (which were crazier than normal, due to snow days and power outages), but, had to don the hat of mom, chauffeur, nurse and cook when I had my knee surgery all while dealing with a scout campout, work stress, a bad, deep cough, etc... He came through with everything in flying colors!</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">He treats me</span> like a queen, in every sense of the word and last night as we snuggled on the couch with the kids and watched "It's A Wonderful Life", I got teary-eyed thinking of how my sweet Tracy is SO much like George Bailey... Always doing for others and sometimes putting his own life goals on the back burner because he's such a great family man (and maybe even losing it from time to time). </i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I don't know</span> a sweeter man in this world and I just LOVE and adore him more than anything, or anyone! I just feel SO grateful that I'm the lucky one that gets to have this guy by my side in this wonderful journey of life! I'm so happy to be feeling much better so I can be by your side once again, helping out and enjoying life together to the fullest Mr. Smith!!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Friday, December 13th, 2013 at 8:15 am</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Kimmie had knee surgery to repair</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> a torn meniscus and to drain a Baker's Cyst.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Surgery went well, however, I'm what they call a "light-weighter" and it took me close to 5 hours to be able to wake up enough to be able to go home.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFKQyRKvLmO-6oJwAvv7VR5c1SiXiXrE_nRn0dO_Hx1g_cxEwrm1BcYO01ESccVlgB2UzgWckvpVr7X3Y4C9PyYZY_jnosOgU_LwyOEv9opRQ8qE7P836fRiEN4wyoGx3DXdIWjesUmg/s1600/surgery+recory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFKQyRKvLmO-6oJwAvv7VR5c1SiXiXrE_nRn0dO_Hx1g_cxEwrm1BcYO01ESccVlgB2UzgWckvpVr7X3Y4C9PyYZY_jnosOgU_LwyOEv9opRQ8qE7P836fRiEN4wyoGx3DXdIWjesUmg/s640/surgery+recory.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tracy made the following comment about this photo: </b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"She won't wake up, I wonder if they'll haul her to the Jefferson Institute". </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(referencing the movie "Coma")</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was pretty out of it for the first 2 days.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I think the anesthesia stayed in my body much longer than it does for most people.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We had SO many wonderful people bring in meals to us and check in on us. <b>I felt kind of guilty,</b> but, it was SO nice for Tracy and the boys to not have to deal with fixing dinner for a few nights.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We are truly blessed beyond measure!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Monday December 16th...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Checking out my knee for the first time...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">OUCH! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> I made it through the most stressful week of my life </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AFTER my knee surgery.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I had to do a Pack Night for my Cub Scouts </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and sit in on my last 2 PE classes before Christmas Break.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However,</b> after I got those behind me, I was able to take it easy and relax and let my body heal.</span><br />
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<b>(AND I also made thank you notes and treats to </b><br />
<b>d</b><b>eliver to all of the people that showed kindness to us during this trying time)</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Monday December 23rd...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We met with the doctor to see how I was healing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He told us that the anterior lateral horn of meniscus had a severe tear, requiring removal of 80% of the thickness. Medial side was 30%.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I also have stage 3 arthritis in my knee. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(they rate it 1-4), </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">so most definitely in the next 10-15 years I'll be needing to have a knee replacement. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">AND, my Baker's Cyst has returned.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However, </b>we're hoping that with a few months of NSAID's </span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> the swelling will go down. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We'll see how things are when I see my doctor again on January 21st. We're most definitely hoping for the best! </span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Life is good.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm healing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been given the go-ahead to Cross Country ski, which makes me want to jump up for <b>JOY!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However, all high-impact exercises are out of the picture for participation </span><span style="font-size: large;">(like running, Zumba, down hill skiing, etc...)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I can however, show my PE kids</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> jumping jacks and how to "Skip rope", as long as I do it in moderation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>So very grateful for my wonderful husband who has been such a ROCK and pillar of strength to me through all of this!<br />I can truly say that I'm the luckiest girl on planet earth!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Love and adore him...</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>and I LOVE his winter beard!</b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a><br />
<br />Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-34313525247063127502013-12-09T12:31:00.004-07:002013-12-09T13:37:11.446-07:00The perfect "Black Friday" weekend...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWKqV5EeNRvR8fYcJcJQmOT_BnTMiKC6UszNazbdKPCaZpNWBLYQ2v9XE-WuzoMDv2ILy9UFuzjbBfVaAxeSIQ1qyfL97Ca_dwGTJvCM_U2Vl0u-UbkMqG1A4oSZjaoLXGRJleP_NmBY/s1600/Where+we+live.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWKqV5EeNRvR8fYcJcJQmOT_BnTMiKC6UszNazbdKPCaZpNWBLYQ2v9XE-WuzoMDv2ILy9UFuzjbBfVaAxeSIQ1qyfL97Ca_dwGTJvCM_U2Vl0u-UbkMqG1A4oSZjaoLXGRJleP_NmBY/s640/Where+we+live.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Black Friday? </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Nope...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>with a PERFECT Thanksgiving Day behind us, </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>we're looking forward to Badass Friday in the Smith home!"</i></span><br />
<b>~~Tracy Smith</b><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Black Friday was gorgeous!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we looked at the five-day forecast, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">we realized that we only had 2 more days of good weather, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">before a winter storm rolled in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We decided we wanted to enjoy our V-Strom as much as we could, before it would have to be cooped up in the garage for the winter!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mr. Smith took us all on a motorbike ride! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was the perfect way to spend the day after Thanksgiving!<br />No consumerism and excess spending for this family! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ethan went first...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He had the TIME of his life!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jade decided he didn't want to go out today,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> so, next it was my turn...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed some riding and then stopped </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and enjoyed some cocoa and Holiday Pie at McDonald's.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here I am, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">checking in with the kids</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> and talking to Ethan on the phone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Gorgeous fall weather...</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Gorgeous sunset...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The perfect ending to Black Friday 2013! </span></b></div>
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<b>(Menan Butte in the background)</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>SATURDAY</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>November 30th..</b></span>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We awoke and enjoyed a yummy breakfast and then got on our hiking clothes, filled our backpacks with some snacks and water and decided to head to the Menan Butte and enjoy one last hike of the year! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WOW! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The weather couldn't have been more perfect...</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">blue sky and sunshine and a gorgeous view when we got to the top!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> The scenery up here </b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">felt like we were </b><br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">in Southern, Utah, </b><b style="font-size: x-large;">not, Rexburg, Idaho</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PviOdwdLmeogh1PnUdsl-RRNpzP4hZcTpKrhDv7EfnWNcm1c2uAgaij2T0e12ddW0nupDbCFjvkZAIEPDbEkWy_He1oQE-0rwu1M_D7CghyphenhyphenFsfcicdMfRLncJKCG52Lchb3aznnvenE/s1600/ethan+the+climber.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PviOdwdLmeogh1PnUdsl-RRNpzP4hZcTpKrhDv7EfnWNcm1c2uAgaij2T0e12ddW0nupDbCFjvkZAIEPDbEkWy_He1oQE-0rwu1M_D7CghyphenhyphenFsfcicdMfRLncJKCG52Lchb3aznnvenE/s640/ethan+the+climber.JPG" width="482" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ethan scrambled to the top of anything he could climb today!<br />What a FUN place for kids to explore!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Tracy is boiling water for TEA!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Felt SO good to warm up... </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Leftover Thanksgiving Pie </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>never tasted so good! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Tracy's such a patient and awesome dad...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here he is trying to point out some places in Rexburg, to Ethan.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> My three favorite guys!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I love </span></b>your beard SO much Tracy!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Such a gorgeous view!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I can't believe this is where we live!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> PRICELESS!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> One last view before </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>we start heading back to the car..</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And of course, Ethan climbed yet, another large rock formation! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Perfect, Perfect day of hiking together!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> We got home from our hike just in time to shower up </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and make it to an Eagle Court of Honor for one of Tracy's great Scouts! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday, the snow came down!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We reflected on three wonderful days, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">where we EMBRACED adventure...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">where we bundled up and enjoyed </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">some motor bike rides and a wonderful hike!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Where we added more wonderful memories and adventures to our life instead of excess clutter from shopping!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a perfect 5 days together as a family!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We enjoyed</b> our Sunday afternoon with one of our favorites, that of soaking in the HOT water at Heise Hot springs and then we enjoyed yummy, delicious pizza afterwards!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Happy, wonderful and adventurous life!<br />Now we have SNOWY cross- country skiing adventures to look forward to!</b></span><br />
<i>(However, I can't wait until the roads are clear once again and we're suiting up and going out on the V-strom motorbike again. </i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE IT it so much!!</span></b>)</i></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-26381375107527761922013-12-08T11:47:00.000-07:002013-12-09T12:36:25.546-07:00Adventure and FUN on our Thanksgiving Break!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's hard to believe Thanksgiving 2013 has come and gone and here we are starting the 2nd week of December! </b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have LOTS of snow right now, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">school has been cancelled for 4 days in a row and we are experiencing below zero and single digits temperatures! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So grateful for the wonderful weather </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>we had on Thanksgiving week!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>YES,</b> it was only in the high 30's and low 40's, but that is WARM compared to what we are dealing with right now!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We had 5 days off from work and school together!<br />It was just AWESOME! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm mostly grateful that we embraced the weather and ENJOYED the week to the fullest! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mr. Smith came home on Tuesday evening and took me for a ride around the block on our NEW toy!<br /><b>I was in heaven!</b><br />(I LOVE my hubby's </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"No-Shave November" beard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He's looking pretty <b>HOT!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We lounged on Wednesday in our jammies and slippers and read books, watched movies and Mr. Smith couldn't help, at least START his motorbike, despite the chilly weather!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I awoke Thanksgiving morning to a quiet house as everyone slept in. It was nice to be alone to my thoughts and so much fun to get the food ready and the table decorated so when my men awoke for the day, it was a SURPRISE! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was beautiful outside and as I looked at the contrails in the sky, I couldn't help but think that people were on planes, excited to be spending the holidays with family and friends! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Our table looked so beautiful in the morning sunshine...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Going to the Tabernacle</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> to hear the Thanksgiving Morning Program....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">was the highlight of our morning!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Grateful for hubby and sons that <b>humor me and go to it!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Such beautiful music and words</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> were sung and spoken!</b></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tracy told us to keep our meal simple this year </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and so instead of making rolls, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">we made Grilled Texas Toast instead! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a simple delicious meal, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">shared with my three favorite people!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I told Tracy the only thing I wanted for Thanksgiving day, </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>was to enjoy an adventure ride with him on our V-Strom!<br />So we bundled up and off we went!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_spOBqzdWdE5nH4oBDQ7b-Q1HlHYNgBeHoQoBm8XEHmTodMGroyyM38Mtqy31OsqyTqTf5il3Kv_JS2hFbQ8q4BnJsjWoRjSliKBR13RZbDNA817YMWtbFBRkUG7nxLFHJeuSOaKJjJQ/s1600/Setting+Sun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_spOBqzdWdE5nH4oBDQ7b-Q1HlHYNgBeHoQoBm8XEHmTodMGroyyM38Mtqy31OsqyTqTf5il3Kv_JS2hFbQ8q4BnJsjWoRjSliKBR13RZbDNA817YMWtbFBRkUG7nxLFHJeuSOaKJjJQ/s640/Setting+Sun.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The road of adventure is always a JOY!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br />I just love being behind this awesome guy as we ride and explore together!</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEk6Gjz7ZXi3VQ57XpK7z0JdqkvrqurACcnFVlC3KqUNzax8kt5I7qqdePECpS3Yq8Jr5vnF3VsvMELUBpJ6ixzALbOHAuHoduXgLK0Kilj1goZLZp4JLNhyAkPxR7YF8XTaiqx2mgcg/s1600/View+of+the+Butte.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEk6Gjz7ZXi3VQ57XpK7z0JdqkvrqurACcnFVlC3KqUNzax8kt5I7qqdePECpS3Yq8Jr5vnF3VsvMELUBpJ6ixzALbOHAuHoduXgLK0Kilj1goZLZp4JLNhyAkPxR7YF8XTaiqx2mgcg/s640/View+of+the+Butte.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Absolutely gorgeous sunset we enjoyed </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">on a road that is just a little ways from where we live!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Menan Buttes are highlighted </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and the distant mountains are the Lemhi range.<br /><b>This photo is just awesome!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>No Thanksgiving day would be complete without PIE!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Coconut Cream,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Apple Huckleberry </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and </span><span style="font-size: large;">Cherry Pie </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">were on the menu and very much enjoyed!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZP9WD9q0396fdWzfEyneLlBOtQGrqMrjDVKNs5rDJE-XLbNt6beC-b9e0YfXqbifiGjQtsaacj1BdaH9-Wnymz2GEKHV08r1B0zmHbVRfDRDjm5m_GlMOeYdq96ptrhnusdBaGxNeI4/s1600/Vibrant+Sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZP9WD9q0396fdWzfEyneLlBOtQGrqMrjDVKNs5rDJE-XLbNt6beC-b9e0YfXqbifiGjQtsaacj1BdaH9-Wnymz2GEKHV08r1B0zmHbVRfDRDjm5m_GlMOeYdq96ptrhnusdBaGxNeI4/s640/Vibrant+Sunset.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Our day ended with the most gorgeous and vibrant sunset!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(part 2, <a href="http://pinkcookieswithsprinkles.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-perfect-black-friday-weekend.html">here</a>) </b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-51861361554713979202013-12-02T11:22:00.000-07:002013-12-09T16:41:42.134-07:00The curve balls of life...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxymcUWt7bCoibqH7D4OU5RVyqks0Utf1xolnpoDaiFzdONuUFfBJA-JvHj_KzXv3_kMViM7f8m8B_LyaDedal393-BUe5Sq1WsxsmPU-19P_UoP9D4NcZ9mSHkdTthJlINoLZ-j53b0/s1600/blur+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxymcUWt7bCoibqH7D4OU5RVyqks0Utf1xolnpoDaiFzdONuUFfBJA-JvHj_KzXv3_kMViM7f8m8B_LyaDedal393-BUe5Sq1WsxsmPU-19P_UoP9D4NcZ9mSHkdTthJlINoLZ-j53b0/s640/blur+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Life has felt like a blur lately...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">so many things to do, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">obligations to fulfill,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">people to please!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>As if the normal life wasn't </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>enough to keep you busy,</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> you get a fun curve ball thrown at you! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>That would totally be my life right now!</b></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSq2WVuH7Pe4vxqFdMR27iQkn-HxTPl4Qmtr0sWncxQBdik9E_8wEq3qdNxoGILM_7H6X86La3mpK8ROkk9p7IXzgBNQzqAchpGynYYUCo2azuQYFjYsm5qduk_CsWYm7pcfpFge2HmzY/s1600/coin+skirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSq2WVuH7Pe4vxqFdMR27iQkn-HxTPl4Qmtr0sWncxQBdik9E_8wEq3qdNxoGILM_7H6X86La3mpK8ROkk9p7IXzgBNQzqAchpGynYYUCo2azuQYFjYsm5qduk_CsWYm7pcfpFge2HmzY/s640/coin+skirt.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Zumba....</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oh how I <span style="color: #cc0000;">LOVED</span> you!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I loved</b></span> dancing and moving and burning calories in such a fun way that didn't feel like exercise at all!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I guess</span> my poor knee can't handle all of the quick movements! <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I guess </span>I'm doomed to not be able to enjoy dancing to the fullest!<br />
<i>(I had knee surgery in High School from an injury I got while on the drill team and had to give up dancing my Senior year).</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've had a Baker's Cyst on the back of my knee</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> for the past year or so. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> It's ugly, but it hasn't caused me any trouble at all. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However, the first week of August, I went to Zumba and while doing the most FUN dance to<b> "Jai Ho" </b>that I have ever done, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my knee starting bothering me a bit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXthhuDUILXeeOj-NTpI8CqesMt-8uTnqGDs5iICXfn8TUWxC3BX7B9sYwqyxDgxFJdJzgnjpfO5d3QWwyxnqRAV3deYFMp2uT9Vd4n2mCPT0y0TqzTwClB4ST0HHcqoZj1W7Y_FfJgBk/s1600/Alaska+Basin+2013+246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXthhuDUILXeeOj-NTpI8CqesMt-8uTnqGDs5iICXfn8TUWxC3BX7B9sYwqyxDgxFJdJzgnjpfO5d3QWwyxnqRAV3deYFMp2uT9Vd4n2mCPT0y0TqzTwClB4ST0HHcqoZj1W7Y_FfJgBk/s640/Alaska+Basin+2013+246.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The next week we went on our yearly backpacking trip</span> </b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and I survived without too much pain on the trip, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>but, </b>a few days after we got home, it started bothering me again. I dealt with the pain and irritation and in about 2-3 weeks it finally seemed better.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The end of August, I started up teaching PE again and my knee seemed okay for the first 5 weeks of class.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I ran, skipped, jumped rope, the whole nine yards!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I even ran stairs on the beach when we went on our California Trip!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-g6QjCBWTq38myRL5LmU1UCHuV42JYJiJNGkK3d0Ot_IuLHo-OslQaxAPyCNDxY2KlX0yl_0OVi31PYe4VnwVVlDHYYA9JkCQbbQz22aQNhq6rXHYBIG3Wjzda0Lm53pv0EkmgZKbao/s1600/bad+knee+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-g6QjCBWTq38myRL5LmU1UCHuV42JYJiJNGkK3d0Ot_IuLHo-OslQaxAPyCNDxY2KlX0yl_0OVi31PYe4VnwVVlDHYYA9JkCQbbQz22aQNhq6rXHYBIG3Wjzda0Lm53pv0EkmgZKbao/s640/bad+knee+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">BUT, one fine day in October while doing Jumping Jacks, something gave way and I was in excruciating pain and my knee swelled up SO bad. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I knew that I wasn't going to be able to get better unless I went to the doctor.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I called and made an appt., </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and of course, it would take a week to get in.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I have the sweetest hubby in the world </b>that took me on several dates to Heise Hot Springs to give my knee some therapy during that week of waiting.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDte8HiFqs1xRJWaEFYLpx1PpreokrSAtOMXAZgk-Y0F_ZHdPMRIUsUKZISxfeiZajRitmp8yDl26oumH1DO43qgf5X4BfdLpGiFU5x3nH_LVLtBtRF5C5y8A1bZtQhFquCR7cwi0zCk/s1600/fall+colors+at+Heise+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDte8HiFqs1xRJWaEFYLpx1PpreokrSAtOMXAZgk-Y0F_ZHdPMRIUsUKZISxfeiZajRitmp8yDl26oumH1DO43qgf5X4BfdLpGiFU5x3nH_LVLtBtRF5C5y8A1bZtQhFquCR7cwi0zCk/s640/fall+colors+at+Heise+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This was the sunset we enjoyed on one of those nights of soaking.</b></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichMofWDO4Qk3BjV6s0xf1Bnx00un-1th13vMNTjm7i_hB2UisNvaLFUUcyIod5jl3zsBKNK-Jbg7le_MXXZQ_630GCNul5YlnzwUyH2tzECsB43SIswyVMcoCla7QOeB7q6u8N4nJIlc/s1600/fluid+photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichMofWDO4Qk3BjV6s0xf1Bnx00un-1th13vMNTjm7i_hB2UisNvaLFUUcyIod5jl3zsBKNK-Jbg7le_MXXZQ_630GCNul5YlnzwUyH2tzECsB43SIswyVMcoCla7QOeB7q6u8N4nJIlc/s400/fluid+photo+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was finally able to get in to see my doctor, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">they did an X-Ray on my knee and they didn't see anything wrong with it </span><span style="font-size: large;">and they drew off 25 cc of fluid from the Baker's Cyst. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WOW! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> No wonder why I was in such discomfort! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The doctor thought that draining the cyst</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> should be the end of my problem. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It was awesome to be able to run again without pain! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I was in heaven.</b></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvKCRbJetucS44NTdrARVGvN8cKNo6JJejjnzGRhz81Rba5WQEX0S2RpR6pzafGn649EdSzWjiBu4j2IFoL5DGrTE-GfAhLXpr7CGImO8CvqpROh1llNL0uauwLkqikn2u7__UvtfJes/s1600/November+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvKCRbJetucS44NTdrARVGvN8cKNo6JJejjnzGRhz81Rba5WQEX0S2RpR6pzafGn649EdSzWjiBu4j2IFoL5DGrTE-GfAhLXpr7CGImO8CvqpROh1llNL0uauwLkqikn2u7__UvtfJes/s640/November+2013.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, 4 days later, my cyst filled with fluid again</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and we realized that there was a worse underlying problem that would need to be seen using an MRI.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sure enough the MRI showed a torn meniscus, </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and quite a bit of arthritis. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SO,</b> I'm scheduled for knee surgery on Friday, December 13th to fix my meniscus and drain my cyst again!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(they won't be able to do anything about the arthritis)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I'm excited </b>to finally have my knee back so I can be active and able to confidently do all of the things that I love doing SO much! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Can't wait to enjoy a winter of cross-country skiing with my family! </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepANvg1R4Za0dOQKSYhFFEh-bbIjgeiJkGlAHdggjiCyOneAOhTi_XpcWAXPKZVopSxiWj-b_swvIdTXYmUbXLVpqn_6IGEIxNfkMfBo2pnuVDKvwWfmCLw0seCW5aWcoaD43_EE47Zc/s1600/making+goodie+boxes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepANvg1R4Za0dOQKSYhFFEh-bbIjgeiJkGlAHdggjiCyOneAOhTi_XpcWAXPKZVopSxiWj-b_swvIdTXYmUbXLVpqn_6IGEIxNfkMfBo2pnuVDKvwWfmCLw0seCW5aWcoaD43_EE47Zc/s640/making+goodie+boxes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">SO, because my month of December is filled to the rim with normal holiday activities, planning a Pack Night, working on my Wood Badge projects, perfecting <i>"Silent Night"</i> for a duet I have play for the Christmas recital, school projects and now adding surgery into the mix,</span><span style="font-size: large;">our friends and neighbors got their goodie bags from us for Thanksgiving rather than Christmas! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcMfVA4W0vjLvahh6hE4NMDFEpjc6TEcP-Ikk874oisdz8VdMtTcQm2j4HcmPqHRnoeZ_GdgEMbYdGh54jbkw7Yjyzdx4xCxTEzfGl3nSPdd8tWeLNAMllviDMKS2PfALH86dnWtLY-w/s1600/simple+things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcMfVA4W0vjLvahh6hE4NMDFEpjc6TEcP-Ikk874oisdz8VdMtTcQm2j4HcmPqHRnoeZ_GdgEMbYdGh54jbkw7Yjyzdx4xCxTEzfGl3nSPdd8tWeLNAMllviDMKS2PfALH86dnWtLY-w/s640/simple+things.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As I reflect on my wonderful life, I can't help but focus on the good and positive things I have in abundance...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The most AWESOME and supportive husband and kids!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A healthy family!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A body that works perfectly, even with a less than perfect knee!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A home full of<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> LOVE</span></b> where we get told DAILY how much we're loved and appreciated! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nourishing and delicious food to eat, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">clean water to drink,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">clean water to wash and bathe with,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">WARM and toasty house,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">wonderful and thoughtful family and friends!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Life is wonderful, </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>even when it throws you </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>some curve balls now and again!<br />The most important thing,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> is focusing on all of the GOOD you have,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>which far outweighs the bad! </b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-38864375015382077942013-12-01T10:33:00.000-07:002013-12-09T10:34:39.889-07:00How great it is to be LOVED!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQr4JnqGD8lHNxfvN7micmG1Etz58fNPTiCMKV8VU1Ht-pPKYdWmLf2BoaIkl9qzwkRT7Cuq4n8ESL3jMGZNwSXbqzG-s1qrWzu3bcoHdEbEYza5tkU14SeEbJioq_2GNBglO3qQyZuo/s1600/family+photos+november+2012+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQr4JnqGD8lHNxfvN7micmG1Etz58fNPTiCMKV8VU1Ht-pPKYdWmLf2BoaIkl9qzwkRT7Cuq4n8ESL3jMGZNwSXbqzG-s1qrWzu3bcoHdEbEYza5tkU14SeEbJioq_2GNBglO3qQyZuo/s640/family+photos+november+2012+104.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>November 21st, 2012...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sweet words that were penned</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> by the Love of my Life! </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"It has been such a wonderful year! At the top of my gratitude list, I am thankful we have managed to get to a point financially where the income my sweet wife Kimberly was bringing in from her former job became superfluous to us and she turned-in her resignation at the end of last year. I have loved coming home each day to a more energetic, healthier, happier, wife! This will be the first time in 21 years that she won't have to go to work on the day after Thanksgiving. What a luxury... one which we aren't taking for granted!"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>(My response) </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"I'm so grateful for <b>YOU </b>Mr. Smith!! I'm married to the most kind, compassionate and giving man I know! You selflessly give of your time to weekend camp outs with Scouts, giving up your Friday afternoon and night camping and then the majority of your Saturday as you break camp and then put all of the gear away. And then just when you think you have a free moment just for <b>YOU,</b> your wife has computer problems, that end up taking a few hours to figure out, or Ethan needs you to correct his math problems, or Jade, has a stressful time because the toilet is overflowing, or there are the never ending home improvement projects to do, or, cars that need repaired and thankfully you have "mad skillz". And then there are the days after you have worked a long day at work and you come home tired, you choose to come and stand by my side and we cook dinner together, or I send you a text message apologizing that my day got away from me and I didn't have time to make a batch of yummy rolls so we'll have to have French Bread to go with it and you respond back with: "Keep it simple. I'd be thrilled with an open faced turkey sandwich with gravy". And then there are the days where you leave me a sweet note out of the blue on the counter for me to see and enjoy when I get off work. Life with <b>YOU </b>is a happy and amazing journey and if we were stranded on a desert island with no one else around, but us, I would be okay with that....<b>YOU</b> are the love of my life, <b>YOU </b>are the one I long to see at the end of a long day and the first person I want to see in the morning and the person I want to hear from all throughout the day! Thanks for filling our home and life with and abundance of LAUGHTER and FUN! <b>YOU </b>my dear, are at the top of my gratitude list this season and I'm beyond excited about getting to enjoy 5 wonderful days with neither of us having to go to work! Let's party and celebrate for sure!"</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Love...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>it's a wonderful thing!</b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-79975064795670946162013-11-17T13:39:00.000-07:002013-11-17T20:04:12.626-07:00I love beautiful Fall days! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB6FGMXRVDqqImhZClkBtIag6ALAk05JlaysCvyNaC3oVVArXRCEJoGIAnN0erRq6y3jtN4KBnt3Kb2dLtUdNNrq4ouliENMYScLDwqjT4FFWWPn1yuaexg0ENU11s4tLuW6Xot3GzTo/s1600/fence+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB6FGMXRVDqqImhZClkBtIag6ALAk05JlaysCvyNaC3oVVArXRCEJoGIAnN0erRq6y3jtN4KBnt3Kb2dLtUdNNrq4ouliENMYScLDwqjT4FFWWPn1yuaexg0ENU11s4tLuW6Xot3GzTo/s640/fence+photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunshine...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh how I love you! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>However,</b> I forget that this time of the year,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> we get many "gloomy" days, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">where the sun doesn't shine much at all. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SO, </b>on the days that it does shine,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">it's a very much celebrated thing to me! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Here are some of my favorite photos from the last little bit that made me happy because of blue skies, sunshine and clouds of all kinds! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Clouds that look like an</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> "airplane" taking off!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPVMb2Oeg73m3SIAtHxAGr0d51DysypGN_3U-jyYGwZJ8g0XtgXPYTtRm4ulWROQ5NeKH1HM_WVkDbe9QlWEUgj0mZH4I1sSWVHK1HGvb6vdFjhlCw1Fv1S3t2ARy4JxR5hKocML9-54/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPVMb2Oeg73m3SIAtHxAGr0d51DysypGN_3U-jyYGwZJ8g0XtgXPYTtRm4ulWROQ5NeKH1HM_WVkDbe9QlWEUgj0mZH4I1sSWVHK1HGvb6vdFjhlCw1Fv1S3t2ARy4JxR5hKocML9-54/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+616.JPG" width="484" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2rThwf2AfUKiguCNhaMeFyaZXQjc0g4_W0a3SCWfXFdsI0FnG8E6ULQlFwp1eB3OXPo8HV5xRzZpC0N2CnWJYzZURi8T_8nooErZBZLwkoJJnUb9cnvNvOIZXE9XYIHbCfLN4RS9DyA/s1600/beautiful+sunrise+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2rThwf2AfUKiguCNhaMeFyaZXQjc0g4_W0a3SCWfXFdsI0FnG8E6ULQlFwp1eB3OXPo8HV5xRzZpC0N2CnWJYzZURi8T_8nooErZBZLwkoJJnUb9cnvNvOIZXE9XYIHbCfLN4RS9DyA/s640/beautiful+sunrise+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I NEVER tire of beautiful sunrises and sunsets!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When your day starts off this beautiful, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you know it's going to be a wonderful day!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MfCnrkSCALpZyKRrlqxKJl4x1cdiLs4_b_2YNU6xErqQGaC_H_BT2AlIEXCFxkFxOk6X7l_mv1AuFEj_cv-9XlKSCSWf_KF1l2zYTKU8LXj5pQPwhv1lWuLE8deRZn7WP7HLMKkCTjQ/s1600/heart+in+the+clouds+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MfCnrkSCALpZyKRrlqxKJl4x1cdiLs4_b_2YNU6xErqQGaC_H_BT2AlIEXCFxkFxOk6X7l_mv1AuFEj_cv-9XlKSCSWf_KF1l2zYTKU8LXj5pQPwhv1lWuLE8deRZn7WP7HLMKkCTjQ/s640/heart+in+the+clouds+photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I LOVE and cherish those nights, </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">when there has been grey skies all day, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>however,</b> as the sun starts to set, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">it breaks through those grey clouds </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and give us a glimpse of some blue skies and rich color.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>It's always a bonus when one of the clouds resembles a heart! </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zDdTp5WB3aGSEJEq55xDhaQ8vAO4aZVoTf_5g2zBUYhTV83eqwX7bJie6abuNdEziw2quAzfMrIFXstpwRSWiNlVTE2NDSUa9cHydUh8YJDB55kjAejDy_9YftZORCl8DI2W7SzF9iQ/s1600/where+we+live+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zDdTp5WB3aGSEJEq55xDhaQ8vAO4aZVoTf_5g2zBUYhTV83eqwX7bJie6abuNdEziw2quAzfMrIFXstpwRSWiNlVTE2NDSUa9cHydUh8YJDB55kjAejDy_9YftZORCl8DI2W7SzF9iQ/s640/where+we+live+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>OH and when you live in the country, </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>you never know what you're going to see!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This large guy startled me and caught me by surprise on my way home from work this past week! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa8VdRkQ5zyHZFVEXo01RLGgo2vS79Le8XFEILJFcalZa05aLHbZO8F0cSUzabNM5wGdPLiNtDb133DVA-309DafQmYuB30nhZeKnYn7XkkZvv-0Ehbg9ubQb2BdprgerVi3G2bdzS_I/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa8VdRkQ5zyHZFVEXo01RLGgo2vS79Le8XFEILJFcalZa05aLHbZO8F0cSUzabNM5wGdPLiNtDb133DVA-309DafQmYuB30nhZeKnYn7XkkZvv-0Ehbg9ubQb2BdprgerVi3G2bdzS_I/s400/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+056.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;">It's such a beautiful life!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The more you look for beauty, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the more you will find it, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">even on those days when you least think you will! </span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-53581028435580775552013-11-16T14:01:00.000-07:002013-11-17T20:05:59.241-07:00First Snow Fall!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Thursday November 7th, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was a grey, drizzly and rainy day </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">as I drove to Parker, Idaho </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">to teach my PE classes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjiy_R9cw446yGR5pKSKc78B-PfaewSbDo4JHolujbCVs2hAKJxi6hZqweN3f69tTVtY5TUH3NuZUNUmjFSmCTH5fLSSe4KX55fmhc8-Lk9NGBWPv3hn3DtrWQu8zTL_XDeCRxOGlM4g/s1600/first+snow+photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjiy_R9cw446yGR5pKSKc78B-PfaewSbDo4JHolujbCVs2hAKJxi6hZqweN3f69tTVtY5TUH3NuZUNUmjFSmCTH5fLSSe4KX55fmhc8-Lk9NGBWPv3hn3DtrWQu8zTL_XDeCRxOGlM4g/s640/first+snow+photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However,</b> a mile or two before I got to the school, the weather instantly turned to SNOW!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's too bad grown ups aren't as excited about snow as kids are!<br />I came outside to do lunch recess duty and this is what I saw...</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaOK5VxwaAqx_Mc2w3dwa-cX6s1N6yNAoUyWDYPTBEjIHee-z8pcMZHKlY1V3j45yW00PKbCYVoyfiSh_aHwJ27MIIjJjyxglDtHEPEI86txNswQ-NYtYqB0hrqRmV6bmgtYrD1QbAso/s1600/first+snow+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaOK5VxwaAqx_Mc2w3dwa-cX6s1N6yNAoUyWDYPTBEjIHee-z8pcMZHKlY1V3j45yW00PKbCYVoyfiSh_aHwJ27MIIjJjyxglDtHEPEI86txNswQ-NYtYqB0hrqRmV6bmgtYrD1QbAso/s640/first+snow+photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lots of little balls of snow that had been rolled by little hands, trying to make some snow men!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxow4NYGdnnwidlA013NmgpKNalThZpvYLqXaA07l4aeJBbALe5CbgkJU86_TQYBeAYZ_64M_IbH_ez3z1S4vOI-_RhMrmigUd34xOedt8uFpLdU4EYxY79a749I00vqJimnVRGnUYWjk/s1600/first+snow+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxow4NYGdnnwidlA013NmgpKNalThZpvYLqXaA07l4aeJBbALe5CbgkJU86_TQYBeAYZ_64M_IbH_ez3z1S4vOI-_RhMrmigUd34xOedt8uFpLdU4EYxY79a749I00vqJimnVRGnUYWjk/s640/first+snow+photo+2.JPG" width="556" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxCQ6dse2_2Dz7rTKHYCyvVTAh-7OmwxFHgFSsA9PWUyQcrelSglkc0-54U8wLBZzPq_anRoC_FZ-uoRhby8r3f5d_bygXgr5PS-NfQNrbDjtKdjrqghGgSrRve27B-EQEYXsB55Eq8Y/s1600/first+snow+photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxCQ6dse2_2Dz7rTKHYCyvVTAh-7OmwxFHgFSsA9PWUyQcrelSglkc0-54U8wLBZzPq_anRoC_FZ-uoRhby8r3f5d_bygXgr5PS-NfQNrbDjtKdjrqghGgSrRve27B-EQEYXsB55Eq8Y/s640/first+snow+photo+3.JPG" width="506" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>These cute little girls were SO proud of their creation!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>OH</b> and if you keep your eyes open when you walk around a playground of grass with melting snow, you can even come across cool shapes... </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqkhhuuPV-skgMEE-ypyTokGPw86TgctleAtH5S5Y718tAmsBRuvQ4pweRzE0qcNHjqVWkg6BuefAQ_Q04szK21n_z4O_fMI8z0eANpYe3FwJAfmi_xYaZKe-0YBNQOZYu-fCdAEf0fc/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqkhhuuPV-skgMEE-ypyTokGPw86TgctleAtH5S5Y718tAmsBRuvQ4pweRzE0qcNHjqVWkg6BuefAQ_Q04szK21n_z4O_fMI8z0eANpYe3FwJAfmi_xYaZKe-0YBNQOZYu-fCdAEf0fc/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+735.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I SPY... a swan!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The snow didn't stay for long </span><span style="font-size: large;">and by the next day it was melted and gone.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDL6Bfl0eMv5kIwu23usSkXFXkS9u-EuTwvlw2T65BH6FnvGE7N83D8QQM4NXHLmADvEVIAXB-k9XlPAJO3-cD5nfXx559hPkv1Ah_Wo7JW9SAd3C3aaOmkzXDvN6EBX7rsPdJePTDhg/s1600/filling+propane+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDL6Bfl0eMv5kIwu23usSkXFXkS9u-EuTwvlw2T65BH6FnvGE7N83D8QQM4NXHLmADvEVIAXB-k9XlPAJO3-cD5nfXx559hPkv1Ah_Wo7JW9SAd3C3aaOmkzXDvN6EBX7rsPdJePTDhg/s640/filling+propane+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, when we awoke on </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Saturday, November 16th,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">we had a fresh new falling of snow. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I wonder </b>if it's going to be here to stay for good this time?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mr. Smith and I </b>headed into town this morning with all of our propane bottles and filled them up, so we can hook up our heater and be able to keep warm while we putter, tinker and create in the garage!</span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>(OH and so we can have plenty of fuel so we can use our Weber grill for making burgers, pizza and salmon all throughout the snowy winter months as well!)</b><br />
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<b style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sunshine, Rain, or Snow,</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">Life is GOOD!</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-11718820779673026532013-11-12T20:40:00.000-07:002013-11-13T15:21:14.235-07:00A simple Christmas, is the best Christmas!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a-vEJE_JveBXNDJV72M6rcyoLfR4ZO8fG4Hx7cIR8mu4Em8IvQgDomitafO1NnAn0n0_xLuYAY8eVBTBTm-c8DSoLO5P-XjgQ7nsEdns-unCVNop9emWa24pNMl9StQHhdsIx2_Afao/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+1491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a-vEJE_JveBXNDJV72M6rcyoLfR4ZO8fG4Hx7cIR8mu4Em8IvQgDomitafO1NnAn0n0_xLuYAY8eVBTBTm-c8DSoLO5P-XjgQ7nsEdns-unCVNop9emWa24pNMl9StQHhdsIx2_Afao/s400/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+1491.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Christmas...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">such a magical and wonderful time of the year! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I truly <span style="color: #cc0000;">love </span>it! </b></span><br />
<i>(although, I do love Halloween the most!!)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">However,</span> it seems that every year it gets more commercialized...<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Christmas is in the stores, sometimes even before Halloween stuff!</b></span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas shouldn't be about having </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the most perfectly decorated house!</span><br />
<b>It shouldn't be about </b>having 15+ strands of lights on your tree, perfectly adorned and shimmering with tinsel, ribbons and balls and ornament!<br />
<b>It shouldn't be about </b>having the most amazing centerpiece for your table!<br />
<b>It shouldn't be about</b> how many perfectly wrapped presents you have nestled under your tree!<br />
<b>It shouldn't be about </b>having the most lights on the outside of your house...<br />
and the list goes on and on and ON!! <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I know how easy it is to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas.</span> </b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Every</span> magazine you read has pages and pages of what you need to "decorate with" and " buy" to have the most magical, wonderful Christmas ever!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Every </span>store you go in has amazing and beautiful rooms jam packed full of trendy Christmas decor.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">OH</span> and don't even get me started with Pinterest... <b>Christmas overload!</b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKbYiFe8aQsdCnP0zTYY11RtUd7JLjAl1TCBaknOoUUiz1-sfYZX9HeWdC-QQ6CYLCDZStBuuUN9azhQyDjTFOUA22Wy6xwriXVsz9vsEua5JG-fepbmWG5MVb7LE4QJjUMyGt4QXWow/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKbYiFe8aQsdCnP0zTYY11RtUd7JLjAl1TCBaknOoUUiz1-sfYZX9HeWdC-QQ6CYLCDZStBuuUN9azhQyDjTFOUA22Wy6xwriXVsz9vsEua5JG-fepbmWG5MVb7LE4QJjUMyGt4QXWow/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+993.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For many years, I had every square inch of my main house area decorated to the hilt! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Every year, </span>I added a few more strands of the lights to the tree (of which, my hubby, would not be the happiest with me...<i>"Why in the world do we need more lights, dear?</i>") <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Every year</span> it seemed like we added a few more gifts under the tree, because it "looked" better and you didn't want your kids to feel "ripped off" if they didn't have LOTS of beautiful packages to open up.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When Ethan was a baby, <i>(11 years ago)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I worked</span> with a lady that talked about their Christmas tradition of the<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"4 gift rule".</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">loved </span></b>it so much, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to add it to our own Christmas traditions. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However,</b> it's really hard to simplify Christmas </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">down to just four gifts...<b> <i>OR, so, I thought.</i></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwrl2VUe5Qx-cWB6RPbu9YOwWAJLjotHY69WCKC3Rex_D6zx5z7qmlh0vEr5sCHN22xRxOJq_XLs86u074h_rmkNCZ_7M81mRGHX-5hh2f95XJsNcLfiVxfeuMgbiimyC-WSoMVF9gZI/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+1709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwrl2VUe5Qx-cWB6RPbu9YOwWAJLjotHY69WCKC3Rex_D6zx5z7qmlh0vEr5sCHN22xRxOJq_XLs86u074h_rmkNCZ_7M81mRGHX-5hh2f95XJsNcLfiVxfeuMgbiimyC-WSoMVF9gZI/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+1709.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>This is the 4 gift Rule:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Something to <b>Wear</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Something to <b>Read</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Something you <b>Want</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Something to <b>Read </b></span><br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">It's actually a win-win! </b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids get something they <b>WANT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They get some kind of article of clothing to <b>WEAR</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>They get something that they really NEED</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">AND, best of all, you are promoting learning by getting them something to <b>READ</b>!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We decided to do this 2 years ago, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">because we wanted Christmas to be Simple </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and <b>NOT</b> about the gifts at all! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLzTV272cnbQRW3k42lpuWTcrDgTG73OTuJPq9xzIzLXZfnNyTPXDIux4NsVuMxQ2vmB5Hn3YadygTFd7_IK0o3hqqxLYTcmHGnnIgqqb02tgRqyMX5h2bBRvoZrgSClzuo_8pSLqOzI/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLzTV272cnbQRW3k42lpuWTcrDgTG73OTuJPq9xzIzLXZfnNyTPXDIux4NsVuMxQ2vmB5Hn3YadygTFd7_IK0o3hqqxLYTcmHGnnIgqqb02tgRqyMX5h2bBRvoZrgSClzuo_8pSLqOzI/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+1695.JPG" width="489" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So,</span> we took some white pillow cases that we had got from some friends that own a motel and we made each of us a BAG to hold the 4 gifts in.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">You can make them as elaborate as you would like.</span> </b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Stencil on the wording, or embroidery them on. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Add glitter, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">use colorful fabric, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">whatever you want, it would work out great</span>.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ours were just made by Sharpie Markers.</b></span><br />
<b>(However, one of these years, </b><br />
<b>I would like to re-do them and make them a little bit more jazzed up!)</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavNoBkO2vWLIyznZflLjhzjS3HqYehxDECkQQfXwGigb_P6h6Mg7v3IibX9GFiEVcSMQsKzOeSsxGZtPHluz4k-xcBXfK5yPC6W9q0yXzNuyqx2U1VVU968vs4zgAJ6AWJvzIPyof1pM/s1600/Edited+Sack+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavNoBkO2vWLIyznZflLjhzjS3HqYehxDECkQQfXwGigb_P6h6Mg7v3IibX9GFiEVcSMQsKzOeSsxGZtPHluz4k-xcBXfK5yPC6W9q0yXzNuyqx2U1VVU968vs4zgAJ6AWJvzIPyof1pM/s640/Edited+Sack+photo.JPG" width="494" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As you can see, </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>they look awesome under the tree </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and they are a BIG hit with the kiddos!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5qxjIBHHD3rbeYB_yx9sZsgQIDTXSgUTuixGjGsxwAAaHaTDyM1xDZqEPUfqzlo7k2oEVYWIA5Mu3l7WEetQyh1p7M_r-TAFpVACTmcshpmVmx2f48n_fLgEhrYNRCx_BFFbKDqyW9s/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5qxjIBHHD3rbeYB_yx9sZsgQIDTXSgUTuixGjGsxwAAaHaTDyM1xDZqEPUfqzlo7k2oEVYWIA5Mu3l7WEetQyh1p7M_r-TAFpVACTmcshpmVmx2f48n_fLgEhrYNRCx_BFFbKDqyW9s/s400/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+1220.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This sweet boy, really got us into </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>the TRUE Christmas Spirit last year.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He wanted an <b>Old Fashioned Christmas.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He wanted a <b>REAL tree.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He wanted to</b> string popcorn and cranberries for the garland.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He wanted</b> a homemade star on the top of the tree!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He wanted </b>ALL of us to help decorate it and <b>not</b> just mom, making it perfect while everyone was at school and work, with lots of glitzy ornaments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>He did NOT want fancy, or tons of decorations.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What he really wanted was TIME.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EBAYPnaxeTAis9pUd0JijoA-zKc4DjWoKzq4eVV9aMKb1T5q1-UeqWvRmew8VXS4_FBwBS3_s_PXfnzWw7qEcS_Mip71591meHFL8ITUDQyS2ImsrAeDmy3V4fuF7gc-sVrRWGJVih8/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+642-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EBAYPnaxeTAis9pUd0JijoA-zKc4DjWoKzq4eVV9aMKb1T5q1-UeqWvRmew8VXS4_FBwBS3_s_PXfnzWw7qEcS_Mip71591meHFL8ITUDQyS2ImsrAeDmy3V4fuF7gc-sVrRWGJVih8/s400/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+642-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Time</b> to decorate...<br />
<b>Time</b> to sip LOTS of hot chocolate while we read Christmas stories.<br />
<b>Time </b>to listen to Christmas music.<br />
<b>Time</b> to make goodies together.<br />
<b>Time</b> to watch holiday movies.<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>It really is true that the SIMPLE things are the REAL things that kids CRAVE and long for!</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After 8 years </b>of working on simplifying the holidays and scaling back, I can officially say that we have <b>finally</b> figured out how to <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SIMPLIFY </span>Christmas </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to be like my favorite word</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> "Lagom"... </b></span></span><br />
<b><i>(not too much, not too little, but just the </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">right </span><i>amount!)</i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Here is our Christmas Holiday decor from Christmas 2012 complete with REAL Christmas tree, simple ornaments, homemade garland and a few holiday touches on the kitchen table and our buffet.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F8loL6M3Cp1PAB4ELtzZyv1UEGe2KhycIDlCu1QvxSFa6bvKVG_7GWgOMDD4i_nm2uynNHFkCWAaTci33YywHylZN-2N3Dfs36NdZGcNoycQbmXtBHqVzioKLKhNr9Ws2hp8YERwjBg/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F8loL6M3Cp1PAB4ELtzZyv1UEGe2KhycIDlCu1QvxSFa6bvKVG_7GWgOMDD4i_nm2uynNHFkCWAaTci33YywHylZN-2N3Dfs36NdZGcNoycQbmXtBHqVzioKLKhNr9Ws2hp8YERwjBg/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+637.JPG" width="494" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk8zHqTUjqzqCM0BiLFKfNC_B5LRMHIIMJrTgElo8A9KN3Yy5uXUfIa0s33T17DUiFAa0yxUf17zuZ-k1EtHufnsxrOaI0xfYN1sPCerFi2viEB3_IFl1_mhiPvHBU5TJ2M1AZ4j43D8/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+670-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk8zHqTUjqzqCM0BiLFKfNC_B5LRMHIIMJrTgElo8A9KN3Yy5uXUfIa0s33T17DUiFAa0yxUf17zuZ-k1EtHufnsxrOaI0xfYN1sPCerFi2viEB3_IFl1_mhiPvHBU5TJ2M1AZ4j43D8/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+670-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Home strung garland...</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">popcorn, cranberries and peppermint candies! </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfv0RYT5qmcFVONAfVk-Zqr2Ryw3lElMkhGUKxxEkL_5O4btQhyphenhyphenElVKzNJZIfzO3VdmJ0C43rs0iXq8BNmQIPgbygyIphVwHYamEqw4_pCW9bfyvIQzTi2ijRy8IBAyvJnGHPllqJ0q6E/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfv0RYT5qmcFVONAfVk-Zqr2Ryw3lElMkhGUKxxEkL_5O4btQhyphenhyphenElVKzNJZIfzO3VdmJ0C43rs0iXq8BNmQIPgbygyIphVwHYamEqw4_pCW9bfyvIQzTi2ijRy8IBAyvJnGHPllqJ0q6E/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Homemade </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Old Fashioned Tree Skirt </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnApYMze9XzXnMYPWzvRMaW5sPDGbnBg0oSaIo6TxpbsBDRYegQPgyqWZFhyphenhyphen9OT0hyO2x53XNqLkSFugzYGBKobBYMEX4tPrs-8qGPQ58iXljBIytsPTY_VwyEdPmUVaPYsNJX0p2B1zQ/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+816-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnApYMze9XzXnMYPWzvRMaW5sPDGbnBg0oSaIo6TxpbsBDRYegQPgyqWZFhyphenhyphen9OT0hyO2x53XNqLkSFugzYGBKobBYMEX4tPrs-8qGPQ58iXljBIytsPTY_VwyEdPmUVaPYsNJX0p2B1zQ/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+816-001.JPG" width="442" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's amazing how a .97 package of Tinsel Strings </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>can really add some </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SHIMMER and SPARKLE to the holidays! </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tracy and I stayed up late </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and made a homemade glitter star for the top of the tree</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> t</span><span style="font-size: large;">hat we hung from our tall ceiling to be right above the tree!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK75tqrZx_aSbHtUX27EwExk71wIGDeT7E3reBGZeP0th82XpT0aelSCbSoMQNyLDQsku4rhtKJKhGd5mrQT9tbNcYemuEPqEakOsJgXi3mqtWAuNVyMGFSn3mCHdDKxU5HCsQHzYpEo/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK75tqrZx_aSbHtUX27EwExk71wIGDeT7E3reBGZeP0th82XpT0aelSCbSoMQNyLDQsku4rhtKJKhGd5mrQT9tbNcYemuEPqEakOsJgXi3mqtWAuNVyMGFSn3mCHdDKxU5HCsQHzYpEo/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My simple, yet beautiful </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">dining room table!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAtLLzv3K3tKHxQXveYl7yenMnkOD2GtD4HcHCz5wY0sPp0v6ilUo3-TNuPG8B0altlI-TEIWESaRloOH7AephndfXQ-7bBFsF4O35YBJml9hpQuEOZAUS4cvd-CStsEbzLWqvKFTd1Y/s1600/poinsetta+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAtLLzv3K3tKHxQXveYl7yenMnkOD2GtD4HcHCz5wY0sPp0v6ilUo3-TNuPG8B0altlI-TEIWESaRloOH7AephndfXQ-7bBFsF4O35YBJml9hpQuEOZAUS4cvd-CStsEbzLWqvKFTd1Y/s640/poinsetta+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6jz780UT5JZq5ewwQrfyDqMjDtxMqUMsgLcPUBcfFFyEuNsirqIXK00kBNuLysK9GQVw-GXezpd-Fx_nHLhrMq_8hdvoVldUOCgQflQBcSkOjfZULQFOUX6OXqJrKnsyzlcVMuYde18/s1600/Christmas+balls+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6jz780UT5JZq5ewwQrfyDqMjDtxMqUMsgLcPUBcfFFyEuNsirqIXK00kBNuLysK9GQVw-GXezpd-Fx_nHLhrMq_8hdvoVldUOCgQflQBcSkOjfZULQFOUX6OXqJrKnsyzlcVMuYde18/s640/Christmas+balls+photo+2.JPG" width="526" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjuxRjxiOlAFjo1DRoU9O_d6QrI7VYjd_QFjoCTysO34WR6G9XjBewgf7j9NU8e21dXy034QUysTREjaTxy64vRR_Kh3R0IKuBsCX8ybvHruti0VlPn-LTnFLmHBMos9zYdYZVFKkoEE/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+867-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjuxRjxiOlAFjo1DRoU9O_d6QrI7VYjd_QFjoCTysO34WR6G9XjBewgf7j9NU8e21dXy034QUysTREjaTxy64vRR_Kh3R0IKuBsCX8ybvHruti0VlPn-LTnFLmHBMos9zYdYZVFKkoEE/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+867-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> The Stockings were Hung...</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1-SXhaUvPwBwSxBHV-Sj59oUtDZ_QDH77ZjXNsgKjibjFaD0_k7fcZOYDr0Ag6g5A8mt2VGg9B3qnxdi0DumWZbJYznSkw5JjoY0icGgLit4C6JqgC5-DnlSs3LJSJpBfcOAKlFDCz0/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1-SXhaUvPwBwSxBHV-Sj59oUtDZ_QDH77ZjXNsgKjibjFaD0_k7fcZOYDr0Ag6g5A8mt2VGg9B3qnxdi0DumWZbJYznSkw5JjoY0icGgLit4C6JqgC5-DnlSs3LJSJpBfcOAKlFDCz0/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+1355.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Favorite Santas...</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wGotLOwc6tyIVG5ufbXMOgtkSHN-KUYpumhNLrx6M6x5Pwa2aCnq0tWPRKqMwoY_vRAgqL8rroaO9p8WtdfxrVyzB3guFJbobpwwZFWFQuazm3sqxqPRQN3-_oXtPCdK_ESvyt8T5iA/s1600/colored+peace+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wGotLOwc6tyIVG5ufbXMOgtkSHN-KUYpumhNLrx6M6x5Pwa2aCnq0tWPRKqMwoY_vRAgqL8rroaO9p8WtdfxrVyzB3guFJbobpwwZFWFQuazm3sqxqPRQN3-_oXtPCdK_ESvyt8T5iA/s640/colored+peace+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>This years Nativity</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzPOw2aCcRQne4jW8zwGAzl8FRXJTpXpRNigqPUqUdTdFk2AgU77dpsHMhFVjZTZ9eULq2qKAd_tmiCV5f-tzCZwmks7hfyy_6MliO59ilUhxoUwM_UkHqBbJ8QmSRvSA5H_rk_ctcis/s1600/simple+christmas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzPOw2aCcRQne4jW8zwGAzl8FRXJTpXpRNigqPUqUdTdFk2AgU77dpsHMhFVjZTZ9eULq2qKAd_tmiCV5f-tzCZwmks7hfyy_6MliO59ilUhxoUwM_UkHqBbJ8QmSRvSA5H_rk_ctcis/s640/simple+christmas3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I made many batches of Cinnamon Roasted Almonds, Carmel/Chocolate Dipped Pretzels </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">and other dipped chocolates!</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Holiday Treats! </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Christmas Eve Dinner... </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Christmas morning breakfast... </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The<b> DAY after </b>Christmas breakfast </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">with Tracy's parents</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Complete with Orange Rolls...</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm4baCzLR6OSwLAaKIe6MvGYoIAhc5vvreivLqz49sCH5BrRjleuOl_m1RmbcWpusUXDL5ZIup6Lg2tLL6sKWe2d9FNYnhE74yfwLeOpzbWy6RJSLWpr9o7DeKi8hplaEOPY1nI0YpDU/s1600/christmas+ornaments+photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm4baCzLR6OSwLAaKIe6MvGYoIAhc5vvreivLqz49sCH5BrRjleuOl_m1RmbcWpusUXDL5ZIup6Lg2tLL6sKWe2d9FNYnhE74yfwLeOpzbWy6RJSLWpr9o7DeKi8hplaEOPY1nI0YpDU/s640/christmas+ornaments+photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After Christmas was over,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> all of my favorite tree ornaments fit in a large boot box!!</span></i></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">THAT is what you call <span style="font-size: large;">SIMPLE!</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE50nLtSRSeFQnBe6PO5ZtoT0eVOmtQBh5zyjqKzsaFjWaNFaXmrRMIM6BR5TD5NlowtH8a43HHP5Ywzj2hNtywvzo5NycgvzwSTSAHP3Br6HDFSbDyGM_tbigdfSA9DJzc1xj8dayUk/s1600/nativity+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE50nLtSRSeFQnBe6PO5ZtoT0eVOmtQBh5zyjqKzsaFjWaNFaXmrRMIM6BR5TD5NlowtH8a43HHP5Ywzj2hNtywvzo5NycgvzwSTSAHP3Br6HDFSbDyGM_tbigdfSA9DJzc1xj8dayUk/s640/nativity+photo.JPG" width="508" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(cute little couple in our ward that acted out the Nativity last year at our YW party)</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to enjoying another </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">SIMPLE Christmas this year </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">that's easy to put up and easy to take down...</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Where we focus on the true meaning of Christmas!</span></b><br />
<b>Where we do NOT add unnecessary clutter and junk to our lives</b><br />
<b> from over spending and over consuming, </b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">and where we create this year's memories as we enjoy </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">all of the traditions, goodies and FUN</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> that come with this most </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"Wonderful Time of the Year"!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Unfortunately,</span> my holiday Christmas decor, will <span style="font-size: large;"><b>not</b></span> be gracing our home until November 30th, <i>(the Sunday after Thanksgiving)</i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">because,</span> unlike many of my wonderful friends that have Christmas decor up right now,<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b> THANKSGIVING</b></span><br />
cannot be forgotten about at my house and until we have enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Feast, there will be <b>fall leaves, pumpkins, turkeys and pilgrim decor at the Smith House!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFUskVacwwtUX1ICKjvSAjwtRqOtruhOQq0knxpnQKFIa2UE7UBy-FmWb_h2tu-IMb901mL9Ajm5vpRkPDvAKp_1nGnJgpxGTOI-brR9DHC9on1cZGOPX8VSvl9Z_fOX7VKRq13yAnks/s1600/fall+decor+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFUskVacwwtUX1ICKjvSAjwtRqOtruhOQq0knxpnQKFIa2UE7UBy-FmWb_h2tu-IMb901mL9Ajm5vpRkPDvAKp_1nGnJgpxGTOI-brR9DHC9on1cZGOPX8VSvl9Z_fOX7VKRq13yAnks/s400/fall+decor+photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-64738517609459525972013-11-11T06:45:00.002-07:002013-11-12T20:41:52.532-07:00Another weekend ride with Mr. Smith!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYBr976ee-Et2CghgHZiWsULzRs3go2MORrE30vlIUWUNWhx5COl3vPX1vY2qe3hHgUVA1eM8EjCfCc9kYPleAVyEuhDpyp8gw7Kvq0IZnVF02fDGO4hHJLNhmEpUT611XsSAk9UZ6uY/s1600/adventure+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYBr976ee-Et2CghgHZiWsULzRs3go2MORrE30vlIUWUNWhx5COl3vPX1vY2qe3hHgUVA1eM8EjCfCc9kYPleAVyEuhDpyp8gw7Kvq0IZnVF02fDGO4hHJLNhmEpUT611XsSAk9UZ6uY/s640/adventure+photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Oh Adventure...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>I just love you SO! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>November 9, 2013</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a beautiful Saturday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hardly a cloud in the sky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No Wind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was 52 degrees by noon.<br />It was the perfect kind of a day for a ride on the motorbike.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While I dreamed </span>of going out and enjoying a ride with my favorite guy, I just didn't know if it would come to fruition. With our oldest son Jade getting the opportunity to work and earn money that morning, and school projects that required our assistance... Also, the fact that Mr. Smith had to go on a camp-out with his Scouts on Friday night and didn't get back until mid-morning and then we had to unpack and get all of the gear put away, it just didn't seem like there was going to be an opportunity to take advantage of such a gorgeous afternoon.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">HOWEVER, at 2:30 pm</span>, our boys told us we should head out on a much needed date that we had missed due to the previous night's camp-out. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So,</span> Mr. Smith and I got all bundled up in warm clothes,<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">grabbed </span>our bright red helmets<br />
<i>(still have yet to purchase some modern helmets but we have all winter to shop),</i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and</span> warm gloves and we headed out to enjoy the last 2-1/2 hours of sunshine!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDstTBJz2LaA0Q9W3gg0l-9B_voK1R-m7QyPaYar2kQlYLtzRQauXolLKQyj7OsJdOUdTO9qm4XAWYfV6AQu8trEms0rKJlefRuavDa5R3jyxVzKdrtc8xc8nxB_2cEESu7dNWGa7PrIc/s1600/perfect+day+for+a+ride+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDstTBJz2LaA0Q9W3gg0l-9B_voK1R-m7QyPaYar2kQlYLtzRQauXolLKQyj7OsJdOUdTO9qm4XAWYfV6AQu8trEms0rKJlefRuavDa5R3jyxVzKdrtc8xc8nxB_2cEESu7dNWGa7PrIc/s640/perfect+day+for+a+ride+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>We headed up Pole Line road and followed the hilly and windy road as it meandered along the Rexburg bench for a ways. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since we were hungry, we decided to eventually turn north and loop back into town enjoying the scenery along the way.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvxjZS2iJRAltaHTws8kkUyCecWfnLJ-H1PIj_iD8TXDarSDP4eoVOwTthpRmQh4aWRC4ypblzo8dmEvZWdaAb1GYXdIaNJrIhqNzVsquapaF87xDQ6CrHTMAM1wum8Ax1KMc9Plt294/s1600/burgers+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvxjZS2iJRAltaHTws8kkUyCecWfnLJ-H1PIj_iD8TXDarSDP4eoVOwTthpRmQh4aWRC4ypblzo8dmEvZWdaAb1GYXdIaNJrIhqNzVsquapaF87xDQ6CrHTMAM1wum8Ax1KMc9Plt294/s640/burgers+photo+2.JPG" width="484" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We then drove into Rexburg </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and enjoyed a yummy lunch of burgers and fries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After</b> our bellies were stuffed, we headed back up Pole Line road and took some back roads on the Rexburg bench that landed us in the Targhee National Forest.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRrQgj2PipJt7JxErhRM4G14u2UPHtAU_o6iKaM4SVd7w6dkrrxhW3C-EDN_quh_BMr9hQQdqSupSwNHx6Tnk8PQaUKHuY8yiFkLNVhf-96AfbHrj1oQpPW1qNiMB-WdZNF8hvWZnuOg/s1600/both+my+loves+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRrQgj2PipJt7JxErhRM4G14u2UPHtAU_o6iKaM4SVd7w6dkrrxhW3C-EDN_quh_BMr9hQQdqSupSwNHx6Tnk8PQaUKHuY8yiFkLNVhf-96AfbHrj1oQpPW1qNiMB-WdZNF8hvWZnuOg/s640/both+my+loves+photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9ZDDG17zHRVgZ_-M0VI98H4AL7xVbx3YQO4ed7m1PNlobH5P-QHFP_QhRDjbgewwufaK790BmUYNYdY77pvXyyrf6KkmatIw4cuSnVmDhDYg7aSZGscpSnsQbR4H7bJr2B0gVx4CK_0/s1600/my+guy+photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9ZDDG17zHRVgZ_-M0VI98H4AL7xVbx3YQO4ed7m1PNlobH5P-QHFP_QhRDjbgewwufaK790BmUYNYdY77pvXyyrf6KkmatIw4cuSnVmDhDYg7aSZGscpSnsQbR4H7bJr2B0gVx4CK_0/s640/my+guy+photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Gorgeous quaking aspens and pines...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A little bit of SNOW...</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL8uSz5LeJj2g2ovzKJv7J9Hrz6a1QdHOxNYdQL9Rt8wAJjsEzybEJYYB-QHx0nxjFQyp6X4ZB_OJbeJ7IeQdKmAML5hCnMOlx6t_fAjtkNF5i21BBWOG99TenznTgkbjzHpjZXHtjw8/s1600/my+loves+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL8uSz5LeJj2g2ovzKJv7J9Hrz6a1QdHOxNYdQL9Rt8wAJjsEzybEJYYB-QHx0nxjFQyp6X4ZB_OJbeJ7IeQdKmAML5hCnMOlx6t_fAjtkNF5i21BBWOG99TenznTgkbjzHpjZXHtjw8/s640/my+loves+photo+1.JPG" width="488" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>We ended up coming across this old ran down house and grain silos that made the perfect backdrop for some interesting photos. </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshnod1rOwQvKmETjwtQ399ohQJw60TLViVyaYPZEWn1zI4W37uMrlG-kNvB7NXPug3sQAkk4demkKxhw88Z25LHvDzPt1VL0Q3EbmR0GRBo7pymrtwnd2Y-VtFOjZqSL2fpkeXJkBYaY/s1600/black+and+white+love+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshnod1rOwQvKmETjwtQ399ohQJw60TLViVyaYPZEWn1zI4W37uMrlG-kNvB7NXPug3sQAkk4demkKxhw88Z25LHvDzPt1VL0Q3EbmR0GRBo7pymrtwnd2Y-VtFOjZqSL2fpkeXJkBYaY/s640/black+and+white+love+photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZQ1BsE9vSi6Ivub51VAEXyB5x64oj39g1amGhtawXTxM2DgWCU_JFyGtVvFjesmuzXYJPsR1EKBlpBn3db6OgeaGAmH7us3G6VEw7A5jFy-T0c_7EISPoLC9ox-HP8JUctzoDRFSJ5A/s1600/more+barn+shadow+love+photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZQ1BsE9vSi6Ivub51VAEXyB5x64oj39g1amGhtawXTxM2DgWCU_JFyGtVvFjesmuzXYJPsR1EKBlpBn3db6OgeaGAmH7us3G6VEw7A5jFy-T0c_7EISPoLC9ox-HP8JUctzoDRFSJ5A/s640/more+barn+shadow+love+photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>LOVE, <span style="font-size: large;">LOVE ,</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">LOVE!!!</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T9D2tmCyoDYYlrRdhmV1g_VM6qKBMDAPaZ0WwuRxZ2SW6JNuatbmxFOV3t505-bSb0teZCpLZgvv9MCG5n8KWZrHzLOBnArOtnh5sNzWhGeFhyphenhyphenjz8Ejufv0zSN6GCTR3IQB4cZgSpxg/s1600/more+bike+and+barn+shadow+photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T9D2tmCyoDYYlrRdhmV1g_VM6qKBMDAPaZ0WwuRxZ2SW6JNuatbmxFOV3t505-bSb0teZCpLZgvv9MCG5n8KWZrHzLOBnArOtnh5sNzWhGeFhyphenhyphenjz8Ejufv0zSN6GCTR3IQB4cZgSpxg/s640/more+bike+and+barn+shadow+photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"Oh Darling,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Let's be Adventurers together!"</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DTabYEcXjKNahtXnOnz2-AN4c1sDrPQenPSydXawPYudnmwrVDdTar_V-6UkW-FP283eSO1heW2gnezZmZPZkvU7_LbGJN-t4wxmNH9AyTNu-OgtG9zyF3vlMNPcg6Maczz1DNmgzyU/s1600/i+love+adventure+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DTabYEcXjKNahtXnOnz2-AN4c1sDrPQenPSydXawPYudnmwrVDdTar_V-6UkW-FP283eSO1heW2gnezZmZPZkvU7_LbGJN-t4wxmNH9AyTNu-OgtG9zyF3vlMNPcg6Maczz1DNmgzyU/s640/i+love+adventure+photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tracy humored me and drove a ways down the road so I could snap some interesting photos through the window frames of the run down old farm house.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Yvi6z_tThF_6boRG72gWnTlK-2RC3aRZ4opNs_dZkZ2I5ZdZrRLkB3QD8D9xgNf-UThynXHBwFuXaxjGw3MN-Jj_ObpObKKRTcMS_1eKeZu8_gu6oQUIbfXmJGMnBa8tC4K4Ua5ZPow/s1600/window+shot+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Yvi6z_tThF_6boRG72gWnTlK-2RC3aRZ4opNs_dZkZ2I5ZdZrRLkB3QD8D9xgNf-UThynXHBwFuXaxjGw3MN-Jj_ObpObKKRTcMS_1eKeZu8_gu6oQUIbfXmJGMnBa8tC4K4Ua5ZPow/s640/window+shot+photo+1.JPG" width="496" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Oh good! He's coming back for me! </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Phew!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_EqiGIXlKLAYeGCn6eOi8Xj-Of3g1G6WWcdi4AApNo_04wXAEy8LrIp9wSqWix6ZSRSodLJIGwtj5FdWXe-v41pEWV6jEu0dpztKkiCSJzV5BsOCf-ilh20TTOVdkbFVbddquWutZ9w/s1600/very+awesome+shot+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_EqiGIXlKLAYeGCn6eOi8Xj-Of3g1G6WWcdi4AApNo_04wXAEy8LrIp9wSqWix6ZSRSodLJIGwtj5FdWXe-v41pEWV6jEu0dpztKkiCSJzV5BsOCf-ilh20TTOVdkbFVbddquWutZ9w/s640/very+awesome+shot+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"Honey, I'm home!"</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJlHdrr8B6cRpd8bgLp8IkblhV_os2m8jBEaZnCY0-TTOgYzawWPVqvz8xt_iKN_mBMWchrRLUDKD6HrmkRXvAAZJp_gGiCEmMhj-i17N0M7Q1Oe1wJG5q_1Z0kmYF4GDnHkSguizkrs/s1600/unique+shadow+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJlHdrr8B6cRpd8bgLp8IkblhV_os2m8jBEaZnCY0-TTOgYzawWPVqvz8xt_iKN_mBMWchrRLUDKD6HrmkRXvAAZJp_gGiCEmMhj-i17N0M7Q1Oe1wJG5q_1Z0kmYF4GDnHkSguizkrs/s640/unique+shadow+photo.JPG" width="484" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> This is Kimmie's Shadow</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> doing the "I Love You" sign!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I LOVE</span></b> how the shadow is red </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and how my legs look like I'm wearing striped witch tights!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU1bEYdEZKgFn0lhymn7-Ly6R1W0I-VLw4hkBqAHEPGGSXeZlaaNRKBA7__lhs6Cuv3KWmC6dYPCzEym690B-bDCbFJD_Oms_SOqqy2eqoCnkfBatJg4hZQ4YNrR7wFY8_FXmJZRrYqY/s1600/our+v-strom+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU1bEYdEZKgFn0lhymn7-Ly6R1W0I-VLw4hkBqAHEPGGSXeZlaaNRKBA7__lhs6Cuv3KWmC6dYPCzEym690B-bDCbFJD_Oms_SOqqy2eqoCnkfBatJg4hZQ4YNrR7wFY8_FXmJZRrYqY/s640/our+v-strom+photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It's looking quite desolate </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>in some of the fields this time of year!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRDz-hzSZfxxgekjQ-ZGpOSxzG3fsc8kXlqJ2JzTYca9wOArJmGztY5CSEf4Dmv3HtDcDjCPGb4-knkmHPJ7cM2a8HNrSEeKjLxr1GyPqL-U_HJ-ZG5WYMSwNu7nafC-nsZQQiW71hFw/s1600/both+my+loves+photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRDz-hzSZfxxgekjQ-ZGpOSxzG3fsc8kXlqJ2JzTYca9wOArJmGztY5CSEf4Dmv3HtDcDjCPGb4-knkmHPJ7cM2a8HNrSEeKjLxr1GyPqL-U_HJ-ZG5WYMSwNu7nafC-nsZQQiW71hFw/s640/both+my+loves+photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> The time went by too fast </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and it is sad to get back on and start heading for home.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I spy a shadow of a couple</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> truly enjoying their ride!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OufblVPGsTIInAwzMyY9niLBAUJ1akS8cOdv5V5GRRDy7n4_m7mLhVdnd8dCA11xkya3JRZyVOL5mkPTwOlMqfe7VdSG6rN2Bzzh5MUGuuMfdVaQLF8Ml6rETps18SauDEGizKV2vNQ/s1600/heading+out+photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OufblVPGsTIInAwzMyY9niLBAUJ1akS8cOdv5V5GRRDy7n4_m7mLhVdnd8dCA11xkya3JRZyVOL5mkPTwOlMqfe7VdSG6rN2Bzzh5MUGuuMfdVaQLF8Ml6rETps18SauDEGizKV2vNQ/s640/heading+out+photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At this point we are</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">trying to make it back before the sun sets entirely, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">because it is REALLY cooling off </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and we are starting to get a little bit chilly! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>It was a short 50 miles or so but a wonderful ride none-the-less!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Oh, I could truly just ride off into the sunset with this wonderful man and enjoy adventure after adventure together!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Someday,</span> our kids will be raised,<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">we'll </span>have more TIME to get out and do those things we're most passionate about,<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>but, until then,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">we'll </span>just keep enjoying whatever rides we can squeeze in on the good weather days<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and</span> try to create as many wonderful memories with our boys that we can,<br />
<b>before they grow any bigger!</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"LIFE is either a daring adventure,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">or nothing at all!"</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Helen Keller</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>We've got to do our best to make the most of it </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>and live it to the FULLEST!!</b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527772933880774083.post-52610206736479713082013-11-11T06:00:00.000-07:002013-11-17T20:07:53.860-07:00Weekend with Bodie and highlights of Jade!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1u82K_PvlLQrL3qmSHI-yNWYuuWFUdvV2owm-xGsqYhIieBpeWJHy4nF1D_cSxUSiJaiXpsFutEijUsPpLJ6KB2QwouuUTvcTR6HJSy6GbmeMuIf2ETq4XhsuWAeOLUnsXA9s5Ui82c/s1600/IMG_8545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1u82K_PvlLQrL3qmSHI-yNWYuuWFUdvV2owm-xGsqYhIieBpeWJHy4nF1D_cSxUSiJaiXpsFutEijUsPpLJ6KB2QwouuUTvcTR6HJSy6GbmeMuIf2ETq4XhsuWAeOLUnsXA9s5Ui82c/s640/IMG_8545.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>JADE...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my wonderful, amazing son! </span></div>
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<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b>First off,</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b> I can't believe that he turned 19 this year!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG5puxnnpN1i86GIiEzzv8_fWBFbHj2BL1VgdBW4FKiQ4_-MkvFTOg-HVPKvZQRrrTgzFpB7bhKrA8cnbg6ZDPZHVuGZPByCJFlLCP-tu0znfBDIh5rtK-7-VCmcEBJ8JkzaCBgh0Ol0/s1600/IMAGE0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG5puxnnpN1i86GIiEzzv8_fWBFbHj2BL1VgdBW4FKiQ4_-MkvFTOg-HVPKvZQRrrTgzFpB7bhKrA8cnbg6ZDPZHVuGZPByCJFlLCP-tu0znfBDIh5rtK-7-VCmcEBJ8JkzaCBgh0Ol0/s640/IMAGE0106.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It seems like just yesterday </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">when I was swinging with him on this swing! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Highlights from his birthday celebration... </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>May 12, 2013</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOQGUgQ6L9U5t6TmOE5k4dCIxXl1tbh7mpd1uIJexAoRfoBcl-usOxEvKeaeqkFxmPkMJikERQYGEZARbxQOcwi6xi_nKvawhGHN6OrF6D5YoM0p805NAZoeWhWaGg64iafj-dLJEAhs/s1600/breakfast+birthday+boy+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOQGUgQ6L9U5t6TmOE5k4dCIxXl1tbh7mpd1uIJexAoRfoBcl-usOxEvKeaeqkFxmPkMJikERQYGEZARbxQOcwi6xi_nKvawhGHN6OrF6D5YoM0p805NAZoeWhWaGg64iafj-dLJEAhs/s640/breakfast+birthday+boy+photo.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0n4Al8KKS-QDbsWSq2y7AYrpo6xhuvwSVnFzDdl32QWhnAksAlDF63Cv8Hhu-mxTeeQhApxX_OaT2zhQFMCdXy-FX4ocpgx_I1GgmVv__-S9EsxI1W5aE6jKeCh5cpoLnNK4QJyxqrhs/s1600/sushi+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0n4Al8KKS-QDbsWSq2y7AYrpo6xhuvwSVnFzDdl32QWhnAksAlDF63Cv8Hhu-mxTeeQhApxX_OaT2zhQFMCdXy-FX4ocpgx_I1GgmVv__-S9EsxI1W5aE6jKeCh5cpoLnNK4QJyxqrhs/s640/sushi+photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SUSHI...</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkjskPr7SroKmBAhULb_T-fGgK-W_-J2w473GFiUrMlaVCoRZPwsNZOK0FjyzKHXol5t5rZQr8fdqX29x2qYcoUnDA3H0rhoHwYjshUa1c5yHOVHeeplJrT2OYXDM4hUozZdQDJoK2kU/s1600/birthday+boy+photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkjskPr7SroKmBAhULb_T-fGgK-W_-J2w473GFiUrMlaVCoRZPwsNZOK0FjyzKHXol5t5rZQr8fdqX29x2qYcoUnDA3H0rhoHwYjshUa1c5yHOVHeeplJrT2OYXDM4hUozZdQDJoK2kU/s640/birthday+boy+photo+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhLjV19FUdkZNH6ymohSZQK4bfXkX0ES2Y70AEoQ1FAtWJ5SYd7mTNMg2RavDIf3Qf7GEgWlWQrE425h3M8NTEk06WKvL93wmuPnAG_6SU7lgEa_8cWhwCKdFvabI1QQV65fsHVhYQSU/s1600/birthday+sundae+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhLjV19FUdkZNH6ymohSZQK4bfXkX0ES2Y70AEoQ1FAtWJ5SYd7mTNMg2RavDIf3Qf7GEgWlWQrE425h3M8NTEk06WKvL93wmuPnAG_6SU7lgEa_8cWhwCKdFvabI1QQV65fsHVhYQSU/s640/birthday+sundae+photo.jpg" width="568" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I've loved all of the sweet moments that I've got to enjoy with Jade this past year...</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNG-KQr0mbgkEjO9qjnorV5mCkz23YVhL0LYtnEpCn0lgHOLVKAyN8BtDDUqeAAQqu_k0UrD7CAaZR8oP7yX14BO9GjpnSCrQY0Q92XpAT9KEwDdgwVg2uuUDxs9xii_1SZwmZIn8t4rQ/s1600/cross+country+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNG-KQr0mbgkEjO9qjnorV5mCkz23YVhL0LYtnEpCn0lgHOLVKAyN8BtDDUqeAAQqu_k0UrD7CAaZR8oP7yX14BO9GjpnSCrQY0Q92XpAT9KEwDdgwVg2uuUDxs9xii_1SZwmZIn8t4rQ/s640/cross+country+photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Watching him run one last time </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>as part of the cross country team!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb3LTyxs9NeAyWk_kHKkgheMzKh2da0ti-mgbxBCmz4EF5VGWHqOqeH26bPCsceFxbYCghDyGyPPgStCPvWUlW7LwCyKmGxPZXZcOHZxGRwgRcGS9DpGiB-0C9JqQD5VvRjGBuxwAjzE/s1600/Jade+Cross+Country.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb3LTyxs9NeAyWk_kHKkgheMzKh2da0ti-mgbxBCmz4EF5VGWHqOqeH26bPCsceFxbYCghDyGyPPgStCPvWUlW7LwCyKmGxPZXZcOHZxGRwgRcGS9DpGiB-0C9JqQD5VvRjGBuxwAjzE/s640/Jade+Cross+Country.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Being there when he was awarded a medal for his great participation on the cross country team!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMVh2pzBJ6ATJcrRoCNBjFP2uejEamBkAew16_aqrBx1TbNcc76-zurB3fZuZKlNlukmqj4uBSuHIYmGEIfkshKneK1aYYGTWm0KQaSLpdDNaNye_i72wPS9e6uj3zZwdfpxBxsiCnc8/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMVh2pzBJ6ATJcrRoCNBjFP2uejEamBkAew16_aqrBx1TbNcc76-zurB3fZuZKlNlukmqj4uBSuHIYmGEIfkshKneK1aYYGTWm0KQaSLpdDNaNye_i72wPS9e6uj3zZwdfpxBxsiCnc8/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Feeling SO grateful that Jade has a wonderful team of people that care about him and want him to succeed! Our yearly IEP meeting. I love the caring and joy that this photo represents</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcfatycoqSZJdBs2oabNSkA2qhOV7Nd1nLmF5QJ5FHIDFjgcoliD7I3SYmQPyhrA3Pv88yRBj-NfgdOKBj_EXSpUUIhUs2v_UGMILxxQ16cqfDyNxWQOgVSyTiqlYdXg73Md9zE-yjOM/s1600/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcfatycoqSZJdBs2oabNSkA2qhOV7Nd1nLmF5QJ5FHIDFjgcoliD7I3SYmQPyhrA3Pv88yRBj-NfgdOKBj_EXSpUUIhUs2v_UGMILxxQ16cqfDyNxWQOgVSyTiqlYdXg73Md9zE-yjOM/s640/Kimmies+iPhone+Nov-Dec+2012+133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jade had a cooking class and I was honored that he wanted me to be the guest speaker at it!</b></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We had SO much fun and showed his class how to make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese frosting.. Afterwards, Jade said to me: <br /><i>"Mom, we should have a cooking show together and call it the </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Cooking with Kimmie and Jade" show"! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>I feel SO lucky to have a son </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>that is thrilled and proud of his mom</b>, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">even when he's a Senior in High School! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's something that I<b> never </b>take for granted!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTbJ00jxAMGm6Zi8ETrKw-AmjxYruc-ow_b7k12KoMBwLx5IOxW3cKNjaRxGy4nhMPLLGdNBqEz_ltZsd5IVaNvpSm12MVjoXdPmztKfpaEI_9763DzxtYNoDK4kD0A_r7w0e3S1fjT4/s1600/awesome+helper+jade+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTbJ00jxAMGm6Zi8ETrKw-AmjxYruc-ow_b7k12KoMBwLx5IOxW3cKNjaRxGy4nhMPLLGdNBqEz_ltZsd5IVaNvpSm12MVjoXdPmztKfpaEI_9763DzxtYNoDK4kD0A_r7w0e3S1fjT4/s640/awesome+helper+jade+photo.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> He is my right hand man helping me out </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>when Tracy is out of town.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tracy went on a business trip this past January and we had the biggest snow storm EVER!<br />He shoveled and shoveled and made my job easier to get our driveway all cleared out!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_XPZEp3SzOWx6jEPGCE9kGXkuCxN5mSd00K5_up31RdyUWh9cC95cFNd3sXW1zA7Dj-ESPlYzx0RW6ssTdyEh5GJfRa-5eXUxnVXZUxlJa_PF4aVCIHevbjOJC1poKPXylq3gQB1iSs/s1600/Kimmie's+iPhone+Jan-Mar+2013+2174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_XPZEp3SzOWx6jEPGCE9kGXkuCxN5mSd00K5_up31RdyUWh9cC95cFNd3sXW1zA7Dj-ESPlYzx0RW6ssTdyEh5GJfRa-5eXUxnVXZUxlJa_PF4aVCIHevbjOJC1poKPXylq3gQB1iSs/s640/Kimmie's+iPhone+Jan-Mar+2013+2174.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He wanted me to come and watch him </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>give his speech for his government class. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He looked so handsome and innocent I couldn't resist snapping a photo of my sweet guy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYAdxPQQtZwy7-UO8NQUz-So25TwtNJqg5RV_444JB479awoIq8t8pYo2FsxyvPBW2Xf_UO1KvyjQHHc3EruZqHLhyeIBE6UzkR4cv1a4pFRkMNZ9KynKF_3cx_0gOrBCadB9QYbP7i8/s1600/2013-05-23+20.07.40-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYAdxPQQtZwy7-UO8NQUz-So25TwtNJqg5RV_444JB479awoIq8t8pYo2FsxyvPBW2Xf_UO1KvyjQHHc3EruZqHLhyeIBE6UzkR4cv1a4pFRkMNZ9KynKF_3cx_0gOrBCadB9QYbP7i8/s640/2013-05-23+20.07.40-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> I can't believe that I am old enough </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>to have a boy this age!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0SNEQy1gLJWaWB0oMKT0iMO9fcfQ5gIR1T9N2mQAmTMpUqE631vNI0BynlWT2ko3kdfSwOyA-7vUXx6PUSc5pgG0ey55TLunuTzDCERI5R4LFY-834FZp0VD8SRKIKw0mG-1kuabKVw/s1600/welcome+home+photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0SNEQy1gLJWaWB0oMKT0iMO9fcfQ5gIR1T9N2mQAmTMpUqE631vNI0BynlWT2ko3kdfSwOyA-7vUXx6PUSc5pgG0ey55TLunuTzDCERI5R4LFY-834FZp0VD8SRKIKw0mG-1kuabKVw/s640/welcome+home+photo+(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I was one happy mama to come home from work on September 3rd to this happy boy after his 10 day long trip to Tennessee! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">SO, now to the title of this post:<br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Weekend with Bodie"!</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>YES,</b></span> you will see in the above photos that Jade is standing with his grandparents, wearing a graduation gown and holding a diploma cover. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To explain that...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since </span>Jade is on an IEP (Individual Education Plan), it means that he is able to keep going to High School until he is 21. The kids that do this are allowed one time to walk down the graduation aisle and he decided he wanted to do it with his actual graduating class.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SO, </span>he will be going to High School until May 2015 and after he finishes he will receive a REAL diploma!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year, he has been taking </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">a Dating and Adult Relationships class </span></div>
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and part of the assignment was bringing home a mechanical baby that he was in charge of all care</div>
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<b>from the afternoon of November 8th until the morning of November 11th.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlJwj18WEHVSR8OU_B9Kw55HhgIKWisSQNmMo0wW-qBnjpmiwDfOgE4qluXXpi31K4xtdg19cw-bCd9ecCuLj2z8roc0Zs2Ps7Cr_cBWCUyFKFLvJ-LuM6GMNNPKpAoHzkQa1SLiz6mo/s1600/weekend+with+bodie+photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlJwj18WEHVSR8OU_B9Kw55HhgIKWisSQNmMo0wW-qBnjpmiwDfOgE4qluXXpi31K4xtdg19cw-bCd9ecCuLj2z8roc0Zs2Ps7Cr_cBWCUyFKFLvJ-LuM6GMNNPKpAoHzkQa1SLiz6mo/s640/weekend+with+bodie+photo+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Jade chose a cute little black baby boy for his project! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">His name was "Bodie"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutw__VGfeZ-A3jRw3xfkUgqyOJ6wMVDr_KO_QBsRAqOkp5OrghjKiM6jja-pwKbmAao2Z4bzAnKyN4SSa1nqYPCrtHqjso7lvmt2U_arDZptDEozcsx7bPmrWcp93ZIhMGtguDh-1Jvc/s1600/ethan+and+bodie+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutw__VGfeZ-A3jRw3xfkUgqyOJ6wMVDr_KO_QBsRAqOkp5OrghjKiM6jja-pwKbmAao2Z4bzAnKyN4SSa1nqYPCrtHqjso7lvmt2U_arDZptDEozcsx7bPmrWcp93ZIhMGtguDh-1Jvc/s640/ethan+and+bodie+photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Ethan helped in the feeding times of Bodie as well.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">WOW, was it ever an eye opener!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Up </span>multiple times during the night, which meant <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>NO sleep</b></span> for the entire family!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Having </span>to trouble solve on what the baby needed whether it was hungry, needed burped, needed rocked or needed it's diaper changed.<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Needless to say, we didn't get much done this weekend at all!!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUR9B-IfMDfGiRVMNp8TCgH4o9eacieTnz8M3nZ_o1imTSEMGRWovvSocmP3I1q5bLLR3xdNdQYM50cxYwkPdok3qjsHZN886qivOYyH-YBptDzC31UmsRrHXFJOq6XIDCuPaymAOW90/s1600/weekend+with+bodie+photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUR9B-IfMDfGiRVMNp8TCgH4o9eacieTnz8M3nZ_o1imTSEMGRWovvSocmP3I1q5bLLR3xdNdQYM50cxYwkPdok3qjsHZN886qivOYyH-YBptDzC31UmsRrHXFJOq6XIDCuPaymAOW90/s640/weekend+with+bodie+photo+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As I awoke Monday morning, </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>the sun was shining brightly in the window </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">as I sat and held "Bodie" and fed him, so Jade could get ready for school, I couldn't help but ponder and think how grateful I am for my sweet and amazing son! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life has been SO VERY HARD and challenging for him,</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but he is such a positive kid with an amazing attitude and always has a smile and a laugh for all who come in contact with him!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I'm SO thrilled that I still get to be a part of his life and school projects and I'm going to be savoring these next 18 months to the fullest!</b><br /><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I love you Jade!</i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Love and Kisses,</i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> from Mom</i></span></b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/317/67D90B7C21B2609BB14734BBAD9A1E35.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a>Kimmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242300819582963279noreply@blogger.com1